By Amy Wakley-Ahearn
Bringing a dog into your home can be a very exciting time for you and your family, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you’ve never had a dog before! Here are 5 easy ways you can prepare your home for the arrival of your new furkid.
- Doggy-proof your home and yard
Is there a gap in the fence that needs fixing? A gate that isn’t secure? What about your plants – are they all safe for dogs to be around? Check this list to find out to find out what is safe and what might be toxic to your dog.
The same goes for inside. Take a walk around your home, especially the areas your doggo will be frequenting, and make sure there are no hazards they can get into. Get down on their level and look around. Pay attention to the pantry and kitchen to make sure your pet can’t access human food, . They might be very interested in what you’re eating, but some of what you eat can be really dangerous for your pooch!
Think about securing loose cords, shifting breakables to higher shelves, using baby gates to close off areas of the house you don’t want your dog to go into. You could even think about a doggy blanket on the couch to make cleaning easier. - Prepare for house-training
It may sound shocking, but a top tip is to clear the floors of anything that you aren’t prepared to wipe pee off! Even house-trained dogs can forget and moving to a new home, while awesome, can also be stressful and a few whizz-related accidents have been known to occur. Invest in puppy training pads and be prepared to take them outside often if you are planning on an inside pet. You can buy specialty products to clean up wee or use 1 part vinegar mixed with 3 parts water. Wipe up the urine, spray with the vinegar mix and leave for 5-10 mins before wiping again. - Bed time!
Where will your dog be sleeping? Pick a quiet corner of your home and ensure you have a suitable bed and kennel for your pup – think warm and comfy! Fleece blankets are a good addition in cooler months. - Head to the pet shop
Find out what sort of food your doggo will thrive on and stock up. Beef mince, rice and a good quality premium kibble is a good mix – it’s what we feed at the Greyhound Rescue kennels! It’s a good idea to look at kibble online and compare prices. In addition to their regular food, purchase some suitable training treats and other goodies that will occupy your furkid while you aren’t there. Don’t forget about food and water bowls, leads, collars, poo bags and grooming supplies. There is some great stuff available on Greyhound Rescue’s online shop. - Talk to your kids
If you have children, it’s a good idea to sit them down for a chat about their responsibilities towards their furry new “sibling”! Some children can be nervous around dogs when they haven’t had much to do with them so make sure you talk them through the basics of pet safety, like not approaching a dog while he or she is eating or sleeping. They can also learn to become involved in caring for their pet by helping to brush them, coming on walks with them and (of course) playing with them!