So you’ve decided to get a dog. That’s lovely and we’re assuming you’re ready for that kind of commitment. But is your home ready too? This is a question you must reflect on before you bring your new pet home. There are steps you need to follow in order to make your home suitable for a dog and to make sure it doesn’t get ruined during the first day.

Take care of poisonous substances

First of all, you need to make sure your dog will be safe in your home and won’t accidentally sample something poisonous. So gather all your cleaners, medications and toiletries and keep out of dog’s reach.

Deal with potential electrocution hazards

As a puppy, your dog will be tempted to chew on pretty much everything, including electrical cords. Make sure you you hide these cords or tape them down so the dog can’t bite through them.

Block small areas

Your dog will most likely find all sorts of small areas to fit into. For example, the space under the bed, under the dresser or under the sink can be really interesting from a dog’s perspective. If you don’t want your dog to explore those areas, it’s best to block them.

Get rid of chocking hazards

Don’t leave small items such as paperclips, string or rubber bands in areas where your dog might reach them. You never know how delicious and appetizing they may seem to a dog so keep them in drawers or on your upper shelves.

Deal with unsteady objects

Dogs are not as delicate as cats for example so they won’t think twice before knocking over a fragile lamp with an unstable base. To make sure such accidents don’t happen, deal with this kind of unsteady objects and either keep them somewhere secure or make them more stable.

Hide the trash

Some dogs are used to eating from the trash, especially adopted ones and that’s not good for their health. Prevent your dog from eating spoiled food or cooked bones (which can splinter inside the intestines) by hiding the trash and making sure it can’t be reached.

Secure your valuables

Dogs can be really clumsy and they don’t realize they’re doing something wrong when they’re knocking over your beautiful and fragile collections or when they’re chewing a special stuffed animal or your sports equipment. It’s best to keep these things secure.

Give them their own eating corner

Your dog needs to learn where his bowls are so he can remember that this is where he eats. So create a special area just for that.

Give them a place where they can nap

If you don’t want your dog to occupy the couch or sofa, create a special lounge area just for that. It can be a comfy floor pillow, a cozy nook inside your furniture or a cute little bed.

If you don’t mind your dog sleeping in the bedroom with you, perhaps a separate bed extension could work well. This way the dog won’t climb in bed with you but will still be right there by your side.

To save space, you can give your dog a Murphy bed.