DogDojo

Getting your home ready for the new dog should be done before you bring the dog home.

The way you prepare your home for the new arrival should often depend on the type of dog you are getting. If you are getting a dog anything like a Labrador, objects they can reach easily with their tails are in danger of being knocked over when in a happy mood. So, you might want to move them higher up; this precaution sounds silly but will save your valuables from destruction.

You also need to spend time thinking about where your new pet will sleep. Bigger dogs can be bed hogs so you might want to consider a dog bed. Dogs that shed a lot could get hair all over your bed so a dog bed may be preferred. If you choose to get a dog bed you need to think about where you are going to put it. You may even choose to get a dog kennel outside.

A dog cage/bed should be put somewhere your dog will feel safe, tucked away into a corner of the kitchen or at the foot of your bed.

Dogs should be left alone when in their cages/beds; their cages/beds should be somewhere they can go when they just want to take a peaceful nap without disturbance. You should not bother your dog when it is in its bed.

Lots of pet owners prefer dog crates at first to house their puppy. Dogs evolved living in dens, and the dog crate feels a lot like a den. Also, if the puppy poops in the crate it is easier to clean than if it pooped somewhere else.

Where you put your dog's food bowl and water bowl is also important! It has to be somewhere easy to clean up if food or water slops over the side, which will happen. It should be somewhere easy for your dog to access and somewhere you will see it and remember to feed your dog and change its water.

Having fresh, clean water is very important for your dog so you must remember to change your dog's water daily. When your dog is a puppy you must feed your dog very often, even up to 3 times a day, or as recommended by your vet.

Clean water is very important when your dog is a puppy and water should be changed very often. The food bowl and water bowl should not change location; if you keep moving the food and water your dog will get confused and anxious. They should be kept in one place at all times. It should be somewhere very accessible, like next to its bed where it will be easy to get when your dog is thirsty.

You might also consider having a separate water bowl to keep outside in nicer weather. That way your dog can get a drink without having to come inside.

A dog towel is a good purchase to make if your dog likes to go swimming. That way you can give your dog a quick rubdown to get most of the moisture off your dog before your dog enters the house.

Another thing you must buy before you welcome your new pet is food! This is very necessary. You must also buy a leash, a collar, some toys (although lots of times normal household objects make the best toys, but you must be careful. If you give a dog a sock to play with it might take this as an okay to eat every sock in the house!), dog treats, shampoo and conditioner, flea treatments and other medication your pet might need.

You should have something that reminds your puppy of its old home (maybe if they have an old toy that your puppy really enjoyed, and they dont mind in the least letting your puppy have it).