Prepping Your Home For a New Puppy

The arrival of a new pet is one of the most exciting experiences for any household, full of sloppy kisses, instant friendships, and lots and lots of fur. Acclimating a new puppy to your household can have some challenges: read on for these simple tips to make your Shea home feel like home to your new furry friend. 

Prior to your new friend’s arrival, pet-proof your home to avoid potential messes or chewed-up beloved items. Do a walk-through of each room in your home, trying to think like your future pet: what smells would intrigue you? What would make an appealing chew toy? What might they be curious to sniff or bite? Keep in mind your dog’s unique size as well: What could prove hazardous to a golden retriever on a bathroom counter would be out of reach to a chihuahua. 

Ensure that trash cans close tightly to prevent nighttime intrusions, and that they are sturdy enough to not get knocked over by a curious pooch. Loose electrical cords can prove hazardous to pups, as they make easy chew toys. Consider bundling cords and attaching them to the wall, or using a cord cover to conceal them under a protective shield. Keep laundry stored in a hamper (or behind closed closet doors), and consider an over-the-door shoe storage solution to avoid teeth marks on your favorite footwear. 
 
A new pet requires lots of supervision, but you can’t keep an eye on them 24/7. Common items can prove toxic to dogs, like household cleaners and disinfectants. While you may know that chocolate is hazardous to dogs, other common “people foods” can harm them too, like coffee, avocados, and certain types of artificial sweeteners found in snack foods. Some indoor plants — like lilies, poinsettias, and azaleas — are toxic to dogs, while others — like spider plants, palms, and orchids — are safe for nibbling. 

Prepare for a new puppy’s arrival in advance by rearranging potentially-hazardous items to higher shelves or high window sills. (Thankfully, Shea Homes® has you covered with a variety of flexible storage solutions, like walk-in pantries, mud rooms, walk-in closets in primary bedrooms, and more!)
 
A new puppy thrives best with plenty of love and affection, but they need a quiet spot to relax and acclimate to their new surroundings. Choose an area of the home that will be reserved for your new pet — an area with tile or hardwood flooring is best for potential accidents, but remember that a few accidents are a necessary evil of pet ownership! Keep a size-appropriate bed in your pet’s “nook,” with bowls for food and water, treats, chew toys, and a stuffed animal for comfort. Prior to your new friend’s arrival, stock up on pet food, puppy pads for potty training, dog shampoo, a collar and leash, and a brush. 

Keep a dedicated folder in a drawer or office with all relevant pet information, like their veterinarian’s number and address, vaccination and adoption paperwork, microchip information, and your pet insurance policy. Stock up on pet cleaning basics, like rug and carpet cleaner and paper towels, and consider buying a dry and wet sweeper kit to keep floors sparkling. (Pro-tip: A lint roller is a must to keep clothes free of pet fur from too many snuggles!). 

Puppies have boundless energy to run off, so plan out a regular walking path and locate nearby parks. Outdoor exposure is essential for a healthy and happy dog — it’s a way to greet other animals and dogs and exercise their sniffing curiosity! Dogs have over 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while humans have just six million — that’s a lot of sniffing power. Our Shea Homes® Colorado communities are designed with plenty of parks, trails, and outdoor spaces to walk your pooch, play fetch, and socialize with dogs and neighbors alike. 

Welcoming a new canine member of your family should be a moment of joy, not stress! A little advance preparation is all you need to “puppy-proof” your home — so relax, get out the dog treats, and get ready to meet your new furry friend.