Getting a new puppy? See what you need to do before bringing it home.

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Puppies are rambunctious, clumsy, curious and generally a bit chaotic. They bring lots of joy, but getting them familiar with a new home, keeping them from destroying things, housebreaking them and everything else that goes with it can be exhausting. 

Being prepared is the best thing you can do, and this process starts well before it’s time to sign the adoption papers to bring Fido home. It’s sure to be a labor of love, but one that will be well worth it. When planning to add a new puppy to the mix, start by preparing your home. 

Watch this video for some tips on how to puppy-proof your home. 

How to prepare for a new puppy

Start with the larger items when preparing to bring a new pet into your home. Make sure any furniture, bookcases, coffee tables and the items on them are properly secured or moved.

One way to decide what a curious canine might be drawn to is to get on all fours and crawl around. That will give you a better idea of what might catch their attention. While you're there, try bumping into items like coffee tables or end tables to see what kind of mess results. As your puppy grows, or when the zoomies strike, those could be casualties. Speaking of zoomies, rug grippers or tape can help keep your pup safe when they hit. 

Puppies like to chew on things. Use cable ties to secure any dangling cords from lamps, computers, TVs or other electronics. Secure them to the leg of the desk or up higher, anything to make them less of an attraction to a curious puppy. Look out for the houseplants, too. Check that your houseplants are non-toxic and won’t harm your pet if they decide to take a bite. If they are toxic, relocate them to an area out of reach of a puppy.

Don’t forget to check outside! Your pup will be spending some time in their new yard, and some pesticides, fertilizers and plants can be toxic. Also, take some time to examine the perimeter of your yard to ensure any gates and fences are secure and don’t have any gaps through which your pup can easily escape. This also includes pool gates! 

When your puppy is home, remember to keep your toilet lids closed, secure your trash, hide your shoes and clothes and make sure to properly store cleaning products.

Things to buy for a new puppy

Things you need before you pick up your new furry family member:

• A good quality leash. You may need to purchase multiple leashes as your puppy grows.
• Collar and/or harness. Similar to the leash, you may need to start small and upgrade it as your pup grows. 
• Dog tags with their name and their human’s contact information.
• Crate. Consider how large your dog might be when buying the crate. Larger crates often come with an adjustable divider that allows you to grant the pup more access as they grow. 
• Toys. Toys come in different sizes based on the age and size of the pup, so buy accordingly. 
• Food.
• Veterinarian. Find a vet in your area and be sure to get your pet on the schedule to be vaccinated and get regular checkups as needed. 

Looking for a top vet? Paste BN ranks the best hospitals for your pet.

Shop top-rated related products:  

• Teeth cleaning wipes: HICC Pet Disposable teeth cleaning finger wipes for dogs & cats 
• Automatic water fountain: Veken 95oz automatic water dispenser with replacement filters, for cats and dogs 
• Storage cabinet & feeder: Aline furniture dog feeding station with storage cabinet and leash hooks 
• Pet brush vacuum: Uproot 7-in-1 pet grooming vacuum for cats & dogs with brush, deshedder, detangler 
• Poop Scoop: Mr. Peanut’s 32-inch poop scooper for dog & cat cleanup without bending over 
• Sifting Litter Box: Arm & Hammer’s sifting litter box for easy cat cleanup without the big price tag 
• Pet Bed: Top Paw Pillow Pet Bed that comes in three patterns 
• Car safety: Kong Ultimate Safety Car Seat Tether to keep your furry friend protected in car rides 

Puppy pee pads

Accidents happen when you’re trying to housebreak a puppy, so consider removing rugs and blocking off rooms with carpets. However, it’s always a good idea to have a stain and odor remover on hand for the inevitable accidents. 

Puppy pads can be useful during the housebreaking process and while your puppy grows and has better bladder control; however, it’s better for dogs to do their business outside. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends teaching your puppy bathroom cues, like “go potty,” when housebreaking. This is just like teaching them “sit” or “stay” and can help ease any canine confusion while they're learning.

If your pup is struggling with the transition from pee pad to grass, the AKC also suggests slowly moving the pad outside, putting it a little farther away from the starting point every day. As the pad moves, decrease the size of the pad until they’re going to the bathroom in the grass with confidence.