Bringing home a new pet is one of life’s most exciting milestones. Whether it’s selecting a new collar or choosing the perfect name for our furry friend, there’s no denying that a lot of time and effort goes into ensuring that our pets are safe and happy at all times. Yet, if our homes are not up to scratch, our new pups can feel stressed and out of place, causing them to experience a wealth of negative side effects. As such, this article has all the details on how to improve your home so that it’s suitable for your new puppy.
8 Tips for Successfully Welcoming a New Dog into Your Home
1. Help Them Get Settled
Just like humans, a new puppy will also feel nervous about moving into a different home. This is particularly true for rescue dogs or those who have experienced the impact of domestic abuse in the past. Thus, you may notice your dog showcasing key symptoms of depression and anxiety such as loss of appetite or excessive clingy behavior. Luckily, there are a number of natural ways that you can resolve these issues. For example, owners are expected to take their dogs on long walks to ensure that they can run off some of that excess nervous energy. You can also ensure that they’re eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet so that their bodies are not overloaded with sugar or fat. If these tactics are unsuccessful, you may be better off asking your vet about medication. Dogs are sometimes prescribed anti-depressants to lower the stress chemicals in their brains and ensure that they can continue to live happy and healthy lives going forward. Prozac is a common medication for both humans and dogs and is commonly used to treat aggressive behavior, separation anxiety, and phobias, making it a key resource for nervous pets. According to Care, this medication usually costs just $4 per month for medium-sized dogs. As such, this is a very cost-effective way to improve your pup’s quality of life.
2. Upgrade Your Garden Space
If you’re fortunate to have a backyard on your property, it’s imperative that you maintain it regularly so that your new puppy can explore and play safely. Thus, you may benefit from mowing the lawn a few times a month or removing any excess debris that could harm them during their adventures. If your puppy is prone to escaping your property, consider getting in touch with a fencing installer. These contractors are well-skilled at constructing vast fences that will help your puppy to stay within the confines of your garden. Plus, these fences can also help to protect your privacy, ensuring that nosy neighbors or over-excited children can no longer disturb your puppy. With so many styles and shapes to choose from, the cost of a fence installation can vary immensely. Yet, Angi notes that this service typically costs anywhere from $1,775 to $4,561, with the median average usually sitting at $3,148. Though this may seem like a very costly investment to some pet owners, a high-quality fence can ensure that your puppy remains safe and secure at all times.
For those who have a more rural and rugged backyard, you can transform this space into an elusive wonderland for your new puppy to enjoy. Nature playscapes are large stretches of land that typically use a collection of rustic elements to create an obstacle course for children and pets to play on. For example, if your exterior contains a selection of short tree stumps and looming tree branches, you can organize these features to give your dog a more complex play area. Not only will this help to increase its problem-solving and cognitive abilities, but it will also ensure that it remains healthy and active. As such, this is a great idea for those who want to maintain the pastoral and wild nature of their backyard whilst also giving their dog adequate space to play and discover new things.
3. Ensure Your Heating and Cooling Facilities Work
Even if your dog has a large coat, it can still suffer the effects of freezing temperatures. The same also applies to very hot weather, meaning that although many dogs are able to cool themselves down, they’re still at risk of overheating themselves. As such, it’s crucial that you step in and help your new puppy to control its body temperature when the weather reaches polarizing extremes. Making sure that your HVAC system is in working order is a great way to achieve this as it means that you can quickly alter the overall temperature in your home without having to interfere with your dog. Yet, if these systems experience long-term issues such as frequent bouts of no cool air or weird noises coming from your furnace, it’s paramount that you contact an HVAC repair specialist. These contractors will begin by surveying your air conditioning unit or furnace, keeping a close eye out for any glaring issues or faults. If the problem is an easy fix, they will attempt to resolve it, potentially by reaching out to a heating oil delivery service or selecting a new set of parts. But, if your HVAC system is beyond repair, they may suggest that you invest in a new one. Although Family Handyman states that this process can cost an average of $7,000, it can be a great way to invest in your home. Since these systems are more efficient than their older systems, you can expect to save more money on your utility bill over time. Therefore, you can use this bit of extra cash to spoil your new puppy even more, showering them with tasty treats and quirky accessories.
4. Organize Your Home
Though you shouldn’t feel embarrassed about a few dirty clothes lying around, if you’re home is completely topsy-turvy, you should try to get your affairs in order for your new puppy. A disorganized home can make your puppy’s life hell, preventing them from exploring their new home in full. Plus, if you’re prone to leaving your possessions on the floor, like slippers and dressing gowns, the chances are that your puppy will start to chew through them. If you’re eager to get your home back on track for the sake of your pet, you could benefit from looking into some self storage options. This service refers to standard rental storage units, allowing homeowners to keep all of their prized possessions safe and secure on a short-term basis. In turn, this is a great option for those who own a lot of highly sought-after collectibles and family heirlooms, and are keen to keep these items out of harm’s way. Move notes that property owners can usually rent a regular storage unit for around $180 a month, making this an affordable way for pet owners to take care of their belongings.
5. Ensure Your Home is Clean and Safe
A new puppy will likely turn your entire house upside down, leaving your space filled with toys, accessories, and pet beds. Yet, despite this mess, it’s still important that new pet owners work to keep their properties safe and hygienic. If your home is overrun by dirt and grime, your new puppy is at a higher risk of getting sick or harming itself. This is because dogs tend to explore their surroundings with their mouth and nose, potentially bringing them in close contact with a plethora of dangerous substances and bacteria. Moreover, a dirty environment is a perfect breeding ground for pesky rodents and pests such as mice, rats, and cockroaches. Even though these animals are relatively harmless themselves, they can carry detrimental diseases into your home and are prone to multiply at a rapid rate. If you relate to this situation, be sure to contact a selection of pest exterminators immediately. These experienced contractors will usually implement a series of humane traps and insecticides to help eliminate these rodents in a safe manner. However, some of these practices can release fumes that can be harmful to dogs, so it’s good practice to remove them from the home until this process is complete. This Old House explains that a one-time extermination service normally costs $300 to $550. So, this is a truly affordable way to protect your dog from harmful inhabitants and pollution.
6. Ensure Your Plumbing is Up to Date
Although you may think that your plumbing network has nothing to do with your new puppy, an insufficient system can greatly affect your pets. Since this system is designed to filter out waste products and offer us fresh drinking water, it’s an essential element of any home. Therefore, if you notice that your toilet is becoming clogged or are seeing a slow drain forming in your skin, you should reach out to an experienced plumber as soon as possible. Usually, these types of contractors will begin by surveying your entire plumbing network, checking for any leaks or damning faults. Sometimes, these issues can be dealt with using a simple fix, such as purchasing a new part or cleaning the drain. Yet, if your problems are too much to handle, your entire property may be in need of a full re-plumbing process. The cost of hiring a plumber truly depends on the job at hand, but Home Guide notes that they typically charge $75 to $200 for smaller projects and around $500 to $800 for larger jobs. The source goes on to explain that these experts sometimes charge an additional call-out fee, which is used to cover their first hour of work. As a result, although some of these services can be very expensive, they are a great way to extend the longevity of your home for both you and your dog.
7. Get New Lighting
The right type of lighting can truly make a house a home, creating the ideal atmosphere for quiet nights in and lazy afternoons. A tranquil and soothing atmosphere is also beneficial for your new puppy, as it ensures that it can relax and unwind in the comfort of its brand-new home. There are a ton of attractive light fixtures available on the market, so you’re sure to find a product that best suits your space and budget. Although many homeowners could simply head down to their local hardware stores, purchase a new fixture, and install it themselves, it’s best to hire a series of professional electricians. These experts can install your new lighting with ease, ensuring that there is minimal mess or mishaps. Plus, since mishandling electricity can lead to a series of dangerous consequences, it’s good practice to work alongside an experienced contractor when attempting these types of jobs. Fixr.com explains that electricians typically charge between $176 to $372 for a standard service call. Though this may seem excessive to some, it can ensure that you remain safe when adding a new set of lighting to your dream home.
8. Enroll Them in Training
Sometimes, your new puppy may seem overly reckless and energetic, causing it to wreak havoc in your home. Though the majority of this behavior is usually just normal puppy antics, if it gets out of hand, it can lead to absolute chaos. Therefore, you may benefit from enrolling your puppy in a dog training school. These establishments work to teach your dog how to cope with excessive levels of energy and train them to follow discipline and normal household rules. This is also where your dog will learn distinctive tricks such as sitting and lying down. Daily Paws highlights that an average group dog obedience class can cost $150-$200, whereas individual sessions can cost up to $2,000. So, depending on your budget, you can offer your dog the chance to mix with others, or you can give them a more unique and exclusive experience.
When welcoming a new puppy into your home, it’s that you do everything you can to make them feel calm and content. But, as you continue to juggle this new arrival with all of your other commitments, you may struggle to do things exactly right. As such, be sure to implement the advice offered in this article when planning to bring home a new pet.