My husband and I have always been dog lovers. We've had pets since we were kids, and we've never wanted to live without them. When our youngest daughter wanted a puppy for her tenth birthday, it was an easy decision to make. Our home is perfect for dogs, with a fenced-in backyard and plenty of space for running around—but it wasn't quite perfect for our new puppy, who's now a full-grown German Shepherd mix named Kona. A few months after getting her from the shelter where she was found as a stray puppy near the local airport (the owners never came back for her), I realized that our house wasn't quite as dog-friendly as I'd thought! Here are some tips on making your home safe and comfortable for your pet:
Gather supplies
- Beds
- Toys
- Food, treats and water bowls
Before you bring your dog home, make sure you have enough of everything. If they're sharing a bed with someone else or sleeping on the floor, make sure there are enough blankets or pillows so that everyone is comfortable. You'll also want to include things like toys and treats for them to play with when they're bored; food for when they get hungry; water bowls so that they stay hydrated throughout the day (and night).
Establish a routine
Establishing a routine is one of the most important things you can do to make your pet more comfortable in his new home. A daily schedule will help him feel relaxed and secure, which will be especially helpful if he's adjusting to a new environment.
A routine will also help you feel more at ease as well! If it's easier for you to get up before sunrise or stay up past sunset because that's what you're used to doing at home, then stick with it--it'll make everyone happier (including yourself).
Plan the arrival
- Plan the arrival. Before bringing your pet home, plan for the first few days.
- Prepare your home
- Make sure there are no hazards in the house (such as loose wires or toxic plants). If necessary, clear out any clutter that could be an issue for a small animal to get stuck under or behind. This can include things like shoes that might look like toys to pets and children's toys they could chew on while you're not looking! It's also important to remember that cats love heights so keep furniture away from windowsills or other high places where they might escape easily if left unattended by accident during playtime outside later on down the road when he/she gets older too :) Also if possible try not having any open doors leading outside unless absolutely necessary (like going outside onto a balcony) since this will help prevent accidents later down the line; instead just leave one open so airflow stays fresh throughout each room without risking anything bad happening inside at all times especially during summer months when temperatures rise higher than usual due to heat waves happening more often now than ever before worldwide due.
Prepare for house-training
- Use the same command for all dogs, so there's no confusion about who you're talking to and what you want them to do. "Go potty" or "Hurry up" are good choices; just make sure all of your pets know what those words mean!
- Make sure your dog is clean and dry before letting him in after being outside, because he might have picked up something on his paws that could spread germs throughout the house (or worse).
Ensure all pets are healthy
You don't want to invite a flea-infested dog into your home, so make sure the pet you bring in is healthy. Check for fleas and ticks on their body and in their fur, then use a flea comb to remove any that you find. If there's no sign of parasites, but you suspect they may still be around because of an infestation at the shelter, wash all bedding in hot water before using it again.
Next up: vaccinations! Make sure all pets are up-to-date with their shots--not only will this keep them safe from disease, but it also reduces stress levels when visiting other people's homes because fewer people will be worried about catching something from them (and hopefully fewer vet bills down the line). If possible, take your dog or cat into the vet every year between April 1st and September 30th so they can get tested for intestinal parasites like hookworms or roundworms; heartworm disease; and even worms like tapeworms or whipworms--all common problems among dogs but not always easily diagnosed by owners without professional help.
Consider a crate
A crate is an excellent tool for house-training your pet and can help keep them safe while you're away. When used correctly, it will also create a space where your pet feels secure and comfortable.
In addition to providing a place for your dog or cat to rest and relax, the crate serves as an effective way of preventing destructive behavior when you're not home: when left alone in his or her own den-like space (the crate), most dogs will not chew or scratch at things as much as they would otherwise do if left alone without anything resembling their natural habitat. This makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint--if our ancestors were forced out into unfamiliar territory by predators or other threats, they would naturally seek refuge wherever possible until such time as they felt it was safe enough again for them to venture out into unfamiliar territory; this instinctual response has been passed down through generations so today's dogs still exhibit this behavior today!
Join a training class
Joining a training class is a great way to get started. A good trainer will help you set up a routine, teach you how to train your dog, and offer advice on any problems that arise. They can also be helpful if something goes wrong in the future and your dog needs extra attention or guidance.
Patience is key
Patience is key. Achieving a pet-friendly home takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Don't get frustrated if your dog doesn't learn to use the potty pad right away or when he breaks his own collar by chewing on it in excitement when he sees you coming home from work. Instead of getting discouraged, focus on rewarding him for good behavior and encouraging him with praise whenever possible (even if it's just for making eye contact).
It's also important not to be too hard on yourself either! Don't expect perfection right out of the gate; dogs are just like kids--they're going through growing pains until they reach maturity at around two years old--so don't expect them to behave perfectly all day long every day during this time period (or ever).
We hope that these tips have helped you to create a pet-friendly home, and we wish you all the best in your journey with your new furry friend. Remember that patience is key, so if things don't go as planned at first or even second try--don't give up! Keep trying until you find what works best for both humans and their pets.