Bringing a new dog home is an exciting moment — but it can also feel overwhelming, with so many things to prepare for their arrival! To help you focus on welcoming your new best friend, we’ve collected our expertise in one quick reference guide.
From safety tips to dog-proofing different rooms of the home, these tips and tricks will help you make the transition smooth and comfortable for everyone.
First and foremost: let’s do a safety audit
Before your pup’s paws hit the floor of your home for the first time, make sure any small, hazardous, breakable, or toxic items are out of reach.
Some things to think about to protect your pup:
Keep cleaning chemicals packed securely away in a cupboard or investing in pet-friendly cleaning products, which are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Use child locks or baby gates, at least until your dog is trained and knows not to access certain areas like windows. This will discourage them from climbing on things to look outside: it’s always safest locking windows if you can.
Block gaps behind appliances like washing machines and televisions. Even if it looks like they wouldn’t fit, it’s possible they could end up being trapped.
Secure any loose wires to prevent them becoming your pup’s next chew toy.
Do your research on toxic plants and flowers, as well as checking the pet-friendliness of oils if you use diffusers. Curious pups like to gnaw and investigate with their mouth, so keep them well away from these items if you aren’t sure.
Avoid furniture that splinters easily or has hanging threads: these can be choking hazards.
Remove any environmental allergens, which can lead to skin itchiness in dogs.
Dogs are clever, persistent, and love to explore — so look out for anything they could climb on, like steps or ladders! Safety measures are key, but so is training: make sure your new addition knows where they can and can’t go, and how you’d like them to behave.
Catering to your dog’s unique needs
No two dogs are the same — whether it’s their nutritional requirements, or the way you prepare your home for their arrival. Things like their size determines how high you need to place certain objects; some pups are more likely to jump which you’ll need to factor in. Other dogs have health concerns like arthritis that can limit mobility.
Below, we cover the common considerations for puppies, seniors, and accessibility.
How to puppy proof your home
Puppies get to know the world around them with all their senses — but this is not always good news when it comes to your furniture or your favourite pairs of shoes!
While it’s easy to forgive those sweet little puppy eyes, you can reduce the likelihood of these messes happening in the first place by:
Avoiding upholstery with velvet and chenille which tend to attract hair, retain smells, and are easily scratched — opting for more durable fabrics like microfibre and leather.
Keeping your puppy entertained and enriched with plenty of dog-safe toys.
Storing your shoes in a dedicated shoe drawer, away from curious puppy teeth!
Check out our go-to guide for more information on how to prepare your home for puppies.
Tips for welcoming a senior citizen
Older pups are generally less mobile, but with the right set-up you can make them feel at home from day one:
An elevated bowl or flat plate can make it easier for senior dogs to eat, as they won’t need to bend over or hunch into a deeper dog bowl to get to their food. You can even leave water bowls around the house, making them more accessible.
Remove potential obstacles in areas where they like to play — this might mean revising the layout of some living spaces.
Orthopaedic beds help senior pups with joint support, pain relief, and ease of access.
Mental stimulation (like puzzles and activities) is especially important for older dogs, who may not have the mobility to exercise for entertainment.
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to caring for seniors: with tips on how to prepare your home, as well as weighing up nutrition for senior dogs (like opting for lower fat foods for a healthier gut and reduced joint strain) and more.
Preparing your home — room by room
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1. Bedroom
Smaller pups and those with joint issues may need steps or a ramp, giving them some extra help getting up onto the couch or your bed (if they’re allowed!).
2. Bathroom
Try keeping the toilet lid closed to prevent your pup from drinking out of the toilet or attempting to climb in.
3. Laundry
Dogs love sleeping in fresh laundry! While they certainly look cute all snuggled up in your favourite jumper, you may want to look at dog-proof laundry storage methods — especially if they’re a breed that sheds.
4. Living room
Choose upholstery that is similar in colour to your pup, so any shedding is less visible. If you’d like to keep them off the furniture, consider setting up a second bed in the living room — so they can still have somewhere to relax in the company of your household.
5. Kitchen
Keep food up as high up as possible, and make sure your bin’s lid seals properly. A tall bin, or one stored in a cupboard, is also a good idea — as long as it’s away from prying paws. Aside from the mess of having your pup raid your bin, this also prevents them from accidentally consuming chemicals or food scraps that aren’t safe for dogs.
Create a safe and inviting space for your dog
Just like any other member of the family, your pup needs a space of their very own — one that they know they can go to whenever they need some peace and quiet. Crate training is one way to do this: think of it as a den, rather than a cage.
Choose a crate to fit their fully grown size, and section off some of the space for toilet training if they’re a young puppy. Cover all sides (except the entrance) with a blanket, and add cushioned, high-quality bedding. Never use your crate as punishment, as this will cause them to develop a negative association with it.
From puppy checklists to finding the best diet for your new dog, Lyka’s experts are here to make life simple for new parents: every step of the way. Good luck with your new addition!
This article was reviewed by Lyka’s animal care experts.
