Pet Boarding Kennels

Bringing a new puppy into your household is a big commitment. First-time puppy owners are often filled with questions about how to care for their furry new companions. Preparing your home for a puppy before you bring her home will help ensure that you and your puppy adjust smoothly to the new living arrangement.

The following checklist is designed to help new puppy owners prepare for the arrival of a furry new family member:

-Purchase puppy food, water and food bowls, a collar and a leash before bringing the puppy home. These basic items are essential for any dog owner. Other items you may want to consider are a bed, house training pads, treats, grooming items, cleanup bags, carpet/upholstery cleaner and puppy-safe chews.

-Puppy Proof the house. Puppies are bursting with curiosity, and chewing is one way they explore objects. Unfortunately, your puppy will not come equipped with the ability to distinguish between his chew toy and your expensive shoes. Therefore, removing items you do not want your puppy to leave a mark on is an important step of puppy proofing your home. Some tips for puppy proofing are:

1. Remove stray items from the floor of your home and plan to keep the area clutter free throughout puppyhood (shoes, clothing and children’s toys are good examples). 2. Cover, remove or put away electrical cords that are within your puppy’s reach. 3. Keep all household cleaners, insect poisons and other chemicals safely stowed away. 4. Ensure that any plants in your home are safe by checking with your veterinarian. 5. Pay close attention to potential hazards in the outdoor area of your .