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March
20
20
Before You Bring Home a New Puppy
As you're looking at Bemidji homes for sale and Brainerd homes for sale, you may think they'd make wonderful homes for your family and a new puppy. Dogs can be great assets as household security, assistants for certain basic tasks, and, most importantly, friends and companions. They can also cause chaos and mess until you get them trained. Here are some tips to prepare your new home for the arrival of a new furry friend.
- Puppy Room. If you already have other pets, keeping your new addition separate from them is best until you're sure they've had their shots and been treated for worms, fleas, and other possible ailments. Designate a specific room of the house that's just for the puppy. Put their bed, food and water dishes, toys, and other belongings there. This also gives your dog a safe space to retreat to in the event of loud noises or other overwhelming aspects of their new, unfamiliar environment. Plus, it allows you to slowly acclimate your other pets to their new sibling. Puppies are rambunctious and overly friendly, which can annoy older pets and even cause them to lash out. Let them all socialize for a couple of supervised hours each day, then bring the puppy back to the Puppy Room. Gradually increase their time together until you're sure they can all get along.
- Furniture Protection. It's important to train your dog not to chew or scratch the furniture, but until they learn, you'll have to find ways of protecting it. Start by covering everything. You can use plastic, but using blankets and slipcovers is easier and more aesthetic. They'll bear the brunt of the chewing, can be periodically removed and washed, and if they get damaged, they can be switched out, keeping the furniture beneath them in good condition. It also helps to make sure your dog has a variety of toys handy to give them something else to chew on.
- Boundaries. Are there any places in your home where the dog isn't allowed? Are there specific objects you want to keep them away from that aren't practical to be moved? Look for repellant sprays. They use strong scents and other humane deterrents to keep your furry friend away from certain spots safely. It can also work as a chewing deterrent. Bitter apple spray is 100% safe but has a bad taste, thus deterring your dog from chewing. Spray your deterrents on and around anything in your home that's off-limits.
- Remove Hazards. Look around for anything on the floor or at your dog's eye level that could be dangerous to them. This includes things like string, rubber bands, or thumbtacks, which could be ingested. Likewise, if you have any cords plugged in within the puppy's reach, either move them to another location or secure them to the wall with electrical tape and make sure whatever they're attached to won't come crashing down if the cords are pulled.
- Remove Breakables. If you have anything that's fragile or could be broken or otherwise damaged by a rambunctious puppy, such as glass or fine china, put it out of reach. If you put items on top of something, such as a bookcase, ensure it's sturdy and won't wobble or fall if the puppy runs into it.
Our real estate agents can help you find a new home that both you and your furry friend will love. Call today, and let us help you find your dream house!