How to Prepare Your Home for Adopting a Dog

Adopting a new dog involves more than simply visiting an adoption center, choosing a dog, completing paperwork, and eagerly awaiting the day you can take them home.

Over 65 million U.S. households have at least one pet, and many pet adoption centers require a home visit before the adoption can take place. This requirement highlights the need to prepare your home to welcome your new pet and ensure you create a safe and suitable environment for them.

Making a few adjustments in your household and having a few essentials like grass pads for dogs ready before they arrive can go a long way toward easing the adjustment period for you and your family.

Pet-Proofing Your Home

Pet owners should never underestimate the mischief a curious dog can get into and the associated dangers. To prevent accidents, store electrical cords and valuable items like shoes and clothes in places that are not easily accessible to dogs. It's also important to reconsider the layout of your home and identify areas that may be danger zones for your dog.

Check for danger zones: Pets are naturally curious and like to get into different things. If you have a fireplace, consider blocking it with a screen or a grate, or better yet, make the room where the fireplace is off-limits.

Hide electrical cords: Dogs like to chew on things like electrical cords, this is particularly true for puppies who are going through the teething phase. Bundle cords and wires together and secure them behind furniture where they are inaccessible to dogs. Similarly, avoid charging your devices where your pet can reach them.

Keep valuable items out of reach: Secure your drawers and cabinets with ties to keep your pet from accessing your shoes, clothes, and other personal items. Additionally, remove breakable objects such as vases and table lamps from low shelves to keep them out of reach and prevent accidents.

Store cleaning products in a secure cabinet: Similarly, keep your cleaning products, chemicals, medicines, and other potentially hazardous objects out of reach or in cabinets that your dog cannot access.

Reconsider your indoor plants: While house plants can improve air quality, they can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Consider relocating your plants to areas where they are out of reach of your dogs. It's also important to research whether your plants can be harmful and swap them out for pet-friendly options.

Secure the doors and windows: Ensure that doors and windows latch properly to reduce the risk of your dog straying from home. If your dog will have access to the backyard, make sure the fence is secure. Consider fitting a pet door for easier outdoor access while you're away.

Getting Your Home Ready for a New Dog

In addition to puppy-proofing your home, you want to create a space for your dog that is entirely their own, away from the hustle and bustle of your household. This space can be as simple as a corner of a room with a dog bed or crate. Remember, your dog is getting used to their new family just as much as you're getting used to your new pet, so helping them adapt gradually to their new environment can help relieve anxiety.

Set up your dog's space: Set aside a sleeping area for your dog, ideally in a quiet area with minimal foot traffic and distractions, and in what they will sleep, like a crate or pet bed. Think about where their food and water bowls will go, as well as areas where they are allowed to play, to create a well-defined space for your new pet.

Buy pet toys: Purchase a few basic toys to see what your dog likes before getting more. Besides balls and chew toys, consider buying puzzle feeders to provide entertainment and mental stimulation to your dog at the same time.

Stock up on other supplies: In addition to pet food, bowls, and toys, it's essential to have other pet essentials on hand, such as grooming supplies, collars, treats, and a leash. Don't forget to include an ID tag with your address and contact information, so people can reach you in case your pet gets lost.

Potty-Training Your Dog

While preparing to become a pet owner, it's crucial to plan your dog's bathroom arrangements, particularly if you live in a high-rise apartment or a condominium without convenient access to outdoor space. Designate a space where your dog can relieve themselves — as soon as you get home, take them to their potty spot and reward them for successfully going to the bathroom.

Prepare for house training: If you're going to be house training, grass pee pads offer several benefits beyond convenience. By using natural grass, they provide a familiar surface that dogs associate with potty breaks, facilitating a seamless transition to indoor potty.

Buy cleaning supplies: House training a dog is a process that may involve accidents and spills, even after successful training. Handle these situations by keeping waste bags, pet sprays and cleaning supplies on hand. Clean accidents immediately to prevent stains on floors, furniture, and rugs, and maintain a sanitary environment.

Provide structure and consistency: Like children, pets thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent daily routine for meals, playtime, exercise, and potty breaks is crucial. Having structure and consistency empowers your dog, enabling them to predict and understand what is expected of them. It also creates a sense of stability, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

Set house rules: In line with establishing a consistent routine, make arrangements with household members regarding responsibilities for your dog. Discuss who will walk your dog and when, as well as how often they will be fed. Decide whether your dog will be allowed in bedrooms or on furniture, or whether crate training will be part of the house training.

Welcome Your New Dog with Gotta Go Grass®

Providing a good home for your friend means providing structure, discipline, and a space where they can feel safe, comfortable, and loved.

In terms of your dog's bathroom arrangements, Gotta Go Grass® pads offer several benefits. Besides aiding in potty training, a grass pad for dogs provides a convenient bathroom solution in various situations. It's ideal for small breeds and older dogs who may have difficulty holding their bladder and dogs recovering from injury and require a closer bathroom option.

Moreover, during bad weather when it's less than ideal to take your dog outdoors, a grass pad provides a convenient alternative. Grass pee pads can be set up indoors or on a patio, serving as a middle ground between indoor and outdoor potty areas. It is placed on a tray which helps contain any mess and makes cleaning up easier.

Because Gotta Go Grass® uses real grass, it is naturally moisture and odor-absorbent, which facilitates an easier clean-up than fake grass. It also makes it more sustainable and fully biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly solution for your dog's bathroom needs.