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You’ve found the perfect dog and you’re about to bring him home. But before you introduce your puppy or rescue dog to his new surroundings, take some time to make sure your home is safe, both for the dog and from the dog.

Objects around your home can endanger your pup and an untrained dog can bring messes and destruction that you want to be ready for.

Remove Access to Dangerous Items

Like humans, chemicals can be harmful to dogs if consumed, but dogs might not realize a scented cleaner isn’t a food item. Certain foods, plants, essential oils, medicines, and alcohol are also dangerous for your dog and need to be kept away. Things to keep away from your dog include:

• Cleaning Chemicals
• Pesticides and Poisons
• Fabric Softener Sheets
• Medications
• Chocolate
• Coffee Grounds
• Other People Foods

If you do have houseplants or use essential oils, check to make sure they are safe around pets. For other items, childproof locks can help keep your dog from getting to it. A locking trash can is also a must so your dog can’t eat human items after they’ve been thrown away.

Clear Clutter

Take a moment to look around your home to see what could be a problem if your dog chewed on it, tugged it, or ran into it. There is not much you can do about furniture or flooring, but you can check for:

• Trailing wires for electric equipment and lamps that a dog could get tangled in.
• Children’s toys that a dog might chew on.
• Shoes, socks, and other clothing on the floor.
• Debris hidden in corners and behind furniture that could be a choking hazard.

Make sure these items are out of reach until your dog learns not to chew and how to navigate her home.

Install Barriers

In the early days of training and getting your dog comfortable around your home, it is helpful to limit them to certain areas. A crate is a good option if you are planning to crate train, but some other options are also available.

Setting up baby gates in doorways or stairs will keep your dog confined to a room or space. These gates are often a better option than shutting a door as it gives your dog the ability to see into the rest of the home. Also, dogs can scratch or chew their way through most interior household doors, ruining your door.

For young puppies and smaller dogs, you can set up a wire dog pen that can keep your dog in one area. Pens can be easily moved so your dog can always be nearby, but safely kept away from dangerous situations.

Prepare for Cleaning

Puppies and many rescue dogs will require housetraining, which can mean messy accidents in the meantime. Any dog can also vomit from an upset stomach. You will want a cleaning solution that neutralizes odors, such as an enzyme cleaner or a DIY vinegar solution. Cloths will also be helpful for getting stains and scents out of both hardwood and carpet.