Bringing a new dog home is an exciting time, whether you’re adopting a puppy or welcoming an older dog into your family. But before your furry friend walks through the door, there are a few things you’ll want to do to make sure your home is ready. With over 20 years of experience breeding and raising Poodles and Doodle cross-breeds at Royal Doodle Haus, I can tell you that preparation is key to a smooth transition for both you and your new dog.
Here are five easy steps to help you get your home dog-ready.
Step 1: Create a Safe Space for Your New Dog
Your new dog needs a quiet, secure area where they can relax and adjust to their new surroundings. This is especially important for puppies, who can feel overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a new home.
Setting Up a Comfortable Space
Designate a space in your home that is free from distractions and foot traffic. A corner of the living room, a guest bedroom, or a section of the kitchen can all work. The goal is to create a space where your dog can rest, feel safe, and observe their new environment without feeling overwhelmed.
Crate training is a great option for both puppies and adult dogs. Not only does it give them a cozy spot to retreat to, but it also helps with housebreaking and establishing boundaries. Choose a crate that’s large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. Line it with a soft blanket or bed, and maybe even toss in a favorite toy.
At our kennels in Romania and Turkey, we always ensure our puppies have their own little space when they’re first introduced to a new environment. We’ve found that having a designated, cozy area helps the pups feel secure and adjust quicker. When I brought home my own Bernedoodle, Charlie, the first thing I did was set up a crate in the living room. He loved having his little den to retreat to, and it really helped with housebreaking, too!
Step 2: Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Once you’ve created a space for your dog, it’s time to gather all the supplies they’ll need from day one. Having the essentials on hand will help you avoid those last-minute runs to the pet store!
Must-Have Items:
- Food and water bowls: Opt for stainless steel or ceramic, as these are durable and easy to clean.
- High-quality dog food: Depending on whether you’re bringing home a puppy or an adult dog, make sure you have age-appropriate food.
- Toys: Chew toys, plush toys, and puzzle toys are great for keeping your dog entertained and mentally stimulated.
- Grooming supplies: Poodles and Doodles require regular grooming, so you’ll want a slicker brush, comb, and nail clippers on hand.
- Collar, leash & ID tags: It’s important to have these ready as soon as your dog arrives. A secure collar with an ID tag that includes your contact information is essential in case your dog gets out.
Bedding and Crates
Make sure to choose a bed that’s the right size for your dog. Puppies grow fast, so you might want to invest in a larger bed that they can grow into. If you plan to crate-train your dog, ensure the crate is roomy enough for them to move around comfortably. Most dogs will eventually view their crate as a safe space — especially if you introduce it to them in a positive way.
Step 3: Puppy-Proof Your Home
Just like toddlers, puppies and dogs can be curious (and sometimes mischievous). Before bringing your dog home, take some time to puppy-proof your space.
Common Household Hazards
- Electrical cords: Puppies love to chew, and electrical cords are often an easy target. Use cord covers or hide them behind furniture.
- Toxic houseplants: Some common houseplants, like lilies, aloe, and philodendrons, can be toxic to dogs. Make sure any dangerous plants are out of reach.
- Small objects: Items like shoes, socks, or children’s toys can easily end up in a puppy’s mouth. Keep small objects out of reach to avoid any choking hazards.
Block Off Unsafe Areas
If you want to keep your dog out of certain rooms (like the kitchen or upstairs), use baby gates to block off access. You should also secure trash cans, as many dogs are tempted by the scent of food scraps and other goodies inside. I always tell new puppy owners that it’s better to over-prepare. Even after 20 years of breeding, I still find myself double-checking for things like dangling cords or open cabinet doors before bringing in a new puppy.
Once, I had a particularly curious Goldendoodle puppy who managed to get into my laundry basket. He pulled out a bunch of socks, scattering them all over the house! It taught me a valuable lesson about keeping things out of reach — especially during those first few weeks.
Step 4: Establish Routines Early
Dogs thrive on routine, and it’s important to start establishing one as soon as they arrive. Having a consistent routine for feeding, potty breaks, and playtime will help your dog feel secure and make training easier.
Feeding and Potty Schedule
Set a consistent feeding schedule, typically two to three times a day, depending on your dog’s age and size. After each meal, take your dog outside for a potty break—this helps establish a routine and aids in housebreaking.
For puppies, frequent potty breaks are essential. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold their bladder for about one hour for each month of age. So, if you have a 3-month-old puppy, you’ll want to take them outside every 3 hours.
Playtime and Rest
Balancing playtime and rest is key, especially for high-energy breeds like Poodles and Doodles. These dogs are smart and need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Set aside time each day for walks, play, and training sessions, but also make sure they have plenty of downtime to relax.
Training Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to training. Use the same commands for basic behaviors (sit, stay, down) and make sure everyone in the household is on the same page. Positive reinforcement—like treats and praise—goes a long way with these intelligent breeds.
Step 5: Prepare for Socialization
Proper socialization is essential for a well-adjusted dog. The more experiences, people, and environments your dog is exposed to early on, the more confident and comfortable they’ll be as they grow.
Introducing Your Dog to Family and Pets
When bringing a new dog home, introduce them to family members and other pets slowly. Allow your dog to approach new people and animals on their own terms, and make sure the experience is positive and calm.
If you have other pets, take time to supervise their initial interactions. Separate feeding areas and toys can help prevent any tension or resource guarding.
Plan for Socialization Opportunities
Once your dog is comfortable at home, plan for socialization outside the house. Visits to the vet, trips to the dog park, and playdates with other dogs are great ways to build your dog’s confidence.
At Royal Doodle Haus, we start socializing our puppies early by introducing them to new sights, sounds, and people. When I brought home one of our Toy Poodles, Luna, I made sure to expose her to different environments — from busy city streets to quiet parks. It’s made her a confident and friendly dog today.
Final Thoughts: Welcoming Your New Dog
Preparing your home for a new dog is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition. By creating a safe space, gathering supplies, puppy-proofing your home, establishing routines, and planning for socialization, you’ll set your dog up for success. These five easy steps will help your new furry friend feel right at home in no time.
At Royal Doodle Haus, we’ve been helping families welcome Poodles and Doodle cross-breeds into their homes for over 20 years. If you’re preparing to bring a dog home and have questions, or if you’re looking for a new puppy, feel free to reach out — we’re always here to help!