Preparing Your Home for Your New Puppy or Dog
- Trainer_Sam
- Dec 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Bringing home a new dog or puppy is an exciting moment — but it also comes with lots of preparation. Setting up your space properly helps your puppy feel secure, confident, and ready to thrive in their new home. Below are some essential tips to help you get started.
1. Create a Safe, Comfortable Resting Space
A crate is one of the most valuable tools when raising a new puppy or bringing home a new dog. It provides safety, structure, helps with house training, and gives your pup a cozy den to relax in. Choose a crate made of wire, molded plastic, or metal and ensure it's sized so your puppy can enter, turn around, and lie down comfortably — upgrading may be necessary as they grow.
Use the crate for rest, mealtimes, and safe confinement when you leave. With patience and a positive approach, your puppy will learn to love their secure little home.
2. Set Up a Place Bed for Calm, Supervised Rest
In addition to a crate, an elevated cot or dog bed can help teach your puppy how to settle while you’re nearby. This “place” spot is perfect for supervised downtime and building relaxation skills.
3. Use a Leash for Training and Safety
A lightweight 4'–6' leash works well as a “drag line,” allowing you to guide and redirect your puppy gently during supervised training and exploration around the home. Avoid retractable leashes at this stage — consistent length builds better habits.
4. Stock Up on Safe, Engaging Toys
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, so having a variety of safe toys is essential. Keep most toys stored away and bring them out intentionally for interactive play or training sessions.
A few important safety notes:
Avoid braided rope toys due to ingestion risk.
Use stuffed toys carefully — they can be easily confused with children’s toys and are easily shredded, posing an ingestion risk.
Only allow access to toys when your puppy is supervised.
Rotating toys keeps your puppy engaged and prevents boredom
dog running in grass with a durable, rubber chew toy
5. Begin Grooming Habits Early
Introduce your puppy to grooming and handling several times per week to build a positive association. Use a comb and brush suited to your dog's coat type, and consider high-quality nail clippers such as Miller’s Forge for routine nail care.
If you'll need professional grooming on a regular basis, find one early and stick with a consistent schedule to build acceptance and keep their coat healthy.
These early habits build confidence and reduce future stress — for both you and your puppy!
6. Choose Nutritious Food and Healthy Treats
Diet plays a major role in your puppy’s growth and behavior. Take time to research high-quality meal options and avoid ingredients or products that may cause harm. We love "The Forever Dog" as an educational resource for canine nutrition. Always consult with your vet before making major diet changes.
For treats, freeze-dried options are nutritious and easy for training. Avoid rawhide chews, which are highly processed and carry a risk of gastrointestinal blockage.
Setting Your Puppy Up for Success
Preparation and structure help your new dog or puppy feel safe and confident as they transition into your home. With the right tools — a well-sized crate, proper grooming supplies, nutritious food, safe toys, and intentional rest spaces — you’ll create an environment where your puppy can thrive from day one.
Want more guidance as you begin this adventure? Visit myadventurek9.com and reach out anytime for personalized support in Erie, Broomfield, and surrounding areas.
Don't forget you can sign up for our small group puppy classes right here in Erie, CO!
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