## The home you have is not the home you need

Before the arrival of a puppy, your home is designed for humans. For a being that is 25 cm tall, curious about everything, with the teeth of a miniature piranha, it is a series of dangers punctuated by opportunities for destruction. It takes a couple of hours of focused preparation. Here is the complete checklist.

## The "puppy-proof" home: room by room

**Kitchen:**
- Move floor cleaners, bleach, detergents under lock and key or up high.
- Block access to the trash with a sealed or pedal bin.
- Check the plants: poinsettias, oleanders, lilies, pothos are **toxic**. Remove them or place them up high.
- Fridge, microwave, toaster cables: cover with spiral sheaths (€5 on Amazon).

**Living Room:**
- TV, stereo, console cables: the same as before, use sheaths or conduits.
- Knick-knacks within nose reach: move them for 4-5 months.
- Precious rugs: roll them up. Urine stains and bites are guaranteed.
- Sofa: cover with a washable blanket if you want to save it. Decide right away whether it’s allowed or not: changing your mind later is impossible.

**Bedroom:**
- Slippers, shoes, flip-flops: closet. The puppy loves them.
- The same goes for underwear, socks, glasses: nothing should be left on the floor.

**Bathroom:**
- Keep the toilet lid down.
- Keep toilet paper out of reach: unrolled rolls are a classic.

**Balcony/Garden:**
- Check railings: gaps under 7-8 cm or add plastic netting.
- Poisonous plants in the garden: yew, oleander, holly, boxwood, hydrangeas.
- Secure access to pools, fountains, water cisterns: drowning risk.
- Remove pesticides and rat poisons completely. Rat bait kills dogs.

## The essential kit you must have before their arrival

**Bowls** (2):
- One for water, one for food. Stainless steel or ceramic (plastic scratches, accumulates bacteria, and is chewable). €15-25.

**Dog bed or mat**:
- Sized for the expected adult size. At first, it will seem large, but they grow quickly. Washable removable fabric. €30-100.

**Transport crate**:
- For the vet, travel, emergency management. Rigid plastic or reinforced canvas. Size: the puppy must be able to stand and turn around. €30-80.

**Collar and leash**:
- Adjustable fabric collar, no choke collar. An "H" harness is recommended for puppies to prevent escape. Fixed leash 1.5 m. €20-50 total.

**ID Tag**:
- With name and your phone number. Required in summer when the puppy goes out.

**Puppy food**:
- Specific for age and size ("puppy", "junior", "growth"). Never adult food. Ask the breeder/shelter what food they were giving: switch gradually in the first 2 weeks.

**Enzymatic wipes and paper towel**:
- For pee/poop emergencies on carpets. Essential.

**Toys**:
- 4-5 toys of different types: fillable Kong, rope, plush with sound, soft rings, balls. Rotate them daily to maintain novelty.

**Training treats**:
- Mini-kibble like Trainer/Royal Canin Puppy XS or small pieces of boiled chicken for training rewards.

## The puppy corner: how to set it up

Dedicate **a well-defined area** to the puppy in the first days:
- Soft bed or mat.
- Always full water bowl.
- 2-3 toys always available.
- Optional puppy pad if in a high-floor apartment.

**Gate** or **pen** to limit access to certain rooms and create manageable environments. €30-60. Very important: saves your carpets, reduces stress for you, prevents accidents.

## Common mistakes to avoid

- **Wrong placement of the bed**: hallways, near the front door, in busy rooms. They need calm.
- **Too many toys all at once**: they get tired, lose interest. Better rotation.
- **Human food in sight**: chocolate, grapes, onions, sweets are toxic. Remove them from the floor.
- **Underestimating indoor pee**: it happens in the first 2-3 months. Be prepared with pads, wipes, and patience.

Invest an hour before their arrival to avoid 100 hours of cleaning and vet visits later. Preparation is the best gift you give to the puppy: you offer a safe environment where they can learn to trust the world.