Step 3: Prep Your Home (Room-by-Room Setup + Safety)

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Your home setup can prevent most early problems—accidents, chewing, barking, and overwhelm. The goal is not “dog-proof everything forever.” The goal is to create a calm, controlled environment while your dog decompresses and learns the routine.

Your Week 1 home setup goals

• One calm decompression zone (where your dog can rest undisturbed)
• One potty routine path (door access, leash spot, wipes/towels)
• One safe confinement plan (for cooking, visitors, showers, and alone-time practice)

Step 1: Create a decompression zone

This is your dog’s default safe place. Keep it quiet, boring, and predictable.

• Options: baby-gated room, playpen, crate, or a calm corner with a bed.
• Add: bed/blanket, water bowl, 1–2 safe toys, and calm enrichment (lick/chew).
• Place it: away from the front door and heavy traffic if possible.

Step 2: Set up management (how you prevent chaos)

• Baby gates: block off bedrooms, stairs, kitchens, or cat areas.
• Playpen: creates a “safe bubble” when you can’t supervise closely.
• Crate (optional): helpful if introduced slowly and positively (never used for punishment).
• Leash indoors (optional): for the first few days, a light drag leash can help with gentle guidance (supervise closely; remove when resting).

Room-by-room dog-proofing checklist

Entryway / Front door

• Put a hook or spot for leash/harness near the door.
• Keep a towel and poop bags by the door.
• Plan “door safety” (gate, closed interior door, or leash-on before opening).

Living room

• Pick up shoes, kids’ toys, remotes, and anything chewable.
• Hide or protect cords (behind furniture or cord covers).
• Choose 2–3 safe toys and put the rest away (rotation prevents overstimulation).
• Place the dog bed or calm mat in a low-traffic spot.

Kitchen

• Use a gate if needed—kitchens have food, trash, and sharp hazards.
• Move trash to a cabinet or use a secured lid.
• Keep counters clear (some dogs counter-surf immediately).
• Store human food safely (especially chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol products).

Bathroom / Laundry

• Close toilet lids (some dogs drink from them).
• Store detergents, pods, medications, and cleaners out of reach.
• Keep small items (hair ties, razors, cotton swabs) secured.

Bedrooms

• Block access at first if you want calm boundaries.
• Pick up socks, underwear, and anything small enough to swallow.
• Secure chargers and cords.

Yard / Balcony

• Check fencing and gates for gaps and weak spots.
• Remove toxic plants and sharp objects.
• Secure pool access and standing water.
• Balcony: never leave a dog unsupervised; check railing gaps.

Cat households (extra setup)

• Create a cat-only zone with food, water, and litter.
• Use baby gates and vertical escape routes (cat trees, shelves).
• Keep early intros slow and controlled (no forced contact).

Kid households (extra setup)

• Choose a dog-free rest zone where kids don’t enter.
• Set kid rules before the dog arrives: no hugging, no face-to-face, no chasing.
• Keep toys picked up—both dog toys and kid toys.

Your first-week “space expansion” plan

Start small, then earn more freedom through calm behavior.

• Days 1–2: one main room + decompression zone.
• Days 3–4: add one additional area (supervised).
• Days 5–7: expand gradually if potty routine is stable and chewing is controlled.

Next step

Step 4: Supplies Checklist (What You Actually Need Before Day 1).

Go to Step 4 →

Last reviewed: January 2026