Building & Decorating a Puppy Nursery

Get on a computer and using your favorite search engine, type in puppy supplies. There will be a number of websites that come up but some really nice ones are PetsMart and Pawprintz's websites. Browse the dog sections and see if you like any of the bedding, toys, clothing and accessories. Write down any that you like on a list, include the style number and color if applicable. Also keep in mind that you will need other basic supplies as well, such as grooming equipment, bowls and cleaning supplies.

Paint the room in the color of your choice. Puppies are colorblind, which means they can not distinguish some colors from others. You want to choose a paint that is non toxic and washable in case your puppy chews or licks the wall or makes a mess. Allow the paint to fully dry before allowing your puppy in the room.

Take steps to ensure the room is puppy-proof and safe. Put outlet covers in all of the electrical outlets. You can purchase these at any department store or a baby store such as Babies-R-Us. Lift all chewable cords off of the ground and tape them securely to furniture, the wall or the floor with duct tape. Spray the duct tape with a bitter apple spray that discourages chewing. This can be purchased at any pet store. Lay out an indoor/outdoor carpet rug. Use this type of rug so that if the puppy has an accident, it can be easily cleaned with soapy water. Add any borders or trim details you like. Make sure that all adhesive borders are out of reach of the puppy so they do not chew it off of the wall.

Take your list and head to the pet store. Seeing items in person can help you get a feel for the item's quality. Look for very well made items when purchasing for a puppy because they chew everything. Be aware of small pieces that may come loose or tags that may rip off and cause a choking hazard. Make your purchases and head home to start the decorating process.

Make designated areas of the room for sleeping, grooming, dressing, eating and playtime. If you have purchased a puppy bed, start with that. Place the bed, blankets and any pillows you have purchased in the designated sleepy-time area. Now take a small table and lay out all of the puppy's grooming supplies, or try putting them in a basket or decorative container. Make sure that these supplies are not reachable by the puppy. Some grooming supplies pose a choking risk or could even poison your puppy if eaten. If you have purchased a large breed puppy, consider purchasing a dresser with drawers and putting supplies in that. Take children clothes hangers and carefully hang up any clothing you have purchased for your puppy. Place them neatly in the room's closet. If you do not have a closet in this room, consider buying a metal clothing wrack, shelves or a dresser with drawers. Take all the puppy toys and place them in a puppy-proof container, such as a large plastic bin. Having a designated play area will help you clean up easier by giving you a place to store and organize the puppy's belongings. Place the puppy's bowls on a place mat in an area where they are not likely to get kicked over.