Tips To Help You Puppy-Proof Your Home

Do you have, or are you getting ready to adopt a new puppy? If so, new puppies are so much fun, cute, loving, cuddly and sweet. But…they are also curious, energetic, and unintentionally destructive.

Once that cute little guy or gal is home, keeping him and his surroundings safe, and you sane, will be a big priority. If you haven’t already done it, you’re going to want to “puppy-proof” your home. Obviously, it would be better to have it done before you bring your new pup home, but if you haven’t, you’ll want to make that a big priority.

Use these tips to create a safe and happy home – Enjoy!

Puppy-Proofing Checklist:

Puppy-proofing is a room by room process, and although I’m going to give you these great tips, no one’s home is the same. It’s actually a lot like child-proofing your home. So, as you’re going through this list, step back and take a look at each room to see if there is something else that could be a problem. This may seem like a lot to do, but once it’s finished, you’re going to have more time to relax and enjoy your new little pup.

1. Around the house…
   • Cables, cords and wires are just at eye level for your pup, and he will want to chew on them, which can lead to mouth burns or even electrocution. Unplugging them is definitely the safest thing to do, but you don’t want your little guy chewing on and destroying them either. If possible, hide them behind furniture, raise them so they are out of reach or put them in wire/cord protectors (which can be found at the hardware store.)
   • Keep floors vacuumed or swept in order to keep random things out of puppy’s mouth.
   • Don’t leave small or sharp items laying around where they can find their way into your puppy’s mouth and become a choking or more serious hazard.
   • Provide plenty of chew toys for your little guy…he’s going to chew…he needs to chew. So, if nothing safe is available, he’ll choose whatever is available, like furniture legs or other parts of the furniture. One little puppy satisfied his need to chew on the wall, chewing right through the drywall.
   • Houseplants are poisonous, so make sure you don’t have any on low tables, windowsills or other places that your puppy can reach.
   • Whether they are hard objects, or soft, a puppy will check them out with his teeth, so be sure to put out of reach, things like batteries, remote controls, key fobs, game pieces and electronic devices. Not only will chewing damage the item, but these things can be harmful to your pup.
   • Don’t let your pup roam freely through the house by himself for the first little while. Set some boundaries, keep him with you when possible, and create a safe space.
2. In the kitchen…
   • Be sure to keep your trash cans covered or behind closed door, so puppy’s little smeller doesn’t lead him to discover what you’re throwing away. Some of it could be poisonous or dangerous. And if found by your pup, it can all make a big mess.
   • Many people keep cleaning supplies in the kitchen that are extremely dangerous to an inquisitive pup…keep them secured and out of reach.
3. In the bathroom…
   • Secure all makeup, medications, cleaning supplies and any other toxic items.
   • Again, make sure the trash cans are unavailable to your puppy.
   • Keep the lid to the toilet shut, chemicals that you might use to keep the toilet clean are toxic.
4. In the bedroom…
   • Look for any toxic items and make sure they are stored safely up and away.
   • Keep your shoes, especially the expensive ones and the ones with laces, behind doors in the closet…if not, they will be chewed!

One of the best things you can do for your new pup is to get him socialized and well-trained

I believe that the most effective method of dog training revolves around teaching your dog what you want them to do, how to behave, how to act in their environment, and what appropriate behaviors are, under given circumstances and situations.

If you’re having a difficult time training your dog, don’t have the time to train him properly, or you would like to learn along with your pup, Contact me or check out my family friendly classes.