How to Puppy Proof Your HomeHow to Puppy Proof Your Home
Do you have a new puppy or are thinking about getting one? If so,it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure for your furry friend. Puppy-proofing your house can help keep them out of trouble and prevent any accidents from happening. Here are some tips on how to puppy proof your home today.
Making sure your home is pet-friendly
If you don’t own your own home,it is essential that you check with your landlord or property management company to see if they allow pets in their buildings. Some places may have certain restrictions,such as breeds or weight limits,so it’s important to make sure that you know what these rules are before committing to renting.
In addition to puppy proofing your home,it is also important to consider things like pet deposits and additional monthly fees from your landlord or renter’s insurance company. Depending on your lease agreement,it might be necessary for everyone involved (including yourself) to stay covered should any accidents occur while living in the space. Lastly,make sure that wherever you live has access to great walking spots and nearby parks where both you and your pup can enjoy some outdoor time!
Give your puppy their own space
Giving your puppy their own space is important for a number of reasons. Firstly,it gives them a safe and secure place to rest and relax without feeling overwhelmed or threatened by other animals or people in the home – this is especially important for puppies who are just starting to adjust to their new environment. Having their own space also allows you to monitor them more closely and help train them in regards to where they should be spending their time.
Secondly,having an area dedicated to your puppy will help keep them out of trouble and away from things that could potentially hurt them. For example,if you have a small puppy,it’s best that they stay away from any electrical cords or sharp objects that could pose a potential hazard. Having a separate space also allows you to protect furniture and other items in your home that may not be suitable for a young pup (e.g.,antiques,expensive décor pieces).
Finally,setting aside space solely for your puppy reinforces good habits like potty training and provides you with an opportunity to bond with your furry friend without interruption from other animals or people in the house. By providing a calm and comfortable environment,you can better understand how your pup behaves when left alone so that if there are any issues (e.g.,barking),you’ll be able to address it quickly and efficiently before it becomes a problem.
Hide electrical cords
Hiding electrical cords is an important part of puppy proofing your home. Not only do they pose a strangulation hazard,but puppies are also known to chew on them,which can be dangerous and lead to electrocution. To securely hide away any exposed cords,try using cable sleeves or cord protectors. These come in a variety of sizes and textures,so you can find the perfect fit for any cord in your home.
Another simple solution for hiding cords is to use furniture that has built-in outlets or cubbies specifically designed for storing cables. This will not only free up more space in your home but can help prevent your pup from getting tangled up in any exposed wires. Additionally,make sure to use surge protectors whenever possible since these will cut power if anything unusual happens with your electronics – this may be especially beneficial if you’re concerned about potential electric shocks or fires due to chewing on exposed cords.
Finally,as an extra precaution,consider placing all exposed cords behind furniture such as desks or sofas so that they’re less accessible even if a curious puppy manages to make their way over to them. This may take some rearranging of existing furniture but should help ensure that none of your family’s electronics gets damaged by a playful pup!
Cover your trash
Covering your trash is an essential part of puppy proofing your home. Unfortunately,puppies tend to be curious creatures and can easily get into things they shouldn’t – like your trash. To protect both your pup and your belongings,it’s important to cover any exposed garbage or waste so they won’t be tempted to investigate it.
The easiest way to cover your trash is simply by investing in a secure lid for each and every bin in the house. This will help keep out any prying noses while keeping odours contained,allowing you to enjoy a more pleasant living environment. Additionally,if you have children,lids can provide an extra layer of protection as kids are more likely to leave bins open than adults are.
If possible,avoid placing a trash can in an area that can easily be reached by a curious pup,such as near a kitchen counter or within reach of furniture. By doing this,you’ll be able to reduce the risk of messes or damage caused by rummaging paws.
Finally,it’s a good idea to invest in pet-proof containers whenever possible. These usually feature robust construction and tight-fitting lids which make them difficult for pets to open or access – significantly reducing the risk of accidental spills or consumption of harmful items.
Keep poisonous foods,medications and products out of reach
To prevent any accidental ingestion of dangerous items,it’s important to keep all hazardous materials out of reach from your pup. This means making sure to store away any medication – both human and pet – in a secure location such as a medicine cabinet or on a high shelf that can’t be accessed by the pup. Additionally,if you have any house plants in the home,make sure they’re placed out of reach since lots of everyday plants can be toxic to animals.
Furthermore,it’s important to be aware of which human foods are unsafe for pets as some ingredients (e.g.,chocolate or xylitol) can cause serious harm when ingested. Therefore,it’s best practice to keep any food that could potentially be dangerous away from your pup or stored in a secure cupboard with a childproof latch. Make sure to also remember about common snacks like grapes or raisins which may seem harmless but can cause renal failure in dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Apart from food items,there are also certain household products that could pose danger when ingested by pets such as detergents and cleaning supplies. Again,keeping these items securely locked away and inaccessible should help reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. If you do need to use them while your pup is around,make sure you monitor them closely (preferably with another adult present) so they don’t try to investigate or consume anything potentially harmful.
Finally,never leave hazardous items like antifreeze laying around either inside or outside the house – even if they aren’t accessible by your pet! Antifreeze has a sweet taste which can attract animals even if they can’t access it directly; as little as one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight can be fatal for pups so it’s best not take any chances with this one!
Cover sharp edges/ remove choking hazards
1. Identify areas with sharp edges in your home
2. Invest in corner guards or bumpers to cover any exposed corners and edges
3. Consider using furniture pads on the legs of tables,chairs,and other pieces of furniture
4. Place rugs or mats over hardwood floors to provide a cushioning layer for pups running around the house
5. Use foam padding around doorways and windowsills to prevent injuries from occurring when your pup is playing near them
6. Make sure all electrical cords are tucked away securely so they don’t present any hazards
7. Keep an eye out for broken glass or other potentially hazardous materials that could cause injury if left unattended
8. Regularly inspect your pup’s toys for any parts that may have become loose,as these can also be potential sources of danger
Get child safety locks
Get child safety locks to help keep your home safe. These locks can be used on cupboards and other places where dangerous items are kept so your pup cannot get to them.
How to puppy-proof outside your home
Not only do you need to puppy-proof the inside of your house,but you’ll have to make sure the outside is safe for your puppy,too.
Check your fence
It is important to remember to check your fence regularly when owning a pet. If you have a backyard with a fence,you should make sure that it is secure and in good condition. This will help ensure the safety of your pup and keep them from accessing or escaping into areas they shouldn’t be in. You should also make sure that any gaps or holes in the fence are filled or patched.
It is also important to check the height and sturdiness of your fence as different breeds of dogs may need different levels of containment depending on their size and activity level. For instance,a smaller dog might need anywhere from 3-4 feet tall fencing while larger breeds could require up to 8 feet fencing for adequate containment. Additionally,if you live in an area with wild animals such as foxes,it may be wise to invest in higher fencing for extra security. Metal chain link can be a good option for this purpose since it’s more durable than wooden fences which can rot over time.
In terms of sturdiness,you should look out for weak points such as sagging boards or posts that may pose risks if left unattended. Periodically inspect the ground around the base of your fence and make sure there aren’t any sinkholes or sharp objects that could cause injury to your pup if they were to climb under or over it. If necessary,consider investing in barbed wire along the top of your fence so that animals won’t be able to jump over it easily – just be sure to cover any exposed edges with plastic tubing so there won’t be any risk of injury!
Finally,if you have multiple levels within your yard (e.g.,decks or terraces),make sure to install additional barriers between these areas so that your pup won’t accidentally fall off them due to misjudging distances or heights when playing around the house. Taking these steps will help ensure the safety and security of your yard for both you and your pet!
Get rid of poisonous outdoor plants
It is essential to get rid of any poisonous plants that are located outdoors in your yard or garden,as they can be a major threat to your pup’s health and wellbeing. Many popular garden plants,such as azaleas,foxgloves,rhododendrons,and oleander can be highly toxic if ingested by animals.
Additionally,some ornamental grasses like pampas grass may also have sharp edges or pointed areas that could cause injury if stepped on. It is important to research the types of plants you have in your area and determine whether they are safe for pets before planting them.
If you find out that you do in fact have potentially dangerous outdoor plants in your yard,it is best to take steps to get rid of them immediately. The most effective way to do this is by using a chemical herbicide or a natural option such as boiling water or vinegar mixed with water. Be sure not to use too much of these substances as they can damage other non-harmful plants.
How to get a puppy to stop chewing on everything
– Provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys,as these will give them something to focus on other than your furniture or other items in the home. Make sure that the toys you provide are appropriate for the breed and size of the puppy,as different breeds and sizes of puppies may need different types of chew toys.
– Monitor your puppy’s behaviour to stop problem chewing before it occurs. If you notice your pup starting to show interest in something they shouldn’t be chewing,redirect their attention by offering a toy or treat.
– Establish a routine for your pup,including regular mealtimes and play sessions. This can help them feel comfortable and secure in their environment,reducing anxiety that could lead to destructive behaviours such as chewing.
– Exercise is important for keeping your pup content and happy. Taking them out for short walks up to several times a day can help keep their energy levels in check and prevent boredom which can lead to problem behaviours like chewing.
– Puppy proofing is essential when trying to stop problem chewing; make sure all potentially hazardous items are kept out of reach so there’s no chance of them getting into trouble while unsupervised. Be sure to secure any wires or cords that may be tempting for a curious pup!
– Crate training is also an effective way to keep your pup from engaging in destructive behaviours like chewing. Providing them with a safe space that is just for them can help reinforce good behaviour and discourage undesirable habits such as chewing furniture or other items around the house.
– Finally,positive reinforcement can be an effective tool when training puppies not to chew on things they shouldn’t be touching. When you catch them engaging in good behaviour – such as playing nicely with a toy.
– be sure to reward them with praise or treats! This will encourage more desirable behaviours while also reinforcing boundaries regarding what is acceptable behaviour versus unacceptable behaviour.
Essentials for puppy proofing your home
As mentioned earlier in this article,crate training is an effective way to prevent destructive behaviours in puppies,such as chewing on furniture or other household items. It involves providing your pup with a secure space that is just for them and reinforces good behaviour while discouraging undesirable habits.
For high quality puppy crates and kennels,view Benchmark Kennels 5-star range (eco-friendly options available.)