Puppy Proofing your Home

PUPPY

Posted by bravectosouthafrica – 07 September 2018

Topics covered in this article:

Keep the trash at a safe distance
A designated puppy-pad
Cover cords and electronics
Store away any harmful chemicals
Set Boundaries
Keep them grounded

Woohoo! A brand-new puppy. What an exciting and special time! Let’s make sure your home is perfect for the arrival of your new ball of fluff. It’s vital that you prepare your home for your new puppy, so they can feel safe and at home. Although it’s such a wonderful time for your new and expanding family, it can be quite scary and a big adjustment for your new puppy. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make sure the experience is safe and homey for everyone!

1. Keep the trash at a safe distance

So many new and interesting smells and snacks for a curious puppy. Just like toddlers, without supervision and when given a chance, they will quickly put most things in their mouths. The garbage, however, isn’t the healthiest option for your growing puppy. Be sure to keep the trash at a safe distance where your puppy can’t dig and risk swallowing something that could be dangerous.

2. A designated puppy-pad

With a whole lot of new things, it is important that your new puppy has a space that is solely his. This will turn into a safe space when your pup is feeling anxious or wants some alone time.

3. Cover cords and electronics

Like any new mom, your job is to make sure your puppy doesn’t get into any harmful situations. One of these situations could very likely be chewing on cords and electronics. When this happens, be sure to reprimand this behaviour, so your puppy knows that it is not allowed. Providing a sufficient amount of chew toys will also decrease the chances of chewing on household items that weren’t made for puppy teeth.

4. Store away any harmful chemicals

One of the most common sources of poisoning of our pets is through household items like cleaning detergents or medication. Be sure to store harmful items away from the new puppy’s reach. It is also recommended to store your dog’s medication separately from yours.

5. Set Boundaries

It’s almost inevitable that your puppy is going to explore every nook and cranny of his or her new home. That’s why it’s important to set boundaries and limits from the get-go. If there are certain spaces that are off limits to pets, be sure to place baby gates in front of them or close the doors, teaching your puppy where he can and can’t go.

6. Keep them grounded

Puppies are clumsy and still tend to fall a lot and bump into things quite often. Be sure to keep them away from high places where there could be a risk of falling and injury. Their fragile puppy bones can still break fairly easily, so it’s important that you always keep them a safe distance from the ground and to be cautious when carrying them.

In the end, your puppy will soon get comfortable in his new home. As this happens, your dog will start to know his way around the house as well as the do’s and don’ts of any family. Be sure to pay attention to your puppy’s individual personality and unique quirks as you get to know each other.