A new puppy will make a wonderful addition to your family, but you need to ensure you can provide them with a safe and loving home. This means keeping your furniture and belongings safe from mischievous puppies! Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to puppy proof your home that will help to keep your new furry friend as safe as possible.
Top 5 Tips For Puppy Proofing Your Home
Be Mindful Of Other Pets
If you have other pets in your home, it’s important to be cautious when introducing a new puppy. Speak to your vet about how best to introduce them safely. We recommend introducing them to each other at a neutral place, like a park or the beach. Take them on a walk together, and allow them to sniff each other as much as they want, keeping an eye on both of them. Your existing pet might not be comfortable at first, but that's ok. A little growling is OK too as they get to know each other: it lets your new pupper know that he has to back off for a little bit. For more information, check out these tips on how to introduce your puppy to other pets.
Protect Your Furnishings
Puppies are notoriously messy and before they’ve been properly house trained, you’ll need to protect your furnishings. If your puppy is scratching, chewing or clawing, this could be due to teething, anxiety or even boredom. Be sure to give them lots of love and attention, and redirect their behavior with toys and treats (which will also keep them entertained).
Your puppy is bound to have many accidents as he's potty training, so it's best to be prepared. You can temporarily remove expensive area rugs and carpet runners and add covers to your sofas and chairs. Puppy pads and deterrents work well, too. If your new puppy does have any little accidents, contact carpet cleaning services to ensure your furnishings are thoroughly sterilized and good as new.
Be Mindful Of Other Pets
If you have other pets in your home, it’s important to be cautious when introducing a new puppy. Speak to your vet about how best to introduce them safely. We recommend introducing them to each other at a neutral place, like a park or the beach. Take them on a walk together, and allow them to sniff each other as much as they want, keeping an eye on both of them. Your existing pet might not be comfortable at first, but that's ok. A little growling is OK too as they get to know each other: it lets your new pupper know that he has to back off for a little bit. For more information, check out these tips on how to introduce your puppy to other pets.
Protect Your Furnishings
Puppies are notoriously messy and before they’ve been properly house trained, you’ll need to protect your furnishings. If your puppy is scratching, chewing or clawing, this could be due to teething, anxiety or even boredom. Be sure to give them lots of love and attention, and redirect their behavior with toys and treats (which will also keep them entertained).
Your puppy is bound to have many accidents as he's potty training, so it's best to be prepared. You can temporarily remove expensive area rugs and carpet runners and add covers to your sofas and chairs. Puppy pads and deterrents work well, too. If your new puppy does have any little accidents, contact carpet cleaning services to ensure your furnishings are thoroughly sterilized and good as new.
Keep Dangerous Foods Out Of Reach
Certain foods are downright dangerous for dogs. According to thehumanesociety.org, coffee, chocolate, garlic and walnuts are just a few of the foods that can be poisonous to dogs. Keep your food sealed and stored away from mischievous puppies--this goes the same for any medications, cleaning products or other household chemicals. As your puppy grows, there's a chance he may get better at opening cabinets and pantry doors, so you might want to consider sliding cabinet locks and baby-proof door locks.
Use this free printable pet emergency form from dalmatiananddiy to keep important information about your new doggo handy, should an emergency situation arise. I keep mine on the fridge!
Certain foods are downright dangerous for dogs. According to thehumanesociety.org, coffee, chocolate, garlic and walnuts are just a few of the foods that can be poisonous to dogs. Keep your food sealed and stored away from mischievous puppies--this goes the same for any medications, cleaning products or other household chemicals. As your puppy grows, there's a chance he may get better at opening cabinets and pantry doors, so you might want to consider sliding cabinet locks and baby-proof door locks.
Use this free printable pet emergency form from dalmatiananddiy to keep important information about your new doggo handy, should an emergency situation arise. I keep mine on the fridge!
Prevent Climbing Adventures
Puppies are curious by nature and may get into things that can be dangerous for them, like steps and tall furniture. To keep your puppy (and your home) safe, install gates at the bottom of steps and in doorways to prevent access to stairs and off-limit rooms. Additionally, be stern when redirecting them. A gentle tug on their collar and a firm "no" will soon teach your furbaby that climbing on furniture is a no-no.
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Provide Plenty Of Entertainment
Puppies are little balls of energy that need to be entertained as much as possible. They are wonderful at keeping themselves occupied, though, which is why it's important to avoid boredom and mischief by keeping plenty of toys on hand for them to play with. These toys can include chew toys, toys to calm anxiety, puzzle treat toys and toys for you to share with them.
Taking your puppy outside as often as you can is another way for them to release some of their energy that might otherwise be used to destroy your home. A walk around the block, an hour at the dog park or some time in the yard with their humans are all wonderful ways for your new furry friend to spend time outdoors while getting much needed exercise.
Puppies are little balls of energy that need to be entertained as much as possible. They are wonderful at keeping themselves occupied, though, which is why it's important to avoid boredom and mischief by keeping plenty of toys on hand for them to play with. These toys can include chew toys, toys to calm anxiety, puzzle treat toys and toys for you to share with them.
Taking your puppy outside as often as you can is another way for them to release some of their energy that might otherwise be used to destroy your home. A walk around the block, an hour at the dog park or some time in the yard with their humans are all wonderful ways for your new furry friend to spend time outdoors while getting much needed exercise.
Do you have a new puppy? What have you done around your home to make it safer for them? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article should be used as a substitute for professional, veterinary advice. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition or treatment of your pet.
Disclaimer: Nothing contained in this article should be used as a substitute for professional, veterinary advice. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition or treatment of your pet.
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