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If you just brought home a new fluffy best friend, or if you’re dog-sitting for someone, home puppy proofing is crucial.
We all know that puppies are little balls of energy, and they don’t know the difference between right and wrong.
In this article, we’ll give you some puppy proofing tips, tricks, and dangers to look out for.
1. Trash Cans
Something that can get easily overlooked when you decide to do some home puppy proofing is the garbage bins.
Whether it’s a small bathroom bin, your wastepaper basket in the office, or your main kitchen rubbish, your puppy is going to try to go diving! Not only can a puppy create a giant mess by tearing it apart, but there could be something harmful in there.
How to puppy proof: Put smaller bins under the sink, in low cabinets, or get lockable lids for them. For larger bins get a lid that either locks or that you can weigh down. Change your bins more frequently and discourage your pup when they show an interest.
2. Houseplants
Plants and flowers can brighten up a home and cleanse the air, but not all are safe for our four-legged friend. Whenever you buy a plant, there is usually information to tell you if it’s pet-friendly, but if you already own plants and know their names, look it up online.
How to puppy proof: Get rid of poisonous plants, it’s not worth the risk to your puppy or even other pets. You can gift them to others if you prefer. If you have safe plants but your puppy is a digger, put them away on shelves so they can’t reach. If you have larger floor pots you can try adding big decorative stones on them so that you can easily water them, but your puppy can’t dig. Eventually they will lose interest.
3. Medication
Medication that can be good for you or a loved one can be fatal to a dog or puppy. This also includes pet medicine you’ve gotten from your vet. The correct dose is imperative so they shouldn’t have access to that stash either.
How to puppy proof: Keep all medication in a cabinet or basket at high level. Avoid leaving open containers or sachets out on work surfaces or tables, and always keep it in the same place.
4. Baggage, Shoes & Socks
If you have things like purses, backpacks, briefcases, shoes, socks, trainers, or luggage that you wouldn’t want to pay to replace, store them. Puppies love to chew, and often these products contain the exact amount of resistance for their teething gums!
How to puppy proof: Store luggage or bags in the back of your wardrobe, at high level, or under the bed where your puppy can’t reach. Avoid taking up too much space by storing one inside the other.
5. Cords & Electricals
Most of us have a vast amount of electronics and appliances that have cords. Just like the other things mentioned above, your new puppy doesn’t know that cords are not chew toys and they can be extremely dangerous. Not only can chewing cords hurt your new puppy, but they will ruin the appliance and cause a potential fire.
How to puppy proof: If you can tuck wires and chords out of the way that is ideal. If not, you can get plastic cable protectors that you wrap around the bunch and this will give a bit of extra protection whilst you’re training your puppy. To reduce the temptation, at least tidy any wires that are dangling that are asking to be caught!
6. Chemicals/Poisons
It’s not just about the cleaning products and bleach, but also dish soap, laundry detergent and the towels or sponges you use to clean with. These can have enough residue on them to make your puppy sick.
How to puppy proof: Store chemicals away safely out of reach, and keep cleaning cloths or sponges in a plastic container so they aren’t easy to grab hold of. Also make sure you’ve washed your hands after cleaning before handling your puppy.
7. Floors
This is especially important if you rent an apartment or house, but your floors can easily get ruined by a pup. Not only can their urine warp and discolour wood flooring, but their nails can scratch it up as well!
How to puppy proof: Consider getting a rug or mat in any area that has wood or vinyl flooring. Make sure it has non-slip backing on it.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of home puppy proofing tips, but it’s an excellent place to start! Just remember, if you’re puppy starts taking an interest in something you don’t want them to, consider this as a training exercise and start to discourage them!
