Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyful experience, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important tasks for new pet parents is ensuring that your home is a safe environment for your furry friend. Puppies are curious and full of energy, which means they are likely to get into things they shouldn’t. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on puppy-proofing your home. Read on for essential puppy-proofing tips that every new pet parent should know.
Why Puppy-Proofing is Important
Puppy-proofing is more than just a precaution; it’s a necessity for keeping your new puppy safe and healthy. Puppies, much like toddlers, explore their world with their mouths. This means they are prone to chewing on items that could be dangerous, such as electrical cords, toxic plants, or household chemicals. By taking the time to puppy-proof your home, you’re not only preventing accidents but also creating a space where your puppy can explore and play without risk.
Puppy-Proofing Tips for Every Room
1. Living Room
The living room is likely where your puppy will spend a lot of time, so it’s crucial to make this area safe.
- Secure Cables and Wires: Puppies love to chew, and electrical cords are often an irresistible target. Use cord organizers or tape to secure loose cables out of your puppy’s reach. You can also purchase cord covers designed specifically for pet-proofing.
- Hide or Remove Small Items: Anything small enough to be swallowed, such as coins, buttons, or small toys, should be kept out of reach. These items can be choking hazards or cause internal blockages.
- Protect Furniture: If you have valuable or delicate furniture, consider using slipcovers or throws to protect them from sharp puppy claws and potential accidents. Training your puppy to stay off the furniture can also help prevent damage.
2. Kitchen
The kitchen can be a hazardous place for a puppy, with its abundance of tempting smells and dangerous items.
- Secure Trash Bins: Puppies are naturally curious and might be tempted to explore the trash. Secure bins with lids, or consider storing them inside cabinets.
- Store Chemicals Safely: Cleaning supplies and other chemicals should be stored in high cabinets or behind childproof locks. Many household chemicals are toxic to dogs, so it’s important they’re completely inaccessible.
- Keep Food Out of Reach: Many human foods, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs. Store all food securely in cabinets or the refrigerator, and never leave food unattended on countertops.
3. Bedrooms
Bedrooms may seem like a safe space, but they can also pose dangers to a curious puppy.
- Store Clothing and Shoes: Puppies often chew on clothing and shoes, which can lead to ingestion of fabric or laces. Store these items in closets or drawers where your puppy can’t reach them.
- Secure Jewelry and Small Accessories: Small items like jewelry, hair ties, and makeup can be easily swallowed and pose a choking hazard. Keep these items stored in closed containers.
- Protect Electrical Cords: As in the living room, make sure to secure any electrical cords that might be lying around.
4. Bathroom
The bathroom contains several items that can be harmful to puppies if ingested or played with.
- Close Toilet Lids: Puppies can be tempted to drink from the toilet, which can expose them to harmful bacteria or chemicals from cleaning agents. Always keep the toilet lid closed.
- Store Medications Safely: Medications, even over-the-counter ones, can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Store all medications in high cabinets or medicine cabinets that your puppy can’t access.
- Keep Cleaning Supplies and Toiletries Out of Reach: Items like toothpaste, soap, and shampoos can be toxic if ingested. Store these items in cabinets or drawers that your puppy cannot open.
5. Garage and Basement
These areas often contain tools, chemicals, and other items that can be hazardous to puppies.
- Store Tools and Chemicals Safely: Garages and basements often house items like antifreeze, fertilizers, and power tools, all of which can be dangerous to your puppy. Store these items on high shelves or in locked cabinets.
- Check for Small Objects: Nuts, bolts, and other small objects that are often found in garages or basements can be choking hazards. Make sure these areas are clean and free of debris.
- Block Access to Dangerous Areas: Consider blocking off access to the garage or basement unless you are there to supervise your puppy.
Outdoor Puppy-Proofing Tips
Your backyard or garden is an extension of your home and should also be puppy-proofed to keep your furry friend safe.
1. Secure the Perimeter
Ensure that your fence is secure and high enough to prevent your puppy from escaping. Check for any gaps or holes where your puppy might squeeze through. If you have a pool, make sure it’s fenced off to prevent accidental falls.
2. Remove Toxic Plants
Some common plants, such as azaleas, lilies, and tulips, are toxic to dogs. Research the plants in your garden and remove any that could be harmful to your puppy.
3. Store Garden Tools and Chemicals
Garden tools, fertilizers, and pesticides can be dangerous if ingested or chewed on by a curious puppy. Store these items in a locked shed or garage where your puppy cannot access them.
4. Provide Shade and Fresh Water
Puppies can overheat quickly, especially in warmer months. Make sure your backyard has plenty of shaded areas where your puppy can rest, and always provide fresh water to keep them hydrated.
Training and Supervision: Key to Successful Puppy-Proofing
Puppy-proofing your home is only part of the equation. Training and supervision are equally important in ensuring your puppy’s safety.
1. Basic Training
Teaching your puppy basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “come” can be incredibly useful in preventing them from getting into dangerous situations. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work well with puppies.
2. Supervision
Supervision is crucial, especially during the first few weeks when your puppy is exploring their new environment. If you can’t supervise your puppy, consider using a crate or puppy playpen to keep them safe.
3. Consistency is Key
Consistency in training and setting boundaries will help your puppy learn what is acceptable behavior. Make sure all members of your household are on the same page regarding rules and training methods.
Additional Puppy-Proofing Tips
Here are a few more puppy-proofing tips that can help you create a safe and welcoming environment for your new puppy:
1. Invest in a Baby Gate
Baby gates are a great way to restrict your puppy’s access to certain areas of your home, such as staircases, kitchens, or rooms that haven’t been puppy-proofed.
2. Choose Puppy-Safe Toys
Not all toys are suitable for puppies. Choose toys that are specifically designed for puppies and made from durable, non-toxic materials. Avoid toys with small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed.
3. Create a Puppy-Safe Zone
Designate a specific area of your home where your puppy can play and explore safely. This could be a room or a corner of a room that has been thoroughly puppy-proofed.
4. Monitor Windows and Doors
Ensure that windows are securely closed or have screens to prevent your puppy from falling out. Be cautious when opening doors to prevent your puppy from darting outside.
5. Consider a Puppy Cam
If you need to leave your puppy alone for short periods, consider setting up a puppy cam to monitor their behavior. This way, you can check in on them remotely and ensure they’re safe.
Conclusion
Puppy-proofing your home is an essential step in preparing for your new furry family member. By following these puppy-proofing tips, you can create a safe and secure environment where your puppy can thrive. Remember, the key to successful puppy-proofing is not just making physical changes to your home but also providing proper training and supervision. With a little effort and preparation, you can ensure that your puppy has a happy and healthy start in their new home.
By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the joys of puppy parenthood without the added stress of worrying about your pup’s safety. Enjoy the journey with your new best friend!
Looking for Presa Canarios in Bremen, GA?
D&G Kennels is owned and operated by Randy and Lauren Green. Our primary goal at D&G Kennels is to improve and highlight the virtues of the Presa Canario (also known as the Canary Mastiff) breed. We deal solely in imports, with regular trips to the Canary Islands to select our breeding stock, looking always for the ideals in working ability, health, and correct conformation. For over 20 years, we’ve put our time and passion into these dogs, and our kennel is one of only a handful of breeders that have been working with the breed for so long. We do take appointments for kennel visits, so please give us a call today!