Puppy Proofing Your Home
Adding a new puppy to your family is so exciting, but it can also be a ton of work — especially if you’re bringing a puppy home.
These mischievous little ones are experts in exhausting your energy and testing your patience — but lucky for them, forgiveness comes easy when you’re that cute!
Preparing for your new friend is super important, and when it comes to puppy-proofing your home, don’t forget about these pro tips to take pet safety to the next level.
Here are some tips on how to puppy proof your home:
- Declutter the home: Puppies are prone to chewing on anything they can find, so be sure to pick up small objects, laundry and clothing items from the floor including shoes and socks, chewable objects on low tables, and children’s toys.
- Secure electrical cords and cables: Puppies may be tempted to chew on electrical cords, which are dangerous. Use cord covers, clips, or organizers to keep cords out of the puppy's reach or tuck them away behind furniture.
- Store chemicals and medications safely: Keep all household cleaners, chemicals, and medications in securely closed cabinets or high shelves that are inaccessible to the puppy.
- Block off unsafe areas: Use baby gates or an x-pen to restrict the puppy's access to areas of your home that may be dangerous or cannot be supervised. Let me say that again, use baby gates. Management is key.
- Keep trash and recycling bins secure: Garbage and recycle bins are full of temptations! Use bins with secure lids or keep them in a locked cabinet to prevent the puppy from having access to them and potentially ingesting harmful items.
- Remove plants that are toxic to dogs: Many common household plants, such as philodendron and lilies are poisonous to dogs if ingested.
- Secure the yard: Check the yard for unsecure gate latches or gaps in fencing where a puppy could easily sneak out. Check for poisonous plants in the yard and consider removal or using barriers to prevent access. Always monitor puppies around pools and ponds.
- Supervise the puppy: One of the most important aspects of puppy proofing is providing supervision. Keep a close eye on the puppy at all times, especially during the early stages of training and exploration, to prevent them from getting into any potential hazards.
Remember, puppies are curious and it's important to take proactive steps to create a safe environment. By puppy proofing your home, you can minimize potential risks and provide a safe space for the guide dog puppy to grow and learn.