Just as with the arrival of a new baby, when the exciting day finally comes whereby you are due to new puppy checklist and pick up your puppy, either from a responsible breeder you have thoroughly checked out or an animal rescue center, the house needs to be prepared.
So, with that being said, continue reading to discover a complete guide to puppy-proofing your home.
The More Training Pads, the Better
For even the most intelligent, responsive, and obedient little puppy, it would be unrealistic to expect that they will not have little urine-related accidents around your home in their first few months.
Often, young puppies seem to subconsciously hunt out the most inconvenient, awkward, and hard-to-reach spots to have such accidents, and it is for this reason that, aside from your dog, training pads for puppies are man’s second-best friend.
Puppy training pads encourage the puppy to relieve themselves in specific areas of your home and are the best thing to use when house training; if you have to nip out for a few minutes at any point, it will save you having to mop up after them when you return.
A Puppy Gate Is an Absolute Must!
Puppies are naturally curious creatures, and as a result, you must ensure that they are never in danger of falling down the stairs, climbing into the basement, or accessing rooms that have not been checked for hazards.
The best way to enclose your puppy in a particularly safe and secure area of your home is to install a puppy gate, and ideally, you should also place one at the top of the stairs and another at the bottom of your staircase.
Keep All Plants (& Almost Everything Else) Out of Reach
Unlike rabbits, who have an innate sense of plants that are poisonous compared to plants and flowers that are just downright tasty, dogs and, moreover, puppies, are likely to taste everything they possibly can, even if they pay for it later.
To avoid any such accidents or even possible fatalities with your puppy chewing on a plant or flower which will do harm to their stomach, you should remove any plants that a puppy can reach. This also applies to faux plants and shrubs, as your puppy is still likely to chew on the plastic and could choke on the bits that remain in their mouth.
Register with an Established Vet
Ideally, as soon as you have found the puppy that you have fallen in love with and know that you need to bring home as the latest addition to your family, you should start researching veterinary surgeries in your local area.
A good veterinary practice will have a wealth of knowledge, not to mention previous experience, in dealing with young dogs and puppies, and will be able to advise you on everything from annual vaccinations to general healthcare at home. You can search online for a reputed veterinary surgery, such as easyvet.com, for expert veterinary care for your pet.
Invest in New Cleaning Products
Unfortunately, one of the most common problems that can cause serious illness and even, tragically, fatalities in puppies and indeed adult dogs is when they drink or eat something which is toxic in the home.
Before you go and get your new puppy, go through absolutely everything in terms of cleaning products, toiletries, and even makeup items to check that, although you do not want your puppy to bite them, if they do, it will not instantly poison them.
Hide Every Single Wire in the House
Most animals, and not even just young ones, seem to love the electrifying ‘Russian roulette’ game of chewing and even eating wires and cables, and although these days most plug outlets and appliances are designed to trip if the circuit is broken, you simply cannot afford to take the chance.
Thankfully, wire protectors that are specifically designed to combat the sharp teeth and claws of dogs, rabbits, and other animals are readily available and can be bought from your local hardware store for just a couple of dollars.
Alternatively, you could also just remove any exposed wires throughout your property. Even if the wire leads to a lamp on a high shelf, your puppy will grow and soon be able to reach practically anything.
The Patio & Garden
A lot of people know how to puppy-proof a house but struggle when it comes to ensuring the patio and garden area of their home, front and back, are safe for their puppy to play in and explore.
The most important thing to do is ensure that the entire garden is enclosed and secure so that your puppy cannot escape and get into harm’s way, especially if you live near a busy road. You should only use pet-friendly plants as flower bed planters and in the borders and edging and only ever use pet-safe lawn fertilizers.
Other Important Tips
Alongside the most important tips and techniques for puppy-proofing your home, as outlined above, there are also a host of other considerations and warnings which you must be aware of.
In your kitchen, you should be extra vigilant when cleaning the floors, countertops, and other surfaces, and never leave plastic or even paper bags on the floor or within reach of your pet. Always keep food out of reach and keep your trash bin covered permanently and securely. Additionally, it would also be a good idea to keep your kitchen cabinets and drawers locked with a childproof lock to avoid your puppy harming themselves.
In the living room, be sure to keep your couch covered with a blanket that is securely tucked into the sides to avoid damage, especially because a puppy’s claws are particularly sharp. Finally, in the bathroom, always keep the lid to the toilet closed and toilet roll off the floor. When it comes to medication bottles and tablets, these should be in a locked bathroom cabinet or in a bedroom drawer of your dresser.
