8 TIPS FOR PET-PROOFING YOUR HOME
Whether you are bringing home a new puppy or adult dog, pet-proofing your home is really going to help them settle into their new home and family. We have put together a list of 8 tips for successfully pet-proofing your home.
1. Clear everything from the floors
Clear your floors as much as possible. This is going to help with all sorts of unwanted behaviours from your new dog.
A good (and potentially fun) way of trying to understand the world (or maybe just your house, to begin with) from a dog's perspective is to get down on all fours and move around to see what items might get in the way of safe movements. It might be a fun activity to do with your kids in preparation to welcome home a new furry family member:)
1a. Consider potentially dangerous places for hiding or climbing
Such as recliner chairs, for example: they can be hazardous for dogs if you adjust the position while they are hiding underneath.
Or perhaps there's a dodgy shelf in the house, make sure to attach it securely to the wall before the new, playful family member arrives.
2. Remove mats & rugs
It is best to remove any rugs or mats until you are sure that your new pet is toilet-trained. One thing to note - if your pet goes once on the rug and you don't clean it effectively, they may get into the habit of going there all the time. We know this to be true from personal experience, so remove them before they get the chance!
3. Remove any electrical cords that maybe able to be reached by your dog
This doesn't just mean the floor, anywhere that they can reach them. Again, this is where getting down on all fours would be a good idea - to help you notice every possible hazard.
4. Remove anything that might cause temptation to chew
This means TV remotes, could also mean couch cushions, candles, video games, coasters on coffee tables... etc.. Remember, this is only for a short while as your pet learns the rules of the house and gets more comfortable in their new environment.
Also, make sure there are a lot of options available of things that they are allowed to chew, such as toys. This will help to keep them distracted from the things that they are not allowed to chew.
5. Safeguard chemicals, such as cleaning chemicals in the bathroom and kitchen
Dogs have no understanding about chemicals. If it smells nice, and is made of nice chewable plastic then they will chew it. It's as simple as that!
So, don't just keep medicine and household chemicals away from children, keep them away from pups, too.
5a. Pay attention to any human foods that can be potentially harmful to dogs
For example, the ubiquitous sweetener xylitol (used in peanut butter, chewing gum, etc) is highly toxic and can be fatal for dogs.
Chocolate may be the stuff our our human dreams, but make sure to keep it away from your dog - for them, it's a nightmare.
6. Create a safe area for moments when you can't supervise your dog, such as a playpen for small dogs or a safe room with a doggie gate
It will take your new dog a while to get used to both their new surroundings and the rules of the new house. Set your dog up for success by putting them in a safe space when you can't properly supervise them.
Baby gates are good devices to teach your dog boundaries and keep them away from undesired areas.
7. Remove poisonous plants from your home and garden
Try to remove any plants that maybe harmful to your new pet. Some dogs have never lived in a house before and others just like to chew and taste everything so do your dog a favour and reduce any temptation that they may have.
8. Only leave your new dog off leash outside in a fenced area
Your dog may not know their name yet and if they do they may not realise that you are their new family yet. Please never leave your dog off without sufficient training and time put into recall.
We commend at least three months in their new home before off leash walking.
