Bringing Home a New Pup? Get Ready for One Wild Ride!

When you live with dogs, especially a new pup, you learn quickly how fast your home turns into one big chew toy. It doesn’t take long for a curious dog to discover the treasure trove of goodies lurking under your couch or the oh-so-tempting cords plugged in everywhere.

As someone who’s worked with, trained, and studied animals for over a decade, I can tell you that dogs are fluffy danger vacuums on four legs. They investigate the world through their nose and mouth, making every room in your home a potential minefield. But don’t worry – with a little preparation, you can dog-proof your place and keep your canine companion safe and sound.

Assess the Situation from Your Pup’s Point of View

The key to effective dog-proofing is to look at your home through your pup’s eyes – literally. Take a moment to get down on their level and survey each room. You might be surprised by what catches their attention at their line of sight.

That brand new watch you put on your bedside table? Perfect height for a golden retriever to snatch. Small items within easy reach should be moved to safer locations, like drawers or high shelves. And if you’ve got a jumper or climber on your hands, you’ll want to rethink any furniture they could potentially scale and knock over.

Identify Hazards Room by Room

Now that you’ve adopted the canine perspective, it’s time to systematically dog-proof each area of your home. Let’s start with the most treacherous zones – the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.

The Kitchen: A Dog’s Delight (and Danger Zone)

The kitchen is a veritable smorgasbord for our furry friends, filled with tantalizing foods, medications, and cleaning supplies – all of which can be extremely hazardous if consumed. Keep cabinets locked, counters clear, and trash secured in a covered, dog-proof bin. And don’t forget to tuck away any small, easily swallowable items like twist ties or bread clips.

The Bathroom: A Porcelain Playground

Bathrooms are a dog’s favorite place to hunt for “toys” to play with – from loose hair ties to dangling floss. Keep the door shut, cabinets locked, and the toilet lid down to prevent any unfortunate incidents. And stash away any small accessories that could become choking hazards.

The Laundry Room: A Furry Forbidden Zone

With their abundance of cords, chemicals, and tempting textures, laundry rooms pose all sorts of risks for curious canines. The best policy? Keeping the door firmly closed and preventing access entirely.

Securing the Rest of Your Home

Now that we’ve tackled the high-risk areas, let’s move on to the rest of your house. In the living room, be mindful of electrical cords, open windows, and reclining chairs – all prime targets for a playful pup. Bedrooms require a keen eye for small, swallowable objects, while the garage and backyard need to be thoroughly inspected for potential escape routes and other hazards.

Creating Cozy, Safe Spaces

Of course, dog-proofing isn’t just about keeping your pup out of trouble – it’s also about providing them with comfortable, designated areas to relax and unwind. Place their bed, toys, and other familiar items in a quiet, secure spot, and consider using baby gates to section off rooms you’d prefer they avoid.

By taking the time to thoroughly dog-proof your home, you’ll not only keep your canine companion safe, but you’ll also give them the freedom to happily explore their new environment. And who knows? You might even find a few hidden treasures of your own in the process!

Ready to get started? Head over to ihavedogs.com for more tips and resources on creating a dog-friendly home. Happy dog-proofing!

Key Takeaways:

• Look at your home from your pup’s perspective to identify potential hazards
• Focus on high-risk areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room
• Secure small items, block access to dangerous spaces, and provide cozy, safe zones
• Dog-proof both indoors and outdoors to keep your furry friend happy and healthy