Puppy Proofing Your Home: A Checklist For New Parents
(Part 6 of our “12 Pups Prancing: A Canine Christmas Countdown” Blog Series)
Bringing a new puppy into your home is akin to preparing your home for a toddler and it is up to you to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for your puppy. Let's dive into the essentials of puppy proofing your home, covering safety measures and must-have supplies to make your environment the perfect haven for your new family member.
1. Safe Spaces: Designate safe havens for your pup, where they can recharge their batteries after epic play sessions. Consider a cozy crate and other safe areas with a comfortable bed where your pup can unwind and feel secure, ensuring a positive association with their new home. You can even add a crate cover that secures to the outside to help create a den-like spot that lessons stimuli around them.
2. Securing Hazardous Areas: Identify and secure hazardous areas by using baby gates or other barriers. You can also make use of child-proof latches for cabinet doors. This prevents your puppy from accessing potentially dangerous spaces such as the kitchen, laundry room, or areas with electrical cords.
3. Hidden Hazards: Conduct a thorough sweep for hidden hazards like small objects, medications, chemicals, and plants that may be toxic to dogs. Remove temptations like shoes, pens, and remote controls that might mysteriously disappear during the teething phase. Keep all medications in their child-proof containers and out of reach. Puppies are curious explorers, so eliminate potential dangers to keep them safe.
4. Chew-Proofing: Puppies love to explore the world through their mouths. Introduce an arsenal of durable chew toys to satisfy their natural instinct and discourage them from nibbling on furniture, socks, or other items around the house. Consider chew- deterrent sprays, such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray or a home concoction of citrus juices.
5. Sturdy Trash Bins: Invest in trash bins with PhDs in resilience. Your puppy may be a budding explorer, but a bin that requires opposable thumbs to open will keep them from embarking on trash can adventures. Or better yet, place your trash bin under the kitchen sink or behind a pantry door. Dispose of potential hazards like small plastic items or food scraps quickly to avoid ingestion.
6. Electrical Cord Management: Puppies are notorious for their love of chewing on cords. PVC cord organizers and coverings are the best way to deter this behavior and avoid the risk of electric shock or injury.
7. Essential Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies such as a crate, exercise pen, baby gates, collar, leash, food and water bowls, a comfortable bed, and appropriate toys. Quality equipment sets the foundation for positive training experiences and a happy, healthy pup.
8. Puppy-Proofed Flooring: Think about the flooring in your puppy’s play area and choose flooring that laughs in the face of muddy paws and occasional accidents. Opt for easy-to-clean surfaces, such as “life-proof” laminate floors and/or rubber mats. This makes cleanup more manageable during the inevitable potty training phase. Avoid carpeted areas and close doors to bedrooms as puppies will look for a surface that easily soaks up their urine.
9. Vet-Approved Cleaning Products: Accidents happen, especially during the early stages of puppyhood, and your pup might have a quirky sense of humor about where they choose to leave surprises. Avoid cleaners with bleach, ammonia, essential oils and other chemicals. You’ll want an enzymatic cleaner to effectively clean up messes and discourage repeat incidents.
10. Stair Safety: If your home has stairs, install gates to prevent your pup's version of the "stairway to heaven." Gradually introduce your puppy to stairs under supervision to ensure they navigate them safely.
Wrapping It Up
As you get ready to welcome your puppy, create a puppy-proofing checklist to cater to their unique needs and quirks. You may even consider asking for another set of eyes to look for hazards you may have missed. By triple-checking every nook and cranny of your home, you're ensuring a safe and welcoming haven for your newest canine addition, setting the scene for a joyful and harmonious life together.
Want more personalized expert guidance?
If you're expecting to introduce a puppy into the family and want professional help with preparing your home, I invite you to book a 60-minute virtual consultation with me. In this tailored session, I’ll help you make your environment as safe as possible before you bring them home.
Email me today (Laura@absoluteangelva.com) to schedule and let's start this exciting adventure together!
