Author

Deni D.

Position

Founder & CEO

Hi there! We're dogAdvisor, an awesome new completely free service for new, aspiring or experienced dog owners like yourselves to learn exactly how to take care of your furry friend!

A hello from dogAdvisor

10 tips for Puppy-Proofing your home

Install Baby Gates: Block access to hazardous areas like kitchens where pup could get burned or bathrooms where toxic cleaners are stored. Gates prevent access while allowing puppy to still see the action.

Remove Loose Items: Put away loose wires, shoes, and children's toys to eliminate tripping hazards and prevent destruction from chewing.

Secure Trash Cans: Lock lids tightly so pup won't eat discarded food or dangerous items like chicken bones, which can cause severe medical issues.

Toxic Houseplants: Relocate plants like lilies, azaleas, rhododendrons, and sago palms to high surfaces away from puppy's reach. They can cause serious gastric and neural issues if nibbled or ingested.

Keep Toilet Lids Closed: Avoid drowning risk if pup falls in and prevent water contamination with toilet water instead of fresh.

Address Fire Hazards - Protect curious pup from hot oven doors, exposed flames from candles or fireplaces that could cause severe burns. Install barriers to block access to kitchen when cooking. Keep fireplace gates closed and do not leave open flames like candles unattended.

Check for Gaps: Inspect fence for any gaps, holes or loose boards. Secure any tiny openings along fencing or gates with wire mesh that a pup could squeeze through and escape the confines of the yard. A missing puppy could ingest something toxic while outdoors or end up lost and injured.

Puppy-Proof Backyard: Thoroughly check the entire yard for hazards before first allowing puppy access. Scan for fertilizers, insect baits, antifreeze leaks from vehicles that could poison puppy when chewed or ingested. Also fill any holes or gaps where small pups could injure themselves or escape. Remove debris, sharp objects, toxic plants and secure latches.

Set Up Play Space: Provide engaging, safe toys in a dedicated puppy play area indoors or outside to enrich, stimulate and distract rambunctious puppy daily. Rotate toys to refresh the novelty factor and retain interest. Monitor all play for safety and do not leave unsupervised with any toy that could cause injury if improperly used.

Secure Household Toxins - Lock away any toxins or hazardous substances from all areas puppy may access. This includes laundry pods, cleaning products, automotive supplies in garage, paints, or medications. Use child-locks, closed cabinets and concealments whenever possible. Also ensure the poison control hotline number is posted and easily accessible. If ingestion does occur, immediately contact your veterinarian.

From the experts: Introduce Scent-Based Training: Incorporating scent-based training methods can not only enrich your puppy's cognitive development but also serve as a powerful tool for puppy-proofing. By teaching your puppy to recognise specific scents associated with hazards (like chemicals or dangerous plants), you can help them learn to avoid potential dangers intuitively. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also deepens your bond with your furry companion through positive reinforcement.

What else do I need to puppy-proof in my home?

Max can help answer any of your puppy-proofing questions! Just ask Max for advice for free at any time

See More Articles →