A dog is a big responsibility, and while they can often be man's best friend, they still need a lot of care and attention to keep them happy. They are not something to take lightly, so it's essential to start with the proper knowledge if you decide that a new furry friend is for you. Before bringing a new puppy home, you need to make time to ensure that your house is a safe space for your puppy.
1. Move Cords Out of Reach
Puppies will chew on anything so it’s important to remove anything that could be a harmful chewing risk for them. You need to move any electrical cords out of the puppy’s reach so they can’t be chewed on, and this will also make it a safer space for your puppy to run around. In addition, you should also keep curtains and blind cords up from a puppy’s reach.
2. Keep Bags and Shoes Off of the Floor
It’s important to keep bags and shoes off of the floor so your new puppy won’t be tempted to chew on them. It’s not fair to puppies to have these temptations placed at their level but then get in trouble when they can’t resist anymore. To make things easier on everyone, remove bags and shoes from the floor so your new puppy won’t be tempted.
3. Close Off Under The Bed Space
If you have a large dog, there's a good chance that he's going to be able to jump on your bed. To prevent him from getting inside your bed while you're away, close off the space under the bed. If it's too hard to reach, put a rug down first and then put the barrier up, so it feels like there's an extra cushion. Using blankets will not work because enthusiastic little paws likely tear through them.
4. Use a Low Humidity Door Mat
A low humidity doormat will allow you to walk through the wet areas of your house without getting your shoes soaked. It is excellent for pets since it will keep the wear and tear off the floor, particularly on hardwood floors. Plus, one of these mats will last you a long time, so you can get one that fits easily into your budget.
5. Block the Doorway
If you have a giant dog, likely, he can easily block the doorway. It is dangerous for both your pup and anyone trying to enter or exit the house. You might think closing the door is a good option, but dogs can quickly push through doors regardless of their weight. Try using a large item like an ottoman to block off the entrance instead. If you want to make it even safer, place a towel underneath the ottoman, so there's no risk of slipping and hurting yourself.
6. Create a Barrier Under The Couch
If big dogs are a problem in your home, you'll need to make some changes. Try putting a barrier of pillows or blankets under the couch to stop puppiess from getting under furniture. If you can't do this, consider putting down large pieces of fabric like towels and padding them with newspapers as well.
If you try out these dog-proofing ideas, it will be better to protect your pup from the inevitable accidents from his curiosity. Though it might seem annoying to do some of these things before bringing a new puppy home, it's easy and worth the time if it helps prevent a lot of costly repair and clean-up bills.
.
