Making your home puppy-proof:
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it's crucial to ensure your home and yard are safe for your curious and energetic new family member. Here are some essential tips to puppy-proof your living space:
Making Your Home Puppy-Proof
1. Remove Floor-Level Temptations Put away floor plants, decorations, shoes, and clothing. Puppies often chew on or root around in items on the floor. Removing these objects helps prevent your puppy from developing bad habits.
2. Secure Hanging Fabrics Ensure tablecloths, runners, and other hanging materials are secure. A curious tug from your puppy can bring curtains or a table setting crashing down. Use tape or tacks to secure any hanging decorations.
3. Clear Low Furniture Surfaces Remove objects from coffee tables, end tables, and other low furniture. Puppies explore with their paws and mouths, so keeping items like potpourri and photos out of reach minimizes unwanted exploration. Remember to account for tail level too; a wagging tail can knock over knick-knacks.
4. Protect Cords and Wires Secure phone wires and electric cords to prevent chewing, which can harm your puppy or damage your wiring. Tape cords higher on the wall, cover them with rubber, or use PVC tubing for protection.
5. Keep Children's Toys Out of Reach Ensure children put away toys and any small parts. Items smaller than your puppy should be stored safely to avoid choking hazards. This also encourages kids to keep their spaces tidy.
6. Safeguard Wooden Furniture Cover table and chair legs with thick plastic sheeting or PVC tubing to prevent chewing. Puppies instinctively chew on wood, so protecting these surfaces is essential.
7. Check Hidden Areas for Dangers Inspect every nook and cranny for potential hazards, including under and behind furniture. Secure cleaning products, medications, and any other harmful substances in cabinets out of reach.
Making Your Yard Puppy-Proof
1. Clean Up the Yard Remove garden hoses, tools, and plastic toys. Secure anything your puppy might fall into or chew on in a safe location, such as under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard near the yard.
2. Block Hazardous Areas Fence off the pool and other dangerous zones. Ensure your puppy can't squeeze through the grating. Even water-loving breeds can struggle in pools if they haven't learned to swim or locate the steps.
3. Store Chemicals Safely Put away lawn fertilizers, insecticides, and paint products. Store these substances under the kitchen sink or in a secure cupboard to keep them out of reach.
4. Inspect Fencing for Escape Routes Check your fencing for gaps or holes that your puppy could crawl through or get stuck in. Ensure gates and fence sections are secure and puppy-proof.
Final Tips
Puppy-proofing your home is straightforward and will make training and caring for your new puppy much easier. At Swifto, we remind you to also invest in fun toys for your puppy. Bringing home a new dog is not just about rearranging your life; it's about adding joy and fun! A safe and happy puppy means a relaxed and happy owner.
Swifto's Puppy Visit Services
At Swifto, we understand the unique needs of puppies. Our specialized puppy visit services are designed to provide your puppy with the care and attention they need while you're away. Our trained professionals ensure that your puppy gets the right amount of exercise, socialization, and potty breaks, helping them grow into well-adjusted dogs.
For more information on our puppy visit services and to schedule a visit, visit Swifto. Let us help you ensure your puppy grows up healthy, happy, and well-exercised.
