Pets; who’d have them? Well, more than half of UK households, actually, with 25% of households owning a dog, of which there are 9 million here, in total. So many of us, then, know that feeling, that once in a lifetime moment, of taking that tiny fluffy ball of joy home and introducing it to its new home. Yet, as anybody who’s had a baby dog will tell you, you shouldn’t be fooled by those puppy-dog eyes; these tiny creatures can be destructive and difficult, and the worst part is, they’re adorable while doing it.
Before you bring your new pup home with you, it’s important to ready your sanctuary for many long months of training and mess, then. Here’s how; our 4 IDEAL ways to puppy proof your home.
TAKE YOUR PUPPY TO DOG TRAINING CLASSES
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas, as the old saying goes. The best way to promote a lifetime of good behaviour is to start as early as possible with training techniques – and this includes a professional class to ensure you’re doing it right. There’s plenty you can teach your dog on your own and at home, but professional classes will not only grant your pup the best training, but they’ll also allow your pet to socialise and become accustomed to being around other people (and dogs). Professionals like premierdogtraining.co.uk provide a variety of training for adult dogs and puppies alike.
PROTECT YOUR POSSESSIONS
If there are any items you don’t want played with, chewed and, let’s be more frank about this, absolutely destroyed, hide them and hide them now. There are things you wouldn’t even consider at risk that your puppy will hunt down and make a right mess of. So, always err on the safe side.
It’s best to make your home, temporarily at least, as minimalist as possible, so put away any loose ornaments, as well as any hanging fabrics like long curtains or tablecloths, and make sure anything indispensable which always needs to be out is at least positioned on a high shelf.
BLOCK OFF FORBIDDEN AREAS
Your puppy is going to want to explore every corner of your home and will follow you everywhere (seriously, everywhere). That’s lovely, but also requires a little foresight so you can safeguard your place. If you’ve already decided that your puppy needs to stay in the bottom level of your home, for example, or won’t be allowed in the bedroom at any point in the future, then you need to make sure your puppy never has access to it. Dog gates are a good idea to segregate the house, or simply closing doors on rooms you don’t want your puppy to venture into is the bare minimum effort required.
REMOVE ANY DANGEROUS ITEMS
Power cords and plug sockets are particular favourites of puppies who like to chew (that’s all puppies, then), so it’s important to get rid of any loose cables or find a way to hide all power outlets and cords so that your puppy can’t get to them. You should also take care with cleaning products if they’re in a low kitchen cupboard which the puppy can get into easily.
Also be extra cautious with items thrown in the garbage, as your puppy will make its way into anything you decide to throw out – and will probably eat it. So, nothing harmful, toxic or a potential choking hazard.
Should you still be in the decision stage about whether to get a dog, firstly; why did you read to the end of this article? And secondly; check out these; our 10 IDEAL considerations when getting a dog.
