Dog-Proofing Your Home: A 3-Step Guide

Mess dachshund puppy was left at home alone, started making a mess. Pet tore up furniture and chews home slipper of owner. Baby dog is sitting in the middle of chaos, gnawed clothes, looks piteously.

When you adopt a puppy into your home, you should be ready for an adventure! Owning a puppy is full of ups and downs, and sometimes they can get too mischievous for their own good. That’s why it’s our job, as their caretakers, to keep them safe. One part of this is dog-proofing your home.

We recommend dog-proofing your home before you bring your puppy home. But where do you start? Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Consider what is in your dog’s line of sight

If a dog sees something, chances are they’ll go after it. So, when you start dog-proofing your home, check to see what is in your dog’s line of sight. Are there particular objects that would grab their attention? Is there food laying out that they could easily reach? Put away any items that your dog could chew up.

Step 2: How high can they jump?

Your pup sees an item that they want, but you think it’s ok because they can’t reach it. This may be true most of the time, but remember, dogs can jump. If an item interests them enough, some dogs will even jump up onto a counter to get after it. That’s why we recommend placing items away in cupboards or storage containers so that there is no way your pup can access it.

Step 3: Install childproof latches

You’ve put your items away where you pup can’t see them or jump to them, but don’t think that’s the end of it. Some of the more curious puppies will start nosing around in your cabinets and trash cans. As such, it’s best to apply childproof latches to anything your dog could pry open.

And there you have it! While you will certainly have to make adjustments once your puppy is home, these three steps should help prevent the worst of your puppy’s mischief.

Unfortunately, there will be times when you can’t keep an eye on your puppy to prevent their mischief. When that happens, contact the pet sitters at Hill Country Pet Sitters Plus at 830-624-9284.