{"id":9993,"date":"2022-05-03T15:33:35","date_gmt":"2022-05-03T15:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/blog\/uncategorized\/puppy-proofing-the-house\/"},"modified":"2023-09-12T08:05:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T08:05:55","slug":"puppy-proofing-the-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/new-puppy\/puppy-essentials\/puppy-proofing-the-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Puppy Proofing: Top 10 Tips for your Home and Yard"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Puppy proofing?..  What\u2019s that then? We doubt you\u2019ve given this much thought when there are so many other exciting things to think about when getting a new puppy. Trust us though, it\u2019s pretty important to keep your puppy safe and stop your home from potentially getting destroyed by your new Tasmanian Devil pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we welcome a puppy into our home we need to make sure the environment is safe for them by puppy proofing it. But what is puppy proofing a house really all about? And just how much damage can that bundle of fluff do anyway? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well read on, and we\u2019ll tell you all the reasons you should puppy proof your home, there\u2019s our handy checklist to puppy proofing and even some extra ideas for stress free puppy proofing. We\u2019re nice like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Berkay Gumustekin<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for more puppy tips and tricks, or perhaps a kind and listening ear to coach you through life with a new puppy, then download the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a>. We have a team of puppy coaches<\/a> ready to help you with your puppy, and a dedicated puppy training program for you to work through. The pitter patter of tiny paws need not be so worrisome, we\u2019ve got you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why should I puppy proof the house?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you think of a puppy proof house what springs to mind? For us we want an environment for our puppies that is safe, but what does that mean exactly, and why wouldn\u2019t a regular house be safe enough?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well listen up! These puppies get into everything! And we really do mean everything! They are super curious and investigate things with their mouth, which means chewing galore, eating the craziest things, pawing and jumping on anything that may be in their way. If you imagine the phrase \u2018bull in a china shop\u2019 well that\u2019s puppies for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you first bring your puppy home they will spend a lot of time indoors. They won\u2019t be fully vaccinated and out and about just yet, so it\u2019s important to make sure you puppy proof your house. We\u2019d recommend you do this before you bring them home so that you\u2019re well prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, puppy proofing your house is about making sure your puppy’s world has nothing dangerous in it. That way, you can relax when you\u2019re not watching them or with them. This will be essential as you can\u2019t possibly stay with them 24\/7, not to mention you will want to teach them to be happy on their own, so puppy proofing your house means you can relax knowing that they\u2019re safe and well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Matthew Henry<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Checklist for successfully puppy-proofing your house<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When puppy proofing your house, it\u2019s important to be thorough. Don\u2019t forget how curious your puppy is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do a full puppy proofing house audit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, this means sitting down in your house and looking around at what might be dangerous for your puppy. Write down everything you see that you think might possibly be a hazard. Check for dangers like electrical cables, cleaning supplies, strings from hanging blinds, poisonous plants, small ornaments or sharp objects, expensive rugs etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operation puppy proof house begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to take action to puppy proof your house. It\u2019s always good to prepare things you need in your puppy\u2019s space to make it totally comfortable and safe for them. This typically involves doing things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Keep cables and leads out of reach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taping up or blocking off cables that could be chewed on. Laptop and phone chargers are always a favorite for a teething puppy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Tie up any loose ends, literally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tying up blind strings or anything hanging down that your puppy might climb or get tangled in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Put your plants on a pedestal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Raise plants high up out of pups reach, or move them out and away from the puppy’s area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Keep the bathroom doors firmly shut <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pups are curious and the thought of drinking out of a toilet bowl, regardless, does not put them off. Drinking from the toilet is never a good idea, is it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Keep the bins squared away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rummaging around for food, whether its fresh or not-so fresh, isn’t a deterrent for pups. Locking bin lids and putting the recycling out is a good way to stop your pup dragging your chicken carcass from last Sundays roast around your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Roll up, Roll up, the rugs we mean!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taking up any expensive rugs. Your puppy will pee or chew on them so good to pack them away for a while! Don’t worry, as soon as they our toilet trained<\/a>, that lovely teddy rug can come straight back out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Clear any small objects <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your pup will think that anything and everything it can pick up, big or small, is a toy that must be played with. Clearing away any small objects that could be a choking hazard to your pup will stop you worrying if you take your eyes off them for a short time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Check your back-stock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure any cleaning products you use are pet-safe and non toxic. Also make sure they are kept locked up safely, you don’t want your pup getting hold of your floor cleaner! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Keep your batteries stored away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remote controls, electronic toys, key fobs and anything else battery operated in your house should be picked up and moved well away from your pup and its designated area. Batteries in any form can be especially dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Give them space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having baby gates set up or a puppy playpen<\/a> are useful for keeping a dedicated space puppy proofed at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Puppy proof for your pup\u2019s arrival home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now you\u2019ve got a perfect puppy proof house – yes it\u2019s a bit of a tongue twister that – let\u2019s make sure you\u2019ve got everything you need for bringing your new puppy home<\/a>. It\u2019s always good to prepare things you need in your puppy\u2019s space to make it totally comfortable and safe for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n