Pet Proofing: Helpful Tips to Dog-Proof Your Home

When purchasing a new dog, it is important that pet owners ensure their home is dog proofed. This is not dissimilar from bringing a newborn into the house. However, dogs are more likely to explore the world around them via their taste and smell. Once they have caught a scent, they often follow it without having regard for their own safety or being aware of their destructive behaviors around the house. Destructive behaviors may include climbing furniture or shelving units to gain access to something out of their reach, chewing furniture or eating objects, plants or household products. As it isn't always possible to supervise your dog or train them to understand behaviors which are and are not acceptable, dog proofing your house can help protect your dog and your home, providing owners piece of mind when leaving their dog at home.

When house proofing, it is important to walk through the house and look for items on display at both your dog's eye level and those higher up that your dog can still see. It may be a good idea to crawl on your hands and knees to get a good idea of your house from your dog's perspective.

You want to remove any hazardous or dangerous objects from within your dogs reach and line of sight. Even if out of reach, such objects can prove tempting for your dog, leading him to find ways to access them. Look for objects such as house plants (which can be poisonous to dogs if chewed). Lock away dog foods to avoid over-consumption, human foods which can be poisonous to dogs (such as onions or chocolate). Hazardous products such as household cleaners, fertilizers, or medications should be out of eyesight and locked away in cabinets, particularly those at your dog's level. Removing small objects which your dog may chew or accidentally choke on (such as children's toys) should be removed. If there is a room where you are unable to remove all hazardous objects, ensuring your dog does not have access to this room is important. Dog gates can be used, and these also help to block staircases, ensuring your dog does not fall down the stairs. They also help to cordon off areas of your house. This is also important if there are family members who are allergic to your dog, helping to keep their room out of bounds and reducing the spread of dog hairs to this room.

In the garden, ensuring trash is safely stored in trash cans and is inaccessible to pets is important to ensure they do not chew or ingest leftover foods. If your garden is fenced, check that there are no areas in the fence where your dog may be able to escape. Removing anti-freeze from the house or garage is important, particularly as this has a pleasant taste to dogs. Ensuring electrical cords are out of reach, or taping them together onto walls is important to keep these away from your dog, particularly as puppies may have a tendency to chew on these.

Dog proofing areas of the house help pet owners to avoid having to use dog crates for long periods of time. It allows your dog the freedom to move safely and comfortably whilst you are away from the home.