Puppy Proofing Home
Puppies are just like babies, for those that have had them in your current flat or house, you have an advantage as there are man dangers in the house that you need to identify and remove.
Puppies, just like babies are very inquisitive with no knowledge to help them. That is where you step in. To help identify the dangers you should also use the rest of the family, your dog walker and dog trainer.
You need to change your perspective, they are both small, so like them, go down on all fours and have a good look around. Pick up all small items, puppies will eat anything, many of these things can block the puppies digestive system. Typical things to be found include coins (enough for a drink?), pins, paper clips, jewellery, some things you had not seen for years.
One of the dangers is linked to a puppies desire to chew anything. You need to train them to avoid chewing dangerous things and those of importance to you.
A real danger in todays flat are the multitude of electrical cables that are at low level around the flat. To reduce the risk.
Tidy and tape the cables. There are many good commercial products that will help.
Spray the cables with bitter apple or one of the bad tasting chew deterrents.
Remove to a higher / safer level any valuables or sentimental items that could be damaged by chewing. Do not forget that puppies grow more rapidly than their intelligence, so allow for their growth.
Now you can scatter the various toys that you have bought for him that he can play and chew safely. The floor now becomes the puppies area, so you may need to find a different spot for shoes etc. It can be difficult with young children in the house with a puppy. The best way is to have areas dedicated for both.
Puppies love pulling things, this includes hanging tablecloths, you may need to remove them whilst you have a puppy.
Puppies like babies need to be kept in a safe area, whether inside or outside. If you cannot make a safe area for the puppy, consider using a crate (a metal cage). When you are not there to supervise him, put him in the safe area. Crates are a great training aid, they should be made homely, with cushions and a few toys, it is a great place for him to rest and feel secure. The door being left open, so he can come and go, unless you are restraining the puppy.
A few tips – Not just for you but for all those in the house.
Keep all windows and windows shut.
Other doors should also be kept closed, such as the oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble-dryer.
Keep all shoes and slippers in cupboards.
Remove or change to short hanging tablecloths – otherwise the puppy could pull down the fully-laid table!.
Care with all electrical cables within reach of the puppy. Either protect them with cable protectors or route them safely.
All breakables out of puppies reach
Check the houseplants, some of them are dangerous to dogs, particularly bulbs such as daffodils and Lily of the Valley.
Care with lit candles and guard fires.
The lower sections of bookcases should be for books you do not mind being chewed.
After shopping remove the plastic shopping bags, as they can and are eaten a lot by puppies and dogs leading to digestive tract blockages.
Child on floor level kitchen cupboards are a good idea.
Do not leave food scraps around. Particularly dangerous are chicken bones as they splinter when chewed.
Keep toilet lids close so your puppy won't fall in or learn to drink from the bowl.
Remove or shorten anything that dangles such as blinds and curtain cords which the puppy might jump and pull.
All the best with the fun that the puppy will bring you.