If you’ve ever searched for how to dog proof your home, it’s likely you’ve also searched for how to dog proof your kitchen, bathroom, garden, doors and possibly even your furniture! Whether you’ve got a puppy or an older dog, their natural love of exploring and their inquisitiveness can lead to torn-down curtains, scratched floors or chewed up shoes. In some cases it can also lead to your dog getting injured so it’s a good idea to stay covered with a pet plan like Bivvy.
Keep attractive nuisances out of reach of your dog
Whether you’ve got a beautifully ornate vase of flowers or a potted plant, both present real danger to a curious dog. Keep everything out of falling reach. If you have placed a vase on a side table that your dog is prone to running past, then this is just asking for trouble
There is a surprisingly high number of house plants that are toxic to dogs. Tulips, lilies, rhododendrons, aloe vera and ivy all pose a danger to animals. If you can’t bear to remove them from your house, you will need to take steps to keep them away from an innocent dog.
Wires and electrical cables are another source of attention for dogs. To a dog, these probably look like delicious, rubbery toys that should be pulled and chewed on immediately. Adapt your home to protect your dog. But don’t be afraid that you will have to move everything out of reach of your pets and live in a sterile home. It’s important for them to learn what they can and can’t do and with some proper supervision, it’s just a matter of making mistakes, training and learning (and lots of positive reinforcement with treats).
Give your dog no reason to be destructive
There are many reasons why a dog can become destructive during the day. They might be anxious when their owner is away or they may have health problems, but one of the most common and treatable reasons is due to boredom. The longer you have your dog, the more you will understand their whims and how to keep them occupied around your house.
Leave toys around your home in areas where you want them to be able to play and have fun. Its not that you need to cover every square foot of your home in toys, but you should look at your house from the eyes of your pet. If there is a choice between eating a piece of the wall, and a toy that can be vigorously shaken and chewed, encourage them to choose the safer option.
One of the healthiest ways to encourage your pet to expend their energy outdoors is to hire a dog-walker. Having a regular walker collect your dog and take them for a walk (often with an equally excitable group of doggy pals) is really the best way to dog proof your home. Aside from walks with their owner, regular scheduled walks in the middle of the day really breaks up the boredom for your pet. Be sure to choose a local, reputable dog walking provider like Rachel’s Dog Club.
Final thoughts on how to dog proof your home effectively
Having to adapt your home to meet the many needs of your new pet can sometimes be a challenge – for you and your dog! To dog proof your home, the most effective method is to ensure they are physically and mentally stimulated. Plenty of fresh air and walks is always going to beat toys. With lots of empathy and consistent positive reinforcement of your rules, you can ensure that you live together in a happy home for many years to come.
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