Puppy-proofing your home

Picking up a new puppy can be one of the most memorable and exciting moments in your lifetime. Before you bring home your new member of the family, it’s worth making a few vital preparations to create a safe environment for a playful pup.

If you’re not in the position to bring your puppy into work during the week, you might be concerned about leaving him or her alone in your home. In this guide we’ll outline some simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of your puppy’s curious nature causing damage. 

Structural preparations

Accidents happen: if you’re picking up a young puppy, the first few weeks might be eventful before they start responding to their toilet training. With a few tips and tricks, you can make any mess a lot easier to clean up.

Make sure any loose flooring is fixed: you might want to consider adding secure tiles to your kitchen floor to replace floorboards or slippery lino. Installing the flooring with a reliable floor tile adhesive will not only keep your kitchen looking stylish but could speed up clearing any puddles left by your puppy.

Establish boundaries

Look carefully for any gaps, holes, or damaged panels in your garden fence. An inquisitive puppy will quickly find an escape route, and it’s impossible to keep a watchful eye all the time – so you’ll want some peace of mind to keep the puppy at home. 

Similarly, if you wouldn’t like your puppy to get up to any mischief upstairs in your bedroom or another specific area of the house, why not install a baby gate? A simple barrier can also teach your puppy to respect your boundaries from the very beginning.

Puppy hazards

Ordinary household objects might need to be removed or rearranged to make your home environment safe and suitable for the puppy. 

Scented candles, dangling wires and rubbish bins can all pose risks for your dog. As puppies grow up, they spend weeks or months in the teething phase, which means it’s only natural for them to taste and chew anything they can find. 

If your bins aren’t protected, your furry friend might be tempted to dive through them to find something that smells particularly good – spreading food waste and even risking eating something toxic. 

While this behaviour is necessary for your pup’s development, it could be quite destructive if not managed properly or if your puppy gets its teeth around your furniture. Smaller items including toys and coins could easily become choking hazards. 

While getting a new pup is an incredibly exciting time, it’s your responsibility to make your home a safe and comfortable space for your new arrival to thrive.