Bringing a new puppy home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, training and caring for a new puppy might be overwhelming. As adorable as they are, puppies can be quite mischievous and their playful nature can lead to accidental damage to your home. Remember these five things to keep your new puppy from wrecking your house.
Things To Keep Safe From a New Puppy
1. Carpets and Flooring
Puppies love to run and play, but their tiny paws can cause significant damage to your carpets and flooring. Additionally, puppies can have accidents on your carpets and leave unpleasant odors that are tough to remove. One way to protect your flooring from puppy damage is by investing in K9 grass. It is a type of artificial turf developed with canines in mind. It's a great option for pet owners because it lasts long, is simple to maintain and doesn't hold any unpleasant odors.
2. Furniture
Puppies love to chew; unfortunately, your furniture can become a target for their teething. To protect your furniture from puppy damage, consider investing in chew toys and bones that they can gnaw on or chew. Additionally, if you catch your puppy chewing on furniture, immediately redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy.
3. Electronics
Electronics such as cords, chargers and remote controls can be tempting for puppies to chew on as well, which is bad for your puppy's health and your electronics. To protect against this, make sure to keep cords and chargers out of reach, and consider using cord protectors to prevent chewing.
4. Plants
Many common household plants can be toxic to dogs, and as you already know, puppies love chewing on anything they can get their paws on. To protect your puppy from accidental poisoning, remove toxic plants from your home or keep them out of reach. You can also consider using planters with built-in barriers to prevent your puppy from digging up your plants.
5. Garbage Cans
Puppies are notorious for getting into garbage cans and making a mess. This is not only unsanitary, but it could also result in your puppy ingesting something hazardous. To prevent your puppy from getting into your garbage, invest in a garbage can with a secure lid or keep your garbage cans in a closed-off area.
Tips for Protecting Your Home From Puppy Damage
1. Train Your Puppy Before Bringing Them Home
Training your puppy before bringing them home can help prevent destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging and excessive barking. Enrolling your puppy in a puppy obedience class can also help them socialize with other dogs and learn basic commands such as sit, stay and come.
2. Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine can help your puppy feel more secure and prevent destructive behaviors. Set a schedule for feeding, playtime and potty breaks, and stick to it as much as possible.
3. Provide Appropriate Toys and Chews
Giving your dog the right chews and toys might assist them to divert their attention from your furniture and other home items when they are chewing. Pick out chewable toys and treats that are sturdy for your puppy.
4. Puppy-Proof Your Home
Puppy-proof your house in advance of bringing your puppy home. This includes securing loose cords and cables, removing hazardous plants and keeping dangerous chemicals out of reach.
5. Supervise Your Puppy
Supervising your puppy can help prevent accidents and destructive behaviors. Keep an eye on your puppy at all times and redirect their attention if they start to chew on something they shouldn't.
Benefits of Training a Puppy Before Bringing It Home
1. Easier To Train
Puppies are like sponges and they soak up information quickly. Training your puppy before bringing them home can help them learn basic commands and develop good behaviors from a young age. As they get older, it will be simpler for them to pick up more difficult orders.
2. Better Socialization
Your puppy will have plenty of opportunities to mingle with other dogs and people in puppy training sessions. Puppy socialization is a crucial part of training since it teaches them how to interact with people and other dogs, helping them avoid behavioral issues in the future.
3. Prevent Destructive Behaviors
Puppies are naturally curious and can exhibit negative tendencies like chewing and digging. Training your puppy before bringing them home can help prevent these behaviors and teach them what is and isn't acceptable to chew on or dig up.
4. Establish a Strong Bond
Training your puppy before bringing them home can help establish a strong bond between you and your new furry friend. Spending effort on your puppy's training and education will lay the groundwork for a long and happy partnership.
Conclusion
Bringing a new puppy home can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to be aware of the potential damage they can cause to your home. By taking proactive steps such as investing in dog-friendly turf, providing appropriate chew toys and keeping hazardous items out of reach, you can ensure that your home remains safe and your puppy remains happy and healthy. A new puppy can quickly become a beloved family member with the right amount of care and attention.
