Puppy proofing your home
Make sure your abode is safe for your pet
If you and your kids are truly ready to make a long-term commitment, now could be the ideal time to adopt a puppy.
Any dog in a new environment is bound to explore so supervising your new addition and dog proofing your home are key, says Claire Kilburn, a dog trainer and owner of a border collie puppy.
Explore your house through the eyes of a dog. “I always suggest people go through their home and make a list of all the things a dog might get into, which is pretty much everything,” says Caryn Liles, another trainer.
Place breakables out of reach and secure items that could be knocked over by an excited dog’s wagging tail. Pick up choking hazards such paper clips, elastics or string and pay attention to electrocution hazards. A puppy can chew through an electrical cord in seconds “I often suggest funnelling cords through PVC pipe,” Liles says. Remove potential strangulation hazards — such as miniblind cords — from your dog’s reach. Roll up area rugs until your pooch is housetrained.
“Put away small items like the remote control and batteries and also make sure chemicals are stored,” says Liles. “A lot of plants are toxic for dogs and puppies will chew on them. You can put an exercise pen around your plants to protect your dog from getting sick.”
Limit where they can go by closing doors and installing pet or baby gates. Secure garbage cans and compost bins. Ensure toiletries like shampoo and sunscreen are out of reach.
Keeping your dog on a regular feeding and watering schedule will make housebreaking easier. A backyard is a definite bonus, but you can’t simply open the door and expect your dog to go outside to do their business and return. “Especially with puppies, they’re going to investigate and get to know everything,” says Liles. “They will be chewing on plants, digging in the garden, eating the flowers, nibbling on the deck.”
HOUSE TRAINING
For the first few months, go out with your dog on leash to the spot where you want him to do his business. Reward him when he eliminates with activities such as play or toys. Protect plants and gardens with fencing. If you have a balcony, consider setting out a litter pan or shoe tray lined with sod or artificial turf for last-minute or emergency breaks. “Take them out there even on leash and show them this is where they do their business and reward heavily when they do,” she says. “Make sure the puppy is supervised.”
Crate training: This will restrict your dog’s run of the house and help keep her safe while unsupervised. If used correctly, a crate can be a highly effective toilet training tool as well as a comfortable den. Teaching your puppy to accept and enjoy her crate by offering treats and crating her even while family members are at home to prevent separation anxiety down the road. Trainers say puppies shouldn’t be crated during the day longer than one hour for each month of the puppy’s age.
Socialization classes can introduce dogs to new sounds, new experiences, new people and other dogs in a structured and supervised environment.