Tips to Dog-Proofing Your Home Without Upsetting Your Furry Friends

These dog-proffing tips can make your home safe for your pup without sacrificing style or comfort.

Dogs bring us joy, companionship and love. But as with anything delightful, there can be a flip side. Unless we take the time to adequately dog-proof our home, our four-legged friend can wreak havoc.

But this little act of dog-proofing our home might upset our pets. So how can we maintain a trusting relationship with our beloved pet in such scenarios?

We have everything you need to know. Here are the top tips for dog-proofing your home without upsetting your furry friend, along with some practical advice to approach the task.

This article is a partnership with PuppyLists.

1. Identify Potential Hazards

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The first step to dog-proofing your home without upsetting your furry friend is identifying potential hazards that impose milder danger to your pet as well as your family members. House dogs, especially puppies, are susceptible to environmental hazards, so they need proper attention regarding living safety. Therefore, it is crucial for dog owners first to get rid of the potential hazards present in the house.

Identifying potential hazards may include electrical cords, cleaning products and small items that could be swallowed or choked on. Also, dangerous chemicals or substances, including poisonous plants such as lilies, azaleas, and rhododendrons, can be hazardous to dogs.

So you must give a proper walk-through of your house to identify and keep these things out of reach to your pet. You can do so with your dog walking alongside you and keep an eye on him to see what he does. It will help him identify the potentially dangerous elements, which is crucial to ensuring your house is dog-proof and safe.

To learn more about the dangers that certain breeds of dogs are prone to and how to care for them, you can read articles from puppylists.com. The blog offers a wealth of helpful information about dog care and problems from one of the expert dog owners, Kat, who has been nurturing dogs for over the past two years.

2. Make Changes to the Home

Cute beagle dog lying on comfortable sofa

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As with any change, it’s essential to introduce the dog-proofing gradually to your pup. After all, the last thing you want is for your pup to feel like they are being punished or deprived of their home comforts.

So instead of attempting a complete overhaul in one go, start by making small changes and allow your pup time to adjust. This will help them feel more comfortable with the new changes and ensure they don’t become overwhelmed or scared by the process.

In addition, no matter what changes you decide to make around the house, it’s important that you give your pup its own area where it can relax and escape from potential disruptions. Whether it’s a bed in a quiet corner or an area in the yard with plenty of shade and grass, having a space just for them will help them feel safe and secure during the transition period.

3. Choose Pet-Friendly Materials

Chocolate labrador puppy chewing a dog bone

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When selecting materials for furniture or flooring, opt for pet-friendly options such as hardwood or vinyl floors, which are easy to clean and maintain.

You may also opt for leather or synthetic fabrics, which are durable and able to withstand wear and tear from your pup’s claws.

Plus, provide plenty of chew toys and bones. Keeping your dog occupied with toys will help reduce their urge to chew on furniture or other household items.

4. Keep Things Out of Reach

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Dogs may be unable to resist getting into things they shouldn’t if given access, so try not to leave anything lying around that could be harmful if ingested by your pup.

Store items such as cleaning supplies out of reach on high shelves or locked cupboards, and keep electrical cords tucked away so that curious pups can’t chew on them.

5. Make Sure There Are No Escape Routes

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Dogs can be clever escape artists, so it’s essential to ensure that all doors and windows are secure. It is one of the other crucial tips for dog-proofing your home without upsetting your furry friend.

Thus, if you have a fence, ensure it’s in good repair and that there are no gaps your dog could squeeze through.

A Complete Overview of Dog-Proofing Your Bathroom Area

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There are several steps you can take to dog-proof your bathroom.

Install Cabinet Locks: One of the first things you should do is install locks on your cabinets. This will prevent your dog from getting into any dangerous items or toiletries.
Protect Flooring: Next, you’ll want to protect your flooring. You can purchase carpet runners or vinyl runner mats for areas where your dog spends most of its time. This will help protect against any potential damage from spills or accidents.
Put Out Trash Bags: You’ll also want to put out trash bags for your bathroom area so that your dog doesn’t try to eat anything in the trash can. This is especially important if you have a garbage disposal in your sink, as dogs are often attracted to the noise it makes and can try to get into it.
Clean Up After Your Dog: Finally, make sure that you clean up after your dog at least once a day. This will help prevent any unwanted odors from developing in your bathroom area and keep things looking clean and tidy.

Keep Your Kitchen Area Safe From Your Dog

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There are several steps you can take to keep your kitchen area dog-proof without upsetting your pet.

Keep food out of reach: Make sure to store food in containers or on high shelves your dog cannot reach.
Use child-proof locks: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers that contain food or potentially dangerous items.
Keep trash cans covered: Dogs are known to rummage through trash cans in search of food, so they should be protected and kept out of reach.
Use a gate: If you have an open kitchen, consider installing a gate to keep your dog out of the area when you cannot supervise them.
Be aware of dangerous items: Keep items such as knives and cleaning supplies out of your dog’s reach.
Train your dog: Teaching basic commands such as “leave it” can help prevent your dog from getting into things it shouldn’t.
Supervise your dog: Even with all these precautions, it’s essential to supervise your dog when in the kitchen. You may use a crate to keep him under control.

Train Your Dog

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It’s important to train your dog.

Start with basic obedience training, including commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” This will help establish you as the leader and give you more control over your dog’s behavior.
Train your dog to leave certain items alone, such as shoes or furniture. This can be done through positive reinforcement, such as giving your dog a treat or toy when they leave the item alone.
Establish clear boundaries and rules for your dog’s behavior in the home. For example, designate certain areas of the house as off-limits, such as the kitchen, during mealtimes.
Gradually introduce new items or changes to the environment, and reward your dog when they respond well.
Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you have any concerns or need additional guidance. They can help you develop a customized training plan that addresses specific behavior issues.

Key Takeaway to Create a Safe Place

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There are many ways to dog-proof your home without upsetting your furry friend. From rearranging furniture to adding baby gates, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for your pup to live and play in.

Additionally, crate training can help keep your pup out of trouble while providing them with a secure and familiar area to relax.

With these tips in mind, you can easily create a safe and secure home for you and your pup that you can both enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions You Should Know

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How do I stop my dog from following me everywhere in the house?

You should start by giving them their space to relax and feel comfortable.

Take your dog on regular walks and play with them, so they get their energy out and are less likely to follow you around.

You can also provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied when you are home.

How do I keep my dog away from the kitchen area?

Installing baby gates or using crates can physically block your dog from entering the kitchen.

It’s also important to note that keeping your dog away from the kitchen area is not a long-term solution.

You should also teach your dog to respect your space and not to beg for food or rummage through the trash.

Why do dogs watch you in the bathroom?

Dogs are highly intuitive animals and often show affection for humans in different ways. It is believed that one of the reasons why dogs watch us in the bathroom is because they want to make sure that we are safe.

Dogs are naturally protective of their owners and may feel the need to stay close to us.