If you are getting a brand new puppy or are adopting an older dog, there are several steps that you need to take before you bring them home. There are many things that you need to get in the house. A supply of dog food, a bed or crate; somewhere for them to sleep. A lead and a collar are pretty essential items too. But once you are sorted with all of the essentials for having a pet dog, there are other things that you need to do too. Like having a child, the home needs to be made safe and appropriate for a dog. Then you can keep your pet healthy and safe, which is what it is all about. Here are a few ideas that you can implement, to ‘dog-proof’ your home.
Locks and Closers
Just as you might when you have a toddler wandering around the home, it is a good idea to put a puppy getting their paw or tail stuck in there as it is slammed shut.
Think About The Garden
There are many things that you can do inside the house to dog-proof. What you need to remember is that there are many things outside of the house too. First of all, you might consider getting a kennel for your dog to sleep in or rest in sometimes. Second, of all, you should check the security of your yard. If there are any gaps in fencing, then a pet dog could easily escape out of there. Many pet owners choose to have a chain link fence, rather than a traditional wooden fence as they are a bit safer and more sturdy for dogs. So it could be worth looking into the cost of a chain link fence installation to see if it is worth doing. Other things in the garden to look out for include hazardous plants and shrubs such as rhubarb leaves and rose bushes. They can be toxic, or painful in the case of a rose bush. So take steps to remove them or cover them.
Chew Toys
In order to keep your dog from chewing their way through your furniture, it is a good idea to get some chew toys in the house. Otherwise, you might find that your shoes, rugs or phone cables are their new favorite toy! Have a few spread throughout a couple of rooms. Then they can keep your dog occupied, whether upstairs or downstairs.
Do you have a pet dog that you have had to adapt your home for? What have you done to keep the home safe for them?
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