There’s nothing as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. You can’t stop thinking about how adorable and lovable they’ll be! But, even the cutest puppies can cause some mayhem. With the excitement comes the responsibility of puppy-proofing your home. It doesn’t matter what puppy you get — white golden retriever puppies, black Shih Tzus, or yellow labs — they will get into trouble if your place isn’t ready for them. Here are some effective tips to puppy-proof your home:
See Through Your Puppy’s Eyes
Puppy-proofing is just like baby-proofing. Look at your home the way a puppy would. Get down on the floor and look around. Check for any loose wires or cords they can chew on or any other objects that may be hazardous. Anything small enough to fit in their mouth should be removed.
Have the Right Supplies
Once you have done a thorough check of your home, you need to get the right supplies. Invest in puppy gates or playpens to confine them to protected areas. Chew toys are also essential to provide them with an appropriate outlet for their mouthing tendencies. However, it’s important to make sure the chew toys you are purchasing are age appropriate for your new pup. Tiny toys or even larger toys meant for adult dogs can easily become choking hazards. Getting quality puppy food, treats, and pads specifically made for the new puppy in your life will help in training and housebreaking.
Create a Safe Place Inside Your Home
Puppy-proofing is most important inside your home because your puppy will spend the majority of their time there. Have a checklist of things you must do to keep your house safe for puppies. Include the following and more:
- Don’t leave electrical cords exposed.
- Secure furniture so puppies can’t pull them down or topple.
- Install safety latches on cabinets and drawers.
- Put medications, hazardous materials, and other household chemicals out of reach.
- Move common houseplants that may be toxic to dogs.
Create a Safe Place Outside Your Home
Of course, you can’t leave the outdoor area of your home behind. Puppies love to explore and play outdoors, so there are specific safety considerations you need to take. Like creating a safe place inside your home, you must also check for any outdoor dangers. Here are some to-dos for your list:
- If possible, fence your yard.
- Remove toxic plants.
- Fence your pool if you have one.
- Designate a potty area.
- Maintain a clean yard.
Establish Limited Crate Time
You and your puppy will play a big part in the puppy-proofing process. Puppy-proofing isn’t just about physically securing your home. It also involves training your puppy to be an obedient and well-behaved pet. Crate time is essential in teaching them the basics of housebreaking. It also provides them with a safe spot to retreat and take naps from time to time.
When you have to be out for work or errands, you can leave them in the crate to prevent them from jumping on furniture and chewing things. Just remember to use the crate only when necessary. Any good breeder will tell you that spending quality time with your new puppy is vital for many reasons. For instance, too much crate time can stunt bone growth and cause other medical concerns. At the end of the day, nothing will aid more in your training endeavors and friendship than spending quality time with your new pup to establish a trusted bond.
Conclusion
Finding a reliable Michigan white golden retriever breeder is perhaps the first step into your fur parenthood. You’ll be able to find the cutest golden retriever puppies in Michigan, but before you bring them home, ensure your house is completely ready for them. Puppy-proofing won’t be easy, but creating a safe, golden environment for your furry friend will always be worth it. Happy puppy-proofing!