Other Tips

Trash-can smorgasbord. Buy a tall garbage can with a closing lid. Do not expect your dog to resist the temptation of an all you can eat scrap buffet. Dogs are natural scavengers. Time to change your routine if you are not good at taking out the trash. Consider putting food scraps in a smaller bag and taking them out right away. You don’t want to ever be the pet owner who finds their dog eating cooked chicken bones after you had wings during the game.
Surface area can be the key. If you own a beautiful decorative rug it might be time to roll it up for a few months. Think about your dog spending time on a surface that is easy to clean and manage for when accidents happen, because they will happen.
Start small and earn freedom. Confine your dog in small spaces at first, like a crate, single room, gated area, or small area of your home. This will ensure you are able to control the space and build good habits before you give your puppy full access to the house. Baby gates work great for blocking off a room to keep a puppy in or out.
Numbers game. You know what you don’t want your puppy to chew on, so now it is time to experiment with objects, chews, and feeder toys that will encourage chewing on acceptable items. And keep it fresh. If your pup grows tired of the objects you got at first, put them away for a while and re-introduce them in a few weeks.

As your puppy ages and you start to have successful potty routines, less chewing and an attentive relationship, start introducing him to different areas of the home while you are able to supervise. Try short sessions with more and more freedom before you decide to just open the whole home up to him for an entire day.

Puppy proofing and careful management of your environment can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Preventing bad habits from becoming normal is more effective than trying to catch a puppy in the act every time they make a mistake and lecturing him on what a naughty scoundrel you think he is. Don’t forget to give him lots of positive feedback when he makes great choices. This will define your relationship.

Knowing what to expect and following these few steps will help keep your cat or dog healthy and ensure a happy pet and family.

How To Dog Proof Your Home

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