So you’ve adopted a new dog or puppy, congratulations! Before you release them to explore your home freely, let’s go room by room to make sure everything is safe for your dog (and keeps unfortunate messes from happening!)
-Kitchen: Make sure your trash is protected! This is a huge issue for many dogs. Place it in a can with a secure lid. Even if you think there is nothing in your trash that your dog may want, dogs still love to explore those interesting trash scents! Keep all cleaning supplies tucked away, either under the sink or off the counter tops (if your dog is tall). If you notice the dog opening the doors under the sink, you can buy baby proof latches to keep the doors closed.
-Living Room: If you decide to allow the dog on the couch, we recommend a couch cover to protect your couch as long as possible. If you’re in a pinch and have a muddy mutt, fitted bedsheets work well too! While we’re in the living room, let’s go through all of the electrical cords, TV, computers, etc and make sure those are either out of reach or closely monitored to make sure they are not chewed. Potted plants should be googled to see if they pose a threat if eaten. Throw pillows on the couch should not be valuable, as they could easily become toys!Â
-Bathroom: Many dogs enjoy drinking toilet water, so keep those lids closed! Any medications should be put away, never left on the counter top (even if closed, dogs can break them open). Any cleaning supplies again should be put away. Fancy hand towels are best put away for now, just in case they happen to look like fun to a new dog.
-Bedrooms: If you decide to allow the dog in your bedrooms, make sure you keep clothes off of the floor and put away in a closet or laundry basket. Many trainers say that dogs should not be allowed to sleep in beds because it establishes a boundary, but we won’t tell on you ;)
-Garage/Work Areas: Any small items like nails, chemicals, or anything a dog can ingest or tear apart MUST be put away! Dogs can find a variety of interesting things to play with and it’s very important to keep things out of reach. Keeping them supervised at all times is not very realistic, so preventing accidents before they happen is important.Â
-Outside: Make sure your fence is secure, no holes or weak spots. If you have an adult dog or large puppy, go out with them to see if they are at risk for being a fence-jumper. Taking them out on a leash may be helpful at first, in case they make a run for it! Check to see if they dig, fence fight with neighbor dogs, or any other undesirable behaviors. Also, check the outside plants to make sure they aren’t potential threats as well.
-Entire House: Any thing you would be upset to find ruined or broken, put it away. Lamps can get knocked off of tables, books can be torn apart, homework can be eaten! Dogs are great because they force you to become clean and organized (if not a little muddy and covered in fur).Â
Keep doing these things as you work with your dog to respect boundaries and understand rules. In time, your dog will know his space and you will feel comfortable leaving him unsupervised for short periods of time. Just remember, prevention goes a long way!
