Did you recently bring home a Frenchie puppy? Congratulations! Owning a new pup is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also brings additional responsibilities.
Whether it’s crossing items off your new puppy checklist, searching for food options, or puppy-proofing your house, you’ve got a lot on your plate.
From the bathroom and laundry room to the office and kitchen, your pup can get into trouble in no time at all.
Don’t worry. We’ll teach you how to puppy-proof your home and keep your puppy safe. But first, what is a puppy-proof home?
What Is Puppy-Proofing?
Puppy proofing ensures your puppy is safe by removing anything that could harm him.
It isn’t a one-time thing because puppy-proofing requires you to be on the lookout for any dangers that may arise.
Puppy-Proofing House Checklist
Whether you have owned a Frenchie before or are getting your first Frenchie puppy, puppy-proofing your house is an essential step to take before the first day home with your new puppy.
Although a puppy may seem like an adorable, harmless ball of fluff when they first arrive home, they quickly grow up and explore their environment – often with potentially dangerous consequences.
Learn how to puppy-proof your house with these five easy steps.
Cover Electrical Wires and Outlets
Puppies are naturally curious and may try to stick their noses into wall sockets, which can be very dangerous.
Ensure you cover all visible outlets with safety covers or use a surge protector that hides the outlets. You can purchase them at most hardware stores.
If you cannot cover all of them, then keep your pup away from outlets that are not covered.
Secure Dangerous Objects
Keep hazardous items such as cleaning supplies and tools out of reach or in cabinets with child-proof locks.
Keep small balls and coins off the floor, as puppies can choke on them. They may also be tempted to chew on cords and wires, so use electrical tape or cord covers to protect them.
If your Frenchie is teething, provide them with appropriate chew toys instead of allowing them to chew on dangerous objects.
Tie Up Window Curtains
When puppy-proofing your home, don’t forget about less obvious hazards like curtains.
Low-hanging curtains may tempt puppies to chew on them and result in them pulling the curtains down from the wall.
You can avoid this by securing your curtains properly, pulling them apart, and keeping them away from them.
Block Off Stairs
Puppies may try to explore upstairs or downstairs, which can be dangerous if not supervised.
To prevent them from falling down the stairs, block off the area with a baby gate or use a pet-proof barrier. You can also install gate locks to ensure your pup stays safe.
Secure Outdoor Areas
If you have an outdoor area, it is important to ensure it is also puppy-proofed. Ensure that any potential dangers, such as pools, chemicals, or sharp objects, are kept out of reach.
Also, check for any potential escape routes and block them off. They may also be tempted to eat plants that can be poisonous, so make sure that these are not accessible.
Puppy-proof Furniture
Puppies can be quite destructive when left unsupervised. It would help to take extra precautions to ensure your pup doesn’t shed, chew on, or damage furniture.
Covering furniture with a sheet or blanket is a good idea, as it will protect the fabric from being chewed up while still being comfortable for your pup.
Additionally, you should remove any loose items, such as pillows or blankets, that the puppy could accidentally eat.
Why Is Puppy-Proofing Important?
Puppy-proofing your house is essential to ensure the safety of both you and your furry friend.
Puppies are naturally curious animals and will explore their environment without considering potential dangers.
Let’s look in more detail at why puppy-proofing your house is important.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important reasons to puppy-proof your house.
Puppies may try to explore outlets, choke on small objects, or even fall stairs if they are not supervised properly.
You can prevent potential accidents by taking the necessary steps to protect them.
Prevention of Destructive Behavior
Puppies are known for chewing on furniture, carpets, and other items. By puppy-proofing your house, you can minimize the damage they may cause to your belongings.
This will also help prevent them from eating anything dangerous or choking on small items.
Bonding with Your Pup
Puppy-proofing also allows you to bond with your Frenchie as you work together to make the house a safe environment for them.
This will help them become more comfortable in their new home, and it can also be a fun bonding activity for you.
Peace of Mind
Taking the time to puppy-proof your house can also provide peace of mind, knowing your pup is safe and sound.
This will help you relax while they explore their new environment, as you know that any potential dangers have been taken care of.
Other Puppy Proofing Tips
Puppy-proofing your home can be daunting, especially if you’re new to puppy ownership.
Depending on the size of your home and the number of rooms, it may take some time and effort to ensure that everything is properly puppy-proofed.
However, this process is crucial for keeping your pup safe and preventing them from accessing off-limits areas or objects.
Start With the Basics
The first step in puppy-proofing your home is to create a safe, secure environment for your pup.
Ensure all electrical cords are tucked away, and potential hazards like toxic plants or sharp objects are out of reach.
Before investing in furniture, consider the space you have available. If you have limited space, you might choose pet-friendly furniture or easily move items.
If you have stairs, it may be wise to block off the area with a baby gate until your pup is trained to use them safely.
Exercise and Play Areas
Setting up designated areas for your pup to exercise and play is important. This could include a fenced-in backyard, as long as it is properly secured.
If you don’t have access to a yard or the appropriate space indoors, there are plenty of options for creating safe and engaging play areas in your home.
Invest in some quality pet toys that will keep your pup entertained and items that can be chewed, such as a Kong toy or rubber balls.
Monitor
Even if you puppy-proof your home, it’s still important to keep an eye on your pup at all times.
Despite your best efforts, they may find ways to get into off-limits areas or objects, so it’s important to stay vigilant and monitor their behavior.
If you notice that they are getting into something, they shouldn’t remove it from their reach or redirect them to a more appropriate activity.
Regularly Inspect and Update
Finally, remember to inspect your puppy-proofing efforts regularly. It’s easy for things to get moved around or forgotten, so it’s important to periodically check that everything is in order.
As your pup grows older and more familiar with their surroundings, you may need to update the puppy-proofing in your home.
Following these simple steps ensures your puppy has a safe and secure environment to explore and play.
While it does require some effort to properly puppy-proof your home, the time invested will be well worth it for giving your pup a happy, healthy life.
Wrap-Up: How to Puppy-proof Your Home
Puppy-proofing your house is a great way to protect your puppy from any potential danger or injury and an excellent way of creating a safe and comfortable living space for everyone in the family.
Taking the time to puppy-proof your home can save you lots of stress in the long run and keep your pup happy and healthy.
These easy steps and useful tips on puppy-proof your house should make it easier for you to ensure that your family and four-legged friend stay safe and sound.
Why not look around the house today –even opening up those cupboards you’ve never dared look inside – and start puppy-proofing with confidence? Who knows? You may even have fun doing it!
And by taking these precautions now, you’re much more likely to have a carefree pup when they explore their home without any hidden dangers lurking around unseen.
So, if you’re ready to ensure a pup-friendly living environment, why not start puppy-proofing your house today?
