How To Protect Your Home, Your Pooch and Your Valuables

Protecting your home is much like puppy proofing your home. The best thing to do is to get down on your hands and knees and find anything and everything that your pooch can get into. As your dog gets older, you are less likely to pay attention to the floor and more likely to pay attention to your furniture and your valued possessions. Take some time to make sure your dog is comfy, while both your house and your dog are protected.

The first thing to do is to make sure your pet has more than one comfortable place to lie down and rest. By providing him with adequate bedding and resting spots, he is less likely to want to lie on the couch or on your bed. However, if your pooch has always had access to his favorite furniture, then it may be hard to break him from the habit. Starting from an early age, teach your dog where he can and cannot rest. Instead of just a bed, make comfortable places for him around the house. A rule of thumb is to provide him a place where you and your family spend most of your time. You know your pooch always likes to be in the middle of the action. If he has already developed a couch habit but you have no desire to break him from it, then consider purchasing furniture covers. Covers are easily washable and keep hair and odors off the furniture. Another great alternative that doesn't sacrifice your homes style is a dog crate or kennel.

When dogs eat they often get messy, which can pose a problem for your floor. Place a rubber pad underneath your dog’s food and water dishes to protect your flooring. Anti-splash bowls are one solution to help keep your dog’s food and water where they belong; although, they do not provide 100% floor relief. If you prefer to use elevated dog feeders, then choose a feeder with a broad, solid base. The base of the feeder will catch some of the food and water that your dog leaves behind. Even buying a larger bowl can cut down on the problem. Be careful though: do not feed your pooch more just because the bowl is larger; his food intake should always be regulated.

Toys can do wonders in protecting your home from chew marks. Some dogs like to chew more than others; and, if not stopped from an early age, a dog will chew on anything he can find. Providing a couple of chew toys around the house can be a distraction from his other chewable things. Find toys that are stimulating and fun for your pooch. Kongs can be filled with your dog’s favorite treat. Your dog has to work hard to get the treats out of the Kong, keeping him occupied for a longer period of time. Giggle balls are another way to keep your pooch occupied. Like the name suggests, the ball giggles as your dog plays with it. He’ll spend lots of time trying to figure out what is happening. You don’t have to buy a ton of toys at once. Instead, have two or three on hand at a time and switch them out every so often (or as your dog begins to lose interest).

If you have tile or slick hardwood floors, then you know what a hazard a slippery floor can cause. If possible, try placing rugs in areas where your dog spends a lot of time, such as around his feeding place or sleeping place. That way, your dog is less likely to injure himself, or knock over valuable items, if he comes in contact with a slippery floor. Next time you are at the store, look for floor cleaning supplies that help prevent slipping.

There are many common household items that are hazardous to dogs. Everything from laundry detergent to contact solution can be harmful. Sometimes, placing the items in a cabinet is not the best solution, especially if the cabinet is at ground level. Dogs get curious and may try to open the cabinet. Consider using child-proof locks or placing the items in an out-of-reach area. That way, there is no possibility of an ingestion accident.

Your house must be protected throughout your pooch’s life. In addition to puppy-proofing, there are other things that you can do to keep both your home and your pet safe. You can separate your homes valuable areas by placing a stylish indoor pet gate up in your homes entryways. Always remember to provide your pet with multiple resting spots and an adequate number of toys. Keep your floors protected with rubber matting, and keep hazardous products locked away. Overall, pay attention to your pooch. If he is getting into something that he shouldn’t be getting into, then look for ways to stop the problem. If any situation becomes too troublesome, look into a dog training collar. They are completely safe and humane additions for training your beloved pooch.