There is a lot to consider if you’re thinking of getting a dog. They can be the most fantastic pets and companions, but they can also cause a lot of damage in your home if you’re not careful so it’s important to put plenty of precautions in place. The best way to minimize the potential damage that a dog could cause in your home is to train it thoroughly, either yourself or by hiring an expert.
However, not all dogs respond perfectly to this and even the best-behaved dog can be tempted to be naughty from time to time. Here, we run through the most important steps of dog-proofing your home, so you don’t have to worry.
Lawn
Your dog is going to be spending a lot of time in the garden running around and playing, which can take a toll on your lawn. Take a look at Lawncare.net to see how you can repair and maintain a perfect lawn.
Decorations
Decorations can be very tempting to a dog because they make great chew toys. Make sure any decorations such as cushions and ornaments are way out of their reach. And don’t underestimate their agility!
Food
Of course, a dog’s priority is always food and they will do everything they can to access the food in your home. Make sure food is kept in hard to reach places, in secure containers. If you accidentally leave food out on a table, don’t expect it to still be there in five minutes time!
Cosmetics
Especially in the bathroom, it can be easy to leave cosmetic products lying around like shampoos and shower gels. These can be really harmful to your dog if they manage to get hold of them, so take extra care to put them away after use. The same goes for make-up; this can be an expensive product, but your dog will happily try to eat it if they get the opportunity.
Windows
Something you might not think about is leaving windows open. If low windows are left open your dog could try to escape in order to follow interesting scents from outside. This could have disastrous consequences if you live near a road or if they don’t know their way home.
Stairs
Child gates are great way of safety-proofing your stairs for dogs too! They can stop them from going into the rooms they’re not allowed to go in.
A Place for Them to Sleep
Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep, and make sure you give them their own space in the same place for as long as possible. This way, they will have a firm idea of where they have to go when they’re naughty and when it’s time to settle down for the night.
Dogs are a brilliant way to encourage yourself to get out and about and exercise, as well as giving you a loving and loyal companion in your home. But in order to make sure they don’t become more of a nuisance than a joy, make sure you take these steps to prepare your home against their mischievousness. For more lifestyle tips from a dog enthusiast, take a look at desperatehouselife.com.
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