It’s universally accepted that dogs are, in fact, the best. However, as we enter into stage four lockdowns with two young pups in the middle of winter, you best believe our vacuum is getting a serious workout!
It’s got me thinking back to when we first adopted each of the boys, and some of the puppy proofing we did to help them settle in without causing too much chaos.
At one and two-years-old, Barney and Albie have mostly grown out of the destructive puppy phase now. Aside from Barney’s occasional ‘borrowing’ of certain items (socks, usually), they’ve been relatively easy to house train.
But, there have definitely been a few hiccups along the way. So, if you’re bringing home a new dog, here are some tips to puppy proofing your home and helping them through the adjustment period.
Think about their needs
Whether it’s a new puppy or even a more senior pooch, introducing a dog to a new environment can be a lot for them to take in. So, it’s really important to consider their needs.
However, all dogs are different, and this might not be as simple as it sounds. So, pay attention to their actions and always try to work out the ‘why’ behind any problem behaviour.
For Albie, toilet training was tricky. Having lived with dogs for most of our lives, Chris and I never considered doggy doors to be essential. But, as he was still having accidents a few months later, we thought it was worth a shot.
Since the day we installed it? Not a single accident. Now, even when it’s closed, he understands how to let us know when he needs to go outside. Giving him his own access really helped get things under control.
Barney is part Labrador, and as parents of loveable Labs can probably relate to, he was quite a curious puppy and was always finding ways of getting into things.
As a result of this curiosity, we do have a couple of little teeth marks around the house (a side table here, a venetian blind there). But, making sure he had access to plenty of chew toys helped. Why chew on a skirting board when you have a perfectly good squeaky, right?!
Invest in quality appliances
If your dog is anything like ours, there is going to be a fair bit more mess. So, it’s worth investing in good quality appliances to help keep your home fresh and clean.
These days, there are so many products tailored for this exact need. Investing in a vacuum specifically designed for pet hair has been a lifesaver for us. I bought an older model of this Electrolux vacuum around five years ago, and it still works as well as the day I brought it home.
We also recently purchased a carpet shampooer – which I honestly regret not doing sooner! I have used them in the past, but borrowing them from relatives or from shops was kind of inconvenient. And, it seemed excessive to hire a professional when all we needed was a spot clean.
Having one at home and ready to go has been great for not only cleaning up after the pups, but for keeping things fresh throughout our reno as well. For anyone who is bringing home a new dog and hoping to keep their carpets and rugs in good condition, I definitely recommend investing in one of these if your budget allows.
If you’re time-poor, other items like robot vacuums and dual vacuum/steam mops could also be a huge help. And, less time spent on cleaning means more time to hang with your pooch!
Expect an adjustment period
At the end of the day, it’s going to take some time for your new pup to settle in to your home, so it’s important to expect an adjustment period. Often, dogs simply grow out of those pesky behaviours, but if they continue and you’re unsure of how to handle it, it’s worth reaching out to an expert.
Until then, it can be a good idea to put away anything you don’t want to be chewed (or peed on, haha) and you might want to consider limiting their access to certain areas during times where you’re unable to supervise them.
Once you are more confident with their behaviour, you can slowly reintroduce these items – but be warned that new things can often spark a fresh curiosity, so take it slow.
Have you recently adopted a new fur friend? Do you have any tips on how to help them settle in? We’d love to hear, so let us know in the comments below! Or, if you have any questions on puppy proofing your home, feel free to contact us.
