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As a new puppy owner, being a good dog parent is obviously one of my utmost responsibility to my new puppy.
That is why I would go overboard to make sure that my new pet is in a safe and good environment within the four walls of my apartment.
Though it's not easy trying to figure out what could be a potential source of hazard to your new puppy or pet in general.
When you actually have a lot going on from the trash can in the kitchen to the littered bottles in the laundry room, and the beautiful earrings or rings lying on the bed.
All of this is obviously are not harmful to us but they are, actually to your paw mate living with you right there in your apartment.
That is why you need to get all the good hacks you can easily implement and need to completely proof your most valuable and ensure the safety of your new pet as well.
HOW TO PUPPY PROOF YOUR APARTMENT THE RIGHT WAY: STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Table Of Contents
Puppy Proofing Hacks
What does it mean to puppy-proof an apartment?
This involves removing potential hazards or areas that could pose a danger to the puppy and implementing measures to prevent accidents or injuries.
The essential steps to puppy-proofing an apartment include securing hazardous items such as cleaning supplies and toxic plants.
Covering electrical outlets and securing cords, removing small objects that could be swallowed, blocking off restricted areas with baby gates or barriers.
Providing appropriate chew toys and enrichment activities to keep the puppy entertained and engaged.
BEST PUPPY PROOFING HACKS
Before I show you the products I recommend you start using, here are some genius tips to know before you go on ahead to proof your apartment:
1. Your pet learns from what you say is right or wrong by how frequently you give them instructions.
Let me explain better...
Say you let your puppy mount the sofa for the first time and you don't really like the idea, you have got to let them know immediately.
Don't leave it for later...because they will do it again and it might be hard for them to understand why in the second instance!!
2. Observe where your pet always loves being around.
Some puppies or dogs may enjoy going around the trash can to eat from the remains of last night, while some just love being on the sofa or couch where you have already cleaned, so you will need to proof it.
Knowing where your pet's favorite place is a perfect way to start the proofing process.
3. Ensure you always groom your dog or your puppy by trimming the nails
Doing this will definitely cut down scratching to the barest minimum.
Leaving the nails to grow too long on them might not seem a right idea because accidents might happen to cause your puppy or dog to bleed due to cut nails that forcefully remove.
4. Don't leave your dog or puppy without something to chew on
This is actually a realistic tip to making sure pets don't chew on anything furniture.
If you have got a new puppy like me, which has not yet passed its puppy stage, you will really need to make sure you buy a chewy toy that is packed with treats.
With these, their attention is caught on getting the treat out of the toy rather than getting the material out of your couch or sofa.
5. Use Easy-To-Wash-Fabrics To Proof
Trust me, no matter how trained you have your dog trained, dogs will always be dogs!
That is why to be prepared for those days when your puppy starts learning how to get herself dirty on the mud, then you have got to use easy to wash fabrics to puppy proof your apartment.
6. Train Your Pet Not To Use The Couch
If you are basically the strict no puppy on the couch or cushion person, then maybe this might be a good tip for you.
Begin training your new puppy by instructing it to stay on its own bed whenever you want to use the sofa.
Place their bed directly on your couch or similar position and make them use theirs more frequently.
Whenever it makes the move of wanting to stay with you on the couch, simply point your hands to their bed and don't forget to reward them with a treat after obeying you.
With this training, they are sure to pick up instructions fast than when you allow them to use it for today then chase them away.
Remember consistency is key to raising a good puppy.
PUPPY PROOFING THE FURNITURE
Furniture like the couch, the sofa, chairs, tables, frames, and even the bed is probably more like a puppy or dog's favorite place to chill out and live out the day!
Probably because they love what we humans love...C-O-M-F-O-R-T!
Anyways, puppy-proofing your apartment furniture is a complete work over requiring only a few supplies?
Here are the basic materials you will need for the quick makeover:
•Sofa Slip Covers [soft velvet]
•Pet Repellent Furniture
•Contact Papers + Blades
•Lint Roller
•Double-Sided Tapes
•Couch Shredding Protectors
•Couch Corner Protector
And this is exactly how to use any of the above supplies to get your furniture proofed:
Method #1: Using Couch Defenders
This method is so popular amongst most dog owners, owing to the fact that it has proven effective at keeping pets away from the couch.
It may keep the puppy or the dog away, this does guarantee that your sofa or couch is fur-proofed or free from scratches.
Since it comes in varying lengths which actually depends on the type of furniture you are using the couch defender on.
This is how to use it.
•Get the couch defender and
•Locate both ends (NB: you don't need to this for a smaller couch defender)
•Then place it horizontally across the length of the furniture
•Making sure that both ends of the couch defender actually sits inside of the couch
•Or gradually follow the instructions on the labeling
You actually don't need to go overboard with this method.
If you can't get a throw blanket, try using a longer microfiber material to cover the furniture.
Here's how you will use it:
•Get the long color coordinated material (not white please!) or the throw blankets instead
•Then generously spread across the entire length of the furniture
•Making sure that it reaches the ground length
•Leaving no room for pet prints or scratches
•Afterwards, you can become lenient towards your pet by allowing them to stay on the couch if they want to.
•Or better still, stick to the initial plan as consistency is key while training your pets, especially the younger ones.
The secret to using this product and making sure it works out perfectly fine for both your furniture and your pet, is that it is actually the right product.
One funny yet annoying experience I had using a particular deterrent was that it decolonizes my furniture, although it actually worked in keeping my pet from the couch.
Moral of this product:
If you are not too sure of a particular deterrent, don't make the mistake of spraying or applying the whole product all at once.
Instead...
•Apply at a particular spot on the furniture
•Then wait to see if there is any reaction maybe an hour later or so
•If no reaction use almost immediately to proof your furniture
•Or follow the instructions given on the product description
•The smell from the product should not be such that if inhaled by the pet does not cause respiratory problems
Method #4: Using Contact Papers
Why I choose contact paper as a hack to proof my furniture most especially at the corner, legs, and base of the couch, is because for someone like me who doesn't like extra add-ons in my parlor most especially.
I would rather use slipcovers or couch defenders in my bedroom or closet than in the focal point of my apartment unless it is the more stylish type of slipcovers!
Although, using an adhesive type of contact paper could potentially ruin the original furnishing of the furniture.
That's why I will recommend this method if you are not bothered about refurbishing the furniture later on.
So, this is how you use it:
•Clean the surface of the furniture you want to proof first
•Doing this will make the paper not to bulge
•Before cutting the paper, removing the adhesive, and finally sticking it to the furniture, you want to be sure that it fits properly to the .e.g. legs of the couch
•Line the paper up carefully and neatly and use the X-Acto blade to trim to the exact edge
•You will want the seam to face the inward part of each leg (professional tip!)
•The work of the knife or the blade actually is to give a very smooth and nice-looking edge or cut
Method #5: Using Slip Covers
This is the method I actually prefer the most because it is anti-fur and totally free from scratching by the pet.
Though a little bit pricey but totally worth the tassel!
Method #6: Using Couch Shredding Protectors
Another method you can try out to puppy proof your couch, especially if the other methods did not work out for you.
Method #6: Corners Protectors
You can actually use corner protectors to protect your couch leg from dog pee.
HOW TO PUPPY PROOF WIRES
This is the section that T-O-T-A-L-L-Y gets to me. I have actually solved the problem of replacing new laptop cords and phone chargers.
All thanks to the work of my little chewing hero!
Anyways, I quite understand the fact why puppies need to chew on stuffs because they are tooting.
That's why I cannot be freaked out anymore by any display made by my puppy.
Literally freaked out by anything.
Well except the poop in my boots!
Here's what you need to use to protect your electronics:
1.Wire sleeves
Think about the peace of mind you'll have knowing that your electronics are protected and your pup is safe from potential electrical hazards.
Plus, wire sleeves make it super easy to keep your space looking tidy and organized.
With the sleek design and hassle-free installation, they're a must-have for any dog owner who wants to create a safe and stylish environment for both themselves and your four-legged friend.
PUPPY PROOFING THE BALCONY
Your apartment balcony is one spot for chilling out in the hot summer and your puppy will definitely want to hang around there with you for long.
The most obvious sign of danger to your pet is the balcony railings, that's why it's should be the first to be proofed in the balcony.
Here's what you'll needing to puppy-proof your balcony:
1. Use a Railing Guard
When puppy-proofing your balcony, one key item to consider is a balcony railing guard.
These nifty contraptions act like a buffer between your pup and the great outdoors, preventing them from squeezing through or getting stuck between the rails.
2. Use durable outdoor flooring
One of the great things about artificial grass mats is that they can help create a designated potty area for your puppy.
These mats provide a soft and comfortable surface for your pup to walk, play, and relax on while also protecting their paws from rough or hot surfaces like concrete or decking. Plus, artificial grass is generally easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for outdoor spaces.
3. Create a designated potty area
If you're training your puppy to use the bathroom outdoors, designate a specific area of your balcony for potty breaks. Cover this area with puppy pads or artificial turf to make cleanup simple and to encourage proper potty habits
4. Check for toxic plants
Before adding any greenery to your balcony, research which plants are safe for pets and which ones are toxic. Avoid plants like lilies, ivy, and certain varieties of ferns, and opt for pet-friendly options instead.
5. Install window guards
If your balcony has large windows or sliding doors, consider installing window guards or safety locks to prevent your puppy from accidentally pushing through the screen or glass.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON HOW TO PUPPY PROOF APARTMENT
1. What household items should I remove or secure to puppy-proof my apartment?
It's important to remove or secure household items that could be harmful to a puppy, including toxic plants, medications.
Cleaning supplies, small objects like coins or buttons, and any sharp or fragile items that could cause injury if chewed or knocked over.
2. How can I protect electrical cords and outlets from my puppy?
Electrical cords and outlets can be protected from chewing or tampering by using cord protectors.
Hiding cords behind furniture or in cable management systems, and using outlet covers to prevent access.
Additionally, providing appropriate chew toys and teaching the puppy what is and isn't acceptable to chew can help prevent unwanted behavior.
3. What should I do to prevent my puppy from chewing on furniture and other items?
Preventing unwanted chewing behavior can be achieved by providing plenty of appropriate chew toys and interactive toys to redirect the puppy's chewing instincts.
Using bitter-tasting sprays on furniture and providing positive reinforcement for good behavior can also help discourage chewing on inappropriate items.
4. How can I create safe boundaries for my puppy in the apartment?
Safe boundaries can be created using baby gates to block off rooms or areas that are off-limits to the puppy.
Also, using crates or playpens to confine them when necessary.
Supervision is also key to ensuring the puppy stays safe and doesn't get into any trouble.
5. What types of chew toys and enrichment activities are suitable for puppies?
Suitable chew toys for puppies include durable rubber toys, rope toys, and puzzle toys that dispense treats.
Enrichment activities can include interactive toys, food puzzles, and scent games to keep the puppy mentally stimulated and engaged.
6. How can I train my puppy to behave appropriately in the apartment?
Basic training techniques such as positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience are essential for teaching puppies basic commands and good manners.
This includes potty training, leash walking, and crate training to help the puppy learn appropriate behavior in the apartment.
7. What should I do if my puppy has an accident or exhibits destructive behavior?
Accidents and destructive behavior should be addressed calmly and effectively by cleaning up messes promptly.
Also, using positive reinforcement to redirect behavior towards more appropriate outlets.
Consistency and patience are key when training a puppy, and it's important to avoid punishment or negative reinforcement.
8. How can I ensure my puppy's safety when I'm not at home?
Ensuring the puppy's safety when unsupervised can be achieved by confining them to a puppy-proofed area with access to water, toys, and a comfortable resting space.
Alternatively, arranging for a trusted pet sitter or dog walker to provide care and supervision can give peace of mind while you're away.
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