A dog-friendly home | Recommendations and advice

You’ve decided to add a (young) dog to your family. Great, but it does require some preparations around the house. Puppies want to see and discover everything and you need to make your home dog-friendly in order to create a safe environment. Here is everything you need to be paying attention to.

Be careful with poisonous materials

Dogs are curious creatures and can take a spontaneous bite out of pretty much anything. That is why you need to make sure no poisonous materials are reachable for your dog. This may include houseplants that are poisonous to your dog. The following plants should be removed:

• Dumb Cane
• Lillies
• Philodendrons
• Poinsettia

Chocolate is very poisonous to dogs as well. Their liver can’t process the theobromine it contains, which can prove fatal. Make sure no chocolate bars or cacao candy are every within your dog’s reach. Here is a list of foods that can harm your dog.

Clean, clean and clean

You will have to tidy and clean your home more than you would otherwise. Keep potentially harmful objects such as coins, CDs or things that are not edible but your dog may choke on, out of reach. Keep these things on a high shelf or in a cupboard that can be properly closed or – even better – locked. Do not leave any leftovers lying around the house. Dogs love bones, but they can be dangerous too. Products like detergent and medication must be stowed away properly.

Space demarcation

It is important to be clear about where your dog is and isn’t allowed to go from the get-go. By clearly indicating its freedom of movement, you provide the pup with clarity and prevent it from growing insecure or venturing places it isn’t allowed to go. For example, if you want to prevent your dog from going upstairs or entering a certain room, install (stair) gates.

Tips:

• Stow away any cables in cable trays.
• Protect your furniture and plants.
• Make sure your dog can’t reach anything poisonous.
• Do not allow your dog in the kitchen when cooking to prevent it from getting burnt.
• Make sure your dog can’t reach any leftovers.

Making your garden dog-friendly

Preparations are required outdoors as well as indoors. You also need to make your garden dog-friendly. Remove any poisonous plants and make sure you’ve got solid fencing.