If only it was simple and telling a pooch to be safe. Trained though your pet may be, he or she is an animal and can’t be controlled. Anyone who welcomes a dog into their home should know this off the bat. They should also be aware of the dangers that properties present. Owners are worried about the outside world, the likes of water hazards, cars and other mutts, but it’s essential to sort out your room first. Let’s face facts – a home should be a castle, for the dog as well as the homeowner.
Here are four ways to ensure this is the case.
Lock The Drawers
Canines are a curious bunch and they will follow their noses. Seen as household cleaners give off a pungent smell, there’s a good chance the dog will be attracted to the bleach and other detergents. Like small kids, it’s imperative to keep them out of the reach of pets as they can be fatal. Locking the drawers is the only option if there isn’t enough space to move them to a higher storage unit. Latches, similar to the ones on baby gates, prevent dogs from poking their nose in and doing their insides harm. A key and lock also work a treat, too.
Prune The Plants
It’s an easy mistake to make because you’re human and not a canine. However, as the owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure everything in the house is dog-friendly. As far as plants go, some variations are poisonous. In fact, there are lots but the two main strands are holly and Easter lily. The Spruce has a comprehensive list if you need more info. If you do use these flowers during the holiday seasons, then make sure they are easily out of reach. Also, ensure they are attached securely so that they don’t fall. A simple solution is to remove them completely.
Put Up A Fence
Outside is where dogs get to be themselves. Inside is a little tricky because they are energetic and there are plenty of valuables on display. The garden is a wide open space for them to play without worry. Well, it isn’t as there are tons of hazards in this space also. Clearing clutter is a good start as it reduces the chances of slips, trips and falls. But, don’t forget to secure the garden from external threats. DogsByNina has an interesting piece on electrified dog fences that is worth a read. As well as keeping the pooch penned in, it stops other mutts from attacking.
Keep A Tight Leash
Don’t take this literally. There’s no need to choke your dog. Instead, it means to keep them close so that they don’t do anything stupid. Pooches aren’t as intelligent as humans and will run out into the middle of the road. Chasing cars is fun but it’s a dangerous pastime. By keeping them on a leash when they leave the house – front, not back – it gives you control during the occasions their instincts kick in.
Has this post made you think about doggy security and your home a little differently?