Hannah asks
My dog is guarding their toys, what should I do?How to dog proof your home: The ultimate guide
Our expert advice
Advice by Lindsay Arliss, Dog behaviour and training specialist
See your home from a dog's point of view. Lie down on the floor and you’ll be able to see everything a dog can. That way you’ll be able to easily spot things they may be tempted by.
If it’s not practical or convenient to dog proof a whole room, dog pens and gates can provide a great short-term solution while your dog settles in. You can even put the pen around a particular area to stop your dog exploring there.
Patrol your garden and make sure fences and boundaries are escape-proof. If you think your dog may be able to get out, pop them on a long line dog lead while they’re in the garden. This includes things the dog may be able to climb on – like the 007 of the dog world, they've been known to jump over fences after climbing on wheely bins!
If you're into scented candles, or you have plug-in air fresheners, make sure they’re pet friendly, this goes for household cleaning products too.
Make it a job for everyone in the house to tidy up after themselves including food, dirty washing and shoes. This might feel like a chore for youngsters, but you can’t blame the dog if they leave their favourite shoes out to be chewed!
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You might want to slowly open your house to your pup. Dogs can become easily overwhelmed if there's too much space for them to explore immediately. Don’t keep them away from the rest of the family, but it’s ok to block access to some rooms.
More information
While dog-proofing your home, consider any houseplants and check they’re pet-safe. Make sure any garden decor like ponds and furniture are safe and secure. If your dog is triggered by people walking past your house and likely to bark, you may want to cover or screen the windows.
Three things you can do today
See through your dog's eyes
Get on all fours and see your home from a dog's point of view! That way you can move anything in sight that might be tempting.
Tidy up the home
If you have kids or teenagers living at home, ask them to practise being tidy (this obviously has multiple benefits!)
Check for escape routes
Check your garden perimeters and check for any holes in the fence that your dog might be able to use as an escape route.
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Carla
📍 Wales
- Dog breed: Corgi
- Dog age: 3 years
- Owner expertise:
I was struggling with my dog's anxiety, especially when we had to leave the house. Thanks to Woodgreen's advice, I've made some changes that have worked wonders. By sticking to a consistent routine, my dog knows what to expect each day, which has significantly reduced her anxiety.
Sarah
📍 Sussex
- Dog breed: Cavapoo
- Dog age: 1 years
- Owner expertise:
This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
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