Bringing a puppy home is an exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one if you’re not prepared for the amount of work that goes into training and keeping your pup from destroying your home.

Puppies are curious and full of energy, which can sometimes result in them chewing, scratching, or causing other types of damage to your home and belongings. However, with some patience and guidance, you can prevent your puppy from destroying your home and ensure a smooth transition into your life together.

Get Your Home Ready

Before bringing your puppy home, it’s important to “puppy-proof” your home.

This means removing any items that your puppy could potentially chew or destroy, as well as blocking off any areas that you don’t want your puppy to access. Here are some things to consider:.

Remove or Secure Valuables: Keep jewelry, shoes, clothing, and other valuable items out of your puppy’s reach. Consider using baby gates or keeping your puppy in a crate when you’re not home.

Hide Electrical Cords: Puppies love to chew on cords, which can be dangerous and costly to replace. Cover cords with cord covers or put them out of reach.

Block off Rooms: Close doors or use baby gates to block off rooms that you don’t want your puppy to access.

Put Away Chemicals: Household cleaners, medications, and other chemicals should be stored out of reach of your puppy.

Teach Appropriate Chewing Behaviors

Puppies love to chew on things, and it’s important to teach them what they’re allowed to chew on and what they’re not. Here’s how to do it:.

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Give your puppy a variety of chew toys to play with. Make sure they’re safe, durable, and appropriate for your puppy’s size and age.

Discourage Inappropriate Chewing: When you catch your puppy chewing on something they’re not supposed to, say “no” firmly and redirect them to an appropriate chew toy.

Consistency is key here – your puppy needs to understand that certain items are off-limits.

Don’t Punish Your Puppy: Punishing your puppy for inappropriate chewing can be confusing and counterproductive. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement when your puppy chews on appropriate toys.

Establish a Routine

Puppies thrive on routine, and having a consistent schedule can help prevent destructive behaviors. Here are some things to consider:.

Designate a Potty Area: Take your puppy to the same spot every time they need to go potty. This will help them understand where it’s appropriate to do their business.

Stick to Feeding Times: Feed your puppy at the same time every day. This will help regulate their digestion and prevent accidents in the house.

Provide Plenty of Exercise: Puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. Take your puppy for walks, play fetch, and provide plenty of opportunities for physical activity.

Supervise Your Puppy

When you first bring your puppy home, it’s important to supervise them closely. This will help prevent accidents and destructive behaviors. Here are some tips:.

Keep Your Puppy on a Leash: When you can’t supervise your puppy closely, keep them on a leash to prevent them from wandering off or getting into trouble.

Use Crates and Playpens: Crates and playpens are great tools for keeping your puppy contained when you’re not home or can’t supervise them closely. Make sure the crate or playpen is appropriately sized for your puppy.

Be Patient: Puppies need time to learn and adjust. Don’t expect perfection overnight. Be patient and consistent with your training, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.

Conclusion

Preventing your puppy from destroying your home requires preparation, consistency, and patience. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help your puppy learn appropriate behaviors and prevent accidents and destructive behaviors.

Remember to be patient – puppies need time to learn and adjust, but with proper training and guidance, you and your pup can enjoy a happy, healthy, and stress-free life together.