How to Prepare Your House for a Puppy: A Puppy-Proofing Guide

We all agree that Pomsky puppies are irresistibly cute, but when they're not cuddling with you, they can quickly wreak havoc on your home with their sharp teeth and tiny bladders!

Safety First

Ensuring your home is safe for your new Pomsky puppy is a top priority. One of the biggest hazards is anything a puppy might ingest. Some puppies chew but don’t swallow foreign objects, while others will readily eat socks, rocks, or anything else they can get their jaws on.

Cleaning and Organizing

Keeping your home clean is critical to avoid a sick puppy, costly vet bills, or worse. Keep small items like coins and kids' toys safely out of reach. Store fabric items, such as clothes and socks, away. Also, watch your puppy outdoors to ensure they don’t try to eat sticks or rocks.

Electrical Cords and Other Hazards

Electrical cords are another common hazard. Ensure your puppy does not have access to any plugged-in cords, as chewing through them can lead to electric shock.

This phase might sound overwhelming, but remember, it’s temporary. As your Pomsky grows, they will outgrow the obsessive need to chew on everything. Gradually, they will learn what toys and treats are appropriate to chew on.

Plants

Many plants are highly toxic to dogs, including azaleas, ivy, tulips, sago palm, and hydrangeas. Even if you’re confident that your plants are non-toxic, it’s best to keep them out of reach to avoid chewed leaves and spilled soil.

Medicine and Handbags

Medicine is an obvious hazard. Keep all medicine bottles stored safely away. Pups often find off-limits items in handbags left within reach. Items like Tylenol are highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

Setting Up a Potty Training Area

A solid potty training plan is crucial. Puppies typically do well with a small, designated area. They tend to be more attracted to rugs or carpets for potty accidents. If you have mostly hardwood floors with area rugs, consider moving the rugs for the time being. Make sure you and your puppy have easy access to the backyard door or the door you plan to use for potty breaks.

Quick action is key for potty training. Keep the area clear of obstacles and distractions to help your puppy focus on the task.

Monitoring and Confinement

Puppies can be a handful during their first few months. Even with a perfectly puppy-proofed house, we recommend keeping a close eye on your puppy whenever they are up and playing. When you can't supervise, confine them to a crate or puppy exercise pen.

Puppies don’t understand correction after the fact. If you don’t want them chewing something, you must catch them in the act. The same goes for potty accidents. Watching your puppy ensures you don’t miss important training opportunities.

Small Spaces and Leash Training

Starting your Pomsky in a smaller area of the house is beneficial for both preventing unwanted chewing and aiding potty training. It will be easier to puppy-proof a smaller space. Your puppy, who has spent much of their first 8 weeks in a confined area with siblings, won’t mind the smaller space. It can make their first few days at home more predictable and less overwhelming.

For potty training, the closer the door is, the easier it will be for your puppy to alert you before it’s too late. Young puppies are just learning bladder control and often have a very short time between realizing they need to go and actually going.

If you are busy with other tasks, keep your puppy on a leash attached to your arm or waist. This aids in bonding and ensures they stay safe and out of trouble while still having some freedom to move and chew on their toys.

Conclusion

Preparing your home for a Pomsky puppy is essential. Besides puppy-proofing, keep a close eye on your puppy as they learn what behaviors are appropriate. With proper planning and consistent training, your Pomsky will grow into a well-mannered, trustworthy member of your household.