"How do I dog-proof my apartment?”

Q&A WITH DR. PAULINE TAYLOR, BVM&S MACVSC  

DR. PAULINE SAYS: This question would be better answered if I had more details of 'why' you want to dog proof your apartment. With new pups we should expect to train them for some time because they have to learn what is good behavior and what we want them to do, or not.

They simply have no idea. Preventing the development of misbehavior is much easier than stopping established misdeeds! Training a dog to happily stay in a 'cage' or a 'den' when you are out is well worth the effort. It keeps them safe as well as out of trouble. Chewing, digging, scratching & inappropriate toileting causing home destruction are some of the major 'crimes' dogs commit in particular when they are bored! Being starved of an enriched environment, lacking social play/mates or being endlessly left alone can lead to these unwanted behaviors.

If you want to 'dog proof' and prepare your apartment for a new dog, perhaps a pup, or a new adult dog from an unknown background, the first thing you should do is get down on your hands and knees and view your apartment from a doggy view point. Look at all the areas that seem interesting, and in particular where food may be reached. Make sure all food is out with your dog's reach, including in fridges, rubbish bins and cupboards. If your dog is very agile and a potential food thief, fridge and cupboard locks can and should be used. Move all smaller chewable objects you value out of reach. Be prepared for some soft furnishing destruction from young pups but most outgrow this. Don't get new carpets or sofas at the same time as a new pup, keep well used furnishings till the dog is old enough to leave them alone. Enrich your dog's environment, dogs find activity rewarding, use food delivery toys, games, different types and textures of toys, ropes, bones, rubber and so on. My general rule is to change a dog's toys every other day and each time offer only two toys. Many anxious dogs become destructive when their owners are not at home. This is a specific problem that needs input from your vet. Punishment is not going to work and should never be used.