Home Appliances & Your Dog: How to Keep Them Safe in the Home

Dogs are a lot like small children – they are sweet and goofy but are also incredibly curious and love getting into mischief. As a result, it can be a little stressful to have them around your home appliances. But how do you keep a curious pup safe in your house?

The good news is that it’s not as hard as you think, and all it takes is a little work and patience as you teach your pup what to stay away from and what they are safe to be around. Before you know it, you’ll be feeling a lot more relaxed when your fluffy best friend is snooping around.

Training

A lot of it comes down to training your pup and making sure that you are consistent with it. This takes time and effort, and you need to reinforce it, but it will be worth it in the end when they stay away from appliances like the oven and the hob. Always use positive reinforcement as this has the best results and also ensures your bond with your dog remains strong.

If you ever feel stuck, you also have the option of consulting a wide range of dog training books to help you figure out the best method for your dog. It’s important to remember that not all dogs are the same, and a training technique that works for one will not always be effective with another. You might have to go through some trial and error to find the best one for your pup.

Exercise

Boredom often leads to mischief, and a dog that is not being exercised properly will often find something to do – especially as they don’t understand that some home appliances can be dangerous for them to be around. Whether it’s chewing cables or sneaking into cupboards, you want to avoid behaviour that is born from boredom as much as possible.

A good walk is your best bet, and mixing things up to create new adventures on a regular basis is important for stimulating your dog and getting all their senses working. You can also play games at home to boost their mental stimulation (which is equally important) so that they are getting a good combination of mental and physical exercise each day.

Getting Them Used to Appliances

There are some appliances that aren’t dangerous, but commonly cause fear in dogs – namely the dreaded vacuum cleaner. Your best bet is to pick up a cordless model that is relatively quiet and good with pet hair so that you both benefit from it. Use the vacuum regularly and reward them with treats when they are calm in its presence. The earlier they get used to it, the better.

Loud noises can be difficult for puppies and dogs, and the important thing is that you react in a calm and normal manner when they are on so that your pup doesn’t have any negative associations with them. Similarly, you should calmly stop them from playing with appliances like the vacuum cleaner, even if it is really sweet when they do it.

Doors and Gates

The kitchen has the most dangerous appliances, and you should train your dog to stay out of the room. Similarly, any chemicals you keep in there should be kept high and in a locked cupboard (they are crafty little creatures). The best way to keep them out is to either install a gate or close the kitchen door on them.

This can be harder for homes that are open plan, but you can buy fantastic freestanding gates that can help to separate them from the kitchen and other areas of the home you would rather they didn’t wander into. It’s a great way to keep them safe away from both appliances and chicken bones alike.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your dog safe is mainly down to consistency and training, both important aspects of any part of your dog’s life. Keep them exercised, work on your training, and ensure they get used to appliances that are quite loud to avoid any negative reactions. With these quick tips, you’re sure to be free from dog-related stress in no time.

Photo by Obi Onyeador

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