You’ve just gotten back from work, a friend’s house or the grocery store when you see it – your puppy has gotten into the refrigerator again. You can’t deny their dedication, having dug through the pantry, cupboards and even the trash. Your pup is happy as can be, but it can’t happen again, for the sake of their tummy, their safety, and your sanity.
So here’s how to puppy proof the kitchen and keep your treats to yourself:
Keep Them Out
If your puppy loves the kitchen but can’t be trusted on their own while you’re out, consider keeping the pooch out of the kitchen altogether. Close kitchen doors before you head out, or install a baby gate to put in place until they learn that they’re not allowed into cupboards and other spaces.
Rearrange Household Items
In addition to being a nuisance, a puppy getting into the kitchen can also be a health hazard. It’s routine to keep household products such as cleaners, sprays, paper towels and sponges in low cabinets under the sink. Tearing up a roll of paper towels is one thing, but getting into a bottle of something toxic is another matter altogether. Move these items to out-of-reach places or set up a safer plan to make sure your puppy can’t get into these spaces at all.
Child-Proof Locks
As mentioned above, your dog’s safety may be at risk if they love to dig through the kitchen for more than just your leftover dinner. Purchase some child-proof locks to keep your dog out of spaces that contain toxic chemicals, as well as the refrigerator and other places you store food.
Some smart dogs show a particular brand of genius when they’re after food, using their teeth and paws to open the refrigerator, and even hopping onto counters to reach spaces you thought they could never manage. Watch your pup’s behavior, gymnastic and impressive as it may be, and place child-proof locks in place from there.
Don’t worry – you most likely won’t have to keep these in place forever. Dogs will learn that they can’t get into these spaces and begin to avoid trying altogether. What’s the point in hopping onto the counter when you can’t get in to the cupboards to snack on your favorite chips?
Move The Trash Can
Dogs won’t shy away from eating literal trash, whether that’s scraps of food or simply tearing apart packaging when they’re bored or anxious. If possible, place your garbage can behind a closed door or inside a locked cabinet to keep them out. When that’s not possible, use child-proof locks again or buy a trash can with a latch.
If you see your puppy rummaging in or around the trash, correct the behavior right away and take note of their habits. Over time, you won’t have to worry as much about them digging through your kitchen, but puppies are still learning, so take precautions where you can to keep your dog – and your dinner – safe.
Keep Them Busy With BarkBox
One of the best ways to occupy a dog’s time – and therefore keep them out of trouble – is with dog toys, treats, and chews. And what better way to give your puppy all of the above than with BarkBox?
For as little as $21 a month, you can get 2 original dog toys, 2 bags of all-natural treats, and a meaty chew sent straight to your door. All of which are designed and/or curated around a really fun theme! Say, “Chewrassic Bark” or “Knights of the Hound Table.”
The reality is, if your puppy is busy with BarkBox, they won’t be busy in your trash can. We’re just talking about facts here, guys.
