4 Easy Steps to Make Your Home Dog-Friendly

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Do your spring break plans involve bringing home a new furry family member? If so, you’re probably busy puppy-proofing your house by hiding trash cans, installing gates, and finding creative ways to keep your shoes out of harm's way. However, many new dog owners only consider the puppy phase while preparing their home for a fuzzy new arrival. 

Flex Paste

Here are four steps to prepare your home for the long haul—not just the puppy phase.

Step 1: Protect Your Stairs From Scratches

While you can avoid scratches on hardwood and vinyl flooring with proper nail maintenance, your dog will inevitably leave a few marks here or there. Stairs are a frequently overlooked area that are often affected by scratches. Fortunately, you can prepare your stairs to withstand your dog's paws by installing stair treads that are durable and easy to clean.

Choose durable materials like:

  • White Oak
  • Hickory
  • Laminate

Avoid soft wood such as:

  • Cherry
  • Pine
  • Black Walnut

By preparing your home with new stair treads, you’ll rest assured that your pup can roam while being less likely to leave scratches behind.

Step 2: Create a Pooch-Friendly Porch

One of the best ways to prepare your home for a new dog is to try to see things from their point of view. Crouch down and take a look at your porch. Do you notice any splintering wood or fraying outdoor furniture cushions? Take special care to inspect features like porch posts.

If essential features of your porch are already a bit run down, they might look like a giant chew toy to your new pup. What begins as innocent teething could turn into a bad chewing habit down the line, which is not only dangerous to your four-legged friend but will also create quite the outdoor eyesore.

Replacing and repairing any worse-for-wear areas of your porch ahead of time is a great way to ensure your dog has a safe place to play and doesn’t develop bad habits.

Step 3: Prepare to Repair

Your puppy will inevitably get into a little trouble even with the best preparation and training. The best way to help you stay calm and on top of training is to stock up on essential materials to repair any damage easily.

Here are a few key materials to pick up:

  • PVC Pipe: Protect your cables and power cords from sharp puppy teeth.
  • Flex Paste: Prepare for anything—from patching a hole to creating a waterproof roof for a doghouse.
  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Having extra cleaning supplies on hand never hurts.

Step 4: The Best Defense Is a Good Fence

Avoid nicknaming your dog “Houdini” by evaluating your fence beforehand. After all, no one wants to realize their favorite rose bush covered an exciting escape route after their dog dug their way to it.

Inspect your fence for loose boards or large gaps. If the slats of your fence are wide enough for a puppy to slip through, chicken wire is an easy fix. Simply pick up a few rolls to install along the inner perimeter of your fence.

Your furry friend will grow out of stealing tennis shoes and tinkling in the house and will be a loyal companion for years to come. You’ll thank yourself for creating a safe, fun, and practical environment for your newest family member.

About Menards®

 Turning your house into a home is a marathon, not a sprint. Start your home improvement journey off on the right foot with a visit to your local Menards®, where you’ll find high-quality products, low prices, and service that feels like family. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, which is why the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Menards® is always ready to lend one. Their Design-It Center or Project Calculator programs can help you envision your finished project while staying under budget. Whether you are stopping in for a tub of Flex Paste or browsing their vast selection of supplies, rest assured that you’ll find what you need at one of their 300 family-owned locations. Save Big Money® and tackle your next big project with a little help from Menards®.

 Save Big Money® on pet-friendly materials at https://www.menards.com/

Location: 5101 Menard Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703, USA

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