How to Make Your Home Dog-Friendly (and Accident-Proof!)
- Walksfar Dogwalking
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6
Bringing a dog into your home is one of life's greatest joys — but it can also be a bit of a chaos fest if you're not prepared. Whether you're getting a dog for the first time or hosting a four-legged guest, here’s how to make your house safe, welcoming, and less vulnerable to muddy paws and chewing marathons.
First Things First: What to Think About Before the Dog Arrives
Remove temptation: Hide shoes, cables, remote controls, and anything you really, really like.
Create safe zones: Set up dog-friendly spaces using baby gates or closed doors if needed.
Protect valuables: Pop important items up high (think bags, sunglasses, house plants, and chargers).
Prep a cozy space: Have a designated bed or crate area where your dog can relax.
Stock up on toys: Dogs (especially young ones) will need something to chew. Offer appropriate toys so they don’t go for your sofa legs instead.
Dog-Proofing Essentials
Secure bins: Dogs have very good noses. Bins are basically treasure chests.
Tidy up the kitchen: No chocolate, grapes, onions, or chewing gum left within nose range.
Cover sofas if needed: Particularly for shedding breeds or enthusiastic loungers.
Check the garden: Make sure fences are escape-proof and remove toxic plants.
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?
Even the chillest dogs don't love being left for hours on end. Here's a rough guide:
Puppies: No more than 1 hour per month of age (e.g., a 3-month-old = max 3 hours).
Adult dogs: 4-6 hours max is ideal.
Senior dogs: Shorter periods depending on health.
Pro Tip: If you need to be away longer, Walksfar offers trusted dog boarding to make sure your pup is cared for, exercised, and loved while you're away.
Breeds More Prone to Destructive Behaviour
(aka "I will eat your sofa if you leave me too long")
Labrador Retriever: Chewers, especially as puppies.
Beagle: Nose-driven escape artists.
Border Collie: Need LOTS of mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: High-energy and mouthy if bored.
Jack Russell Terrier: Energetic, clever, and easily bored.
Mixed breeds with working dog ancestry (Collie crosses, Terrier mixes, etc.) can also show "busy brain" destructive tendencies if left without stimulation.
Breeds (Generally) Better at Being Left Alone (for Short Periods)
(Remember: every dog is an individual!)
Greyhound: Professional nappers.
Basset Hound: Chill, low-energy vibe.
French Bulldog: Happy to snooze while you’re gone.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Lapdog nature, moderate independence.
Older rescue dogs: Often already trained to handle alone time.
Still, no dog should be left alone all day, every day. They’re social animals and need interaction to stay mentally healthy.
Final Tips for a Dog-Friendly Home
Rotate toys to keep them interesting.
Leave a TV or radio on for background noise.
Always leave fresh water accessible.
Enrich their environment with puzzle feeders or snuffle mats.
Creating a dog-friendly home is about setting them (and yourself!) up for success. A little prep goes a long way to ensuring your furniture stays intact, your pup stays happy, and your days are full of wagging tails instead of stressful clean-ups.
Happy hosting and happy tails!
