BeaglismHow to Beagle-Proof Your House When You Get a Puppy
Beagles are wonderful but notoriously curious and food-motivated dogs! Here's how to beagle-proof your home:
Secure All Food Sources
This is critical for beagles. Use child-proof latches on cabinets, store food in sealed containers, and never leave anything edible on counters. Beagles are excellent counter surfers and will get into trash cans, so use ones with tight-fitting lids.
Protect Small Objects
Beagles explore with their mouths. Remove or secure anything they could swallow like socks, shoes, children's toys, coins, and hair ties. Check floors regularly for dropped items.
Block Access to Dangerous Areas
Use baby gates to keep your puppy out of rooms with hazards. Secure electrical cords behind furniture or use cord protectors, as puppies love to chew these.
Garden and Yard Safety
Fence your yard securely since beagles are escape artists who follow their noses. Remove toxic plants like azaleas, lilies, or anything treated with chemicals. Check that your fence has no gaps at the bottom.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a puppy-proofed room or use a large exercise pen where your beagle can stay when unsupervised. Include their bed, water, and appropriate chew toys.
Stock Up on Appropriate Chew Items
Provide plenty of dog-safe chew toys and bones to redirect their natural chewing instincts away from your belongings.
Medication and Chemical Safety
Store all medications, cleaning supplies, and chemicals in high, locked cabinets. Even over-the-counter human medications can be deadly to dogs.
Start with these basics before bringing your puppy home, and you'll both have a much easier transition!