While we’ve written before about child-proofing your home, we decided to turn our attention to another, equally important subject that will appeal to all you pet parents out there! Delhi-based couple Vandana Verma and Gaurav Malakar share their to-do list for novice puppy-parents who are looking for the best tips on how to puppy-proof their homes.



Vandana Verma and Gaurav Malakar are one of those hyper-cool, artsy Delhi couples. Vandana, with her striking Uma-Thurman-in-Pulp-Fiction looks, is a writer, editor, consultant for Nicobar (one of the prettiest stores in Mumbai!) and is currently “tinkering away at a wellness website.” Gaurav on the other hand, has an unassuming, boyish charm that belies his prowess as one of India’s most exciting DJs and electronic music producers. The couple lives in a three-bedroom apartment in one of South Delhi’s leafy enclaves. Vandana and Gaurav’s nest received its newest member earlier this year – an irresistible Weimaraner named Ella (follow her on Instagram @animalkngdm).



Vandana admits that she never expected her impeccable home, with its beautiful carpets (Shaw Brothers, New Delhi) and lovingly chosen knick-knacks, to turn into a puppy crib. Ella entered their lives as a three-month-old, malnourished, infection-ridden puppy and it was love at first sight. The loving home and its denizens were, however, soon to face the playful mayhem of Ella’s puppy-dom.



We asked Vandana, the house-proud perfectionist, for a couple of tips for novice puppy-mommas. Here are some of the creative (and inexpensive) ways in which the Verma-Malakar household overcame the frisky puppy phase, mostly unscathed.





1. The ‘good carpets’ were preemptively put away and traded in for cheaper duhrees from Delhi’s famous flea market, Dilli Haat. Vandana managed to find durable ones in interesting graphic prints. The duhrees can be thrown away without much heartache, if and when they get soiled.



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Basic Rug



Begonia Jute

2. The couch is a prime victim. It is unfortunately a comfortable puppy-loo (doggies seem to be excited to take their bathroom breaks here!) and tremendously satisfying to gnaw on. Vandana and Gaurav quickly recognized this and decided to cover their couch with cozy, printed razais. They went free-fall with mixed prints, which turned their space into a warm, non-fuss, puppy-friendly home. DIY puppy proofing at its best!

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Ajara Cover

Kitchen Throw Rugs

3. Here’s an unusual one – Vandana decided to get into a headlong battle with the mess that was to come by getting her home professionally deep cleaned a day before the puppy arrived. She highly recommends Broomberg Services, New Delhi. Having a young pup is much like having a baby, except that the dirt factor increases manifold. Makes sense to start on a strong foot, and keep at it!



Above all, Vandana’s key piece of advice is “it’s just about taking lots of deep breaths, and telling yourself (repeatedly) that it’s worth it, because of the sweetness of the puppy! Also, the ‘mess’ phase passes quicker than you think!”

