Puppy Proofing Your Home.

[britishbandit]

Getting a new puppy? Remember there was a time when you couldn't leave out shoes, toys, books, electronics? Or the constant toilet training, those crates, cleaners and maybe puppy pads? It's that time again!!

So where do you start? Well outside is never a bad idea, check those areas you're puppy will be using. Any toxic plants around that may harm the puppy? Not sure, take a clipping to a local "nursery" and find out. The last thing you need is to bring home that perfect puppy, and lose him/her days later.
Then what, fencing, do you have any? Are there holes or weak areas in it? Do a walk around, check, make sure. Puppies can get through relatively small holes, look carefully. Is the latch on the gate finiky? Yes, then fix it, or get a lock for it. Any other dangers? Posts sticking out? Stones and pebbles the dog could get at, and possibly swallow? Have you treated that yard recently with pesticide? Don't risk it, find somewhere else until it is safe for the dog to use the yard. Any yard equipment laying around? Rakes, hoses, garbage...etc? Do you have a pool? And is it non accessable to that new pup?
Driveway and garage, will the dog be in these places? Any leaking antifreeze anywhere, other chemicals? Mousetraps maybe, nails sticking out?

Inside the home. Any potential dangers in there? Check room by room. Take medication? Make sure it is all put away at all times. Cleaners, safely out of the way? Not just under the kitchen sink (if so, use child safety latches), a place where the puppy cannot get to. Any cords or wires around that the puppy could easily get to and chew on? Remember, anything you leave out for that puppy, is fair game to him/her. Furniture that could present a problem? Maybe a coffee table that has "hooked" legs, could the dog get stuck in them? Are you one of those "throw your clothes on the floor" people? LOL Well make sure you don't leave them for your new puppy to discover? Remember those dogs that leave you with uneven pairs of socks, or underwear you don't need to remove before going to the bathroom? These can also be a choking hazard to your dog.
Bedding, does it have tassles, or hangs low to the ground? If you want to keep that bedding, either don't allow the puppy in there, or hike it up. Anything you don't want chew or destroyed, put up high, or get it to a "safe zone".
What about kids? Often kids toys are left out. Make sure they are put away when the puppy is out, and watch for small pieces that may easily be overlooked. More choking hazards.
Bathrooms are another danger zone, which puppy may wander into at some point. Place soaps, bath beads, shampoos...etc out of the way.
Watch what you put in those garbages that may be easily accessable to your pup. Any plastic bags laying around? Chicken bones, broken glass? Things that normally aren't an issue going into the garbage, now pose a threat to your new puppy. Keep those garbages puppy proofed or out of the way. Candles can be another big problem.
Things you may think, "well I'll be supervising the puppy all the time". Well you may think that, but ever got so into a TV show, or cooking that you didn't notice something going on right under your nose, or in another room?

What about house-training? Will you crate, not crate, use a pen, baby gates? Will it make you mental to see your new pup "going" on your favourite Persian Rug, new carpet, couch...? Then you better make sure you crate or limit the pups area while potty training.


Well there's just a few for starters! Remember, whether you currently own a dog, and are getting a new puppy, or are a first time puppy owner, refresh yourself ahead of time when getting a new puppy. There are so many dangers inside and outside of the home that normally wouldn't be cause for concern. It may seem drastic, but be safe, and be sure!

[Snow_dog]

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