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How to Puppy-Proof Your Home

puppy on couchBefore bringing your new dog home, there are some precautions you should take to help protect him from possible injury. Puppies tend to be very curious, and they can get themselves into trouble in no time at all, but making minor adjustments around the house can help avoid major catastrophes. One of the easiest ways to determine what changes need to be made is to crawl around on all fours to get a dog's eye view of the place. Particularly look for things that a puppy could chew on or get tangled in, and small spaces he could squeeze through.

The following list includes some suggestions of ways to puppy-proof your home, but it is not exhaustive:
  • Do not leave electrical cords exposed.
  • Block off stairs with a baby gate. 
  • Place certain human foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes, and macadamia nuts out of reach of your dog.
  • Keep all trash cans behind closed doors.
  • Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the dog's reach. 
  • Fence your yard.
Once you've spent some time with your dog, you will learn his particular tendencies (some dogs are chewers, some are diggers, etc.) and can make additional changes to your home accordingly. Find a Nylabone chew, treat, or toy for your puppy!

Articles on this Topic:
How to Socialize Your Puppy!

Books on this Topic:
Puppy Training (Animal Planet™ Pet Care Library)
Puppy Training Nylabone DVD Library
Puppy Care & Training (Terra Nova)
 

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