Puppy Proofing Your Home and Yard/Garden

Taking care of a puppy, especially a new puppy to your house requires a bit of getting used to. Puppy behavior may often seem to be illogical or rather random, however if you stop to think like a puppy you will typically find that it all makes sense.

Preparing For A New Puppy

One of the most important tasks you have as the owner of a new puppy is to actually take the time, before the puppy gets there, to puppy proof your house. You don't need to do the whole house; just the areas were the puppy will have free roam and access. Some of the key components to check for safety are:

• Electrical outlets that are not used need to be covered. Puppies often lick at the outlets, causing life threatening electrical shock.

•  Electrical cords that are plugged into the wall may seem like dandy toys and chew items for a puppy, after all they look just like branches off a tree. Either plug things in and move furniture the puppy cannot get behind or under in front of the sockets or only plug in when in use then unplug and cover the outlet.

•  Take all dangly items like tablecloths, curtains, pull cords for blinds or tassels that hang from curtains or furniture off. They are very appealing to a little puppy as part of puppy behavior is mouthing everything, which may result in pulling these items down on top of the puppy or getting caught in the cords, risking the chance of strangulation.

•  Pick up all strings, threads and similar items from the furniture, especially the upholstered items. Often these cords and strings are on the underside, so you will have to either turn the item over or get down on your hands and knees and look underneath. These strings and threads pose a serious choking threat plus they can also cause digestive blockages.

Remove anything from the rooms your new puppy will be in that you really love and would be heartbroken if they are damaged or destroyed. Puppies don't even chew up your favorite shoes to get back at you for being left alone, but sometimes it may seem that way.

Your Yard and a Puppy

Your new puppy will need time outside in your yard, so there are a few simple puppy proofing ideas you can use to work with natural puppy behavior. The first one is to choose an area where you want the puppy to toilet, then keep bringing the puppy there and providing rewards. Soon he or she will know just where to go!

Other issues to make your yard safe for your puppy include:

•  Have a secure, well made fence that keeps your puppy in and other dogs out.

• Use a locking gate latch that cannot accidentally pop open if the puppy jumps up.

•  Check all plants in the yard to make sure they are non-toxic for dogs.

•  Pick up all waste material on a frequent, routine basis.

•  Remove any bones, toys or objects that may cause choking or splintering risks.

The key is to think like a puppy before bringing home your new puppy. Look at how the puppy behaviors will play out in the environment and ensure it is a safe place for your new addition to the family.