Puppy Proofing Your Home
Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 It has been 13 years since my wife and I brought a new puppy into our home. Not only did we not have an experienced dog around to show the new one the ropes, we were also a bit rusty. We forgot how much work a new puppy can be!
For the most part, puppies are “clean slates.” They haven’t had time or opportunity to rehearse many poor behaviors and they lack experience with the hazards the world sometimes has in store. So it is up to us to give them the guidance they need and to look out for them before they get into danger. That’s where puppy proofing your home comes in handy.
Pick It Up
Young animals experiencing the world for the first time don't know the difference between Prada and Petsmart. To them, anything left within reach is fair game to sniff, explore, bury, chew, eat, and mark. (I once met a dog that ate lug nuts from a car!) And since they don’t have fingers or hands, they usually explore the new world with their slobbery mouths. So it's important to remove and put away all items that might tempt their curiosity. The taller the animal, the more you need to put out of reach. And it doesn’t hurt to get in the habit of closing bedroom doors behind you.
Watch for Hazards
Be sure to eliminate unseen dangers such as the cleaning supplies you use on floors, windows, bathroom fixtures, and countertops. Has the pest control company been to your house lately? You might want to inquire about the safety of using such pesticides around your pets. And speaking of hazards, there are certain plants and shrubs that are toxic to animals. So make certain the plants and chemical lawn treatments in your yard are safe for pets.
Keep Them Secure
Finally, be sure to secure your pet whether it spends its time in part of the house, in a crate, or in the backyard. Make sure the fence is solid and in good condition and there are no holes under the gate that could offer a way to escape. If you have a pool, be sure the safety latch is working properly and that there are no gaps under the fence. Pets can accidentally drown, too.
Now that you’ve removed all the temptations that might get them into trouble, remember to provide plenty of fun puppy approved toys, treats, and activities to stimulate their active minds and shape the calm pets you desire.
Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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