How exciting! A new baby´s coming home with you! Once you get over being giddy, you need to make sure your house is ready for your new furry bundle of joy.
- You need to make sure there are no hanging cords or wires lying about. You should tape them up, tuck them away, or get them out of sight. They are far too interesting for Junior to resist. You might want to think in the same terms about drapery cords, trailing plants, even upholstery details, by getting them and away from sharp little teeth!
- You should close doors and use baby gates to keep your pet in safe areas. Garages, attics, and basements, in particular, are nearly impossible to make safe for a young, curious dog. If Junior can't get somewhere, he can´t get into trouble.
- This would be a good time to crate-train your new dog. You should not leave your dog in crate for hours on end. Instead, you should begin by making the crate a safe, attractive place for your dog. You want your puppy to go initially into the crate for only a few minutes, encouraging him with praise and treats.
- You should close doors and use baby gates to keep your pet in safe areas. Garages, attics, and basements, in particular, are nearly impossible to make safe for a young, curious dog. If Junior can't get somewhere, he can´t get into trouble.
Puppy-proofing is akin to baby-proofing your home, with the caveat that puppies are already walking. When you think you're done puppy-proofing, you should get down to your puppy´s height and take a look around from its perspective. Does it look safe to you, or do you see a tempting object just waiting for a curious puppy to chew on? It is almost impossible to remove all temptations for your puppy, but with some preparation, you will be able to keep your household items and your puppy safe.
