| If there's one lesson that I've learned well as a | | | | own disgusting, nose level buffet. My adult dogs |
| dog owner,it's this: Before bringing that new | | | | arefive and ten years old and will still occasionally |
| puppy home, you want topuppy proof your | | | | sneak things outof the wastebaskets. |
| home. | | | | • Check your fencing - make sure it |
| Here's how you can do just that. | | | | goes completely to the ground. |
| Identify and remove any toxic plants that could | | | | You would be amazed at how small a gap a |
| effect your puppy | | | | puppy can fit through! Infact, I recommend |
| Many plants that are common to our gardens and | | | | keeping puppies tethered, even if the backyardis |
| homes (including thedead leaves) can be poisonous | | | | fenced, until they are fairly reliable on the recall. |
| to our dogs. Here is the ASPCAlisting which is an | | | | The game of 'Catch the Puppy' is not a good |
| excellent listing and resource: Toxic Plants | | | | game to be playing with youryoung puppy. You |
| Think about toxic human foods - the yummy | | | | need to stay in control as much as possible. |
| things that can kill your puppy! | | | | • Keep all medications and chemicals |
| There are human foods that are very toxic to | | | | securely hidden. Dogs cancounter cruise and a |
| dogs. Chief amongthem are onions, chocolate, | | | | simple bottle of pain reliever consumed by |
| grapes and raisins. It is veryimportant that you | | | | acurious pup can have fatal consequences. |
| make any children in your house AND | | | | • Remember, your puppy is going to |
| neighborhoodaware of this. For a complete list go | | | | grow! What may pass forpuppy-proof today may |
| to: Bad Food List | | | | not be adequate in another month or two. |
| Third, here are ten things to do the day before | | | | Beaware of your pup's ever increasing range and |
| that new bundle offir arrives. | | | | curiosity. |
| • Close doors or set up baby gates to | | | | • Bottom line is you have to be watching |
| rooms you don't want thepuppy to get into. | | | | your puppy constantly. |
| Puppies are naturally curious and will explore. | | | | Any thing other than food that they chew and |
| It is best to keep them confined to one room or | | | | swallow has thepotential to make them sick or, |
| part of a room,and gradually increase their range. | | | | worse yet, kill them. |
| • Get all plant, small pets (gerbils, guinea | | | | • Don't forget the tail. Not all puppy |
| pigs, fish, lizards,etc.), electrical cords and curtain | | | | damage is done by puppychewing. Make sure all |
| shade pulls out of puppy range. | | | | breakable items are above tail level. Onegood |
| Covers for electrical cords are advisable. | | | | swipe with a happy tail and grandma's crystal |
| • Keep kids' toys picked up and out of | | | | vase isshattered. |
| puppy reach. Puppies do notknow the difference | | | | Finally, have Poison Control Center information |
| between their toys and your daughter's brandnew | | | | handy |
| Barbie doll. | | | | If you think your puppy has been poisoned Call |
| • Remote controls and video game | | | | the ASPCA Animal |
| equipment (which are often usedand left on the | | | | Poison Control Center The telephone number is |
| floor) needs to be put in a secure location away | | | | (888) 426-4435. |
| froma curious puppy. | | | | There is a consultation fee for this service. |
| • Lift up your wastebaskets! Gross as it | | | | Use the ideas presented here to prepare your |
| sounds, dogs love dirtytissues and other nasty | | | | home for your new puppy. |
| things that are put in wastebaskets! It islike their | | | | |