Getting Ready for Your New Puppy!

Puppies are basically furry little toddlers. This means that they are very curious and have a whole lot of energy, which leads them to want to explore the world around them. Prior to bringing your new family member home, it is very important to make sure you check for potential hazards. Here are some tips to help you puppy proof your home:

1. Make sure cords and wires are not within reach of your puppy.
2. Do not leave any cleaners, vitamins, or medication out; determined puppies can chew through plastic!
3. Do a clean sweep of your home, picking up small objects like coins and paper clips and keeping them out of reach.
4. Find out if the plants you have in your home are toxic and place them out of reach or replace them with non-toxic plants.
5. Place small trashcans out of reach.
6. Clear low tables of anything you do not want your puppy reaching up and pulling off.
7. Make sure you do not leave your valuables within reach of your puppy; they may decide that your favorite pair of shoes is now their favorite chew toy! The first few months of your puppy’s stay in your home are a learning process. Make sure you have toys available for your puppy so that she knows what belongs to her and what belongs to you. If she does happen to find something of yours to munch on, replace it with one of her toys instead and praise her for taking her toy over yours.
8. Lastly, section off an area for your new puppy. This will be the puppy’s designated area to be in for the first few weeks of her life. This is where you will place the crate, food, wee wee pad and toys. Puppies should never be left alone. If you must leave your home, place your pup in the designated puppy area so that they are safe. Crates are not to be used for punishment. Make sure you leave the crate door open when you are not containing the puppy so that the puppy can go in and out of the crate freely.