by Megan As Well

Created on: July 22, 2008

Adopting a puppy is much like bringing a newborn home from the hospital. It is such a rewarding experience for every member of the family. But, like expectant parents, you must prepare your home for the big changes that are ahead. Even the calmest and most well-behaved puppies get themselves into sticky situations. The better prepared you are, the fewer incidents you will have to deal with.

Here are some common sense precautions to take:

1. Make sure all chocolate is out of reach of all dogs. Even a small amount of chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Be sure that every person in the household knows this, especially children. Also, do not give puppies onions or grapes.

2. Tie up any exposed or dangling wires. Puppies chew! And you do not want your puppy to learn to avoid wires the hard way!

3. Block off stairways and any rooms which you want to keep the puppy out of with baby gates. These are inexpensive and help keep most puppies in the areas of the house where they are allowed. (If you choose a large breed, however, like a Great Dane or an Irish Wolfhound, a baby gate may not help for very long.)

4. Make sure you have a spot for the puppy to do his or her business. A yard (large or small) with a full fence or invisible fencing is best, though there are solutions for owners with unfenced yards. You can walk your puppy regularly (every three hours minimum as a pup, less in older age) or get a stake which will anchor a leash and allow a dog to run around somewhat freely.

5. Puppies are curious and adventurous, so be prepared for them to get into things they shouldn't. The trash bin is a treasure chest to an explorative puppy, so keep it hidden or out of reach.

6. Move or remove any long curtains, rugs with fringe, or any tempting fabrics that a puppy will probably be tempted to chew.

7. Beware of any potted plants that a puppy could knock over or take a bite out of.

8. Keep any other pets (especially small caged animals) out of reach. Many breeds have the instinct to hunt, and small animals can bring this trait out in ways you may not be expecting.

Once you get your new puppy home, it is up to you to teach him or her which behaviors are allowed and what will be punished. You cannot expect a puppy to come with some innate sense of what is okay and not okay to chew on. There are hundreds of training guides available in both print and on the internet, as well as bitter sprays which can disgust a dog with a serious desire to chew.

Learn more about this author, Megan As Well.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.