Suggestion? Consider child proof latches if your puppy paws cabinets open.
2. Toilet paper is a very popular “toy” and some puppies are partial to toilet water. This is a horrible situation especially if you use any type of chemicals to clean the bowl.
Suggestion? Keep the bathroom door closed and always keep the toilet lid closed.
3. Be aware of any cabinet that contains housecleaning supplies that can be poisonous if swallowed.
Suggestion? Remove dangerous items from lower cabinets and/or use childproof latches.
4. Electrical cords are a enormous temptation for puppies. They see them and immediately want to chew. This can cause burns inside the mouth, electrical shock or even electrocution. Suggestion? Keep the cords out of reach of your puppy and remove electrical items if necessary.
5. Curtains are interesting items to puppies. Ever see a puppy play tug-of-war with one? How about window cords? Some puppies have actually strangled on these cords.
Suggestion? Tie the cords up out of reach. Raise the curtains off the floor until this stage passes.
6. Puppies love to tear and rip paper and for this reason trashcans are an incredible temptation. We throw away trash for a reason and it’s not because it’s safe for a pup.
Suggestion? Keep the trashcans in a closed cabinet or set them on a countertop to keep them out of reach.
7. Cat owner? Litter box? Puppies like to snack on poop!
Suggestion? Keep the litter box out of reach; find a place that your cat can reach but not your pup.
8. Houseplants are a wonderful addition to your decor but some are poisonous if chewed or swallowed. Even if your plants are non-toxic it can be a colossal chewing temptation to your puppy.
Suggestion? Remove poisonous and nontoxic plants from your pets reach.
9. Love your reading glasses? How about your magazine or newspaper? Again, puppies are extremely curious and love to chew and shred paper.
Suggestion? Store you items out of reach- you will be glad you did.
10. Watch out for those stairs! What a temptation to run up and down endlessly.
Suggestion? Close off stairwells with a baby gate. Not only does it keep the puppy safe on the stairs, it removes a ton of temptation in other areas of the house if the puppy can't get there. I still gate my stairs to keep my lovely senior dog safe for these same reasons.
11. Fires are dangerous to everyone. Never leave your puppy unattended in a room with an open flame or a space heater.
Suggestion? Screen off fireplaces and wood stoves.
These are just a few necessary steps to take before you bring the newest member of your family home. Pretty simple and easy, right? But, it's so easy to forget to do as well. I know I didn’t list all the ways to puppy proof. Please add suggestions to the comments- we would love to hear your ideas and what worked for you!