-
Pick up
trash containers that might contain anything harmful to the
puppy.
-
Put safety
latches on cabinets that have poisonous items -- often under
the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Ask for these latches at your
hardware store.
-
If the
puppy will have access to a garage, be sure there is no anti-freeze
within reach. It has an attractive smell and taste to dogs and
cats.
-
Check for
electrical cords, such as a dangling one between the wall and
a lamp on a table. What about the rats' nest of wires near your
computer? You can puppy proof them with rubber bands so they
mostly stay on the back of your desk. Duct tape can attach tapes
to walls.
-
Crawl
everywhere in your home, on your hands and knees, and see what
you notice! Don't crawl on that thumbtack that's been under
the desk for years...
-
If you
have a fenced yard, terrific! Walk around your fencing and look
for any place that your puppy might be able to squeeze through
it. See if anything else in the yard needs puppy proofing.
-
One way
or another, you need to be able to confine your puppy to a more
securely puppy-proofed part of the house when you are out. See
my crate-training page for
how (and whether) to crate train, and a section on alternatives
to crate training.
-
Plan your
potty-training arrangements. Where do you want the puppy
to do its stuff? How will you clean it up?
Puppy
proofing is mostly common sense, but you might not think of some
details....
