Having a new puppy in the house can be viewed as having a new
baby. This is because the new world of the puppy, which is the
house of the new owner, may not appear as safe as the way adults
see it. To make the house safe for the new puppy, it should
be puppy-proofed, just as the house should be baby-proofed to
make it safe for a new baby.
The steps
to take in making the house safe for the puppy will be easier
to understand and remember when the owner attempts to see the
house through the eyes of the puppy. When the owner does this,
he has to keep in mind that the puppy has no human biases. For
example, an exceptionally cherished party shoes may appear a
perfectly shiny object on which the puppy may test his sharp
baby teeth.
Here are
some tips that may help the new puppy owner:
1. Puppies
tend to trust that they live in the safest corner of the world.
And they do not realize that some things lying around could
be dangerous. For example, a thick electrical cord idly lying
on the floor can entice and encourage the puppy to practice
the cutting strength of its teeth on the cord. Thus, electrical
cords should be hidden in places that the puppy cannot reach.
2. Puppies
have the urge to eat as often as possible. They are growing
after all. Thus, upon seeing a plant, the puppy may immediately
smell it, decide that it seems okay, and then take a bite. If
the puppy owner has precious and rare plants, such as the bonsai,
these should be kept out of reach. And if the plants are poisonous,
these could endanger the puppy. If the owner is unsure which
plants are poisonous and which are edible, it will be best to
keep all plants beyond the puppy’s muzzle.
3. Puppies
are naturally exuberant and curious. This means that no open
door will be left unexplored. If the owner does not want the
puppy to enter certain bedrooms, workrooms, or the library,
the doors of these areas should be kept firmly closed.
4. Puppies
like to chew. The milk teeth of a puppy are incredibly sharp.
These can cut almost any object, such as rugs and innocent toys
left behind by children. If the owner or other members of the
house, especially the kids, don’t want an object to be chewed
and deformed to uselessness, such object should be put in a
safer place.
5. Puppies
will drink almost anything. For a puppy, a liquid is a liquid.
It cannot yet distinguish between safe water and poisonous liquid
cleaner. Thus, to keep the puppy alive, such chemicals should
be hidden well. |
