Dog Owner Information
Puppy Proofing Your Home
Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to "puppy proof" your
house. Puppies are like babies: they want to explore every corner of
your house, and they want to put everything into their mouths.
Here's a simple checklist to make sure your home is safe before letting
Rover run free:
Make sure all poisonous household items are securely stored out
of the puppy's reach
Did you put the household cleaners, laundry detergents, bleach,
disinfectants, insecticides, cleaning fluid, fertilizers, mothballs,
antifreeze, insect poisons, rat poisons and other items in cabinets or
on high shelves?
These items can be deadly to your puppy.
As your new puppy grows, he will be able to explore higher places and be
tempted to jump up on shelves.
Check your plants
Many plants in and around your house can be threatening to your pup. Did
you know that the pits of apricots and peaches, as well as spinach and
tomato vines, can make your puppy sick and, in large dosages, can even
be fatal? Click here to learn about more plants that you should keep
away from Spot. For a more complete list of dangerous doggie plants,
consult your vet.
Look at your house from your puppy's point of view
Get down on all fours and look around. Are there any dangling electric
cords, loose nails, plastic bags or other tempting objects that will be
in puppy's reach? If there are, be sure to put them away immediately.
SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS
Never leave your puppy unsupervised inside or outside, and keep
him off balconies, upper porches and high decks
Puppies, no matter what breed, are so little that they can slip through
openings and fall. Puppies may also get tangled in ropes or the plastic
from six-pack beverage holders. Cut these items apart to prevent
problems.
Keep your toilet lid down
Puppies are often tempted to play in toilet bowl water. This habit can
be awful to break. Not only is it embarrassing when friends or family
are visiting, but toilet cleanser may be harmful if swallowed.
Unplug, remove or cover any electrical cords in your puppy's
confinement area
Chewing on these cords can cause severe mouth burns, electrocution and
fires. It is also a good idea to cover electrical outlets, when they are
not in use.
Keep buttons, string, sewing needles, pins and other sharp
objects out of your puppy's reach
If your puppy swallows any of these objects, he can damage his mouth and
internal organs.
Do not tie ribbons around your puppy's neck
Rufus may be tempted to chew the ribbon, which can cause digestive
problems. He could also choke himself if he catches the ribbon on
anything.
Problem Plants for Puppies
If your puppy has a tendency to nibble on grass, don't be alarmed. If
his vegetarian habits continue and he tries to nibble on any of the
following plants, STOP him, or you could have a few problems on your
hands. These plants may make your puppy sick and may even kill him.
Remember, this is not a complete list of dangerous plants. You'll need
to talk with your vet to learn more about these and other plants that
can be harmful to your pup.
Supplies to Buy
Before bringing your puppy home, purchase the following supplies.
Preparing in advance for the arrival of your new pal will allow you and
your puppy to spend time getting to know each other. Click here for a
more complete list of puppy products.
Food and Water Bowls
Select bowls that won't tip over. Make sure they're easy to clean, since
they will need to be washed daily. Purchase separate bowls for food and
water. You may want to buy smaller bowls at first, and upgrade to larger
ones as your puppy grows. This will keep him from getting buried under a
heaping pile of dog food or from falling in his water bowl every time he
drinks.
Collar
There are a variety of lightweight collars available for your puppy.
Some have buckles and others snap. Regardless of the collar style you
choose for your puppy, remember to attach an identification tag listing
your puppy's name, your address and phone number.
Your puppy's first collar should be made of lightweight nylon or
leather. To measure your puppy's collar size, measure his neck and add
two inches. To ensure that the collar fits properly, you should be able
to slide two fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck. If your
fingers fit comfortably, you have the right size collar. If there is
extra room, you need a smaller size. If both fingers don't fit, the
collar is too small. It may take a while for your puppy to get used to
wearing his collar, so don't be discouraged if he is uncomfortable and
scratches his collar.
Leash
Leashes come in a variety of styles, such as leather, nylon and
retractable, and a in variety of lengths. A six-foot leash is the ideal
length for both training and walking.
Always keep your puppy on his leash unless he is in a fenced-in
area.
Many states and cities have leash laws, which make it mandatory
for your puppy to be on his leash at all times, even at public parks and
playgrounds. Under these laws, you can be fined if caught with your
puppy off his leash. Remember to clean up after your puppy if he goes to
the bathroom in a public place, such as a park or a neighbour's lawn.
Grooming Supplies
Make sure you have the proper grooming tools. These will differ
depending on your puppy's coat. For shorthaired breeds, use a brush with
natural bristles, a rubber currycomb or a hand mitt. A sturdy
wide-toothed metal comb and perhaps a mat splitter are needed for
longhaired breeds. Be sure to include a flea comb in your grooming
supplies, and begin by establishing a weekly grooming program with your
puppy as quickly as possible.
Toys
All puppies need toys to help them exercise and to provide them with a
safe way to satisfy their chewing cravings. Be sure to choose toys that
are made for puppies and cannot be splintered, torn apart or swallowed.
Large rawhide chips, nylon chews and hard rubber balls are fun and safe.
As a general rule, if the toy can fit comfortably in a puppy's mouth,
it's too small.
Your puppy's Toy Chest should be free from the following items
- Sponge toys or items with hard, sharp points or attachments, such as
squeakers, which can break off and be dangerous if swallowed.
- Shoes or other personal clothing. Giving your puppy these items will
only teach him that it's okay to chew your shoes and rip holes in your
shirts.
- Balls of string, yarn, cellophane, twist ties, plastic baggies and
other household goods that could get lodged in your puppy's throat
causing him to choke or suffocate.
- Children's toys made of soft rubber, fur, wool, sponge or plastic.
If your puppy swallows a small particle of any of these materials, it
could cause digestive problems.
Puppy Food
Start your puppy on the right track with the essential nutrition of a
balanced puppy food. For more information on feeding and nutrition,
click here.
Crate or Sleeping Bed
Your puppy will need a warm, comfortable place to sleep. A crate
provides a den for your puppy when you are not home. Crates usually come
in one of two types: a portable, enclosed, plastic crate with handles;
or a wire crate. Your puppy's crate should be large enough for him to
stand up, turn around and lie down and should have adequate ventilation.
If you buy an adult-sized crate, purchase partitions or place a
cardboard box in the back to provide a cozy space for your puppy. Even
if you crate your puppy, you should have a separate sleeping bed for
when you are at home. Make sure you buy a puppy-sized bed rather than an
adult-sized bed, so your puppy will feel safe and snug. For more
information on crating go to our housebreaking section.
Stain and scent remover
Special formulated stain and scent remover takes the odour away from a
puppy's nose, as well as yours. Conventional household products not
found in the pet aisle or a pet supply store mask the odour to humans,
but not puppies. If you use a conventional household product to clean up
after your puppy, don't be alarmed if he keeps repeating himself at the
same spot. He's merely trying to mark his territory.
Book on puppy care
Place this handy reference guide on a shelf in your bedroom, den or
kitchen. You never know when you'll need a quick answer.
