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.
