| 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. |
