| 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. |
