Overview

If you've never had a puppy, you're probably blissfully unaware of how much damage can be done with 28 pointy baby teeth that a vampire would envy. And even adult dogs who need a brush up on training can wreak more havoc than you'd think possible.

While training your new dog where to go to the bathroom and what to chew, protect your home--and your dog's health--by dog-proofing your house.

Steps

1. Lie down on the floor and remove anything you don't want chewed or swallowed.
That includes nails, decorative items, buttons, needles, socks, craft items, and so on. Err on the side of caution; you'd be surprised by what a chew-crazy canine can fit in his mouth.

2. Wrap exposed electric cords in spiral cable wrap, cord concealers, or PVC pipe.
It's also a good idea to unplug them when they're not in use once the pup arrives. Electrical cords are one of the top dangers to puppies.

3. Tie up drapery cords.
They can injure your pup if he gets tangled up.

4. Put all toxic chemicals in a locked area or well out of your dog's reach.
That includes antifreeze, rat poison, medication, household cleaners, insecticides, toilet bowl cleaner (keep your toilet lid down if you use automatic bowl cleaners), mothballs, and more. Don't rely on the packaging to keep your pup out of these items; you'd be surprised by what a dog can chew through.

5. Check your home and yard for plants that are toxic to dogs.
Some to look for: azalea, calla lily, dieffenbachia, poinsettia, philodendron, belladonna, buttercups, creeping Charlie, elderberry, daffodils, poison ivy, poison oak, rhubarb, stinging nettle, white clover, and yew.

6. Put foods that are harmful to dogs well out of reach.
Stuff that's fine for people, like onions, raisins, and chocolate, is toxic for dogs, and so are all tobacco products, including gum and nicotine patches.

7. Move all trash cans out of reach.
Kitchen and bathroom trash is doggie nirvana.

8. Keep clothing picked up and make laundry baskets inaccessible. Dogs love to chew on items like socks, nylons, and underwear.

9. Set up safety gates and/or childproof latches to keep your dog out of dangerous areas.
These may include balconies, decks, pools, hot tubs, cabinets, compost bins, space heaters and fireplaces, and litter boxes. (Litter can cause an obstruction.)

10. Block off garages or sheds where toxic items are stored.
You want to keep your pup well away from stuff like antifreeze, rate poison, charcoal lighter, gasoline, motor oil, paint and paint thinner, fishing hooks and lines, and pesticides.

DogTime tip: A good rule of thumb is that if something isn't safe for babies and kids, it's not okay for dogs either. If you're unsure, always keep the item off-limits. It's better to be safe than sorry.

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