Puppy-Proof Your Home
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-541 -- More Projects »
Veterinarian Bernadine Cruz explains how to puppy-proof your home.
- The best way to puppy-proof a home is to go from room to room on your hands and knees (the puppy's level) to discover what fun and interesting items a puppy might find. Maybe you'll even find that pen or earring that has been missing!
Puppies love to chew and what they chew on can be dangerous, such as electrical cords (figure A). Hide the cords by duct-taping them to the wall (figure B) and making sure that the puppy always has a toy to chew on. To jazz things up, dab a little peanut butter on it.Things that are near and dear to your heart that are also breakable or chewable need to be set on shelves or other high places away from puppy's reach. As the puppy grows, items may need to be moved even higher.
Giving a puppy its own bedroom has a lot of upside. Use a pet crate for more than just transportation--make it a place in which the puppy can relax and rest (figure C). Crates are marvelous because they can be used to help with house training. Make sure the crate is inviting to the puppy by placing a favorite blanket, toy and treat inside. When the puppy is placed in the crate, it won't want to soil the area where it is living, thereby discouraging accidents. Don't place the puppy in the crate for punishment only--leave it open so that the puppy can have a retreat and feel protected on three sides.If you don't want a puppy on the furniture, have a rattle can handy. A clean soft drink can with some pennies inside makes a great rattle. When the puppy begins to climb on a chair, for instance, give the can a good shake to get the puppy's attention, then immediately give it something to chew on or something to do.Choose houseplants carefully with regard to a puppy. Some can be toxic. Make sure that there are no hanging leaves or vines.Hiding a kitchen garbage can in the cupboard is a great way to keep a curious puppy from rummaging through the trash.
Guests Dr. Bernadine Cruz
Veterinarian, Laguna Hills Animal Hospital
Laguna Hills, CA
Phone: 949-837-7333
Website:
lagunahillsanimalhospital.com Also in this Episode
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/05/ssl541_2a_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/05/ssl541_2b_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/09/05/ssl541_2c_e.jpg",350,450))
