A puppy is a welcome addition to a home, but much like a small child, a puppy can be very demanding. From safety issues to training, puppies can require a lot of your time and attention, and they need safe places where they can explore and grow.
One of the first things you need to do to make sure that your home is puppy-proof is clear the floor of any small items. These could include coins, paper clips, rubber bands, earrings, or anything that can be swallowed by your puppy and require an emergency visit to the vet. Puppies are naturally curious, and to them, anything lying around is worthy of some play time. Electric cords are another potential hazard. You may have to tape cords up to keep them out of his reach or coat them with a bitter substance to prevent him from chewing on them. Another rule of thumb is to hide anything of value so your puppy doesn’t discovery it. Once you have cleared your house of all valuable and dangerous objects, you can leave out a few choice toys that your puppy can chew on. Praising him when he chooses these toys over one of your prized possessions can also teach him to behave through positive reinforcement.
It is recommended that you keep your new puppy in a crate or a safe enclosed area when you are not able to supervise him. Leaving him alone indoors or outdoors can be dangerous. Going to his crate should be treated positively and not meted out as punishment. Make the crate comfortable by lining it with a blanket and scattering around his favorite toys. He will soon learn to treat this area as his space and venture into it on his own and not just when you can’t be with him.
Your backyard or garden is another place that can contain potential hazards for a puppy. If you grow vegetables, herbs or flowers, check if any of them are toxic to your dog. Plants such as honeysuckle, azaleas, wild mushrooms, mistletoe, lily of the valley and morning glory are reportedly dangerous to dogs if consumed. Also make sure that your fence is intact and the gates and doors are properly shut at all times to keep your puppy from getting lost.
An ideal way to keep track of your new puppy is by using the latest GPS dog collar. SpotLight GPS is one such pet tracking system that attaches on to your dog’s collar. Using the latest in GPS technology, you can track your pet’s location 24/7. It is a sturdy, compact product that is water-resistant and can withstand even the most boisterous puppy behavior. The SpotLight pet locator allows you to specify certain SafeSpots such as your house and backyard, where your puppy can be. When your puppy leaves a SafeSpot, you will be alerted immediately by text or email, and you can track his location anytime on the web or with your smart phone. With SpotLight GPS, you can keep track of your dog when you’re not around, and you can instantly locate him anytime, anywhere.