Taking Steps to Ensure the Safety of Your Puppy

Once your puppy arrives home, ensure that he or she is well-supervised at all times to prevent him or her from consuming or drinking things he or she should not, or coming into contact with dangerous items such as electrical wires.

If you have young children at home, ensure that all toys (especially those with tiny parts) are put away in a safe spot. Toys and chews should also be stowed away so that your puppy will only play with them under supervision.

Make sure your puppy's food, treats, and training rewards are kept in a secure and airtight container to prevent unauthorised access! Gorging can result in bloating, which is potentially fatal, and improperly stored dry goods may potentially harbour mites which when inhaled, can make your puppy very itchy.

Human food must also be kept in dog-proof cupboards as some are harmful to dogs (e.g. grapes, raisins, chocolate and onions). Medicine must also be kept well out of reach from your puppy.

In addition to dog-proofing your home, you will also need to ensure that your garden is safe. Puppies can wriggle through small gaps, and they may also be surprisingly good at climbing. Puppies may also be able to jump higher than you think, so it is best to ensure that visits to the garden are closely supervised. Also always ensure that your gates are kept locked at all times.