puppy&dog TRAINING

Puppies have two sets of teeth that emerge in their first six months of life. Just like human babies, they often find chewing soothing. Even after teething, some dogs just like to chew.

You can't expect your puppy to instinctively know what is okay for her to chew on and whatís not.

Give your puppy high-quality dog toys made just for chewing. You may have to experiment before you find out which ones your puppy likes.

Look for toys that are hard (but not too hard) and do not have small bits that can be chewed off and swallowed.

Never give your puppy old shoes and socks to chew on. And if you have young children, donít let your puppy play with their stuffed animals or give her similar toys (even if they are from the pet store).

Puppy tip: Give your puppy dog toys that are as different as possible from your possessions.

Getting a forbidden item from your puppy

If your puppy gets hold of something that you donít want her to play with, intervene quickly. Don't yell; this will only scare her. Also, don't chase your puppy to try to retrieve the item. She may think youíre playing a game with her.

Keep a ready supply of more interesting toys or treats. Offering your puppy a treat or one of these toys should cause her to drop your possession and choose the appropriate one. Be patient. Eventually, your puppy will learn that she must play with her own toys.

Limiting access to your personal belongings is important. Pick up your belongings and keep closet doors closed.

Puppy-free zone

Other people in the house - and even other pets - may need a puppy-free zone. Using a baby gate, placed six inches above the floor, allows your cat to go underneath it, for example, while restricting your puppy. In this way, you can create a 'cats-only' space. You can also use gate hooks to latch a door in a slightly open position. Cats can squeeze through, but most dogs can't. You can use pet flaps on inner doors as well.

Cupboards

Just like toddlers, dogs can learn to pry doors open. Consider installing child-proof latches on cupboard or closet doors. Even if your puppy doesn't get into the cupboard that contains the drain cleaner, there are other hazards.

It doesnít take a puppy very long to get into a bag of dog kibble or human food and consume enough of it to cause serious gastric problems.

Medications

Place medications in secure containers located in secure places, not on your bedside table. Puppies can chew through child-proof bottles! When you need to take medications, go to a room away from your puppy in case you spill some tablets on the floor (you'll quickly learn that puppies move fast).

The outside of your home

The outdoor part of your home can be dangerous for puppies, too.

Read all instructions regarding pesticides and fertilizers and make sure you store these items - as well as antifreeze, paint thinners and solvents - out of your puppyís reach. Slug bait is also deadly to dogs.

Look for pet-friendly products, but don't forget that even 'natural' substances (such as compost) can be harmful to your puppyís health.

Don't let your puppy into the garage, workshop or shed where you store these items.

If your yard is fenced in, make sure that there are no places where your dog can squeeze out.

Be very careful if you have a pool or a pond. Many dogs have drowned after falling into pools. Teaching a dog to swim to the shallow end (or even to climb a ladder) to get out of a pool can be a lifesaver.

The entrances to your home can be the most dangerous places for your puppy. Many puppies are prone to slipping outside as soon as a door is opened. They can easily scoot on to the road and get hit by a car. Make sure someone has control of your puppy before opening the door (or use gates to bar your puppy from the entrance). - Marti Hopson, DVM