If there's one lesson that I've learned well as a dog owner,

it's this: Before bringing that new puppy home, you want to

puppy proof your home.

Here's how you can do just that.

Identify and remove any toxic plants that could effect your puppy

Many plants that are common to our gardens and homes (including the

dead leaves) can be poisonous to our dogs. Here is the ASPCA

listing which is an excellent listing and resource: Toxic Plants

Think about toxic human foods – the yummy things that can kill your puppy!

There are human foods that are very toxic to dogs. Chief among

them are onions, chocolate, grapes and raisins. It is very

important that you make any children in your house AND neighborhood

aware of this. For a complete list go to: Bad Food List

Third, here are ten things to do the day before that new bundle of

fir arrives.

• Close doors or set up baby gates to rooms you don't want the

puppy to get into. Puppies are naturally curious and will explore.

It is best to keep them confined to one room or part of a room,

and gradually increase their range.

• Get all plant, small pets (gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, lizards,

etc.), electrical cords and curtain/shade pulls out of puppy range.

Covers for electrical cords are advisable.

• Keep kids' toys picked up and out of puppy reach. Puppies do not

know the difference between their toys and your daughter's brand

new Barbie doll.

• Remote controls and video game equipment (which are often used

and left on the floor) needs to be put in a secure location away from

a curious puppy.

• Lift up your wastebaskets! Gross as it sounds, dogs love dirty

tissues and other nasty things that are put in wastebaskets! It is

like their own disgusting, nose level buffet. My adult dogs are

five and ten years old and will still occasionally sneak things out

of the wastebaskets.

• Check your fencing – make sure it goes completely to the ground.

You would be amazed at how small a gap a puppy can fit through! In

fact, I recommend keeping puppies tethered, even if the backyard

is fenced, until they are fairly reliable on the recall.

The game of 'Catch the Puppy' is not a good game to be playing with your

young puppy. You need to stay in control as much as possible.

• Keep all medications and chemicals securely hidden. Dogs can

counter cruise and a simple bottle of pain reliever consumed by a

curious pup can have fatal consequences.

• Remember, your puppy is going to grow! What may pass for

puppy-proof today may not be adequate in another month or two. Be

aware of your pup's ever increasing range and curiosity.

• Bottom line is you have to be watching your puppy constantly.

Any thing other than food that they chew and swallow has the

potential to make them sick or, worse yet, kill them.

• Don't forget the tail. Not all puppy damage is done by puppy

chewing. Make sure all breakable items are above tail level. One

good swipe with a happy tail and grandma's crystal vase is

shattered.

Finally, have Poison Control Center information handy

If you think your puppy has been poisoned Call the ASPCA Animal

Poison Control Center The telephone number is (888) 426-4435.

There is a consultation fee for this service.

Use the ideas presented here to prepare your home for your new puppy.