If you recently brought a new puppy into your home, you are likely in the process of trying to train it to behave properly. During the first days, weeks, and months at its new home, your puppy is likely to explore, putting itself into potentially harmful situations. Here are steps to take to minimize the chance of having your puppy get hurt. 

Keep Your Puppy In A Selected Area For Safety Reasons

At first, it is best to designate a room or a few rooms for your puppy to live in. Do not allow your puppy to roam around the entirety of your home until it gets used to the designated area. This gives you time to puppy-proof all areas of your home. In the designated area, remove all items within reach of your puppy. This includes items small enough for your puppy to swallow, items that can break and become smaller in size, chemical agents, plants, and items made of string. Keep electrical wires out of reach, remove pillows and other cloth items with fluff inside, and avoid eating in the designated area. To find all potential hazards, get down on your hands and knees and view the area from your puppy's view.

Do Not Allow Other Pets In The Designated Area For A While

If you have other pets in your home, it is best to refrain from allowing them to frequent the same area you had designated for your puppy. It is difficult to know how a cat or another dog will react to the puppy in particular situations. Use baby gates to keep your puppy separated from other pets. Allow the former pets to "meet" your puppy from other sides of the gates. In time, your puppy will get to know other pets and may be able to spend time with them depending on their temperament. At first, it is best to monitor all meetings.

Make Sure Your Puppy Is Leashed Or Gated When Outdoors

Never allow your puppy to roam around outdoors without a leash on unless it is in a gated area. If your puppy is gated, do not allow it to remain in the enclosed space without your supervision. Check the doors on gates to ensure they are completely closed and when you walk your puppy using a leash, check the clasp to make sure it is completely secured upon your puppy's collar or harness before you head outdoors.

Contact a local pet care service to learn more.