Before the puppy is collected from the breeder, a few preparations should be taken in hand to await his arrival. Garden fences and gates should be made secure, and swimming pools and garden ponds covered over until the puppy has come to realize the potential danger they represent. Garden pesticides should be stored out of reach of children and animals. In the home, take care to move tempting objects out of reach of an inquisitive puppy; he will chew anything lying around, especially leather and rubber objects. Loose, trailing electric wires and flexes can cause serious accidents; leather gloves and slippers will be chewed to ribbons in a short while as will practically everything at floor level, including newspapers and mail on the front door mat. Tidiness becomes an essential household task with a puppy around.
Although a young puppy will spend much of his time sleeping, he will also want to play and should be encouraged to do so. A few toys are useful, provided that they are so large that they cannot be swallowed; squeaky toys may be too excitable. Avoid toys made from nylon and plastic, which are easily chewed by small teeth and on which the puppy may choke.
Although a young puppy will spend much of his time sleeping, he will also want to play and should be encouraged to do so. A few toys are useful, provided that they are so large that they cannot be swallowed; squeaky toys may be too excitable. Avoid toys made from nylon and plastic, which are easily chewed by small teeth and on which the puppy may choke.