Puppy Proofing Your Home

Puppies, more than any other animal, are known for getting into things and eating their way into your bank account via chewed remotes, cords, and shoes. It is essential to safe guard your home from your puppy and your puppy from the dangers of your home.

The use of baby gates is very effective in keeping curious puppies out of places they don’t belong. You can put one up in the entrance to the kitchen, bathroom, garage, stairway and entrance.

Anything you do not want the puppy to ingest should be kept out of harm’s way. Including, but not limited to:

· money
· cords
· electronics (remotes, iPods, phones)
· cleaning supplies
· small toys
· houseplants
· decorative pillows
· potpourri (candles, incense)
· garbage
· jewelry
· medications
· small animals (hamsters, fish)

The backyard needs to be checked for:
· broken or weak fence areas and gates
· swimming pools need to be covered and blocked by barricades
· toxic plant life that may be ingested

ALWAYS WATCH YOUR PUPPY WHEN HE IS OUTSIDE!!

 By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Naming Your Pet

So you have a new pet and now you need to name it. Most pets are given human names and nicknames. But if you need some help choosing the right name, here are some tips for you.

• The name needs to be easily recognized. Animals respond better to names that have either one or two syllables.
• Pick a name that would be fun and easy to call out in an animal park, not something you would be embarrassed to shout if your friend wonders off.
• Avoid names that sound like No, Sit, Stay or other commands. A dog will get confused if their names sounds similar to a command.
• A long name will be shortened so choose one that has a great nickname attached to it.
• Choose a name that matches the breeds heritage, such as a Scottish, French, or Spanish.
• You can also choose to wait a few days so you can pick up on your new pets personality.
• Pick an appropriate name that will go with the pet as it ages. “Puppy” may seem cute now but when the dog is 187 lbs that name won’t be quite as fitting.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding