Puppy-behavior experts recommend these steps to protect your puppy at home:
o Gate off rooms where you don't want your puppy to roam. For instance, one of Barlow's clients is an artist with a studio in her house. The artist gated off the studio so the puppy couldn't run around the easels, paint and chemicals.
o Let puppies earn their freedom. Give them one space or room at a time. That way, owners can actively supervise them and limit any bad behavior.
o Create a safe confinement area -- a crate or exercise pen, for instance -- where the puppy can stay when you are not home. There should be enough space for a sleeping area and a potty area when puppies are very young. Also essential are a non-spill water bowl and safe, enriching toys. Toys that are not safe for this area when you are gone include tennis balls, rope toys, toys that are shorter than about double the length of the puppy's snout, and stuffed toys that have glass or plastic eyes and noses, Barlow said.
o Tape loose electrical cords. Use outlet covers.
o Store cleaning chemicals out of reach. Use baby latches on cabinet doors if needed.
o Move breakables and valuables out of the puppy's reach. Roll up new or valuable rugs until the puppy is house-trained.
In your yard:
o Do not leave a puppy unsupervised, and be sure to fence your yard before letting the puppy off leash.
o Fence off the garden.
o Use pet-safe gardening products, and be sure any lawn service you use does the same.
o Store grill utensils out of the puppy's reach.
o Make sure a swimming pool is fenced.
o Check the ASPCA's list of poisonous plants.
o As soon as puppies are old enough, start training them, especially the "drop it" and "leave it" commands.