Several pets are considered the most common in the United States. Some of these include dogs, cats, fish, and hamsters. Each of these pets has its unique benefits and drawbacks that come with owning them.
Dogs are among the most popular pets in the United States, with about 89 million dogs. They are loyal and loving companions that can provide years of companionship. Additionally, they are great at helping keep an owner active, as they need to be walked regularly. However, dogs also require a lot of maintenance, such as being groomed and vaccinated.
If you plan on getting a dog, getting one while they’re still young is good. A puppy will require a lot of training and socialization to grow into a well-behaved adult dog. They also need to avoid certain things if you want them to stay healthy and happy. Here are five things that your puppy should avoid:
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Eating Garbage
It’s common for your puppy to want to eat everything they see. Unfortunately, this includes garbage. Garbage can contain harmful bacteria that can make your puppy sick. It can also have sharp objects that can cut your puppy’s mouth or digestive tract.
Keep your garbage cans out of their reach to prevent your puppy from eating garbage. You should also pick up any food or trash you drop on the floor so they can’t get to it.
Chewing on cords
Puppies are notorious for chewing on things, including electrical cords. This can be dangerous as they can electrocute themselves or start a fire if they chew through the cord’s insulation.
To prevent your puppy from chewing on cords, keep them out of reach or cover them with cord covers. You can also give your puppy chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior.
Ingesting poisonous plants
Puppies are curious creatures and will put almost anything in their mouths. This includes plants, which can be poisonous to them. Some common toxic plants include lilies, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
Keep these plants out of your puppy’s reach or remove them from your home altogether. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your puppy has ingested a poisonous plant.
Getting too much exercise
Puppies need exercise to stay healthy, but they can get too much of it. Getting too much exercise can cause joint problems later in life. It’s important to let your puppy rest between periods of exercise and not overdo it.
Gradually increase the amount of exercise your puppy gets as they get older. Start with short walks and work up to longer ones.
Being around other sick dogs
Puppies are susceptible to getting sick, so keeping them away from other ill dogs is essential. This includes dogs showing signs of illness, such as coughing or sneezing. Dogs that are known to be sick should also be avoided.
If you must take your puppy around other dogs, ensure they’re up to date on their vaccinations. You should also keep them on a leash and supervise them closely. If you see another dog showing signs of illness, move away quickly.
There are many ways your puppy can avoid these things. One of the best ways is by giving them the understanding and autonomy they need to survive. You can do this by training them.
Training Your Puppy
Training your puppy requires time, patience, and consistency. But it’s worth it as it will help them avoid many potential dangers. If you don’t have the patience to do this, consider enrolling them in a private puppy training session. A professional trainer can teach you and your puppy the skills you need to keep them safe and healthy without using any of your time.
Reinforce Them With Rewards
Whenever your puppy does something right, reinforce their behavior with a positive reward. It could be a treat, toy, or verbal praise. Rewarding your puppy will help them understand what behaviors you expect and encourage them to repeat those behaviors. So if your puppy avoids eating garbage or chewing cords, reinforce it whenever possible.
Keep Them Inside Your Home
One of the best ways to keep your puppy safe is by keeping them inside your home. It will prevent them from getting into trouble when you’re not around to supervise them. If you have to leave your puppy alone, confine them to a safe area where they can’t get into mischief.
Dog-Proof Your Home
You can also make your home more puppy-friendly by dog-proofing it. This means removing anything that could be harmful or dangerous to them. This includes poisonous plants, sharp objects, and cords. You should also keep garbage cans out of their reach and pick up any food or trash you drop on the floor.
It’s essential to take the necessary steps to keep your puppy safe and healthy. By doing these things, your puppy will have the knowledge they need to avoid many potential dangers.