Bringing a new puppy, especially a powerful and independent breed like the Presa Canario, into your home is an exciting adventure. However, it also comes with responsibilities, the primary one being to ensure the safety and well-being of your new furry family member. This blog post is your guide to puppy-proofing your home and making it a safe, fun, and comfortable environment for your Presa Canario pup. We’ll explore safety measures, creating puppy-friendly spaces, and common household hazards to be aware of.
Safety Measures
Secure All Exits
Puppies are naturally curious and often eager to explore their surroundings. To prevent your Presa Canario pup from escaping or wandering into unsafe areas, ensure all doors, windows, and gates are securely closed and locked. Pay special attention to fences and gates in your yard to prevent escape attempts.
Puppy-Proof Electrical Outlets
Electrical cords and outlets can be tempting chew toys for puppies. Cover or secure electrical outlets to prevent your pup from getting shocked or causing a short circuit. Additionally, use cord protectors to shield exposed cords from curious teeth.
Keep Toxic Plants Out of Reach
Many common houseplants are toxic to dogs, and Presa Canarios are no exception. Remove or place toxic plants out of your pup’s reach to prevent them from being chewed or ingested. Be sure to educate yourself about which plants are hazardous and check your home accordingly.
Store Toxic Chemicals Securely
Household cleaning products, chemicals, and medications should be stored securely in cabinets or high shelves. Puppies are known to chew on anything they find, and ingesting toxic substances can be life-threatening.
Puppy-Friendly Spaces
Designate a Safe Play Area
Create a designated puppy play area in your home to encourage your Presa Canario pup to play safely. This can be a section of your living room or a confined space. Ensure it’s free from hazards and provide plenty of toys to keep your pup occupied.
Invest in Puppy Gates
Puppy gates are invaluable for controlling your pup’s access to certain areas in your home. Use them to keep your Presa Canario away from rooms that are not yet puppy-proofed or during times when you can’t supervise them closely.
Puppy-Proof Your Yard
Your yard should be a safe haven for your Presa Canario to explore. Check for any holes or gaps in your fence that your pup could squeeze through and secure them. Remove or secure any items that your pup could chew on or swallow, like garden tools or debris.
Common Household Hazards
Small Objects
Puppies, like babies, are prone to putting small objects in their mouths. Remove small items like coins, toys, or jewelry from the floor to prevent choking hazards.
Toxic Foods
Many common foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain artificial sweeteners. Keep these foods out of your pup’s reach and educate family members about what not to feed your Presa Canario.
Trash Bins
Puppies are known to dig through trash cans for tasty morsels. Invest in trash cans with secure lids or place them in cabinets to prevent your pup from rummaging through garbage and potentially ingesting something harmful.
Stairs
Stairs can be a hazard for puppies, especially if they are too small to navigate them safely. Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs until your Presa Canario is old enough and trained to use them.
Shoes and Clothing
Puppies often chew on shoes, socks, and clothing. Keep these items out of your pup’s reach, as ingesting fabric can lead to intestinal blockages.
Training and Supervision
Puppy-proofing your home is an essential step, but it should be accompanied by proper training and supervision. Here are a few key points to consider:
Puppy-Proofing is Temporary
Puppy-proofing is a temporary phase that lasts until your Presa Canario pup is trained and understands household rules. As your pup matures, they will become more reliable and less likely to engage in destructive behavior.
Supervision Is Key
Never leave your pup unattended in an area that hasn’t been thoroughly puppy-proofed. Supervision is crucial to intervene if your pup gets into something they shouldn’t.
Training and Socialization
Invest time and effort in training your Presa Canario pup. Proper training helps them understand boundaries, commands, and behavior expectations. Socializing your puppy with other dogs and people is equally important for their development.
Conclusion
Puppy-proofing your home is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your Presa Canario pup. By taking the necessary precautions, creating puppy-friendly spaces, and being aware of common household hazards, you’ll provide a secure and enjoyable environment for your new furry family member. Remember that while puppy-proofing is essential, it should go hand in hand with proper training, supervision, and lots of love and attention to help your Presa Canario grow into a well-adjusted and happy adult dog.
Got Questions? Let Us Help!
D&G Kennels is owned and operated by Randy and Lauren Green. Our primary goal at D&G Kennels is to improve and highlight the virtues of the Presa Canario (also known as the Canary Mastiff) breed. We deal solely in imports, with regular trips to the Canary Islands to select our breeding stock, looking always for the ideals in working ability, health, and correct conformation. For over 20 years, we’ve put our time and passion into these dogs, and our kennel is one of only a handful of breeders that have been working with the breed for so long. We do take appointments for kennel visits, so please give us a call today!