Preparing for the New Arrival

Puppies are extraordinarily inquisitive. Remove breakable and chewable items from your puppy's territory. Tape down electrical wires, or spray them with taste deterrents such as Bitter Apple spray.

Use baby gates at the top or bottom of stairs to prevent access to areas not dogproofed. Keep outside doors closed and locked, and low windows closed, to prevent wandering.

Keep toxic substances such as cleaning materials out of reach. Remove sentimental or valuable objects until your puppy is past its major chewing stage - usually by about 10 months.