Puppy Proofing

You have heard that dogs are "man's best friend." Boxer's can be very loyal and loving and by retuning his love by keeping him safe will give you, your family and your boxer puppy a lifetime of love.

Boxer puppies have a keen curiosity. If you look at your home from your boxer puppy's perspective, you'll probably find all kinds of interesting things lying around, on table tops or in corner for him to examine. What most people don't realize is that boxer puppy will first sniff, then mouth items to learn about them.

Here is a list of some items that we can come up with to be sure to keep out of the reach of your boxer puppy;

Roach and ant traps

Electric and phone cords

Cigarettes in ashtrays

Open doors and windows

Rubber bands

Housecleaning chemicals

Candles

Christmas trees

Christmas ornaments

Paperclips

Uncovered trash cans

Human medications

Chocolate

Grapes

Anti-freeze

Plastic bags

Valuable books

Wedding rings

Jewelry

Batteries

Another concern for your boxer puppy is that they find plants irresistible and consider them playthings too. They love to dig in the dirt of houseplants, and seem to enjoy pulling off branches of shrubs. So, it is important to make sure the plants in and around your home won't pose a health risk to your boxer puppy.

The following are some common house and landscape plants that are toxic to dogs:

Philodendron

English ivy

Caladium dieffenbachia "elephant ear"

Poinsettia

Mistletoe

Azaleas

Holly berries

Boxwood

Wisteria

Hydrangea

Oleander

Chinaberry tree

Keep your boxer puppy safely confined to your home. A wandering puppy is much more likely to be injured by vehicles or unkind people. In most cities, by law, your puppy may only be off your property if she is on a leash controlled by a person. To prevent escapes, make sure the fencing in your yard is high enough and strong enough to keep your boxer puppy from roaming. Frequently check for gaps between the fence bottom and the ground; watch for signs your puppy is trying to dig out under the fence. Teach all the members of your family to carefully close doors and latch gates.