Sometimes Princeton looks so sweet and innocentWe’re struggling with how to manage our Great Dane puppy in the house. We tried to puppy-proof before Princeton arrived, but we had a lack of imagination. He gets into EVERYTHING whenever he is awake. For example:
We’ve had to fold our floor-length curtains over the curtain rod -- after he ripped a chunk out of them. This tactic includes the shower curtains.
Shoes must ALWAYS be kept up high or in a closet.
The same goes for throw pillows from the couch. These are a favorite target.
All books, coasters, etc. had to be removed from the coffee table. In fact, we had to move the coffee table because the puppy was chewing on that, too.
NEVER allow a table cloth to hang off the table, or a sheet to hang off the bed.
NEVER hang laundry on the clothes line, unless you want to wash it again.
NEVER leave the TV remote control on a chair or table, or you’ll end up chasing the dog instead of changing the channels.
Charge your cell phone at your own risk. Best to do it behind closed doors.
Putting a roll of toilet paper in the usual place is asking for trouble. Safer to put it way, way up high on a towel rack.
Electric cords? I was worried about that, but that’s one item that doesn’t interest our puppy, thank goodness.
Even the carpet isn’t safe! But what can we do?! I put a cookie sheet over the places where he has gnawed holes in the carpet. But mostly we say “no” and put him into a carpet-free zone until he settles down.
He’s getting taller every day, which gives him access to more places! Fortunately, as he grows, he’s also getting too big to get under the bed, under the gate, or into other small spaces where we will soon be able to hide our shoes, books, remote controls, cell phones, and other puppy magnets.
