You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you must prepare your house. Whether you are bringing home a puppy or adult Boxer, you may want to spend some time surveying your house from a Boxer eye view (about 2 feet off the ground). Wires, drapes and counters look pretty interesting from that height.

The Best Ways to Boxer-Proof Your House

Below is a list of how to Boxer-proof your home for adult or puppy: It is only a partial list, but a good start to your own research.

1. Be sure to keep anything valuable (or what you don’t want chewed) at least 3 feet off the floor. Boxers have an amazing ability to jump, even as puppies. This includes anything on the coffee table, kitchen counter, buffet, etc. Boxers are curious and love to explore.

2. It may be cute to see your puppy with a mouthful of toilet paper, but not when it becomes the habit of an adult. Keep the bathroom door closed and eliminate toilet drinking and rolls of paper strewn about. Boxers seem to have an affinity for used cotton-balls, too!

3. Restrict access to your kitchen garbage. Place the bin in the kitchen sink or behind closed doors. Dispose of your cigarette butts appropriately, as they can cause nicotine poisoning.

4. Electrical cords must be monitored for signs of chewing and/or made inaccessible to your Boxer. Sometimes a nasty-tasting substance can be used to deter your Boxer. Check with your vet for some recommendations.

5. We have all heard the horror stories of Boxers that have gotten into holiday decorations. They are attracted to the bright lights and shiny glass ornaments, so keep a close eye on your Boxer if you have Christmas decorations up.

6. There are many kinds of poisonous plants, so be sure to contact your local veterinarian for a list of any toxic plants that grow in your area.

7. Anti-freeze is highly toxic to dogs and it is a good idea to keep all chemicals safely out of reach of your Boxer, puppy or adult.