Planning to bring a new canine baby home soon? Before you do, for your peace of mind -- and your new dog's safety -- take a few minutes to puppy-proof your home and yard.

"Get down on your hands and knees; look around from your puppy's perspective," suggests dog breeder Patty Ledgerwood of Pasco.

Are there any rubber bands, coins or pencils under the furniture? Any dangling electrical cords? Is the kitchen garbage pail secure behind a latching door?

These are all irresistible temptations for a puppy.

While you're still on your knees, look up.

"Anything they can grab and tear and pull down to them, like tablecloths and table runners, they will," said Michelle Brandenburg, assistant manager of the Benton-Franklin Humane Society in Kennewick.

To a puppy, anything accessible is fair game. Put your treasures -- anything you don't want chewed on -- up off the floor or ground.

And remember, dogs can -- and will -- jump and climb.

"One thing I always tell my new owners is if you leave anything out and your puppy gets it, it's your fault. Don't get mad at the dog," Ledgerwood said.

Check your cupboards. Detergents, pesticides, fertilizers, automotive cleaners and fluids and anything else you'd keep out of reach of a toddler need to be out of reach of your puppy.

"Just because they don't have fingers doesn't mean they can't open doors. Those same latches sold to keep toddlers out of drawers and cupboards work on puppies too," Brandenburg said.

Keep puppy busy -- have a good supply of rawhide bones, knotted ropes and other dog toys on hand. And size them to your puppy. Any toy that fits completely inside its mouth is too small, Brandenburg said.

One brand of sturdy dog toys she recommends is the Kong Co.

"They're hollow so you can put a dog bone or other treat inside. It gives them a job to do, something to work at, not just chew on. And anytime you can keep a dog entertained, it keeps them out of trouble," she said.

Another great tool for training a puppy is a dog crate.

"It's the easiest way to housebreak a dog, and it gives them a place of their own, it becomes their den," Ledgerwood said.

Buy the size you'll need for them as an adult, not as a puppy. Prop the door open and they'll go in and nap during the day. At night, or when you leave the house, close them in with a couple of toys.

"It gives you peace of mind. You know they're safe and not eating your furniture," Ledgerwood said.

Crate training also helps with housebreaking "because a dog will not pee or poop where they live," Ledgerwood said. However, she cautioned, don't expect very young puppies to go through the night without a break or two.

Before sending your puppy outside, inspect your fence for holes and loose latches.

"Believe me, they'll find them," Brandenburg said.

Even if you're sure the yard is secure, it's still best not to leave them outside unattended. Puppies are curious. Just like a toddler, they'll find something to get into or a way out.

"They get lonely and go looking for someone," Brandenburg said. "So just in case, put tags on your babies. They're never too young to have a collar."

-- Teach your pooch good manners

WALLA WALLA -- The Walla Walla Kennel Club is holding a canine good citizen test beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday at Fort Walla Walla Park.

Cost is $10 for the two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for dogs.

For more information about the test, call 509-522-2178 or visit www.akc.org.

* Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com