Phoenix Valley Dog Training
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Harmful Foods
Common Hazardous Plants
Hazardous Household Items
Hazardous Objects
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Holiday Hazards
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Hazardous Household Items
Common Plants That Could Harm Your Dog
Foods That Can Hurt Your Dog
ObjectsThat Could Be Hazardous To Your Dog
Areas In The Home That Could Be Dangerous To Your Dog
Dangerous Areas Outside The Home
Holiday Items That Could Hurt Your Dog
Hazards To Your Dog
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The following common household items could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Acetaminophen (pain relievers like Tylenol)
Cold and flu medications
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Home insect products
Rat and mouse bait
Bleach
Diet pills
Disinfectants
Fabric softener
Lead
Lighter Fluid
Mothballs
Anti-cancer drugs
Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
Flea and tick products
Drain cleaners
The following common household plants could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
The following common household foods could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Avocados
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Onions and onion powder
Gum / candies
Tea leaves
The following common household
objects could prove hazardous
to your dog.
Keep them out
of their reach.
Common household areas that could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep your dog away from them.
Balconies - Tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart, can lead to a dangerous or fatal fall.
Bath tubs and sinks - Small pets can drown in full bath tubs or sinks.
Electrical cords -
Your dog can be electrocuted if they bite or chew on electrical cords.
Fireplace -
Your dog can be burned by the flames or get sick if they eat the ashes.
Toilets -
Toilet water is not healthy for your dog to drink. Always remember to close the lid or the bathroom door. Make sure you leave
plenty of clean, fresh water for your dog.
Washer and dryer - Your dog can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge. Always close the doors to these appliances
when they are not in use.
The following common outdoor objects could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Algae - Can be found in ponds or other bodies of water. Certain forms can be toxic.
Antifreeze / Coolant - Some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol. Even in small amounts, it can be highly
toxic to dogs.
Firepit / Grill - Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
Fences or gates -
Your dog can run away if they find openings in damaged fences or gates. They can also get hurt or strangled if
they get stuck.

Deck lattice -
Your dog can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly be strangled.
De-icing salts -
Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to dogs if ingested in large amounts. Look for "pet-friendly"
de-icing salts.
Compost (particularly if moldy)
Gasoline
Oil
Pesticides
Cocoa bean shell mulch fertilizer
Swimming pools and hot tubs -
Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools, even if they can swim.
The following common holiday objects could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Flowers and candy - Many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs if they are ingested (see our list of
hazardous plants above). Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and, in
severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.
Fake grass - This colorful "grass" may look appetizing to your dog, but it could cause them to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.
Fireworks - Fireworks can scare your dog and possibly make them run off. They can also cause serious injuries if detonated near
them. Many of the formulations used in fireworks are also toxic to your dog if they ingest them.
Doors - Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your dog running out. Keep an eye on their
whereabouts at all times. If feasible, keep them in a secure area or closed room when opening the door.
Candles - Dogs are naturally curious. They may be attracted to the bright light of candles in dark areas. They could either burn themselves
by the flame or knock the candles over and cause a fire.
Xylitol - Candy or gum sweetend with xylitol is toxic. Keep it away from your dog.
Chocolate - All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your dog. Ingestion of chocolate can result in poisoning or even pancreatic
inflammation from high fat content.
Bones - Turkey, chicken and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at a pet store. These small bones
splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed, so never give them to your dog.
Hot containers - Your dog will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that
they do not tip them and get burned.
Holiday plants - Christmas Rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs.
Ribbons - It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your dog's neck could
cause them to choke.
Fire salts - These contain chemicals that
could be harmful to your dog.
Angel hair (spun glass) -
Can be irritating to eyes and skin and could
cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed.
Christmas tree water -
Stagnant tree water or water containing
preservatives could result in stomach
upset if ingested by your dog.
Decoration hooks - These can cause
blockage and / or trauma to gastrointestinal
tracts if your dog swallows them.
Styrofoam - Can cause your dog
to choke if it is swallowed.
Ornaments - These can look like toys
to a dog. They can cause serious
injury though, especially if your
dog breaks or swallows them.
Tinsel - Tinsel can cause
injury or internal blockage
if your dog swallows it .
Balloons and confetti -
These New Year's
party decorations
can cause your dog
to choke or obstruct their
intestines if ingested. Keep
an eye on your dog when they're
around these items or move them
to an area that is not decorated.
Loud noises - New Year's
is typically a noisy holiday.
Unfortunately, loud noises frighten dogs
and can cause them to run off. Keep
your dog in a separate room, away
from noisemakers, music and other
loud sounds that may startle them.
Aloe
Amaryllis
Andromeda
Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Belladonna
Bird Of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black Locust
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddhist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Daylily
Devil's Ivy
Dieffenbachia
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Ferns
Fiddle-Leaf Philadendron
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Pothos
Heavenly Bamboo
Honeysuckle
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Philadendron
Poison Hemlock
Precatory Bean
Privet
Red Emerald
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Tulips
Water Hemlock
Wisteria
Yew
Yucca
Kalanchoe
Lantana
Lilies (all Lilium Species)
Lily Of The Valley
Lupine
Marble Queen
Morning Glory
Mother-In-Law
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthysis
Nightshade
Oleander
Panda
Peace Lily
"Hey Steve, thanks for
checking in on us. Bubba's
doing great. I can't believe he's
so reliable with his commands
now. We had my sister over
yesterday and were showing
him off. You're totally right that
a really solid stay is much
more impressive than tricks.
We were using every
distraction that you taught us
to show him off. It was very
impressive. When we were
dropping the treats, you could
see how much he wanted to
break the stay and attack them
but he performed like a champ!
I was so proud of him (she
made the comment that before
the training I couldn't even get
him to sit with any consistancy
- she's right). I was really
worried that he would come
back and only listen to you (I
know I'm not the most
commanding person). But
when you showed me how to
elevate myself into the pack
leader role, it all made sense.
I'm following your suggestions
as best I can and he really
does show me more respect
now."
Nikki
Mesa, Arizona
"At 3 months old when I
brought this boundless ball of
energy home I knew he was
going to be a handful. After
interviewing four local dog
trainers, I chose Steve with
Phoenix Valley Dog Training.
Their practice and philosophy
of taking the time to get to
know each individual dog and
owner demonstrates their
commitment to providing an
effective and tailored program
that is suitable to the specific
needs of clients.
In addition to the basic training
sessions, Steve's availability to
answer questions and
concerns as they have
surfaced has been a great
resource to guide Cooper and I
through some challenging
situations. Although Cooper
and I still have a long road
ahead of us, I am very happy
and satisfied with the work
we have done over the last
five months and I am looking
forward to all the great training
adventures to come."
Danielle
Phoenix, Arizona
"Thanks for the timely follow
up. I was going to write last
night to tell you that Dudley and
I had two of the best walks
yesterday. They were in fact
the best walks I have ever had
with a dog companion. Dudley
was well mannered and
focused the entire time. He
responded well to "heel" and
we worked on his "sit " when I
stopped. We need more work
on that!"
Tim and Kate
Chandler, Arizona
Second Email:
"Dudley and I just got back
from a great walk. We met
three women, mother,
daughter, grandmother. We
were heeling along, we
stopped, Dudley sat, waited
while they passed and went
on. The mother commented on
how well mannered Dudley
was and the grandmother
thanked us for stopping to let
them pass. IT WAS FREAKIN
GREAT!!!!!!!!"
"...After researching on the
Internet, I found Steve's web
site. Perfect! Our little Sidney
needed to learn how to
behave and she needed to
learn it in her own...uh, I mean
OUR own house! Steve was
full of information on the first
visit and he got a pretty good
idea that Sidney was a dog
who had her mind made up
that life was going to go HER
way. He also completely
understood the "nighttime
crazies"! Today she is a much
calmer, better behaved dog
than she was when we called
Steve. She still has her
moments when she barks, but
she quiets down very quickly
and clearly understands the
"enough" command. She's the
dog we wanted when we
adopted her. Steve was so
helpful; always there via email
or telephone to offer support,
encouragement, and ideas to
resolve the issue of the day.
When he came to the house,
he demonstrated first hand
how to teach Sidney to be a
well behaved dog. I am so glad
I found the web site and made
that call!"
Kathy
Peoria, Arizona
"I just wanted to send you an
update on how Audi is doing.
She's fabulous and we're on
our second foster dog. I think
it's really helping her deal with
distraction and still listen to us
at the same time because I've
noticed a HUGE improvement!
We've been working with long
distance recall and she's
getting much better at coming
to us when called but there is
still more work to be had.
Everyone comments on how
she looks to us for 'permission'
before she does something
and they all think it's really
cool. I'm like 'yeah, I know,
she's my girl!' "
Katie
Ahwatukee, Arizona
If you think your dog has been exposed to a harmful substance, consult your veterinarian or
contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.
Thank you to the ASPCA for providing this information on home and holiday hazards.
Balls (specifically balls
that are small
or have a smooth
outer coating)
Sharp objects
Bread twist ties
Buttons
Cotton swabs
Rubber bands
String or yarn
Dental floss
Wax | Glass | Hair pins | Jewelry | Nylons | Paper clips | Plastic wrap | Socks | Towels | Batteries | Coins
Small toys and other plastic items - If swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your dog to choke or even damage
their intestinal tracts.
Drain cleaners
Liquid potpourri
Slug and snail bait
Oven cleaner sprays
Lime/scale removers
Fly bait
Detergents
Tobacco Products
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
Raw yeast dough
Alcoholic Beverages
Moldy / spoiled foods
Salt
Fatty foods
Xylitol sweetener
Home Dog Training
(c) copyright 2003-2010 Phoenix Valley Dog Training, LLC. - AZ Dog Trainers and Puppy Trainers. All Rights Reserved.
All of the photos on our site are provided by Melissa Johnson Pet Photography in Phoenix, Arizona.
We'd like to say thank you to Melissa for allowing us to use her dog photos.
She did a wonderful job capturing Steve's dog Tigger and we highly recommend her services!