Many of the food items that you eat regularly can be harmful to your dog. For example, onions are toxic to dogs, as are grapes and raisins, alcohol, tea and coffee, and chocolate. Dogs have different digestive systems than human beings do, and for reasons that are not always understood, they cannot process certain foods. Chocolate is probably the best-known example, but grapes and raisins are potentially lethal as well — even in small amounts, they have the power to cause renal (kidney) failure in a dog.

It takes only a few seconds for a shepherd to break into a sack of onions or a package of chocolate. Items as innocuous as potatoes can also pose a threat. Potatoes can be tempting to dogs of all ages, but if they are green-skinned or sprouting, they contain an alkaloid that can cause stomach and/or intestinal upset. Make sure the pantry door is secured at all times, and keep toxic food items safely stowed in containers with lids on high shelves.

Many people store their cleaning items under the sink in the kitchen. These abrasive cleansers, many of which contain bleach, can be very dangerous to your dog. A curious puppy or adult shepherd might gain access to this storage area unless you keep it tightly secured with a safety lock or other device. Even if you don't think your dog will try to get into this area, keep it locked as a precaution.

Another big problem for dog owners can be the garbage. Many people use a variety of methods to keep dogs from getting into the garbage can. Some squirt the dog with a water gun, others shake a can with a few pennies in it, and some people put a “scat mat” (a mat that gives an electric shock when stepped on) in front of the garbage can. However, there's a much simpler answer: to put the garbage can behind closed doors. The dog will not even be tempted if the can is completely out of sight.