Puppy Proofing Your Home

Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting time. Not only are they cute, but they also have a lot of curiosity and energy. Your new puppy is likely to get into things while exploring their new home and surroundings. Prior to bringing a puppy into your home, make sure to examine your home for potential hazards and try to eliminate them. Here are some puppy proofing tips below. 

 
Pretend you are a Puppy

• Get down to puppy's eye level and look at your house from your puppy's point of view. 
• Any objects on the floor small enough for your puppy to swallow will need to be picked up and removed such as: plastic bags, string, pencils, pens, pins and buttons.
• Anything that can be climbed on to or pulled down needs to be secured.  

In the Kitchen 

• Move food out of reach. Especially, foods that are toxic to dogs such as: chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic.
• Use childproof locks on low cabinets that may contain chemicals such as cleaning products.
• Keep appliance cords out of reach.
• Keep your vitamins out of reach.
• Use a covered trash can or keep your trash in a closed cabinet.

 
In the Bedroom

• Secure lamps, bookshelves and decorations that can be knocked or pulled down.
• Put your clothes and shoes away so your new puppy won't use them as chew toys.
• Make sure to keep your purse out of reach from your curious puppy. Your puppy can get into coins, makeup or sugarless gum which contains Xylitol and is poisonous to your puppy.
• Keep all cosmetics, hair accessories, jewelry and other small items on a high shelf or secured.
• Make sure electrical wiring is hidden or out of reach.

 
In the Bathroom

• Keep the toilet lid closed when not in use.
• Shut the bathroom door when not in use.
• Make sure to use a bathroom trash can with a lid and/or store in cabinet.
• Store all prescription and over the counter medication and toiletries in the bathroom cabinet.

In the Living Room/Family Room

• Keep light and extension cords out of sight and out of reach.
• Make sure your remote control or other tech devices are out of reach.
• Check and remove house plants that are toxic to dogs out of reach.
• Be careful of your puppy around a rocking chair, an open recliner or sofa bed.

Outside in the Backyard and Exterior
 

• Check, identify and remove any plants, flowers or fruit trees that are toxic to your dog.
• Secure areas with open water, such as a swimming pool, spa or fish ponds.
• Check your fencing and gate to ensure that there are no holes through which your dog can get out. 
• Make sure your dog cannot jump over or dig under your fence to escape.
• Make sure to close off balconies or outside decks.
• Keep your dog inside if your lawn is sprayed with chemicals.

 
In the Garage

• Make it a dog free area.
• Secure all heavy tools. Make sure screws and nails are stored out of reach.
• Make sure that your puppy can't get into any garbage, chemicals, bug or rat bait other hazardous materials such as antifreeze stored outside or in the garage.
• Be aware that puppies can run though a closing garage door or go and hide under parked cars.  

 
These are a few puppy proofing tips that can help you keep your new puppy safe. If you have any more helpful tips please add them to the comments below.
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