How to Puppy-Proof Your Home: 8 Tips and Tricks to Follow

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous and exciting occasion. However, much like toddlers, they are curious, adventurous, and troublesome. While cute, they wreak havoc on your home when left unattended.

Alongside damaging furniture and ruining your belongings, some things can put your furry friend’s health at risk. In order for them to remain safe and secure, you need to make a few changes.

Not sure where to get started? Then keep on reading! Below we are going to discuss eight tips and tricks that you can follow to puppy-proof your home.

Understand your puppy’s nature.

Puppies love to explore using their mouths and a naturally drawn to interesting/novel objects. Understanding this natural behavior is the first step in preventing major accidents.

Get down on your hands and knees to view each room from their perspective. From here, create a list of objects that may be dangerous and remove them. It might seem silly at first, but it really is an essential step.

Secure hazardous areas and substances.

Certain areas of your home may harbor additional risks for your puppy. It’s imperative to secure these locations such as the stairs, garage, bathroom, and kitchen by locking doors when you’re not in the home.

If this isn’t an option, baby gates, and pens are a great investment and can even be made with acrylic sheets. Additionally, you should take extra care to stash away household cleaners, medications, and toxic chemicals.

Protect cords and small appliances.

Electrical cords are tempting for dogs and are one of the most dangerous objects in your home. When chewed, they can cause electrical burns, cuts and even lead to fires.

You can reduce this risk by using cord protectors, routing cords out of reach, and purchasing cordless options where possible. It’s also wise to store your small appliances on high surfaces as they can easily be knocked over.

Consider using deterrents.

Some pet owners have had success using deterrent sprays on furniture and other specific areas to teach their puppies to stay away. These usually contain natural ingredients and are safe to use on a regular basis.

That being said, you shouldn’t only rely on this method. The best way to limit their access is to ensure they can’t get into the area at all.

Avoid poisonous plants and food.

Some common houseplants like aloe, jade, and pathos can be toxic to dogs when ingested. On top of this, various human foods are incredibly hazardous.

Keep any indoor plants high up or remove them altogether. You must also be wary of leaving any food within reach, especially things such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

You can find a list of other toxic foods to avoid here.

Set up a safe space.

Creating a designated puppy area is beneficial for both of you. It gives your pooch a secure place to acclimate to its new environment while giving you peace of mind as they can’t destroy anything.

Choose an area with easy-to-clean floors if you’re still toilet training. It’s also a good idea to fill it with toys, a comfortable bed, and a few items that smell like their mom or litter to provide them with comfort.

Provide sufficient chew toys.

Speaking of toys, you’re going to want to stock up on a few types to keep them occupied throughout the day when you’re not home. Options with different materials and textures can help with teething and may reduce chewing on other household items.

You should also rotate these toys to keep them exciting and always present at least one or two when spending time with your pup. Just be sure that the ones you purchase are safe and reliable.

Assess the backyard.

Finally, alongside the interior of your home, don’t forget about your backyard. Before you even consider getting a pet, it must be secure and free from dangerous materials.

Alongside assessing the plants, walk around the perimeter and check for any small gaps. It’s best if you observe them while they are outdoors until they get used to the space.

Final Words

And that's it! As you can see from the above, puppy-proofing your home is a bit like preparing for the arrival of a new child. It involves careful planning, patience, and willingness to adapt your environment for the well-being of your furry friend.

By following these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a safe and happy place for your latest adorable addition!