Puppy proofing your home for the arrival of your new furry best friend can seem overwhelming. Here are some crucial tips for your puppy proofing checklist to ensure that his new home is safe and sound!
Puppy proofing the living room, furniture, kitchen, child-proof latches, dangers in the bathroom, the laundry room, chewing hacks, puppy proofing your poisonous plants, the backyard, fences and gates, sheds and garages, puppy proofing apartments, balconies and railing safety.
Congratulations! You have finally made that all-important decision to add a fur baby to your family. If you’re anything like me, you are doing all the research you possibly can on how to prepare for a puppy.
As the pet mom of two adorable pups, I am giving you my best puppy proofing recommendations, and a few puppy proofing hacks, that my family and I swear by.
Believe me, I know how daunting and intimidating these tasks can be!
But there is a light at the end of this puppy proofing tunnel and before long, your home will be primed and ready for your new precious pooch.
Whether you live in a home, apartment, or condo, you are going to learn the many ways you can make your home, inside and out, a safe space for your new furry addition.
After learning all about these puppy proofing tips, you will feel comfortable, confident, and excited when bringing home your new bundle of fur!
This post is all about puppy proofing house ideas that will keep your pup safe!
In my experience, there are four phases to puppy parenting.
Phase 1 – The Dream
Ah, owning a puppy! The two of you playing in the yard, taking pictures together. Those heartwarming, almost hypnotic eyes staring up at you with love and endearment.
The thought of snuggling up by a cozy fire on a cold night with your best furry friend just melts your heart. You think about the endless walks the two of you will go on; the trips you will take together.
And who can forget about the car rides — top down — wind blowing through your pup’s hair.
Ah, the plans of owning that perfect, precious, bundle of fur. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, let’s talk about that.
Phase 2 – The Reality
The first few days with your new pup are filled with uncertainty. It’s kind of like bringing home a crawling baby or toddler. Anything and everything goes into the mouth and your most prized possessions will become his favorite chew toys.
And let’s not forget the tears. There will be sounds of weeping — lots of weeping. And those sounds won’t just be coming from your new bundle of joy!
There’s no doubt about it, tears will be shed during those first few months.
But you know this. You have had a long talk with yourself, you’ve done your research, and you are vastly aware of this phase.
You know the good, the bad, and the ugly side of the first few months of owning that adorable, blue-eyed, cozy canine. And you know it’s worth it … every minute of it.
Your curious canine will be demanding, sensitive, destructive, and noisy at the beginning of your beautiful relationship. And that’s ok.
The little ear-piercing cry that you will listen to in the wee hours of the morning will only seem like an eternity.
The next few months of your life will be chock-full of pee, poop, vomit, and other things that really don’t look familiar. And you’re ok with that. Your fur baby is worth it.
You realize that during these first few months there may possibly be damage to your property, to your things, and still … more weeping.
But, most importantly, here is what we know. We know that this pup, our best friend, our protector, the one who will not judge us and always be by our side no matter what we do — will grow out of this phase. We know this phase will pass.
And here’s the good news. We will be prepared. Our puppy proofing will be complete. And our phase 1 dream will soon become our new phase 2 reality.
Phase 3 – The Work
Congratulations! You’ve finally made it to Phase 3. You’ve weighed all the pros and cons and you know what you’re getting into. You’re totally, entirely, and without a doubt, on board for this whole puppy experience.
Now that you’ve briefly dreamed about phase 1, you’ve come to grips with phase 2, and you’re primed, ready, and excited for phase 3, let’s get busy puppy proofing everything you hold dear.
Puppy proofing your home is so important to the health and well-being of your new best friend. You are soon to be a pet parent and that’s a huge responsibility.
You and your new precious pup will be so excited about this new adventure. Both of you will be a little nervous at first. And your home will be his new playground, his giant puppy park. So you must protect it … and him.
Here is a proven puppy proofing checklist that you can follow to make sure your home is a safe environment for your new cozy canine.
1. Puppy Proofing the Living Room
Puppy proofing wires – Hide all electrical cables, wires, cords, or anything else that looks fun to play with. Try hiding them safely behind furniture, or you can encase them in thin PVC pipes. There are also several things on the market if you don’t want to DIY this part.
Remember to keep cords unplugged when not in use.
You can also block access to cords by using furniture, tables, or any decor you want. You can puppy proof and still look chic!
Plug up your plugs – child-proof plugs in empty electrical sockets will protect your furry friend against the dangers of electrical shock.
According to PETMD, “Electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury for household pets.”
Curtains – make sure you tie up the excess cords. This is something that may not immediately cross our minds but cords from curtains and blinds can be a very dangerous choking hazard.
2. Taking Care of the Furniture
When I think about couch covers, the first thing that comes to mind is Everybody Loves Raymond. Remember that loud, clear, thick, plastic couch cover that Marie put on the couch to prevent her family from getting it dirty?
Well, those couch covers have come a long way!
While we may allow our family to sit on our couch “unprotected” these days, a nice couch cover will do the trick for unwanted pet hair.
And they make nice, soft, elegant ones that your family would be happy to sit on. And they can match any home decor!
When it’s cleaning time, just toss them in the washer. Simple!
Here is a puppy proofing hack for you. If you prefer your couch “naked”, try using a dryer sheet. Dryer sheets pick up dog hair on fabric like magic. Just rub the dryer sheet over the area where you are trying to pick up hair, and Wala!
Safety First // Puppy Proofing House Ideas
Your brand new furry family member will perch himself underneath you 90% of the time. So, make sure you’re careful going in and out of the doors to prevent escape — and injury.
A simple rocking chair can be a hazard for your devoted pup, injuring his leg or tail if he’s too close or underneath it. Also, your curious canine may crawl underneath an open recliner or sofa bed.
3. Moving on to the Kitchen
Trash cans – The kitchen trash, the food bin, the place where all food goes to die. What smells gross and disgusting to us is a delicious meal to our persistent pups. This will be an area that your pooch will not be able to keep his furry paws away from.
But other than the annoyance of constantly cleaning up after your dog has gone through your trash, this is a very dangerous place for your new puppy.
Puppy proofing the trash cans around the house, especially the bathroom and kitchen, is vital for your cozy canine. Aside from the cans with sharp edges, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc., trash also can contain plenty of toxic food dangers for your pup.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, and onions are just a few food items that pose a threat to your food-loving fur baby.
Also, make sure your trash cans have a latch or lock so that your little pup’s head won’t get stuck!
4. Child-Proof Latches
These simple life-saving miracles will become your new go-to — and will keep your furry, snooping, best friend safe. If possible, store all household chemicals on high shelves.
Simple household cleaning supplies can be toxic, even deadly, to your new bundle of fur.
Secure all cleaning supplies, even those labeled “natural ingredients”. Just because it says “natural” does not mean it is safe for your pet.
{RELATED POST: 11 Extremely Helpful Puppy Care Tips For Bringing Your New Pup Home
5. Dangers in the Bathroom
In addition to the kitchen, the bathroom is another danger zone for your persistent pooch.
Trash cans – make sure you have a safe, locked trash can to protect your precious pup from items like disposable razors, Q-tips, empty bottles, etc. These can all pose choking hazards for our nosey canines.
Medication bottles – make sure medication bottles are stored up on high shelves, locked, and out of reach. Your new pup’s razor-sharp teeth can easily chew open these bottles.
Toilet lids – always keep the toilet lids down. Automatic toilet bowl cleaners can be toxic, if not deadly, to your new furry housemate.
Full sinks, bathtubs, and toilets with open lids can all be potential drowning hazards.
Although some are not crating enthusiasts, putting your curious canine in a crate while cleaning with bathroom and kitchen products will help keep him safe and sound.
6. Checking out the Laundry Room
Just like the kitchen and bathroom, this is another dangerous area for your nosey new friend. Make sure bleach and other laundry chemicals are stored high and locked up from your best bud.
Washers and dryers make great hiding places. Make sure they are always closed. Also, make sure your pup can’t get behind the washer and dryer.
More Puppy Proofing House Ideas
Close doors and/or install baby gates to rooms that are off-limits – If the feel of poop between your toes as you step out of bed in the mornings is not appealing to you, try closing doors or installing baby gates to keep your curious pup out.
Make him feel comfortable with a pooch pad of his own – A puppy proof, puppy-safe area will help your new addition feel safe, secure, and comfortable in his new home.
7. Chewing, Chewing, and more Chewing
Whether it’s to relieve boredom, loneliness, stress, or anxiety, chewing just comes naturally to our dogs. Puppies will obsessively chew for about 10 months, or anytime they’re bored. They have razor-sharp teeth and will happily bite or chew anything and everything.
Chewing is not a bad thing if it’s on the right thing. Chewing is a way of releasing energy, redirecting aggression, and helping reduce plaque build-up on his teeth.
Remember those high-dollar shoes that you just bought? What about that new shirt? All your prized possessions, no matter what they are, make the perfect chew toy for your new pooch. They are riddled with your scent, they are on the floor, and, well they just look fun!
Remember to put away anything that you don’t want to lose or that has value. Those adorable little razor teeth in your cute canine can cost hundreds of dollars worth of damage. But most importantly, put away anything that could be a danger to your new furry home addition.
Puppy Proofing Tips // Chewing Hacks
As part of your puppy proofing checklist, make sure you are stocked with large breed, durable, safe chew toys.
They need toys that they can chew on, suck on, and carry around with them. Wear them out with some interactive toys like Frisbees or tennis balls.
Another puppy proofing hack is to stuff a Kong with treats to relieve your bored pup. This will help keep him from eating your home and provide him with some yummy treats.
Alternate their toys to keep their interest. Just like toddlers, they will get bored very quickly with the same old toy.
Treat-dispensing toys are great, along with freezable toys, to help numb the pain of teething.
Low Down Puppy Proofing
And when you’ve got it all figured out — you have checked every nook and cranny of your home — every single item in your home is either locked up, picked up, placed on high shelves, or just completely gone — it’s time to get down on all fours!
That’s right, get down and crawl around. See your home environment just as your curious canine will see it. You’ll be surprised at all the things you will find when you’re down on his level.
Coins, jewelry, dental floss, rubber bands, paper clips — all are perfect snacks for your pooch, and all can be a choking hazard. If it’s there, it will be ingested.
{RELATED POST: 5 Adorable Dog Behaviors That Prove Your Pooch Loves You}
8. Puppy Proof your Poisonous Plants
When puppy proofing your garden, make sure you research what plants are and are not safe for your prying pooch. Some of our most beautiful plants, inside our home and outside in our garden, can be extremely dangerous for your new pup.
9. Puppy Proofing Backyard
Complete puppy proofing applies to dangers outside as well as inside our home.
Pool safety – Never assume your precious pooch can swim. Drowning is always a possibility. Always make sure your pool is secure.
10. Fences and Gates
You will be surprised at the tiny holes or weak spots in your fence that your new small canine can fit through. Do a walk-through to make sure he can’t escape.
11. Sheds and Garages
There are so, so many hazards in these areas. Oil, paint, fertilizers, auto supplies, anti-freeze, rat poison, bug sprays, herbicides, pool chemicals, and so many more. All can be fatal. Also, nails, screws, washers, etc., can be choking hazards. It is so important to lock all these up on high shelves.
12. Puppy Proofing Balconies
You come home to your apartment or condo after a long day at work and all you want to do is have a drink and sit outside on your balcony with your new furry best friend.
But is it safe for him to join you?
Your balcony can be a great outdoor space where you and your pup can get a little sun or shade, a little fresh air, rest, and relax. Maybe you even have a little green space for potty time (for your pup of course), and maybe even a small kiddie pool out there for hot days.
It can be a complete bonding experience for you and your cozy canine and a little pooch pad for your pup.
But it can also be a dangerous area if you do not puppy proof your bonding balcony.
13. Railing Safety // Puppy Proofing Apartment
One of the biggest safety issues you will face when bringing your new pup home to your apartment or condo is the railing on your balcony.
Although condos and apartments have different sizes in their railings, almost all are wide enough for your canine to either fit through, fall through, or get stuck.
A great puppy proofing DIY for this area is Plexi-panels. Heavy-duty screen material will also do the trick. But for chewers, plexiglass is a safe bet.
While your balcony should never be considered safe enough for you to leave your new fur baby alone, after completely puppy proofing, it can be a nice, relaxing place for you and your new furry bestie to hand out together.
Phase 4 – Coming Home – The Best
Within the first 30 seconds of walking into your home with your brand new furry best friend, you will feel many emotions; excitement, anxiety, worry, concern, and the lists just go on.
So many emotions. So many things running through your puppy proofing brain. It’s all you’ve thought about. You start to doubt yourself, your decision, your ability to take care of this tiny, furry, baby.
You start to think that all your hopes and dreams have now trickled down to worry and frustration.
Stop. Relax. Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy
You made it! You are now in phase 4. Your home is now the perfect puppy-proofed pooch pad and you’re ready for whatever this loving, faithful, devoted, canine throws at you.
You’re finally home, sitting in your favorite chair, and reviewing your puppy proofing checklist. You are completely confident that there is nothing left to put up, pick up, hide, lock, or throw away. There is no doubt — you have done a great job! No one can puppy-proof a home like you!
And just at that moment, your little bundle of joy, your perfect pup, comes prancing down the hall, head held high, and so proud of himself, with something hanging out of his mouth that you have never seen before. Yes, puppy proofing is definitely a constant work in progress.
It’s all a game for them, they’re smart and they know it. They will cover every nook and cranny imaginable. They will snoop out nooks and crannies you didn’t even know you had. Every single centimeter of your home will be scoped out.
Yes, you will lose at his game. Yes, there will be weeping. But there will also be love, loyalty, caring, and devotion that your new furry family member will give you that will last you a lifetime.
And you wouldn’t trade that for the world!
This post was all about the best puppy proofing ideas to help you be as prepared as possible when bringing home your new furry best friend!
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Oh goodness! I’d almost forgotten some of this stuff. After our last puppy – who was genuinely a nightmare – we said no more puppies and we stuck to it. Instead, we got a lovely two year old rescue who was remarkably well trained and wonderfully easy. Easily the best dog we’ve ever had. We do also have a 3 month old kitten but compared to a puppy, she is a dream! We still had to do a bit of kitten-proofing, but not nearly as much.