How To Puppy Proof Your House

Keeping a new puppy safe is part of responsible ownership, so I’m sharing all my best tips for how to puppy proof your house.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyous occasion. However, along with the boundless love and cuddles, comes the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being. Puppy proofing your home is essential to prevent accidents and keep your furry friend out of harm’s way. Today I’m sharing actionable tips and advice for new dog owners embarking on the exciting journey of picking up their puppy 🙂

How To Puppy Proof Your House

Before diving into the specifics of puppy-proofing, it’s so important to understand things from your pup’s perspective. Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. They use their mouths to investigate objects, which can lead to chewing on items they shouldn’t. Additionally, they may not recognize potential hazards in your home, making it imperative for you to take proactive measures. 

By taking proactive measures to puppy-proof your home and implementing these tips for new dog owners, you can create a safe and welcoming environment for your furry companion to thrive in. With love, patience, and a little bit of puppy-proofing, you’ll enjoy the puppy stage without losing your mind 😉

Actionable Steps for Puppy-Proofing

Secure Hazardous Items: Take a walk around your home and identify potential hazards such as electrical cords, toxic plants, chemicals, small objects, and sharp items. Keep these items out of your puppy’s reach or secure them in cabinets and drawers with childproof locks.

Containment Areas: Designate safe zones within your home where your puppy can roam freely without access to hazardous areas. Utilize baby gates or pet playpens to restrict access to certain rooms or areas.

Invest in Chew Toys: Puppies have a natural urge to chew, especially during teething. Provide a variety of safe and durable chew toys to satisfy their chewing instincts and prevent them from gnawing on furniture or household items.

Elevate Household Plants: Many common household plants are toxic to dogs if ingested. Keep indoor plants out of your puppy’s reach by placing them on high shelves or hanging baskets. And absolutely do not underestimate your puppy’s ability to get to plants that are put on bookshelves. Ask me how I know…!

Secure Trash Bins: Dogs are notorious for getting into the trash. Use trash cans with secure lids or store them in cabinets to prevent your puppy from scavenging potentially harmful items.

Lock Away Medications: Store all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, in a secure cabinet inaccessible to your puppy. Even seemingly harmless pills can be dangerous if ingested by a curious pup.

Hide Cords and Wires: Bundle and conceal electrical cords and wires to prevent your puppy from chewing on them, which can lead to electric shock or injury.

Cover Electrical Outlets: Install outlet covers or outlet plates to prevent your puppy from sticking their nose or tongue into electrical outlets.

Supervision is Key: Always supervise your puppy, especially in new environments or when exploring unfamiliar areas. This allows you to intervene quickly if they get into trouble.

Tips for New Dog Owners

Consistency is Key: Establish consistent routines for feeding, potty breaks, and training to help your puppy feel secure and confident in their new environment.

Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and toys to encourage good behavior and discourage unwanted behavior.

Puppy-Proofing is Ongoing: As your puppy grows and develops, reassess your home for new potential hazards and make adjustments accordingly. This is especially true if you have a large breed who can get into more as they get bigger.

Socialization: Expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments early on to help them develop into well-adjusted and sociable adult dogs.

Patience and Understanding: Remember that puppies are learning and exploring their world. Be patient and understanding as they navigate their surroundings and make mistakes along the way.

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