After stocking up on their new favourite treats, toys and plenty of soft blankets, you need to get to work puppy proofing your home. By creating an environment that is safe and secure, you will help your pup adjust to their new family and surroundings!
Follow our handy puppy proofing guide to keep your newest addition safe and sound at home.
Things to look out for when you puppy proof indoors
While your pup settles into their new home, it’s recommended you pick an area of the house they can have free rein of. You can block off this space with an indoor puppy gate or create a large dog playpen for them to spend their time in.
Even with a sectioned-off area, you might still allow your pup into other rooms when you’re home. That’s why it’s best to run through a checklist to make sure your entire house is secure.
Checklist for puppy proofing a home
- Move electrical cords out of reach: Use cord concealers or cable wraps to prevent your pup from chewing on exposed wires.
- Lock up cleaning supplies: Move household cleaners and chemicals into high cupboards or secure them with childproof latches.
- Put medications away: Avoid keeping medications on low tables or anywhere your puppy can easily reach.
- Remove choking hazards: Keep small toys, coins, jewellery, batteries and other objects your pup could swallow safely stored away.
- Keep sharp objects out of reach: Knives, scissors, razors and sewing supplies should all be well out of reach.
- Secure your rubbish bin: Your puppy's nose will lead them straight to the bin! Keep lids secured to prevent them from getting into harmful food scraps or other rubbish.
- Keep food off kitchen benches: Some human foods, including chocolate, grapes and onions, are toxic to dogs. Clear countertops to discourage your pup from jumping up.
- Check your indoor plants: Some common houseplants, including sago palms, alocasia and aloe, can be toxic to dogs.
- Secure curtains and blind cords: Tie up dangling cords to prevent your puppy from becoming tangled or injured.
- Check furniture and personal belongings: Keep reclining furniture closed when not in use, and store shoes, bags and other tempting items safely away.
You can also block off high-risk areas like the kitchen or stairs entirely with a puppy gate.
Tips for puppy proofing your garden
If you have a back garden, your pup will spend quite a bit of time out there – even if they’re an inside dog. Your backyard is going to be your pup's playground and bathroom, so it’s important to make sure there are no hazards they can get into!
From dog-proof fencing to removing dangerous tools and chemicals, creating a secure environment is just as important outdoors. The last thing you want is your dog getting hurt or escaping!
Checklist for puppy proofing outdoors
- Invest in puppy-proof fencing: Make sure your fence is tall enough that your pup can't jump over it and secure at the bottom to prevent digging underneath. Check gates and gaps regularly.
- Remove toxic plants: Your pup will chew and munch on whatever they can, so research potentially harmful plants and remove them or restrict access.
- Secure your pool: Fence off pools, ponds and water features to prevent accidental falls, and never leave your puppy unsupervised around water.
- Keep your lawn trimmed: Ticks and other pests can hide in long grass, so keep your lawn and weeds under control.
- Watch out for pesticides and fertilisers: Lawn treatments, weed killers and snail baits can be toxic to dogs. Store them securely and keep your pup away from treated areas as directed.
- Secure sheds and garages: Keep petrol, paint, insecticides and other hazardous substances locked away.
- Put away gardening tools: Sharp tools, hoses and other equipment can cause injuries or become chewing hazards.
- Remove small hazards: Rocks, mulch and other garden materials can pose choking or ingestion risks, so supervise outdoor play.
- Provide shade and shelter: Make sure your puppy has access to fresh drinking water and protection from the weather, especially during extreme heat or cold.
Give your pup their own space
As your pup learns to adjust to life in their new home, it’s best to give them their very own space where they can feel comfortable. For the first few weeks, try creating a puppy-safe area to help manage their environment and keep them out of trouble.
Use a dog barrier or baby gates to block off a section of the house. That could be your laundry, front living room or even a bedroom. Make sure you have plenty of bedding, fresh water and toys to help them feel nice and cosy.
You could also introduce a puppy crate or playpen as a dedicated resting space. If using a crate, make sure it's appropriately sized and use positive reinforcement to help your puppy build a positive association with it.
It's important to remember that even with the best puppy proofing, your new pup will still find ways to get into trouble. Always provide appropriate supervision and regularly reassess potential hazards as they grow and become more adventurous.
Be patient with them! Making your new puppy feel comfortable and safe in their new home can make a real difference in how well they settle in.
Puppy proofing FAQs
How to puppy-proof a balcony
You shouldn't ever leave your pup out on the balcony alone. Invest in a secure puppy barrier or suitable fencing to make sure there are no gaps your pup can fit through or fall from.
Even with appropriate barriers, balconies can pose serious risks if puppies become excited by people or animals passing by, so always supervise them.
How to puppy-proof electrical cords
Electrical cords pose a big danger to pups who can chew on them, causing burns or even electrocution. Tie up loose cords or block them with furniture to limit your dog's access. You can also purchase cable wraps or cord concealers for wires that can't be moved.
When can you stop puppy proofing a home?
This will vary from dog to dog. Some puppies adjust to a home quickly and learn to avoid temptations like the rubbish bin. Others might still need supervision well beyond their first birthday.
Start by gradually allowing your pup access to more rooms while keeping potentially hazardous areas off-limits. If you notice destructive behaviour or toilet training accidents, reduce their freedom again.
Once your pup consistently avoids getting into things they shouldn't, you can start leaving them for short periods in a puppy-proofed area of the house.
Remember, some hazards will always need to be secured, even when your puppy grows into an adult dog!
Get your home ready for your new puppy
Puppy proofing your home is an important part of helping your newest family member settle in safely. With a little preparation, patience and supervision, you can create a comfortable space for your pup to explore, play and grow.
Getting ready to welcome your new puppy home? Explore Petstock's range of puppy supplies for toys, bedding and everyday essentials to help them settle in safely.