5 Tips for Puppy Proofing Your Home

If you just got a new puppy, or you're planning to bring one home, puppy proofing is an important step that you can take to keep your new bundle of joy safe.

Much like human babies, puppies are VERY curious, and they will get into everything they can. Puppy proofing your home will not only give you peace of mind but will also help keep your little guy or girl safe.

Here are 5 easy puppy proofing tips you can do right now:

1. Roll up or cover all cords

Cords can be very dangerous to puppies.  They can chew through electrical or charging cords and they can easily get caught up in window shade cords. We recommend rolling up electrical/charging cords and securing or hiding them. You can either cover them, place them in a reel, or secure them with a Velcro wrap.  For shade cords we recommend adding hooks to the sides of your windows to wind up the cords when your shades are up.

2. Secure all chewable objects

This can be difficult, especially because puppies like to chew EVERYTHING. But we recommend putting away top offenders like shoes, toys, paper towels/toilet paper, and trash. A storage chest is great for shoes and toys, and your puppy won’t be able to open the top! 

3. Close toilets and secure trash cans

Make sure your toilets are closed, especially as your puppy gets bigger. They will be curious about drinking the water, which could make them sick. Trash cans can be trickier – we recommend dog-proof trash cans that lock or have small openings dogs can’t get into. Smaller trash cans are usually the culprit: here is a dog-proof one that works great for smaller spaces.

4. Secure all medications and cleaning supplies

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and now more than ever it is important to talk about poison prevention for our pets. All medications and toxic chemicals should either be locked or placed in a closed cabinet, out of reach of pets. Don’t forget to check the garage! We recommend these simple child-proofing locks . If your puppy ever gets into medications or chemicals, call your vet or poison control right away.

5. Put up baby gates and keep windows and doors closed

Since puppies are so curious, leaving doors and windows open will make them want to explore even more. Make sure all doors and windows are closed when you're not with them and use baby gates to block off areas of your home and lawn you don’t want them in.

There are so many things to learn when you bring a puppy home. Try implementing some of these suggestions to help ensure the safety and happiness of your new addition. If you have questions, it is a great idea to talk with your vet and get your puppy enrolled in a training school. For more ideas on bringing a puppy into your home, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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