Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience. You’re adding a new furry family member who will bring love, joy, and companionship to your life. As a professional dog walker who has met many of these loveable little pups, I could tell you stories all about how curious and destructive puppies can be. They come with their own set of challenges, so you need to puppy proof your home before they arrive. Puppies are curious, active, and energetic, and they love to explore their surroundings by chewing, digging, and climbing. This means that you need to ensure that your home is safe and secure for your new furry friend to roam around freely.

Puppy proofing your home means creating a safe environment where your new pup can play, rest, and explore without the risk of injury or harm. Here are some essential tips to help you puppy proof your home.

1. Secure your waste bins and food containers

Puppies are natural scavengers. They love to explore their surroundings by sniffing and chewing on things. This means that they will likely try to get into your bins and food containers to see what they can find. Unfortunately, the items inside can be hazardous to their health. To prevent this, make sure that your bins have tight-fitting lids, and keep your food containers in secure cabinets or on high shelves.

2. Keep your floors clean

Puppies are prone to chewing on anything they find on the floor, including small objects that can be a choking hazard. To prevent this, make sure that your floors are clean and free of any small objects, such as coins, paper clips, and small toys. If you have rugs or carpets, make sure that they are securely fastened to the floor to prevent your puppy from tripping over them.

3. Secure electrical cords

Electrical cords are another potential hazard for puppies. They can chew on them, which can result in electrical shock or even death. Make sure that all electrical cords are securely tucked away or covered with cord protectors. If possible, move your electrical devices to a location that is out of your puppy’s reach.

4. Keep your plants out of reach

Many houseplants can be toxic to puppies if ingested. Make sure that you keep your plants out of your puppy’s reach or replace them with non-toxic plants. You can also use bitter sprays on the plants to deter your puppy from chewing on them.

5. Secure your windows and doors

Puppies are curious and love to explore their surroundings. This means that they may try to escape through an open window or door. Make sure that your windows and doors are securely locked, and use baby gates to prevent your puppy from going into rooms that are off-limits.

6. Provide a safe space for your puppy

Puppies need a safe and secure place where they can rest and relax. Provide your puppy with a comfortable bed or crate, and make sure that it is located in a quiet area of your home. This will give your puppy a sense of security and help them feel safe and protected.

7. Avoid leaving dangerous items within reach

It is essential to keep dangerous items, such as medications, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects, out of your puppy’s reach. Store these items in cabinets or on high shelves, and make sure that they are securely locked.

8. Cover your waste bins and laundry baskets

Puppies love to explore and dig through things, including your waste bins and laundry baskets. To prevent this, make sure that your bins and laundry baskets have secure covers or lids. This will also prevent your puppy from making a mess in your home.

9. Keep your puppy away from dangerous areas

There may be certain areas of your home that are dangerous for your puppy, such as your garage or basement. Make sure that these areas are securely locked, and use baby gates to prevent your puppy from accessing them.

10. Provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys

Puppies love to chew on things, and this is a natural behaviour for them. However, it’s important to provide your puppy with plenty of chew toys to satisfy their chewing needs. This will prevent your puppy from chewing on your furniture, shoes, or other household items. Make sure that the chew toys you provide are safe and durable, and avoid giving your puppy toys that can be easily swallowed or choked on.

11. Remove any hazards in your garden

If you have a garden, it’s important to make sure that it is safe for your puppy to explore. Remove any hazardous objects, such as sharp rocks, broken glass, or toxic plants. Make sure that your fence is secure and that there are no gaps that your puppy can escape through. You can also provide your puppy with a designated potty area to keep them away from other areas of the yard that may not be safe for them.

12. Supervise your puppy at all times

One of the most important things you can do to puppy proof your home is to supervise your puppy at all times. This means keeping a close eye on them when they are playing or exploring their surroundings. This will allow you to intervene if your puppy is chewing on something they shouldn’t be, or if they are in a dangerous area of your home. By supervising your puppy, you can prevent accidents and keep them safe and healthy.

In conclusion, bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it’s important to take the necessary steps to puppy proof your home to ensure that your new furry friend is safe and healthy. You will find that when you start your local dog walks with them, they will calm down a little and divert their curious nature to the great outdoors, so make getting them walked after their injections a priority.

By following the tips outlined above, you can create a safe environment for your puppy to play, rest, and explore, and enjoy many happy years together. Remember, the key to keeping your puppy safe is supervision and prevention, so stay vigilant and keep your puppy’s safety in mind at all times.