10 Puppy-Proofing Must-Dos to Keep Your Pup Safe (Checklist)

To puppy-proof your home, start by securing electrical cords, removing toxic plants, keeping trash out of reach, and blocking off dangerous areas. Puppies explore with their mouths, so keep harmful objects away. Use baby gates, provide safe chew toys, and supervise closely to prevent accidents. Read on for a full checklist and pro tips!

Is Your Home Truly Puppy-Proof?

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but also a little chaotic. If you’re not prepared, your puppy could be chewing furniture, getting into trash, or even swallowing something dangerous before you know it.

I was working in my home office when I glanced over to see our foster dog, Maggie, quietly chewing on a cord. I jumped up to grab it—only to realize she had picked my son’s $200 headphones out of all the cheap cords nearby!

Lesson learned: Puppies have a knack for finding the most expensive things to destroy, so keep cords out of reach!

To help you avoid those “oh no!” moments, here are 10 must-do puppy-proofing steps to keep your new pup safe.

1. Secure Electrical Cords and Devices

Puppies love to chew, and electrical cords can be a dangerous temptation. To prevent electrical shocks or burns:

• Hide or cover cords: Use cord organizers or protective covers to keep them out of reach.
• Unplug unused devices: This reduces the risk of your puppy chewing on live wires.
• Use baby gates: Restrict access to rooms with numerous cords, like offices.

2. Store Cleaning Supplies & Medications Securely

Household cleaners and medications are among the most common causes of pet poisoning.

• Store all cleaning products and medicine in high cabinets.
• Opt for pet-safe cleaning products whenever possible.
• Keep laundry pods out of reach—pups love to chew them, and they’re highly toxic.

📖 Resource: 21 Secrets To Keeping My House From Smelling Like Dog

3. Keep Trash Cans Out of Reach

Dogs are natural scavengers, and the trash can is full of tempting (but dangerous) items.

• Use a trash can with a locking lid.
• Keep it behind a cabinet or in a closed pantry.
• Be extra cautious with food scraps like chicken bones, grapes, and onions, which can be deadly.

We’ve had several dogs that like to steal tissues from the bathroom trash. While the tissues may not be harmful, there are many other items that end up in the bathroom trashcan that can be toxic or a choking hazard to your puppy.

4. Remove or Secure Toxic Plants

Some houseplants can be harmful if ingested by your puppy. Ensure that plants like lilies, azaleas, and sago palms are placed on a high shelf or gifted to a friend without a pet. 

📖 Resource: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/poisonous-plants-toxic-to-dogs/

5. Keep Small Objects & Choking Hazards Away

Puppies are notorious for chewing on personal belongings. Anything small enough to fit in your puppy’s mouth is a potential choking hazard. To safeguard both your items and your puppy:

• Keep shoes and clothing stored away. Use closets or bins to prevent access.
• Store remote controls, socks, and jewelry out of reach.
• Avoid giving your dog rawhide chews, they can splinter and cause blockages.
• Monitor playtime with toys to prevent accidental ingestion.

We once had a foster puppy who managed to find a tiny Lego piece that had fallen under the couch. Luckily, we caught him in time, but it was a reminder that even the smallest things can be dangerous!

6. Supervise and Secure Outdoor Areas

Your yard can also present dangers to a curious puppy. To ensure outdoor safety:

• Inspect fences: Ensure there are no gaps or weak spots that your puppy could escape through.
• Remove hazardous items: Keep tools, chemicals, and other dangerous objects out of reach.
• Check plants: Ensure that outdoor plants are safe and non-toxic to dogs.

7. Use Baby Gates, Playpens and Crates

Some areas of your home might be too risky for an unsupervised puppy. Limiting your puppy’s access to certain areas can prevent accidents.

• Use baby gates to block off staircases and rooms with hazards.
• Close bathroom doors—puppies love toilet water (yuck!).
• Keep small objects like coins, batteries, or kids’ toys off the floor.
• Crate training provides a safe space for your puppy when unsupervised and aids in housetraining.

When we were fostering two puppies, we quickly realized that our open floor plan made it way too easy for them to get into trouble. We had to use baby gates and exercise pens to keep them safe.

📖 Resource: Best dog crates

8. Be Cautious with Doors and Windows

To prevent accidental escapes or injuries:

• Close doors securely: Ensure that doors latch properly to prevent your puppy from wandering into unsafe areas.
• Install window screens: This prevents falls and keeps pests out.

9. Protect Furniture & Rugs from Chewing Accidents

Puppies explore the world through their mouths, meaning your furniture, shoes, and rugs are at risk.

• Use bitter spray on furniture legs to deter chewing.
• Provide a variety of chew toys to satisfy teething urges.
• Supervise playtime and redirect if they chew on something inappropriate.

I’ll never forget the day I found one of our foster puppies chewing one the leg of our new kitchen table like it was the best thing in the world. Lesson learned: puppies don’t care about price tags, so if it’s valuable, put it out of reach!

10. Regularly Inspect and Update Safety Measures

As your puppy grows, their ability to reach and access different areas will change.

• Routine checks: Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards.
• Adjust as needed: Update your puppy-proofing measures to accommodate your puppy’s development.

Bringing a puppy home is an adventure, but a little preparation goes a long way.

Every puppy needs a designated area where they feel safe and secure. Set up a puppy playpen or gated area and include a comfy bed, toys, and a water bowl.

Puppy-proofing now will save you from a lot of stress later. Trust me—I’ve been there!

Want a step-by-step guide to make sure you don’t miss anything? My New Dog Parent’s Toolbox includes a Puppy-Proofing Your Home Checklist along with training tips, vet visit checklists, and more. Grab yours here: New Dog Parent’s Toolbox. 

Have any funny puppy-proofing stories? Drop them in the comments!