How to Puppy Proof Your Home

As a new puppy parent, it’s your job to keep your pet safe from anything in your home that could cause them harm.

And, as a homeowner or renter, it’s your job to keep your house safe from your puppy!

It’s an exciting time bringing home a new puppy – both for your family and for your new fur baby!

As soon as that wriggling bundle of fur bounds through the door, they will be eager to explore their new environment.

It’s important to prepare your home and your yard before the puppy arrives to ensure that your new pet will be safe, and that your home is protected from potential damage.

Below are some puppy-proofing tips and tricks that could prevent your inquisitive new family member from getting into trouble around your home.

Let’s explore your house, room by room.

The Living Area

Electrical wires

Your living room is full of appliances requiring power sourced from an outlet – think TVs, PlayStations and lamps.

Those cords are tempting toys to your new puppy, who can squeeze into tiny spaces and will love the chance to chew on your cables.

Not only can the puppy cause damage to your appliances, but they can cause themselves a lot of harm.

Get down to puppy level, make sure all wires are secured and out of reach, and encourage your puppy to chew on their own toys.

Other pets

Make sure all rodent cages and aquariums are puppy-proofed and keep them out of your puppy’s reach.

If you own a cat, keep the litter box out of reach as puppies can get ill from ingesting cat faeces (and don’t think they won’t try it – they will!).

If you own other dogs, ensure you take your time getting them used to each other and only let them play when you are there to keep watch.

The Kitchen

Drawers and cabinets

Nosey puppies are experts in getting into things, so child-proof locks are an excellent option for you while you are house training your puppy.

Not only are kitchen gadgets dangerous, but your family’s health could be at risk if your puppy licks all the utensils without your noticing.

Bins

Mmm, snacks!

Your new puppy will love the smell of your household rubbish bin and will likely attempt to break into it.

The last thing you want is your garbage strewn all over the kitchen floor, so make sure that the bin is sealed tightly or entirely out of reach of your new puppy.

The Bathroom

Toilet lids and bathtubs

Some puppies are born to swim, but that doesn’t mean all puppies are safe from open bodies of water.

There have been cases of puppies drowning in toilets or bathtubs left unattended, so keep your new puppy safe by closing the toilet lid after every use and constantly monitoring a full tub of water.

Medication and cleaning products

Everyday items in the bathroom can pose a threat to your puppy if they ingest them.

Puppy-proof your bathroom by moving your razors, soaps and medications somewhere that your puppy has no chance of reaching.

The Bedroom

Clothing

Your bedroom smells like you, and your puppy will be keen to spend time there as they get to know you.

If you want your shoes, clothing and socks unchewed, store them securely out of reach.

Small and valuable items

Think along the lines of coins, hair ties, hairpins, jewellery and batteries – any of these items pose a choking hazard to a new puppy who is still learning how to behave.

If you have small children, they will also need to make sure small toys and Lego pieces are off the floor as they may be small enough for your puppy to swallow.

The Backyard

Secure fences

Until your new puppy learns their way around your property, you should never leave them outside unsupervised.

But puppies are fast – they might get through the hole in the fence before you even make it up off the chair.

Have a professional fencer come out to assess your fence for damage and potential escape routes so they can make repairs before you bring your new puppy home.

Also, be sure that fences are stable and that there is no way that your new puppy can dig under or jump over them.

Chemicals and pesticides

Much like your household cleaning supplies, all outdoor chemicals should be kept securely out of reach.

Your fertilisers, insecticides, car chemicals and petrol cans all pose a serious health risk to your puppy if ingested, so try and avoid using them wherever your puppy is allowed to play.

Keeping your family safe

There are many potential hazards for your puppy outside, but you also need to be mindful of the danger to your young family members when you let your puppy outside.

Small children can easily pick up and play with or ingest your puppy’s waste, potentially causing serious illness.

You need to be vigilant from day one about picking up after your puppy and training them to toilet in one place.

If you can’t keep on top of cleaning up after your puppy, it may be worth considering hiring a professional to regularly clean and sanitise your yard to keep it fresh.

Plan ahead for exercise

Before you bring your new puppy home, decide who will be walking them and when.

Experts recommend not taking your new puppy out for a walk for the first two weeks to let them get used to their new environment.

Once your puppy has settled in, regular exercise will help keep them from getting bored and destructive.

If you’re time-poor, a dog walking service can be a blessing to ensure that your puppy is getting the necessary exercise and attention while you’re at work.

A good dog walking service will also offer dog wash services that can help you to keep your puppy clean and groomed.

Caring for a new puppy can be overwhelming at first, so being prepared is crucial.

Jim’s Dog Wash can come to you for a fuss-free approach to grooming your puppy and Jim’s Pet Patrol also offers dog walking services to ensure your puppy is getting plenty of attention and exercise.

By preparing your home and backyard ahead of time and keeping a close watch of your pup once it arrives, you can help your fur baby settle into a great routine that keeps them out of trouble.

If you would like a free quote on any of the services listed in this article, contact Jim’s Group on 13 15 46.

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