Puppy-Proofing Your Home

You can prevent much of the destruction puppies can cause and keep your new dog safe by looking at your home and yard from a dog’s point of view. Get down on all fours and look around. Do you see loose electrical wires, cords dangling from the blinds, or chewy shoes on the floor? Your pup will see them too!

In the kitchen:
• Put all knives and other utensils away in drawers.

• Get a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

• Put all household cleaners in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.

In the bathroom:
• Keep all household cleaners, medicines, vitamins, shampoos, bathproducts, perfumes, makeup, nail polish remover, and other personal products in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.

• Get a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

• Don’t use toilet bowl cleaners that release chemicals into the bowl every time you flush.

• Keep the toilet bowl lid down.

• Throw away potpourri and any solid air fresheners.

In the bedroom:
• Securely put away all potentially dangerous items, including medicines and medicine containers, vitamins and supplements, perfumes, and makeup.

• Put all your jewelry, barrettes, and hairpins in secure boxes.

• Pick up all socks, shoes, and other chewables.

In the rest of the house:
• Tape up or cover electrical cords; consider childproof covers for unused outlets.

• Knot or tie up any dangling cords from curtains, blinds, and the telephone


• Securely put away all potentially dangerous items, including medicines and medicine containers, vitamins and supplements, cigarettes, cigars, pipes and pipe tobacco, pens, pencils, felt-tip markers, craft and sewing supplies, and laundry products.

• Put all houseplants out of reach.

• Move breakable items off low tables and shelves.

• Pick up all chewable items, including television and electronics remote controls, cell phones, shoes, socks, slippers and sandals, food, dishes, cups and utensils, toys, books and magazines, and anything else that can be chewed on.

In the garage:
• Store all gardening supplies and pool chemicals out of reach of the dog.

• Store all antifreeze, oil, and other car fluids securely, and clean up any spills by hosing them down for at least ten minutes.

• Put all dangerous substances on high shelves or in cupboards that close securely; consider using childproof latches on the cabinet doors.

• Pick up and put away all tools.

• Sweep the floor for nails and other small, sharp items.

In the yard:
• Put the gardening tools away after each use.

• Make sure the kids put away their toys when they’re finished playing.

• Keep the pool covered or otherwise restrict your pup’s access to it when you’re not there to supervise.

• Secure the cords on backyard lights and other appliances.

• Inspect your fence thoroughly. If there are any gaps or holes in the fence, fix them.

• Make sure you have no toxic plants in the garden.