How to puppy proof your home

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for any home. However there is also the responsibility to protect not only the puppy from its surroundings, but to protect the surroundings from the puppy.

Puppy-proofing the kitchen

Your puppy is going to be venturing into the kitchen, so firstly make sure that all cables and cords for electronics are out of reach and safely secured. If you have children, you’ll be well-versed in keeping cabinets and cupboards closed but if your puppy is your first new arrival, it’s a good idea to purchase childproof latches or locks for the cupboards you have at ground level. This won’t just protect against food going missing but can also keep harmful foods and cleaning products out of reach.

Puppy-proofing the bathroom

In the bathroom, it is crucial that you keep medicine out of reach and safely secured since they can be very harmful to your puppy. Childproof latches are a priority on cabinets and cupboards here too. Make sure your family is mindful about cleaning up after themselves in the bathroom. Also make sure the toilet lid is always left down, and the rubbish bin is closed or hidden away.

Puppy-proofing the bedroom

Making sure that all clothing and personal items are kept in closed wardrobes or cupboards is a great way to make sure that your puppy can’t use them as toys. Laundry should always be kept in a closed hamper or basket and shoes should be put out of reach. Other items in the bedroom, such as hair ties and jewelry, should also be kept out of reach as they can be choking hazards. Any exposed cords or wires should also be either hidden or stored inside chew-proof piping. If your bed has a gap underneath it build a temporary blockade around the bottom of the bed

Puppy-proofing the living areas

If you have pillows and blankets on your sofas, it’s a good idea to store them for the first few months until your puppy has adapted to your home and, once again, make sure all loose cables and wires are either hidden away or stored in chew-proof boxes. Office supplies, such as pens, paperclips, rubber bands and staples, should all be tidied up and put out of reach from your puppy.

If you’re bringing a new puppy home soon and have some possessions that you’d like to keep safe and secure while your furry friend gets used to its new surroundings, consider self-storage