How to puppy proof a house

Updated 27/02/2024

If you’re about to welcome a new pooch pal to the pack, congrats! But before your furry bundle of joy starts exploring every nook and cranny of your home, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of. Learning how to puppy proof a house will not only keep your precious pup safe, but it will also make the transition a little easier for both of you and protect your abode from any potential damage. Home is where the dog is after all, so how can you guarantee it’s a safe haven for your furry friend’s arrival? Let’s take a look at how to puppy proof your house!

How to puppy proof a house 

1. One (hu)man’s trash is another pup’s treasure

Trash cans are like treasure troves for young pups, so unless you want to catch them red-pawed looting through the litter, keep a lid on it! It’s a mystery to us all why those things that make our noses crinkle with disgust are so irresistible to our pooch pals, but keeping your mischievous mutt away from the ‘gold mine’ found inside the bin by locking lids is your best chance at preventing tummy troubles most importantly avoiding your pup ingesting anything potentially harmful such as poisonous foods or items that could get stuck in their digestive system.

2. Keep harmful products under lock and key

Puppy proofing a house involves getting into the mind of your new pooch pal, and young pups seem to find the strangest things the most tantalizing. Household cleaners, fertilizers, detergents, and de-icers contain chemicals that can be toxic if ingested, and as our furry friends can’t read labels, it’s best to stash these products on a high shelf or safely behind childproof latches! 

3. Shock-proof your puppy playground 

Electrical cords, chargers, battery-powered items, and power cables can cause nasty burns and even electric shock if your pup gets their gnashers into them. Not sure how to puppy proof wires? Keep those paws free from any shocking surprises by moving the cords away from areas your furry friend has access to, and if that’s not doable, conceal the wires with some sturdy puppy proof cords. Don’t allow your pup to play or spend time unsupervised in a room with any loose wires.

4. Avoid medical mishaps

Your curious puppy has no business snooping around in your medicine cabinet, and while human medications might work a treat on us, they can be extremely dangerous for doggies. Keep all pharmaceuticals (both human and pet) safely out of harm’s way, and make it a habit to dispense medication over a sink or bowl to avoid any accidents.    

5. Remove sharp objects and choke hazards

When it comes to puppy proofing an apartment or a house, the sneaky little things that find their way onto countertops can sometimes be overlooked. Small items like paper clips, hairbands, and bits of jewelry can be choke hazards for our furry friends, and sharp objects like scissors and knives are obviously a recipe for disaster! 

6. Close toilet lids

The allure of toilet water is another one of those canine conundrums! Why is it that our pooch pal’s water bowl will be brimming with clean, refreshing H2O, and yet they insist on sneaking off to sip from the porcelain throne? All we can say is that when it comes to our furry friends, the forbidden fruit - or should we say toilet water - just seems to taste a little sweeter! 

7. Dog proof your food items  

Our furry friends have a taste for some questionable items and a habit of being good at cleaning up spills of the wrong kind, so it’s extra important to pay attention to food items that can be poisonous to dogs. While it might not matter if your fur baby chows down a carrot or two, items that pose a risk to our furry friends include chocolate, onions, avocados, grapes, raisins, and xylitol (artificial sweetener). Plastic packaging is no match for your furry friend’s gnashers, so it’s best to keep poisonous food out of reach of your puppy’s prying paws. If you think your pup might have got their paws on something they shouldn’t, always contact your vet for advice immediately.

8. Close all windows and doors

Close your windows and doors to transform your humble abode into an escape-proof fortress. This not only keeps your puppy safe, but it also shows your four-pawed pal where they can and can’t roam right from the get-go, which can be particularly useful for puppy training and setting boundaries. Remember though, even if you have a puppy proof house, you’ll still need to supervise your young pup as a lot can happen when your back’s turned.

9. Keep your plant paradise pet safe  

Beware of the hidden dangers lurking in your household oasis! While those house plants might add a touch of beauty to your home decor, some of them are not so friendly to our canine companions. Culprits that can spell trouble for our pooch pals include aloe vera, jade, devil’s ivy, ZZ plants, and cut flowers like tulips and daffodils. A lick or a nibble is all it takes for the plant to unleash its toxic effects, which range from an upset tummy to seizures and collapse. Always keep plants and flowers out of your pet’s reach, and contact your vet straight away if you think your pup has chewed on something they shouldn’t. Find out more about which plants are toxic for dogs here. 

10. Provide them with a safe space  

Your four-legged friend is likely to need some time out when they’re adjusting to their new home, so make sure your pet pal has a safe space they can call their own. Whether you corner off an area of the house for your pup or opt for a dog crate, kit it out with plush bedding and some toys to snuggle. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

That might be the end of our puppy-proofing checklist, but puppy proofing your home and keeping the space clean, tidy, and hazard-free isn’t the only way to welcome your pup to their new abode. You’ll need to think about how to ensure your furry friend gets all the mental and physical stimulation they need, even when you’re not around. Getting a trusted dog sitter to take care of your fur baby while you’re away ensures they get all the love and attention they deserve in the comfort of their very own home. Find out more about becoming a member of our community of pet people here.