Puppies investigate the world mouth-first, which means anything left within reach is a potential toy, snack, or hazard. A room-by-room sweep before your puppy arrives saves you a lot of frantic moments later.
Kitchen
Move trash cans behind a closed cabinet or invest in one with a locking lid. Store cleaning supplies up high, keep human food off counters within jumping or reaching range, and be mindful of dangling dish towels or cords a curious mouth could pull down.
Living Room
Tuck away or cover electrical cords, secure or remove houseplants that are toxic to pets, and put breakables and small objects — remote controls, phone chargers, coins — somewhere out of reach.
Bedroom
Shoes, socks, and anything with your scent are prime chew targets — a hamper with a lid helps. Keep medications, cosmetics, and small accessories off low nightstands and dressers.
Bathroom
Keep the toilet lid down, store medications and cleaning products in a cabinet with a childproof latch if needed, and watch for anything dangling within reach, like towels or cords from hair tools.
Garage and Outdoor Areas
Antifreeze, fertilizers, and pesticides are highly toxic and often sweet-tasting to pets, so store them well out of reach. Check your yard for gaps in fencing and remove any toxic plants.
A Few General Habits
Get in the habit of closing doors and cabinets behind you, keeping a laundry basket handy for stray socks, and doing a quick floor-level scan of any room before letting your puppy loose in it for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Puppy-proofing isn’t a one-time task — as your puppy grows and gets more mobile and curious, it’s worth re-checking your home every few weeks during that first year.
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