Get Down on Their Level
The best way to puppy-proof is to see your home from a puppy's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything tempting, dangling, chewable, or reachable. You'll be surprised what you notice from down there.
Common Household Hazards
- Electrical cords — bundle, hide, or use cord protectors; unplug what you can
- Medications — keep all human and pet meds in closed cabinets, well out of reach
- Toxic foods — xylitol (sugar-free gum/candy), chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol
- Toxic plants — lilies, sago palm, azaleas, tulip and daffodil bulbs, and many houseplants
- Small objects — buttons, coins, rubber bands, hair ties, kids' toy pieces
- Trash cans — use lidded cans or keep them behind a cabinet latch
- Household chemicals — cleaners, antifreeze, rodent bait, fertilizers; lock them away
Stairs, Doors & Openings
- Block stairs with a baby gate until your puppy can navigate them safely
- Use baby gates to limit access to off-limits rooms
- Check that doors and screens close securely — puppies are escape artists
- Watch windows and screened porches; small puppies can slip through gaps
Pools, Yards & Fencing
- Pools and water features — supervise constantly; consider a fence or alarm
- Check fencing for gaps, holes, and dig-out spots before letting your puppy out
- Remove yard chemicals and check for toxic plants outdoors
- Block deck gaps and balcony railings a small puppy could slip through
Set Up a Safe Zone
Even a fully puppy-proofed home needs a designated safe zone — a crate or playpen where your puppy can rest and where you can place them when you can't supervise directly. This protects your puppy and your belongings, and it makes house training far easier.
