🐾 Puppy-Proofing Your Home: The Ultimate Checklist for New Dog Parents
Bringing home a new puppy? Congratulations! Whether you're a first-time dog mum or welcoming your fourth floof into the family, puppy-proofing your home is one of the most important things you can do to set your pup (and your furniture!) up for success.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why puppy-proofing matters, what to look out for in each room, and offer a FREE printable checklist you can download and tick off as you go.
🛋️ Why You Need to Puppy-Proof
Puppies are naturally curious – it’s part of their charm! But that also means they’ll explore the world with their mouths, noses, and paws. Without the right prep, your new arrival could end up chewing wires, eating something dangerous, or hiding in hard-to-reach places.
Puppy-proofing gives your dog a safe, calm start while saving your favourite shoes (and sanity!).
✅ Key Areas to Puppy-Proof
1. Living Room
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Hide electrical wires behind furniture or use cord protectors
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Move plants out of reach (many are toxic to dogs!)
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Store remotes, glasses, candles and small objects higher up
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Block off access to behind/under sofas or beds
2. Kitchen
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Keep bins behind closed doors or use dog-proof lids
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Store cleaning supplies in high cupboards or with child locks
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Don’t leave food on low counters – puppies are fast learners!
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Watch out for hazards like onions, chocolate, grapes, and coffee
3. Bathroom
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Keep toilet lids closed (some pups love to “drink”)
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Store medication, toothpaste, and beauty products in cabinets
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Remove bath bombs or scented oils from low shelves
4. Bedroom
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Tuck away shoes, jewellery, and laundry
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Use baby gates if you want to restrict access at night
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Store under-bed items in containers with lids
5. Garden or Balcony
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Check fences for gaps or loose panels
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Remove toxic plants like daffodils, lilies, or foxglove
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Secure garden tools and BBQ items
🧠 Bonus Tips for Day One
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Set up a designated puppy zone with bed, toys, and water
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Have treats and training pads ready for toilet training
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Add a soft harness and ID tag for their first adventure outside
🖨️ Want the Full Printable Checklist?
We’ve made it easy for you! Get our FREE printable Puppy-Proofing Checklist to tick off room-by-room as you prepare your home.
You'll also get tips, discounts, and must-have product recommendations straight to your inbox!
🛍️ Puppy Essentials You’ll Love
At Pup Chic Boutique, we’ve helped hundreds of new puppy parents find stylish, practical accessories that keep their pups safe and happy. Check out our:
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Adjustable harnesses for growing pups
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Soft rope leads perfect for training
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Calming treats for those first-week nerves
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Cosy blankets to make their new bed irresistible