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Puppy-Proofing 101: The Ultimate Checklist For New Pet Parents


There's one thing almost everyone in the world can agree upon...it’s that puppies are the best! They're adorable, cuddly and so much fun to be around. But don't be fooled, new pups also present a unique challenge. Due to their destructive and “escape artist” nature, it's important to puppy-proof your home before bringing your new furry friend home. This way you'll keep them happy, healthy, and safe. Plus your shoes won't be sacrificed in the process! 

We've created a free checklist below, highlighting all the areas of your house and garden that need special attention. Follow these and you’ll be on the right track to a puppy-proof home. 


So print this page off, grab a pen, and let's get to work.


Puppy proof your house:


  • Electricals - One of the most important jobs is to puppy-proof your cords and wires. Tie them up and out of reach or invest in covers for your outlets and cables.
  • Trash - Make sure your trash cans have secure lids to avoid any unwanted nosing. 
  • Food - Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate are amongst some of the common household groceries that can be toxic to your pup. If you have these foods in your home, store them in cupboards or jars.
  • Furniture - Secure any loose items like lamps or bookshelves that a rambunctious pup can pull or knock down. Tie up long curtains and cords. Move any open containers or baskets to a closed closet or up on a high shelf - including your lovely shoes!
  • Indoor Plants - While we all love greenery, you will need to make sure none of your indoor plants are toxic for your puppy. Either place them high, where they are unreachable or swap them out for friendlier varieties. In general, all plants should be out of chewing reach.

We've created a free checklist below, highlighting all the areas of your house and garden that need special attention. Follow these and you’ll be on the right track to a puppy-proof home. 


So print this page off, grab a pen, and let's get to work.

Puppy proof your house:


  • Electricals - One of the most important jobs is to puppy-proof your cords and wires. Tie them up and out of reach or invest in covers for your outlets and cables.
  • Trash - Make sure your trash cans have secure lids to avoid any unwanted nosing. 
  • Food - Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate are amongst some of the common household groceries that can be toxic to your pup. If you have these foods in your home, store them in cupboards or jars.
  • Furniture - Secure any loose items like lamps or bookshelves that a rambunctious pup can pull or knock down. Tie up long curtains and cords. Move any open containers or baskets to a closed closet or up on a high shelf - including your lovely shoes!
  • Indoor Plants - While we all love greenery, you will need to make sure none of your indoor plants are toxic for your puppy. Either place them high, where they are unreachable or swap them out for friendlier varieties. In general, all plants should be out of chewing reach.

  • Medication - Closed bathroom cabinets are a must. Move all bathroom toiletries and medication out of reach too. 
  • Cleaning Supplies - Invest in a closed bathroom trash can, as well as keeping cleaning supplies out of reach. It’s also a good idea to keep toilet lids closed to prevent puppies from drinking from the bowl, for obvious reasons!
  • Other Pet Supplies - If you have cats, ensure your puppy can’t gain access to their food or dig up their litter box.
  • Consider Puppy Pads - Invest in puppy pads, as these will help you keep on top of any accidents whilst your pup masters toilet training.
  • Toys - Invest in an interactive toy, such as a KONG with food inside, to keep your pup chewing in a safe and healthy way. It’s also a handy way to keep them occupied rather than chewing on your shoes!
  • Install Pet Gates - If you have areas you wish to keep puppy-free, install baby gates to protect stairways or off-limits rooms. 
  • Floor Patrol - Leave nothing on the floor, on coffee tables, or on low furniture that your pup can reach. Be especially aware of small items like coins, jewelry, rubber bands, and paperclips. TV remotes are a puppy favorite too!


Puppy Proof Your Apartment


  • Consider Bark Control - If you live in an apartment building, then it’s important to consider your neighbors. TrueBark is an easy-to-use and gentle way to deter barking, using a quick burst of ultrasonic noise to distract your dog. This helps you to break the cycle of behavior quickly, and keep the peace with your neighbors.  
  • Balconies - Ensure your dog cannot squeeze through any gaps or hurt themselves on a balcony. You can invest in fake-foliage barriers to keep them safe. 

  • Other Pet Supplies - If you have cats, ensure your puppy can’t gain access to their food or dig up their litter box.
  • Consider Puppy Pads - Invest in puppy pads, as these will help you keep on top of any accidents whilst your pup masters toilet training.
  • Toys - Invest in an interactive toy, such as a KONG with food inside, to keep your pup chewing in a safe and healthy way. It’s also a handy way to keep them occupied rather than chewing on your shoes!
  • Install Pet Gates - If you have areas you wish to keep puppy-free, install baby gates to protect stairways or off-limits rooms. 
  • Floor Patrol - Leave nothing on the floor, on coffee tables, or on low furniture that your pup can reach. Be especially aware of small items like coins, jewelry, rubber bands, and paperclips. TV remotes are a puppy favorite too!


Puppy Proof Your Apartment


  • Consider Bark Control - If you live in an apartment building, then it’s important to consider your neighbors. TrueBark is an easy-to-use and gentle way to deter barking, using a quick burst of ultrasonic noise to distract your dog. This helps you to break the cycle of behavior quickly, and keep the peace with your neighbors.  
  • Balconies - Ensure your dog cannot squeeze through any gaps or hurt themselves on a balcony. You can invest in fake-foliage barriers to keep them safe. 

  • Consider Crate Training - Crate training can be a great way to keep your pup (and home) safe while you’re away. Used properly for short periods, and acclimated slowly with positive reinforcement, it can become their safe space to relax in. 

Puppy Proof Your Garden: 


  • Fencing - Make sure you have fences that offer a secure place to play in and are substantial/high enough to prevent your dog from escaping. Fences can also be useful if you want to section off any areas of the garden from your dog.
  • Avoid Exposed Dirt - Large patches of exposed dirt or soil are essentially a puppy’s dream digging scenario! Either fence these off or restrict access. 
  • Secure Beds and Borders - Constructing low borders or barriers can help with protecting them from an over-energetic puppy. Using raised beds is another option. 
  • Cover Ponds/Pools - Covering any water sources is a vital safety measure to keep a young pup, or older dog, safe. 
  • Poisonous Plants - Be aware of plants that are poisonous to dogs, such as onions, garlic, chives, foxglove, crocus - to name a few. Make sure these are removed before letting your pup run free in the garden.
  • Avoid Thorny Plants - Anything with thorns could hurt a young puppy with a curious nose. Either de-thorn or remove from your garden.
  • Strong Grass - If you are looking for a dog-proof lawn, try planting strong self-repairing grass, such as Buffalo grass or the Kikuyu varieties.


Don’t forget - puppies will always find a way!


Having a puppy means you're probably going to have some mishaps. There will be some potty accidents, some ruined items, and perhaps even a few unexpected trips to the vet. These things happen, and it doesn't mean you're a bad pet parent.


By following the checklist above, you can minimize these incidents and know your puppy has every chance to avoid unwanted accidents. But just in case, it’s always a good idea to have the phone number of your vet handy, and your vaccination records up to date too.


With the above lists ticked-off, you can focus on creating special memories for you and your pup. Now, that’s the fun part!

Don’t forget - puppies will always find a way!


Having a puppy means you're probably going to have some mishaps. There will be some potty accidents, some ruined items, and perhaps even a few unexpected trips to the vet. These things happen, and it doesn't mean you're a bad pet parent.


By following the checklist above, you can minimize these incidents and know your puppy has every chance to avoid unwanted accidents. But just in case, it’s always a good idea to have the phone number of your vet handy, and your vaccination records up to date too.


With the above lists ticked-off, you can focus on creating special memories for you and your pup. Now, that’s the fun part!