Bringing home a puppy is like bringing home two completely different animals. One is an adorable cloud made of love and cuddles, the other is a little monster who wants to chew your furniture and ruin all your nice stuff.
One is a furry cloud of cuddles and love, the other is a little monster who wants to chew all your furniture and ruin your carpet.
Before the cuteness/cuteness/chaos begins, it’s essential to make your home as safe as possible. So, let’s dig into how to puppy-proof your house!
1. Why Puppy-Proofing is Essential
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, which means they can get into a surprising amount of trouble. Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, which means they can get into surprising amounts of trouble.Puppies explore with their mouths, paws, and noses, and they don’t yet understand what might be dangerous. Think of puppy-proofing like baby-proofing, but with some doggy-specific touches.
Preventing Accidents:
You're bound to discover sooner or later that puppies love to chew—and they're not really fussed by what. Securing electrical cables or investing in some puppy proof cords, removing choking hazards, and keeping dangerous
Establishing Boundaries:
Saying no to that puppy dog face is basically impossible. But boundaries and consistency are crucial for your dog’s development. By establishing off-limits areas early on, you’re helping them adjust to their new home in a way that feels structured and safe.
Peace of Mind:
Knowing your home is puppy-safe is going to be better for your wellbeing too. It means more time bonding and less time worrying about what your pup just put in their mouth…
2. How to Puppy-Proof Each Room
Living Room Tips:
It goes by many names: the lounge room, the sitting room, or maybe even the drawing room if you’re some sort of Duke from the 1800s. Whatever you call it, your puppy is going to see it as an edible obstacle course, so you’re going to need to take a few precautions.
Secure Electrical Cords: We’re going to say it once more for the people in the back: hide those cords. Use cord covers, tuck them behind furniture, or tape them down out of reach. A chew-resistant cord protector is also a great investment.
Remove Fragile Items: Anything within puppy reach is a potential toy. Move breakable or precious decor to higher shelves or maybe in a storage cupboard until your pup grows out of their chaos goblin phase.
Pro Tip: If your puppy loves to jump up on couches or furniture, consider using pet-friendly couch covers. It’ll make life easier for both of you!
Kitchen Safety:
Kitchens are scary places even for full-grown adults—it’s why the entire take-away industry exists! They can also be full of hazards for puppies, but with some small adjustments, you can make this area a safe space:
Keep Food Out of Reach: Many human foods, like chocolate, onions, and grapes, are toxic to dogs. The problem is dogs don’t know that. Keep food stored securely in cabinets or the fridge, and avoid leaving snacks on the counter.
Secure the Rubbish Bin: Just because food is old and in the bin doesn’t mean your pup won’t try to eat it. If you have a bin with a closing lid that’s hard to tip over, perfect! Alternatively, you can place it behind a cupboard door away from prying paws.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Make sure that cleaning products, sharp objects, and small appliances are out of reach or locked away. And remember: small spills of oil or sauce can be harmful to pups if ingested.
Bedroom and Sleeping Areas:
Let’s be honest: your puppy is probably going to be spending some time in your bedroom. You want to make sure your sleeping area (as well as theirs) is able to withstand the odd accident here and there.
Puppy-Proof Bedding: Puppies love a late-night nibble and are prone to nocturnal accidents. Make sure your bedding uses high-density fabric that’s durable and can withstand a few cycles in the washing machine.
Establish Boundaries for Sleep: If you prefer your pup sleeps on their bed instead of yours, you need to establish this boundary early. We know it’s hard to say “no” when they try to hop in bed for a cuddle, but consistency will help them understand where their designated sleep spot is.
3. Outdoor Safety: Puppy-Proofing the Garden
Of course, there are few things puppies love more than a little outdoor (mis)adventure. If you have a yard, there are a few things to keep to create a puppy proof garden your doggo is free to explore safely.
Secure Toxic Plants: Many plants are harmful to dogs if ingested. Do a quick inspection of your garden, and fence off or remove any toxic plants such as lilies, azaleas, and hydrangeas.
Create Safe Play Zones: Designate an area of the garden where your puppy can safely play. Use fencing or gates to prevent them from getting into (and digging up) other parts of your yard.
Check for Escapes: Puppies are wily little escape artists and can squeeze through small gaps in fencing. Make sure to inspect your yard thoroughly for gaps in your security to ensure they can play safely.
Pro Tip: If you’re using fertilisers or pesticides, look for pet-safe options, as puppies love to dig and explore in the soil.
4. The Brooklyn's Solution for a Puppy-Safe Home
At The Brooklyn, we’re passionate about keeping your furry friend safe and it’s not a bad idea to invest in a couple of new puppy essentials that can withstand some serious pup-ishment. We’d recommend:
Chew-Resistant Beds: Need we say more? A puppy proof dog bed like the Luxe Lounger Chew-Proof Bed from The Brooklyn is a great option for those pup’s who get the midnight munchies. Did we mention it’s machine-washable too?
Sturdy Food and Water Bowls: Puppies can be messy, and by messy we mean “furry little wrecking balls.” The Black Tuff Dog Bowl is heavy-duty and designed to stay put. Perfect for rough and tumble pups.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy a Safe, Happy Home with Your Puppy
Puppy-proofing your home is all about anticipating those little accidents and protecting both your space and your furry friend. But ultimately, the main focus is to keep your puppy safe so you two are free to play, explore and grow.
Ready to create the perfect space for your pup? Check out our selection of puppy-safe products, or get in touch if you need any guidance. With a bit of preparation, you and your new buddy will be set for a joyful, worry-free life together.
