While having a puppy at home is always fun, your home will be transformed completely after you bring your puppy home, and the way things look and function in your home will change due to the puppy’s curiosity about all the corners of the house.
Everything will become hazardous for a puppy just because he is curious enough to try everything out by touching, sniffing, chewing on, or even climbing up to it. If you prepare the home before getting the puppy, the first few weeks will be easier for both of you.
1. Protect Your Puppy from Electrical Cords
Electrical cords can be a hazard for puppies, who tend to chew everything. It’s vital that phone chargers, cords, computer cables, and all other wires stay away from a puppy’s teeth.
Keep cords under furniture or use cord protectors. Don’t forget lamp and TV wires, too.
Appropriate toys can also help redirect chewing. LuluSpot’s Fun & Smart Puppy Toys collection offers different options for play and chewing.
2. Keep Toxic Products Out of Reach
Cleaning products, medicines, pesticides, and certain household chemicals should always be stored where your puppy cannot access them.
Don’t leave bottles on low shelves or near the edge of countertops. A closed cabinet or secure storage area is a much safer option.
Also remember that some common household and garden plants can be harmful to dogs. If you’re unsure whether a plant is safe, keep it away from your puppy and check with your veterinarian.
3. Remove Small Objects
Because puppies like to explore using their mouth, any small object may be considered a potential chew toy by the puppy. It is wise to ensure that no small objects are left lying on the ground.
Get into the habit of looking around at your puppy’s level. You may notice things from the floor that you wouldn’t normally see while standing.
4. Protect Your Furniture
Chewing is a normal puppy behavior, especially during teething. Instead of simply telling your puppy “no,” provide safe alternatives.
Rope toys, balls, and other puppy-friendly toys can give your dog something appropriate to chew and play with. LuluSpot’s Tether Tug Dog Toy offers interactive play, while Grriggles Tennis Balls are great for games like fetch.
Rotate toys often to keep your puppy entertained and stimulated by a fresh toy.
5. Create a Safe Sleeping Area
Puppies need plenty of rest, so give your new dog a quiet and comfortable place to sleep. A crate can also help with training and provide a secure space when your puppy needs some downtime.
LuluSpot’s Puppy Starter Kit – Training Comfort Package includes a crate, bed, blanket, bowls, leash, harness, and toys, making it a convenient option for setting up a puppy’s basic space.
The Cozy Sleeping Essentials Package is another option, with a soft bed, blanket, and heartbeat toy designed to help puppies feel comfortable as they adjust to their new home.
6. Use Baby Gates When Needed
You don’t need to give your puppy access to the whole house right away. You can install baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms, stairwells, kitchens, or other unsuitable areas.
Start with a smaller safe area and gradually give your puppy more freedom as they become better trained.
This can also make potty training easier because you can keep your puppy closer to you and monitor their behavior.
7. Make the Kitchen Puppy-Safe
The kitchen can contain many tempting and potentially dangerous items. Keep food away from the edge of counters and make sure trash cans have secure lids.
Don’t leave plates, food wrappers, or leftovers where your puppy can reach them. Some human foods can be dangerous for dogs, so keeping food securely stored is important.
Also make sure cabinets containing cleaning products, food, or other unsafe items are properly closed.
8. Keep the Bathroom Secure
Bathrooms contain several items that curious puppies may investigate, including cleaning products, medicines, toiletries, and trash.
Keep toilet lids closed and store medications and personal-care products in cabinets. Also place bathroom trash somewhere your puppy can’t access.
A closed bathroom door can be the easiest solution when you can’t supervise your puppy.
9. Check Doors and Windows
Puppies are often very fast whenever they see an open door. Make sure doors to the outside are always closed, and that windows and screens are intact.
Always know your puppy’s location before you open the front door. This small precaution may help prevent your puppy from escaping inadvertently.
When taking your puppy outdoors, make sure to use his collar or harness and leash. LuluSpot provides Bio Collars and a Bio Dog Leash.
10. Keep Trash Bins Secure
Trash can be extremely interesting to a puppy. Food scraps, packaging, bones, and other discarded items can create choking or poisoning risks.
Use a trash can with a secure lid or keep it inside a closed cabinet. Don’t assume your puppy won’t reach something just because it seems too high—young dogs can be surprisingly creative.
11. Protect Your Floors and Cleaning Supplies
Puppy accidents are normal during house training. Keep cleaning products safely stored and clean accidents promptly.
An enzyme-based pet cleaner can help remove odors and stains from accidents. LuluSpot also offers Rescue Disinfectant Cleaner and Mighty Boss Cleaner and Degreaser for cleaning around your pet’s living areas.
Always read and heed all product labels and never allow any cleaning solutions near your puppy.
12. Set Up Food and Water Safely
Your puppy needs a designated meal area where you provide clean bowls for eating and drinking.
LuluSpot’s Stainless Steel Splash-Free Non-Tip Bowl can help keep feeding areas more manageable, while the Stainless Steel Water Bowl provides a separate option for fresh water.
For smaller puppies, the Puppy Saucer Dish is another feeding option.
13. Keep Shoes and Clothing Away
Your dog will probably be attracted to their socks, shoes, towels, and even clothes due to the scent on them.
Store these objects in the closet, basket, etc. If your dog picks up something he/she shouldn’t play with, offer him/her something appropriate to play with instead.
14. Give Your Puppy a Safe Play Area
Having a designated puppy area makes supervision easier. Include their bed, toys, food and water bowls, and safe items for chewing and play.
LuluSpot’s Puppy Starter Kit – Everyday Essentials Package includes a bed, harness, collar, feeding bowls, toys, grooming tools, and training pads, giving new owners several useful items for creating an organized puppy space.
For a more complete setup, the Puppy Starter Kit – Complete Essentials includes a crate, bed, blanket, bowls, toys, leash, harness, and grooming supplies.
15. Don’t Forget About Puppy-Proofing Outdoors
If you have a yard, check the area before allowing your puppy to explore. Look for holes in fences, sharp objects, poisonous plants, exposed wires, chemicals, and other potential hazards.
Make sure gates are securely closed, and your puppy cannot squeeze through small gaps. Still supervise outdoor areas, especially when your puppy is young.
16. Give Your Puppy Plenty of Safe Alternatives
Puppy-proofing isn’t about removing everything from your dog’s environment. It’s about creating a safe space where your puppy knows what they can play with and chew.
Keep a selection of appropriate toys available and rotate them throughout the week. This can help reduce boredom and redirect your puppy away from furniture and household items.
A Complete Puppy Setup
If you’re preparing your home for a puppy for the first time, having the basics ready before your puppy arrives can make the transition much easier.
LuluSpot’s Puppy Starter Kits include different combinations of crates, beds, bowls, toys, collars, leashes, grooming supplies, and training items.
Another option is the Complete Puppy Package, which gives owners everything they need in one package to prepare for puppy feeding, sleeping, walking, playing, grooming, and training.
Final Thoughts
Puppy-proofing your home doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by removing dangerous items, securing wires and chemicals, protecting food and trash, blocking unsafe areas, and creating a comfortable space where your puppy can eat, sleep, play, and learn.
Remember that puppy-proofing is an ongoing process. As your puppy grows, they may learn to reach new places or develop new habits, so regularly check your home for potential hazards.
With a safe environment, appropriate toys, a comfortable sleeping area, and consistent supervision, you can give your puppy a much easier and safer start in their new home. Explore LuluSpot’s puppy essentials for the supplies you need to make your puppy’s first days comfortable, organized, and fun.