How To Puppy-Proof Your House: 30 Safety Tips

Use cord covers or cable management boxes to protect your puppy from chewing on electrical wires. 

Use dog gates to block stairs or off-limits zones to keep your pup contained in safe areas. 

Puppies love to topple trash cans, so take these steps to dog-proof yours: 

• Use dog-proof trash cans with locking lids. 
• Place them inside cabinets, and lock those cabinets with a childproof lock. 
• Empty your trash frequently to keep interesting smells to a minimum. 
• Place a weight, such as a brick or sand in a bag, in trash cans to help prevent your puppy from knocking them over. 

Cleaning products can be seriously poisonous to puppies. Lock all cleaners and chemicals behind childproof cabinet latches. 

Anchor shelves, TVs, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture in your home to nearby walls to prevent them from tipping over onto your pup. 

Keep small items off your floor and other surfaces your puppy can access. Common household choking hazards include coins, jewelry, and rubber bands. 

Never leave pills on counters or in purses within your puppy’s reach. 

Childproof outlet plugs can prevent curious noses from getting shocked. 

If your puppy gets caught in hanging blinds or curtain cords, they could be injured or strangled. Tie them up and out of your puppy’s reach. 

Block small spaces where your puppy could get stuck. 

A secure dog crate can keep your puppy safe when unsupervised. Start crate-training as early as possible to help your pup get used to spending time in their crate. 

Help prevent slips and falls on slick flooring by covering your floor with a safe rug. 

Whenever your puppy is playing with a toy, keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not tearing off pieces of the toy, which could be choking hazards, or chewing or eating unsafe household items. 

Many human foods are toxic to dogs, so keep them on upper shelves or in locked pantries. 

Offer vet-approved puppy toys to satisfy your dog’s natural chewing urges. 

Prevent your pup from making a break for it by ensuring your fencing is tall enough and without gaps. 

Remove or block access to plants that are poisonous to puppies, like lilies, azaleas, and sago palm. 

Keep sharp tools and toxic supplies in a locked area that’s fully off-limits to your puppy, like a shed. 

Not all dogs can swim, and dogs who do should always be supervised when they’re in the water. Use a pool fence, dog gate, or other solution to prevent your dog from jumping or falling into your pool or hot tub.  

Pick up potential choking hazards and potentially harmful items like sticks, rocks, and acorns around your yard. 

Puppies can wiggle through small spaces. Check the perimeter of your yard for gaps under shrubbery and other areas where they might explore. 

Mushrooms growing on your lawn can be toxic if ingested. Stay vigilant for any fungi growing in your yard, and pull up any mushrooms you see. 

Many treatments for your lawn or garden can be toxic to dogs. If you need to use a lawn treatment, choose a pet-safe option. 

Puddles, bird baths, fountains, and empty garden containers can collect water that harbors bacteria. Remove outdoor containers where water can collect, and watch your puppy to ensure they stay away from puddles. 

Antifreeze, motor oil, and tools should be stored out of reach of your puppy—or better yet, block your puppy’s garage access entirely with a pet gate. 

Warm weather can cause overheating and dehydration in puppies. Make sure your puppy has a cool, shaded area on warm days, and limit outdoor time during especially hot weather. 

Just like the electrical cords inside your home, outdoor power cords pose risks to your pup. Tuck away cords to prevent chewing. 

Some gates have latches that dogs can easily open. Make sure yours can’t be opened by your curious puppy. 

Never let your puppy go outside unattended, even in a fenced area you think is safe. Supervise outdoor play to avoid accidents, escapes, or attacks from predators like birds of prey. 

Ingesting or playing in trash or compost can make puppies sick. Use pet-proof lids or fencing to keep them away from your outdoor trash cans and compost areas. 

How do I puppy-proof electrical wires and cords? 

Tuck cords behind furniture or use protective cord covers to prevent chewing. Consider deterrent sprays for extra protection. 

How do I puppy-proof my apartment? 

Pet-proofing an apartment means creating a safe, comfortable space despite limited room and shared walls. Secure loose wires; block access to balconies and windows; and use dog gates or crates to manage open layouts. Because noise and neighbor proximity are also concerns, consistent training and quiet enrichment toys can help your pet adjust smoothly.