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    Puppy Proof Checklist

    What To Do Indoors

Out of bounds:

  • puppy proof your home by limiting his access around the house particularly if
    he’s not house trained. You can increase the boundaries as he becomes
    educated. This way, you will not have to puppy proof your home all at once.

  • Bathrooms and toilets should be off limits. They are full of potential swallowing
    and drowning hazards.

  • Kitchens should be off limits when you are cooking. He’s cute to have around
    but…

  • Keep him out of the laundry room when you are filling the front loader. Don’t
    laugh – it happens.

  • Keep him out of the way when you are ironing. Turn your back and the iron will
    land on his head.

  • If you have a cat, its litter tray should be inaccessible to the new puppy. Litter is
    harmful and feces may carry worms. Don’t introduce him to the art of
    coprophagia. Break the habit now.

In bounds:

  • Get down on your hands and knees and look at the world from the puppy’s
    perspective. Crawl around and see what you can grab hold of that isn’t nailed
    down.

  • Clear the floor of debris. You may think your house is spotless but he’s going to
    find a button or pen top that’s worth tasting. If he can pick it up, it's not puppy
    proof.

  • Raise anything that hangs low enough for him to grab and pull such as the table
    cloth or curtains.

  • Tie up wires from the phone, computer or table lamp that he can chew or pull on.
    There are some excellent cheap cable management options available. They may
    not be totally puppy proof, but they will reduce the potential for an accident.

  • Secure the lower drawers and cupboard doors with child safety latches.

  • Keeping food off of low tables and benches will discourage stealing and keep his
    diet in check. Did you know that grapes are toxic to dogs?

  • If you have a balcony, railings or indoor fencing, it needs to be high enough that
    he can’t get over it, strong enough that he can’t push it over and the rails close
    enough that he cannot get his head stuck in it.

  • Research to see if your house plants are toxic or not. If in doubt, take it out.

  • Tie the drawstrings of the window blinds high enough to be out of the way.

  • Use indoor trash bins that have a lid that he cannot open or put the bin in a
    cupboard. Don’t encourage trash digging.

  • Move your candles to where they cannot be reached or knocked over. Never
    leave a burning candle unattended when children and puppies are around.

  • Keep ashtrays out of reach especially if it is still in use. Tobacco and nicotine
    gum contain toxic substances fatal to dogs.

  • If you are using poison or bait, make sure that it’s inaccessible to him.

  • All poisons, medicines and cleaning supplies should be locked away in their
    respective cupboards.

  • Keep the guard in front of the fire whether it is lit or not and make sure the
    stacked wood is secure.

  • Be cautious of furniture that your new puppy can get caught in or under such as
    fold away beds, recliners or rocking chairs.


    What To Do Outside.

Out of bounds:

  • Children’s play areas such as sand boxes. He may want to use these areas as a
    bathroom.

  • Any and all plant life that you want to survive. Plants are not puppy proof. I speak
    from experience.

  • Barbecue pits, fire rings and other heat sources. Even if they're cold. He needs
    to get in the habit of staying away.

  • Fence off pools and ponds and any other potential water hazard such as the hot
    tub.

  • Garbage areas and compost piles which may contain toxic molds. Keep them in
    closed containers. Used coffee grounds are toxic.

In bounds:

  • Designate a bathroom area for your new puppy.

  • Any area that you do not have plant life.

  • The lawn if he is supervised not to use as a bathroom.

What to check for.

  • Again you can get down on your hands and knees so that you are at his level. If
    your hands or knees land on an exposed nail or piece of glass then you are
    learning what to look for.

  • Check for anything chewable. Mulch is tasty and helps his teeth but what is it
    made from. Cocoa bean mulch is toxic.

  • Landscaping stone can cause blockages if swallowed.

  • Some plants are toxic. If in doubt, keep him out – of that area. The Oleander is
    beautiful but poisonous.

  • Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, weed killers and all poisons should be kept in a
    locked area – whether you have pets or not.

  • Gas, petroleum products, oils, paints and thinners should also be locked away.
    Antifreeze is more than toxic. It will rot the intestines with very little chance of
    survival.

  • Sharp implements should be properly stored.

  • Heavy items should be placed so that they will not fall over and hurt anyone.

  • Check your boundary fence to see if it is high enough and secure enough. Make
    it puppy proof so he cannot dig underneath.

  • The gate should have a lock on it to stop people from leaving it open.


Follow these tips and your new puppy will have a friendly hazard free home. Don’t
forget to review this list every once in a while. Your new puppy is going to grow and
what you thought was out of reach at 8 weeks old is now in reach for an 8 month old.


After making your home puppy proof you can teach him house training