Puppy Proofing Your Home: Complete Guide for a Safe and Happy Pup
Bringing a new puppy into your whānau is a joyful, tail-wagging time, but it also means preparing your home for a very curious (and occasionally mischievous) little explorer. At Petdirect, we get pets, and we know just how important it is to create a safe environment where your pup can thrive. Our expert guide to puppy proofing your house will walk you through everything you need to know to make your space puppy-safe and play-ready in a way that suits life right here in Aotearoa.
Why Puppy Proofing Matters
Puppies are naturally inquisitive, love to chew, and haven’t yet learned what’s safe and what’s off-limits. From household hazards like electrical cords and toxic plants to everyday breakables and choking risks, there’s a lot to consider.
Proper puppy proofing helps to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury while also creating a calm, consistent space where your puppy can learn and play with confidence. It also supports your pup’s development by giving them appropriate outlets for their energy and teethy urges.
Living Room And Common Areas
- Secure cords and wires: Tuck away or use cord protectors to cover electrical cables that could tempt a playful bite.
- Move breakables and toxic plants: Shift vases, ornaments, and houseplants like lilies out of reach. Even some indoor plants can be toxic for dogs.
- Block off access where needed: Use baby gates or dog pens and crates to prevent entry to off-limits rooms or stairs.
- Offer safe toys: Provide engaging chew toys and interactive options to redirect biting behaviours.
Kitchen And Dining Areas
- Store food securely: Keep human and pet food in closed cupboards or use sealed containers. Some ingredients like chocolate and onions are harmful to dogs.
- Use pet-safe bins: An enclosed rubbish bin keeps curious noses out—and messes in.
- Designate feeding zones: Establish a clear mealtime routine with dog bowls and fresh water in a quiet area. Consider smart feeders for pups needing scheduled feeding.
- Clean up quickly: Wipe spills and tidy dropped food promptly to avoid tummy issues or accidents.
Bathroom And Laundry Safety
- Keep cleaning products locked away: Store all chemicals, medications, and detergents safely out of reach.
- Put down lids and close doors: Keep toilet lids closed and laundry areas inaccessible to avoid drowning hazards or detergent ingestion.
- Stop sock stealing: Puppies love grabbing loose items like socks, which can cause dangerous blockages if swallowed.
Bedroom And Personal Spaces
- Keep personal items off the floor: Shoes, remote controls, and clothing often become targets for teething puppies.
- Set up a puppy-safe sleeping space: Try comfy dog bedding where your puppy can wind down and nap uninterrupted.
- Block access to underbeds or tight gaps: Small pups can wedge themselves into hidden spots and get stuck.
Outdoor Areas And Garden
- Seal fences and gates: Check there are no holes or escape routes in outdoor enclosures.
- Remove hazardous plants and chemicals: Avoid using slug bait, certain fertilisers, or leaving garden tools out.
- Supervise during outdoor play: Monitor your pup until you’re confident they’re safe in the yard.
- Offer outdoor-safe stimulation: Toys like outdoor fetch toys can keep your pup entertained and active safely.
Helpful Extras For Stress-Free Puppy Proofing
- Puppy training pads and cleaners to support toilet training.
- Calming essentials like sprays, chews, and toys to soothe anxious pups.
- A nutritious start with puppy food tailored to growing tummies.
- Autodeliver for must-haves like food, treats, and pads—because we know new puppy life can be busy!
- Join our Pet Perks programme to earn rewards and access exclusive offers on your puppy essentials.
Final Tail-Wagging Tips
Welcoming a puppy into your home is a special time filled with cuddles, mischief, and lots of "aww" moments. By puppy proofing your house properly, you’re setting the stage for good habits, a happy mindset, and a whole lot of paw-sitive memories.
If you're just starting out with your puppy journey, don’t forget to explore our Puppy Shop—your one-stop hub for food, toys, training gear, and more. After all, we get pets, and we’re here to help every step (and paw) of the way.
Let’s make home the safest, happiest place for your newest family member