Puppy-Proofing Your Home: The Complete Checklist for New Puppy Parents
Bringing a new puppy home is one of life's most exciting moments. But before your bundle of joy arrives, there's an important job to do — making your home safe. Puppies are curious, fearless, and equipped with razor-sharp teeth. If they can reach it, they will investigate it. If they can chew it, they will.
This comprehensive room-by-room guide will help you prepare your home for your new arrival, whether you're welcoming a tiny Biewer Terrier or a substantial Cane Corso.
The Golden Rule
Get down on your hands and knees and see the world from puppy height. You'll be amazed at the hazards and temptations that are invisible from adult height but irresistible from floor level.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms for puppies. Here's what to address:
Must-Do
- Install child locks on all lower cupboards, especially those containing cleaning products
- Secure the bin — either use a heavy pedal bin with a lock or store it behind a closed door
- Move food off counters — puppies can be surprisingly agile jumpers
- Keep dishwasher tablets and pods in a high, locked cupboard (these are extremely toxic)
- Block access behind appliances — puppies can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces
Toxic Foods to Keep Out of Reach
- Chocolate (all types)
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters)
- Macadamia nuts
- Alcohol
- Coffee grounds
- Avocado
Living Room Preparation
Electrical Hazards
- Cable management — tuck cables behind furniture or use cable covers
- Block access behind the TV — a nest of cables is incredibly tempting
- Tape down loose wires along skirting boards
- Consider a surge protector strip with a cover
Furniture and Décor
- Remove or secure low-level ornaments, books, and remote controls
- Roll up expensive rugs for the first few months (accidents happen)
- Move houseplants to high shelves — many are toxic to dogs
- Check sofa gaps — puppies can get wedged behind or under furniture
Toxic Houseplants
Common houseplants that are dangerous for puppies:
- Lilies (extremely toxic)
- Philodendron
- Pothos/Devil's Ivy
- Dieffenbachia
- Aloe Vera
- Sago Palm (very dangerous)
- Peace Lily
Bedroom Safety
- Keep shoes, socks, and underwear in closed drawers or high shelves (these are puppy magnets)
- Secure medication — never leave pills on bedside tables
- Hair ties, jewellery, and small objects must be kept out of reach
- Consider whether the bedroom is a puppy zone — if so, remove all hazards at floor level
Bathroom Hazards
- Close the toilet lid — some puppies drink from the bowl, and cleaning chemicals are toxic
- Lock away all medications, cleaning products, and toiletries
- Remove bath mats that could be chewed
- Keep the bathroom door closed or install a baby gate
Garden and Outdoor Spaces
Fencing Check
- Walk the entire perimeter looking for gaps, holes, or weak spots
- For small breeds (Biewer Terrier): gaps as small as 3 inches can be escape routes
- For larger breeds (Cane Corso, ACD): ensure fencing is at least 5-6 feet high
- Check for digging spots along the fence line
- Secure gates with self-closing latches
Garden Hazards
- Remove or fence off toxic plants: Foxglove, Rhododendron, Yew, Daffodil bulbs, Lily of the Valley
- Lock away garden chemicals: Slug pellets (extremely toxic), weed killer, fertiliser
- Secure compost bins — decomposing food can be very dangerous
- Remove standing water — even shallow water can pose risks for tiny puppies
- Check for sharp objects — broken glass, rusty nails, sharp stones
Essential Supplies Checklist
Before Puppy Comes Home
- [ ] Crate or playpen (appropriately sized)
- [ ] Comfortable bed with washable cover
- [ ] Food and water bowls (stainless steel recommended)
- [ ] Puppy food (same brand the breeder was using)
- [ ] Collar and lead (harness for flat-faced breeds)
- [ ] ID tag with your phone number
- [ ] Poo bags
- [ ] Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
- [ ] Baby gates (at least 2)
- [ ] Puppy pads for initial house training
- [ ] A selection of safe chew toys
- [ ] A soft toy for comfort
Nice to Have
- [ ] Snuggle puppy (heartbeat toy) for the first nights
- [ ] Blanket with mother's scent (ask your breeder)
- [ ] Puppy playpen for safe containment
- [ ] Car crate or seat belt harness
- [ ] Grooming basics (brush, nail clippers, shampoo)
- [ ] Treat pouch for training
- [ ] Clicker for training
The First Night Setup
Create a safe, cosy den for your puppy:
- Place the crate or bed in your bedroom for the first few nights (reduces crying)
- Include a comfortable blanket and a safe chew toy
- Set a phone alarm for 2am and 5am toilet breaks (puppies can't hold it all night)
- Have puppy pads nearby for middle-of-the-night accidents
- Keep the room warm but not hot — puppies can't regulate temperature well
Room-by-Room Checklist Summary
| Room | Key Actions | |------|------------| | Kitchen | Child locks, secure bin, hide food, block appliance gaps | | Living Room | Cable management, move plants, secure ornaments | | Bedroom | Secure shoes/clothes, lock away medication | | Bathroom | Close toilet, lock products, keep door shut | | Garden | Check fencing, remove toxins, secure chemicals | | Hallway/Stairs | Install baby gates, secure shoe racks | | Garage | Restrict access entirely — too many hazards |
Final Tips
- Accept that some things will get chewed. It's normal puppy behaviour. Provide appropriate alternatives.
- Supervision is your best tool. If you can't watch the puppy, they should be in their safe space (crate or playpen).
- Rotate toys to maintain interest and prevent boredom chewing of household items.
- Puppy-proofing is ongoing. As your puppy grows, they'll reach new heights and find new hazards. Stay one step ahead.
- Ask your breeder for specific advice about your breed — a Biewer Terrier's hazards are different from a Cane Corso's.
At Excell Pups, every puppy goes home with a comprehensive new puppy guide that includes breed-specific puppy-proofing advice. We're always available to answer questions and help you prepare for your new family member.
Getting ready for your new puppy? [Contact us](#contact) with any questions — we're here to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
