Puppy Proof your Home

Unplug or wrap up electrical cords that are exposed. Move lighting around so that the cord is running behind a piece of furniture that the puppy cannot get to. Where there is a lot of cords such as your television or computer, either block access to the cords or duct tape the cords out of reach. Also, you can use a ceramic planter to put the excess cord inside of and to block access to the plug going into the wall.

Remove throw rugs that have fringe. It is better just to remove the rug for awhile until the puppy gets older.

Get in a habit of putting your shoes out of reach. If a shoe does get chewed, do not just give it to the puppy as they cannot tell the difference between a shoe they can chew and one they cannot. It's better to make all shoes off limits.

Use Bitter Apple spray on furniture legs, woodwork and other immovable items to keep the puppy from chewing on them.

Close doors or install a baby gate to keep the puppy out of rooms that they don't need to be in. This can include your child's room as they will chew and possible swallow children's toys and crayons.

Install baby gates on the bottom and tops of stairs (if the puppy goes upstairs with you.)

Check your back yard for any dangerous plants (check with your vet for a list) that the puppy may chew and any holes in your fence that the puppy could get through.

Keep your puppy away from a location where you have used fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides for 48 hours.

Keep your garbage can locked up or up off the floor, or purchase a heavy duty one. A puppy will be attracted to the smell and if they manage to knock it over will chew or swallow what was in the garbage.

Keep hamsters or other small caged animals off of the floor until the puppy gets older.

Remove tablecloths and runners as a quick pull on one of these can bring everything from the table down on your puppy. Also, check any long cords from window shades that a puppy may be able to reach.

Use a baby latch on your bottom cubbards, particularly any that may have cleaning products or just temporarily remove the products.

Block access to your swimming pool as not all puppies can swim.