How to puppy proof your home

B+ 2:35

Keeping your favorite shoes out of your new puppy's reach is only the first step!

You Will Need:
* A puppy who's about to move in with you
* Puppy manuals
* A dog crate
* Pet repellent
* Electrical cord covers
* Puppy gates
* Cabinet locks
* Fireplace screen
* And a dog bed

Step 1: Close closet doors
Keep your closet doors closed! Aside from protecting your shoes from bite marks, it’s important to keep puppies from accidentally swallowing shoelaces or socks.

Step 2: Put cords out of reach
Before bringing your puppy home, stow away any electrical cords and wires that your dog might be able to reach.

Step 3: Put away small hazards
Put small objects and plastic bags away. Keep your dog safe from swallowing hazards by keeping your house clean.

Step 4: Cover trash
Puppies can hurt themselves by eating wrappers, chemicals, or even chicken bones.

Step 5: Put away poisons
Store all cleaning products, household chemicals, medications, and bathroom products out of reach of your puppy. Keep cabinets and bathroom doors shut to protect your dog.

Step 6: Check your plants
Many common plants could make your puppy sick if he nibbles on them. Make sure that the only plants in your home and garden are harmless to dogs.

Step 7: Use a puppy gate
Consider placing a puppy gate anywhere you don’t want him to wander, especially for times when you’re not watching him closely. Place a gate at the foot of the stairs, which your puppy could easily get hurt on.

Step 8: Close toilet lids
Puppies have been known to fall into toilet bowls, so keep toilet lids down if the bathroom door is open.

Step 9: Use a crate
Dog crates allow you to keep your puppy safe while you’re not at home. If you don’t want to keep your dog in a crate, you should still give him a bed or a comfortable corner somewhere.

Step 10: Follow your puppy
Finally, let your new puppy explore! Follow him around & watch him.