The complete guide to puppy proofing your home

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it also means your living space is about to be tested by a curious, energetic explorer. Every corner holds new sights, smells, and — unfortunately — potential hazards. Puppy proofing your home is all about creating a safe environment where your dog can grow, play and learn without risk. From chewing hazards to outdoor safety, here are some tips for puppy proofing your home to prevent accidents later.

Why puppy proofing matters

Puppies explore with their mouths, paws and noses. That means phone chargers, cleaning products, small objects and even plants can be tempting — and dangerous. A well-proofed home prevents accidents while also protecting your furniture and belongings.

“Think of it like toddler-proofing,” says Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer. “If it’s unsafe for a curious toddler, it’s unsafe for a curious puppy. Get down on their level and see what they are able to access, like loose cords, open trash and unstable furniture, and manage their access until training catches up."

Start with a puppy-safe zone

Instead of giving your puppy full access to your home right away, create a designated starter area where your puppy will spend most of their time. Use gates to limit access and make monitoring easier. This zone should include a comfortable bed, water bowl and safe chew toys. Keep your floors clear of small objects, and secure cabinets with latches to prevent curious paws from getting inside.

You can also consider tethering your puppy to you using a hands-free leash. This teaches both leash manners and housebreaking. It keeps your puppy under constant supervision so they can't sneak off and pee in the corner when you're not looking.

Secure common hazards

• Cords and wires: Cords can look like chew toys to a puppy. Use cord covers or split tubing to keep wires out of reach and unplug devices when not in use. If possible, block off cord-heavy areas like home offices or media rooms until your puppy’s chewing phase passes.
• Furniture and decor: Anchor tall or heavy furniture like bookshelves and TVs with anti-tip kits. Move plants, lamps and fragile items out of reach. Consider washable slipcovers or pet-friendly fabrics to protect your seating areas. Valuable or sentimental items should be kept in rooms your puppy can’t access unsupervised.
• Chemicals and cleaners: Cleaning products, laundry pods, medications and garage chemicals should be locked away in high or latched cabinets. Don’t rely on “childproof” caps — puppies can chew through them. Even natural or plant-based products can be harmful if swallowed, so treat all cleaners as off-limits.
• Small items: Try to keep coins, hair ties, kids’ toys and other swallowable objects off the floor.

Don’t forget the outdoors

Yards, patios and balconies need puppy proofing too. Check fences for gaps, block pool access and remove toxic plants. In hot weather, protect paws from hot surfaces, provide shade and limit activity during peak heat.

Puppy proofing for apartments

In smaller spaces, vertical storage is your friend — use shelves and wall hooks to keep shoes, bags and cords out of reach. Pressure-mounted gates can create safe zones without damaging walls. If you have other pets, set up separate feeding and rest areas until everyone has adjusted to the new routine. Keep balconies secure and never leave your puppy unattended outside, even for short periods.

Maintaining a puppy-proof home

You can relax some restrictions as your puppy grows, but keep an eye out for new risks. Rotate toys to prevent boredom chewing, and continue reinforcing good behavior with positive training. “Prevention is always easier than treatment,” Dr. McCullough explains. “A safe home lets puppies focus on learning, bonding and exploring with minimal setbacks.” A little preparation now means more time for the fun part — enjoying life with your new best friend.