A lot of times, puppy proofing is very similar to baby proofing your home. You will want to exercise caution both indoors and outdoors for your puppy.

Checklist for Puppy-Proofing Indoors

• Unplug electrical cords, move them out of reach, or string them through cord concealers. These chewing hazards can cause burns to the mouth or electrical shock.
• Avoid feeding food from the table. Pups may look adorable as they beg for food, but many human foods are not good for them. Pay special attention to sugarless gum, chocolate, raisins, and other foods that are especially poisonous to dogs.
• Keep cleaning supplies in high cabinets or secured behind doors with childproof latches. When using them, make sure that the puppy is kept out of the area, so he won’t be affected by the vapors given off by chemicals.
• Put all medications away. Avoid keeping medications, even in pill bottles or dispensers, on low tables, bathroom counters, or night tables, where the puppy can easily get to them.
• Keep toilet lids closed, so the puppy won’t drink out of the toilet or fall in.
• Keep doors and windows closed at all times, so the puppy can’t escape or fall out, and secure the cords that raise blinds, so they won’t get caught around the puppy’s neck.
• Put away small items that are choking hazards — such as coins, paper clips, rubber bands, and jewelry — to prevent the puppy from choking on them. Also make sure to pick up your shoes to avoid unwanted chewing. 
• Keep all sharp objects out of your dog’s reach. This includes knives, scissors, razors, and tools.
• Secure trashcans. Puppies are attracted to the smells coming from garbage, which can upset their tummies or even be poisonous.
• Move poisonous house plants so the puppy can’t eat them.
• If you have cats: ensure the puppy cannot access litter-boxes and cat food.

Checklist for Puppy-Proofing Outdoors

• • Fence the yard, if possible. It’s best to have a fence that is high enough to prevent the puppy from jumping over it, with no holes to crawl through.
  • Remove toxic plants in your yard prevent your pup from mistaking them for a snack.
  • Put a fence around in-ground pools. Pools are a big hazard for puppies. A fence surrounding the pool will prevent the puppy from accidentally falling in. You or a trainer can teach your pup pool safety as well.
  • Designate a puppy area. Set aside a portion of the yard for the puppy to use as his bathroom area.
  • Keep the lawn trimmed and brush under control. Ticks are more likely to hide in tall grasses and latch onto your pup.
  • Keep your dog away from the yard if it has recently been treated with fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. Try to avoid using insecticides because the chemicals can be very harmful to your puppy.
  • Be Wary of the heat. Avoid keeping your dog outside when it is hot, and always have shade and cool water available

• Get your car prepped for your puppy’s first car ride! Since puppy’s bladder isn’t fully developed till 4 months old having a protective covering (seat covering featured in video) or plan for car trips helps makes accidents no big deal 

• Clean up after your puppy to be sure he won’t try to eat their own poop.
• Supervise your puppy. Young puppies should not be left outside alone. This is the time to play with them and train them, and to protect them from predators, heatstroke, and other hazards.

Making sure you have everything worked out before your puppy comes home, is a great way to set everyone up for success, and ensure you have a happy, healthy pet for years to come!

_References: 

_{https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/puppy-proofing-tips-for-your-home-and-yard/}

_{https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/checklist-for-puppy-proofing-your-home}

_{https://www.paws.org/resources/puppy-proofing-your-home/}

_{Written by: Crystal B.} 

_{Narrated by: Alex W.} 

_{Animated by: Breanna W.}