Safe & Sound: A Guide to Puppy Proofing Your Home

Puppy proofing is a necessary step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the new guide dog puppy in your home. Puppies are naturally curious and can get themselves into mischief easily, so taking precautions to remove potential hazards from their environment is essential.

Here are some tips on how to puppy proof your home:

1. Declutter the home: Puppies are prone to chewing on anything they can find, so be sure to pick up small objects, laundry and clothing items from the floor including shoes and socks, chewable objects on low tables, and children’s toys.
2. Secure electrical cords and cables: Puppies may be tempted to chew on electrical cords, which are dangerous. Use cord covers, clips, or organizers to keep cords out of the puppy's reach or tuck them away behind furniture.
3. Store chemicals and medications safely: Keep all household cleaners, chemicals, and medications in securely closed cabinets or high shelves that are inaccessible to the puppy.
4. Block off unsafe areas: Use baby gates or an x-pen to restrict the puppy's access to areas of your home that may be dangerous or cannot be supervised.
5. Keep trash and recycling bins secure: Garbage and recycle bins are full of temptations! Use bins with secure lids or keep them in a locked cabinet to prevent the puppy from having access to them and potentially ingesting harmful items.
6. Remove plants that are toxic to dogs: Many common household plants, such as philodendron and lilies are poisonous to dogs if ingested. Remove these plants from your home or keep them out of the puppy's reach. Here is a resource from the ASPCA which you can filter by "dogs", including photos of the plants: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
7. Secure the yard: Check the yard for unsecure gate latches or gaps in fencing where a puppy could easily sneak out. Check for poisonous plants in the yard and consider removal or using barriers to prevent access. Always monitor puppies around pools and ponds.
8. Check the garage: Inspect the garage or storage shed for items that the puppy could easily ingest including screws and nails, antifreeze, pest control including rat poison, fertilizer, and bags of cement mix.
9. Supervise the puppy: One of the most important aspects of puppy proofing is providing supervision. Keep a close eye on the puppy at all times, especially during the early stages of training and exploration, to prevent them from getting into any potential hazards.

Remember, puppies are curious and it's important to take proactive steps to create a safe environment. By puppy proofing your home, you can minimize potential risks and provide a safe space for the guide dog puppy to grow and learn. Happy puppy proofing!