As you eagerly await the arrival of your puppy, there’s much to do to make sure you and your home are properly prepared. Below you will find a handy checklist to help you on your way.

Puppy proofing room by room

1. Kitchen
a. Remove harmful chemicals from lower shelves or cabinets, or install childproof locks.
b. Ensure that garbage, recycling and compost bins are out of puppy’s reach.
c. Install childproof locks on lower cabinets where food is stored.

2. Living room/family room
a. Place fragile or valuable items out of puppy’s reach.
b. Temporarily remove throw rugs that puppy might chew or pee on.
c. Avoid leaving remote controls and portable phones where the puppy can get at them.

3. Entry way
a. Place shoes on shelves or inside closets so puppy won’t be tempted to chew.
b. Keep inside entry doors closed so puppy can’t escape when outside door is opened.
c. Hang purses, gym bags and school bags on hooks out of puppy’s reach.

4. Bathroom
a. Place wastebaskets out of puppy’s reach.
b. Remove chemicals from lower shelves or cabinets, or install childproof locks.
c. Store medication, dental floss, eyeglasses and orthodontic devices where your puppy can’t get at them.

5. Laundry room
a. Store detergents, bleaches and other chemicals on upper shelves.
b. Dirty laundry can be a temptation for your puppy because it carries your scent, which is a comfort to him. Close hampers or put laundry baskets out of reach.
c. Keep dryer lint, fabric softener sheets and clothespins where your puppy can’t get them.