Welcome back! Let’s get you on the way to making sure your living space is all set up for your new arrival!
Puppies are part explorer, part wrecking ball—and they will find every cord, sock, and corner you forgot to secure. This checklist helps you prepare your home before the chaos begins.
🏠 Living Room & Common Areas
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Secure or hide electrical cords and charger cables
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Pick up loose items (remote controls, game pieces, headphones, pens)
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Remove rugs you’re not okay with being peed on
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Block off spaces behind furniture
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Use baby gates to restrict access to stairs or rooms
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Keep shoes, laundry, and kids’ toys out of reach
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Anchor bookshelves or unstable furniture that could be knocked over
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Tuck away plants (many are toxic—especially pothos, lilies, and philodendrons)
🍽 Kitchen
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Use latches or locks on low cabinets with food or chemicals
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Keep trash cans covered or behind closed doors
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Store cleaning supplies and plastic bags out of reach
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Avoid leaving food on counters—puppies are fast learners
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Watch out for dropped scraps (grapes, onions, chocolate = danger!)
🛏 Bedrooms
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Keep socks, underwear, and shoes off the floor (aka chew toy central)
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Store medications and supplements in closed drawers
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Remove small objects from nightstands
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Double-check for cords (blinds, phone chargers, heated blankets)
🚽 Bathroom
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Close toilet lids (yep, they’ll try to drink it)
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Store razors, medications, and dental products in high cabinets
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Keep trash cans with tissues, floss, and cotton swabs behind closed doors
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Watch out for bath bombs and scented oils (often toxic if licked)
🌿 Outdoor Areas
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Repair or block any fence gaps or holes
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Check for toxic plants (e.g., sago palms, oleander, azaleas)
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Store fertilizers, pesticides, and mulch safely out of reach
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Pick up sticks, rocks, and garden tools
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Lock sheds and garages
✨ Enjoy this checklist?
If you found this helpful, the book is packed with 22 chapters, 8 checklists, and step-by-step advice to get you through every puppy milestone—without losing your sanity.
Not quite ready?
Check out some of our other free resources:
→ Puppy Supplies Shopping List
→ [Kids & Puppies Guide
](/resources/kids-and-puppies-starter-pack/)→ Lost Dog Playbook
Not sure which dog fits your life and family? Head over to our Meet the Breeds page to explore the most popular and beloved breeds.