As a new pet parent, it's essential to create a safe environment for your newest family member by thoroughly preparing your home and garden. Much like baby-proofing for a curious toddler, you'll want to eliminate any potential dangers to keep your puppy safe.

Your puppy will eagerly explore every inch of their new home, and they might not distinguish between their toys and your shoes. This can be daunting, especially for first-time pet parents, but Slobber & Chops is here to help!

Read our guide to learn everything you need to know about puppy-proofing your home, training tips, and essential care information. This guide will provide you with the confidence and knowledge to ensure your puppy grows up happy, healthy, and safe.

Creating a safe and stimulating environment for your new puppy is crucial for their development and happiness. Start by designating a specific area for your puppy to play, equipped with a variety of toys to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.

A puppy crate or playpen can be invaluable for house training and for securing your puppy for short periods when you cannot supervise them directly. To further manage their movements, consider using stair gates or door gates to limit their access to certain areas of your home.

Your puppy will need a cosy, washable bed placed in a quiet, draught-free spot where they can rest undisturbed. Ensure you have appropriately sized food and water bowls to meet their needs. Stock up on toilet training aids and pet-safe disinfectants to handle any accidents during the training phase.

Safety during travel is also essential, so dog-proof your car and invest in a suitable transporter or car harness. Grooming is another important aspect of puppy care; make sure you have the right grooming tools for your puppy's breed to keep their coat healthy.

Puppies are naturally curious and prone to chewing, so think like a puppy when preparing your home. Remove small objects and tassels that could pose choking hazards, clear low surfaces such as coffee tables, and temporarily pack away breakables like vases.

Preparing your family for the new addition involves setting and agreeing on house rules, such as feeding schedules, no human food, no puppies on the furniture, and keeping bedroom doors closed. Consistent key commands like "sit" and "wait" or "stay" should be used by everyone from the start. Teach children to stand still like a tree if the puppy's play becomes overwhelming and to ask for help when needed.

Socialisation is crucial for a puppy's development, especially if you live alone. Plan for frequent visits from friends early on to get your puppy accustomed to visitors. Inform regular visitors, such as the postman or neighbours, about your new puppy in advance.

• Think about electrical points and protectors and getting chord covers.
  
  
• Some houseplants can be poisonous, so move plants safely out of reach.
  
  
• Pack up chemicals and your medicines, think about things like toilet bleach, and medicines on bedside tables or countertops. Safety caps are not always enough once sharp teeth are involved.
  
  
• Beware of batteries in things like car keys, remote controls, phones, watches, and kids' toys all such items should be kept well out of reach, as small batteries can be swallowed and can be extremely dangerous.
  
  
• Handbags and bags should be kept completely out of reach.
  
  
• Rubbish bins can be very interesting and hazardous to your puppy.