Adding a new furry friend to your family is so exciting, but it can also be a ton of work — especially if you’re bringing a puppy home. These mischievous little ones are experts in exhausting your energy and testing your patience — but lucky for them, forgiveness comes easy when you’re that cute!

Preparing for your new friend is super important, and Animal Humane Society has a great list of ways to get ready for adoption day. And when it comes to puppy-proofing your home, don’t forget about these pro tips to take pet safety to the next level.

Pick up your purse

That goes for backpacks too! Xylitol — an ingredient found in almost all chewing gum and some peanut butters is one of the most common culprits in pet poisonings. So make a habit of keeping your purse out of reach if you have gum inside.

Ask your kids to do their part by hanging up their backpacks or lunchboxes, too. You can also look over our list of common household items that are toxic to your pets, to make sure your home is as safe as it can be. 

Tame your indoor jungle

Indoor plants have tons of benefits for people, but many plants can be harmful to pets. Take some time to research your plants and find out about their toxicity level.

If botanical research seems overwhelming, check out our handy infographic which includes toxicity levels of some of the most common household plants. Consider moving potentially dangerous greenery out of reach (bonus: your playful pup won’t knock over your prized plant).

Follow your nose

Even if you love the smell of puppy breath, chances are you don’t want your home or clothes to smell like a dog. But some of your favorite scented household items could pose risks to your new four-legged friend. Both dryer sheets and plug-in air fresheners are toxic to dogs. Keep them out of reach so your pup can sniff around the house safely.

Embrace (temporary) minimalism

Okay, you don’t have to Kon Mari your whole house, but while your new puppy is getting the lay of the land you should make every effort to keep the floor clear of clutter. Like babies, puppies explore their world by sticking just about everything in their mouth — coins, socks, buttons, garbage, and everything in between. Protect your possessions and avoid potential intestinal obstructions by keeping everything tidy.

Looking for more puppy tips? Check out our Pet Behavior Library for more training tips.