You love your home. You also love your brand-new puppy, who brings an abundance of joy, energy, and, let’s face it, mischief into your home.
How do you take proper care of both? How do you value your house and your belongings, as well as your and your new puppy’s mental health?
For answers, Mount Clemens City Lifestyle turned to Becky Kamp, founder of Wolf Pack Dog Training. She’s been helping owners and their pets thrive together for over 13 years. We asked Becky how to create a safe, stimulating and structured environment for your new furry friend. Here's her guide to puppy-proofing your home.
Match the Dog to Your Lifestyle
Before choosing a breed, Becky passionately recommends you “do your homework.” High-energy dogs like Australian Shepherds require active lifestyles; otherwise, she says, “it’s not fair to them—or you.” If you’re a less active owner, Becky suggests more laid-back breeds like Yorkies. She also emphasizes considering long-term compatibility. “Puppies grow up fast,” Becky notes. “Think about what this dog will need in five years, not just today.”
Why They Chew—And What You Can Do
“Puppies chew on items that carry your scent—like shoes or laundry—to self-soothe,” Becky explains. To combat this, declutter before bringing a puppy home. “Pick up your shoes, wicker baskets, and anything you don’t want destroyed,” she advises. Becky also recommends:
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Designated areas: Create a puppy-specific space, like a playpen or a laundry room, where the puppy can grow and explore safely.
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Covered trash bins: Use bins with lids to keep curious noses out.
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Protect your wearables: Store clothes and shoes in closets or containers.
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Keep houseplants out of reach: "Many are toxic to dogs if chewed on, and it’s a hazard most people don’t think about.”
Becky also says it's critical to have appropriate chew toys readily available. “If you don’t give them something safe to chew, they’ll find something unsafe,” she points out.
Invest in Essential Tools
Baby gates top Becky’s list of must-haves. “Retractable gates work well for open spaces and can be easily adjusted as your puppy grows.” Becky also recommends:
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Pet-specific cleaners: Enzyme-based cleaners, such as those from Scout’s Honor, effectively eliminate odors and prevent repeat accidents.
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Bitter sprays: “I always recommend bitter sprays like citrus or apple cider vinegar to stop puppies from chewing on furniture or carpets.”
Enrich Their Psyches
A mentally stimulated puppy is a happy (and well-behaved) puppy. Becky suggests creative feeding strategies and engaging toys:
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Scatter feeding: “Feed your puppy in areas you want to keep clean,” Becky explains. Dogs don’t poop where they eat, so Becky says scattering kibble on off-limits areas tells puppies to learn not to soil those spaces.
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Snuffle mats: “They're great because they encourage puppies to sniff and forage, burning energy and keeping them focused.” Snuffle mats provide both mental stimulation and a fun challenge.
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Frozen kongs: Becky suggests you experiment with filling your puppy's kong full of tempting foods that aren’t peanut butter, like Greek yogurt or dog-safe baby food—then freeze them, for a treat that’ll keep them occupied for 20-45 minutes.
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Natural chews: Becky says opt for “natural bones:” bully sticks, cow ears, or tracheas over rawhide or plastic. She buys hers from real.dog
Supervise and Educate Like You Would a Toddler
“Supervision is key,” Becky insists. “A puppy’s mouth is like their third hand—they explore the world through it.” Close monitoring prevents them from ingesting anything harmful.
Becky says effective puppy-proofing also means teaching appropriate behaviors. Training basics like “leave it” and “settle” are crucial for “building muscle memory for your puppy,” she says. Starting early helps puppies learn cues and develop good habits. Training basics like “leave it” and “settle” are crucial for “building muscle memory for your puppy,” she says. Starting early helps puppies learn cues and develop good habits. Becky also recommends establishing a consistent daily routine. “Dogs thrive on structure,” she says, adding that consistency helps them feel secure—and reduces mischief.
Set Your Puppy—and Your Home—Up for Success
Puppy-proofing your home isn't just protecting your belongings—it’s designing a space that nurtures both you and your furry companion. The baby gate you get can be stylish; so can the storage bench you use to hide shoes, or the elevated plant stands that keep greenery out of reach. These are opportunities to keep your space stylish—and intact—while you create a safe yet stimulating environment that prioritizes your cute new little cuddleball's well-being.
“Your home is your sanctuary, and it can be your puppy’s too,” Becky says. “I have a lot of tools and information to help you and your puppy thrive."
To have Becky work with your puppy, visit wolfpackdt.com or call (586) 256-2332
The high energy and unique behaviors of Becky’s childhood family dog, a quirky Jack Russell named Bradley, inspired her lifelong passion for canine behavior. “Growing up with Bradley taught me so much about dogs,” Becky shares. “He was an escape artist, always keeping us on our toes. He had a go-go-go attitude that I didn’t fully understand until years later.”
Becky’s fascination with canine psychology eventually led her to pursue formal training at the Animal Behavior College. “I wanted to understand why dogs behave the way they do,” Becky says.
In 2013, Becky turned her passion into a career by founding Wolf Pack Dog Training. With over 13 years of experience, she specializes in helping dogs and their owners build trust and connection through personalized training methods.
Today, Becky shares her home with three dogs, a parrot, and plenty of enriching toys. “Every dog has unique needs,” Becky says. “I love helping people understand and meet them.”
“Dogs go after shoes because they have our scent. So if you're not looking, or letting your puppy roam free, they're going after the shoes."