How do I dog proof a new house before moving in?

Walk the entire fence line looking for gaps, loose panels, or low spots a previous dog may never have tested, since a fence that held a small terrier will not necessarily hold a determined larger breed. Check gate latches for reliability and note any gaps under gates that a dog could squeeze through, particularly at the corners where fence lines meet.

Secure trailing cables and blind cords out of reach, check that any existing cupboard latches actually hold, and identify which cupboards store cleaning products or medication so they can be moved to a genuinely inaccessible spot before unpacking begins in earnest. Bin storage matters too: an uncovered kitchen bin is one of the most common sources of an unsettled stomach in a newly moved dog exploring its options.

Established gardens often contain plants a previous owner chose without a dog in mind, so identify what is actually growing before allowing unsupervised access, removing or fencing off anything you are unsure about until you have confirmed it is safe. This matters more with an older, established garden than a new-build plot with minimal existing planting.

Where possible, complete the main safety checks before move-in day itself, so your dog's very first experience of the house is already reasonably safe rather than needing supervision through a chaotic first week of ongoing fixes. A single dedicated afternoon walking the property with a checklist covers most of what genuinely matters.