Puppy toys litter the floor. Everything breakable, edible or chewable is either locked in a cupboard or on a high shelf, the only plants left in the open are hanging ones, and there's a mop and pail in a handy spot in the kitchen. The faint smell of bleach hangs in the air. Puppies are the bane of a fussy housekeeper's existence. Insatiably curious, full of energy, and apparently conscience-free, the average puppy can wreak utter havoc if his new owners are unprepared for his arrival.
Some precautions are obvious.
Put everything you don't want chewed out of reach. Books, shoes, anything plastic - some puppies have definite tastes while others are absolutely undiscriminating. Electrical cords are a particular danger because we humans can't live without them, but we can run them under furniture whenever feasible, have the shortest length possible exposed, and check that they are in good repair. And be sure your puppy has lots of tough, safe toys to entertain him. Make sure the garbage container has a tight-fitting lid, and store household chemicals in a secure place.