CREATING A PUPPY FRIENDLY HOME
Your new Puppy will immediately be interested in every crevice and container possible, and as a renter, you have an extra responsibility to thoroughly prepare your home or rental apartment, as any damage inflicted by your Puppy could affect both your stuff and your landlord’s. So, if you’re getting a puppy or just thinking about it – here is the guide to making sure the next mini member of your family remains the light of your life and not the loss of your security deposit.

People often overlook potential Puppies hazards because we don’t see what they see. So before bringing your puppy home, walk through your house with his or her perspective in mind. Are electrical cords dangling behind your entertainment center? Is your trash can out in the open? Do your electrical outlets have covers? Are any chemicals or cleaning products left out? Do the cords for you blinds hang too low? Are there any children’s toys or small objects on the ground or low shelves?

Bundle all cords and try to keep them behind cabinet doors. Gather all potentially harmful items, particularly chemicals, and put them on high surfaces. Keep your trash in a low cupboard or pantry. Cover all electrical outlets and vents. Also, put childproof latches on all lower cabinets. And if you find any small spaces in which your Puppy could get stuck, block or fill them.

Puppies may beg to try all of your human delicacies, but anything outside their prescribed food can be dangerous and even fatal. So in addition to keeping trash – all candy and food wrappers included – locked behind closed doors, be sure to keep food and drinks off of low tables or surfaces accessible to your Puppy. Also, many household plants can be poisonous, including ivies, azaleas, holly berries, lilies, mistletoe and poinsettias, so move all of them out of your pet’s grasp to prevent any health (or filthy carpet) issues. Lastly, although they may smell better than cleaners, your perfumes, colognes, potpourris and air fresheners contain similarly hazardous chemicals, so be sure they are not left on counters where a jumping pet can reach them.

Some of the most common victims of Puppies are sofas, clothes and bedding. Consider covers for couches, chairs, beds and lounges and/or investing in heavy-duty fabrics. Repellents are also available to detract Puppies from these items. Keep drawers shut and closet doors closed to keep clothes and shoes clean and intact. Also, be mindful of the laundry room, as Puppies love to sneak in and curl up with clean and warm items. If you want to keep your Puppiy in or out of a specific space, consider a safety gate, but keep in mind that many Puppies can jump over them or break them down.