Pawprints may look cute scattered in a pattern across a blanket but not covered in mud on your recently mopped floors. While you may have fallen in love with those golden locks and big, brown, puppy eyes you don’t want to wear his fur coat. A dog may be man’s best friend but, if you don’t remain mindful of how you handle living with a big dog then your home will become their playground. To avoid this potential disaster exercises these simple tips for keeping a large dog indoors.
Set Boundaries
Like children, dogs like structure. They need to know which areas of the home they are allowed to enter and play in. Strong baby gates work well to section off certain locations of the house where your dog is free to roam unattended. Also, be consistent about whether or not you let your furry friend on furniture. If you do allow them on furniture, use pet covers to control loose fur.
Use a Crate
If possible, start crate training when your dog is a puppy. A defined space helps your dog feel safe while providing alone time. To modernize your crate, try hiding it under an end table. You can also build your dog’s crate space under the staircase. If you have an old piece of furniture, try converting it into a crate. Whatever design you choose, help your dog feel secure in his personal space.
Provide Designated Sleeping Areas
If you’re not a crate person, try one of these three top-rated dog beds: Armarkat Pet Bed Mat, Majestic Pet Poly-Cotton Sherpa Bagel Dog Bed, Big Barker 7" Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed. Like a crate, the dog bed will provide a sense of security and safety for your fur friend.
Train Your Dog
Dogs are creatures of routine and habit. Training provides the structure a dog needs to not terrorize your home. The best online training materials are provided by Dr. Dunbar at Dunbar Academy. If you find yourself unable to train your dog or need extra help, it may be time to send your friend to a professional trainer. Ask your vet for a recommendation.
Child Proof for Dogs
In the same way, you would baby-proof your home to keep your child safe, do the same for your big beast. Secure cords, outlets, and power-strips. Place medication completely out of reach and take medication away from the presence of any animal. Add safety locks to cabinets and drawers. Use baby gates. Place chemicals in a high place. Finally, keep doors shut to rooms with potential hazards.
Exercise Your Dog
Part of the reason your dog may become destructive is that they are bored, lonely, stressed, or full of pent up energy. It’s important to keep a strict routine with your dog. Daily walks and playtime are an excellent way to bond with your dog and to help him feel relaxed and ready to rest while you accomplish other tasks.
Provide Chew Toys
Chew toys create a necessary diversion from chewing on shoes, furniture, or dangerous items like cords. Toys help to pacify loneliness, boredom, and stress. The three best type of toys are active toys, distractive toys, and comfort toys. If you’re unsure which is the best toy on the market for your dog, talk with your vet.
Practice Routine Grooming
Regular grooming minimizes the spread of fur in the air, all over your furniture, on your clothes, and in your car. If possible, grooming at home eases your dog’s innate uneasiness about being groomed. If going to a professional groomer, then try using your dog’s favorite treat to distract him. Calming sprays are also available to ease stress.
Hire a Nanny
If you find yourself away often and are stressed about leaving your dog home alone for a long time, then you may want to look into hiring a dog sitter service like Rover. Rover offers house sitting, drop-in visits, dog walking, and more. If you’re looking for a personal alternative, try a pet camera like PetChatz. It detects motion and sound, records video, eases pet anxiety with aromatherapy, allows you to play games, and even offers PawCall for your pet so they can call you after they’re trained.
No one wants an unruly pet, but pets are like children and need a lot of attention and dedication. When you do your best to raise your pet by meeting their needs, caring for their physical and mental health, and being consistent in your actions you will have a loyal and trustworthy friend for life. You may not know how to speak dog but remember—the language of love is universal.
