Sharing your home with a dog is one of life’s greatest joys.
It’s like the old saying goes, “A dog makes a house a home!”
After all, humans have lived with canines for thousands of years. Our ancestors domesticated wild wolves when we were still huddled around campfires, and since that time, we have only grown more closely bonded to our four-legged best friends.
However, sharing a home with dogs isn’t easy…
From chewed shoes to destructive behavior and potty accidents, having a dog-friendly home can be “‘ruff.” Luckily, the professional trainers at Basic Commands are here with easy training tips to make your house more dog-friendly.
Why Does Having a Dog-Friendly House Matter?
There are three main reasons why it is worth the effort.
1) Safety
2) Stress
3) Enjoyment
Dogs who know household rules are safer. Period. They are less likely to get into trouble and/or injure themselves. Additionally, homes designed with dogs in mind lower stress levels – for you and your pooch! Rather than being filled with anxiety, confusion, frustration, and fear, you can both relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Isn’t that more “paw-some?”
Read on to find out exactly what Basic Commands recommends doing.
Simple Steps to Create a Dog-friendly Home
1) Get on a Schedule
First, implement a 24-hour schedule. Dogs thrive on routine. Aim to be consistent with potty breaks, walks, and mealtimes. This will reduce a dog’s stress levels around unpredictability and prevent a host of other problem behaviors, such as having accidents inside the house and food begging or resource guarding.
2) Set Boundaries
Secondly, make your home dog-friendly by having clear expectations. For example, is the dog allowed on the bed? What about furniture? All family members should agree on pet house rules and enforce them equally.
3) Use a Crate or Bed
Next, be sure to give your dog his own space. Just like us “hoomans,” dogs should have a quiet and secure spot to go when tired, stressed, nervous, etc. Crates provide a sense of security. Likewise, beds are a comfortable escape from the foot traffic of the home which – let’s face it – can be a loud, busy, and chaotic place.
4) Practice Good Manners Entering and Exiting the House and Car
Attention, pet parents: Don’t skip this training tip. One of the #1 life skills a dog can learn is how to enter/exit a house and car safely. Dogs who rush out the door risk getting their paws, nose, and tails caught or worse…ending up in traffic. Yikes.
It’s a heartache waiting to happen. Minimize the risk by teaching your dog the “wait” command. Not only will this protect them, but it also makes heading off to work or school a more pleasant experience for you, too.
5) Understand Separation Anxiety
According to canine researchers, more than 70% of dogs display anxiety. Of this, separation anxiety is top of the list. Dogs with this condition can become mildly to severely upset when their family is absent, resulting in pacing, drooling, panting, chewing, howling, urinating, defecating, and even self-harm.
But of course, not your dog!
That’s because people who learn about the causes and solutions for separation anxiety are committed to making their home a more dog-friendly place.
6) Provide Adequate Physical and Mental Stimulation
Finally, this last training tip is also the easiest. Create an enjoyable home environment for your dog by providing adequate physical and mental stimulation. Toys, games, and puzzles are excellent for your dog’s brain. Likewise, physical activities such as walking, running, swimming, fetch, agility, and so on will burn calories, plus tucker them out. The result?
A tired and content dog who is happy in the home.
Final Thoughts
There you have it.
Six easy and practical ways to make your home dog-friendly. By implementing these training tips, everyone can have a house that is relaxing, enjoyable, and safe – for both you and your beloved pup!
Interested in more helpful dog training tips? Book a Consultation!
The Initial Consultation is recommended to help you decide if further services are required to meet your training goals or it may be all you need to get on the right track!
Initial Consultations are also great for BEFORE you get a new dog, we can advise you! Should you get a puppy or older dog? Buy or adopt? Purebred or mixed breed? If you get advice before making these decisions, you will be way ahead of the game!
