Every dog deserves to be in a home where they will be loved unconditionally. They also deserve an environment that is safe, healthy, and comfortable.
This is not only needed for dogs but for pet parents as well. Many dogs end up developing some bad habits which can be hard to get rid of. Be it begging you for food during meal times or jumping up on your bed to play – it can be quite the hassle for pet owners in the long run.
With that being said, we’re not implying you not let your dog chill out or have fun with you at all. You can have fun and still create an environment that is ideal for you both.
Lucky for you, we’re providing 5 ways that can help you with this dilemma!
1. A Space for Your Dog to Chill In
The first thing you need to do is dedicate a separate space for your dog. Basically, it’s like giving your dog its own corner to chill in.
Start by setting up your dog’s bed in a safe spot that’s not too noisy. The space must be comfortable and easily accessible. Remember to also make the space appealing to them. You can do this by throwing in their favorite soft blankets and chew toys.
A separate space allows your dog to sleep and relax in peace. But if it’s dirty and unkempt, they might lose interest in it.
Having a pet means you have to be stubborn in your cleaning habits. No matter how hard you try, your carpets, floors, and upholstery will get dirty. Thankfully, a pet carpet cleaner will save you from going crazy.
But a separate space will help keep your house tidy and clean and create boundaries to control behavior.
2. Bathroom Breaks are Important
Ideally, dogs should be taken outside to do their business a few times per day. Letting your dog potty outside is convenient and quick to clean up.
If you’re home during the day, make sure they’re getting out a few times to go to the bathroom. If you’re not, take help from a friend you can trust or a professional dog walker.
There are also lots of indoor potty options as well. It’s important to set up a separate potty spot that your dog knows. Some potties even have grass-type features to mimic nature. Just make sure that your dog is well-potty-trained.
There are a few signs you can look out for that tells you when your furry friend has gotten nature’s call. Your dog might be running after you whenever you’re walking towards a door. It might also be staring outside constantly.
3. Healthy Eating Habits
If you’re throwing small treats from your dining table to your pup, then chances are you’re creating bad habits. This can cause your dog to hang around you while you eat.
Other than the fact that it’s unhygienic, you could accidentally feed something to your dog that might make them sick. They’ll also develop the habit of begging whenever you sit down to eat.
It’s not a habit that’s easy to lose. So, remember this every time you decide to give them little treats from your plate. What you can do is, set up your dog’s food bowl for each meal in the same place every day.
Since dogs are creatures of habit, they’ll quickly get used to the routine and follow it. This will give you both space to eat in peace and quiet.
4. Refreshing and Blissful Sleep
Many people like to have their dogs sleep next to them on their bed. While this is a therapeutic experience for many, and dogs don’t mind, it’s not always the best option.
It’s important to remember that both you and your dog need a healthy environment to sleep in. Having an adult dog sleeping on your bed is actually fine. They are not very likely to disrupt your sleep.
A small dog or a puppy, however, can cause problems with your sleep. It will also cause attachment issues. If you have a small dog or a puppy, then it’s best to let them sleep in their own bed at night.
It’s also vital for your dog to sleep in a clean, dry, and draught-free space. Make sure to keep this in mind when you’re setting up a space for them to sleep at night.
5. The Benefits of Grooming
Every pet owner knows that grooming is absolutely essential for a dog. Dogs who shed a lot will shed everywhere. To keep your furniture and clothes fur-free, make sure you groom your dog regularly.
Take them to the vet every 6-8 weeks for their regular haircuts. The key to grooming is brushing your dog regularly. This way you can get rid of stray fur before they get everywhere in your house.
There are many health benefits when it comes to grooming your dog. By keeping them healthy you are also keeping yourself healthy. Regular grooming will help you get closer to your dog and create a strong bond.
Not to mention, this means you won’t have to clean your house every other day to get rid of stray fur. If you develop a proper grooming routine for your dog, both of your lives will be much easier and healthier.
Final Thoughts
Creating a healthy environment for your dog as well as yourself is not an impossible task. By following the 5 simple tips we’ve mentioned, your life will be much easier. There are certain things you have to sacrifice when you own a dog. But it doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable in your own house.
Giving your dog their designated space to eat, sleep, relax, and even do their business will help you immensely. Not only will your dog be well-behaved, but it will also teach you to develop a routine that you can share with them.
All you need is persistence and patience to get yourself and your furry friend accustomed to a well-set-out lifestyle. And rest assured, all the time and effort you put into this will be totally worth it.
Author Bio:
Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. He's a doting father not only to his two children but also to his two Golden Retrievers. Check out more of his articles at FeedFond.com.