You are suddenly trapped in a war between your pets, your furry one and your marine one. That’s right, you invested in a fish tank for your home and while it seemed like a good idea at the time because of the numerous benefits to be found when it comes to owning an aquarium; suddenly you cannot keep your dog away from it.
Fish tanks have been shown to reduce stress and tension in the body, which in turn lowers blood pressure and have a positive effect on mental health. However, those benefits are not in plentiful supply when your dog will not leave the fish tank alone. Being engaged in a constant battle between your stubborn but lovable furry companion and the fish tank that is supposed to soothe and relax you can be exhausting.
That is why today we are going to take a look at some tricks that can help you keep your dog away from your fish tank and instead, you all can live a life of peaceful harmony.
First Impressions are Important
First impressions between human beings are extremely important but did you know that first impressions between your dog and a new addition to the home is equally important? Use a leash to introduce your dog to the fish tank and use the leash to control their enthusiasm. Having them on a leash for the first introduction allows you greater control over the situation. You will be able to stop them from jumping up onto the tank to peer inside and you are able to stop them from rushing the fish tank and potentially knocking it off its base.
Take special care and gauge the interaction between your dog and the fish tank. Are they exhibiting normal signs of curiosity with their tag wagging, nose sniffing, and a general happy attitude? If so, this is the best case scenario. Watch them to see if they maintain this attitude and if they do? Chances are they won’t bother the fish tank and instead they might enjoy watching the fish swim around.
If they are showing signs of aggression, stalking the fish while walking back and forth, getting ready to pounce on the tank, etc. then you could have an issue with your dog and your fish tank. Avoid leaving them alone while they are in this mindset and use the same training techniques you did during their initial training to reinforce they are not allowed around the tank.
Location!
The location of your fish tank will become one of the greatest barriers between the tank and your dog. This is because while dogs have strong hind legs and can jump great distances or raise themselves to a significant height, if the fish tank is on a shelf or stand above them; they can’t reach it. Use a sturdy base for your fish tank and if necessary, additional strapping to secure it even further. Not sure where to go for the best aquarium and fish tank advice, tips, and information?
Fish Food and Your Dog
While ingesting fish food shouldn’t harm your dog or cause severe reactions, the potential is always there. Keep the fish food in a location that your dog cannot reach or get into because if they do happen to ingest it? It can cause digestive issues and stomach upset.
And that is never a good thing to walk into after work or a good thing for your poor canine companion to go through.
Keep the Fish Tank Clean
One of the greatest strengths any breed of dog has, is its sense of smell. Dogs can detect scents of numerous origins from a significant distance away and your fish tank is no different to them. The introduction of a fish tank into the home is the perfect opening your dog needs to do some investigating as to where these new scents are coming from.
Granted, you won’t be able to remove all the scents associated with the fish tank from your dog’s antenna but you should be able to reduce their severity. Remember, your dog can smell scents that you aren’t even picking up on with your human nose.
At least once a week, clean the fish tank and remove the buildup of algae from the interior walls. Wipe down the casings surrounding the fish tank and even cleanse the lightening system if possible. Wash off the decoration items in the fish tank such as the plants and little rocks that you have for your fish to play and hide in.
Invest in a trustworthy water filter for your fish tank to ensure that clean water is continuously being pumped into the tank – this will not only keep down on the fishy, marine smell but also improve the health of your marine life.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t have to choose between your dog and your fish tank but instead engage some of the above tips we’ve discussed today to set a boundary for your pets. Not only will this be easier on you as the owner but it will also be easier on the pets as well. If your dog is constantly hovering around the fish tank and startling the fish, this could have negative repercussions when the fish become stressed and anxious – leading to health problems. If your dog is constantly being told no and disciplined in a respectful manner as per a dog trainer, they can start to feel anxious and even abandoned due to your behavioral changes towards them.
Instead, take the time to introduce your dog to your fish tank and use gentle persuasion combined with a firm tone of voice to let them know that this area is off limits.