Dogs are incredible companions that can change your life for the better. These smart and loving creatures can liven up your home and help lower your stress levels after a long hard day. As a responsible pet owner, you do everything you can to ensure that all your dog’s needs are met. Even though you’re busy taking care of your dog, however, you can’t neglect your duties as a homeowner.
When you welcome a dog into your household, maintaining your property can become more challenging. Dogs are playful by nature, so they might be predisposed to rolling around in the dirt and running through a field of freshly cut grass. They can shed fur and chew on stuff, and they also mark their territories by urinating on things.
Indeed, living with a dog while trying to keep your home clean can be quite difficult. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to ensure your abode stays spick and span while giving your dog the best possible life. Here’s how:
Invest in durable pet products
One strategy is to invest in durable items that can withstand a rambunctious puppy’s chewing, such as Pridebites.com custom dog stainless steel bowls, plush toys, dog beds, and other long-lasting products. That way, you won’t have to constantly replace your pup’s scratched-up or destroyed items with new ones anywhere near as often.
At the same time, you won’t have to deal with any messes that may come as a result of your dog destroying their belongings, such as plush toy stuffing and scraps of fabric.
Dog-proof your home
There are plenty of things in your home that can pique your dog’s curiosity. Your trash container can have a lot of interesting scents, your cabinets can have critters that interest your dog, or your house plants can seem like they’re good for eating.
Your dog will likely try to investigate the rooms in your house, turn things over, and move objects to satisfy their curiosity, leaving behind a huge mess in the process. Your pet may also come across hazardous items, like electrical wires and cleaning supplies, and mistake them for chew toys.
Dog-proofing your home will help you keep your dog’s mess under control and send a clear message to your pet that they shouldn’t stick their nose into things beyond the pet gate. Keep items that are dangerous to dogs (such as cleaning agents and plants that can poison pets) behind closed doors and locked cabinets.
The same can be done for your trash can, shoes, dirty laundry, and other items that your dog seems to be quite interested in. At the same time, keep their essential accessories, such as their bowls for food and water, on their side of the pet gate.
Give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime
One of the main reasons why dogs gnaw on shoes and scratch walls is that they have a lot of pent-up energy. Dogs get restless when they have nothing to do, and when this happens, they can figure out how to tire themselves out on their own at the cost of your shoes, rugs, sofa, and other personal items.
To prevent property damage, make sure your dog has one or more healthy means of using up its pent-up energy. Make time for walks, exercise with your pet, or play games together. These are not only effective ways of calming down your pet and preventing them from becoming destructive but also good ways to form a strong bond between you and your fur baby.
Bathe your dog regularly
If you take your dog out on walks and other outdoor adventures, make sure to bathe them regularly. Mud, dirt, and pests can cling to your dog’s fur, which your dog can then transfer to your furniture. Giving your dog a full bath will get rid of any filth or grime on your dog and help your pup smell fresh for longer.
However, take care not to bathe your dog too often. This is because frequent bathing strips the natural oils off your dog’s skin and leaves your pup prone to skin conditions. Also, don’t use strong soaps, as they aren’t meant to be used on a dog’s sensitive skin.
Potty train your dog
Teaching your dog where to go potty will prevent them from urinating and defecating wherever they please. Depending on what type of property you live in, you’ll have to teach your dog to either go potty outside, on a pee pad, or on a potty tray.
If you live in the suburbs or in an area that has a lot of parks, you can train your dog to go potty outside. Should you choose this option, make sure to clean up after your dog so as not to inconvenience other people in the area.
If you live in an apartment with no dog-friendly places nearby, it’s better to train your dog to use the pee pad or potty tray. This way, the mess is contained in one area of your home, and you can easily clean it up after your dog has used it.
Reward your dog for not making a mess
Positive reinforcement can help your dog understand that you appreciate their effort to not make a mess. Praising them after they go potty in the right place or when they decide not to rummage through your garbage will make them realize that you’re happy with the behavior they’re displaying.
Timing your reward plays a key role when you want your dog to remember and replicate its good behavior. The best moment to give your dog a treat or shower them with praises is immediately after they completed a good action, such as doing their business in the area you designated for their peeing or pooping needs.
Final words
It can be difficult to keep your home spotless when you have a dog. Since dogs are creatures that are typically playful and curious, they tend to leave a mess wherever they go. Nevertheless, it’s your duty as a responsible dog owner to teach your dog not to wreck your home. With the help of these tips, you can ensure that your dog will understand your house rules and do its best to follow them.
