Owning a dog is a rewarding bonding experience that can turn any house into a home. But if you’re a homeowner, things can get a bit messy. Read on to learn more about how you can maintain a clean and beautiful home as a dog owner.
Cleaning Is Key
A clean dog makes for a clean home, so make sure you’re regularly grooming your pooch (either DIY or by a pro), brushing outdoors, wiping off paws after outdoor jaunts, regularly laundering their bedding and blankets, and cleaning their dishes and eating area to remove food remnants. A handheld vacuum can be very useful in picking up pet hair because you’ll be able to access difficult-to-reach areas. Make sure you’re vacuuming a minimum of one to two times a week. It’s also not a bad idea to invest in a professional deep clean, including steam cleaning the carpets on a quarterly basis as these experts have a knack for tackling hard-to-reach places such as the grout between the tiles, baseboards, and vents that may attract pet hair.
Enforce House Training
Whether you are adopting a puppy or senior pooch, enforcing house training is key if you want to prevent unpleasant stains and odors. Establish a routine so that your pooch knows when to expect to be fed, played with, and taken outside to do his business. Try to go to the same spot(s) and use a specific phrase or word that reminds the dog it’s bathroom time. Don’t bring Fido back to the house until this has taken place and reward him for doing so. If you’re going to be away for longer than usual, make arrangements for your dog such as hiring a walker or sitter (or asking for a neighbor’s help) so that they don’t get off their routine and go to the bathroom in the house.
Discourage Digging
Digging and burying is a natural instinct for a dog, but it can also signal boredom, separation anxiety, desire to escape, or a need to cool himself. Make sure you’re giving your pooch enough attention and exercise time — most breeds of dogs need at least one 20-minute walk per day, more if they are highly energetic. Help them cool off in the warmer months by setting up a doggie wading pool or a shaded dog house. Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence to discourage digging and to prevent an escape. But if they’re natural diggers, set up a designated digging area — such as a sandbox — with a few of his toys so that your pup can take care of his natural instincts without destroying your yard.
Dog Proof Your Furniture
The reasons why a dog chooses to chew or tear your furniture are the same as digging, so keep your pooch entertained and active. But because you can’t always expect perfect behavior (especially from a puppy), dog proof your furniture. Use washable throws or slipcovers on your couch (or opt for leather or microfiber materials). Avoid bare wood or use an over-the-counter repellant to discourage chewing. Choose a sofa with removable seats so it’s easier to clean, and keep your pooch out of certain rooms such as the bedroom. Make sure your dog has a comfortable spot of his own, including a size-appropriate bed to prevent him from meddling with your furnishings.
No matter what mischief your dog gets into, never hit your pooch. If you do, it’s likely that other bad behavior including aggression can develop. Make sure you’re making an effort to properly train your dog or enroll him in an obedience class, if needed. By having a well-behaved pooch and using these tips, you can still have a neat and organized home.
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