We love our dogs, and they love us just as much. However, sometimes it manifests in ways we don’t appreciate, like rummaging through the garbage or chewing up chairs. Here are some quick tips to help you avoid the most common doggie disasters.
Dog-Proof the Home
The best thing you can do is to doggie-proof your house, not only to avoid messes but to keep Fido safe when they are alone. Shut any doors to rooms that may pose a threat, especially when you’re out. Next, look at your kitchen, as this may be one of the more mischief-inducing areas of the home. Dogs love to eat, and they will go for anything that even remotely resembles food. Make sure you’re keeping anything they may try to snatch up out of their reach, or in a pantry that locks. Baby gates work wonders to keep dogs from rooms they shouldn’t be in, so use them liberally throughout the home. This is an excellent way to protect them from falls on the stairs or to keep them out of sleeping quarters. You never know what you might leave in your pockets, so keep dirty laundry off the floor. You’ll keep your clothes from being chewed on as well.
Stop the Chewing
Sometimes dogs chew things, especially as puppies. A good way to keep your pillows from being munched is to provide plenty of chew toys for your dog. When you see them chewing the toy, reward the good behavior so they associate chewing with these items. If you see them biting something they shouldn’t, remove the item and scold them. Remember, scolding does not mean punishing. Be firm with your pup, but know that scolding in a firm voice will usually be a good deterrent from future teething. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, they may be more likely to act out when you leave. To discourage this behavior, play with them often and make sure they get plenty of exercise. The more tired they are, the less likely they are to cause mischief.
Prevent Accidents
Dogs and messes go hand in hand. Even well-trained adult dogs sometimes go to the bathroom inside or in areas they aren’t mean to. If you have a puppy, the best time to potty train is now. If you notice your puppy has become quiet, they may be slinking away to make waste. Take them outside quickly so they can do their business. If they go inside the home, even only once or twice, they may associate this new spot with going to the bathroom. Go outside with them frequently. The more they go out of doors, the more they will associate the yard or park with potty time. Keeping a consistent schedule is a good way to train your dog to go and to do so outside. If they know they will get a walk every morning at seven, they are more likely to wait to go. Reward good behavior amply. When they make waste outside, give them a treat, praise them, or give them lots of pets. After all, love is the best way to train a dog.
Curtail Digging
If you have a yard and a dog, you may have noticed how much dogs love to dig. Some breeds may do it more than others, but every pup has the potential. As with chewing, a dog may dig if they feel bored or have too much energy. Make sure they have plenty of enrichment toys to play with when you’re not around to monitor their behavior. Take them for walks as often as you can, and engage them with vigorous playtime to tire them out. A happy, exhausted dog is less likely to dig than a bored, hyperactive one.
Dogs really are our best friends. They provide us with love, companionship, and endless joy. That doesn’t mean they can’t be an adorable pain in the neck, too. Yet, with a couple of easy tricks up your sleeve, you can nip problematic behavior before it starts.
Article by: Tyler Evans of Dogzasters
Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com