Guest Blog Post by Tyler Evans of DogZasters
Owning a pet can be one of the most joyous experiences in a person’s life, but it can also be one of the most trying. Even the most laid-back animal has needs that he can’t meet himself, and being in charge of his constant care can be overwhelming, especially if he’s a curious and energetic youngster. No matter how well-trained he is, your pet still needs to run, play, and chew to strengthen his teeth, meaning your home and belongings could pay the price if you don’t have a good plan to keep him safe and occupied.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep your pet happy and avoid disaster. One of the easiest is simply to show him lots of love and affection so he won’t try to win your attention in a negative way (like chewing up your favorite piece of furniture). You can also allow him to have lots of playtime and outdoor time so that he can burn off that energy.
Keep reading for more great tips on how to avoid pet-related disasters around the house.
Give Him Lots of Exercise
The most common reason for pet-related disasters in the home is a lack of exercise. Animals of just about all ages need to run around and have playtime every day, and when they don’t get it, they often find ways to let out their energy that leave damage or destruction behind. Dogs, especially, need to be able to get in a workout; if you work long hours, consider hiring a dog-walker who can come over and give him a potty break and a run around the backyard while you’re gone. This will help him get what he needs and protect your house at the same time.
Train Him Up
If you have a young pet, giving him training and socialization now is imperative. It’s much harder -- or sometimes impossible -- for animals to learn new skills as they get older, so take the time to teach your pup basic commands, and allow him to be around other people and animals as much as possible. This way, when you have guests over, there won’t be any problems.
Prepare Your Home
Prepare your home for your pet’s safety by using baby gates to keep him from going up and down stairs, closing doors to rooms he shouldn’t go into (this is especially a good idea for kids’ rooms, where there might be small toys your pet can choke on), making sure dirty laundry is off the floor to avoid accidents and chewing, and keeping any dangerous human food out of his reach. Also consider raising blinds or curtains while you’re gone, as some pets like to be able to see out the window and will destroy coverings in frustration. For more safety tips, read on here.
Show Him Lots of Attention
Dogs, much like small children, will often act out if they feel they aren’t getting enough attention from their beloved masters. Spend some time with your pet every day, whether it’s to cuddle, play, or just go for a walk, and show him how loved he is. Use treats during training for positive reinforcement, and talk to him so that he can get accustomed to your tone of voice and what it means when you’re playful, upset, happy, or sad.
Avoiding pet disasters at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. Start by dog-proofing each area to ensure his safety, and get down on his level to look for potential hazards. With a good plan, you can help your dog stay happy and healthy for years to come.