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Creating a Dog-Friendly Home

Writer's picture: April RatherApril Rather

  • Tips on dog-proofing your living space.

  • Ideas for cozy spaces for your dog.

  • Essential dog gear every owner should have.


Congratulations! You just got a dog or maybe you are thinking about getting a dog. Now it is time to get your house ready in order to set your dog up for success.


Create a space for your dog. Put a crate up. If you have a puppy you might want to also set up a puppy pen area to give them a little more space, but also limits on where they can be unsupervised. This is a safe space for your dog to be while you can't watch them. If you allow your dog to freely roam you are setting them up to choose their own games-like chewing on the furniture or peeing on the carpet.


Having a crate in an area that you are in a lot will help your puppy get used to your movements. If you can, set up a crate in a quieter area to give them time for downtime.


Toys-when you first get a dog you aren't sure what they like yet. Some dogs love plushies, some love things to chew or lick. Get one of each type of toy and then let them decide. You can get more of that toy later. For my dogs tennis balls, frisbees, tug toys and toys I can stuff and freeze like kongs and topls are favorites. Arrow really likes fluffy toys and will just prance around with them. He loves to just possess it. I would never give Raj one of these as he destroys all plushies! Zoey likes toys she can nudge around and food falls out.


Further puppy proof your home by not keeping anything tasty on the counters. Remember they are still learning. So if they learn that when they check out the counters they will be self rewarded then they will continue to do that. Management is key here!


As they are learning, don't give them all access to windows when you aren't around. When you are around play disengagement games so they know how to walk away from the window and don't become obsessed!


As far as equipment, choose what you would like to walk your dog with. If we are doing a sniffy walk I use a harness for Raj. If we are doing obedience I use a martingale collar. When he was younger I used a gentle leader. Depending on your breed and dogs disposition you might want to use a prong or choke collar. I also have a 10 foot leash for sniffy walks and a 6 foot leash for obedience.


I also have training beds and comfy beds for my dogs. You don't have to have both. For us it signals either hey we are lounging or hey we are working.


Decide if you want to use your voice or a clicker to signal to your dog they did a good job.


Lastly, sign up for a class or hire a trainer to come to your home to show you the ropes. Personally I'd keep my young puppy in classes for the first year of their life. with some follow up classes and try some sports classes all the way up to three years old.


Getting a new dog can be loads of fun. It is even better if you are feeling prepared ahead of time!




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