Getting a dog can be a beautiful, fun addition to one’s life, but it’s not without its difficulties. While most people focus on the long walks in the woods and cosy nights on the couch when they imagine what it would be like to have a pet dog, that’s only part of the experience. There’s also barking, trips to the vet, and chewed television remotes to contend with, too.
On balance, having a pet is worth it, but you might need to put a little extra effort in to ensure that it’s mostly smooth sailing. Getting a dog and just hoping for the best is a fast track towards unnecessary stress.
In this post, we’ll run through some smart hacks that every dog owner needs to know. Whether you’re thinking of getting a pet, you’ve recently adopted one, or you just want to make life with your dog all the more straightforward, these tips should ensure that both you and your pet are kept happy.
Build a Routine
Dogs are, like humans, creatures of habit, and they thrive when they have a sense of security. That means being fed and walked at the same time each day, as well as having their own space and knowing that they can go to the bathroom when needed. As such, one of the most effective ways that dog owners can help their pet (and themselves) is to build a predictable routine. Ultimately, a chaotic schedule equals a chaotic dog; without a routine, canines are liable to feel anxious, and that can produce a whole range of unwanted side effects.
Set Up a Doggy Station
There are a bunch of essential dog items that you’ll use every day, such as poop bags and your dog’s lead. Not knowing where these things can be stress-inducing, especially if you’re racing against the clock to walk your dog before you head off to work. You’ll find that your life is much easier if you set up a doggy station near your home’s front door. That’ll ensure that you don’t leave home without the all-important poop bag and have easy access to every item you might need, such as grooming supplies and dog treats.
Start Training Early
A well-trained dog is essential for minimising stress in the home. After all, there’s nothing that’ll raise your stress levels more than having a dog that never stays in place or is continually badgering your guest for food from their plate.
It’s much easier to train your dog to do certain things before they start doing them, rather than waiting until it’s an issue before you begin the training process. Most dogs are capable of learning at around 6 – 8 weeks, so look at spending some time teaching them the basics when they reach that age, such as training them to ‘wait’ before meals and to stay in a specific spot on command. Teaching those two things alone will go a long way towards preventing problems.
Make the Most of Products
The market for dog products is huge, and in truth, you don’t need to buy every item that’s out there. You might buy your dog a new toy to replace the one they’ve destroyed or as a treat on their birthday, but it doesn’t have to be a weekly occurrence. With that said, there are absolutely some dog products that are worth investing in because of how much time and effort they’ll save you. Plus, the best pet products can help boost your dog’s happiness and overall well-being, too. Some items to consider include a slow-feeder dog bowl (helps with digestion), a comfortable dog car seat cushion cover (improves their car experience/reduces hair), and a GPS wireless fence collar (allows them to be outside freely, knowing you can always track where they are).
Don’t Overlook Mental Stimulation
There are times when it’s simply not possible to take your dog out for a long walk. For instance, if there’s a lot of ice on the ground or if there’s torrential rain. Investing in some mental stimulation toys and puzzles for your pet can be an excellent way to tire them out, even when going for a long walk isn’t possible. Some dogs will get just as tired from a ten-minute puzzle as they would from a 45-minute walk. If you’re stuck inside for the day and your pet seems to have a lot of pent-up energy, then give them a puzzle to play with — they’ll soon be asleep on the couch!
Find a Good Dog Sitter
Even dog owners who want their pets to be by their side all the time will find that they need to leave them behind for a few days from time to time. You can’t always take your pet with you when you go travelling, for instance. You can make these separations much more straightforward by finding a good dog sitter while your pet is still young. Dogs naturally feel a little anxious when their owners are away, but they’ll feel a lot more secure if they’re spending the days apart with a familiar, friendly face.
Buy in Bulk
The costs of having a dog can become expensive if you’re not careful. Buying in bulk can bring the costs down considerably, and is also just more convenient than having to go to the store all the time — you can simply buy three months’ worth and then forget about it.
Use Baby Gates
Finally, we’d recommend setting up some baby gates in your home to prevent your dog from accessing areas that they shouldn’t be in, which not only enhances their safety but can also make your life easier. It’s much easier to vacuum a few select rooms in the house rather than having to vacuum everywhere. You can also use gates to create a personal space for your dog where they can sleep and unwind at night. Plus, strategic use of baby gates can ensure that you won’t return home to find that some of your valuable possessions are now inside your dog’s stomach.