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Article by Suzie Wilson
Just Because You Have a Dog Doesn’t Mean You Have to Live in the Doghouse
It’s possible to have a beautiful home without getting rid of man’s best friend. Keep reading to find out how to protect your property and possessions from your pooch.
It starts with training
As a pet owner, your first priority is to teach your dog the ropes. He must learn how to behave appropriately both inside and outdoors. Keep in mind, however, that puppies are prone to chewing, and you may not be able to prevent all instances of damage and destruction. Training a dog not to chew involves praising his behavior when he directs his mouth to an appropriate chew toy and letting your disdain be known when he reaches for something you’d rather he didn’t. Cesar Millan offers more tips.
Address underlying issues
If your dog is older and still continues to exhibit chewing behavior despite your best efforts, you must rule out issues that may trigger the undesirable actions. Boredom is one of the top causes of doggie destruction. A bored dog may run, jump, bite, and chew on everything in sight, which can quickly take its toll on your home’s décor from the floor up. Ensure your dog is receiving enough exercise – your veterinarian can point you in the right direction depending on his age and breed. If you work long hours, consider hiring a dog walker to stop by a few times each day to break up the monotony and let your dog expend energy. Rover is a great resource to help you find dog walkers and local pet sitters – the latter of which is an exceptional option if your dog has separation anxiety – who can spend more time with your furry friend when you can’t.
Implement restricted areas
Just because your dog lives inside your home doesn’t mean he should have unrestricted access to your entire property. If cleanliness and presentation are important, keep your dog out of the rooms that need to remain in top shape. If you have valuable antiques or heirloom furniture, your dog should never be allowed unsupervised near these items. In addition to blocking off your pet’s access to certain rooms, you should also have a designated area to wipe muddy paws when entering the home.
Refine your cleaning routine
Having a dog means bringing your A-game where cleaning is concerned. It is not simply enough to wipe down the counters and mop once a week. You must be willing to react to accidents quickly, spend the extra time keeping your pet’s bedding clean and odor-free, and invest in a quality vacuum cleaner designed specifically for removing pet hair. House Beautiful explains that you will also need to put in extra effort toward keeping your pet well-groomed. If you have hardwood floors, consider adding a robotic sweeper to your arsenal of cleaning tools.
Cleaning after kitty
While dogs tend to be cited as the primary culprit in an unclean home, cats, despite their reputation as tiresome self-groomers, can also pose a problem. The Hartford Courant reports that you should have multiple litter boxes and make sure they are in locations that are free of distractions. Scratching damage can be mitigated by providing your feline ample opportunities to scratch and claw to their heart’s content. A cat tree or tower with scratch posts for legs located near a window may be enough to draw your cat’s attention away from your vintage parlor room furniture.
For more tips and tricks on having pets and a beautiful home, visit Modern Dog magazine online or ask your veterinarian for advice.
It is possible to live in harmony with even the hairiest of housemates. While paying attention to your cleaning routine and limiting your pet’s access to certain areas is a great start, ultimately, your dog’s temperament and your definition of beauty will define your living conditions.
Author
Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. While her goal always includes making homes look beautiful, her true focus is on fashioning them into serene, stress-free environments that inspire tranquility in all who enter. The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for an Open House is filled with tips, tricks and other advice based on Suzie’s years of experience in interior home design that will set you up for success.