How to create a happy home for dogs
Creating a happy home for dogs is so important – and especially for a new pup. A happy and relaxed home can help avoid anxiety and prevent your dog from feeling overwhelmed. The team at WagWorks share their top tips for creating a calm and happy home for dogs…
Our top tips:
- Create a safe space for your dog to relax
Creating a safe, cosy space for your dog to relax is vital for helping them get some much-needed rest. Use a crate with soft bedding inside and a blanket over the top to create a sense of safety, as well as added privacy. Encourage your pet to take themselves off for some quiet rest by leaving the door of the crate open.
If you don’t have room at home for a crate, a snug bed in a quiet room works just as well. If you’re using this approach, make sure that everyone in the household understands not to disturb the dog when they go to ‘bed’, and lets them have the peace and quiet they need.
- Get everyone involved
It is essential that everyone in your household gets involved in the care of the dog and understands the rules and boundaries, especially children. Dogs can easily become overwhelmed (especially puppies) with daily life which can lead to anxiety and potentially unwanted behaviours. Getting everyone involved will also help your dog feel more confident and less likely to become overly-attached to one member of the family.
If you have more than one dog at home, be sure to provide more resources (e.g. beds, toys, water bowls) than dogs. This will prevent ‘resource guarding’ which could potentially lead to aggressive behaviour and unnecessary squabbles.
- Give lots of love, affection and praise
Stroking a dog can have a calming effect on both human and dog. Studies show that stroking a dog releases oxytocin, the same hormone that is induced when a mother touches her baby, so stroking them regularly is beneficial for both you and your four-legged friend.
Dogs are generally very sociable; they love praise and affection. That being said, always remember to listen to your dog and read their signals. If they want some peace and quiet, let them be for a while.
- Provide plenty of toys
Destructive behaviour is often a result of lack of enrichment. To prevent this, provide toys and chews for stimulation. It will keep them busy and might even save your favourite shoes from being chewed! If possible, it’s a good idea to rotate your dog’s toys to avoid boredom, particularly in young dogs.
Not only do toys and chews help to keep your dog stimulated and relieve stress, but they also help with gum and dental health, particularly with puppies during the teething stage. Avoid processed chews from pet shops – instead opt for a great healthy, natural alternative such as deer antlers or pigs’ ears.
- Give your dog choice
Providing your dog with as much choice as possible is vital for a happy, healthy pup. A dog who is allowed to make choices is often happier and more self-confident. Choice can come in different forms:
- Where they want to rest or sleep – if possible, allow your dog to choose from a few different quiet and comfortable places.
- When they want to interact – allowing your dog to choose whether they want to partake in socialisation is very important. This includes playing or socialising with people or other dogs who may come over. Pay attention to your dog’s body language for signs of stress as this is one of the very few ways they can communicate with you.
- Where they want to explore – let your dog decide where they want to walk and explore; it can get boring always walking the same route! It’s not always possible to let your dog off the lead, so a ‘long line’ is a great investment as it allows your dog to roam safely.
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