We’ve written about ways you can help your new puppy to adjust to your home but what about as they get older? What about as they age and how do you deal with making your house dog friendly for the duration?
Most people consider their house when they’re bringing home a young or new dog, but once they start to grow up and mature, a lot of us stop thinking about our dogs’ needs in terms of environment. We think of them as “one of us” and assume if we’re comfortable, they’re also good. This isn’t really the case.
So let’s look at how you can continue to make your house dog friendly even once they’re past the puppy stage.
Consider your upholstery
Dogs love laying around on soft places, just like us. To keep those soft places clean can be challenging. Consider getting faux leather, for example, on your couches and chairs. Then you can place easily washable blankets to create the softness that everyone desires.
Look at your walls
Having a dog come into an entryway after a walk and then shake their wet or dirty bodies all over your walls doesn’t make for the nice, clean and calm spaces we all dream of. Look into using wallpapers and paint finishes that are washable.
Floors
Carpet is easily damaged by dogs, especially big dogs. But then putting in wood and tile can be hard on a dog as they age. Use the same principle as with your furniture: put down something really durable and then soften it with washable rugs like these.
Their beds and toys
Consider their beds and comfort spaces in the same way you consider your own — not just as an afterthought that you throw wherever it’s convenient in the moment. If you have a smaller dog, this can be easier, of course, because beds can be integrated into furniture in fun and attractive ways.
If you have a bigger dog, do you have the space to make them a sort of “bedroom” of their own? This can be extra helpful for when you have company over or if your dog is feeling anxious for any reason.
The same goes for their toys. Create a space that they know is always the same and is always where they can find any of their toys. Baskets are a great tool for keeping things less cluttered. You can even train your dog to put their toys away. (Unlike some humans… ha)
Entries
Organize all of your dog’s outdoor needs and clothing in one place. Perhaps you have a back door that leads into a small alcove. This is an ideal space to have everything you need to deal with a dirty dog after a walk right at arm’s length.
Look outside
Are there spaces where your dog can get into trouble? Are there spaces where your dog could “escape” if they’re not being watched closely? Create safety with fencing and gates, and don’t forget to consider every plant you put into your yard for possible toxicity.
If you have the space, consider creating an outdoor area specifically for your dog that includes obstacles and other brain-healthy problem solving opportunities.
Have you ever done any sort of remodeling that was specifically centered around your dogs’ needs? We’d love to hear about it.