No matter how much you love your pet, it’s easy to get frustrated and angry when you come home to the destruction he causes. Maybe he’s eating your shoes, digging at your carpet, or tearing up your cushions. Fortunately, Love & Pawsitivity shares a few things you can do to protect your home from your destructive pet.
Hire a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Remember, it’s normal for dogs to chew, play, and explore. The problem is when the behaviors ruin your home and belongings. Typically, dogs are destructive during the day because they get bored. When your dog can’t interact with you because you’re away, he will engage in destructive behaviors. Other dogs are destructive because they seek attention or have separation anxiety. One of the best ways to address these causes of destructive behavior is to hire a dog walker or a pet sitter.
Dog walkers and pet sitters drop in to your home to spend time with your dog. Dog walkers are an ideal solution for dogs who have pent-up energy and destroy your home out of boredom because they get your dog out of the house and give him plenty of exercise when you cannot.
On the other hand, pet sitters are a solution for dogs with separation anxiety or fears and phobias and who need more supervision during the day to curb their destructive behavior. Hire a dog walker or pet sitters using online sites or advertising on social media. It’s worth mentioning that dog walkers and pet sitters are a better alternative than boarding your dog in a kennel, where he can pick up illnesses or feel abandoned.
Use a Crate
Some dog owners swear by using crates for their dogs. Crates serve as a training and safety device for dogs, and they give them a place of their own. Use the crate properly so that your dog does not engage in destructive behavior inside it and so that he does not refuse to go in it. First, use a crate based on the size of your dog. Make sure he can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Give him a couple of safe toys but don’t overload the crate. If you have a puppy, purchase a larger crate so he can grow into it. A puppy weight calculator can help you determine the likely size of specific breeds so you can get a crate large enough for an adult dog.
Also, do not leave your dog crated too long. Crate your dog no longer than one hour for each month of age and not exceed nine or ten hours per day. If this time is too long for your dog, as in he has accidents in the crate or destroys his items in the crate, hire a dog walker or pet sitter to exercise and play with him to break up his day. It is imperative that you give your dog an hour of exercise before and after he is in his crate, too. Fitbark offers ten fun ways you can exercise your dog, if you need some ideas.
If you're lucky enough to live in a rental that allows pets, it's especially important to protect your place. If you and your pet are struggling, though, you could even consider an upgrade; choosing a place with a fenced yard, or one closer to a dog park, might make all the difference if you have a canine companion. Check into available apartments in the area. There’s no shortage in Stamford – more than 270 units are ready to rent, just be sure to verify whether they accept pets.
Train Your Dog
You cannot expect your dog to behave properly if you don’t spend adequate time training him. It is not fair to rely on a dog walker, pet sitter, or crate to train your dog for you. Proper training will help curb his destructive behavior and ensure he behaves when he spends time with a dog walker or pet sitter. Nylabone suggests it’s a good idea to begin with leash training. Practice walking him on a leash around your house and yard and then take trips around the neighborhood and to the vet.
You also want to ensure that your dog has strong table manners. Ask the American Kennel Club notes, your friends, family, and pet sitter will appreciate knowing that your dog won’t beg for food. If you have children, make sure that you train your dog to remain calm when they get close to his food or water bowls. Dogs that are overly protective of their meals often snap at young children.
It’s not much fun to have a destructive pet. You can protect your home by hiring a dog walker or pet sitter and using a crate. You also should properly train your dog to curb his destructive behavior and make sure he has good manners at home and in public.
Love & Pawsitivity spreads messages of peace, love, and positivity through the quirky lens of our love for pets. Check out our product lines today! hello@loveandpawsitivity.com
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Her name is Jessica Brody and she's the owner of ourbestfriends.pet! Go check her out!
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