AD | Your home is meant to be a safe and relaxing space, where you should feel comfortable and free of stress. The same can be said for your German Shepherd too, their home should be a comfortable place for them to live in as well. Whether you’ve just adopted a German Shepherd, or you’ve had one for a while, it’s never too late to make changes and improve their home environment. Here are 5 quick and easy ways you can make your home more comfortable for your German Shepherd.
How To Make Your Home More Comfortable for Your German Shepherd – What Do They Need?
A German Shepherd is a breed of dog that’s known for being very energetic and intelligent, as well as very protective of their family. Designing a dog-friendly house can be a challenge. It’s not just about the size of your house, but also about the layout of your home. You need to make sure you have enough space for your dog to walk around freely without feeling confined or restricted by furniture or other people in the house.
Use an Elevated Feeding Station
Because German Shepherds are a large breed dog, you should look at how and where you feed them. Rather than placing their food and water bowls on the ground, which forces them to bend down, try using an elevated feeding station. Look for one that has an adjustable height option, so you can get it at the perfect level for them. Your goal is to get it level with their face so there’s as little bending as possible, which will be much more comfortable for your German Shepherd (or any large breed dog).
Tip: did you know that when you elevate your dog’s dishes, you will help the food move from the mouth to the stomach in a more seamless and easily digestible way? It’s also going to prevent muscle strain and discomfort, which becomes more important as they age and may start to develop issues like arthritis.
Create a Safe and Comfortable Area for Them to Sleep
Just like you have your bedroom to retire to sleep in, your German Shepherd needs a safe and comfortable spot in the house where they can nap and sleep, ideally in their own bed too. If you have hard floors, a comfortable Shepherd-sized dog bed for them will be even more appreciated, as it will give them cushioning and better support.
The dog beds, mats, and mattresses from Time for Paws give people lots of options. Many of the dog beds on Time for Paws are available in different sizes, allowing you to pick one that’s perfect for your large breed dog. There are even waterproof beds, which are perfect for puppies or seniors who may have occasional leaks. Tip: using a waterproof bed makes cleaning accidents much easier to deal with too.
If your German Shepherd struggles settling down at bedtime, a calming aid like the soothing spray created by Pup Labs can help make their sleeping space feel even more relaxing.
Leave Sound On for Your Dog
Not only for when the fireworks are on, here’s another tip that can make your dog more comfortable while you’re out of the house. Leaving sound on for them can help to calm them and ensure they don’t feel anxious or stressed until you return. You can leave the TV on or choose soothing sounds like nature sounds or even classical music. The same sleep sound machine that humans use can also be turned on for your dog.
Give Them Entertainment in the House
Even though dogs spend a good portion of their day sleeping, during their waking hours you should provide them with activities and toys to keep them entertained when they’re not out for walks. Just as you would with young children, only give them a few toys and chew bones at a time though, and rotate them so they don’t get bored with the same items.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
Large breed dogs like German Shepherds need regular outdoor exercise to help them stay fit and healthy, as well as being able to toilet when needed. And plenty of exercise will stop them getting bored inside all day as well as preventing destructive behaviour like chewing up your furniture. If you’re a homeworker, you can take them out at lunch-time, for example. But if you can’t do this yourself, then there are plenty of dog walkers who can help – look on Facebook for local dog walkers near you.
Dogs are a part of the family and should be treated as such, so they deserve to have their own space where they can relax, play, and sleep, and enjoy a happy, healthy life with you as well.
Which of these tips do you already use to make your home more comfortable for your German Shepherd and you? Have you got any other tried and tested tips for large breed or smaller breed dogs to share?
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
The shepherd in your post looks so comfy snuggled in his Time for Paws bed. I also really loved your idea to use an elevated feeding station for larger dogs. So smart!
Thank you, Heidi, and yes, the raised feeding station seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it!