AD | From the moment we bring a dog home, they instantly become part of our family. Whether they’re a puppy, a rescue or a rehome, a dog’s pack instinct will form an unbreakable bond with you that will last a lifetime. As their humans, it’s important we reciprocate with a safe and comfortable home where our canine friends can relax and feel protected.
What Makes a Safe and Comfortable Home for Your Dog?
If you’re looking for some tips to create this ideal environment for your dog, then here are some top tips on helping to make a home your pooch will love!
Grab the Essentials
Start by creating a safe space for them where they can escape to if they’re feeling threatened, anxious or they just need a break. Stock up on supplies like comfy collars, water and food bowls, leashes, and toys. Tip: It’s a good idea to walk around and remove anything they may want to chew, claw or destroy (settling in can be a tough gig).
As you get everything ready, don’t forget that quality nutrition is just as important as the right gear. If you’re looking for fresh meal options, check out healthy recipes from the folks at California Dog Kitchen, made with dogs’ wellbeing in mind
Give Them a Safe Place to Sleep
At the end of a busy day, humans love being able to veg out on the couch or jump into bed – it’s no different for our furry friends. Think of your dog’s sleeping spot like their safe zone. Whether you crate train them or pop their bed in a cosy corner, it’s important they have a place to escape when things get a bit much. Maybe you have a new visitor, or a loud plumber fixing things up – whatever the perceived ‘threat’ (like those suspicious falling leaves) – dogs benefit from having their own designated safe spot. Having boundaries and a spot to unwind and decompress will help your dog stay happy and calm.
Here are some ideas for how to create the perfect home base for your pup:
- Make sure their safe zone is warm and dry and they have access to fresh water and a dog door or potty zone for toileting
- Ensure they have enough space to stretch out in comfort
- Provide a comfy bed and, if they like it, a warm blanket or doggy sleeping bag
- White noise can help calm an anxious dog, especially if there are fireworks or other noises outside.
Make Sure Their Favourite Toys Are Close By
Toys provide both a mental and physical outlet for dogs, and keep them entertained so they’re distracted from your favourite shoes while you’re out! Whether your dog loves squeaky toys, ropes, or something soft and cuddly, they’ll love you forever if you gift them the perfect plaything.
Keep your pup engaged and happy by offering a variety of options, including interactive or puzzle toys that will give them a mental workout. Consider rotating their toys regularly to give them a new challenge or keep them interested, and don’t forget to check their toys regularly and replace any that are worn or damaged.
Make Mealtimes Fun
If your dog prefers to inhale rather than savour their food, try making dinnertime a chance not just for nutrition but for play as well. Adding their food to a puzzle bowl, snuffle mat or similar means they can use their mind as well as their noses. Making them work for their meal will give their brain a chance to catch up to their stomach, helping them feel fuller for longer (and minimise any tummy aches).
Providing an engaging and stimulating experience will add an element of fun to your pet’s fine dining, but will also make them less food-driven, and reduce the chance of them ingesting air when gulping down food, which can cause problems later on.
Time to Dog Proof!
It’s the worst-kept secret that dogs, especially puppies, love to get into everything! Be one step ahead of their mischief by removing breakable objects, limiting access to shoes and furniture, screening off fireplaces, and covering power points and dangling cords. Boredom and anxiety can exacerbate that destructive streak, so make sure you work with your pup so they become accustomed to time alone, and leave them with toys they’re allowed to chew.
High-energy and intelligent breeds, like border collies and kelpies, in particular need added mental stimulation to avoid the old mischief makers. And if you have an escape artist on your hands, don’t forget to protect the perimeter of your backyard so they can’t tunnel out.
Set Up the Ambiance
When you’re not home dogs can get a little… anxious. Putting on the radio or TV can often provide ambient white noise they find comforting. Perhaps they’d like to watch Animal Planet or listen to your favourite true crime podcast? Hearing a voice can help them feel calmer and less lonely. Tip: for a young puppy, a ticking clock can mirror the heartbeat of their mum, helping them transition to life on their own four paws.
Providing a safe and comfortable home for your dog is essential for their physical and mental wellbeing. Some dogs need little more than your lap or couch to be comfortable, others prefer to stretch out on a cosy bed in their own little kingdom. Consider your pup’s needs and make sure they have a safe spot to relax, plenty of toys and other activities to stimulate their senses and enrich their lives. Catering to your dog’s individual personality and any breed traits will foster their happiness, reduce stress and help strengthen your family bond.
What did you think of these ideas for creating a safe and comfortable home for your dog? Are there any other tips you’ve tried that helped them settle in to your family?
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
Aww that first photo is so adorable with those little pups! the first one looks like our little Shih Tzu, so cute and fluffy! Thanks for sharing these tips 🙂
They are cute, aren’t they? Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂