fbpx
 

About the Author:

Living with a dog is one of life’s more rewarding experiences. Our canine companions offer unconditional love, loyalty, and endless joy, but they also require thoughtful care and structure. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pup parent, these expert tips from the WAGD staff will help you create a home that supports a balanced, happy life for both you and your dog.

1. Install a Doggie Door

Maureen Patin, CPDT-KA – Head Trainer
A doggie door can be a game-changer. Giving your dog access to an all-weather area of your yard allows them to relieve themselves as needed – no more rushing home or feeling guilty for leaving them too long.

Key Benefits:

  • Convenience for both humans and dogs
  • Reduces potty accidents and stress
  • Keeps your floors clean if the outdoor surface is mud-free  (try turf or gravel)

Safety Tip:
Ensure your yard is secure. Reinforce fences with underground barriers like hardware cloth, concrete, or spikes to prevent digging out. For small dogs or puppies, consider adding a cover to the yard to protect against predators like hawks or coyotes.

2. Manage Indoor Access

Charlotte Schuessler – Trainer
Set your house and routines up to encourage the behaviors you want, and prevent the ones you don’t. Block access to tempting zones like the kitchen, store shoes in closed closets, and exercise or train your dog before guests arrive. Dogs are creatures of habit; help them form good ones.

Aislinn Meeks – Trainer

The best way to prevent the behaviors you don’t want to become habits is limiting your dog’s access in your home. 

Baby gates, crates, and playpens (ex-pens) are lifesavers – especially in multi-dog households. These tools can:

  • Speed up housetraining
  • Reduce destruction
  • Make mealtimes and training easier
  • Keep things calm during high-stimulation times like guest visits

You can often find these tools secondhand at a low cost on Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms.

3. Prevent Counter Surfing

Sharon Lacaze – Operations Manager
Here’s a creative tip: use a portable table tennis net (with suction cups) to block areas of your counter where your dog tends to sneak snacks. This prevents your dog from being rewarded for bad behavior and gives you the chance to reward them for not jumping up—helping eliminate the habit altogether.

4. Use Window Clings to Reduce Reactivity

Fable Gay – Senior Trainer

If your dog gets anxious watching people or dogs pass by your windows, it could be contributing to your dog’s level of anxiety and their leash reactivity. Temporary window clings are a simple and affordable fix. Apply cling film (available online or at home stores) to the lower portion of traffic-facing windows to limit your dog’s visual triggers. Easy fix, big impact!

5. Monitor with Wi-Fi Cameras

Wi-Fi cameras are a budget-friendly way to keep tabs on your dog when you’re away. Whether you leave them free-roaming in your home, in a crate, or in a playpen, cameras help you:

  • Monitor their stress levels
  • Catch signs of separation anxiety
  • Spot destructive behavior before it escalates

If your dog is showing signs of distress while alone, consider working with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer for support.

Final Thoughts

Living with a dog isn’t just about caring for them, it’s about creating a partnership built on structure, communication, and mutual respect. By setting your home up for success, you lay the foundation for a harmonious life together.

0 0

5 Top Tips for Simplifying Your Dog Life at Home

Living with a dog is one of life’s more rewarding experiences. Our canine companions offer unconditional love, loyalty, and endless joy, but they also require thoughtful care and structure. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pup parent, these expert tips from the WAGD staff will help you create a home that supports a balanced, happy life for... Read more
0 0

Why Group Classes?

Training your dog is one of the most important investments you can make in their wellbeing—and your sanity. Group dog training classes offer unique advantages that go beyond basic obedience. Whether you’ve just brought home a new pup or you’re working with an adult dog, a group class can provide the structure, support, and socialization both you and your dog... Read more
0 0

Does it Matter HOW my Dog is Trained?

There are many different ways to change a dog’s behavior, but the common thread is that all effective methods require a motivator. These motivators can range from seeking treats and praise to avoiding punishment. Skilled trainers can achieve desired behaviors using any of these methods. So, if we’re all aiming for the same outcome, does the method really matter? The... Read more
0 0

Great tips for teaching your pup to play fetch

Article by Adrian Phillips Fetch can be an entertaining activity for both you and your dog. It is a great way to bond with your dog, and get them moving their bodies! Here are a few ways you can teach them to fetch, in as few as 5 steps! Read more
0 0

Canine Respiratory Illness Impact

The WAGD leadership team is keeping vigilant on the latest information on the current canine respiratory illness. We are in discussions with local veterinarians and are watching the American Veterinary Medical Association recommendations. Those sources indicate that the illness has  been confirmed in only five states, all of which are either on the east or west coast. This illness is... Read more
0 0

Are Two Pups Better Than One? Insight on Littermate Syndrome

Littermate syndrome is the term given to behavioral issues frequently seen when two pups of a similar age are raised together.  It most often occurs when two pups from the same litter are adopted by a family, though it can also be seen when two unrelated pups are raised together.  Interestingly, significant behavioral science studies have not been conducted on... Read more