Living with a dog - how to prepare your home
Living with a dog: how to make your home dog-safe. Get tips on what to watch out for around your home.
19.06.2024
iStock / FollowTheFlow
1. Considerations before purchasing a dog
Dogs have different living requirements depending on their breed, size and age. It’s important to consider the needs of the breed before buying a dog.
A very active dog, for example, may not feel comfortable in the middle of the city. You don't want a little dog that barks often in an apartment block.
Ask yourself the following questions to find the right dog for your living situation:
Are dogs allowed in my rental?
How much space do I have for a dog?
Can the dog retire to it’s own space when it needs?
Do we often take the dog with us or are we more at home?
Does the apartment have thin walls?
Do we have a garden?
Are there enough green spaces in the area?
Are there many stairs to climb?
Are there children or other animals in the household?
How much time do I have? Where is the dog when I’m in the office?
2. The right living situation for dog owners
Whether a dog feels comfortable with you depends a lot, among other things, on your home and furnishings. Factors such as the size, accessibility and location of your home can be crucial.
Size
The size of your home is less important to your pet – provided they get enough exercise and have a quiet place to retreat to. Nevertheless: life in a studio apartment would be a squeeze with a Bernese mountain dog. One happy wag of the tail and all your china is in shards.
The dog's character and exercise needs define the space you need. In principle, quiet dogs with a low guarding instinct are better suited for small apartments.
Stairs
Apartments on higher floors without a lift are unsuitable for some breeds and dogs with joint problems. Small dogs can be easily carried. But again, try doing this with the aforementioned Bernese mountain dog.
Noise
Another factor is the noise level in the residential area. Constant, loud noises can cause stress. Apartments with less resonant floors are also more suitable.
Tip: as a dog owner, you are liable for any damage caused by your dog. Liability insurance is worthwhile and is even mandatory in some cantons.
3. Urban vs rural life: what's better for dogs?
The place a dog feels comfortable depends on its individual needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of having a dog in the city
City dogs benefit more from social interactions with other dogs and people. Vets are generally closer. Recent studies show that city dogs are no more stressed than country dogs when kept appropriately. However, easily excitable dogs can struggle in the city.
When moving from the country to the city, acquaint your pet to the new environment slowly. Animals coming from shelters abroad often have a hard time adapting to city life.
Advantages and disadvantages of having a dog in the country
Rural areas offer space to run and play. Active breeds needing to exercise a lot appreciate this in particular. Anxious dogs also feel more comfortable in the quieter environment. A possible disadvantage of life on the land is the generally smaller choice of vets.
4. Getting your home ready for a new dog
How can I ensure that my home is dog friendly? In addition to regular exercise, your dog must have a quiet sleeping place without drafts or strong sunlight. Your pet should be able to retreat there and observe the family at the same time. Food bowls must be placed so the dog can eat undisturbed.
Devote some time to your dog’s safety. Because when it comes to household hazards, dogs are basically furry toddlers. Don’t expose them to unnecessary risks, especially if it’s a puppy.
A treat for us can be fatal for them. Pay particular attention to:
Avocado
Garlic
Onions
Wild garlic
Chives
Cocoa / chocolate
Caffeine
Grapes and raisins
Fruit seeds
Nuts such as macadamias, walnuts or nutmeg
Rhubarb (including leaves)
Raw eggs
Hot spices
Alcohol
Bones mean a high risk of injury
Many common indoor and balcony plants are highly toxic to pets. Find out about your plants and, if necessary, place them out of reach of your four-legged friends. Also keep an eye on what they’re nibbling outside. Caution is especially advised with spurges, as well as these houseplants:
Begonia
Dragon tree
Ivy
Epipremnum aureum
Peace lilies
Geranium
Monstera
Tulips
Poinsettia
Yucca
As with young children: keep drugs, cleaning products and other chemicals out of reach. Always close containers tightly.
Avoid accidents caused by small, ingestible parts such as pins, needles or batteries. Sharp or pointed objects as well as power cables must be inaccessible to the dog. Use cable covers and child locks for sockets. Beware of irons, low-lying ovens and other heat sources!
Lay your cables dog-safe. Remember: dogs love to chew on things when they’re bored. Cable conduit may be an option.
Make sure that the dog can’t knock over objects if it bumps into the furniture. For puppies, it’s best to clear out the lowest shelves completely and put valuable items and carpets away for a time. Keeping cabinets closed helps avoid your belongings becoming chew toys.
Is your balcony dog-safe? Remember to remove poisonous plants.
Also make sure your dog can’t fall. Fill in any gaps in the railings. Plexiglass or chicken wire, for example, can prevent your pet falling through or getting their head stuck. Make sure that the dog cannot jump over the railing.
Breeds with long backs and short legs, such as dachshunds or bassets, should avoid stairs. The same applies to dogs with joint problems. For puppies, all breeds have an increased risk of slipping and, in the worst-case scenario, falling down a floor. Use stair guards and non-slip step mats for added safety.
Dogs love to romp around in the garden! It is even more fun if it is a small dog paradise: think a sandbox for digging, a paddling pool for hot days, foraging games or an exciting obstacle course.
Ideally, you have a generous green space with a robust lawn. A good fence keeps your dog in your garden. Never leave puppies unattended. And very important: even the most beautiful garden is no substitute for daily walks!
Important: if you have a vegetable garden, this too must be dog-safe. Don’t plant anything toxic to the dog. Avoid snail pellets.
5. Dogs in the (home) office
Before you buy a dog, think about how much time you can devote to it. According to Swiss Animal Welfare, dogs should spend a maximum of four hours a day alone. The breed determines how much attention the dog needs. Thanks to home office and flexible working hours, a full-time job and dog ownership are perfectly compatible.
Many companies now allow you to bring your dog into the office. Still, it’s best to ask permission first. Ask around to make sure nobody in the office is allergic. Good training is important to ensure the dog doesn’t disturb. Alternatively, family, friends or professional dog sitters can take care of it. Dog day-care centres are also a good solution in emergencies.
6. How a dog impacts family life
Children who grow up with dogs benefit in their social and emotional development: many are more adept at nonverbal communication and manage stress better. Looking after an animal helps kids learn to take responsibility at an early age. However, integrating a dog into the family requires adjustments and preparation.
Preparing children for the first dog
When adopting, clarify if the dog is suitable as a family dog. Conversely, the child must learn to treat the animal with respect: a dog is not just for playing and cuddling, but also means work. You are the best judge for when your children can take over some responsibility for the dog.
No matter how good your dog is: never leave it alone with children who are too young. Young children cannot spot threatening behaviour. It can happen quickly: a child harasses the dog and it defends itself.
Preparing the dog for additions to the family
Prevent jealousy by continuing to give your pet plenty of attention and cuddles after the baby is born. During pregnancy, try explaining the situation, let the dog sniff your belly and the baby clothes. It's important that your family dog responds well to signals.
This article was first published on 19.06.2024
