This is a guest article from Medina at DogEtiquette.info
If you have a dog and love spending your weekends upgrading and improving your home, you’re in luck. Read on for the top four dog-friendly renovations that won’t break the bank and put you in the dog house.
Build a backyard dog park
Here is a fun project that requires little more than space and creativity. Dogs need exercise but it can be tough to find the time to take Tank for a walk. Help your dog stay active by building a dog park right in your own backyard. With a few hours, some spare parts, and the right tools, you can add a dog run, tunnel system, and even obstacle course. The Property Brother share tips on how to do it in this USA Today article. You don’t have to make permanent changes to your lawn either. During the hot summer months, add a small durable wading pool, timed sprinklers, and a frozen block of ice filled with toys and treats to keep your dog’s attention while beating the heat. With a few tires, planks of wood, and heavy duty balls, ropes, and dog toys, your lawn will become your dog’s favorite room in the house.
Puppy proof your home
If you’re just entering the world of pet parenthood, you’ll want to take the time to puppy-proof your house before your new friend comes home. Andrea Davis of HomeAdvisor tells the RedFin Real-Time blog that hidden trash and dangerous chemicals are some of the biggest hazards for curious canines. Make sure these items are secure and away from your new puppy’s reach. Consider adding childproof locks in the kitchen and bathroom and put his or her crate in a quiet and comfortable location. You’ll also need to spend an afternoon repairing backyard dangers, too, such as broken fences and busted gate locks.
Create a hidden den
Your pet’s bed doesn’t have to take up valuable floor space. There are many creative ways to seamlessly integrate your dog’s personal space into your existing floor plan. The Bark outlines a few clever ideas here. If you’re just not that handy, you can also clean out an unused fireplace and turn it into a fashionable doggy bedroom. If your dog is more of the outdoor type, build a unique and eye-catching doghouse that works with your landscape design and community. For instance, if you live in a coastal area, build a small lighthouse for your dog to shelter the storm.
Install a pet cleaning station
While most predominantly indoor dogs will only require a formal bath a few times a year, those prone to muddy afternoon romps around the yard and dogs with skin conditions need grooming much more often. PetMD notes that a dog’s bathing requirements depend on a number of factors. One not mentioned cost. However, considering that dog grooming can run upwards of $50 to $100 a session, your dirty dog may be best bathed at home. It’s not that hard to construct a DIY dog spa. You’ll need a size-appropriate galvanized tub (like this one from Tractor Supply), access to an outdoor water faucet, and a sturdy table with stairs leading up to the wash station. Pinterest has hundreds of other ideas. Click the link and keep scrolling until you find one that works for you.
Most of these projects can be completed in a single afternoon with very little carpentry experience. Feel free to tailor your design to suit your own style, space, abilities, and budget. Your dog won’t mind if your dog park or puppy palace isn’t up to the same standards as Mr. Poochie Jones next door as long as it’s safe and allows him access to what he wants the most: you.
Article provided by Medina at DogEtiquette.info
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment