1) Dens
Airline carriers, kennels and crates are ideal. They’re lightweight, virtually indestructible and easy to clean. You can easily remove crate and kennel doors when they’re not being used for confinement.
Dens don’t need a locking door to be therapeutic for puppies and dogs. A nest bed under coffee tables, desks, couches and raised human beds can all make a great den for calm, adult dogs and as a supplemental den for puppies. The main goals are to reduce the ambient noise and light in the surrounding room and add a degree of security in the form of a low ceiling and side walls.
2) Puppy and Exercise Pens
One of the most useful dog-management tools in existence is a foldable metal pen, typically called an “exercise pen.” They can be used as a pen in a wide variety of configurations/sizes and can also serve as an indoor or (temporary) outdoor fence up to 16 feet in length.
- Puppy pens keep puppies safe when they’re unsupervised, while simultaneously reinforcing house training and house rules without confining puppies to a crate during waking hours.
- Puppies learn to be comfortable and relaxed while confined in a pen easier than in a crate or kennel.
- Puppy pens work as a barrier between puppies and open doors so guardians can greet guests, sign for packages, check the mail, bring in groceries, etc., without risking a puppy escape
- Prevents puppies from associating an open door with fun and excitement
- Minimizes potential distractions when it’s time to take care of their business.
3) Gates/Barriers
A secure gate at the top or bottom of a staircase can save a puppy’s life. A gate leading across the opening to your dining room can save your Persian rug.
Compliance is KEY to success as a puppy and dog trainer. One thing I know for sure: if a gate is a pain to use, people will stop using it sooner rather than later.
A gate or barrier that’s easy to operate, plus tall and secure enough to stand up to your puppy or dog and also helps you convey boundaries without having to do the teaching.
4) Enrichment
My #1 tip for new pet parents: begin feeding your new companion via age-appropriate enrichment activities and games the day they arrive home.
I strongly recommend dogs under 2 years of age never eat their meals from a regular bowl. A shocking concept, I realize! But when you think about it, there’s nothing natural about eating from a bowl for dogs. Some form of activity would be involved with every meal such locating food, foraging, shredding, etc.
Best of all, enrichment engages canine brains at a core level that isn’t reachable otherwise, in many cases.
Enrichment burns a tremendous amount of mental and physical energy and it doesn’t cost any more human time than feeding from a bowl, once you have a collection of tools.
5) Nest or Donut Beds
Nest beds provide the support and sense of security that helps puppies and dogs sleep deeply. Lack of sleep is a significant contributor to behaviors humans find annoying like excessive barking, destructive chewing, jumping on people and mouthiness (putting their mouths on people, clothing).
When puppies and dogs have furniture that’s designed for their comfort they’re less likely to get in the habit of inviting themselves on the couch or human beds.
Dee Green has been a professional puppy coach, dog trainer and canine behavior consultant for more than 20 years. She specializes in puppies up to 18 months, and fearful, anxious and reactive dogs of all ages.