Many dog lovers want their furry family members to feel at home in their house. We want them to cuddle with us as we watch TV, lay at our feet as we read a good book and play with all the toys we joyfully buy for them. But in the midst of the fun and games that comes with dog ownership, we also step up to some major responsibilities including the daily task of cleaning up.

Some homeowners try their best to keep up with the tornado-like moves of their dog, while others shell out big bucks to train their dogs to be more considerate about cleanliness. For many, striving to find the balance between the two can be a challenge— but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips for keeping your home breathtakingly beautiful, while also ensuring you have a happy and healthy pup.

Tip #1: Focus on decluttering

From dog bowls to dog beds, our four-legged friends’ accessories can sometimes outnumber our own. Whether you allow your dog to play fetch indoors or give them chew toys everyday, it isn’t a natural instinct for a dog to pick up after himself. Create a cleaning schedule for your entire family that includes cleaning up after your pets. A handheld vacuum can be very useful for quick cleaning jobs because you won’t have to lug it around. These vacuums also can get to pet hair in hard-to-reach spaces.

Purchasing a wooden  toy chest or a nice decorative basket to store your dog’s toys is a great way to reduce the clutter throughout your entire house. Your dog can either have free access to the toys, which means you pick up more, or you can keep a lid on the bin and only pull out toys at your discretion. Either way, when you have a place to keep your dogs toys, you help eliminate clutter from taking over your house.

Tip #2 Give them their own space

Dogs are social creatures and your pup will likely want to nearby at all times. However, it’s also a great idea to give them their own space where they can relax during high stress times or feel safe and secure when you aren’t at home. One way to empower them to embrace this space is to give them their own  comfy, cozy bed. A comfortable place to sleep that is all their own will also limit their desire to sleep on your furniture. Consider adding a T-shirt or blanket of yours that carries your scent so they feel your calming presence in their space.

Tip #3 Use odor eliminating products

Speaking of odors, a beautiful home is one that both looks and smells fresh. For some pets, odor is never an issue. For other dogs, it seems like no matter how much you scrub you can’t get the smell of the dog park out of their coat. Before you vacuum, sprinkle or spray odor-eliminating products and let it settle in. Use diffusers in high dog traffic areas to help clear the air and mask everyday odors. For some great tips on getting dog smell out of your vacuum, check out this super article: https://www.hunker.com/12002047/how-to-get-dog-smell-out-of-your-vacuum-cleaner

Tip #4 Get a trim

Keeping your dog well-groomed will prevent fur from shedding all over the house. Regular grooming not only helps keep shedding in check, but it can also help keep their claws trimmed and filed down, which will reduce the amount of damage a dog can cause when walking or running on hardwood floors. You’ll also want to be sure you’re giving Fido a good brushing often between trips to the groomer. Grooming also helps keep your dog smelling fresh and clean, eliminating orders that may sink into couches, rugs, carpet and bedding.

A beautiful home is one filled with life and love. When you bring in a dog, you open your heart and home up to a loving companion— who sometimes makes messes, but often brings joy.

*This article was a guest submission by Jessica Brody of OurBestFriends.pet 

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