Setting up your home for your dog: comfort and well-being

Your dog spends most of their life at home. A space designed with them in mind means a more relaxed, better-rested dog who's less tempted to get into mischief. No need to renovate: setting up your home for your dog is mostly about a good resting spot, things to do and a space suited to their age. Here's how, room by room.

For the list of hazards to remove (toxic products, cords, medications), see our guide to dog safety at home and on walks. Here, we focus on comfort and well-being.

A well-chosen resting spot

Adult dogs sleep a lot, so their bed deserves a real place.

• Quiet, but not isolated: a corner of the living room or a room where you spend time, out of the way of foot traffic.
• Away from drafts, outside doors and strong heat sources.
• The right size: they should be able to stretch out fully.
• With a washable blanket that smells like home.

Many dogs like having two spots: one near the family, another quieter one for busy days.

Setting up your home for your dog by age

For a puppy

• A defined space (playpen or a room closed off with a gate) for times you can't supervise.
• A variety of chew toys, so they pick those over your shoes.
• A set, easy-to-reach spot for bathroom breaks.

For an adult dog

• A steady resting spot and toys within reach.
• Easy access outside, or regular outings.

For a senior dog

• Non-slip rugs on slippery floors.
• A ramp or small step for the bed or couch, if they're allowed up.
• A thicker bed that's easy to reach.
• A night light if their eyesight is fading.
• Their water bowl always in the same place.

If your dog struggles to get up, climb stairs or seems stiff, talk to your veterinarian.

Temperature and air quality

• In summer, keep one room cool and plenty of water available. Short-nosed dogs handle heat poorly.
• In winter, don't let them sleep directly on a cold floor or near a door that opens often.
• Air out the house regularly. Their nose is far more sensitive than ours, so avoid strong air fresheners near their spot.

Things to do at home

A bored dog looks for something to do, and not always what you'd like. A few easy ideas:

• Toy rotation: leave a few out and swap them every week. They feel new again.
• Sniffing games: snuffle mats, hidden kibble, boxes to dig through.
• Chewing: chewing is a natural behaviour that helps many dogs relax. Offer items suited to their size.
• A window with a view, for some curious dogs. For others who bark at everything going by, frosted film on the lower part of the window works better.

For something to nibble, our dehydrated carrot chews are made from a single ingredient: carrot. As with any treat, supervise your dog while they chew and keep fresh water available.

The yard: a safe, pleasant space

• Check the fence regularly: dug holes, loose boards, objects that could be used as a step.
• Provide shade and water in summer.
• Learn about the plants in your yard: some are toxic to dogs.
• Store fertilizer, treated mulch and garden products out of reach.

Simple, regular upkeep

• Wash their bed and blankets regularly with a mild, unscented soap.
• Clean their bowls every day.
• Wash fabric toys now and then, and toss any that break into small pieces.
• Rinse floors well after cleaning: your dog walks and lies on them.

Frequently asked questions

Should my dog sleep in my bedroom?

It's a personal choice. What matters is that they have a comfortable, consistent spot where they feel good.

How many toys should I leave out?

Three or four are often enough. Keep the rest aside for rotation.

In short

Setting up your home for your dog means thinking about their rest, their age, their activities and their comfort. With a few simple adjustments, your home becomes a true place of well-being, for them and for you.