How to Keep Your Home Healthy and Pet-Friendly

Bedroom: It’s a Dog’s Life…but It’s Your Carpet

The best way to keep your dog from chewing through another remote control while you’re out of the house is to crate train him, starting at a young age. In her book It’s a Dog’s Life… but It’s Your Carpet, Dr. Lee explains that the domesticated dog descended from the wolf, which used to live in small den situations. A crate is nothing more than a modern day wolf den. It should be a safe place for toys, treats, and even meals.

“Crates should be tall and wide enough for your dog to comfortably stretch and stand in but shouldn’t be too large where she may decide to defecate or urinate in it,” Dr. Lee writes. “Crates should not be viewed as punishment, as this is counterproductive to the den philosophy.”