Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys—until they shred your furniture, track dirt through the house, or make your home smell less than fresh. While pets bring companionship, laughter, and unconditional love, they also come with their fair share of challenges. The good news? These common drawbacks don’t have to ruin the experience. With the right approach, you can enjoy all the amazing perks of pet ownership without the stress. Let’s look at how to tackle the biggest pet-related headaches and make life with your furry companion easier.
What to Do if Your Dog is Wild and Won’t Listen
A misbehaving dog can turn a peaceful home into a full-time wrestling match. Whether they’re jumping on guests, chewing up shoes, or dragging you down the street on walks, an unruly pup can make even the most patient owner question their decision to get a dog. The key to a well-mannered pet? Taking the time to train your dog properly.
Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about establishing trust and clear communication. A structured routine with consistent commands helps your dog understand what’s expected of them, making both of your lives easier. Basic obedience training, like sit, stay, and come, lays the foundation for good behavior, while leash training prevents embarrassing tug-of-war moments during walks.
Reinforcing good behavior with rewards is far more effective than punishing bad behavior. When your dog listens, acknowledge it with treats, praise, or playtime.
Keep Your Home From Smelling Like a Litter Box
There’s no getting around it—if you have a cat, you have a litter box. And if you don’t manage it properly, your home will let everyone know. A smelly litter box is one of the biggest complaints among cat owners, but the solution is simple: switch to an odor control litter that helps neutralize smells before they take over your space.
Odor control litter works by trapping smells rather than just covering them up. Some formulas absorb moisture quickly, keeping waste from sitting too long and creating unpleasant odors. Regularly scooping the box—ideally once a day—prevents buildup, and a full litter change every few weeks ensures that no lingering odors stick around.
Placement matters, too. Keeping the litter box in a more ventilated area, rather than tucking it into a closed-off space, allows air to circulate and reduces trapped smells. A litter box with a covered design can also help contain odors, but only if it’s cleaned regularly. With the right setup, you can keep your cat happy while maintaining a fresh-smelling home.
The Best Way to Handle Shedding
Pet hair has a way of making itself at home on furniture, floors, and clothing, no matter how often you clean. While shedding is inevitable, it doesn’t have to take over your life. The first step to controlling it is tackling the problem at the source—your pet’s coat.
Regular brushing removes loose fur before it has a chance to spread around the house. The type of brush you need depends on your pet’s coat, but even short-haired breeds benefit from a few minutes of brushing a couple of times a week. If your pet sheds excessively, a daily routine can make a noticeable difference.
Vacuuming frequently helps keep pet hair from building up in carpets and furniture. A damp rubber glove works surprisingly well for gathering loose fur off fabric surfaces, and a lint roller is a quick fix for clothing.
Stop Pets From Destroying Your Furniture
A shredded couch, scratched-up doors, or chewed-up table legs can make even the most patient pet owner lose their cool. Whether it’s a teething puppy or a cat with a passion for scratching, the key to saving your furniture is giving them something better to do.
For cats, scratching posts are essential. Placing a sturdy scratching post near the furniture they usually attack gives them an alternative that satisfies their natural urge to scratch. If they still go for your couch, covering the area with double-sided tape can discourage them—most cats hate the sticky feeling and will quickly move on.
Dogs, especially young ones, chew to relieve boredom and teething discomfort. Providing chew toys that are safe and engaging can prevent them from targeting furniture. Rotating toys keeps things interesting so they don’t lose interest and start looking for new (and more destructive) ways to entertain themselves.
Prevent Pets From Getting Bored and Acting Out
A bored pet is a destructive pet. Whether it’s a dog that chews everything in sight or a cat that knocks things off shelves for fun, bad behavior often comes down to a lack of stimulation. Keeping pets entertained isn’t just about play—it’s about engaging their minds and giving them appropriate outlets for their energy.
For dogs, daily walks and structured playtime are essential. Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games help keep their brains active, reducing boredom-related mischief. Training sessions can also double as mental stimulation, giving them a job to do while strengthening their bond with you.
Cats thrive on interactive play. Wand toys, laser pointers, and climbing structures encourage natural hunting behaviors and keep them engaged. Even simple cardboard boxes or crumpled paper balls can provide endless entertainment. Rotating toys and introducing new activities prevents them from losing interest in their usual playthings.