7 Tricks for Keeping Dogs Away From Fish Tanks
Did you know that around 142 million people own freshwater fish as pets, whereas around 75 million people own a dog? These statistics mean there is a high chance that some households will have a dog and fish living together.
Fish are easy-to-maintain pets. They do not require attention as much as cats and dogs. Moreover, fish also add aesthetics to your dull home, making it visually appealing.
But those with a pet dog often wonder if they can keep fish under the same roof. How will their dogs react to a new addition to the family? How will fish affect the temperament of their dogs? This article will discuss tricks for keeping dogs away from fish tanks.
1. Keep Your Tank Out of Reach
First and foremost, keep your tank out of reach of your dog. A newly placed aquarium will look like nothing less than a toy to your dog. Therefore, think of places that your dog cannot reach easily. You can even look for rooms out of their reach, such as a home office, bedroom, etc.
Keeping your dog out of the room is one of the easiest tricks to keep them away from your fish tank. When you leave the house or sleep at night, shut the room door with the fish tank.
2. It’s All About Location
If you have a small nano tank with betta fish, such small aquariums are easy to place. You could keep tiny aquariums on a countertop of a high shelf. Such places are well out of reach of your furry friend.
However, if you have a large tank, that is where the problem starts. Make sure to place large aquariums on sturdy stands and in spots that are difficult to reach for your dog. Also, ensure that your dog only has access to the front viewing pane. Otherwise, they may get tangled in the cables, and you must look up a Bernedoodle rescue plan.
Never place the aquarium in the center of the room, as your dog may topple it over. Selecting the perfect location will reduce half the effort of keeping your dog away from the fish tank.
3. A Good Introduction Goes a Long Way
An abrupt introduction will make your dog anxious and surprised. Your furry friend will want to explore every bit of the aquarium, which can cause mayhem. It would be best to take things slow when introducing your dog to the fish tank.
Start by putting him on a leash. You can then allow him to inspect the tank from a safe distance. Leashing helps to keep your curious dog from jumping and toppling over the aquarium.
If your dog is peaceful and happy by just looking at the aquarium from a safe distance, then it means that they will not cause any trouble in the future. It also means that you can now take them off the leash. However, if the body language is the opposite, it must be concerning for you. In such cases, keeping them on a leash is always best. You may even look into training your dog to avoid the fish aquarium.
4. Keeping Fish Food Far, Far Away
Pups love to explore new tastes and smells. Now, when you look at the dog treats and fish food pouches, they look the same. Some of the fish foods smell the same, too. These new shiny food packaging may excite your dog, and he may pounce on it, too.
Fish food smell that attracts your dog can be dangerous for the fish because your dog may try to eat the fish pellets from the water. To avoid any problems, keep the fish food locked away in a cabinet. Keeping the fish food in a tightly sealed container will prevent the smell from reaching your dog.
5. Keeping the Tank Clean
Dogs love to splash in muddy pools and waters. They just love water. While it may look cute at that moment, it may not look the same when your dog splashes its face in the fish tank. An untidy aquarium will be the most appealing thing for your dog. Therefore, it is essential that you clean your fish tank regularly, especially if you have a dog in the house.
The reason that dogs are attracted to unclean aquariums is because their sharp noses detect the fishy smell. Cleaning and maintaining your aquarium will help keep that stinky smell at bay. Moreover, your fish will be healthy, too.
6. Training Your Dog
Teaching your dogs to behave in a certain way is very common. We teach them to sit, roll over, and much more. Similarly, we can also train them to stay away from the aquarium. Dogs have an instinct to chase after anything that moves. Fishes swimming in a tank initiate their instincts and run towards the tank.
Training your dogs to react oppositely may be the ultimate trick. However, remember that it may be a long and tiring process. Consider hiring a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you find it difficult.
Alternatively, if you teach your dogs not to follow their chase-prey instinct early, they will be easy to train when they grow up. Adult dogs are difficult to train in comparison to small pups.
7. Setting up a Fish Tank Alarm System
Several motion-controlled alarm systems are made for this purpose. It may be an effective way of keeping your dog away from the fish tank. The alarm system can make sounds or flashlights that may scare your dog away. Such alarm systems help create the concept of danger every time your dog comes close to the fish tank.
The system is set in a location where your dog approaches the tank the most. For instance, if your pup jumps on the tank, from the tank or above, place the sensor in the same location. An ideal placement location will be most beneficial when you want to keep your dogs away from the aquarium.
The Takeaway
Every dog is different, and so is their reaction towards new things they come across in their homes. Some dogs will only think about the fish tank in the house and go about their normal routine. On the other hand, some excited ones will want to put their face or paws in the water.
The reaction depends on the dog’s temperament and how they deal with environmental changes. Only you, as an owner, can assess these behaviors. Keep an eye on their body language. If your dog is wagging their tails and pointing their ears, then there is not much to worry about.
However, you must practice control if you notice signs of aggression, such as pouncing, crouching, or jumping. In conclusion, if you plan to keep fish and dogs in the same house, the best trick is to introduce them well. Also, ensure that they do not cause any trouble for each other.
