Setting up a fish tank in a dog-friendly home requires a bit of work in terms of security and stability. Most of the process revolves around introducing the fish to your dog. Some dogs are naturally curious, but they’ll never be bothered by the fish. Some others will be extremely alert.
This being said, let’s explore the best methods to set up a fish tank in your home without triggering your dog. A bit of planning now can prevent accidents, stress, and expensive messes later on.
Location for Security
You obviously want to see and admire your fish, but safety comes first. The location should be picked with security in mind. Whether on a stand, table or shelf, the location must be sturdy and level. Direct sunlight must be avoided. Vibrations can be caused by high-traffic areas, so avoid them.
Height is the main consideration, since the dog shouldn’t be able to knock the tank over, jump or fall inside. Larger or athletic breeds may need the tank placed even higher or in a more tucked-away corner to stay truly out of reach.
Nearby areas must be carefully considered too, since dogs can climb on furniture to reach it. Make sure there are no “springboards” around.
If your dog has too much energy, it might be a good idea to secure the tank by anchoring it to a wall, for example. Places like CoralsDepot have tanks in all shapes and sizes, including tanks that can be secured like this.
When it comes to security, make sure electrical cords are tucked away as well.
Consider Tank Security
Security isn’t all about the location, but also about the tank. For instance, make sure the lid fits tightly. It should be sturdy enough as well. It depends on how large and strong your dog is. You don’t want your furry friend to dip paws in or drink the water. A solid lid also prevents startled fish from jumping out if your dog suddenly barks or bumps the glass.
Should you choose a rimless tank, safety netting is a must. A net will add an extra layer of protection if you have an energetic or nervous dog too.
Safety in Setting the Tank Up
Once you get your tank, make sure you rinse it completely to sanitize it. Rinse everything that goes inside it too, from decorations to gravel. Avoid detergents or other chemicals, as there might be leftovers. Such chemicals are harmful to fish.
If you use tap water, make sure to get a dechlorinator as well. You’ll have to remove all the chemicals from the water. They might be safe for you, but they’ll be harmful for your fish.
Cycle the tank and run the filter for at least a few weeks before getting the fish in. The process establishes useful bacteria for your fish.
Introducing Your Dog
Introducing your dog to the tank is part of the setup. Treat it like any other new stimulus in the home and go at your dog’s pace.
Indeed, there’s a physical part that involves keeping the tank as far as possible from the dog. Focus on height, security and stability. But unless you can keep the fish in a separate room, introducing your dog to your new pet is also part of the setup.
The introduction must be controlled. Let the dog observe the tank and smell it. Some dogs may stare at it. Others might turn around and look for a toy instead. It depends on how accessible the tank is.
If your dog is calm and friendly, positive reinforcement can encourage this behavior in the future. Give your furry friend some treats to reward this behavior.
At this point, the setup isn’t necessarily about getting your dog to accept the fish. Instead, it’s about teaching your dog to ignore it. At this point, your dog should know commands about leaving things.
Make sure the dog isn’t left alone with the fish, especially in the beginning. Even if your dog looks alright with the tank, you never know what might happen while you’re away. Your dog could get bored and attack or play with the fish.
From this point of view, the best thing to do in terms of setup is to keep everyone separated. If you can get the fish in a separate room or out of reach, you’re doing it right. Hallways, home offices, or corners gated off from your dog’s usual play areas often work well.
As a short final conclusion, setting up a fish tank in a dog-friendly home isn’t that difficult, but it does require some preparation. Most of it implies picking a safe and sturdy place at the optimal height and out of reach. Once you’ve got these aspects covered, everything else becomes a matter of time only.