5. Stop Dirt In Its Tracks – At The Door!
Stop dusty, wet, muddy paws at the door. Place suitable mats at both the outside and inside of every exterior door your pet is allowed to use. They really help cut the dirt down. Washable mats are best, and can be purchased very cheaply at discount stores, or on line.

Another way to help keep the mud and dust outside, and off your floors and furniture, is pet wipes. It only takes a few seconds and you'll be amazed to see how much dirt comes off your pet's paws when they come in. Dogs don't seem to mind this routine after it's been done a couple of times.

6. Clean [housebroken] Messes ASAP
When accidents happen, and they do, clean them up immediately! If you leave a mess unattended, it will spread, then stain, and finally smell – worse as days pass. Also, if you leave the area dirty, your dog is apt to come back to that spot and use it again thinking that's his bathroom.

It's really best to employ the products that are made especially for these pet messes. These products are made to rapidly break down organic waste, and to neutralize the specific odors associated with them. Be sure not to use any cleaners containing ammonia. Ammonia smells just like urine to dogs.

7. A Handy "Clean-Up-Kit" Can Save the Day
To make clean-ups faster and easier, keep the following in one place in your cleaning closet, or somewhere that's handy: spray stain removers, old terrycloth towels, cheap paper towels, and disposable, disinfectant wipes.

In case you run out of pet stain remover an hour before your mother in law comes to visit, here's an effective stain remover you can make yourself: Mix 1 quart of hot tap water with 1 teaspoon of regular dish soap and 1 teaspoon of plain white vinegar (for odor elimination). Shake or mix thoroughly. First, blot the affected area with old, cry terrycloth towels. Now, just blot the affected area using another towel that has been wetted with the mixture. Cover the area with the damp towel and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Remove the towel and dry with a dry towel or a couple of paper towels. If necessary, repeat the process.

I hope these tips help you enjoy your pet more. Dog is truly man's best friend, but when they dirty our desert homes, they stress the relationships with their human pals. It's up to us as responsible pet owners not to let this become a problem, and simplifying necessary clean up duties goes a long way towards that objective.