Owning a dog is a big responsibility. There’s little doubt that bringing a furry friend into your home is rewarding, although it certainly comes with its own set of challenges. It is important for both you and your pup to be comfortable in your home. This level of mutual comfort can be reached by proper training and by utilizing some great products.
Here are our must-haves for homeowners with dogs.
Deshedding Brush
Even though you have willfully invited a furry animal to live in your home, you probably don’t want your home to be filled with hair. One of the best ways to keep shedding at a minimum is to preemptively shed your pup with a de-shedding brush. Using this brush on your furry friend for a few minutes once or twice a week will remove most of the undercoat that is shed naturally. This should be done outdoors for sure. Be prepared to collect a big furball. The good news is that it won’t be in your house!
Collapsible Dog Crate
It is so important to establish healthy boundaries with your little buddy. There will be times that you need them to be in their own space, away from you. You may also want to keep them in a kennel while you are out of the home if you are worried about them destroying furniture or worse. A crate is a wonderful training tool that is a must-have, especially if you have a new puppy or rescue dog. Most wire kennels are collapsible, so that allows for it to be easily stored away when not in use.
Gate
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, establishing healthy boundaries with your furbaby is important. Using a gate is a great way to block off rooms or areas of your home that he/she isn’t wanted. These gates are easy to install in a doorway and even easier to take down and store.
Nail Trimmer
Those nails grow fast and they can be sharp. Sharp nails can be detrimental to your furniture, rugs, and not to mention, your skin! If you aren’t comfortable trimming their nails, you will want to have a professional groomer do it often.
Dog Camera with Audio, and Treat Dispenser
When you are not home with your dog, they may develop separation anxiety. You might as well! There are several awesome products that include video cameras, microphones, speakers, and treat dispensers that will allow you to interact with your pooch while you are away. One of the coolest features of these devices is the treat dispenser. With the tap of a button on your phone, you can shoot out yummy treats to reward your baby.
Furniture Protector
When you are living with a dog (or maybe several dogs), your furniture will be under attack. You will definitely want to protect it from the hair and the sharp toenails. Purchasing a few sofa and chair covers is a fantastic investment. It will save your furnishings and keep you from resenting your pup for damaging them.
Chew Toys…Lots of Chew Toys
It’s no secret that dogs like to chew on things…especially puppies! Give them several options of toys to chew on. If you don’t, it might be your favorite pair of shoes that they go for! That wouldn’t be a good situation for you or your dog.
Happy Dog, Happy Homeowner!
The bottom line is that if you are happy, your dog will be happy. Having the right tools to help you avert issues before they become issues is crucial to maintain a healthy relationship between you and your fur baby.