Whatever you are thinking about the design process, your dogs’ safety has to stay in mind. Any accidents are going to be difficult emotionally and financially so it is best to take precautions to limit these occurrences as much as possible.
Create barriers to set out the areas in the home where your dog is and isn't allowed. Baby-guards and fences are easy and inexpensive enough to install for this. Kitchens and bathrooms are two general examples of a long list of places you may consider fencing your dog out from.
When it comes to keeping your valuables safe, the further away from your pets they are - the better. One of the most effective ways to do this is to ensure there are enough shelves in your home. Placing belongings on sufficiently-high shelves means they are both out of sight and out of mind for your dog.
This means fewer accidents and a lower chance of accidental breakage and cleanups. So, look around your home. Are there enough shelves to keep your things safe? Shelves are cheap and efficient to put up and can offer a lot of storage as well as keeping your things out of reach from prying paws.
This is an area of discretion amongst dog owners. Some owners love cuddling their dogs on the couch during a movie while some owners prefer not having pet hair in their living spaces. Regardless, dogs can manage to find their way in every now and again, so it is important that this is pet-proofed too.
Ensure all wires from TVs, stereos, etc. are up and off of the ground, or have protective covers, and out of reach of your dog. Research to see whether your houseplants may be poisonous. Even if they aren't, they may still cause problems if chewed on and may be best up and away.
Anything you do not want your dog swallowing needs to be away from them whenever it is not being used.
When you are selecting new furniture, indoor or outdoor, consider examining the material used. Try to avoid loose-weave fabrics. Tweed, corduroy, and other materials with open weaves can be snagged by little claws and cause the material to unravel. Also avoid materials that are difficult to clean, such as velvet, silk and suede.
Leather furniture is best! It hides pet hair, is easier to clean and it won't be snagged by claws! Sometimes a little wear and tear on leather can even lend to the aesthetic, although this may be debatable. However, many stores now sell pet-friendly fabrics which do not snag when pierced by sharp claws.
If all else fails, an easy option is to buy a slipcover for the couch. This blocks any damage to couches but compromises the fabric feel for you. Ultimately the decision is yours!
Stemming from a similar place as furniture material, the colour and make of your carpet is important in several aspects. Carpet made from nylon fibres tends to be the most popular amongst dog owners due its durability and stain-resistance.
It can also pay to keep in mind that some carpets are designed specifically for pets. Some patterns and colours hide hair and other pet-related messes better than others! There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind, but they are all worth it when it comes to keeping your home and dog safe!
Main photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
What steps have you taken to make your home safe for your dog? Let us know below!
]]>Animals are sensitive to change and can be very territorial. This can make moving difficult. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make it easier for them. Follow these tips to make the move as stress-free as possible.
Moving day will be chaotic. There will be boxes, a moving van and an empty house. These changes could be stressful for your animal. Keep them away from the moving zone. Ask friends or family to look after your pet for a few hours as you move. There’s also the option of dropping your pet into a kennel for the day.
If this is not possible or you prefer your pet to stay with you, consider putting them in an empty bedroom while you pack up the rest of the house. Just remember to check on them regularly, leave them food and water, adequate ventilation and toys. Put them into their crate and into the car for transport only once the rest of the house has been cleared.
Pet relocation companies are incredibly helpful for the big move and deal with animals on a daily basis. This will take the stress off getting your pet to your new place.
Try to book a direct flight to your new home if possible to minimise travelling time and the stress on your animal.
Your pet’s travel container will need to be approved according to international standards. Be sure that your pet has room to stand up and turn around inside their crate.
Pets, like us, also show emotions. They can feel fear and anxiety but might portray these emotions in different ways to us.
Learn about how your animal may think or the behavioural traits behind their moods. This will help you figure out what they’re feeling and how you can make them feel more comfortable during periods of dramatic change.
Keep everything your pet needs in one bag. This will make it easier for you to access their food, treats, lead and grooming equipment.
Moving is time-consuming, and you may have to prioritise unpacking certain items. So, having everything your pet will need for a week. This will cover the move itself, as well as a few days before the move and a few days after.
Their belongings will have a familiar scent, a scent of home. Keep all their belongings nearby and accessible to them following the move. It will be a new environment, so make sure they are familiar with where their belongings are stored. This way, they will know where to find their bed, toys, water etc. when they need it.
The familiarity of their regular routine will make moving easier on your pet. You may be able to adapt to the change well, but your pet will be more tied down to their routine.
Stick to their regular mealtimes, potty times and exercise schedule. This familiarity will give them security. When the routine is as close as possible to what your pet is used to, they will become more comfortable with the change and adapt to their new lifestyle.
If you’re not moving too far away and have the time, take your dog for a walk around his new neighbourhood to get him used to the new sights, sounds and smells of his new area. This will also give you an opportunity to check for any potentially unfriendly or aggressive dogs you might want to avoid.
Getting a dog used to being in a crate has many benefits, one of which is stress-free travel. Once your dog is happy in a crate, it doesn’t matter if he is at home, in the car or on holiday, he will feel safe and secure in his own space.
Once you are safely at the other end, it will be a bit chaotic until you get some basics set up so leave your dog in his crate and put him in a quiet spot away from all the comings and goings. If he is happy in his crate it will give him a chance to get used to his new surroundings from a place of comfort and safety until you are ready to devote some time to settling him in.
Check your new home for any potential dangers to your pet such as sharp edges, splintered floorboards, loose wires/cables and hazardous chemicals. Here is a useful guide to dog-proofing your home.
Make sure the outside area is secured with no gaps in fences or walls where he could escape. It takes a dog a few weeks to get used to new surroundings and in that time, you need to be sure that he is as safe as possible without you having to be vigilant during a time when you will be busy also.
Pets are in tune with their owners’ behaviour. They can tell if you’re excited, stressed or upset. Take care of yourself after you move. There will be a lot to sort out, including unpacking, changing addresses and finding a new vet.
If you’re having trouble adjusting, your animal will pick up on this sense of upheaval. Maintain the healthy habits you had before the move. Get enough sleep, don’t skip your meals and exercise regularly.
Main photo by Avi Richards on Unsplash
Do you have any house moving tips you'd like to share? Let us know below.
]]>From establishing a routine to creating a safe space, discover how to make this phase as smooth and as rewarding as possible for your new four-legged companion and your family.
The first week is a daunting time for an adopted dog. He must adapt to a new environment and family, while still recovering from the stress of living in a shelter.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to make this transition easier for your dog. Here are ten examples that are important during the first week.
Many of your dog-loving family and friends will be desperate to meet your new pet – and it can be hard to say no!
Try to minimise visitors during the first week or two though. Adapting to a new household is difficult for a rescue dog, but the process becomes harder with the excitement of meeting lots of new people. Allow your dog time to settle in and establish a routine before having guests.
When you do have guests over, ask them to come alone or small groups. Make sure they are calm when entering the house and allow the dog to greet them in his own time. Keep a close watch for signs of stress.
It might sound obvious, but make sure your home and garden are fully dog-proof before bringing your pet home.
There are many potential hazards in the average home. Some of the most common include:
It’s best to be over-cautious when adopting a dog – especially until you know his temperament.
Being in a new home is often frightening for an adopted dog. This anxiety is amplified by being left alone – even if the dog hasn’t previously shown signs of separation anxiety.
To avoid increasing your dog’s stress, gradually increase the time he’s left alone during the first few weeks. This builds trust that you’ll always return.
Start by leaving for a few minutes and giving the dog a tasty chew. Remain calm when you come back, as this teaches him not to anticipate your return. Once your pet seems happy to be left alone for a few minutes, begin to increase the time.
Dogs have sensitive stomachs. A change in food can cause your pet to feel unwell or even trigger diarrhoea, especially when he’s already stressed.
For this reason, maintain the shelter’s diet for at least a few days. You can then gradually switch to his long-term food, as this minimises the chance of a stomach upset.
It’s easier for a dog to settle into a new home if he has a routine, as dogs thrive on consistency.
From the first day, try to maintain a consistent schedule for sleep, food and walks. This helps the dog feel confident and relaxed, rather than always anticipating when he’s going to get fed or taken outside.
It’s also important that everyone in the household is consistent with the dog’s training. If you want to teach him not to jump up, for example, ask everyone to respond in the same way. In this example, the best option is to instantly turn away and ignore the dog, so he learns jumping doesn’t get attention.
Before bringing your dog home, make sure he has a den with all the essentials. These include a comfortable bed, water bowl, and lots of fun toys.
The den should be your dog’s safe space from noise and attention. Ask everyone in the house to leave him alone whenever he’s on his bed, so he learns he can go there for a break. If possible, put his den somewhere quiet in the house without much foot traffic.
Getting a dog used to being in a crate can help your dog settle in and has many other benefits such as stress-free travel. Once your dog is happy in a crate, it doesn’t matter if he is at home, in the car or on holiday, he will feel safe and secure in his own space.
It’s a good idea to take your dog for a vet checkup during the first week. The rescue centre may have provided health information, but it’s still important to get an up-to-date overview of your dog’s health.
Aside from a health check, make sure that your dog has had all relevant vaccinations.
Shelters often perform tests on dogs before they are adopted. These could include testing how the dog responds to other dogs and people.
Pay close attention to advice given by the shelter about your dog’s temperament. If the dog is known to have toy possession issues, for example, don’t be tempted to test this – especially during the stressful first few weeks.
Forming a bond with a dog takes time – especially when adopting an adult dog who may have had negative experiences in the past.
The bond is likely to form naturally, as long as you’re caring and treat him kindly. You can speed up the process by setting aside dedicated time for play and positive grooming though.
It can take weeks for a dog’s true personality to come out after adopting. Even then, it may take months for your pet to feel completely settled in his new home.
Be patient during this process. Your dog will become a loving and settled member of the family, but he needs time and care to get there.
You may also find that your dog forgets his housetraining when he’s settling in. This is normal during a stressful period. Never punish your dog for mistakes, as this causes more stress and anxiety.
Walking a rescue dog for the first few times can be exciting but challenging. These initial walks are crucial to bonding and teaching good habits. Here are some tips to make those walks successful and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Main photo by Margarita Kosior on Unsplash
What are your experiences with a rescue dog? Let us know below!
]]>So, you've decided that those puppies in the toilet roll ads look like a whole bundle of fun and you've just got to have one. Congratulations! A dog will enrich your life in a hundred and one different ways and give you many moments of joy and fun. Whilst the vast majority of puppies grow up to be well-behaved, healthy and lovable dogs, your chances of getting the right puppy for you will be far greater if you have a simple checklist to help you make your choice.
Choosing a puppy is an important process. Without wanting to take the gloss off your momentous decision, too many dogs end up in rescue shelters or worst still, are euthanased when the relationship between a dog and its owner goes wrong. The largest cause of death of puppies under 12 months in Australia is euthanasia due to behavioural problems.
Your puppy will be with you for a long time so it's important to get it right. Here are some useful pointers:
Vets, groomers, toys, dog-friendly hotels, it all adds up! To be a responsible puppy and dog owner you need time, money and energy. Adult dogs need regular exercise and training whilst costs can be considerable, not to mention a sofa or two if things don't turn out quite as they should.
Too many puppies end up as abandoned or destroyed dogs because people don't see beyond that bundle of cheekiness and consider the rational, practical aspects of dog ownership.
Do you eventually want to be able to run 15km a day with your dog or just walk him around to all your friends' houses to show him off? Are you a dab hand with the clippers or the Barber from Hellsville? Lots of people buy a puppy because they like their appearance without taking into account the needs and temperament of that particular breed.
Choosing a puppy like a Border Collie for example is not wise if you or someone else in your family is rarely home or don't have the time to devote to your puppy's requirements for physical and mental exercise. It is important that you are clear on the type of dog you are getting so you know what to expect. You should also take into consideration your health and age.
Your vet will be your source of advice on a whole range of matters such as puppy care to crate training and it's important you feel comfortable with him/her and the philosophy of the practice. Find one in your area who you like and trust.
Is your breeder reputable, who says so and do you know anyone who has previously got a puppy from him/her? Do they know which puppy from the litter is best suited to your needs? And if the puppy turns out to be unsuitable, will they take him back? Is the paperwork in order?
Ask around, try to speak to people who have taken a puppy from the breeders you are considering and any other people in your local dog community. Use your instincts and decide whether you actually like this person before trusting their judgement and knowledge.
Watch the puppies play for an hour or so at least. Crouch down and watch their reaction to you. Pick a puppy that is playing happily and not being too rough and observe it for a while - this is a good sign. A dog or puppy that licks is also a far better prospect than one that playfully bites but this is curable with training if you really fall for the one with the little razor sharp teeth!
You'll sometimes spot a puppy on his own in the corner looking all sad and lost to which our human instinct cries out "look at that poor soul all sad and lonely. Well, we'll take him and look after him." This is a mistake. This puppy is probably too shy, scared, sick or aloof to interact with the rest of the litter.
Sometimes the rest of the puppies won't want to play with that particular puppy because he has already shown signs of being a bully. The mother will know already that this puppy is likely to grow up to be a problem dog. It's so hard to do but you'll be thankful in the long run.
Photo by Bharathi Kannan on Unsplash
The biggest or fattest puppy in the litter can turn out to be the greediest one - he probably pushed the other puppies away to get the most food. The smallest one often can't fend for itself and consequently doesn't get enough food.
You need the middle-sized puppy, because he's the one that is neither greedy nor weedy and who knew something about sharing. Greedy bullies or weedy weaklings will end up giving you more headaches than joy.
Size also has little to do with dominance or how outgoing or sociable a dog the puppy may become.
And ideally the father too. If the mother is laid back, chances are your puppy will be too as puppies mostly inherit their mother's temperament. If the breeder says you cannot see the mother because 'she is ill' or 'isn't good with the puppies', take this as a sign that something is probably being hidden from you.
Any reputable breeder will ensure that the parents can be seen. If you are told that the bitch exhibits aggressive tendencies towards a stranger approaching her litter, the puppy may also have learned this behaviour.
Don't choose a listless puppy as he could have an underlying illness and ensure that there are no obvious signs of disease. It's costly enough to purchase and raise a puppy without veterinary bills for an illness you didn't expect.
Crossbred puppies can make lovely, loyal pets. As a basic guideline to his adult size, a puppy is likely to be slightly smaller than the larger breed in the cross when fully grown.
Qualities of temperament in a particular breed can be offset by qualities in the crossbreed. For example, the more even character of a Labrador may balance a Boxer's bouncy personality.
It is not advisable to choose the puppy of a mix of highly-strung breeds, or the end result may be a very neurotic dog indeed.
A puppy should be no younger than 8-12 weeks of age before being separated from its mother. Any younger is too early, even if the puppy has been weaned. Puppies kept in the litter until they are three months of age rarely exhibit dog aggression later if the socialisation process is continued after they enter their human/dog pack.
However, problems can arise if the puppy is largely isolated from human contact during these early months. During his first 16 weeks you should keep your puppy around your home (apart from going to the vets) so he doesn't pick up a disease from the park or pavement.
Be wary if the breeder presents a puppy which has been bottle-fed because the mother rejected it. She rejected it because she knew there was something wrong with it.
We humans can't bear to see a puppy starve but bitches will instinctively isolate an undesirable puppy and leave it to die. The mother knows that the puppy will weaken the pack and the strength of the pack is all-important. This puppy will almost always turn out to be a problem dog.
Main photo by Ricardo Arce on Unsplash
What experience have you had with choosing a puppy? Are there any tips or recommendations you would share?
]]>