Tag Archive for: puppy

Your Guide to Transforming Your House Into a Pet Haven

/in /by

So you’ve decided to welcome a puppy into the family. Many years of love, cuddling, and laughter are just beginning. Congratulations. There is nothing that can make you happier than a fluffy pet. It takes a lot of work, but raising a dog is incredibly worthwhile.

To keep your new pet safe, you should pet-proof your home before bringing your new puppy to prevent mischief from developing into a trip to the vet by keeping a watch on your dog and removing any potential dangers.

Your pet could be interested in many things in and around your home, including foods, plants, electrical wires, and chemicals. So in order for you to be ready and for your new pet to be able to grow up in safety and happiness, we’ll help you locate them before they find you.

Preparing your home for pets can seem like a big chore if you’ve never had one. Animals are naturally curious and will explore every crevice of your home. These tips can help you prepare your home for your new best buddy in order to keep them safe and minimize damage.

  • Keep hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning products and pesticides, out of reach of your pets.
  • Keep electrical cords and outlets covered to prevent your pet from chewing on them.
  • Keep small objects, such as coins, buttons and small toys, out of reach of your pet to prevent choking hazards.
  • Keep all windows and doors closed, and make sure screens are secure to prevent your pet from escaping.
  • Keep plants that are toxic to pets out of reach, or consider using artificial plants instead.
  • Secure loose or unstable furniture to prevent your pet from knocking it over.
  • Keep trash cans out of reach and with a secure lid to prevent your pet from getting into the garbage.
  • Make sure all medications and supplements are kept out of reach of your pets.
  • Keep all sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, out of reach to prevent injury.
  • Consider using baby gates to block off areas of your home that are off-limits to your pet.
  • Keep your pet identification updated, and make sure your pet is microchipped.

101 Pet Safety

Inspecting your home’s safety is necessary to keep your new pet out of mischief. Even though they may seem perfectly harmless to you, many everyday objects in your home could harm your pet’s health. For the first few weeks, keep a close eye on your new pet and check every room of your house for these dangers. If there is a hidden danger in your home, a puppy is almost sure to discover it.

Kitchen: Small dogs are plainly dangerous to household cleansers and other hazardous chemicals, so they should be kept out of reach or behind a locked cabinet. Additionally, look behind cupboards and appliances for areas where a small animal can get trapped.

Unexpectedly, certain typical foods can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Foods with artificial sweeteners, avocados, grapes, onions, coffee grounds, chocolate, and more can be deadly or dangerous. Keep all food safely out of children’s reach, and close ground-level cabinets with a childproof lock as basic safety advice.

Bedroom: Your bedroom might seem like a safe space for your pet, but you’ll still need a safety inspection. Teething puppies are highly drawn to power cords and phone wires. Hot pepper sauce or a bitter apple spray will make power cords taste terrible, discouraging chewing.

Another helpful tool for protecting your furnishings is a bitter spray. Using the spray on wooden chairs and table legs can prevent your dog from making furniture a midday snack and can aid in training for good behaviors like staying off the couch.

Garage and Backyard: Your new pet can also be injured outdoors. Checking for hazards and dangers is essential for outdoor safety. Even modest amounts of ethylene glycol and other antifreeze can be fatal. A single lick could poison your pet.

Herbicides, rodenticides, and insecticides can also be very hazardous to pets. If you spray or treat your lawn, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines before you allow your pet to play in the affected area. And finally, keep a close eye on pets in garden spaces – common plants like lilies, holly, yarrow, yew, and other plant varieties can be harmful or potentially deadly.

It’s a good idea to check each room in your house for these typical risks, but you should still keep an eye on your pets for the first few weeks, especially if you’re dealing with a puppy.

Create a comfortable and functional pet nook in your home

It’s no secret that pets are family members too. All pet parents want to provide their pets with comfort and love. Creating a pet-friendly room to make your pet’s home life the best it can be, whether you adopted it or got it from a breeder, may improve your pet’s life by giving them a cozy, convenient pet nook where your pet can sleep, eat, and feel comfortable.

Before you decorate your pet nook, you need to accomplish some important things. Planning early will make your pet’s new habitat safe and convenient for everyone.

Safety first. Choose a safe spot where your pet cannot accidentally escape. Keep paints, household chemicals, and other dangerous materials out of their reach. Measure the space to make sure your dog won’t feel cramped. The surroundings should be quiet and cozy to make your pet feel at peace.

Choosing the perfect place. You may create a pet nook in several places. Think about spaces in your home that are underutilized or where you store things. Before designing, choose a site that works for you and your pet, such as beneath the stairs, in the laundry room, or in the kitchen. Keep these things in mind when designing your perfect pet nook:

  • Choose a location that is easily accessible to your pet, but also out of the way of high-traffic areas.
  • Make sure the space is well-ventilated and has adequate lighting.
  • Provide a cozy bed or cushion for your pet to rest on.
  • Include a water and food bowl in the space.
  • Add a few toys for your pet to play with.
  • Consider adding a litter box for cats or a potty area for dogs if needed.
  • Keep the area clean and organized to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for your pet.
  • Make sure the nook is accessible to your pet when they are alone home.
  • Consider adding a cam to monitor your pet while you are away.
  • Personalize the space with your pet’s name or favorite color to make them feel special.

Creating a pet-friendly backyard

The backyard is a canine paradise, especially when their favorite human is there to play and engage with them. You and your dog will want to spend even more time together in this enjoyable place if you make your backyard dog-friendly and provide it with dog-friendly amenities.

It is simple to make your backyard more dog-friendly by landscaping it with dog-friendly gardens and installing unique amenities that will keep your dog secure and comfortable. And this is especially true for dogs that live outside. These projects can be as straightforward or as complex as your time and budget allow. Let’s look at some ways you may improve the conditions of your backyard so that your dog will like spending time there.

  • Install a sturdy fence to keep your pet safe and contained.
  • Provide a shaded area for your pet to rest and cool off in hot weather.
  • Create a designated potty area for dogs with mulch or pea gravel.
  • Add a digging area for dogs with loose soil or sand.
  • Place a kiddie pool or small pond for your pet to cool off in during summer.
  • Provide plenty of toys and interactive items for your pet to play with.
  • Create a safe and comfortable space for your pet to rest, such as a doghouse or covered area.
  • Plant non-toxic, pet-safe plants in your garden.
  • Keep your backyard free of hazards, such as sharp objects or toxic chemicals.
  • Regularly maintain and clean your backyard to ensure a safe and healthy environment for your pet.

Moving? How to help your dog adjust to your new home

When moving with a dog, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure that your new home is a good fit for your pet. This includes finding a place that allows pets, making sure there is a nearby park or other areas where your dog can exercise, and ensuring that there are nearby veterinary services. Download the BarkHappy app to find dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shopping, and parks near your new home.

It’s also important to ensure that your dog is comfortable during the move by providing a safe and familiar space for them during the transition, keep in mind these tips:

  • Get your dog used to the crate: If you plan to transport your dog in a crate, make sure they are comfortable with it well in advance of the move.
  • Make sure your dog is properly identified: Make sure your dog has a collar with updated identification tags, and consider microchipping them for added protection.
  • Keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible: Try to maintain their regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible.
  • Pack familiar items: Bring your dog’s favorite toys, bedding, and other familiar items to help them feel more at home in their new surroundings.
  • Introduce your dog to their new home gradually: Allow them to explore the new space at their own pace, and make sure they have a comfortable, familiar area to retreat to.
  • Keep your dog calm and secure during the move: Use a crate or leash to keep your dog secure and calm during the move, and make sure they have plenty of water and a comfortable place to rest.
  • Update your dog’s information with new address and phone number in the microchip
  • Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and vet checkup before the move.

Remember these guidelines to create a welcoming environment for your pet. If you take care of your pet, it will live a long, healthy life. Keep your pet’s living space tidy, and ensure they get enough playtime and attention. Following these guidelines may provide your pet with the best life possible while still enjoying all the joys of pet ownership.

– Roberto Lopez

How to Train Your Puppy

/in /by

 

Puppies are fast learners that require house training and proper socialization from the moment they can walk. Did you know that puppies as young as 7 to 8 weeks old can be taught simple commands? Although they don’t have the attention span to learn complicated instructions at that age, they can still understand one-word commands like “sit”, “down” and “stay.”

These sorts of commands are vital for the dog owner who wants to take their pup out on the town. Here are a few things you ought to know that will have you out enjoying life with your pooch in now time.

When Should You Train Your Puppy

The recommended age for starting a step-by-step training routine is around six months, but puppies can be taught good behavioral habits much sooner than that. Puppies are more adaptable earlier on because they quickly pick up on facial expressions and learn from experience by being exposed to different types of stimuli. It’s also the best time to correct problem behaviors before they become set in stone.

Remain Positive

At 7 to 8 weeks old, you can try some methods based on positive reinforcement and food lure training. To keep a puppy focused on commands such as “stand” or “go”, make sure you place a treat near its nose, only feeding it after you get the desired response. Also, compliment your puppy whenever it listens to the command to create a secondary positive association with food.

 

Leash and Crate Training for Your Puppy

There are many reasons why crate training can help you with your puppy: it makes potty training easier, allows you to transport your puppy, and helps teach them to look and listen to you. The key to crate training is to utilize your puppy’s curious nature and not make a big deal out of it.

Let your puppy explore the crate by placing its favorite toy inside – and don’t shut the door behind them. The goal is to make it a favorite location for your puppy so always associate it with a good experience for your dog. Crate training is a great first step for both the puppy and the dog owner in learning to communicate with each other.

As for leash training, you want to start in an enclosed area before you walk your puppy to a nearby dog park. To familiarize them with the leash, you can let the dog drag it around while you hold on at a clipped length. Many puppies are eager to explore and will pull on their leash. You can eliminate this behavior by making sure that you walk in front of your puppy; it emphasizes to them that you’re in charge and to defer to you.

How to Properly Socialize Your Puppy

You might want to consider a training program which gives your puppy the chance to interact with other dogs, possibly make new friends. Puppies 8-16 weeks old will benefit from socializing as it prevents them from picking up bad habits like excessive barking at facing something new. As a result, they can become less anxious about being handled and stay calm despite loud noises. The BarkHappy app is a fantastic way to meet up with other dogs and dog owners in a more relaxed setting as well.

You should start training your puppy as soon as possible if your goal is to have fun exploring the world with your furry friend. Puppies are just like children in many ways. They need to explore and discover new things to develop a healthy disposition. As long as you remain in control and positively reinforce their learning, your puppy will be ready to hit the town in no time.

 

Alex Briggs is a contributing author for VIP Pet Services.

Unusual Places that Welcome Dogs

/in /by

Sharing adventures with your dog doesn’t have to mean the same old hiking trails, car rides or dog parks. The BarkHappy app gives you access to the dog-friendly world and makes it easy to plan a unique getaway. For those interested in mixing it up with some new experiences, here are some unusual places that welcome you and your four-legged companion.


Baseball Parks: Take your dog out to the ballgame and watch a major league baseball game. Many stadiums host a pet-night event for dogs. The PNC Park, located on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, PA, is home to the famous Pittsburgh Pirates. It features Pup Nights, a popular local event where once or twice monthly, you and your dog can sit in the deck section and enjoy the game. Dog Package tickets are $35 and include one dog and one human. A portion of the proceeds goes to help local animal shelters. At the Safeco Field in Seattle, there are Bark in the Park nights where for $50, you can purchase a Dog Pack Ticket. It includes entry for you and your dog, a Mariners dog tag and a stroll around the bases. At the Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston, TX, pet owners can attend the annual Dog Day and watch the Astros play the Seattle Mariners.

Ride NY’s Fire Island Ferry and spend the day at the Sunken Forest: It’s a short hop on the Long Island ferry from the town of Sayville to Sailor’s Haven and the Sunken Forest. Seagoing dogs can enjoy the ocean views from the ferry’s top deck. There is a one-way child’s fare charge of $5.00 and dogs must be leashed. The Sunken Forest is part of Fire Island’s National Seashore that includes a 50-acre track of dunes, beaches and trails through an ancient holly forest, with trees as old as 300 years. Dogs can enjoy the 1 ½ mile hike along the boardwalk. There is also a visitor center, snack bar and picnic tables. While the Sunken Forest trails eventually lead to the ocean, between the months of March through Labor Day, dogs are not permitted on the beach at Sailor’s Haven. But for those who crave an ocean experience, grab a sea taxi to neighboring Cherry Grove, where dogs are welcome to romp on the beach all year round.

Get back to nature and take your dog whale-watching: Cape Cod, MA is known for its beautiful beaches and towering sand dunes. But it also offers whale-watching trips, some that welcome dogs. On the Dolphin Fleet in Provincetown, leashed dogs can enjoy the three to four-hour trip that exposes travelers to the beauty of the Outer Cape while viewing humpback, baleen, right whales and other marine life. Dogs must be leashed and well-behaved. Be sure to call ahead for available seating and bring along a water bowl.
Toast your best buddy on a trip to a winery: Dogs love the outdoors and open air, making California’s vineyards the perfect retreat. There are many that are pet-friendly. At the Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, CA, visitors can attend the “AVV Going to the Dogs” event that benefits Sonoma County’s Animal Care and Control. Taste the wines while sharing a scenic walk with your dog through the vineyard. At Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma, a portion of every sale goes to help rescue groups. The vineyard hosts pet birthday parties and features a yappy hour. Starmont Vineyards features classic Napa wines while catering to their four-legged visitors with Frisbees, doggie biscuits and tennis balls.


Celebrate fall and take your dog apple picking: Sharing fall traditions with your fur baby is a good way to bond. A dog’s world is ruled by smell, and a walk through an apple orchard can produce an intoxicating blend of scents. NY’s Hudson Valley has many that are pet-friendly. Wright’s Apple Farm in Gardiner, NY sits on 500 acres where visitors can pick their own apples, pumpkins and cherries. Scenic Fishkill Farms at Hopewell Junction, NY is just 1 ½ hours north of New York City. There are nature trails, hay rides and pick-your-own fruits. One caveat: dogs must be leashed and well-behaved.

Spend a leisurely afternoon at an art gallery: Believe it or not, some, such as the William Second Gallery in NYC, will allow you to browse with a four-legged friend. This gallery specializes in original paintings of dogs from the 18th and 19th century as well as dog collectibles. For a starting fee of $7,000, you can even commission a painting of your own dog that will immortalize him forever. The A.T. Hun Gallery in Savannah, GA, welcomes four-legged patrons with water and a treat. This gallery features many pet-themed works of art. Check with your local art galleries for information on their pet policies.

When planning your day, be sure to use the BarkHappy app to connect to the dog-friendly world around you. It includes restaurants, bars, events, lodging, weekly meet-ups and more. Share your own finds with others through personal posts and photos on BarkHappy’s Facebook and Instagram pages.