Working with a rescue around the holidays reminds me how many families adopt a dog for the holidays. If you’re one of the lucky families adding a new furry family member, here are some practical (and adorable) things to help you start off right!
Harness — It’s never too early to start leash training your dog or puppy. In the meantime, I usually recommend starting out with a front clip harness that will help take the edge off any pulling. My two favorites currently are the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
Stay Organized — Keep a Leash by the door to make house training a little easier and so you’re always ready for a walk! This adorable key/leash holder serves as a multifunctional, chic piece of home decor. (from Etsy.com)
Collar — Everyone has a collar for their dog, but I’m loving personalized dog collars engraved with your information! Less tags clanging around and more reliable than a microchip (which needs to be scanned to find a phone number and can sometimes be hard to find) This Etsy shop has great reviews and a variety of designs to choose from.
Food Bowl — Ditch the traditional food bowl! So many behavioral issues I see in private dog training lessons stem from boredom. While physical exercise is important, mental stimulation can tire out a dog just as much. Switch to a Slow Feeder Dog Bowl
Personalized Dog Portrait –We’re all obsessed with our dogs… No explanation needed. This shop on Etsy takes your photo and turns it into a large painting. And who doesn’t want a giant portrait of your dog on your wall?
Have other recommendations for a new pet? Toys? Home Decor? We’d love to hear about them, so please share them below!