Leader: New Dog/Puppy Items I Use Daily, Practical Advice, Dogsitting Instructions Template

 ChaCha entered our family in August of 2015.  She was hyper, jumped on folks who came over, energetic and wasn't too much fun to walk on a leash.  She is a much better doggie now, and I have collected some advice and some products that I really enjoy using to have fun with "Chach".  When my sister in law decided to get Luna (foto coming soon), I decided to get on a video call and give my nieces and sister in law an orientation (face palm: why didn't I record that!?!?!)  Here's the email I sent her to recap, and it has links to great doggie products (and other product recommendations), chores for the kids, a Dogsitting Template and other info I hope you find helpful.  Enjoy!

Here's what I shared with my nieces and sister in law as new dog owners:

Dog items I use all the time and would recommend to friends

product	link	notes/ why I like it
dog training collar	Amazon	Three modes: beep, vibrate, and shock. I use the vibrate consistently and it's enough to redirect my dog. A year ago I was apologizing and chasing her down the block, now she doesn't run away, and walks off leash in the neighborhood on my left, like a good doggie. It is a great device, and my dog is not bothered by wearing it, and it has honestly improved the quality of our life, not worrying about the dog running away or jumping on houseguests. My friends and family are impressed that my dog, ChaCha, is more respectful of their space, and more fun to interact with.
slow feed bowl	https://amzn.to/31kcf10	It just works. Makes the dog eat more slowly, and therefore prevents vomiting
loop leash	https://amzn.to/3j7nm3s	Very simple and useful when twisted and placed over dog's snout to prevent pulling
gentle leader head collar	https://amzn.to/3j6ZNri	Quite effective, and gentle. Simply pull directly up when the dog is moving too far ahead, and the dog will slow or stop almost immediately
traditional leash	https://amzn.to/2FChMbs	This leash has a comfortable handle, reflective material woven into the leash, and leather accents at the transitions from the leash to the handle and where the leash meets the clip, so it looks good, is comfortable and useful. It is designed to discourage chewing. In my experience a good long walk solves lots of chewing and other unwanted behavior, so in that sense this leash can help your dog behave (if the walk/run is long enough and consistently implemented).
nail grinder	https://amzn.to/357zdJB	This rechargeable updated model is a safer alternative to traditional nail clipping. It takes time to get your dog used to the vibrations, so be patient and build trust with your dog over time, but in 1-2 sessions you will start saving money over having the groomer do this for you!

Other inexpensive but necessary items:
Look on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Nextdoor, Garage sales and neighborhood estate sales for baby gates, dog beds (I took the covers off of the used ones I got and washed them thoroughly before my dog used them, and sprayed the stuffing with copious amounts of Febreeze), and water bowls.

Follow a leader to learn how to lead your pack

Cesar Millan is on Disney+, 

And I love his show, because it's such a very practical resource.  Remember, doggies need exercise, discipline, and affection, and in that exact order.  You could watch one episode per night, and talk as a family about what you are doing well, and what to improve.

Chores to rotate for the kids:

-poop pick up

-brushing dog

-feeding breakfast and/or dinner

-playing fetch in the backyard to lower dog's energy

-CHANGE YOUR FURNACE AIR FILTER every month (set a monthly alarm on the phone) I use a rinseable, reusable one.

Dogsitting Instructions:

HERE's a link to detailed instructions we used to leave for the dogsitter when he would dogsit and we were on vacation.  You can click on File > Make a Copy to customize your own Dogsitting Instructions.  Remember to read through it every time you go on vacation, because some rules, commands, routines, and phone numbers may have changed since the last update.

Have fun with your dog! Please comment on this post, and/or subscribe using the button at the top of this page.

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