If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, you’re probably anxious to set up your home to accommodate the new member of your family. If you want to personalize your dog’s new sleeping quarters and you like making things, you might want to try your hand at a DIY dog bed. This is actually much easier than you might think, and you’ll save some money along the way.
The first thing you’ll need to do is find an old pillowcase that you’re no longer using. Fill it with fiberfill, which you can buy at any fabric or craft store, and fill it as full as you think will make your dog comfortable. As a rule, bigger dogs will require a firmer mattress, which means you’ll need to stuff more filling into it. Alternatives to fiberfill that you might prefer include shredded newspaper, cedar chips, or the kind of shavings used as pet rodent bedding.
Next you’ll need to seal the open end of the pillowcase. You can use liquid thread or a similar type of fabric adhesive that you can find at craft or sewing stores. When the bed gets soiled, all you have to do is cut the pillowcase open, remove the filling, and wash the case. Then stuff it with fresh filling and seal it up again.
By: Andrew J. Murray
For a fancier DIY dog bed, get a nice piece of fabric and cut it to the size that you want. Glue the top and bottom together, and leaving a gap along one side so you can stuff it. Use the same technique for stuffing as above. You may want to get some velvet, suede or other plush fabric that will be soft and comfortable for your puppy to sleep on. You can also use fabric paint on the pillowcase to decorate or personalize the bed. Your dog will sleep in comfort and style!
Beds for dogs come in a wide array of styles, from orthopedic dog beds to bagel or donut shaped styles to curl up in. Find out more at The Dogs Bed.
By: Raymond Willis
So you’re thrilled to bits about your new little fur ball’s arrival, but there are two words you’ll need to keep in mind during his first two weeks in your home – Puppy Training. He’s a puppy and will in all probability, behave like one – chew your shoes, take a leak on your carpet, poop under the bed and leave food bits lying on the floor. Turning a blind eye to it and hoping he will behave eventually, is denial and will only result in a badly behaved adult dog that will end up in the shelter. So, buy a leash, a collar and put your best stern face on.
The first thing to remember with puppy training is that you’re dealing with well, a puppy; an emotionally overwhelming and irresistibly adorable animal that will put your stern face to the ultimate test. Also, you don’t want to dole out punishments as your puppy tends to feel insecure and disoriented in his new surrounding and needs all the love, warmth and security he can get. So a firm and simple ‘no’ to express displeasure will do.
Part of puppy training would be house and potty training. Your new puppy needs to get familiar with the house, which rooms are accessible and which ones are strictly forbidden. He also needs to know that it’s not okay to relieve himself inside the house. Puppies need a lot of naps and need to be taken out every two hours; especially after meals to relieve themselves. Within a couple of days, most puppies learn where they’re supposed to go if they want to take a leak and where to settle in when it’s bed time. And, those are two major parts of puppy training that can be easily achieved with an established routine.
Puppies need to fall into a routine – morning walks, feed time, play time, nap time; all need to happen at specific times of the day at least for the first couple of weeks if puppy training is to be successful. Once he learns to behave though, you’ll see that your efforts were not wasted.
Make sure you reward your little fur ball every time he learns what he’s taught and does the right thing. Puppies are suckers for love and affection and a little pat of approval and some cuddling is all they need to become the perfect companions we could ask for.
For Free methods on how to train your dog go to: Dog Training Tips
I am a professional dog trainer and have trained various mixed and pure breeds. I have seen some great dogs with some terrible dog owners. I want very much to assist the misguided dog owners to be responsible for how they train their pets.
Visit my website at: http://dogs-training-tips.com/New-Puppy-Potty-Training/
