Getting ready to meet your boo’s doggos? For many pet parents this is a make-or-break moment. After all, their beloved pup was around way before you hit the scene and, if it goes badly, they’ll be around long after you’re forgotten.
Now don’t go cancelling the meet, because we have some tips to help you get that paw print of approval!
1. DON’T BE AN EAGER BEAVER
Trust us, you won’t be the only one with nerves, your boo’s pooches will be unsure about this strange person in their environment too. While that gorgeous doggy face may be begging for some love and kisses, your best bet is to remain calm and casual until they’re ready to come to you for a proper sniff.
While you’re waiting, be sure to gush to your partner about their furry family, but that you’ll wait for the doggos to be comfy and ready to meet you. Your consideration is bound to score you extra brownie points.
When the pup is ready to get a little closer, gently extend a relaxed hand (palm down) and let them find a distance which feels safe to them.
2. LOOK INTO YOUR LOVER'S EYES, NOT THEIR DOGS
Reserve your lingering and loving stares for your partner and avoid direct eye contact with their pup. Eye contact in Puppy World can be a threat or a challenge – definitely, something you want to avoid!
Seeing you interact also allows the pooch to see their parents like and accept you. Letting the doggo watch you in a loving and familiar environment will likely boost the four-legged family members' positive opinion of you.
3. COME BEARING GIFTS
This one is a twofer! Consider showing up to date night with some treats (to reward a good boy or girl) and an enrichment toy for calm mental stimulation. You could even throw in a little bling for good measure with one of our Designer Dog Collars.
Remember, always double-check with your date which collar measurements will fit best. Also, ask which treats and toys are safe for the intended doggie. We say this because every pup is different, and you need to consider food allergies, breed-specific needs, and medical conditions. Not to mention, these queries might gain you tons of extra brownie points!
4. BE A CONSIDERATE BOO
Fur children function best with routine and structure, so consider this when scheduling dates. If the pup needs their walk, consider working their needs into your romantic plans.
5. PREP FOR THE PLEASURES OF PLAY
There is nothing quite like the bonding experience play can offer people and pups. Playtime doesn't only give the doggo exercise and gets rid of anxious energy; but also lets you get to know the pooch a bit better.
Just make sure you stick within the pups’ limits and never try to force a play session. We strongly advise not to engage in rough play with the doggie because it can create negative associations that can be very hard to break.
When you consistently show understanding for their needs, cherish and care for them, you will be on your way to being the new favourite in the house.
Now that you have the tools, you can successfully win over your partner's pup. Just remember to live in the moment because that is the way of the dog!
Click here to learn more about Valgray and our story.
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Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
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Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Teaching your dog to swim offers numerous benefits, enhancing their physical health, mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Additionally, it keeps dogs mentally stimulated and can be a life-saving skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to swim:
Preparation: Choose a safe and calm location like quiet lakes or designated dog pools. Gather essential equipment such as a well-fitting life jacket, floating toys, and treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a water-friendly collar like a Valgray splashproof designer collar in case they get lost.Conduct a health check with a vet to ensure your dog is fit for swimming and learn basic safety precautions.
Teaching Basic Commands: Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Gradually get your dog comfortable with water through positive exposure and practice these commands in different environments.
Swimming Lessons:
Start with shallow water introduction and let your dog explore.
Gradually increase water depth and encourage swimming movements using toys.
Use a life jacket initially for safety and confidence.
Track progress and adjust the training pace as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Fear of Water: Provide gradual exposure and create positive experiences.
Distractions: Choose quiet locations and use high-value treats.
Anxiety: Use calming techniques and allow breaks.
Overexcitement: Set clear boundaries and use commands to manage excitement.
Consistency: Regular, short training sessions are more effective.
Advanced Techniques:
Teach diving and retrieving objects.
Practice in different water bodies to enhance adaptability.
Gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Enhance endurance and strength through extended sessions and vigorous activities.
Always prioritize safety during advanced training.
Remember, the journey of teaching your dog to swim is about building confidence and comfort at each stage while ensuring safety and making the experience enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Helping doggos in need is a cause that’s really close to our heart, which is why we have a Valgray charity drive every year. Over the years we have been proud to donate much needed blankets and dog food to the incredible animal rescues you recommended, as well as gifting designer dog collar and leash sets to newly adopted pooches so they can start their new lives in style.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
