Must-Haves for First-Time Dog Owners

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

On the scales of responsibility, I would argue that a dog is right up there with a baby. After work drinks? Sorry, must run home because wee Lucky needs a walk around the block! Slumber party at a friend's? No way, Spot might wet the bed!  Whereas cats can be left for a couple of days as long as they have enough food and water, dogs are much more needy and require plenty of time and attention from their masters. Walking, training, feeding, bathing, playing, it's a major commitment if you do it right. So once you've made the decision that you're ready to welcome the responsibility of a new dog into your life, be sure you're equipped with these essential supplies.

Training and trick books: Take a read through a guide before you bring your new family member home so that you can pick up some simple solutions to common behaviour problems and be better prepared to deal with the transition phase.

Leashes: Most municipalities require dogs to be leashed in public areas except when in an off-leash area so be sure to have a leash ready when your pup comes home to prevent any Marley-esque getaways.

Food & water bowls: Gone are the days when a simple silver bowl sufficed. Nowadays, it's go big or go home in the world of doggie china. From automatic watering bowls to raised pine feeders that compliment your home's decore to bowls that help slow down the pace of your dog's eating, pet food is a serious business.

Collars: Your dog's identifying collar is absolutely essential for his safety and your piece of mind. Collars come in an array of traditional styles as well as ones with lights for protection at night and those which can control your dog's barking. 

Soap/shampoo: Specialized dog soaps can actually help to repel insects while leaving your precious pooch squeaky clean. Depending on your dog's breed, their skin's sensitivity and their level of outdoor activity, they may need to be washed anywhere from weekly to monthly.

Doggie beds: Designating a cozy spot for your new pet to sleep will definitely help it to feel comfortable and safe, not to mention allow you to maintain some sort of autonomy over your bedroom!

Do you have an tips for first-time dog owners?

 

5 Essentials for Doggie Divas

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

My friend's precious pooch is a major doggie diva (see model pic). "Baby Brooklyn" crashed the office Halloween party one year, outfitted in an angel costume (complete with a large halo). For her birthday, The Baby B is served only the finest cuts of steak and of course stylish doggie jackets and boots are a must. Oh, and she has her own Facebook page too. I'm telling you, moms and dads who spoil their children have nothing on doggie parents. Thousands of them are set to converge on my neighbourhood later this month for Woofstock, where pushing your dog in a stroller is as normal as walking down the street with a Starbucks.

Here are 5 Must-Haves for the Doggie Diva in your life:

#5. Statement-Making Footwear: While A-list divas have Manolo Blahniks, doggie divas never leave home without their booties.

#4. Security Detail: Mariah Carey has a staff around her at all times to make sure she never gets lost, whereas your doggie diva needs a collar (preferably one with plenty of colour) that provides emergency information in case she slips away.

#3. On-Call Hair Stylist: Jessica Simpson has Ken Paves nearby in the event of a major hair drama, although most doggie divas aren't quite that high maintenance. A matbreaker brush is all they usually ask for to ensure their hair isn't the subject of gossip at the dog park.

#2. First Class Travel: Just as jet-setting socialites circle the globe in search of the hottest red carpet, doggie divas also enjoy exotic travel with their parents. (A Pet Porter is the doggie version of First Class.)

#1. Bed Fit for a Queen: Queen Elizabeth II settles for nothing less than Sterns and Foster when she retires for the night. Similarly, your doggie diva expects nothing but the best bedding to ensure they get their precious beauty sleep.

Find other must-haves for your dog in Sympatico / MSN Shopping's Pets section.