![\"\"](\"https:\/\/petjungle.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/59lifehacks1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Use Covers to Keep Your Furniture Fur Free<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you allow your pets on the furniture<\/a>? If you do you\u2019re well aware of how hard is to keep them clean. One of my favorite dog life hacks is keeping my furniture clean by using a cover. You can use sheets, blankets or slip covers \u2014 and if you want something to match your decor you can get them custom made. When it\u2019s cleaning time you just throw those covers in the wash & you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Dryer Sheets Pick up Dog Hair Like Crazy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a simple way to pick up some of that dog hair? Use dryer sheets. They pick up loose dog hair<\/a> on fabric like magic. Just rub a dryer sheet over your couch or wherever else pet hair collects and watch as it clings right to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Use Rubber Gloves to Pick up Stray Dog Hair<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dogs hair get everywhere, or is it just me? My favorite method for picking up all that loose hair is using a pair of rubber gloves. You put them on and run you hands over your furniture; it\u2019s amazing how well pet hair clings to rubber gloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a pair of rubber gloves to pick up dog hair like crazy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Use Baking Soda to Clean up Pet Urine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog pees on the carpet and you don\u2019t have any pet carpet cleaner on hand use some baking soda (which is also great at removing odors) to clean it up. Just pour some baking soda over the spot, let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Use a Window Squegee to Clean Up Fur From Carpet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you get a ton of dog hair lodged deep into your carpet? Use a window squegee<\/a> to pick up fur in your carpet & on your furniture. Scrape it along the carpet & just watch as that hair comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Cover Up Scratch Marks on Furniture with a Walnut<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have a few scratch marks on your wooden furniture? You can cover them up by rubbing a walnut over them<\/a>. The natural oils in walnuts seep into wood, making them a simple way to help cover up small scratches in your furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Use a Magic Eraser to Get Rid of Drool Marks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your drool a lot? If so you\u2019ve probably got a bunch of drool marks all over the house. You can say goodbye to scrubbing off those drool marks by getting yourself some magic erasers.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Make Your Own DIY Dog Friendly Carpet Deodorizer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have some dog odors you want to get rid of? If you don\u2019t have any special products on hand don\u2019t worry \u2013 you can make your own simple dog friendly carpet deodorizer<\/a> with items you\u2019ve got around the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Stop Dog Hair From Clogging the Drain With a Baby Wipe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you bathe your dog does their hair end up clogging up your drain? Use a baby wipe<\/a> to help stop the dog hair from clogging it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Make Your Own Pet Bed Out of a Sweatshirt<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to give your dog a nice comfy spot to sleep without having to buy a dog bed from the store? Make them this super cool dog bed out of a sweatshirt<\/a> & pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Use a Roll of Packing Tape to Pick Up Loose Pet Fur<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your clothes pick up dog hair like crazy? Don\u2019t have a lint roller on hand? One of my favorite life hacks for dog owners is using packing tape to pick off all that dog hair<\/a> that gets all over your clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a lint roller? A roll of packing tape can pick up dog hair from your clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. Create a Barrier to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litterbox<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog go straight for the littler box? He\u2019s not alone, lots of dogs are attracted to kitty litter. Keep your dog from getting into the litter<\/a> by elevating the box, creating a barrier around the box, or by using a covered litter box that your dog can\u2019t get into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Hacks For Dog Owners: Play Time & Exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 13. Make a Simple Puzzle Toy With a Muffin Tin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a simple way to keep your dogs mind busy? Create a simple puzzle toy<\/a> with a muffin tin, treats and a few tennis balls. And if you\u2019re looking some more boredom busters check out 26 simple ways to relieve dog boredom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14. Teach Your Dog to Chase Bubbles for Easy Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog like to chase stuff? Take advantage of that natural instinct and teach your dog to chase bubbles<\/a> for some easy playtime & exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15. Stuff a Kong With Treats to Keep Them Busy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stuff a Kong with some yummy treats to keep your dog occupied, and for a tougher challenge you can freeze them in there. You don\u2019t need fancy dog treats or stuffing either \u2013 here\u2019s 39 food & treats I like to Stuff in Kongs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. Make a Tug Toy From Old Clothes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog love to play tug? Got some extra t-shirts lying around? Make your own toy by braiding one of your old t-shirts into a tug toy<\/a> rather than throwing them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. Teach Your Dog to \u201cFind the Treats\u201d for a Fun Game<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Teach your dog to \u2018find their treats\u2019 by hiding them throughout the house. Simple nose work games<\/a> are a great way to keep your dog busy & mentally stimulated. It\u2019s Laika\u2019s favorite indoor game by far. (Looking for some more indoor games? Here\u2019s 33 simple ways to keep your dog busy indoors<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18. Make Your Own DIY Flirt Pole<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make a flirt pole<\/a> for dogs that love to chase and\/or have a strong prey drive. Just remember to take it easy with this exercise since it\u2019s pretty high impact and can be tough on a dog\u2019s joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19. Make a Re-Stuffable Dog Toy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog go bonkers with stuffed toys? If your dog likes to rip stuffed animals apart you can make a re-stuffable dog toy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20. Buy a Kiddie Pool For Your to Keep Your Dog Busy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog enjoy the water? Keep your dog cool in the summer by using a plastic kiddie pool out in the yard. They\u2019re inexpensive, too. I got ours for about 4 bucks at my local Meijer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog love the water? Buy them a kiddie pool for the backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21. Make Your Dog Their Own Digging Box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog loves to dig keep you can keep your garden safe by teaching them to use their very own digging box<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22. Play a Nice Interactive Game of Tug With Your Dog<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A 5 minute game of tug<\/a> works wonders for tiring out your dog & letting him get rid of some of that pent up energy. (and no \u2013 it won\u2019t make your dog aggressive despite the old myth)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23. Make Some Simple Frozen Dog Treats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy? Make them some frozen dog treats<\/a>. Freeze some broth in ice trays to give your dog a nice little treat on those hot summer days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24. Alternate Their Toys to Keep Their Interest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like us dogs get bored with new stuff after awhile, and this includes their toys. Keep their interest by alternating their access to them. Once your dog hasn\u2019t seen their blue ball in a month they\u2019ll have a brand new appreciation for it the next time it makes an appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog get bored with their toys? Try alternating them to keep their interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Hacks For Dog Owners: Health, Food & Grooming<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 25. Check for Fleas By Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you think you dog has fleas<\/a>? Have them lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The sheet makes it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 26. Make Your Own DIY Pill Pockets with Peanut Butter, Milk & Flour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most useful life hacks for dog owners is finding a way to get your dog to swallow pills. If you\u2019re having a hard time getting your dog to swallow pills you can make your own DIY pill pockets<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 27. Remove Ticks From Your Dog With a Pair of Tweezers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a tick remover<\/a> on hand? You can carefully remove ticks from your dog with a pair of fine tipped tweezers. Grab the tick by it\u2019s mouth area (the part closest to your dogs skin) and pull firmly until it\u2019s removed. Place the tick in a jar of alcohol to kill it, and be sure to wear gloves<\/a> when dealing with ticks since they can transmit diseases to pets & people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 28. Soften Up Dry Food With Warm Water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog have a hard time eating his kibble? If your dog has sensitive teeth you can soften up their dry dog food by adding in some warm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 29. Keep Dry Dog Food Fresh in a Sealed Container<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog food can start to loose it\u2019s freshness after it\u2019s open. If you buy bags of dog food use an airtight sealed container<\/a> to store it, the food will stay fresh for much longer inside a tightly sealed container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 30. Learn How to Make Some Simple Dog Treats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have any dog treats on hand? You can make your own simple & healthy dog treats. Here\u2019s 21 dog treat recipes<\/a> you can make, all with 5 ingredients or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 31. Add Brushing Your Dogs Teeth into Their Grooming Routine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Get in the habit of brushing your dogs teeth daily to avoid expensive dental visits later. You can use a human toothbrush if you like (though they make ones for dogs, too), but be sure to pick up tooth paste<\/a> that\u2019s formulated for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regularly brushing your dogs teeth can cut down on expensive dental visits later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 32. Use Dog Toothpaste on a Rope Toy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog doesn\u2019t like having his teeth brushed squeeze some doggie tooth paste onto a rope toy & let them go at it. It\u2019s a nice way to start desensitizing them to having their teeth brushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 33. Make a DIY Dog Sling for Added Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Does your dog have arthritis or weak limbs? If your dog needs some extra support getting up & around you can make your own dog sling<\/a> to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 34. Need Help Getting Your Dogs Urine Sample? Use a Ladle & Container<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need to collect a urine sample check out this awesome $2 solution<\/a> (a ladle & small containers) that makes it easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 35. Get Rid of Skunk Smell with Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did your dog get skunked? You can get rid of that nasty skunk smell from your dog using some soap, peroxide & baking soda.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 36. Use a Food Dispensing Toy for Fast Eaters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog eats too fast use a food dispensing toy (we love the Kong Wobbler<\/a> & Bob a Lot<\/a>), or place a few tennis balls in their bowl to slow their eating. Not only does this keep them from eating too quick, it gives them a nice mental workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog eats too fast use a treat dispensing toy for meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 37. Make Your Own DIY Refillable Water Bowl<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you filling up your dog water bowl multiple times a day? Create your own DIY refillable water bottle bowl<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 38. Protect Your Dogs Paws in the Winter with Vaseline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have any paw balm, and if your dog doesn\u2019t like wearing boots, you can use some Vaseline to help protect your dogs paws in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 39. Make Your Own Elevated Food Bowl<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can make your own elevated pet food bowl<\/a> with an $8 table from Ikea. Elevated food bowls make eating easier on dogs with arthritis and joint problems since they won\u2019t have to bend down as much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 40. Dog Got Stung? Remove the Stinger with a Credit Card<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you try to pick out a stinger from your dog<\/a> you risk leaving part of it in the skin. Remove stingers by scraping them with a straight edge \u2013 like the side of a credit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 41. Use Flour, Baking Soda or Cornstarch to Stop Your Dogs Nail From Bleeding<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you cut your dogs nail too short<\/a>? Use a homemade mixture of flour, baking soda or cornstarch with water until it\u2019s a thick paste then apply it to the nail with moderate pressure for a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you cut your dogs nail too short you can stop the bleeding by creating a paste out water & flour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Hacks for Dog Owners: Dog Training Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 42. Use a Front Clip Harness to Prevent Pulling on Leash<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog pulls on his leash get a harness that clips in the front<\/a>. The harnesses that clip on the back promote more pulling. <\/strong>And when you\u2019re working on leash manners<\/a> ditch the retractable leash for a regular 6 foot one so your dog can get the feeling of what loose leash walking<\/a> means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 43. Make Yourself the Funnest Thing in the World for a Reliable Recall<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When training your dog to \u201ccome here<\/a>\u201d make sure you\u2019re giving out a lot of praise & treats. The goal is to make coming back to you the best decision they could have made, <\/strong>if not your dog is likely going to decide that whatever he was chasing\/sniffing is more interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 44. Use Fruits & Veggies for Training Treats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have any dog treats on hand? Use some leftover fruits & veggies<\/a> that are healthy for dogs as your training treats. Carrots and snap peas are Laika\u2019s favorite snacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 45. Treat Every Poop Like a Miracle aka How to Easily Potty Train a Puppy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When potty training<\/a> your dog make sure to pay attention & praise them every single time they do their duty outdoors. If you treat every pee & poop outdoors like it\u2019s the best thing that ever happened they\u2019ll catch on pretty quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 46. Make Training More Fun by Switching Up The Rewards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of just giving praise for a new trick add some yummy treats or a game of tug as the reward. By changing the rules & rewards you\u2019re keeping training sessions more fun & exciting<\/a> for both you & your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 47. Teach Your Dog to Catch Using Popcorn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog doesn\u2019t know how to catch<\/a> don\u2019t start by throwing a toy at their face. Popcorn works great for training dogs to catch because it\u2019s light & yummy which makes it enticing enough for your dog to try and catch it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When training your dog to catch start with a light snack such as popcorn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 48. Use a Clicker to Reward Good Behaviors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Having trouble being consistent with giving out praise at the right time? Start clicker training<\/a> to make marking their good behaviors much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Hacks for Dog Owners: Safety & Hazards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 49. Use a Bright Colored Bandana On Your Dog During Hunting Season<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure both you & your dog stick out if you\u2019re going to be out walking during hunting season<\/a>. You can wear bright colors (orange is preferred), and you can help keep your dog safe by having them wear a bright orange bandana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50. Teach Your Children to Ask Permission Before Petting a Strange Dog<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 4.5 million dog bites<\/a> in America each year, half of which happen to children. Make sure to teach your children to ask permission before petting any strange dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 51. Get Your Dog Microchipped For a Permanent Identifier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A scan of your dogs microchip will give all of your personal information to help with a speedy reunion, just remember to update your information with the microchip company if you move. Microchips are also one of the ways a court can make a decision regarding ownership of a dog, if it ever came to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 52. A Wagging Tail Does Not Always Equal a Happy Dog<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t approach a strange dog just because it\u2019s wagging it\u2019s tail. Tail wagging isn\u2019t always the universal sign of happiness \u2013 it can also indicate fear or insecurity. Be sure to teach your children about the basics of dog bite prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 53. Don\u2019t Let Your Dog Ride in the Back of Your Truck Unrestrained<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An estimated 100,000 dogs die each year<\/a> from riding in pickup beds each year, and that doesn\u2019t take into account all of the injuries seen each year. Dogs in pickup beds are also at risk of being hit with debris that can cause injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 54. Keep Household Toxins (Including the Garbage) Out of Reach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While it may seem obvious to keep your cleaning products tucked away safely one of the biggest threats to a dogs health in your home is the garbage<\/a>. If your dog gets into the garbage<\/a> you can use some baby proof locks to seal it, or put it away in the closet or garage while you\u2019re gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your dog gets into the garbage you can keep them out by using baby proof locks or putting the garbage out of reach when you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 55. For Safety Keep Your Dog Restrained in the Car<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I know that dogs love sticking their head out car windows<\/a> \u2013 but it\u2019s a dangerous habit. They\u2019re at risk for being hit with debris, damaging their ears & there\u2019s always the risk that they\u2019ll see something & jump out. If you\u2019re going to be driving over 20 mph it\u2019s always recommended to have your dog restrained in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 56. Create Your Own Doggie First Aid Kit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You never know when an accident might happen so it\u2019s recommended to have a first aid kit on hand just in case. Here\u2019s a great list of basic items<\/a> a pet first aid kit should have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 57. Keep Your Gum & Candy Stored Away<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many gums & candies include xylitol<\/a>, a sugar substitute that\u2019s highly toxic and can be fatal to dogs. Keep all candies and gum far out of reach of your pets at all times. Here\u2019s a list of common household items<\/a> that are known to contain xylitol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/petjungle.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/rubber-gloves.png\")
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