It may not happen on day one, but within a week or two your dog should be loving their new bed. If your BFF isn't transitioning to their new dog bed naturally, here are some tricks we've learned over the years:
We love hearing from other pet owners about methods that have worked for them! Please feel free to comment and share your dog expertise with the Kingboy world!]]>
Sources: AKC, NPR, Reader's Digest, ABC News
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Fun fact Friday! Today we are going to wow you with some interesting (and some silly) facts about dogs' sleeping patterns. Being in the dog slumber business, we care a great deal about making sure dogs get their very best rest, so we had a great time researching this post - enjoy!
Last but not least, our most important piece of advice? Get a Kingboy dog bed! Many of our customers have noted that their chewy, naughty dogs have been unable to destroy our dog beds, and nothing makes us prouder! We make our dog beds with a unique recyled poly blend fabric that is made to withstand a beating, and each bed is handstitched by a team of expert upholsterers in a facility just outside of St. Louis! We can't wait for our mighty dog beds to impress you and your mischevious dogs.
]]>Lets "dig in", shall we? Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, some of which are instinctual and some of which are learned behaviors. Instinctually, dogs may dig to create a den or a cool spot to rest. This behavior can be observed in wild dogs and wolves, who will dig dens to provide shelter for themselves and their young. Domestic dogs may also engage in this behavior, as they are descended from wild canines and retain many of their instincts.
Dogs may also dig as a way to search for food. In the wild, dogs and wolves will dig to uncover small animals such as rodents and insects, which they can then hunt and eat. Domestic dogs may also engage in this behavior, particularly if they are not getting enough food or if they are seeking out treats or toys that have been buried.
Another reason dogs may dig is due to boredom or lack of exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, and if they are not getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they may turn to digging as a way to burn off excess energy. This can be a particular problem for dogs that are kept in small yards or are not given enough time to run and play.
Finally, some dogs may dig out of anxiety or fear. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a change in the home environment, the introduction of a new pet or person, or a traumatic event. Dogs who are anxious may dig as a way to cope with their feelings and create a sense of safety and security.
To prevent digging, it is important to provide dogs with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, such as regular exercise, playtime, and training. If a dog's digging is caused by anxiety or fear, it may be necessary to address the underlying issue and provide the dog with additional support and training. Dog owners should also ensure that their dogs have a comfortable and secure place to rest and that they are getting enough food and water.
In summary, dogs dig for a variety of reasons such as instinctual, searching for food, boredom or lack of exercise, and anxiety or fear. To prevent digging, it's important to provide dogs with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, address underlying issues and provide them with a comfortable and secure place to rest.
]]>Happy Tail Syndrome ("HTS") is a condition in which a dog wags its tail so vigorously that it causes injury, usually to the tail itself but sometimes to the surrounding area. The injury can range from minor bruising to more serious injuries such as lacerations or even bone fractures. This condition is more common in certain breeds of dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and other breeds with thick, heavy tails. The most common causes of happy tail syndrome are excitement and enthusiasm, but it can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as arthritis or neurological disorders.
It is pretty silly to think of a dog getting injured from wagging its tail, but it can happen, and the big issues associated with HTS relate to healing. The skin on a dog's tail is very thin, so if it breaks open it can be challenging to stop the bleeding, difficult to bandage the tail effectively and challenging to prevent the wound from re-opening even once a scab has formed -- especially because dogs are ALWAYS moving their tails. Therefore, visiting the vet promptly is important even if the injury doesn't seem bad. In addition to bandaging and having your dog wear the dreaded-but-necessary cone, the vet may give you sedatives to help your dog rest (which in turn rests their tail).
Wound management is really important, as this injury can rake about a month to heal and vets can suggest partial tail amputation (aaah!!!) if scabbing and healing isn't progressing well during this time. (Now, don't fret if blood from a tail wound gets on your Kingboy dog bed; it will come out in the washing machine, especially if you pre-treat it with a stain remover! But that is not the point of this post).
At Kingboy HQ, one of our dogs (Rocket, a beautiful black senior hound) has a long tail and it has gotten injured twice -- not from wagging but from getting caught in doors unfortunately - OUCH. Many vet visits and weeks of careful tail management later, Rocket still has every inch of his lovely long tail, but we are always on the lookout for possible tail dangers these days! Be well, be safe, and please keep those wagging tails safe and unobstructed!
]]>Here at Kingboy HQ, we have tried 2352492486 pet hair removal / management products, and truly the two above are the ones we keep coming back to for effective fur management in our own homes. And of course, a Kingboy dog bed will help you keep your sanity by giving your BFF a heavenly place to rest that will also disguise any dog hair he/she leaves behind :) A win/win indeed!
]]>Obviously a modern, durable Kingboy dog bed is the best answer - it checks all boxes: eco-friendly, water resistant, everlasting fluffy fill, fresh fun patterns and prints, WE COULD GO ON!! (and sidenote did you see we just launched a cute capsule line of kids t-shirts? Perfect for 4-legged siblings of pets). But what if you have already purchased this top pet gift for every dog owner in your life and need another unique pet gift idea? Well then it is time to enter the fun filled world of pet portraits - a guaranteed crowd pleaser for Happy Harriets and Debbie Downers alike - and we are here to lend our substantial expertise. Read on for a few of our favorite pet portrait options out there - no relationships or payment from any of these artists, we just love them!:
1. Crown & Paw: This site offers hilarious custom pet portraits in frilly formal attire - think Renaissance era royals and 1800s war generals - and they start at $50 and under. We can't think of a dog or cat owner who wouldn't melt into a puddle from getting this hilarious (yet meaningful!) gift. Note: Purr & Mutt is another similar style pet portrait site with comparable pricing and some other custom pet merch selections)
2. Carter Kustera Custom Pet Portraits: Having purchased these for our own pets and as gifts for other pet parents, we can guarantee this fun and casual silhouette artwork by Carter Kustera (a favorite of interior designers) will be a cherished memento that will capture their pets and also look great on their wall - not an easy feat. This art is one of a kind so expect to spend $100+. We recommend purchasing a gift card so the recipient can send in the pet pics and pick the colors and text. Easier for everyone!
3. Andrea Caceres: Andrea is an amazing NYC-based illustrator from Venezuela who creates amazing informal (cartoon-vibe but cooler) custom pet and family portraits starting at $70; she also has other fun pet-themed merch on her site :) But obviously if you are looking for kids pet themed t-shirts, don't you dare order them from anywhere except Kingboy because ours are super cool, thank you! That said we love Andrea's work to the max and guarantee that any pet parent would adore her artwork.
4. Becca Barron: If you are catering to a more mature pet owner or someone with a more traditional interior vibe, Becca might be a perfect fit given her supremely beautiful and realistic portrait style - we are captivated by how detailed and soulful her work is! Her portraits start around $100 for a 6x6" but expect to pay $200+ for larger sizes...worth it as this artwork will truly capture the heart and soul of a pet! (@beccabarronart on IG)
5. OMG Dear Reader, 4 suggestions is not enough?! Just kidding, we'll give you one more! :) Our final recommendation is GestuelStudio, a top-rated Etsy shop that does super cool line art style portraits of pets (and their parents!). A modern and universally-appealing aesthetic at a super attractive price point. This artist offers a quick turnaround and will send both digital and physical prints.
Good luck on your holiday hunting, dear reader, and please support small earth-friendly businesses (like Kingboy!). We appreciate you!
]]>But which pet is the most popular? Unsurprisingly, dogs are still the reigning champion of popular pets. Around 70 million dogs are kept as pets across the country.
For many households with children, they were the reason the family adopted a dog. Either the children begged for a new puppy, or the parents thought it would be suitable for the kids.
Should your family adopt a new dog?
To help you decide, here are the top five benefits of dogs for children. When considered all together, they can significantly impact a child's life!
Children who live with a dog tend to have a more active lifestyle. Whether taking it for a walk or just playing in the park, an energetic pup keeps them moving. More than that, dogs get children outdoors, which is always a good thing.
In fact, studies show that living with a dog before the age of one can prevent allergies from developing!
Especially for young children and toddlers, dogs can help with cognitive development. In particular, interacting with their dog can help children develop their speaking skills and other mental faculties. Even if they're just babbling nonsense at their pup, it's good practice!
Animals are one of the best stress relievers. So much so that the term emotional support animal is now widely used. While this is most often used about adults, it applies to children too.
Whether school or friends are stressing them out, spending time cuddling or playing with their dog can lift their mood.
As toddlers grow into children, they need to develop a sense of responsibility. Having a dog can help with this.
Small chores to take care of the dog are a great stepping stone to more significant responsibilities. This, in turn, helps build confidence and self-esteem when they succeed at their tasks.
Taking responsibility for a new dog also helps children with their emotional development.
Spending their time and energy on pet care can help them develop essential traits. For example, empathy, compassion, kindness, and generosity can all come from caring for their dog.
The benefits of dogs are physical, mental, and emotional. While these benefits are most clearly seen in children, people of all ages can benefit from having a furry friend around.
If you want to adopt a dog, there's one thing you need: a dog bed! Ideally, one that's waterproof, stain-resistant, machine washable, and will last for years. Lucky for you, that's exactly our specialty!
Whatever color or size you need, Kingboy has got you covered. Plus, our dog beds are made from recycled materials, meaning you're doing your bit for the environment. We produce our dog beds in small quantities right here in the USA, so your purchase supports not only our small business but those of our wonderful manufacturing partners. Browse our dog bed collection today.
]]>It shouldn’t be surprising, considering how many of us are animal lovers. And who doesn’t love to spoil their pet with something new? But it does suggest that we're spending money replacing existing pet furniture.
It doesn’t matter how cute a dog bed is. If it gets tatty and smelly within a year, it’s a bad investment.
Instead, dog owners should look at products that they only need to buy once. That’s both more affordable and sustainable.
A waterproof dog bed is one of the best pet furniture investments you can make. Their hardy nature means they’ll last for years. But they're still an uber-comfortable place for your dogs to spend half their time.
Are waterproof dog beds really that much better than traditional upholstery fabric dog beds though? Definitely! Read on for some more information about what makes waterproof dog beds so great, and where you can find the best ones - we'll give you a hint, it starts with "King" and ends with "boy" :)
A waterproof dog bed is a bed that’s either partially or fully waterproof. The best designs are waterproof all over.
Specifically, the outer, removable layer is waterproof. That protects the soft filling from ever becoming soiled or damp for another reason. But you can also wash the inner cushion if you ever need to.
The number one advantage of waterproof or water-resistant dog beds is hygiene: a waterproof cover will prevent dirt and liquids from staining the fabric, and from seeping through the cover and damaging the insert. Whether your pup covers the bed in mud or has an accident, it’s good as new in no time. Our dog beds use a durable, water-resistant mighty fabric that is stain-resistant and outdoor-friendly, so go ahead and take your Kingboy dog bed with you to the beach or on a camping trip! If your dog bed gets dirty, you don't need to worry.
That’s because of their second draw – waterproof dog beds are very easy to clean. You can usually wipe them down in seconds because many liquids will bead up and not seep into the fabric.
Or if it needs a deeper clean, just throw it in the washing machine. That’s right: both the cover and cushion are machine washable! You can wash a Kingboy dog bed hundreds and hundreds of times without worrying about fading, pilling, or wearing/tearing the fabric.
Due to their easy-clean attributes, Kingboy's waterproof, outdoor-friendly dog beds are very odor-resistant. Even after thoroughly washing a typical fabric dog bed, some old smells may linger. But the waterproof design stops the bed from absorbing any odors in the first place.
Because they’re waterproof and so easy to clean, these beds are also multi-purpose! Use them indoors, on the grass in your yard, or even out and about at the park! However mucky they get, it’s a piece of cake getting them squeaky clean again.
When choosing a waterproof dog bed, it’s essential you find one that offers all of these benefits. Then you can truly relax and let your dogs go wild!
At Kingboy, our beds not only fulfill all these criteria, but they’re super comfortable too! Our specially designed filling will never lose its shape and will keep your pup resting happily for years to come.
Even better, we use recycled and landfill-diverted materials to make our beds. So you can rest assured that you’re investing in a sustainable product.
Check out our products today to find the perfect waterproof, low-maintenance dog bed for your best friend!
]]>Dog sleeping patterns vary from breed to breed, and even between individual pups. Even so, there are some similarities that apply to nearly all dogs.
Read on for 7 fun facts about dog sleeping behavior!
As we said, roughly half of a dog’s time is spent sleeping. In hours a day, that averages between 10-12.
On top of that, they spend another 30% of their time resting. That leaves just 20% of the day for being active!
Yes, they do! Just like us, dogs often dream to process the events of the day. They may bark, whine, or twitch to respond to what's happening in their dream.
This is also connected with your dog’s dreams! Most likely, they’re having a ball running around in their dream, and their legs are playing along.
Scientists believe this is an instinct they inherited from their ancestors. Circling and digging an outdoor sleep area would clear it of uncomfortable debris. It would also deter other animals from their sleeping spots, like insects or snakes.
This is a good sign that you’ve developed a strong relationship with your dog. Just like they would sleep nuzzled up with their pack, they stay close to you because they feel safe.
Sleeping in the same bed as your dog can even make your bond stronger. But it's still best that they have their own dog bed to rest on during the day.
While this is one of the best sleeping positions to let their dreaming legs run wild, that’s not the most common reason. It’s actually about temperature.
Sleeping on their back leaves a dog’s belly exposed. That makes it easier for them to stay cool throughout the night, so they can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.
It doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is cold. Some dogs have burrower personalities by nature.
These dogs feel more comfortable or relaxed when they have a big blanket nest all around them. They also tend to be very affectionate and need lots of attention.
Whatever dog sleeping patterns happen in your home, there’s one way you can make their snoozing even better: Kingboy dog beds. They’re specially designed to hold their shape and comfort for years to come.
On top of that, they’re made with owners in mind. Stain-resistant, waterproof, machine washable – you name it, our beds do it.
Plus, we use recycled materials for the foam, thread, fabric, and even zippers! So you’re also doing your part to help the environment.
Take a look at our dog bed selection today to find the perfect one for your pup.
]]>Therefore it's only natural we should want to give them the best!
That includes a comfortable place to sleep. You might feel overwhelmed with choices if you're looking at dog beds for your fur baby. Fortunately, there are a few ways to narrow it down when looking for a dog bed that's the perfect match.
Your dog bed should be the perfect size for your dog. If buying online, make sure you take note of the measurements and the size guide on the website. Measure your dog so you can make the most accurate purchase - we think the most important metric to go by is weight!
If your dog is between sizes, always size up. It's better for a dog bed to have too much room than too little, allowing them to spread out and really get comfy.
This is where it's important to take note of your dog's preferences. If your dog gravitates to sleeping on soft materials, then you might want to pick something deep and fleecy.
However, if your dog runs hot and tends to prefer laying on a cool floor, then something thinner and less dense might be the better option. If your dog is older and has arthritis or knee problems, make sure your dog bed isn't too high for them to climb onto easily. This sounds obvious, but 1-2 inches can make the difference between your dog climbing into the bed happily vs your dog sleeping on the floor. Our dog beds have been tested with the pickiest, eldest seniors (including a 14 year old pomeranian with terrible arthritis, a 13 year old spaniel recovering from a torn ACL, ouch, and a 14 year old yorkie with allll sorts of health issues) and they all were able to easily step onto a Kingboy dog bed with no hesitation.
As well as the right material, you'll want to consider your pup's behavior when looking at dog bed options.
If your dog tends to chew on things, you may not want a bed with tassels or other extra accessories. You may need a bed that is super durable - and if so, you are in luck! Our dog beds are made from strong poly twill that can withstand digging, tumbling, flopping, and whatever other frolicking your dog may do!
You may also need a bed that's easy to wash (perhaps with an included cover) if your dog is getting older and doesn't always make it outside to go to the bathroom, or if they're just prone to accidents. A third of small dogs aren't house trained, so if your pup is among them, better safe than sorry! Fortunately, Kingboy dog beds are water resistant, making them a wonderful choice for our incontinent BFFs.
While you want your pup to have endless comfort, you also want the bed to look good in your home. Therefore, it's important to think about your style.
If you want a bright, fun pattern with bold colors like yellow and sky blue, there are plenty of options. If you prefer your house to have more of a cool, neutral palette, then a grey dog bed will look great.
You should also think about the practicality of the color or pattern when choosing a dog bed. If you have a white dog who sheds constantly, a black dog bed may not be the best idea unless you love to vacuum! Great news though - Kingboy's dog beds feature patterns that have been specifically designed and tested to hide dog hair! So you can safely purchase our dog beds knowing that your sheddy boy or girl won't ruin the look.
Now more than ever, it's important to look for eco-friendly materials when making any purchase. Fortunately, there is a particularly wonderful dog bed company out there that uses recycled plastic to make their comfy, pillowy soft beds, so you can help the planet while helping your baby.
A dog bed is an important purchase, as all puppy parents will know. They need a comfortable place to sleep, and it also needs to look great in your house.
There are a lot of options out there — you just need to think about what suits you and your dog! If you're thinking about a new dog bed, check out our collection. Our durable and eco-friendly dog beds will keep you both happy for years to come.
]]>Did you know that 68% of United States households own a pet? Additionally, a total (estimated) of 85 million families own a type of pet. Also, a minimum of 37 million millennials have a pet.
If you're one of the many Americans who have a pet, and you own a dog, you might be thinking about how to get the best dog bed for your dog. However, if you don't know how to get started, you might feel stressed.
Fortunately, in this article, we'll review how to select the right size dog bed for your dog. Finally, you can get the best dog bed for your dog and make sure they sleep snugly. Read on to learn more.
How to Choose the Best Dog Bed Size
When you're considering different sizes of dog beds for your dog, it's important to think about the specific positions your dog gets into when they're sleeping. The size of the bed should be large enough that they can lie comfortably in a variety of positions.
For example, you might think that a new dog bed your dog can curl up in is large enough. But what if they want to stretch their legs out? If they wouldn't fit in that case, you should get a larger dog bed.
You'll also want to think about sleep style. Dog sleep styles include leaners, curlers, and sprawlers.
It can also help to measure your dog. This way, you can ensure that your furry friend will fit into the bed. Measure your dog from the base of its tail to its nose's tip.
Next, add between six and twelve inches so they've got some extra space. This will help you determine what size you need the bed to be.
It can also help to think about the weight and size of your dog when choosing a dog bed. Here's how.
Dogs Under 30 Pounds
Does your dog weigh less than thirty pounds? In this case, you should choose our regular sized dog bed. Our regular sized dog bed is 27 inches in length, 20 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in height and it is perfect for so many small and not-so-small breeds out there! Here are some breeds/mixed breeds that we think would fit perfectly and snugly in our regular sized bed: corgis, pugs, beagles, pomeranians, chihuahuas, yorkshire terriers (yorkies!), maltese, mini poodles, spaniels, cavapoos, satos, westies, dachshunds, terriers, shelties, American Eskimos, Alaskan klee kais, Boston terriers, and MaNy MoRe! Many wonderful humans out there have rescue dogs and don't know their breeds, which is why your safest bet is to use our weight range recommendation!
Dogs Between 30 and Up To 70 - 75 Pounds
Are you looking for dog bed options for your dog that weighs between 30 pounds and 70-75 pounds? In this case, you should choose a more substantial dog bed - our large size would be perfect for your BFF! This bed is 36 inches in length, 29 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in height. The large size dog bed is great for breeds such as border collies, Australian Shepherds (unless they are minis, in which case consider the regular bed!), huskies, pit bull mixes, standard poodles, golden retrievers, labs, doodle mixes, rhodesian ridgebacks, borzois, afghan hounds (some of our favorite breeds!), rottweilers, doberman pinschers, Belgian Malinois, standard collies and many more. Our large dog bed also fits two small/medium sized dogs rather perfectly, so if your pups like to snuggle, the large might be your best bet!
Not sure which size to go with? Size up if you've got space, OR send us a picture of your dog (DM us on instagram @shopkingboy) and we'll give you our size recommendation.
Looking for the Best Dog Bed for Your Dog?
Now that you've learned about how to choose the best dog bed size for your dog, you might have decided to start looking for the best dog bed for your dog. In this case, you should look no further than Kingboy.
At Kingboy, we sell recycled dog beds that are pillowy soft, modern and durable. Our beds come in playful patterns, are machine washable, and will fit in well with all types of decor!
Kingboy is a luxe, earth-friendly dog bed company that sells modern, durable, cozy dog beds that last forever! If you want to give your dog their very best rest, please peruse our collection now!
Considering how many influencers are out there, you might be feeling stressed about the competition if you're thinking of becoming a dog influencer.
Fortunately, in this article, we'll review what tips dog influencers have to give to aspiring dog influencers. Finally, you can have a pet influencer account that's powerful.
As a result, you and your dog will be more successful than ever. Read on to learn more.
The dog influencer account Tuna Melts My Heart says that you should know what your brand is for your pet social media account. They also say that it's important to protect your brand once you've established what it is.
Additionally, they recommend partnering with other brands that are mutually beneficial and relevant. If someone wants to partner with you and they're off-brand, simply say no.
Another one of the dog influencer accounts out there, Tinkerbelle, says that you shouldn't give up. It takes a lot of work to run a pet social media account, so they recommend that you keep going. All you need is a bit of time!
Another popular pet social media account, Chloe Kardoggian, recommends that you make sure your dog enjoys being a pet influencer. They added that they only have Chloe being an influencer because she enjoys the company of others and being in front of the camera.
Menswear Dog, a dog with over 310,000 followers on Instagram and experience working with big-name brands such as Canary, Casper, and Club Monaco, says that you have to be original and have fun when you're running a dog influencer account.
They give more specific advice along these lines. They recommend that you highlight something unique about your pet. Once you've done this, focus on the creation of content that people feel good seeing.
The person behind the Hamilton the Dog account says that you shouldn't try too hard. Instead, you should focus on allowing things to happen organically. Additionally, they recommend that you remember why you decide to get started in the first place.
For them, their goals have always been to encourage pet adoptions, make people smile, and have fun.
Now that you've learned how to be a successful dog influencer and potentially have the success of viral pet accounts, you might need more tips. For example, maybe you want help finding the best aesthetically appealing dog products for your dog to sit on while you take their picture.
In this case, look no further than Kingboy. At Kingboy, we sell the perfect Instagram dog bed options. We offer chic, cute, patterned, and designer dog bed options.
We sell high-end, modern, durable, eco-friendly dog beds that last forever! To check out our beds, see our collection now.
]]>Fortunately, having a pet-friendly and safe house doesn't have to mean plastic covers on everything and nothing left at eye level. Here's how to create an environment in your house that looks great and keeps your furbaby safe.
A lot of plants are toxic to animals. If you want to include natural greenery in your home décor, make sure you research the ones that might cause your pet the most harm and avoid them.
If you know your dog is prone to chewing or there are things in reach that might be too tempting, put them on high shelves. You don't have to give up your ornaments or pretty hardbound books — instead, be strategic in their placement.
If you do have things at eye level but they're behind closed doors, consider using child-safe locks to ensure your dogs and cats can't get into them.
Remember, our pets are smarter than we give them credit for! If you have a new dog or cat, you may quickly realize that. Child locks are also easily hidden, come in colors to match your cabinets, and won't detract from the aesthetic of your space.
For any furniture, try and use stain-resistant fabrics so that your dog's muddy pawprints are easily cleaned up. Olefin, for example, works great on furniture and it's easy to preserve it.
If you have a Great Pyrenees or a ginger cat who sheds all over the place, you do not want a black sofa!
Try to match your furniture to the color of your animal so that shedding is inconspicuous and you don't have to vacuum three times a day.
If your pet has a particular place they like to sleep, put strategic throw blankets over them. Your pet can still sleep there, but it's much easier to wash a blanket than a whole piece of furniture.
Laminate flooring is stain resistant (unlike hardwood flooring) and it's also easy to clean up any accidents!
Plus, puppies who have been trained on potty pads are more likely to have an accident on a soft surface than on laminate flooring. Keeping a young dog away from the carpet encourages them to hold it until they get outside.
If you have a dog and need to keep them out of certain areas, there are many stylish baby gates available that you can use to block off certain rooms. You don't have to turn every room into the peak of pet safety — your dog doesn't need access to them all!
Any pet-friendly home should have a toy box for your pet. That way, you can prevent their toys from being strewn across the floor.
Rotating toys is also a great way to keep your pets interested so the amusement doesn't get stale.
One of the best pet-friendly decor ideas is to let them see out of the window so they can enjoy the view without allowing them to press their nose against it and put marks all over the glass. How about some sheer curtains so you can both enjoy the window?
You don't have to compromise on having a beautiful home when you have a dog, cat, or any other roaming pet. Instead, combine pet-friendly tactics with stylish interior design to ensure you have the best of both worlds.
Looking for a dog bed that's as sleek as your home's visuals? Check out our eco-friendly selection in a variety of colors and patterns.
]]>When we started Kingboy, we looked to source sustainable and recycled materials for each component of our dog beds. In most cases, recycled plastic presented the best option to create durable, easy-care, low maintenance dog beds. If you are looking to learn more about how recycled plastic gets turned into Kingboy dog beds, and why rPET is a sustainable choice, you have come to the right place!
Polyester is a word that's a short form for a man-made polymer, which is also called polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. PET is the hard plastic used to create containers like water bottles. When we use the word polyester, we're usually referring to plastic resin made into fibers, which are then woven into fabrics used to create clothing, blankets or other sorts of soft goods.
Polyester can be made from "new" PET fibers, which are woven from melted PET chips, or it can be made from various blends of materials that include recycled PET fibers known as rPET. Using rPET to make polyester results in the same durable fabric qualities but eliminates the use of raw petrochemicals in the manufacturing process, and avoids contributing to the growing plastic problem on earth.
Recycling centers collect and sort PET containers by grade. Then the bottles and containers are chopped and melted into polyester chips. The chips are melted again and pressed through an extruder that creates long tendrils of polyester fiber.
Fabric manufacturers then use this polyester fiber to create blended rPET fabrics, usually mixing rPET with either virgin polyester or cotton -- at Kingboy, we only use fabrics that are comprised of *at least* 50% recycled content. We also make our dog beds using thread that is made entirely (100%) from rPET, and zippers that have at least 50% of recycled material as well.
While researching available pet bed fabric options, cleaning flexibility and convenience is KEY! The poly blend fabrics we use are durable and washable - our dog bed covers can be spot treated, machine washed, and/or vacuumed to remove pet hair and dirt. And if you want a full refresh, the inserts can be machine washed and dried as well! (We'll cover the sustainability of our inserts in another blog post soon, don't worry!)
Kingboy offers stylish, eco-friendly dog beds made from recycled polyester fabrics that will maintain their shape and vibrancy for years and years, even with very little care. Our goal is to keep your home looking great, keep your pet cozy and happy, and keep you from having to buy another dog bed ever again!
]]>Leash training is a key part of being a responsible dog owner. However, it can be challenging for first-time pets and their humans to navigate!
Today, we're sharing five tips to help you teach your pup to walk on a leash. Before long, you'll be traveling everywhere together!
Before you begin, buy your dog a properly-fitting harness or collar, as well as a sturdy leash. You've sized everything from his dog bed to his food bowl, so you need to do the same with this step.
Let your pup wear the collar and leash indoors before you head outside. This will help him get used to how it feels, so there's not as much confusion when you're ready to start exploring.
If you have a new puppy who isn't used to walking on a leash, keep those first sessions short. Focus on getting your dog to stay beside you, and gently correct him when he starts to tug away. Most dog owners prefer to position their dogs on the left side.
If you exert too much energy in the beginning, your dog may associate leash training with a negative, draining experience. You want him to look forward to this experience, so don't stay out too long.
Especially if your dog has never used a leash before, you can expect plenty of frenetic activity once you clip it on! He will likely run all over the place, darting back and forth in quick motions.
However, there will inevitably be times when he has to rest, and the leash will slacken. As he walks calmly beside you, give him a healthy treat and reward his good behavior. You can also use a marker to signal that he's on the right track, or simply shout an emphatic "Yes!" to let him know he did well.
Often, dogs pull on their leashes because they think when they do so, their owner will hurry up and they'll get to their destination quicker. To prevent this habit, stop walking when they begin tugging.
It might take a few tries, but eventually, he will stop moving and look at you. When he does, the leash will slacken. Reward that response on the spot, and continue to do so every time he realizes that speeding up will actually slow him down.
Pups are exploratory, and they're bound to see something on your walk that piques their interest. When this happens, they may lunge in the direction of that object.
This can pull you off balance and put the safety of others at risk. Try to proactively steer their attention away from the object with a treat. Create distance around your dog and move in a different direction if you need to.
When your dog knows how to walk on a leash, it's easier for both of you to get around. The key is to go slow and keep the training sessions short and positive. Over time, you can gradually reduce the number of treats you use as your pup begins to initiate good behavior naturally.
All that walking is bound to wear your pup out, and we're here to help him rest as comfortably as possible. Check out our full collection of eco-friendly, stylish, and durable dog beds today!
]]>PRE-ARRIVAL TIPS:
Invest in a pressure gate (get a tall one), playpen and/or crate (or check with the rescue to see if your foster pup will come with a travel crate which works well!) to ensure your dog and the foster dog can be easily separated into their own safe spaces when needed.
This gives you way more flexibility than having to rely on closing doors - which some dogs can open, and other dogs can destroy!
Buy pee pads and have old blankets and towels around - other great things to have:
Spray bottle that you can fill with water: this is a good/harmless way to discipline a foster dog (or your dog!) if needed for things like incessant barking :) After the first few times you should only have to show the dog the bottle and they will chill
Stain remover spray: accidents will happen so prepare for it and you will get less upset. We love Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.'s stain & odor eliminator!
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines and heartworm/flea preventatives - seems obvious but is important. Rescues usually do their absolute best to make sure your foster pup will arrive in great health, but illnesses can slip through even with the best vetting protocols.
ARRIVAL TIPS:
Introduce the foster dog and your dog outside instead of in your house/apartment - this will reduce your dog's potential instinct to feel territorial or threatened. Then, if possible, take your dog on a walk and have someone else bring the foster dog inside so he/she is there (in a safe spot) when your dog gets back.
Give them a bath/shower right away, even the best transport conditions are still just not great and your dog might be less suspicious if the foster doesn't smell like a truck full of dogs.
If you only have one heavenly Kingboy dog bed, make sure your dog and the foster dog each get time to lounge on it during the day ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Accept that the foster dog will be annoying for at least the first 48 hours. They don’t know any better!
Expect that the foster dog will be in potential flight mode whenever they are outside - BE CAREFUL. Nothing is worse than having to tell a rescue that your foster dog got loose, and this happens more than you think :(
Expect that your dog may be mopey while a foster dog is around, especially if they are a pesky puppy that wants to play with your dog's toys etc. It is a great character building experience for your dog (haha) and they will snap back to themselves as soon as the foster goes to its forever home!