CAN'T BE HOME? FUN TECH GADGETS THAT HELP YOU SNOOP ON YOUR SNOOPY
No matter how much we love our animals, we can’t be home with them all the time. Obviously, we need to leave them at home when it’s unsafe for them to join us (like at a parade), when they’re not allowed (like at the opera or museums), or when they’d be uncomfortable, potentially unsafe and forbidden (like on a plane).
But wouldn’t it be a relief to have at least some idea of what’s going on with our animals while we’re away? Some dogs love to create mischief and destroy that wild curtain blowing with the breeze. Others get really focused on defending the house from the mail carrier who has the audacity (we’re joking) to deliver mail – maybe because it’s mainly junk mail these days. (That makes me growl, too.) Some animals spend the time alone just napping…..and in the height of the pandemic, they were probably relieved when the humans finally left the house and left them alone – especially cats! But we do know that many dogs had a tough adjustment when their people started leaving them alone again for longer periods, and we really do want all tools possible to manage their stress – fetch our free dog wellness guide on our home page for lots of tips.
Of course we can’t leave our animals home alone too long nor do we want to. But for the times you’re out, it might be worth your money to keep tabs on them. Check out these fun techy gadgets for pet parents that have form and function.
1. The holistic solution to anxiety just got a little easier.
It’s hard to watch our dogs or cats struggle with anxiety. When my neighbor (now good friend) first adopted her dog, she left all the neighbors a note apologizing for the howling, pleading for patience and explaining the anxiety of her new rescue and that they had started working with a trainer. My cousin said he won’t get a pet camera because he couldn’t bear to watch if his dog really was struggling when home alone though all seems fine once he gets home. Since we moved across country with my senior dog, I’ve witnessed him howling on camera and it can break your heart and ask for the check on that date night before the appetizer even comes.
ZenCrate is the latest answer to calming your dog’s anxiety. Even if your pet is prescribed medication, the ZenCrate can provide additional comfort. This “smart” den works with your dog to help them with in-the-moment anxiety. I don’t know what I like most about it– the noise canceling features and motion-triggered music or the live feed to your phone, but I’m glad someone just told me about this product.
2. Door-dasher-proof dog collars for the win.
If you have an escape artist dog, the Whistle Go Explore tracker is a must. This smart device now tracks behaviors like scratching in addition to calories, miles and location, including sending you alerts if your dog escapes. I’ve personally helped almost 10 dogs on the loose in the past couple years, but my friend is a professional dog tracker and it breaks my heart when I hear the stories or see a lost dog alert. Imagine how much faster they might have brought their dog home safely with a tracker whether a GPS tracker like Whistle or a brilliant professional like my friend Jim. I link to him in my dog wellness guide’s emergency section. He has successfully reunited so many dogs with their families. Unfortunately, some get hit by cars before he has the chance to help, but these tech trackers can reduce the chance of that.
3. Let your pooch train with a pro.
Porter Lab’s new PupStation is like nothing else on the market that I know about, at least. It puts the latest in behavioral science to work to help train and entertain your pup and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This gadget essentially rewards good behavior with a treat. It’s great for dogs who would benefit from extra mental stimulation like a puppy or any high-energy dog. The PupStation also comes with fun pucks that send your dog on a fun adventure.
4. Furbo is another great camera option—with some sweet twists.
Think of all the benefits of having a camera plus treat-tossing! If you’re dealing with dog challenges like excessive barking or destroyed pillows from chewing, you’ll probably benefit from The Furbo Dog Nanny, too. It will alert you to the behavior. While it’s designed for dogs, Furbo’s basic features work for cat parents who want to check in on their feline friend, too. I learned the hard way that talking to my dog through a camera from afar was a terrible idea that both confused him and made him act out more for the camera so-to-speak, so…… kids, I wouldn’t try that at home if you’re dog has anxiety. But pet cameras have plenty of benefits.
5. Fetch just got a serious upgrade.
Fetch is THE favorite game of so many dogs. But let’s face it – a game of fetch tires us out faster than our dogs. The iFetch mini ball launcher is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for small and medium dogs who love that endless game of fetch. The launcher is quiet, is designed so your dog can be trained to reload the balls without your help, and is a fantastic way for your pup to get in some exercise. Definitely a must-have for fetch-loving dogs! I mention it in my dog wellness guide that you can download from our home page.
For more products that help your dog’s overall well-being, download our dog wellness guide from our home page. It’s free, it’s helpful and it’s comprehensive.