Tag Archives: family

The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

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The Most Important Aspects Of Training Your Dog

Training your dog will not only help make your life significantly easier each day, but it’ll also provide your dog with the consistency he or she craves. Not everyone looks at it this way, but dogs benefit from good training far more than owners do, whether it’s done as a puppy or later in life.

If you’re about to embark on the journey of training your dog, it’s important to consider how to approach it and which factors will have the biggest impact on your pup. Find out more below:

Clear Rules:

Whether it’s for inside the home or when you’re out walking, it’s important that you have clear rules in place for how you want your dog to behave and that you communicate those rules as consistently as possible for the best outcomes. If the rules aren’t clear to your dog in some way, they’ll simply be ignored and that’s not what you want, either. Try to keep this in mind and consider the kinds of signals you’re sending to your dog.

Consistency:

Being consistent is another important factor as you go through the dog training process. If you’re not consistent and you don’t keep up the training methods, things won’t work out the way you want them to. You can’t expect your dog to learn from the whole training process if you’re not willing to put in the time and effort. The onus is on you to do this because you’re the one dictating the schedule, not your dog. Consistency will yield much better and much faster results for you and your pet.

Guidance from a Professional:

When you’re undertaking the training of your dog for the first time, it usually makes sense to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing and you haven’t done any of this before, the guidance of someone who really does know about the process will make a big difference. They’ll be able to show you techniques that you would never have thought of and give you advice when things aren’t going completely smoothly. To get started, simply enter a search for “puppy training Newcastle” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed trainer. Pay close attention at their lessons so that you can utilize their methods at home for best results.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Training can sometimes be difficult for your dog and they won’t always do the right things the way you want them to. That’s simply the nature of dog training. And it’s why it’s so important to reward the good behavior of your dog. When they do something that’s right, you need to reinforce that positive behavior so that they know it’s good and that they know to do it again in the future. That’s essentially how the training process works.

Clicker training is always good for when you’re teaching your pup a new skill or trick. Don’t forget to be liberal with the treats too, especially if your pup stresses easily. Whether they are partial to Beggin’ Strips or the private label treats you can find here (https://cbdoilmanufacturer.com/private-label-cbd-pet-treats/), have some at the ready for a job well done.

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SO. CUTE.

If You’re Training a Puppy, Use Their Name Carefully:

Some owners forget that their dogs don’t instantly and instinctively know what their names are the way humans do. That’s why you have to use their names carefully. If you use it too much it might become meaningless or they’ll come to associate it with other things, which is not what you want. This is especially important when you’re training a puppy for the first time. Use it carefully and sparingly so they can learn what that word means much faster than they otherwise might.

Using the Right Treats:

If you’re trying to teach your dog something, it’s vital to reward them when they do what you want them to. This kind of positive reinforcement is a huge part of what makes dog training successful. If you don’t get it right, they won’t understand when they’re doing the right thing and when they’re doing the wrong thing. You can use Tempo&Tails CBD treats or whatever kinds of treats they like most and will respond best to.

End Each Training Session on a Positive Note:

When each training session with your dog comes to an end, you should try to finish things off on a positive note. That kind of positivity can make a difference because in order for the training process to be successful, you need your dog to really enjoy it. That way, they’ll want to go back to it and their learning will be better and more complete, which is what you need. If you just keep going until your dog is fed up, that won’t create the positive association in their mind.

Training your dog is always a big challenge. There will be ups and downs throughout the process, but if you persist and keep in mind the things that we’ve discussed above, you’ll eventually end up with a well-trained dog. And the sooner you start with the training, the sooner you’ll achieve those outcomes.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Healthy And Happy: Get Your Home Ready For 2020

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Healthy And Happy: Get Your Home Ready For 2020

2020 is very nearly upon us, and we all like to start off the year in the happiest and healthiest way possible, especially when the new year is also the start of a whole new decade. One of the best ways of doing this is to make sure your home is ready for your family. It is not too late to have one big final push to start 2020 in the very best way. Read on for some tips:

Check your water supply:

For most parts of the developed world, a safe water supply is usually a given and is taken for granted. However, before the water gets to our homes and comes through our taps, it can travel hundreds of miles through pipes under the ground and, despite best efforts, things can occasionally go wrong, meaning our water supply is not up to scratch. If you are not sure if yours is good enough to drink straight from the tap, you might want to look at installing a home filtration water system. This will ensure that your family is protected from any parasites, toxins, and chemicals that might still lurk in the system.

Banish the pests:

Some household pests are merely irritating, but others can be harmful. Ticks, for example, can carry some nasty diseases, and termites can cause significant amounts of damage to wood. Let us not even get started on fleas and bed bugs, because once you get an infestation, it is very difficult to get rid of them. It is essential to recognize the signs of an infestation and the environments which they are most commonly found and thrive in.

As a general rule of thumb, houses that are clean and tidy are less likely to have an infestation. However, things like bedbugs and fleas can be carried into even the most spotless of homes. If you spot any sign of unwanted creatures and creepy critters, call in the experts to get them removed. You may need the house fumigated to rid them entirely. For the best help with unwanted critters, Sacramento pest control will be able to get your house back to a safe, healthy haven for you and your family.

Check your air quality:

Many people make the mistake of believing that indoor air is cleaner than outdoor air. This is not always true. Various external and internal factors can mean that the quality of the indoor area can fluctuate quite significantly. It is important to make sure that there is always proper and regular ventilation, which can reduce the number of pollutants, toxins, and airborne particles which can make you feel unwell.

This can be done through natural ventilation, such as opening doors and windows and through heating and air conditioning, although these need monitoring for Legionnaires disease and carbon monoxide poisoning, both of which can make you feel unwell or can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. Houseplants are another excellent way of purifying the air – they absorb carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen.

Protect your house against would-be burglars:

The vast majority of home invasion attempts are opportunistic by nature. Burglars generally will not take any unnecessary risks if they can avoid them, so tend to (but of course, not always!) try their luck in houses that are in secluded areas, are not well lit, and have open or unsecured doors and windows. While you obviously cannot stop a determined burglar, there are things that you can do to make it not worth their time and effort.

Fit closed-circuit television cameras, put dog warning signs up (even if you do not have one!), lock all of your windows and doors, and have motion-activated doorbells and floodlights. If you are planning to be away for any amount of time, have a neighbor keep an eye on the house, collect mail. and perhaps park a car on the driveway to give the impression that someone is in. You can also fit lights to come on at a particular time, again, giving the impression that the house is occupied.

Check for humidity and mold issues:

Mold is found almost everywhere in nature, including our homes. It is more likely that, at some point, you will find it somewhere in your home as it can come in through open windows, stick to your clothes and shoes, or enter via the AC system. However, there are measures that we can take to prevent it from thriving inside the home. Humidity is the best friend of mold and helps it to grow on any surfaces and in any environments that are warm and damp.

You can take control over the level of humidity in the air by using dehumidifiers, which suck out most of the excess moisture in the air. As well as that, fix any leaking pipes and sort out any drafty windows and doors. If you use a washing machine or a tumble dryer in the house, make sure that the room is well ventilated and if you are hanging washing on the radiators to dry, open windows.

Quit the chemicals:

These days, the world seems divided into two – those who use massive amounts of chemicals to clean their homes and those that use only natural products. It does not have to be a case of either/or though. Some chemicals absolutely have their place when it comes to maintaining good hygiene in the home, such as bleach to clean a toilet. However, there are plenty of natural, chemical-free solutions that you can use, such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and citric acid. All of these work well as cleaning solutions, are much healthier to be around, and are less harmful to the environment.

By knowing and acting on some of these simple tips, you can transform your home into a healthy and safe haven for you and your family.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Wow Them With Your Wedding Favors

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Wow Them With Your Wedding Favors

Planning your wedding gives you the perfect opportunity to create an exciting and personal event. When you’re choosing the venue, flowers, entertainment, and favors, for example, you’ll want each element to represent you and your new spouse.

With so many things to consider in the lead up to the big day, it’s easy to forget about some details. However, it can be the smaller things that really make an impression on your guests. Wedding favors are a great way to show your appreciation to your guests and to give them something that will remind them of the day in the future.

While some people stick to tried and tested favors, there are plenty of other options available. If you want to do something different on your special day, take a look at these top ideas for creative and original wedding favors:

Donuts:

Everyone loves a sweet treat, so donuts are always a crowd-pleaser. With frosting to match your decor or personalized icing, you can commemorate your day with a fun, edible snack. As many people travel a long distance to attend weddings, they’ll be thrilled with something they can tuck into the next morning, especially if they’ve got a sore head from partying a little too hard!

Seeds:

Giving guests a packet of seeds to take home is a stunningly simple idea yet one that’s memorable and personal. Choose something that’s easy to grow, so that even your guests who aren’t experienced gardeners can watch their plants thrive. Similarly, choosing something which can flourish in a pot will ensure guests who live in apartments or who don’t have gardens can take part in the fun too. You can even request that guests send you a quick snap of their shrubs or flowers on your anniversary and enjoy the fact that your guests have a forever reminder of your happy day.

Candy:

Choosing candy as your wedding favor can be a great way to impress your guests. With personalized candy wrappers, you can create a gift that will keep you in their minds. As candies stay fresh for far longer than most other sweet treats, you know that guests will be enjoying them for a long time to come. What’s more, candy is easy to transport and won’t take up too much space, which is great for those who traveled to your wedding.

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So cute!

Flowers:

If you’re using flowers to decorate your wedding venue, why not use them as wedding favors too? Giving guests a small vase or a miniature pail and inviting them to help themselves to the centerpieces is the perfect way to combine a gift they can cherish forever and a special memento from your big day.

With the right favors, you can commemorate your special day and show your guests just how much you appreciate their support. While the options are endless, you’ll find a variety of personalized and meaningful favors to suit any budget and any style of wedding.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

TJMaxx Haul

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TJMaxx Haul

Hello! My last holiday shopping to accomplish was for my boyfriend’s parents so I hit up TJMaxx during my free time to find something for them. I ended up with a lovely Starbucks gift set for them as well as a little something something for my cousin and some skin care for myself. Check it out:

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There is nothing better than a nice, warm cup of hot chocolate during the winter and when I saw the gift set above I thought it was the perfect present to surprise the rents with. Along with a delicious combo of peppermint and double chocolate hot chocolate, the gift set included two Starbucks logo mugs which will be ideal for their morning coffee as well as the hot cocoa. I don’t know my boyfriend’s parents too well yet but you can’t go wrong with a holiday themed box set so hopefully they like it!

I also gifted my Boston Terrier crazy cousin with a dog shaped cookie jar filled with holiday cookies. He looks oh so dapper in his shades and tie! My cousin, Laura, in Pittsburgh is my go to for microblading and she always does so much for me when I come to visit so it was the least I can do for the next time I pop up. I know her and her boyfriend and their two precious Boston Terriers will love it and TJMaxx always has the cutest themed decor for that specific breed for those interested.

And, finally, I needed a new moisturizer and serum in my life so I went with the SkinLab lift and firm serum and moisturizer combo to keep my mug looking young, fresh, and hydrated all winter long!

My holiday shopping is officially complete and now it’s time to wrap up my presents, get them to their respective owners, and enjoy the rest of my holiday season!

Are you all done holiday shopping? Do you finish your shopping early or last minute? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Puppy Love

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Puppy Love

Hello everyone! This past week, we welcomed a brand new tiny, furry member to our family and he goes by the name of Archie! My mom and dad adopted a new baby brother for our little terrier, Ollie, from One Of A Kind Pets in Akron and he is the sweetest ball of Golden Retriever fluff you will ever see in your life. Take a look and prepare accordingly for your heart to melt:

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We Mushenheims are a lover of all dogs big and small but we have a special place in our heart for Golden Retrievers. Sadly, our sweet golden, Gem, passed several months ago and we still mourn the loss of her and all of our fallen angel pets. However, we have always been a two dog family and, once we felt the time was appropriate and we were ready, we began to look into different pet rescue sites for a new pup to adopt.

After a handful of failed meet and greets with some of the dogs we were interested in because little Ollie straight up didn’t like them, we were beginning to lose hope. And, then, tiny Archie rolled into One Of A Kind Pets, an amazing rescue organization, and we decided to give it one more try.

My parents brought Ollie into One Of A Kind to meet Archie and, thankfully, they got along swimmingly… Probably because they’re the exact same size for now! So, needless to say, the adoption was a go! We have never had a puppy before, as we’ve always opted for older pups and it is definitely a different change of pace. Archie is three months old and loves to chew on everything, sleep, and then continue to chew on everything. 😀

We are so in love with our new little baby and, although Ollie remains indifferent to everything, I think he likes him too. I can’t wait to watch Archie grow and play and I am obsessed with that uber soft puppy fur! He is already and irreplaceable part of our family and we are so thankful to One Of A Kind Pets for bringing him to us. ❤

Have you gotten a new pet recently? What animals do you have at home? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Card Call To Action

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Holiday Card Call To Action

Hello! While scrolling through Facebook the other day, I stumbled upon a news article that someone posted about a Wisconsin man, Gene Weittenhiller, who is currently dying of cancer. In this article it explained the hardship and that his last Christmas wish is to receive a ton of Christmas cards. You can read the full article here if you would like more details.

Gene is a father, grandfather, and loving husband and his story touched me. So, the following day, I sent out a Christmas card myself to Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin in the hopes that it would give him a little holiday cheer from Akron, Ohio. But, how wonderful would it be if he received cards from all over the world? Cue the lifewithlilred platform!

If you would like to send off a card to Mr. Weittenhiller, you can do so to this address to give him his best holiday yet:

Gene Weittenhiller

410 20th St.

Prairie du Sac, WI 53578

I hope that all of my darling readers can take some time out of their day to spread some happiness to a family who is in such desperate need of it. My heart goes out to the Weittenhillers and my wish is that their mailbox is overflowing with holiday cards daily. ❤

Who is sending out a Christmas card to Gene? Where in the world are you located? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

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Super Fun Cold Weather Activities

Hi everyone! Despite the chilly temperatures outside, I always enjoy outdoor winter activities… and then warming up inside with hot chocolate! Depending on your area, there could be a ton of exciting options for you and, lucky for me, there are a lot to pick from in my neck of the woods. Some of my favorites include:

Winter Lights At The Zoo:

On Thanksgiving weekend, my parents, boyfriend, sister, niece, and I went to the Akron Zoo during the after hours to check out their amazing holiday lights display. The whole property was lit up with gorgeous color. Some of the lights blinked, others flashed, and the bigger ones were timed to light up to the beat of Christmas carols.

Of course, it’s always fun to see the animals at the zoo but the light displays were just spectacular. I loved all of the lights shaped like different animals, especially the elephant whose trunk moved! Definitely check out if any of the zoos in your area do any special winter displays because it’s a wonderful option for all ages.

Outdoor Skating Rinks:

During the winter, I try to hit up an outdoor rink at least once. As a skater girl, it is such a good time to hit the great outdoors and show off a bit for the general public! 😀 I love the rink at Lock 3 that we have in downtown Akron, which now includes bumper tubes and ice bikes, if skating isn’t your thing.

A lot of the outdoor rinks will feature other fun activities like sledding, Christmas crafts, and holiday markets. And, did I mention the always delicious hot chocolate stands? Skating at an outdoor rink makes for a great date or hang out with your friends but try and go during a less popular time (morning or early afternoon), if you aren’t the most confident skater.

Toboggan/Sled Rides:

There is a toboggan chute in my area that I have been dying to try out and I would love to give it a go this year. It can reach speeds of up to 50 MPH, which is awesome if you are a thrill seeker, like myself. If this sounds a bit too intense for you, sled riding is another fun option and is a good one to take your children or nieces and nephews to. I am definitely hoping we can take my little niece, Valerie, down a baby hill or two this year!

Hikes Are Nice:

I always enjoy taking at least one hike during the winter time at one of the many amazing Metro Parks in my area. I think that it is so much fun to bundle up, pull on my boots, and trudge around in the snow. Not only is it an excellent work out, but I especially love to see all of the gorgeous snow coating the trees and feeling myself warm up just a little bit more with every step.

Playing In The Snow:

Playing in the snow is not just for children anymore, especially because boozy hot chocolate is definitely a thing! Gather up your friends during a fresh snowfall and relive your childhood with snowmen, snowball fights, and snow angels. Finish out your snow session with a bonfire to warm you up!

When there’s so many fun options for outdoor winter activities, you can create a memorable and inexpensive afternoon with your favorite people. Keep the spirit of the day going with Christmas movies and warm drinks after!

What is your favorite winter activity? What is your favorite way to warm up after a cold day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Life Update

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Life Update

Howdy! It’s been a while since I’ve gave you an update on all of the new and exciting things in Lil Red’s world so I thought that I would take the time to fill you in. Let’s see, the first big news I can share with you is that I have a new nephew! My brother and his wife had their little boy, Patrick, at the beginning of November and we are all so in love with his darling tiny face and wispy blonde hair. Mom, dad, and baby are happy and healthy and I cannot wait to see them when I go to Georgia hopefully in January.

What else? Well, things with my boyfriend, Johnny, are going swimmingly and we loved spending Thanksgiving together with both of our families. We are both looking forward to the rest of the holiday season and I only have a few more weeks of pestering him to let me tell him what I got as his Christmas gift. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this.

Work is also going just swell and it was so nice to have three work days and the weekend off for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have been working my little tail off since the car accident so it was a much needed break and I feel so refreshed. But, is it bad that I’m already jonesing for my days off for Christmas? 😀

My niece, Valerie, and her mom and dad are also doing amazing. She is seriously the light of my life and it’s so fun watching her crawl around and hear her say “dada”. She loves to laugh and play with her toys and her two doggie big brothers and cat big sister. I can’t wait for her first Christmas and Christmas in general… did I mention Christmas?!

Despite the medical issues that I filled you in on yesterday, everything else in Lil Red’s world is, thankfully, awesome. I so appreciate all of your well wishes and I hope that all of you have the happiest holiday season!

What are some of your life updates? How do you celebrate for the holidays? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Holiday Gifts That Always Go Over Well

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Holiday Gifts That Always Go Over Well

Hi everyone! The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, which means it is definitely time to start finishing up your holiday shopping. I, for one, have been done since mid November. Just the mere thought of last minute shopping gives me anxiety! I also love Christmas shopping (And any kind of shopping!) so I was eager to get going.

As much fun as gift giving is, however, it can still be stressful. Maybe you have someone really hard to shop for in the family. Or you have a giftee on your list who has it all already. Regardless of the case, there are certain gifts that always go over well, including some of the following:

Candles/Bath & Body Care:

I used to think that candles and bath and body care was a total cop out gift. Then, I realized that I love being gifted with those goodies so that means other people do, too… At least, I think so! Treat your giftee to some pampering. How about a gift card to their favorite nail or hair salon? Or maybe all of the fixings for a perfect bubble bath with supplies from Lush.

The candle and bath and body care route it always a good one to go with because they are something that your giftee might not necessarily buy for themselves. So, I feel incredibly spoiled whenever those gifts are under my tree.

Concert Tickets/An Experience:

You can literally never go wrong with an experience related gift. My sister and I often gift each other with concert tickets and I love that because you get to share in a memory with them. Is your giftee’s favorite band coming to town? Boom. You’re done. Did a new ride open up at their favorite amusement park? Nailed it. What about a sporting event with your brother or dad? Easy as pie.

Experience gifts are an exciting option to go with and this is one of my favorite types of presents to receive. So, in case you were wondering, I wear a size Marilyn Manson concert tickets, please!

Date Night Supplies:

If you are shopping for a couple, you could provide them with all of the necessities for a night on the town. I usually opt for a gift card to a restaurant and then a movie theater for your classic dinner and a movie date night. And, if you really want to go the full nine yards, you could gift a bottle of wine or champagne for their nightcap.

A fully funded night out will always be much appreciated by any couple and I really like this idea for the favorite love birds in my life.

Food, Glorious Food:

You can never go wrong with a food related gift because everyone eats! I love the idea of the adorable mason jars filled with the ingredients to make a pot of soup or a tray of holiday cookies. Delicious and simple, these gifts are thoughtful and won’t break your bank if you’re ballin on a budget.

If you want to get a bit fancier, you could supply a basket filled with the necessities for a full on dinner. Maybe a homemade pizza night with a lovely bottle of vino? Or an Indian food extravaganza filled with all of the necessary spices for the meal. Regardless of what you choose, everyone (Me, especially!) loves food. 😀

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be so stressful with the pro tips above. Customize them to suit your giftee and you’re all set. Happy shopping!

What is something that you love to gift for people? What is your status on completing your holiday shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello everyone and a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. Actually… any holiday that revolves around eating is my favorite holiday. But, seriously. There is nothing better than spending the morning helping my mom cook Thanksgiving dinner, chilling in the afternoon, and then sitting down to a beautiful meal with my loved ones.

The food is the bomb, the cozy atmosphere of my home is perfect, and the time spent with my family is second to none. And, I sincerely hope that the same goes for all of you. I always try to remember what I’m thankful for on the daily and all of my sweet readers in one hundred and eighty-eight different countries are on my list every time – especially today!

Thank you to everyone who has supported lifewithlilred throughout the years and, no matter how you spend today, I hope that it is an amazing one. Much love. -Sarah