How to make your dog to sleep through the night:

There’s nothing more frustrating than a dog who scoots around downstairs all night making noise. Here, we explore 5 tips for helping your dog sleep from sunset to sunrise.

1. Set up a routine

Keeping things consistent day to day helps your dog to recognize when it’s time for bed. Try to take them on walk at around the same time each day, preferably before and after you go to work. The same applies to meals: feeding your dog a few hours before bed will help him or her digest the food comfortably. While it may be a bit more difficult to get timings right on weekends, try and stick to your routine as closely as possible.

Just before you and your pet hit the hay, keep the hour before bedtime as relaxed as possible. Avoid excessive treats or exciting activities. Most importantly, ensure your dog does his business just before bed, so he won’t be needing the toilet again come 3 am.

2. Give your dog plenty of exercise

Similarly to tiring out energetic children, exercising your dog throughout the day can lead to a night of uninterrupted sleep. Depending on their breed or size, your dog should spend a minimum of half an hour to 2 hours a day exercising. Generally, the bigger the dog, the more exercise they’ll need. A long walk a few hours before bed is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep for the two of you.

3. Don’t share your bed

Like consistency with dinner time, it’s helpful for your dog to go to the same bed every night. So that he can recognize when it’s time to sleep. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend to bed with you, sharing your bed with your pet can have a negative impact on your sleep quality.

Studies show that 63% of pet owners who share their bed with their four-legged friend experience poor sleep. Despite the obvious sleep disruptions through movement and possible barking, sharing your bed with your dog increases the risk of skin infections and has terrible effects for those with asthma or allergies. It’s also more difficult for your dog to sleep, if you’re tossing and turning throughout the night, he or she most likely will be as well. As a solution, check out one of our dog beds to give your pet their own space.

4. Consider your dog's sleeping environment

As well as ensuring they’re not snoozing on your sheets, it’s helpful to make sure they’ve got a comfortable place to sleep. A good quality dog’s bed accompanied with a warm blanket will help your dog sleep in no time. It may also help to have a low sound nearby to help your dog drift off. For example, a clock that can offer a rhythmic ticking sound, or white noise from the radio. Also, do your best to reduce loud outside noise or excess lighting in the room they’re sleeping in.

5. Check out any medical conditions

If your dog is still struggling to snooze, it might be worth considering any underlying medical conditions. This might be the case if it’s an older dog that hasn’t usually had problems with sleeping. Take your dog to the vet and discuss any changes in their behavior, appetite, movement and sleeping pattern. Some medication may then be in order to help your dog sleep.

What dogs really want for Christmas

Did your pet find presents among the wrapped packages stacked beneath the Christmas tree or in stockings “hung by the chimney with care”?

Fifty-eight percent of  “pet parents” bought a holiday gift for their pet, according to survey by the Wild Earth pet food company. The only thing that surprises me about that survey is that 42% did not buy pet presents.

The survey also said 41% of people will make a special pet holiday meal, 33% will dress their pets for holiday occasions and 26% will do a “pet photo shoot” that in some cases will front the family Christmas card.

Absent from these surveys is questions about what dogs, in particular, want and need. I assume more walks, more active interaction with people and dogs, and more outings at dog-friendly events. 

Many dogs and many people need more exercise, and walking suits dogs and people of all ages and fitness levels. Going outside to go walking in the sunshine can help beat the “winter blues,” especially during the pandemic when many people have spent more time at home. 

Whatever you do, your dog will enjoy their time with you. They love us unconditionally whether we got them a gift or not. They just want to spend time with us.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Dogs, they make life better

With their adorable faces and no worry attitudes, dogs bring us so much joy and fill our lives with love. And it’s know that dogs are a man’s best friend (well everyone’s best friend). But when you think about it, there so much more to having a dog as a companion. Yes, actual benefits that improve your life. From helping you meet new people, bringing a smile to your face after a long day, or getting in that exercise, your dog actually helps improve your health and social life.

Having a dog will help you stay active as it will increase the amount of exercise you do on a regular basis. Your pup will want to go for a walk and of course you’ll want it to go to the potty outside. Whether you know it or not, these activities will keep you active. And we know that dogs need their fair share of exercise. So those times when you go to the park and play fetch, these times add up to. If you are looking to get into shape, getting a dog is a good way to stay and keep active.

Also, one of the most noticeable benefits of owning a dog is that it's almost impossible to feel lonely. With your dog by your side, your companion will be by your side through the days when thing are good and bad. Plus, who doesn’t love coming home to that dog that is enthusiastically waiting for you to come through the door. Waiting to greet you after a day at work, or looks forward to being taken on their favorite walk, you know you always have a friend by your side.

Photo Cred: Rachel Claire

National Service Dog Month

Photo Credit: Adam Griffith

September is National Service Dog Month

A time devoted to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day for the people in their care. Join us in celebrating and honoring these special heroes who dedicate their lives to help their human companions.

Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. They can be trained to retrieve objects, assist with balance, give seizure or diabetic alerts, or assist those with psychiatric disabilities. They also serve our nation’s wounded warriors suffering from conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Service dogs provide companionship while inspiring confidence and they live to serve and assist their handlers. With the help of a service dog, humans can better manage disabilities and live fuller lives.

These special pups exemplify the amazing healing power of the human-animal bond. We all know dogs are a wo/man’s best friend – they are loyal, devoted, loving, dependable and typically cuddly. However, research shows living with a canine companion can also provide physical benefits varying from improved cardiovascular health and increased physical activity to lower cholesterol and decreased blood pressure. They also can give support and a sense of calm for our daily emotional and psychological stresses. This month and every month, we recognize the heroic work of service dogs across the world.

2020 Southern Living Idea House

We’re famous!! And we’re all piling in the car and heading to Asheville, NC to go tour this year’s Southern Living Idea House that we are so honored to be a part of! If you are lucky enough to be in the area and get to walk the Blue Ridge Mountain hideaway you will see 4 of our Houndry beds nestled throughout the home, reminding everyone that the furry family members are never an afterthought in a well designed home.

When the Southern Living team reached out and asked us if we would be a part of this year’s idea house we were so honored and excited. As a relatively new company it means a lot to get noticed by such a huge influencer and hopefully get the opportunity to be seen by tons of designers and people touring the home. Getting our name out there is the biggest challenge for small businesses, so thank you Southern Living for including us in your stunning new idea house.

You can see a peek at our Lounger Bed in Leashed Linen below in the right corner of the cozy four-season room. Love it!

As you make your way to the outdoor space you see an adorable little dog house tucked into the fire-pit area. Our Lounger Bed in Mossy Mutt fabric look so good inside and with it’s Sunbrella fabric it is great for outdoor use.

As the end of October approaches and the leaves change, if you have the chance to get to Asheville to see this dream home, please do. We’d love to hear which room is your favorite.

Interior designer Lauren Liess, builders Rick Buchanan, Jason Norton, and Rodger Gardner of Buchanan Construction, architects Kate Campbell and Beau Clowney of Beau Clowney Architects, and landscape architect Greg Cloos. All photos by Robbie Caponetta, Styling by Kendra Surface.

Provide the Best Care for Your Pet During a Pandemic (Without Compromising Safety)

Photo Credit: Alea Moore

There are many added benefits to taking care of your pet safely during a pandemic.

Is your family ready for a new pet? Now that we’ve been practicing social distancing for a few months, you may have seen the growing trend of puppies popping up in your social media feeds. In many ways, pandemic pet adoption makes sense. The time when you first bring a pet home is when they need your attention the most, especially if you get a puppy that needs to be trained. Many of us now have that time on our hands, so what better way to brighten up our lives than by giving a new dog a home?

If you’re considering pet adoption, make sure you prepare accordingly first. Check out these tips for choosing the right pet for your family — one that will fit your lifestyle, not just now but also as life gets back to normal. Then, use these resources to find all the gear you need and ways to care for a pet safely.

Is Your Family Ready for a Pet?

There are a lot of factors to consider before adding a furry member to the family, from breeds to sizes. You'll also need to make sure you can afford to care for a pet.

15 Reasons Why Having a Pet Is Good for You and Your Family

Budgeting for a New Pet

3 Ways to Decide on a Cat or a Dog for Your Family Pet

Big or Small Dog — Which is the Right Fit for Me?

The Best Dog Breeds for Families & Kids

All the Pet Supplies You Need — From the Basics to Luxury Goods

When it's time to buy supplies for your pet, it's a good idea to have a checklist ready. You don't want to forget anything in order to get your new furry friend settled into their new home. 

Prepare to Bring Home Your New Puppy or Dog

The 15 Best Dog and Cat Pet Products for Safety, Health and Fun

Checklist of Dog Supplies for Your New Fur Kid

Choose a Comfortable Bed for Your Companion

Treat Your Dog to a Highly-Rated Chicken Jerky Product

The Ultimate Guide for Choosing Clothing for Dogs

Tips for Safe Pet Care During a Pandemic

It's important to take extra precautions for all family members -- furry ones included -- during a pandemic. Here are ways your pet can thrive while staying safe.

The 6 Best Places to Order Pet Medication Online in 2020

Best Dog Food Delivery Service 2020

7 Outdoor Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

How to Order Pet Supplies Online During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Strengthen Your Home's Security with a Professionally-Built Fence

How to Socialize a Puppy During a Pandemic

Caring for Your Dog During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Pets always have the same needs, regardless of what else is going on in our lives. But what some new pet parents have overlooked is that a pandemic affects how you meet those needs. While stay-at-home orders have been lifted around the country, you should still have a plan for the safe ordering of pet supplies, visiting the vet, and meeting any other need that may come up.

Dog House Series - Undecorated Home

This is the first installment of our new Dog House series - (get it?? it’s about beautiful houses and the adorable dogs that live in them…well, I thought it was clever) I’d like you to meet Megan the face behind the blog Undecorated Home.  She’s a self-proclaimed design addict, DIYer, and plant lady and if you’ve ever come across her insta-feed you would agree!  She shares her beautiful home with her husband Jake, two daughters, and their pup Sam (as well as a fish and 9 hens!)

Megan’s eye for design is so impressive.  Designing a home filled with collected pieces, vintage, antique, handmade, and even new décor can be such a challenge to create a cohesive look. While her home is filled with collected treasures, it does not feel bohemian or overly eclectic.  It has a tailored quality, a timeless style, and most importantly, a warmth.

I say all that never having actually visited her lovely home, but I feel like a best friend who comes over for coffee everyday through her Instagram feed.  As a designer myself I am drawn to beautiful images and well styled homes, and Megan’s blog and Instagram do not disappoint.  Then you add that curly furry face of her dog Sam and I can’t resist.  Scroll down to see just a few photos from around Megan’s home (of course we selected the ones featuring Sam because…dogs).

We’ve got to get Sam a Houndry bed don’t we? ;)

Isn’t Sam adorable!?! Make sure you go check out Megan’s full blog at www.undecoratedhome.com and her instagram account @undecorated_home

XOXO Samantha

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* Undecorated Home is not affiliated with The Houndry.  This post is in no way an endorsement of our products.  We at The Houndry simply love Megan and her blog and wanted to share with you how awesome she is.

Welcome to The Houndry

We would like to start out by saying thank you for visiting our little website. This is honestly a labor of love for all of us at The Houndry. We have a love for pets and are blessed to be able to bring to life high quality, hand crafted, luxury designed products that are made in the U.S.A.

Nate, Kevin, and I (Ken here ) were colleagues at the nation’s largest industrial supply company based in Atlanta, GA. We quickly discovered we had two things in common. Our love for dogs and a passion for entrepreneurship. The Houndry offers our creative and business minds to merge to bring you a unique, luxury designed pet bed that is like no other. We look forward to bringing joy to your home with our beds and believe your loved ones (pets) will enjoy every minute of sleep they get.

A special thank you to our friends Eric and Samantha for getting The Houndry launched and into market. Their creativity, design support, and guidance is greatly valued and they will always be a part of The Houndry Family.

Samantha has worked her whole career designing products for people’s homes; products that help to make homes beautiful and bring joy to those that own them. When designing for a client she felt like she would touch almost every aspect of that home from hard goods like cabinetry and lighting and soft good like furniture, drapery, rugs and everything in between. But one thing that was almost always an afterthought were the pets in the home. We didn’t work the most important furry members of the household into the design plan! They just got whatever bed that didn’t look horrible tossed into a corner and that was enough.

She found there really weren’t a lot of great options for high-end pet products that put the pet AND the home at equal importance. Of course we want our pets to be comfortable and love their bed, but we didn’t believe we had to compromise comfort for beauty….and The Houndry was born.

With years of experience in the design world and Eric’s in retail we knew that we could create a product that was missing in the market. For us it was a no brainer to turn to textiles sold in the home decor market. Why wouldn’t you want your pet’s bed made in the same luxury fabric that you would use anywhere else in your home? If you’re like us, our dogs are front and center in our homes and their beds are right in the middle of the living room and bedroom for everyone to see. We wanted them to blend in with the rest of the home that we worked so hard to make them beautiful and cohesive.

After countless meetings and product reviews we settled on a few select fabric suppliers that brought Samantha the look and high standard of quality and durability we knew we needed. We are launching our initial line with Sunbrella fabric and if you don’t already know their brand just click HERE and you’ll understand why we decided to partner with them.

Our fabric and the beds themselves are made right here in the peach state, Georgia, and we are so proud to sell an American made product. We are a small team and when you reach out you will talk directly with us. We love our customers and we want to do our best for you and your pet. We welcome your feedback because we only grow and succeed with your support. And if one of us isn’t here to take your call, don’t worry, we will be in touch.

XOXO The Houndry