With all the new pet influencers popping up, it’s hard not to be tempted to try the next great (and cute) doggie product for your pup. After all, if the other dogs love it, why won’t your furry family member? However, does your dog really need that new Halloween costume, and is Fido going to love it, or hate it?
If you notice a pile-up of doggie products growing in your house, and you still have an unsatisfied pup on your hands, it may be time to look at decluttering to the bare minimum. Your dog may be getting overwhelmed, and a few loved items are better than dozens of cluttering ones.
Here’s how to judge what items your dog may really need – or want:
With all the new pet influencers popping up, it’s hard not to be tempted to try the next great (and cute) doggie product for your pup. After all, if the other dogs love it, why won’t your furry family member? However, does your dog really need that new Halloween costume, and is Fido going to love it, or hate it?
If you notice a pile-up of doggie products growing in your house, and you still have an unsatisfied pup on your hands, it may be time to look at decluttering to the bare minimum. Your dog may be getting overwhelmed, and a few loved items are better than dozens of cluttering ones.
Here’s how to judge what items your dog may really need – or want:
What does ‘Deinfluencing’ mean?
Much like influencers try to guide or “influence” your buying choices in the marketing world, deinfluencing is the opposite of that. Deinfluencing is a methodology of encouraging more thoughtful spending, guiding buyers to purchase fewer, high-quality items over the lower-cost but fun-looking options (typically done by online creators with an audience). Mindful consumerism lets the buyer think carefully about each purchase, and whether or not it is really needed or useful.
Deinfluencing means:
- Giving more thought to each dog purchase.
- Weighing the cost vs the benefit
- Putting your dog’s needs ahead of your own wants. After all, how many times will your pup really wear that new outfit? And does he really like wearing those outfits?
- Preparing a list of needs before rushing to the store or clicking “add to cart”.
- Thoughtfully taking advantage of store coupons, used items and online deals.
- Not getting caught up in doggy trends or fads but really assessing what you need.
Necessary items for your pup
You might be surprised how little is actually necessary for a dog to be happy. As long as you have the necessities, everything else is just a side item.
Here are some essentials that dog owners can’t do without:
- Healthy food and water
- Bowls for eating/drinking
- Collar, tag, and leash
- Pooper scooper and bags
- Doggie bed and blanket
- Proper medication and prevention for fleas, ticks…etc.
- Grooming and bathing accessories
- Toys
- Dog chews
- Vet-recommended items
- A space to run around and play
- Love and attention from YOU
Depending on your living situation and location, some of these items may be necessary:
- Crate or doghouse
- Shoes and clothing items for cold weather
- Dog gate or door
And that’s it! As long as you have these basic items, you and your dog can survive healthily and happily.
Which Dog Items are Just Marketing?
Necessities are exactly that. What you and your dog need to survive. Everything else, like fancy outfits, cute costumes, latest toy items, fancy chew toys, and all the other adorable accessories you see in the store are all extra items. Marketing convinces you that you and your pup will be happier with them, but they’re not necessary.
Some of the marketing items that are influencing techniques are:
- Pet subscriptions like BarkBox – fun but not necessary
- Expensive toys and puzzle games
- Cute outfits
- Fancy and multiple dog beds
When it comes to doggie beds, it will depend on your household setup. Normally you only need one for nighttime sleep and one for where Fido will lay in the family area during the day.
Always research each product carefully to make sure you’re getting the best quality for your money.
If it fits your budget, some splurging can’t be helped, of course. But be mindful of your environment and how much Fido will really like the item before purchasing.
Benefits of Spending Wisely
Deinfluencing can have positive effects on you and your dog’s living environment and quality of life. Here are some things that it can help with:
Stress
Deinfluencing can get rid of the heightened, and stress-inducing, need to have the next, newest hot item for your pup. It will allow you to feel less pressure when seeing all the cute, top items in the stores or online, because you’ll know that Fido is perfectly content with what he has.
Clutter
You will gain a less-cluttered house and yard, where favorite toys and products are easily found and accessible. No more tripping over endless toys, dog beds, and chewies. Instead, you’ll have a few special items that add to your life.
Focus
Having less items around will allow you, and your dog, to focus on a few, enjoyable items instead of stressing about choosing between too many. You’ll be able to settle into more of a dependable routine based on the items that you have, which will provide stability to Fido as well.
Finances
Fancy toys, dog beds, and outfits can get expensive. They’re also unnecessary. Some less costly ideas for toys include:
- Rope toys for chewing
- Plastic bottles without lids for chewing and playing
- Homemade puzzle games where you wrap a treat in an item you already have, like a blanket or sweater, for your pup to find.
- Cheap balls
Remember to be safety conscious when choosing games and toys for Fido. Make sure nothing can get swallowed or choked on.
Deinfluencing and learning to make mindful choices when it comes to doggie items will give you more quality time together with your pup. It will also allow your dog to have a stable, thoughtful home where he can depend on where everything is.
These same tips can also apply to your own life, allowing you and your dog to deinfluence your environment at the same time.
Final Thoughts
The old adage, “One can never have too many toys,” doesn’t really ring true. Too many toys or products can cause your pup to be overwhelmed and dissatisfied, just like it does with a small child. After all, what your dog really wants… is you!