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How to Stop Your Pet from Destroying Your Blinds
From a dog’s point of view, blinds are just an obstacle keeping them from the window. When there’s a something outside, the blinds just become a casualty of the resulting frenzy to get out there. Keep blinds raised part-way to allow your pup to see out and avoid wreckage. Avoid this issue by teaching your dog to stay calm in exciting situations.
Many dogs, especially as puppies, will chew on anything in sight. If your blinds have become your pets teething stick, it’s because he doesn’t have anything else to chew on. Deter dogs from gnawing on blinds by spraying slats with sour apple spray (available at pet stores). It smells and tastes terrible to dogs but is neutral to humans.
When you’re away from home, keep your dog in a safe room and give them special toys that are otherwise hidden away. Treat-filled toys and meat flavoured bones are especially appealing. With these toys to keep them preoccupied, they won’t think twice about the blinds.
Dogs can be like children, they have a lot of energy and it will find a way out whether you provide it or not. With this in mind, give your dog an opportunity to tire themselves out and your home might not become a race track.
What are the pet-friendliest window dressings?
Try vertical blinds. Furry friends can nudge slats out of the way to see out the window and they’ll fall back into place afterwards. If pets chew on blind slats, you can order individual replacements instead of getting a whole new set. If pet hair and grime are a problem, just wipe them clean with soap and water.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
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Last call for entries to our Resene Shed of the Year 2025!
Take a look at Paul Bates' "surprisingly roomy" Tardis-inspired shed which took out our 2023 title, and if you reckon your shed is right up there, well, you could be in the running to win a robot lawnmower, Resene vouchers and a subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us why your garden shed is New Zealand's best, and send up to 5 high-quality photos to Resene Shed of the Year 2025, NZ Gardener PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142. Or email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2025.
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Poll: Do you have a pet at home?
Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
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73.7% Yes - I have a pet / multiple pets
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7.7% Not currently, but one day!
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18.6% Nope, I live in a pet-free home
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Show us your creative backyard build
We hope you've been enjoying the Neighbourly Backyard Awards so far, we know we have!
It is time for our last award. And the category is....Most creative backyard build
It could be a planter box, an outdoor table or even a backyard bar. We just want to see the sanctuary you've created in your backyard.
So share a photo, or two, in a comment below of your creation or backyard set up a to be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher. Winner will be announced next Monday 🛝🪴🛖
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