From dog parks to trails and everything in between, we have a list of outdoor activities that we know your dog will love.
For dog-owners in the city, the options for outdoor activities for dogs may seem slim. However, dog parks are the perfect place for quality time outdoors with man’s, and woman’s, best friend. There are many benefits to regularly visiting dog parks. Some dog parks require leashes, and others allow unlimited running. Parks allow dogs to socialize and meet all different kinds and sizes of other canines. When visiting a dog park, it is important and respectful towards other dogs and owners that you follow dog park etiquette.
Outdoor activities for dogs include activities that are just as fun for the owners. Find a dog-friendly patio and enjoy a meal outside with the company of your furry best friends. Many restaurants provide the dog with a water bowl and sometimes treats. To be on the safe side, bring a water bowl along with you to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
An activity for the entire family that is often overlooked is camping. Find a campground in the beautiful outdoors, and bring your pup along. Put the phones down, turn the tv off, and just be present with nature and your loved ones. Dogs love the outdoors and their humans, so camping is the perfect summer getaway.
Walking is a great way to exercise for both you and your dog. Many areas around the country have beautiful trails that take you outside of your normal neighborhood. Walking and hiking are some of the simplest ways to keep your dog healthy, fit, and happy. Before heading out to a trail, make sure to check the area is dog-friendly. Another helpful tip is to educate yourself on harmful plants for dogs before immersing them in nature.
Always check the distance of the trail, and keep water, food, and leash handy if the hike is more than a mile long. Your dog will love hiking and finding new trails, and they may become their favorite outdoor activities for dogs.
Most dogs love to socialize not just with humans, but with other dogs as well. Consider setting up a playdate with your friend and their four-legged best friend. Fun outdoor activities for dogs during playdates include meeting at the local dog park, running around in a fenced-in yard, or hiking a trail together.
Socializing with other dogs helps their behavior when out in public places and with friends. Just like humans, dogs love companionship.
Farmer’s markets are a wonderful place to get outside, socialize, and discover new products, people, and food. Why not bring your dog along next time? Many farmer’s markets allow dogs as long as they are leashed. Spend the morning with your dog and allow them to smell new smells, interact with other dogs and humans, and enjoy the fresh air.
Just like with trails and restaurants, make sure the local farmer’s market allows dogs before venturing out with your furry friends.
Another great exercise for dogs is swimming. Whether it’s a lake, pool, or the big blue, consider taking your dog to the water for more outdoor activities for dogs. Bring a frisbee along, and get ready for your dog to love playing fetch and cooling off in the water. Swimming is a low-impact exercise for dogs, so you can feel at peace knowing the activity does not overstress older dogs or dogs with arthritic joints.
More benefits of swimming include the exercise works many muscles at the same time while also being the perfect way for your dog to stay cool but still be outside. If there is not a body of water close, Dog ID Collar recommends investing in sprinklers or a kiddie pool.
While the outdoor activities for dogs seem like just fun and games, it is important to remember a few safety tips during these warm months. When you’re outside in the months of June through September, make sure you are close to shade and water at all times. Dogs don’t have quite the heat tolerance that humans do, so keep a close eye on them when exercising outdoors.
Make sure to take a break every once and a while when outdoors for a long period of time. Putting a cool bandana around their neck is a good way to keep dogs cool. All you have to do is wet the banana down, wring it out, and then place in the freezer for a little bit.
Last, but not least, it is important that your dog has a proper identification tag and products on at all times when outdoors. Dog ID Collar provides the best, personalized pet identification products here.
Don’t sit cooped up inside any longer, and start enjoying the fresh air with your four-legged best friend. Whether you visit a local trail or take a camping trip, your dog will love the quality time and the fun outdoors. Remember the safety tips, be prepared, and keep a watchful eye on your dog. Happy Summer!
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Did you know certain dog breeds tend to bark more than others? For example, the Pug and the Basenji are two breeds of dogs that are known for their quiet nature along with a few others including the Japanese Chin, Chinese Shar-Pei, the Great Dane, and more. With this being said, some dog breeds were actually bred to bark like the Parson Russell Terrier and the New Zealand Huntaway.
Whether your dog barks often or very rarely, Dog ID Collar believes that, as a dog owner, it is important to know the cause of the barking. After reading this article and listening to your canine closely, you may start to notice different types of barking. Furthermore, you may start gaining a better understanding of what your dog is trying to tell you.
One of the most common reasons for dog barking is when your four-legged best friend senses some type of threat. The doorbell, a knock at the door, footsteps approaching, and strangers passing by are all examples of common causes of your dog barking because they are alarmed. If your dog is barking because of fear or alarm, the pitch of the bark is usually loud, dominating, and sharp.
When dogs bark out of fear the sound can be deafening and continuous.
Oftentimes, your dog will run back and forth from the object or situation that your dog fears, while the barking continues on. The first instinct as dog owners when your dog is barking out of fear may be to punish or try and quiet the dog. However, Dog ID Collar does not recommend reprimanding your dog’s fear barking. Instead, remain quiet and calm. Your relaxed demeanor will help reduce the fear, and eventually, your dog will take the hint and calm down.
If the fear barking continues and your dog becomes aggressive and panicked, remove them from the stressful situation to start calming their fear.
Anxious barking differs from alarm and fear in that dogs tend to use barking as a self-soothing technique. The sound of anxious barking is usually more high-pitched and associated with whining. One of the top signs of dog anxiety is excessive barking and whining.
Many dogs cannot contain their excitement when greeting humans at the door. Their excitement is often portrayed with licking, jumping, and, sometimes, happy barking. The playful, happy greeting lasts under five minutes, with no reason to worry about anxiety, fear, or alarm.
Most dog owners know the common bark many dogs use to get their humans’ attention. Whether it’s the need to go outside or wanting a treat, the bark will be forceful and intentional.
Common in puppies and younger dogs, playful barking is light-hearted and often accompanied by puppy kisses or frisky biting. Differentiate playful barking from another barking by taking notice if the sounds are clustered in two or three little barks together.
Oftentimes, when an unknown person or animal comes into a dog’s territory, this triggers excessive, aggressive dog barking. Your dog’s barking will be rapid and sound threatening and territorial, medium level loudness.
Dogs are natural pack animals, and if dogs are alone for long periods of time they will often start barking excessively. Pacing, destructiveness, and inappropriate elimination are also common with boredom and separation anxiety.
If the dog barking becomes excessive and a problem in your household, it may be time to intervene. Figuring out the reason for the barking is the first step. With the reasons given above, Dog ID Collar hopes you can figure out the cause of the dog barking.
Treating excessive barking takes time, consistency, strategy, and practice. If anxiety or fear is the cause of your dog’s barking, a visit to your veterinarian may be needed. While medications are sometimes the last resort, there are dog anxiety medications that can help with the dog barking if the cause is stress, depression, or anxiety. If medications are not needed, the best thing to do is take away the source of stress and anxiety. Additionally, if the dog barking is caused by stress and anxiety, try distracting your canine with other commands like “sit” and “shake.”
Other strategies for treating excessive dog barking include giving your dog plenty of exercise during the day. Many dogs bark continuously to release pent up energy or frustration they may have. Giving your dog the attention it needs will help with extreme barking.
If your dog is barking because of separation anxiety, avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods of time. Consider investing in a daytime dog walking service if your job does not allow you to come home during the day.
Dog ID Collar also recommends purchasing mentally stimulating chew toys or puzzle toys. Providing ways for your dog to be entertained and distracted are great strategies to lessen unwarranted barking.
Yelling and reprimanding your dog for their excessive barking may seem like the natural way to handle the behavior. However, yelling not only does not help your dog’s barking problem but can also stimulate their bad behavior even more.
Using a variety of punishments does not help either. Stick to one-word commands when disciplining your canine.
Don’t give up and allow the problem to go on and on. Spend quality time with your dog to figure out the triggers of their barking along with the solution.
Dog ID Collar hopes this article saves you the time of being frustrated with your dog’s excessive barking and not knowing what to do. As dog owners, we want the best for our dog, and understanding what they’re saying helps the owner and dog live their best life, together. Figuring out the triggers to a dog barking is the first step, and next, it’s time to get to work.
Visit Dog ID Collar to shop for quality, comfortable collar, and leash sets customized specifically for your dog!
]]>First, before Dog ID Collar discusses the warning signs of dog depression, let’s dive into the causes.
Depression in dogs may be due to a medical condition. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of dog depression. Rule out the physical causes of depression in your four-legged best friend before you consider the following emotional causes.
Like we mentioned before, major life changes and tragic events can cause canine depression. The most common cause of dog depression is the loss of a pet owner or animal companion. Dogs may also feel the grief of those close to them like owners or other members of the household, picking up on their depression.
Remember, dogs grieve just like the rest of us. Pay close attention to your furry best friend if the loss comes their way.
Major life changes that may lead to depression and anxiety in your pet include a move to a new house, a significant change to their routine, or introducing a new human or pet into the household. Maybe you’ve accepted a new job or have switched from the day shift to the night shift. Dogs are affected by these changes more often than you may think, so Dog ID Collar recommends being on the lookout for signs of dog depression.
Hiding is one of the top warning signs of dog depression. If your canine is around the family less and less, maybe even for the better part of the day, your dog may be depressed. With dogs being natural pack animals, being around family is normal behavior.
Changes in your dog’s eating habits are signs of dog depression. Eating as if their life depends on finishing every bite of their food along with a loss of appetite are both signs to pay attention to. Sadly, a lack of appetite can also be a sign of serious medical issues. Dog ID Collar recommends contacting your vet if your furry best friend is experiencing appetite loss.
The average adult dog sleeps approximately 12 to 14 hours per 24-hour period. Puppies tend to sleep 18-20 hours per 24-hour period. If your adult dog is beginning to sleep like a puppy, they may be suffering from depression. On the flipside of excessive sleep, dogs may also suffer from insomnia. If your dog suddenly has the inability to sleep, it may be time to call the vet or start treating your pet for depression.
Is your pet suddenly expressing newfound aggression? Research shows aggression is part of the common signs of dog depression. Your canine may be a big softie but if he is suddenly aggressive towards other dogs or humans on walks or during playtime there may be an issue. Depression and anxiety can cause abrupt behavior changes in humans as well as dogs.
Veterinary health expert, Dr. Gary Richter says, "Most people are not aware, but excessive licking (or chewing) can be a way of self-soothing.” Incessant licking may be a sign your pet is experiencing anxiety or depression. Remember, excessive licking is also a sign of bacterial infections, eczema, joint pain, and dry skin. In addition to the other warning signs of dog depression listed, constant licking may be a warning sign to pay attention to.
Lethargic tendencies and an unwillingness to play are symptoms of dog depression. Exhibiting low activity levels may be signs of many other medical issues, but depression is one of these issues. Check with your veterinarian if you start seeing high levels of lethargy.
Additional warning signs of dog depression include new vocalizations like growling, howling and whining. Long, mournful howls may be a sign your dog is injured or sadly, suffering from depression. Along with howling, if your dog’s greeting signs have turned from sweet kisses to aggressive growling, there may be cause to worry.
So, as a dog owner, how do you help your furry best friend suffering from depression? Dog ID Collar gathered treatments and solutions for dogs with depression below.
Symptoms and warning signs of dog depression can be scary for an owner to hear and see, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. John Ciribassi, past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, says, “Most dogs bounce back from depression within a few days to a few months with just a little extra TLC.” Give extra attention to your dog and keep your furry best friend engaged. Extra walks in the sunshine, car ride with the windows down, and more cuddle time could be just what your pet needs to overcome their depression and anxiety.
The cause of depression may directly correlate with the solution needed. Getting another pet can help with dogs who have suffered the loss of a companion and are suffering from depression. Dog ID Collar recommends dealing with the problem before the problem becomes too big. As mentioned before, contact your veterinarian when symptoms start to worry you.
After trying the treatments listed above and your dog still seems low, there are medications to help. Visiting the vet is the first step to take, and keep in mind, many dogs recover from their anxiety and depression in a short period of time. We hope our list of top warning signs of dog depression helps you with your pet. Dog ID Collar wishes you and your four-legged best friend a speedy recovery if struggling with depression.
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You might be apprehensive about the process of dog grooming if you are doing it for the very first time. It's important to know what to do and what not to do when you are grooming your dog for the first time. First-time dog grooming is an experience that will dictate the tone they have for the rest of their life. Therefore, you want to create a comfortable and safe experience to ensure your dog takes well to grooming. Keep reading for Dog ID Collar’s tips on dog grooming.
One of the things that can scare new puppies and older dogs is anything unfamiliar. Because of this, you will want to familiarize your pup with everything prior to beginning any sort of dog grooming process. Gather the tools and equipment that will be used in the grooming process and get your new fur friend familiar with them. The best way to familiarize your dog with the tools and equipment they will be exposed to is by introducing each tool one by one. For instance, you will want to get clippers that will be used to trim your dog's nails. Place the clippers in front of your dog and allow them to sniff it as much as they want.
Be sure to have treats available while they are looking at and examining the clippers. This will show your dog that good things come when the clippers come out. You will want to repeat this process with all of the tools and equipment that will be used ranging from brushes, clippers, shampoo, and anything else.
Another aspect that might frighten your pup is the introduction of new stimuli. Dog grooming requires that your dog be touched and handled a lot. So, it's a good idea to make sure that they tolerate you touching their head, back, tummy, legs, and paws without becoming anxious. By regularly handling your dog and getting them used to ways they will be handled during the grooming process, they will become much more comfortable. Therefore, you should be regularly touching, cleaning, and handling their ears and paws. Also, try massaging your dog's paws while cuddling together so that they are used to you touching them during relaxing times. By doing this as a puppy, they will learn that it is a normal process. Your pup won't be timid or frightened when the time comes to be groomed.
If your dog is older, the same process is necessary. However, it may take you a bit more time for them to adapt if they are not already used to being handled and groomed. The key is gaining your dog's trust and showing them that touching them on their ears or paws or any other part of their body will not hurt them. This will make the grooming process much less stressful on your dog and on you.
Dental care is something a lot of dog owners forget. Having well-cared for teeth and gums can help to prevent your dog from experiencing health issues down the road. Because of this, you want to get them used to dental care and getting their mouth and teeth regularly touched.
Touch and get your hands inside your puppy's or dog's mouth, getting them used to the feeling. Begin to brush your puppy's teeth at an early age. Brushing your puppy’s teeth early helps them get used to the process and allows you to effectively brush your dog's teeth regularly without issue. Not sure where to begin? Check out our guide on dental care for dogs here.
Don't make dog grooming a negative experience with your dog. Make the experience as positive as possible to relieve anxiousness and nervousness. Reframe how you view the grooming experience and don't look at dog grooming as a chore. Otherwise, you will likely treat it as one. Instead, you want to look at the dog grooming experience as a bonding experience. By using it as a chance to bond with your dog, you will be able to enjoy a much better relationship and it can help you showcase to your dog that grooming is something that brings positive energy to their life. Reward them each step along the way, and be sure to consistently praise your dog for allowing you to groom them. By the end, your dog will actually look forward to the grooming process.
Part of dog grooming is to bathe your dog as regularly as he or she needs it. Bathing too often can strip your dog's skin and coat of its natural oils. Bathe only when necessary either due to an unpleasant smell or because they are dirty. Be sure to utilize the same tips of introducing your dog to all of the elements and phases involved with the bathing process. Show them the equipment you will be using, have them practice standing on the mat you will be using or any tub you might be using, and turn on the water so they can see and hear it. Do not wait until you will actually be bathing them to do this. Otherwise, the extra stimuli they are exposed to during this process will likely frighten your dog.
An important dog grooming tip is to exercise your dog thoroughly prior to attempting to perform any sort of grooming activity. If your dog is too energized, it is very likely to be a much more difficult experience. By exercising your dog beforehand, you can help them relax and get rid of all of their pent up energy.
Last, but not least, one of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a good experience during grooming is knowing how to redirect their attention. Distract your puppy or dog during the grooming process by giving them treats and by bringing along a toy they love to play with.
As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do to make the grooming process much less stressful for both you and your dog. By making the experience as positive as possible, you are able to set your dog up to have pleasant dog grooming experiences throughout his or her life. Dog ID Collar has the perfect embroidered and personalized dog collars and leashes to gift your furry best friend after their dog grooming appointment! Check out our collections here, and happy dog grooming!
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Dental care for dogs is extremely important. Problems with their teeth and gums can cause pain and can make it hard for them to eat. More than that, however, dental issues can also increase their risk of developing other health conditions such as heart disease.
Dogs have incredibly strong teeth and jaws. Like humans, they are born with a set of baby teeth. Eventually, these teeth fall out and are replaced by stronger adult teeth. Altogether, dogs have 42 teeth. This is in contrast to humans, who typically only have 32 teeth. With dogs, the best way to keep their teeth and gums healthy is by brushing them. One common misconception about dogs is that chewing on objects like sticks or toys is enough to keep their teeth clean. Dental care for dogs is more than chew toys. While chewing does help, brushing removes far more plaque and tartar, significantly reducing the risk of oral health problems.
The best time to start brushing your dog's teeth is when he is young. Getting a puppy used to have his teeth touched and brushed is a lot easier than working with an older dog.
No matter how old your dog is, however, it is never too late to start brushing. The key is to go slowly. Never rush your dog when they are learning something new. With patience, you can teach even the most stubborn dog to enjoy having his teeth brushed. To get the best results, follow the steps Dog ID Collar has gathered below.
Before you begin, purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for use on dogs. You can find these products at any pet store.
WARNING: Never use human toothpaste when brushing a dog's teeth. It contains ingredients that are toxic to pets and can make your dog sick. Only use toothpaste that is specifically made for dental care for dogs.
Finger toothbrushes are a popular option. Instead of having a long handle that you hold onto, these toothbrushes have an opening that allows them to slide over the tip of your finger. Most dogs are more accepting of having a finger put in their mouth than a long-handled toothbrush. Experiment with your pet, however, to see what works best.
Don't jump right in with the toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, start by getting your dog used to having his teeth and gums touched.
Begin by slowly petting him on his muzzle. Once he is used to that, try running your finger gently over his teeth. Take things slowly. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort, stop and try again later. It may take several days or a week before they become comfortable with you touching their mouth.
At this point, you can introduce the toothbrush. Again, take things slowly, giving them a chance to sniff the toothbrush and get used to having it near their mouth. Once they are comfortable around the toothbrush, you can try using it to brush their teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually chicken, beef, or turkey flavored, which helps make dental care for dogs seem like more of a treat.
To brush your dog's teeth, start with the teeth at the front of his mouth. Move the brush gently up and down over the front of the teeth, slowly working your way toward the back. Repeat the process on the other side, ensuring that all of the teeth have been brushed as thoroughly as possible.
If your dog balks or shows any signs of discomfort, stop the brushing session and try again later. At first, you may only be able to do a few teeth at a time before you have to stop. Over time, however, he will become much more comfortable with having his teeth brushed. Once both of you are used to the process, it should only take a few minutes to complete dental care for dogs. Try to brush your dog's teeth several times a week to keep them as clean as possible.
Along with brushing your dog's teeth, there are other tricks that you can use to fight plaque and tartar. Try some of these suggestions:
– Purchase dental treats for your pet. These treats are usually designed to loosen plaque on the teeth while at the same time freshening your dog's breath.
– Try using a canine dental water additive. Adding these types of colorless, flavorless liquids to your dog's water can help reduce the number of bacteria in their mouth, minimizing plaque buildup on their teeth.
– Give them chew toys. Dogs usually love to chew on toys. There is special dental care for dogs' toys on the market that have rubber knobs or textured surfaces that are designed to loosen plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth while they chew.
All of these techniques can lead to better oral health for your pet when they are used in combination with regular brushing and periodic checkups at the vet.
Along with brushing your dog's teeth at home, you should also take them to the vet regular checkups. When you take your dog in for his annual checkup, the veterinarian will usually check his teeth for signs of problems. Based on what they find, they may recommend having his teeth professionally cleaned. With this process, your dog is dosed with anesthesia. While he is asleep, his teeth are then thoroughly cleaned, removing any tartar that has built up near the gums.
Following this dental care for dogs guide is the best way to keep your pet's teeth and gums healthy at any age. And help to reduce the chance of other health issues caused by oral hygiene problems. Make sure, along with dental care, that your furry best friend has the proper pet identification products as well. Dog ID Collar is the perfect place to shop for embroidered dog collars and leashes!
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Puppies are given love and affection constantly, which is important but can sometimes lead to the hampering of good habits. Just like a baby when he or she needs to be changed or fed, they cry, but in other cases, they do so just to be held. This can be great, but it does not always help the young one to grow and become social with other individuals. Well, puppies are similar and need to learn good behavior in order to grow into great dogs.
The first step to solving and preventing bad dog behavior is by thoroughly understanding the problems. That being said, here's a deeper look at some of the common puppy behavior problems and how to prevent or better control them:
-Alert or warningDogs vocalize in one way or another. They can whine, howl, bark, etc., but excessive barking is considered a puppy behavior issue. However, before you can embark on correcting excessive barking, it's important to determine why your puppy is vocalizing. Common forms of barking include:
-Attention seeking
-Response to other dogs
-Boredom
-Anxiety
-Excitement or playfulness
To control excessive barking, you should teach the bark and quiet commands. Be dedicated, patient and consistent as this puppy behavior takes time to address. Don’t give up!
When given the chance, most puppies will engage in digging. It is a matter of instinct, but it is more prevalent in breeds like terriers, due to their hunting history. Generally, dogs dig for the following reasons:
-Hunting instinct
-Fear or anxiety
-Excess energy or boredom
-Gain access or escape an area
-Desire to hide items
It can be rather frustrating if your little friend likes to dig up the yard. To resolve this behavior, you need to first determine the cause of digging. Then spend more quality time with the puppy and ensure they get more exercise. If the behavior doesn't seem to go away, set aside a space like a sandbox, where they can freely dig and train the pet that it's only acceptable to dig in that area only.
This is another natural action for all puppies and an important one for most dogs. However, excessive chewing can become a concerning behavior issue as it makes your dog destructive. Some of the most common reasons puppies chew include:
-Anxiety
-Puppy teething
-Curiosity
-Excess energy or boredom
To deal with this puppy behavior, you should encourage the puppy to chew on the right things by providing chew toys. Also, keep personal items out of reach. When not at home, keep the pet confined to a place where they can cause the least destruction.
If you catch your puppy chewing the wrong item, instantly react with a sharp noise and replace it with a chew toy. Plenty of exercises is also important as it helps wear off the energy that could have been used for chewing.
Dogs always have a desire to chase moving items and this is nothing more than a display of predatory instinct. Most dogs will chase people, cars and other animals and this can result in devastating outcomes. You may not have the ability to stop your puppy from attempting to chase, but there are a few steps you can take to prevent disaster. These include:
-Keeping the puppy on a leash or confined
-Having a dog whistle on hand to get their attention.
-Staying vigilant for potential triggers such as joggers
-Training your puppy to come when called.
The best way to succeed in this is to prevent the chase from getting out of control. Constant training on an extended period will teach the puppy to focus on you first before running off.
Luckily, this is a problem that's easy to deal with as your puppy cannot steal what they cannot reach. However, this means that fixing this puppy behavior is on you. You should always be on the lookout for what is considered fair game: open closet doors, accessible garbage cans, food that's left anywhere within reach, and much more. Ideally, you should make appropriate items of the pet's desire available, including chew toys.
Also, play with your pet using those toys, so that they develop a liking to just those items. When he or she steals, avoid chasing after as it will seem like a game to them. Ask them to leave it as you open the mouth to remove the item. However, you should be careful as some puppies can be overly aggressive. If the latter is the case, leave them and commit to working with a professional dog behaviorist or trainer.
Defecation and urination when uncalled for is one of the most frustrating puppy behaviors. They can damage some parts of your home and even make your pet unwelcome at other people's homes and public places. First and foremost, you should discuss this puppy behavior with your vet in order to rule out health issues. If there's no medical concern, then try and determine the underlying reason, which could be one of the following:
-Territorial marking
-Lack of ideal housebreaking
-Submissive urination
-Anxiety
It is important to note that inappropriate elimination is normal in puppies under 12 weeks old. However, dogs that are older than this call for serious behavior modification as it can easily become engrained. At this stage, it is best to work with an experienced dog trainer.
This is another common puppy behavior problem that most owners, unfortunately, encourage. It can result in digestive issues and even obesity. Puppies like to beg because they like food, but food doesn't equate to love. As a dog lover, it can be easy to give in to that longing look, but doing so creates a behavior issue down the road. Once you teach your pet that begging is allowed, you will only be sending the wrong message.
Before you eat, send your puppy to its place and if necessary, confine him or her to another room. If it behaves, give a treat reward, but only after you have finished eating.
Dog ID Collar is here to help you throughout the new puppy behavior process. Don’t get discouraged. Call us with any questions or concerns. With a new puppy, comes the need for a new dog collar and leash. Make sure you check out our personalized and embroidered dog collars and leashes today!
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Do you love to bring your dog with you when you're out on the town? Your dog can have a lot of fun in your car, but they can also damage your vehicle. If you're sick of cleaning out dog hair from your backseat, a dog seat cover might be a great option.
These hammocks can keep your dog safe while they're in the car, and they can protect your vehicle as well. There is a wide array of hammocks on the market. Whether you have a larger dog or a smaller one, you should be able to find something that's the right size for your pet.
If you frequently go on long walks with your pet, it's likely that they get thirsty when you're out and about. You can use a water bottle when you need to have a drink, but what about your furry friend?
If you want to make sure your dog stays hydrated, you should invest in a water bottle just for them. There are some amazing water bottles on the market that are designed to be used by dogs. These water bottles are highly portable and make it easy for you to give your pet a drink when you're on the go.
If you let your dog go outside to play in your backyard, you might be sick of them scratching when they want to come back in. You can take care of this problem by gifting your dog with their very own doorbell. There are simple-to-use doorbells that make it easy for animals to signal when they want to come back inside. They can activate the doorbell with the press of a paw.
While your dog will have to be trained to use one of these doorbells, you may find that it's worth the effort. This is a particularly great idea for gifts for younger dogs. You'll have your pet ringing the doorbell in no time.
Some of the best gifts for dogs are both fun and functional. Dog ID Collar specializes in custom and embroidered pet identification products. Treat your furry best friend to our embroidered collars and leashes. Your dog will wear its collar all the time, and you'll use your leash every time you take your pooch for a walk.
A collar-and-leash set that's custom embroidered is a truly unique gift that you'll get a lot of enjoyment out of. You'll love seeing your dog in their custom collar. You can embroider your dog's collar with their name or something else that's significant to you. Collar and leash sets are available in plenty of styles and colors, which means you can choose something with a look that you love all at Dog ID Collar.com.
If you want to give your dog a special gift, but you don't have the time to make a present yourself, a set like this is one of your best options. Your dog will use their set all the time, and you'll be able to snap some cute pictures of them in their new collar.
If you work long hours, you might not be able to feed your dog for long stretches of time. If you want to make sure that your dog can always get food when they need it, an automatic dog feeder is part of our favorite gifts for dogs.
These feeders aren't going to be a good gift for all pets. For example, an automatic feeder might be a bad choice for a dog that is overweight. However, if this is something you've been thinking about picking up, why not give it to your dog as a holiday gift?
Does your pet have issues with anxiety? If your pet seems stressed, you can help them to relax by purchasing them a weighted jacket. These jackets can be wrapped around your pet, allowing them to feel secure when they're overwhelmed.
If you want to give your pet a gift that will truly help them, a product like this could be a fantastic investment. Weighted jackets are frequently recommended by both veterinarians and dog behavior experts. A present like this could do a lot to help your pooch.
Even if your dog has plenty of small toys, the right electronic toy can make a big impression. There are technologically advanced toys for dogs that are perfect holiday gifts for dogs. These toys can be fun for your dog, and they also offer numerous benefits.
For example, the popular CleverPet toy can keep your dog engaged even when you're away for long stretches of time. The VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot is a wonderful option if your dog needs more exercise. The iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher can play fetch with your dog even when you're busy. Some of these toys are absolutely incredible, and you'll want to think about gifting them to your pet.
If you're on a tight budget, and you don't want to buy an expensive present for your pooch this Christmas, there are plenty of gifts that you can make yourself. You don't have to be crafty to make your own present. For example, you could fill a jar with your dog's favorite treats and decorate it with a ribbon.
There are so many incredible presents you can make for your dog from scratch, from a pet bed to a scarf. Homemade gifts come from the heart, and they can be a wonderful way to flex your creative muscles.
Take the time to find the perfect holiday gift for your dog. Whether you give your dog a big present or a small one, you should find a present that's just right for your pooch. Show your dog how much you care by giving them the perfect gift like our embroidered dog collars and leashes! Shop our collection, and have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!
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If you choose to bring someone into your home, it’s important that you feel comfortable and that you can trust the person in your home. On the other hand, if you decide to board your pet, you want to make sure that the facility you choose fits your pet’s needs. Before you make your decision, do some research on your candidates. Below are our tips to help you find the right pet sitter for your dog.
Some pet owners prefer to hire a professional pet sitting company or boarding facility that is reputable and known in your locality. Finding a pet sitter locally is just more convenient. This is because these companies specialize in pet care as their primary service and will have a whole team in their operations. These companies usually have staff who have undergone training on animal behavior and know how to take care of pets of any kind. Local companies that have a license have solid procedures and processes in place, and you can be sure that everything will go smoothly. You want to leave your pet with a professional who understands their role and has the right experience to handle any situation. You can also try out solo sitters if they have good reviews from previous clients.
Relying on people you trust such as friends that own pets, your veterinarian, and family for recommendations is a good idea. This strategy saves you from going through the lengths of finding a pet sitter. Other pet owners will give you great leads when it comes to finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility because they might have used the service before. Your veterinarian can also be very helpful because they may know someone who offers incredible pet care services. You can also check with the professional pet organizations such as Pet Sitters International and International Boarding & Pet Services Association for further insight. Such organizations are great because they train and certify pet care professionals. This puts you at ease because you know that your pet is in safe hands. If you find pet care professional or boarding facility that you like, it is a good idea to ensure that they are bonded and insured. Ask them for contacts from some of their previous clients so that you can check their references.
Another great way to determine whether you have the right person for the job is through interviews. Once you identify a few pet care professionals and boarding facilities that you like, it is good to organize a physical interview or a visit to the facility, be sure that you take your pet along for the visit. By interacting with the candidates, you will be able to learn a lot about them, and this will enable you to make an informed decision during the process of finding a pet sitter. During the interview, make sure to ask questions like, what types of pets they have specialized in, how many years of experience they have and gauge their reaction to your pet during the interview. Choose someone who has worked with your type of pet before because they will have the skills of handling that pet. Ask the caregiver about the courses that they have taken. You should confirm that they have basic training courses, behavior modification courses, and has some knowledge of pet first aid.
Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home is very convenient during the holidays. You will have the comfort of knowing that your pet is being cared for, fed and given attention in your absence. The disadvantage, however, is that the pet sitter has full access to your home. An in-home sitter means that the pet sitter will stay in your home for several days. Therefore, it is especially important that you can trust the person caring for your pet in your home. Make sure that you know the schedule of when the pet sitter will be away from your home. If your pet is used to always having someone around and the pet sitter is not at home for hours, your pet may become anxious and lonely. This can be detrimental to the health of your dog and cause anxiety and stress.
Choosing to board your pet instead of finding a pet sitter has its advantages and disadvantages. With pet boarding, your pet gets the chance to play with other pets. And, your pet will be carefully monitored. At a boarding facility, your pet will be fed and cared for based on the schedule of information you provide. The plus is that your pet will also have plenty of pet attendants to snuggle and play with in addition to new doggy buddies. The disadvantage of pet boarding is that some dogs may not do well in boarding facilities. In these instances, your pet may have added stress and anxiety. If you decide that you want to board your pet for the holidays we recommend that you acclimate your pet to the facility by bringing them to doggy daycare for a few days so that your pet can get used to their new surroundings and become more comfortable.
Finding a pet sitter can be a daunting task. However, research and interviews make a world of difference when choosing the right pet care provider. Be prepared with your questions and know ahead of time what your expectations are. This will allow you to communicate effectively. Dog ID Collars’ guide to finding a pet sitter will hopefully help you during this holiday season. You will be at peace knowing that your pet is safe and being well taken care of.
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Light rains and showers are great for dog walks. Cooler temperatures can often make the walking experience far more comfortable. However, not all rainy days make for great dog walks. Thunderstorms are a big NO when it comes to outdoor activities for your dog. Lightning flashes and loud, clapping thunder can stress and unsettle your dog and even result in them developing a fear of thunderstorms. It is best to keep your pet at home and preferably indoors during a thunderstorm.
Walking dog in heavy rain? Torrential rains are also not ideal. Getting drenched within a few seconds of leaving your front door can make for an extremely uncomfortable walking experience. So, check weather reports before you leave and make sure that the conditions will not get progressively worse while dog walking in the rain.
Rainy days lead to increased traffic which results in higher noise levels as well as a greater risk of accidents. Choose a quieter walking route that avoids traffic if you’re dog walking in the rain. For example, a park or walking trail rather than your usual route. Be aware that rain results in poor visibility so make sure that you and your dog are both donned in bright reflective clothing to make you more visible to drivers on the road. Check out Dog ID Collar.com’s personalized, embroidered collars and leashes. Pet identification is so important, especially when the weather isn’t perfect. Visit Dog ID Collar.com and find the best embroidered and personalized pet identification products.
Be aware of puddles and where water is most likely to collect and avoid these areas. A car running through a puddle can drench you and your pup in muddy, dirty water.
Just because it's raining does not mean that your dog won't become thirsty or dehydrated. Make sure to take your usual drinking supplies along for your dog such as a squirt bottle, or a bottle of water and a bowl to drink out of when dog walking in the rain. Don't let your dog drink out of the water puddles on the sidewalks or on the road. These puddles contain all the filth that has collected on the surface including oil, gasoline, exhaust fumes and who knows what else. These can make the water toxic and harmful to your dog. Clean, clear drinking water is best for your furry friend.
There is plenty of gear that has been designed specifically for dog walking in the rain. However, whether you choose to use this gear is entirely up to you and the comfort of your dog. One of the most popular products is a pair of canine rain boots. Moisture can cause your dogs' paws to become soft and be more conducive to abrasions as the pads make continuous contact with the road or other walking surfaces. It is advisable to keep the paws dry if possible or go for short walks to prevent damaging the paws.
A doggy raincoat may also be a good idea but make sure that it fits properly and does not impede or obstruct the natural walking or running motion. It should be comfortable for your dog and not cause a tripping hazard or chafing. Some rain goggles are useful for long hair dogs or to prevent rain from bothering the eyes.
Be ready with some dry towels and prepare an area where your dog can comfortably shake off the water that has soaked its coat on a rainy day walk. Your dog is going to shake and spray what is probably dirty water all over your home, furniture or other belongings. If you don't have an appropriate area where he can do this, cover furniture or carpets with sheets or plastic coverings that can be removed once your dog is satisfied that all excess water has successfully been shaken from its coat.
You may also want to keep a blow dryer handy for after you get done dog walking in the rain. A wet coat can significantly lower the body temperature of your dog and a quick blow-dry is a good way to warm them up quickly and get them dry. You may also want to supply a warm meal or treat for your pet to come home to. This will reinforce dog walking in the rain as a positive activity and give your dog something to look forward to when getting home.
It is very important to assess your dog's temperament when heading out into the rain for a walk. Most breeds are not water-shy, but some individual dogs may be mild to extremely uncomfortable with a walk in the rain. Watch your dog's behavior carefully to assess whether they are showing any negative responses to the water falling from the sky. If they start pulling towards home or suddenly refuse to walk, these are definite signs that your dog does not enjoy dog walking in the rain.
While regular exercise is extremely important for a dog, it is not more important than their psychological and emotional wellbeing. Forcing a frightened or stressed dog to walk in the rain can have negative consequences in the long run such as the dog refusing to take many walks in the future. Rather explore some indoor playtime and fun for a dog that does not like the rain. On the other hand, some dogs may prefer rainy day dog walking.
No matter what people say, dog walking in the rain is not cruel or harmful. If you take the proper precautions and ensure that your pet is comfortable and happy with the experience, neither of you need to allow a little rain to spoil your walking routine. Make sure that you and your dog are visible, well-hydrated, paws protected and that you can look forward to a warm and dry homecoming. Dog ID Collar.com is here for all of your personalized dog collars and leashes needs! Happy walking!
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Now I know that there are tons of websites with super cute costumes for pets, but do it yourself, DIY Halloween dog costumes can be fun and easy! Below are some super fun and creative costume ideas that will make your dog stand out in the Halloween crowd. Your neighbors will adore your dog and may even throw some extra candy in your bucket.
This is probably the easiest costume you can make. But, you need to have some knitting skills. This is one of those rare costumes that doesn’t require too much effort. The design itself is so attractive that everyone will keep staring at your dog as he/she walks around the neighborhood. You won’t need a lot of things to make this costume.
Gather some medium-weight yarn, a crochet hook, and circular knitting needles. Measure the side of your dog’s neck. Make sure you don’t go too far down. The costume should cover his/her neck. Ideally, you should keep it at least three to four inches from his/her eyes and no more. Use the circular knitting needles to make the lion’s mane. You need to cut lots of yarns. Keep them at least 4-inches long. This will make the mane look furry. Also, be sure to choose a tan or brown yarn.
Once you make a circular shape with the yarn, use the crochet hook to keep the costume together. Slide the costume on to your dog’s face and place it just ahead of its ears. Your neighbors will look shocked when they see your dog walk with that luscious mane of yarn!
One of our favorite DIY Halloween dog costumes is turning your dog into a mythical animal! Dress him/her as a unicorn, and everyone will come along to cuddle your dog. Like the lion’s mane, the unicorn costume is also easy to make. The best part of Dog ID Collars DIY Halloween dog costumes, is you don’t need to spend a fortune or think of high-end ideas for him/her to look unique.
Get some colorful yarn and shiny gold fabric. Cut the yarns into small pieces. You should be careful about the size of the yarns; otherwise, your dog may feel uncomfortable as the yarns tend to come in front of their eyes. Approximately 4 inches is the standard size that you should keep, depending on the size of your dog. You can use a clip to keep the yarns together. Make sure you have equal quantities on both sides. Take a few hair clips and attach the yarns. They would look like a set of extra hair on his/her face.
Next, take some cotton and stuff it inside the gold shiny fabric. Fold the fabric like a horn. It should look like a slick cone. Sew the end of the fabric so that it stands up correctly. You can use your dog collar to attach this costume. Hook the hair clip along with the yarns on the dog collar. Next, you can either stitch or use a strong adhesive to attach the horn on the collar so that it stands erect. Slip the collar on your dog, and it will look like the cutest unicorn on earth.
Are you dressing up as Dracula or something along that line? Have you thought about matching DIY Halloween costumes for dogs and their humans? You can pair your dog with a similar outfit. This is a last-minute DIY idea that doesn’t require much skill or supplies to create. Collect some hot glue, pipe cleaners or elastic, ribbon, and felt. First, cut out some red felt. Make it look like a devil’s horns. If the felt is too thin, layer a few of them together using glue. It should be thick and stable enough to sit firmly on your dog’s head. Measure the pipe cleaner around the neck of your dog. Cut the appropriate length of the pipe cleaner and make it into a circle. Try trying both ends loosely. This helps to fit the costume on your dog easily.
Your next step is to attach the devil’s ears you prepared earlier. This one is slightly tricky, and there are two different methods.
Once you finish attaching the ears, it’s time for the final touch-up. Take a black ribbon and tie a standard knot. You can attach it at the bottom of the dog’s neck along with the pipe cleaner or elastic using double-sided tape or some strong adhesive. Be careful not to get adhesive on your dog’s skin or fur. Make sure the ribbon sticks firmly. Slip the costume down your dog’s head and take him/her for a walk. Your furry friend will be the envy among the rest of the dogs in the neighborhood with these DIY Halloween costumes for dogs.
This costume is by far the simplest of all our DIY Halloween costumes for dogs and is quite adorable! All you need is a pair of old glasses and a scarf. Make sure that the lenses are removed from the glasses so that your dogs’ vision is not restricted in any way.
To attach the glasses, use a piece of elastic. Measure your dog's head and then tie the elastic to the end of the earpiece on each side of the glasses. This should secure the glasses so that they do not fall off.
Now for the scarf. Fold the scarf so that it creates a triangle. Tie the scarf around your dog’s head in a firm knot. Make sure that the scarf is not too tight and make sure to cover his/her ears, leaving space at the top of your dog's head. You don’t want the scarf too low on your dog’s face as it could irritate or bother your pup.
Making your dog into a mummy is simple! All you need is rolled gauze or an old white sheet. If you are using a sheet you will want to cut or rip the sheet into strips and time them all together end to end. You will want to soak the gauze or sheet in either coffee or strong tea. This will give the material an old and tattered look. Be sure to dry the material completely before Halloween night so that you do not stain or irritate your dog’s skin or fur.
Start wrapping your pet with the gauze or sheet strips making sure that you don’t wrap your dog too tight. Be sure to leave your dog’s ears, nose, paws, tails, and bottom unwrapped. You can secure the end by either tucking or tying the end of the material to another section on the material.
Are you dressing up as Batman this Halloween? Instead of making your dog Robin, why not dress him/her up as Batman too? An easy DIY Halloween Costume for your dog! For the mask, take a piece of black fabric, felt works best, and a piece of ribbon, string or elastic. Cut out Batman’s mask on the felt paper. Don’t forget to take appropriate measurements of your dog’s face before doing so. Once you finish cutting the mask, punch holes on either side. This will help to attach the ribbon, string or elastic to the mask. Slowly, slide the mask on your dog’s face and place it on top of his/her eyes. Make sure he/she can see through the cutouts in the mask. You can adjust the mask according to your dog’s comfort. Next, you will want a larger piece of fabric for a cape. Cut the fabric so that it is angled on one end like a square that has two corners removed. Spread the fabric over your dog’s back so that it flows down to resemble Batman’s cape. The narrower end of the fabric should be secured around your dog’s neck with a ribbon, or string. You can also attach it to your dog’s collar. What’s better than two superheroes walking down the street!? Especially when one of them is man’s best friend!
So now that you have a few DIY Halloween costumes for dogs, get creative! The costume possibilities are endless! We recommend dressing your dog up based on their personality! To add even more character to their costume, check out Dog ID Collars embroidered dog collars and leashes to accessorize their Halloween look. Happy costume making and be safe this Halloween season!
]]>Maybe you are trying to find some healthy ideas for your pup? We were too and we kept wondering “can our dog eat that?” when considering all of the people food in our kitchen. So after researching the subject, we discovered that many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs.
When deciding to give your fur baby fruits and veggies, remember that moderation is important. We all know that too much of anything, no matter how healthy, can result in stomach problems, especially if your dog isn’t used to it.
Even though fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, moderation is key. Fruits can have a lot of natural sugar, so it is best to give only a few small pieces at a serving. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally high in fiber. That may be great for us, but too much fiber can give dogs digestive issues. Fruits and vegetables are also generally low in calories, but they add up fast. Finally, when giving your dog fruits and vegetables, be certain you wash them thoroughly and remove any seeds.
Giving fruits and veggies as treats for your dog controls the portion size (preparing homemade treats is a great way of controlling portion sizes). We generally do not see many store-bought treats that are sold in small bite sizes.
The other great benefit, naturally, is knowing what your dog is eating. We don’t worry about chemicals or other ingredients that we’re not familiar with. We love giving fruits and veggies as treats. Why? Because many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, they are healthy, low in calories, and we normally have plenty on hand.
One of the most simple fruits and vegetables safe for dogs to prepare. Carrots are completely safe for dogs. If you would rather not peel and chop, you can opt for giving your dog baby carrots. They’re high in fiber, very low in calories, and they are a good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Dogs love the crunchiness, and humans love that they are good for dogs’ teeth. Carrots are rich with carbohydrates, so again, moderation is key.
Sugar snap peas might be our dogs’ favorite treat, and they are rich in nutrients. All they need is a quick rinsing and you’re all set. Snap peas are a great source of protein, fiber, folate, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, manganese, and vitamins C & K. Snap peas are overall great dog friendly vegetables.
Green beans are a good source of vitamins and fiber. Green beans are also used for good diet food for your four-legged best friend!
We also love giving our dog apples as a special treat. They’re cheap and we always have plenty of apples handy. They’re packed with vitamins A & C and are high in fiber. Caution, apples usually have been subjected to a high concentration of pesticide. Make sure you wash the apples thoroughly before giving them to your dog. It’s best to also remove the insides (core, stem, and seeds) too.
Fruits and vegetables safe for dogs also include human’s favorite fruit - blueberries! Blueberries can be really messy but it's fine to serve them frozen. They make a great treat if you are training your dog. They are small and perfect for small rewards. Blueberries are low in fat, high in fiber, and contain vitamin C. Be careful as blueberries can leave stains. We recommend serving them outside.
We love sweet potatoes in our home. The entire family loves them. They also make wonderful doggie treats. They are terrific sources of fiber, potassium, manganese and vitamins A, B5, B6, and C. Try baking them! Chop them into bite-sized snacks or give them in larger “chips.”
During the summer, we have a lot of watermelon in the house. The Farmer’s Market sells us a couple each weekend. They’re a great source of potassium, magnesium, vitamins A & C and water (about 92%). Only give your dog watermelon without seeds and without the rind.
What fruit is safe for dogs to eat? A fan favorite - strawberries! Dogs love them too.They are rich in fiber, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, and iodine. They also have omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins B1, B6, C, and K. Just remove the leafy top and cut them in half and let your dog enjoy.
Bananas make a great training treat. We dice and freeze them for later. They’re high in fiber, potassium, and magnesium. They also give your dog vitamins B6 & C.
It was surprising to see how much dogs like cantaloupe. Cantaloupe has vitamins A, B, and C, and also contains beta carotene and potassium. Again, remove the rind and all of the seeds.
Celery is a wonderful source of vitamins A, B, and C, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. Simply wash and chop.
Here’s another healthy alternative that is also low in calories and a part of the fruits and vegetables safe for dogs. Cucumbers are a great way for your dog to get vitamin K. Make them into dog treats by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Wash the bite-sized pieces before serving.
Pumpkin has an abundance of benefits for your dog. Maybe that’s why it’s called the “superfruit.” Pumpkin is low in calories and has plenty of vitamin A and C, potassium, beta carotene, calcium, and zinc. It really doesn’t matter to your dog if it is canned or cooked fresh. Dogs can even have the pumpkin seeds which makes pumpkin a great option for the fruits and vegetables safe for dogs.
Broccoli is a wonderful food for your dog in moderation. It’s high in fiber, vitamin C, but it also contains isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanate is a chemical known to cause stomach upset in some dogs. In small quantities, though, it’s okay to give your dog broccoli.
Can you believe that Brussel sprouts are even fine for dogs? They contain rich nutrients and dietary fiber. Beware, however, they could cause your dog to have gas, so serve them in moderation and keep your distance.
Zucchini can be another low-calorie food for dogs. They contain vitamins B & C and have plenty of dietary fiber. Try zucchini with your dog. He might like the change of pace.
Raspberries are great in moderation, too. They have very few calories and are very high in vitamin C and fiber.
Pineapple is very healthy for dogs and contains a good deal of vitamin C. Due to the high fiber content, moderation is important with this dog friendly fruit.
Pears are another healthy dog treat. They also contain vitamins C & K. Be sure to remove the pit and seeds before giving it to your pooch.
Spinach is great for dogs. It’s a wonderful source of iron, vitamin K and antioxidants.
So if your dog goes bananas for carrots and snap peas, try out our list of healthy fruits and vegetables safe for dogs. Determine which ones your dog likes. He will thank you for it. And, as a bonus treat for your dog, check out our embroidered dog collars and leashes to spoil your furry best friend! Visit Dog ID Collar.com to shop.
]]>And so, after 10 years of celebrating National Dog Day, animal lovers are getting ready to do it once again on August 26. In celebration of the 2019 festivities - and after a full decade of doggie days - we offer you this list of suggestions for how you and your pup can party during this national holiday. Show your appreciation for your dog by serving up a day of “fun for Fido.” And for those dogs who put it all on the line for us every day (police, military, first responders and therapy dogs), every day should be a reason to celebrate.
Visit a local dog shelter or rescue organization and adopt the first little guy you fall in love with. If you’re unable to take in a dog full-time, volunteer at a shelter and let them know you would like to walk or play with a dog, clean out cages or do another small job that needs to be done. According to Paige, millions of dogs each year are exterminated due to being unwanted. Research before adopting, and choose a breed that interests you.
Perform a safety check in your home for ensuring your dog is safe while you are away.
Donate food, leashes, toys, collars or old blankets to the animal welfare center near you. Organizations like US War Dogs Association and the ASPCA are always in need generous donations.
Plan for a civil demonstration at a local community pet store that sells puppies.
Send a letter to your Congressman or Representative asking that they give their support to banning puppy mills and animal gas chambers. National Dog Day can make a difference.
Give your dog a shopping spree. There are dog-friendly stores and it’s great fun to take your dog out for the day. Stores like Petco and Petsmart will even allow your dog to pick out his own gift. Treats and a variety of chew toys are available for purchase. If your dog would rather stay in and online shop, as do most people, check out Dog ID Collar.com for all of the best personalized dog collars and leashes.
Order a dog appropriate (and doggie shaped) flower arrangement from your local florist, or call 1-800-Flowers and get 10% off by entering the promo code: DOG.
Celebrate National Dog Day with a party, inviting your dog owner friends and their fur babies.
Spend the holiday giving your dog a professional photo session, then enter the pictures in a dog photo contest.
Buy a National Dog Day T-Shirt and wear it proudly on August 26 or any day.
Plan for an outing and read to kids. Your local library would love to have you come and read to children. Select a book about dogs (famous or not-so-famous) and read to the kids. Prepare a lesson on kindness toward animals and spark their interest in becoming animal advocates while they’re young.
Reading for the dogs. Yes, dogs love having books read to them, as well. Ask the local shelter if you can sit near the kennels and read for the dogs. There are plenty of shelters with programs allowing kids to read to the dogs. It’s great for the pups, and it helps improve the kid's skills.
Help a neighbor or friend (elderly or ill) that needs to have their dog walked.
Hire an artist to paint a portrait of your pooch.
Join a Doggie Meetup group. There are plenty of animal and dog-specific Meetup groups online, and some even cater to certain breeds. Whatever your particular preference, there is a great group near you, and if not, maybe you’re the one who needs to start it.
Get your dog a new toy ...or three, or seven.
Create social media posts about your dog. If you happen to already be in this habit (and what proud dog owner isn’t?), find other posts about inspiring dogs and share them with your list of friends and social media lists. Find and join the online dog groups which promote pet adoption.
Book a day for your dog at a popular pet resort. Your dog will have a blast for National Dog Day.
Give your dog that long, overdue brushing and shed the unwanted fur.
Schedule a relaxing doggie massage at a holistic spa.
Prepare some goodie bags, treats and chew toys, and take them to the local dog shelter, or to the local police station canine unit. Tell the police how grateful you are for the role service dogs play in your community.
Teach Rover a new trick.
Treat your dog to the best embroidered collars and leashes from Dog ID Collar.com.
Make a trip to the hospital or local long-term care facility. These folks who are confined in hospitals or senior care centers will love it when you drop by with your furbabies. It’s an ideal way to give back to your neighborhood and surrounding community.
Enjoy a day at the beach or the lake with your dog. Sand Frisbee, anyone?
Hit the open road. Late summer is the perfect time for a weekend getaway with your pooch. You are well aware that dogs love getting to ride in the car, and if you end up at the beach or the lake or the mountains, he might just love you forever.
Consider getting your dog a special gift for National Dog Day. It’s too bad we can’t spend every minute of every day with our loyal friends. But you can be in 24/7 communication with him by purchasing a Dog Camera. The technology is amazing. Talk to your dog, toss him his favorite treat, or just check-in and see how he’s doing. The camera operates great and it works easily through your mobile phone or digital device. Trust me, when he hears your voice, he automatically knows he isn’t alone and that you are there for him - just as he is always there for you.
Just love him. Look, we all know that dogs can’t read the calendar, and they have no clue that August 26th is their special day. But spend some extra time with them anyway. Take an extra-long walk, have a few extra treats on hand, wrestle on the floor, or give them a good brushing. They’ll know that something is up and that your love is unconditional for them as theirs is for you. Knowing they are cared for is the most important gift you can give them.
Any day spending time with your dog is a great day that they will enjoy celebrating National Dog Day.
Go ahead and put National Dog Day on your calendar right now. Dog ID Collar.com is ready to make August 26 the greatest dog day in the history of dogdom.
]]>Along with the ten step program discussed below, there are other ways on how to deal with dog separation anxiety and they include:
It isn’t easy fixing separation anxiety in a dog which is why Dog ID Collar.com has put together a program on how to calm an anxious dog. Be ready to get frustrated and think it will never work. Your dog will panic and have setbacks. He honestly is worried about his own survival without you in his life. You and he are a pack. He protects you and you protect him. When you are gone, it is worrisome and troubling for him. However, if you are committed to changing your dog’s behavior, in helping him trust you, be brave about spending time alone, he will enjoy family life with you so much more.
Setting your pet up for success is the number one ingredient for a successful behavior modification program. Hopefully, you are able to start this process when he is a puppy, where the steps can be done gradually and while they are just learning what a routine with you actually looks and feels like. If you can teach a dog to believe that you’ll never abandon them, it makes it so much easier.
So we offer these 10 steps of a program (designed to last two days) which will assist with your dog being comfortable when left alone.
Dog ID Collar.com wishes you happy training on how to calm an anxious dog. Our dogs are like kids, really. Establish the routine. Let them learn to trust you. Show your love calmly. His devotion will grow and you will both have a great, long-lasting relationship.
]]>“I really love this kind of work,” Allison said. “There are some crazy days, but it’s a lot of fun. I drive to the homes of our clients, and I’ll send them a text confirmation that I have arrived. Then I greet the dog, start walking and track the walks on GPS as well. At the end of the walk, I’ll send a little puppy report. We send the owner a picture of the dog, explain how the walk went, what “business” the dog did when we were out, and just a general well-being report. It kind of adds that personal touch.”
It’s only natural. You would like to know what Bowzer is doing while you’re away and while he is out walking. A short potty report and a post-walk note is usually a common policy and definitely something to check on when hiring a dog walker. “We use software to send our clients a daily walk note and potty report,” Allison said.
Allison recommends that you ask some good informative questions when you are hiring a dog walker. These are excellent inquiries for determining whether the walker operates a legitimate business, can be trusted in your home, provides quality service, knows basic emergency procedures, and has the proper amount of experience.
Does the walker or business owner do a meet and greet?
A good dog walker will come by for a free consultation in your home, and there should be no obligation for hiring them. A meet and greet will give you the opportunity to meet the walker and see if there is good chemistry between your dog and the walker. “Meeting face-to-face is also an important part of our client onboarding process,” Allison said.
What will a pet visit consist of?
Is it just a walk? How long are the walks? How far? What route are they planning to take?
Will your dog be fed or given treats? Will they abide by the training commands your dog understands? What about dog messes? Will they clean up? Do I need a dog walker every day? The answers should all be spelled out in an agreement.
Ask about the dog walker’s experience. Is this his/her full-time job?
Be certain your dog walker has the experience to handle any situations that might come up. If this is their sole livelihood, they may be more apt to take it very seriously and professionally. That said, all professionals have to begin somewhere. Trust your intuition, and if you two strike up a good relationship, then give them a try.
Is your dog walker insured and bonded?
The dog walker ought to want this kind of protection and so should you. If ever there is an issue of neglect or wrongdoing, bonding and insurance are vital. Bonding will protect you from theft and liability insurance will protect against any accidents or negligence. Be sure to ask for and review these documents, as anyone can just say they are bonded and insured. “At Katie’s KC Kennel, we actually do background checks on both our clients and employees,” Allison said.
Will there be a contract or service agreement?
“You will probably be required to sign a contract,” Allison said. “Our company even has an accountant and human resources professional on staff. Look over the service agreement carefully and be sure to ask for references. You both should understand the language and the way your relationship is defined. It’s a checklist. Don’t leave anything out.”
Storing personal information
You may not have considered it, but ask how your personal information will be stored. The dog walker will have information about you, your home, your security system, and your pets. Make sure they are keeping all of this sensitive information is a secure place and will not be sharing it with anyone. Think about it, you don’t want this information written down in the dog walker’s spiral notebook or day planner. Someone could easily get it and gain access to your home.
Ask about an inclement weather policy.
Your dog needs to go out, no matter what the weather is like. Communication is key. Ask the dog walker their plans during rain or snow. Katie's KC Kennel weather policy is appropriate. “When it is raining, we make sure to get some sort of walk in, then bring them inside, wipe their paws, and maybe stay a while longer for activity and play,” Allison said.
Is there a cancellation policy?
How flexible is the dog walker? Is there a fee if you cancel the dog walking? How many hours of notice can be given? These are good things to know.
Is there a policy regarding house keys?
Ask how the dog walker organizes the client's keys. Are they stored securely? What about the garage door codes? How are they kept secure?
Does the dog walker belong to a professional association?
It’s not required, of course, but it’s an excellent indication that they are serious about their job. Ask if they belong to any of the well-established associations like Pet Sitters Associates, LLC, Pet Sitters International, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, or Professional United Pet Sitters.
Does the dog walker ask for your pet’s emergency vet contact information?
This should be a no brainer. Don’t volunteer it, rather wait and see how the walker handles it. If the person you interview doesn’t ask for vet information, then it should be a big red flag for you. “We keep emergency contact information and the name and number of the client’s preferred vet on hand,” Allison said.
What if your dog has a medical emergency?
You want a little peace of mind knowing your dog walker is prepared. Is your dog in good hands or isn’t he? What would they do if your dog got injured? Do they have an emergency plan?
Is your dog walker certified in Pet First Aid?
When hiring a dog walker, this type of certification isn’t mandatory, but it shows another level of professionalism and conscientiousness. It shows dedication if they have taken the time to become certified in Pet First Aid or CPR.
Does your dog walker try to walk multiple dogs at once?
Some walk dogs one-on-one and others try to walk dogs in a pack. This is left to your personal preference. Ask what the policy is, and then make a careful decision.
Will the walker be carrying any supplies?
Some walkers bring treats (and they should ask your permission before giving them to your dog), poop bags, pepper spray, etc. But ask. It’s good to know if you are expected to provide these things.
A necessity to dog walking is a personalized dog collar and leash set! Dog ID Collar.com has the best embroidered dog collar and leash sets for your furry best friend and his adventures with your dog walker.
When you are hiring a dog walker, there really aren’t right and wrong answers to these questions. The bottom line remains that you want to trust the dog walker with your pet. Do you trust their instincts? It’s simple to do a little research. Maybe they have an online account. Check what they post on social media. Maybe there are some reviews you can read. Spend some time thinking about cost versus service. What quality of service are you desiring? What kind of service are you willing to pay for?
Here at Dog ID Collar.com we want to thank Allison and Katie’s KC Kennel for the good information, and we wish you luck in choosing your next dog walker.
]]>Every dog is different and they all have their own particular amount of fur. Malamutes are completely different than Chihuahuas. If your pooch is on the fluffy side, there are dog grooming tips and ways to get your pooch ready for a more comfortable summer.
Short hair benefits
For some pet owners, the summer months are when they keep their dog’s coat as short and closely cut as possible. But according to Mari Rozanski, of Plush Pups Boutique and Grooming in Huntingdon Valley, PA, in a 2018 PedtMD article, pet owners make all sorts of different decisions.
Rozanski has been grooming dogs for over 25 years and says, “I have customers who spend a lot of time outdoors—gardening, the beach, etc.—and their dogs join in on the fun. In these cases, a shorter than usual cut would be good, mostly because the owner will be able to better maintain a shorter cut, and it will be easier to keep the dog clean and to check for fleas and ticks.”
Rozanski says that as a rule, it is best to consider what activities your dog will be involved in over the summer months. If your dog will be in and out of a swimming pool, a trip to the dog grooming services near you and a short cut might be just the thing - and not just for helping Rover stay cool.
“For dogs who spend time poolside, a shorter cut is good,” Rozanski said. “Pool water and chemicals can wreak havoc on a dog’s coat, making it easier to mat, and if the coat doesn’t dry completely, it can be smelly. Pool chemicals should be rinsed from the dog’s coat as they can be harmful to the skin.” It is always best to thoroughly dry your dog, whether he has been swimming or not. A short cut will make this much easier.
Dog ID Collar.com has the best, most comfortable embroidered dog collars that your pet will be sure to love along with the new haircut from your favorite dog groomer.
Doggie sunscreen
Overexposure to the sun is dangerous for our pets just as it is for us. There are dangers and, as pet owners, we have to be aware of them. A dog can become sunburned, especially on their groin where they don’t have much hair anyway. Thin coated dogs (or dogs who just visited the dog groomer) are at a higher risk of getting burned in the sun. Sometimes overexposure can result in health issues, including tumors.
Pet owners must take precautions if their dog will be spending time on the sun. Make sure your dog is spending enough time in the shade, cooling off. There are also dog sunscreen products for sale, as well as T-shirts designed especially for our pets. Even if you do not purchase pet clothing, at least get light-colored clothing (preferably white). Dark colors will attract heat, instead of reflecting it.
Sunscreen is, of course, a good idea for dogs in much the same way as it is for dog owners. But it is crucial to use caution when buying sunscreen. Some products contain a chemical called zinc oxide and can be harmful to some dogs if they try ingesting it. Pay attention to whether or not your pet is trying to lick the sunscreen away from his skin, watch for nausea diarrhea, vomiting mouth irritation and yellow eyes. If these symptoms occur, your dog is having a negative reaction to zinc oxide. In this instance, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Very effective dog sunscreen, however, is available online and at pet stores. If your dog develops a rough and crusty nose through the summertime, purchase snout ointment from your local pet supply shop.
Further caution should be given to more serious skin conditions like discoid lupus erythematosus which comes from overexposure to the sun. Again, if conditions don’t improve, ask your veterinarian for advice.
Dog grooming appointment should be booked before the summer begins.
It is great if you plan to cut your dog’s hair for summer, but if you want to keep him comfortable all year, regular dog grooming should be an all-year practice.
“There are owners who only bring their dog to the groomer when summer arrives,” said Rozanski. “In some cases, the coat has been neglected and must be shaved because it is filthy and matted. I call this cut a ‘smoothie.”
Rozanski continued. “Usually, this is what the owner wants anyway to get them through another year. You don’t know what skin problems lie beneath this neglected coat, so great care must be taken by the groomer. A 7F blade (1/8” cut), or a 10 blade (1/16” cut) is usually necessary in these cases, followed by a soothing bath, such as oatmeal or aloe based formula for dogs.”
Dog grooming tip - keep your pet groomed all year round. Consistent dog grooming can prevent a super short cut once summer comes. Good dog grooming promotes better skin health no matter the season.
Which cut should your dog have during the summer?
There are some alternatives to keeping your dog’s hair cut short. Puppy, teddy and panda dog grooming styles are cute and commonly desired in the summer. These types of cuts can be anywhere from ¼” to 2-¼” and the dog stays relatively comfortable in the heat.
Some dog owners like to keep the dog’s body hair short, while he wags his tail to please his master. Poodles used to have the biggest selection of summer haircuts, but now most breeds have an identifiable summer do. The best accessory to the new season’s do is an embroidered dog collar and leash set from Dog ID Collar.com.
“There is a relatively new style of dog grooming, which has no rules as far as breed standards,” Rozanski said. “This is called Asian Freestyle, and this style makes the dogs look like stuffed toys. Groomers everywhere are attending seminars to learn this style, as it is perfect for many of the smaller breeds such as the Toy Poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, and others.”
Dog grooming at home?
You may be thinking you can cut your dog’s hair yourself, but most dog groomers don’t recommend it. Do-it-yourself dog grooming can go very wrong. Dog owners might think they know how to groom your dog. They might like spending this time with their pet, but unless they have the skills and proper equipment, it typically ends up in disaster. Electric trimmers typically are sold with a #10 blade. In addition to being very sharp, they also become extremely hot when in use. Since dogs don’t always stand still during dog grooming, cutting and burning your dog is a very real danger. Cutting an ear, burning their skin or poking them with scissors is avoidable by letting the nearest professional dog groomer give the doggie haircut.
Consider these three things when grooming and accessorizing your pet for summer: Comfort, Style, and Activity Level. Regular dog grooming and a comfortable new, embroidered dog collar is exactly how to get your furry best friend ready for the season! Also, do not forget to take precautions against sun exposure and heat. Most of all, have a great summer playing with your dog.
Do I even have the kind of dog that will do well at the dog park?
Before even considering making a trip to the dog park, you must ask yourself a few questions. Should my dog go without a leash? Will my dog be safe in the dog park environment? If your dog loves to socialize, is trained, and can follow simple commands, then your dog is ideally suited for an off-leash dog park. However, a collar is a necessity, and a personalized, embroidered dog collar is even better. That way, if your dog does happen to wander off, your pet will always have contact information with them.
Dog Park Tip #1: Does your dog behave while on a leash?
If your dog tends to overreact to other dogs while on a leash, then you will most likely have to invest in some training hours before your dog can be safe without the cute embroidered leash you take when it’s time for a W-A-L-K. Barking, lunging, pulling and whining are all signs of inappropriate responses when your dog sees another dog on a leash. Your dog needs to learn to be calm and non-reactive when he sees another dog or is approached by another dog. When two dogs meet, they should be able to curb their intensity and refrain from jumping and clawing. Calm sniffing, on the other hand, is perfectly fine.
Dog Park Tip #2: Introducing your dog to other leashed dogs first.
If two dogs are introduced on leashes, you can step in and intervene if either one displays too much aggression. This reminds your dog that you are the one in control and he will rely on you to resolve any problems. Show your dog that you want him to introduce himself to playmates. You don’t want to put your dog in any danger, just in case the other dog is a bit too intense or angry.
Preparation is key. Proper training is probably the most important skill your dog can have before heading to a dog park. Investing in a proper, top-rated dog collar and leash set will help your training exponentially. Even better, a stylish embroidered dog collar and leash set will set your dog apart from the rest!
If your dog isn’t trained, letting them run without a leash could be disastrous. It could include behaviors that challenge other dogs, like humping, sniffing, and toy stealing. This will, no doubt, end up with two dogs fighting. The scariest of all unwanted behaviors is a dog that bolts off his leash and runs.
If your dog isn’t properly trained, he may get too excited, and being leash-free could pose a problem. He may just take off running once he is let loose. And he thinks it’s a game when you chase after him. All in all, it’s a bad situation all around. Not only could he put himself in danger by running out in the street, but he could scare others with his overly excitable approach and uncontrolled energy.
Let’s explore how to control an excited dog when at the dog park.
Dog Park Tip #3: Practice makes perfect.
The goal is for your dog to sit calmly and quietly once you take their embroidered leash off. You should have all the control and your dog should not move until you say it is okay. Once he can sit and stay on your command indoors, it will be time to practice outside.
Dog Park Tip #4: Now practice in a fenced in area.
Find a location where your dog can be off the custom leash, but still fenced in. This is a good place to practice. Maybe it’s a playground or even your home’s fenced yard.
Dog Park Tip #5: You must be able to rely on your dog completely before going to the dog park.
So many dog owners complain that they have no recall command while in the dog park. If you don’t have it at home, you won’t have it in the park. It’s similar to attempting college algebra before mastering simple addition and subtraction.
If the dog park is fenced in, however, then you at least have a chance even if your dog hasn’t mastered recall. But if you are planning to visit an off-leash park with no fence, your dog will need to have mastered recall completely. Practice at home before heading to a dog park.
Dog Park Do’s and Don’ts
When arriving at the park, do not allow your dog to run at all. Dog parks have rules, and so do you. This will help you, your dog, and other dogs enjoy their time.
Dog Park Tip #6: Stay alert and pay complete attention.
Let’s face it, you would watch your children intently while they play at the park. You should do the same with your dog at the dog park. Watch to make sure your dog is using good manners and not tormenting the other dogs. It’s also important to make sure other unmannered dogs aren’t coaxing your dog into bad behavior.
It’s important to watch your dog in the case that your furry best friend decides it’s time to leave the dog park without you! Even if your dog is not on a leash, Dog ID Collar is the place to find the best embroidered collar and leash set to personalize contact info!
Dog Park Tip #7: Continue practicing at the dog park.
It’s not completely play time. There is work to be done. It's important to continue to practice commands while at the park, or your dog will be very confused as to how he should behave. Practice simple commands, like “come” and “sit.”
Dog Park Tip #8: Your dog should not be aggressively protective of his toys.
Treats and toys could make your dog get aggressive when guarding his resources. And sharing is imperative. If you want to play fetch or reward him with a treat, be sure your dog isn't trying to steal other dogs toys. Master the commands “off” and “leave it.”
A few tips for leaving and heading home:
Dog Park Tip #9: Reward your dog and offer praise before leashing up
By packing up, grabbing your popular embroidered leash, and getting ready to leave the dog park, your dog could be thinking he’s being punished. It’s good to have a treat and a lot of praise when getting ready to leave.
Dog Park Tip #10: Keep your dog hydrated.
Be certain your dog is getting water, but also don’t let him over drink. Some dogs like to drink too much water and will compete with other dogs trying to get all they can.
Dog Park Tip #11: Let your dog get plenty of exercise just as you might take your kids to the park so they can run, play, swing and slide to burn off energy, you should also allow your dog to get plenty of exercise at the dog park. Dogs love being outside, going on walks with their collar and leash customized for them, enjoying the sunshine and smells, and spending quality time with you.
Final words:
The key to successful dog park trips is practice. All dogs, no matter how much training they have had, need plenty of practice and praise. Now that you are armed with some helpful tips on making a successful trip to the dog park, we encourage you to visit your local dog park. Play dates with your dog should be a fun experience for you and your pet and will allow both of you to have bonding time.
]]>Whether we are in the neighborhood, in the park, at a local coffee shop, we take them along. If that isn’t family, what is? Our lives wouldn’t be the same without our pets, and we would do anything to keep them happy and safe. Here are a few simple pet safety tips to help keep your furry friend safe and sound under your loving care.
Equip the inside of your home to prevent your pet from escaping. Make sure the windows and doors are secure. Consider investing in gates and childproof clasps as well.
Keeping a first aid kit for our animals is essential in the event of an accident. A pet first aid kit typically includes bandages, medications, ointments, eye care, cold packs, splints, tick and spider treatment to name just a few.
If your pet should ever become lost or stolen, his pet license is an added level protection. This almost goes without saying. Besides, it’s the law.
Help to control the unwanted animal population. Spayed or neutered animals are less likely to run away, due to their lack of biological instincts.
Make sure your current phone number is on your pet’s ID tag or on their custom dog collar. If there is ever an emergency, it’s important that someone can contact you.
Unwanted circumstances can strike at any time and you’ll need to gather up your furry family members, so have some food and a kennel ready. You may also consider keeping this as part of a "Found Pet Toolbox."
Some pets are afraid of their new environment, and dogs can especially be natural escape artists. The yard should not be a prison, but rather a haven. Make sure his toys are plentiful and spend quality time with him while in the yard. He will grow to feel safe in the yard rather than feel he needs to get away.
Newer high-tech collars have QR codes embedded chips. When the code is scanned by a smartphone, it displays your contact information and important pet data, such as license and vaccinations. This information is vital for animal control in reuniting pet and owner quickly.
It’s a great idea to keep current pictures of your pets. They can become invaluable if your pet ever turns up lost and you want to make flyers. Photos can also help prove that the pet belongs to you if they are lost or stolen.
Typical stress signs include drooling, panting, hiding, pacing, a decreased appetite, abnormal urination or defecation, excessive grooming and dilated pupils.
We all know our own medical history, past surgeries, and current medications. It's vital in case of an emergency. The same goes for our furry friends. High-tech collars can even link to an online profile for your pet and store easily retrievable electronic medical pet information.
If your dog is a talented escape artist, use a harness. For cats, consider a breakaway collar. A microchip, in addition to a collar and ID tag, is also important so there is a way to retrieve your information if the collar should fail or come off.
Sometimes leashes need replacing - especially if your pet likes using it for a chew toy. Examine the clasp and be sure it is operating correctly, and examine the entire leash for malfunctions.
Do a periodic check of your pet's ID tag. Is it still legible? If it has a QR code, make sure it can be easily scanned.
It almost goes without saying, but be sure your pet has an external ID tag, and for super high tech protection, get them micro-chipped. For added protection consider investing in a digital ID tag.
This is especially helpful if you live in an area prone to natural disasters, or even the occasional snow day or temporary power outage.
If you should become injured, experience an unexpected illness, or become temporarily incapable of caring for your pet, reach out to others and alert them about your pet and their needs. In fact, have a plan in place even before it happens. A simple wallet card can be a valuable tool for informing anyone who will be caring for your pets.
Even the best and most well-behaved pets can turn up lost or missing. Teaching simple pet obedience commands like “stay,” or "come" can be crucial.
If your animal is riding in the car with you, they should wear a collar and even be in a crate if possible. If a crate isn’t feasible, consider tethering their leash to ensure their limited movement.
A favorite snack or toy could play a key role in finding your lost pet or in luring an animal that has run away or is in shock.
Just as it can be costly for humans to visit a doctor or clinic, it is the same for our animal friends. Emergency vet visits can be especially expensive. Pet insurance is a viable option for helping with these types of emergencies. Some insurance plans even allow for a free annual pet check-up.
Don't get caught leaving your pet stranded in the event of an earthquake, fire, or hurricane. Emergency rescue stickers are critical for alerting a rescue worker that you have a pet in need of help or rescue.
Spend the necessary time introducing your pet to a new neighborhood. Take them for walks and let them enjoy their new surroundings. Let the neighbors meet your dog or cat so they can watch and keep an eye out for their well-being.
You may want to take your dog for a walk and run a few errands all on the same outing, however, you really shouldn't. If the errands require you to leave your pet outside, leave them at home. If you leave your dog unattended outside, it actually increases the chance of your them being pet-napped or escaping.
Do you have a plan in place if your pet is ever discovered missing? There are many pet owners who keep a “recovery toolbox” which includes helpful instructions for searching for lost pets. This toolbox can also include health records which can be shared on the internet. This is handy if your pet is a flight risk.
Fences can't always prevent a pet from escaping. Try monitoring the behavior of your pet and determine if they are at risk of getting free. Maybe your pet jumps fences, digs under them, or both? If your pet is a jumper, increasing the height of the fence might be the solution, and eliminating stacked items along the fence line will discourage your pet from escaping. If your pet likes to dig, make sure the base of the yard is tight and secure. A simple boulder will block the area for a digging pet.
Having your mobile phone handy in any emergency situation is helpful. This is also really important in case of an emergency for your pet or when finding a lost animal.
Micro-chipping has saved millions of lost animals from being exterminated each year. When an animal is brought to a shelter or animal hospital, scanning for a microchip is the first order of business. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A frightened animal can oftentimes escape from a collar, and an additional pet collar is helpful if you happen to find a homeless animal.
Remember to keep a good list of helpful information on hand such as local veterinarians, shelters, and animal rescue groups in a place that is easy to locate. You can even put the list in your car. You never know, this might come in handy if you lose your pet or if you find a lost animal.
Its our job to make sure that our pets are safe and that we have made it a priority to provide the things for them to maintain their safety. The very best tip that I can provide to you is to make sure your pet wears a collar anytime that they are outside. The best collars in my opinion are customized dog collars that include all of the essential information about your pet including your phone number so that if your pet is found without out you, someone will know how to contact you.
It doesn’t matter what our pets do or if they misbehave on occasion. Our pets are family, for sure. Now when Fido is curled up at your feet, you can be assured it’s because he feels safe in the environment you have created for him and he’ll appreciate the loving care you provide.
Photo Credit: Pexels
People add pets to their households for a couple of reasons. Dog lovers cannot imagine life without the companionship of a trusty canine. Some people are attracted to a particular breed’s looks, and others want a partner in outdoor activities. Many, however, give too much weight to trends and looks, ignoring breed-specific care demands. Not every dog thrives in all environments, so it’s crucial to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and living arrangements. Here are some simple ideas so you can navigate being a new dog owner.
Here are some things to consider when hiring a pet walking or sitting service:
When assessing your lifestyle and home, consider where the dog will spend most of her time. Establishing some stability before you adopt will make for an easier transition for the dog.
Seriously consider breeds and look beyond go beyond looks
Breed is an important consideration because there are many different variations in temperament and care needs. There are several online tools for matching dog breeds with lifestyle. The ASPCA website and other animal websites have easy to use interfaces. Not everyone is looking for a purebred dog, so these characteristics can be loose guidelines when it comes to mixed breed animals.
While there are no hard and set rules, so to speak, you can generalize by size and body shape of the dog. A larger muscular dog, such as a Labrador Retriever, is going to need exercise for contentment. A much smaller breed, such as a Chihuahua or French Bulldogs (see Ethical Frenchie for reference), may not be much of a jogger but she will still need training and attention. Since she is smaller, she might not be able to go an entire workday without having a bathroom break.
Learn about breed temperament
It helps to do some research in the area of dog breed temperament especially if you have other pets in your house such as cats or if you have small children. If you're adopting, the Humane Society will provide you with information on breed temperament. The last thing they want to have an animal return to their custody because an owner was ill-informed.
Breed affects train-ability to some extent as well. While some dogs are highly trainable others, such as a Weimaraners, may have difficulties with some training such as crate training and keeping off the furniture this is because these dogs simply don’t think their dogs and they don’t understand why they can’t sit on the couch if you are.
Dog ownership requires flexibility and a desire to bond on the owner’s part. Be prepared for some hard work - for both you and your new canine friend. Do research before you commit and you’ll be prepared for many years of fun dog companionship.
Dog ID Collar: “Emily, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Australian Shepherds. Let’s start with, why the Aussie breed?”
Emily: “I was six or seven years old when I had my first Australian Shepherd. I loved that dog so much! She had health issues that we didn’t know about, and she passed when I was nine, so I only had a few years with her, but I fell in love with the breed. I was completely devastated, and my parents reached out to everyone they knew to find me another Aussie.“
“We were living in Texas at the time, and my Dad found an Aussie in Utah. I had shown so much interest in the breed that the lady we bought the dog from mentored me about everything related to the Aussie. She helped me understand everything there was to know about breeding, whelping, socializing, training and caring for this breed. She was extremely instrumental in my education and when I started our business, Green Valley Australian Shepherds. It’s really important to me that no one feels the devastation I felt by losing their dog too early. So, I learned everything I could to raise healthy, long-lasting dogs.”
Dog ID Collar: “So, you knew at an early age that this was what you wanted to do. How did your experience shape the way you wanted to go about breeding Australian Shepherds?”
Emily: “Our goal is to be a reputable breeder, breeding sensibly, and always doing the right thing when it comes to breeding to standards. Which means health checks on the adults, and panels on all the pups. We always check for any joint, hip, elbow issues. Our goal is to breed the absolute best Aussie we can.”
“Aussies are known as a herding breed, which means they can be very hyper because they’re so athletic. Our lineage is conformationally bred, meaning they’re more calm, which is great for showing the dogs. This calmer breed also makes our Aussies ideal for families, regardless if they live in the city or in the country.”
Dog ID Collar: “Wow! So, there’s a lot that goes into your dogs.”
Emily: “I’m really proud of the program we’ve created. We don’t just breed pups and send them out. We are always in contact with our clients, even if it’s quarterly. We have an amazing group of clients, they’re all over the country from New York to California. Most of our clients are repeat parents, they’ll come to pick up their new family member from our location and bring their first Aussie they bought from us, so it’s like a family reunion. It’s really amazing how large our Aussie community has become. Social media has allowed us to stay close with our clients and support them much easier. It’s really neat to see people connecting with each other online because of their dogs' relationships with each other.”
Dog ID Collar: “For those of us who don’t have an Aussie, what’s it like to have an Aussie in the family?”
Emily: “Our dogs are a major part of our family. My husband, Jeff’s parents, live next door, and my parents are less than an hour away, so our family is involved with the dogs too. You wouldn’t believe it, but all of our dogs are swimmers. My parents have water on their ranch, and the dogs love it when we visit so they can play in the water. We absolutely love our family time together, we take the dogs with us everywhere, whether we’re camping, hiking, riding bikes, or riding horse trails. Jeff has done such a great job training, that when we’re on our excursions, the dogs come with us and they get to explore without us having to leash them or constantly be on the lookout for them, they stay close to the family.”
Dog ID Collar: “How many Aussies are in your family?”
Emily: “Well, there’s Dusty, Sophie, Alexa, Paris, Chloe, and Charlotte.”
Dog ID Collar: “Would you mind sharing about them?”
Emily: “Absolutely! Dusty is Jeff’s dog! We got Dusty one week after we were married. Jeff’s such a great guy because he embraced my dreams of breeding the best Aussie possible. We bought Dusty before we got married, then one week later I flew to Tennessee and drove Dusty back home to Utah.”
“Dusty is an all-around dog. He’s great at scent hunting, which isn’t common for Aussies. He has such a great vibe about him, he does anything that’s asked of him. He really seems to go out of his way to make sure we’re happy. He’s a great example of an Aussie. Dusty has sired 80 to 90% of our puppies so far, so when our client’s place their orders, they say they want a “Dusty Dog.” He’s got a great reputation in the Aussie community.”
“We currently have five female Aussies: Sophie, Alexa, Paris, Chloe, and Charlotte. They’re wonderful girls! A lot of people will ask if there’s any aggression between the females, but there isn’t. I think it’s because we’re all such a tight-knit family that they know they're loved. All of our Aussies go out of their way to make us feel loved. It’s such a neat thing about the breed, they go out of their way to make sure you’re happy.”
“Sophie is a red merle, she’s our Velcro dog. She always wants to be in your lap or in your face, until she’s satisfied you feel good. “
“Alexa is a blue merle, and she just makes you feel so good about yourself. She’s been a part of our family for about 8 months now. She came to us as an adult, but you would think she’s been with us since she was a pup. She sort of talks to you when she sees you. Her whole body wiggles from head to tail, it makes you feel so good and important to her.”
“Paris, a red merle, is considered my dog, well unless she’s around my Dad. She’s been great for him. When we visit my parents, Paris and my Dad go for long walks. My Dad definitely has an affinity towards Paris. When you first see her, you think ‘oh wow, she looks unapproachable,’ but you would be completely wrong, she’s probably the most loving of all the girls.”
“Chloe, a blue merle, is a fun dog! It was quite the process when we first got her. We actually brought her over from Russia. She’s extremely smart and doesn’t require a lot of training. She observes the other dogs and picks up what they’re doing very quickly.”
“Charlotte is a red merle. We held her back from a litter by Dusty and Sophie. We’re confident she’s Dawson’s dog.”
Dog ID Collar: “And Dawson is your son?”
Emily: “Yes, he’s our three-year-old. All of our pups have been socialized with young children. Our son Dawson is around the pups all the time, so much he might think he’s a dog. He is at their pen as much as he can be, talking to them, and caring for them. He calls the puppies his “friends.”
“When we brought our 2-month baby girl, Aubrey, home, Dawson brought each pup to her individually, so she could meet each one. We have a video of Dawson dressed as a puppy, holding one of the puppies, all while watching a dog cartoon called Paw Patrol. Dawson just loves all animals so much!”
Dog ID Collar: “What an awesome opportunity for Dawson, to be surrounded by puppies all the time!”
Emily: “He absolutely loves them. We love to share videos and pictures of the Dawson playing with the puppies and dogs on our social media. You get such a great sense of how much love and happiness our dogs bring into our lives. I think the videos just make everyone feel good when they watch them too.”
Dog ID Collar: “Emily, thank you so much for sharing about Australian Shepherds with us today! This has been a lot of fun learning about you and your family.”
Emily: “Thank you! This has been a lot of fun!”
Check them out on Instagram @greenvalleyaussies or https://instagram.com/greeenvalleyaussies
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Dog Id Collar is happy to share our favorite pup online for the month of July 2018!
Dog Id Collar: “Thank you so much for connecting with us on Facebook! “
Anna: “I get so many messages and comments on Facebook about Lexie, that it takes me a while to respond to everyone.”
Dog Id Collar: “No worries, we know she’s very popular on Facebook. We’re grateful you took the time to visit with us.”, “We don’t want to take up too much of your time and thought it would be fun to have a quick interview. Does that work for you?”
Anna: “Go for it!”
Dog Id Collar: “Thanks! Well, we know Lexie is a White Boxer, but we’re curious how old is she?”
Anna: “She just turned 22 months, she’ll be 2 on September 5th.”
Dog Id Collar: “Oh, that’s right around the corner. Does Lexie have a favorite food?”
Anna: “Well, both my dogs are spoiled. They eat pretty much whatever I’m eating. They love everything.”
Dog Id Collar: “It sounds like they’re eating good. What would you say is Lexie’s favorite toy?”
Anna: “Her water babies. Well, we don’t call them toys. If we told her to go get her toy, she wouldn’t know what that is. Everything to her is a baby. So, we tell her to go get her baby, and she’ll bring us her toy.”
Dog Id Collar: “Does she share her babies with RJ?”
Anna: “No, it’s a game with them. He wants to play with what she’s playing with, or she wants what he has. I buy them both the same stuff, but they want what the other one has.”
Dog Id Collar: “We have pups that are the same way, if one seems to be enjoying something too much, then the other one must have it.”
Dog Id Collar: “Anna, what would you say is Lexie’s favorite activity?”
Anna: “Swimming!!” (laughter)
Anna: “Well, if we’re not home, or it’s cold and rainy, we’ll close the pool, we’re in Nebraska, so the pool’s not always open, but during the summer, especially this week when the temperature is mid 90’s, she’ll spend a lot of time swimming. She usually spends one to four hours a day in the pool, when it’s open.”
Dog Id Collar: “Does her brother, RJ, swim as much?
Anna: “He will swim if it’s really hot, but he’s not as big of a fan of swimming as she is, he’s actually a really good swimmer too.”
Dog Id Collar: “Anna, what would you say, if anything is really unique or special about Lexie’s personality?”
Anna: “You know, she’s very loving, it’s amazing how loving and affectionate she is, she just wants to touch you all the time. She has a lot of personality; she’s just a lot of fun. She wants to love and be loved, yet she teases RJ all day long. She’s just a fun girl!”
Dog Id Collar: “Has Lexie had any formal training?”
Anna: “Nope, no formal training, she’s really smart and usually knows what we’re saying.”
Dog Id Collar: “Well, we’ve mentioned RJ, are there any other pets in Lexie’s life?”
Anna: “No, sadly we lost RJ’s parents, well about 22 months ago, right when Lexie was born. That’s why Lexie’s here with us. They both died within 4 weeks of each other, so it was really hard around here and, RJ got really distraught, he stopped eating and stopped doing other things, and we got really worried because he acted like he was dying. Someone messaged me about Lexie, and we drove round trip about three hours to get her, and that’s when she joined the family.
We really didn’t know what we were going to do; we were so scared for RJ because he stopped eating and we thought we were going to lose him too. The doctor came out for RJ’s mom first, and we thought he was going to be ok because he had Rocky, his Dad, RJ is short for Rocky Jr., but then we lost Rocky and that’s when RJ really got worse. We weren’t planning on getting another puppy that fast, but he needed somebody, and that’s why we have Lexie. RJ doesn’t swim much, kind of a grouch, very over-protected.
RJ’s Mom, Adrian, was white too – funny thing is RJ’s mom was a water baby as well. We think she sent us Lexie because Lexie was born 2 days before Adrian died, and Lexie’s just like Adrian, she’s a water baby. When she first got in the water, we thought oh wow, that’s a mini Adrian. It’s just amazing! She gets on the floatie like Adrian; you know most dogs don’t do that. It’s a lot of work to pull yourself up, some humans can’t even do that, but she acts just like Adrian, which we thought was kind of neat.”
Dog Id Collar: “And how old is RJ?”
Anna: “He will be 7 in October, and he is my baby because Lexie is Daddy’s girl. Yeah, Lexie’s a Daddy’s girl!”
Dog Id Collar: “We’d be in trouble, with anyone who knows about Lexie from Facebook, if we didn’t ask, the outfits you put on Lexie, where do those come from?”
Anna: “If you saw her closet, you’d think I was Koo-Koo. People ask me all the time if they can see her closet. I tell them, ‘No you can’t because it’s crazy!’. She has a seamstress, and I’ve sent her Lexie’s measurements, and she makes me whatever I want. So, she makes a lot of Lexie’s swimming suits and dresses, although I do buy clothes online too, her swimming suits and dresses are made to fit her. Lexie’s had a lot of interest online about her bedroom, her closet, and dresser. RJ’s not a fan of clothes, that’s why he’s always naked, but she loves her clothes and having her nails painted, she’s just a little diva. We’ve been doing this with her since she was 8 weeks, so she knows to sit still and let her toenails dry.”
Dog Id Collar: “We can tell Lexie and RJ have a really loving Mommy!”
Anna: “Thank you! Fortunately, they have a very good Daddy too. You won’t see him much on social media, because he’s at work while I take pictures and post them, but as I said, Lexie is definitely Daddy’s girl!”
Dog Id Collar: “Well, Anna, we’ve had a great time visiting with you about Lexie and RJ, can we add Lexie’s Facebook page for our readers?”
Anna: “Absolutely. On Facebook, it’s Lexie & RJ’s Shenanigans.”
Dog Id Collar: “Thank you so much, we imagine anyone reading this would love to see more images of Lexie and RJ.”
Anna: “No problem!”
Follow Lexie and RJ on Facebook at Lexie and RJ's Shenanigans!
Last Updated: 8/8/2018
Anna sent us some images of Fabulous Lexie and RJ with their new Dog ID Collars. They both look AMAZING!
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Dog collars serve a variety of different functions. They assist with safety, create visibility and are more importantly feel comfortable on your dog. With so many options available, it becomes difficult to decide. However, one of the more popular trends today would have to be dog collars personalized.
Dog collars are personalized specifically for your pet features the name of your dog and your details such as your address and phone number. One of the best advantages of these ID collars is that it lets others know that your dog is loved and has a home. Statistics show that collars along with the tags greatly assist in returning lost animals. According to statistics documented by the ASPCA, around 15% of pets were returned directly to their owners just because they had either a microchip or ID collar. In fact, approximately 93% of lost dogs are returned to their homes once they're positively identified.
These collars are simple polyurethane coated collars from a manufacturer such as Hot Dog Collars. This collar offers everything that your pet will need with a metal buckle, waterproof coating and the name-plate made from aluminum. The ID tag on these collars are secured using rivets and can accommodate four lines of text. These plates are also fade and scratch resistant. These collars are inexpensive, and you can pick one up for just under $20.
If your dog or puppy is a lover of water or always manages to get wet, then a waterproof collar from The Dog Outdoors may be the solution for you. These collars are made out of a nylon-webbed fabric with a thick and soft polymer coating. This polymer is a fantastic barrier to water and it is also odor-resistant. The nameplate is constructed out of a laser-engraved stainless steel which is firmed secured into the center of the collar.
You can pick up embroidered personalized dog collar from our store here at dogidcollar.com. We offer a variety of neon colors along with broad text that spans across the length of the collar. The collars range in size from 8” up to 20”. These collars also come with an easy to close buckle made out of stainless steel. The adjustable hardware and the buckle are reflective. Some of the colors you can choose from including blue, pink, teal, green, black, orange and purple.
Another popular option for dog collars personalized are the reflective collars. These are the ideal collars if you like to take your pet for a walk at night or when your dog is prone to running out of your yard as soon as you open the gate. This is also a suggested collar if you live near a busy street. You can pick up one of these collars from a supplier such as GoTags. These collars feature the traditional buckle-collar along with a nylon band. On the center of this band is the reflective strap. These straps are laser-etched using your contact details and the name of your dog.
If you are in search of a more stylish option, leather is regarded as a favorite or preferred choice. You can pick up one of these high-quality collars from Custom Catch. These collars are constructed out of genuine, natural and high-quality leather. They come in numerous colors that include pink, red and blue. The medium or large collars are 1 inch in width, while the smaller collars are ¾ of an inch in diameter and the extra small ones that come ½ of an inch. Every collar comes with permanent engraving with the identifying information along with text that displays the leather underneath. While you select the type of etching you prefer, you can also choose fun graphics and font styles. Some of these include a paw print, bone or heart.
When you own a Coonhound, Brittany, Setter, Pointer or Beagle, and you like people to know that your pet is a hunting dog, the camo dog collars may be the ideal choice. Country Brook Design also provides collars for waterfowl, digital, traditional, forest, woodland, bone and urban camo patterns. The colors for these colors range from blue to orange to pink.
If you are a lover of the latest fashion, then the basic personalized collars are often a boring choice for your beloved hound. If you are the type of person that loves to attract attention, the EASTOP collars are the perfect option for you. These collars come in various soft colors such as sky blue, white, baby pink along with several customizable rhinestone encrusted charms. The charms come in pink, white, blue or red that you can use to spell the name out of your pup or you can choose from charms such as flowers, hearts, crowns or stars. You can also choose from a variety of leashes that will match up to the collar.
If you enjoy a bit of sparkle, there is a variety of over-the-top collars from Rhinestone Dog Collars.net. These leather collars come with glittery exteriors filled with beautiful encrusted rhinestones. The pink collars are available in large, medium, small and extra small sizes so that you can turn your Lab or your beloved Chihuahua into a real diva. Even though these collars scream “princess,” the leather offers softness and durability. You can expect full control and comfort when you take your pooch for a walk.
When it comes to dog collars personalized with embroidery, there are a plethora of options available, whether you prefer durability, comfort, sparkle or fashion. What you should be thinking about when you choose a personalized collar is what will be comfortable for your dog and what will bring your pet home if they get lost.
]]>Puppies are adorable. They’re cute, they’re fun, and they’re a great addition to any family – but they also need trained and cared for, and they will need help to adapt to living in your home. Here are a few tips to make the transition that little bit easier for you.
As soon as you adopt a puppy, you should take it to the vet. Do this without delay, because there are many health issues and birth defects that puppies are susceptible to that can be managed if they are caught early. The vet will give you peace of mind that your puppy is healthy, and will set you on the path to taking good care of it. If you are adopting a puppy from a shelter, then ask them for a recommendation for a local vet. They will be able to give you impartial advice. You can also get good recommendations from local groomers and professional dog walking services. At that first visit, ask for a schedule of vaccinations for the dog, and also ask about the right time to get them spayed or neutered. In addition, find out if there are any illnesses that your particular breed of dog is susceptible to, what the warning signs for those illnesses are, and what you should do if you have any concerns.
Puppies grow very quickly, and they need slightly different nutrition to adult dogs. There are some dog foods that are formulated specifically for puppies, and that’s what you should use for the first year, for smaller dogs, and two years for larger breeds. Look for a puppy food that bears the Association of American Feed Control Officials mark on it to ensure that it meets the pup’s nutritional requirements. During the first 12 weeks of a dog’s life, they will need to eat four times per day. Between the ages of three and six months, you should feed them three meals a day. From six to twelve months they can be fed twice per day. Make sure that there is always plenty of fresh water available for them, at all ages.
One of the first parts of training a puppy is housetraining. This takes patience and lots of positive reinforcement. There will be a lot of accidents, so be ready to do a lot of cleaning when you first get a puppy. If your puppy is not fully vaccinated yet, then you will want to keep them away from other animals, so find a spot that is outdoors, but away from other animals, that you can use to let your puppy go potty. When your dog does go potty outside, give them a lot of positive reinforcement. If they fail and have an accident indoors, then do not react. Punishment can have the wrong effect. Be attentive, and make sure that you take your puppy outside at the right time. It is a good idea to take them outside when you wake up, and just before you go to bed. In addition, take them out after their meals, or after they drink a lot of water. In addition, let them out to go potty when they wake up after a nap and make a potty stop after their walks as well.
The earlier you start obedience training, the more likely it is to be successful. Try to teach your pets the basic commands such as come, stay, down and sit. These are not just party tricks, they are commands that will keep your pet safe when you take them out for walks around other animals. You can train your pet at home, but if you do not have a lot of experience you might find it challenging. There are obedience schools that you can take puppies to, and they will usually accept them from four month’s old. You can also hire trainers that will come to your home and work with your dog one on one if you feel that they are particularly challenging. When you are training your puppy, remember that it is important to be positive. Give small treats, and be consistent and patient. Punishment is less effective than positive reinforcement, so should not be used unless there is something serious happening, and even then it should be short, and immediately after the incident. Consider a puppy to be like a small child. Taking a child’s toy privileges away on an evening because they ran in front of a car on the way to school that morning is unlikely to make much impact because the child will not understand fully why they are being punished. It is more effective to tell the child what they did wrong immediately after the incident, and the same applies to puppies.
Just like babies, puppies are more vulnerable to illnesses than adult dogs. If your puppy is not gaining weight, is not interested in food, or is lethargic, then this could be a sign of illness. Watch out for the same sorts of symptoms you would see in an adult with colds or the flu, too – coughing, wheezing, discharge and vomiting for example. Constipation and/or diarrhea are also signs of illness. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of those issues.
If your puppy has not been immunized, then they should have limited contact with other dogs. Once they are immunized, then they should be exposed to other animals to get them used to the contact. Between two and four months of age, they are usually ready to be exposed to the wider world, and they should be taken to meet other people and animals and to learn how to act around other dogs – especially other breeds. Seek advice from your vet about when to begin socialization classes, and what level of exposure is safe for their age, but do begin as early as you can.
A dog is a pet that will often become an important member of a family and one who is adored, loved and petted by everyone in it. They need to be cared for and are in most cases highly dependent on their carers for their food, cleanliness, and safety. Dogs cannot talk and would be unable to find their way home if lost, as they often do when they are taken out for a constitutional or run. A personalized dog collar can help to serve as an identifier and becomes more than a decorative accessory. A personalized collar can have your pet's name, your address, phone number and other details that can help other people to identify it and inform you in case the dog has run away or got lost. It can significantly improve the chances of your pet being returned to you safe and sound. Collars can come in many different styles, though the flat collar is the one that is most common. These collars can be made of leather, nylon webbing or mesh. A flat dog collar allows you to have space that can have a plate that has embedded in it all the details about the dog and the owner. In many cases, these features can also be embroidered on and make for a highly customized dog collar. Any collar on a dog must fit its size and must fit snugly high on its neck. It should not be too tight, and you should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. Some dogs have long necks, and small heads and these dogs will quickly move out of their collars. In such a case it is best to have limited slip collars or martingale collars, that have a loop attached to the leash. The loop helps to tighten the larger collar when the dog pulls on the leash, and this lessens the chances of it slipping out of it.
An embroidered dog collar should be one that allows you to spot your dog among a host of others, as they play and race around the park or beach. It is helpful to choose custom patterns, colors or even ribbons to help your dog's collar to stand out from the others. It is not uncommon for people to have colors for a dog's collar which also represents the colors of their favorite sports team, In fact, many groups sell such collars as part of their merchandise that helps to support the team. You can also use college colors or other personal preferences to customize the colors of your dog's collar.
One reason for the popularity of designer dog collars is that most people are very proud of themselves and like to have things that make a personal statement. Custom products will always be bolder, individualistic and attract more attention than the traditional or conventional products. You can also use a dog collar to be part of your dressing style and fashion and enhance your own identity when you are walking out with your dog. The use and style of these collars, regularly changed, make the latest fashion statement to ensure that your dog is always kitted out in style. You can have some collars, each of which produces its fashion statement, and you can dress your dog depending on your way of dressing.
Many dog owners also use dog collars to give information about the diet of the dog and food habits. This is especially important for a dog that has allergies or needs to avoid a specific food. It is essential that any dog collar that you use for your dog must be one that the pet is comfortable wearing. If you find the pet continually scratching the neck, it is likely that the collar is not suitable and you will do well to look at it in detail, to find the problem. Collars must also suit the leashes with which they are paired. Collar and leash sets must match, especially if the collar is customized.
When investing in collars specially required for training the dog, such training collars should be identified per the needs of training and the temperament of the dog. Your unique collar can also be of the remote type that allows you to send signals to the dog and demand his obedience. The use of such collars requires proper and extensive training, and can also be used efficiently to fence in dogs to particular areas, so that they are free to run about, but are always aware of their boundaries.
Most dog owners prefer to go in for custom dog collars as this ensures the safety of the dog. Embroidering or embedding the details of the dog on the collar avoids the problem of tags falling off, as often happens in the case of active and boisterous dogs. Such a collar also makes a statement about the owner of the dog and the fact that you are as concerned for the appearance of the dog as you are about yourself. It helps to show that you care about your pet and the vital place that it has as part of your family. You can buy a collar from any store, but making a unique collar signifies the special place that the pet has in your affections. Custom dog collars also help to distinguish a dog from all the others, and this can be of great help when you allowed the dog to be off the leash and must be able to spot him in the crowd of other dogs that may be around. Collars need to suit the personality of the dog and its habits, while it must display details of its license, and other identifying information and contact phone numbers. A collar can be highly effective in showing the affection and care that owners have for their pets.
]]>In this article, we'll be discussing why monogram dog collars, our embroidered dog collars, are better suited, for your most loyal companion, than leather dog collars.
We'll point out the benefits of monogrammed dog collars vs. the need for metal dog tag ids and explain why our superior dog collars are purchased every day by our amazing clients.
The leather dog collar is typically fashioned from cowhide. The nameplates are usually made of a soft metal.
Leather dog collars tend to change dramatically over time. These changes occur as the collar gets wet or as the collar receives too much sunlight. Collars shrink and expand through various conditions during your pet's life, leaving a less than desirable look on your canine.
Pet owners typically don't know the quality of leather used when these collars are made. The color options available are usually few: black, light brown, medium brown, and dark brown.
Leather collars can become very expensive to purchase, considering the wear and tear it will receive over time by your dog and other dogs, during playtime. Custom leather dog collars are no longer a longterm option.
Dog collar nameplates were intended initially for pet identification.
For many years, these nameplates have been used as a form of indicating a dog's information in cases when the pet was found outside the pet owner's presence.
Unfortunately, these soft metal plates wear out over time. They become scratched, scuffed, and too worn to be effective.
The result, your best friend, lost with their 'best intentions' dangling from their collar.
Our monogram dog collars, constructed of machine-washable nylon webbing, always look amazing on your dog! These personalized dog collars do not shrink or expand under any conditions.
Our customers have the option to choose from twenty different collar colors and sixteen different thread colors used for identification.
As a bonus, our customers can choose between three different fasteners, not just the traditional belt buckle look.
The need to attach a clanging piece of junk metal is no longer needed with our monogram dog collar.
We embroider both name and phone number directly onto the collar.
Your dog can now go into ninja mode while sneaking up on trespassers, or more likely while sneaking up on you during a game of hide-and-seek.
Doggie hotels and dog trainers prefer our custom dog collars for identifying canines from a distance.
While similar groups of dogs are at play, the color of their collars stands out, allowing their attendant to identify and correct behavior much quicker.
This ability to react faster by the caregiver helps prevent accidents sooner.
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Here’s a list of seven people foods dogs should NEVER eat and what you should do if yours ever does.
Via LifeVantage.com
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Our personalized collars impress our clients who have tried the petco dog tag machine route.
Via Happify
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