Dog Car Seats for Animal Lover

If you are an animal lover, chances are that you like taking your pets out for a ride. However, taking them out for a ride in your car can have its consequences. A lot of car accidents have been caused by having pets play around in the car while the driver was at the wheel. Having your pets roam around in your car is not a very good idea not only because they will cause damage to the inside of your car but also because they can cause a car accident. This is why it is very important to have a dog car seat for your puppy. There are many types of car seats available in the market but some of the best ones are the ones that will keep your dog safe and secure while you drive.

Some of these puppy seats are known as booster seats because they allow your dog to have a good view out the window. In other words, they connect to the passenger seat and boost your dog up. The great thing about these booster seats is that they are padded on the inside to keep your dog comfortable. Most of them are also washable so you can just stick them in the washing machine incase your dog has an accident in them.

How Much Does a Dog Car Seat Cost?

The price of a puppy seat can vary and it also depends on where you buy it. Some of these seats look very elegant therefore you can expect to pay more but some of them are pretty simple and still get the job done. The material of the fabric is also something that will bring the price up or down. If you stick to a simple puppy vehicle seat then you can expect to save a lot of money.

How to Construct Wooden Dog House

Wooden dog houses are among some of the most popular types of houses that are available. Perhaps one of the reasons why this is the case, is because they are the easiest for the common homeowner or do-it-yourselfer to build. There may be times, however, whenever you would like to build a large wooden house that is quite luxurious and perhaps contains a number of different options that make it more like a regular house than a house for a dog. Here are some things to keep in mind whenever building wooden dog houses such as this.

One of the first things to consider is whether you're going to be drawing up the plans yourself or if you are going to be purchasing one of the kits that are available. Many people will choose one of these kits, simply because it has everything that you will need in order to get the job done. The only thing that it does take out of the equation, unfortunately, is that you do not have as much leeway as far as being creative with the building project. If you were to add something such as stairs or perhaps a wooden dog house balcony, you would need to design this into the kit and then add the materials necessary in order to do it.

That is why it is a much better idea for you to build wooden houses and to plan them from the start on your own. It does not need to have some great architectural drawings in order for it to be exactly what you need it to be. Just a rough idea of the sizes, perhaps even drawn to scale so that you are able to see on paper how much room is going to be available for the pet inside. If you're adding luxury items to the inside or outside of the dog house, these should also be included on the plans and you should make room for them whenever purchasing the items in advance for the house.

A large wooden dog house is something that is probably going to be more beneficial to you as the builder that it is going to be to the dog. The unfortunate reality about these larger houses is the fact that most animals won't really spend much of their time in any more than a small portion of the house. They won't enjoy the inside and outside features that are available, but that doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with you enjoying building them.

You might even find that there is a market for these wooden dog house in your area, especially if you are able to do an excellent job on building one for yourself. A large wooden dog house is going to be in demand, and although there are always going to be freebies that are available, these will not stand against the customized jobs that you may be able to do. You might just find that you are building these houses for many dogs, not just your own.

Try to Stop Your Dog Barking with Citronella Bark Collar

A citronella bark collar certainly is not the only way to stop your dog from barking. It offers some advantages though and may be a useful tool for training your dog to be quiet. We tried one on our loud spaniel and saw immediate results.

Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons. Often the reasons are good ones. Sometimes they reasons are hard to understand and the barking just turns to wild, uncontrolled noise. Maybe the noise stems from boredom or loneliness or maybe it's just the result of too much energy. In any case, the noise causes trouble and often must be stopped.

In our case, we tried many avenues to keep the noise down and nothing we tried had much positive result. We then looked for a tool to help with the training. The tool we choice was a MultiVet citronella bark collar. Here's how it works.

The actual unit is a cube that slips on a collar and fits against the neck just under the dog's jaw. The instructions say to put it on and leave it turned off for a couple of days. That's to let the animal become accustomed to the feel, I'm sure. It contains a sensor to detect the barking and a pressurized can containing citronella oil. The unit requires a battery to operate and a pressurized can to charge the oil reservoir in the unit.

When the dog barks, the sensor triggers the spray device and the nozzle sprays. What issues forth is a cloud of oil mist that completely surrounds the dog's head. With the collar we have, the oil mist cloud is about 18 inches across and is mostly ball-shaped. Not really harmful to the animal, the mist is quite smelly as well as coming as a complete surprise. There is also a slight noise to the puff which may add to the startle factor.

At least for our spaniel, just a couple of squirts was all it took to make an impression. The mist is smelly, yes, and probably shocking as well, in a startling sort of way. That's what the expression on our dog's face suggested. Who knows, why, maybe it's just the distraction of the whole experience, but the collar stopped the uncontrolled barking almost immediately.

A citronella bark collar administers a negative consequence to barking. The oil mist cloud comes suddenly and as a complete surprise, at least for the first time. It may not work for all dogs but it certainly does for some.

Crates and Accessories for Your Dog

Dog crates are an important part of responsible dog ownership. They give your canine companion a nice safe place to call his own. These crates also give your dog a place where he can be if you need to secure him for any reason. They not only come in fixed and folding styles, but also have many accessories that can be added. Let's take a closer look at some of the different options.

As a pet owner myself, the favorite thing I like about dog crates is that when I need to put my dog somewhere where I know he will be safe, or out of the way, his crate is easy and convenient. My hound is not aggressive, but if yours is, then having somewhere like a crate becomes increasingly important when people come over to visit. Nobody likes how it feels to arrive at someone's house only to be met by a barking dog who "has never hurt anyone". Yeah right, I've heard that one before. Out of courtesy for others, just put Fido away if you know someone is coming over.

There are many sizes of dog crates on the market to choose from. It is always better to have a larger, rather than smaller one. Just use common sense when choosing one. If you have a small poodle you obviously don't need a monster sized one. However, if you have a Wolfhound or a Dane then you need a huge crate. What's important to remember is the comfort and safety of your pet. Canines like to den by instinct. If the crate is just the right size they will feel safe and protected.

Dog crates that fold are wonderful. They allow you to store it away when not in use. When these are assembled and in use they do take up quite a bit of space. So, being able to collapse them and store them away flat is really convenient. When we got our last pup we bought a folding crate that we used to house train him. This particular dog crate had a plastic tray as the base. This was wonderful when it came time to clean it. Easy spray off and that's it. After the pup was grown we no longer used the crate for housing as we had other arrangements. We simply folded it up and slid it behind some other things in the garage.

One accessory for dog crates that many people don't even think about is a divider. These allow you to buy a larger crate when you first get your pup. You simply insert the divider, which in effect, makes a smaller useable space for your pup. Having a smaller space in the crate makes puppy training much easier. Another accessory that is good to know about is a replacement crate pan. These come in plastic and metal and make cleaning much easier. They come in a wide variety of sizes, so if you already have a crate and just need to replace the pan, it should be no problem to find just the size you need.

Dog crates make for both happier dogs and even happier dog owners. I wouldn't go without one. It's not like you need to put your dog in it all the time. It's just that when you do need a convenient place to have your dog stay for awhile, dog crates are ideal. Easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store.

How to Choose Suitable Gifts for Dog

Man's best friend deserves the best treatment we can give them. After all they are always there for us and never complain. Show them how much you appreciate them with one of our dog gift ideas.

1. Dog Bed. I know that they will already have a comfortable dog bed or they may be allowed to sleep on the sofa or your bed. But all dogs especially as they get older will benefit from pet orthopaedic beds. These will support them in the correct places and help all those aches and pains. We all appreciate a good night's sleep and your dog will too.
2. Ball Thrower. Do you suffer from an aching arm after a few throws of that ball, and the embarrassment of not being able to throw it far enough? A must for all owners with ball chasing obsessed dogs is a ball thrower. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes but your dog will thank you for that endless stream of far flung balls for them to chase; you will not even have to break into a sweat.
3. Dog Flap. Do you sometimes find yourself at the beck and call of your dog, opening and closing that door as they come in and out of the garden? A dog flap is your ideal solution. Very similar to a cat flap but available in a variety of different sizes this will give your dog more independence. There is a variety on the market so shop around, our favourite are the ones with enhanced security features which will deter other animals and unwanted guests entering your house.
4. Pooper Scooper. All dog owners need to be responsible for picking up their dogs' poop. Make it easy for yourself by having an easy carrier so you won't be swinging that bag of poop during your walk. Your dog will be happy too as you will have both hands free to throw that ball or stick.
5. Extendable Lead. Dogs love the freedom to run around when they get the chance but there are many areas where they will need to be on a lead. Make this a more pleasant experience by investing in an extendable lead and they will not constantly be pulled around by a restrictive short lead.
6. Dog Chew. Visit your local pet shop and you will see a truly astonishing array of pet chews. Look for recyclable, non-toxic versions and you will be doing your bit to helping our environment.
7. Another Dog. One of the best presents for your dog and your whole family. Whilst your dog is very happy with human company; Dogs are pack animals at heart and they will appreciate another dog's company when you are not at home. You will see many old dogs having a new lease of life when a puppy is introduced into their environment. Do some research beforehand to see what breed of dog will compliment your current dog. There are many rescue dogs looking for homes so check this out at your local centre first, they will also be able to give you help and advice about a new dog.

What Gifts are Suitable for Our Dogs?

Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when the average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown the occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep!

Times have changed. As the world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of our dog. This didn't happen overnight-- the trend started decades ago.

Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During the 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for the butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb the islands for the hungry and homeless. She would exclaim, "It's a crime the way these animals live!"-- in spite of the fact that the people of those islands were desperately poor!

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as the next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel the same way!

The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on the owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take the place of children. We bond with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular offer the kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around!

So, how do we spoil our pets?

Probably in much the same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of the care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but is now considered essential.

Today's dog sees the vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in the family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few.

I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of the most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is the fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for the holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts!
Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:

• More than half of U.S. households have pets, and many of them are including their "best friends" in holiday plans.
• According to a survey conducted by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain, 97% of its customers will buy gifts for their animals this Yuletide season.
• 28% of owners will spend more on their pets than on their spouses when buying gifts.
• 47% will spend more on their pets than on relatives other than their spouse.
• 54% will spend more on their pets than on their in-laws.
• 83% will wrap their pets' gifts.
• 68% claim that their pets will unwrap presents themselves with their paws.
• 71% will buy something practical for them.

Buying gifts for our pets is only the half it. If someone we know is a pet lover, we often show our support by giving the person a pet-related gift. And, since the saying goes, "love me, love my dog", there's often pressure to throw in a little dog gift for Spike too. For a casual dog-loving acquaintance, our dog lover gift might be a simple coffee mug with a picture of their favorite dog breed. A set of plush doggie-themed golf club covers could make an amusing gift for a colleague. Maybe Aunt Janine has a collection of dog figurines we can add to. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, one could splurge on a diamond-studded doggie themed bracelet for the wife (although I wouldn't recommend this as an anniversary gift. Unless you're very sure). And a new house for Spike.

The good news is, there's no shortage of goods and services to inspire even the most rabid of dog lovers and dog gift shoppers. And dog lover gift shoppers. Whether the names on your gift list are human or canine, you'll never run out of things to buy and places to shop. If you're one of those gifted gift givers who's never at a loss for what to get and where to find it I envy you. If you're more like the rest of us, and you need a little help, you'll find plenty of ideas online (Ahem!). You can also look for future articles in this series, in which I'll hone in on various ways you can pamper and reward the dogs and dog lovers in your life.

So go ahead, spoil your furry friends. Celebrate your love for your dog, and your sister in law's love for her dog. Shower them with goodies and gifts. It's a dog's life. And if I get to come back for another round, I want it to be as one of those lucky dogs!

A Gift of Clothes for Dog

When it comes to the art of giving, a gift of clothes is fraught with peril. We all have stories to tell, and if you don't, you will. Just give it time.

Mine started early. My grandmother, having survived the Depression, knew how to stretch a dollar. Clothes for her grandkids were always purchased 3 or 4 sizes too big so we could "grow into them". And she passed this charming trait on to my mother. So, we endured our baggy clothes, with the sleeves and pant legs rolled up, until we were finally big enough to wear them with dignity. By which time they were ready for donation.

Then there's my husband. Heaven forbid I should try to give the man a Polo shirt with an uneven hemline. Most Polos are made longer in the back to help them stay "tucked", but hubby goes un-tucked -- always. He rejects any polo that breaks the rule, no matter how subtly. For an otherwise easy-going guy, his behavior is almost perverse.

If you must give clothes this season, there's one giftee on your list who's sure to look great in any outfit you buy him. He'll wear your gift with pride and appreciation. Head held high and tail wagging.

That's right, your dog or your best friend's dog. It's so easy you'll wonder why you didn't think of it before.

Dogs love any kind of attention you lavish on them. So, Spike will wear his outfit - whether it's cute or ridiculous - as soon as he sees how happy it makes his owner. Spot will eat up all that extra attention he gets from strangers. And Fifi might even want to Vogue for the camera.

Clothes shopping for dogs are a lot like clothes shopping for babies. Unless you're going for practicality, cuteness is what counts. And that's easy to accomplish, given that any dog wearing clothes looks pretty darned cute.

Choices in dog clothes range from winter sweaters to football jerseys and summer tees. You can get a set of flannel PJ's for bedtime or a terry robe for after bath. There's even an entire line of Harley clothes for dogs, complete with leather cap and studded collar. Dog costumes made for parties and holidays are just too cute for words.

If you really want your gift to be a hit with admirers, accessorize. Try a designer dog collar and maybe a cool pair of sunglasses--they make them just for dogs. And I recently heard that leg warmers are making a comeback.

Got a mischievous sense of humor? Making the baby look silly might be a no-no, but its good clean fun when it comes to dressing up a dog. There are some really creative doggie costumes out there that are good for a chuckle or two.

There are really only a couple of rules you'll need to keep in mind when shopping for dog clothes:
One is that if the dog in question is an avid chewer, you should avoid buying him anything tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are examples that come to mind. An object that can easily be chewed off and swallowed is a choking hazard and can get stuck in the dog's digestive tract.

The other rule is that any dog, no matter how tolerant, will be more comfortable wearing clothes that fit. Proper fit typically requires measuring from the dog's collar to the base of her tail for length. Most garments’ girth can be adjusted with velcro tabs, but could still be an issue with a barrel-chested breed such as a bulldog. Measurements are typically in inches.

Oh, and one more thing--if you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own dog clothes creations. Just don't forget to include an opening for the dog to relieve himself. Don't laugh, it happens a lot!

Now, if you're shopping for your own dog, you're all set. But if you're buying clothes for someone else's dog, I've got a few more tips for you.

Surveys conducted on the subject of gift preferences of men and women have shown that men prefer gifts that are more playful or practical. So, if the dog's owner is male this might translate into a doggie Harley jacket, a funny costume, or a reflective hunting vest (more on practical clothing in another article!).

Women, on the other hand, prefer gifts that are beautiful, memorable, and personal. It shouldn't be hard to find an item of clothing for a woman's dog that's either beautiful or memorable or both, and it will of course be personal!

Dogs Jewelry for Your Lovely Dogs

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500 BC, when they were believed to hold special powers -- particularly the power of protection. By the 1890's charms had evolved into a fashion statement and a popular keepsake.

Now, as then, charms are often given by mothers to their daughters as gifts or family heirlooms. Many women start collecting them as pre-teens and continue adding to the collection as they mature. Charm bracelets make an ideal gift because of their broad appeal.

Italian charms are the hottest trend right now and show no signs of slowing down. Silver, gold, and non-precious charms snap into place onto a bracelet similar to a watch band. The charms are like the "links" on the band. They're decorated with pictures, letters, symbols and designs that can be combined to create a message or theme. Which reminds me of a great thing about charm bracelets -- you can add to them. That means future gift giving opportunities!

Another growing trend in modern jewelry is "theme" bracelets. If you're looking for the ideal dog jewelry gift, a dog-themed charm bracelet could be your answer and a dog themed Italian charm bracelet might just be a slam dunk!

As Italian charms have grown ever more popular, variations have come on the scene, one of which is a plastic or leather version. The charms slide onto the leather or plastic bracelet, which comes in a variety of fashionable colors. These charms usually take the form of letters, numbers, and popular symbols like hearts or butterflies. Like the traditional kind, they can spell out a message or a name, or advertise the wearer's interests or sentiments.

Ready to coordinate? For the woman who thinks of her dog as a furry child (or, heaven forbid, an accessory) mother-and-dog can now coordinate their look with leather charm collars for the dog! Picture "mom" wearing her leather charm bracelet, rhinestone charms spelling out "I Love my Dog". Picture her four legged companion alongside her, wearing a matching leather collar and charms of his very own. Bowser can headlight his name in rhinestones. Or maybe his collar will spell out how much his mommy loves him.

There's yet another type of charm that can be shared between man and dog -- or woman and dog, as the case may be.

To symbolize the prayer for protection, or the golden bond between owner and dog (or dog and dog), gold Protection Medallions and Bond Charms are the answer. The 14K hearts can be separated so that each owner wears half. For dogs who are best friends, or people who are best friends with their dogs, this is a gift of dog jewelry that says it all. Should your pal ever wander off, you'll have no problem proving that the two of you are a pair!

It's safe to say that charms have gone to the dogs, but in a very positive way! What a great time it is to be a dog.