Dog Games
Show Your Dog Love On Valentine’s Day
Pet owners receive unconditional love from their furry friends, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to show appreciation while keeping it safe. Here are some tips (and treats) to offering your pet the best Valentine’s Day yet:
Safety First!
Chocolate, Cellophane, Decorations – Many of us will be spoiled with chocolates on Valentine’s Day, but chocolate is a fatal hazard to dog’s and should be stored in a safe place. If you indulge in sweets that are wrapped in plastic cellophane, be sure to dispose of the wrapper immediately to avoid risk of your pooch mistaking it for a tasty treat. Likewise, any balloons, ribbons, or other various decorations should not be accessible to your furry friend.
Flowers – Place floral arrangements out of your puppy’s reach; different plants and flowers can make your pooch sick if ingested, or even be fatal, so admire your flowers from afar.
Candles and Cocktails – Candles are a great mood setter for a relaxing night, but don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving the room. Leaving lit candles unattended can burn your buddy or create a fire. Beverages containing alcohol should be enjoyed safely and then cleaned up; alcohol consumed by pets can lead to comas and respiratory failure.
Love Always, Your Owner.
1. Essence Dog Harness B – This soft, heart patterned jacket style dog harness is not only festive (and adorable year round), but it’s comfortable on your pooch during walks. (We also carry an Essence Dog Harness A style and a separate matching Essence Dog Lead to complete the look)
2. Heart Felt Moppy Tug Dog Toy – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a pink heart toy that is perfect for pulling, tugging, snuggling, and chewing.
3. Love and Rock Thermal Dog Tee – This adorable dog shirt features a cool heart tattoo print with a studded double felt heart appliqué that will have them looking as loved as they feel!
Three Fun Indoor Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Make these colder months productive by teaching your dog a new trick for great mental stimulation and entertainment. Take advantage of the indoor time spent with your pooch by expanding their knowledge while bonding together. Try these three fun indoor tricks out with your canine:
1. Hide Your Eyes – The dog can sit or lay for this trick, which will train your pooch to cover their eyes with one paw on command. Keep a treat in your hand while you tell your pup to “cover their eyes”. Physically lift their paw over their muzzle and then use the treat as reward. Most dogs will swipe at their face when you gently blow on their nose, if your pooch does this then reward them and continue the command and movement until the dog understands what is required to acquire the treat.
2. Circle Me – This trick is beneficial considering that circles improve turns and help keep canines focused on their handler; it also assists in direction changing. Begin by heeling with a tasty dog treat in hand that you will use as bait as you say “circle me” and draw your pooch around your body in a circle. After they complete a circle, give the treat for praise and repeat.
3. Light Off – Hold a dog treat in one hand above a light switch in the house (if your dog isn’t able to reach the switch on hind legs then place them on a sturdy table under the switch), and give the command “light off”. When your furry friend jumps up to retrieve their treat, be sure their paws flick the switch and then reward with “Good light off” and then continue the trick over. Eventually start standing away but have your pooch stay under the switch and then toss the treat when the trick is completed.
Dog Harnesses: The Safe Alternative
January is National Train Your Dog Month
The beginning of the year is full of resolutions and personal goals, but don’t forget to include your furry friend in the mix. January has been officially dubbed National Train Your Dog Month, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is aiming to help squash pet disobedience with patient owners. It is sad but true; hundreds of thousands of canines are brought to shelters because owners feel like they have lost control of behavioral problems their pet may be exhibiting. Luckily this problem has been acknowledged and National Train Your Dog month has been proclaimed as an educational experience to assist in nixing behavior problems, as well as help owners and pets alike meet in the middle. During January the APDT will provide free webinars and live chat sessions with professionals that pet owners are welcome to utilize for advice and knowledge on handling certain behavioral concerns. Topics to be covered consist of leash etiquette and an educational session on pet adoption, as well as many other available events throughout the month. Join in the discussions and view the insightful webinars to gain added knowledge on training your pooch and promise to make 2012 the best year yet for you and your playful pal.
11 Facts All Dog Owners Should Know
Having a new furry friend in the house is a very exciting, yet somewhat overwhelming, change of pace. Canines everywhere are finding homes around the holiday season. If this is your first time caring for a pup in your home, or even if you’ve been an owner for a while, here are 11 facts you should know.
1. Dog shampoos are available in various types and scents, but many dogs are slightly allergic to perfume scented shampoos. Mild oatmeal based dog shampoos get the job done while not leaving your pooch itchy.
2. Phobias are prevalent in dogs just as they are in humans – work with your pooch to eliminate fears of thunder, water, hair dryers, vacuums, lawn mowers, etc.
3. Dogs use their tails to communicate – a wag can express aggression, playfulness, or fear. Get familiar with your pup’s tail talking techniques to have a better understanding of how your friend is feeling.
4. Deep wrinkles in dogs should be cleansed daily to avoid dirt accumulation that can cause odors, or even infection.
5. Fleas aren’t the only reason Fido may be scratching his ears. Your pup could be experiencing anything from ear mites to yeast, so bringing your itchy pooch to the vet is the best idea.
6. Mental stimulation is just as important for a dog as physical stimulation – agility training is a great way to knock out both.
7. Canines love a good car ride, just be sure your playful pal is secured to ensure protection.
8. When you point, your dog focuses on the tip of your finger versus the item you are pointing at. If you want your pup’s attention, teach verbal commands for better understanding.
9. Bored dogs create mischief. Be sure to provide the needed attention, love, and stimulation your pooch needs to stay out of trouble.
10. Table begging is usually a bad habit spoiled pups have picked up because of their success in scoring table scraps in the past. Discourage bad table manners by skipping the scrap sharing.
11. It’s a fact: dogs bark. Your pooch may be exercising their vocal chords for a number of reasons; to protect their territory, express a need, or initiate playtime. Excessive barking may either be a warning or a cry for help. Pay attention to your dog’s barking and enforce commands if needed.
You and Your Dog: 10 Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday Season
1. Never leave lit candles unattended and unplug any tree lights before switching rooms.
2. Clean any antifreeze up immediately – your dog will find antifreeze to be tasty, but the coolant is toxic for canines.
3. Watch your pooch around fireplaces and heaters that are in use to avoid burns.
4. Don’t leave your dog outdoors for long periods of time, especially when temperatures fall below freezing.
5. Stay aware of hypothermia symptoms and know how to recognize frostbite on your pup.
6. Invest in the necessary outdoor dog gear that your canine may need to bear through the weather, including dog boots to protect puppy pads from salt, ice, cold, and sharp objects that may be hidden under snow.
7. Ease any stress your puppy may experience from all the holiday excitement with lots of love and attention (plus, a few deserving dog treats for good behavior).
8. Refrain from tempting your pooch with reachable holiday décor that could be hazardous if ingested; tinsel can create intestinal complications, glass ornaments can cut your dog’s mouth and stomach (if swallowed), and edible tree decorations, such as popcorn strings or candycanes, can also call for risky run-in’s.
9. Due to the colder temperatures, your pup will not get as much exercise romping around outdoors – don’t overfeed your dog during the “hybernation” season and pick up indoor games to help burn off some of your dog’s excess calories.
10. When taking winter walks make sure your pooch is secure with a trusted dog leash and identifiable dog collar to help keep your pup with you.
Be safe and happy holidays!
Traveling With Your Dog On the Holidays
During the holidays many people are planning trips to visit relatives, or simply just to get away. Many dog owners are left to decide whether or not Fido will be joining in the travels. Bringing your pooch along can be great fun if you prepare correctly. However, if you decide to make the trips sans Fido then look into a reliable pet sitter or a trusted kennel where you can board your dog. If you choose to include your canine on the travel then begin planning ahead of time to avoid chaos. Start your preparations with a dog collar bearing all current identification on your dog. Microchipping your dog is a great added security in case your pooch wanders off. Before embarking on your travels, be sure your canine is knowledgeable with basic training to ensure good behavior on the trip. Planning transportation, daily activities, and somewhere to stay will help make your trip more enjoyable. If you are flying, keep in mind that most airlines will treat your pooch as cargo and board them as such. Some airlines allow smaller dogs to join their owners on board as long as they are stowed away in a pet carrier and left under the seat in front of you. Although, the automobile is the best way to travel with your dog. If riding in the car to your destination remember to allow rest stops for you and your pooch to stretch, drink water, and use the bathroom. Bring along a dog leash, dog crate, water, dog bowls, dog treats, some of your pooch’s favorite dog toys, a dog blanket, waste bags, and any medications if needed. The holidays can get hectic, but make sure to take some time to plan your trip with Rover accordingly.
Winterizing Your Dog
Winter can provide some harsh temperatures and weather conditions that require some adjustments. People living in colder winter climates are frantically putting plastic around their windows for insulation, gearing up their cars with dependable tires, and bundling up in down jackets before venturing outside. With this entire preparation taking place, it is important not to forget about your dog.
Brrr!
Chances are if you’re cold, your canine is too. Invest in a cozy dog coat to protect your pooch in. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that are helpful in winter weather, but many breeds could use the extra warmth of a dog coat in the colder seasons. Browse dog coat options to find the best fit for your furry friend. Puppy paws are another victim to harsh temperatures – a set of dog boots will keep your pooch’s paws free to roam about without being effected by salt, ice, snow, and slush.
ZZZ…
Sleeping is an important thing for anybody, including your pup. Provide your pooch with a well-suited dog bed and keep it in a spot away from cold tiles, uncarpeted floors, and any drafts. Staying warm while trying to snooze will eliminate tossing and turning for your deserving dog.
Burns
Because climates get so chilly in the winter, your pooch may seek out heat wherever they can find it. Snuggling too close to a space heater, heating lamp, or radiator could cause your canine to suffer from unnecessary burns. Be sure to watch your dog around any heaters in the house, including the fireplace. Use a cover for your radiator and make sure to only keep heaters on when you are in the room.
MMM…
Winters is infamous for hibernation and packing on some extra pounds, but try not to over feed your hungry hound. Winter conditions cut down on your canine’s outside activity and over feeding will only add unneeded bulk to your pup’s body. Keep your dog exercised with indoor activities and keep their diet balanced, an overweight dog can cause health problems.
Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors
