Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors
Five Doggie Facts
1. Dogs actually have three eyelids, the third one known as a nictitating membrane (nickname “haw”) which keeps the eye protected and lubricated. Note: Help heep your dog’s eyes gunk-free with routine cleanings. Dampen a cotton ball and gently wipe your pooch’s eyes, beginning with the corner of the eye and wiping outward.
3. Puppies are born into this world deaf, blind, and toothless. Note: Teething is a pesky puppy phase. Dog chew bones and rawhides act as a great teething ring during this time and help keep later developed teeth clean afterward.
4. The Basenji breed is the world’s only barkless dog. Note: Excessive barking can be tamed through proper training.
5. The first sense a dog develops is touch. All of the canine body, paws included, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings. Note: Puppy paws are sensitive, so a set of dog boots is a practical choice for protecting your pup’s pads.
Throwing a Party for Your Dog
Everybody deserves a party, including your devoted doggie! It could be a birthday bash, a puppy shower, or just because – whatever the reason, invite over the puppy pals and let the good times roll. With so many dog outfits to choose from, it won’t be hard getting your furry friend dressed to impress. You can even let all the guests shine with some party dog hats. Put together party favor bags filled with treats, toys, and bows. Get everybody involved with entertaining dog games. Before saying goodbye don’t forget to share a cake made especially for your pup (yes, there is cake mix made just for dogs!), or invest in a cookie birthday platter to share. Your pooch and friends will have so much fun they will be wondering when the next celebration is!
Dog Nail Polish: Time for a “PAWdicure”!
Keeping stylish nails on your dog may sound crazy, but the trend is catching on quick! Companies have started investing in doggie nail polishes, with quite an assortment of colors and glitters to play around with. There are even dog nail polish pens for easier application. Get creative and alternate colors on each nail – orange and black is always fun around fall time. Greens and reds are festive during the winter holidays. Or, if you’re heading to a bonfire everybody will not only get a kick out of your pooch’s glow-in-the-dark nails, but your furry friend will be easier to spot. You could even have some fun in breaking good news, paint nails pink and put a sign around your pup to let your family know “It’s a Girl!” Attending a big event? Jazz up a plain color by adding some glitter dog polish to the mix. Whatever the occasion, finding the right dog polish for your pup is just a click away!
Dog Toys: Play Time!
What animal doesn’t love to play? Dogs are itching to romp around so much they are willing to chase their own tail. Spare them the boredom and pick out the perfect dog toys for your pup to enjoy. In today’s world the canine has quite a variety of playthings to choose from, including the traditional ropes, plush dog toys, and balls that guarantee an enjoyable time. Other options offer fun with discs, vinyl toys, and chew toys. When deciding what suits your pal best, remember to take the size and scent into account, some dogs are more particular with their toys than others. Instead of overloading your pup with multiple toys at once, give limited options until they find their favorite one – it is promised to give them hours of amusement. Investing in something you can play with together, such as a ball or Frisbee, is always beneficial for bonding time with your friend, as well as exercise for you both. What are you waiting for? Happiness for you and your friend is right around the corner.
Throwing a Puppy Shower
Adding a new fur baby to the family can be just as exciting as the real thing! What better way to celebrate the new addition than to throw a shower? The cost of adding a puppy to your family can run very high with expenses such as spaying/neutering, training, crates, grooming, food and accessories. Gathering a little help from your friends can go a long way in cutting new puppy costs. You can do this before the puppy arrives, however most find it more entertaining to see the new puppy, and this way your friends can bring their dogs as well to play. If you don’t particularly need many supplies for your new dog, you can always ask your friends to bring donations for a local shelter. Local shelters are always looking for supply donations such as food, collars, leashes, treats, toys, or simply monetary gifts.
Just like any shower, games are a fun way to get everyone involved and have a little fun! At your puppy shower you can play games such as a name contest and have your guests come up with suggestions to name your pup, you can include guidelines such as famous names, matching letters to your name, etc. You can also do a treat treasure hunt for all the four legged guests. Hide different tasty dog treats around your home or yard and have the puppies seek them out. Remember to avoid this game if any of the dogs have food aggression issues. As far as shower food, make sure to have a variety of snacks available for both the dogs and the humans. Just so you don’t confuse people make sure the food is completely separate, and clearly labeled which food is for the dogs. A few whimsical snacks to share could be puppy chow, hot dogs, and anything else puppy themed!
When the party has come to an end, and all the dogs are thoroughly tired out, it’s nice to send your guests home with party favors! Little bags of dog treats and maybe a little plush toy are a nice gift for your dog owners to go home with. For your friends without a dog, consider a personalized bottle of wine or drink of your choice, decorated with a paw print or picture of your new pup.
Royal Dog Wedding Fun
Can’t get enough of the royal wedding? The fun doesn’t have to stop after it. Having your own royal wedding party is a great way to have fun, let loose and celebrate the event! Remember to include your furry friend in the celebration too! With our selection of dog dresses and royal accessories, your pet will be just as stylish as the royal wedding guests themselves! In the UK, one woman, Louise Harris, spent an astonishing $33,000 on a wedding for her pampered pooch. You can host a lavish affair just like Harris, but without the lavish price tag. For the bride and groom pups, our Wedding Dog Dress is the perfect outfit for the bride. And let’s not forget about the groom pooch, who is sure to turn heads in our Yappily Ever After Groom Tuxedo.
The bride and groom aren’t the only ones who need to look fashionable at a royal wedding! The guests can feel like royalty themselves in the Red Velvet Dog Dress. This gorgeous special occasion dress features fancy tulle and a jeweled brooch to make your dog the belle of the ball! While outfits are a huge part of any wedding, don’t forget the small accessories and special touches as well. Cake is many guests favorite part of the wedding, so make sure it is delicious! Dogs can enjoy a fancy wedding cake as well with our Puppy Cake Mix. This doggie treat is not only yummy, but nutritious for your furry friend as well. Baking the cake in our Bone Shaped Cake Pan for Dogs provides an extra fun bonus!
So go all out and celebrate the royal wedding extravaganza with some fun of your own. Your prince or princess puppy will love the special day and fun that comes along with it!
Outdoor Fun for Pets and Owners
Being cooped up all winter can really take a toll on both people, and their pets. With the lack of exercise and activity, your dog can become restless and even destructive in your home. Increasing your dog’s activity levels outside can provide mental stimulation as well as allowing them to release pent up energy. Here are a few great ideas for activities to get yourself and your pet outside!
An everyday walk for your dog can go a long way, before you take your furry friend on a walk, make sure you have a proper dog collar as well as dog leash, to ensure a safe and comfortable walking experience. To switch up your normal walking routine, try taking your dog on a hike. Hikes can be a great change of pace from an everyday walk, and challenges your dog in different ways. Make sure to pack travel bowls for water and treats for your dog.
If your dog prefers activity more than a simple walk, try a game of fetch or Frisbee, which are great training opportunities for your dog as well. Water activities can be a great way for your dog to stay cool and experience a new form of exercise as well. While many dogs are natural swimmers, a pet life preserver would be a good idea for those dogs not experienced with swimming. Waterproof and floating dog toys allow your dog to combine swimming and fetching, two activities sure to wear them out.
So as the warm weather approaches, try some new outdoor games and activities with your pooch. This exercise will not only curb your dog’s bad behavior indoors, but also bond owner and pet. Plus, exercise is a crucial element in your dog’s life to ensure a happy and healthy pet. Enjoy the season!
Exercise for Both Dogs and Owners
Staying is shape is an issue that millions of people struggle with daily. What most people don’t consider along with that subject is the health of their dogs as well. Overweight dogs, much like people, can struggle with diabetes, damage to joints, bones, and ligaments, heart disease and many more devastating health problems. Many consider their dogs a part of the family, so we must make sure we take care of their health just like we would a family member. With these few simple exercise tips, you and your dog can become healthier and stay in shape while having fun together!
The simplest form of exercise for your dog is fetch. Most dogs absolutely love the idea of chasing their toys and bringing it back for another throw. It gets your furry friend running, and jumping, while not even realizing they are getting a work out. Our Grriggles Flyers Dog Toys come in a variety of colors and are not only fun to chase, but fun to chew as well. Their nylon and rope design make these toys durable for even the strongest chewers. To include a little exercise for you as well, try throwing these in an open field or dog park and moving around with your dog. With football season quickly approaching, get into the spirit and play a family game of football, including your dog! These Air Kong Squeaker Footballs are perfect for a game of doggie football and they even float! Don’t forget to dress your dog in the part as well with our new NFL Dog Apparel. You can outfit your dog in your favorite team jersey, or simply a collar and leash for walks as well.
If sports and fetch aren’t your dog’s favorite activities, you can try a number of other things as well! Simply long, brisk walks can go a long way with getting you and your fur baby in shape. Try taking different routes, providing your dog with new sights and smells to keep them busy and entertained. Taking an obedience class together is also a great way to get moving, and learn new tricks in the mean time. These classes not only provide great skills, but socialize your dog with others as well. With these quick and easy exercise tips, both you and your pup can lead healthy, happier lives.
Fourth of July Tips for Dog Owners
The 4th of July can be an amazing, fun holiday for all to enjoy. Remember to include your dog in the fun as well with these fun Independence Day toys and outfits. However, during the festivities dogs can become anxious, frightened and unpredictable at the constant boom of fireworks. When dogs become nervous it can lead to behavior that is out of character such as chewing household objects, having accidents, or trying to run away from their owners to escape the sounds. The constant loud noises, flashing, heat, and whistles of fireworks can heighten a dog’s anxiety, and hopefully these few steps can help calm your dog’s nerves, as well as your own.
If your dog doesn’t mind the fireworks and have watched them calmly with you before, then go ahead and bring them with! However, if you are unsure as to how your dog deals with the sounds or know they do not like it, leave your pup at home where it’s quiet and they can feel safe and at ease. Pick a place where they feel the most comfortable i.e. their crate, your bedroom, kitchen etc… and put your dog there with a favorite Independence Day toy and water. Sometimes leaving a TV or radio on can help distract your furry friend from the outside noises and feel more like people are at home with them. Make sure to leave the lights on, and close all curtains so the dog cannot see the flash of fireworks.
Before all the fun begins, you can also do a few things to help calm your dog’s fear of fireworks. Take your pet on a long walk during the day. This will help tire them out and make them less anxious when it comes time for the fireworks display. Also, remember to let your pup outside plenty of times beforehand to lessen the chance of having an accident while you are gone. While many dogs can be fearful of this fun holiday, some also love it! Whether your dog is a fan or not, you can help them feel part of the family by including your dog in picnics, barbeques, and more during the day. And when you are putting on your festive holiday colors, remember to outfit your dog with 4th of July spirit as well.
