Canine Haute Couture

Where can you get a gorgeous, genuine Christian Audigier t-shirt for only $30? Here, of course. While we may not be able to justify paying $200 for a t-shirt for ourselves, $30 for our pups is not out of the question. Especially if he’ll be looking as fierce as any runway model.

Lynn Crosby, who owns a pet couture boutique in Studio City, LA, says, “The ownership of dogs is pretty consistent with where it has been for a while, but attitudes toward dogs have changed. It is much more part of the family. Our dogs sleep in our beds and have full run of the house.” We want the best for our dogs, who are more than pets. They are family members. And luckily, we can get some hot haute couture for them that won’t break the bank. It’s still pricey, but when you have a dog who deserves the best, it is not outrageous.

The canine couture trend was spread like wildfire, primarily on the West Coast. If you are interested in treating your dog to the best, here are just a few tips that will make the experience more fun for everyone:

• Remember that the point of dressing your dog is to promote his comfort. Will the outfit you choose make him comfortable physically? Further, will it provoke any response in people that could make your dog feel ridiculed? Yes, dogs know when you’re making fun of them. If you want make your dog feel silly, why don’t you dress up in a clown suit and take a walk? Not so fun, huh?
• Will the clothing be restrictive or inhibit his movement. If so, choose a more natural fit and comfortable fabric. The Duds 4 Pups Purple Pageant T-Shirt from Christian Audigeir, for example, is a simply designed (and simply beautiful) shirt that will not hamper your dog from being a dog.
• Haute couture should be wild and edgy; but for your pup, make sure that there are no parts that can snag, become caught, or which will tangle in his paws. This could be dangerous. Also, make sure there is nothing that your dog can chew off.
• Finally, even if your dog is wearing haute couture doesn’t mean he’ll be any more demure or clean. He is still a dog. If he has an opportunity to roll in dirt, chase something, or otherwise be doggish, then he will. Make sure your haute couture can be easily cleaned.

If your dog isn’t much of a clothes-horse, so to speak, he can still enjoy couture. Christian Audigier, for example, designs a beautiful line of dog beds, bowls, bags, and carriers. So whether you enjoy designer clothes or you want your dog to be the best dressed on the block, you can find something that is sleek, comfortable, and useful.

Puppy Proofing Your Home

If you are a dog lover, there is nothing more exciting than welcoming a new addition into your home. Puppies are brimming with energy, and they are furry little balls of love. But they can wreak havoc on your home as they try to settle in. While your older dog knows not to touch mommy’s leather boots or daddy’s laptop cord, your puppy needs to learn. Puppy proofing your home is one of the most important things you can do to help your puppy adjust to your home and for you to adjust to your puppy.

The first step is to think like a dog and think at his level, that is, what can he reach? Go through your house and put everything potentially hazardous out of reach in a cabinet or another secure location. This includes both human and canine medications or supplements, cleaning supplies, small objects that he could choke on, fishing lines and hooks, tobacco products, and human foods, like chocolate. These all contain elements or ingredients that can be harmful or even fatal to your puppy.

Along a similar line, make sure you either give away or put up any toxic plants. During the holiday season, it is important to remember that bright, festive poinsettias are poisonous to dogs. Electrical cords are another potential trouble spot because puppies love to chew. If yours has an attraction to your power cords, invest in cord concealers or even PVC pipes to run the cables through. This is hopefully a temporary situation as your dog learns to stay away from the cords.

Like a small child, your puppy will want to explore. And like a small child, he may not be able to get down what he so enthusiastically climbed up. Get a gate to block the stairs or keep your pup contained in a certain section of your home.

Chewing is a major problem with some puppies. To stop this behavior from becoming a habit, you may want to consider crate training. During the times when you are not there, you can put your puppy in his crate. Start with only small amounts of time and work your way up to a few hours. While you’re gone, he won’t be getting into trouble. When you are home, provide your dog with a chew toy of his own and sternly say, “No,” if he chews on something else. Be consistent and firm, and don’t forget to reward him when he does well.

Crates also provide a feeling of security for many dogs. They like having their own space, and this may help your puppy acclimate sooner.

Above all, expect that there will be a learning curve as you and your puppy figure each other out. Don’t expect perfection, but at the same time, keep teaching your dog the rules. And don’t be afraid to use bribery: dogs love rewards, but they also love attention from you and kind words. Lavish them on your dog when he does well, and soon he’ll be fitting right in.

Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe during the Holidays

As the holiday season flies into high gear, most of us take the opportunity to take part in the festive atmosphere created by this great time of year. We put up Christmas trees and bright lights; we decorate with gorgeous poinsettias; we put some fun winter clothes on our favorite furry friends; and some of us take part in the time-honored tradition of eating lots and lots of chocolate. This time of year is exciting, but it should not be hazardous.

Chocolate, lights, a tree in the house…the potential for dog trouble is high. When we decorate our houses, we need to keep our pets in mind. The bright, cheery poinsettias are actually quite toxic for dogs and children. If you want to use them in your home, put them on a shelf or mantle where they are safely out of reach for both. Other Christmas greens can be toxic, so make sure to keep them high as well. Another thing to keep up on a shelf: candles. The soft glow of a candle is perfect for this time of year, but it is almost certain your pooch will make a beeline for it. Keep everyone safe and keep them out of reach, or use electric candles.

During the holiday season, many people bake, and many people give these baked goods to you. These yummy treats should be kept from your pets. Don’t set them on a table where your hungry dog won’t be able to resist the temptation. These types of food can cause stomach upset because your dog is not used to them. Further, chocolate (particularly dark chocolate) are dangerous for your pup.

If you have a Christmas tree, your dog may be very interested. He’ll sniff around your ornaments; he may try to take a bite or two. Keep very small ornaments and tinsel higher on the tree. An intrepid dog may even try to climb the tree or knock it over: make sure it is secure so you don’t have a room full of broken decorations and a very sad dog.

During this time of year, you may have a lot of guests coming and going. If your dog is nervous around strangers, try putting him in a back room with his favorite toys. Putting him in his crate for an hour or so will also be fine. If your dog is perfectly comfortable with guests, make sure no one slips him some treats from the table and that no one lets him out inadvertently when the door opens.

You may also be doing the visiting yourself; if so, make sure your dog has plenty of exercise and attention before you leave. The season may be hectic, but your dog will thrive if he is on a consistent schedule and you take some quick precautions.

A Five Dog Night

There is a children’s book called The Five Dog Night, which takes place as fall turns to winter. Each night, it gets progressively colder, and each night the main character adds another dog into bed to keep warm. The night that requires five dogs is certainly a cold one. This is a timely book because of the colder weather, but the best place for your dog to sleep is always an important issue. What is best for your dog?

Many people say that a crate is the best place for dogs to sleep. When dogs are crate-trained, they feel that their crate is their own space – like a teenager having her own room. They can relax and de-stress there. Many dogs even go into their crates unprompted or when they simply need a break. This method has the advantage of keeping your dog in one place so he doesn’t chew, have accidents, or whine. It can provide him with a sense of security.

Some dogs have not been crate-trained, and some owners choose not to do it. The dogs then have a few different options: they can sleep on a dog bed in the living room or bedroom, they can lie on the floor or blanket, they can sleep outside in a dog house (not advisable for those five dog nights), or they can sleep in the bed. Any of these options can work, but it really depends on how you have raised your dog and what his needs are. If the dog will be on the floor, make sure that he has a regular spot that he can go to for sleeping. A simple blanket or pad will be enough to create his own space.

Many people are hesitant to allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them. That is definitely fine. If you would like to allow your dog to do this, you may have some concerns. Many think that if a dog sleeps on your bed, he will start behaving aggressively. Why? Because he sees that he is now on equal footing with you. Dogs are pack animals, and they follow the strongest leader – which should be you. The fear is that some dogs will try to usurp you as top dog.

Allowing your pet to sleep in your bed will not make him aggressive. He should be just fine, but there are a few things to watch out for. If your dog has an existing aggression problem, it is best to avoid the bed altogether and have him sleep in a crate or on the floor. If you find that your dog begins taking over your spot, hogging the covers and blanket, and leaving you clinging to the edge of the bed, then you have an issue.

Most likely, he’s just trying to get comfortable, and you’ve made a nice warm spot. But it is also possible that he is trying to push you away and assert his dominance. If this is the case, put him back at the foot of the bed. If he tries to do it again, then make the bed off-limits and establish a new sleeping spot. If he sleeps on the floor, let him do it in style with a great dog bed. Sleep tight!

Dog Friendly is Business Friendly

Recently, the Kennel Club in the UK awarded Helsbury Park with the Open to Dogs award. Helsbury Park in Cornwall is a luxury resort that, as the award tells us, is entirely open to our furry friends. Guests can – and are encouraged – to bring their dogs to the beautiful vacation spot. With dog friendly cottages, wide, open grounds, gorgeous walks, and beaches, this is dog paradise. And it’s fun for you too, of course. Little extras, like providing couch covers and doggie throw blankets, walk bags, and more show that Helsbury Park really does want you to enjoy your vacation with your whole family.

Being dog friendly is more than just great for families: it is great for business. The Kennel Club’s Caroline Kisko explains:

These are tough times for businesses but more and more people are seeing the benefits of reaching out to dog owners, who are always looking for somewhere that they can go with their dogs. It makes no sense to exclude customers who are happy to give you their business- especially when dogs actually enhance the appeal of a place, amongst dog owners and non dog owners alike.

We couldn’t agree more. More businesses are tapping into this customer base: good for business and good for dog owners. It is a win-win situation. If you go on vacation, why not look into ones that allow your dog to travel with you? You won’t have to pay kennel fees or worry if your dog is receiving good care while you are gone. Here are some tips to make sure a good time is had by all:

•Before booking your reservations, inquire what services and accommodations are provided. Some hotels and resorts merely allow dogs – and some may even have a weight limit. Others cater to them with walking services, play time, grooming, and other luxuries. Check ahead to make sure you get what you want.
•Make sure to have all shots and vaccinations up to date – and bring documentation with you.
•If you go out and the hotel or resort doesn’t offer doggie care, either bring your dog or put him in his crate. This gives him a sense of familiarity. It also helps when staff comes to do housekeeping; an unfamiliar person may upset your pet.
•Pack a bit of home with you. Your dog’s preferred food, dishes, a blanket, and some chew toys will help keep your dog entertained and will make him more at ease in a new environment.
•Clean up any messes your dog makes. While it is a pet friendly establishment, this is not the maid’s job. You wouldn’t expect the staff to clean up your child’s accidents, would you?

Bringing your pet with you on vacation can enhance the experience. It is always nice to travel with your best friend.

Cold Weather Walking Tips

The heat of summer is just a memory, and as the weather gets colder, there are some precautions we can take to make sure our furry friends are as comfortable as possible. No matter what size or breed your dog is, he most likely gets cold in the winter - yes, even the cold weather breeds, like huskies or malamutes. Even if we would all love to hibernate through the freezing temperatures, our pups need walks and exercise even in the winter. Here are some tips for making sure they get the exercise they need while staying as comfortable as possible:

• •Get your dog used to the temperature gradually. When fall approaches, keep going out for long walks and trips to the dog park. Do not let weather keep you inside because regular outings will help your dog acclimate to the weather.
• •If you have a greyhound, boxer, terrier or other dog with short hair, it is best to put a sweater or jacket on them to keep them comfortable. Cold weather can cause not only discomfort but also injury or illness. Some breeds, like miniature poodles or dachshunds, may not be able to go out at all on very cold days. Dogs with thicker coats still may need a coat in extreme temperatures. Look for those which cover both the back and the belly so heat is retained in the core.
• •Do not neglect your dog’s feet. You wouldn’t dream of going outside on icy, snowy sidewalks without your boots, so do the same for your dog. If he lifts his paws, whines, or appears to be walking gingerly, he probably needs boots. Many dogs are extremely sensitive to cold on their paws, and ice and salt build up can cause discomfort and injury. Boots can be very useful to keep buildup from forming.
• You can also use Vaseline or cooking oil on the bottom of your dog’s paws to protect them. When you are done your walk, brush off his paws to remove salt, which can be very irritating. You can also try waxes which are available at many pet stores.
• •You may have to limit time outside on very cold days, but you should get in one good walk to release pent-up energy. Both of you should bundle up.
• •Watch what you are feeding your dog during the winter months. Many want to eat more, but because they are typically receiving less physical activity, they can gain weight. Consider cutting back their portions if they are not exercising as much.

If you’re cold, your dog is likely feeling chilly as well. A thick winter coat is sometimes not enough to keep him warm, so make sure that you listen to his cues to ensure that he is comfortable.

Tips on Choosing the Best Duds for your Pup

There is no question that pet owners love their furry (or scaly or feathered) friends; pets provide us with unconditional love, joy, and let us glimpse at pure happiness when we scratch behind their ears. Whenever we can do anything to show them how much we appreciate them – and to do something practical for their health and safety – it is well worth it. Dog clothes are one way we can help keep our favorite pals warm, happy, and of course, stylish. Here are some tips for choosing the right clothes for your dog:

First, make sure you get the right size so your dog is comfortable. To measure correctly, use a tape measure to determine the distance from the base of the collar to where the tail joins the body when your dog is standing. Also measure around the widest point of your pup – which will be behind the front legs. It can hard to estimate sizes – even when you are shopping for yourself! Take a few minutes to do this so you can make sure whatever item you choose fits properly, doesn’t slip off, impede movement, or constrict breathing.

Many dogs need clothes for colder months to prevent chills, discomfort, and joint pain. Even larger, furrier breeds, like Huskies, may need coats in extremely cold temperatures. You can find dog clothes in a number of sizes and styles, and if you need warmth, choose fleeces or wool blends. If they are pretreated, they will not shrink, and they are light-weight, durable, and washable.

Some dogs chew. You may have tried every trick in the book, but they just love chewing. If you have a chewer, clothes may not be for him. If you want to give it a try anyway, choose clothing without flashy embellishments, sparkles, or buttons. This will invite the dog to chew away. Stay with solid colors. Also if the clothing is properly fitted and made with soft fabric, it should cut down on chewing.

When you buy your children clothes, you know that they need to be washable because kids are guaranteed to get them dirty. It is the same with dogs. Choose fabrics that are machine washable. Also, if you are going to be upset with a spot of dirt or grass stains, choose darker colors that will not show spots as readily.

Make sure the clothing you choose is easy to get on and easy to get off. Dogs will not sit still for ten minutes as you try to figure out the buttons or zippers. For instance, you should be able to slip on his winter coat before going for a walk without taking a huge chunk out of your outdoor time.

The most important tip is to listen to your pet when choosing his clothes. Take into consideration his personality. For instance, if your dog loves to sit and snuggle, maybe a warm, fuzzy fleece will be perfect. If he loves his walk, even in the rain, try a great raincoat. If he likes to watch sports with you, get a jersey. There are a host of options, and you can find comfortable, well-fitting options in a number of styles.

Most of all, listen to him if he is telling you that the clothing is uncomfortable. If he is scratching at it, biting at it, or seems not to enjoy it, take it off! It may as simple as finding a different fabric or fit. Maybe he doesn’t like the stripes you put on him. In any case, if he doesn’t like it, take it off. You can try again later.

The selection of dog clothes is only growing; you are sure to find the perfect fit for you and your pup.

Staying Ahead of the Seasons

As the weather warms across the nation, it is time to consider switching up your dog’s wardrobe. Even if your beloved pooch only owns two or three clothing items, it may be time to put away the heavy dog sweaters in favour of a lighter sweatshirt or adorable doggie hoodie. As the seasons change, we are always quick to add and subtract the clothes we need from our wardrobe but seldom from our pets. Many dog owners don’t even realize that there is a whole range of pet clothing out there just waiting for our pets to try them on. Who knows, your dog may look perfect in this year’s new summer outfits and you don’t even own any!

The most important thing when shopping for clothes for your dog is to make sure what you’ve chosen not only fits properly so it is comfortable for your pet to walk around in for long periods of time, but that is also reflects their personality. There are super cute items out there if your dog is a bit of a princess and more macho shirts, hoodies and even little winter jackets if your dog is more of a fighter than a lover.

There are several other fun ways in which your dog can express him or herself. There are literally a million different dog collars out there you can choose from. You can go the basic route or you can give your pet a bit of pizazz with a designer dog collar that tells the world just want kind of pet you have. The first thing you have to keep in mind when shopping for a collar is the comfort and safety of your dog. Every dog should have a license and an ID on at all times, but once those basic amenities are taken care of, you can really get creative. Everything from bells to chimes to bright colors can help you and your dog express themselves, not to mention they can help keep your dog safe, as well.

Finally, you may want to consider some special jewelery pieces that reflect the changing seasons. Dog jewelery can be worn around the collar or on clips that can be gently placed on the dog’s fur. If your dog is a bit of a prima donna, than this is the perfect item for you. Jewelery can also make the perfect gift for the dog owner that has everything.

Get Out in Style This Spring

Warm weather is breaking out all over this spring as the final snow storms of the year push through leaving behind a populace that is suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. It is important to remember, however, that you aren’t the only one in your household that needs to start spending a bit more time outside. Our dogs were never made to be inside for long stretches of time and now that spring is almost here, it may be time to invest in a dynamic new lead, leash and collar to help greet the coming warm weather.

Not only does a new collar look better on your best friend, it is likely more comfortable for your dog, as well. Older collars can chafe and wear down just like any other piece of fabric, so it is important that you replace the items you have on a regular basis. If your dog is a threat to run, you may want to consider changing up the collar, leash and lead even more frequently so that there isn’t a chance one will fail and lead to a potential disaster. Providing your dog with new items such as these is just a part of responsible dog ownership.

Which kinds of collars, leashes and leads are for you and your dog? Obviously price is a major consideration but you should also take your dog’s personality into consideration, as well. If you own a big, butch mastiff or bulldog, you probably want to leave the delicate pink leashes at home, but a nice bamboo pooch lead would be quite appropriate. The items you buy for your dog are for both of you. They give you a chance to show the world just want kind of special friend you have and they are also a way for your dog to look his or her best when out in public.

Along with a new collar and leash, you also want to take a moment and make sure that your dog’s ID tags are accurate and up to date. Sometimes, a dog and throw off his ID or it can somehow get pulled off and months can go by without anyone noticing. Take a moment to check to see if your dog’s ID tags are in place and accurate. If you’ve moved, have your dog’s tags changed immediately. Don’t wait, you could be playing with your dog’s long term safety.

Cruel Wandering Dog Statute Put Out to Pasture

American law books are filled with old fashioned and antiquated laws. Books have been written, and are likely still being written, categorizing them all, however, a pair of dog related laws on the books in Washington State are finally on their way out. The two laws, one that required the immediate killing of any dog found wandering and another law that required dog owners kill their own dogs if they are found killing another animal, are both on the way out. Even though these dangerously antiquated laws are being justly wiped from existence, it only helps to demonstrate the importance of engraved dog tags for your pet. It is up to you to protect your dog if he or she should get loose and no single item helps whoever finds your dog more than a pair of dog tags.

According to Washington State legislators, the law was originally enacted in the early 1900s as a way to protect livestock from possible rabies infections and attacks from packs of roaming dogs. Although support for the repeal of these old laws was extremely high, some senators say that new laws need to be passed that will help those who have their property affected by loose dogs. Currently, in Washington State, no such law exists.

No matter what your state laws entail, it is more important than ever for you to protect your dog from possible accidents and encounters with the dog catcher. If you have recently moved or changed addresses, make sure that updating your dog’s ID tags is a top priority. You don’t want to endanger the future of your favourite pet by simply ignoring something that is incredibly easy to do. Today’s engraved dog tags come in color and feature several different adorable logos that people will be able to see even from a distance. There will never be a question about if your dog is properly licensed.

You can also help to ensure the safety of your dog by investing in a new dog collar and leash. The majority of accidents that people have with their dog can be traced back to faulty dog collars that are either too big, too small or too worn out. Don’t lose the most important four legged friend in your life because you didn’t keep up with his needs, get a new collar, ID and leash today and ensure the safety of your pet over the long term.

Fashion and Travel in One Package

If you are like most people, you lead an active lifestyle that requires you to travel with your dog on a regular basis. You could use one of those unsightly grey carriers with the cheap looking metal swinging door like all of the other dog owners, or you could use a fashionable dog carrier that lets your pet travel in style and comfort. The world of high end dog carriers has come a long way in the past few years. You can find carriers made by top designers that run into the thousands of dollars or you can purchase something far more utilitarian but still comfortable for your pet and preferred over those ugly plastic boxes.

The new range of Couture dog carries this year have been amazing. You can carry your dog from one place to another and someone passing you on the street would have to look very closely to even tell that you are carrying anything other than a stylish new purse. Some of the hottest fashion designers this side of Paris now create dog carriers, such as Charles Nantucket and others. Not only are these high end carriers a far more handsome way for your pet to get from point A to point B, but they will be far more comfortable, as well.

There is even a line of striking dog luggage available, as well. If your dog is a bit on the bigger side and needs more room or if your pet is headed on a longer trip, they will enjoy traveling in style thanks to this beautiful dog luggage carriers. They come in ten different colors and all of them feature an easy to use sliding handle and wheels so they can be pulled from place to place without worry.

Pet Flys are also a great way to take your small dog or cat with you when you need to. One side is made of easily breathable mesh and the bags themselves come in many different colors and feature beautiful, hand drawn patterns. Help your pet stand out from the crowd with a new pet carrier this year, and retire that clunky old plastic box forever.

Prepare Your Pooch For the Great Outdoors

Recently, the incredible Iditarod Sled Dog race was completed for another year and the entire state of Alaska rejoiced at the successful completion of this gruelling event. We’ve all heard the stories about how the race was begun and how a group of sled dogs helped to save the lives of tens of thousands of adults in children during a particularly harsh Alaskan winter. While your dog may not have to face those kinds of conditions when he goes outside this year, you still need to be sure that they are outfitted properly. One tool that more and more owners are using is a harness. A dog harness properly secures your pet so that there is less of a chance that they could slip their collar and get away during a walk. The first job of every pet owner is to protect your dog and there may be no better tool to help you accomplish that goal than with a beautiful new harness.

Best of all, Duds4Pups sells so many different kinds of harnesses, you can always find the perfect one for your pet. Does your pooch have a happy, playful personality? There are several different harnesses available that can help your dog show off his boisterous personality, but if you have a serious dog that takes protecting you and your family seriously, you can easily find the perfect harness for him, too.

Not only does a harness protect your dog from possibly running away while in public, it also protects others from your dog. Even if you have a dog that doesn’t have a reputation for biting, it is difficult to judge your pet’s behavior in every situation. A harness allows for you to have greater control over your dog’s movements, which can be the difference between someone getting nipped or not. If you have a large dog, a harness is even more important since you can lose control of your pet that much easier. When it comes right down to it, do you really want to risk the happiness and safety of your pet to a simple leash?

A harness can be a bit of an uncomfortable strain on your dog at first, but it only takes a few times outside for your pet to adjust to this new apparatus. Duds4Pups has every kind of harness you could ever want for your pet, so don’t even think about wasting your time shopping anywhere else.

Miracle Dogs?

We all know that having a dog in our lives makes us happier, provides hundreds of moments per year where they make us laugh and they can also make us sad when they get hurt or pass away. Our pets can also provide a great deal of inspiration, as well. According to a recent article on WebMD, a so-called Miracle Dog has beaten cancer, and, best of all, there is hope that the treatment used to save Oscar’s life could one day be used to beat cancer in humans.

Now, before you get upset, this wasn’t some dog that was being used for lab experiments. This is Oscar, a 10 year old Bichon Frise who was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive types of canine cancers out there, anal sac adenocarcinoma. This poor pup began the traditional treatments for cancer such as chemo and radiation treatments, but they failed. Instead of giving up, the vets decided to try one final treatment to see if it could save Oscar’s life. Oscar was given a drug called nitrosylcobalamin that is still in the developmental stage, and in as little as two weeks, he was back on his feet and the cancer was back on its heels.

Oscar’s case isn’t the only one, either. A tumor was shrunk significantly in a golden retriever using the same treatment earlier this year. According to the National Cancer Institute, over six million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every year, but this new treatment could go a long way in helping pets, and families, beat this menace. The scientists behind this treatment are working towards FDA approval so the treatment can be used on humans.

What all this means is that we can never tell when disaster may strike with our pets. Even if they live long, full lives, we only have so many days with our best friends, so why not do everything we can to maximize the time we have with them. One of the most important factors in maximizing our pet’s health is sleep. Making sure our pet has a warm, comfortable and special place to rest their head is important, so if you haven’t already purchased a dog bed for your pet, why not do so now? Every king needs a castle, and every dog needs a spot where he (or she) is king. Purchase your wonderful looking dog bed from Duds4Pups today!

Leash Training Bo

Without a doubt, the most famous dog in the United States right now is the newest member of the Obama family, Bo. Bo was recently described by First Lady Michelle Obama as a “crazy” dog, which has put a real focus on dog training. With the rising popularity of the Dog Whisperer show, more and more people are seeing just how the dog training process works and why it is so important. If you are one of the lucky few that can afford to pay to have your dog trained, you likely already know that training a dog is something that happens on two fronts: at home with the family and out with the trainer. It is important to continue the lessons your dog learns while out with their trainer, and it is important that you have the right gear to help you, such as a beautiful harness, collar and leash from Duds4Pups.

Even the yappiest, jumpiest and vicious dogs can be trained to obey and play nice. Dogs are, after all, pack animals and once they have learned their place in the pack and what kind of behaviour is expected of them, they often take to training like a fish takes to water. The important thing is to always be consistent when training your dog. If you set a rule or a boundary, you need to enforce it time and time again and so does everyone in your home. It is only with a clear and easy to understand message that your dog can go from out of control to trained.

The White House has released many pictures of Bo as he gets to know his new home. In fact, the president himself has been captured on film walking Bo, or, more accurately, Bo walking the president. This is a common behavior for young dogs who haven’t learned their place yet. It is very important that behavior like this is stopped early on, and from all reports coming out of the White House, it is. Bo has already entered into formal dog training classes and while he may never have the same grace and sophistication as the human residents of the White House, it is hoped that this petulant puppy behavior is short lived.

When you shop at Duds4Pups, you can discover great deals on items for every phase of your dog’s life. From training classes to items for senior dogs, Duds4Pups has it all.

Finding the Right ID Tag

A recent story out of New Braunfels, Texas once again highlights the importance of having proper, easy to read and updated dog tags on your pet. A family who lost their dog eight years ago was reunited with their pet after a local citizen found the lost dog and brought it to the local SPCA. The dog was checked for a microchip, which it had, and the family was reunited with the dog that same day. Microchips are an absolute must have, as they helped reunite family and dog in this instance, but if the dog had been wearing a proper collar and ID tag, it wouldn’t have taken eight long years for this reunion to occur.

Many dog owners choose to wait to get their dogs proper ID for a number of reasons. Some people saw that they want to get their dogs the perfect ID tag and they haven’t found one that’s just right yet, or they say that they are likely moving soon and there is no point getting one that has the wrong address on it. While this reasoning may seem logical and sound on the surface, in reality, you are endangering your dog’s life and risking losing him or her forever. Even the most well behaved dog can act impulsively and erratically under the right, or wrong, stimulus. You never know when Fido is going to pull away from you during a walk, so why take a chance? Engraved ID tags are incredibly inexpensive and do a great job of helping people figure out which dog belongs to which person. Many areas still have dog catches that go out and pick up strays. If your puppy has the right ID on them, you’ll have your pet returned to you in no time flat.

As well as having up to date, easy to read ID tags on, your pet should also have a collar that fits them properly. After all, the ID tag doesn’t do a lot of good if it is lying on the ground with the collar because your dog pulled it off. We have to remember that our pets gain and lose weight just like we do and just because the collar they were wearing fit them last year doesn’t mean it fits them perfectly now. Take a moment to check to see how your dog’s collar fits them and make a change if you need to.

Give Your Pups a Special Dinner Time Treat

When you think about how much we all invest in fine china, monogrammed silverware and silk napkins, it becomes pretty apparent that the way our food is presented to us is important. We often joke that our pets would eat their dinner off of a trash can lid, having a special bowl, plate or dish to eat from means a lot to them, too. We may not realize it, but our pets need items and places of their own, and that is reflected in how possessive most dogs are of their food dishes. While no one expects you to go out and buy fine china for your pet, a unique and specialized food dish or bowl can be the perfect way of showing your dog that you understand that meal time is, in fact, a special time for them.

A specialized dog dish can also send a clear message to your dog that this is the only place they should be eating from. A recent spat of news stories have been hitting the wires over the last few weeks of apparent dog poisonings in public places like dog parks and on walking paths. The stories are spread out all over both Canada and the United States, which shows that while this may be a rather bizarre problem, it isn’t rare. It can be tempting to accept treats from strangers, especially if they are walking their own dog, but you wouldn’t take an unwrapped treat from a stranger and mindlessly feed it to your child, so why bother doing the same with your dog? Only consider feeding your dog store bought treats or home made treats (a great value) made by yourself or close friends. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting the health of your special friend.

Here are some other helpful mealtime tips. Make sure that you are feeding your dog food that is correct for their age and their body type. A puppy that is chowing down on adult dog food isn’t getting the nutrition they need to grow, and feeding an adult dog puppy food is likely taking in too many calories and is risking obesity. You should also make sure that your dog is getting both wet food and dry food every day (same for you cat owners out there.) Finally, make a point of feeding your dog at the same time every day. Dogs crave routine and changes in that routine can really upset their psyche.