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!