Archives : 2009 : November

5 Unusual Dog Christmas Gifts

I wanted to provide you guys with some options for Christmas gifts for your dogs.  Now these are for the dogs who already have it all so it may not apply to everyone but I thought it would be fun!  Let me know what you think!

Canine Genealogy Kit – $59.95 Purchase at Skymall.com

This kit analyzes your dog’s DNA and identifies the breeds in its ancestry. It provides scientific confirmation of the physical characteristics, behavioral tendencies, personality traits, and potential health risks your mixed-breed dog has inherited.

A professional laboratory tests a cotton swab that you simply rub against the inside of your dog’s cheek and send to the lab in the provided envelope. The laboratory compares the unique sequences in your canine’s genome with DNA markers from a database of thousands of purebred dogs.

Pet’s-Eye View Camera $49.99 From Sharperimage.com

See what catches your pet’s eye with the Pet’s-Eye View Camera™ Digital Collar Camera. Just put this high tech collar on your cat or dog and enter into their world. The built-in timer lets you choose the interval setting of one, five or 15 minutes – then let them go on their way. The Digital Collar Camera stores over 35 photos, which you can turn into 4×6” prints. It’s ultra compact and won’t weigh them down or get in their way; and it’s water resistant.

Pet Doorbell Complete Set $69.95 From Skymall.com

This new portable wireless electronic Pet Doorbell Set helps your pets tell you when they need to come in or go out (and no more “accidents”) Works for both dogs and cats and any size pet can operate it by simply pushing the Pet Paw transmitter which works up to 100 feet away. The Pet Paw operates on one 9-volt battery (not included) and the Receiver operates on 3 AA batteries (not included).

Extra paws (sold separately) allow you to place one inside and one outside or at several doors. Both units are made of durable plastic and the paws are weather resistant. Receiver chime can stand on a counter or be mounted on the wall. Easy step-by-step instructions are included to quickly train your pets!

Premium Dog Massage $35-$100 Range

What better way to say to your pooch that he’s loved than get him a relaxing massage. You are starting to see more and more spas open that are catering specifically to our furry friends. I think this trend will continue and we will have endless services to pamper our pets.

Diamond Dog Collar $280,000 from LoveDogsDiamonds.com

Celebrate your dog with this 15 carat diamond dog collar – Jeune Chéri! Inspired by the young energy and sweet warmth of puppies, Jeune Chéri is a beautiful piece to keep for life.

A 3.5 carat, heart-shaped centerpiece diamond is sure to steal your heart and catch the attention of all who pass by. Eight round diamonds totaling 5 carats decorate the stylish crocodile leather collar, while over 470 hand-set, high-quality diamonds will take your breath away.

The brilliant white luster of platinum – a rare and pure metal – ignites the true radiance of the diamonds, while 18K white-gold provides strength to make this precious piece last a lifetime.

Sign up for our free dog training newsletter below!

Loose Leash Training

This is a great video of Aidan Bindoff from PositivePetzine.com teaching Tess a 13mo old GSD how to walk on a loose leash.  Through much positive reinforcement Aidan is able to show Tess that pulling and tugging on the leash is not the best way to get what you want.  Read what Aidan has to say on this here.

You can also check out our loose leash training information.

Dog Training Helping Troubled Teens

An Australian project that is focusing on helping troubled teens by means of teaching them dog training is gaining national attention.  The teens are training farm dogs how to jump for the Australian dog jumping competition.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sleeping Like A Dog

After a weekend run with their dogs a man decides to take a quick nap in the park.  His two pooches agree that’s a fine idea and decide to follow dad’s example!  We’ve heard of examples of dogs mimicking their human’s example but this is hilarious!

Positive reinforcement puppy training techniques.

Presents For Your Pets

The Associated press conducted a poll and 52% of pet owners answered yes to the question of whether or not they were going to get their pet a Christmas present this year.

While spending on friends and loved ones is expected to fall this year buying presents for pets has in fact increased from previous years.  This no doubt raises the question why.  In an economy where people are struggling and having to cut back in almost all facets of their lives why in this one area is spending increasing?

I’d be interested to hear everyone’s thoughts as to why they think this is!  You can always sign up for our dog training newsletter and give your dog a happier life through positive reinforcement training at no cost to you!

Perfect Gift For Your Dog

If he’s a drinker that is   All kidding aside we of course suggest strongly that you do not give your dog any form of alcohol but I thought I’d share a product I stumbled across today.

Just when you thought they’d attached a bottle opener to everything imaginable think again! Now if you happen to be out walking your dog and find an ice cold beer on the the side of the path have no worries. Just reach down, grab your dog by the collar and use him/it to open your frosty brew!

You can get your collar bottle opener from Amazon for right around $10 in small medium or large and a variety of colors!

If your dog drinks too much and potty’s inside check out our puppy potty training tips here!

Safe Car Trips For Dogs

Dogs have to travel in the car with us, whether it’s to the vet, boarding kennels or on vacation with us. We need to take steps to keep him safe in our vehicles, and prevent injury. Here are my top 5 tips for traveling safely with your dog.
Read the rest of this entry »

Appropriate Punishment?

More regularly than I’d like I read about cases of animal cruelty.  Every time it makes me sick to my stomach to think how someone could treat their animals this way.

Most recently I read about Jacob Joshua McAlister who was charged with animal cruelty for letting two of his labs die in their kennel from starvation, dehydration, and exposure. Mr. McAlister will be sentenced this April in Mower County.  My question to you is in these cases what do you think the appropriate punishment is and do you think our justice system provides that?  Interested to see your comments below.

Also sign up for our free dog training tips newsletter at the bottom of this page!

Cerenia – Reduce Travel Sickness For Your Dog

With the holidays upon us there is sure to be some traveling for a lot of us. This invariably brings up the dilemma of what to do with our dogs for many.  Should we board them, take them, get a pet sitter etc….

For those of you who may have never considered taking your dogs before because he gets sick when traveling there may be a new option.  Pfizer Animal Health has created Cerenia which is the first FDA approved medicine that prevents motion sickness in dogs.

If you have any questions about whether Cerenia is right for you and your pooch go over to their site above and read through their FAQ’s.  Taking fido to grandma’s for Christmas might be an option after all!

Puppy Training Tips that will help you teach your pup to happily ride in the car!

Dogs & Cats Can Get Along

Who says dogs and cats can’t along? Found this great picture at MyTopDogs.com They’ve got a bunch of great dog information! Check out our great boxer puppy training information!