Best Dog Potty

Whether it’s for a birthday or just for the fun of it, throwing a dog party is a great way for owners and their companions to enjoy quality time together. As such, there are a few things to consider when planning such an event, not only to ensure a fun experience but for safety reasons as well.

Choose the right location

Location is a great place to start your planning process. There are few things to consider though, such as the natural instinct that dogs tend to possess- being territorial. Not all dogs are as territorial as others, but you don’t want any unnecessary roughness on the field. If you choose a location that offers a swimming area, or even a wading pool, be sure that the water isn’t chlorinated.

Dog training centers and dog parks are great locations, not only because of their space allocations, but also because they keep the location neutral for the playmates. Just be sure that there are no dangers, such as debris, fallen branches, or even trash around. And even though glass is prohibited in these locations, it doesn’t mean there won’t be some, so inspect the area before you launch your event.

Pair off

One practice that’s important to keep in mind is that the event is for both the owner and dog alike. This means it shouldn’t be treated as an occasion to puppy-sit. If an owner is bringing their dog, they have to stick with them. Basically, guests should be accompanied by their owners, to ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys the fun.

This also means that you’re going to want to pick your guests wisely. It’s true that dogs don’t always get along well with others, and some tend to be a little more aggressive than others. If you want your party to be enjoyable for everyone, you have to ask yourself: Will everyone get along well? You don’t want to be constantly breaking up fights or putting anyone in harm’s way during the party. So be careful and pick your guests carefully.

Safety first

You’ll want to make sure that everyone is up-to-date on their vaccinations. There’s a big problem with owners not getting their dogs vaccinated, and it’s not good for them. For your dog and everyone’s safety, only allow guests that have their shots updated.

Leashes should be kept on ready. It’s good for the dogs to get out some energy and run around while they play, but owners should be able to restrain their dog in the case of an emergency. So be sure everyone has a leash handy and possibly a harness if they can.

Food to serve

Like any other event, there’ll likely be treats to enjoy. There are some new concepts you should consider including, such as the treats buffet. Containers remain closed while each guest-dog chooses the one they want to enjoy. When they ask nicely, they get a treat and remember that manners are important. Also, be sure that you keep water readily available, especially as the weather begins to warm up.

Of course, food isn’t restricted to just the dogs. The owners are bound to get hungry as well, but food should be limited in availability and ingredients. Beware of chocolates, onions, and even the common raisin snacks as they are poisonous to dogs. And it should be clear to the owners not to feed the dogs any human food, even to their own dog while at the event. You can include dog-friendly homemade baked goods that are good for both human and canine consumption. Just be sure that no one is allergic to any ingredients, like peanuts.

What else are the other guests bringing? Snacks and treats should be carefully supervised, since dogs may get a little jealous and decide all the treats are theirs. It’s important to devise a schedule for playtime events and snacking to make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy the treats and is monitored safely.

Party favors for everyone

When it does come to play toys and party favors, be sure that everyone gets a fair share. You don’t want any pup getting jealous of another. Make sure that toys are evenly distributed and everyone gets a chance to play.

Organizing a dog party is a little similar to preparing a party for kids. As long as you take steps to ensure that everyone stays safe and happy, the occasion will turn out to be an event that everyone will enjoy and wish to happen again.

Dog friendly apartment tips for dog owners

One of the most frustrating things for any pet owner is finding an apartment that will accommodate their four-legged companion. While an individual might not have too much trouble, it is often the “No Pets Allowed” sign on apartment complexes that makes it difficult for a pet owner to find a home.

So, what should you look for in an apartment? Is there something special? Is there an easy way to go about finding one? Luckily, the online world has made it easier for pet owners to connect with one another, sharing ideas and theories concerning their pets and homes. So when it comes to finding an apartment, things are looking up for dog lovers.

Higher rent?

Initially, pet owners are always going to face higher prices when it comes to renting. The rationale behind this is: more inhabitants equals more rent. While some apartment complexes will allow pets, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll approve the idea of having dogs around. If they do agree to let the dog stay, the rent will be much higher, as will the deposit. The deposit is just in case there is extensive damage or failure to pay rent, and while some owners are sure their pup is well trained, the leaser isn’t as confident.

In this case, getting out of a security deposit (larger ones for pets) will take some finesse on your part. Don’t be shy about asking your leaser what you can do to avoid a higher deposit. For the most part, leasers will want to see records of shots, good behavior, and previous tenant recommendations. Putting together a portfolio for your dog is just as important as constructing one for yourself. You’d be surprised at how differently a leaser will act towards you and your stay with them.

As an extra option, it’s generally good practice to introduce your dog initially. Choose a neutral area where the leaser can meet your dog and become accommodated with them. If you’re going to be leasing an apartment from them, it’s a good idea to do this up-front so that your dog will know who is at the door when they show up (no barking or disturbing the neighbors is a big plus).

Pet guidelines

With the portfolio and meeting taken care of, you’ll want to get a feel for what is and isn’t allowed on the premises. What are the rules of the complex? Is there a curfew? Where can one walk the dog? It is good to know this, so you don’t feign ignorance when something bad happens. Remember, ignorance is no defense.

You also need be concerned with certain topics such as the leash laws. What are the laws of the city? Pet ordinances? Does your rental contract coincide with city rules and regulations? While the lease agreement may not mention some of these, not all cities are pet-friendly. Some may ban certain breeds, such as the pit-bull dog. Be aware of what the city ordinances state before moving into an area.

Finding a place

When it comes to locating these pet-friendly areas, things can seem like a hit-and-miss adventure. Luckily, the online world has made it abundantly clear how important our companions are to our living needs. These sites will hopefully help some of you pet owners out there that are searching for a friendly place to live.

• Peoplewithpets.com provides a large network of cities that are in general pet-friendly. You can locate hotels, apartment rentals, and even find a nice park to play in while on vacation.
• For the most part, cities are often inclined to promote their welcoming nature to the four-legged companion. Metro Animal is the St. Louis area pet-friendly guide for rentals in the entire area.
• Los Angeles also offers their own directory.
• As does Portland, Oregon at Portland.

While not all cities will have their own directory, many of the larger cities – where finding an apartment can be extremely difficult in general – do offer a directory to make the search easier for you and the pup to find a good place to live.

If you’re looking to rent in the city, be sure to investigate the rules and ordinances applying to your four-legged companion. Also, be prepared to pay a little extra and invest some effort into proving that you’ll both make excellent tenants on your search for a new home.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

For those who enjoy the fun activities and companionship of a dog, but don’t always have the time to clean up the mess, grass litter boxes like the Porch Potty have worked to make potty time as simple as possible.

Designed for either indoor or outdoor use, the Porch Potty is renowned for its ability to self-cleanse, reducing the need to regularly clean the potty yourself. Basically, it is an automated dog potty for your pooch so they too can enjoy the luxury of indoor plumbing.

A principle to simplify

The structure is simple, but more amazingly is that it is responsible for cleaning itself. Premium potty units utilize a built-in sprinkler system that washes down any sticky residue (and the smells that go along with it) to reduce the need to clean regularly. You would still have to pick up any larger materials, but we may have to look forward to robots for that particular job.

When rinsed, the porous grass keeps larger debris on top and funnels smaller materials to the center where it is channeled into a drop point. Here, you can simply hook the garden hose up or relieve it into a basin.

As for the self-draining aspect – a fourteen foot drain hose is included. You simply run the hose to a drainage area, allowing all liquid waste to eliminate away from the potty area. With the premium package, the sprinkler system helps to flush away any larger debris regularly, or you can pour water over grass to clean it manually if you need to.

If running a hose isn’t an option, a large three gallon catch basin is available to replace the hose. It’s removable so the contents can easily be disposed of regularly.

The potty area

The trademark item of the Porch Potty is the fire hydrant. The hydrant is pre-scented to entice the dog to go there. This helps reduce the need to invest in sprays and helps the dog maintain familiarity – especially if they enjoy marking things.

The new design is far more stylish and yet still as durable as its previous models. The structure is based upon a metal frame but entails a whicker exterior to improve the look and feel whether it’s out on your porch or inside your home. It is ideal if you’re debating on matching charm to functionality in your home. The new design reduces the obtuseness and provides a far more eye-friendly appearance when you have guests.

Grass options for the potty unit allow you to choose from either synthetic grass or natural grass sod. The soilless sod- dubbed ìtraining sod – possesses no dirt or mud and has never been used on the ground. It’s grown hydroponically and a nutrient source is built in to ensure the sod stays healthy and resistant to urine burns for a longer period of time. This helps to ensure that dirt clods or chunks won’t fall into the funneling system and clog anything up. Special delivery packaging ensures that it remains fresh and ensures longevity, especially when combined with the sprinkler system.

Primarily, all Porch Potties come with a synthetic grass mat, which is designed for both durability and permeability. This helps it to remain cleaner during the self-cleansing process. The synthetic option is perfect for dogs that are already familiar with potty area similarities (the yard or park), but if a natural grass is desired, there is no change in design. You simply remove the synthetic mat and replace it with the natural sod. Additionally, the synthetic grass is very handy for situations in which natural sod needs to be replaced and you’re waiting for delivery.

The best thing about the Porch Potty is that it allows you the convenience of leaving your dog at home without worrying that while you’re away at work, sleeping late, or otherwise out enjoying a social event, something bad will happen. Your dog doesn’t have to squirm and wiggle to hold it in while you’re away. They can relax as well and potty at their own convenience. The Porch Potty is basically convenient for everyone!

The Porch Potty does the work for you so that you can sleep in on your day off while your pup takes care of business in their own personal potty. Porch Potty makes life easier for dog owners and their companions so that we can spend more time having fun and enjoying the important things in life.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Grooming is one of the important activities to be known well by the dog owner. If the dog owner is not aware of the grooming, then the dog may encounter many types of diseases. First steps of grooming consists of activities like maintenance of coat, nails and ears.  The maintenance of the coat mainly consists of enrichment measures like proper bathing, combing, drying of skin by dryers, and more. The animal need not be bathed daily and this helps to protect the skin’s characteristics like insulation feature.

Use conditioners and shampoos that are meant for dogs. Combing needs to be carried out with a soft brush meant for use in case of dogs. There are varieties of brushes available and depending on the type of breeds, one can use the concerned brush. This grooming of the coat by a comb needs to be carried out daily and the fallen hair, if any, needs to be placed in the dust bin.

Otherwise, when the dog owners switch on the fan, the hair will fly and may enter the nostrils of persons. Also, don’t clip too much because this may lead to nail injuries. Similarly, you need to carry all the materials required for the clipping with you before the start of the procedure.

Use a sharp clipper designed for dog use. It is better to have the dog on a raised place and hence, the control of the animal is easier. Ear canals are to be checked frequently and sterile cotton may be used for cleaning purposes. Grooming associated guidelines need to be followed strictly by dog owners.

Nail-maintenance is one of the first steps of grooming activities. Live nail areas can be easily clipped away and are always light colored than the reddish area of the nail in the higher position. Make sure to have a firm grip when holding you dog’s feet before clipping their nails. If not, the dog will take an upper hand during the clipping and some injury may occur.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Training dogs is not hard. You just need patience, dedication and some simple tactics and you will teach them successfully.

Here are five tips on how to train your dogs successfully:

1. To avoid your dog getting confused and so that they can learn to recognize commands easily only one person should be responsible for training the dog initially. If too many people are trying to train the dog at the same time this can stop progress in its tracks.

2. You should use positive reinforcements. If the dog does something good, you should reward this behavior so that he will know that what he did was right. If the dog cannot understand or follow your commands, never push him. Dogs are not as intelligent as humans, they make mistakes. What you should understand is that they won’t easily understand your commands in just one teaching, it takes repetition to train a dog successfully. Do not scold your dog as he might develop fear which will hinder his learning and willingness to be trained. You can use treats in order to encourage your dogs, although don’t overdue it.

3. Teach commands one at a time. Try to teach him one command after the other. If he cannot absorb it, try to stay on that command only because adding additional commands will just confuse the dog. Start with the basics.

4. In executing commands, you should keep your voice cheerful so that the dog will happily follow your commands. Dogs will respond to a low and coaxing voice. If you shout out loud, he may become startled and unresponsive.

5. Train your dog in various places. If you keep your dog in a certain place like your home, he will not be able to adjust when exposed to new environments. Take him to the park or through the neighborhood. This will help your dog associate with other dogs and people.

Training your dog can sometimes be tough, but it will be worth it. In the end, you will be the one to benefit when your dog is trained. You don’t know he might even save your life one day and pay back everything you taught him.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

The Bond that can come between a person and a dog can be extremely strong, especially if that bond had been strengthened living with each other for many years, I have personally cried after loosing our family dog that had been like a best friend to me from my birth till I as 15 years old, when he was hit by a car one morning.

Dogs serve many different needs for people. Some people get a dog because they are lonely and need a loyal friend or because they want a dog to protect the home. A dog that is taken good care of and given attention to regularly will give his life to help protect his home and his owner. For the blind, a dog can be a pair of eyes to help them get around and for the police a dog can be an important tool and a loyal partner, with a nose that nothing can beat.

The first thing you need to know about taking care of a dog is that dogs need lots of exercise. This is the same for large dogs and small dogs. All dogs need to be let out at least once every 8 hours and should given at least a 20 minute walk to give the dog some fresh air, exercise and a chance to relieve themselves.

It is also important to play with the dog on a regular basis. This can mean going to the park on a weekend or day off and having a good game of fetch, tossing the ball around in your back yard or just wrestling on the ground with the dog, just make sure if you are ruff housing with a little dog that you don’t accidentally hurt the dog. Playing with the dog for a half hour a day, is not only good for the dog’s physical health, but a dog that is played with regularly is mentally healthier and less likely to become a depressed dog, it also lowers your blood pressure as well and it will form an unbreakable bond between you and your pooch, which will extend to your family if you should start having one after having the dog.

What you feed your dog is very important for continued good health. The better dog foods will be marked for what groups the food is appropriate for. Younger dogs need certain vitamins and minerals in larger amounts than an adult dog. And the same goes for an elderly dog, they need more calcium in their food to help protect their bones and joints. Feeding your dog the wrong food can stunt the dog’s growth and opens the dog to a larger risk of surgery when they are older.

Just like a person a dog should be taken to the veterinarian’s clinic every 6 months, and must receive their shots every year. Regular checkups and vaccinations will also help assure that your dog grows to be an old happy dog.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

A constant supply of fresh water is essential to your dog’s good health and comfort.  Water is very important, representing and estimated 70 percent of the dog’s weight.  Like man, a dog can go without food for a surprisingly long time, but if he is deprived of water, he can’t survive for more than a few days, or even hours, in a hot, dry environment.

A dog’s water consumption varies according to the climate to his activity, and to the composition of his meals.  Heat and exercise dehydrate him quickly.  He gets very thirsty in cars or any confined space.  However, excessive thirst for not good reason should be reported to your vet, because it may be an early symptom of diabetes or kidney trouble.

At home he should have a clean, full water bowl next to his food dish, another in his play area, and possibly a third one that is accessible at night.  Away from home the problem is more difficult.  A thirsty dog is attracted to water in the gutter, in stagnant pools and rain puddles. Clean rain water is fine, but hard to find.

Caustic chemicals used to melt snow on streets and sidewalks, weed-killers and insecticides on lawns and golf courses contaminate most standing water and should be avoided.  Try to train your dog to drink only from his own bowl or what you offer him.  Try to keep a water-filled plastic container with you or in your car, especially if you plan on a lot of walking or running during hot weather.

Milk is the only liquid, aside from water, that appeals to dogs and still agrees with them, (although it may cause loose stools).  They are seldom tempted by other drinks and particularly dislike carbonated drinks. Milk is always another good source of protein but should not be used as a substitute for meat. Most any flavored drink should be avoided, as it only tends to irritate the kidneys, causing frequent urination and dehydration.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

When looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you will have to decide on a breed of dog and also how the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Many hypoallergenic dogs are small or medium breed dogs. This means that they are small sized or medium sized dogs that require more attention than larger breeds.

Hypoallergenic dogs may cause you to have fewer allergy attacks because their hair does not shed, they don’t have an undercoat, or they do not shed a lot of dead skin cells, or dander. The following breeds of hypoallergenic dogs are popular with those who suffer from allergies: Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, and Bedlington Terrier.

For those looking for a hypoallergenic dog that is larger than other breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel may be the dog for you. These dogs have very short human-like hair that will prevent shedding and allergens from entering the air. The coats of these dogs must be maintained through grooming every two months. The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly dog that likes to exercise and swim during the warmer months of the year.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is available in four varieties, the Traditional Irish, Heavy Irish, English, and American. The main difference is the size of the dog. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a short coat that does not shed much during the day. The dogs will need to be groomed as often as other hypoallergenic breeds in order to prevent clumping or rashes on their skin.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is very friendly and will always welcome strangers. They enjoy getting their exercise and want to be around people as much as possible. These dogs should not be kept in an apartment. Having a backyard is a must as this dog loves to run and bark. If you are in need of a hypoallergenic dog that is a little larger than most, then this is a dog worth considering.

Bedlington Terriers are smaller than the Irish Water Spaniel and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, but they have short coats which need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangling. They will also need to be groomed every three or four months in order to maintain a healthy coat. These dogs are energetic and enjoy exercise. For those who are hypoallergenic and who live in apartment buildings or small homes, this dog is perfect.

These breeds of hypoallergenic dog are not the only ones you have to choose from. There are other varieties that may appeal to your lifestyle and allergy issues. Smaller dogs are better for apartment living as they tend to bark less and require less room to move around in. If you own or rent a home, then you may want to consider a larger breed that will be able to run around in the back yard. Hypoallergenic dogs require more grooming than other breeds because they do not shed most of their hair, it just continues to grow. Not grooming regularly will cause matting, which will have to be cut from the coat in order to prevent skin rashes and other problems.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Basic small dog care is much the same as for larger dogs, but owners need to make a few adjustments to best meet their small dog’s needs. Consider the following daily dog care routines, and how they’re adapted to meet the needs of your pint-sized pup.

Feeding Your Small Dog

Naturally you’re going to feed your dog daily, but the standard-size kibble at the grocery store may be too large for your small dog to eat comfortably. You’ll need to be sure to buy a kibble designed to fit his smaller mouth (these are easy to find among the premium dog food brands). Canned soft foods are also perfectly suitable for your small dog.

Containing Your Small Dog

All dogs need exercise and a safe place to potty outdoors, and a fenced-in yard provides all the security they need, right? Not necessarily when it comes to small dogs. A fence that adequately holds a bigger dog may have gaps large enough for a small dog to fit between or under, allowing him to escape. Fences also can’t provide overhead protection from large hawks, which sadly have been known to carry small dogs and puppies away. A covered kennel run might better meet your small dog’s needs.

Training Your Small Dog

Small dogs aren’t any harder to train than large dogs, yet the consensus of many pet experts is that many of them end up spoiled. No matter if he fits in a purse or a pocket, your small dog still sees the world in terms of pack behavior, and if you’re not leading the pack, he is. It’s a wise idea to make sure your small dog is thoroughly housetrained, no matter how small and inconsequential the mess might seem when he misses. Dog experts also suggest you make your small dog work for you, to keep him responsive to your rules. Have him sit or do tricks before you give him a tasty treat or even his meal.

Grooming Your Small Dog

Small dog care includes some special grooming needs you’ll need to keep in mind. Small dogs require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. You’ll also need to brush your small dog’s teeth twice a week if you’re feeding a soft canned food diet.

As you can see, small dog care largely follows the same route as care for any other sized dog. The differences may seem like minor details, but paying attention to them can make a big impact when it comes to meeting your small dog’s special needs.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Your dog wakes you up in the middle of the night, scratching at the door and whining to be let out. You look over at the alarm clock which shows that it’s right about midnight. It’s dark outside, it’s late, and the neighborhood you live in isn’t exactly the friendliest/safest in the world.

Unfortunately, your dog still has to go potty and there’s no way they’re going to be able to hold it until morning. This leaves you with few options, the cleanest (and least safe) of which is to dare the late night so that your pup can take care of business.

Going outside

Staying safe should be your main concern in this type of situation. You’ll want to observe the area before you leave the safety of your house. This is best done from a window that overlooks the entire area you plan to be in.

Once you determine the outlay of the environment, it’s a good idea to wear bright clothing so that you can be seen by others. You’ll also want to turn on any lights and keep the area where you’re going to well illuminated, with the help of a porch light or floodlight.

Also, you’ll want to avoid areas where someone or something (a dog, snake, or even a raccoon) could be hiding. Stay away from places such as high bushes, stairwells, or hedges. Stay close to the door if you can, as it will be much faster to go back in should any danger arise. If you have to go beyond your home, don’t wander around the neighborhood or go around corners.

Items to have

When going out in the dead of night, it’s vital that you keep a few items with you. This includes a cellular phone (even if you’re just stepping out for a moment) and a powerful flashlight. A flashlight will allow you to not only observe/illuminate the area, but also inhibit the vision of anyone approaching you. And the most important tool is your dog’s leash. A leash will help you maintain control over the dog should they want to run off unexpectedly.

Stay completely safe

Of course, not having to go outside is the best solution to the issue. Rather than risk a late night adventure outdoors in a hostile environment, consider investing in an indoor potty solution such as a dog litter box to avoid putting yourself and your dog in harm’s way. An indoor potty solution not only saves you the trouble, but allows the dog to take care of business at their own convenience, without having to wake you.

Not every neighborhood will have white picket fences and a friendly Mr. Rogers as a neighbor. At times, it can be unwise to go out, especially when it’s dark. This means that you have to take all necessary precautions to make your trip outside a successful one for everyone involved. Strive to keep yourself and your dog safe at such times, and if it seems too dangerous to head outside, it may be time to find a solution that keeps you inside.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!