How Do You Spoil Your Pup?

By Maria Posted in dog care, Porch Potty / No Comments »

One of the great things about having a pup in your life is that you get to spoil them. It doesn’t take much to spoil a dog, and the act has a knack for making us, as responsible pet-parents, feel great inside. Perhaps it’s the wag of an excited tail or the kisses (licks) they give you before and after you’ve treated them with some sort of delight that does it for many.

Dogs develop habits fairly quickly, and they’re more than happy to turn that extra treat you offer into something they’ll expect every day. In most cases, this means you may not want to engage in too many unhealthy spoiling practices, like topping their food bowl with leftovers.

Extra treats

Sneaking your pup a yummy treat on occasion always earns a tail wag and appreciation. But treats should be occasional. Frequently treating isn’t always ideal for your dog’s health, though there are some treat brands that offer healthier products than others. With that in mind, there are more ways to spoil a dog than simply sneaking them an occasional pizza crust. Find something tasty that they can enjoy, and that wouldn’t come back to harm them later.

Outdoor fun

Taking your dog out on long walks is a great treat to plan for the weekend. The excitement, interaction, scents, and sights all answer many of the questions your dog asks themselves during their time staring out the window while you’re gone. These occasional delights, often much longer with no destination in mind, are time well spent amongst friends. And the addition of another friend and their own four-legged companion adds to the fun and spoils a dog just the right way; that’s good for their heart and mind.

Belly rubs

Extra-long belly rubs are a favorite amongst dogs of all sizes. Every pup is more than willing to roll over and show you their belly, just begging to get a good rub down. And often enough, we find ourselves spoiling that rascal by accommodating them to an enjoyable rub-down. But then we stop after a few minutes, and your pup looks at you like: “What? Through already?” Spoiling that pup with an extra-long rub-down will keep the doc away.

Sleeping on the bed isn’t for every pup, and many dogs don’t earn this luxury. However, we occasionally find ourselves letting that pup up on the bed, especially if there happens to be a storm outside. It’s nice to have a friend willing to hang out with you and make your bed a little softer and more enjoyable with their company.

Look good

While dogs may not seem like they care much for flashy attire, secretly every dog likes to look good around their buddies. This means clean fur, acceptable breath, and a new leash or perhaps a flashy collar. Keeping your pup looking good is a great, hygienic, and simple way to spoil them, and even get them a few compliments while you’re out on one of your long walks.

Expecting something, Mr. Puppy-dog?

As a child, wasn’t it exciting when your parents came home from work with a toy for you in their hand? No matter what it was or for what reason, it was simply exciting. It’s the same for your pup as well. By bringing your pup a new toy when you come home from work, they’re not only excited to see you, they feel a little spoiled to have gotten a surprise. It could be as simple as a tennis ball or even another squeaky octopus they can play with while you’re gone. Often enough, bringing home a toy every few days will leave your dog checking and inspecting your bags and pockets, trying to find out where their latest addition to their toy collection may be hiding.

Treats come in all forms and sizes, and all of them are used to spoil your pup. But you don’t necessarily have to satisfy their pallet with a scoop of leftovers or a chew bone to fill your weekly treat quota. Often enough, it’s the simplest things that you do for your pup that make them the happiest. So spoil your dog with your own special blend of happiness, and they’ll spoil you right back with some licks; and do share your own spoiling tactics with us, please.

The New and Improved Porch Potty

By Maria Posted in dog care, Porch Potty / No Comments »

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!

When It Snows and They Have to Go Outside

By Maria Posted in dog care, Porch Potty / No Comments »

Snow is soft and fun to play in. Some dogs like it and others really don’t favor getting that cold. But, what happens when your dog needs to take care of business and the snow is piling up outside? There are a few things to consider when it comes to a snowy environment and your dog’s paws. First of all, snow is basically a crystal, which is abrasive to your dog’s paws. Combined with the cold it will make their paws susceptible to injury and irritation. The snow can definitely be an environmental danger every dog owner should be aware of and be prepared for.

Dog care when out in the snowTaking care of them 

After a short time in the snow, you may notice your dog’s paws getting a little red, just like our hands after a few snowball fights. Warming them up safely under warm (not hot) running water will help improve circulation and prevent any discomfort from debris accumulated outside. Keep in mind that rock salt is used on roads and walkways to prevent snow and ice accumulation, and it can easily irritate your dog’s paws or get ingested when they lick them.

Applying topical solutions to help reduce and prevent irritation may be necessary for dogs that spend an abundant amount of time in snowy conditions. These solutions can be found at many pet stores, but a little bit of petroleum jelly will work as well. Just be sure to wash their paws when they come back inside. Another option to consider is purchasing dog snow boots, especially if your canine is going to be outdoors for extended periods of time. Such will help keep their paws warm and safe.

Signs of irritation are easy to spot, such as redness and limping. If their paws are irritated, it’s best that they stay out of the snow until they are back to normal again. And while irritation can be annoying, cuts and lacerations (due to unseen objects under the snow or even paws splitting from severe irritation), can be dangerous. Be sure that you always examine your dog’s paws after they spend time in the snow.

As your dog’s owner and protector, it is necessary for you to take precautions and make sure that their potty area access is safe. Icy steps, fallen branches, and miscellaneous debris can all be easily hidden from view in a snowy yard. Take the time to clear snow away from their potty area and pick up anything that they could trip, slip, or otherwise injure themselves on. As for icy stairways, salt or sand will help keep them from being slippery. Just be sure to wash your dog’s feet afterwards.

Finding a different potty solution when it snows and your dog doesn’t want to go may be required. Indoor dog litter boxes come in different styles and features, some offering grassy texture and others relying on litter or pads to provide absorption. If you’re worried about your dog traversing the snowy tundra in the back yard, this could be your most viable solution.

Be prepared

The falling snow can be fun for some, but dangerous for others. Be sure that your pup has a safe experience when it comes to playtime and potty time in the snow. As long as you’re prepared for the situation, your dog is bound to enjoy catching a few snowflakes or fetching a snowball or two.

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!

Porch Potty for Small Dogs

Grass litter boxes have become a popular addition to many dog owner homes throughout the world. This is perhaps because there are so many different grass litter box designs available on the market. Some designs are versatile while others appeal specifically to certain dogs.

Porch potty for dog ownersIn order to appeal to certain dogs, the Porch Potty has proven to be one of the best designs for smaller dog breeds and even young puppies.

The unit is conveniently designed for your smaller dog by utilizing a low barrier. This, combined with four square feet of potty area, provide the needed circling and eliminating area that your small dog needs. This combination provides plenty of reservoir room but is still low enough so that a smaller dog can easily get on the potty unity to take care of their needs.

For convenient maintenance, the deluxe versions of the Porch Potty utilize a sprinkler system that keeps the grass fresh and clean while washing any excess debris down into the large reservoir. This is great for dog owners that work long hours and aren’t able to clean their dog’s potty every time it has been used.

Take into consideration the safety and needs of your smaller dog. Extreme weather can prove a hazard for any creature, but when it comes to hot patios and soggy grass, smaller dogs are often a little more susceptible to the extremes. An indoor potty unit also helps eliminate the risk of dog theft, which has become an increasingly large problem in recent years. Smaller dogs are easily stolen and often make easy targets for thieves.

The advantage of the Porch Potty is that your small dog doesn’t have to go outside or face the weather to go potty. No more singed paws or a dog that ends up soaking wet and tracking mud back into the home. Additionally, the Porch Potty can also be placed outdoors, such as in a shaded and sheltered patio area. This provides a versatile selection for your dog so that they can have plenty of choices for their potty needs. Of course, when used indoors, you can sleep in without worrying about waking up with any accidents to clean.

The Porch Potty is the ideal solution for smaller dogs. Providing both a location to potty and a safe haven that prevents them from having to face outdoor element extremes, it is designed to make everyone’s life a little more convenient.

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 You’re Busy

Busy and hectic schedules often leave us little time to spend at home with our dogs. We have to work, travel, and even cook for our families, reducing the amount of time we can spend for other things.

Potty training schedule when you're busy

A busy schedule often means that we don’t always have the time it takes to properly potty train our dogs. This process is a tedious one, often dependent on our ability to control our dog’s environment, prevent inappropriate behavior and enforce positive action. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the opportunity to follow our dogs around and solidify these kinds of quality potty habits.

So, it’s up to every dog owner to work with their dog, even when you’re not there. The first thing to consider is that a free-roaming dog will do whatever they want. So, you need to develop a learning platform by making them earn their right to roam freely in your home. Limiting space to certain areas is best, and crates are ideal for this situation, although they alone will not do the work of a caring owner.

Dogs have the natural instinct to resist using isolated areas, like their crate, because it is considered their den. Here, they sleep, play, and eat, meaning they won’t want to potty there. But if you leave them there too long, they’re going to do what comes naturally, which will eventually develop into a bad habit. You still have to manage offering a convenient potty area that they can have access to. Scheduling their mealtimes and potty times will give you a reasonable time frame in which you’ll need to be sure your dog will be able to gain access to a designated potty zone.

To help out with a busy schedule, grass litter boxes are ideal for a busy schedule. This will give your dog a safe location where they can take care of business, even when you’re stuck at the office. Keep in mind that a dog won’t want to potty near an eating or sleeping area, so it’s important to isolate a litter box in a separate area where your dog will be able to distinguish the difference.

Potty training your dog while juggling a hectic schedule is a talent on its own. With the fast paced workings of the business world, time is a luxury we seldom have. But, you can take steps that will ensure your dog is in an environment that is set up for success.

How to Litter Box Train Your Dog

Potty training can be a troublesome task without the proper tools and methods. But, when it comes to teaching, or even retraining, your dog to potty in a litter box, you can run into a few extra problems. But, as long as you remain focused, persistent, and patient, you can quickly and effectively train your dog to use its litter box.

The first step is to control the situation. Crate training is possibly the best technique. Dogs instinctively do not want to potty where they eat or sleep. You can take advantage of this by limiting their accessibility to the rest of the home by gating off certain areas or secluding them in a crate. However, it is important to remember that a dog relies on a schedule and can’t hold it for extended periods of time. Be sure to allow them proper access to their potty area to enforce the training.

This also brings about the concern of placement of your grass litter box. Because accidents do happen, it would be favorable to choose an area such as the kitchen or other tiled area that is easy to clean. Also, be sure that you utilize enzyme based cleaners that will properly eliminate any bad odors resulting from mistakes. Ammonia based products can actually entice a dog into urinating or marking the cleaned area.

As your dog’s owner, it is also important that you are able to recognize the signs prior to elimination, such as circling and sniffing. When your dog begins to show these signs, be sure not to scare or spook him when you guide hiim to the correct potty area. Instead, funnel him towards the litter box and positively affirm that this is the correct zone with your potty command word and praise.

Also, consider that the choice litter box for dogs is the Porch Potty. This unit can be universal for teaching both young puppies and older dogs. Utilizing an excellent grass and potty format, the unit is designed to be attractive to dogs and easily maintainable by their owners.

Teaching your dog to use a litter box doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By choosing the right methods and a quality potty unit, you can be assured that your carpet will remain safe from puppy harm.

When Your New Job Keeps You At The Office

Work is one of the many daily tasks that we face each day. We leave home to get to the office in order to take care of business. Unfortunately, while we’re taking care of business, our dog has to take care of business as well. While most dogs can hold their potty for significant amounts of time, it can be difficult and often regretful when we come home to a mess on the carpet.

This is why we often try to fit our dog’s potty needs into our schedule, but we can’t always depend on things working out the way we want them to. Overloaded work requirements, or the need to catch up on a project can keep us at the office longer than our dog allows us to. This not only puts stress on your dog, but on you as well. You may feel anxious about getting home to prevent any accidents, and your work will reflect it. This problem affects both dog and owner, but there is a solution.

Perhaps one of the greatest tools ever invented for this problem is the grass litter box. Units such as Porch Potty allow a dog to go whenever they need to. This prevents accidents and potential messes from becoming part and parcel of your schedule.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to stress about staying late at the office. With the knowledge that your dog won’t be struggling to hold their potty until you arrive, you can accomplish far more at work. Your mind is clear, thus allowing you to focus primarily on your present tasks. This not only creates a better quality in your work, but also speeds up the process. You no longer have to leave work or utilize your lunch break to rush home to let your dog out.

Porch Potty is one of the best tools for dog owners who work away from home. With a large storage space, and plenty of room to use, the Porch Potty can take care of your dog’s business while you’re taking care of business elsewhere.

Real Grass For The Porch Potty

Porch Potty’s grass litter box comes with the option for both synthetic grass and real grass for you to choose from. But what advantages does real grass have? Is it better than synthetic? Or do each of them have their own unique characteristics that your pup can enjoy?

To start, we all know that synthetic grass won’t wilt and die. It promises long life and durability because of this, but Porch Potty’s option of real grass sod is a fairly unique solution to this problem. Rather than rely on dirt based sod, they utilize a different form of nutrition for their real grass.

This also means that there aren’t any dirt clods that will fall out when it comes to cleaning time. The natural grass mat simply pulls out just the same, allowing you to get down into the base if you need to. There aren’t any dirt clods to fall down into the base and clog up the maintenance system either.

Because natural grass will eventually succumb to the natural cycle of life, you will eventually have to replace it. Three to four weeks of life is required for potty training pups, which is what Porch Potty provides with the natural grass mats. But, with proper maintenance, particularly the self-maintaining system that the unit is available with, natural grass can last up to six months.

The nice thing is that even if you choose to go with synthetic, you can still use natural grass if you want to, whenever you want to. You can keep a synthetic grass mat when it comes time to order new patches of grass so that you’re pup can continue to use their indoor plumbing.

If you’re considering the natural grass option for your Porch Potty, it is undoubtedly one of the best real grass solutions on the market. It offers long life with proper care, and is still neat and clean enough to prevent any extra mess you might encounter when it comes time to change it out. Your pup can enjoy the feel of the outdoors without bringing the mess inside.

What to Look For in a Dog Litter Box

By Maria Posted in dog care, Porch Potty / No Comments »

When considering a grass litter box for your pooch, there are some important things to remember. You’ll have to take factors such as your home and the characteristics of your beloved pup. Big or small, little space or just something convenient- whatever you need, there is the right litter box for you.

Size matters

photoPups come in all sorts and sizes, and so do litter boxes. If you have a small pup, look for something that is close to their size with enough room to move around on so they don’t have to potty in the exact same spot every time. There are bigger grass litter boxes that can match your pup pound for pound, allowing enough room for that rascal to get the business done.

Real or synthetic

Also consider the options you have. Grass litter boxes have two different types of material they use- real grass or synthetic. The real stuff can be good, but there is always the need to replace it on occasion, whereas the synthetic material are easily washed and reused. Companies like Porch Potty make their litter boxes with both styles so that you can choose the right one for you.

Next consider where you are going to put it. The location you choose can make a difference in your choice of litter box. If it’s inside, you’ll want something that can withstand the summer sun and weather. If it’s inside, you want something that isn’t going be easily movable and won’t take up much space. Then consider how often you will use it (or rather, your pup will use it). It may be more of matter of convenience to your pup during the day, or it may be the only way your pup is going to be able to potty, especially if you have trouble with mobility. If you’re relying on the litter  box to do the job of the great outdoors, you’ll want to make sure that the unit is ready to handle constant use with plenty of room to potty in different areas.

How it looks also makes a difference. You don’t want something that is going to look like a mess while it’s sitting on your porch or in a laundry room. Quality can definitely make the difference here, so pick the one that is going to be right for your home and your pup.

Submissive Urinating

Charlie rushed through the grass. He enjoys being a puppy and exploring this vast world. The Johnson’s back yard was of course the most interesting thing he had ever seen. So many smells in the air and even these interesting insects that were ever so evasive.

photoMrs. Johnson called for Charlie to come, which he eagarly did. Back inside, the smells of the great outdoors faded away. He loved Mrs. Johnson and enjoyed her company. He propped his paws up on her knee and began to furiously lick her hand. But, with the moment passed, Mrs. Johnson returned to unpacking her groceries.

That’s when the kids rushed into the kitchen, searching for their own goodies to get into. The youngest dipped down to offer Charlie a gratuitous pet of affection, to which the little rascal tucked his tail and let loose a stream of timidity. Charlie knew the children were part of the family, but was still a little fearful of them. Whenever someone other than Mrs. Johnson touched him, or even tried to, he lost control of his bladder. He didn’t want to, but it’s just that he was uncomfortable with them.

Mrs. Johnson, concerned with Charlie’s problem, decided to do some research. She soon found that although Charlie was smart and had quickly picked up every bit of housetraining they had taught, he was having problems with “submissive urinating.” Something was making him feel uncomfortable, causing him to lose control of his bladder.

To help Charlie cope with becoming familiar with his new home, Mrs. Johnson decided to get a Porch Potty for him to use whenever he needed to so that he could keep his bladder empty at his own convenience. As his family helped him adapt to his new home and try to make him more comfortable around them and even friends that visited, his grass litter box was there to provide an easy access potty area.Getting him used to his new family has been a challenge, but with some love and affection (and a few treats), Charlie learned to get along with everyone- and get over his submissive potty problem.