Dog Clothes Blog

A lot of discussion has gone into crate training on many websites. Some people swear that it is the best way to train your dog, while others say that it is cruel and unusual punishment. What it comes down to, when the issue of crate training is involved, is comfort. If you feel as though you are not happy having your dog go into a crate, there are other training options that you can use to make sure that your dog stays where he needs to stay when it is bed time.

Enter mats and blankets. Everybody has heard of doggie beds, and many people find them superfluous. Actually, they’re not. When you choose to not use a crate for your dogs home, he will flop down wherever he feels like it, and while this may be fine during the daytime hours, do you want him roaming around and being exposed to things when you’re sleeping? Probably not. One way to get him to stay in the right area of the house during the dark hours is to use mats and blankets to train him.

Much like with a crate, you first have to get him comfortable with a mat or blanket. Try to coax him onto it with a little treat, but never force him. Then, once he goes onto the blanket, give him the treat. Continue to do this a few times a day every day for at least a few weeks, and don’t forget to say the word “bed” whenever he goes onto the blanket. Next, start saying “bed” and walking him to the bed whenever it is bed time, remembering to give him a treat or, if he needs something to chew on, a chew toy. Soon your dog will know that the word “bed” is equitable to his blanket. What’s great about a blanket is that unlike the crate that is necessary for a large dog, a blanket can be moved easily from room to room.

In 2005, when the disastrous Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, many people endangered their lives strictly for their pets. They knew that their pets would not be able to travel with them and most couldn’t bear to leave them behind to an uncertain future. Thousands of pets perished in the storm and resulting flood, and thousands more were lost and sent to pounds, never to be reunited with their families again.

This time around, when Hurricane Gustav was knocking on New Orleans front door, the city was determined to make sure that the animals were taken care of as well. Those who were evacuated from the city were able to register their pets so that they could travel with them. Small animals were boxed up and were allowed to go in the bus with the residents who were trying to make it safely out of the city, while larger dogs were put into crates and into a truck, which would rendezvous with the bus at the shelter they were both heading for.

This made the residents and pet lovers of New Orleans extremely happy. Not only were they able to ensure that their beloved family pet was safe, they were able to keep a close eye on them while they rode out the storm. They could give, and receive, comfort from their pet and could find a bit of hope in knowing that, should everything go badly once again, they would at least have each other.

Fortunately this hurricane was much more forgiving than Katrina was, and the residents of New Orleans, both the two-legged and four-legged ones, are returning to the city to continue on with their lives. At least this time, the canine parents can rest easy, knowing that their pet is safe with them and that everything is okay. A big thank you is deserved to all the volunteers and drivers who made sure that the pets and their parents were able to stay together throughout the ordeal.

Getting ready to groom? These tips may help.

1. Make sure your dog can accept the level of attention you are about to lavish upon him. If you have a new dog or you’ve always taken him to the groomer in the past, ensuring that he can deal with you while you’re grooming him is essential. Make sure that he can respond to your commands to sit, lie down, and be still. It may take some training, but it will certainly be worth your while.
2. If your dog hasn’t seen a groomer in some time, be sure you don’t hurt his skin. Just as you might be extra careful combing a two year old’s matted hair, you’ll have to be cautious with the dog as well. If necessary, do things one step at a time. Ten minute sessions over the course of a few days might work well. If the situation is serious, though, you may want to consult a professional groomer for help.
3. Be prepared. The right tools can make all the difference in a good grooming session and a complete hassle, so have everything ready before you get started.

Few things have been as amusing as presidential pets in the last several years, and it’s become a bit of a tradition with most presidents. With the Democratic National Convention this week and the Republican National Convention headed our way next week, we thought it only prudent that we let you know a bit about the pets of both major presidential candidates.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama does not have have a dog. His daughters, though, have made he and his wife promise that win or lose, after the election, the family will be adopting one.

Arizona Senator John McCain has a total of twenty-four pets, four of which are dogs. A recent AKC poll suggested that he and his wife Cindy have one mixed breed, two Yorkshire Terriers, and an English Springer Spaniel.

Unfortunately, very little information is available on the pets of this election cycle’s independent candidates. If you have any information on the pets of independent candidates, drop us a note!

If you’re thinking of adding a new dog to your family, congratulations! Owning a dog is one of the best choices you can make. Before you grab one of those free puppies in the parking lot of your discount store, visit your local pet shelter, or make a purchase from a pet store, though, do your research carefully. Remember, you’re adding a friend for life, not an animal you can simply throw out and never feed again when it displeases you. These tips may help you choose the right dog for your family.

Do you have kids? This is perhaps the most important question of all. If you have kids, you need a breed that will react well to their quirks. More importantly, though, you need the type of dog that won’t be scared when your child gets a bit too rough.

What size dog do you want? If you’re an apartment dweller or you have a small home, a huge dog just isn’t going to work for you. Understand that the larger the dog, the bigger the mess, and if you’re looking for a tiny puppy to cuddle with on the couch at night, some breeds just aren’t right for you.

What level of socialization do you want your dog to have? Some dogs are naturally friendly. They love to be dressed, cuddled, and adored by strangers. Others won’t touch a dog sweater, a friendly neighbor, or a quick cuddle on a couch with a ten foot treat.

Understanding what kind of dog you want before you choose a friend is absolutely essential. Look to reputable resources like Animal Planet’s Dog Breed Selector Tool and the American Kennel Club for information about various dog breeds.

Whether it was the guy at the park with the frisbee or the latest episode of Greatest American Dog, you may have finally decided to start training your dog, but before you do, these tips are essential.

First, know your dog’s limits. Pushing a dog past his limits is dangerous and mean. You risk not accomplishing your goals, making your dog angry, and wasting your time. Take a careful look at your dog’s body language during each training session to understand when it’s time to stop. If he seems tired, he probably is. Ten minutes is the max for most dogs.

Second, always finish on a good note. If you’ve been really working with a new idea, finish up with something he knows so he can feel good about his progress.

Finally, positive reinforcement means everything. Treats, praise, and getting excited about what your dog can do will help both of you look forward to each session.

Yeah, it can be hard for you and your dog to share the same favorite shows. Those Animal Cops reruns on Animal Planet are completely depressing both of you and your dog just doesn’t enjoy the Olympics like you do. Here’s one that you can Tivo and watch again and again together, though - Greatest American Dog.

With just three weeks left in the season, you may be walking in a little late to the show, but you can catch up with free webisodes on CBS’s website. From great dog tricks to engaging judge fights, this is one both of you will love. The best part, though, is the fascinating interplay between the dogs and their owners.

Don’t be surprised if the two of you get so excited, you start e-mailing CBS for a spot on the next season.

Need a unique gift idea for a pet lover? Consider dog clothes.

Deciding what to give someone as a housewarming or birthday gift can be near impossible in some situations. After all, purchasing clothing for the individual is extraordinarily difficult, and when you’re dealing with someone that’s hard to buy for, it may seem as if there’s nothing the individual truly wants. Gift cards and cash are just tacky sometimes. They tend to be a lot like saying “I respect $25 of your friendship.” No one wants to be put in that situation.

If your friend or family member has a pet they dote on, though, dog clothes are the perfect choice. From sweaters to rain coats to cute little dresses, not only will your friend be delighted that you were thinking of their special relationship with their pet, the pet will be excited about the new outfit too. This could solve all of your gift giving problems!

You love your pet as much as you can, but for some people, their pets are truly a matter of life and death.

National Assistance Dog Week (one week every August) was designed to celebrate the nearly twenty thousand pups who help people every year. Since 1920, dogs have been helping those with disabilities, and whether it’s making sure the door is open, picking up something an individual has dropped, or even doing laundry, they’re an invaluable part of some people’s lives.

You can support National Assistance Dog Week and service animals everywhere by taking a moment to familize yourself with some of the support organizations involved.

Do you love your dog? Seriously, there are few among us who don’t. I guess the real question, here, is exactly how much do you love your dog? Do you love him enough to get a clone?

A California screenwriter certainly does.

Media outlets all over the world have reported that American Bernann McKinney paid £25,000 to a South Korean cloning firm for five clones of her late pit bull Booger. She was recently able to greet the five adorable puppies, who all look exactly like the dog she loved so much.

Further orders to the company will run £75,000 per dog, but as this was their first commercial deal, McKinney got a discount.

Why Booger? Apparently, the dog save McKinney’s life when she was attacked by other dogs. A fitting tribute, no doubt, if not a bit on the expensive side. Perhaps other owners who don’t want to spend quite as much should just consider choosing a great dog from one of the hundreds of animal shelters across the country. Add a new sweater, and you’ve not only paid a measure of respect to your former pet, but you’ve also created a great life for a new one.