Pet Goddess

Here is a super article from the ASPCA about the possible hidden dangers of your dog and cat toys!http://www.aspca.org/news/tri-state/10-16-09.html

Posted October 16, 2009 Comments(0)

Learn how to grow along with puppy at Raising Spot.  You can find them at www.raisingspot.com.  Here, all the mysteries of puppy life are revealed.  They offer helpful hints on various training for puppy, relationships between the puppy and your young kids, and puppy behavior. 

Are you a puppy owner that is into the lighter side of life?  Check out the Dog Channel.  Here you can find out about the latest trends in dog fashion, dog toys, and what people around the world are teaching their dogs.  Post a picture of your pup for the entire world to see.   

This site is user friendly and full of free information and ads that will enhance puppy’s life and yours.  Their site address is www.dogchannel.com. 

So, the bottom line is that you can learn tons about puppies without ever having to leave the house or spend a ton of money.  Tune into these websites and become more knowledgeable about man’s best friend, who will hopefully become your best friend soon.

Posted December 2, 2008 Comments(0)

Hill’s Science Diet coupon offer

http://www.feedingisbelieving.com/believe/couponRegistrationForm.jsp

Posted October 7, 2008 Comments(0)

On the whole, we recommend a stationary, wire mesh crate. Consider the size of your pet and plan ahead. Buy a crate that will accommodate your dog at an adult size.

If you buy a crate that the right size for your puppy, it may only be useful for 6 months. Look for a crate which has an adjustable panel so the crate can expand in length as the puppy grows. It must always be tall enough for it to stand up.

Comparison shop for price. Don’t be tempted by lots of extras. One door is sufficient, and you can make your own cover as we suggested above. A basic crate is an essential part of training a happy and well-adjusted dog, but it should not have to cost an arm and a leg.

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Posted August 31, 2008 Comments(0)

Solid Frame Crates are constructed from plastic, fiberglass or Plexiglas and are most commonly used for your dog’s travel needs. They are sturdy and have solid bottoms. Usually only the sides of these crates are slotted for ventilation.

Most of these crates have separate tops and bottoms that are assembled and secured with nuts and screws. The top usually has a handle.  The front of the kennel frame supports a wire door. They are easy to take apart for cleaning and storage. They are also commonly referred to as pet carriers.

This type of kennel is a good choice for transporting your pet to the veterinarian and is good for air travel, depending on the size of the plastic crate and the breed of dog.

This type of crate also provides a greater degree of protection for your pet if something should fall on the kennel or if it bangs into anything, as compared with a soft-sided crate.

Since this kennel has fewer ventilation slats along the overall surface of the crate, the interior of the kennel is darker and may be a more desirable environment for quieting an anxious pet.  We will have other valuable hints and tips for traveling on a plane with your dog in a a later article.

Soft-sided Kennels are like gym bags. All the sides are made from breathable fabric and are ventilated with nylon mesh netting. These types of carriers are good for small dogs of about 10 pounds or less.

They are comfortable,  but give little protection against shocks. The dog is allowed to travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Some airlines require them to have a frame for support, to ensure a small dog does not get crushed if something knocks into it.

Some load from the top, while others load from a zippered end panel. I have seen dogs fall out of the zippered end panel hear first onto the hard tiled floors of airports because their owners did not close them up properly. These carriers should be used for short local trips only. They are usually far too small to be used for training purposes for anything other than the smaller breeds of dogs.

Posted August 29, 2008 Comments(0)

There are wire frame crates, solid frame crates, and soft-sided crates, but the wire frame crates allow for ventilation and easy cleaning. They usually have a plastic tray that slides in an out, which can be kept clean and fresh-smelling if you puppy has any accidents.  Just be careful not to slide it our when the pet is in there! It can pinch or crush their little paws.

The wire framed ones are also great because the plastic tray can be used in the back of a car even if you can’t have the whole thing erected inside the back of the car.  They can also be folded up flat and easily moved from one place to another if you are travelling with the dog. It can fit in the back of an SUV, or in the cargo hold of a plane.

For a small dog, you might decide on a soft-sided one for travelling in a car or plane.  If the case can fit under the seat, most airlines will allow it to go inside the cabin.

Otherwise, the dog carrier will have to be checked through as baggage. Some airlines provide crates, others do not, so having a wire framed crate for your dog can save a lot of time and money, especially if you travel a lot.

The wire frame type of crate is especially useful for house training and protecting young puppies or dogs that may become destructive when left alone in the house. It is great for keeping your away from chewing things like electrical wires, or constantly being pestered by well-meaning but persistent new owners, especially children.

When selecting a  wire crate, check for any sharp edges. Be careful with  the front door to see if it is spring loaded. These doors are not recommended because they can snap shut on a paw or tail.

Some breeders and owners say a dog feels too exposed in a wire frame crate.  You can always drape it with a sheet or towel on one or more sides if you think the dog is acting nervous in his or her crate. Generally speaking, crates are clean, multipurpose, comfortable and good for travel.

Continued in Guide to Buying a Pet Crate Part 4

Posted August 27, 2008 Comments(0)

First, estimate the dog’s size as a puppy, and as a full grown dog.
Your puppy should be able to stand, lie down, or sit in any position in the crate without restriction, and allow him room to grow. The crate should be large enough to accommodate a food bowl, and a water bowl, or a water bottle attachment.

Also, buying for the adult size of your dog (if he is a puppy) will allow you to use it for the rest of his life. Many crates now come with an adjustable inner wall so the size of the crate can adjust with him as he grows.  Start out small and snug, so he will feel safe, then gradually slide it over to give him more and more room, until eventually he has access to the whole thing.

This strategy will also make toilet training easier, since animals rarely like to soil their den. So as soon as they get out of the confined space, they will be eager to relieve themselves, and then once that business is taken care of neatly outside with a minimum of fuss, you can enjoy your pet and your walk.

Next, decide on where you are going to put the crate-what part of your home are you going to reserve for your new pet. Measure the size, and then double the length for access, in order to make sure you can slide out the plastic tray at the bottom for easy cleaning.

The you should consider the style you want for the crate, durabillity, and multipurpose functionality. You have many choices available to you.

Continued in Guide to Buying a Pet Crate Part 3

Posted August 25, 2008 Comments(0)

A pet crate is not just for puppyhood, it should be for life.

Because dogs are den animals, a crate is a great home to a dog. It can be a place where he can feel safe, keep his toys, and generally go when he needs a rest or time to himself.

A dog should never ever be allowed to sleep in your bed. It will give him too much status in the household, and make him think he is the alpha of the pack rather than you.

Many people think of the outdoor dog house or run as the place where a pet will spend most of its time, but even if your dog is primarily outdoors, a crate is very useful indoors.

It gives you more control over your new dog’s access to the house (and things it can chew!), visitors, keeps them out of the kitchen at mealtimes, and more. You also can’t leave a puppy outside for long periods of time, especially not in hot or cold weather.

A crate allows the pet inside the house, where they can observe their humans and learn the family routine and be trained in a controlled situation.

In addition, getting your dog into the habit of using a crate will help with boarding and kennel situations if your pet can’t travel with you.

If do you take your dog on the road, a crate is safer for travel for both of you. You will  not be distracted, and he will not be a danger to himself bouncing all over the place. The crate can provide an area of comfort, and easy clean up for a scared or anxious, or car sick dog.

Dogs can be just as easily injured in a car as a human when an accident occurs, resulting in death, or thousands of dollars of vet’s bills, so a crate, and a dog seat belt, are something you should consider sooner rather than later if you plan to travel with your pet.

So a crate is a great investment for on the road, as well as in the home.

We will be talking about crate training in another article. For now we want to focus on choosing the RIGHT crate before you get your puppy or new dog home.

Continued in Guide to Buying a Pet Crate Part 2

Posted August 23, 2008 Comments(0)

As we have discussed at this site, we believe that a crate is an essential part of dog training, and a way to ensure a happy and well-balanced pet. Dogs are den animals, so they love a crate.
But there is no need to break the bank to buy one!

Big Dog Crate – It’s Huge – 54″x35″x45″ – Just $124.99 – Only at MuttMart – Everything for your dog for less!

(Also available in other sizes)

Posted July 18, 2008 Comments(0)

Let’s face it, barking is a bother for you, and everyone near you.
If your boy is a barker, there are a number of safe, healthy barking solutions.
Citronella is good because it not only discourages barking, it is a natural insect repellent and also discourages chewing.

Got a barking problem? The Citronella Anti-Bark Collar – Just $47.98 – Only at MuttMart – Everything for your dog for less!

Posted July 16, 2008 Comments(0)