Home Sweet Crate – Crating Your Dog

If you chose to crate your pet, here are a few suggestions to make your dog’s crate home sweet home.

Avoid using your dog’s crate as a punishment area. Your dog associates his crate with privacy and security – a second home. When the crate is used as a punishment area, your dog will think of the crate as a prison and not a safe place to sleep and spend time.

Purchase a crate roughly one and a half times the size of your dog - just large enough to permit your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down. Make certain the crate is well-built and strong enough to support your pet's weight.

Make your dog feel comfortable by adding a few of her favorite toys. For younger dogs that are not completely trained, add clean newspapers for the bottom of the crate and clean them regularly. For older dogs, a 3” washable cushion or bed pad will help sooth aching joints.

Locate the crate in an area with good air circulations. Leave the door open when you are home so your pet can enter and exit the crate as he pleases.

When you and your dog are out and about, keep your pet close with this comfortable and convenient Outward Hound Sling-Go Small Dog Carrier from www.dogclothes-apparel.com . The sling bag is durably constructed and offers hands free mobility. The broad strap helps keep your pet secure while distributing weight evenly across your shoulder. Available in Black, Blue, Red and Green. Accommodates dogs up to 20 pounds.

Taking A Vacation With Your Dog

Traveling with your dog is becoming more and more popular, but remember to do your homework before you go. Here are a few helpful hints to make your travels easier.

The Internet can be one of your best sources of information. Pet Friendly Hotels (http://www.pets-allowed-hotels.com ) and Take Your Pet.com (http://www.takeyourpet.com ) are two good sites for pet friendly lodging, travel tips, bulletin boards and other travel resources.

Consider what activities both you and your dog will enjoy. Locations such as state and national parks are perfect for walking, hiking and exploring. For a complete list of dog friendly parks, visit the National Park Service’s web site at http://www.nps.gov

Not certain where to go? Contact the Chamber of Commerce in a city of interest or the Department of Tourism in the state you may want to visit. Travel agents may also be helpful in finding pet friendly places.

If you are flying with your pet, remember to call the airline early and notify them you will be traveling with a dog. Make certain your dog carrier will meet airline requirement. Many airlines will provide carriers for a cost.

Cool and comfortable, the www.dogclothes-apparel.com Minx Dog Top is perfectly detailed. The colorful mesh fabric is accented with floral pattern trim and button detail. For the perfect combination, finish the outfit with a matching Minx Skirt made from flexible cotton with an adjustable waist band. Top available in Pink, Sky Blue, Green and Camo. Skirt available in Pink, Sky Blue, Violet/Green, and Camo.

Puppy Etiquette

Yes, puppies are cute, cuddly and adorable, but they also need a bit of guidance when it comes to manners. When your puppy is little, preferably between the ages of 5 and 14 weeks, begin to build his confidence and instill trust in his family by introducing him new experiences .

Acclimate your puppy to his new home. Noises such as the vacuum, dishwasher and dryer may initially startle him, but with your supervision, guidance and support he will begin to take his new surroundings in stride.

Socialize your dog by introducing him to new people and other animals. The more positive experiences he has as a pup, the better adapted he will be as he grows.

Investigate puppy etiquette and training school.

Teach your dog trust. Don’t hit your puppy. Instead, give commands in a strong, decisive tone. Hitting your dog at an early age can instill fear of hands and a fear of you and his surroundings.

To avoid separation anxiety, keep good-byes to a minimum. Before leaving home, give your dog a toy to keep him occupied and leave the house without saying a word. When you come home, keep your arrival low key. The more accustomed your dog becomes to your departure and return, the more comfortable and independent he will become.

The Pink Satin Dog Bathrobe from www.dogclothes-apparel.com is perfect for the dog that has everything. Elegant and luxurious, this super-soft satin bathrobe comes in bright pink with faux fur collar and cuffs. Available in sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large and X-Large