BarkTalk - Blogging About the Dog

Fun Gifts for the Geek and his/her Dog

2010-04-30T06:04:00.000-05:00

I recently found this super fun website that sells all things Geek. More importantly, they even have items for the Dog Lover Geek! And the prices are so low, these can be paw-some gag gifts for the dog lover geek who has everything.....check 'em out!

iBone Dog Toy There are lots of things your dog wants. For starters, your dog wants steak. You don't need a fancy Japanese gadget to translate his barks to know that. Srsly. Here are a list of some other things your dog wants: a helmet with horns, sunscreen, health care reform, ice cream, a cure for cancer, a bus ticket, coq au vin, and most importantly, to catch treats at 1,000 frames per second. But what your dog really wants is the iBone. It's bigger than an iPhone and smaller than an iPad, which is the perfect size to be carried around in the jaws of your favorite hound. The squeaker is delightfully squeaky and it has embroidered buttons with the cream of the crop of canine apps from the iBone App Store. Apple fanboys, you know your collection isn't complete without an iBone for your dog.

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Control-a-Dog Remote Control That's right! You want Fido to Sit, Stay, Speak, Drop It? Just point the remote at your dog, press the appropriate button, and hope for the best. It's powered by wishful thinking, so if your brain waves aren't very strong yet, you may have some issues initially. Don't worry, keep mashing the button and hoping and one day your dog will stop peeing in the living room.

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Bowser Dog Beer & Pretzel Snacks Bowser Beer is a fun and healthy treat packaged in beer bottles so you can celebrate responsibly with your dogs. It's made of USDA beef or chicken and lovingly brewed with malt barley (for shiny coats) and glucosamine (for smooth-moving joints). Don't you wish people beer was this healthy? Dogs lap up Bowser Beer either straight from the bottle or as a tasty sauce on boring dry food. So next time you kick back with a few brews, don't forget your dog!

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Humping USB Dog Harley and Duke are naughty doggies. They won't eat out of their food bowls; they track mud all over the place; they are constantly burying our pens; and they have a peculiar naughtiness whenever they spy a free USB port. They...well...they sort of, kind of, um... "go to town," if you will. And they won't stop until you um...separate them from the source of their affections.

Woof!
~Lisa
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Helping Children Cope with the Loss of a Pet

2010-04-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

The following is an excerpt from Chapter 12 of The Loss of a Pet written by Dr. Wallace Sife, founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement website. The APLB is a nonprofit association of volunteers who are trained or experienced in the tender subject of pet death. Its members are professional counselors as well as pet-loving people from all other walks of life. They are all concerned with helping pet lovers cope with this unique and very intimate kind of loss. Anyone interested in this subject is invited to visit with them at aplb.org. In addition to its many other free services the APLB holds four three-hour pet loss chatrooms, every week.

Children and Pet Loss

“There is only one smartest dog in the world, and every child has it.”

Bereavement in children too often has been trivialized or given inadequate attention. We are so involved with our own adult world of complexities and learned associations that we tend to lose some perspective on how and why children feel grief for a pet. We too often presume that it is advisable to shelter them from this “grown-up experience” which we find to be very upsetting. In nearly all applications, that is absolutely the wrong approach. If they are old enough to reason, then they sense very accurately when they are being left out of important discussions about things that concern them. The death of a child’s beloved pet matters a great deal in his or her young life. How this is handled now will remain with the child for the rest of his or her life.

The death of a family pet is often the first death experienced by a child. Read the full article about children and pet loss here.

Purchase Dr. Sife's book The Loss of a Pet

Woof!
~Lisa

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MORE GREAT BOOKS ABOUT PET BEREAVEMENT

Vacation Travel Tips: Traveling by Car with Your Dog

2010-04-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

Summer Travel Plans?

If you're traveling by car for your vacation this summer, and plan to take your dog with you when you travel, there are several things you'll need to consider before em"bark"ing on your journey.

I've written an article filled with tips you'll want to know when traveling by car with your dog.

And before you go...Get Dog Travel Supplies at Great Prices – Up to 40% Off at PETCO.com!

DO YOU KNOW A DOG MOM? Check out all the Dog Mom Apparel available at BarkTalk.com, the paw-fect gift for every dog mom!

Woof!
~Lisa
http://www.barktalk.com/

How To Raise a Friendly Dog

2010-03-25T05:51:00.000-05:00

What has happened to “man’s best friend”? Why are there so many dog bites and family pets surrendered to shelters? It all comes down to socialization. Dogs are pack animals and need to live in a group. Our lives are becoming more isolated and many of our dogs spend their days home alone. So how do we mold a new puppy into an outgoing, confident dog?

The breed of dog you choose plays a large role in the dog’s natural personality. Some breeds are more inclined to physically protect their property. These breeds require much work on people socialization. Breeds that are prone to aggression towards other dogs and animals also have more problems around children. Be sure that they get a lot of exposure to pets and children. There is a natural dominant streak in some breeds. This causes the dog to take action for itself. With firm training, you can turn a dominant breed into a reliable pet. Of course, there are variations in personality in every breed, but you should plan ahead when purchasing dogs with strong inherited traits. Look for a pup that is neither overly confident nor shy. Shy pups are more likely to become fear biters and require more work at socialization. Pups that show signs of assertiveness at an early age, can become aggressive as they mature. They will need the most expert care and training.

Socialization begins the day the pup comes home. Pups bond to people between 4 and 12 weeks. If not given the opportunity to play with people and other dogs until after 12 weeks, many develop into poor learners, have a greater fear of people, animals, and noises, and are usually shyer and more anti-social. Get them used to a collar and leash and get them out of the house. Until your pup’s shots are complete, be cautious around local parks and strange dogs. Try to enlist friends with well-behaved children and dogs to help. Find pet stores and other public places to take your pup. Schoolyards, ball parks, and local playgrounds are great places to expose you pup to children. Encourage everyone you meet to pet your pup. Enroll in Puppy Obedience classes. Never stroke or soothe a pup that is frightened. This encourages that reaction. Your pet follows your lead. Always be happy and act excited at something new. Encourage them to follow you to investigate something they are unsure of. Try to make all new experiences positive.

Teaching your pup the basic commands does more than make a well-behaved pet. It teaches the pup to look to you for guidance and to trust your instincts. A well-socialized dog does not diminish its protection skills. On the contrary, it produces a more confident dog. It also helps to greatly reduce the incidents of bites to family, children, and guests. Socialization should be a top priority for the first six months, but needs to continue for the life of your dog. With careful planning and a little work, you can have a friendly dog you can trust in any situation.
This article was written by Doris Mow and is used with her permission. Doris is the moderator for Wildpaws Alaskan Malamute Discussion Forum, http://www.wildpaw.com/forum. She has worked as a Verterinary Technician, Dog Groomer, and Small Animal Nutritionist. Doris lives with two Alaskan Malamutes: Kodiak, 8 years old, recently retired from weightpulling after earning his Working Dog Superior title; and Wookie, 18 months, is just beginning his weight pulling career. Doris also operates an organic garden business, Mow's Garden, http://www.mowsgarden.com, which specializes in butterfly and songbird gardening.

New Puppy Announcements - A Growing Trend

2010-03-17T12:10:00.000-05:00

A new addition to the family is a joyous occasion, even if that newest addition is of the 4-legged variety. In fact, many people consider their pets a member of the family. The joy most people feel when bringing a new puppy home is akin to the feeling of joy felt when bringing a new baby home….so it only makes sense to introduce your newest family member with new puppy announcements.

Sending new puppy announcements to friends and family is a growing trend. At BarkTalk.com, new puppy announcements are available in an assortment of styles and designs, from custom, personalized styles, to photo announcements, to fill-in-the-blank designs. As a company that specializes in new puppy announcements, BarkTalk.com will print your puppy’s photo directly onto the cards.

It’s most fun to include a photo of your puppy. Your newest addition is growing and changing so fast, and many of your family and friends live miles away and won’t have the opportunity to see him when he’s still tiny, so capturing a photo of your puppy when he’s still a tiny little bundle of snuggle is a wonderful way to share your joy. Plus, photo new puppy announcements make a terrific keepsake of the day your puppy joined your family.

If you’ve just adopted more than one puppy, customized new puppy announcements are your best bet because they can be tailored include the proper wording for more than one puppy. Another advantage to purchasing custom-designed new puppy announcement is the need to change wording from plural to singular. For example, if you’re a single person, you wouldn’t want your new puppy announcement to read: “Our family just got a lot furrier!” With the customized option, you can have the option to change the wording to “My family just got a lot furrier!” usually at no additional cost. If you have a child, you can include “sibling" names to your introduction.

As an added bonus, with the customized version, you can tell a little bit about your new puppy. For instance, you can state that he was rescued, or that he was a Katrina dog, or that he has incredible puppy breath, or that he loves to snuggle, or whatever particular habit or quirk you want to share.

New puppy announcements are a fun way to share your joy with family and friends. You’ll definitely want to consider sending some out when your new puppy arrives!

Adopting a new puppy is a thrilling and exciting time! Share your excitement by telling the world (or at least your family and friends) about your new addition to the family with our New Puppy Birth Announcements. Whether you've adopted a new puppy, or rescued a full-grown dog, we can custom-design the perfect announcements for you.

Woof!
~Lisa

Qualities of a Good Veterinarian

2010-03-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

One of the most important duties as a pet owner is finding a veterinarian to see to the medical care of your dog. There are many veterinarians, with many different philosophies; the key is to determine what your priorities are regarding your dog's medical treatment, and then to find a veterinarian who respects and/or agrees with your priorities. This can be a difficult process!

While it would be ideal to find a veterinarian who is honest, punctual, easy to get along with, willing to accomodate you, loves your dog, has all the best, newest, and top-of-the-line diagnosing and treatment equipment, whose office is close to where you live, has reasonable prices, is available 24 hours a day, and has an incredible support staff that mirrors all of these great qualities, the reality is, you may have to choose from among the qualities that are most important to you, and then find a veterinarian who is the best match for you and your dog.

Once you've determined which traits and qualities in a veterinarian are important to you, the best place to start for a truly objective opinion is other patients. Talk to friends and ask about their veterinarians. Are they happy with the service they receive? Is their vet caring and considerate of their opinions, providing various medical treatment options? Or does he make choices for them, and simply tell them what to do? What is his/her philosophy on end of life issues? Will he/she do whatever it takes to save your pet, regardless of the expense? Or does s/he believe that diagnosing and treating an older dog is a waste of medical resources? What is YOUR opinion on this topic?

The answers to what is important to you are neither right or wrong. It is simply important that your veterinarian share these beliefs with you if you want to find the best possible care for your dog.

It is extremely important that you feel comfortable with the veterinarian you choose, so that you aren't intimidated and unlikely to ask important questions about the care of your dog.

Before deciding on a veterinarian, it's best to visit their facility and ask for a tour. Is the facility clean and well lighted? Is the staff friendly and accomodating?

Once you've narrowed down your selection, schedule a "new patient" appointment with the veterinarian so you'll have an opportunity to observe him/her actually interacting with your dog. Additionally, the vet will have the chance to meet your dog as a healthy, thriving pet, and would, therefore, have something to compare it to later, if you take your dog in because of a medical problem.

Similar to finding your own personal physician, finding a veterinarian involves lots of questions, but also "gut feelings." If you aren't comfortable, if you feel intimidated, if you don't like the way the facility looks or "feels," if the staff isn't friendly and accomdating, if any of these things triggers a "bad feeling" with you, it's best to trust that feeling and look for another veterinarian who more closely matches your beliefs and philosopies regarding the care and treatment of your best friend.

Woof!
~ Lisa

Visit http://www.barktalk.com/ for all your paw-ty needs!

Sale! Pink Ribbon Dog Collar Charms

2010-03-13T06:42:00.000-06:00

Saturday Sale Day!

I'm clearing out my inventory of dog collar charms. This beautiful pink ribbon charm measures 3/4" tall x 5/8" wide.

Let your dog share in the support for the fight against breast cancer with this gorgeous silver dog collar charm. Only $3.50 while supplies last!

And if you're in the market for Pink Ribbon items, you'll want to see all the great breast cancer awarenes items we carry at BarkTalk.com.

Barking for a Cure - Pink Ribbon Dog Tshirts:

Pink Ribbon Dog Collars:

Barking for a Cure - Pink Ribbon Dog Bandanas:

Woof!
~Lisa

Visit http://www.barktalk.com/ for all your dog paw-ty needs!

Top 10 Pet Peeves

2010-03-11T06:31:00.004-06:00

Friday Fun!

The Top 10 Pet Peeves Dogs Have With Humans...

10. Yelling at me for barking. (Hello? I am a dog?)

9. Taking me for a walk, and then not letting me check stuff out. (Ummm....exactly whose walk is it anyway?!)

8. Dog sweaters. (Have you not noticed the fur???)

7. Taking me to the vet for the "big snip" and then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back.

6. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose.....STOP IT!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. (Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.)

4. The sleight of hand, fake-fetch throw. (You fooled a dog....woooooo hoooooooo! What a proud moment for the top of the food chain.)

3. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. (Sorry, but I haven't quite maastered that handshake thing yet.)

2. Blaming your farts on me. NOT funny.

1. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know you're just jealous.

Happy Friday!

Woof!

~Lisa

Clearance Sale!

Designer dog coats on sale

as low as $5.00.

Oops! These dog party invitations came back from the printer and the color was off. Instead of a baby pink, it's more of a peachy-pink. If peachy-pink is your thing, you can order these dog birthday party invitations for LESS THAN HALF PRICE!

Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Dog

2010-03-10T13:35:00.000-06:00

Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you'll make for him, so it's important to take your time and make an informed decision. You’ll want to find a vet you can connect with, since working as a team with your veterinarian helps guarantee that your pet will live a full and healthy life. When choosing, select someone who has the same level of passion about pet care as you do.

Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you'll have a list of good prospects to check out. And although advertisements supply information about vet services offered, a personal recommendation is always best.

You will want to make an appointment for a visit for your and your dog to meet the veterinarian and the staff. While you’re there, check for cleanliness, a relaxed professional atmosphere and staff members who are ready to answer your questions and give you a tour. Observe how the vet and the staff interact with your dog.

One very important thing to consider is how you feel once you're in the examining room. It doesn't matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. While education and knowledge are important in a veterinarian, what really matters is that your dog -- and YOU -- feel comfortable. You should be able to sense the vet’s compassion for animals.

Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog's health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn't taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it's probably time to look for a new vet.

Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It's also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you're at accepts it. (For links to pet health insurance sites that I recommend, click here.)

Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don't. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.

Ask if you can see the kennel area where animals are cared for. This area should be absolutely clean and odor-free. The air should be warm, dry, and comfortable. If it’s not, move on!

While it’s tempting to select a veterinarian based on location, it may be worth it for your and your dog to drive a little further to find the quality of care you’re looking for.

Finally…trust your instincts. If you don’t like the “feel” of the situation, it’s probably best to look for a different veterinarian.

Woof!
~Lisa

New Puppy? Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Home

2010-03-09T06:39:00.002-06:00

If you see something interesting on the floor, what do you do? Well, if you're a puppy, first you sniff it, then you pick it up in your mouth. Not a problem if it's edible, but what if it's a battery, or a piece of chocolate, or a small rubber ball? You might think your house is perfectly safe, but to a dog, it's full of fascinating (although potentially dangerous) attractions. This is especially true for a new puppy, since he'll be eager to explore (and taste!) everything in his new surroundings.

Dr. Robert Linnabary, D.V.M., an instructor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, recommends using the same precautions for a dog that you would for children. "But remember that dogs are better at breaking open bottles and boxes."

Here are some suggestions for making (and keeping) your dog safe in his new home:

The Kitchen. Remember that dogs have very agile paws and determined muzzles, so keep your cleaning supplies locked away. A good idea is to install childproof locks on cabinets where you store your cleaning supplies, or move them to a high shelf. Also, keep the garbage can safely stored away, or buy one with a tight-fitting lid. Garbage (such as chicken bones) can be stored in the freezer until garbage day. And PLEASE REMEMBER, as much as we humans love chocolate, it contains a stimulant (theobromine) which can make dogs very, seriously ill. And you'll want to keep towels and dish cloths out of your puppy's reach, because if your dog chews on it and swallows a big enough piece, it could cause an intestinal obstruction.

The Bathroom. Dogs love to explore the bathroom, but they can discover alluring tastes they'll be unable to resist. Soaps and good-smelling bottles of lotions and shampoos should be kept out of your puppy's reach, as well as any children's tub toys. And sanitary napkins and tampons can be a bit problem, because of their high absorbancy, if they get inside your puppy's intestinal tract. And don't forget to move any cleaning powders and disinfectants up out of your puppy's reach. And remember to keep your toilet lid down to keep your dog from drinking the unsanitary water.

The Family Room. The family room in your home can be filled with dog-unfriendly objects as varied as each family. Any materials that you use for hobbies need to be kept up and out of your dog's reach. Paints, game pieces, children's toys, small pillows, any of these objects can be potentially dangerous to your dog. And check your electrical cords to be sure they're tucked out of sight.

The Bedrooms. Children's bedrooms are especially tempting (and especially dangerous) because of all the small, chewable toys lying around, like rubber balls or even small toys and balloons. Adult bedrooms can have stockings and neckties that can be easily swallowed. And don't forget your medications! Keep all medications out of reach (because the childproof caps won't stop your dog!). Also, don't keep loose change and jewelry within reach of your puppy or dog.

The Garage. Your garage can be one of the most hazardous places for your pet. Aside from items like paint thinner, insecticides, and fertilizers, the garage tends to be a place where screws and nails can be lying about. The best advice: make the garage off-limits to your dog. The potential for injury is too great.

Buy a book on dog care. Of course, the suggestions listed here are very brief. You may want to invest in a good book on dog care. It's always a good idea to have a reference guide handy in case you need a quick answer on caring for your dog. A Good Book. A good book on puppy care and training is a "must read" for the new pet owner. It's best to read through the book before your bring your puppy home. Some great ones include Cesar Milan's How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond, and A Member of the Family: The Ultimate Guide to Living with a Happy, Healthy Dog. Brian Kilcommon has a wonderful book and DVD combo to help get you started with training your new puppy, My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD).

Dog Birthday Party Games and Activities

2010-03-08T10:55:00.001-06:00

The paw-ty invitations have been mailed, the paw print balloons are hanging, the paw print party hats are ready to be donned by 2-leggers and 4-leggers alike, the dog birthday cake has been baked and decorated, and the guests will be arriving any minute.
Now the fun can really begin, as you and your guests play games and enjoy the day together.

Tic-Tac-Toe. Using rope, spray paint, chalk, tape, etc, make a large tic-tac-toe board on the grass or pavement or even the living room floor. Guests are separated into two teams, one team is X, and one team is O. (Use your imagination to determine which team goes first....) The X team is the SITS team; the O team is the DOWN team.

To play the game, rotating between teams just as if playing on paper, the first team selects a spot on the "board" and the player and his dog must go to that spot, and either SIT or DOWN, depending on whether he is an X or an O. Each team then takes a turn until the first team has gotten 3 Xs or 3 Os in a row. (If neither team wins, it's a CAT!)

Alternate directions: Instead of SIT and DOWN, give each team player either an X or an O written on a piece of paper to designate his/her team.

Pin the Tail on the Cat. What's a dog party without a game like this??? Draw a cat (or find an image online and print it) without a tail. Attach the picture securely to a wall at a low level where the dog guests can reach it with their noses (and/or you can also attach one at human shoulder level).

Using a piece of string or ribbon with double-sided tape attached to one end, each guest must try to attempt to get his/her dog to attach the tail to the cat. Whichever "tail" ends up in the spot closest to where the tail belongs on a cat, is the winner. (If playing a human version, the humans must be blindfolded, and turned in circles before attempting to attach the cat's tail.)
(This game makes for some really fun video!!!)

Water Relay. Obviously a game for an outdoor dog party, this is great fun on a hot summer day.

To play, each "team" (dog + human/owner) has a small drinking cup, and a large bowl or container of water.

Line up the teams at one end of the yard, and place empty bowls or containers(smaller than the bowl that starts out filled with water) at the other end of the yard.

Using the small cup, each dog/human team scoops up water out of the large bowl, then races together to the other end of the yard and pours the water into the smaller bowl or container. The first team to fill up the smaller bowl or container wins!

Paw Painting. This is a fun activity, and the dog gets to keep his artwork as a souvenir! (Caution: Outside activity!)

Tape large sheets of paper on the patio or deck. Mix a bit of cornstarch, water, and food coloring to a smooth, runny consistency. Using a sponge, each guest applies the "paint" to his/ her dog's paws (you can do one paw at a time, or more) then let the dog walk/play/sit/lie/rollover on the paper until he determines that his artwork is complete.

The paint is safe for the dog, and can be rinsed off with a hose outside, or a quick dip in a kiddie pool (which is a great thing to have on hand for an outside paw-ty!).

Box - Watermelon - Alphabet - Ceiling fan. This fun game can also be called the "Shake That Thang" game, and makes for lots of laughs at a dog party.

Prepare a list of random vowels (like "Box, Watermelon, Alphabet, Ceiling Fan) and give a list to each team. To play, one at a time, a human guest must read/say the random words (using voice inflection and body language) to his/her dog companion in an attempt to get the dog to wag his tail (or, if he doesn't have a tail, then wag his hind end).

The dog that "shakes that thang" the wildest (based on the opinion of everyone), wins.

Doggie Dress-Up. Get your camera ready for this fun dog party game that can be played either inside or outside.

Using old clothing purchased at garage sales or Goodwill, in the center of the floor or yard, place a pile of clothing consisting of socks, shirts, and hats.

Guests are divided into two teams. Running like a relay race, when the starting judge says 'go' , one human/dog combination from each team races to the pile of clothing and quickly dresses his/her dog, using socks, a shirt, and a hat. Once dressed, the dog and human run back to their team, and the next set goes (if any clothing falls off the dog on the way back to the team, the couple must stop and the dog's garments reapplied before continuing).

The first team to get all of its players dressed and across the finish line, wins.

Do you know any fun dog party games you'd like to share?

Paw-ty on!

Woof!
~Lisa

New Puppy? A List of the Basic Must Haves

2010-03-06T06:43:00.000-06:00

So....you've got a new puppy!   Congratulations! I can't think of anything more exciting, honestly.   Or are you still looking, trying to find that "special someone" who catches your heart?

Whether you've already taken the plunge, or are preparing yourself in advance, you know that you'll need lots of dog supplies for your new puppy. And before you even bring little Fido or Spot home, it's helpful to have already purchased the basic dog supplies you'll need. These aren't optional extras, these are the basic dog supplies necessities that will help keep him happy and healthy. And by providing them, you'll be letting your new puppy know how important he is to you.

New Puppy Announcements. First things first! You're going to want to tell everyone about your new puppy, so be sure to take a look at BarkTalk.com's huge selection!

Puppy Food.   Buy a quality brand of dry puppy food. Check with your veterinarian for a brand he or she recommends. Don't skimp on the quality of your dog's food!   I recommend shopping at PETCO.com where you can find great deals and free shipping.

A Good Book.   A good book on puppy care and training is a "must read" for the new pet owner. It's best to read through the book before your bring your puppy home. Some great ones include Cesar Milan's How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond, and A Member of the Family: The Ultimate Guide to Living with a Happy, Healthy Dog. Brian Kilcommon has a wonderful book and DVD combo to help get you started with training your new puppy, My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD).

Dog Crate.. The crate is a must have! It will be his special place. Be sure to get the right size dog crate for your dog. Cover the bottom of the crate with newspaper for easy cleaning while Fido's still learning about potty-training (in case of accidents). Once he's got his bladder under control, you can switch to a crate pad or a piece of carpet to put in the bottom of the crate. And remember to put a chew toy or blanket or towel in the crate to make it cozy.

Flea and Tick Prevention. Fleas are the most common external parasites that affect our dogs And although ticks are not as common, they are potentially more dangerous, to us and to our dogs, because they can transmit such diseases as Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Preventing fleas and ticks is important to our dog's health.

Bedding Material.    Make sure it's easy to wash and made of strong, "hard to destroy" fabric.

Food and Water Bowls. Look for tip-proof, stainless steel or hard plastic dog dishes. Your dog will need at least two, one for food and one for water. We prefer 2 separate bowls, rather than a partitioned bowl, because it makes refilling the water easier. Bowls that are weighted on the bottom help keep Fido's dinner and water where they belong. Non-slip material on the bottom of the bowls is also a nice bonus.

Collar and Leash.    Be sure to get the right size collar for your puppy. Flat leather or nylon collars with buckles are good for most dogs, although rolled leather collars with buckles work better for dogs with long hair. Be sure to check your puppy's collar each week to make sure it hasn't become too tight! If you can slide two fingers between your pup and his collar, it's a good fit. We like retractable leashes. They're great for walks because they extend up to 15 or 20 feet if you're out in the open, but easily retract to whatever length you need at the push of a button. A retractable leash allows your dog plenty of room to explore, yet still keeps him safe and under your control.   BarkTalk.com has a wonderful selection of designer dog collars to choose from!

ID Tag. Every dog should have at least two tags attached to its collar: On one tag, put your name, address, and phone number. The other tag should be his numbered rabies vaccination tag.

Pet Gate. You'll probably want to purchase a pet gate to block doorways to any "off limits" rooms.

Dog toys. Toys are not an extra....they are a necessity. We believe toys are essential to your dog's happiness and well-being. Dogs not only have a blast playing with them, but the right toys keep your pet challenged, busy, and provide much needed exercise. Look for high-quality, safe chew toys, rubber balls or rubber bones, and sturdy stuffed sqeak toys. Rawhide toys are okay for an adult dog, but not for puppies, because he might break off a piece and swallow it whole. This could be dangerous!

Most of all, enjoy!

Woof!
~Lisa

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How To Start a Dog Boarding Kennel Business

2010-03-05T18:20:00.000-06:00

Now is the time to get started in the lucrative pet industry! Even with our economy slugging, experts predict an INCREASE in the amount of money people will spend on their pets.

If you're serious about a starting a dog boarding kennel business, then you can't go wrong with this video, The Boarding Kennel Business.

This video features expert advice from Jim Krack, Executive Director of the ABKA (American Boarding Kennels Association).

In this 55-minute video, we'll introduce you to all aspects of the boading kennel business. You’ll learn from the experts who will take you step by step and show what you can expect as a kennel owner. They’ll walk you through a typical day at their kennel and discuss such areas as marketing, operations, retail and advertising. This is video is a must for anyone considering opening a kennel.

Here are just some of the topics covered in our DVD:

How to attract and keep new clients
How to determine if a market exists in your area
Advertising and Marketing
What mistakes you must avoid
Proper safety for the pets in your care
How to make sure your business is profitable
Getting started: How much capital is required?
Other services you can offer which increase your income
Much, much more...

Read what one of our customers has to say about the Kennel Video:

"Hello! I wanted to let you know we already received and watched the Boarding Kennel Video. It covers every single beginner question we had. It is exactly what we hoped it would be! We can tell a lot went into making the video and we appreciate your offering it to people like us who are interested in starting a boarding kennel business. It has been a perfect first step. Thank you." –Peggy G., Gambrills, MD

If you've thought seriously of opening your own pet business but weren't sure if it was right for you, this video will help you evaluate this exciting opportunity and provide you the tools to get your pet care business started today.

In this video, you'll hear from the experts. They'll show you what you need to get started with your own pet care business today. And they'll provide you a candid look into what you can expect your lifestyle to be like as a pet care professional. Plus, you'll see incredible footage from successful facilities all over the country.

Woof!
~Lisa
http://www.barktalk.com/
Pet Greetings with Panache!
(We Speak Dog)

How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business

2010-03-04T11:34:00.001-06:00

How to Start a Pet Sitting Business.

Everyday someone asks me, “How do you start a pet-sitting business?” I try to answer their question succinctly. But the truth is, starting a pet-sitting business, or any business is not always a succinct process. Following are 21 tips that I know can lead to pet-care business success in any economy.

1. Accept what you don’t know. Not everyone who starts a pet-care business is an expert on every type of household pet. Be honest with clients who call requesting care for a pet you’ve never cared for. Your honesty and commitment to learning from them will go a long way in building long-term trust in you and your company.

2. Commit to learning about business. Unless you’ve run a series of successful small businesses before, you must create a self-education plan for yourself. No matter how much you love animals (and they love you) your business will flounder without attention to the mundane details of accounting, sales, marketing and filing.

3. Have a realistic budget. Set up a realistic budget for running your business. Be honest about how much money you need in order to pay your bills and invest in your business. Many pet-sitting businesses close because the owner did not evaluate how many visits they would need to perform in order to meet their basic financial needs.

4. Evaluate the competition. Make sure you understand what the other pet-sitters in your area are already doing, and what you can do better or more efficiently. If there are no other pet sitting companies in your area, find out what your potential customers currently do to care for their pets when they can’t be there.

5. Set realistic rates. Yes, you love pets and you can’t believe that you can get paid to have fun – that’s what a great many star athletes say too, yet they manage to make millions of dollars each year. You won’t likely be able to draw clients in by charging thousands of dollars for your services, but you won’t be able to serve pets well if you quit in 6 months because you need more money to survive.

6. Listen to pet-lovers. Ask pet owner’s what is most important about their pet’s care. Never imagine that you know everything – a pet owner always knows their pet best. Listen and you will learn how to serve them better.

7. Enjoy the people. I often joke that “Until that puppy can write a check, I work for his Mom!” And it’s true. The people who love their pets are your customers – even if you don’t see them. Check in with them and find out how they feel about your service. Make sure they understand that you are happy to work with them and you appreciate being part of their care giving ‘family.

8. Make business decisions. You are in business, so treat yourself like a business owner. If you intend to work as a sole proprietor, make a decision to work only with the clients that contribute the most to your bottom-line.

9. Build Alliances. Work with the other pet-sitters in your area. If you need a back-up or you are booked, you need to know the other quality caregivers who service your area. You can ruin your great reputation simply by recommending someone who doesn’t live up to your standards.

10. Build alliances with other small business owners in your area. Who better understands the ‘downside’ of pet ownership than the dry cleaner or housekeeping service in your neighborhood? Their businesses are based partially on the pet-owning clients in your area. Ask to place your cards in their shops, or if you can run put a flyer in their monthly bills sent to their clients.

11. Serve the client, not your ego. It’s a heady experience to feel the power of running a business and sometimes you will think you know what’s best when caring for someone else’s pets. Realize that you need to ride the fine line between educating customers and talking down to them.

12. Be genuine. Everyone wants to work with someone “real.” When people are making decisions about letting a stranger into their home to care for their most precious possession, they want to feel that you are a real human being with an understanding and appreciation of their relationship with their pet. You need to be a business person with a heart – have all your forms and policies in place, but let your personality shine through.

13. Believe in yourself. This is the most important success factor I have found. Define your success by your rules and wake up every day with the knowledge that you can and will succeed.

14. Ignore the naysayers. Plenty of people are going to doubt you when you tell them this is your goal. Don’t listen. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and never stop moving forward.

15. Create systems to work smarter. Everything can be systemized to help you get everything done. Make a list of all your ‘must dos’, ‘should dos’ and ‘want-to-dos’ and determine how often they happen (annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily). Sit down with a calendar and plug in the activities that will accomplish your lists.

16. Network. Just like building alliances, you need to step up your ‘face-time’ in your community. Investigate several networking opportunities in groups that are industry specific (like pet-rescue organizations, pet-sitter networks) and business or community specific (like the Chamber of Commerce, or NAWBO). After visiting several, select the ones that are most effective for your business – both in terms of referrals for new business and for educational purposes.

17. Evaluate. If something is working (or not) for you – find out why. Ask questions of everyone – your happy (and unhappy) clients. Find out what keeps happy customers coming back. If someone decides not to hire you for their pet’s care, ask them what influenced their decision. If their decision was based on an area where you can’t compromise - you won’t provide every other day service for cats – move on. If it’s something you can improve upon - they thought you were too abrupt on the phone – fix it! Get to the heart of what drives your business and take time each day to improve.

18. Set goals and action plans. You must know what your objectives are for you and your business. When you envision your life in a year, three years and ten years, what will you be doing? How will your business be running? Whether you intend to serve ten clients for life, or you want to establish the top pet-sitting franchise in North America and Europe – you need to have a goal and a plan.

19. Find your niche and stick to it. When I started peggiespets.com, I was intimidated by narrowing to a niche. By defining your niche and marketing to them, you are not turning away other business (our niche is big dogs and puppy potty training) you can continue to accept all the business you want that is outside of your niche (ask all the terriers, birds and rabbits we care for!).

20. Strive for success everyday. Never compromise your ideals to meet someone else’s expectations. The reason you started your own business is because of your passion, so always stand by your convictions and work hard to exceed your expectations each day.
NOTE: You’ll encounter people who don’t do business the way you do, and you’ll find clients that don’t live up to your expectations…don’t lecture, don’t get on your soapbox, just politely point them in a different direction.

21. Help someone else succeed. The more you give away, the more you will receive. Whether you are helping another pet-care business get started (with more than 65 million dogs and 77 million cats in American households according to APPMA– there’s room for more pet-care providers!) or you’re helping another person achieve their dream, you will be more successful because you participated!

Follow these tips to achieve your own brand of pet-care business success!

About The Author
Peggie Arvidson-Dailey is the founder of Pet Care Business University and the Pet-Care Business Success System™. She is the author of several articles on small business success and has been radio guest on “This Week in Small Business” on the topic of Customer Satisfaction. As a trainer and coach she has helped people across the country create and build the pet-care business of their dreams. Visit http://www.peggiespets.com/ for more information.

If you're serious about starting a Pet Sitting Business, or any other business in the dog care industry, check out our Pet Business Video Series

Woof!
~Lisa
http://www.barktalk.com/

Tell the world about your furry new addition to the family
with New Puppy Announcements from BarkTalk.com

New Paw-ty Invite Designs

2010-03-03T08:50:00.000-06:00

Are you ready to paw-ty??

Spring is in the air, and what could be more fun than a dog birthday paw-ty?

Check out the new designs I've been creating...paw-ty on!

(You can see all my dog birthday paw-ty designs at http://www.barktalk.com/)

Woof!
~Lisa
http://www.barktalk.com/

Home Remedies for Dogs

2010-03-03T06:29:00.000-06:00

"Home Remedies for Cats and Dogs" is the most up-to-date and complete guide available anywhere for how to care for cats and dogs using natural household products.

Knowing this information will save you hundreds of dollars!

Check it out today!

Woof!
~Lisa

http://www.BarkTalk.com
(We Speak Dog)

Tips for Planning the Paw-fect Dog Birthday Party

2008-08-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Dog birthday parties. It's really not such a far-fetched idea!
I mean, honestly...what took us so long? Our dogs are our babies. Our babies have birthdays. So let's celebrate!

Need some ideas to help make Fido's birthday bash a paw-ty that won't soon be forgotten? Read on for some great hints and tips about everything from location to invitations to decorations to fun games to treats.

Location, location, location. In the world of dog birthday parties, it's probably the first most important decision you'll need to make when planning the birthday bash. When choosing a location for your dog's shin-dig, you'll need to consider the size of the party you plan to have, as well as the size of your 4-legged guests!

Outdoor dog parties can be fun and rambunctious, and popular places range from your own backyard to an area dog park, obedience training center, even a doggie day care may have accomodations for a dog party (be sure to check to see if you need a reservation!). Remember, you'll need to consider the weather and have a back-up plan should you need to bring the festivities inside.

Inside dog birthday parties can be held in your own home, or check with a local doggie day spa for a fun day pampering your guests. Another fun place might be a local hotel or conference center that is “doggie friendly” or check with your favorite dog bakery to see if they have accommodations for a dog party. Either way, inside or outside, you must provide easy access to a place where your 4-legged guests can “take care of their business.” But just in case, be prepared for an indoor accident with appropriate cleaning supplies to quickly clean up the “spill.”

Guest list. After deciding the location of your dog's birthday party, the next important decision is the guest list. The number of guests you invite will be determined by where you've decided to host your dog's party. An outside gig will accommodate more dogs, naturally. If you're having your dog's party inside, keep the number small and manageable (and refer back to the paragraph above that reminds you to be prepared with appropriate cleaning supplies!).

It's extremely important that all the dogs that will be attending the party have socialized before, and you know for certain that they play well other dogs. Your living room isn't the ideal place for two dogs to work out which one is the alpha! And feel free to invite your friends who don't have dogs....as long as they love dogs, they will be a paw-fect fit to your celebration.

Invitations. Now that you've worked out the logistics, it's time for the fun part of selecting dog birthday party invitations! BarkTalk.com (http://www.barktalk.com/) is an online retailer that specializes in dog birthday party invitations. BarkTalk has a huge selection of invitations to choose from, and can even personalize any invitation. A gift idea, if you'd prefer that your guests not bring gifts, is to ask for a small donation for your local animal shelter.

Refreshments. While this is not at the top of our list, you can be sure it is at the top of your guests' list as the most important part of a dog birthday party! First, be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for your 4-legged guests, along with easy access. Consider having several containers or dog bowls brimming with fresh water, and be sure to refill frequently, especially if your dog's party is outside in the hot weather. If you're at a dog park, you may want to bring a cooler of bottled water to pass out to your thirsty guests. A great idea I've seen is to purchase an inexpensive dog bowl for each guest, personalize the bowl with the guest's name, and let your guests take these home after the party as a small thank you gift.

Birthday cake (or pup-cakes) is an essential for a dog birthday party! You can make these from scratch following recipes you can find on the internet, or order from your local pet bakery.
If you plan to feed your 2-legged guests a meal, be sure to plan a meal for the 4-leggers as well. If your dog's party is held outside and the humans are having a cook-out, perhaps a fresh-grilled burger for the dogs would be a special meal to celebrate special day. (Check with the dog's owner first to rule out any allergies or other unpleasant side effects.)

Dog Birthday Party Activities. And let the fun begin!

Fun inside dog birthday party games can include something as simple as providing each guest (the 4-legged kind) with a dog toy that can be filled with a special treat. That will usually keep them entertained for quite a while! A talent show showcasing each dog's special trick can also provide lots of laughs and is a great way to include everyone in the celebration. Another fun idea is to have a “look-alike” contest, where your guests vote which dog/human combination look the most alike. Or have your guests bring some dress-up clothes for their dogs, and have a beauty contest.

When you host your dog's birthday party outside, your games can be a bit more rambunctious. Think balls and frisbees! Ropes for tug-of-war! Relay races! Agility races! The possibilities are endless. It's a great idea, especially in hot weather, to have a small kiddie pool filled with cool water for your guests to refresh themselves in. Or toss a dog treat in the pool, and time your guests to see who can retrieve the treat the fastest!

Decorations and Paw-ty Favors. Your decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as you are comfortable with. (Paw print balloons and dog party hats are a must!) Why not consider having your party decorations double as a party favor to give your guests at the end of the day. Or use them as prizes for the winners of the games and activities that you and your guests play. Another great idea is to take a digital photo of your guests when they arrive at the party. Give your guests an inexpensive dog-themed photo frame at the end of the party, then mail your guest's photo when you send out your dog thank you cards.

Don't forget your manners! Just like mom taught you, you should always remember to send written thank you cards to all your guests. BarkTalk.com has a large selection of dog thank you cards that coordinate beautifully with your dog birthday party invitations!

_____________________

About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.barktalk.com/ specializing in dog parties. You'll find a huge selection of dog birthday party invitations, puppy shower invitations, dog wedding invitations, dog party favors, and even Holiday cards for dog lovers.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Puppy Shower

2008-08-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

It is becoming more and more common for people to remain single and childless. As a result, traditions are beginning to change. Since many people feel as if their dogs are their family, it seems only natural that new or expecting “puppy parents” would appreciate the gesture of a puppy shower. The result is a growing trend in puppy shower paraphernalia. And why not? Shouldn’t we extend such a wonderful tradition to shower these expectant new mothers and fathers with love?

Following are some tips to guide you in planning the perfect puppy shower:

While friends or family members may decide to host the puppy shower, it is just as acceptable for the new puppy parents to organize the event as well. And it can be scheduled to be held either before or after the puppy arrives. Holding the puppy shower after the puppy has arrived will give everyone the opportunity to meet him, as well as give the puppy an opportunity to meet, mix, and mingle with the puppy shower guests.

Once the guest list has been made, invitations need to be mailed. And trust me, nothing says “chic” like a professional, custom-made puppy shower invitation. (For the biggest, "chic-est" selection, check out http://www.BarkTalk.com/puppyshowerinvitations.html )

Now for the party itself. The whole reason for a puppy shower is to honor the new puppy parent. To help them feel special about their new family member. To provide them with some of the new puppy essentials that every new dog owner needs. But above all, you want the gathering to be fun!

It is definitely appropriate for the guests to bring gifts. Gift certificates are a wonderful choice, as the new puppy parents can use them to purchase necessities such as collars, food and water bowls, bedding, crates, and even puppy food. Most large pet supply retailers offer gift certificates, which can be purchased either online or in person at the store. In fact, many large pet supply retailers even offer gift registries, similar to bridal registries, which allow the new puppy parents to choose their favorite new puppy necessities.

The decorations for the puppy shower can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire. Paw print balloons are a simple, fun decoration and are available at http://www.barktalk.com/puppyshowerinvitations.html A trip to a local party supply store will no doubt result in a large selection of dog-themed table-ware and other dog-themed decorations. A fun idea for a centerpiece is a bone-shaped or fire-hydrant-shaped dog toy box. Then, when the puppy shower is over, the guest of honor can use the toy box to carry home the gifts, as well as use the toy box to store her new puppy’s toys.

Games are always a must at a puppy shower. Be imaginative and tailor the usual baby shower games to puppy themes. For example, a simple game of BINGO can be created using the new puppy’s name and dog-bone shaped game pieces.

The puppy shower menu will vary depending upon the time of day. If it’s a mid-afternoon puppy shower, simple snacks will suffice. However, if it’s a luncheon, be creative and cut sandwiches using a dog bone or fire hydrant shaped cookie cutter. Find human edible cookies in dog shapes like paw prints. Freeze ice cubes in fun shaped ice cube trays. Use ribbon with paw prints or fire hydrants to tie the tableware. And don’t rule out a casually elegant evening puppy shower, complete with scrumptious hors’ devours and fine vintage wine.

Remember, the reason for a puppy shower is to honor not only the new arrival, but to honor the new puppy parents, as well. This doesn’t just mean showering them with gifts to help ease some of the financial burden the naturally goes along with the adoption of a new puppy, but, more importantly, to provide a fun couple of hours to all in attendance

__________________

About the author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com, a website specializing in pet paw-ties. Dog birthdays, dog weddings, puppy showers, dog thank you cards, holiday cards for dog lovers, paw-ty hats and paw-ty balloons.

Neutering Your Dog

2007-07-20T05:50:00.000-05:00

Deciding whether or not to neuter your dog is an important responsibility, not just to your dog, but to your family and your community. Choosing to neuter your dog can make life easier both for dogs, and their owners.

Breeding is simply not an option for most dogs. However, if your dog is not neutered and is not allowed to breed, he or she can suffer from social problems and destructive behavior.

Neutered female dogs no longer experience heat cycles twice a year, nor unwanted pregnancies. Neutering your female dog will also help eliminate the mood swings associated with hormone production.

Neutered male dogs wander less. Additionally, they will empty their bladders because they are full, rather than to leave scent messages for other male dogs. And, although neutered male dogs will still retain their territorial guarding behavior, they are less likely to act in an aggressive manner with other male dogs.

Neutering is not without its drawbacks, but they are small compared to the alternative. The most common side effect of neutering your dog is weight gain, but this can be controlled by changing your dog's diet.

Neutering has little effect on your female dog's behavior, although in rare cases it can cause urinary incontinence.

As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to be sure that your dog is cared for properly, and this includes having him or her neutered to avoid unwanted pregancies.

~Lisa Pallardy
___________________________
http://www.barktalk.com/

Housetraining a puppy

2007-07-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

While housetraining your new puppy may seem like a daunting task, there are truly only three things you need to keep in mind:

Consistency
Realistic goals
Rewards for appropriate behavior

Fortunately, a dog is instinctively unwilling to soil its den (i.e., it's nest/bed/crate/house). To housetrain your puppy, then, you must teach your dog that it's den is actually the entire house.

You must be vigilant in training your puppy. Young puppies need to empty their bladders about once every hour, and especially after a meal, following play, exercise, excitement, or when waking up.

Pay attention to your dog's signs. Many dogs will start to run or circle, sniffing the floor. When you see these signs, immediately take your dog to the acceptable spot for him to do his business, either outside, or, if you don't have easy access to outdoors (for instance, apartment dwellers), then choose an area in your home or apartment where it is acceptable for your dog to eliminate.

If remaining inside, be sure this place is easy to clean, and away from distractions. Lay down a plastic sheeting and cover it with newspaper, or use a litter tray or commercial disposable pet pad.

Once you've taken your puppy to his appropriate place, be still and silent while he goes about his business. As soon as he begins to relieve himself, reassuringly speak a word (or words) that you've chosen to associate with this good behavior, and use this word or words consistently. Eventually, your dog will associate this word or phrase with their need to go.

After your puppy has finished, give lots of praise!

Accidents will happen! When you see your dog relieving himself in the house, get his attention by calling his name and attracting him to the door or the designated area inside. Encourage your puppy to follow you to the appropriate place, and then allow him to finish his business. Keep him in another room while you clean up his mess, and DO NOT punish him.....it's too late at this point for your dog to understand that the punishment is related to his relieving himself in the house, and he may think he's being punished for going where he was supposed to!

~Lisa Pallardy

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Read more articles about dog care and training at http://www.barktalk.com/

How long can I leave my dog at home alone?

2007-07-16T07:07:00.000-05:00

By far, one of the most frequently asked questions that one needs to consider before making the important decision about dog ownership, is how much time will you have to be with your dog? Do you work all day? Will your dog be left alone for eight or more hours each day? Does your job require you to travel? If so, who will care for your dog while you're gone? Is there someone home during the time when you are at work, so your dog won't be alone for hours at a time? Do you live close enough to your work that you can come home during the day, perhaps at lunch, to spend some time with your dog?

Dogs are social animals. Spending large amounts of time alone can be difficult for them, causing them anxiety that could lead to inappropriate behavior, such as urinating or defacating in the house, destructive behavior, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, even depression.

Imagine for a moment the first time you left home for any length of time when you were a child....whether it was summer camp, a sleep-over at a friend's or cousin's house, or even your first day of school. No doubt, you were inundated with feelings of distress, restlessness, inability to concentrate, irritability, even physical ailments such as a stomach ache.

Your new puppy experiences these same feelings when separated from his "people" for prolonged periods of time.

When your brand new puppy is taken from his mother and siblings to live with you, he experiences his first pains of separation. When he wakes in the middle of the night for the first few nights, he is fearful and confused....where am I? Where is my mother? Where are my littermates?

Fortunately, however, your new puppywill quickly transfer his attachment from his dog family to his new human family. And usually, within a few weeks (sometimes months), your puppy will learn to be seaparated from his people for short periods of time without any undue suffering.

Sometimes, however, this isn't the case. Some dogs, for many reasons, never learn how to cope with separation, and each and every time you leave your dog alone, he is filled with inexplicable anguish. And in today's world, where most everyone is always on the go, if your dog is unable to adjust to being alone, he -- and you --- could be in for a world of agony.

The best way to teach your dog to be alone, is to start early when he is a new puppy; however, if you adopt an older dog, he, too, will benefit from being taught immediately about the inevitable fact of being left alone.

First, give your new puppy a few days to get used to his new environment. Then, once he seems comfortable with you and with his new home, "stage" a calm departure, even if you just leave the house to go outside for a few minutes, and then come right back in. When you come back into the house, casually greet your dog, and then go about your business. Continue this over the next week or so, gradually increasing the amount of time that you are gone, until it's normal for him to know that you may be gone an entire day, but that it's no big deal.....you will return.

Remember, dogs are social animals, and need social interaction. If we want our dog to respond calmly, we need to act calmly. A dog who is gradually made accustomed to being left alone in a calm manner, is less likely to become noisy and destructive when left home alone.

~Lisa Pallardy
_______________________--
Read more articles on dog care and training at http://www.Barktalk.com

Choosing a Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

2007-07-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Summer time means vacation time for many families. And while we would all love to take our dogs with us (because, after all, they are members of our family , too), we know that doing so isn’t always practical.

If you decide you need to leave your dog behind while you travel this vacation season, a boarding kennel can give your four-legged baby top-quality care, plus give you peace of mind knowing that s/he is well taken care of while you’re away.

The first thing to consider when choosing a boarding kennel is to plan ahead. Good kennels tend to fill up fast, so you’ll want to decide on a kennel well in advance to be sure the kennel will be available to keep your dog on the dates you’ll be gone.

The best source for finding a good kennel is to ask for recommendations from people you know. Check with family, friends, neighbors, even your vet. Once you’ve got a few recommendations, however, it’s important that you do your own background check.

Although it may seem incredibly time-consuming, it’s extremely important that personally visit each kennel you are considering so that you can properly evaluate its conditions. You’ll want to be sure the kennel looks and smells clean, and that there is adequate ventilation, as well as light. You’ll want to make sure the temperature in the kennel isn’t too warm, or to cold. Verify that all pets that are kept at the kennel are required to be current on their vaccinations, including the vaccine for kennel cough.

Check that each dog has his own indoor/outdoor run. If there is no outdoor run, ask the kennel staff about any set schedule for providing exercise for your dog. You’ll also want to check that adequate bedding is provided for your dog. And if the floor is concrete, be sure the bedding is up off the concrete floor.

If your state requires boarding kennel inspections, make sure you see a license or certificate displayed which shows that the kennel meets the state mandated requirements.

Check with the kennel staff to find out if the kennel is a member of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA). This is a trade association that was founded by kennel owners and operators to promote professional standards of pet care. To become a member of this association, kennel owners are required to follow a strict code of ethics.

Ask the kennel owner about his/her procedure in the event of an emergency, and find out if any other services are available for your dog while you’re away, such as bathing and/or grooming. And be sure to discuss with the staff any medical or behavioral problems about your dog that may be important.

It’s also extremely important that you understand exactly how the kennel’s rates are calculated!

You’ll also want to check with your local Better Business Bureau to be sure no complaints have been filed against the kennel you are considering.

Once you’ve decided on a kennel, you’ll want to take some time to prepare your dog. Be sure s/he knows basic commands and is well socialized. If you’re planning a log vacation (a week or more), it’s a good idea to consider boarding your dog for a 2-3 day “practice” run. This is a good way to find any potential problems (either with your dog or with the kennel) before leaving your dog for an extended period of time.

When the day arrives, you’ll want to remember to pack any medication your dog may be taking. If your dog is on a special diet, remember to include enough food for his entire stay.
Type up a list of emergency contact phone numbers to give to the kennel staff, including your vet’s phone number, your phone number, and the name and phone number of a friend or relative who lives in the area who is willing to be a “back-up” in case you can’t be reached.

When you arrive at the kennel, it’s always a good idea to go over a quick reminder of any medical or behavioral issues with the staff. Although you’ve previously advised them of any of these issues, and it is written down in your dog’s chart, a quick verbal reminder is a good idea.
Now, just hand your dog over to the staff, say a brief good-bye, and promptly leave. Just as with a child, a long, drawn-out, emotional departure will only cause your dog to become confused and upset.

You’ve done your research and found the best possible care for your beloved dog. Now trust that he’s in good hands and will be well taken care of. Go have a good time!

~Lisa Pallardy
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Traveling With Your Dog by Car

2007-07-14T06:26:00.001-05:00

We all know how excited our dogs get when we excitedly shake the car keys and ask them if they want to go for a ride. However, riding in the car for more than a couple of hours is stressful for most dogs. It takes them away from what is familiar and subjects them to a completely new environment.

If you plan to take your dog with you on a trip that involves a lot of traveling, the Humane Society of the United States suggests the following tips to help reduce your dog's stress, as well as some real risks that may be involved in traveling with your dog:

Several weeks before taking your dog on a long trip (more than a few hours), begin familiarizing him with car travel by taking him on frequent small trips, gradually lengthening the travel time.
Be sure to establish firm car routines, such as where your dog will sit, whether or not you will use a crate, and whether or not he will be allowed to play with a favorite toy while traveling.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure he is healthy. If you are traveling out of state, it's also a good idea to ask your vet for a "health certificate." This document verifies that your dog has been examined within the past 10 days, and that in the vet's opinion is in good health and free of communicable diseases.
Be sure your dog us up-to-date on all vaccinations.
If your dog is a nervous traveler, talk with your vet about whether or not it is advisable to give your dog a sedative or tranquilizer. If a sedative or tranquilizer is recommended and/or prescribed, try giving it to your dog a week or so before your trip so you can monitor your dog's reaction to it while still home and close to your vet.
Be sure to pack your dog's regular food, and even bring water from home. Give your dog small meals to avoid upset stomach.
While traveling, try to stop for exercise at the usual times during the day when you usually exercise your dog so that he can stay close to his regular schedule. While your dog is outside of your car, be sure you have a firm grip on his leash in case he becomes startled and tries to run away. And it's extremely important that your dog is always wearing identification that lists your address and phone number, both your home, and your cell (or the phone number of where you are going).
NEVER leave your dog alone in the car!
Try not to leave your dog alone often when you reach your destination. Remember, he's in a strange place, doesn't understand that you will be coming back, and he may become extremely nervous in your absence, resulting in inappropriate behavior while you're gone.

While we love our dogs and want to take them with us wherever we go, it's important to consider your dog when making travel plans, and determine if he might not be better off staying at home, with a good friend to visit and care for him in your absence. Or, if staying at home isn't practical, find a good boarding facility to leave your dog.

Next blog.... What to look for when boarding your dog.

~Lisa Pallardy

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Read more articles on dog care and training at http://www.barktalk.com/

The Importance of Toys for Your Dog

2007-07-12T07:40:00.000-05:00

Dog toys.

If you're a veteran dog owner, no doubt your house is scattered with various dog toys: those that squeak, those that are just for chewing, those for a raucous game of tug-of-war, and those to be chased.

But did you know that toys are among the most important items you can provide for your dog?

It's best, however, not to overwhelm your dog with too many toys at once. For example, chewable toys belong only to your dog. They are the toy(s) he plays with on his own, without any interaction from you. However, the squeak toys and chase toys and tug-of-war toys should belong to YOU, not your dog. So keep them out of sight, except when you're ready to play with your dog. This makes them much more interesting and exciting for your dog.

Plus, by only brining out interactive toys when it's time for interactive play, which not only encourages bonding with your dog, but also is good strength training, it also helps communicate to your dog that the toys belong to you, and that you are in charge -- an important lesson for a new puppy to learn while finding his place in the "pack."

Be careful to never give your dog an old shoe or slipper to play with as a chew toy! He can't tell the difference between an old shoe and your brand new, $280 Stuart Weitzman pumps, and will have just as much fun with the expensive pair of shoes!

While it's imporant that you don't overwhelm your new puppy with too many toys, be sure he or she has a few toys to play with individually, or s/he will create his/her own chew toys from items around your home, such as table legs, throw rugs, shoes, electrical cords, and yes, even your dirty underwear.

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Read more articles about dog care and training at http://www.barktalk.com/

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How to Give Medicine to Your Dog

2007-07-11T05:57:00.001-05:00

How to give your dog a pill

If you've ever attempted to give your dog a pill, then you know this is no easy feat!

The simplest way to give medicine to your dog is to hide it in his food. In fact, there are commercially available dog treats that are hollow on the inside, made just for this purpose. However, if you don't have a hollow dog treat available, then your next best bet is to hide the pill in a piece of meat or bread that has been coated with peanut butter. (Always check with your vet first, however, because some foods should not be given with certain types of medicine.)

If the "hide the dog's pill in his food" method doesn't work, you may have to give the pill directly by mouth. (Don't try this if you think your dog may bite you!):

Tell your dog to sit. Then, while opening his mouth with one hand, hold his head upward and drop the pill as far as possible into the back of his throat, over the hump of his tongue.
Next, while gently holding your dog's head up at a slight angle, close his mouth and carefully massage his throat. When you see him swallow and then lick his lips, you'll know the pill has successfully been ingested.
Praise your dog for his good behavior!

If after several attempts, you simply cannot get your dog to swallow a pill, call your vet and find out if your dog's medication is available in liquid form, which can more easily be syringed into your dog's mouth.

How to give your dog liquid medicine

Give a liquid medication to your dog entails a slightly different technique than giving him a pill.

After telling your dog to sit, hold his upper jaw (just as you would for giving him a pill); however, keep his head level, rather than tipping it upward, so he won't choke.
Place the syringe filled with medicine along the side of his mouth, between his teeth and gum, and squirt the medicine into his mouth. (Don't attempt to squirt medicine into the back of his throat! It could go down his windpipe and cause him to choke.)
Close your dog's mouth and gently rub his throat until he swallows.
Praise your dog for his good behavior.

Most important, be sure to give medicine to your dog exactly as your veterinarian prescribes, and continue giving it until it is completely gone, even if your dog appears to feel better.

~Lisa Pallardy
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Read more articles about dog care and training at http://www.barktalk.com/

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Why does my dog fart so much?

2007-07-10T08:21:00.001-05:00

Okay, it's a funny title, but many pet owners want to know!

Flatulence (the polite term for "fart"), as well as burping, is usually caused when your dog swallows too much air when eating quickly. The same thing happens with humans.

Your dog's diet could also be contributing to his excessive farting. Foods that contain soy, and other foods that are highly fermentable, as well as uncooked greens, can all cause excessive flatulence in your dog.

To help reduce the farting problem, try feeding your dog several small meals of low-fiber food that is easy to digest. There are also some over-the-counter products, such as activated charcoal and simethicone (OTC strength), that help absorb excess intestinal gas.

If your dog doesn't appear to be in pain, then his flatulence problem is probably more of a concern for you than it is for him!

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Read more informative articles about dog care and training at http://www.BarkTalk.com

Qualities of a Good Veterinarian

2007-07-09T06:48:00.000-05:00

One of the most important duties as a pet owner is finding a veterinarian to see to the medical care of your dog. There are many veterinarians, with many different philosophies; the key is to determine what your priorities are regarding your dog's medical treatment, and then to find a veterinarian who respects and/or agrees with your priorities. This can be a difficult process!

While it would be ideal to find a veterinarian who is honest, punctual, easy to get along with, willing to accomodate you, loves your dog, has all the best, newest, and top-of-the-line diagnosing and treatment equipment, whose office is close to where you live, has reasonable prices, is available 24 hours a day, and has an incredible support staff that mirrors all of these great qualities, the reality is, you may have to choose from among the qualities that are most important to you, and then find a veterinarian who is the best match for you and your dog.

Once you've determined which traits and qualities in a veterinarian are important to you, the best place to start for a truly objective opinion is other patients. Talk to friends and ask about their veterinarians. Are they happy with the service they receive? Is their vet caring and considerate of their opinions, providing various medical treatment options? Or does he make choices for them, and simply tell them what to do? What is his/her philosophy on end of life issues? Will he/she do whatever it takes to save your pet, regardless of the expense? Or does s/he believe that diagnosing and treating an older dog is a waste of medical resources? What is YOUR opinion on this topic?

The answers to what is important to you are neither right or wrong. It is simply important that your veterinarian share these beliefs with you if you want to find the best possible care for your dog.

It is extremely important that you feel comfortable with the veterinarian you choose, so that you aren't intimidated and unlikely to ask important questions about the care of your dog.

Before deciding on a veterinarian, it's best to visit their facility and ask for a tour. Is the facility clean and well lighted? Is the staff friendly and accomodating?

Once you've narrowed down your selection, schedule a "new patient" appointment with the veterinarian so you'll have an opportunity to observe him/her actually interacting with your dog. Additionally, the vet will have the chance to meet your dog as a healthy, thriving pet, and would, therefore, have something to compare it to later, if you take your dog in because of a medical problem.

Similar to finding your own personal physician, finding a veterinarian involves lots of questions, but also "gut feelings." If you aren't comfortable, if you feel intimidated, if you don't like the way the facility looks or "feels," if the staff isn't friendly and accomdating, if any of these things triggers a "bad feeling" with you, it's best to trust that feeling and look for another veterinarian who more closely matches your beliefs and philosopies regarding the care and treatment of your best friend.

~ Lisa Pallardy
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For more informative articles on dog care and training, visit http://www.BarkTalk.com

Need a gift for your dog? Need a gift for a dog-lover in your life? Looking for a t-shirt for a dog lover? Throwing a birthday party for your dog? Visit BarkTalk.com for all your pet needs!

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

2007-07-08T07:11:00.000-05:00

As the mercury rises, it’s extremely important to make sure your dog is safe. Dogs can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, even sunburn!

Following are some tips to help keep your dog safe in the hot weather:

Exercise is just as important in the summer, but do it early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s not as hot or humid.
Be sure your dog has lots of shade. It’s always a good idea to bring your dog inside in a cool house during the hottest part of the day.
WATER, WATER, WATER! Be sure your dog’s water bowl is kept filled with COOL, clean water.
NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER leave your dog alone in a car! Even if you leave the windows cracked, and park in the shade. A parked car can rise to dangerous temperatures in only a matter of minutes, causing heat stroke or exhaustion, resulting in death.
Elderly and/or overweight dogs or dogs with illnesses such as heart or lung disease will need even extra special care in hot weather. And certain breeds, including pugs, bulldogs, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, also need extra attention on hot days.

If your dog appears to be showing signs of heat stroke or exhaustion (listless, panting, disoriented), take him to your vet immediately!
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~Lisa
Lisa Pallardy, President
BarkTalk
http://www.barktalk.com/
Pet Greetings with Panache

How to Give Your Dog a Bath

2007-07-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Dr. Karen L. Campbell, DVM, author of The Pet Lover's Guide to Cat & Dog Skin Diseases (2006, Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO), offers the following tips and guidelines for the best way to bathe your dog:

Dilute the shampoo with 5 to 10 parts water before starting (this will make it easier to distribute the shampoo over your dog's hair coat.

The ideal water temperature for giving your dog a bath is between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wet your dog's entire coat thoroughly (a spray nozzle works best)

Apply the diluted shampoo over your dog's entire coat. If your dog is short-haired, you can rub the shampoo into his coat; if your dog is long-haired, then squeeze the shampoo through his hair to avoid matting

Use a washcloth to carefully clean around your dog's face, being careful to avoid his eyes and ears.

If you're using a medicated shampoo, for best results, leave the shampoo in contact with your dog's skin for at least 10 minutes

Rinse your dog's coat thoroughly to avoid skin irritation, and pay special attention to the groin, the underside of the tail, and the feet (where shampoo residue often collects)

Squeeze excess water from your dog's coat using your hands, then gently blot with a towel.

Gently brushing your dog's coat as it dries will remove tangles and help "fluff" his coat

If you use a hair dryer on your dog, be sure to keep the heat setting on low to avoid damaging your dog's hair, or irritating his skin

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Read more articles about dog care at http://www.barktalk.com/

Woof!
~Lisa

Need a gift for the dog lover in your life? Check out my exclusive line of T-shirts for dog lovers.
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Dog Trainers: Tips to Find the Best Fit for You and Your Dog

2007-07-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A GOOD TRAINER FOR YOUR DOG
When you train together, you and your dog learn to work together as a team. When seeking a dog trainer, keep these tips in mind:

A good dog trainer knows several different ways to teach a rule
A good dog trainer understands your dog's temperament
A good dog trainer understands what is motivating your dog's undesirable behaviors
A good dog trainer appreciates your preferences
A good dog trainer chooses a training style that best fits you and your dog
A good dog trainer continually re-evaluates and makes customized adjustments throughout the training process

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Keeping Kids Safe Around Dogs

2006-11-14T05:55:00.000-06:00

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If you've got a new puppy, you're gonna love our selection of New Puppy Announcements! Check them out at http://www.BarkTalk.com/adoptioncatalog.html We have the largest selection available on the internet, all cust0mized and personalized at no extra cost!

KEEPING KIDS SAFE AROUND DOGS

Dogs and kids can live together harmoniously, if the situationis properly understood and carefully handled. Friendships between dogs and kids are both wonderful and character building for the children.

Most dog bites inflicted on kids are by the family pet, or a neighbours dog. It is not that the dog is aggressive, it is just that Mums and Dads do not understand that children, and particularly babies, act very differently to adults, and it is this unusual behaviour that upsets the dogs.

My own children were brought up with German Shepherds, supposedly well know as aggressive dogs. The dogs were fairly anti-social to strangers but to the family they were totally trust worthy. I like to think that it was because I taught the kids to behave properly around and towards the dogs.

When dogs and kids are living together it is the kids that need to be taught to treat all dogs with the greatest respect, and to understand that dogs are not toys. As soon as babies are crawling they need to be told to be kind to the family dog. Puppies are never too young to learn, neither are babies.

If you have just acquired a new puppy do not let it chew you or play nip, good training for when it is a fully grown dog.

Dogs protect all things that they care about, whether that be the house, their diner, the car, their bed, kids have to understand to leave dogs alone at certain times or certain places. Some dogs are, by nature, herding dogs, so these may chase a child if it runs away. This could excite the dog to attack. Some dogs would get defensive if they are cornered or have someone standing over them. Kids should be taught to not scream, cuddle the dog tightly or pinch them. It should be remembered that as a dog gets older it could become less tolerant, so the family dog that has always been so good with the kids suddenly nips a child.

Old dogs get deaf so cannot hear a child approaching, so may nip out of surprise. It is not the dog’s fault!

Kids need to be told to never approach a strange dog, without asking permission. If the dog is out without it’s owner leave it alone. To always approach in a steady quiet manor. No teasing, yelling, hugging, pinching, pulling or chasing. Always leave mothers with young alone. Never try to stop a dogfight! If you are approached by a strange dog, stand still; let the dog sniff you, no wriggling fingers, put them in your pocket ifyou have one. Do not stare at the dog, and never run away. If the dog is barking or growling, slowly walk away, keepingthe dog in view. Be sure your kids understand the difference between your owndog and a strange dog.

It is wise to never leave a baby or very young children alone together, no matter how well you think you know the dog.

This all sounds a little forbidding but dogs and kids really can have lots of fun together.

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About The Author: I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning totrain from my mother who trained to county level. Over the years I have found that the old ways of training are not always the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the younger the dog, the easier it is to train.http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz

Check out these terrific kids' tshirts!

2006-07-12T05:43:00.000-05:00

I've created an new line of DOG LOVER APPAREL, my favorite being the "I'm the big sister!" and "I'm the big brother" t-shirts. These t-shirts are available exclusively at BarkTalk.com.

The "big brother/big sister" t-shirts are available in sizes 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, Youth Small 6-8, Youth Medium 10-12, and Youth Large 14-16. The little boy or little girl can be personalized with hair color and skin color, AND the child's name can be printed on the front of the boy's overalls or the girl's dress. The image is almost 10 full inches tall and printed on the front of the t-shirt.

The children's short sleeve t-shirts sell for just $16.50 (+ S&H). I gotta tell you, as a mom who recently adopted a new puppy, my kids went WILD for these! They want to wear them all the time! Here's where you can buy them..... http://www.BarkTalk.com/tshirtsfordoglovers.html (you'll need to scroll down to see the kids' tshirts).

Nutrition and Your Dog -- How to Raise a Healthy Dog

2006-06-08T20:34:00.000-05:00

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Your dog depends on you for all his nutritional requirements. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy pet to help resist disease and illness, to maintain a lean, healthy weight, and to give your furry friend a shiny coat.

Each dog is different, and your dog's lifestyle (active or sedentary? young or old? hunting dog? racing dog? lap dog? healthy? pregnant?) is the main factor in determining his individual nutritional requirements.

When to feed your dog is an important first question. Puppies need lots of calories every day because they are growing so quickly. It's best to feed puppies small meals several times a day at first. Most adult dogs only need to eat once a day to sustain their energy and nutrient levels. If you work all day and no one is home with your dog, it's probably best to feed him in the evening, so you'll be able to let him out after he eats. But a morning feeding schedule is fine if someone is home with your dog during the day.

Whatever time of day you choose to feed your dog, there are six basic nutrients that he must eat every dy to balance his particular needs: water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins.

Water is key. Your new best friend needs plenty of fresh water daily...it is one of the most important things you can provide your dog. While a dog can go without food for a while, he will quickly dehydrate without water. This is especially important during the summer months when your dog is outside in the heat. We can't stress enough how important it is to ALWAYS have a fresh bowl of water available for your dog. (A medium size dogs requires about two quarts of water each day!)

If your dog is a normal, active, healthy dog, he only needs a small amount of protein daily. However, young and active dogs need more protein for growth, and older active dogs need more protein as well. The proteins you feed your dog need to come from an animal source.
Carbohydrates help provide your dog with energy, as well as help keep the intestines functioning properly. Most commercial dog foods use corn as their source of carbohydrates. As important as carbs are, however, they should make up no more than about 50% of Fido's diet.
Fats are an essential part of Fido's diet, but they need to be properly balanced with other nutrients. If you're feeding your dog the proper amount of a good, commercial dog food, he should be getting the right amount of fat in his diet.

Your dog doesn't really need a lot of minerals. As long as you feed him a complete, balanced diet, there is no need to supplement with minerals. Most commercial dog foods will provide him with all the minerals he needs.

Dogs require the same vitamins from their food as you do, except for Vitamin C (dogs are able to make their own Vitamin C). Vitamins that are water soluable (such as the B vitamins) need to be replenished every day. Fat-soluable vitamins (like A, E, K, and D) stay in your dog's system longer. It's important that your dog maintain a healthy diet to keep him from developing serious health problems.

For more specific information on the nutritional needs of your dog, talk with your vet.

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** Read more articles on dog care and training **
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Father's Day Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers and More!

2006-06-06T17:49:00.000-05:00

I have come across some of the most amazing, unique Father's Day gift ideas!

Like this Father/Son Shoes Print - $24.95 or the My Daddy's Hand Keepsake Print - $24.95

If Dad is a "boxer" man, I've put together a huge selection of men's boxer shorts, including boxer gift sets like the Golf Boxer Shorts Gift Set for Men - $13.99, or the
I Love Dad Boxer Shorts for Men - $9.99,
Super Dad Boxer Shorts for Men - $9.99, or
World's Greatest Dad Boxer Shorts for Men - $9.99

And, of course, if Dad loves DOGS, I've put together some great dog-themed gift ideas as well!

You can see everything here..... http://www.BarkTalk.com/fathersdaygifts.html

Happy Shopping!

Woof!

~Lisa

Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Dog

2006-06-05T19:18:00.000-05:00

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Much more information is available about

vaccinations and veterinary care at our recommended reading page.

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Dog-Proofing Your Home: Keeping Your Dog Safe From Household Dangers

2006-06-04T06:39:00.000-05:00

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Dr. Robert Linnabary, D.V.M., an instructor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, recommends using the same precautions for a dog that you would for children. "But remember that dogs are better at breaking open bottles and boxes."

Here are some suggestions for making (and keeping) your dog safe in his new home:

The Kitchen. Remember that dogs have very agile paws and determined muzzles, so keep your cleaning supplies locked away. A good idea is to install childproof locks on cabinets where you store your cleaning supplies, or move them to a high shelf. Also, keep the garbage can safely stored away, or buy one with a tight-fitting lid. Garbage (such as chicken bones) can be stored in the freezer until garbage day. And PLEASE REMEMBER, as much as we humans love chocolate, it contains a stimulant (theobromine) which can make dogs very, seriously ill. And you'll want to keep towels and dish cloths out of your puppy's reach, because if your dog chews on it and swallows a big enough piece, it could cause an intestinal obstruction.

The Bathroom. Dogs love to explore the bathroom, but they can discover alluring tastes they'll be unable to resist. Soaps and good-smelling bottles of lotions and shampoos should be kept out of your puppy's reach, as well as any children's tub toys. And sanitary napkins and tampons can be a bit problem, because of their high absorbancy, if they get inside your puppy's intestinal tract. And don't forget to move any cleaning powders and disinfectants up out of your puppy's reach. And remember to keep your toilet lid down to keep your dog from drinking the unsanitary water.

The Family Room. The family room in your home can be filled with dog-unfriendly objects as varied as each family. Any materials that you use for hobbies need to be kept up and out of your dog's reach. Paints, game pieces, children's toys, small pillows, any of these objects can be potentially dangerous to your dog. And check your electrical cords to be sure they're tucked out of sight.

The Bedrooms. Children's bedrooms are especially tempting (and especially dangerous) because of all the small, chewable toys lying around, like rubber balls or even small toys and balloons. Adult bedrooms can have stockings and neckties that can be easily swallowed. And don't forget your medications! Keep all medications out of reach (because the childproof caps won't stop your dog!). Also, don't keep loose change and jewelry within reach of your puppy or dog.

The Garage. Your garage can be one of the most hazardous places for your pet. Aside from items like paint thinner, insecticides, and fertilizers, the garage tends to be a place where screws and nails can be lying about. The best advice: make the garage off-limits to your dog. The potential for injury is too great.

Buy a book on dog care. Of course, the suggestions listed here are very brief. You may want to invest in a good book on dog care. It's always a good idea to have a reference guide handy in case you need a quick answer on caring for your dog. We offer many suggestions on our recommended reading page.

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Greenies Dental Treats Greenies are a chewy highly nutritious treat proven effective in preventing buildup of dental tartar. Greenies are formulated with ingredients to diminish odors & bacteria plus strengthen gums and hence extend the life of your dog!

Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray For immediate relief without a mess or hassle. Kills and repels fleas, ticks and mosquitoes plus an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to keep flea eggs from hatching.

Start a profitable Dog Bakery Business.

Dog Tired: Getting Through The First Night Home with Your New Puppy

2006-06-04T06:31:00.000-05:00

Opinions vary over the best place for your dog to sleep. The best advice: start a puppy off in the room you eventually want him to sleep in. Want to let your new puppy sleep in your bed? Lots of people do, but be warned: This will very quickly become a habit! If Fido gets to sleep with you as a new puppy, plan on having Fido in your bed for life (unless, of course, you want to retrain a grown adult dog!).

Many experts recommend that your puppy sleep in a crate. To some, that may seem cruel, but a roomy crate that's the right size for your dog can end up being his favorite place. Janet Lalonde, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Alexandria, Ontario, believes that for a puppy, a crate really is the best sleeping place. "It dramatically reduces house-training problems and destructive chewing until the pup has grown into a dependable adult."
Your little guy is going to be terrified the first few nights -- he's missing his mother and siblings, and he hasn't bonded yet with you. So, yes, he's going to cry and whine, and there's a good chance neither one of you will get much sleep for a few nights!

One solultion is to try putting his crate next to your bed so you can put your fingers into his crate to calm and soothe him.

Another good place for your dog's bed is the kitchen because it's quiet at night. A basement is also a good place, especially if your puppy is going to grow into a large dog!

Wherever you decide will be the sleeping place for your puppy, be sure it's safe, comfortable, and warm, and that it's not near any drafts.

For more information on taking care of your new puppy, take a look at our recommended reading list. There you'll find lots of resources to help you be a terrific dog owner -- with a terrific dog.

1-800-PetMeds - Get the *Guaranteed Lowest Prices* and Free Shipping for all your Pet's Health Care needs! Frontline, Advantage, Heartgard, and more!

Tips for Keeping Safe Around Dogs

2006-05-23T05:49:00.000-05:00

Dogs are our best friends. Our faithful companions. Our four-legged fur babies. Although most of us know that dogs communicate by wagging their tails, barking, licking, and whining, they also sometimes communicate by biting! In fact, every year dogs bite about 4.7 million people, most of them children. That’s why it’s important to know what to do to stay safe when you encounter a dog you don’t know, and even how to behave around a dog you are familiar with.

If you encounter a strange dog, and the owner is with the dog, first as for permission to pet the animal. Never approach a dog you don’t know, and don’t stick your hand out so he can sniff it! The dog may interpret your actions as a threat. Instead, stand perfectly still. If the dog’s owner says it’s okay to pet the dog, it’s best to pet him on his upper body, but avoid his head. A hand coming toward a dog’s head could again be perceived as a threat to the animal. Teach your children not to hug a strange dog. Dogs are pack animals, and a dog interprets covering another’s body with establishing dominance. Even a friendly dog could suddenly snap.

Many of us have been taught that a dog wags his tail when he’s happy. Actually, a dog wags his tail when he’s excited…..but the excitement isn’t always good. A low, horizontal wag that causes a dog’s entire back end to move is an indication of a friendly, happy, “good excited” dog. However, stay clear of a dog that is stiffly wagging his tail high in the air. He is nervous and could turn on you without warning.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where a dog begins to attack you, your size will help establish your dominance over the dog, so it’s best to stand as tall as you can and avoid direct eye contact. If you are knocked to the ground, however, stay as quiet as possible, and use your hands to cover your ears for protection. The attacking dog may see this position as a sign of submission and simply walk away.

It’s important to remember that even your family dog could bite. While it’s unusual, it’s not unheard of. It’s best not to leave young children alone with a dog. Because of their smaller size, children are not perceived as dominant to a dog, and a child’s sudden movement could cause even the kindest, gentlest dog to snap.

Dogs are our best friends, without a doubt. However, they are animals. By taking precautions, we can keep ourselves, and our children, safe.

________________________-

Want to read more articles about dog care? Check out http://www.BarkTalk.com/articlesandinfo.html where you'll find articles on dog care and training.

Got a new puppy? Send New Puppy Announcements and tell the world about your new baby PLUS read about the basic pet supplies you're going to need. These aren't just optional extras, these are the basic supplies every new dog owner should have before you even bring your dog home.

Puppy Housetraining Made Easy!

2006-05-21T08:06:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt, the most sought-after advice regarding puppy care has to do with housetraining. There are almost as many theories as there are breeds of dogs.

Well, after much searching, as well as personal trial and error, I've finally found what I believe to be the most comprehensive plan for housetraining a puppy. This isn't an e-book I'm selling, it's just a great, free article that you can read.

Here's the link: http://www.BarkTalk.com/puppyhousetraining.html

~Lisa

Got a new puppy? Send NEW PUPPY ANNOUNCEMENTS and tell the world! BarkTalk.com has the largest selection available on the internet. http://www.BarkTalk.com/adoptioncatalog.html

Traveling By Car With Your Dog

2006-04-30T16:46:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is May 1st. In only a few weeks, the kids will be out of school, and we'll all be planning our summer vacations.

If your summer travel plans include car travel, why not take your fur baby with you? He is, after all, a member of the family!

To make sure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, there are a few things you'll need to consider, and some things you'll want to do in advance to prepare.

I've written a comprehensive article filled with tips, hints, and ideas for traveling by car with your dog. Here's where you can find the entire article Traveling By Car With Your Dog.

Hope you find this helpful!

~Lisa

How to Choose a Good Boarding Kennel

2006-04-29T06:30:00.000-05:00

What to do with Fido while you're on vacation this summer...

Summer time will be here soon. Now is the time to start planning! If you're planning a trip this summer and need to leave your dog behind, you'll want to read BarkTalk's article How to Choose the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog for excellent advice on how to prepare NOW so your dog will have the best care while you're away. Here's what you'll find:

How to find a good dog boarding kennel
How to evaluate a good kennel
What certifications you should look for
What trade organizations should your kennel owner belong to
What to look for when you visit the kennel
What information you need to provide the kennel owner
What to pack for Fido
How to say good-bye

Read the entire article here: How to Choose the Best Boarding Kennel for Your Dog

___________________

~Lisa

http://www.BarkTalk.com ~ Where Dog Lovers Gather

BarkTalk.com now proudly carries Urban Hund fashions for your dog. Check out the new SPRING LINE of Urban Hund Dog Collars and Urban Hund T-Shirts for a dazzling collection of upscale dog apparel and accessories.

Lessons My Children Have Taught Me

2006-04-12T05:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this isn't about dogs. However, many of these "life lessons" are taught to us by our pets, too!

LESSONS MY CHILDREN HAVE TAUGHT ME.

I consider myself an educated person. I attended and graduated from college. I own my own business. I’m an avid reader. Yet, as a mother of six children, I find myself continually amazed by how much my children have taught me. And I honestly I think the world would be a much better place if we all followed the simple life lessons our children teach us.

Love your body. Have you ever tried to catch an 18-month old running naked through the house? My son’s new favorite game is to slip from my grasp after his bath and run, laughing, through the house. He’ll even turn and face me just long enough to do a little dance, before running off to another room, always keeping just out of my reach. He loves his body. He loves his bowed legs and his protruding little baby belly. He loves his stubby little arms that barely reach over his head. Too many of us are ashamed of our bodies. And while I don’t recommend running naked through the house (at least while the kids are home), I think we can all learn a lesson from a gleeful, naked toddler.

Take time to recharge. I’m a busy person. I’ve got six children and I run my own business. It’s not uncommon for me to get up at 3:00 a.m. just so I can get some work done before my children wake up. But I find that when I keep a schedule like this, I tend to be more than a bit crabby by about 6 or 7 p.m. Not long ago, I strapped my toddler into his high chair and turned my back to prepare his lunch. When I turned back around, he was sound asleep -- sitting up in his high chair. And just last week, he was walking through the living room, walked up to the ottoman, laid his little head down on it, and went to sleep. Standing up. Well, he was tired. And when we’re tired, we need to rest. It doesn’t get any simpler than that, does it? I now find time during each day for a 20 minute “power nap.” It does wonders for my patience factor when my older kids all come home from school each afternoon!

Get back up. Have you ever watched a child learning how to walk? Or even a child who’s been walking for several months, who isn’t really steady on his feet? His determination wins out over his pride every time. And that’s why he succeeds…because he never gives up. So you fall down. Big deal. You can’t just lie there! Stand back up and start walking again. And if you fall again, get up again. Eventually, you won’t fall as often, and you’ll get where you were heading.

Laugh from your toes. There’s nothing better than a room full of laughing children. One of my favorite things to see is my husband lying on our living room floor with our children, rolling and tickling and laughing. A child’s belly laugh is a sound to behold. We all need to remember to lighten up a little bit. Laugh a little more often. Laugh all the way from our toes!

If you can’t reach it, build a ladder. Yesterday, I watched with amazement as my toddler built the most elaborate ladder of pillows so he could reach his sister’s sippy cup that was sitting on the kitchen counter. You see, he knew it was there. He could see it. And he WANTED that sippy cup more than life itself. He tried reaching. He tried standing on his toes. He stretched and stretched and stretched! But when even stretching didn’t give him the desired results, he walked to the living room, got a pillow off the couch, and placed it on the floor next to the counter. Yes. He GOT that sippy cup. And even though it belonged to his sister, and even though it had more sugary juice in it than a good mother should allow her 18 month old to drink, I let him have that cup. He earned it.

Don’t take no for an answer. Anyone who has children will agree with me that kids are the most strong-willed creatures on the face of the earth. In all the years I’ve been raising children (my oldest is now 18 years old), I’ve never ceased to be amazed that “No” never seems to really mean “No” to a child. We should follow that counsel. “No” might just mean “not today” or “not exactly that way” or even “Okay, okay, yes, I’ll buy it!!!” So don’t ever take no for an answer.

What you say is not always as important as how you say it. My 18-month old has a very limited vocabulary. Mainly “mama,” “dada,” and “no.” But somehow, we always seem to know what he wants. He smiles and coos and snuggles and points and, usually, he gets whatever it is he wants. So I try to remember when I’m dealing with my employees, and when dealing with my customers, that what I say isn’t always as important as how I say it.

Kiss it better. One of the most amazing parts of being a mother is when my children come to me, with tears in their eyes, and ask me to “kiss it better.” No, I’m not happy that they’re hurting, but it’s astonishing to me that a simple kiss from someone who loves you can make the hurt go away. Just knowing someone cares about us goes a long way in determining how we feel. So I take my friendships very seriously. Because when I’m down, or having a bad day, or something hurts, it’s great to have someone to kiss it better.

Jump in a few puddles. My 5 year old is my puddle jumper. She is my mud magnet. She doesn’t care what she’s wearing, or where we’re going, if there’s a mud puddle, she’s going to find it. I’m learning to follow her guidance. I’m teaching myself to lighten up a little bit. I’m learning that life’s too short to never jump in a puddle.

This article was written by Lisa Pallardy. You are welcome to reprint it on your website, newsletter, or blog, provided the following bio is included:

About the Author: Lisa Pallardy is the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. She owns http://www.BarkTalk.com, a website featuring articles and information on dog care and training, plus a gift shop full of great gifts for dogs...and the people they own. BarkTalk.com - It's Where Dog Lovers Gather.

__________

If you've got a dog, you've got to check out www.BarkTalk.com. It's filled with lots of articles on dog care and training. Plus, we now carry clothing and accessories by Urban Hund, THE upscale dog boutique.

Euthanasia: The Difficult and Humane Decision

2006-04-05T05:42:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately for us as dog lovers, it is really quite uncommon for a dog to just die peacefully in his sleep. Rather, as your dog ages and begins to suffer some combination of disease and disability, including pain, depression, and distress, you will most likely be forced to choose between two humane options.

First, you can care for your dog as you would a beloved family member, working with his veterinarian to do whatever it takes to keep him alive -- and pain free -- until he dies of natural causes. Choosing this path, however, can lead to the use of extreme measures that could actually result in more pain for your dog, in addition to fear and isolation in his final days.

Or, as a second option, you can choose to work with your dog’s vet to do whatever is necessary to keep your dog alive, but only as long as there is hope for his recovery, or at the very least a reasonable quality of life for him.

Once your dog has reached the point where there is no hope for recovery or a reasonable quality of life for him, you will probably be advised to choose to end both your dog’s suffering, as well as his life.

When deciding whether euthanizing your dog is the best choice, consider the following:

*Is your dog’s condition worsening, despite continued medical treatment?
*Are you and your vet no longer able to keep your dog pain free?
*If your dog does recover, will he be unable to care for himself?
*If your dog does recover, will there be a considerable change in his disposition and/or personality?
*Will continued care of your dog create serious hardships for you and your family, either financially or emotionally?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you need to understand that euthanasia is a humane -- and painless -- way to bring an end to your beloved dog’s suffering. An overdose, usually of the anesthetic phenobarb, is put into your dog’s vein. Within only a few seconds, he will lose consciousness, and only seconds later his vital functions will stop.

It’s very important to discuss your decision with your family before proceeding, since this will affect all of your dog’s human relatives, including your children. Don’t try to “shield” children from the truth about the seriousness of your dog’s illness, or the very real possibility that their beloved companion may die. Rather, explain the situation in age-appropriate terms, and give your children the opportunity to express their feelings about it.

The biggest drawback to euthanasia is that it is usually performed in the veterinarian’s office. Unfortunately, this can be stressful for both you and your dog. If possible, when discussing the option of euthanizing your dog with your vet, ask him for medication that you can give your dog before you leave the house on the date of the procedure. This should make your dog more relaxed, as well as ease some of your apprehensions.

Euthanizing your dog at your vet’s office, unfortunately, doesn’t generally allow you much time or privacy to say your final good-byes. However, just the fact that you can be present should help to at least reassure you that his passing was pain free and peaceful.

The disposal of your dog’s body is another important matter you will need to consider. It’s best to discuss this subject with your vet in advance, if possible, including the cost of each option.

Different states have different laws as to how a dog’s body may be disposed of. Some states only have the option to cremate, and most vets will routinely cremate, unless you live in a state where burial is an option. You may be able to choose a “private” cremation and have your dog’s ashes returned to you, rather than a communal cremation, where your dog’s body is cremated with other pets. While you need to consider the cost of a private cremation when making your decision, many pet owners find comfort in having their dog’s ashes in an urn in a special place in their home.

If your state law allows burial, and you choose to bury your pet, two things are important to remember: First, make sure you place your dog’s body in an enclosed, biodegradable container. Secondly, be certain the grave you dig is deep enough so that wild animals can’t dig it up.

We love our dogs so much. For many people, the love of their dog can be compared to the love of their children. Many dog owners are utterly surprised by the depth of their feelings after their dog dies. Fortunately, pet loss and grieving are beginning to be more recognized by human doctors as a legitimate concern. If you feel that your feelings are excessive, and you find yourself unable to return to finding joy in your everyday activities, you should know that there are support groups available, and even specialists who can help you if you feel you need extra support.

Grieving is normal and your feelings can last for a long time (a year is not unusual), evolving from disbelief through acceptance. The emotional pain we feel when our dogs die should not be underestimated. However, a peaceful and dignified death may be the kindest and most loving way to say goodbye to your faithful companion.

___________________

About the author: Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com, an interactive site filled with information about dog care, as well as a wide selection of gifts for dogs and dog lovers. For links to non-profit resources for dealing with the grief of pet loss, including information specifically for children and pet loss, read Children and Pet Loss. For permission to use this article, please e-mail this author at Lisap@BarkTalk.com .

Do you own a dog-themed website?

2006-04-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

I'm always looking for quality sites to exchange relevant text links with.

If you own a dog-themed website, shoot me an e-mail and let's trade links!

Want to take a look at my website? Here's the URL: http://www.BarkTalk.com

You can grab my text link from here: http://www.BarkTalk.com/contact.html

Great way to help each other out on the search engines!

Woof!

~Lisa

How to Choose a Veterinarian

2006-04-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

While you're there, you'll want to take a look at the BarkTalk Gift Shop. Lots of new items are being added daily -- from gifts for your dog, to gifts for any dog lover in your life. You'll find cool things like personalized custom dog blankets and bandanas, dog jewelry, custom charm bracelets for dog lovers, and lots more.

There's also a great article about How to Start a Pet Sitting Business.

Woof!

~Lisa

Children and Pet Loss

2006-03-22T14:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had the honor of speaking on the telephone with Dr. Wallace Sife, who is the founder of The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, a non-profit organization that deals specifically with the unique topic of grieving the loss of a pet.

Dr. Sife was gracious enough to allow me to post an excerpt from a chapter of his book The Loss of a Pet. This excerpt, entitled Children and Pet Loss is a must-read for any parent. There are links included in this article that will take you directly to Dr. Sife's non-profit website. The APLB is a nonprofit association of volunteers who are trained or experienced in the tender subject of pet death. Its members are professional counselors as well as pet-loving people from all other walks of life. They are all concerned with helping pet lovers cope with this unique and very intimate kind of loss.

You'll really want to read this article...Children and Pet Loss.

~Lisa

http://www.BarkTalk.com

Where Dog Lovers Gather

Kids and Dogs and Teaching Responsibility

2006-03-21T10:19:00.000-06:00

It's no secret that most families end up as pet owners as the result of the constant begging and pleading of a child, and that's not a bad thing. However, while the child will promise ON HIS LIFE to take care of the dog, in reality, we know that as adults, we will be ultimately responsible.

HOWEVER...Owning a dog is a terrific opportunity to TEACH YOUR CHILD RESPONSIBILITY. I've written an article titled "Kids and Dogs: Teaching Responsibility Through Pet Ownership" and you can find it here.

Woof!

~Lisa

The Freshest Dog Treats You'll Find -- Anywhere!

2006-03-09T05:16:00.000-06:00

I am sooooo excited! I have found someone who makes made to order dog treats! I'm telling you, dogs go CRAZY for these things!

I don't know how she finds the time, but when you place your order (and choose from the yummy selection of Liver Training Treats, Peanut Butter Biscuits, Doggy Donuts, Cheezy Biscuits, and more!), she heads to her kitchen and bakes up these delicious concoctions, and ships them to you within 72 hours. She uses NO preservatives, so you'll need to refrigerate the biscuits when you get them, but they'll keep for up to 3 weeks (or longer if you freeze them).

If you want to see some pictures, just go to BarkTalk Dog Treats

As an added bonus....if you sign up to receive my newsletter during the month of March, I'll sell these delectable treats to you for $3.00 off!! Once you've signed up, and confirmed your subscription, just shoot me an e-mail and I'll give you instructions on how to get your discount.

WOOF!

~Lisa

Start Your Own Doggie Day Care Business!

2006-03-08T09:37:00.000-06:00

Are you serious about making money in The Pet Care Industry?

There has never been a better time to start a business in the Pet Care Industry. Pet popularity is at an all-time high, and Americans spend thousands each year on boarding, breeding, grooming, pet sitting and retail accessories. Industry experts say this trend is on the rise. Here are just a few statistics:

• Pet businesses are the fastest growing home-based business

• 40 million US households own at least one dog

• Americans spend $34 billion on their pets each year

• 47% of all US households own more than one pet

The My Pet Business Video Series has developed a comprehensive video series featuring the fastest growing segments of the Pet Care Industry. These categories are: the Boarding Kennel, Doggie Day Care and Grooming Businesses. All are available on dvd.

If you've thought seriously of opening your own pet business but weren't sure if it was right for you, these videos will help you evaluate this exciting opportunity and provide you the tools to get your pet care business started today.

In our videos, you'll hear from the experts. They'll show you what you need to get started with your own pet care business today. And they'll provide you a candid look into what you can expect your lifestyle to be like as a pet care professional. You'll see incredible footage from successful facilities all over the country.

You'll learn:

• How much you can expect to earn owning a pet care business

• Day-to-day operations

• Proven marketing techniques

• The most important skills you must know to succeed

• How to avoid costly mistakes

• How to get through the zoning process

• How to make sure your business is profitable

• Valuable resources not found anywhere else

• And much, much more!

If you love pets and dream of combining your love of pets with a Pet Care business, these videos are for you. Click here to purchase your Pet Care Business Video Series

Read what our customers are saying:

I just received the new Dog Day Care dvd and watched it twice, back to back, taking copious notes. I had to take the time to write and tell you how informative and inspiring this dvd is. I have researched this business for a year and am currently taking my last small business class in order to get in preparation to launch this exciting business. I thought I learned a great deal in college, but the information from the consultants was priceless.They covered so much information that I was very interested in like: start up costs, location, marketing/advertising, mistakes to avoid and the "pack" concept. I loved "going into" the various dog day cares on the dvd for decorating and remodeling ideas. This is an awesome dvd. I give it 2 thumbs up!

--Gwenda E., Cleveland, Ohio

I received the Doggie Day Care video and already watched it. I thought it provided great insight into what it takes to open and run a doggie day care center. The practical information and advice shared by current doggie day care owners will be invaluable to anyone considering this venture. Thanks for releasing such an enjoyable and informative product.
–Mary C., West Mifflin, PA

The My Pet Business Doggy Day Care video has provided us a very important step in assessing our ability to run a Doggy Day Care centre, and in clarifying what we need to do next to get our own business up and running. If you are considering this type of venture this DVD is an excellent starting point.

–Paul B. , Port Melborne, Australia

Order your DVD today!

~Lisa

Princess Dog

2006-03-07T11:16:00.000-06:00

More dog apparel!

I only wish I had a tiny little dog that could wear something like this Pink Dog Coat with Matching Bone Toy (again, my apologies for the teensy image. Just click on the pink blur and -- trust me -- you're gonna die!)

Tooooooo cute!

~Lisa

For your child's room...

2006-03-07T11:08:00.000-06:00

I just keep coming across the cutest dog-gone stuff!

I'm in the process of redecorating my 7-year old daughter's room. She's a dog fanatic (imagine that?), so we're going with a dog theme. Anyway, I was looking at Target.com and found this ADORABLE coat tree:

Dalmation Dog Clothes Tree

I'm getting one!!! (Sorry, the image is kinda teensy, but just click on the black and white spots and you can see a larger image :)

~Lisa

I love purses!

2006-03-06T10:24:00.000-06:00

I love handbags! My closet is overflowing with them.

So when I came across this fabulous Sherpa Pet Tote, I just knew I had to have it! It's classy and sleek and looks like a real alligator bag...only YOU know about the precious cargo inside ;-)

Sherpa Montreal Pet Tote - $ 82.95
The Montreal Pet Tote from Sherpa is an elegantly discreet carrier that easily looks like an expensive handbag. The faux alligator outer shell adds richness while the carrier features standard elements that makes it perfect for travel: mesh panels for ventilation, a padded bottom board for comfort and stability, two exterior full length pockets and an inside leash ring. Measures 16" x 12" x 7.5" and is recommended for pets up to 10lbs with a max. length of 13" and height of 8".

If you're looking for some terrific gifts for your dog (or for the dog lover in your life), you've simply got to check out DogDecor.com Gift Shop for Dog Lovers for the largest selection of dog-themed purses I've seen (plus lots of other really cool dog stuff!)

Have you signed up for my BarkTalk News newsletter yet? It's easy to sign up, and I'll send you coupons for discounts on great dog supplies you need at places like PETCO, PETsMART, PetCareRx, and more!

Do you dress your dog?

2006-02-28T14:12:00.000-06:00

Some people love it, some people hate it...Regardless, I don't think I've seen dog apparel this cute in my life!

American Pup Sweatshirt - Violet/XX-Small - $ 28.99
Hooded "PUP" in pink fleece with matching rib trim.

Is that just to die for or what? It makes you want to go out and buy a little tiny dog, just so you can dress it up like that!

Don't have a tiny dog? That's okay!! These adorable sweatshirts come in sizes from xx-small to x-large (American Pup Sweatshirt - Pink/X-Large
)!

I'm in the process of building a page on my site featuring some of the cutest dog apparel you've ever seen. Check it out (and check back, because I'll be adding more!).

Have you signed up for the BarkTalk News? Great informative articles, plus discount coupons from PetSmart, PETCO, and more! But you have to subscribe!!!

Woof!
~Lisa

Looking to Make a Dog-gone Lot of Money?

2006-02-27T11:17:00.000-06:00

As a work-at-home mom who finally found my niche, I know how frustrating the search can be for a good work-at-home business. If you're here, then no doubt you have a passion for dogs. So if you're in the market for starting your own home biz, here are some ideas:

Here's another one:

BakeADogBone.com - Discover the secrets to starting your own, outrageously profitable pet bakery business on a shoe string budget.

I've also just added a new article on my website called "How to Start a Pet Sitting Business"

Perhaps you'd rather sell information, instead of a product? I was just talking with a work at home mom the other day who has run a profitable pet sitting business for the past 7 years, yet it hadn't occurred to her to sell her knowledge of this unique talent. I suggested she write an e-book about how she succeeded to teach others how they can do the same.

If you've got some great insider info (on any topic), writing and eBook would be an awesome way to capitalize on that knowledge, while sharing your love for whatever the topic is that you specialize in.

Not sure where to start? Here' s a couple of eBooks that will TEACH YOU how to write an eBook!

How to Write Your Own E-Book in 7 Days!!

eBook Secrets Exposed How to Make Massive Amounts of Money In Record Time With Your Own eBook - Whether You Wrote It Or Not!

Good luck!

~Lisa

Pet Insurance...?

2006-02-25T07:18:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine told me yesterday about her recent trip to the vet...

She took her dog in to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. (I've had dogs all my life and have never heard of this before.) She was told it would cost $196.00. (YIKES) The vet called and said they needed to pull 2 teeth that were bad, so, not knowing any better, she said okay. When she picked the dog up, the bill was $421.00!!!!. (YIKES! YIKES! YIKES!).

Anyway, I got to wondering....you know how people doctors and hospitals "reward" those with health insurance by charging them less? This practice seems blatantly unfair to me. Anyway, do you suppose, with the increased popularity of pet health insurance, that vets are now getting in on the "gouging" action?

You know, pet health insurance is REALLY, REALLY inexpensive, and definitely something pet owners should seriously consider. Here's a couple I recommend:

PetCare Pet Insurance - the first month is just $1. After that,
plans start at less than $11 a month. Check it out at PETCO.com!

Petplan - Medical Insurance for Canadian Pets. Pet insurance from Petplan covers routine medical, dental, rehabilitation, and emergency care for your dog. Policies for dogs start as low as $12/month. (Available in Canada only.) www.petplan.com

It doesn't cost anything to fill out an application....and you MAY save some $$$.

~Lisa

Cleaning up after puppy

2006-02-24T12:46:00.000-06:00

I've gotta tell you, this stuff is fabulous! Even if you don't have a dog, if you've got kids (especially little ones that aren't yet potty trained), check this out:

Capture® Carpet Cleaning System Pet Pak

My 16 month old son escaped my grasp the other day and ran naked and laughing through the house, finally stopping in the living room, where he apparently decided this would be a great place to go potty. Psssssssssssssss. All over my (just 2-days-prior-professionally-cleaned) carpet!

I got to thinking, pee is pee, right? So I grabbed my Capture® Carpet Cleaning System Pet Pak and waa-laaa. Bye-bye urine stain and smell.

Good for dogs. Good for kids. Talk about an all-purpose cleaner!

~Lisa