Five Fun Dog Facts

Canines are miraculous creatures with quite an abundance of fascinating facts. Here are five fun doggie facts for all of you dog lovers to enjoy:

1. A one-year-old dog is as physically developed as a fifteen year-old human; this means exercise is vital for dogs. Provide daily walks and playtime for your energetic pooch.

2. Brushing your pooch three times a week during the spring time will conclude in a summer free of shedding; not only will grooming your pooch help keep shedding to a minimum, it will attribute to a healthier hound.

3. If teaching your dog to catch a ball is harder than it should be then switch the tossing item to something softer, some dogs find it easier to catch softer items; invest in one of our plush dog toys for a softer playtime.

4. Typically, when a dog howls in the wild it is to bring the pack together. If you notice your pooch howling it may be because they are lonely and instinct kicks in. To avoid a lonely canine companion, be sure to show much love and attention. When you aren’t at home, keep the television on for sound.

5. Dogs have been loyal pets to people for the past 12,000 years!

A Hardy Homemade Dog Meal

Hooking your hungry hound up with a hardy homemade dog meal can be quick and simple. Providing a healthy meal from home is helpful in monitoring what your canine is taking in, processed commercial dog food is never a good option. Instead cook up a meaty, cheesy meal that your pooch will drool over.

Ingredients:3 lb. protein (pork, chicken, turkey, or beef)]
1 c. cooked green beans or peas
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 c. cooked brown rice

Directions:Cut meat into bite-sized pieces, sauté over medium heat until no longer pink.
In large bowl, stir together meat and cheddar cheese. Let cool.
Once cooled, add rice and veggies, mix together.

Feeding Guidelines:Small dogs: A portion is about ¾ cup
Medium dogs: 1 ½ cups
Large dogs: 3 cups

3 Children Friendly Dog Breeds

Bringing a dog into your home is an exciting (but big) step. If you have any children, or plan to, then there is much consideration that should go into picking out that perfect furry friend for the family. If properly trained, any dog is capable of being a great canine companion with children, but these breeds are exceptionally great considerations when on the search:

1. Labrador Retriever – The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed that comes in three different coat colors - golden, black, and chocolate. They are categorized as medium-sized canines that possess a solid athletic build. Labradors have a standing reputation for being smart and gentle dogs with great tolerance and patience; they love their family and maintain low-aggression. They are easily trained, their grooming requirements aren’t overwhelming (just keep their coats healthy with a dog brush), and they are highly good-natured. A Labrador needs a fair amount of exercise, and energetic kids love to play around with the friendly breed.

2. Border Collie – Everybody knows Lassie, the lovable canine companion to child character, Timmy. While Lassie may have just been a Border Collie who was acting, the Border Collie breed is actually a great breed with kids. Collies are muscular canines with a medium-sized structure and a dense coat that comes in a variety of different colors. A Border Collie is very intelligent and can be easily trained. Like the Labrador, a Collie needs a fair amount of exercise (kids are great with helping out in that department).

3. Beagles – Snoopy is a happy cartoon Beagle that hangs around with the Peanuts kids, and a Beagle is actually a great choice of breed for your own peanut(s). Their sturdy compact size and affectionate personality make them a sought after breed. They come in various colors with a medium length coat that isn’t strenuous to upkeep. Beagles learn easily and are dedicated canines. Beagles have lots of energy that needs to burn off and children are happy to assist, keep dog toys available for play time.

Helping a People Shy Pooch

Typically an overly timid dog stems from a lack of positive exposure as a puppy. The socialization period is an important time for young pups when their confidence is infused. While some dog breeds are naturally coyer than others, an excessively shy pooch can develop into serious behavior issues with any under socialized dog. One common fear a shyer dog may suffer from is that of people. Thankfully this dilemma may be corrected with patience and understanding. If your furry friend is apprehensive around people, help your hound get over their fear by taking baby steps in the right direction; start by inviting over a friend (preferably another dog lover). Let your guest know prior to their visitation about your canine’s fear, if your friend acts in a passive manner it will show your pooch there is no threat. Keeping your bashful buddy in their own environment will assist in easing their discomfort a bit. If your pooch insists on retreating to a trusted hiding spot during your guest’s visitation then allow them time to regroup and keep your conversation cheerful to demonstrate a safe environment to your hiding hound. Depending on the level of fear your canine contains they may need further attempts; most timid dogs are interested and are just too uneasy to approach. Try to entice your furry friend to come out using a dog treat – distract their attention from your guest to the treats, tossing a treat their way and then ignoring them as they make their way out to indulge in the bait. Keep with this process, tossing dog treats closer to you and your guest each time, until your pooch is out of their safety zone. It is also suggested that you have your guest attempt to pet your pup. Although if your friend does go in for a pet be sure that they reach under to stroke your dog’s chest rather than over the dog’s head so not to scare them more. If your canine still displays trepidation then back off a bit, forcing the situation may only worsen the fear, and ask your guest to try again another day. Continue this routine fairly regularly with different people until your canine feels more comfortable. In time your dog should be able to overcome their people fears and live a healthier, more sociable life.

Dog Waste Bags & Holders: A Practical Choice

Taking your dog out to use the bathroom is a obligatory daily practice for all owners. By law all dog owners are required to pick up after their pooch if they leave behind a mess. Bringing along a plastic bag for your canine’s waste may be a pain in rainy, snowy, or windy conditions and isn’t as economically friendly; that’s why helpful dog waste bags and dog waste bag holders have been invented to make canine owner’s lives a little easier. Dog waste bags are leak-proof plastic, biodegradable bags that come in fun colors, patterns, and scents and are just the right size for carrying around on walks. Stow extra dog waste bags in a clever dog waste bag holder that is designed to be easily kept at your side without being a nuisance during doggie bathroom breaks. From an economic standpoint, dog waste bags are a much better choice than the average plastic bag; a biodegradable dog waste bag is made from plastic that naturally decomposes after it’s been used and is a great option for a cleaner tomorrow. While no owner is thrilled with having to clean up after their canine, at least dog waste bags and dog waste bag holders are around to make the process a little more clean and organized.

Three Fun Indoor Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Construct these colder months productively by teaching your dog a new trick for great mental stimulation and entertainment. Take advantage of the indoor time spent with your pooch by expanding their knowledge while bonding together. Try these three fun indoor tricks out with your canine:

1. Hide Your Eyes – The dog can sit or lay for this trick, which will train your pooch to cover their eyes with one paw on command. Keep a treat in your hand while you tell your pup to “cover their eyes”. Physically lift their paw over their muzzle and then use the treat as reward. Most dogs will swipe at their face when you gently blow on their nose, if your pooch does this then reward them and continue the command and movement until the dog understands what is required to acquire the treat.

2. Circle Me – This trick is beneficial considering that circles improve turns and help keep canines focused on their handler; it also assists in direction changing. Begin by heeling with a tasty dog treat in hand that you will use as bait as you say “circle me” and draw your pooch around your body in a circle. After they complete a circle, give the treat for praise and repeat.

3. Light Off – Hold a dog treat in one hand above a light switch in the house (if your dog isn’t able to reach the switch on hind legs then place them on a sturdy table under the switch), and give the command “light off”. When your furry friend jumps up to retrieve their treat, be sure their paws flick the switch and then reward with “Good light off” and then continue the trick over. Eventually start standing away but have your pooch stay under the switch and then toss the treat when the trick is completed.

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

January 14th, 2012 has been declared National Dress Up Your Pet Day and we at Doggie Vogue, Inc. encourage owners everywhere to get in on the action! This is a day to go over the top and let your pup’s personality show, so deck your dog out in an outfit that suits their character to the fullest! There are endless options of dog clothing and dog accessories offered to create that perfect look for your pooch. Dress your doggie diva in pink attire and finish her style off with some fun dog bows or a stunning dog necklace. If your pooch is a tough guy then represent it with some camo apparel and a pair of dog sunglasses. Spruce up any puppy outfit with some fun dog accessories; dog bandanas, dog hats, and dog jewelry are fun items to play around with. If your canine is a colorful character then let it scream out loud using dog hair dye gels and dog nail polishes that are made in bright, fun colors. Keep the weather in mind if you will be sporting your dressed up pup around town, a dog coat may be necessary for smaller dogs with less fur and a set of dog boots should be worn if weather conditions call for it. Be creative and enjoy National Dress UP Your Pet Day with your fancy furry friend this year!

Dog Harnesses: The Safe Alternative

Dog harnesses are a realistic alternative to the classic dog collar and dog leash. The design of a dog harness helps reduce pressure from your canine’s neck, aiding in the prevention of potential trachea and neck injury. There are many different styles of dog harnesses available, making it easy to find the perfect look and fit for your furry friend. Ease your pooch into a new harness by having them sport it around the house until they are use to its feel and offer praise in exchange for cooperation. Using a dog harness is also a great training method when teaching your pooch not to pull during walks since a harness distributes an even amount of pressure around your dog’s body. A dog harness also provides a sense of more control for owners without any pain for your pup. An accidental pull of the leash could choke or hurt your canine but since a dog harness takes concentration off of the neck, accidents of such can be easily avoided. Dog harnesses are also fashionably fun; there are dog coat harnesses, dog dress harnesses, and even dog costume harnesses for chic canines. Providing a dog harness for your pooch will allow for the utmost safety, comfort, and style during your walks together.

5 Ways to Spoil Your Pooch for Under $10

Save some cash while pleasing your pooch! Here at DoggieVogue.com you don’t have to break the bank on some fun items for your furry friend – a little goes a long way. Browse through our five featured items you can snag that cost under ten bucks:

1. Romeo Bows Set of Four $2.99 – Have fun adding a stylish touch to your pup’s look with these casually cute dog bows.

2. Anti-Skid Dog Bowl $2.99-$9.99 – Your canine loves food and water. Make your hungry hound a happy hound with a new set of dog bowls.

3. Gold’s Gym Flying Discs for Dogs $2.99 – Get Fido in on some gym action with this Gold’s Gym Frisbee that is sure to entertain your pooch while exercising their muscles.

4. Dog Food Lids $1.49 – Keep extra dog food fresh with a set of dog food lids that fit over your canine’s leftover meal so it can be enjoyed later. Your pup will agree: no food should go to waste.

5. Boing Dog Balls $7.99 – Treat your dog to a sporty plush dog ball that makes a “boing” noise, your furry friend will stay amused for hours!