Weddings are a great opportunity to include your loved ones in the joining of your lives. Your dog is no exception! If man’s best friend can’t be the best man at the wedding, follow these steps to make him your ring bearer.

Step 1: Be realistic about your dog’s abilities. Is this a responsibility he can handle? Has your dog been socialized and does he typically behave appropriately? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Dress him for success! Most ring bearers wear tuxedos and your pup should be no exception. It could take awhile to have a tuxedo custom made for your dog so be sure to start your search early.

Step 3: Make sure you’ve trained your dog to respond to the “sit”, “stay”, and “walk” commands. A successful journey down the aisle depends upon him knowing these commands and being able to respond to them when under the watchful eye of hundreds of wedding guests. 

Step 4: Tie a mock ring to the pillow and tie the pillow to your dog’s collar. When you are just practicing with your pup, you do not want to use the real ring. (Try explaining a digested diamond to your fiancée!) Allow your pup to walk around with the pillow and ring attached to his collar so that he can get used to the feel of it.

Step 5: With the pillow and ring attached, but with no other distractions, practice the sit and stay command. Ideally, you should practice the sit and stay using the same distance as his trek down the aisle.  Someone should stand with your dog during the sit and stay and should deliver the “walk” command. If your dog is excited and runs towards you, the person escorting him should practice with a leash until the dog meets your expectation.

Step 6: After several at home practice sessions, your dog should practice at rehearsal. The aisle should be set up so that the dog experiences the chairs and flowers, etc. Have your friends fill as many seats as possible so your dog can feel what it will be like on the big day. Ask your friends to be patient while your dog practices until it’s perfect!

Step 7: Don’t forget to make a plan for your pup once he reaches the end of the aisle. Will he sit throughout the service or should someone be put in charge of him until the “I Do’s” are over? If your dog performs his duties correctly, he might just steal the show! This article is sponsored by pet super store which is an online pet supplies shop that features orthopedic dog beds and personalized dog bowls.

Have you found yourself sneezing and sniffling and tearing up at the sight of your dog? Those are telltale signs that you might be allergic to your best friend. Don’t worry; it’s not time to find him a new home. By following the steps below, you and your allergy-inducing dog can live in harmony together.

Step 1: If you haven’t yet adopted a dog, do your research. If you know you’re prone to allergies, you’re going to want to add a hypoallergenic breed to your family. Your best bet will probably be a single coated breed or a hairless breed. (Just remember these breeds won’t necessarily eliminate all allergic tendencies.)

Step 2: Purchase air filters for your entire home. Really, this is a good idea for anyone who has a pet, but it’s particularly important for those who are sensitive to dander. Replace the air filters as often (or more often) than the recommended guidelines.

Step 3: Purchase an air purifier. This can be placed in a central location in the home and can be used to reduce overall allergens in the home.

Step 4: If you have carpet, you will need to vacuum on a daily basis. Carpets are traps for dander and allergens. Even vacuuming as often as daily will not eliminate the allergens that collect in the fibers of the carpet. For someone who has allergies, the ideal solution would be to remove carpet from the home entirely.

Step 5: Get into a regular grooming routine. Your dog should be washed weekly with plain hot water. If you want to use a shampoo, seek the advice of a groomer on what type of shampoo has little allergens. Brush your dog outside daily and if possible, have him shaved.

Step 6: Wash dog bedding, scatter rugs, doormats, and anything else that comes into contact with your dog with hot water. Wash drapes and upholstered furniture on a regular basis as well. You might want to consider limiting your dog to areas of the home that you don’t mind having to clean on such a regular basis.

Step 7: Visit your allergist. There are many different levels of allergy therapy based on the degree and the severity of the allergy.

It might be a lot of work to maintain this allergy free environment in your home but it’s worth it to keep you and the family dog living happily together.

This article was provided by pet super store. An excellent online resource featuring pet doors and orthopedic dog beds.

Many owners claim they can’t live without their retractable leashes, while many experts say, “Well, you should.”  There are many reasons that owners and experts differ on the retractable leash debate.  It is not that the leash is evil or unnecessary; in reality, most owners don’t know how to properly use one, causing danger to the pet and other people.  Whether or not you should use a retractable leash depends on a number of things.  It’s up to you to evaluate your situation and determine if you and your pooch are retractable-leash ready.

 

First of all, a first-time-leash walker should never be started on a retractable leash.  The instructions on the retractable leash even state this.  A retractable leash should only be used with dogs that have been trained on a traditional leash.  The dog should understand basic obedience commands, and the owner should be able to maintain control over the dog.  The problems with retractable leashes arise when the dog is not properly trained to use the leash and when the owner cannot handle or is not paying attention to the dog.

 

So, what are problems with retractable leashes?  If you start a pet on a retractable leash, then the way the leash gives and takes can cause the dog to pull.  Not only will the dog be 20 or 30 feet ahead of you, he will be pulling you along.  Part of leash training is showing the dog who’s “boss.”  By allowing him to pull ahead, you are showing the dog that he is the boss.  For people who have an understanding of the “dominant” dog, then the leash can be a reinforcer, showing the dog that he is dominant. 

 

Many people believe that the dog has “more freedom” on the retractable leash.  If you are not an experienced handler, then the dog can have all the freedom he wants.  The leash has a brake button that stops leash from extending any further.  If you see your pet is about to get into trouble, then theoretically you can brake the leash.  However, dogs’ reflexes are quick.  If the dog is already 20 feet ahead when he sees a cat, he may pull the leash out of your hand before you have time to brake.  The fact that the leash grip is heavy does not help your case.

 

Perhaps the biggest problem with retractable leashes is the inattentive owner.  Retractable leashes require that the owner pays more attention to the dog, making sure that the leash doesn’t get wrapped around anyone or anything.  For owners who enjoy talking on their cell phones while walking or walking with other dogs and owners, the retractable leash is a hazard.  All it takes is a few seconds of inattentiveness for a dog to get itself into loads of trouble. 

 

Retractable leashes are not necessarily bad as long as they are handled and used appropriately.  Every dog should start out on a traditional leash.  The owner should take time to train the dog with appropriate leash behavior.  Once the dog understands the basics of walking on a normal leash (i.e. he’s no longer pulling, he pays attention to the owner’s commands, etc.), then a retractable leash can be introduced.  The leash should be introduced in an open area where others are not around.  The owner and the dog should get the feel of the leash.  Since the dog has more freedom, he’ll likely wander around, so the owner needs to know how to pass the leash around his or her body, avoiding entanglement.  Once the dog and owner get accustomed to the leash, then it can be used.  However, retractable leashes should never be used in public areas or busy streets, since the owner may not have full control over the dog.

 

A retractable leash is not bad as long as the dog and owner are both trained on its use.  A first-time-leash walker should be wearing a traditional leash.  Once he gets accustomed to leash training, then a retractable leash can be introduced.  Perhaps the most important part of the retractable leash is the person holding it.  Owners need to be able to control their dogs.  They also need to be able to recognize and handle potentially harmful situations.  Retractable leashes should not be used in public or on busy streets.

 

This article was provided by pet super store an online pet store that features great pet products this months including: dog car seats covers and dog carriers.

If you are trying to make less of a footprint on the Earth, then you may be changing some of your ways.  Instead of one “catch all” trash can, you may have three or four cans, each designated for a certain recyclable item.  Well, did you know that you can also be more eco-friendly with your dog’s supplies?  If you set aside a little bit of time, then you can find a ton of green pet products.  To make your search a tad easier, here are a few great suggestions for where your pooch rests his paws.

            Even though there are third-party organizations that set forth guidelines for “green” products, there are not set standards on what can be considered green.  Since you may not be an environmental engineer, then you may not know what is or isn’t environmentally friendly.  So, if you are wondering whether or not you should purchase an item, just look at the basics.  For instance, if it’s made of recyclable materials or can be recycled, then it is generally a better option than something that cannot be recycled or composted.  The following products are made with IntelliLoft material.  If you have any idea how long it takes for plastic to break down in a landfill, then you’ll probably appreciate this material.  IntelliLoft takes used plastic bottles and turns them into a soft, recycled polymer material.  It’s a good environmentally-friendly option not only because the plastic is kept out of the landfill, but also because less energy is used in the creation of the material (compared to creating the material from new, un-recycled products).  The material is used to stuff the bedding and cushion the pads.  It’s machine washable, and does not hold in odors.    

If your pet has multiple relaxation spots around your house, then why not make them all green?  Everything from his crate lining to his comfy bed can be purchased with the environment in mind.

Crate pads:  If your pup is still going through crate training, if your dog enjoys sleeping in his crate, or if you’re trying to make your pet’s crate more comfy for that summer vacation, then check out your green crate pad options.  The Barbados crate pad is perfect for any size pup!  You can choose from five different sizes and four different colors.  So, the pad will fit the crate and your décor.  Since the pads are lightweight and comfortable, they are great to take on trips.

If you have a room in your home where your dog loves to spend time but a dog bed is unnecessary, then consider using a crate pad in the place of a bed.  Your pet will love lying on the soft pad instead of the floor.  And, if company arrives, you can easily toss the pad in another room.

Beds:  We spoil our pooches!  If we have resting spots in multiple rooms of the house, then our pets probably do, too.  The great thing about dog beds is that you can find any color or style to match your and your pooch’s personalities.  If you like to mix and match colors and patterns, then consider the Striped Broadway bed.  The bed consists of a soft, outside wall and a cushiony, inside pillow.  The fun part is that you get to choose the color and pattern of the pieces separately!

            If your pet doesn’t like to be surrounded by a cushiony wall when he sleeps, then you should consider the Barbados Comfort bed.  This is a large rectangle bed that can be placed anywhere your pet likes to spend time.  The outer shell zips off, making it super easy to clean.  If you like rectangle bedding, but prefer an orthopedic type, then check out the Big Montana Dog Bed.

Blankets:  If you are taking a short trip and don’t have much room to pack, or if you are looking for a way to make your pet’s bed more comfortable, then don’t forget about the blanket!  The Big Montana blanket can be used in the bottom of a crate, over the seats in your vehicle, or anywhere your pet may want to rest his paws.

            Even the smallest efforts to help our environment can make a huge impact.  If you enjoy being “green,” then try to let your pet take part in the enjoyment.  Bedding is a great place to start your eco-friendly efforts.  Whether you are looking for a crate pad, bed, or blanket, it’s easy to find items to match your and your pup’s lifestyles.

This article was written by Stephanie Smith from Pet Super Store. A great website for automatic dog feeders, dog ramps and steps, and dog beds.

Everything is turning green!  From grocery bags to dish detergent, numerous companies are looking for ways to make their products more eco-friendly.  You and your pooch can take part in the green movement with your everyday routine.  Even the toys your pet plays with can be chosen with a little green in mind.  If you don’t know where to start, then it’s a good idea to have a light understanding of green products.  Below are a few toys on the market that are both environmentally friendly and fun for your pet!

            Before we list the great, green pet toys, it is a good idea to find out why they are so great.  Each toy manufacturer has a different approach and a different idea of what is environmentally friendly; although, there are certain standards put forth (but not enforced) by third party organizations.  Here are a few ways that a product can be green.  It can start with the production process.  Some companies have replaced harmful chemicals with safer alternatives.  Other companies have cut energy and water consumption or waste byproducts from the production process.  Next is the product itself.  Any product that is made with alternative material (using recyclable or biodegradable materials instead of plastic, for instance) can be considered green.  The way the product is packaged can also make it more environmentally friendly.  If you have taken time to notice, many companies have cut down on packaging materials, making the boxes smaller and using less fillers.  A product can also be considered eco-friendly by its disposal process (whether or not it can be recycled) or the way and time it takes the product to break down in the landfill.  One example is the use of corn in producing biodegradable materials, taking the place of plastic.  The corn products take days (as opposed to years) to break down.

            Now, what can your pet play with that is both safe and fun for him and safer for the environment?  If you are looking for a toy to use in a game of fetch, then consider purchasing a product made from hemp.  You can find hemp products that are completely chemical free and 100% biodegradable.  Be careful with hemp toys that are made specifically for a game of fetch, since they can fray.  A hemp fetch toy should not be used as a chew toy.  It should also be replaced as it starts to wear out.  But, if you are looking for a chew toy, then there are many made of hemp specifically for that purpose.

If your pet likes to play with stuffed animals, then consider purchasing a Simply Fido Plush toy.  These critters (monkey, lamb, bear, etc.) are made from all organic materials.  They materials are unprocessed, and the toys are free of bleach.  Instead of using chemicals to dye the fibers, plant and mineral extracts are used.  Simply Fido is not the only manufacturer of green plush toys.  You can also find cotton-stuffed hemp toys made by Earthdog.  The poly-cotton filler is recyclable, and the hemp coating is both biodegradable and hypoallergenic.

            It is always a good idea to have mind-stimulating dog toys on hand.  Dogs love the adventure and complexity of trying to retrieve a treat from a fun toy.  If you have ever given your dog a Kong, then you can probably relate!  Planet Dog manufactures a number of products that are both environmentally safe and fun for your dog.  The Orbee-Tuff ball series are great chew toys that can be filled with treats.  The materials that go into making the balls are completely non-toxic.  You can use the ball over and over, since it is easy to clean.  And, one your pooch wears it out, the ball can be recycled.  The company also donates a portion of its sales to canine service programs across the nation.

            It is up to you how environmentally friendly you want to be.  When it comes to dog products and toys, there are a number of manufacturers that produce green items.  The manufacturers listed in this article are just a few in a realm of many, so do not limit your options!  Whether you want the product to be safe for the pet, safe for the environment, or both, there is something out there that is right for you. 

 

This article was written by Stephanie Smith. A great website for aluminum dog crates, dog doors, and dog houses.