Keep Your Pet in His Crate for a Good Night’s Snooze

Have you ever tried to go to sleep, but just couldn’t because of too much stress during the day or maybe a little too much caffeine, a wife that snores? All the many things we complain about that keep us awake and make us toss and turn may not be the problem. The Mayo Clinic for Sleep Medicine conducted a survey and came up with a surprise answer to man’s dilemma. Some of the sleeplessness could be traced to arthritis pain, but the main cause was that canine companion sharing the same bed. When they recommended throwing the pet out of bed,  most pet-lovers balked. Tossing the pet out of bed was too much of a sacrifice to make when they had become accustomed to having that pet warm the bed and just cuddle. I will admit it is a nice comfort and they do make you smile. There are so many great beds for dogs and  designer dog crates, that it should be easy, but it is not.


Both of you can achieve a good night’s rest, if you put him in a plastic crate equipped with a soft pad and keep it within your reach. In an article, written by Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary contributor for “Good Morning America” and Gina Spadafori, his co-author on best-selling books they suggest that you have your dog checked for external parasites – fleas and ticks – as well as bacterial yeast infections. These can cause itching and discomfort for your dog and if they sleep with you, I think you can answer that one, especially, if you wake up with an itch. Dr. Peter Ihrke, a professor of veterinary dermatology at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine states that allergies can also be the culprit. He suggests that you have your Vet check him over for dust-mites.

Cleanliness comes into play again and again. Keep the bed linens washed and clean and while you are taking care of your sleeping comforts, wash and clean the pad and plastic crate to insure that your dog is free of dust mites and dirt. They carry a lot of dirt into the home on the pads of their feet from the out-of-doors. If you insist on letting that dog take up half (most of time it is three quarters) of the bed then it is suggested that you enclose the box springs, mattress and pillows in barrier covers and wash weekly. Using a dog crate would be a much, much better solution.

When you bring a new baby home from the hospital, his sleeping schedule is contrary to yours. So it is with your pet, if you play with him and get him all worked up at night time and let him sleep all day you can plan on being up all night. Exercise him as much as possible during the day time and let him out for a long potty break before your bed time. We read our children stories at night to quite them down, play relaxing music at night and give your pet a favorite soft toy before you place him in his plastic crate for the night. If you make a nightly routine of it, you may just be surprised at how nice it is to have the whole bed to yourself or at least half of it. If none of this works, remember some body has to sleep on the couch and my bet is it won’t have four legs. You may have to insist on the dog crate for a longer period of time, but he will learn to choose it.

K & H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper Heated Dog Bed Review

A quality heated dog bed will have your puppy sleeping through the night in no time. There is nothing more inviting and relaxing than to be able to snuggle in a bed that has already been warmed to your body’s temperature. Your dog is no exception; he will love to bed down in a place that is soft and where he can feel warm as he drifts off to sleep. Nothing is more peaceful than to watch a small puppy sleep.


The K & H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper heated dog bed is made of micro-suede fabric that is plush and durable. This heated dog bed is washable as well as cozy and warm. With the UL-listed Thermo Snuggly Sleeper your pet will stretch out basking in the safety and warmth of his very own heated dog bed. It is equipped with dual thermostats which provide the right amount of warmth for your dog providing safety and efficiency of a low wattage heater. The bed is so designed that is adjusts to the warmth of your pet’s normal body temperature and then turns off. This K & H Thermo Snuggly Sleeper is recommended for indoor use only. Your purchase of a dog bed should be one that will last and will be comfortable for your dog.

The heated dog beds are ideal for the older dogs, which need to have extra warmth when the temperatures dip. Cold weather has a tendency to make joints ache. Age has its problems and arthritis is one of them. If your dog has problems getting up, arthritis could very well be the culprit. Heat will soothe the pain and make life more bearable. The K & H heated dog beds are a great way to let your dog know that you love him and care about his well-being. Your older dog will curl up on the surface of the heated dog bed and drift off into a peaceful puppy sleep.

Use an Outdoor Kennel not a Chain (Utah Law Proposal)

How long is too long to have your dog on a chain? This is being debated in Salt Lake County where they are trying desperately to put a law on the books limiting the amount of time before it becomes a crime. The proposed limit they have set is that owners cannot keep their animals chained for more than 10 hours. This proposal would make it a class B misdemeanor with up to a $1,500 fine. The Humane Society of Utah is backing this piece of legislation and with good cause. If you are going to tether a dog all the time, why own one? Dogs deserve a  nice outdoor dog kennel where they have some freedom without dragging a chain around or worse yet being tied on a short leash.

Nothing breaks your heart more than to watch news clips where the dog has been left tied to a post without water and food for a long period of time and is all bone. The proposal also includes a statement that pet owners would be barred from keeping a dog anchored outdoors during extreme cold or extreme heat. Most of this is just good common sense. You don’t want to kennel a Siberian Husky in a space that would be more compatible to a French Poodle. And by the same token, you would not leave your newly trimmed French Poodle outside in freezing weather nor put your Siberian Husky under a sun lamp. Just be responsible if you want to own and nurture a pet.

As dog lovers, we know that we do our pets a disservice by not taking proper care of them. Leaving an animal unattended to roam the neighborhood is not healthy and leaving them chained up to a fence is worse. Dogs left free to roam tend to chew on anything that looks like it might taste good or run. They can end up getting cut on wires or broken glass or worse. For the safety of your animal, please give him the courtesy of a well maintained kennel. Don’t come home and turn your dog loose. Neighbors do not like to have them relieve themselves on their property and a responsible owner will see that this does not happen. It is your responsibility as a dog owner to keep his den or kennel free of fecal matter. Hose it down as often as possible. Be sure to leave plenty of clean water inside the kennel so he can quench his thirst. Clean those water dishes with hot soapy water at least once a week to prevent the build up of hard water and bacteria. The same goes for his feed dish – Keep them clean.

Help for the Haiti Earthquake Animals

ARCH has been created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare along with the Humane Society of the United States, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, and others, to head up a relief effort for the animals of the Haiti earthquake. ARCH is the acronym for Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. They are seeking to help the increasing number of voiceless victims of this tragedy. There are untold numbers of pet and wild animals that need assistance. We have seen the pictures over the television system depicting the human loss which is enough to make one sick. I have thought a lot about what has been happened to the animals and when I ran across this article stating that someone cared and was doing something about it, I wanted to share it with you.


The terror and confusion that must exist for the frightened animals has got to be tremendous. I know that relief will not be able to effectively reach all of the animals involved, but ARCH is working with the other humanitarian efforts to create some sanity out of the carnage. There are probably massive numbers of pets that have been trapped under the rubble with no food or water. I heard on the news yesterday, that they had received a text message from a trapped victim, but I did not hear if they were able to free said individual. Our animal friends have no cell phones to text their whereabouts and many are probably just lying in the rubble awaiting the inevitable.


The earthquake in Haiti has really brought to mind the devastating effects a natural disaster can take on the animal population. Not only are the family pets affected by the lack of water, food and shelter, but the wild animals are in a panic. In Haiti, there are millions of goats and other livestock, and a huge population of stray dogs. Because of the loss of the human factor, they have been abandoned and left without hope. Many will end up dying not only from the lack of water and food, but from disease as a result of the aftermath. The Haiti’s animals will receive water, food and medical supplies through the efforts of ARCH.  I donated through Best Friends Animal Society.  You may do so too, by clicking on the link provided or find your own way to help.

Got 30 Minutes - Build an Outdoor Dog Kennel

Your dog will love to have a place outdoors where he can race around freely. The choice of where and what substance to put an outdoor dog kennel is based upon your location and space available. Cement, rubberized mats, gravel, bare ground or the backyard lawn are some of the options available. No matter where you choose to place the kennel take into consideration the safety of your pet and the amount of time he will be spending there each day.


The Midwest Portable K-9 Dog Kennels are designed with rounded corners for quick and easy building. If you have a pair of pliers, you are in business, which are all the tools necessary for this project. Even your wife can tell you how to do it! The instructions that come with it are easy to understand and user-friendly. This free-standing designed chain link kennel is sturdy and lightweight. Because of this feature, you will enjoy the ease with which you can reposition the dog kennel, especially, if you are building it on your lawn.

Now, you have constructed the floor and three sides, you will need to install the remaining portion that includes the secure easy-to-latch door. The door latch can be easily managed with one hand for your convenience in handling your dog in and out of the kennel. A woven polyethylene sunscreen roof stretched over the top is the finishing touch and will block 80% of the suns rays. I would highly recommend using the sunscreen roof as pets are subject to heat stroke as well us humans.

Your 30 minutes are up! It is now time to test your outdoor dog kennel. Call Rover and let him explore your masterpiece. While he is in the kennel, you can relax and let him run free without any leashes, ropes are restraints.

This is a good investment for a responsible dog lover who wants to keep his pet safe and away from the dangers of running into the street, coming into contact with poisonous materials, the dog catcher, other dogs, and entanglement in leashes that can cause strangulation.

Sherpa Sport Sack Review

Sherpa has been in the business of making pet carriers for over 15 years. One of the main goals of Sherpa is to design and manufacture high quality pet carriers that will give comfort and safety for animals. Owners of small animals wanted a product they could use that would be easy for them to carry.


The invention of the Sherpa Sport Sack meets this need. Not only does it provide safety for the small pet, but it is stylish and easy to tote. It has been designed with you, the pet lover, in mind as side pockets are an added feature. The side pockets are assessable where you can easily carry your car keys, cell phone, wallet, airline tickets, drivers’ license, treats and other small items. There is plenty of ventilation for your pet from the mesh side panels.

The dog carrier could be mistaken for your everyday purse. It features an adjustable over the shoulder strap and a dish type top making it easy to carry. The top opens making it easy to slip your pet in and out. Reflective trim has been placed on the bag as a safety measure. Another safety feature of the dog purse is that it has a short leash to keep your favorite furry animal secure. This purse has been used by pet owners for rabbits, ferrets, cats, small dogs and other similar animals. One statement was made that this is ideal for rabbits. Rabbits have a tendency to become stressed and with this purse you can reach in from the top and easily pick him up to relieve his anxiety.

These dog purse carriers come in two sizes small and medium. The small Sherpa Sport Sack is designed for animals 8 pounds or less and the medium size is for animals weighing 16 pounds or less. They even come in delightful colors of pink, green and black. They feature a washable faux lambskin liner wrapped around a stability board on the bottom which provides a comfortable ride and is nice when you need to set it down. It also fits very nicely in the basket portion of a grocery style cart.

Check them out! You and your pets will feel like celebrities as you go about town, travel to fun places or just enjoy an outing. The Sherpa Sport Sack or Purse is just one of the many pet carrier options you will find to accommodate you and your pet as you travel. Choose one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.

Use a Midwest Canine Camper Soft Dog Crate for Camping

Next time you plan an outdoor hiking adventure, take your canine companion along. One of the main concerns a hiker has is the amount of weight he can comfortably carry. His backpack needs to have plenty of high energy food, water and a tent for sleeping. This is one reason why the Midwest Canine Camper Soft Dog Crate is ideal for you. They are light weight and can be folded to only a few inches thick. The design is such that you can take it down and put it up in seconds. Many of these soft crates can be staked to the ground in the same fashion as your tent offering added security.


When purchasing one of the soft crates, look for high quality material stretched over a sturdy frame. The crate should be well stitched with a strong thread and check the zippers making sure they are durable and will hold up after many uses. All of these issues have been addressed by Midwest and their Canine Camper Soft Dog Crate is top of the line. It has been made to withstand many outdoor camping trips. The soft crates offer lots of ventilation for your dog and are equipped with a latch to secure the door when shut. Most have pockets on the side for convenience in storing treats, his leash, favorite dog dish and other small items.

On the market, are many cheap soft crates that will not serve you well and you will be purchasing another one all too soon. Soft crates are excellent for a well trained dog; however, if you have one of those dogs still in the chewing stage, I would recommend that you look into another type of crate until he has passed through the chew stage.

Bringing your dog along on an outdoor adventure means making sure your dog is up to date on his vaccinations. A wise decision before taking your dog that first time in the summer is to check with your veterinarian and have his yearly check-up. It is wise to carry a health certificate with you so that you have proof of his rabies shots being current.

Make your first hiking adventure short and then when you and your dog become conditioned gradually increase the distance. An advantage to taking the soft crate is that your first trip can be accomplished in stages, stopping along the trail for much needed rests. If your canine companion is over 20 pounds he can be conditioned to carry unbreakable items in a dog pack. When night time falls, each of you can retire to your own tents. The canine camper crate is ideal for any outdoor adventure.

Midwest Life Stages Dog Crates Review

On television last night the news ran a special about adoption of Pit Bull dogs. Pit Bull dogs are the breed that is most euthanized because they are usually thought of as aggressive and dangerous. When properly treated they are gentle and can be safely integrated into a family. If you have considered bringing a puppy into your home, the Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate is ideal. It can be enlarged to meet his needs as he develops and grows into adulthood. These are wire dog crates which have divider panels allowing you to adjust the size of his living area. They can be compared to having a crib, playpen and then an area enclosed with gates to prevent a toddler from falling down stairs.


The Midwest Life Stages dog crates are easy to set up and fold down so they can be taken with you or moved for easy transport. Plastic carrying handles allow you to pick them up comfortably. The wire dog crates are durable and light weight. A black ABS plastic pan, held in place with a pan stop, is easy to remove and clean. Side bolt latches on the door offer maximum security for your dog. The 22" model has one center latch; the other models have two latches. The Life Stages Dog Crates feature rounded corners on the door and the panels which prevent sharp edges from causing harm to your dog. The tight mesh pattern from the horizontal wires being spaced closer together makes these crates a better buy than other folding crates.

The double door Life Stages Dog Crates offer more versatility with a full functioning second door on the right side panel. If you need to transport your dog the double door on the right side panel is convenient when you have more space side to side than front to back in your vehicle. The double door crates offer the same conveniences and features as the single door models. Both the single and the double door crates have a durable, satin black electro-coat finish.

These crates are great to use in the out-of-doors as they can easily be put up and taken down. The stimulation of the sights and sounds of the outdoors are a great way to help keep your dog mentally healthy. When using the crate outside be sure to place plenty of water inside the crate and provide shade to prevent sun burn. If you are going to leave your pet in the crate for over an hour, be sure to place some toys and bones inside for him to chew and play with to relieve boredom. Most of all, when you get your new puppy, spend as much time as you can with him and continue to exercise with him as he grows into adulthood. Dogs need to have human interaction and attention. The lady who took in Pit Bull dogs was willing to give them lots of love and affection and from the results shown she received lots of LOVE in return.

Deluxe Vari Kennel, Jr. Series Review

We have become a more mobile society over the past few years and are not reluctant to change location in or out of state as job opportunities arise. Most of our travel plans include trips that involve more than just a day outing. Whether moving, vacationing or just traveling, a Petmate Vari Kennel is a good choice to house your canine companion in while riding in a car, traveling by air or enjoying a good camping trip in the mountains. The Petmate Vari Kennels has been a leader in meeting all of the restrictions for international airline travel.


These kennels are plastic making them easy to keep clean. The Deluxe Vari Kennel, Jr. comes in four sizes from small to large and is designed for the small to medium dogs. It will not accommodate the larger dogs.

Petmate is a company that prides themselves on maintaining a high quality product while contributing to the safety of our air quality. Their products are designed with the purpose in mind of having a safe and secure enclosure for our pets. The Vari Kennel is easy to assemble and provides plenty of ventilation as well as a secure locking door. The panels have metal windows and the metal door is entirely designed to allow for lots of fresh air. The Petmate Deluxe Vari Kennel, Jr. is constructed of two plastic shells, a door, and locking tabs that secure the shells tightly together. The two durable plastic shells can be taken apart and stacked when not in use for easy storage.

The vari kennels have been recommended by veterinarians and animal professionals as the best buy to keep your pet safe. Just think of them as an overnight case for your pet when you travel. These are really a plus when you travel by car as you can place the kennel high enough for your pet to look out the window and enjoy some fresh air. At night, you have a safe and secure place for your pet allowing both of you to receive a goods nights rest.

When you are enjoying a camping trip in the mountains, take the Petmate Vari Kennel along for your furry companion. It will provide him with his own sleeping bag so you won’t have to share. You can get a good rest and be refreshed and ready to explore with him the next day knowing he is secure and safe. When taking him along on a camping trip, start with short walks along a path and take plenty of water for both of you. Keep your dog on the trail at all times and be certain that he has been voice command trained. You don’t want him to be trailing off. Never let your dog eliminate on the trail, but if it does happen remember it is YOUR responsibility to remove the solid waste and properly dispose of it.

Enjoy your adventures rather they be by air, car or on foot. The Petmate Vari Kennel is a good choice for any method of travel. It is airline approved, ideal for car travel and an excellent tent for your pet. Your pet will be content when traveling with you because his surroundings will be familiar and he will not become stressed because he is accustomed to sleeping in his kennel when at home.

Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House Review

If you have ever been a little kid then you know how much fun it is to play with toys that required no tools, very little adult supervision and would snap together. Now you can build a Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House by simply snapping the parts together. This is one heck of an insulated dog house. Painted surfaces will fade when exposed to the ultra-violet rays of the sun, but colors used in the manufacturing of this unit are fade resistant. It will look like new for many years, unlike painted dog houses that need a new coat each summer. Tests have been made to insure that the materials used in its construction will last several years even in extreme climates.


A nice feature of the Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House is that the roof can easily be removed to accommodate ease in cleaning. Even Linus’s blanket needs to be washed at some point in time. It is easy to wash the inside down with a soapy rag and then hose it down. You can remove the roof and leave it off until the inside becomes air dry. Your pet deserves to have a clean, fresh smelling place in which to sleep.

The inside measurements of this dog house are 24.25” wide by 41” long and 28” high. You can measure your dog to see if he will be able to turn around to find a comfortable position in this house. Your dog house should allow your dog to lie down comfortable and that is it. The recommendations include dogs up to 125 pounds in weight. Dogs included in the 125 pound range would include your labs, greyhounds, Brittany spaniels, Irish setters, etc. I just want to mention that because it is called the Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House it is not restricted to dogs, it is ideal for other animals as well.

With colder weather a major concern with our animals is hypothermia. Inadequate shelter is one of the causes that make a pet susceptible to this condition. If it is too large or not adequately insulated, frostbite can occur on the tails and tips of the ears in severe cold weather. That is why I have stressed the importance of the insulation in this dog house which works to keep your pet warm and safe from the elements. This unit tops the others with its insulation which keeps your pet cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The design of this unit is such that it has ten times more insulation than with the single wall dog houses. It just can’t get any better! Because this top of the line insulated dog house is constructed of all-weather materials it has earned the Consumer Digest Best Buy Award.

One of the comments I read stated that she really liked this dog house over the wooden one because her dogs could not chew it up. You don’t have to worry about a trip to the vet to removed splinters from your pet’s gums or their stomach with the Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House. She also stated that her lab loves this insulated dog house. You will love it too!

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Backpack Pet Carrier

The Backpack Dog Carrier is easy to use and is a secure and comfortable place for your pet to ride when you are biking, hiking, walking for exercise or just out and about the town. With this mode of confinement for your pet, your hands are free to steer the bike, hold onto the walking stick or just swing leisurely at your sides. They are more comfortable than the shoulder dog carrier bags because the weight of your pet is distributed more evenly across the larger muscles of the back. The adjustable straps make it easy for you to adjust the backpack to fit your body type allowing a snug fit.


The Backpack Pet Carriers can be fully zipped to insure that your pet is stable and will not fall out. Having the backpack fully zipper, he can still turn around and have plenty of room above his head and on the sides. They do not need to be fully zipped after your pet becomes accustomed to being carried in it. You and your pet can decide what is most comfortable for the both of you. The dog backpack carrier is designed with breathable mesh side panels which eliminate the worry of your pet not getting enough air. He will not suffocate when fully enclosed.

Approved by the airlines, you can take your pet along and know that he will be safe and secure when flying. The dog carrier will fit very nicely under the seat and still give your pet room to turn around and stretch his legs. It allows for more flexibility in your life as you can take him almost anywhere. I have listed ten advantages for using a backpack and feel confident that there are probably ten more.

I have read all the reports I could find about the backpack pet carrier and found very few disadvantages. One of the main concerns mentioned was that every time you are ready to leave the house or move the backpack, your pet is ready to jump on board. They place some strain on your back muscles. Your pet can shift his weight from side to side which can be annoying at times. The main disadvantage to the backpack dog carrier is it cannot be used with large dogs!

The advantages of the Backpack Pet Carrier out weigh the disadvantages two to one. Small pets whether they be dogs, cats, ferrets or any other animal can be easily managed when you have secured them in the backpack and zipped it up. You won’t need to leave him/her behind when you go sightseeing or just out for a run.

Where to Put an Outdoor Dog Kennel

We mounted our outdoor dog kennel on a cement pad which was treated to reduce cracking. Later we partially enclosed it and added a shingled roof. This gave the dogs more protection from the elements protecting them from the suns heat rays in the summer and the snow fall in the winter. The cement pad kept the dogs nails short so they did not have to be clipped. Being a smooth surface, it also was easy to clean with a water hose. The four corner posts were cemented in making a sturdy structure. By using the cement, the dogs could not dig underneath and get free.


When a chain link outdoor dog kennel is mounted on the ground, the dirt hardens, but they will paw at it, and roll in it keeping their coats dirty. You have most likely noticed a spot where they curl up that is hallowed out and is shaped like a dish. They are harder to keep clean and when it rains you have a mud puddle. If your dog is prone to dig, it won’t be long before he will be on the outside looking in.

Orthopedic Beds After Surgery

When we had to have our dog operated on for cancer of the spine it was traumatic. We were lost not knowing if he would survive the operation or have a longer life span. Without the surgery there was no way to tell how serious the harden lump was on his spine. The Vet could feel it and informed us that if it was cancerous and had spread that his life would only be extended for about four months. Without the surgery, he most likely had but a few days of extreme pain. We opt for the surgery and were grateful for the next four months. Four months to the date after surgery we lost our beloved pet.


One of the suggestions given to us was to purchase an orthopedic dog bed because of the relief it would give to the joints and bones during this painful time of his life. These beds are designed to conform to the contours of the body giving relief to the hips by taking the pressure off. Sleeping or resting on an orthopedic dog bed feels like being on clouds of feathers. Another benefit of the orthopedic dog bed is that our pet was able to breathe easier and be somewhat comfortable. Orthopedic pet beds also help to increase circulation which is so important after surgery.

All pet lovers that are going through the difficult decision of surgery for their beloved pet will get peace of mind when they can bring him/her home and see that he/she is resting comfortably. Going through surgery with an animal is one of the hardest and most difficult times of my life. It was extremely hard to see my dog suffer, but I have a calmness knowing that I did everything possible to make his time here as pain free as possible. I reflect back now on only the happy times. Those times when he would greet me at the door and some days I chuckle thinking back on some of the tricks he would pull.

The Trainer Had Two Memory Foam Dog Beds

I was a little reluctant to take my dog into the barn where he would begin his first lesson in obedience when I encountered two of the biggest Dobermans just wandering around checking things out. They startled me and then the trainer gave a low whistle and they obediently went to their memory foam dog beds and stayed until she used them to demonstrate meeting and greeting another person with a dog. It was amazing watching her with the two dogs. They never whined, never ran off, and never disobeyed her commands.


We asked about the beds they would retreat to thinking maybe she had some secret treat hidden inside them; as her dogs seemed to love laying on them. She talked to us about using a memory bed for dogs stating that in her opinion they were the very best choice especially as the dogs aged. One of the things, she liked was that the bed would conform to the shape of the dogs body; therefore, it reduced pressure on the joints and hips. She gave the dog lessons in a barn structure where she kept her horses. The dirt floor combined with the scattering of hay would make it impossible to keep things clean. The dog beds had a removable, washable cover which helped to keep them clean.

Watching her work with the dogs was amazing. She could control twenty dogs at one time. She could work miracles with our dogs when we struggled. Things never got out of control and before we finished the six week course, our dogs would meet nose to nose with her Dobermans and behave!

Tired of Calling Your Dog – Try Using an Electronic Dog Fence

Of all the things I dislike hearing from pet owners, it is “Come, Come, Rover, COME;” and Rover just goes on roving over to the neighbors and down the street. Responsible dog owners create a safety net for their pets by building a wire or wooden fence around their yard. Building a fence with wire or wood is costly and requires lots of hard labor. A better way to have your pet remain within the confines of his/her own yard is using an electronic dog fence.


An electronic dog fence is made just for the owner who prefers not to bury underground wires, dig trenches or post holes in his yard. With this type of fencing system, you do not need to bury any wires; it works off of a transmitter. This product is so easy that if you can plug in your computer you can install an invisible dog fence. You set the boundaries and train your dog with a collar receiver to stay within set limits. A dog properly trained with the collar receiver will need little if any reinforcement after the first few times. Whenever your dog is allowed to wander outside your home, the lightweight collar needs to be in place. You control the amount of reinforcement your pet will receive.

Save your voice and let the transmitters tell your pet when he needs to turn around and head for the safety of home. The above mentioned fencing system can be used anywhere there is a power source. Another great feature of this system is that power inverters are available that will allow you to plug the system into your vehicle making it portable. Never leave home without it!

Our Plastic Dog Crate Made a Great Spare Bedroom

Bet you never thought of a dog crate as a bedroom, but that is just what ours became when we volunteered to tend my friend’s Rottweiler puppy. My friend needed to be out of town for a few days and didn’t want to leave his new puppy with just anyone. My family already had one dog so the plastic dog crate became an ideal secure nighttime sleeping arrangement. Rocky was well behaved and did not make any noises during the night so it really worked out super.

My mom even cuddled with him and they would lie on the floor and watch the basketball game on TV before retiring for the night. After the game, mom and Rocky would come upstairs, let him out for a run and potty break and then into the kennel he would go, curl up and that would be the last you would hear out of him until morning. What a dog!

Good plastic dog crates are easily cleaned and well ventilated and have secure steel doors that lock. Ours have been ideal for cold nights when the dogs need to be kept indoors and for transporting them in the truck during hunting season.

Heated Dog Bed for Our Shivering Pets

Reading through the letters to the editor in our local paper, one article titled “Shivering pets” caught my eye and my first thought was write a letter to the editor telling them about heated dog beds. The writer was upset with the fact that all too many times she has seen pets left outside in our cold temperatures. Pets had been tied up with a chain and left outside while others she had observed were left tied to a post with the lease while the owner was inside the warm store shopping. We live in an age where this should not be happening as most of our dogs and cats have become accustomed to living indoors. Plain old good common sense tells us to protect our furry friends from the cold. When the temperatures dip to below zero; we are advised by the news media time and again, as they give the weather reports, to bring our outside animals inside. A nice heated dog bed is advised for those that are ailing or aged, any one of your furry companions will benefit from having one.

Available on the market are thermostats that will regulate the temperature of the heated dog bed and are simple and easy to use. The one I prefer is simply plugged into the electrical outlet and works automatically to ambient temperatures. It comes on automatically when the temperatures drop below a certain point and shuts off when the temperature rises, thus saving electricity and wear and tear on the heated dog bed. These work well with our heated beds for dogs and will maintain the body temperature of the dog. Using this prevents the risk of electrical shock or going to bed and wondering if you’re pets are warm and safe. This is especially appealing to dog lovers, who own dogs that refuse the indoors and prefer the outside dog house. They are great to use when you take the precaution to allow your outside pets to sleep in the garage or patio on those cold, cold nights.

The lady who wrote the article made a good point when she wrote, “I don’t want to hear in the news about somebody losing their companion to the cold.” This would be a senseless act of cruelty that can easily be prevented. Cold temperatures in the winter are just as harmful to our pets as the hot temperatures of the summer. Leaving your pet locked in your car for an extended amount of time whether it is cold or hot is not advised.

If you are going shopping and will have to leave your furry companion in the car for an extended period of time, reconsider and keep them at home where they can lay down on their heated dog bed and be cozy warm.

Sherpa Pet Carrier for a Hot Dog

Actor Jerry O'Connell and his wife, actress Rebecca Romijn's carry their dog in a classy Sherpa Pet Carrier for Dogs.  It is one of the very best means to carry your pooch when on the go in and out of airports or around the town.  There is another hot dog out there that gets the same treatment even in the Air Force One.  President Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha finally got the puppy their dad promised in mid-April.  After all the lobbying and begging a little Portuguese water dog, they have named Bo,  has become part of the first family.

You don't need to be an actor, actress or a member of the First Family to have a Sherpa Pet Carrier.  These comfortable, durable soft and airline approved carriers are ideal for you and your animal.  Because this bag fits perfectly under an airplane seat you can carry your pet and keep a low profile.  Most people will not even notice your pet's presence.  Be aware of the fact that you still have to take your pet out of the carrier and carry him/her through security and the Sherpa Pet carrier must pass through the x-ray.  Take a few days ahead of your trip and let your pet become accustomed to the Sherpa Pet Carrier.  It makes a perfect place for their afternoon nap and when travel time comes, you will encounter fewer problems.

The Sherpa Pet Carriers have shoulder straps that make them easy to carry.  Lots of thought has gone into the making of these carriers.  They are of study construction and have a comfortable Sherpa fleece lined pad to keep your feline or small dog warm on short or long flights.  One neat idea that the designer came up with is the side pocket which can carry the pet's travel documents which comes in handy at check-in.  The instructions that come with these Sherpa Pet Carriers are well written and have useful instructions giving you guidelines when traveling with your pet.  The guidelines also list which airlines will accept these for use in the passenger compartment.

Hot Dog!  Now you have come up with the perfect gift for your canine travel companion.

Soft Dog Crates - Portable and Fashionable

A Durable Soft Dog Crate may be the dog crate that you are looking for.  If you are the outdoors type, or take your pet with you wherever you go, then one of these fancy crates is definitely worth taking a look at.  I first experienced soft dog crates when my brother-in-law brought his new puppy over to my house for me to look after a few days when he was leaving town.  He showed up with the pup and all of her stuff and whipped out this tent looking thing.  In a matter of seconds it was up and boom, she had a crate.  I was amazed by the strength and durability of the soft dog crate.  It provided a very nice portable shelter for his dog and was easy to set up and take down.  It folded so flat that you cold literally fit it into any space, which is nice compared to a plastic dog crate which is big and bulky, or a wire dog crate, which even though quality models fold, are quite heavy.  I took a look in to the top soft dog crates after that and decided that I would most definitely get some for my two dogs.  

There are many different brands and models, and I recommend a quality brand over any other.  It is worth the few extra dollars because a quality soft dog crate is going to be sturdy and provide features that are worth it like water resistant material, tent stakes and staking loops, plenty of storage, and a tough frame.  Cheaper models are quite a bit more flimsy and won't hold up to the wear a dog can put on them.  My two dogs love their soft dog crates.  I really don't have a brand that I would recommend over all others.  I would look into the top names, and see which soft dog crate best suits your needs and fashion desires.  Some of the best I have found are the Midwest Canine Camper Crates,  Pet Gear Generation II Soft Crates.  Now, there is plenty of room to take a crate with you and your pet wherever you go.

Sherpa Backpack Pet Carriers - Review

Today's Sherpa Dog Carrier of the day is the Sherpa Backpack Dog Carrier.  This is one functional unit.  It provides a multifunction use that is very nice for pets and owners on the go.  The Sherpa Backpack carrier not only works as a backpack pet carrier, but can also be set up as an over the shoulder carrier, or it can be carried like a bag with its handles.  This unit is great for travel.  It fits comfortably under the seat on an airliner, so it can be used to travel the globe with your small pet.  The manufacturers have designed it to fit pets up to 16 lbs., so it is very versatile for most small pets.  I have always loved using the backpack approach to things and Sherpa Carriers are no different.  It allows you to have both hands free, and if you are like me when I carry things for a large distance like traveling between terminals in the airport, I am always switching hands when whatever I am carrying gets too heavy or uncomfortable for one hand.  Personally, I think that traveling in a backpack provides for a more comfortable and smoother ride for your pet which will help with all of the strange noises and surroundings of a new environment like an airport.  Not only is it convenient but the Sherpa Backpack Pet Carrier is a high quality product like all products designed by Sherpa.  It will last a long time and is good looking.  It comes in three designer colors to fit anyone's fashion desires and is designed with your pet in mind.  I definitely recommend this Sherpa Pet Carrier to anyone who is looking for comfort for both pet and pet parent.