Dog Blog - Dog Product Reviews

In New Zealand, where dog ownership among residents is only 25% (compared to 65% in the USA) Dachshunds are becoming very popular, according to an ABC report. Why? Because they’re clean, small and portable. Plus, they act much bigger than they are.  Kiwis are a very horsy set, too, which is a natural for winer dogs (just go to any English riding competition and you’ll see them cavorting with Jack Russells and Corgis galore).

 Go, little Doxies, go!

When I mention that we sell dog strollers on our site, people sometimes look at me as though I have a horn growing out of my forehead. “It’s a dog!” they say. And I used to say that, too.

But then I started talking to people who use dog strollers. We began to carry them and heard from more people who use them. And now, I can really see how a stroller would come in handy for the small-dog set (there’s even one now that holds up to 115 pounds for a big dog, or two mediu-size dogs).

Here are some reasons that we’ve heard to use a pet stroller.

1. Easier Vet Visits

Trips to the vet become easier and maybe even healthier with a dog stroller.

• Transporting a litter of puppies? Put them in a stroller and eliminate worries about puppies escaping in the car or at the vet’s office.

• Got a convalescing dog? Place her in a dog stroller for comfortable, stress-free transport to the car and hospital, without being investigated or hassled by other pets in the lobby.

• Worried about germs from other sick animals in the waiting room? A stroller keeps your dog off the floor and other surfaces visited by sick dogs all day.

2. Get in Shape without Tiring Your Dog

Run or walk as far and as fast as you like. Then give your dog a ride when he’s had enough. You can continue your workout while your dog gets a breeze and a rest in the stroller.

3. Safely Go to Work

Take your dog to work one or more days a week. The stroller makes it easier to transport your dog from the car to the office, creates a confined space for the dog when it’s needed, and provides a safe and familiar den for napping.

4. It’s a No-Strain Pet Carrier

People are starting to use pet strollers instead of carriers. They’re easier on your back, shoulders and neck, and many stores appreciate dog owners having dogs completely enclosed.

5. A Helping Hand for Older Humans or Older Dogs

Older dogs and even older humans may need an easier way to take spin around the block. Older dogs who get tired on the way home may appreciate a ride so their walks don’t get cut short. People who use a scooter - or who are a bit unstable, especially when a dog is pulling on a leash - sometimes find it easier to enjoy the fresh air with their dogs by using a dog stroller.

6. Outdoor Events - Best Seat in the House

Dog shows, picnics, festivals and other outdoor events can be fun to share with your dog. But they also mean dealing with crowds, bugs, other potentially aggressive dogs, trash and confusion. Give your dog a safe place to observe the festivities without getting her tail stepped on or gulping down dangerous chocolate before you can stop her. See how much easier a stroller is than crates at your next dog show.

7. Paw Protection

Sidewalks can give paws a beating, especially Phoenix in summer or Buffalo in winter. Road salt can dry and irritate paw pads. City dwellers have to negotiate all kinds of debris on sidewalks. A dog stroller keeps your dog clean and off any broken glass, trash, chemicals or other hazards on the sidewalk.

8. First-Class Travel

Car, boat and RV travel is easier with a dog stroller. Easily transport your dog(s) to the hotel room and from place to place without worrying that they’ll get loose and run away in a strange and dangerous place, like near a highway. Some dogs don’t like walking on docks when the water’s choppy. Ease your dog’s anxiety by helping him onto the boat in a stroller. When visiting relatives, the stroller gives you an instant crate where the dog can nap when he gets tired of entertaining the kids.

9. Fresh Air, No Walking

Dogs who are recovering from surgery or injuries, or who have become disabled, enjoy getting fresh air even if they can’t walk very far. It stimulates them to get some sun, sample new smells and see new surroundings. A dog stroller keeps them comfortable, and they’re happy to be able to go outside.

10. Safety Around Aggressive Dogs

Unleashed dogs can pose a threat to your small dog if they’re aggressive or unsocialized. Keep your dog safe from other dogs in a dog stroller.

11. Multiple Dogs, Multiple Directions

Owners of several small dogs often find that it’s easier and calmer taking them out in a stroller because they can’t go in separate directions, winding the leash around their person’s legs!

12. Big Dog, Small Dog

Got a big dog and small dog? Give your power pooch a good long walk without tiring out the smaller one by using a dog stroller.

13. Giving Back

Lucky dogs like to give back. A fun way to do that is at a 5K charity walk/run. Keep your dog safe from crowds of runners by putting her in a dog stroller. You’ll put a smile on people’s faces and spend some quality time doing a good deed with your pooch. Plus, you can do the whole distance without tiring out a dog who’s not used to that much activity. If your dog visits nursing homes or hospitals, the stroller makes trips easier and provides a safe haven for overstimulated dogs who need a break from the attention.

14. Safely Out of the Way of Urban Traffic

Dog owners who live in large cities like to use strollers to keep their dogs from running into the street, or wrapping their leashes around other pedestrians.

15. Less Stressful Evacuations

If you have to move your pets in preparation for a tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire or other emergency, it’s much easier in a stroller. Carry a familiar blanket, toys, snacks, food, water, bowls and pickup bags with your dog to provide comforts of home and eliminate the danger of the dog getting loose or running away out of fear during transport.

16. More Quality Time

A dog stroller simply gives you more quality time with your dog. It lets you take your dog more places than a leash or even a pet carrier. With more workplaces, stores and restaurants becoming dog-friendly, a responsible dog owner with her dog in a stroller will always be welcome. A stroller lets your dog come along for errands, social visits, “bring your dog to work day,” and even shopping.

To see our selection of dog strollers, click here.

Dogzilla is the first dog toy that engages all five senses, guaranteed to help keep your dog entertained for hours. Dogzilla appeals to your dog’s sense of taste with an innovative material that includes protein flavors. Unlike humans, dogs have taste buds for protein, enabling them to smell and taste it. Dogzilla is infused with protein to make it deliciously crave-able. Dogzilla appeals to your dog’s sense of smell by adding vanilla into the rubber to bring the scent of human food to the dog’s toy. You can also fill the center with tasty treats whose aroma will keep you dog engaged. The design is specially created to visually appeal to the canine eye. Studies show that while dogs can see only certain shades of red and green, they see blue in all of the same shades as humans. In addition, evolutionary processes shaped the canine vision to be an acute detector of movement. The shape of Dogzilla enables the toy to be easily set in motion, which catches a dog’s eye.

Although it is designed to withstand focused chewing, you should never leave your dog alone with any toy until you determine that he will not break off small pieces and swallow them.

Men’s Health magazine recently ranked 50 American cities based on how dog-friendly they are. They ranked these major cities based on the following 8 criteria:

1. Percentage of households that own dogs

2. Number of dog parks

3. Number of pet supply stores per capita

4. Number of animal shelters per capita

5. Number of dog boarding or daycare facilities

6. Number of veterinarians

7. Number of heartworm cases. Lowest incidence of heartworm sored highest. (Does anyone else think this is a bit off the wall?)

8. As a tie-breaker, how severely the local laws punish animal cruelty and dog fighting.

And guess what? Nine of the top 10 cities for dogs are in the West. Why? Part of it may be room to roam, which means more and bigger yards, more dog parks, etc. But it seems that people in the West just own more dogs. But I’m not going to leave you hanging. Here are the top 10:

1. Colorado Springs

2. Portland

3. Albuquerque

4. Tucson

5. Seattle

6. Denver

7. Austin

8. San Fransisco

9. Tampa

10. Sacramento

DogFancy also does a DogTown USA feature each year, in which they name the Best All-Around City for Dogs in America. The 2006 winner? Portland, OR (#2 on the Men’s Health list). Runners-up were Sanford (FL), Albuquerque, San Diego, Bellingham (WA), Palo Alto (CA), and New York.

Help! I live on a parkway with signs posted on either end to pick up after your dog. Today, while I was out washing my car, a regular offender walked by, letting both dogs leave a trail of doo doo. I am very unconfrontational, but I decided to address the situation. I said (very pleasantly) “Excuse me, but did you know you could be fined for not picking up after your dog?”

She kept walking, I said “Excuse me.” She started marching and I said, “Can you hear me?” Then she said, “I don’t have time for you.” I said “I don’t have time to clean up after your dogs.”

She started running away. I said, “How mature is that?” When she got far away, she started shrieking at the top of her lungs, didn’t understand a word she said but all I can think is, great! The first time I address this and I get a lunatic. Now I am worried she is nuts & may plan some sort of revenge and that I am stuck cleaning up after her dogs from now on. Any advice?

Friendly Reminder - Altadena, CA

Dear Friendly,

She was probably embarrassed when you told her to pick up after her dog and she didn’t handle it well. But believe me, she heard you. I once got a friendly reminder in my mailbox that said, “When we all keep our lawns mowed, it raises property values for everyone.” I was mortified, and for a few days, I wondered which one of my neighbors had left the note. But you knwo what? I kept my lawn mown, weeded, edged and the bushes trimmed after that. And now, it’s me looking at other lawns, thinking that the homeowners shouldn’t let them get so shaggy.

The point is that she may have handled the encounter badly, but she got the message. And since she has such a strong aversion to public reprimands, it’s unlikely that she continues to allow her dogs to foul the public areas (she’ll probably change her route and you won’t even see her again). But if she does, call your police department non-emergency line and ask them what the best way to proceed is. If she has a regular routine, tell them what time of day she normally walks her dog in your area, and describe her and her dog. The police normally have more important things to do than chase pickup law violators, but if it’s a slow day, they may send a car over. Or you could tell her she’s been reported (whether she has or not). That might put some sticking power on your point of view.

As far as retribution goes, I wouldn’t worry. Of course, if she threatens you or follows you or harasses you in any way, it would be a good idea to have a complaint on record with the police department in case she accelerates things.  Meanwhile, don’t feel bad about dealing nicely with things like this that affect the rest of us. We need social sanctions for unacceptable behavior because so some people simply don’t learn good manners at home. This is why clusters of giggling teenagers who race up and down the aisles and talk on their phones in the back movie theaters continue to disturb other patrons during movies. If more people would confront them, they wouldn’t do it. You were right to remind this woman (nicely) to pick up after her dog.

Got a question about dog etiquette? Send it here.

We’re taking a survey of dog owners to find out more about how Americans feel about their pets.  Early results are fascinating.  Did you know that nearly half of us would give up 10% of our pay if we could take our dogs to work with us? And nearly one in five would be more upset at the death of our dog than the death of a spouse.

Haven’t taken the survey yet? It only takes 90 seconds. Go to http://app.intellicontact.com/icp/sub/survey/take.  Meanwhile, here are some early results (678 responses):

Social statements (check all that apply):

Consumer Behavior (check all that apply)

My Age Group

A Bit About Me (check all that apply)

I have two Chows.  One, whom I recently adopted, is a year old. My other Chow is three. They seem to get along great , until snacks are brought into the picture. The younger one  drops hers and goes for his almost instantly. She also likes to block him from food. This ends up in a brutal display of teeth and hair. They are both free feeders; I keep kibble out  for both of them at all times. Is this just a matter of seperating the food in different rooms, and giving them snacks seperately?

S. Brooks, Worcester MA

Dear S.

Your young female Chow is asserting her dominance over the male. One way in which dogs sort out the pecking order of any pack is by who eats first. The dominant dog always eats first. So, to be dominant in a new pack, your female is taking food from your other dog and keeping him away from the food.

I would definitely not feed them free-choice. This is not the most natural way for dogs to eat. They are predators who — in their natural state – hunt and feed, then don’t eat for a while. So two feedings a day, 12 hours apart, should help both their digestion and the food aggression problem. There are a couple of things you can do to minimize the competition for food.

First, watch how Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, deals with food aggression. He asserts himself as the alpha dog by claiming the food. He puts down a dish of food, then stands over it, keeping the dogs from getting to it until they accept that they cannot get to it, at which point they usually lie down or sit calmly. Your female might be dominant over the male, but she must not be dominant over you. She must give way when you want to claim the food. This is a good thing to practice at every mealtime and snacktime.

If you have a helper, you can put both dogs on leashes at mealtimes, tell them to sit, put the food on the floor, then make them wait for your command before they eat. Keep them on leash while they eat, and leave them alone as long as everything’s going well. If the female begins to look at the male’s food, give her a firm correction on the leash and a vocal reprimand (one word or sound). Do this at the first sign that she’s thinking about going after the male. After a while, you can remove the leashes and maintain control with your voice.

If you don’t havea helper, you can also feed them in crates to minimize squabbling. But this does not teach the dogs to behave. It’s like putting the cookie jar out of reach of a child rather than teaching the child not to get into it. Your dogs may be boarded together some day, and have to eat side-by-side. So it’s always better to teach them good manners than put up physical barriers. Either way, this behavior should not be tolerated. If you do nothing, it’s the same — in your dog’s eyes — as approving of the behavior.

I had a long conversation this week with one of our best repeat customers. She was wondering what soft treats we have that she might put a pill into for her dog. The dog bit into a pill once, and ever since, has been very suspicious of any treat used to camouflage a pill.

He gets the pill out of whatever she uses to hide it, and eats the treat, leaving the pill behind. He does this with cheese, peanut butter, even commercial treats made for this purpose, such as Pill Pockets. She’s trying to use soft treats and mix them up to keep him guessing. I have her a few ideas (I’d been through the daily medication dance with an epileptic  Dachshund I once had) but she’d already tried them all.

So I told her I’d post a question on our Blog. How do you hide your dog’s pills? Does any of you have a particularly talented dog who has thwarted the usual methods for hiding pills? Do you have a better way to feed pills to these dogs? Please share with the rest of us any methods other than those I’ve mentioned which have worked for you. 

Shawn, this one’s for you.

- Lisa Woody, President, www.FunStuffForDogs.com

Here’s a story from AP that was recently published in newspapers around the country:

OMAHA, Neb. — Lucy was drowning and turning blue, so Randy Gurchin recalled his Air Force training on mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. It didn’t matter that Lucy is a 10-month-old English bulldog, because he and Lucy are “best buddies.”

“Once you get a pet, it’s truly part of your family,” he said. “You just tend to do whatever it takes to save their life.”

Lucy had jumped into a partly frozen lake in pursuit of ducks and geese, but the water was too cold for her. When Gurchin edged onto the ice and pulled Lucy out of the water, she was unresponsive and her face and paws were blue.

He closed her mouth, put his mouth over her nose, breathed air into her lungs and pushed on her chest, and after about a minute she began shallow breaths. He drove her to a veterinary clinic, where she was immersed in warm water, given injections and placed in an oxygen tent. By Friday, a week after her ordeal, Lucy was back to normal, said Gurchin, a pilot who retired from the Air Force two years ago.

It’s amazing what we dog parents will do for our beloved friends.  I’m sure that most of the dog people I know would not hesitate to give their dogs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in a life-or-death situation.

Society in general is catching on that dogs are part of the family nowadays. They don’t just live in the back yard like they used to (although sadly, some still do). They sleep in our beds, go with us on errands and sometimes to work, they go on vacation with us and sometimes and they help us get over bad relationships.

We think it’s time that people knew just how much our dogs mean to us. So we’ve created a survey of American dog owners. Please take 90 seconds to answer some simple questions. When we’ve collected a statistically significant number of responses, we’ll amalgamate the data into a press release, and send it to every daily paper and weekly paper in the country.

The results so far have been very telling. It seems that half of us would give up 10% of our salary if we could take our dogs to work with us. 70% of us think that people who own dogs (or want to) are generally better people than those who don’t. And nine out of ten of us select a home based in large part on our dogs’ needs.

If you have a dog, please take this important survey. We think the writers and editors who see the results will be impressed at how much our dogs impact our everyday life. Just follow this link:

http://app.intellicontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=7857&cid=44833

Every Christmas our family gets together at our house for dinner and to exchange gifts. We have an older cat and our niece has a small dog. She brings the dog to our house every year, fully knowing that it is not welcome. Is it good etiquette that they should leave their dog home since we have a cat plus the dog is just not welcome ?

G., New York

Dear G.,

I assume that the dog presents a problem for the cat (chasing, barking, etc.). I agree that she should not bring the dog if she knows that he’s not welcome. Has anyone actually told her that it just doesn’t work out, or is everyone relying on common sense and hints? Clarity is
a good thing, and even a difficult conversation can be handled with compassion and affection. I had to have a similar conversation with a relative, whose dog marked my house when he came over (although he was perfectly housebroken at home). I asked for her help in solving the problem, we both put on our thinking caps, and we worked it out with a minimum of hurt feelings.   It could be too late to do anything about it this year since the boarding kennels are already booked (although she might be able to get a pet sitter to come to the house). Does she travel from out of town? If not, perhaps the dog would be okay at home alone for 5 hours or so. If the dog can be left home alone while she’s a work, it should be no problem to leave him home for a similar length of time for
Christmas.   If that’s not a solution, perhaps confining the dog during
Christmas dinner and gift exchange with a baby gate, or putting him in another room, would be a temporary solution. You might also consider putting the cat in another room. You may think it’s not fair to confine the cat, who lives there. But actually, cats often prefer a quiet, private room when there’s more activity and people in the house than normal.  

In the end, I think if my uncle told me that the cat doesn’t handle my dog’s visits very well and then set up an area outside or in the garage for him to be when he visited, I’d end up making other arrangements without drama or resentment. Here’s a question to consider: If you didn’t have the cat (and someday you won’t), would the dog be welcome? Is part of the reason you wish she wouldn’t bring him because he’s noisy or destructive or distracting?  That’s perfectly legitimate and if it’s the case, you might want to just bring it up now and save yourself some awkwardness in the future if the issue comes up again.

Got a question about dog etiquette? Send it here.