Coco Chanel’s recent birthday party evoked all the glamour of the famous clothing designer. In an exquisitely decorated party room, guests nibbled on appetizers served by uniformed attendants carrying golden trays. However, only select partygoers enjoyed the signature “Coco Cocktail,” a warmed, low-sodium chicken broth mixed with filtered water. As it turned out, many of Coco’s party invitees were just like her: Maltese dogs.

Handling nearly every aspect of Coco’s canine birthday bash was Dorothy Moore, owner of The Dining Dog Café & Bakery, an Edmonds, Wash. restaurant. It was a cakewalk, or one might say bone walk, for Moore, whose restaurant, with its white tablecloths, soft music, and chandeliers, caters to the needs of her canine customers.

As one of the world’s leading party organizers for dogs, however, she frequently leaves her restaurant to orchestrate perfect pooch parties.

Working with such an expert means the doggie sky, and perhaps your budget, are the only limitations.

From Weddings to Fashion Shows For Your Dog

Moore baked wedding cakes for human couples in the past, but now she prefers to cater to dog weddings. During one recent ceremony, the furry bride and groom stared rapturously into each other’s eyes while the proud owners stood nearby, holding back tears of joy. She says, “Tiny framed pictures of the dogs decorated the top of the canine-edible cake, while guests received toy and treat favor bags.”

She also recently organized a fashion show extravaganza at The Beverly Hills Mutt Club. Humans and dogs modeled spring fashions. Afterward, “owners savored fancy salads and pasta dishes, while all of the dogs gobbled up my special canine quiche, doggie cookies and appetizers.”

For other parties, Moore has brought in massage therapists, spa specialists, and pet psychics. “The massage theme is especially popular,” she says. “Dogs receive their massage first on a soft, warm blanket. While they relax, their owners then get a soothing 10-minute massage.” The key to this event, and many others, she believes, is to make sure food and activities involve both canines and their owners, so no one feels bored or left behind.

What Can I Do For My Dog’s Birthday?

Moore says you can successfully organize such parties yourself. “You might think of them as you would a children’s party, with that level of creativity and extra care needed.” She offers these tips:

• Leash Your Dog During the Party 

“Instruct all guests to bring their dogs on a leash,” she says, adding that adults should also always be in charge of holding the leash. “I’ve been to parties where the owner was having such a good time that he left the dog in the care of his kid. Adults need to stay with their pets.”

• Make a Pit Stop Before the Dog Party 

Be sure to make a bathroom stop before the event. For obvious reasons, it avoids embarrassing “party pooper” problems that might occur later.

• Don’t Bring Antisocial Dogs 

If your dog has a hard time relating to unfamiliar dogs and people, it probably wouldn’t be happy at the party anyway.

• Prep For the Dog Party in Advance 

Many large party supply stores now carry invitations, hats, and other items suitable for a dog fest. Online businesses like Fun Stuff for Dogs even specialize in dog party items.

• Choose a Theme For Your Dog Party

Carry your theme throughout all your party elements. For example, at a St. Patrick’s Day party, the guests received green hats, corned beef treats, and enjoyed Irish music, played softly enough for sensitive canine ears. For tips on a Christmas themed party, see below.

• Keep Guests Occupied 

One of the easiest and least expensive solutions is to use your party’s greatest resource: its canine attendants. Consider holding contests, such as “largest tail,” “best trick,” or “floppiest ears,” with prizes or paper awards going to the winners.

Party Food For Your Dog’s Party

The preparation and serving of food for your dog party might at first seem like your biggest challenge, but it’s one of the most straightforward aspects to consider. Although Moore whips up special food treats, she admits that these are just snacks and that all dogs “should still follow their normal diets.”

Food time doesn’t have to be dullsville for your dog and its friends. Moore often likes to offer dogs their usual food favorites, only all together and in much smaller portions than expected, creating a sort of hors d’oeuvre arrangement. “Present it nicely, with the foods separated on a large tray or plate, so that it looks appetizing and festive to both dogs and their owners,” she advises. As for a business cocktail party, the goal is to enhance the overall experience with the food and not fill up your human and dog guests so that they all want to lie down and take a nap.

Another tip is to avoid serving dogs hard bones, chewy foods, or other hard-to-bite edibles. While these may be fine for everyday home noshing by your pet, the added excitement of a party, or canines eating something they might not be used to, could lead to choking and spit-ups, which could understandably ruin any party.

Parties Are Healthy for Dogs and Humans

Numerous studies show that positive socializing is healthy for you and your dog. Having a party for pets can even help shy people come out of their social shells. The friendly, expressive nature of canines somehow helps break the ice. Moore says, “I’ve had a lot of people show up to my events and tell me they hate parties, but at the end of the evening, they are usually the ones who are most into it and who don’t want to leave because they are enjoying good friends – human and canine – and good times.”

Plan A Holiday Party for Your Dog and Guests This Christmas

The cold weather may have resulted in less time at the dog run, but that’s the perfect excuse to give your pet and its friends their little holiday shindig.

We enlisted the help of Ada Nieves, a pet party planner based in New York City, for some ideas to put together a memorable canine winter gathering.

Location For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

If you’re wary of bringing too many four-legged friends into your own living space, ask local animal organizations about using their facilities as inexpensive alternatives to renting a party spot. Some shelter or rescue groups have locations where owners can have parties; instead of getting gifts for the pets, people bring a donation for the place, a benefit for everyone. Another idea is to check with local pet-friendly bars or coffee shops.

The Guest List For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

“It’s impossible to invite everyone, but you don’t want to hurt feelings,” says Nieves. Nieves’ client Rachel Passaretti experienced this dilemma. “The most important thing was to create a safe and fun environment for the animals, and by hand-selecting each four-legged guest, we were able to accomplish that goal,” recalls Passaretti. “This was often hard, as we had a few people who even tried to snag invites.”

Nieves thinks the key is to invite dogs that you know will be friendly to other dogs and not territorial or protective about food. For friends whose feelings are likely to be hurt, she suggests sending their dog a gift bag of treats and toys to let them know they’re thought of and appreciated.

Dog Christmas Attire

Encourage your guests to dress their dogs in seasonal garb. Inexpensive costumes such as elves and reindeer are easy to find these days, and some guests might get creative with homemade getups. Nieves recommend a red ribbon loosely tied like a bow around the neck or a simple sleigh bell on the collar for dogs that dislike clothing.

Doggy Gift Exchange

Doggy gift exchange is just like a traditional grab-bag-style exchange, but the gifts are for the dogs. Set a price range and have each guest bring a wrapped doggy gift. Then put all the presents in one location. Nieves says that the owners take turns letting their dog sniff around the packages at her parties, and whichever package they seem to like most is the one they “choose” and get from the gift exchange.

Pictures With “Santa Paws”

Have someone dress up as St. Nick and pose for pictures with each dog. “People love using those pictures for next year’s Christmas card to send out to all their friends,” says Nieves. Ambitious hosts can even arrange to have the photos printed on-site and handed out at the party’s end.

Doggy Caroling

Doggy caroling can be a hit-or-miss moment, but, indeed, dogs are instinctively wired to howl. If you get all the dogs together and their owners start to howl, often enough, the dogs will follow suit. Before you know it, the whole room is howling together (think of the dog pound scene in Lady and the Tramp).

Of course, over-scheduling such dogtivities can be cumbersome, and some hosts prefer to mostly let the pups enjoy an unexpected day of “free play” while the humans mingle. Regardless of how many of the above ideas you put to use, the important thing is to make everyone happy.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, the Dog Daily Expert

Try a little experiment with your dog:

1. Have it stand perpendicular to you, with another person facing your dog about 3 feet away.
2. Ask the other person to call your dog.
3. As the dog moves toward that person, look at which foot it moves first.

Chances are, you won’t be able to tell — but you’re not alone. According to a study recently published in the science journal Cell Biology, experts who create museum exhibits, veterinary textbooks, and other visual depictions of four-legged animal motion incorrectly illustrate movement almost 50 percent of the time.

Which Foot First?

The study’s lead author, Gábor Horváth of Eötövos University in Budapest, Hungary, was surprised by the widespread confusion. The mystery of how four-legged animals walked was solved way back in the 1880s. Photographer Eadweard Muybridge demonstrated through still-shot images that all quadruped animals move by first moving their left hind foot, then their left front foot, followed by the right hind foot and the right front foot.

But Maryna Ozuna, founder and practitioner of Canine Kinaesthetics and training director of the Arizona Doggy Dude Ranch in Sierra Vista, Ariz., wasn’t surprised by the confusion and how many people tend to forget Muybridge’s breakthrough. “To expect dog owners to incorporate such acute visual assessment is expecting owners to see stuff that not one veterinarian in 100 can see,” she says. It could merely be that dogs walk too quickly for most of us, including veterinarians and other experts, to observe the detailed movements, which Muybridge could capture with his camera.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t become more aware of how your dog walks and moves. The benefits of such awareness are considerable. “Dogs live in their bodies, and any restrictions to their bodies affect their ability to absorb information, process information, and respond to information,” Ozuma says.

Walking in Step With Your Dog

In other words, even if you can’t tell which foot your dog moves first, you can still help your dog to stride with greater comfort. Here are some ideas:

Ditch painful dog collars 

Your dog is more comfortable walking with you when it’s wearing comfortable equipment. Most modern-day dog trainers strongly advise against using choke chains and prong collars, even if that dog tends to pull hard on its leash. Such collars can lead to serious behavioral problems because of the discomfort they cause.

If your dog’s a puller, invest in a head collar or a no-pull harness. A professional, positive reinforcement trainer can also help teach your dog that the sidewalk is no place to be a sled dog wannabe.

Get the right leash 

Walking a dog is a lot easier for you both when using the right leash. A 6-foot leather leash is more comfortable to hold than commonly used retractable leashes — a handy feature if your dog suddenly decides to chase a squirrel and you need to grasp the leash.

Hold the leash correctly 

To walk your dog comfortably:

1. Place the leash loop around your wrist, and then grasp the leash with your looped hand just below the loop.
2. With the opposite hand, hold the leash about halfway down its length.
3. Have your dog stand next to you on the side opposite your looped hand so that the leash falls diagonally in front of your body.

This way, you can use both hands to exert greater control over your dog when you walk together.

Watch for changes 

One of the most significant benefits of paying attention to the way your dog moves is that you can spot signs of trouble quickly. “Many times in my training classes, as I watch a dog walk or work, I can see a subtle limp,” says trainer Liz Palika of Oceanside, Calif. 

“The limp might be just a touch of soreness but could turn worse if not paid attention to.” In such cases, a dog needs to see a veterinarian, to diagnose and fix the problem.

That was true for Palika, who found that a change in her Australian Shepherd’s gait indicated a larger problem. Four years ago, she noticed that Riker had a problem because he used his body to help move his rear legs forward. She took him in for X-rays and discovered the problem: severe hip dysplasia. By keeping Riker’s weight under control, giving him a baby aspirin every day, and allowing plenty of playtimes, the now-10-year-old Aussie remains happy, healthy, and on the move.

Article written by Author: Susan McCullough

For dog lovers, the most lasting image from erstwhile MTV reality series “Newlyweds” maybe Jessica Simpson’s Maltipoo, Daisy, in a Louis Vuitton monogram canvas dog carrier. In the years since the dog-watching public has become used to seeing celebrities turn their dogs into style mavens. But it isn’t only the Tori Spellings of the world who are dressing and accessorizing their dogs in brand names traditionally associated with the catwalk rather than the dog run.

“Celebrities popularized clothing and bling for dogs, and mainstream designers began launching new canine lines to satisfy what they saw as a potential growth market,” says Tierra Bonaldi, spokesperson for the American Pet Products Association. “And it did grow, though it was stronger before the recession hit.” Still, people love treating their pets like family members, which is just one more way to do that. Bonaldi fills us in on the hottest dog looks on the market.

Dog Collar Bling

Tired of your dog’s nylon collar? Perhaps one encrusted with Swarovski crystals will add new pep to your dog’s step. If you like Swarovski but want something more practical, try a retractable leash with a lead-covered in the jewels, which come in various colors.  

Costume jewelry is also on the menu this year. A fancy rhinestone dog collar, which looks almost like the real thing, makes chic affordable. 

Dog Fashion Accessories

Your dog’s collar need not glimmer in the sun to impress. Burberry, Coach and Tiffany & Co. are vying to wrap themselves around your furry friend’s neck. Burberry offers both collar and leash, as does Coach. Tiffany will ensure that it will do so in style with its sterling silver dog bone tag charm if your dog gets lost. 

Even pre-recession, big box stores like Old Navy and Target were already in the collar and leash market. Their stylish accessories have become even more appealing as the stock market continues its descent.  

Black Tie Dog Wear

For your dog’s next stroll down the red carpet, exclusive just-for-dogs brand Little Lily has taken last year’s hottest Oscar looks and translated them into dog size. Now Fido can wear George Clooney’s tuxedo, while Fifi can don Anne Hathaway’s gown.

Everyday Dog Wear

What’s a dog to wear when lying around the house or taking a simple stroll around the block? Just as Juicy Couture met the velour pantsuit needs of hundreds of thousands of American women, the brand is coming to doggies’ loungewear rescue with T-shirts, hoodies, and parkas. If your dog longs for more highbrow house wear, Ralph Lauren‘s cashmere ruffle sweater may make your pet bark for joy. For more reasonably priced leisurewear, your dog can’t go wrong at Old Navy, Target, or Wal-Mart.

Coming Soon For Fashionable Dogs

According to Bonaldi, a new company called Celebrity Pet will soon be launching a series of canine couture lines designed by celebrities. Former Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith will be the brand’s first celeb designer. “Fashion is a lucrative part of the pet industry,” Bonaldi explains. 

Doggie Dressing Rules

• Know your dog’s measurements before you buy. Dog clothing does not come in standard sizes, but if you know your pet’s weight, neck circumference, and body length, you’ll be able to determine the right size, no matter the brand.
• Be aware of your dog’s comfort zone as not all dogs like wearing every type of fabric. Try inexpensive cotton and knits to test your furry friend’s tolerance before you go all 

out on a designer wardrobe that might never see the sidewalk.

• Wash your dog’s wardrobe by hand to ensure longevity. Dry it on a drying rack to avoid shrinking.

“Dogs can’t feel silly in clothes, and they tend to get a lot of attention when wearing them, so being dressed may be an enjoyable experience for them,” says Bonaldi. “For many owners, it’s a fun extension of what they enjoy in fashion for themselves. Plus, it makes them feel good to pamper their pets.” Bonaldi’s dog and cat, Dolce, and Gabbana are still waiting for their namesakes to enter the animal fashion market.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

They’ll go for a walk. They’ll go fetch. They’ll go down and rollover. But how do you get your dog to go green?

Millions of people are realizing that it’s better for our health to drink filtered water, recycle, and stay away from chemicals and plastics. They’re also starting to realize that a green lifestyle holds some of the same benefits for their dogs.

“A lot of the things you can do are not that hard, don’t require a great deal of effort, and are simple steps you can take to make life more green for your dog,” says Lisa Peterson, communications director with the American Kennel Club.

Toxins in the Home

Your home and yard are likely the places where you and your pet spend most of your time. But while you eat off ceramic plates and drink bottled water, Rover is eating and drinking out of plastic bowls. While you walk around in shoes and sleep in a bed, your dog is walking barefoot on the floor and rolling around on the carpet. Here’s how to handle potential dangers:

• Replace Plastic Dog Bowls 

With all the recent hysteria about the potential health impacts of Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to make many plastic water bottles and baby bottles; it may be time to look at your doggie’s dishes. Replace water and food bowls made of plastic and use stainless steel dog bowls instead. Studies show BPA may be an endocrine disrupter, meaning it can alter the body’s hormonal system.

• Change Your Floor Cleaners 

“Think about what you use on your kitchen floor. You may want to go with something more natural,” suggests Peterson. Although the floor may look clean to you, keep in mind that some dogs lick the floor when you drop food, and these cleaners may be harmful to your dog. “The bottom line here,” adds veterinarian Michael Fox, Ph.D., B. author of over 40 books and the syndicated newspaper column Animal Doctor, “is to go back to basics for cleaners, such as white vinegar and baking soda.”

• Rid Your Home of Deodorizers 

Room fresheners, plug-in deodorizers, and cleaning supplies with fragrances can be harmful — especially to pets that may accidentally eat or lick such things. Air fresheners can contain varying amounts of phthalates – compounds that the Centers for Disease Control found may cause cancer, hormone abnormalities, and other health problems. Natural ways to freshen the air include:

• • Use baking soda to absorb odors.
  • Take the trash out every day.
  • Boil a sliced lemon.

• Use Filtered Water 

Your family may prefer drinking filtered or bottled water rather than plain tap water. Fox suggests that you may want to take the same precautions for your pet. Using a water filter will get rid of any chlorine or fluoride in the water.

• Avoid Harmful Lawn Products 

Landscapists may use pesticides, deer repellents, fertilizers, and plant foods that are chemical-based and can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens. She suggests working with landscapers or garden store staff to find more natural solutions to common yard problems.

Dangerous Dog Medications

Fox recommends seeking out a holistic veterinarian if you want to help your pet “go green.” There is a searchable list on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Web site.

Watch out for flea and tick medicines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is intensifying its review of these products, particularly topical products applied to the skin, after recent upturns in complaints about adverse reactions from pets. These reactions range from skin irritation to seizures, and in some rare cases, death of the pet. Fox recommends natural anti-flea and tick remedies, including:

• Combing your dog regularly with a fine-toothed flea comb to remove ticks and fleas
• Vacuuming daily to remove eggs and larvae

• Putting brewer’s yeast and vitamin B complex supplements in pet foods as a natural repellent
• Using natural topical repellents, such as lemon and eucalyptus

Everyday household products, from rug cleaners to chew toys, can also be harmful to your dog. It’s essential to look for adverse reactions. “If your dog all of a sudden starts itching, scratching, or biting its paws, you can play doggie detective,” Peterson says. “Ask yourself, ‘Did I just use a new rug cleaner or sprinkle something on the rug?’ The product itself may be safe, but individual dogs may have a reaction to it.”

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

Whether it’s spilled candy, a terrified kid, or a soiled rug, dogs without decorum can make their presence known during the holidays.

To the rescue? New York-based pet expert Charlotte Reed, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette. “Well-mannered people and their well-mannered pets are more pleasant to be around, are treated better by everyone, and get invited to more places, including restaurants, parties, and vacation homes,” says Reed. She offers the following solutions for common holiday problems:

Halloween

Problem

For dogs, Halloween involves strange kids with scary outfits coming to the door and yelling, “Trick or Treat!” It’s no wonder many dogs run for their lives — or worse.

Solution

Reed hosts a Halloween party for her four dogs and their guests at a doggy daycare center, but you can do something similar at your home. Begin by decorating with an appropriate theme in mind, such as a haunted house. Send out invitations to friends, including those with dogs that your pet knows.

Reed says the highlight for her is the doggy costumes, with invitees getting more and more competitive each year. “My favorites are a Yorkshire Terrier dressed as Sherlock Holmes and a mixed breed disguised as King Kong.” Take care that your dog is comfortable in the costume, which should have no potentially dangerous parts. Bows are usually out since they can unravel and make your dog trip or choke.

Don’t forget to think up activities for your guests. “Dogs and their owners love the tricky games, such as bobbing for apples,” says Reed. She also gives each owner treat bags full of great books, fun toys, and tasty snacks.

Thanksgiving

Problem

Thanksgiving is always a busy time for doctors; according to DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland, Ore., animals often get sick because of distracted or careless pet owners on Thanksgiving Day and the days that follow. Most of the problems are gastrointestinal and can be prevented.

Solution

Reed advises that you allow your dog to practice good canine manners at mealtimes each day. “When these are used routinely, you will not have to worry about the emergence of bad doggy behavior, whether you are eating alone, having guests over at your home, or feeding your dog,” says Reed.

It would help if you instilled respectful habits in your dog by controlling its access to food. To achieve your dog’s best dining behavior, feed it twice a day at the same time, for approximately 20-minute intervals. Doing this gets your dog used to the routine and confirms your role as the “food boss.”

Without such reinforced training, dogs can succumb to temptation. Reed recalls how her friend Nancy’s niece set the dinner table before leaving the room to bring in a dozen guests. When all entered, they found the family Dachshund standing on the table feasting on the holiday meal. When the little dog realized she was caught, she simply looked them in the eye and barked as if to say, “A fine meal awaits you.”

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa

Problem

Animal shelters tend to fill up around Valentine’s Day since many people receive pets as gifts over the holidays. By February, many of the shelters are trying to find homes for these unwanted four-legged purchases.

Solution

Unless you are adopting the dog for yourself or for a family member you have already consulted, do not give dogs as gifts. It’s better to offer books and DVDs about dogs to potential canine owners. This way, they can decide for themselves when — and if — they are ready for a pet.

A few other do’s and don’ts for the holidays include:

Do …

• Keep candles, holiday ornaments, and other delicate valuables away from anxious dogs.
• Give gift certificates and favorite doggie biscuits to canine recipients. Remember, dog clothing is not usually one-size-fits-all.
• Feed your dog with its usual meals. Gorging on rich foods can lead to stomach upset.

• Keep your dog safe and sound in a quiet, secure part of your home during parties and while you’re giving out Halloween candy.

Don’t…

• Let your dog eat chocolate. Ever.
• Decorate with edible items that could make your dog curious and possibly ill, such as popcorn garlands and candy canes.
• Use artificial snow and preservatives in the water for Christmas trees.

Remember, pet etiquette involves you and your dog. If you both mind your manners, you can enjoy each other’s company and spend more of your life together.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Dr. Katy J. Nelson, an emergency veterinarian, knows how important good manners are for fashion model dogs. Nelson works as an emergency veterinarian in Virginia, but she also volunteers for a charity event called Fashion for Paws in Washington, D.C. This annual show proclaimed “The No. 1 Fashion Event of the Year” by Washington Life magazine, benefits the Washington Humane Society and other organizations.

Recently, Nelson and other human models walked the runway with dogs dressed in the latest fashions. Below, she shares how to dress up your dog so that it can one day show off its moves on a runway for a good cause.

Dog Fashion Trends

Dog fashion usually mirrors human trends, with such designers as Ralph Lauren featuring clothing for dogs in their product lines. Popular looks for dogs include:

• Plaids
• Leather bomber jackets and leather in general
• Military green camouflage
• Ruffles
• Bright colors
• Organic materials
• Knit “turtleback” sweaters
• Workout looks, such as hoodie sweatshirts

Know your dog’s measurements before you buy. Measure the circumference around the widest part of the chest, the neck, and the body length from the head’s back to the tail’s base. Remember, canine clothing isn’t just for looks. Many dogs, particularly smaller breeds, often need the extra warmth and protection for outings.

Do you want to know more about dressing your dog to impress?  Check out our article ‘The Pooch Wears Prada: Dog Designer Fashion‘ for more tips.

Could Your Pet Be a Dog Fashion Model?

Nelson warns that there will be loud noises, music blaring, many other dogs, and women in expensive clothing, so the pressure is on when the doggie models hit the runway. As such, “a dog that is shy, nervous or slightly aggressive would not be put on the runway,” says Nelson. Model dogs ideally possess these four qualities:

1. They are well-trained and do not hesitate to follow basic commands.

2. They are very comfortable on a leash.

3. The dogs are very willing to please.

4. “It’s all about personalities,” Nelson believes.

“There is no way to train a dog to be a model,” says Nelson. “They’ve just got to be ready to rock the outfit, prance their way down and back, and ‘smile’ like a pro.” Unlike rail-thin human models, large and small dogs are both runway-worthy. Some of the pudgiest pups get the biggest applause if their winning personalities shine through. 

Dog Fashion for Charity

Many dog fashion shows benefit animal charities or are held for other good causes. Last year, Fashion for Paws raised over $250,000, with the money still coming in through fashionforpaws.org. All the dog models belong to the fundraising models who are not compensated but are sponsored by supporters, or the dog models are adoptable canines from the Washington Humane Society.

“The adoptable dogs at the Washington Humane Society that grace the runway are thrilled to be there in the hopes that they may smile the right way at the right person and find a forever home,” says Nelson. “They’re there to find someone to love them.”

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

“Fido Feng Shui,” as it’s sometimes known, has an increasing number of followers. Feng Shui is an ancient system based on the belief that the flow of chi, or energy, permeates both our inner selves and the environments that we inhabit. It has to do with the art of placing objects appropriately to improve overall well-being.

Feng shui can take on a spiritual approach or be considered from an interior design standpoint. There is no question that certain spaces make us feel better due to the lighting, furniture, color schemes, and more. Dogs also respond to all of these elements, so they can potentially benefit from feng shui practices.

Feng Shui for Your Dog

Wendy Nan Rees and Kristen Hampshire, authors of the Dog Lover’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life With Your Dog offer the following tips:

• Don’t place your dog’s bed under a window or in a corner. Chi could stagnate in such spots, say Rees and Hampshire.
• There shouldn’t be any water elements where the dog sleeps since they could disturb rest, according to feng shui beliefs.
• Don’t place your dog’s bed directly across from an open door at the end of a long corridor. Feng shui holds that chi could flow away from the bed and out the door too quickly.
• Don’t put heavy objects above or behind your dog’s bed.
• Minimize usage of mirrors, which reflect light and could frighten your pet.
• Avoid using bedding made from synthetic fabrics.
• Put your dog’s bed against a solid wall away from any doors that could swing open.
• Consider placing your dog’s bed on the opposite side of the house from the active front door or garage.

Some of these tips are based on common sense. Heavy objects, such as lighting, shelves, or cabinets, shouldn’t be placed behind your dog’s bed in case they fall. There’s also a sense of awareness that we have around such objects. If you are standing under a heavy bookcase, for example, part of you might be concerned about it toppling over. Dogs may not have such a worry, but they would perceive the bookcase and therefore be affected by it somehow.

Feng shui also seeks to maintain balance in life. You are probably familiar with the terms “yin” and “yang,” representing opposite extremes. It’s just one belief system of many that, for followers, can help make life a bit more pleasant and harmonious for people and their pets.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

With the winter holidays now upon us, many dog owners consider buying new toys for their pets. According to the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, 53 percent of dogs and 38 percent of cats receive gifts at Christmas. Dogs are more likely to get gifts during the holidays than at any other time of the year; many of these gifts are toys.

For safety reasons, the Humane Society of the United States advises that you avoid toys with the following:

• String
• Ribbon
• Rubber bands
• Eyes or any other parts that might come out and be ingested
• Small balls and other small objects that could be swallowed
• Rawhide (unless you check with your veterinarian to determine which rawhide toys may be safe for your dog)

The Humane Society also reminds us that some rawhide products may be made from byproducts of the “cruel international fur trade.” As an alternative, tough rubber toys may be safer and last longer.

The APPA shares that the following are some popular presents — both toys and other useful objects — appropriate for gift-giving:

Booties by Ultra Paws 

Booties are lightweight and prevent snow from balling up on paws. A single Velcro strap ensures a comfortable closure, and the Booties feature foam comfort pads to stay snug on paws. 

Bags on Board Waste Pick-up Dispensers 

Bags on Board Dispensers easily attach to leashes and include 30 disposable bags for on-the-go convenience. 

Loofa Santa Dogs by MultiPet 

Loofa Santa Dogs are elongated plush toys, complete with Santa hats, and are available in different colors and sizes. They also feature squeaky sounds that pets love.

The Loft Jacket by Kurgo 

The Loft Jacket features a waterproof top layer for protection from rain, wind, and snow, fully reversible and reflective. Team it up with the Kurgo Fleece Sweater for extra warmth this winter.

The Reflective Safety System by Petflect 

This safety set includes a leash, vest, and collar. It ensures that dogs are safely visible from more than 500 feet away during outdoor activities or winter walks when the days grow shorter.

The Bitter Cherry Spray by OUT! International 

OUT! is a safe, alcohol-free taste deterrent that discourages pets from chewing, nibbling, and licking certain spots and materials (like the gifts under the tree). Plus, the clear, non-staining formula has a pleasant scent.

The Good, Bad, Hol-ee, and Bad Cuz Toys by JW Pet 

These toys are sure to be a hit. Awarded the Best New Dog Product title at the 2011 Global Pet Expo, the Hol-ee Cuz and the all-new Bad Cuz toys feature all-natural rubber for nibbling and soft plush that any dog will love.

For more gift ideas for your favorite dog, check out our Holiday Gift Guide.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

If your dog gets a bit overeager on walks, it might pull you along, making it hard for you to control it. That’s where a head halter comes in handy. These devices are also used by people who have service dogs, again, for better control.

The Humane Society of the United States provides instructions on using head halters, consisting of a strap that fits around your dog’s nose and a second strap that fits around your dog’s neck and behind its ears. You attach the leash under your dog’s chin. It’s also connected to the nose strap. While this might all seem a bit severe, the device is relatively safe and is considered a “humane method of restraint,” according to The Humane Society.

Make sure the device fits properly, and give your dog some time to get used to it — but not too much time. Dogs that are left with a head halter on while inside the home usually find a way to remove it. Once your pet learns how to do this, it can be challenging to keep the halter on.

The Humane Society advises that you should not:

• Think of the halter like a muzzle; they are two entirely different things
• Jerk the leash hard while your dog is wearing the halter
• Use the head halter with a retractable lead
• Allow your dog to run speedily to the lead’s end because this could jerk your dog backward

Do, on the other hand, only use the head halter during on-leash walks when you are present for supervision. Additionally, take time to read the informational sheet that comes with your particular halter.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert