Spoil Your Dog Blog

Why We Love Memory Foam Dog Beds

2007-08-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a big believer of memory foam dog beds. I've seen how Wanda has taken to her new bed and how comfortable she seems to be in it. Why the hype about memory foam dog beds?

Memory foam is the ultimate pressure-relieving material available today. Memory foam eliminates pressure points, easing pain and discomfort for older or arthritic dogs.

Memory foam or Tempurpedic dog beds are very popular today because that's what a lot of us have on our own beds. Here's how memory foam dog beds work:

Orthopedic memory foam dog beds reacts to your dog's body temperature and weight to conform exactly to your dog's every curve, providing pressure relief for your dog's joints.

A high quality memory foam dog bed is made of the same high-quality visco-elastic memory foam used for medical therapy mattresses and pillows. Memory foam has been used in hospitals and burn units for years.

Older and arthritic dogs health and comfort can really benefit from orthopedic memory foam dog beds.

Here are some great memory foam dog beds that we really love:

Favorite Memory Foam Dog Beds From SpoilYourDog.com

Our Favorite Memory Foam Dog Bed

Protect Furniture From Your Dog

2007-08-08T18:01:00.001-07:00

Now that Wanda's canine arthritis is doing better, she has re-discovered her love of climbing on the furniture. Unfortunately Wanda loves to "dig" into my leather sofa leaving scratches and dog hair behind. So I am on the search for a way to protect my furniture from my dog.

I was checking out Orvis and saw they had a whole section dedicated to this. One of my favorites was the Faux Suede Microfiber Throw . I love the way that this material stands up to dogs and the washing machine.

If that doesn't catch your eye, check out their Dog Problem Solvers section. Orvis has really expanded their dog section and they have some really awesome stuff and the prices are very reasonable for the quality of their products.

Solvit SUV Cargo Liner

2007-08-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

Wanda and I have been hitting the road a lot this summer. Since she is so well behaved and welcomed at so may places, it's been easy. The best part is that Wanda's gotten used to her dog ramp so I don't have to worry about her jumping in and out of my SUV.

The only problem is the after weekend dog hair in the car. So we bit the bullet and invested in an SUV cargo liner. Like our dog ramp, the liner is made by Solvit. It has several hooks and fasteners to hold in place. It fits pretty well in my SUV, but I have a small model so it's not perfect, but does the trick. It is also waterproof (which would have come in really handy with my dog Robin) and treated with Stain-Blok. And this SUV cargo liner so far is holding up very well (not an easy task as Wanda likes to "dig" into it when we hit the road.

Check it out:

Standard SUV Cargo Liner (52" x 50"; Grey)

I also set up a page with several products by Solvit by clicking here

The telescoping dog ramp is probably my personal favorite.

Cool Way To Spoil Your Dog

2007-08-05T15:44:00.002-07:00

Here's a great product for the dog days of summer. The Chilly Buddy is a dog jacket featuring an outer fabric of loose woven plastic with an aluminized finish to reflect light and heat. It's designed to help keep dogs cool and reduce the risks of the summer heat.

It's definitely worth checking out.

Buying A Dog Ramp For Wanda

2007-05-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I used a dog ramp. I started searching the other day for a dog ramp for Wanda. Her arthritis is to the point where she really can no longer jump out of my SUV.

After checking out several different ramps, we bought the Solvit® Telescoping Pet Ramp.

I really liked it because it was carpeted so Wanda wouldn't slide. Wanda is not so sure about it though. She will use it to get down, but won't use it get up in the SUV. So we are working on that. Once I've figured out how to get her to use it, I'll be sure to pass it on. :)

In the meantime you can check it out here:
Solvit® Telescoping Pet Ramp

Loss of Berry

2007-02-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted. I am sad to write that Berry died last fall, and I have been unable to even face posting on the spoil your dog blog.

I finally am feeling like writing again and am happy to report that Wanda is doing well aside from her canine arthritis.

Hopefully more posts will be coming soon.

Great Sale at Petco

2006-08-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

Save up to 33% at PETCO.com!
During Our Sitewide Sale!

Be sure to check out all of the exciting offers available now at PETCO.com:

Save up to 33% at PETCO.com!
Sitewide Sale now through 9/07/06
15% Off Organic Dog Biscuits (now through 9/07/06) :

Soft Crate For Traveling With Your Dog

2006-08-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

Pet Gear Home 'N Go Soft-Sided Pet Crate

So it's getting to the peak of hurricane season here in Florida and I've been thinking about Berry and Wanda and our plans - just in case. I came across this soft-sided crate that is really great.

Here's the scoop

Soft crate for your home and on the go. Functional, portable, and attractive in any setting. Opens and closes in seconds. Extra strong steel frame and tough, water resistant materials. Superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. Top, front, and side entry doors for easy access. Removable soft pad features fleece on one side and water resistant nylon on the other. Top storage bag holds fleece pad when not in use.
Read More

Pet Gear? Home 'N Go Deluxe Soft Crate

More Americans Traveling With Their Dogs

2006-07-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

According to the Travel Industry Association of America 19% of all pet owners take their pets with them when they are traveling, up 3% since 2002. The majority of these trips are by car with 6% by air. An amazing 29% of dog owners and their dogs are staying in dog friendly hotels.

And hotels are taking notice by offering unprecedented services such as special dog packages, concierges that cater to your dog, and pet massages. And dogs, my Berry and Wanda included, are lapping up these new dog amenities.

Many hotels and motels are realizing that accepting dogs is usually not a problem. In fact many are noticing that those traveling with their dogs tend to be much more considerate guests.

While motels such as Motel 6, Red Roof Inns, and La Quinta Inns have long been dog friendly upscale hotels like Starwood Resorts, Four Seasons, and the Ritz-Carlton are jumping on the bandwagon. (you can read about our experience with the Four Seasons here). Each of these hotels offer Pet VIP programs that cater to their canine guests with special pet menus, dog beds, special welcome “doggie bags” and even concierge services during your dog’s stay.

The leader in the high-end hotel market is the Loews Hotel Chain. The “Loews Loves Pets” program has been around since 2000. Loews has even introduced learning vacations for dogs and their owners. Activities include surfing camp, guided hikes with a personal trainer, and even a “Hound of Music” trip where dogs can howl on their own CD.

So when planning your next vacation, bring your dog along. Your dog is part of the family, and I know from experience that you can really have a fantastic vacation with your dog(s).

If you are thinking about hitting the road with your dog be sure to check out my book, How To Travel With Your Dog. You’ll discover everything you need to know about traveling with your dog from my years of experience of traveling with my dogs.

by:
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover fun ways to spoil their dogs at http://www.spoilyourdog.com

Dog Travel Supplies For Pampered Dogs

2006-07-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

As more spoiled dogs are joining their owners on the road, the number of innovative dog travel products is growing at an amazing rate. From car seats to bicycle carriers to golf cart seats to motorcycle helmets, you can now find it all for your dog.

If you read the above and thought to yourself “motorcycle helmets? No Way.” Yes way. Zoomer, the motorbike-riding miniature Dachshund was the inspiration for Kay Tobor’s line of Zoomer Gear Helmets. The helmets are made from the same material construction hard hats are made from and are specially designed with foam pads for dogs with stand up ears. They even have an adjustable chin strap.

And of course every motorbiking dog needs protection from the sun and wind. Doggles, known for their line of protective canine eyewear also makes a sunscreen for dogs. Areas on your dog’s body such as the stomach, nose, and years are all sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use a sunscreen on these areas.

Innovations in dog travel products won’t end there. According to a recent poll by MSNBC, more that 64% of dog owners said that they would consider buying a car that takes dog passengers into consideration. No doubt, canine concept cars will be making an appearance at motor shows in the near future.

(c) 2006 Margaret Svete
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at All About Dog Care

Doggles

Pink Dog Collars Are Hot!

2006-07-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

"Pink Dog Collars are hot!" We've dedicated a page to all that is pink for dogs. The page will be growing, but in the meantime look what we found:

Pink Dog Collars

Stairs For Dogs

2006-07-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

As I was lifting Wanda on the bed the other night I was thinking, "It's really time to invest in some dog stairs." You know that older arthritic dogs have a hard time jumping up like they used to and jumping down can be painful. Imagine how awful that must feel.

When you think about it, investing in some dog stairs is a way to make your dog more comfortable. As I was browsing the dog stairs, I came across this one. Now these are the ultimate dog stairs: click here to check out deluxe dog stairs

-Margaret

Canine Cooler Dog Bed

2006-07-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

The hot months of summer are here. The Canine Cooler Dog Bed is the best selling dog bed of summer. Dogs and dog owners love the Canine Cooler Dog Bed for its cooling, memory foam comfort. Memory foam is especially important for older and larger dogs that need extra comfort, support, and cushioning.

Be sure to check out our latest article: Keeping Your Dog Cool During The Dog Days of Summer

Read more about Canine Cooler Dog Bed

Dog Training: Why It's Important

2006-07-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

Do you look longingly at other peoples’ well-behaved dogs as your dog is pulling you down the street? Does your dog bark at everything that goes by your house? Does your dog turn around and walk the other way or pretend he doesn’t hear you when you call him? Your dog could probably use a few sessions with a dog trainer.

As dogs are welcomed in more and more establishments, dog parents want to make sure that their dogs know how to behave. Unruly dogs often ruin things for all of the other well-behaved dogs. Unfortunately, as many of us have discovered, dogs are not born trained. I think nearly every one of us has experienced times when we’ve just wanted to pull out our hair over our dog’s behavior. Teaching a dog to be well behaved requires time and patience from his owner. And remember sometimes even the best mannered dogs require a refresher course.

On those days when your dog is pulling you down the street, it may make you feel better to know that you are not alone. Even the dogs of the rich and famous sometimes require doggie intervention. When they need help, here’s whom they call.

Mathew Margolis
When you think of dog trainers, one of the first names that comes to mind is Mathew Margolis, a.k.a. “Uncle Matty.” Margolis has co-authored numerous books on dog training and behavior and has appeared on several television shows as a dog behavioral expert. He is the pioneer of “love, praise, and affection” training. In addition Margolis established The National Institute of Dog Training, which is one of the largest and most respected dog training facility in the United States. Dogs are sent from all over the world to the Southern California Institute, which conducts training and problem solving programs.

Shelby Marlo
Shelby Marlo is a canine behavioral specialist and trainer based in Los Angeles. She has trained the dogs of some of the hottest names in Hollywood and has been a guest expert on several television programs and magazines. She teaches her philosophy of training in her book, Shelby Marlo’s New Art of Dog Training: Balancing Love and Discipline. (Contemporary Books). According to the book Marlo advocates positive reinforcement rather than the old style of military training. It also teaches dog owners to try to see things from a dog’s point of view.

Bashkim Dibra
Bashkim Dibra’s unique method of training has made him one of the best-known dog trainers on the East Coast. He is often cited for his work with animal related causes, including Paws Across America, a campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and to help pet owners learn proper care and training techniques for their pets.

Where to Find a Trainer?
Don’t have a movie star budget? Looking for a trainer a little closer to home? The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) web site (www.apdt.com) offers a trainer search option that allows you to search for dog trainers by state. The organization encourages the use of positive reinforcement in dog training.
Copyright (c) Margaret Svete from 116 Ways To Spoil Your Dog

Top Dog Training Picks

SitStay Fetch

Excellent. Very easy to read and the real life examples are a great touch.

Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer

Very Good. One of the more complete dog training offerings out there.

Find Dog Training Tips at AllAboutDogCare.com

Using Dog Treats For Dog Training

2006-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dog treats are a billion dollar industry. In fact retail sales of dog treats grew 6% in 2005. Trends in the dog treat market are towards human-style products that provide health benefits for dogs such as low-fat, vitamin-packed, and treats geared for oral care.

One area that is growing faster than other markets is dog treats as training rewards. The percentage of dog owners using dog-obedience classes is on the rise – currently at 15% - and PetSmart and Petco have made “canine education” top priorities.

Well-behaved dogs have closer and more fulfilling relationships with their people. Dog treats can play an important part in building this relationship.

Sleeping Dogs

2006-07-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

So when I'm slaving away at the computer, what are my beloved dogs, Berry and Wanda, doing?

Travel With Your Dog and More

2006-06-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

We've started a new dog site where you can download free dog books. Check it out at www.Dog-Fun.com

2006-06-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Spoil Your Dog Blog

2006-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ok So I've started a new blog that is dedicated to my German Shepherds, Berry and Wanda. You'll even see pictures of my "kids" there. Here's the url:
http://www.spoil-your-dog.com/blog/

Spoil Your Dog With Dog Treats

2006-06-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

There’s more than one way to spoil your dog, and it won’t cost a bundle.

Spoiling your dog does not mean you have to spend the big bucks on rhinestone doggie fashions and diva dog beds. You can spoil your dog by making him some dog treats.

Here's a great recipe for Disappearing Dog Treats

Disappearing Dog Treats

5 tablespoons margarine
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
3 cups whole-wheat flour

Place the margarine in a large bowl. Pour the hot water over the margarine. Stir in powered milk, salt and egg. Add flour, one-half cup at a time.

Knead the mixture for a few minutes to form a stiff dough. Pat or roll the dough to one-half inch thickness. (Flour your rolling pin as needed.) Cut using a bone-shaped cookie cutter.

Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool on a rack. This recipe will make just over 1 pound of treats. Allow the treats to dry out hard and then store in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

You can make training treats by using little scoops of dough and cutting the baking time in half.

My New Dog Book

2006-04-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am so excited. I finally finished my new book, German Shepherds Revealed. I wrote this book because I love German Shepherds and it is based on my experiences with my German Shepherds Berry and Wanda (plus all the rescue German Shepherds we've had in our lives). If you have a German Shepherd or are thinking of getting one, please check it out - click here or go to www.GermanShepherdsRevealed.com.

'til next time

Margaret

New Dog Book

2006-04-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

I think this book sounds great!

Life From a Dog’s Point of View: Unique Book Chronicles a Photographer’s Remarkable Relationship with his Dog

Americans are in love with dogs. The current runaway success of John Grogan’s Marley and Me demonstrates how much Americans love anything “dog-related.” Unfortunately, many abandoned dogs and other pets languish in animal shelters, waiting for an owner who may not ever come for them. In fact, there are literally millions of animals who need homes. People sometimes forget about these animals and how much they can add to our lives.

(PRWEB) April 6, 2006 -- Americans are in love with dogs. The current runaway success of John Grogan’s Marley and Me demonstrates how much Americans love anything “dog-related.” Unfortunately, many abandoned dogs and other pets languish in animal shelters, waiting for an owner who may not ever come for them. In fact, there are literally millions of animals who need homes. People sometimes forget about these animals and how much they can add to our lives.

Reiji Kanemoto’s life changed forever when he brought home Rufus, an elderly golden retriever that was abandoned by its owners. A professional photographer for over twenty years, Kanemoto quickly realized that Rufus could provide him with a unique point of view from a dog’s perspective. Rufus became a “Dog Photographer” by allowing Kanemoto to harness a real camera to his body.

“The idea was a simple one,” says Kanemoto. “Put a camera around my dog’s neck and start shooting pictures from his point of view. It was a lot of fun and really opened my eyes as a photographer. It also turned into a journey of companionship and unforgettable memories that I will always carry with me.”

The result is a unique book of photographs, taken from Rufus’ point of view, as he and Kanemoto snapped pictures of anything of interest all over Los Angeles. The book, My Name is Rufus, I Am a Photographer: A Dog’s True Story (StudioTanimoto, 2006), is unlike anything else on the market today, mostly because the dog himself took the photographs.

The book tells Rufus’ story in pictures and is at turns funny, fascinating, touching and hopelessly charming. Providing a rare view of the world from a dog’s perspective, the book chronicles trips to dog shows, dog parks, dog beaches, and even a pet café. You also get to see how other dogs reacted to Rufus’ camera and you even get a sense of his predilection for the ladies.

“Rufus was a ladies’ dog,” says Kanemoto. “Whenever we went for walks, he would always greet the girls passing by, and they would make a fuss over him. I think he knew he was a good-looking dog.”

The book serves as Kanemoto’s tribute to his beloved dog and also as a photo journal of the unbreakable bond between the photographer and his dog. While the photos are taken in the spirit of fun, the story also has a serious underlying theme between the lines.

His experience with Rufus profoundly affected Kanemoto’s life and his outlook on the many abandoned dogs living in shelters all over the country. “The one thing he taught me was kindness,” says Kanemoto. “He made me realize there are so many abandoned pets like him, living in kennels waiting for their guardians to come back."

As a result of his inseparable relationship with Rufus, Kanemoto has dedicated himself to try to help stray and abandoned pets. “Some of these pets find new people to care for them, but most don’t,” says Kanemoto. “I hope to continue adopting these animals, and try to find others who can as well.”

Because of his love and appreciation for Rufus, Kanemoto will be donating a portion of the book sales to the Golden Retriever Foundation, who foster the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of displaced Golden Retrievers.

After five wonderful years with Kanemoto, Rufus unfortunately passed away due to natural causes. Kanemoto has adopted Murphy, a stray dog that is part Black Labrador and part Great Dane. It is his hope that Murphy will someday be able to carry on Rufus’ work.

For a review copy of the book or to set up an interview with Reiji Kanemoto for a story, please contact Jay Wilke at 727-443-7115, ext. 223

Pamper Your Dog With a Fancy Dog Bed

2006-04-05T16:45:00.000-07:00

Many dog owners admit their dogs share their beds at night. But where does your dog take his daytime nap?

Pet Stores are providing answers with a slew of dog beds in bolster, pillow and unbelievably fancier styles.

According to dog experts, you should choose a dog bed based on how your dog sleeps rather than your home's decor. If your dog sleeps curled up, round pillows, lounge-styles or bolster beds are good choices. On the other hand if your dog sleeps sprawled out, a rectangular pillow, larger bolster or couch-style bed is the best dog bed to choose. Whichever dog bed is best, you'll have several styles to choose from. And you will sleep well knowing you can choose comfort without sacrificing fashion.

The best selling dog bed style right now is the bolster bed style.

Bolster (bumper) beds are comfortable for dogs to snuggle in because they’re built like a nest. These dog beds are not only comfortable, but are also machine washable.

Some bolster dog beds have removable, washable pillow bottoms, and some are entirely washable. This is a great advantage if your dog drools or sheds.

Another best-seller is the micro-velvet donut bed that looks just like leather or suede. This dog bed looks “at home” in traditional or contemporary settings.

If you (or your dogs) prefer a pillow style dog bed in your home, you can find several options.

At Calling All Dogs, a Bejeweled Canopy Pet Bed will tell everyone that your dog is pampered. It has a microsuede cover and can be washed.

While some pillow beds lie on the floor, others come with a matching base, making them look like fancy dog day beds.

For small dogs, there are many selections of dog beds. Typically the smaller the dog the bigger the pampering.

Smaller dogs can fancy dog beds designed to look like couches, chaise lounges or tented huts. You also can choose from styles that resemble beds, canopy beds and even a mahogany sleigh bed.

Considering dogs sleep up to 15 hours a day, a nice dog bed is a good investment.

by Margaret Svete

SpoilYourDog.com

Gourmet Dog Treat Recipes

2006-04-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

If you’re looking to bake something absolutely ‘doggie-licious’ for your dog, these recipes received two paws up from my gang. Berry’s personal favorite is the "Canine Carrot Cake". Gourmet Dog Treat Recipes

Dog Power

2006-04-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

I saw this the other day and found it very interesting:

- Dogs make individuals more attractive to date and/or marry: 71 percent of females are more inclined to date or marry someone with a dog. 59 percent of males agree.
- While more than half of both women and men find their dogs more affectionate than their partner, slightly more women find their dogs more affectionate (59 percent) than do men (51 percent).
- Women (48 percent) are much more likely than men (28 percent) to find their dogs cuter than their partners.
- 45 percent of men and 59 percent of women responded that their dog makes them a lot happier person.
- Women are significantly more likely than men (76 percent to 54 percent) to insist their significant other go to a medical professional for treatment of an allergy rather than getting rid of their dog.
- Almost a third of both men and women (31 percent) have taken their dog shopping, to the hair salon, or along with them on other errands.
- 30 percent of respondents would consider having a funeral for their dog. Women were slightly more likely at 33 percent, compared to men at 23 percent.
Source: Shopzilla. Respondents: 1,228 from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2005.