The Swanky Pup - Stylish dog blog, dog forums, dog chat and directory

An outdoor dog bed perfect for summer!

2008-05-16T08:04:00.002-04:00

Designed for the outdoors, these outdoor beds made by Orvis are perfect for the warmer weather. They look great (and come in a number of cute fabrics!), dry fast, and will not get mold or mildew.

The cover is made of upholstery-grade outdoor acrylic fabric, and the inner stuffing is bonded poly fiber, neither of which will absorb water or odors. The inner stuffing will not clump or break down.

I love that you can leave it outside all summer, you can get it personalized, and the rectangular bed fits perfectly on their outdoor bed platform.

Starting at $79, these beds are well worth the money for the comfort and cleanliness of your dog when outside.

Swanky Pup of the Week!

2008-05-15T07:55:00.003-04:00

Kicking off this month's Swanky Pup of the Week contest is the super cute Patrick. He is a curious and loving little guy whose family says he has the longest tongue they have ever seen and it stretches out for days when he yawns. What a cutie!

Nicknames: Patrique, Patricks, Silly Boy

Likes: Everyone and anyone and everything and anything, love, kisses, treats, toys, sleeping, playing, his brother Jackson

Dislikes: Being in trouble and when he can't be a part of things. He's pretty little so it upsets him when he can't jump up on the chair with Jack.

Remember, all pups that are selected as Swanky Pup of the Week are entered into our contest and one swanky pup a month will be selected to choose from fabulous prizes worth up to $100! Haven't entered yet? No problem, just email allie@theswankypup.com with the above information for your chance to win!

Having a bad hair day?

2008-05-14T06:30:00.003-04:00

We've all had bad hair days. I know when my hair is outta control, my baseball hat is the first thing I grab to cover up the mess on top of my head.

Dogs can sometimes have the same problem, especially long haired pups. Here's the solution. Check out Wigglesdogwigs.com. Yes, they can help your pooch's mangled mess out by providing a wig.

Wigglesdogwigs.com has so many different wigs to choose from. If you and your pup love listening to the Beatles, your dog can look like one of the Fab Four. Maybe you and your pooch wanna pretend that you are vacationing on the beaches of Jamaica. Your dog can sport dreadlocks. What is so great about the wigs from Wigglesdogwigs.com, is that some of the wigs can be made into other styles. Just use your imagination.

All the wigs are washable in lukewarm water and should be dried naturally. When the wigs are dried they are able to be brushed through or styled using your fingertips.

So, if your dog wakes up in the morning with "pillow perm", or you are looking for a neat costume idea for your pooch, stick on a wig from Wigglesdogwigs.com.

Ralph Lauren for your Pup

2008-05-13T07:31:00.000-04:00

I love dressing my son's in Ralph Lauren, but until recently, I had no idea that they also make clothes for pups too!

Ralph Lauren sells their signature mesh polos and mesh rugbey's, along with cashmere sweaters, raincoats, and more. Currently all of their clothing is on sale, so this is a great time to pick up one of these classic pieces.

This striped mesh rugby is on sale from $45 down to $33.75 and is available in sizes extra small through large. A good deal for a classic shirt if you ask me!

Check out all of the Ralph Lauren clothing on sale.

Personalized collars for your pampered pup

2008-05-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

I love having personalized products for my pup. From his dog bed to his ID tag, we have his name on everything! Now, with the personalized Jungle Dog Collar from Modern Tails he has a personalized and stylish collar too.

These collars are made from nylon webbing with a silver buckle and D ring and are available in leopard, denim and camo (my favorite). They are not just extremely cute, but comfortable for your dog and durable as well so that everyone is happy. The slide-on letters are sold separately and you can choose from plain chrome letters, which are good for boys, and the crystal letters which add some bling and looks great on female pups. Other slide on charms such as crowns, stars, paw prints and hearts are available to add some extra pizzaz too.

Baxter has this collar in camo print with chrome letters and we both love it! People are no longer constantly asking his name every time we go to the dog park and he gets lots of compliments too. Baxter gives this collar 4 paws up and highly recommends it to those other swanky pups out there who want to show off their style with a trendy personalized collar from Modern Tails.

Interior Art Homes for your Dog

2008-05-09T09:00:00.004-04:00

These extremely unique, special homes for your dog are canine fine art caves.

Richard, of Scottie’s Fine Art Caves, individually creates each piece of art, designed for your dog's comfort and privacy, out of rock hard paper mache, with hand selected, naturally formed wood salvaged from the wilds of Vancouver Island. They are timeless pieces meant for the life of your dog, handcrafted in Richard and his dog Scottie's home/studio on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

With the belief that dogs descend from wolves, who love shelter and privacy, Canine Fine Art Caves are designed to maximize the level of comfort, security, privacy and peace of mind for your friend.

Check out the features, gallery and showroom, and more on this very interesting website! (Also, if you have a cat, check out the amazing feline art mountains!)

Swanky Pup of the Week!

2008-05-08T06:39:00.001-04:00

This week's very swanky pup and the last pooch entered into this months contest is Monte. He got his name because he was born in El Monte, CA on 12/20/2008 @ Beagles and Buddies rescue. Monte was one of seven pups born to a beagle mom and a daschund dad. He is cousin to Jackson - a previous swanky pup - by marriage! His lucky family has had him for only 5 weeks and his Auntie Sarah is taking care of him and training him while they are enjoying themselves in Hawaii!

Nicknames: Mellow Monte and Monster Monte

Likes: Playing Fetch, doggie parks, people in general and he likes to cuddle!

Dislikes: Being left alone, a messy area

Bandanas with bling!

2008-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ahhh... spring breezes through the air. I can feel it -- summer is right around the corner. Is your swanky pup sporting the latest in spring and summer bandana fashion?

You gotta check out a site called Bandabling.com. This site features really cool bandanas for your dog or cat. They come in all sizes to fit every dog and lots of patterns and designs to choose from.

There are two neat features about the bandanas from Bandabling.com. First, the bandanas have a very easy "snap on, snap off" closure to fasten the bandana around your pets neck. The snaps are also adjustable for the perfect fit. Secondly, hanging off of the bandana is a little "bling". My bandana that I received for my dog, is the one featured in the picture. As you can see, there is a little "surfer dude" hanging there. So cute. It's going to be perfect for the shore this summer.

All the Bandabling.com bandanas are made from 100% cotton fabric. Washing with care is recommended because of the elaborate embellishments. These bandanas are safe for your pet to wear. The charms have been sewn on securely and should not pose a chocking hazard.

To find out where you can find your own bandana from Bandabling.com, go to their website for a list of retailers.

Adorable and functional dog caddy

2008-05-06T10:15:00.003-04:00

I recently saw this adorable dog supply caddy on a favorite gift site, Mindy's Magic Touch. This is a great way to store all of your pet's grooming and medical supplies. With 3 compartments and an open-top design, it is decorated with lots of fun dog designs.

At a very affordable $20, this makes a great for any pet lover, or pick one up for yourself! It comes wrapped in clear cello with decorative ribbon ready to gift. Size: 11" L x 6" W x 6.25" H

(Also, check out these equally cute doggie treat boxes too!)

Poopie Pick Up Kits from Bon Ton

2008-05-05T06:03:00.003-04:00

Except in your own backyard, it is a widely known fact that you must pick up after your pup poops. There are pooper scoopers and a variety of products out there to help you do this, but the easiest, most portable and most popular method is a plain old plastic bag. All you need to do is remember to bring a bag out with you on your walks and you are good to go. But if you, like me, have trouble remembering a bag every time you go out you could be stuck empty handed and forced to leave the pile and keep walking. Thanks to the disposal pick up kit by Bon Ton, which attaches to your pup’s leash, you won’t have to worry about forgetting any longer!

This bone-shaped, plastic bag holder comes with a hook that allows you to attach it to the handle of your leash so that wherever you go, the bags go too. Not only are they extremely functional, but they also come in a variety of colors so that you can get one to match your dog’s leash. Each Bon Ton pick up kit comes with a roll of 10 bags already inside, but refilling is easy too. Just pop the end cap off, slide the new roll on and you are back in business.

I have the bright blue kit for my dog Baxter and I love that I no longer have to worry about remembering to bring bags with me all the time. Also, it is cute and simple so it doubles as an accessory that you won’t mind bringing along for your walks.

If remembering to bring a bag is a hassle you don’t want to deal with any longer, this adorable Bon Ton pick up kit is just what you need, and at $8.95 it is easy on your budget too.

Head out in matching (cool) outfits with your dog

2008-05-02T14:31:00.000-04:00

I know, it sounds cheesy. Dressing like your dog can't be cool, right? Well, Urban Softwear makes custom clothes for you and your dog (and kids, too, if you have them) that are hip, cool, and fun to match.

Create your own custom dog shirt (and others for you and your family to match if you want) by choosing the emblem, color and style that you like. There are so many cute styles to choose from (hearts, flowers, crowns, and more for girls, peace signs, daggers, army/navy, stars, and skulls for boys). At only $23, this is a great custom piece for your dog.

Made of cotton in a baby rib knit, available in sizes small through 2xx, and in every single color choice out there! Check out these great dog shirts and make a bigger statement by creating a matching tee or tank for you or your kids!

Bloomingtails Dog Boutique Introduces Dog Photo Contest!

2008-05-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

Looking for a way to win great prizes for your swanky pooch? Well good news...Bloomingtails Dog Boutique, one of our favorite shops for stylish stuff for your pup, is announcing the launch of their brand new photo contest.

Send in your favorite picture of your dog and if you are chosen by the monthly guest judge you will get a fabulous prize. Easy enough, right? Check out the Bloomingtails site for more contest details and rules and good luck swanky pups!

Swanky Pup of the Week!

2008-05-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

This adorable swanky pup is Jackson and he is the third lucky pup to be entered into our swanky pup contest. Jackson, named after his home town of Jackson, Mississippi is a loyal and super smart pooch and with a face like that he must get away with murder!

Nicknames: Jack

Likes: Playing Fetch, when daddy comes home from work, Carrots and his favorite of all BELLY RUBS!

Dislikes: Strangers, Sleeping alone, Being in trouble!

Is your pup a swanky pup? Send us the above information to allie@theswankypup.com and your dog could be lucky enough to be featured on our site next week!

A Treasure for a Lifetime!

2008-04-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

Have you ever gotten a gift from someone and knew that you were going to have that gift forever? I got something like that recently from a company called Makebooksonline.com.

Makebooksonline.com is an online scrapbooking company that caterers to pets and their families. Online scrapbooking is a wonderful way to celebrate the love of your dog. I received a beautiful hardcover book, but you are also able to make posters, calendars or cards.

By just logging onto Makebookonline.com, you are able to get a Basic Studio account for FREE. You can also choose to upgrade your account to their amazing Premier Studio membership, which allows you to have access to over 30,000 pieces of digital artwork. There is a membership fee of $20 a month or $99 for 6 months for the Premier Studio upgrade.

With scrapbooking all the rage right now, you can't go wrong on this site. Online tutorials are available and if you have other questions, a simple email to the founder of the company will get you your answer right away. As a bonus, if you subscribe to the 6 months of Premier, the founder will transfer a pre-designed templated 8X8 book, "I Love My Dog". All you'll have to do is plug in your pictures and add whatever words you want. After you purchase the Premier, send an email to the founder through the Makebooksonline.com site, and tell her that you are a Swanky Pup reader. She will send over the template.

If you love to scrapbook or you think that this is something you could do, send an email through the Makebooksonline.com site. The founder is looking for other consultants to join her team.

I love my book and those who come to visit always pick it up and look through it. It has all my favorite pictures of my dog in it and I know that I will treasure it for a long time to come.

Eco-friendly, hip looking dog beds

2008-04-29T13:01:00.000-04:00

The comfy beds and blankets from Bella Creature Comforts will become your pets new favorite place to rest and sleep.

These veterinarian-endorsed products are not only soft and provide a nice, cave-like cozy environment for your pet to curl into, but their are eco-friendly too! The exterior is made from Eco2 recycled cotton fiber and the interior fiberfill is made from recycled PET.

Some other features we love:
- All components for the Bella Bed and Bella Binky are made in the US, and the Bella Beds are hand sewn by skilled textile sewers in El Salvador, a CAFTA country.
- the cozy baffled cave shape pet bed conforms to your pet's body and provides superior support.
- the beds and bedding are 100% hypoallergenic and washable

Check out the great testimonials and cute pictures of dogs enjoying their Bella beds. And place an order and receive 20% off! Use code FFD to receive your discount.

Ruffin’ it? A must-have pack for your pooch!

2008-04-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

As April showers are coming to an end and with the weather getting nicer by the day, you may find yourself enjoying the great outdoors more and more with your pup. If you and your pup enjoy long walks or hikes then a backpack from Ruff Wear is just what you need to start the season off right. Dog backpacks are great for tiring out that high-energy dog or for having your pup lend a hand when you have too much to carry on your next adventure and the Approach Pack has it all.

This backpack boasts attached saddlebags with a weight-forward design, meant to make load carrying easy on your pup, waterproof zippers, reflective trim, and a comfort-fit Web Master Harness to ensure structure, stability and load dispersion. Also, the bag is adjustable so you can make it fit your dog perfectly without affecting his range of motion and it is padded so that it will be very comfortable during both long and short walks.

Whether your dog is carrying a water bottle or some yummy treats for later, giving your dog the job of carrying something for you can be great exercise and can do wonders for a dog’s mental well-being. My dog Baxter has tried out this pack and he did not mind helping me with carrying some light weight supplies on our walk together and he was twice as tired after our short walk, making this perfect for the pup who just never seems to get tired out after a walk. Best of all, I was extremely impressed with the quality construction and thoughtfulness put into the trail-savvy design to make it a practical addition to any hike with your dog.

The Approach Pack has everything your dog will need to ruff it on your next outing together and will keep him comfortable and looking cute too! Available in blue and green and sizes xxsmall to large, this pack can work for dogs of all breeds and sizes. So put your pup to work with this high-quality Approach Pack from Ruff Wear!

Pet Keepsake Kits and more from Red Envelope

2008-04-25T12:19:00.000-04:00

For years one of my favorite places online for great gifts has been Red Envelope. Their items are well-made, classy, and unique.

They recently introduced a new pet collection which, like all of their other items, is filled with unique, beautiful, and classic items for you and your pet.

This pet desktop keepsake frame is a great gift or addition to your desk or home, and currently on sale for $25 (from $35). Made of pine and available in mahogany or black, the shadowbox keepsake frame holds a paw print alongside a favorite photo. The set includes no-mess, non-toxic impression material; white, acid-free mats; a tan background board for the print; and a glass-covered pine frame. It also includes a wooden rolling pin, shaping ruler and double-sided tape.

A couple of my other Red Envelope pet favs are the mascot sailors knot collar (on sale from $38 to $30 currently) and the Pet keepsake journal album (on sale from $35 to $25)

Receive free shipping on any Red Envelope order of $75 or more using code MDAYGIFTS (expires May 2nd).

Pretty things for Spring!

2008-04-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I spent time changing my closets. I put all of my sweaters away and pulled out my shorts and tank tops. Of course, I also had to get rid of stuff that I know I'm not going to wear anymore. So, now I'm left with an empty closet -- guess I have to go shopping.

My dog has a similar issue. Yes, he has clothes that he only wears in the winter, but it's not uncommon for the spring season to throw us in a tizy and give us cooler weather days. For those times, I am very glad that my dog will have something to keep the chill off of him. At Shanabe.com, I found the perfect light weight sweater for him. It's very colorful and, I have to admit, he looks very handsome in it. His sweater is the pocket polo, so he also looks like he is ready to hit the tennis courts.

All of the clothing from Shanabe.com are made with a combination of rayon and spandex for that perfect fit. So, if your dog could use a new spring wardrobe, be sure to check out Shanabe.com.

Swanky Pup of the Week!

2008-04-24T07:36:00.000-04:00

This weeks swanky pup is Meilly, a 15 month old Brittany Spaniel. Meilly loves all the attention she can get, and craves it quite often. She is a very loving and usually obedient dog, and her family could not be happier that she came into their lives over a month ago.

Name: Meilly (pronounced Miley, as in Cyrus!)

Nicknames: Smiley Meilly, Meilly coyote, Wiley Meilly

Likes: Digging, nuzzling into elbows, arm pits and anywhere cozy, chasing squirrels and/or any moving object

Dislikes: Her 5 year old human's overwhelming affections.

Fun facts: Meilly is an avid bird watcher and also the household's official trainer for a future track star, giving my human boy a run for his money!

"Mom... I'm thirsty!"

2008-04-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

With the weather in the northeast becoming nice and warm, our days of being cooped up inside are over. We are either walking in the neighborhood or playing in our other dog friend's yards.

When out with my dog, I make sure now to never leave my house without my dog's newest water bowl from Itzadog.com. These nifty little bowls are called Zuka Bowls, and are just the perfect size for a quick drink or a little something to nibble on. The Zuka Bowls come in two sizes, small and large, and in a wide variety colors and patterns. What I like most about the Zuka Bowl, is that it comes with a handy dandy carabiner that can easily hook onto a belt loop or leash. It can't get much more convenient than that.

Just like us, our furry friends need to be well hydrated in the summer. Make life easy for yourself and your dog, and carry around a Zuka Bowl from Itzadog.com. Your dog will thank you for it.

Paw wear for your ultra-hip, sporty dog

2008-04-22T11:05:00.000-04:00

These could possibly be the coolest dog shoes I have ever seen. Really. But beyond their rugged exterior, these bark 'n boots grip trex by Ruff Wear are extremely important, functional paw wear for your pooch.

These supportive shoes for your dog help protect their paws from extreme outdoor elements (heat, sharp objects, etc), have amazing traction (great for hiking!) and are comfortable and durable. They have an air mesh upper inspired by human shoes (that is breathable, durable, and drainable) and a high performance Vibram® sole. They also have a nonmarking sole which is perfect for taking your dog out on your boat or for wearing inside the house.

The boots are easy fit with an expansion gusset and a Sure Cinch closure strap to help them stay on their paws. They also have a reflective trim for added safety and nighttime visibility.

The bottom line... if you are active with your dog, protect their paws with the best boots out there, these grip trex. They are extremely well made, comfortable, and they look great too.

Available in sizes XXS to XXL and in red or blue, make sure you measure your dog according to their instructions. And learn more about the awesome benefits of these boots for your dog.

Bling anyone?

2008-04-21T09:41:00.000-04:00

I know my pooch is a bit spoiled, but I just can’t resist buying cute ID tags to match each of his swanky collars. When I found the great selection of tags at Bling Bling 4 Pets I was excited to start shopping. Among my favorites of their styles are the bottle cap tags, which are distinctive and fun and the novelty tags, which have a whimsical twist, but there are many, many more to choose from.

Not only do they have a huge selection of adorable styles, they also have tags for dogs both extra small (for dogs 0-5 pounds) and extra large (for dogs 70 pounds and up) which can be very hard to find. People often take for granted the importance of getting a tag that is the appropriate size for your pup. If it is too big it could weigh them down and be uncomfortable, and if it is too small it won’t be easily seen and can get lost in all that fur. Now Bling Bling 4 Pets is making it easy by allowing you to shop by size.

I got the red sparkle paw print heart in medium for Baxter (he’s 20 pounds) and it was the perfect size for him. It is a beautiful, heart-shaped tag that is hand-made and features a paw print on top of an adorable red sparkly enamel. It is unique and trendy and brings the bling to his boring collar.

Bling Bling 4 Pets not only hand-makes all of their tags but they also include engraving on each tag and have free shipping on orders to US, UK, France and Canada. So treat your dog to a little bling this spring courtesy of Bling Bling 4 Pets.

Decorative "CwickUP" Bags

2008-04-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

A while ago, I did a review on the E.B.D. Carry-All Bag from Pupcentric.com. I raved about this bag and I still do. It's the best!

On the side pocket of the bag is a place for waste disposal bags. Pupcentric.com recently came out with "CwickUP" (canine waste pick up) waste bags to match the interior of your E.B.D. Carry-All Bag. The "CwickUP" bags come in seven different colors, both with prints and without and there are 60 bags in a package. All of the bags are eco-friendly.

So if you are tired of using big, bulky shopping bags to pick up your dog's poop, try these great "CwickUp" bags from Pupcentric.com.

K-9 Can Makes for Happier Walks

2008-04-18T06:48:00.000-04:00

It's an inevitable part of walking your dog: picking up the poop. You scoop it up with your plastic bag, tie a knot, and then continue your walk, toting that bag 'o poop with you until you find the nearest garbage can - which, if you're on a trail, might not be til you get home.

That's why the K-9 Can Pet Waste and Travel Pack is such a convenience. It is a container that your dog wears around his neck. It has a zipper compartment for you to store the bag of poop so your dog is stylishly carrying it - not you - until you can find a place to dispose of it.

The K-9 Can also has other compartments for bags, wipes, your cell phone and keys, treats or anything else you might need for your walk.

We love that the product is also environmentally friendly. It's made in the USA out of fabric spun from 100 percent recycled soda cans. The surface is anti-microbial and it's also machine washable.

The K-9 can comes in four colors and is available for $34.95 at Planet Earth Pets. It's a light-weight, easy-to-use product that can make your outing with your dog more pleasant while keeping our earth a little cleaner.

Swanky Pup of the Week!

2008-04-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

This weeks swanky pup and the first pup entered into our new contest is Boone. Boone is a 16-month-old Papillon and a slightly high-strung boy with a sweet and loving personality. He's a very, very big Papillon--almost twice the size of the breed standard! His family thinks he's pretty much perfect anyway. He loves his people and spends a lot of time trying to figure out exactly what it is they want from him, and how he can do what they want without having to sit still for a moment.

Nicknames: Booners, Boonerisms, Boonesco

Likes: his doggie sister, the cats, his people, going for walks and
rides, the dog park, being allowed on the bed, being a good dog,
TREATS!

Dislikes: wet feet, being parted from his people, leaf blowers,
excited strangers.

Remember, all pups that are selected as Swanky Pup of the Week are entered into our contest and one swanky pup a month will be selected to choose from fabulous prizes worth up to $100. Haven't entered yet? No problem, just email allie@theswankypup.com with the above information for your chance to win.