A Blanket and A Car Seat Slipcover – Seriously!

Hello furry friend owners. No reason to flesh out the obvious about dog blankets or is there? Okay, so let’s cover the basics and then talk about what’s hot and you can obtain bragging rights during your next social.

A dog blanket provides warmth and snuggle comfort. We all know they can be used to throw over the bed, couch, chair or car interior. It becomes an object in which your royal furry friend is familiar. Humans and Dogs alike have their standards, for dogs it’s comfort and familiarity. This falls in the category of the cliché “creatures of habit”. The average pet owner may very well have blankets for every occasion–one for the bed, one for the couch, one for the car and one that reminded them of the vacation in Hawaii. But possibly, just possibly, is there a blanket that provides designer style, comfort, warmth, versatility, dog car seat cover and provide an all-in-one solution?

Let’s get to what’s hot already! - For those that want the "next" and the most "next" item of trend fashion and quality, a designer designer dog blanket that has the functionality of a dog blanket throw and car seat slipcover.
Features; Hand made in Hawaii, with the inspirational prints of Hawaiian culture, vibrant colors, high end fabrics and hand made. A reversible floral print that is both, a quilted front car seat slipcover and a blanket for your special dog. This unique slipcover for your car to keep dog hair, dirt, sand off the car seat and pretty enough for your home to cover furniture. And look at this interesting facet; it has a large pocket on one side that fits over the head rest to stay in place, so that it doesn’t slide off the seat (your choice of which color side to use). Beautiful tropical aloha color print on one side, black and white aloha print on other side. Size 58" x 42". Pocket size roughly 10" x 20". Not to mention the cutest little packaging ever, that makes the ultimate gift for anyone that owns furry friends. This item will be be available soon!

Email sales@beyondthecrate.com for details.

Dog Toys Made Easy

Hey everyone beyond my backyard! I bet some of you out there are wondering, “Hmm I want to treat my dog to a brand new toy, but I want to save money". Well, I will show you all how to do so. If your dog is a small dog or is just a puppy, try this: Take an old cloth napkin and tie a big knot in the middle of the napkin then throw the cloth napkin to your dog and just see what a fun time he/she has with it! Play tug of war or just keep throwing it for your dog. Careful not to jerk it from your dog’s mouth and damage their teeth, especially if your playing with a puppy.

If you have a medium sized dog try this: Take a rubber dog bowl then throw it like a Frisbee for your dog, make sure the bowl is not hard plastic, or if it has holes in it don’t use it because your dog may pull off the pieces and eat them. I think we all know your dog wants to avoid the vet! The tooth rule again applies, so DON’T use a type of bowl that could damage the dog’s teeth. My dog likes a bowl placed upside down on our patio so he can chase it around and paw at it like a hockey puck. I’m telling you, the dog can entertain himself for several minutes, several times a day with this game.

If your dog is big try this: take an old bicycle tire, not the tube, just the tire. You can find one in the garage I am sure. Then look the tire over and check for any small parts or pieces that your dog could pull off and eat, take the tire outside and use the water hose and wash it off (Make sure to scrub it with a scrubbing brush too)! The reason you should do this is because you never know what has been spilled or gotten on the tire. For all we know, there could be a can of wasp spray, pool chemicals, or other unknown chemicals on the tire! We don’t want that now do we? So, wash it very well and if you don’t want to do this outside (Which I suggest you do, since it can get messy) you can use the bathtub inside the house. If you choose the inside wash method, place the tire in your bathtub and scrub it with soap and water. Make sure the soap is off, we don’t want a soapy mouth dog, as they will blow bubbles for the evening. Then once the tire is completely, dry take your dog and the tire outside and play with him/her in the yard! From tugging to holding it up and creating a ring for jumping, your dog will show you how they best want to play. The ring might take some practice. Don't forget your dog treat jar and goodies while playing.

Always supervise your dog while playing with toys, anything can happen. Hope you and your doggie have fun!

From The Doghouse ~~Nuni11~~

Matching Pet Beds and Toy Boxes - Going Green!

Matching pet beds and toy boxes. The pet toy box collection makes a wonderful place to store your furry little friend's recreational play toys. These pet beds and toy boxes are "green". Recycled fabrics used in the cushions and the feet are from reclaimed lumber. The wooden bed boxes are made from regular "straight from the lumber yard" boards. Hand painted using the best acrylic and water based products, making them perfectly safe for pets and children. Shown in the Shabby Chic model.

From the Dog House ~Nuni11~

What Kind of Dog Collar Do I Need?

Today’s subject is dog collars!

Hey everyone, today we will talk about all of the basic kinds of dog collars. There are many different dog collar types. Choosing a dog collar is relative to your needs and the solution you are seeking. Types of collars; show collars (also known as slip collars), training collars, identification collars, electronic and decorative - look at me collars, not to mention all the color options available. The collars listed here are basic dog collars and more about the types and less about the style.

These are some examples of a fancy, designer dog collars. The collars can be made up of a variety of materials such as; pearls (authentic or faux), jeweled, beaded, studded, leather, a sewn in design, metal, chain, plastic, synthetic (nylon) or even hemp for the eco friendly buyer! Usually, the beaded and pearl type collars are decorative in nature only and not intended to withstand a leash or securing a dog.

Show collars are in reference to dog show competitions. Training collars can be for a young pup in training or an adult dog that needs leash training, identification collars are basic collars that have information tags attached, slip collars are essentially for walking and also used in dog competitions and showings. If you want your dog to look like a strong guard dog you can get a chain collar, sometimes known as a choke collar. A choke collar can be made of a smooth material, made of chain or can be a pinch type with prongs.

If a collar isn’t what you and your furry friend desire, there is another option - time to introduce the harness! The harness is something that is kind of like a collar only it painlessly wraps around your dogs chest and neck, it looks quite fashionable too!

Dog Collar Glossary:
Dog Show Collar - The Martingale leads are highly used for dog shows. They have a collar portion that slips over the head and tightens when the leash is pulled. These collars can be made of different types of materials that include plastic, metal and metal with a plastic casing surrounding the metal wire. Never leave a dog unattended when using a slip collar, as it could get caught on a fence or get caught on an object and choke the dog.

Martingale Collar - Also known as limited slip collars, they help prevent dogs from slipping out of the collars while on a leash. A slight tug will tighten the collar without complete closure of the neck. Also performs well to position the head perfectly during showmanship. Never leave a dog unattended when using a slip collar, as it could get caught on a fence or get caught on an object and choke the dog.

Chain Slip Collar - Also called choke chains these are generally reserved for training only. Light tug will increase the tension around the neck while walking or during obedience training. Never leave a dog unattended when using a slip collar, as it could get caught on a fence or get caught on an object and choke the dog.

Metal Prong Collar - Highly effective for strong, stubborn dogs with a tendency to tug at the leash, these collars do look ungainly. They are also known as pinch collars and are very useful during training. When used correctly, prong studies and research have concluded there is no injury to dogs when a prong collar is used correctly. The prongs simply pinch when the leash is pulled. Never leave a dog unattended when using a slip collar, as it could get caught on a fence or get caught on an object and choke the dog.

Studded Collar - These collars are available in many fabric types, but typically are shown in leather. There are smooth studded and sharp studded collars. The sharp studded can be very dangerous and are mostly found on guard dogs. Howevere, there are many collar types labeled as "studded". Here is an example of a smooth studded collar, better know for it's saftey.

Head Collar - Head collars look like much like a muzzle. It can cover the complete nose with an opening in the end for breathing or less restrictive and have straps or strands of material that attaches around the nose. This type of collar is best used in leash training for dogs that try to pull the owner around. The halter works like a harness for the head and is intended to help train a dog to walk on a leash and heel. If the dog pulls on the leash the halter will cause the head to turn and leaves the dog feeling a bit unnatural and thus deter the tugging behavior.

Break Away Collar - These collars have a special feature that can prevent choking. These can be used for with a leash and for walking. If the leash becomes caught on something the collar breaks away instead of choking the dog. The collar will not unfasten when attached to a leash.

Daily Collar or Identification Collar - Collars with metal buckles or quick release clasps are available in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. Many people prefer buckle collars for stronger dogs, as the quick release clasps are generally less sturdy. Rounded rolled leather collars are durable and less likely to pull the hair and help prevent hair loss. These collars will have the name and a phone number in case the pet is lost.

Designer Collar – Essentially, functions like the daily collar, but with more of a fashion statement. Here you will find dog collars also have matching belts for dog and owner fashion coordination.

Eco Friendly Collar - This type of collar is Eco friendly, which means safe for the environment, made of natural material and not of synthetic materials. One example of an Eco friendly material would be “Hemp”. Eco collar refers to a generalized concept of a product, not a formal naming convention for a type of collar.

Electronic Shock Collar – These are mostly used with hunting and field training dogs. The collar has a remote control which is held by the operator, owner or trainer and the remote can emit a short low voltage shock when pressed. This usually response is issued to manage the behavior of the dog. There are various types of these devices. Ouch! Enough said here. Research indicates these are not harmful to an animal, but having said that, it does deliver a shock – OUCH!

Electronic Perimeter Containment Collar – This one works with frequency and the dog collar has an electronic mechanism that reacts by perimeter flags or a centralized electronic box mechanism that emits a short wave which the dog’s ears are sensitive to. This is for containing a dog in a specified area without a fence. The efficacy of this device will vary from dog to dog. Many people report a good result with this technology. Never rely on a device like this if you live on a busy street and always have an identification collar on the dog as well.

Harness - Harnesses are designed for placement around a dog’s chest and abdomen, crossing over the back. Harnesses are great for dog's that are pulling a sled or need good weight distribution. Contrary to what many people believe, the harness was not essentially designed to prevent dog's from tugging and pulling while on a leash. A harness is a good option for dogs that may have a medical condition involving the neck or simply served better being leashed from the mid region. A leash can be attached to a D-ring or type device on the top of the harness.


Hope you enjoyed this article of the dog blog!
From the dog house of ~ Nuni11 and Dad ~

Winter Pet Safety

The cold winter months are soon to be here and depending on where you live, may already be present. To protect your pet during the cold winter months: Keep an eye on the temperature. When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep your pet indoors. Short-haired dogs, cats and puppies should be kept indoors when the temperature dips below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your pet's coat well groomed. Matted fur won't properly protect your pet from the cold. Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze. Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets, but is poisonous if consumed. Years ago, all antifreeze was deadly to animals, however, some antifreeze labels claims safe for the environment in respect to animals, but we suggest treating any antifreeze as you would for human consumption “Don’t allow your pet to drink it either. Should your pet ingest any amount of antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately. Regularly check your pet's water to make sure it's not frozen. When your pet is outside, make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available. Animals can't burn calories without a fresh supply of water, and if they can't burn calories, they'll get cold. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one, as your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to a cold metal. Use a damp towel to wipe your pet's feet and underside. Ice-melting chemicals can irritate and burn the pads of your pet's feet and can cause serious injury if ingested. Another way to protect your dog's feet is to spray the pads of their feet with cooking spray or you can purchase boots for your pet. Provide a dry, draft-free doghouse if you must keep your dog outside for any period of time. It should be large enough to allow your dog to sit and lay down comfortably but small enough to hold in its body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Slap the hood of your vehicle before starting it. In their search to keep warm outdoors, cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire. Keep snow from piling high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for your dog to jump over the fence and escape the safe confines of your yard. Indoors, make sure your pet sleeps away from drafts. Areas near windows or doors that lead outdoors may allow cold air to seep in and keep your pet from staying adequately warm. Consider the amount of exercise your dog receives during colder weather. If your dog stays indoors more, it's probably getting less exercise and may need less food; however, if your pet is outside often it may need more food to burn the calories necessary to produce more body heat. Beyond The Crate has warm cozy dog beds, blankets and pet accessories for winter.

John
www.beyondthecrate.com

Is My Pit Bull an Albino?

The term "Pit Bull" isn't a breed of dog. It's a term used to group three breeds of dogs - American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT), American Staffordshire Terriers (AmStaff) and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie). It is not unusual to see someone casually walking their cute little Pit Bull in the community. At first glance, one wonders, is that dog white or is it an Albino? It doesn’t do any harm to label the furry little friend one way or the other. You might find out that the owners aren’t really sure themselves and you may just get confusing answers to this question depending on who you ask. Many Pit Bulls have white or very light hair with a small spot or spots that are brindle, these are “White” not “Albino”. Remember, Albino dogs will not have pigmentation.

Features that will establish that a Pit Bull is an Albino:
1. The eyes can be either pinkish red or a pale blue, depending on how the light reflects on the Iris portion of the eye (The eyes are not colored, it’s the blood vessels that appear to give color)
2. White or very pale hair
3. A pink nose
4. White eyelashes
6. Skin will be pink
7. The nails will be light in color, usually white or pink
8. The pads will also be a pale pink

I simply have to be heard on this matter due to the "unwarranted negative stigma. Pit Bulls can be very loveable and good natured dogs. How you treat your dog has the most to do with how aggressive they become and how socially acceptable they are in the community. Just as how children and adults treat other people or dogs.

NOTE: This next text clip of information was taken from “The American Pit Bull Registry” - The odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 600,000 in the USA. Comparatively speaking you are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to be killed by a dog of any breed. When you further break down the odds of being attacked and killed by a Pit Bull the odds are in your favor -approximately 1 in 145,000,000. That’s million folks. In contrast, you are 4 times more likely to be killed by a cow in the USA than any breed of dog, much less a Pit Bull.

As always, take care of your furry little friends!

John
www.beyondthecrate.com

How To Measure For A Dog Collar

All dogs are different and vary in their size, just as people vary in size and shape. Here is a general guideline to fit your dog appropriately for a dog collar. For a proper fit, measure your dog's neck with a cloth seamstress's tape measure.

1. Take a measurement a few inches down from his head and then add an inch for very small dogs or two inches for medium and large dogs.

2. Pull the tape snug but not tight. (If you do not have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string and then measure the string with a rigid ruler.)

3. Allow sufficient room to slip two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. Or you can measure his neck and add two inches.

4. When the collar is on his neck it should allow you to slide two fingers under a properly fitting collar and your dog's neck. If there's extra room, you need a smaller size. If both fingers don't fit, the collar is too small.

A collar shouldn't be tight around your dog's neck and therefore it will not be the exact measurement of your dog's neck. For safety reasons - so it doesn't snag on something, it shouldn't be too loose either. A snug fit is what you are aiming for. Not a tight one or one that chokes. Always monitor your furry little friend while he or she is on their leash with a collar, so they don't get caught on a fence or other environmental object that would cause furry friend choking.