Follow your nose… to some really great recommendations on dog supplies and get answers to your important pet care questions.

As long time dog owners… we’ve discovered that with all the choices out there it’s not always easy to figure out … and then find the best items to keep your dog happy and healthy. Like anything, the more you know… the easier it is to choose what’s best for you and your dog.

You’ll find lots of informative articles on dog supplies and some great stuff we’ve learned on how to provide the best care for your dog. And you’ll get plenty of help choosing the right canine care supplies that will help keep your four legged friend safe, healthy & well adjusted.

Don’t waste your valuable time endlessly searching the worldwide web for the right supplies to correctly care for your dog.

It’s simple – our site’s got tons of answers and advice for you that will keep your pooch’s tail wagging. Whether you’re looking for discount dog supplies, small dog supplies or even toy dog supplies you’ll get the info you need right here.

Experience is indeed the best teacher…and we’ve got some great, practical tips that we would love to share with you.

When you’re looking for great dog breed gifts you’ll notice that some dog lovers like to collect and display items for a specific breed. For these dog lovers… your gift choices are seemingly endless. You’ll find all sorts of great breed gifts for the home, yard & garden – and other novelty gifts that your friends and family are sure to love. And shopping online for breed gifts couldn’t be easier!

House Wares Are Always Welcome Gifts

There’s certainly no shortage of dog lover gift ideas when it comes to household items. Choose one of the many fun and practical dog breed gifts and bring an added dimension of warmth to your dog lover’s home.

How about an afghan or a throw pillow decorated with a picture of their favorite breed of dog that they can proudly display on the living room couch?

Or how about an adorable dog breed collectors plate? It would look terrific hanging in the hallway or on the wall of the den.

And there are many great dog breed gifts that would brighten up any dog lover’s kitchen. How about an apron for the cook . . . a set of potholders . . . a refrigerator magnet . . . or a dog treat jar . . . each with a picture of their beloved breed?

You’ll find that many dog lovers like to fill their homes with things that remind them of their special canine friends.

It can bring a bright spot to their day to be reminded of something they care so much about.

We know a couple who just adores their little Yorkie named Molly.  And they have quite a collection of Yorkie items displayed throughout their home.

They’ve enjoyed spending many years collecting anything “Yorkie”. It’s really amazing! Their home is a tribute to Molly and their special love of Yorkies. You may not know any dog lovers that take their passion to that level. But you probably know several that would absolutely love to have a few dog breed gift items to display throughout their homes.

And there are so many fun and functional dog breed gifts to choose from:

Dog Breed Gifts For The Yard & Garden

We all know a dog enthusiast that loves spending time in the yard or garden. Here are some really nice outdoor gift items that your dog lover will enjoy displaying outside the house. These outdoor gifts are a great opportunity for a dog lover to show off their love of dogs:

Christmas And Holiday Gift Items

The gift-giving holidays are perfect times for dog enthusiasts to show off their fondness for their favorite breeds of dogs. Giving personalized dog breed gifts like Christmas ornaments, stockings and treat tins is a great way to include your dog lover’s special pooch in the Christmas festivities.

Many people take pride in decorating their Christmas trees with ornaments that have special meaning for them. And these holiday ornaments quickly become cherished keepsakes that will be proudly displayed year after year.

So what dog lover wouldn’t cherish a Christmas doggie breed ornament? Special holiday gifts like these are held dear . . . and bringing them out for holiday display often becomes a warm and welcomed tradition. Every dog lover should have at least one special dog breed Christmas ornament to proudly show off! Each year Christmas dog-themed collector’s plaques, plates & figurines are carefully taken out of storage and proudly displayed for the holiday season.

Then they are lovingly taken down and packed away with great anticipation of displaying them again next year. This is certainly a gift that could last a life time . . . what a great gift idea!

Christmas stockings are lots of fun and add to our holiday festivities and décor. Every family member gets one. . . so why shouldn’t every pooch have their own doggie breed Christmas stocking, too?

Granted they don’t often wear stockings . . . but why leave them out of the fun?

A Christmas stocking featuring the charming artwork of Linda Picken will festively bring warmth and holiday spirit to any room . . . let’s not forget lots of smiles, too!

Novelties And Everyday Gift Ideas

And let’s not forget all those fun and quirky gifts that people have come to expect. The everyday items that we use all the time can be special gifts if they are adorned with the likeness of a favorite dog breed. It’s just amazing . . . the list of dog lover gifts goes on and on. There are so many wonderful dog breed gifts that would make any gift recipient feel good about their dog.

Here are some more great functional dog breed gift ideas for you to have fun with:

Dog Breed Gifts For The Lesser Known Breeds

If you’re looking for a dog breed gift for one of the lesser known breeds . . . like the Cane Corso, the Leonberger, or the Spinone Italiano . . . they’ll definitely be harder to find than if you were looking for Beagle, German Shepherd, or Labrador dog gifts.

And when you do find some . . . chances are the selection won’t be as varied as the selection for the more popular breeds. But that just means that your dog lover will definitely appreciate that you took the time to seek out such a rare dog breed gift.

And don’t forget to check out dog breed calendars. When there are very few gift options for some breeds, you can usually find a nice dog calendar for a rare breed.Calendars are great functional gifts . . . most people have at least one . . . and a dog breed calendar will bring smiles to faces all year long.

There are many different types of dog supplies that can be classified as pet containment systems. If you’re looking for a better way to contain your pet, chances are you may already have a good idea of what you need a containment system to do. Knowing this, you can quickly focus on the type of dog containment system that will best suit your needs.

Types of Pet Containment Systems

• Pet Gates
• Pet Doors
• Dog Crates
• Pet Carriers
• Pet Vehicle Restraints & Containment
• Outdoor Dog Pens & Kennels
• Indoor/Outdoor Pet Exercise Pens
• Invisible Electronic Dog Fences
• Dog Houses

Pet Gates

Pet gates are a great way to keep your pet contained in a certain area of your home. They are available in many different sizes and are specially designed for placement at the top or bottom of stairs, doorways and irregular openings. Some dog gates are hardware mounted and others offer the convenience of pressure mounting. If you’re looking for a safe gate for the top of a staircase then check out the Kidco Safeway Stair Top Gate. This gate was rated number one by an independent consumer organization.

Tips For Selecting Pet Gates -What You Need To Know Before You Buy One

Top of Page

Pet Doors

Pet doors provide freedom for both you and your dog. Install a pet door so that your dog can let himself in and out. No more rushing home or getting up at inconvenient times to let the dog out. These types of pet containment systems are available for any size dog. You can even get large dog doors or an extra large dog door for the larger dog breeds. Even if you have a glass sliding patio door you can still enjoy the convenience of a pet door. Patio door panels are available that will work with a standard sliding door and can be installed in minutes. There’s even a self-locking automatic pet door system that offers convenience and security for your whole family. With the addition of a pet collar tag system your dog will have the ability to open and close your sliding door whenever he wants to come in or go out. Your family members can also gain quick and easy access with the addition of a security keypad.

What You Need To Know About Pet Doors Before You Buy One

Top of Page

Dog Crates

If you have a dog that tends to get into mischief when left home alone dog crate may be the perfect solution. A hyperactive or an aggressive dog can be safely contained in these types of pet containment systems when you are entertaining visitors. There are many styles and sizes to choose from. Small dog crates are available for our little canine friends and large dog crates for our bigger ones. There are even convenient portable dog crates.

It’s best to start crate training as a puppy, but with a little extra time and patience, most adult dogs will learn to accept being crated. Crates are also excellent for containing your pet in a vehicle, especially while driving. If you’re planning on moving your crate around a lot you may want to consider getting a collapsible pet crate.

Selecting Dog Crates Isn’t Difficult When You Ask The Right Questions
How To Select The Proper Size Dog Crate

Top of Page

Pet Carriers

Just as the name implies, pet carriers are pet containment systems designed to safely protect your dog while being transported.You can choose from hard plastic pet carriers or soft pet carriers. Look for an airline approved pet carrier for plane travel. And depending on your pooch’s size you can choose from small dog carriers, large dog carriers, all the way up to an extra large dog carrier.

Three Good Reasons Responsible Dog Owners Use Pet Carriers To Safely Contain & Carry Their Pets

Top of Page

Pet Vehicle Restraints & Containment

While traveling in vehicles, it is highly recommended that you make use of pet containment systems. Leaving a dog unrestrained in a automobile can lead to any number of dangerous mishaps. Your pet can easily interfere with the operation of the vehicle or can get tossed about if the ride gets rough. Having a dog dart out of an open door or window is very dangerous and can be avoided with proper pet containment systems. Besides using a portable dog crate or pet carrier there are also dog seat belt harness systems and vehicle pet barriers that will make the car travel safer for everyone.

Five Important Reasons To Use Dog Seat Belt Harnesses
Vehicle Pet Barriers Make Traveling With Our Pets Safer For Everyone

Top of Page

Outdoor Dog Pens & Kennels

If you need to confine your dog to a small area try an outdoor dog kennel.These pet containment systems are completely closed in and come with a sunscreen top to protect your pet from the sun. A kennel provides a safe place for your dog to get some exercise or just hang out. There are many styles of dog kennels. You can easily make your selection from a portable dog kennel to a variety of large cyclone fence dog pens.

Top of Page

Indoor/Outdoor Pet Exercise Pens

Once you own a portable exercise dog pen you’ll always have a place that your pet can get some exercise. Some of these pet containment systems are designed to attach to a wire dog crate or to another exercise pen.If you are planning to use your pen outside, for maximum safety you may want to consider getting a MIDWEST exercise pen with a durable black e-coat finish.

If you’re planning on traveling with your dog pen look for a large portable dog kennel that folds flat for easy moving and convenient storage. Large cyclone fence dog pens and pet exercise pens are sometimes called pet yards.

Top of Page

Invisible Electronic Dog Fences

If you’ve been unable to teach your dog to stay in the yard… an electronic dog fence can be a great training aid. Some dogs would be perfectly content to stay within the boundaries of a physical fence but their owners may be unable to provide them with a fenced in yard. Other dogs simply haven’t learned their boundaries. These dogs see nothing wrong with digging under or jumping over a small dog fence. If you’re experiencing either of these problems then an electronic pet fencing system may be the way for you to go. Some invisible pet fence systems even allow you to keep your dog out of specific areas – like your garden.

Top of Page

Dog Houses

If your pet lives outdoors or spends a great deal of time outside… you’ll definitely want to learn about dog houses. When properly used a well designed dog house will provide your dog a safe and secure place of her own.It can also provide necessary shelter from the elements year round. Be careful where you position your dog house. The internal temperature of a dog house placed in the direct sun, especially in the summer months, can be like an oven. And a dog house in extremely cold weather conditions may not provide enough shelter for your dog.

Always use a dog house with caution and check your dog’s house frequently as weather conditions change. When used responsibly a dog house can be an excellent pet containment system. There are many varieties to choose from depending on your requirements. You can get custom dog houses built if you need a small dog house for your little pup. Some even find uses for a dog house indoors.

Top of Page

Dog toys aren’t just for fun and games – they’re necessary for a healthy and well-adjusted dog. Selecting from the abundant variety of dog toys available today, you will definitely be able to satisfy your dog’s need to play and chew. But now you can further enhance your dog’s well being by choosing dog toys specifically designed to aid in your pet’s mental, physical and behavioral development. Your dog will still see these dog toys as fun and exciting – but you’ll know they’re providing a lot more than just fun and games.

Treat Filled Chew Toys For Good Behavior

Dogs instinctively chew on things. But, it’s probably safe to assume that you would rather have your dog chew on designated dog toys… rather than on your valuable household items or cherished possessions. Destructive chewing is often the result of separation anxiety, and can be prevented or corrected by providing your dog with irresistible treat-filled Kong dog toys that will engage your pet for hours.

Is separation anxiety causing your dog to act out?  Whether you have a dog or a puppy Kong makes a great selection of super-durable chew toys. These classic Kong chew toys are definitely the best dog toys available for filling with tasty treats. You can purchase ready-made fillings for your dog’s Kong or you can create your own tasty recipes that your dog is sure to love.

Need help choosing a Kong chew toy that’s right for your dog?
Choosing a Kong chew toy for your puppy
Create yummy recipes for your dog’s Kong chew toys
What’s the best way to stuff a Kong chew toy?

Dental Chew Toys For Good Dental Hygiene

A dog’s natural tendency to chew helps correctly develop and maintain healthy jaw muscles, gums and teeth. So… provide your growing dog with a variety of good dental dog chew toys. Learn more about the benefits of dog dental chew toys as an important part of your dog’s overall dental hygiene.

So start putting some of the many fun and effective dental dog chew toys to work keeping your dog’s smile bright and healthy. Kong has three excellent dog dental toys that will help get the job done!

Puppy Teething Toys – Comforting Your Puppy’s Sore Gums

If you have a teething puppy… try freezing some of her dog toys. Toys like the Chilly Bone are designed to provide a cool treat that will bring instant relief to your teething puppy. Adult dogs love these frozen treats too! Learn more about these cool puppy teething toys and how they can ease the pain and discomfort of teething.

Intelligence Building Toys – How Smart Is Your Dog?

Dog’s can be very clever. Have fun challenging your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills. There are many intelligence building dog toys will do just that. Usually these toys consist of an outer toy that conceals one or more smaller toys.Your dog is challenged to figure out how to get the smaller toys out of the larger toy. Supervised playtime activities like this can be very rewarding for both you and your dog. Now I bet you just can’t wait to get one of these toys so you can show off to all your friends just how smart your pooch is!

Planning interactive activities for you and your dog can be an essential to building a strong and lasting relationship with your best four legged friend.

Keep Things New – Rotate Your Dog’s Toys

Once your dog has a variety of dog toys… try to rotate your dog’s toys. Only keep a few toys out at a time and rotate them on a regular basis. When your dog hasn’t seen a toy for a while it is likely that your dog will embrace it once again with all the excitement of a brand new toy. Of course, if your dog has an all-time favorite toy it’s best to leave that toy out all the time.

Does Your Dog Need A Toy Box?

If you love to lavish your dog with lots of great toys then you may want to consider getting a dog toy storage box to keep things neat and tidy. You can even make a game of teaching your dog to clean up his toys! There’s no mistaking who’s toys belong in these boxes!

Are Dog Toys Important to YOU

Are you willing to share what you know about the favorites in your pup’s toybox? Do you have an opinion, advice or a recommendation on the best puppy teething toys or the worst dental dog chew toys for your fellow pet owners? Our readers would love to hear your story! We all know cool stuff that others would love to hear about. Maybe you know something cool about a large dog toy ball or large dog toys in general… or specific dog breed toys… or unique dog toys. What are your favorite interactive dog toys or which kong chew toys keep your pup happy the longest? Why not share something you know about discount dog toys or even how to make dog toys yourself with Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com’s community of dog enthusiasts. The sky’s the limit!

Take the challenge out of Dog Nail Trimming by learning these all-important dog grooming basics. This article gives the answers you’ve been looking for. Answers to the most common dog nail trimming questions about dog nail clippers and how to use them without it resulting in dog health problems or injuries. Get great tips on the proper equipment and techniques that will give you the advantage to master this simple dog grooming necessity.

Whether you use dog nail clippers or prefer the more recent dog nail grinder, just follow these simple dog nail trimming rules and get the job done like a pro.

• Do It Often…
• Use The Right Techniques…
• Use Proven Reward-Training Methods To Win Your Dog Over…
• And Get Back To Sharing Real Quality Time With Your Pooch!

So… You Have Some Questions About Dog Nail Trimming?

Is Nail Trimming Painful To My Dog?

What Tools Do I Need To Trim My Dog’s Nails?

Why Do My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed Regularly?

How Do I Know When My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed?

When Should I Start Trimming My Dog’s Nails?

How Can I Cut My Dog’s Nails When He Doesn’t Like His Feet Touched?

Will My Dog Ever Adjust To Getting Her Nails Trimmed?

What Is The Quick And What Do I Need To Know About It?

Help, I’ve Cut My Dog’s Nail Too Short And Now My Dog Is Bleeding! What Do I Do Now?

If My Dog’s Nails Are Over Grown How Can Nail Trimming Get Them Back To A Healthy Length?

How Do YOU Tolerate Tricky Dog Nail Trimming?

What Dog Nail Trimming Story Do YOU Want To File?

Is Dog Nail Trimming Painful To My Dog?

Dog nail trimming is not painful if you use a sharp nail trimmer and don’t clip the nails too short. Dull dog nail clippers can put a lot of pressure on your dog’s toenail before it actually cuts through the nail. If this happens your dog may feel an uncomfortable pinching sensation. This is because the vein in the toenail is being squeezed and depending on the dog nail trimming tool you choose it may affect your pet’s experience. To avoid this always make sure that you’re using a sharp pet nail trimmer or try using a pet nail grinder.

What Tools Do I Need To Trim My Dog’s Nails?

You’ll want to have a sharp clipper designed for dog nail trimming. Dogs come in all sizes – so choose a dog nail clipper that’s right for the size of your pet’s nails.

The Most Common Types of Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers

You’ll want to look all four of these styles over to find the best fit for “your” dog.

Guillotine Style Clippers

These Guillotine Style Dog Nail Trimmers require that the dog’s nail be inserted through a hole in the top of the trimmer. As the handles are squeezed together the blade comes down and cuts through the nail. Many people find guillotine style clippers more difficult to use on large breed dogs. Thicker nails can be more difficult to insert into the guide hole in the nail clipper. These dog nail clippers have a cutting blade that must be changed frequently to maintain a nice clean cut. Dog nail trimming is a lot easier when the blades are sharp.

Pliers Style Clippers

While these Pliers Style Dog Nail Trimmers work similar to pruning shears. The two notched blades surround and cut through your pet’s nail as the handles are squeezed together. Some people like this style because they can see exactly where the blade will cut through the nail. If you have a large dog this type of trimmer works great on thick nails. Just make sure to select heavy-duty dog nail clippers designed specifically to cut through the thick toenails of your large breed dog.

Pliers style trimmers are available for small, medium and large dogs. These dog nail trimmers don’t have blades that need to be replaced but they do need to be sharpened when they become dull. If you have a large breed dog make sure you look at the Millers Forge Pliers Style Dog Clippers for large dogs. They’re definitely worth paying a little more for.

Scissor Style Clippers

And Scissor Style Dog Nail Trimmers work just like a pair of scissors. The two scissor-like notched blades surround and cut through the nail as the handles are closed. These clippers are for light duty jobs only. These are not actually dog nail trimmers. They are best used for cats, birds and other small animals. Lots of people use them on small dogs. If you’d like to check them out remember they’re often labeled Cat/Bird Claw Clippers. The style you choose for your dog nail trimming needs is a matter of personal preference. If the clipper is the correct size it will get the job done.

Dog Nail Grinders

Many dog owners find a grinder type of nail trimmer a much better option. By using a grinder they are able to keep their dog’s nails shorter, smoother and less pointy by grinding than using a nail clipper. It does take a little time and patience to get your dog acclimated to a grinder, but once you do your pet will not dread routine nail trimming anymore since it will be pain free.

Keep It Sharp!

Just remember to keep your nail trimmer sharp so that it makes a fast clean cut. Dull dog nail clippers can pinch the nail, which will result in discomfort to your dog. It can be a real challenge for your dog to hold still if a dull blade is causing discomfort. Dog nail trimming is sooo… much better for you and your dog when the blades are kept sharp.

Dog Nail Trimming Accessories

In addition to good quality nail trimmers, it is also recommended to get a pet nail file or dog nail grinder. You’ll find that it is much easier to file down any rough edges with a nail file that has been designed for the shape of your dog’s nails.

Next on the list of supplies you should have is Styptic Powder. It’s always a good idea to have it on hand for those occasional mishaps. A dog nail clipped too short tends to bleed a lot. Applying some styptic powder for dogs will help stop the bleeding.

Finally, keep plenty of dog treats on hand to b>reward good behavior. You can also use dog treats to distract your pet during dog nail trimming. Treats work great to draw a dog’s attention away from a bleeding nail.

Top of Page

Why Do My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed Regularly?

When a dog’s nails become too long they interfere with the dog’s gait and… as the nails continue to grow, walking will become awkward and painful. Untrimmed nails can also split resulting in a great deal of pain, bleeding, and a trip to the veterinarian’s office. In severe cases a dog’s nails can curl under and grow into the pad of the dog’s paw causing a very serious and painful infection.

These types of ingrown nail problems are most common on the dewclaws. The dewclaws are the nails located on the inside of the paw. Many breeders have the dewclaws removed shortly after puppies are born, so not all dogs will have dewclaws. If your dog has them… remember to include them in your dog nail trimming routine. These nails don’t touch the ground, so they don’t wear down as fast as the others as your dog walks on rough surfaces. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly will easily prevent these problems.

How Do I Know When My Dog’s Nails Need To Be Trimmed?

When your dog’s nails are beginning to curve is one indication that your dog’s nails need a trim. And if you hear a clicking or tapping sound as your dog walks across a bare floor it’s definitely time for a nail trimming. But it is best not to wait that long – once or twice a month is usually a good rule of thumb for dog nail trimming. If you let your dog’s nails grow too long then it could take some time to get them back to a healthy length again.

Regularly trimming the tips of your dog’s nails is the best approach. Some dogs walk and run on rough surfaces and are able to wear down their nails, but most dogs will need some help. You will get to know how fast your dog’s nails grow if you routinely inspect your pet’s nails. Even if you don’t actually trim them each time, regular inspection will help assure that your dog’s feet stay healthy. So, make nail inspection and dog nail trimming an important part of your dog’s routine grooming.

Top of Page

When Should I Start Trimming My Dog’s Nails?

If you’re starting with a puppy the answer is as soon as you bring your new puppy home. If you have an adult or an older dog the answer is pretty much the same – right now. If you start early it probably will not take too long for your puppy to adjust to a dog nail trimming routine. Make a habit of handling your puppy’s feet everyday. Dog nail trimming will be much easier if your puppy doesn’t mind having his feet handled.

Adult dogs, just like people, are usually set in their ways. So if your adult dog initially resists getting his nails trimmed you will most likely need to spend a lot more time getting him used to the procedure. As with a puppy, it’s a good idea to start getting your dog used to having his feet handled before you attempt to clip your dog’s nails. Be very patient and don’t rush into the procedure. Bring out the clipping tools ahead of time and let your dog become familiar with them.

It is important that you remain calm. If you’re nervous, your dog will sense it and associate fear or uncertainty with dog nail trimming. If your dog is nervous… use gentle reassurance, but don’t coddle your dog. Let your dog know that you expect him to behave, but don’t push it too far. If your dog can only manage one toenail that’s all right. Just be persistent and try for another nail at another time.

And always remember to reward good behavior with your dog’s favorite treat.

Top of Page

How Can I Clip My Dog’s Nails When He Doesn’t Like His Feet Touched?

Have patience and start working on getting your dog used to having his feet handled. This must be done gradually, so don’t rush it. Try gently touching one foot while your dog is asleep. If your dog wakes up be very casual about it. Just remove your hand and act as if you didn’t even notice that you were touching his paw. Anytime your dog resists… don’t react. Just ignore the fact that you were even holding his paw and try again another time. Repeat this process and over time your dog will adjust to having his feet handled and you should even be able to start touching individual toes without an adverse reaction.

Whenever your dog allows you to touch his feet always remember to praise your dog and give him a dog treat. Your dog will begin to associate having his feet handled with a pleasant experience. Bring out the nail clippers when your dog is very comfortable with you handling his feet and you are confident that you have gained your dog’s trust.
Top of Page

Will My Dog Ever Adjust To Getting Her Nails Trimmed?

Many dogs may never like to get their nails trimmed, but if done regularly… over time, dogs can learn to sit through this routine grooming procedure. Other dogs may never sit still. If you can’t get your dog to sit still you may need to recruit the help of another person to hold your dog while you trim her nails. While some dogs can be distracted by dog treats alone, others may have to be held.

You may want to try clipping your dog’s nails after a full day of exercise when your dog is looking to take a long nap. Tired dogs tend to be less resistant. If you know that your dog tends to bite when stressed out, for safety sake you should muzzle your pet before you begin a dog nail trimming procedure. If the task of trimming your dog’s nails proves to be too much, find a professional dog groomer or veterinarian for this part of your dog’s routine grooming. If you can’t get your dog to cooperate it’s better that your dog doesn’t associate you with this negative experience. If you know that your dog tends to react in an aggressive manner, be sure to let your groomer know what to expect so that the necessary safety precautions can be taken before they begin a dog nail trimming session.

What Is The Quick And What Do I Need To Know About It?

The quick is the living part of a dog’s nail and has blood vessels running throughout. Cutting into the quick during dog nail trimming is painful for your dog and will result in bleeding. If your dog has light colored nails your job will be easier since you will be able to see the quick. It will be impossible to see the quick if your dog’s nails are black or dark in color. If your dog has at least one light colored nail you can usually use that nail as a guide for the others.

If dog nail trimming is completely new to you, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how to trim your dog’s nails or consult a good dog care book. Another important fact to note is that the quick grows with the nail. As a dog’s nails grow longer the quick will also lengthen. So if your dog’s nails are over grown you will not be able to clip the nails to the desired length without cutting into the quick. You will need to trim the tips of your dog’s nails often and over time the quick will shorten. To avoid cutting into the quick you’ll want to start by trimming small pieces of the nail until you get the hang of it.

Top of Page

Help, I’ve Cut My Dog’s Nail Too Short And Now My Dog Is Bleeding! What Do I Do Now?

Don’t panic. Your dog is in a little pain but the prognosis is good – your dog will live! You’ve cut into the quick, the blood-filled tissue in your dog’s nail. To stop the bleeding take a pinch of styptic powder and press it against the bleeding toenail. Now give your dog lots of treats. The nail should stop bleeding in about 5-10 minutes.

Try not to baby your dog too much. You don’t want to bring a lot of unnecessary attention to the injured nail. You’ll be surprised at how easily your dog will be distracted by the dog treats if you’re not making a big deal out of the bleeding toenail. So just stay calm and upbeat and you may be able to finish your dog nail trimming task. If your dog is calm and enjoying the treats it’s best to continue trimming. If you didn’t finish with the paw that you were working on you may want to continue on another paw and come back to that one after you have finished the rest. If your dog is too excited you may need to try again at a later time. Don’t be discouraged, even professional dog groomers occasionally cut into the quick.

Top of Page

If My Dog’s Nails Are Over Grown How Can Dog Nail Trimming Get Them Back To A Healthy Length?

You will need to trim your dog’s nails regularly and a little more often. Start by clipping very small pieces of the nail tip until you can see a dark, round, kind of moist looking disk appear in the middle of the nail. This means you’re approaching the quick and the nail will bleed if you cut it any shorter. Try trimming this far every week or two and the quick will gradually recede. Over time the length of the nail can be shortened. Cutting into the quick to shorten a dog’s over grown nails could lead to an infection. If your dog’s nails are extremely over grown and this condition is causing health issues consult your veterinarian immediately.

When picturing wooden dog kennels, some might imagine a traditional enclosure, designed strictly for use outdoors. It is interesting to note that there is now a wide variety of wooden dog kennels for sale, each designed with both form and function in mind. They offer a beautiful indoor alternative to the traditional backyard enclosure.

Indoor Wooden Dog Kennels Are Popular And Practical

They have proven to be valuable assets when house training your pet. They offer the opportunity for a pup to have a space of its own, while maintaining social contact and regular interaction with its owners. Dogs are social by nature, but also have a strong “den” instinct. Proper crate training addresses both of these needs, specifically if the crate can be placed in a “high traffic” area within the home. Your pet can retreat to its den, but remain socially connected.

Wooden dog crates come with a variety of features. Most offer some type of removable door that can be detached for safe, simple in and out access. These doors can easily be put into place when it is necessary for the dog to be restricted to its kennel. They are constructed with durability in mind, typically made of high quality wood, and coated with polyurethane to protect the finish. Many are also built with ease of cleaning in mind, offering removable tops for quick and easy access.

Determine Which Features Are Most Important Before You Shop

Depending on the style you select, and the features you require, you will find various price points to choose from. The most notable complaint about traditional indoor wire kennels is their lack of design aesthetic. They stand out in any room, obviously not part of the décor. Because crate training is so popular, a natural progression occurred in their design. If they were to be designed specifically for indoor use, they needed to look as though they belonged indoors.

Indoor kennels are now not only practical, but are also designed to enhance a home’s décor. Many different styles are offered from reputable dog supplies vendors, including several that can double as pieces of traditional furniture. Wooden dog kennels that double as end tables are particularly popular. Because of the variety of styles and wood types available, one can be found to suit most any home.

There are many reasons to crate train a puppy. If this is the approach you have selected, you have a variety of choices. No longer does this choice need to mean an unsightly wire enclosure adorning your living room. With the vast number of wooden dog kennels available, you can shop as though shopping for a piece of quality furniture … adding, not detracting from your décor.

Vehicle pet barriers make driving with your dog safer for everyone by confining your dog to the cargo area of your car, wagon, van or SUV. You can concentrate on driving knowing that your pet is secured safely in the back of your vehicle away from passengers and out of harm’s way.

A Pet Barrier Will Help Protect All Your Precious Passengers

Just like human passengers, our pets can become unexpected projectiles in the event of a crash. Without pet barriers this can result in injury to our passengers as well as our pets. Many states have passed seat belt laws that require passengers to buckle up for safety. And in some areas of the country you are now required by law to tether your pet while in a vehicle. So… let’s not forget the safety of our beloved pets.

Using car pet barriers to confine your pets to the cargo areas will greatly increase their safety. There are even vehicle pet barriers that have a built-in pass through door. This is a very convenient feature that allows you easy access to the rear of your vehicle through the pet barrier without having to go outside.

Protect The Interior Of Your Vehicle

Pet barriers will also help keep the passenger section of your vehicle nice and clean. By using car pet barriers to confine your pets to the cargo areas… you can eliminate unwanted pet hair, claw marks and dirty paw prints on your expensive upholstery. If your dog only has access to the cargo area… your windows in the passenger area will also remain nose-print and drool free. Since driving with dirty windows can be very dangerous, this is another great reason to use car pet barriers.

Training puppies is an important step in keeping them safe and out of trouble. Untrained or troublesome pets are far more likely to be given up than well-trained ones. Just like our children, we worry that our young, inexperienced pup may be put in harm’s way. There are so many situations where an untrained puppy may be inadvertently put in danger.

For their own well being, it’s vital that puppies not do things like run into the roadway or get into the many household chemicals and cleaners that we keep around the house. And one of the first safety training commands that a puppy should learn is to come when called. This is actually one of the main ways that your puppy can be kept out of dangerous situations… by you immediately removing him to safety.

Basics Of Training Puppies

Training puppies uses simple behavioral training techniques that are common in many everyday situations. Most creatures are reward driven. This simply means that a behavior that is rewarded will likely be repeated. If I get a reward for getting an “A” on my report card I’ll work harder to get more. Well, training puppies works basically the same way. Rewarding favorable behavior is the fastest way to get positive training results from your puppy.

Dogs are social creatures and as such are very eager to fit in. This is one of the reasons that lavishing praise on your puppy is one of the most effective rewards. Your puppy wants to please you! The joy that a puppy shows when being praised and petted is an experience that the puppy wants to repeat. This praise and attention, as well as a well placed doggie treat, are the basics when training puppies to behave the way you want.

Three Step Puppy Training – Yes, No, Repeat

The experts agree that positive training is the best way to proceed when training puppies. Maybe you’ve seen dogs shy away from the raised hand of their owner. This is usually a telltale sign that negative training was used and the dog is “gun-shy”. Telling a puppy “no” is not necessarily negative training. Your puppy needs to know when you’re not pleased. Sometimes for its own safety. But striking or mishandling the puppy often has lasting effects and can compromise a happy, well-adjusted dog. It may even contribute to lashing-out behavior if the dog is uncomfortable or frightened.

It’s best to define your commands so that your puppy understands clearly what is desired of him or her. If you are not clearly communicating your desire to your puppy it will be no surprise that the puppy is confused. There are many good books on training puppies that give samples of standard commands for things you may want your puppy to do. This makes it much easier for you because you don’t have to start from scratch and figure it all out on your own.

Once you give the command to your puppy, be prepared for your puppy’s reaction. If your puppy obeys, (even slightly), lavish him with praise and possibly a doggie treat. This establishes a connection in your puppy’s mind. Responding with this behavior to that command resulted in a desirable reward. This is something the puppy will want to repeat. Repetition is critically important to training puppies. So keep repeating the task until it is second nature to your puppy. The repetition process works best if it is done over a long period of time. So once your puppy knows what to do you’ll want to remind him of it from time to time to engrain it into permanent behavior.

Patience Is The Key To Training Puppies

Waiting for our puppies to repeat a desired behavior so it can be rewarded takes plenty of patience, like finding and using puppy pads at the correct moment. Some training opportunities… like answering the call of nature… are easier to train for because they repeat themselves naturally. But for behavior that is less common place for a dog requires even more patience. And the more outside the natural character of the dog the behavior is, the more patience you’ll need.

We’ve all seen dogs performing amazing tricks at shows and on television. And I think we all realize that it’s not in a dog’s natural character to jump through flaming hoops. But it shows that with patience and persistence, the trainer was able to get the dog to desire a reward strongly enough to put up with a normally uncomfortable situation. You can imagine how much patience the trainer of such a daredevil dog had. Well, our efforts to train our puppies to do the relatively simpler tasks that we require for a well-adjusted and healthy relationship with our family pup need patience as well.

It takes some puppies longer than others to catch on to what you are trying to get them to realize. And our own skill at communicating what we want our puppy to do is a major factor as well. So when our puppy doesn’t catch on right away, remember that he wants the reward… so you will always have the better bargaining chip!

Is Your Dog Getting Enough Mental Stimulation?

Giving your dog stuffed Kong dog chew toys can relieve separation anxiety in your dog. Separation anxiety can take the form of destructive chewing. Stuffed Kong dog chew toys provide your dog with much needed mental stimulation to pass the time when you’re away from home. If our dogs were living in the wild… they would run in packs and spend a great deal of time hunting and chasing their food. The activity of hunting for food would provide our dogs with much needed exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. Unfortunately, our home bound pets usually don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Is Your Dog Home Alone For Hours?

When domesticated dogs are left home alone they tend to become bored and begin to feel isolated and confined. The stress of loneliness and boredom usually results in destructive behavior… such as  chewing on your personal stuff. To ease their loneliness… dogs will usually follow their noses and choose something to chew on that reminds them of their owners. That’s why items like shoes and socks are so highly coveted by the family pet. But many pet owners know first hand that lonely dogs will chew anything that they can get their teeth on.

End Destructive Behavior – Put Your Dog To Work

A great way to prevent these types of behavioral problems is to make our domesticated canines do what comes naturally to them – hunt for their food. By making our dogs hunt for their food we can significantly reduce and even eliminate destructive chewing and other bad dog behavior. And by making them work for their food once they find it… you can keep your dog happily engaged for hours on end. Stuffed Kong dog chew toys filled with your dog’s favorite dog treats are the perfect solution for a dog that is home alone for many hours. Just fill these high performance dog chew toys with your dog’s favorite treats and hide them around the house. Your dog won’t be able to resist sniffing out these treat filled treasures and will be stimulated for hours with each tasty catch. These toys also bounce unpredictably when dropped so when your dog drops one – watch out because the chase will be on. Create Yummy Recipes for Your Dog’s Kong

Keep Your Dog Busy And Out of Trouble For Hours

So, try some stuffed Kong dog chew toys and see how they keep your pet out of trouble for hours. No more destructive chewing or other inappropriate behavior caused by loneliness and boredom. Stuffed Kong dog toys encourage hours of play and chewing by continually rewarding your dog with little bits of tasty treats as your dog chews on it for hours. And since you’re going to stuff your dog’s Kong chew toy with irresistible dog treats… your pet will be busy working for hours to get at every last bit of that yummy filling.

Some dog owners find that their dogs do great if they feed them exclusively with stuffed Kong dog chew toys. Depending on how many treat filled Kongs you give your dog… each day remember to adjust your dog’s daily food bowl rations accordingly. These classic chew toys are made from a highly durable and resilient dog-safe rubber that has stood the test of time. Choose the best size stuffed Kong dog chew toys based on your dog’s breed or size and chewing temperament. Your dog will love these treat filled toys!

Small dog t shirts are an essential part of any well-groomed pup’s wardrobe. The clever and sassy sayings that are sported on t shirts has become a common and yes, necessary part of our daily entertainment and enjoyment. Whether our particular tastes run to trendy dog clothes, dog hoodies, or luxury dog apparel we’re never at a loss to appreciate those casual occasions where well turned phrases on dog t shirts put a chuckle in our hearts and a smile on the face of every dog lover. Some canine aficionados consider small dog t shirts to be designer dog apparel but when we see a cute pup with a poignant, relevant quote or terse comment we all agree that those are some stylish dog clothes!

Small Dog T Shirts Rules

Small dog t shirts rules are…….who am I kidding! There are no rules when it comes to clothing for dogs! You do what you want and you do what makes you happy! Back in the day it may have only been acceptable to dress your pup up in little dog t shirts on very special occasions (say…coronations and such), but these days you are free to follow your whim and deck out your dog in the most outrageous dog t shirts to can dream up. Some prefer their pooch to flaunt their favorite sports team and enlist their canine companion’s support as an unofficial mascot.

Others live to melt every dog lover’s heart with the cutest of well-tailored canine style. Still others love to take every opportunity to dress their politically correct pouch in little dog t shirts that express their political views in deliciously dramatic ways. So when thinking about small dog t shirt essentials, remember that your dog doesn’t mind. After all…. no matter how clever your canine is there are very few that can read.