As you might surmise from Jack London’s classic "The Call of the Wild," there are two types of dogs in the world: those who run, and those who sit in the sled. Of course, London excluded the third type of dog, which is the dog as family member. If we think about it closely enough, we’ll find that many a modern family is incomplete without a Barkley or Bowser. Rottweiler or chihuahua, families love their dogs, and the best dogs love their families back.
With the holidays upon us, family is priority Number One. This year, include your dog in your holiday activities. The idea might sound corny, but as you recognize your dog as a member of your family, you may all grow closer together in stride. For the upcoming holidays, try out these canine concepts:
Puppy Party
Even if your dog loves you blindingly, he enjoys nothing more than running and chomping at the air with his fellow, four-footed pals. They speak the same language and party the same way. Have a party at your home and invite your other friends and their dogs. This is a good time for you to bond with other friends and family while your dogs have a bit of fun themselves. Just don’t give them any champagne. Also, you can encourage laughs by sending invitations announcing a pet costume contest.
Air Bud
If you’re a snowbird, or you’re just going to visit family or friends for the holidays, pick a dog-friendly destination. There are dozens of websites that can help you plan vacations where both you and your pooch can relax, worry-free. If you’re worried about flying with your dog, consider a road trip. The air may be cool, but the atmosphere will be warm.
Holiday Hound
Some dogs seem to be bred with the gift of kindness and understanding. Statistics even show that dogs and other pets can contribute to the development of overall happiness. If you have a dog with this special gift, consider making a habit of visiting nursing homes or hospitals during the holidays. People in these places often feel lonely around these times, so nothing will brighten there day than a loving kiss on the face from Charlie or Lady.
Doggie Dinner
Dogs spends their entire year sitting under the dinner table waiting for scraps to fall into their laps. Give your pooch a nice, healthy, tasty treat so he or she can eat right alongside you. This will keep your dog satisfied, and it will make it feel like one of the family.
Present for Pooch
Everyone else is giving and getting gifts, so why not give one to your dog, too? Make it fun to open and make it something your dog will love, like a Kong, a squeaky toy, or pigs ears. In return, your dog will give you love and affection.
When you dress up your furry pal for the holidays, avoid the gaudy, and have a sense of humor about it. Like people, dogs have a sense of pride, and even though you might get a kick out of that ugly doggy sweater, what would he say if he could talk?
Dec 9, 2010
Include your dog in holiday events
Oct 8, 2010
Guest Post: Become a dog walker
Do you love dogs, have spare time, and want to earn some extra money? Starting a dog walking service might be something you should consider.
Being a dog walker is not only fun, but it can be profitable, too. Since many people need to hire a dog walker on a regular basis, you can earn consistent money if you are reliable and take good care of dogs. In addition to being passionate about dogs, you should also love to be outside, since that's where you'll spend most of your time!
With a small roster of clients bringing you consistent business, you should certainly earn enough money to keep you busy (and paying for gas). A side effect is that you'll get some good exercise while your pet clients get their own exercise. It really is a great way to make money, and if you are able to become established, it can be a great career.
Here are some tips to starting a dog walking company and getting clients:
- See if your town/city requires a license to start a business
- Come up with a catchy (and memorable) business name, and buy the domain name to match at a place like Godaddy
- Look into insurance and bonding in case something goes wrong
- Take pet CPR and health classes if your local pet organization offers them - the more training the better
- Speak with dog owners in your neighborhood about walking their dogs to start your business
- Create a website so people can learn about your experience, and add your references and experiences to it
- Consider signing up to become a member of a dog walker organization to learn from other professionals
- Ask clients to recommend you to their friends
- Advertise on a directory of dog walkers to drive traffic to your website online
- Pass out business cards or magnets at local dog parks
- Wear a t-shirt or jacket with your company logo, and always have business cards handy
Aug 12, 2010
Lovebarklee Leash Hangers featured on People's Pets!
Aug 5, 2010
A very Sweet review from Sweet Harper :)
I am honored to have been featured on a fellow Minnesotans blog today! Sweet Harper is a fabulous blog and I really enjoyed reading all her posts!!
After checking out her blog, be sure to take a look at the Sweet Harper Etsy Shop as well, very cute hand made clips!
Thank you Tracy!
Aug 4, 2010
Not sure how you couldn't feel your dog eating your toe....
In theory, they are saying that this owners dog may have saved his life, but I'm slightly creeped out and sick to my stomach....
Dogs have been known to sniff out cancer and infections. This little guy sniffed out an infection in his owners big toe while his owner was passed-out drunk in his bed. (Even if you were passed out, could you lose a toe?!).
It turns out his owner has diabetes and had a really bad infection, so the dog took to work and got rid of it.
Read more....
Jul 29, 2010
Imitation is the best form of flattery - Even if it's your dogs
I stumbled upon an article this morning that was fun to read. For the last few years my boyfriend and I have said that our dogs are beginning to share our traits. Moe is like me, Chops is like him. Not only in the way they behave, but also in the way that they shadow and imitate us.
Now a new study has shown that dogs automatically imitate people. Does your dog imitate you?
Jul 19, 2010
Minnesota Dog Event - Paws on Grand
August 1, 2010
St. Paul’s Grand Avenue
EVENT HIGHLIGHT: FREE PET TRAINING CLINICS
- 1 p.m.: First Aid with Shelly Newberg from Own Your Pets Life
- 2 p.m.: Communication/Training with Marilyn Tokach from Pure Spirit
- 3 p.m.: Clicker Training with Nancy Driver from On Cue Training and Behavior