Archive for the ‘Dog Beds & Furniture’ Category
One of the things we noticed about dog is that she is starting to lick her joints and paws. Upon leaving the vet we found that she is starting to develop arthritis and will soon need some help to reach her favorite spot on the couch.
As she is a rather large dog, picking her up each time is not possible so decided to get some dog stairs. We opted for designer dog stairs with a carpeted tread to keep her slipping. They perfect in our living room and we can take in the bedroom so she can use the dog stairs for bed as well.
There was no problem getting to her use the dog stairs as soon as they hit the floor she climbed right up on the couch. We sat there and watched a great movie the rest of the night.
With the holiday’s fast approaching and the arrival of the in-laws soon to come, my wife and I decided to do some redecorating. One of things that went on the “must change” list was our dog crate. That wire cage was just not going to cut the mustard any longer. Nor was the couch, chair, and end tables…you get the idea, everything was going.
We found the perfect piece of dog crate furniture to go with everything we picked out. The design fit in perfectly with new décor and doubled as end table. Our dog is going to love his new digs and we finally got rid of that wire cage seating off in the corner.
While it is possible to leash train your Plott hound to walk on a lead, it would have to be reinforced regularly 
since lunging on a lead is permissible while tracking. To switch between the two schools of discipline would be difficult and unkind to the breed.
As this instinct is inbred using a standard choke collar and six-foot dog leash is not a good idea. Instead, use a Martingale leash, sometimes referred to as a “show leash,” for training your Plott to walk on a lead. The martingale leash is an all-in-one dog collar and dog leash. The collar is connected by a small chain, which then attaches to the leash. When you give a gentle tug or your dog pulls, the collar tightens without choking your dog.
The martingale leash offers dog owners the benefit of a choke without the damage to your dog. Once your Plott hound has mastered some basic commands, you can move to a retractable dog leash which allows them to do what they enjoy – sniffing out a scent trail.
Crate training your dog provides him/her with a sanctuary they can call their own. Dog crates help pet owners housebreak their new pups in record time as well as protect your smaller dog from harm. Dogs from the Toy group are very susceptible to getting hurt from objects around the house and people accidentally stepping on them, a small dog crate is perfect.
Before you buy a dog crate, determine what fits well in your house, after all this is something you will have to live with as well. Then buy the right size. A dog crate should allow your dog room to turn around and stretch out when they lie down. There are dog crates available that have a movable panel within the crate allowing you to adjust the size as your dog grows.
When you bring your new dog crate home and find the right spot, put your dogs favorite dog toy, his/her blanket or whatever your dog loves to play with or lie on. Put these items in the dog crate and leave the door open giving them the opportunity to come and go. Once they are comfortable in the dog crate, begin locking them in when you go on short errands say 20 to 30 minutes.
Over the next, few weeks gradually leave them in the dog crate longer. Remember this will become their sanctuary so do not use the dog crate for punishment and should your dog seek refuge in their crate leave them alone. Dog crates are a wonderful place for your dog, both you and your dog will love the piece of mind and protection they bring.
If you seem to find your dog curled up in the corner of the house or sleeping on the sofa, maybe it is time to get him/her a dog bed. Dogs also need a comfortable spot to relax which is why this behavior is common.
Before you buy a dog bed, do some homework. Ask yourself is your dog sleeping on the carpet or does he/she seem to gravitate to the soft cushions of the couch. The answer will help you choose the right style of dog bed. If your dog likes to curl up in the corner then a Cuddler dog bed with its tall sides are a great choice.
If the couch is the place then a pillow type dog bed may work or a dog mat or rug. Mats are thinner then pillows, about 1 to 2 inches thick and usually filled with foam. Rugs are thinner still.
Whichever your choice, think about color as well. Although this may seem silly, it is a good idea to have your new dog bed look good in your house. Consider the covering for your new dog bed; they can be washable and interchangeable. Once the questions have been answered your ready to buy your new dog bed.
If you’re a new dog owner buying a dog bed is a smart idea. Aside from comfort they offer your dog a place to go and a safe haven should they too need a time-out. With the styles and selections now available in dog beds, there 
are some tips you should be aware of before you make the purchase.
Consider these questions when choosing:
- Your dog’s sleeping style – does your dog sleep stretched out or curled up
- Consider the climate – changing seasons or steady either cool or warm some dog beds offer different covers you can change with the weather.
- The size of your dog – to small and if your dog sleeps stretched out their legs are hanging over the side; if he/she is still a puppy can they grow into the pet bed or will you have to replace the dog bed after one year.
- Finally practicality – machine washable covers or dry clean only, can you purchase extra dog bed covers.
Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to make your selection and buy your dog bed.
In speaking to a couple of friends the other day, their dog Rufus, a German shepherd, was looking for anything comfortable to sleep on. Sometimes it was with their kids or on the coach all the while shedding like mad.
The kids’ beds were too small to accommodate a dog that size and he was trashing their couch. Rufus is getting up in years and needed someplace warm and cozy he could call his own. So I hopped on my computer and went shopping and found a great pet bed.
This bed looked awesome and from the time it hit the floor Rufus was in heaven. After about a week I check back with my friends who said they loved it. Easy to clean, the dog was happy and no more hair on the couch. A winner all around.