Fun Ways to Treat Your Dog

Some people have turned small, toy dogs into a fashion accessory instead of a pet companion. So what will happen to these dogs when dogs are no longer a part of the "in look"? Will those same people keep their fashion accessory or will that accessory now be a nuisance? Will the shelters become overrun with toy dogs? Pets should be a part of the family. Here are some fun ways to be sure that your dog is a family member and not just an accessory.

Dog Parks or Day Care
Dog parks and doggy day care gives your dog a chance to be a dog and play like a dog. Just because we have domesticated dogs does not mean that they stop being dogs. Giving your dog the opportunity to be and play with other dogs is the best way that you can help your dog be a polite well-behaved dog. If you have an older dog that has not been socialized up to this point you will need to carfully introduce your dog to other dogs, a great place for learning to socialize is pet stores. At a pet store your dog can learn that it is ok to be around other dogs and not react.

Birthday Party
All the other members of the family have birthday parties, why not your dog? Your dog would love to have day of pampering, a day where he or she is the center of everyones affection and attention. Many doggie day cares rent their facilities for birthday parties or try your local Human Society or ASPCA. You can buy inexpensive birthday supplies at Oritental Trading dot com. Invite all your dogs pals from the neighborhood, the dog park, and day care.

Spa Products
Keeping your dogs coat soft and shampooed will help your dog feel clean and pampered. Make bath time a special time for you and your dog by using spa products made especially for dogs. My favorite products are from Cain and Able, Bobbi Panter, and Top Performance. All of these formulas have given my dogs soft conditioned fur that feels great to pet. I especially like the Bobbi Panter formulas with their all-natural ingredients. Bobbi Panter has a unique way of refreshing its scent when the dog gets damp from the rain or snow.

Road Trips
Don't leave your dog behind when going on a road trip. Your dog loves to explore new places along with you so why leave your best friend behind while on the road. There are many ways to tranport your dog safely in the car while on your road trip. Check your local pet store or pet boutique for seat belts and car seats made specifically for your dog. When you get to your destination your dog doesn't have to stay in the car. Bring a long a purse style carrier, a wheeled carrier, or a dog stroller. Many stores and even restaurants will allow dogs inside if they are enclosed in a carrier or stroller and remain quiet.

Toys and Chewing
Dogs enjoy playing just like children. Find toys that your dog enjoys, my Rat Terrier loves to chew so she enjoys toys that she can knaw on for a long time. I have found that the Nylabone Galileo is great for agressive chewers. My Rat Terrier also enjoys the Sphericon from JW Pets. The Sphericon is a football shaped rubber toy that has holes all a round and has a hollow center. You can stick a large treat, one that can't easily fall out, into the center of the ball and the dog knaws and chews on the Sphericon while trying to get the treat out of the center. Some dogs enjoy tearing apart toys to get at the squeaker while other dogs will protect and cherish their favorite toy keeping the toy for years. Whatever your dog prefers keep it handy for the times when they are bored. Be careful what toys you place in the kennel with your dog while he is unattended, you want to be sure that he or she will be safe.

Healthy Food and Treats
The most important thing you can do for your dogs health is to feed him or her a high quality dog food. I feed my dogs Merrick brand dog food, but there are other quality foods on the market. An easy way to tell if the food your feeding your dog is high quality is to read the ingredients, the first ingredient should be a real meat like chicken, beef, or venison. The first ingredient should not be a meal or by product. The remaining ingredients should be words that you can pronounce and identify, like rice, corn, and vegtables. A high quality food can be switched to without having to phase out the origianl food. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help to lengthen and enhance your dogs quality of life. Avoid table scraps as often as possible to keep your dogs weight stable. Don't forget to pick high quality treats for those special moments. My favorite treats are homemade using a recipe from The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook by Liz Palika.