Luxury Dog Houses

I don’t want to be mean and all, but nowadays, when one says “living a dog’s life”…well, it just isn’t a bad thing. Don’t get me wrong, I know that there are a lot of dogs in this world that truly have a bad life, being mistreated, but, there is another part, that lives in spoil. I for one know I would like to live in my own “palace” and the only thing I have to worry about is being cute and fluffy, and most importantly sleep and eat all day. When I say “palace” I mean this new trend, if you like, of the so called luxury dog houses. The difference between a normal dog house and a luxurious one? The name says it all! It’s all around luxurious…and I know that many of us don’t live in such houses.

There are many stiles of luxurious dog houses. There is the classic country for those that fancy their little angels to live like a cowboy (yes, many resemble a ranch, although there are other options too), then there is the traditional style, which is just like a normal house, front porch and all, and then we have the doggy duplex. These are just a few styles that I will mention, but in the end, there is no limit to what you can do for your precious dog.

However, just the style is not enough. They come with all kinds of add-ons to make your dog live truly in a lavish palace. Depending on the style chosen, you can have the provider install electrical switches, outlet placement and lighting. An electrical breaker box for safety is offered by them. The breaker box can be hidden by a picture or wall hanging. The electricity can be set up to have an exterior box with a hidden plug, (use a extension cord and just plug it in), or can be set up for your electrician to hot wire it directly into your system. Also you can install in this fabulous dog house a satellite dish, internet, surround system with speakers, phone lines, a DVD player , game systems and many more. After all, which dog doesn’t enjoy playing on PSP or just watch a football match?

Of course these houses come with a cooling and heating system. Radiant electric floor heating systems can be used with the tile, stone, laminate and engineered wood flooring. This system can be set up with a programmable thermostat and is a very nice way to heat your new dog’s house. For the exterior there are a lot of options too: cultured brick, cultured stone, cedar siding, log home siding, vinyl siding, hardie plank and many more. Not to mention you can choose the theme you want (ranch, classic American country house, mansion like in the movies, etc.). We must not forget the other building options: columns, sunrooms, dormers, vaulted ceilings, arched windows, skylights and bay windows, screened porches. Almost forgot about the mini pool in which your dog to have fun and the high quality furniture.

So all in all these luxury dog houses have everything. It is true that the cost of such a dog house is very high to say the least, ranging from 900$ to several thousands (the real luxurious ones) but then again, the thought that your precious dog will live in such a mini palace kind of makes it ok, doesn’t it?

Things to keep in mind when buying a portable dog kennel

Apparently the love for our little friends knows no limits. As the dogs bring a smile in our life, no matter how hard it is, we are doing our best to improve the quality of their life, as well. Therefore I saw that now a new thing appeared, that is quite practical: portable dog kennels. The dog can enjoy the fresh air outside, or simply accompany you in a holiday while your lawn (if at home) doesn’t get ruined by the constant running around of your dog.

However there are a few things you should consider before buying a portable dog kennel. The size of your dog. If you have a puppy you will want to get a smaller kennel this also goes for owners of small dogs. The kennel shouldn't be huge but it should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down in without any problems. After all, the idea is to make him feel good to. Where you want to put the kennel. Most dog owners prefer to put the kennel in an area that is out of the way but still provides the dog interaction with household traffic.

Type of material the kennel is made out of. Portable dog kennels come in wire, nylon, or plastic. Some of the more elaborate kennels have bamboo or Rattan panels built onto a wire body for style. Take some time to consider your options before going out and purchasing the cheapest one you find or the one that you think looks the best. Remember that they will probably try to chew the material, and might break a tooth while doing it. So looks don’t matter when buying a portable dog kennel. The safety of your dog is all that matters.

How much will you be using it? If you are only going to be using it in the house you might want to consider a larger wire model. However, if you want to use it for travel or if you will be putting it in a car then you might consider a nylon kennel that is easily folded down flat for transport and easier set up. You can get wire kennels that fold up and transport fairly easy but the nylon kennels are much better for this type of use. The last important thing that you should consider is your budget and how much would you be willing to spend.

Dog fashion: Stylish Warm Dog Clothing?

If you are a true dog lover and have a dog in your house, especially a companion breed (those cute little fluffy ones- although there are some that are hairless) then you must have checked at least once on the Internet for some clothes for your little loved ones.

The rise in popularity of dog clothing, not only driven by celebrities like Brittney Spears, Paris Hilton and a host of others basking in the limelight, showcasing their pets to the paparazzi, much the same way as the affluent mothers of well dressed children of years gone by, but by the functionality and protection it provides for our pals. There are critics that say that this “new industry” is just another scam, as dogs don’t really care about what they wear, nor do they need clothes.

Modern dogs do not have to endure the ravages of nature as they did back in the days of wolf packs or even colonial times. Our pet dogs have become accustom to the same environment we enjoy. Even the professionals agree that because domesticated dogs physiology has evolved and adjusted to human environmental standards, they need extra protection from the cold as much as their human counterparts. This applies especially to popular smaller”lap dogs” and the “teacup” breeds with fine coats. They need protection from the colder temperatures, particularly the vulnerable under belly of the dog. So whether some like it or not, clothes for dogs are a necessary evil.

So yeah, one might ask himself why his little Fido needs a wizard’s hat and a cape for Halloween, or a biker’s outfit and well….at this point he might be correct. If the clothes for our little pals have their practical purpose in winter, this trend of dressing your dog with every occasion is somewhat useless, and maybe the only point where the critics are somewhat right. I mean a dog does not really know that he is supposed to be rebellious biker, or a powerful wizard or whatever. But the fact is we also enjoy seeing them dressed like no other dog is, to spoil them as by doing so we kind of spoil ourselves and keep up with the celebrities that are the ones that actually start “this year’s” trend in canine fashion.

To sum it all up, I should say that if while keeping your dog protected by the cold outside you also manage to make him look stylish with the latest hits in dog clothing rather than the usual piece of clothing you use, then it’s nothing wrong with that.

Rare Dog Breeds - Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a Northern rare dog breed that is a part of the spitz family. If we were to translate "Klee Kai" we would understand that it actually means "small dog" and this dog breed was developed in order to be a companion sized version of the more known and common Alaskan Husky. The result is a very intelligent, energetic and apartment sized dog breed that looks very much like the Siberian Husky.

When it comes to weight, Alaskan Klee Kai dogs weigh between 10 and 22 pounds and come at a height between 10 and 17 inches. It comes with a double coat and shows hair that is short to medium length. The Alaskan Klee Kai is very active and loves to be around a family, being good natured. If you want to use him as a guard dog you should not do so and even as a watch dog he is only moderate skilled. If you buy such a dog, expect him to live 12 to 16 years.

The Alaskan Klee Kai does look like a small husky. You will find it in three size variations: Toy, Miniature and Standard. Their colors are white and black, gray and white, solid white and a rare variation of red and white. Alaskan Klee Kais are not usually barkers although some will bark and they might come with soft vocalization, called talkers. Coat blowing happens once or twice per year and there is minimal shedding visible in the rest of the year. Early and consistent socialization is necessary with this breed and on the whole, the Alaskan Klee Kai can be a great companion dog.

The Japanese Chin

Also known as the Japanese Spaniel, this small dog is a lovely and playful companion. Perfect for the apartment, he finds in small spaces the comfort he needs and doesn’t bark to complain about it. Although energetic, the Japanese Chin acts gracefully and is sophisticated, giving his master the time to relax and feel calm when at home.

Intelligent and affectionate, this dog is known to be very loving with his master and with children, but reserved when surrounded by strangers or unknown places. Although he loves children, it is best to teach the little ones to be nice and gentle with your pet because he is sensitive and every act of aggression can harm his feelings. Besides humans, the Japanese Chin gets along with other animals too, because of his kind and pacifistic manner.

If you want a smart dog that would learn fast and easily, then the Japanese Chin is the perfect pet – he has a mind of his own, maybe sometimes making him a little stubborn, but he never does something without thinking. This will make you love him more and bring him to the center of attention, and don’t think he will mind it - not at all!

This breed is not a barker; he likes to be elegant and gentle in every move, so he will give very little problems in taking care of him. Also, house training is actually easy because he has a way of wanting to be clean most of the time, so you will not spend a lot of time and stress to teach him to behave. He loves the attention so he will be glad to let you teach him many tricks and then perform them for you, to get treats and applauses.

The Japanese Chin is a great dog for the apartment: loving, caring and sensitive; he will get joy in only pleasing you! He doesn’t ask for more; he doesn’t need a lot of outgoings to bother you in those cold mornings but he likes to take eventual walks to shake his puffy tail down the street. He’s gorgeous – why shouldn’t he be glad of his aspect and pleased when other dogs drool at him and kids stop to stroke him? Sounds like the kind of attention you like to have when you go out and get all dressed up. He will also love to be groomed so be sure you do this as well!

Dog behavior training with the tether

Your dog is often agitated and loud, chews everything in sight and masters the couch letting no one else to sit on it? I think it’s time for some behavior training! A dog is usually energetic, especially when he lives with you in an apartment; things will have to change, for your sake and his. There are a lot of training programs, some that you can do at home or some that require sending your pet to a training school.

If you decide to take measures in your own hands, one of the training techniques you can apply is the tether training. Simply attach the tether to your dog’s color at one end and the other to a heavy peace of furniture or something that can hold him still. The tether should be 2 to 3 feet long and made of cable wire wrapped with plastic, so that your dog won’t be able to chew through it. You shouldn’t use chains or other strong materials for the tether so that the dog doesn’t feel trapped.

The point of this training program is that the dog has to get used to sitting in one place, quietly and peacefully and also be near to you, without getting any special attention. You can put him in the living room, the kitchen or where you usually sit to relax, watch TV or read a book and let him be near you as long as you relax. By doing this, he will get used to not being the centre of attention and behaving in the house.

At first use tether training for 10 minutes then longer, staying in the same room with him. Make this into a habit and not a punishment! Your dog has to enjoy this training so put a chewing toy next to him and praise him when he is calm; also give him treats so that he knows this is the way he should act. If at first he barks or gets agitated when tethered, get out of the room ignoring this misbehaving; return only when he has calmed down and give him a treat.

This technique is only to be used when you are home, or else the dog will get more nervous and have a set back. It is also important to be in the same room with him because you can supervise him this way and still spend quality time with him.

Walk Your Own Dog

It’s a busy day: kids have to be ready for school, your spouse doesn’t know where the car keys are and traffic is already jamming up! And then… the dog has to go for a walk! It’s one of those days when you just want some things to be done by someone else, just a helping hand once in a while. I know there are agencies that walk dogs and so give you more time to do something else, to get up in the morning half an hour later. It sounds appealing, right?

Well, just think about why you got a dog in the first place. You knew the responsibilities that came with that cute ball of fur. I mean you took a commitment with him, it’s not all about the fun, affection and unconditional love he gives you every day of the week; no vacation for him! It is about taking him to a vet, grooming him, playing with him, giving back attention and love, and eventually getting up in the morning to take him out for a walk.

It seems like a drag doesn’t it? Shouldn’t we call someone at a dog walking agency and get rid of this burden? Well, it shouldn’t be a burden for you as it’s not a burden for him to play with the kids, be your best bud and even take care of you when you have a disability. Walking your dog is not all about his physical needs, but also to go out and get fresh air, see the trees or run after squirrels! Should he be entitled to get this along with his best friend? Yes. And that best friend is you.

Bonding with your pet is necessary for you too. Think about this: isn’t it nice when you get to relax in the park and get to see what he likes to do every day? He is an excellent jogging partner because he loves to run at least as much as you like it!

It would be a shame to lose this quality time with your dog, and so miss out on all the fun he can bring you. In time this can lead to drifting apart, because he won’t feel your love when he is leashed along with other dogs by a stranger, regardless of his needs and feelings. So walk your own dog! I know I’ll try to… Also, take a look at the picture above! Do you want your dog to be among them? This is how dog agencies walk your dog, together with many others!

The Toy Fox Terrier

The American Toy Terrier or the Toy Fox Terrier can be a very nice apartment pet because of his small size and little demands. As already known, small dogs usually overcome their size with their temperament and energy, always wanting to play with their master and entertaining him by jumping around or chasing anything that can bounce.

Short tail, skinny legs and pointed ears, this dog immediately amuses you and makes you feel his excitement to be alive and free to enjoy every thing. His short hair makes it easy to be taken care of because you don’t have to worry about brushing him or spending the day picking up the fur off the carpet so that the kids won’t get sick.

Although small, this dog has a tough temperament because he considers he is actually big and imposing, always trying to remind everyone and everything of his capacities. Bright, curious and very energetic, the Toy Fox Terrier always tries to show off his youth and agile abilities whether it’s about running from a corner of the room to another, or chewing the life out of wrapping paper.

Affectionate and very loving, the Toy Fox Terrier keeps his ancestor’s skills to protect his master, so he tends to hunt or even fight small animals. His character is not violent but more protective, making him a good companion for those who have hearing or sight problems. The Toy Fox Terrier can be easily trained to help challenged people because of his excellent hearing, being able to lead his master to the source of sound, like the telephone. He proves to be a very intelligent dog and a helpful companion; more to this, he is joyful and constantly tries to catch one’s attention. Like every pet, he needs affection and caring, but goes through life more as a giver than a taker!

The Toy Fox Terrier is a great pet for people who need extra energy in the house and love playful dogs! He doesn’t complain about the space, he doesn’t leave hair all over the house, more than that: he helps you feel better and in some cases can be your eyes or ears! If you’re not convinced yet about this dog, just think about this: how cute would its puppies be if the adult is so small and energetic?