Dog Grooming Equipment You Need For Good Results

There is a lot of dog grooming equipment and when you think of all these things, it may confuse you on what to use and how each one is used to the benefit of your pet. Many grooming tools are good, and if in if you see a lot in one shop, it will create a cocoon of thoughts in your mind on how this must be addressed for your pets. Hence, here are some things we have categorized to inform you of how they are used.

Brushes and de-matting combs - not only are these tools good for cleaning your dogs, they also make the coat shinier and healthier. They remove tangles and loose furs and even dead skin cells from your dog to shedding off some pests that cling to their coats.

Nail trimmers and grooming clippers - Just like humans who need a regular haircut, so do dogs. Like you, they also get irritated if their hairs are long enough to cover their faces especially on a breed of dog with hairy features. A regular trimming will comfort them knowing they are well groomed and made presentable. Cut their nails for they always love to be cuddled and to cuddle. They might scratch your skin if they display long nails.

Dog Dryers - After a healthy bonding with your dog during its bath time, towel off the furry pal and make him feel comfortable with drying on a specially designed dog dryer. These dog dryers can be bought at the nearest pet shops you have, or can be customized for your dog alone.

Teeth and ear cleaners - Of course your dog needs a toothbrush, they are especially designed tooth brushes that can be bought at pet stores. Clean your dog's ears so that it won't be gross the next time you play with your pet.

There are more, but you can prioritize which of these types of grooming equipment is needed by your pet.

How to Get Something Out of a Puppy or Dog's Belly Without Surgery

By Vince Stead Vince Stead
Level: Platinum

Check out some of the 15 Crazy books Vince Stead has written so far! "Sammy the Runaway Mastiff" "The Back Yard Kids Club" "Navy Fun" ...

If your puppy or dog has chewed up something, and you don't know what to do, you could try this method maybe, but you should always go to or call your veterinarian first, and let them know what you are going to do.

Now I would not recommend this procedure to anyone really, I just wanted you to know, that there is another option out their, before resorting to costly surgery, that could hurt or kill the puppy or dog, and for those that do not have the money for surgery, I would not want you to leave something dangerous in your puppy or dog.

If your dog eats some Christmas tree ornaments, the glass kind, or some metal objects, like small staples, pins, or glass fragments, or anything else that is totally dangerous, there is one other way to get the items out, without surgery.

You would use cotton balls to do this with. You would want to buy some cotton balls, and make sure it is cotton balls, not something on the bag that says cosmetics, as that will have some other type of fibers in it, that would not be good for your dog, so make sure you get the ones that say Cotton Balls.

For small size dogs, you would use roughly 2 cotton balls, for medium size dogs, you would use about 3 to 5, and for large size dogs, you can use 6 or more. You would want to cut the cotton balls into smaller sizes. If your puppy or dog swallows glass shreds, from things like Christmas tree ornaments, or other items, you would dip the cotton balls in milk or water, and then the puppy or dog will actually eat it and swallow it. If for some reason your dog does not want to, you can actually force the cotton balls into their throat, and make them swallow it.

As the cotton works its way through the digestion system, it will pick up all the fragments of glass, even the tiniest of one, and it will get caught in the cotton material, and the cotton will protect the inside linings, so your dog will stay protected. When the puppy or dog defecates, you would want to make sure there is no bleeding, and if there is, take your puppy or dog to the veterinarian immediately.

If you suspect your puppy or dog of swallowing something, you should take them to the vet. If you think you can do it yourself, you could try this method, as the cotton balls are supposed to entangle all the bad stuff, and protect it when it is coming out the dogs body, and then if everything goes well, you have maybe just saved your dogs life. Even if you take your dog to the vet, you could mention this procedure to your vet, as not every vet is up on everything, and no to veterinarian's are the same.

Vince Stead has 15 books he has written so far, and he has been raising dogs for over 25 years now.

He was in the navy for 8 years as a Yeoman, and he visited 16 countries, and went around the world in 1986. He was on a destroyer, a submarine tender, a short stint on an aircraft carrier, and 4 years shore duty at a VAW squadron.

He has worked for himself for the last 20 years, and lives in San Diego.

You can find his books at places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even his own website at http://www.vincestead.com.

You can get every one of his books as a book at regular price, and you also get them as digital downloads for only $2.99 each.

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Article Submitted On: February 09, 2011

Should You Groom Your Own Dog?

Caring for a dog, naturally, means more than making sure he is well fed and gets outside often to do his business. Cleanliness and appearance are important as both contribute to your dog's overall well-being, yet you might wonder how often your pet should receive grooming treatment, and if you should do it all yourself. Unfortunately, there is no set answer to frequency in grooming, but you can make a decision for your dog's care that will benefit all parties involved.

The question of whether or not you should take on grooming responsibilities can be answered by looking at what needs to be done and when. You will assuredly hear advice from veterinarians, other dog owners, and professional groomers with regards to how often you must bathe your dog, and brush his teeth and trim his nails. Frequently typically depends on your dog's breed, length of fur, and the amount of shedding. Because a dog's coat is his protection, you don't want to do anything that leaves him exposed to the elements, like cut too short, or wash away the oils that keep the fur strong and shiny.

It is good, too, to make sure your dog has no allergies or skin conditions, though a check-up can help determine a grooming schedule. Some dogs may require a monthly or twice-monthly bath for relief from various conditions. If you find this is something you don't mind doing on your own, bathing your dog is not an expensive proposition, and a veterinarian can recommend a shampoo and other accessories.

When it comes to actually cutting hair and nails, however, you may feel less comfortable. This is understandable - you love your dog and don't want to risk injury. Professional groomers specialize in trimming nails and styling fur so that you dog looks great but is well protected. If you feel better having somebody with experience handle this grooming, research a good dog groomer in your area or ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

The frequency of physical care for your dog will depend on a number of factors: age, breed, and health. If you have it in your budget to use a professional, research recommended groomers so that your dog always looks his best.

Dog Owners That Care Need Dog Stairs

Do you have a dog that has trouble reaching certain areas such as your car or furniture because they are either too small or unable to jump very high? If so, a simple solution to your problem is to provide your dog with stairs that will allow him/her to move freely and with ease to all of those hard to reach spaces. Many dogs need stairs for the car, couch, or chair so they do not have to jump or be picked up. Constantly picking up your dog to put into the car or onto the couch is strenuous for both you and your furry companion.

Many dogs love to go on car rides with their owners to the veterinarian, the grocery store, or to pick up the children from school. Dog stairs have universally been used as an easier way for a dog to enter and exit a car. By placing dog stairs under the back or front seat of a car, you can give your pet an easier way to get in and out without the stress of jumping or being lifted in by its owner. Not to mention the immense strain that lifting a large dog can put on an owner's back. They can be stored in the garage or right in the car. Access provided by dog stairs is safe, easy, and fun for you and your pet.

Household uses for pet steps include reaching the bed, couch, or your pet's favorite comfortable chair. Small and large dogs have difficulty reaching furniture level. Smaller breeds may not be able to jump very high while larger breeds may develop arthritis or other joint pain. For both cases, dog stairs will drastically improve your dog's mobility. If your dog is allowed to be on the furniture, it is a good idea to place dog stairs beside the chair or bed to allow your dog an easier way to get on and off. Not only does this save you dog the energy of jumping, it protects your furniture from wear and tear.

Dog stairs also make a great tool for training a new pet or teaching old dogs new tricks. They can be used professionally for dog talent shows or for personal use at home. Your dogs overall behavior will improve along with his/her health. Dog stairs are a wonderful form of exercise for pets by strengthening muscles and improving joint function.

Dogs are man's best friend, but when they cannot reach certain places such as the car or furniture it can be depressing for both pet and owner. Lifting the dog into the car or onto the bed is strenuous and takes a lot of energy. Dog stairs, however, allow a dog the freedom of mobility to get up and down on their own. This improved mobility will give your dog more confidence and improve their overall mental and physical health. Spend time with your dog in the places you love without stress.

Why Do Dogs Bark at Night?

A question that puzzles many people is, "Why do dogs bark at night?" It can be a problem. You might think that it goes back to the expression, "baying at the moon" as is often seen in movies depicting a coyote silhouetted on a hilltop.

It's been said that they do not like the silence that overwhelms the countryside after the sun goes down. Others believe that it's their way of warding off evil spirits.

Whatever the cause, when dogs bark at night, it can be a nuisance, especially when their owners do nothing to stop it. There's not much a neighbor can do except kindly ask the owner to do something to prevent this problem behavior.

It's amazing that some owners think it's quite fine for their dogs to bark. That's why they are there, to protect the property and alarm the owners when danger approaches. What they often don't realize is how much it can bother other people. There's little you can do about that.

If it's your dog that's causing the problem, here's some information that might help.

First you have to remember that dogs have extremely keen hearing. During the day, there are plenty of sounds to help drown out the various noises that he might otherwise hear loud and clear. Also, the atmosphere changes at night so that sounds carry much more freely and farther. What he might not hear normally becomes evident at night.

Consider too that night is when many nocturnal animals come out of hiding to forage for food. This includes skunks, raccoons, cats, and small rodents. Your dog can hear every movement and will respond accordingly.

The dog can bark for any number of reasons, from these midnight stalkers to people voices in the distance. If there's a commotion 10 blocks away, there's a very good chance your dog will hear that.

Another reason dogs bark at night is to claim their territory. This is why coyotes bay at the moon; to establish their territory. If another coyote hears his cry, he will immediately know that the area is already taken and will be defended if need be. This goes back to the nocturnal meanderings of animals.

During the day, they are busy staying safe and protecting their families. At night, they hunt for small rodents.

Since dogs and wolves belong to the same family, it's common sense that this instinct will carry over to our pets.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if dog barking is a problem. The most obvious is to bring your dog inside. As long as he is outside, he will continue to hear noises and feel the need to protect his estate.

It's true that dogs bark at night instinctively. Humans are the ones who need to adapt.

Dog Coat Care - Protect Your Dog's Coat and Health

When people first think about coat care they usually think about the tangled hair, and the excess amount of hair that they need to take out or something like that.

That is never the case of health issues connected with your dog, keeping a clean coat especially the underside will give you a healthier dog.

In a study shown, it says that over 50% of dogs who get sick are because of an outside interference, meaning that it is caused by nature or anything else that somehow got inside of your dog.

My dog started getting really tired one week and he never had any energy to have fun or play, thus i thought he was sick and took him to the veterinarian.

They told me that he had a parasite that was sucking blood from him! Furious like i was it was my fault because i did not take the time to brush his hair and keep him healthy.

Dog coat care are important things no matter what you think, and it is a simple task to keep it clean and tidy.

How to brush dog hair?

For your dog to have a healthy dog coat you need to have a good idea on how you are able to brush the hair. Make sure that you are going along with the natural rhythm of the hair.

Do not go the opposite way, i am sure that you are aware of this and understand how this works.

Also, look at what you brush out and try and get rid of it before your brush again, this wards away the potential of adding whatever you brushed right back into your dog.

Discover the Biggest Myth to Housebreaking a Puppy

Biggest Myth to Housebreaking a Dog

You may have been told in the past by friends and family that when it comes to housebreaking a dog, you're suppose to rub their nose in their mess when they have an accident and scold them.

Truth be told this does absolutely nothing in helping your dog learn. Yelling at your dog after the fact he eliminated in the house is just a waste of your breath. Dog's have a very short attention span. If you don't catch your dog in the middle of the act, then your dog is not going to connect your distress to him defecating in the house.

Why is this? At a young age, puppies have a very short memory. Before now, they have never been scolded when they eliminate inside. So if you're yelling at your puppy for something that they've always done, they will not be able to connect it your displeasure. Your dog may in fact connect your displeasure to eliminating in front of you, so they may urinate or defecate when you're not around.

When you do catch your puppy in the act, simply pick him up, say "NO" and take him outside to finish up. He may or not finish but when he is done, make sure you praise him with words of encouragement or small treats. This will help your dog relate positive experience to eliminating inside.

Use Cue Words to Help Your Dog Connect

When your outside with your dog, use a cue to let your dog know that he is there to relieve himself. You can do this by saying the cue word as he's eliminating. For example, "do your thing" or "go potty" will help your dog connect the words and action together.

Constant Supervision

When you are home, it's best to keep your eye on your dog so you can watch for clues that he needs to go. When you see your puppy circling and sniffing the floor, take him outside immediately. This way you can set your dog up for positive praise and help your puppy connect the action to the effect.

Crate Training

Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog. This is also a great method if you can't be at home with your puppy all the time. Not only does it keep your house clean, but your dog learns to hold his bladder. Since he birth, his mother taught him to not eliminate where he sleeps.

That's why dog's never eliminate near the area they sleep in. When you crate train your dog, do not put food or water in the crate, maybe a time to help your dog bide his time. Keep in mind your puppy can only hold his bladder for so long, so leaving your puppy unattended for more how many months he is in hours plus 1. For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, not more than 5 hours in the crate will do. If your puppy is 3 months old, don't keep him in there for more than 4 hours. You get the point.

These are some things you should keep in mind when trying to housebreak a puppy.

Persuasive Dog Toilet Training

Dog toilet training is among the very first issues you have to take care of whenever you buy a dog. As well as the very best technique for potty training a dog is one which focuses a lot more on preventing toilet accidents from happening inside the house rather than on correcting these accidents when they occur.

The goal of potty training, after all, would be to encourage your dog to do his company within the appropriate location. And teaching the dog what you would like him to do is really a lot greater than punishing him for not performing what you want.

The easiest technique for dog toilet training involves the use of a crate or a small confined area where your dog can stay whenever you can't supervise him. Now, numerous folks think that crating a dog is cruel, but it truly isn't. In reality, your dog can treat the crate as his own private haven where he can feel secure and far from danger. Just like a child, your puppy has to be protected from destroying your furniture as well as from hurting himself and a crate can make that job so a lot easier for you.

Prior to you begin dog toilet training, you have to realize that a puppy has quite limited bladder control, which means that toilet training will necessarily call for a great deal of both your time and patience. Your dog will need to be taken to the designated elimination region after each meal, when they wake up inside the morning, after a nap, and before bedtime. It'll also aid in case you set up a standard schedule for your dog's feeding, sleeping, and waking time since dogs naturally do finest when they are made to adhere to a routine.

It's essential that you get off on the right foot together with your dog. So, as soon as you bring him property, you should start potty training. Carry him from the auto to the designated elimination area and then wait for him to do his company. Praise him when he does and then bring him inside. Give him his really very first meal inside the crate and do not let him out for about half an hour. After that, bring him back to the elimination area and wait for him to go potty. Once more, praise him as soon as he does his company.

You are able to anticipate your dog to be wary of the crate at 1st. Do not force him to go inside. Seeing his food inside ought to be sufficient to encourage him to enter. It would also help should you location some toys and comfortable bedding inside the crate. After all, the crate is also meant to serve as your dog's own bedroom, so he has to be able to see it as a comfortable and secure location.

Ideally, you shouldn't wait for your dog to tell you when he needs to "go" due to the fact puppies normally do not exhibit signs of having to go potty until mere moments before they actually go. But, it would assist a good deal for you to know the signs that your dog needs to relieve himself, particularly for times when you permit him to roam outside his crate. Probably the most frequent indication is when a dog starts to circle about and sniff the floor. The moment you notice your dog doing this, carry him to the designated spot instantly! Appropriate dog toilet training is the initial step towards ensuring that you've a happy and healthy dog.

Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Training - 3 Quick Tips to Easy Training Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

As with all puppies, your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy will depend on you for everything, from his feeding to his training. Getting to know your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is the first part of training. Doing this starts with socializing him, teaching him his name, and by beginning the very important part of training...his education.
Here are important parts of your puppy's training:

House Rules: Making sure that your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy fits into your home and becomes a good companion that is enjoyed not only by you, but by everyone is very important, and this starts with socializing your puppy. You need to hold and pet your puppy so that he knows that he is wanted and loved. Although this may be hard, be sure to not constantly play with your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy. When they are very young, they need adequate time to sleep. It is important to try to keep him on a schedule as much as you can, as he will become schedule-oriented very quickly. This will make your life a lot easier. If your puppy knows that you get up at 8:00 a.m. and shortly after you take him outside, the puppy will wait for you to let him out instead of relieving himself in his crate.

Remember that habits learned at an early age, whether good or bad ones, become lifelong habits. In saying that, it is vital to start out on a positive note. Do not let your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy chew on things that he's not supposed to and think it's cute, or this will soon get out of control and very hard to break. Setting limits and making sure your puppy sticks to them is very important.

Until your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy?is trained and mature enough, it is important to keep him confined to a specific area, such as the kitchen or den. You can use baby gates, which will help your puppy learn that he is welcomed in certain areas of the house and not welcomed in other areas. Remember to put?your puppy?in his crate when you leave home. Your puppy will be very comfortable in your house, and he'll more than likely just sleep until you return home.

Name Choosing: Choosing and giving your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy a name is a very important factor in training your puppy. Obviously the name you give your puppy is up to you, but keep in mind that short one or two syllable names are the easiest for training, such as Juno or Trig. This is easier for your dog and for the people in his life, making training easier as well.
Regardless of the name you choose for your puppy, be sure to use it often and always in a positive way. It is wise to never use your puppy's name when you scold him. Also, never call your puppy to you and then scold him.

Potty Training:Potty training your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy will be the easiest when the crate training method is used.?Using a crate to confine your puppy whenever you are not able to watch him for short periods of time is best. When you first get your puppy, you will need to take him out every 45 minutes to an hour to relieve himself.? Be sure to take your puppy through the same door and to the same spot in the yard each time.?Repetition is the key to success. Crates are very important to use when potty training because by instinct your puppy will want to keep his eating and sleeping area (their den/crate) clean. They will hold their potty for as long as they can, and so by using the crate, the puppy's instinct will be working for you. Your puppy will learn when and where you want him to potty.??

Watch your puppy very carefully while you are in the potty training process. You'll notice that your puppy will start to circle and sniff, looking for a place to potty when he has to go. When you are watching him, you can quickly take him to his potty spot.?By watching your Yorkshire Terrier puppy closely, you will pick up on his individual body language when he needs to relieve himself. The most important and critical times to watch for these signs is as soon as he wakes up, as soon as he finishes a meal, first thing in the morning, after he is done playing, and as soon as you take him out of his crate.? Do not allow your puppy to run loose when your eyes are not on him. Keep in mind that each time your puppy has an accident, he is being trained to potty in that spot, so it is very important to keep a close eye on him to help prevent these accidents. Consistency is the key to success.

Overall, a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is a great dog to own and with consistency, love, boundaries, and repetition, he will learn and catch on fast. Remember to start your puppy's training as soon as you bring him home, as this is the key to successful training. Having a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy is a very fun and fulfilling experience that takes your dedication to make sure it is a positive experience. Don't forget that your puppy depends on you for everything, and giving your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy adequate training and education is one of the most important things you can give him. Have fun with your new puppy!

Dog Training Advice Regarding Inherent Canine Drives

Explaining natural drives of dogs for protection work begins with the three areas needed in order to train a protection dog. They are prey drive, defensive drive and fight drive.

Prey drive is a drive that all animals who hunt their prey are born with. Chasing and catching their food is how they survive, so this drive comes naturally to them. The sacks and sleeves used during training are taught to be viewed as prey, and can be considered a type of play training. This is how the process is started.

Defensive drive is a bit more tricky. Not every dog is born with this drive. When a dog is more prone to licking someone to death than defending itself, its likely because they don't have a developed defensive drive. Dogs aren't comfortable in this zone like they are in the one stated before. When training this area has to be taught very carefully in order not to cause the more damage than success.

When both of these drives have been conquered, the next phase of training is in the area of fight drive. This is when the two other drives are used to benefit the other, creating a new drive. One that is free from fear, but they are more than happy to enter into.

This is not something that is inborn either. Some dogs have it, some dogs don't. Usually when you see vicious dogs, they are displaying the defensive drive. It is only when the two drives are used together in a controlled way, that the fight drive of a protection dog will result.

Dogs used for protection must not be inherently vicious. They must be able to be controlled and learn how to use the two drives together in a positive way. Not all dogs are capable of this. There must be a strong foundation on which to work, before training in protection can be achieved.

Natural drives are used together to make exceptional dogs who are capable of protecting their owners in a variety of different ways. These dogs are not only used for protection, they are also used in areas of helping people with disabilities. They must have an overall good attitude for the many jobs available for them to work. This also must be taught, but having it to begin with makes training a whole lot easier on everyone.

Basic Pug Training

Basic Pug training begins with the understanding that, as Pug owner, you must be firm but loving. Pugs are a very sensitive breed often in tune with their owner's feelings. This makes it easy for them to sniff out a weak owner. Don't let the endearing Pug face damage your training efforts.

Many Pug owners fail to understand that a lack of basic training can actually put the Pug at risk! Pugs are naturally curious and, unless properly training, will explore their surroundings without regard for dangerous situations. Take ownership of Pug training and teach them how to behave as well as their role in the pack. Pugs have a stubborn personality but beneath the tough exterior is a strong desire to please its master. A well-trained Pug is within reach if you have patience, dedication, and consistency.

Mental toughness is also a requirement if you want to be successful at training a Pug. Pugs think they are a member of the family with equal rights. If you give your Pug special privileges, such as jumping up on the couch or the freedom to ignore commands, then the upper hand in obedience training is sacrificed.

Getting your Pug the proper exercise is the first step for effective Pug training. While Pugs won't be running alongside you in a marathon any time soon, they will get mischievous if you don't provide an outlet for their rambunctious energy. A daily walk and some indoor playtime should be enough to wear them out. Keep in mind their short snout leads to many breathing problems, so make sure to monitor their breathing, especially in hot weather situations.

In addition to exercise, the following approaches will help bolster your Pug training efforts:

? Basic Commands: The cause of many Pug issues can be traced back to a lack of basic obedience training. Commands such as "sit", "stay", and "down" are the building blocks for successful Pug training. A lifetime of obedience problems and headaches for your family can be avoided with these basic commands.

? Clicker Training: With their strong-willed nature Pugs can get an attitude and ignore your commands. The distinctive clicker sound gets the Pugs attention and can accelerate your efforts when used as positive reinforcement.

? Short Burst Training: This is the foundation for successful training, especially for Pug puppies. Short 5-10 minute sessions of focused training is the best method for success. Using the clicker during these short burst training sessions is highly recommended.

It may seem obvious but you should NEVER hit your Pug. Negative reinforcement in any manner such as yelling or hitting produces fear and only harms the training process. It has been proven that rewarding for positive behavior accelerates the learning process for dogs. Mix up positive reinforcement with both treats and praise. Pugs by nature crave acceptance and attention from their master so they will quickly respond to what makes you happy.

Good luck on your Pug training endeavors!

5 Reasons to Celebrate Being a Single Dog Owner on Valentines Day

While most people celebrate Valentines Day with their spouse, partner or lover, there are millions of others whose significant other walks on four legs and wears a fur coat, year-round. While some might think that Valentines Day is sad or lonely for this group, I think (having dogs myself and not very big on the Valentine's Day hype) that they actually have it pretty good!

Here's just 5 of the many joys of being single and a dog owner on Valentine's Day.

1. A dog doesn't know what Valentines Day is.
And isn't that wonderful! No trips to the mall or florist. No expensive dinners. No need to spend big bucks or stress out over the perfect gift for your dog. Fluffy will be perfectly happy with whatever you give her. Even better, you get to buy what you like because your dog will like anything that has to do with getting your attention. Just add a few belly or head rubs for good measure, and both of you are happy!

2. A dog doesn't care about Valentines Day gifts, either.
Think about it. Give a dog a gift and what do they do? Sniff it, and look at you as if to say, "Okay... now what?" That's because a dog has no expectations. They live in the moment. Dogs don't care about material things (unless its food, of course), but they do care about spending time with you. So if an unexpected neighborhood walk comes with that new Valentine's Day Dog Collar that you fell in love with and had to buy for them, know that its the walk and your company, and not the dog collar, that made their Valentine's Day great.

3. A dog's love and devotion is testimony to unconditional love.
While I love what Valentine's Day stands for, I think we often forget about a dogs love for his owner. A dog is called "mans best friend" for a reason. Loyalty, devotion and unconditional love - a dog gives you all these things. Whether you inadvertently insult them, come home late without an explanation, or yell at them for sneaking the nachos off the coffee table, their heart is yours without judgment. They won't throw you out of bed, or give you the cold shoulder for a week like some of us would do. Which leads me to the next joy of being a single dog owner on Valentine's Day...

4. You don't have to make-up with a dog.
Valentines Day can turn into a make-up day for a lot of people. But with dogs, there's nothing to make-up for. Dogs don't harbor resentment or hold a grudge. While you may feel a little guilty when you lose your patience with your pup for whatever reason, s/he isn't waiting for an apology or something to make-up for your blunder. They are just waiting for things to blow over so that you will talk to them in that sweet, welcoming voice you usually do. If you are feeling guilty for something you said or did to them, you could always find a nice little doggy cafe or park in your area to toss a few balls around or soak in some sun. Even better, your dog won't know that you did it out of guilt either!

5. After the holiday is over, things don't change.
And that's the beautiful part. The party isn't over for them. They still love you with the same intensity as they did before Valentines Day. Everyday is a day full of joy with their human. That's one of the many reasons that I love dogs.

So be sure to remember your dog on February 14th, but skip the card and Flowers...

The Artful Canine offers handcrafted designer dog collars, martingale collars dog, harnesses and dog leashes that are unique, comfortable, and made in the US. Our products are backed by a conditional 1-year guarantee, or we'll replace it for free!

The author, Joanne Wood-Ellison, is a professional dog collar designer and dog groomer.

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