Note:  I have absolutely no affiliation with this company or this product.  I am just a very enthusiastic customer.

I can’t believe I am about to devote an entire blog post to bags designed to pick up dog poop.  Here we go.

One of the promises I make to my dog walking customers is to provide my own eco-friendly poop bags.

I swear, I have tried every poop bag on the market.  The best ones are thick, smell good, and dispense from the roll easily.  They break apart without much effort, and they are large enough to pick up your dog’s business and then tie a knot at the end of it without getting your hands dirty.

It is very hard to find these qualities in a decomposable product.  Usually biodegradable bags are paper thin and a struggle to pull from the roll.  They are often pretty expensive, and overall a huge hassle.

Until now.  Enter: World’s Best PoopBags .

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In short, these bags are awesome.  Go buy them.

World’s Best Biodegradable Poop Bags Starter Kit

World’s Best Biodegradable Poop Bags, 120 Bags (8 Rolls)

Of course, I also try to reuse grocery store and produce bags for this purpose before I turn to the roll at the end of the leash.  When those aren’t available, these are my new favorite option.

It’s National Pet Identification Week!  Is your pet easily identifiable in the event that he or she is inadvertently separated from you or another caregiver?  According to the ASPCA, only 33 percent of pet parents admitted to always having ID tags on their dogs and cats (Source).  Sure, you keep a close eye on your dog and know where she is at all times, but accidents happen.  Leashes can be dropped, fences can be opened…the list goes on and on.  Ideally, your pet will have at least one form of identification on them at all times.  See below for a list of ideas.

Microchip.    A microchip is the perfect example of a form of ID that is always on your pet.  If you are unfamiliar with microchipping, you can read an overview here.  Unlike a collar or tag, a microchip is not easily removed (by your pet or a passerby with less-than-noble intentions).  Since it is internal (many people have it placed when the pet is being fixed), it is not a hinderance to daily activities.  I recommend a microchip as the minimal form of identification you provide to your pet.  Pros: permanent and reliable.  Cons:  takes some effort to get the tag read by whoever finds your pup.

Traditional dog tag.  A small, engraved tag that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness (or both!), makes it easy for a lost dog to be identified instantly.  These tags now come in a range of designs and prices, and can be done instantly at most major pet store chains.  I ordered my pups’ tags from Calling All Dogs.  Pros:  can be instantly read.  Cons:  may not always be on your dog.

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Personalized dog collar.  These are great because it takes a dangly, noisy tag out of the picture.  I like these from Etsy.  Pros:  can be instantly read.  Cons:  may not always be on your dog; may not be easily visible if the finder is looking for a traditional tag.

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Personalized dog leash.  This might be a good option for anyone with a dog who gets restless on a leash and is more likely to flee during a walk.  DogIDs is one online store who offers these, as well as many other tagging options.  Pros:  can be instantly read.  Cons:  may not always be on your dog.

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QR code tag.  PetHub  is a cool company that provides your dog with a smartphone scannable tag, thus making your personal information easily manageable online and easy to share with your dog’s caretakers.  PetHub works on a subscription basis and offer collar or tag-based products.   Pros:  can be instantly read by smart phone users.  Cons:  may not always be on your dog; may not be readable for those that are not tech-savvy.

As you can see, each of the above options have their pros and cons.  The safest solution is to combine two or more of these methods to ensure your dog is brought home to you safely in the event of separation.

Thank you to all of my dog walking clients who have made the first quarter of 2012 a success for And Your Little Dog Too!  It is such a pleasure to spend time with your pups each day.  Thank you for sharing them with me.

To show my gratitude, each of my regular clients will be receiving a treat bag this week.  Each bag contains Wellness WellBars with Yogurt, Apples & Banana.  These treats are vegetarian and their ingredients are as follows:  Ground Barley, Cane Molasses, Ground Brown Rice, Canola Oil, Yogurt (Milk Ingredients, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Yogurt Cultures), Apples, Bananas, Oatmeal, Flaxseed, Amaranth, Ascorbic Acid (a source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Beta-Carotene.

Thank you again for your business!  Happy Spring!

This post doesn’t need much of an introduction.  These are some of my favorite dog books, and dog books that are on my “to read” list!

Favorite Dog Fiction Book

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein

This book isn’t just for dog lovers, but if you know and love dogs, it will be extra special.  This heartwarming story is told entirely from the perspective of Enzo, a family’s loyal and totally lovable dog.

Favorite Dog Psychology Books

Dog Sense, by John Bradshaw

Though this book can be a little tedious and scientific, it is not dry or boring.  The author goes into tremendous depth on the evolution of dogs and behavior, and offers a perspective which I found truly enlightening.

The Other End of the Leash, by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD.

Though the author is highly educated and well respected as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, this book is an easy, quick read and filled with great information and ideas.  Dr. McConnell writes for the average pet owner.  Check out her blog here.

Future Favorites (on my wish list!)

Click to Calm: Healing the Aggressive Dog, by Emma Parsons.Since adopting our rescue dog Pippa, I have become more and more interested in clicker training as a way to encourage positive behavior.  This book comes highly recommended by one of the local trainers I have worked with.  side note If you share an interest in clicker training, check out the free videos on this blog.  They are fantastic!

Play Together, Stay Together, by Patricia B. McConnell, PhD. and Karen B. London Ph.D.From another trainer I’ve worked with:  "Little booklet, about 80 pages, but is fantastic to help understand the importance of play and read about some incredibly exciting research that is coming out about play and the impact it has with our dogs."

Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training, by Karen Pryor.From the same trainer who recommended the above:  "The most pivotal book ever written for dog training.  Karen Pryor began the positive dog training movement and brought the idea of marker training in from her work with dolphins."

Tail Talk: Understanding the Secret Language of Dogs, by Sophie Collins.This just looks like a fun read!

What are some of your favorite dog reads?

This recipe was created by accident.  I set out to make the pups some homemade biscuits using canned chicken instead of leftover turkey.  The protein swap and the addition of a very ripe banana made the batter very moist and more suitable for cupcake tins.  The pups aren’t complaining.

Chicken Banana Doggie “Cupcakes” 

adapted from Turkey Dog Biscuits

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Makes about one dozen cupcakes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown rice flour (rice flours are the easiest for dogs to digest)

1 cup rolled oats

2 large eggs (I used the whole egg, including shells, for calcium.  If that makes you uncomfortable, just the eggs will do!)

1 – 12.5 oz can of chunk white chicken (photo of example below)

1 very ripe banana

1 tablespoon salmon oil (could also use flax seed oil or a generic fish oil)

Peanut butter (optional)

Cooking spray

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

In large mixing bowl, combine flour and oats.  Set aside.

In a blender or food processor, blend eggs (either whole or their contents).

Add whole can of chicken (including the liquid), banana, and oil.  Blend well.  If it looks and smells disgusting, you are doing it right.

Combine chicken mixture with dry ingredients.  Mix well.  Batter should be about as moist as muffin or cake batter.

Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.  Fill evenly with batter.

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

Once cooled, I frosted each cake with peanut butter to turn a muffin into a cupcake!  Just be prepared for the final product to draw a crowd.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Though I do my best to research issues of nutrition, health, and safety, I am not a veterinarian.  Please consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about whether or not these ingredients are right for your dog.

Last summer, I was surprised to learn that one in ten pets is on Facebook.  Sure, my dogs have their own page as public figures, but I thought that was because I am a self-proclaimed crazy dog mom.  One in ten suggests that either: I’m not as crazy as I thought; or, other people are crazier than I thought.

Some of the famous pooches that Lulu and Pippa have befriended on Facebook include Boo (arguably, the world’s cutest dog) and Beast (Mark Zuckerberg’s adorable Puli).

So tell me, are your pets on Facebook?

I think this is something to which many dog owners can relate!

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Happy Friday!

Over the holiday season, my husband and I took our two small dogs on a flight from Seattle to Sacramento.  We have flown with them a few times before, and although it doesn’t necessarily get easier for the pups, each flight teaches us a little more to make the next trip smoother.

I have never transported a pet in an airplane cargo cabin, and I would recommend to anyone to avoid it at all costs as it can be dangerous and even deadly.  The tips below pertain to in-flight cabin travel only, and they are from personal experience alone.

Tips for Flying With Your Small Dog (cabin flight only)

First and foremost, get to know your airline’s pet policy.  Even if you think you are familiar with your airline’s pet policy, double check it.  These policies change often and can easily get confusing.  I always call beforehand to learn about all of the requirements.  Some questions to ask:

• Does your airline allow pets on board the aircraft in the main cabin?
• What are the size, weight, or breed restrictions for coming onboard?
• What type of carrier do you require?  (More about carriers below.)
• Do you require a health certificate and/or vaccination records?  How recent must they be?
• Do you require a reservation for my pet ahead of time, and can you guarantee his/her spot on the flight?  (Many airlines specify a maximum number of pets allowed on each flight.)
• What is the fee for flying with my pet?

Many of these questions can be answered online, but I would always call a representative if you are unclear.  Here is a good overview of some of the major airlines’ policies that was last updated in November 2011.  That page also links to each airline’s individual policy pages.

Once you know what the airline requires, it’s time to buy an appropriate carrier.  The carrier pictured in the photo above is the Argo by Teafco Petagon Airline Approved Pet Carrier in Medium.

Before you purchase your carrier, I recommend asking your airline about the dimensions of the space underneath each seat.  This carrier fits perfectly under the seat of a Southwest Airlines plane.  I like it because it has a ton of pockets for all your doggie’s travel needs, it is lightweight, and it also has a mesh opening at the bottom of the back for your pup to stick her head out and watch the world.

Other general tips for a smooth flight:

• Bring a portable water bowl to hydrate your pet throughout the flight.
• Practice containing your dog in the carrier while you are at home.  Make it a positive, happy place for your pup by giving lots of treats and praise while s/he is in the carrier.
• Pack a lot of treats, bully sticks, and yummy distractions to entertain (or distract) your pup during the flight.  This is especially true if your dog does not like being contained.
• If you are worried that your pet will be particularly anxious, consider talking to your vet about a mild sedative to relax him during the flight.  We have tried a couple of different brands and doses.  In each instance, it was just a case of giving them a small pill an hour or two before the flight.  The medication isn’t intended to knock them out, rather, I found it just “takes the edge off” and allows the pup to relax easier in an unfamiliar environment.
• Like the rest of your flight experience, a lot depends on how relaxed the flight attendant is about enforcing the airline’s policies.  I’ve had a couple of flights when the flight attendant allowed me to take my pup out of the carrier if she slept quietly on my lap and was back in the carrier for landing.  This made things easier for everyone, so it might be worth asking (with a smile, of course!).

I hope these tips are helpful to you if you ever consider flying the friendly skies with your pup!

From our home to yours!

I love my little white and fluffies, but sometimes all that fluff just gets out of hand.  Because they are so active, Lulu and Pippa’s hair matts very easily, even with regular brushing.  Their long poodle curls also seem to clutch on to dirt and other goodies from our journeys outdoors.

Exhibit A: (Lulu, before)

I love her fluffy face, but that white hair turns black so much quicker when it’s long.  Here’s Lulu after a day at the beauty parlor:

Much better!

Exhibit B:  (Pippa, before)

Gosh, does poor Pippa look like a little orphan dog in this picture or what?  She even completed the look with a sad face!

Luckily, she cleans up well!

I try to bathe the girls once a week, and brush them nightly or every-other-night.  Even with this routine, we have to go in for full grooms every 6-8 weeks.

How often do you groom your pups?