Using Games To Exercise Your Dog
Maria Leindecker
Dogs are not just pets but your companions. They are your family members, and you have to take good care of them. There is a need to buy them proper dog clothes, provide them with the right food, take them for regular walks, spend quality time with them, and take them for medical checkups. Most pet parents do take care of all these aspects. However, if you are a new pet parent, you might not be aware of ensuring that your new puppy or dog gets adequate exercise.
Just like you maintain your health through regular exercise, you need to take care that your dog gets a regular workout as well. Along with nutritional food, you should focus on the physical activities of your dog. You might be thinking that you regularly take them for walks, and will that not be enough? The truth is that daily walks are not a complete exercise for your puppy or dog. So how to make your dog get the required physical activity? The answer is simple — games. You need to engage your dogs in games so that their bodies get a proper workout.
If your dog is hyperactive, you have to give him instructions and train him. Such dogs usually do not require additional physical activities. But for dogs who love to be lazy, exercise is a must. Often, due to the challenges and limitations of our modern lifestyles, you might keep your dogs indoors. It increases boredom and frustration in your dogs. While planning out some games for your dog, it is not necessary that they should happen outdoors. You can have indoor games as well. The aim should be to provide exercise to their bodies.
Here are some of the games that will help keep your dog involved and provide exercise to all the body parts. When picking fun games for your dog, ensure that the games provide physical and mental training to your dog.
According to the experts, dogs by nature are social and active. You should take this factor into consideration while planning fun activities or games for them.
Here is a list of fun games that do not require any special equipment. You can try out these games with your dogs.
#1 Run Your Dog Up And Down The Stairs
If your home has a big flight of stairs, you can use it to exercise your dog. You can encourage your dog to run up and down the stairs. Initially, your dog will not do it on its own. You will have to run along with him. Your dog will watch you and be encouraged to follow you. Running up and down the stairs is a great way to keep your dog fit. If you are not able to run along with your dog, there is an alternative. You can put a ball or toy on the top of the stairs and give your dog a treat every time he runs up and fetches the toy. Make sure that the dog treat is a healthy one.
Usually, healthcare professionals will not suggest such activities if your dog is old, as it may strain their knees. This game will be helpful if your dog is fit and young.
#2 You Can Set Up An Obstacle Course
It is something you might have seen in the dog shows. You place obstacles at a certain distance and instruct the dog to overcome them. You can arrange these obstacles if you have a spacious room. If not, you can use the garden space for it.
You can use chairs, tables, or even balls, in the form of obstacles. When you place obstacles in the path of your dog, it will try to jump over them. It will be a fun and effective way to exercise all the body parts of your dog.
#3 You Can Play Hide-And-Seek With Your Dog
Hide-and-seek is the perfect game for your dog’s mental and physical health. For making hide-and-seek more interesting, you can hide some dog treats around the house and ask your dog to find them. The reward is to give the treat to the dog. You can change the hiding place of the treats every time you play the game. It will provide a boost to their brains and also their bodies. If you think your house is not spacious enough for hiding and seek, you can play hide-and-seek in the garden.
#4 Fetching The Ball Or Boomerang
It is the best game for all dog breeds. In this game, you have to throw the ball or the boomerang in a wide area. Then ask your dog to fetch it. You can give out instructions to the dog and let them understand what you are trying to say. It will help your dog to learn new words.
Summary
These are some fun games that help enhance the physical and mental health of your dog. You can make it easier for the dogs to play, learn and get good exercise. Although you are taking your dog for a walk, that is not enough. To keep your dog physically fit, inculcate games in their daily routine
How To Choose A Comfortable Harness For Your Dog?
Maria Leindecker
You love your dog, but sometimes you feel that you are not able to control them when they are too excited or cheerful. Active dogs will not sit at a place, they will keep on playing around and also involve you with them. But when you take them out for a stroll, it becomes extremely difficult to deal with active dogs.
So you must get a dog harness for your beloved pet if you want to ensure their safety and security. Even if your dog is active, with the help of a dog harness, you would be able to take control of them. You can explore all the different types of dog harness that are easily available in online stores. You can choose the perfect dog harness for your dog. The harness you choose must be able to fulfill your as well as your dog’s requirements. Moreover, you would have to determine what type of harness your dog would love based on its color, fabric, strap.
Well, the problem is, it becomes difficult to choose the best one when you have so many options. But don’t worry, you can follow these tips to ensure that you get the right dog harness for your lovely pet.
#1 The Quality of The Fabric That is Used In The Dog Harness:
Well, in the market you might come across various types of dog harness that are made by using a wide range of fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and a blend of cotton and polyester. If you want to keep your dog conformation in a dog harness, then you must get him a harness made of premium cotton fabric. Cotton fabric is soft to touch and your dog won’t feel skin irritation while wearing it. Even if you are taking your dog on long walks, the harness would be the most suitable.
You can get such lightweight cotton fabric dog harnesses at Sassy Dog Fashions. Whether you have a male dog or female, whether you have a large size dog, or medium, or small, you will get it all here. Moreover, you can order the dog harness as per your requirement as they provide a customized dog harness as well.
#2 While Choosing The Dog Harness, Ensure Whether You Required Padding Or Not?
Generally, dog breeds with a short dog coat would require a dog harness with padding. They would feel comfortable as the pad will not rub against their skin and not cause any irritation. If you are getting a padded dog harness, then it will offer an extra flair and can make your dog look stylish. Some people who have dogs with heavy hairs on their bodies can opt for a non-padded dog harness as well. It depends on what you find convenient for your dog.
Get these amazing dog harnesses with customized looks from Sassy Dog Fashions.
#3 The Dog Harness You Choose Must Be Suitable In The Long Haul:
You should not just look at the style of the dog harness but the fitness and comfort. Your focus should be on choosing a dog harness which will enable you to take control of your dog, especially when you are taking them on vacations or long trips. While getting the harness, make proper adjustments to it and then pay attention to the reaction of your dog while he is walking around in it. If the dog feels easy and comfortable, you can buy it. But if your dog doesn’t give you a good or good-to-go look, then just drop the idea.
With Sassy Dog Fashions, you get to explore a wide collection of personalized dog harness which ensure that your dog will be happy.
#4 Ensure That The Dog Clips Are Appropriate And Strong:
The dog harnesses have a small clip that is used to secure the harness to the dog’s body. This clip is also used to attract the long strap with the harness. So the role of the clip is quite significant and you must not ignore it. Before finalizing the dog harness check the strength and the material of the clip. It should be strong enough and not come out when you are pulling the dog or controlling them.
Summary:
Getting a beautiful and personalized dog harness for your beloved would make them feel special. You can get their name embroidered on the harness that will help you to ensure that your dog doesn’t get lost. You can get a customized dog harness at Sassydogfashions. They provide dog harnesses made from premium quality cotton with proper padding and durable fabric.
Things Everyone Gets Totally Wrong About Dog Clothes
Maria Leindecker
Millions of people love dogs. Most of the people own dogs and make them a part of their family. Just like other members, the dog owners take good care of the dog by regularly grooming them, providing the best food, taking them on vacation, and dressing them up.
Well, the last few words would have caught your attention – Dressing up the dog in dog clothes. According to a survey, it was found that 56% of the dog owners love to dress their dog in beautiful dog clothes whereas 33% were against it, and for some, it doesn’t matter as they dress up the dog only on occasions. Dog clothes are one of the most important things that some people get wrong. With regard to dog clothes, there are certain misconceptions prevailing in people’s minds. So let’s check them out and understand where they are going wrong.
#1 Dressing Up Your Dog In Dog Clothes:
There are some people who think that making your dog wear clothes is very cruel. And this is one of the most important things where they are going wrong. The dog clothes provide protection to your little ones from extreme weather conditions. Moreover, the clothes protect the natural dog’s coat from getting infections and keep the dirt away from the body. The people who think that putting on dog clothes on their beloved pet is torture must understand that the clothes provide them protection and not harm them. During scorching heat, it prevents the dog from burning sensation, in winters the clothes provide warmth. When you provide them high-quality dog clothes, they can freely play. The most important thing to be taken care of is that dog clothes are comfortable. You can get soft fabric and comfortable dog clothes from Sassydogfashions.
#2 Dog Clothes Make The Dog Anxious:
Another thing that people generally get wrong is that they think dog clothes make their pets very anxious. Once again you need to understand that dog clothes do not make them anxious but help in reducing anxiety. If you are a dog lover, you might have come across dogs who are pretty susceptible to anxiety. This anxiety may be due to several reasons. With specially designed dog vests, you can help in soothing the dog. Dog vests provide them mild pressure, which makes them feel comfortable. It feels as if the owner is hugging them. Dog vests are also essential as they protect a dog from anxiety-induced self-harm, such as excessive biting or licking.
#3 Dressing Up Dogs On Special Occasion:
According to a survey, it was reported 22% of the dog owners think that dressing up the dog in a wide range of clothes is quite demeaning and against the dog’s dignity. Well, it is not true at all. Just like every person feels elated when they are given special attention, it is the same with the dogs. They feel special when the dog owners get them new clothes on festivals or any other special occasion.
#4 With Dog Clothes You Can Bond With Your Dog:
It is quite understood that your dogs cannot wear the clothes on their own, which means you would be involved in the entire dressing up process. You would gently guide them to put on their clothes easily.
The process helps in building a strong bond between the dog and the owner. Moreover, dogs would love to get undivided attention from their owners in the form of stroking, rubbing, petting. When you dress up your dog regularly, they would start relating clothing with positive emotions and will learn to love their adorable dog clothes.
Summary:
These were some of the most important aspects that people get wrong about dog clothes. Although you are dressing up your dog, one thing that you must always be careful about is selecting the best dog clothes. You must be aware of the dog’s coat and choose dog clothes that your pet finds soft and comfortable. They should feel happy to be dressed up and not run away from it. You can get a wide range of high-quality dog clothes at Sassydogfashions. They are the best and provide premium dog clothes in bright colors and soft cotton fabric. You can choose the one that suits your dog.
How To Keep Your Dog Cool This Hot Summer?
Maria Leindecker
Summer is the best time to have lots of fun with your dog. But when the temperatures soar you need to be very careful while taking your dog out for a walk or in your car. The hot temperature can really hit your dog hard. Now, it’s time to keep your furry friends safe and cool.
Providing A Reliable Shade For Your Pet:
You must find a cool and comfortable personal space for your little furry friends with the help of a thermometer. Not every yard has enough trees to provide natural shade. You can get beautiful collapsible shade tents, portable sun shades, patio umbrellas, shaded pet beds, or pop up canopies that are readily available at garden stores. These provide enough shade along with circulation and cooling. Moreover, these tents or shades can be easily folded whenever your pet doesn’t need it.
You Must Carry Fresh Cold Water For Your Pets:
Summer times are fun and you might have made plans to take your puppies along with you. While you are taking your dog on a hike or on a walk or for a picnic, it is essential to make sure that you have enough fresh cold water for him. A portable collapsible water bowl would come handy to you while giving him water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Playing In Water Splash & Mist:
During summer, you must take proper care of your dog’s coat and keep them well hydrated. This will keep him cool and cheerful. Generally, experts recommend planning some outdoor activities with your pooch that involves playing with water such as sprinklers, pools, or lakes can all be fun and cooling. These water fun activities will maintain the body temperature of your puppy as well as make him feel good. You can even try misters, a small water spray that creates a mist. They are really great for cooling your pooch while he is playing and running around cheerfully.
Always Avoid The Midday Heat:
During summer, you must schedule your dog’s playing time depending on the heat and humidity. You must avoid taking your pet out when the temperature is high.
You Must Focus On Any Signs Of Heatstroke In Your Dog:
In the hot scorching summer, Dogs are really at risk of getting heat strokes. You can protect your dog from heatstroke by paying close attention to his behavior while you take him out on a walk. If your dog is holding back and doesn’t seem to be excited about going out, that’s the clear sign to give your dog a break and cool him off. Some common symptoms of heat strokes include:
- Excessive panting and/or salivating
- Obvious discomfort
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Disorientation
- Seizures
If you notice any of the signs in your furry friend, immediately get them into some cooler environment or get help from a professional veterinarian if the condition becomes severe.
Staying Indoors:
It is very obvious that you should protect your dog during the summer months and try to keep them as cool as possible. Even after staying indoors you can sit and spend some time with your little pup such as giving him a good bath, trimming the dog coat, giving him good food, and playing with him.
Summary:
During the summer season, dogs love playing in the water. That is something which helps them cool the body temperature and help them feel good. So you must focus on some summer activities that involve water. Moreover, schedule the playing time when the heat is not so scorching as it will protect your dog from getting heat strokes.
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05 Dec, 2018 -
One thing I always love is when pet parents whip out photos of their pets and proudly show them to everyone around. As a pet parent, I can fully vouch that my phone has more photographs of my pets than those of my husband or me. Yet, I see many new pet owners struggle to click the perfect pictures of their dogs.
As a pet apparel designer, I have picked up a fair few tips when it comes to pet photography. These are the little tricks I use when I need my lovely dogs, Rêve and Luna, to model the new SassyDogFashions apparel. With these tips, you will surely be gathering hearts, likes, and more when you post ‘Woof Worthy’ pictures of your pets on social media.
One of the aspects of a pet’s life that all pet owners love to capture is your dog’s first snow experience or your pet running around in the snow. So, today I will share some ideas to get your dog ready for a winter photoshoot, along with some suggestions on how you can frame the photograph.
Winter Photoshoot Tips From The Desk Of SassyDogFashions
1. Be Ready To Hand Out Treats, Toys, And Cuddles
Winter photoshoots are more challenging than other seasonal photoshoots because of the cold weather. In low temperatures and snow, your pet may not want to pose long enough for you to click a picture.
My trick to persuade my two beautiful babies, a boy and a girl, is by giving them treats and placing their favorite toys in the picture. I scoop up my darlings at frequent intervals for kisses and cuddles, as it keeps them happy and guarantees you better photos. I also make sure to keep an eye on how long we have been out in the cold and make sure that we get back inside before my little ones catch a cold.
2. Focus On Creating Color Contrast
The most dynamic pet pictures are the ones where you can see the pet being photographed in vivid detail. This usually becomes tough both due to the weather and the natural coat color of your dogs. An easy way to create a strong contrast in your winter photos is by selecting a background and dressing your dog in a lovely coat that contrasts both the background and its natural coat.
For instance, one of my dogs is a snow-white dog. I prefer to dress him in my SassyDogFashions sherpa-lined dog harness coat. The hot pink & tan plaid with deep black soft fleece fur collar and lining not only keeps my little one warm but also shows up beautifully in photographs.
3. Create Photo Stories
I feel winters are a perfect backdrop to bring alive fairy tales and fables through the photos of your pets. Pick your beloved childhood tale and re-create it with a few common household objects and the beautiful outdoors.
For instance, turn your toy dog into the lovely red riding hood with our rich burgundy-toned wool fur-trimmed dog harness coat. Place a little basket with apples and scatter a few wooden branches and pine cones, and voilà! You have the cutest girl going to visit her grandma. With the wide range of coats and trendy dresses, you can let your imagination run riot.
4. Play With The Perspectives
Both my toy dogs have lovely, soulful eyes. However, it is a challenge to capture pictures that showcase that. It is, at times, tough to get my fur babies to settle down or look in a particular direction. I usually use a toy or a treat to get them to focus on a direction I want.
For instance, if it is snowing outside, and you wish to click a dreamy picture of your dog looking up as the snowflakes fall all around, ask a friend or family member to hold a toy high above their heads and stand opposite. Click a burst of shots and edit out your helper. You will have a lovely picture of your dog looking up, mesmerized by the falling snow.
5. Match Your Winter Apparel With Your Babies
When I select fabrics and create my designs, I take inspiration from my toy dogs and all the other cute teacup dogs I see around my city. As a fashion designer, I understand the need to balance trends with comfort. And having lived in France, all my designs possess a certain French “Je ne sais quoi” appeal. Therefore, at SassyDogFashions, you will find a wide range of chic apparel, coats, and harness sets in which you can dress your dogs and wear matching outfits and create some beautiful shots with your fur babies in tow.
I will share a little secret. Many of our customers met their significant others when they bonded over lovely pet photos. So, it does seem that the way to a pet lover’s heart is through adorable pictures of your fur babies.
Summary
Care, comfort, and safety are paramount when doing a winter photo shoot with your fur babies. Keep yourself armed with lots of treats and toys to keep your pets engaged. Choose clothes and accessories that are soft and well-made, such as the wide range of fashionable, made in the USA, apparel available at SassyDogFashions. Always remember to have fun. Your fur baby looks at you, so the more joy you derive, the happier they are going to be and the better your winter photos will turn out.