Is Your House Dog Safe? Take a Fresh Look Around.

We've all heard safety tips about antifreeze, mistletoe and perhaps chocolate being dangerous to our pets, but snow globes? That was a new one. It turns out that snow globes may contain ethylene glycol which is the same poisonous substance found in some antifreeze. The same precautions you take for yourself and your family apply to your dog. Maybe even more so, since dogs have a tendency to chew, mouth and lick things they are curious about. Take a fresh look from the eye level of your dog to make your house pet safe. Here are a few reminders.

1. Pain and cold medicine like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are harmful to your pet. All human drugs including over the counter vitamins, ointments and creams should be kept away from your dog.
2. De-icing salts and cocoa mulch that may be used around the house are potentially deadly. Check the ingredients and choose other products that are environmentally friendly and safe. During the cold season when salt is on the ground, try dog clothing or boots. They offer great protection.
3. Garbage and leftovers can pose a problem. Many human foods are harmful to dogs. Raisins, chicken bones, grapes, and the leafy green parts of potatoes and tomatoes are dangerous.

Look around your home and proof it for your pet. At your next Vet visit, ask about the signs of potential poisoning and learn what other steps you can take to prevent that from happening.

Top 3 Pet Etiquette Tips

1. Teach your dog some basic commands-sit, stay, no vocals - and keep treats handy to reinforce these behaviors.

2. Let others know before they meet your dog that he jumps, sniffs, gooses or does something that you find adorable but they may not.

3. Always clean up after your dog. Even biodegradable poop bags should be disposed of properly.

Get Ready for Some Football

When copies of fantasy football magazines start popping up all over the place and the weather turns just a little bit cooler in the evenings, we know it's football season. It's a great time to get outside, get a little exercise and have fun with your dog. Products we like for the season include any of the Planet Dog sports toys but our favorite is the Orbee Tuff Sports Football. The football is especially designed for fairly aggressive chewers. The material used is recylced, made in the USA and meant to last. Get your football and join in the spirit of the season. Dog is required.

Driving with Dogs in Cars

It’s been a busy summer. Many of us our limiting our travel plans and taking advantage of the local parks, restaurants and community events and bringing our dogs. It’s not uncommon anymore to see dogs riding in cars, going to outdoor concerts at community parks and sitting patiently while their owners have dessert at the local ice cream shop. Your dog loves to be with you and the family, so if you take your dog on errands, to the park or for a stroll down Main Street, just remember to take a couple precautions while traveling with your dog in the car. Here are five easy things you can do to make the car trip more enjoyable.

1. Your dog should ride in the back seat. We often see dogs riding in the front or frankly, anywhere they want to be in the car even if that means the owners lap. That can become a hazard by blocking the view or getting in the way of your driving. All dogs, especially small ones should be in the back. Small dogs just like children are safer in the back. If your dog can’t see out the window get her a booster seat, one that can be secured with the seat belt.
   Harness your dog and use the seat belt. Dog harnesses and seat belt latches are easy to use and affordable. They easily attach to the car’s seat belt and restrain your dog better if there is a sudden stop or worse an accident. The harness holds their body weight better than a collar would and can prevent injuries. The seat belt latch can double as a leash if you need it.
2. Open the window just a little. If your dog’s head is out the window or the window is open too far they could potentially be injured. Debris in a dog’s eye can be painful and scare the dog. Worse if the window is open too much the dog can fall out or jump out.
3. Check the temperature. If your dog will be sitting in the car while your on an errand, the car should not be to hot. Even warm days can build the temperature inside the car to a dangerous level. Check the temperature and heat index before you head out.
4. Bring water and treats. Portable water bottles, treats and traveling water bowls are essentials when you go out with your dog. If you just have a container for your dog to drink from you can plan to buy water on longer trips. Treats may help get your dog in and out of a car. Most dogs I know don’t want to leave if there having fun!

Sent by a Friend

After receiving the story below by email, we thought we'd share it with you. It came to us from a fellow dog lover and we don't know it's original origin or author. It's worth the read because if you love dogs, it will make you smile.

An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me, I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep.

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued off and on for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: "I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful, sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: "He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3, he's trying to catch up on his sleep.... Can I come with him tomorrow?"

Pet Travel and Comfort Upgrades

Fresh from a trade show, Suburban Dog House has added new and exciting dog beds and travel carriers for pet owners who are up to date with the current trends in travel and bedding.

The first exciting new product is a William Wegman designed line of beds by Crypton Fabrics. Signature bold, geometric patterns from photographs of his own Weimaraners are graphically displayed on this super tough durable fabric. Crypton fabrics have a patented barrier technology that can’t be penetrated. It doesn’t soil or stain and is waterproof. Even the zipper part is waterproof. We’re pleased to be able to offer this new line of beds for your living and pet’s comfort. Beds are offered in rectangles or rounds and come in small, medium and large. Their collection includes bolster beds and other designer fabrics.

Pet travel is certainly big right now. Popular new styles include the Roll Around, Eco Friendly Pet Tote and Bike Basket. That’s right a basket so your pet can go on a bike ride with you. What a great way to spend the afternoon! New products from Snoozer Pet have been added to the store’s travel section and offer you more options for convenience than ever before. The Roll Around is four different functions in one for pets on the go. It’s a wheeled carrier, pet bed, back pack and car seat for pets from as little as 7 lbs up to 30 lbs. The popular Eco Tote is made of stylish burlap material and has a padded bottom, chin rest, plenty of ventilation, pockets for your accessories, and is airline approved for pets up to 12 lbs.

This is a great time to share your life with your pet. From your home to wherever your travels may take you, Suburban Dog House is growing to meet your needs.

A Few Simple Tips to Finding A Good Dog Toy

We love spring; this is the time of year when we look for wonderful new dog toys. It’s the perfect weather for getting a new toy, getting out there and shaking off the cobwebs of winter! Picking the right toy for your dog can be a challenge. Here are a few helpful tips to prevent you from wasting money on the wrong toys.

Observe your Dog
Your dog has natural tendencies toward objects that interest them. If your dog prefers tennis shoes then a rubber toy is a good choice. If he typically gets hold of socks or hats then choose floppy canvas toys, nylon or plush. Dogs that like to chew can be entertained for hours with toys that are stuffed with peanut butter, cheese or treats.

Know your Dog’s Breed
Breed can clue you into the type of toy that will entertain your dog. Terriers known for burrowing and chewing, may want to rip things apart. Stick to canvas toys that are not over stuffed, such as strapping YANKERS or a good solid chew toy like Canine Genius’ Leo that can be linked together or stuffed with treats. Retrievers will want toys that are more interactive for throwing, hiding or tugging. Try bouncibles that can be unpredictable when thrown.

Consider Safety and Health
Most toys describe the type of activity level they are intended for and level of chewing. Aggressive chewers need toys that won’t fall apart. A good rule to follow is that the toy should be larger than your dog's mouth so it can’t be swallowed. Some toys serve dual purposes and are good for chewing and cleaning your dog’s teeth. An important consideration to many dog owners is where the toys are made. West Paw, Ruff Dawg and many other manufacturers use USA only materials and manufacturing.

Determine Age Appropriateness and Activity Level
Puppies require special toys designed to be soft and durable for their teeth and gums. Likewise, seniors with sensitive teeth and weakened jaws have special requirements. Planet Dog has a nice selection of toys for seniors and they’ve also added a slobber-wick series good for droolers. A great pastime indoors is puzzle toys. These are especially designed to engage dogs in some form of mental exercise and decrease boredom.

When you find the type of toy that your dog likes, buy several colors or styles. Switching the mix of toys every now and then is a good way to keep them interested. Every month or so, change the color or shape and be sure to include fun seasonal items like water toys or holiday themed toys.

The New Dish on Pet Bowls

It’s amazing what can happen in a few years. The new look in dog dishes and bowls is better than ever. We’re seeing more stylish dinnerware available in ceramics, self-feeders, raised diners and stainless steel that exceed our expectations.

Dog bowls and diners come in a range of sizes and heights to fit teacup and giant dogs. Adjustable height diners grow with your dog to accompany them from puppy to adulthood. Elegant scroll diners and wooden diners are available to meet your specific décor. Some diners have made creative use of the underneath space to house toys or food.

More manufacturers are offering full range dog bowls and diners that can be purchased with matching collars, leashes, sweaters and placemats. You can get an entire themed collection for your dog and home.

Ceramic bowls are a leading favorite. They’re usually dishwasher safe, meet FDA standards and come in stylish colors such as pinks, chocolates, blues, and whites. Deep, shallow and oval shaped bowls are available to fit your dog’s size. Larger dogs may need a deeper bowl for a larger amount of kibble and smaller dogs may prefer an oval bowl because it’s shallow and the food is spread out a little better.

Stainless steel has even gotten an upgrade. It’s usually the number one selling dog bowl because it is so practical, easy to clean and it doesn’t rust. Today, you can find stainless steel bowls that are embossed or embellished with houndstooth patterns and block words like ‘food’ and ‘water’ that give them a contemporary flair. Stainless also comes in a choice of high gloss or matte finish and it’s a great complement to so many styles of feeders from wood to iron.

The last good news about these stylish dog bowls is that many of them don’t sacrifice necessity and practicality to look good. They are still easy to keep clean and dishwasher safe!

Dog Smarts, What New Families with Young Children Should Know

Congratulations! You added a canine member to your family. If you have toddlers and young children at home, here are a few tips to make the bond strong and get your relationship off the right start. Over his or her lifetime, your dog will bring you an amazing amount of joy and love and your children will grow up with wonderful childhood memories.

Observation and Supervision. Not all dogs are alike. Even breeds that are family friendly need to be supervised and observed when you bring them into your home. Just like toddlers, dogs are unpredictable and they can easily get excited. Their first reaction may be to growl or nip at a small child. Having you present and involved when they are together is important. Never leave your child alone with a dog, even if you think you’ll be gone for just a minute. Take your child with you or put your dog in a crate or in an area blocked off by a pet gate or baby gate.

Be Calm Around the Dog. It’s hard for young children to be calm. But teaching your child to play nicely or quietly with a dog in the room until they are very familiar with each other. Even the most adorable, sweet natured dogs can be provoked to growl or bite when startled. Young puppies will get excited when babies cry, bang or throw toys. They can run around and knock small children over. Toys can become a tug-of-war, which the dog usually wins, and an excited wagging tail can hurt if your child is hit by it. If your dog gets overly excited, pick up your child and leave the room or use a command to calm your dog. Teach your child to remain calm and leave the dog alone.

Show Your Toddler How to Show Affection. Toddlers are unpredictable. They may try to pull hair, touch mouths, kiss or grab your dog’s tail. Showing your toddler how to gently stroke their back or side will teach younger children what a dog likes. Later they can probably get away with a lot more, but initially you’ll need to show, teach and observe their interaction. Approach a dog from the side and stroke their back. Give your dog a command like sit or stay when you and your toddler approach her. She needs to know that she is below the children in the pack order.

Keep Food and Snacks Separate. Nothing destroys a relationship between a toddler and a puppy more than food snatching. It’s one of the most frequently reported times when a dog may bite a child. Serve snacks to your children when they are seated in a high chair or at the table. If that’s not possible, than put your dog in a crate or a separate area with a baby gate or pet gate. When your dog is eating, prevent your toddler from going near the dog or her food. Children should be kept away from a dog when they are eating.

Respect the Dogs Space. Small children can get hurt if they climb on dogs, especially if the dog moves to get away. If the dog is sleeping, keep your children away from her as much as you can. Give your dog a safe haven from children when they are asleep and teach your children to respect their space or block access to the dog by using a gate or crate.

The best advice is to limit and watch the time your children spend with your new dog. Dogs and children are wonderful together once they have clearly established boundaries and have been shown how to play together. Supervision and observation are keys to a long, happy relationship.

Dog Collars, No Excuse for Lack of Style…

Ever think to yourself ‘nice dog, LOVE the collar’? Well, we do all the time. At Suburban Dog House, we look for quality dog collars and matching dog leashes and have the variety to satisfy your preppy puppy, woodsy retriever, weekend warrior or diva dog. Never before have there been so many choices for dog collars that offer control, comfort, safety and style.

Choosing the type of collar that’s right for your dog is important. There are three broad types of collars: standard that includes buckle and adjustable closures; choke/martingale; and prong collars. Choke, martingale and prong collars address specific control needs. Most dogs will only require a standard collar. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match you and your dog’s personality. You can even have several including ones that match seasons, favorite sports teams, favorite colors, or with fancy rhinestones.

Adjustable cotton or nylon collars may offer a better fit than a buckle collar if your dog is between sizes. Cotton fabrics on adjustable collars come in a wide variety including paisley, chocolate & pink swirls, reindeer and holly, and modern dots. Adjustable embroidered collars come with alligators, skull and crossbones, and cherries.

The classic standard collar with a buckle typically comes with 1” wide notches to adjust for neck sizes and comes in a variety of modern, retro, ribbon, and leather styles. Some of the collars even feature bone charms for that added touch.

With so many options today you’ll find the right look. You can find a dog collar to match any dog personality and in fact you can have several. Just as often as you change jackets or handbags your dog’s look can change. Leopard faux fur, rhinestones, navy argyle, palm trees, biker’s cross, sailing anchors, studded leather, birds, American flags, and just about anything else you can think of is available on a dog collar so there really is no more excuses for a lack of style in your dog’s collar.