More Americans Traveling With Their Dogs

According to the Travel Industry Association of America 19% of all pet owners take their pets with them when they are traveling, up 3% since 2002. The majority of these trips are by car with 6% by air. An amazing 29% of dog owners and their dogs are staying in dog friendly hotels.

And hotels are taking notice by offering unprecedented services such as special dog packages, concierges that cater to your dog, and pet massages. And dogs, my Berry and Wanda included, are lapping up these new dog amenities.

Many hotels and motels are realizing that accepting dogs is usually not a problem. In fact many are noticing that those traveling with their dogs tend to be much more considerate guests.

While motels such as Motel 6, Red Roof Inns, and La Quinta Inns have long been dog friendly upscale hotels like Starwood Resorts, Four Seasons, and the Ritz-Carlton are jumping on the bandwagon. (you can read about our experience with the Four Seasons here). Each of these hotels offer Pet VIP programs that cater to their canine guests with special pet menus, dog beds, special welcome “doggie bags” and even concierge services during your dog’s stay.

The leader in the high-end hotel market is the Loews Hotel Chain. The “Loews Loves Pets” program has been around since 2000. Loews has even introduced learning vacations for dogs and their owners. Activities include surfing camp, guided hikes with a personal trainer, and even a “Hound of Music” trip where dogs can howl on their own CD.

So when planning your next vacation, bring your dog along. Your dog is part of the family, and I know from experience that you can really have a fantastic vacation with your dog(s).

If you are thinking about hitting the road with your dog be sure to check out my book, How To Travel With Your Dog. You’ll discover everything you need to know about traveling with your dog from my years of experience of traveling with my dogs.

by:
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover fun ways to spoil their dogs at http://www.spoilyourdog.com

Dog Travel Supplies For Pampered Dogs

As more spoiled dogs are joining their owners on the road, the number of innovative dog travel products is growing at an amazing rate. From car seats to bicycle carriers to golf cart seats to motorcycle helmets, you can now find it all for your dog.

If you read the above and thought to yourself “motorcycle helmets? No Way.” Yes way. Zoomer, the motorbike-riding miniature Dachshund was the inspiration for Kay Tobor’s line of Zoomer Gear Helmets. The helmets are made from the same material construction hard hats are made from and are specially designed with foam pads for dogs with stand up ears. They even have an adjustable chin strap.

And of course every motorbiking dog needs protection from the sun and wind. Doggles, known for their line of protective canine eyewear also makes a sunscreen for dogs. Areas on your dog’s body such as the stomach, nose, and years are all sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use a sunscreen on these areas.

Innovations in dog travel products won’t end there. According to a recent poll by MSNBC, more that 64% of dog owners said that they would consider buying a car that takes dog passengers into consideration. No doubt, canine concept cars will be making an appearance at motor shows in the near future.

(c) 2006 Margaret Svete
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at All About Dog Care

Doggles

Pink Dog Collars Are Hot!

"Pink Dog Collars are hot!" We've dedicated a page to all that is pink for dogs. The page will be growing, but in the meantime look what we found:

Pink Dog Collars

Stairs For Dogs

As I was lifting Wanda on the bed the other night I was thinking, "It's really time to invest in some dog stairs." You know that older arthritic dogs have a hard time jumping up like they used to and jumping down can be painful. Imagine how awful that must feel.

When you think about it, investing in some dog stairs is a way to make your dog more comfortable. As I was browsing the dog stairs, I came across this one. Now these are the ultimate dog stairs: click here to check out deluxe dog stairs

-Margaret

Canine Cooler Dog Bed

The hot months of summer are here. The Canine Cooler Dog Bed is the best selling dog bed of summer. Dogs and dog owners love the Canine Cooler Dog Bed for its cooling, memory foam comfort. Memory foam is especially important for older and larger dogs that need extra comfort, support, and cushioning.

Be sure to check out our latest article: Keeping Your Dog Cool During The Dog Days of Summer

Read more about Canine Cooler Dog Bed

Dog Training: Why It's Important

Do you look longingly at other peoples’ well-behaved dogs as your dog is pulling you down the street? Does your dog bark at everything that goes by your house? Does your dog turn around and walk the other way or pretend he doesn’t hear you when you call him? Your dog could probably use a few sessions with a dog trainer.

As dogs are welcomed in more and more establishments, dog parents want to make sure that their dogs know how to behave. Unruly dogs often ruin things for all of the other well-behaved dogs. Unfortunately, as many of us have discovered, dogs are not born trained. I think nearly every one of us has experienced times when we’ve just wanted to pull out our hair over our dog’s behavior. Teaching a dog to be well behaved requires time and patience from his owner. And remember sometimes even the best mannered dogs require a refresher course.

On those days when your dog is pulling you down the street, it may make you feel better to know that you are not alone. Even the dogs of the rich and famous sometimes require doggie intervention. When they need help, here’s whom they call.

Mathew Margolis
When you think of dog trainers, one of the first names that comes to mind is Mathew Margolis, a.k.a. “Uncle Matty.” Margolis has co-authored numerous books on dog training and behavior and has appeared on several television shows as a dog behavioral expert. He is the pioneer of “love, praise, and affection” training. In addition Margolis established The National Institute of Dog Training, which is one of the largest and most respected dog training facility in the United States. Dogs are sent from all over the world to the Southern California Institute, which conducts training and problem solving programs.

Shelby Marlo
Shelby Marlo is a canine behavioral specialist and trainer based in Los Angeles. She has trained the dogs of some of the hottest names in Hollywood and has been a guest expert on several television programs and magazines. She teaches her philosophy of training in her book, Shelby Marlo’s New Art of Dog Training: Balancing Love and Discipline. (Contemporary Books). According to the book Marlo advocates positive reinforcement rather than the old style of military training. It also teaches dog owners to try to see things from a dog’s point of view.

Bashkim Dibra
Bashkim Dibra’s unique method of training has made him one of the best-known dog trainers on the East Coast. He is often cited for his work with animal related causes, including Paws Across America, a campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and to help pet owners learn proper care and training techniques for their pets.

Where to Find a Trainer?
Don’t have a movie star budget? Looking for a trainer a little closer to home? The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) web site (www.apdt.com) offers a trainer search option that allows you to search for dog trainers by state. The organization encourages the use of positive reinforcement in dog training.
Copyright (c) Margaret Svete from 116 Ways To Spoil Your Dog

Top Dog Training Picks

SitStay Fetch

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Very Good.  One of the more complete dog training offerings out there.

Find Dog Training Tips at AllAboutDogCare.com

Using Dog Treats For Dog Training

Dog treats are a billion dollar industry. In fact retail sales of dog treats grew 6% in 2005. Trends in the dog treat market are towards human-style products that provide health benefits for dogs such as low-fat, vitamin-packed, and treats geared for oral care.

One area that is growing faster than other markets is dog treats as training rewards. The percentage of dog owners using dog-obedience classes is on the rise – currently at 15% - and PetSmart and Petco have made “canine education” top priorities.

Well-behaved dogs have closer and more fulfilling relationships with their people. Dog treats can play an important part in building this relationship.

Sleeping Dogs

So when I'm slaving away at the computer, what are my beloved dogs, Berry and Wanda, doing?