If you've seen the iPhone ads, you know there is an app for just about anything. And now there is an app to read your dog's mind. Smooth Edge Design created the Dog Thoughts app. This app features over 100 dog thoughts and the ability to manipulate the photo to better showcase your dog's thought.
This app allows you to import a photo from your library or take a new photo. Then simply shake your phone and voila your dog's thought appear on the screen. Not satisfied with the thought? Shake your phone again and another thought appears. Although in my experience, I found the 'thought' to be quite accurate to the photo on first shake (see Jax below). You can even edit the thought and save it to your photo library. This cute app is a fun way to spruce up your photos. Right now this app is free, so download it today from the iTunes store!
I love going for long jogs when the weather is nice, but I often leave my dog at home because it is a hassle to hold his leash while trying to focus on getting a good work out. Now, with the Buddy System Hands Free Leash from The Loyal Dog, going for a run/jog with your dog will be easy and hassle free! The leash secures to your waist and attaches safely to your dog's collar so that he is attached to you and you don't have to worry about carrying the leash anymore.
The Buddy System is ideal for hikes, walks with a stroller, training your dog to walk right by your side or any time when carrying a leash just won't work. The leash is easy to put on and take off and is available to fit (human) waists from 27"-50". So free up your hands this summer and bring your pup along for your outdoor adventures with the Buddy System!
Just when you thought you had seen it all...along comes the PooTrap. I have to say, I've never seen such a bizarre product for pet waste management! With the PooTrap, your dog poops directly into a sanitary bag.
So how does it work? There are four steps to fastening the PooTrap and they come in all different sizes to fit all dog breeds. 1. Place the u-shaped opening at the base of the dog's tail. 2. Buckle the hook to the dog's collar/harness. Adjust the back straps for a snug fit. 3. Adjust the lower straps and fasten the left buckle. 4. Fasten the right buckle.
Is it just me, or does that not sound EASY? I don't know about you and your dog, but I have a hard enough time putting a harness on Axel when he is revved up to go on a walk. I couldn't imagine attaching the PooTrap! They also suggest that the dog wears the PooTrap for most of his walk in case he poops more than once...I can't imagine Axel enjoying his walk and playtime at the dogpark with the PooTrap attached to his rear-end!
According to their Q&A - 98% of dogs will get used to the PooTrap within three days: "Soon they'll make the connection between "going out" and the "PooTrap"and wearing Pootrap will become a favorite activity." If that becomes your dog's favorite activity, I think you need to take a good, long look at the quality of your best friend's life!
The PooTrap sells for between $29.95 and $38.95 depending on the size of your dog. The bags cost extra - about $8 for a pack of 30. Find out more at http://www.pootrapusa.com/
My dogs love chasing bubbles and Bubble Buddy has the original scented bubble blowing dog toy. There are three flavors to choose from: Sizzlin Bacon, Peanut Butter and Barbeque Chicken. All you have to do is follow the instructions and pull the trigger. Your dog will have hours of fun chasing around the scented bubbles and best of all, they're safe and the toys never need batteries. At a low cost of $9.25 plus shipping, Bubble Buddy is easily affordable and if you're really trying to excite your dog, try the Jumbubbler that blows giant chicken scented bubbles.
When I was pregnant with my first son, one of my biggest fears was how my dog Maggie would react when I brought my newborn home. As dogs are extremely sensitive to noise, I knew it would be a big transition from a normally quiet house to one with lots of crying and other baby sounds. Though Maggie did well after a period of time, I wish that Baby Sounds for Pets was around then to help me with this transition.
Baby Sounds for Pets is the first CD to help prepare your pets for a new baby. The CD features several different baby sounds including crying, cooing, gurgling, baby talk, laughing, and even temper tantrums! By playing this CD for your pets before you bring your new baby home, you help your pet to recognize and get used to these new sounds, easing their anxiety, encouraging acceptance, and helping your family adjust. Pets are typically curious and seek attention, and by helping them get used to these sounds you give them a head-start to helping your pet adapt.
Check out this great tool and listen to some samples online. You can purchase the CD or can download individual files (or the entire CD) on iTunes, too. To receive FREE shipping, email Baby Sounds and mention you heard about them on The Swanky Pup!
The Pawhause Pet Boutique-Cool Products for Your Pets
The Pawhaus Pet Boutique is a collection of cute, unique pet products not found in your typical pet store. The Boutique includes a range of products like the Everything But The Dog bags, which are basically a diaper bag for your pets.
The bag includes:
Bone-shaped carabineer
Integrated waste bag dispenser pocket
Indoor/outdoor blanket
Freezable gel pack
Food bowl
Water bowl
Eight interior pockets including a zipper pocket for vet records, hand sanitation canisters, exterior cell phone/MP3 and exterior pen pocket
Exclusive to the Boutique are the Silly Little Sock Monkey Dog Toys. These toys are made in Calgary by a local artist. They are original pieces of folk art that have been created for the Boutique with a squeaker set inside! They are quality made with all new materials. By purchasing a Silly Little Sock Monkey you are supporting an independent artist. Check out the Boutique and all of its unique offerings here!
If you have taken a road trip with your pooch in the past, then you know that it is important to bring 3 basic things for your pup to be happy - food, water and toys! If you and your dog are hitting the road for a trip this spring/summer then the To Go Bowl is just what you need.
Designed for owners who like to take their pups along for long car rides and trips, the To Go Bowl fits right into your cup holder so that your dog can have a drink whenever he wants and can stay hydrated and comfortable on long care rides.
This innovative bowl comes with a splash guard to avoid spilling and it has a removable base which can be used to store treats and food. Best of all, once you arrive at your destination, just remove the To Go Bowl from its base and use it in the hotel room during your stay! What more can you ask for in bowl?
Hurrah - today is the first day of Spring! From my experience on the East Coast, Spring doesn't last long, and before we know it, we'll be sizzling under the hot Summer sun. Dogs, like us humans, can get sun stroke, sun burn and other afflictions caused by excessive heat. Here are two useful products to protect your pooch:
"Bamboo" White Hot Safety Sunblock® Shade (14"): Bamboo’s unique White Hot heat alert reveals the word “HOT” when your car interior is too hot for your pet. The Vinyl shade blocks the suns glare and protects from harmful UV rays. Small sight holes mean that your dog can still enjoy sightseeing out the window, but s/he'll be shielded from the sun. The shade has a 2-step release button that is easy to use to pull the shade up or down; and it adheres easily to your car window via suction cups. Remember, it is NEVER safe to leave your dog in the car during summer as dogs are unable to sweat like humans - even with this bamboo shade, dogs should not be left in the car. This product retails for about $14 but is on sale here for $9.99.
Pet Sunscreen Why use human sunscreen when you can buy a formula especially created for dogs? Pet sunscreen is non-oily, non-irritating, water soluable and contains no silicone. Dogs with short hair, light skins or pink noses are particularly susceptible to sunburn - so grab a handy-sized bottle of Pet Sunscreen and give your dog a quick spritz on the go!A 2-oz spray bottle retails at around $13 - click here to buy a bottle.
My dogs love toys and they love the pool. Since summer will be here before you know it, what better way to have fun in the pool than with toys just for your dogs? Coleman offers a couple of toys made just for fun in the water and at just $7.99 each, they're definitely affordable. This large blue/green Octopus Water Sports Floating Dog Toy is made with neoprene. Includes a squeaker. One size is perfect for pets of all sizes. This Coleman toy is double stitched at stress points to insure hours of enjoyment, without your pet destroying the toy itself. Floats Squaker Durable Duck - 7 In x 5 In Octopus -7 In x 14 In
Giant "Croc" bed is adorable and comfy for your pet!
I was walking by an upscale pet boutique and HAD to stop to admire these awesome Sasquatch pet beds. They are fun looking and cozy for your pet to curl up in. The inside is a soft faux fleece that pulls out for easy washing. The entire unit is made of cushiony non-toxic material that's anti-microbial and odor resistant that you can easily wipe down! Your dog stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
It comes in a variety of fun colors including cheetah and zebra! Check it out today and make a great, fun purchase for you and your pet!
For a long time, we have been trying to have our dog sleep in his crate. We haven't had too much luck in this area. We got him a bigger crate, made it all nice and cushy for him, and got him this really fabulous crate cover from a company called Mutthuttz.
We went ahead and got the crate cover for a few reasons. First, covering a dog's crate provides warmth and security. My dog especially likes to burrow, so having his crate dark on the inside, we thought, would give him the sense of being under the covers of our bed. Secondly, who really wants to look a wire dog crate? Let's face it, it's not like you went to the furniture store and picked out the nicest one you could find. So, the crate cover from Mutthuttz hides your dog's crate and the fabrics used to make the cover will for sure match any rooms decor.
The crate covers are essentially made by you. You have a variety of fabrics to choose from. Just let Betsy, the founder of Mutthuttz, know how big the crate is and for a nominal fee, you can even have your crate cover monogrammed.
So, our dog is still not sleeping consistently in his crate. But, the times that he does spend in there he is comfortable and I no longer have to look at a crate. Take a look around the Mutthuttz website. I bet you too will find the perfect crate cover for your dog.
Spring is around the corner, which means longer walks and fun in the sun! Help your dog cool off after a romp in the outdoors with a deep freeze toy from Aspen Pet Products. This toy is unique in that it is half rubber and half ice. It is made with the Dogzilla® rubber that infuses protein into the rubber.
To use the toy, simply fill the 'pop' or 'bone' with water or flavored broth and place in the freezer. You can even add some small treats to the mold to further entice your dog. I added a bit of peanut butter and some water. This kept Jax busy all evening! A few hours later you will have a delectable treat for your best friend! This toy is available at Drs. Foster and Smith for $7.99. This toy can be used multiple times-just keep refilling the mold.
If you are going green like my family is (including my pup) then you know that it can sometimes cost a little bit more to buy green products. Now, you can stock up on eco-friendly products for your furry friend thanks to the 10% sale at Barker and Ball.
With beds, toys, collars and more, there are plenty of products that your dog will enjoy and you will feel good about buying. Just enter the coupon code ECODOG at checkout to enjoy your 10% discount! Offer ends 5/3/09.
For the dog lover who loves stylish accessories! Voila the Faithful Friend Handbag - a dog art leather-trimmed handbag, available exclusively from Ardleigh Elliott. The description describes the handbag as "Beautifully crafted and sewn by master artisans, this charming dog lover handbag features a close-up image of the breed of your choice, accented by contrasting brown leather trim and handles."
I was rather miffed that the range does not include my breed of choice - the wire fox terrier - but there are 30 other breeds represented including the Jack Russel Terrier (pictured right). The handbag is durable and secure, and as an added touch contains a breed-specific sculpted metal dog charm.
Such elegance does not come cheap. Each bag is priced at $69.99 each (or three installments of $23.33) plus $9.99 for shipping and handling. Click here for more.
If your dogs are like mine at all your house and yard can look like a daycare and sometimes like a tornado hit it. There are dog toys everywhere that have to be picked up. I do like to have a toy box for them though and what better toy box than an authentic wine crate built just for your dogs? Whiner and Diner has very unique toy boxes that are built from prestigious European, Californian and Chilean vineyards. They're all custom made and you get to choose the color since they are hand painted. You can even have your pet's name or a personalized design painted on as well. They receive three coats of a waterborne protective finish,have ventilation holes at the bottom, skid-proof rubber feet, and end up with a high-quality, fine furniture finish. Sizes are 17.5"L x 17.5"W x 7"H but can be customized. They start at $175 but with the quality you'll receive they could last a lifetime.
Is your pup ready to sport the latest in collar couture and help the environment at the same time?
This past weekend, the Philly area welcomed fabulous spring weather. Yes, it was just a tease, since the weather people are saying it's going to get cold again this week, but it was still so great to take my daughter and dog out and let them run around in the yard.
Just like you and I pop in and out of stores to see what the latest spring fashion is, our dogs should also have a new collar or shirt for the change of season. I recently got a collar from a company called Wagging Green. Not only is my dog looking great in his new duds, but we are also doing our part to help protect the environment. All the products made at Wagging Green are made from 100% natural bamboo fibers.
So, why bamboo? Good question. Bamboo is good because they are naturally anti-bacterial and order resistant for more than 50 washes, so no more nasty, smelly collars. They are hypoallergenic and provide UV protection. Bamboo is more absorbent, fast drying and breathable. Of course, bamboo is also 100% biodegradable so it is safe for the earth.
The products found at Wagging Green include collars, leashes, tags and doggie t-shirts. They also have items for cats. The Wagging Green website is so easy to navigate around too. You'll be sure to find something on there that your pup will love. Happy (almost) Spring!
In need of a gift for a dog and yoga lover? Check out the Meditating Pet Key Chains from Uncommon Goods. These pewter key chains feature either a cat or dog chilling out in lotus pose. Just one glance at this quirky chain will surely help you find your zen. I love these key chains, the simple design definitely brings a sense of calm (and a smile) to me when I am feeling stressed! Available at Uncommon Goods for $15.
If you have a dog that sheds, removing hair from carpets and furniture can be a nightmare! If you identify with this scenario, you might want to try Pet Hair Vac-Away by Lambert Kay.
This product is "specially formulated to break the static charge that bonds pet hair to upholstery and carpet, making it easier to vacuum." An added benefit is that it also eliminates pet odor on contact - the spray contains Arm & Hammer baking soda - so that after vacuuming, the whole room smells fresh and clean.
I am fortunate in that Axel does not shed - but he does love to roll in mud and poop so don't think we got off that lucky! A friend of mine with a shedding Retriever and German Shepherd tested Pet Hair Vac-Away and was amazed at how easily the hair came out of the carpet. She further reported that she did not have to keep spraying as the spray lasted through 2-4 vacuumings.
You can purchase a 10 oz can of Pet Hair Vac-Away for as little as $4.90 at the Little River Pet Shop (cheapest price online!).
Losing a pet is never easy and it's hard to handle that loss because you seem to go through it twice. If you have your dog cremated, you have to pick up their ashes and that opens up a wound that is already fresh. However, there are some beautiful products available to help remember your pet. Angel Ashes offers pet urns for a lasting memorial. They specialize in pet urns and memorial products that showcase a unique way to remember your beloved pet. Personalization is available and there are many styles of urns to choose from: book, photo, wood, angel and figurine. Their products provide a regal and beautiful final resting place for your member of the family.
During our daily walks, Jax is on a mission to take in all of the smells, sites and sounds in the neighborhood. Keeping him focused requires consistency and determination. One thing we learned from our awesome trainer, Matt of Tuff Pup Training is to positively reinforce a behaivor with verbal praise and treats (when appropriate) during our walks.
Carrying doggie treats in my pocket created a crumbly mess. But now I can bring treats on our walk with the Snackpacker on Blue and my pockets stay clean! This cute, durable nylon snack carrier clips on to a belt or a pocket and has a drawstring closure to prevent spillage. This delightful carrier is from the folks at Life is Good and is available in two colors-orange or blue. Get your Snackpacker here and enjoy clean pockets!
As I sit here with my computer on my lap, my very spoiled dog is sprawled out next to me on the couch, sound asleep, wearing a designer collar and dog tag and he is absolutely a member of the family. Long gone are the days where dogs sleep outside in dog houses and are banned from the bed. This phenomenon of dogs creeping their way out of the dog house and in to our hearts and our lives is perfectly captured in the book One Nation Under Dog by Michael Schaffer.
One Nation Under Dog delves head first in to the pet industry and how it has evolved to one where we call ourselves our dog's mommy and daddy, buy only the best organic food, spend tons of money on dog walkers and pet hotels and take special trips to the dog park so our pups can socialize. Schaffer provides an insightful look at how our relationships with our dogs have grown to become a 43 billion dollar industry and explores the many ways with which we now spoil our four-legged family members.
I found this book extremely interesting and enjoyed learning more about how our pet-obsessed culture has come to be. Michael Schaffer also explores how the way we treat our dogs reflects changes in our society as whole and I found myself agreeing with him over and over again throughout the book. If you are spoil your pooch like I do and are looking for a fun and enjoyable read, then I highly recommend One Nation Under Dog for you! This book will be on sale March 31, 2009, but you can pre-order it from Amazon for $16.32.
When I was pregnant with my first son, one of my biggest fears was how my dog Maggie would react when I brought my newborn home. As dogs are extremely sensitive to noise, I knew it would be a big transition from a normally quiet house to one with lots of crying and other baby sounds. Though Maggie did well after a period of time, I wish that 
