Lieutexant's Puppy and Dog Talk

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A great and handy quick tutorial, if you are a new pet parent <3

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Strengthening the Bond with Your Dog

Spending time with your dog is important to building a strong bond with them.

There are many activities that can be useful for forging that lifetime friendship with your new canine companion. With options ranging from taking walks, to climbing mountains or tearing across the tundra together, you’ve got choices to fit any breed and temperament you could want. Try adding one of these activities to your calendar for you and your dog. Your pup might love that comfy memory foam dog bed, but the exercise will do him or her a world of good.

                               Photo Credit: Somazeon/ Flickr

Walking isn’t just about using the bathroom. Walks can be short tours around the block, or lengthy adventures through the park.

Jogging is a great way to kick your walks up a notch. Not all dogs may be healthy enough for frequent jogs or runs, but if yours is, they’ll thank you for the extra exercise.

Some dogs hate getting in the water, others take to swimming as if they were born with fins instead of fur. Try taking your dog to a pet friendly beach for some fun in the sun.

Biking can be hard sometimes with a dog, and isn’t for every breed, but the benefits are worth exploring this option.

Taking a Stroll

Whether long or short, walking your dog gives you a great way to spend time together. A relaxed stroll through the park gives you opportunities to play fetch, toss a ball around, and sit down for lunch with your four legged friend. If you plan on packing a day of fun into the park with you, consider a hands free dog leash to go with it. With a hands free option, you can handle all of your stuff and your dog, at the same time with ease.

Jogging

Running with your dog is good for your relationship, and your bodies.  Aside from getting to spend some quality time with your four legged family member, running helps keep you and your dog fit so you can spend the years to come enjoying each other’s company. Now as any recreational jogger knows, you need to keep your arms moving when running and a standard leash just won’t cut it. Hook your friend up to a hands free dog leash and you two will be cruising all day.

Surf Sun and Dogs

A pet friendly beach can be a great outing for you and your dog. With other dogs to play with and tons of activities about you’ll be sure to have a blast on the beach itself. Make sure you follow all leash laws on your beach while you’re out there. If it helps you can use a hands free dog leash to keep track of your dog easily while slathering on the sun screen for both of you.

 Long Term Benefits

No matter the choice you make, picking an activity for you and your dog to share will do wonders for the love you have for each other. Different dogs will like different activities so try a few. Just make sure you have the proper gear for your task such as water food or a hands free dog leash before you go. This way, once you’re out there the only concern you have is how much fun you’re going to have with your friend.

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Chew Proof Dog Bed: What makes a dog bed chew proof?

As the owner of an American Pit Bull terrier, I have spent time, money and effort replacing more than my fair share of mangled dog beds and dog chew toys. Pups who are aggressive chewers prefer chewing furniture and even their own paws over kibble. One of the soundest investments you can make as a dog owner to curb unwanted dog chewing behavior is to purchase a chew proof dog bed.

                                          Credit: Carol VanHook/Flickr

Chew proof dog beds consist of two components: Frame and Fabric.

The frames of chew proof dog beds are usually made out of the following:

Poly resin: light weight  yet durable and just as strong as the chew proof bed frames made of metal. Poly resin bed frames are ideal for owners that wish to move the dog bed in different locations with ease.

Steel: Heavy yet     extremely durable. Steel bed frames are ideal to support large dog breeds.

Aluminum: Durable and strong however it will not support as much weight as a steel bed frames. A less expensive alternative to the steel framed chew proof beds, ideal for medium sized dogs.

The fabric used for chew proof dog beds are made out of the following:

Vinyl: Allows water to pass right over top with its screen like texture. Very good for water loving dogs and outside situations. Least durable of all chew proof     materials and not suggested for use by hyperactive dogs.

CORDURA: brand fabrics     are recognized for their long-lasting durability and resistance to     abrasions, tears and scuffs. Chew Proof Dog beds usually will use 1200 denier nylon Cordura. The high memory fibre fill will ensure a long     lasting loftiness, which will keep your dog comfortable.

Ballistic nylon: is the mid-grade material of the three most commonly used fabrics.  Dog hair will not stick to the non-porous nylon; it dries quickly and is easy to clean.

Most so called best chew proof dog beds are raised off the floor, with 6-9’ legs, similar to a cot. These specialty dog beds are not only used to curb dog chewing behavior, many kennels, shelters, rescues and breeders rely on the durability of chew resistant dog beds for the furry clients. Despite the popularity of the raised chew proof dog bed, there are different designs including the traditional donut shaped dog bed available to match your home decor.

Ultimately your selection will be the result of thorough research and education on the variety of chew proof dog beds suited to your pet. At specialty dog beds we aim to provide as much of this information as possible to aid in a decision that will positively impact the life of you and your pet.

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Chew Proof Dog Bed: Chew Resistant vs. Chew Proof

http://www.iconicpup.com/product-reviews/best-dog-beds/It is important for all dog owners to distinguish the differences between chew resistant product and chew proof product to make the best purchase for your pets needs. Chew resistant and chew proof products have overtaken the dog furniture and accessory departments at your local pet store. There is a wide range of chew related pet product from chew proof beds, toys, collars to leashes and bedding.

Marketing geniuses persuade consumers to buying product that may not satisfy their original need by using familiar terminology. For example, a waterproof boot is a lot more useful to splash around in puddles with than a water resistant boot yet many will purchase the water resistant boot expecting water to completely repel from their dry feet, which is not the case. If a product is labeled resistant, it is more than likely not 100% repellent or indestructible.

This usually leaves consumers feeling more frustrated than when they began their search. Bottom-line, pet owners are demanding a quality durable product that will withstand their dog’s jaws of life.

However, if not properly informed a pet owner may splurge on chew resistant product only to have it disintegrate before their eyes within a week. Let the trial and error period for durable chew proof pet products be over by learning more about products for unwanted dog chewing behavior.

Chew resistant: When a product is described as being chew resistant this means that the product is manufactured to be a lot more durable than your average foam-filled dog bed or hollow rubber chew toy, but it is capable of being destroyed. A perfect example of a chew resistant and excellent dog bed choice is the Kong Chew resistant bed, made of 100% polyester. Although the bed is easy to clean it may be hard to the touch and non-porous meaning that it is not odor resistant nor is it abrasion resistant. This may be the perfect solution for a puppy, but definitely not the ideal bed for an aggressive chewer.

Chew proof: When a product is described as being chew proof this means that the product has undergone rigorous testing and is intricately designed to ensure that canine teeth will never be able to destroy it.

Look for the fabric content of a chew-proof product to be nylon, specifically Cordura. Most Kuranda dog beds are constructed with this fabric. Cordura nylon is made specifically to withstand puncturing, mildew, and staining. It is also important to pay attention to the product's construction. There should be no visible holes, corners and notches that your dog will be able to tug at and begin chewing on.

Make an informed decision by knowing what the needs of your pet are, this will save time and money allowing for longer leisure time and bonding with your dog.

Read more about the various different types of dog beds at http://www.iconicpup.com/product-reviews/best-dog-beds/