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UPSCALE CLOTHING FOR PETS.....

Designer pet clothing has, in recent years, become the 'in' thing for our pampered pooches and pets. There are so many amazing items to choose from, such as colorful dresses with matching hair bows and barettes, matching leashes and collars, as well as vests and jackets, just to name a few.

Small pooches, such as miniature poodles or yorkies have very sensitive paw pads and there are now cute protective matching dog shoes available for when walking them outside. Small dogs like this are mostly inside dogs and their sensitive paws can be hurt if they should walk on broken glass, gravel or pebbles.

Our pampered pets are just as much a part of our family as our kids are, so they need to have a clean and comfortable place to sleep, such as a special pet bed or nice clean and warm dog houses for larger outside dogs.

Traveling with our precious pets is now so much easier also, as there is such an amazing selection of pet carriers to chose from, to make sure traveling with your pet is not stressful or traumatic for you or your pet.

And who would want to celebrate Halloween, Christmas or the 4th of July without also including your beloved pet in the celebration. You can dress him or her up to fit any occasion with the huge selection of pet costumes that is available. You can take your pooch out 'trick or treating' dressed as a pumpkin or a witch!! How cool is that?

Just as we pet owners like to have high fashion attire, with matching accessories, our pampered pooches can now have a fashionable and upscale wardrobe too!!

People are now spending $41 billion a year on their pets, which is twice as much as they were spending 10 years ago. Pet owners now want to reward their pets just as they like to be rewarded, which means designer pet accessories and clothing, pet hotels and upscale designer accessories. It is estimated that 42% of dogs sleep in the same bed as their owners, and wear pet pajamas.

So, pet owners, give your precious pooches all the luxuries they deserve and make them the 'talk of the town', neighborhoods and dog parks.

TEACHING OLD DOGS NEW TRICKS

We have all heard the saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks'. Many people believe this to be true, but older dogs really can be taught new tricks. It is a little more difficult for an older dog to be trained, but it can definitely be done, with patience and consistency being the key.

First of all, we have to remember that this older dog has probably already been trained before and more than likely has preconceived notions as to what is and what isn't acceptable behaviors. Therefore, the dog's thinking process has to be reprogrammed. If the dog has never been taught not to chase a cat before, and there is now a cat in the house, the dog now has to be taught that chasing the cat is definitely not allowed and is not an acceptable behavior. This would involve making sure the cat is safe, by placing it in a
pet cage or pet carrier, which would prohibit the dog from physically attacking it. This would still allow for both animals to see, smell and hear each other and would allow for both of them to get to know each other in a safe way.

Even though this might initially be a little stressful, it would teach the dog and the cat that both of them live in the home and that they have to live peacefully together.

As they are getting more acclimated to each other, give them each a small reward, such as a small doggie or kitty treat. And, of course, give them lots of verbal praise and petting, especially when the dog is obeying and not trying to get to the cat. This will reinforce his good behavior and will also relate to the him that you accept the cat as part of the family, and he should do the same. Keep repeating this process several times over the next week or so, until both animals seem to be accustomed to each other and seem calm in each others presence.

Now, on to the next step, which may require the help of another family member or friend. Have your helper leash the dog and hold him firmly on a
short leash. After you feel comfortable that your helper has complete control of the dog, open the pet carrier, or cage, and slowly bring the cat out. The dog may want to move towards the cat, so make sure your helper has good control of the leash and, at the same time, be careful not to let the cat out of your grasp. Slowly bring them closer together and let them calmly adapt to each others presence. Continue with this process several times and before you know it, these two animals should be the best buddies ever.

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but like teaching a young child how to tie his or her shoes, potty training or teaching manners, reinforcement, patience and consistency are the key.