Embrace Pet Community blog

DIY Dog Costumes

Thanks to In Clover's Facebook stream for the heads up on this cute article on DIY Pet Costumes.  I particularly like the Hula Girl costume, because it's cute and really quick and easy on and off.

Have you ever made your pet's costumes?  I once made Lyger a 1 eyed, 1 horned flying purple people eater.  Tahlula went as Carmen Miranda, complete with fruit hat.  Those costumes were a lot of work, especially as they were worn for all of 45 seconds for a photo.

Send us photos of your pet's handmade-with-love costumes!

Dog Door Install Project

    My Doggy Daddy and I have been debating getting a dog door for a while, to help out when we're held late at work or gone for a long day. After some researching the variations (electronic, locking, insulated, etc) we decided to go with the good old fashioned flap style PetSafe Aluminum Dog Door.  Cheap, durable, no batteries to replace, no extra collar attachments to be worn.

    First off, select the door sized to accommodate your dog's chest at the widest place.  We picked up the large to fit Tahlula.  To be safe, we took it out of the box and had both dogs step through it once before installing.  It was a close fit, but good enough.

    Installation isn't too hard, so long as you have the tools.  The package includes a template that you can center and tape on your door.  Mark your corners, drill some holes, and use your jigsaw to cut the rectangle out.  (Optional: have your Shepherd mix supervise the entire operation, as shown left.)  The cutting and cleaning up uneven edges took about 40 minutes.

    Then, you drill holes for the frame screws.  Again, not hard with the right tools.  Line the interior and exterior frame segments up, finish tightening the screws, and you're done!

   As I was watching the door go in, I pondered some security issues that the PetSafe people obviously covered.  The screws are on the inside, so the door cannot be removed from the outside.  There is also an aluminum shield that can be dropped down as an insert on the inside, to lock the door from the inside, for additional security.

Now, to train your dogs to use the door:

Step 1. Go outside with a cookie.  Stick your hand back through the flap, and show your dog the cookie:

Step 2: Once the dog goes for the cookie, lead them through the door to follow the cookie.  Where the cookie goes, the dog will follow.

Note to dogs: The dog door will only fit one pup at a time. Don't rush, there are plenty of cookies for everyone.

Potential downsides to some dog doors:

-Without any remote device to identify my dogs, any cat, dog, racoon or bird could come into my back door. So far, so unwelcome visitors, but if you're in an area with lots of wildlife, you might want to upgrade to something like the PetSafe SmartDoor.

-My dogs can go in and out as they please, which is ideal for purposes of potty time, bird watching, and greeting the neighbor. But, it also means they are free to chase the skunk that wanders into our yard or bark at the cable guy working next door. If your dogs have little self-control with such temptations, the dog door may not work for you.

Katzenhöhle

Cats love hiding places-bags, boxes, and apparently felted cat caves!  German artist Susanne Karg has her felted cat caves for sale on Etsy.  Looks just so cosy!

Thank you to Neatorama for the heads up on these adorable handmade hideouts.

Guest Post: The Training of Two Border Collies

                 Training your dog should be fun for everyone.  It can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Getting your dog into a positive training class is a great way to get started. Do some research and ask other dog owners you know where they have gone. Take what you learn in class and bring it home.

                I am the proud owner of 6 rescue dogs. The ones who have been the most rewarding are my two youngest. Both are Border Collies adopted thru New England Border Collie Rescue.  

With Phoenix I was introduced to clicker training. Clicker training made for new challenges and rewards. When he hears the click he knows he has done something that gets him a reward.  I became a more focused trainer while teaching Phoenix something new. Phoenix knows sit, down, stay, wait, turn, spin, dance, crawl, pick up the toy and put it in the basket. It’s a lot of fun to work with him and to watch him figure out what he needs to do to earn a click. We are now working on a tissue trick. When I sneeze he grabs a tissue and brings it to me.

Training Kiefer is different, because he is deaf. Once again I was faced with new challenges and rewards. I had to learn how to communicate without words. For this training, he sees me give him a hand signal, and then he gets the thumbs up when he has done something right. If you think about it, many people use hand signals when they work with their hearing dogs. Kiefer knows signs for outside, inside, bed time, “No”, off, touch (where he touches my hand), drop, potty, eat, tug, and cat. The obstacle that slows down our training is that I do not know signs for all the things I would like to teach him. To help further my knowledge of signs, I have added an American Sign Language dictionary to my supply of training tools. Training a dog may be tough, and I know I have my work cut out with these two, but in the end the results will definitely be worth the patience, trials, and clicks.  So if you want to train your dog, be him deaf or hearing, next time you get a chance grab a clicker or a sign language dictionary, and let the fun begin!

Trisha is the proud mom of Reilly, Shawnee, Cisco, Peyton, Phoenix -NEBCR Alum, Kiefer-NEBCR Alum, Willow, Yoki and Tabasco.  Read more of her training tips and adventures at Phoenix and Kiefer.

It's Pet Party Time!

Celebrating with family is one of the best parts of life, and we're happy to see and hear about more celebrations including pets.  In fact, our Chief Embracer recently hosted her daughter's seventh birthday at the local humane society.  The guests were lucky enough to interact with adoptable cats, dogs, and even a goat!  (Story and pictures here.)

Here's a nice ide for your next pet related celebration-High Hopes Celebration Cupcakes for dogs.  They sell baking kits and mix for dog parties, or just for a special treat, and donate a portion of the proceeds to homeless pets.  Just add milk or water, bake for 10 minutes, then CELEBRATE!  Have the kit shipped to you, or to the birthday-dog's house as a surprise gift.  It's so cute and all inclusive, perfect for gift giving.

Another reason to celebrate?  High Hopes is giving away one Celebration Cupcakes 12 pack kit including: adorable reusable baking cups, mix and frosting supplies. 

To enter: Upload a photo of your dog "celebrating" to our Facebook.  Put the word "celebrate" in your caption, like this: 

All photos posted during the month of February will be entered into a random drawing, and will mail the winner's kit in March.

Photos submitted to Embrace's Facebook wall during the month of February 2011 will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.  One entry per household. 

Penny Pinching for Pets in 2009!

With the economic state being what it is, many pet parents are cutting back on pet spending.  (Everywhere our four legged readers are hoping we don't mean skimp on the treats!)  Our kitties need a warm place to snuggle up during this awful freeze, so we thought we'd share a few fun ideas for alternative or recycled cat beds, and perhaps it will inspire your own creative solutions...

CraftyCrafty posted a geeky cat hideout (notice the converted "mouse")  in this converted monitor and ThreadBanger included this charming recycled suitcase cat bed.

You canfind the instructions for this cardboard cat chaise at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.  Or put a little money back into the economy, and check out the great recycled pet rugs from Emily Kircher at Etsy.

Skull and Cross Bones

It was over a year ago that we posted on the Bling Bones collar-and the Skull and Crossbones trend has only gotten hotter!

FelineFido.com has ultra cool Skull and Crossbones ID tags in 7 fun colors, and will include up to 5 lines of engraving, plus free graphic and shipping for just $8.49.  They also have leashes and collars with the motif, including a Girlie style in pink and green with bows. Cat Collars are available with white or black skulls, but there's really something for every four legged girl or boy on your punk pet shopping list.

The Sassy Pup has Bling Barrettes for pets, and Haute Dog Boutique also has a Skull Hoodie by Kwigy Bo.  There's bandannas, sweaters, and toys.  We found a knitting pattern for a sweater, and even a Person/Pet Matching T-shirt Set.

Got a great Skull & Crossbone item we should know about?

Homemade Minty Cookies-a Last minute gift

Just in time for a last minute gift idea, we found a recipe that will have your little friend ready to meet you under the mistletoe with fresh breath.

Epicurious has a quick and practical recipe to make about 5 dozen biscuits, and because the treats include breath-fresheners parsley and mint you won't mind so much when you're getting thank-you smooches from the dog.  Prep time is about 40 minutes, but the biscuits need to dry in the oven overnight in order to get good and crunchy, so get started now.

My Dog's Wishlists

Black Friday is here, and since I'm not looking to stand in line at the local pet retailer, I'm doing my doggie's holiday shopping online again this year.  So, what will my special girl be opening under the tree this year, you ask?

My Rottweiler, Tahlula, will be getting a special something we've wanted for her for sometime now.  Since she's got joint problems and arthritis, nothing is more important to us than her comfort.  She'll be getting the heated massage dog bed with orthopedic foam core from MightyPets.com.  Sure, we make sure she get's her Sasha's Blend and other joint therapies, but this is a real comfort we'll be able to watch her enjoy. 

GI Designs Topiary Forms

GI designs has wire frame dog and cat art for your home and crafting projects like you  won't find anywhere else.  Most of the popular dog breeds are offered in frames that come in 3 styles- the standard wire, the tightly spaced wire (absolute) and the moss filled topiary. 

All three styles allow for lights, or other ornamentation that can be changed for the season or holiday.  For example, on the right is a lovely little moss Jack Russell decked for the holidays, while on the left you'll see a mossy kitty enjoying the sunny outdoors.

Prices range by breed, size and style but you'll find plenty of options for you to get creative and proudly display your favorite breed.