Embrace Pet Community blog

The New Addition: ID is important

It's official: Meet the newest member of the family, Kayden!  You might remember my post from our trip to Best Friends where we met this cute little dude.  We'd promised ourselves that when the time was right, he'd make the flight to Cleveland...and well, he did!  Our little guy flew from Las Vegas, we picked him up in his crate, and here he is!  Lyger took a few days to get used to this scrapper 10 years his junior, but now they're tag teaming chew toys with the best of 'em!

To help get Kayden settled in, we hit up the one stop shopping for pet supplies, PetSmart.  We took a tour with store manager Jim, who started out with this handy-dandy checklist to help us get him started with his basic needs; safety, enrichment and nutrition.

First things first! A new dog needs ID.  While Kayden came with his tags and microchip linked to Best Friends, a dog isn't official until he's got his new tag.  I have all of my dogs old battered tags and look back at them, remembering them as pups.

PetSmart has a super cool TagWorks machine to laser engrave custom tags.  Watching this contraption print on this tag brought out the gadget-geek kid in me:



This process is an easy way for the entire family to help welcome the new addition:

• Pick out your pet's new tag at the checkout (or online).  They've got everything from the classic metal tag, to bronze decorative, to collar plates. 
• Head to the machine, located at the front of the store.  Pop the tag in, close the door, and type in your pet's data.  Name, address, phone, medical needs.  Our tag was double sided, so name phone number on the front, address on the back.
• The jump ring and a protective label are included in the package.  Getting the tag on those annoying jump rings is the hardest part!

Since the sanctuary had Kayden listed as a "flight risk" and he's got a vertical leap that would put most air dogs to shame, I feel much better knowing Kayden's got his tag on. 

I want to send a shout out to the great folks at the PetSmart in Mayfield Heights, OH.  Jim and his staff took exceptional time to show us around and were patient with our shy guy.  Kayden was fearful of the automatic doors, the strange men, the shopping cart...but slowly and surely, with the help of some liver treats, it came into a socializing experience!  I was particularly touched when Kayden's leash got looped around his leg and when I didn't notice, the cashier guy came over, leaned down quietly, and helped Kayden out.  Kayden offered a tail wag thanks, but that cashier should know he helped an undersocialized dog in a big way that day.

Stay tuned for more posts from our PetSmart Shop, including a review of Blue Buffalo, a Thundershirt, and more!

PetSmart has graciously granted us the products summarized in these reviews.  There was no other financial compensation granted.  For more information on how to get your new pet settled in visit your local PetSmart or visit them online.

 

Lula Blue Dog Shampoo

Yesterday's post reviewed my experience testing the natural Vermont Soaps Pet Shampooon Lyger.  Today's post is on Lula Blue Tea Tree and Lavender pet shampoo, tested out on none other than "Lula". 

Making the switch to natural shampoos with aromas like tea tree and lavender oils feels not only healthy, but indulgent.  Tahlula and I had spa time in the bath tub yesterday, and the shampoo smelled nice enough I was tempted to use it.  It was a pretty and light scent that didn't linger or leave a strong odor, even while she was wet.

Today, her coat is so shiny and black, it almost looks blue-black.  (Maybe that's the "Lula blue" working?)  It must have been good for her skin, as she doesn't have the usual dandruff and flakiness she often gets after a bath with a regular pet shampoo.

So, now that I've had 24 hours of naturally washed pets, am I ready to make the switch?  Definitely.  These shampoos are quite reasonably priced, $9.99 each for a full 8oz bottle.  They suds up so well that I think they'll last as long, if not longer than the cheap stuff.  Besides that, both dogs smell better than they've ever smelled after a bath.  There's no lingering wet-dog, deodorant stink.  Just pretty, shiny dogs that are pet-able and sleek.

I'll be keeping them fresh and clean with the Lula Blue Stinky Dog Spritzer between their natural baths.

For more on these and other natural pet and human products, visit Grace's Green Garden.

 

 

 

 

Pet Friendly Luxury Hotels

Finding a quality pet friendly hotel isn't always easy, but we just came across this list of luxury accommodations compiled by Visa Signature.  Some of these places include chef prepared meals, dog walking services and grooming.  It offers a lot of affordable options, as well as some pretty fancy digs, including the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland (right).

Besides, if your credit card features the "visa signature" across it, you're entitled to the following:

• Guaranteed best available rate
• Automatic room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary continental breakfast
• 3PM check-out, when available
• VIP Guest status
• $25 food or beverage voucher
• Free in-room Internet or Valet parking

Do you have any pet travel plans for this year?

Travel Stix for Pet Care

Embrace covers pets travelling throughout North America, soit's not uncommon for us to hear that pets are seeing numerous vets for varying conditions.  Whether you take your pet to the local specialist, the state veterinary college, or the emergency vet while on vacation, it's a good idea to have your pet's records handy.  Know when those x-rays were taken, what the results of last year's blood-work was, or the name of your pet's medications-just in case!

Travel Stix has a solution for the unexpectedsituations that seem to pop up.  The Travel Stix is an ultra-thin wallet USB, the size of a credit card.You can load it with the pre-planned documents about your pet's feeding, daily routine, medical care, and more.  Or, upload your vet records, and keep them handy.  So the doggie daycare, boarder, groomer, or vet can have instant access to your instructions.  The card will fit right in your wallet, but can be read on any USB drive.  It could save you from needing to fill out excess forms, or paying for duplicate treatments during emergency visits.

Travel Stix is giving away a free Travel Stix to one lucky pet parent.  Just post a comment on this post, and tell us where your pet is going in 2011.  You'll be entered into a random drawing. 

And, if you're an Embrace policyholder, I'll even pre-load your policy documents onto the Stix for you! Bonus!

Comments submitted on this post during the month of March 2011 will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment, so please use your e-mail when leaving the comment.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.  One entry per household. 

 

Guest Post: What Every Trainer Should Know About Electronic Collars

The world is moving in a new direction by ensuring that everything is attached with technology. Electronic collars have been developed to enhance dog training by exerting electron shocks that can act as simulation. The device comes with lots of advantages, but disadvantages have been experienced in some areas.

Author's Note: With this particular article I'm looking to express the main pros and cons of electronic collars. It isn't really my goal to convince you that E-Collars are good or bad for dog training, I'm just looking to report these concepts impartially.

The Advantages of E-Collars

1) They are Fast. The device has proven to be fast and less tiresome in training than traditional coercive methods; this is because shocks will only take a press of the collar button to produce simulation.

2) They are convenient. The rc collars have ensured that training is possible even at longer distances. The cost of these devices is affordable and less expensive when compared with hiring a professional trainer who requires a considerable time to train.

3) They can be easy to understand. In addition, the use of the device is not hard to understand and apply. Just read the provided user’s manual.

4) They can be effective. Most trainers state that e-collars can be used as the best tool to punish the dog.

For every single advantage there is a disadvantage too:

1) They cause fear and anxiety. Several researches have proven the shocks have created anxiety and stress to the dogs that could persist for a longer time even after training is completed. This fact has been proved by postures of the dogs and their quiet behavior after the training .

2) It becomes a nuisance rather than a fun training practice.

3) They become unuseful if the dog is out of control. E-collars can be partially efficient with certain types of dogs.

4) They are susceptible to defect. For example some models are not water proof to prevent undue transmission of electronic currency.

5) You should check your dog's weight. Incase of a mismatch between the dog’s weight and the voltage required, a higher voltage will harm a less weighted dog and vice versa.

So do you consider e-collar a good dog training tool?

About the author: Margaret Dominique Clay writes for dog training classes , a blog to inform dog trainers and help individuals who want to become a professional dog trainer.

A Few Last Minute Pet Gift Ideas

It's crunch time-here's a few last minute gift ideas:

Send the gift of Nulo, complete with a special note to the recipient.  Free shipping and a free pack of treats on any order over $50.  (Lyger strongly recommends these treats!)

The gift of security, with Embrace Pet Insurance.  Call (800) 511-9172 and our customer care folks will work to make sure the policy is a surprise to the recipient.  Rates are low, and flexible.  We're here until 9pm ET on Thursday 12/23.

Donate!  Donate to your friend or family members favorite pet charity.  Pick a breed specific rescue, a local charity, or a major shelter program, like Best Friends.

Personalized coupons: give someone the gift of some free dog walks, or a voucher good for mid-day potty breaks.  It's good for the busy pet parent that has everything, but time.

Gift certificates: Pick up gift certificates to the local groomer, pet boutique, or daycare.

Thanks to Ohio Rottweiler Rescue for the photo of Babe and Franky

 

 

In Clover Connectin Giveaway

You've got just a few days left to submit your In Clover Connectin Giveaway entry.  All you need to do is tell us a bit about your dog's joint issue.  Here's a recent entry from Jodi and Chance:

Our pet's orthopedic issues started early, at 6 months old. Our little golden boy, Chance, was having so much fun at our new house playing in the stream that runs along our property. Up and down, round and round, Chance was wet and filthy jumping and running through the water.

One day he let out an awful yelp and sat down with his leg extended. We had no idea what was wrong, and in about a minute he was back up and around. This would continue for quite a while, and I took him to my vet. They checked him out and x-rayed his rear legs. Dr. Yarrow told me he has luxating patella’s and the usual Golden Retriever issue: hip displaysia. We were told that I should take him to an orthopedic specialist because they usually see this issue in small dog breeds from jumping up on furniture or even taking the stairs.

Chance and I had gotten quite good at popping his kneecaps back in place when they popped. The good news was that it didn’t hurt him as much, the bad news was that his muscles and tendons were too loose to hold his knee in place.

Waiting at the specialists office, we saw many dogs with knee issues, and I was so relieved that I chose Embrace Pet Insurance for Chance. I asked almost everyone I met if they had pet insurance and almost all of them did not. Chance had surgery on one leg and came out of the vets office with an enormous cast, which caused more than a few problems for a thin, young and excited 7 month old dog!

I started him on a joint supplement from then and was told he needed to take it for the rest of his life. The supplements can be expensive and more than a few times we have waited a while in-between bottles. I want only the best for my dog and if joint supplements help keep him active and healthy, that’s what I will provide for him.

By the way-some folks have had issues posting the stories to our Facebook, due to length.  If you've got a lengthy story, go ahead and e-mail it to lj@embracepetinsurance.com, but don't forget your photo!

Nulo Week 11: Almost there

When were being interviewed for the Nulo Challenge, I told the organizers that Lyger had barely any weight to lose, but I was wrong.  He's down to 58 Lbs.  He's looking great, and feeling amazing too.  A stranger just asked me if he was a puppy, and was surprised to hear that he's 10 years old.  His energy level is high for his age, and his coat looks just amazing.  My husband remarked that Lyger is looking "athletic".  I'm not sure we're there yet, but at least he's looking more like a heavyweight boxer than a sumo wrestler.

Lyger came into the Embrace offices last week for a visit, and several people commented that he'd lost significant weight.  The general consensus was that he's still got a little bit to go, but he's looking much trimmer.  That made me feel good. 

He's closer to a 5 on the body score than I might like, and has 2 lbs to lose yet:

One thing I wish I'd done in retrospect, at the start of this challenge, was to have someone unbiased help me determine where Lyger was on this body score scale.  Maybe a vet or even just a friend?  I believe that I started him out at about 4.5 on this scale, in complete denial about the extent of his weight issues.  I know now that he was closer to a 5.5 at the beginning. But, then again, isn't Nulo about helping us better understand our pet's nutritional and health needs.

Disclosure: Nulo has generously provided free product and other benefits in exchange for our participation in the Nu Campaign to fight pet obesity. We are happy to be a part of this awareness campaign, however, all of the opinions about the product are mine and not dictated in any way by the company

Dog Friendly Baltimore

My husband and I spent 3 nights in Baltimore's Inner Harbor last month, strolling around historic Fell's Point, enjoying lots of crab cakes, and checking out the pubs and restaurants.  The city was surprisingly dog  friendly, at least compared to Cleveland.  In fact, it could not "b-more" dog friendly:

1. Fell's Point is well populated with both historic and modern bars and restaurants, most of which had huge patios that permitted dogs.  We walked for blocks and blocks, noticing a dog at nearly every location.   I even saw a young couple on what appeared to be on a date, with the man's dog lying at their feet as they enjoyed their wine.  (That man is smart to make sure his new girl likes the dog!)

One such place: Kooper's Tavern-a classic pub themed with Labrador nostalgia.    

2. Lots of great public parks, and scenic running paths.  Across the bay, we watched a dog play frisbee in  the park for 45 minutes while we were eating our crab cakes at the Rusty Scooper.  I am also sure there must be a great dog friendly beach somewhere in that city.

3. While wandering Fell's Point, we came across the gallery of Robert McClintock.  The shop windows are full of bright dog portraits, almost as if they were stained glass in the church of dog.  The gallery was closed when we were there, but I was so impressed by the art that I checked him out online.  Guess what? This "Handsome Rottie" is his header bar!  (You know this print is going on my wish list!)  His dog and cat paintings are so colorful and lively.

WelcomePup.com giveaway: We want your "bad dog" stories!

Have you ever wanted to send a gift pack to a newly adopted puppy?  Perhaps wanted to celebrate your grand-doggie's birthday, but were unable to be there in person?  Maybe you want to send a thank you to the family that dog sat for you?  We love the unique and personalized gift boxes available from WelcomePup.com.  No matter the occasion or the dog, they can help you pick a pack for the pup in your life.  

They've got several packages and themes, including the Eco-Friendly pack with green goodies, a pack for Teething puppies, stuffed with durable and soft stuffies, and the Get Well pack, perfect for the pup recovering from surgery or going through a rough spot.  Most of the packages have different options, so you'll meet a variety of budgets, and then you can even customize and add on extra goodies.

This would be such a nice surprise for the pet parent that needs a little pick-me up or sign of appreciation.  Nicer still, WelcomePup.com earmarks a portion of the proceeds from every sale to go toward spay and neuter charities.

WelcomePup.com is sponsoring a giveaway for one lucky reader with a good "bad dog" story.  Post a comment with a quick story about your dog's naughtiest moment, and we'll pick one lucky winner (via random drawing) to receive a Training Pup pack!  The pack (right)includes great goodies, like a PortAPoo, StarMark Clicker, a treat bag, and more! 

Dig back into your memory (you may have blocked some of these memories out) and tell us about your dog's dirtiest deed or biggest oopsie!  (and if you have pictures, feel free to send them to us too!)

Contest rules:Contest open until 8/31/10 at midnight.  Submissions must be entered in the comments section below to qualify.  Winner will be contacted by e-mail, and prize fulfilled by sponsor.  U.S. residents only.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  One entry per person please.