Dog Body Language - What is your pet trying to say?

There is probably not a pet owner out there that doesn’t wish, at one time or another, that they could communicate with their favorite animal. It has always been somewhat of a science fiction or fantasy scenario in which actually talking to a pet is possible, yet dogs can and often do communicate in other ways. They may not be using words but research has shown that dogs have a few very specific ways of conveying their wants, needs, and moods.

Dog Body Language Around Humans

The four-legged residents of your household undoubtedly “speak” what is on their minds through the use of dog body language. Below are some common examples of this behavior:

•    Eyes - When in a situation that your dog finds friendly or comfortable you will notice that their eyes become wide and seem to “brighten up.” In contrast, when they are scared or intimidated their pupils tend to get smaller and you can more easily see the whites of the eyes.
•    Ears - Typically when a dog’s ears are pointed upward he is attentive and listening in a comfortable state. When they are laid back even with the head then they are feeling submissive or anxious.
•    Face - Dogs have been known to wrinkle their foreheads in order to convey confusion. A stretching of the forehead skin can signal that the dog is determined and has his mind set on a task.
•    Tail - This is perhaps one of the most well known examples of dog body language. However, a wagging tail does not always indicate complete happiness. A tail wagging to the right indicates the usual positive emotions associated with this action while a left wagging tail has been known to indicate more of a negative feeling on your dog’s part. A straight out or down tail can indicate submission or aggression.
•    Mouth - Have you ever caught your dog smiling? This action is common and occurs when the dog pulls their lips back and show their teeth in a friendly way. This indicates that the dog is content and would like to play. The showing of teeth in a wide open mouth position while growling or snarling is most definitely a sign that the dog is riled up and being protective or aggressive.

Dog Body Language Around Other Dogs

Dog body language around you as an owner can tell you a lot about your pet’s current disposition but so can the way they communicate with other dogs. Dogs are generally considered social mammals and they all follow a certain protocol when communicating with one another. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways dogs “talk” to one another and what we can learn from these actions.

•    Rearing Hind Legs - When dogs rear up on their hind legs, it’s a sign of affection. It often looks like dancing when dogs do this together when they’re playing. When dogs are interacting with each other, in the dog park or outside on the lawn, you may have noticed how they tend to hop up on their back legs and almost try to hug each other or wrestle. This is an accepted indicator of affection and playfulness.
•    Play Bow - This occurs when a dog lowers their front legs and puts their head down closer to the ground when around another dog. This normally means that they are asking permission to play. It can also signify an apology if the dogs has been playing too roughly.  
•    Biting - Non-painful or playful biting is harmless and is an enjoyable thing that dogs typically do when they are goofing around together. They are careful to avoid sensitive areas and control the strength of their bite. More serious or ferocious biting or nipping can show signs of aggression and indicate a problem between dogs.
•    Paw Slap - This action is comparable to a human pat on the back or shoulder. By putting themselves in a somewhat vulnerable position the dog is showing that he trusts the other dog and considers them friendly.

Communication Goes Two Ways

When we are attempting to train our dogs to understand our commands and desires it takes time and patience. Sometimes we even require the assistance of a professional trainer or obedience school. But that is just part of the equation.

It is equally important to be able to understand your dog and what they may need from you. Using dog body language they try and show us the best they can. In order to forge better relationships with our pets it is important to be aware of what they are trying to tell us in the only way they know how to communicate, through their actions and movements.

---

Russ Barker can tell a dog likes him when they lick his face but was curious as to what other things could be gathered from dog body language, which lead to a little fact finding in order to create an interesting blog article. Russ is the editor for the Dog Tag Art Dog Blog. DogTagArt.com is an institution whose goal is to encourage pet owners to outfit their animals with pet ID tags. They offer beautiful full-color custom dog tags as an interesting way to promote pet safety and responsibility and help speed up the return of lost pets all over the world.

 

 

Are Dogs Color Blind? - The Answer is Not so Black and White

 

At one time or another we have all probably heard someone state that dogs cannot see in color. The actual facts behind this theory do not lead to a simple or “black and white” answer. It is a much argued topic that has been extensively researched in the past and when it comes down to it the answer to the question “Are dogs color blind?” is a little more complicated.

Actually, dogs can and do see in color. However, it is not the same way that you or I use our vision. The eyes of the canine species are considered to be dichromatic, which basically means that the can see two colors. Dogs can pick up colors within the blue and yellow spectrum. To compare, the human eye is classified as trichromatic and can see blue, yellow, and red.

So technically, by missing out on the red side of things dogs could be considered color blind and, in reality, they do not see the world like an old black and white TV show or movie. To understand this concept it is important to take a look at the anatomy that contributes to it. The typical “eye” consists of rods and cones. Rods are responsible for seeing color and cones enable the eye to perceive black and white.

We humans have eyes that contain approximately 7 times more cone material than our canine counterparts. The number of cone cells contributes directly to the way we see color. Because dogs have a lower cone count in their eyes they see colors as much more washed out and faded than we do.  To make up for this shortcoming, dogs do have more rod cells in their eyes then humans. This enables them to see better in low light conditions, which was essential in their wild and undomesticated days.    

So what do dogs actually see then? And how does their view of the world differ from ours? Dogs see certain colors and shades of gray. Since they are primarily tuned into the blue and yellow spectrums of light they can be considered to be blind to the red-green spectrum. This is comparable to a human who is color blind. Dogs will see green and red differently which is more of a yellow-brown or gray. The figure above shows how the colors we see on an everyday basis would correspond to what a dog sees.

The question arises then that if a red chew toy is lying out in a field of fresh green grass, will it appear invisible to your dog? Not at all. To compensate for the color blindness dogs have developed a highly tuned sense of depth perception.  This is a result of their eye position in regard to their head. They also have better movement tracking vision, which is optimal at long range. Nature has provided your dog with a unique set of traits that allow them to get along just fine and are finely tuned to a dog’s needs.

When dogs begin their lives as puppies, they are born with closed eyelids. It generally takes a couple of weeks of development before they start to open up and gaze upon the world with milky blue eyes. By around 8 weeks the eyes have matured and changed to a more permanent color and puppies will begin to see their first hints of color, although their vision is still coming into focus for a few weeks after that.

In contrast, as dogs age, their eyes sometimes begin to cloud over. This is mainly due to “nuclear degeneration” which occurs as the lens of the dog’s eye gets denser with age and begins to change the way the eye works. This may sound pretty scary but, in reality, the dog’s vision is normally not affected too much.

So, are dogs color blind? Yes they sure are. Do they just see the world in just shades of gray? No, that is just a myth. Dogs and humans definitely see things differently, both literally and figuratively. Your furry friend has the perfect vision setup for their needs and daily routines and being color blind by our standards is in no way a real disadvantage for them.

---

Russ Barker enjoys writing blog articles that everyone can understand which answer some of the big mysterious questions concerning pets, for example "Are Dogs Color Blind?". He finds the answers and passes the knowledge on so that everyone can be better informed. Russ is the chief blogger for DogTagArt.com, a company that strives to keep all pets safe with their one-of-a-kind pet ID tags. These handmade custom dog tags feature over 500 artist designs and give you the ability to design your own using photos or artwork. It's a creative way to promote pet safety and gets people excited about their ID tags.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

From time to time, we all have probably noticed that our canine companions can graze out in the yard like so many of their bovine brethren. For some it may even be a day to day occurrence. Although any sudden change in your dog’s behavior or eating habits should be noted and relayed to your veterinarian, usually this hankering for grass is not something to necessarily get real worried about. But the question remains – Why do dogs eat grass?

Evolutionary Explanation

When it comes down to it, domesticated dogs are not natural hunting carnivores. They are not really classified as full omnivores though as they will eat just about anything in order to satiate their hunger and receive the nutrients their bodies need. If we move down the evolutionary ladder we begin to see that the wild ancestors of modern canines gobbled up every single part of the meals they had skillfully scavanged. This regularly included the stomach contents of smaller animals who ate only plants. So even though their diet concentrated on meat and protein intake they also got a little green mixed in.

If we move forward to today’s time and the eating habits of the modern dog we can see how they might occasionally seek out grass or other vegetable matter as a substitute. They still need to obtain those vital nutrients that plants can provide and they have to find it elsewhere. But why do dogs eat grass specifically, especially when the end result is usually a sick or vomiting pup?

Continue reading "Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?"

---

Russ Barker is a real person dispite his perfect name for the pet idustry. He, like so many others, has often wondered why do dogs eat grass. So he spent time researching this habit and wrote an awesome blog article for you. Russ is the head blogger for DogTagArt.com, a business dedicated to supplying the world's pets with awesome one-of-a-kind pet ID tags. These safe and stylish custom dog tags are a fun way for them to encourage pet safety and responsibility and ensure that lost pets make it back to their homes and the ones they love if lost.

How You Can Stop Dog Digging and Why They Dig

Let’s face reality here. Dogs love to dig. Sometimes it really isn’t a huge problem but at other times it can be a frustrating habit that leaves your expertly landscaped yard looking like a battlefield. Some dogs also seem to get obsessed with digging and do it excessively and it can certainly cause stress to their owners. It can be a difficult task to stop dog digging. 

Dogs usually have a valid reason for excavating in different spots around their territory. It is not necessarily an action they perform just to test your patience or to get back at you for not giving them enough treats. The trick to stopping this behavior is to let your pooch know that digging is not tolerated through clear communication and reinforcement.

To understand how to stop dog digging we must first take a look at why they do what they do.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

•    Dogs may dig to obtain attention from their owners.
•    They may be attempting to dig themselves a den for shelter from cold or to cool off from the sun.
•    Some breeds, like Terriers and Labradors, are just prone to digging… it is in their doggie DNA.
•    Dogs may dig because they are bored and not thoroughly stimulated or exercised properly.
•    Digging under a fence can indicate a need to see more of the world or find a mate.
•    The smell of fertilized soil can be very attractive to some dogs, enticing them to dig or roll around.
•    Your dog might be tracking down some little animals or insects that live in your yard.
•    Some dogs are just trying to store an item of food or a treat that they want to enjoy later.

How To Stop Dog Digging

The most important thing to keep in mind whenever you are trying to change or correct a pet’s actions is that it is very important to be consistent. You have to stand firm and be very clear every time the behavior appears that it is just not an acceptable option.

It is also a crucial step to try and zero in on why your dog is digging. This will make the correction process much more tailored to their specific reason. We have listed a few methods that have been known to get results. If carried out properly they will certainly help control your furry friend’s digging dilemma and stop dog digging altogether.

•    Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. This can include not only physical activity but mental stimulation as well. Dogs tend to have a good amount of energy and it is important to direct that into something positive and away from digging.

•    If your canine is always digging in order to store real bones or other treats then refrain from giving them the objects that they tend to want to go and bury. Try something different like toys or rawhide.

•    Create a corner or designated area in your yard just for your dog to dig. With this technique you can actually encourage your pal to tear up the ground all they like. Filling this area with sand and adding some toys or treats will let your dog know that if they simply must dig that this is the proper place to do it.

•    Temporarily confine you dog to a crate or the indoors when you are not around to observe and rectify their excessive digging. You will need to supervise them when they are in their normal digging spots until you have corrected the behavior.

•    If digging under a fence is the problem then you might want to install a fence that blocks your dog’s view of the other side. By removing the distractions of the outside world you can eliminate any temptations that would coax your pet to try and make an escape.

•    If your pet has a specific spot that they always dig up then another useful technique is to buy some chicken wire and bury it just under the surface of the soil. Dogs tend to dislike the feeling of metal against their paws when they dig. They will eventually give up on that spot.

•    Fill in the holes that your dog has been working on with a mixture of soil and their own feces. Dogs tend to be put off by this and normally will not return to that spot or continue digging in the yard.

•    Whenever your dog starts their digging routine, you can reprimand them by spraying them lightly with a spray bottle or hose. This is another form of negative association that will make them think twice about digging but must be performed consistently.

•    A strange trick that has worked in the past is to blow up a few balloons and bury them in the specific area in which your pup loves to dig. When they eventually hit that surprise balloon, the noise will startle them and make them think twice about trying to dig again. This negative reinforcement might just stop your dog from digging altogether.

It might take a little trial and error in order to find one of these solutions that works best for your particular pet and help you stop dog digging. It will also help to brush up on some basic obedience training procedures and tactics in order to make sure your reinforcement plan is going to work well. The key is making sure that your dog respects your authority and trusts your judgment and they will be eager to make you happy and more likely to correct any troublesome behavior.

---

Russ Barker's favorite book as a preschooler was "The Digging-Est Dog" so he certainly knows a thing or two about how to stop dog digging. He is currently a weekly blogger for DogTagArt.com, a company on the fast track to internet success providing beautiful personalized pet ID tags to the masses. It is their mission to make sure that all pets are as safe as possible with an up-to-date pet tag that can ensure safe recovery. These one-of-a-kind custom dog tags are a fun and fashionable product that promote pet safety and responsibility.

Dog Aggression - Different Types and How to Handle Them

When we think of dogs normally the image of a cute loving best friend comes to mind. Sometimes though our canine counterparts can show a darker side through growling, barking, snarling or in the worst case, biting. This does not indicate that you have a dangerous pet or that you are a mean caretaker. Statistics show that around 40% of dogs have, at some point, shown signs of dog aggression and growled or snapped at their owner.

Dogs do not just have a switch that randomly flips from “nice” to “mean” without reason. There are several levels of dog aggression and some are perfectly normal in certain situations. Typically pets are convinced they have a valid reason to lash out when they do. If your furry friend is suddenly aggressive and displays a notable change in behavior then you should always contact your veterinarian immediately as this could be brought on by internal pain or a health condition. Constant dog aggression can be a tricky thing to cure and might require the talent of a professional trainer.

To help you better identify the scale of aggressive behavior in your dog we have compiled 5 basic types of dog aggression and some simple tips on dealing with each one.  

Play - This type of aggression is not really aggression at all. It may look frightening but dogs have a special way of letting each other know that it’s all a game. From an early age dogs learn to hold back on their biting when playing.

If your puppy bites too hard when playing a good conditioning technique is to whine or whimper and let the puppy know verbally that the bite was too hard. After you alert them to this fact, it is also good to give them a short “time out” from play time to quickly show them that play time is over if they bite too strongly.

Territorial – This classification of dog aggression usually is experienced by protection or herding based breeds. This is the tried and true scenario in which your dog barks or growls anytime the catch a glimpse of someone coming to the door or through your yard. This reaction is reinforced when the dog succeeds in making the person or other animal leave immediately by showing their aggressive nature.

A good way to combat this is to plan ahead with someone the dog is not familiar with. Let them walk through the yard or up to the door and once your dog begins barking or lunging have them toss him one of his favorite treats. As the dog takes a break to quietly munch on the snack the person should praise them and walk away. This lets your dog know that in order to get the result they are looking for it is better to be calm and not aggressive.

Dominance - This form of dog aggression involves guarding specific items that your pet deems to be his own. This can include certain pieces of furniture, favorite toys, and a freshly filled food bowl. This behavior is typically found in young males that have not been neutered. This dog aggression is also reinforced by the fact that whenever the dog growls whoever is moving in on his stuff generally backs off.

The simplest cure for this type of behavior is to have your dog neutered which will cut down on the dominating attitude. Another, less intrusive method is to take away the items that the dog is possessive about and only use them as a reward when they have behaved properly or obeyed a command. This reinforces positive behavior and shows the pet that negative or aggressive activity does not get them what they want.

Fear - When a canine feels trapped or is just downright scared this type of dog aggression begins to emerge. It is a pretty well known fact that a cornered or caged dog will often bite or growl out of fear. In their experience, a loud bark or menacing growl will usually make the thing that has frightened them go away.  Dog also tend to be scared of hands reaching towards their heads because to them it looks like a threat.  

Try to avoid going directly for the head when petting. Instead try to pet the dog’s back or side. Staring can also be interpreted as a form of intimidation by pets. One of the best things to do to combat fear related aggression is to build a strong bond with your pet that encourages trust and love.

Predatory - This type of aggression is deep seeded in a dog’s instincts and originates from the necessity to hunt for food. It can include stalking, running down, and biting. This predator instinct can often be triggered by moving objects or sounds made by young children or smaller animals.

This form of dog aggression tends to disappear the older a dog gets. Keeping a watchful eye on your pet pal may be necessary in order to intervene when they start to go into predator mode. It is important to learn what sets you dog off and makes them give chase, then attempt to avoid these triggers. It is not an easy task to snap them out of this mode of behavior but a good technique is to find a word or phrase that immediately makes them content and interested like” treat”, “go for a ride”, or “ball”.  

Dealing with dog aggression can be a difficult practice that involves great time and patience on behalf of the owner. If you feel overwhelmed or are concerned about injury to others then you should always consult a professional to lend you a hand or enlist the services of a qualified dog trainer. This will ensure your dog learns to stay calm and under control.

---

Russ Barker has been the victim of dog aggression several times but never lets it affect his love for the creatures or his self-confidence. He spends most his days as an efficient manager and pet blogger at DogTagArt.com, a fast-growing enterprise that encourages pet safety through unique and high-quality pet ID tags. Their mission is to ensure that as many pets as possible are returned home because they are wearing proper identification. These stylish custom dog tags are an excellent tool to prevent the loss of your best friends.

Canine Alternative Medicine - Dog Massage Techniques, Acupuncture, and Chiropractic

Sometimes a traditional medication is not the way to go, especially if harmful or uncomfortable side effects come along with it. Let’s take a look at some of the alternative therapies that exist and work well for pets to soothe and help with typical problems you furry pal might run into.

There has been a noticeable increase in the use of alternative treatments in the human medical community over the last few years as people begin to seek more natural remedies for their ailments. This movement has spread and is steadily branching out into the care and treatment of our animal pals as well.

Massage Therapy

Dogs are prone to develop joint or bone conditions as they age, much in the same way that their human counterparts do. Therapeutic dog massage techniques can help ease this discomfort and we all know dogs love to be rubbed all over as it is.

There are a few methods one can use to massage your pet. The most popular includes a combination of rolling and kneading your dog’s skin. Another incorporates a “hard petting” with prolonged strokes that can help calm and soothe pain. You can easily adapt most human massage routines to work for your pet pal.

Not only can dog massage techniques help to ease joint and muscle pain but they also increase flexibility by regularly stretching and working your pet’s body. It also has been known to promote and strengthen the relationship between pet and owner. Another advantage is that when massaging your pet you are more likely to find irregular masses or lumps that can alert you quickly to a potential issue.

Canine Chiropractors

Chiropractic procedures for dogs are based on the same principles that are used on humans. The goal is to use adjustment to align the vertebrae in the spine into their correct positions. This therapy has positive results in restoring range of motion in problem areas and increasing agility and flexibility.

Chiropractic regimens should be performed by a certified veterinary chiropractor or trained veterinarian only. This is not an alternative treatment that can be administered in the home setting. You can search for a qualified individual through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, a trusted source on the matter.

Common scenarios that chiropractic care can help with include problems with standing up or laying down, pain associated with jumping up or down, recovery from a serious injury, or keeping in top agility shape for competitions.

Ancient Acupuncture

Acupuncture is centered around the Chinese theory of energy flow or Qi (pronounced “Chi”) through the body and into or through internal organs.

It is used to help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs by stimulating the energy within their bodies to help jump-start the healing process. Modern veterinary acupuncture actually uses a number of systems to help treat your dog’s problems, including standard acupuncture needles, needles and electric stimulation or lasers as a source of stimulation.

This ancient process is implemented to reduce inflammation and discomfort in canines by manipulating the energy flow in their bodies to increase the speed if healing. There are various different kinds of acupuncture used on dogs currently including small acupuncture needles, electric stimulation, and lasers. All are painless and promote harmony within.

Alternative treatments can be a great way to help your dog overcome problems and ailments without subjecting them to too many medications. Dog massage techniques, chiropractic care and acupuncture can be a useful tool to increase your pet's wellness. However, if you think your pet might have a very serious issue it is always important to get them to their vet so everything can be checked out from a professional standpoint. There are very serious conditions or health issues that alternative treatments will not be able to cure and that require traditional medicines or treatments. Always ask you vet’s advice before starting any of these alternate methods of healing.

---

Russ Barker is always on the look out healthy tips like dog massage techniques that can make life better for pet's of all varities. He is a master of words and a blogger at DogTagArt.com, an establishment that produces the most beautiful high-quality pet ID tags available on the market today. They believe in a world where all pets are protected with proper identification to ensure safe returns when lost. Custom dog tags are a great way to keep your pet safe and stylish.

Dog and Cats Living Together in Harmony - Tips for New Pet Integration

It is always an exciting time when it comes to bringing home a new pet. Searching for that fur ball that puts a special smile on your face and makes your heart sing is an event that can be emotinal and memorable for years to come.  If pets are already living at your home then it is certainly crucial that you bring in this new addition carefully and have some sort of game plan. This is especially valid if it will be dogs and cats living together in your house.

So how do you get two rival animals who are territorial to live together in harmony? With a little dedication and perseverance, dog and cats living together can certainly be a reality in your home. The most important thing to remember is that this will have to be a gradual process. If the proper steps are followed and stress and tension are kept at a minimum, a cat and a dog can co-exist happily for the rest of their lives.

These guidelines will help you introduce your new cat to your dog, or your new dog to your cat with only a minimal amount of tension for all involved… that includes you.

What to look for in a new pet
When looking for a new pet try to find one that has previously grown-up with or been socialized with other pets. A dog breeder who has cats or a cat that has been around dogs and is already somewhat comfortable with them is ideal.

Move the litter box
We might find it gross and disgusting but dogs seem to find it delicious. The tendency for dogs to make a buffet out of the cat’s litter box is off putting for humans, and cats aren’t really amused either. The best thing you can do in this situation is to put the litter box where the dog can’t get to it, but the cat still can. You can keep the litter box on a higher shelf or counter or in a room that is only accessible to the cat.

Make sure your dog is fairly obedient
If you are bringing home a new cat or kitten, be sure to work on your current dog’s obedience skills. To make the integration work it is usually necessary to have control over the canine part of the equation. Your dog should respond to commands like “stay” and “sit” as well as be trained on a leash.

Create a safe spot
Providing cats with a refuge room, like a bedroom or bathroom with cat-centric amenities, will go a long way for reducing stress. Your cat will feel safe in this room and you will easily be able to separate the two animals when you are out of the house as newly introduced pets really need constant supervision when they are together.

It is easier when they are young
The best time to make this new acquaintance is when both pets are fairly young. When pets grow up together they can easily learn the social codes of a different species. A puppy is much easier to train to co-exist with a cat then an older dog. The same is true of a kitten who will learn early how to deal with a dog’s traits.

Introduce your pets gradually
A tested method that works well is to keep your dog on a lease and command them to sit and stay when being introduced to a feline. Never let the dog engage the cat in a chase and do not “force” the pets to interact. It is important to just let them occupy the same space for a few minutes while remaining peaceful. If everything goes well then reward both bets with praise or a small treat. This should be done in increasingly longer intervals on a daily basis and can take a few weeks depending on how stubborn your pets generally are. Eventually you will be able to remove the leash as the dog learns it is not acceptable to chase the cat and the cat is no longer afraid of or avoiding the dog.

The trick is to reduce stress for the animals and be extremely patient. If correctly executed with the proper planning even pets that normally “fight like cats and dogs” can live together in peace.

---

Russ Barker is a firm subscriber to the concept that dogs and cats living together is not just a prophecy of the end of days. He is a superstar blogger at DogTagArt.com, a group that is on the move to create fun and colorful pet ID tags. The goal is to protect as many animals as possible with proper identification. A custom dog tag is the ideal method of adding style to any pet while keeping them safe and making them look spectacular.

10 Bath Tips For Doggie Grooming at Home

How difficult can it be to bathe your dog at home in between visits to the groomer? Probably much harder than you might have previously thought.

This all really depends on the demeanor, breed, and size of your furry friend. Professional groomers usually have specific harnesses and equipment to help them and have a lot of experience dealing with all varieties of dogs. They know what to do in instances where biting is an issue or when all the pet wants to do is get as far away from a bath as they can. Getting a pet clean can be a sticky situation.

Due to the current financial state here in the US, many dog owners have found it necessary to take a closer look at their expenses for pet-related costs. One of these budgeted items is most definitely doggie grooming. Some pets, who previously might have taken a trip to the groomer once every few weeks, are now only going every other month. This leaves a lot of time for that hair to get shaggy and those nails to grow.

Here are a few helpful tips that can help you avoid a home doggie grooming disaster and point you in the right direction.

1. Do some research on doggie grooming by asking advice from a professional breeder and reading grooming or breed-specific books.

2. Get together all essential items before you even start running the bath water. Pet soap, shampoo, towels, gloves or any other accessories should be placed somewhere that you can easily reach them when needed.

3. Purchasing a hand-held shower attachment will go a long way for making baths more efficient and less time consuming.

4. Never leave your pet alone in the bath water once the bath has started. Smaller pets can drown and any other pet could hurt their limbs by trying to jump out of the bath tub.

5. Always check the water temperature by running it over your wrist to make sure it is not too cold or so hot it will injure your pet.

6. If the telephone or doorbell rings during your doggie grooming and you need to walk away for a few minutes then take your pet out of the water and wrap them in a towel.

7. Try to soothe your pet and keep them calm while always placing one hand firmly around them to avoid slipping or falling.

8. Invest in a non-skid bath mat to prevent slips in the tub or sink.

9. Keep kitchen or bathroom doors closed tight when bathing your pet in order to avoid them running out and soaking furniture or tracking soap suds all over the house.

10. When you are done with your doggie grooming remember to dry the floor in order to avoid future accidents or slips.

If you are considering sprucing up your dog in between trips to the groomer then it is important to follow these few simple tips. Keep in mind that doggie grooming at home is not always as easy as it might seem and be careful so that both you and your furry friend stay safe and avoid injury.

Russ Barker has bathed a few dogs in his time and knows it can be an interesting experience. He is the resident blogger at DogTagArt.com, a company devoted to providing animals with fun and functional pet ID tags. We all know how crucial having an up-to-date ID tag is for making sure pets are returned home as fast as possible when they wander off. A custom dog tag with your own personal photos or art is an excellent way to ensure your pet's safe return.

What Can Dogs Eat? - 10 Human Foods for Dogs

We have posted a few articles in the past about human food for dogs and how it can potentially harm your pet. So this week we decided to look at the other side of the table, so to speak, and create a list of perfectly safe and healthy human food for dogs. Extra foods should never make up more than 1/4th of your pet's diet and should only be given to them in order to supplement their current food. The same pet food every day can be boring and you always have the option to brighten it up a little with any of the above choices along with many other safe human food for dogs.

	Pineapple - This spiky fruit contains a delicious treat for your furry friend. This is another human food for dogs that you can serve fresh or frozen. Pineapple is a great source of minerals but also has the added advantage of stopping your dog from eating their stool. Provides: Potassium, Calcium
	Green Beans - These nutritious beans are a great way to substitute a little low calorie filler to your pet's usual food. They can be served thawed or frozen; your dog will love them either way. Provides: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Manganese
	Popcorn - This is an easy treat you can share with your pet pal in front of the television or out on the go. Use no salt or butter and be sure to air pop. Provides: Calcium, Phosphorous, and Magnesium
	Rice - Not exactly the most flavorful human food for dogs, rice can be just what your pup needs if they are experiencing stomach problems. While both types of rice a fine source of energy for your pet, white rice is easier to digest and brown rice contains more protein and less starch. Provides: Lactic Acid, Fiber, Carbohydrates
	Peas - These little jewels are a great human food for dogs. They can be added into pretty much any other dog food in order to infuse it with healthy nutrients. Dogs will enjoy them either fully thawed or froze. Provides: Potassium, Thiamin, Phosphorous
	Peanut Butter - What dog doesn’t love this creamy spread? You can just let your pal clean out the empty jar or apply a little to his squeaky toy. It will be entertaining in the very least. Provides: Protein, Folic Acid, Vitamin E
	Sweet Potatoes - Why not make your own dog treats by cutting this colorful tuber into small pieces and dehydrating? You can save money and give your dog a delicious snack that is packed with vitamins. Provides: Beta Carotene, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Fiber
	Squash - This yellow gourd can be served in many ways to your pet. You can bake it and remove the seeds or cut it into treat size portions and freeze it. It is great for the anal glands and preventing constipation. Provides: Beta Carotene, Vitamin C
	Apples - An apple a day keeps the vet away! Well, maybe not completely away but it sure doesn't hurt. This fruit is packed with vitamins and fiber and the skin is rich in phytonutrients that can prevent disease. Be sure to cut away the seeds and core. Provides: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Fiber
	Salmon - Be sure to cook this fishy snack before serving it. The micro-organisms in raw salmon can be dangerous to dogs. Salmon helps your pet build a strong immune system and can help keep their fur and skin healthy. Provides: Omega-3 Acids, Protein, B Vitamins

Feel free to let you dog try any of these as they are all very safe and healthy alternatives to just blindly feeding them from the table. It is important to keep in mind that these human foods are great to share with your dog in small portions or as a sidekick to their normal dog food regimen but should not become the main part of their diet. They all can be used to bring a little color and flavor into your pet's life.

- Russ Barker

Russ Barker is a jack of all trades at DogTagArt.com, an organization with pet safety as it's goal that creates personalized pet ID tags. To make sure pets of all kinds are returned to their proper owners when lost, they offer stunning full-color custom dog tags featuring over 500 designs as well as a "custom tag creator" that lets you use your own photos or artwork.