Posts Tagged ‘Home and Family’

Common Dog Crates For Your Canine

Tim Bell | August 8th, 2010

In a pet-friendly culture, you see man’s best friend everywhere- in homes, parks, spas and even restaurants. Today’s dogs enjoy privileges within the community that they never had in the history of their domestication. Dogs are loyal companions that provide security, affection and in some cases- can be trained to aid their owners for work and other specific purposes. So, for dog’s on-the-go, the most essential accessories to have are dog crates.

Selecting an ideal crate can confuse any first time buyer. You have to consider first, the type of dog, size of the crate, the materials and features. Kennels come in different sizes, so you should look for one that is comfortable enough for your dog. Your pet should be able to turn around inside and lay down without feeling cramped. You can take measurements of your dog and add additional inches to it to get the least proportions of your crate. If the crate is for a puppy, it useful to have a divider panel which can be adjusted to the size of your dog until he grows. Just be sure not to provide a dog crate with too much excess space because you risk the danger of your dog finding it roomy enough to use one corner as a toilet.

There are several basic crate types available in pet stores. You can choose from plastic to aluminum ones. Or, if you opt to, you can have kennels designed to your preference.

Wire crates are very sturdy. They are low maintenance and provide excellent ventilation. Most of these crates are corrosion-resistant, they come with a sliding pan, and easy to fold so it is effortless to keep and store.

For air transports, airlines would advise you to use plastic dog crates as they weigh less and allow for optimum airflow in the confined space of the aircraft. To avoid upsetting your animal during the ride, it is wise if you get it accustomed to being in a crate prior to the flight. You would to risk traumatizing your pet.

For larger dogs like German Shepherds and Great Danes, metal crates are your best option as they can better support the added weight without risk of damage to the structure or your animal. These metal crates may be bulkier but they are also easy to maintain and transport as most designs allow for quick disassembly. If you so decide you want to travel with your hefty pooch, some airlines allow the use of aluminum crates.

With all the fully-customized pet accessories we can access through your local pet store or on the internet, finding the best dog crate to fit your needs, lifestyle and your pets personality is an easy task indeed. Sizes and embellishments are yours for the asking if you find the right supplier.

The ease of mobility afforded to you by these dog crates is truly invaluable as they give your dog the opportunity to travel with you in style and comfort. The journey you take will be made all the more memorable if you take your best friend along.

Looking to find out more about the steps to crate training, then visit Tim Bell’s site on how to select the best dog crate for your pets needs.

Step-by-Step Guide To The Perfect Homemade Dog Biscuit

Geraldine Dimarco | August 5th, 2010

Have you ever experienced the warm and loving relationship you’ve always wanted to have with your dog? You can always make a positive go at it with delicious homemade dog biscuits you can make anytime you want. If you think this sounds way too complicated, read on to find the excellent and easy to do dog food recipes any canine would give their right paw for.

I don’t know if you know this but pooches just love the taste of peanut butter. I have often been bewildered with the many intricacies of the baking world but this recipe is fool-proof, even for me. Combine 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of all purpose flour, I cup milk, 2Tbsps of honey and 2 Tbsps of oil with 1/2 cup of smooth and creamy peanut butter. Blend the mixture well and scoop into bite sized treats onto cookie sheets. Bake them for 20 minutes in 350 F and you have yourself the keys to Fido’s heart.

Anyone up for delectable oatmeal chews? Take 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 3 cups oatmeal, 2 Tbsp honey and mix it all together. Fold in 2 egg yolks and 1 cup of cold water to bind it all together. Ensure the smooth consistency of the batter. Bake this for 15 minutes in a 350 F temperature. Once these chews are sufficiently cooled; cut into bite size pieces for your dog’s snacking pleasure.

Let us not forget our more aged dogs of course. As they get older their teeth become weaker and they will need soft food. This particular treat is chewable and soft, perfect for them. Combine cup dry milk powder, cup wheat germ, and 2 1/2 oz jars of beef or chicken flavored baby food. Knead them and form into little balls. Bake them for 15 minutes at 350 F until done.

Liver sounds less than appetizing for us but actually, this is a great treat to give to canines. Not only is it cost efficient, it is fairly easy to make. Chop and mash 1 lb of liver and combine it with 2 cups of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Spread this onto a grease lined tray and bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. When done, cool in a wire rack before cutting in cubes and storing for your dogs quick noshes.

If you know how to bake, you can switch up some ingredients to make it interesting for your pet. Use apple, carrots, parsley or other pieces of meat. Make sure when you come up with your own dog food recipes that you research on the food that are harmful to canines. Some of these include chocolate, onion, grapes and most nuts. Too much liver is also harmful to them.

Now wasn’t that easy? Basically, we just learned how to put together some ingredients and prepare them in the simplest way possible. Not only that these are some of the yummiest treats there are. Polly can have her cracker; Fido will take his delicious homemade dog biscuits any day.

Geraldine Dimarco is a writer of numerous dog food recipes that many pet owners cannot live without. Discover the best Homemade Dog Biscuits when you visit this website now.