Dogs and Kids: Summer Bonding Time

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Time = Bond

Summer will be here before you know it and so will the unique opportunity that Summer provides our kids. Bonding with their dogs requires time and some patient help in understanding what it takes to get Fido to be their sidekick for all things fun.

There are many ways we can help our kids build a bond with their dogs that will last throughout their time together. Following are a few of the tips that come to mind. What are yours?

• Make the decision about when your child is ready for more responsibility with great care. Complete respect for your dog's health and safety, as well as that of other children, is imperative.
• Let your kids feed your pets during the Summer. Dogs generally bond more closely to those that provide their nourishment.
• Offer safety tips and do's and don'ts when are kids are learning to feed your pets. Understanding food and toy aggression is important to their safety.
• Encourage your kids to play outdoors when taking their dog along on neighborhood play dates. Keeping Fido on a leash is an important part of that rule, and this time will allow your older kids to get a better understanding of the care and decision-making that goes into pets that are tagalongs.
• When friends come to your home to play with your kids, discourage rambunctious play in favor of games that may include your dog. Hide-n-Seek, Fetch, Frisbee, and Laser Tag are great fun for kids and their dogs. Be sure to monitor their activities and let them know you are supervising. Your dog will appreciate your concern as much as their attentions.
• As much as I'm a dog park lover, I don't believe this is a terrific place for kids under
  
  the age of about 10 or possibly even 12. Even at this age, your son or daughter will need much instruction to be safe and enjoy the experience. Check out these tips: Dog Park Safety Challenges for Children and Dog Park Visits: Preparing Kids for a Safe First Experience.
• Beyond adolescence you'll find your kids may take their own path in regard to spending time with their dog. Building this relationship before that time is important to cementing it for the future. College homecomings are wonderful when Fido greets his "kid" at the door happily.
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20 Halloween Tips for Dog Owners

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy S. Gilbert

During our #Coupaween Twitter Party, I shared a good many Halloween safety tips, alongside Arden Moore's expert tips. I've combined some of our tips to make this a quicker read that is even more helpful.

If you missed the party, or simply found it tough to keep up, I hope the following tips will get put to good use on Halloween evening or if you have a themed party. Feel free to leave your additional thoughts in comments below.

1. Avoid K9 bolters by keeping dogs on leashes or in a closed room when you green trick-or-treaters.
2. Make sure your pet sports a reflective collar for visibility with ID tags, name, your cell phone number and microchip.
3. When opting for costume wear, check for fit and comfort. Do a dress rehearsal a few days early to allow time for modifications.
4. Have important numbers available: vet, ER vet, ASPCA poison control hotline.
5. Making your pet's costume yourself? Avoid buttons or small items that can be swallowed.
6. Consider pet's visibility when selecting costumes. Dogs may be more easily frightened when they cannot see well.
7. When checking for fit, also look at body language. Nothing too tight?
8. Simple, yet stylish goes a long way. Velcro bow ties or pleated tuxedos on male dogs is very dapper.
9. When taking Fido out to trick-or-treat, choose light-colored costumes for best visibility by others.
10. Black costumes are very hard to see in the dark AND difficult to recognize when worn on a black dog. Choose contrasting color to your dog's fur.
11. Dogs will often hang their head when extremely unhappy with costume. Consider removing headpiece or footwear.
12. Be sure costumes are made of breathable fabric and are fire retardant.
13. Help your dog become more comfortable with costume by daily practice with treats and praise. Go slow!
14. Reduce stress by treating your dog to a brisk walk before sundown on Halloween eve.
15. Associate costume with pleasurable activity by letting Fido wear it while eating.
16. Dogs who won't wear costumes will often tolerate a bandana, reflective collar or collar light.
17. ONLY take well-socialized dogs on house to house trick-or-treating.
18. Candy and wrappers all out of reach!
19. Candles are dangerous. Choose battery-operated versions for safety.
20. Simplify costumes by using only the key components. Example: Wizard of Oz's Dorothy's red slippers can be easily made to slip over dog's paws without being slippers. Think out of the box!

Happy Halloween,

Behind the Wheel: 7 Safety Tips

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Tanner ALWAYS Rides in the Back

I have a couple--sometimes 3--favorite tagalongs for errands, dog park visits, checking in with Grandma and other fun outings that are dog-friendly. With each passing year I seem to learn new things that help me to maintain a safe drive for all participants. Hopefully you'll take a minute to soak these up:

1. Always use crash-tested seatbelts and harnesses, attached to either the car's seatbelt system or the cargo tie downs. These could save not only your dogs' lives, but also your own. You don't want a dog in your lap while trying to maneuver during a potential accident situation, nor do you want a flying dog to hit you or the windshield in case of an accident. Securely fastening your pups using an unbreakable harness and seatbelt are essential. As American Express would say: Don't leave home without it.
2. If your pint-sized pup is accustomed to riding up front, please, please, please,

   

   © AllThingsDogBlog.com
   Locked and Loaded
   in the Back

   evaluate your airbag situation. Older models may not have them; newer models may have ones that cannot be turned off. The latest models have on/off switches or are automatically turned off when no weight is on the seat. Know your car's potential for deployment in the passenger seat. When in doubt, move your toy-sized dog to the back.
3. If you assess your front and side airbag situation and determine that your pup is safe from a deployment, there's still one additional safety matter to attend to. While carseats do generally include seat attachments and clips for the dog's harness, these rarely are made to withstand the pressure of an impact, leaving your pup at risk of a snapped tether, forcing him into projectile mode. Avoid this by assuring the carseat is secured by the automobile seatbelt, and then attach your pup to the seatbelt using a crash-tested harness and tether. I know this sounds like a mouthful, but once it's in place, it only takes a few seconds to hook your pup in when you head off for some fun. Let's make sure you both arrive alive.
4. When carrying a single, small dog in the back seat, use either a folded seat back to raise his level, or place an elevated carseat in the center. The center of the back seat is the safest place for your pup in the event of a collision. Be sure that the carseat you select includes the option to secure it to the car's seatbelt, and purchase a separate crash-tested carseat harness and tether to keep Fido safely in his seat at all times.
5. Your medium to larger dog must always ride in the back seat or on the forward-folded platform behind you, with a seatbelt harness tethered to the luggage tie downs or the car seatbelts. This safety measure will keep Fido from trying to join you up front, interfere with your concentration or your ability to steer, see ahead and control the vehicle. These safety concerns are just as important as his own safety.
6. Remember that one of the most common injuries our pets' doctors see is foreign objects in our dogs' eyes. Despite the joy your dog exhibits when riding with his head out the window, for his safety you should keep the windows closed or at least only cracked, to protect his peepers from injury.
7. Finally, consider loose items in the cabin area of the car. Anything heavy enough to cause harm should be tied down or placed in the floor area where they are least likely to come into contact with your pup. 

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Secure Heavy Items to Protect Your Pets

Now, it's your turn. What are some other safety tips for your dogs when riding in the car? Hit the comment button and share your thoughts.

Happy riding,

Ramping Up Ease of Entry for Fido

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ready to Board

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Time to Board: Wag that Tail!

The All Things Dog Blog gang is getting ready to embark on a new chapter. We're adding an RV lifestyle to our travel with dogs. What's more, we'll be doing this in a very uncharacteristic way--green! As we begin to venture out more frequently, I'll be bringing you tips for camping greener, living lighter and finding solutions for your Fido friends.

Today's post is all about solutions. With Tanner sitting on the fence between middle aged and senior (I can't believe he's 7 already!), I'm starting to be more careful about his joints and overall comfort and ease of activities. No more agility for this boy; we want him to live to a ripe old age without hip issues. We've started with the addition of a ramp for entry into the RV. 

While Tanner doesn't yet need a ramp, we want to be prepared. And further, it was

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
No Problem! Love My Personal Bridge

important that he learn to use it and build the necessary muscles he'll be using to traverse this bridge to his temporary home. This super light Ultralight Bifold Pet Ramp folds in half and stores easily in the compartments under the RV "house", making it the ideal solution for RVs, SUVs and other larger vehicles, as well as homes with several steps into the entrance.

Tanner learned quickly and easily how to use the ramp. You can find out more here. Even without agility training, your dog will happily follow a treat up the ramp in order to get their reward, especially when his family is inside calling him happily! Keep that tip in mind :)

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Down He Goes; Super Easy!

Our friends at Solvit Products have many helpful pet solutions for dogs who have various challenges, l

courtesy SolvitProducts.com
CareLift™ Lifting Harness

ike the CareLift™ Lifting Harness. This product is designed for dogs who have a loss of mobility in either the front legs, rear legs, or both. Choices make it possible for you to address the needs of your dog's particular challenges. This patent-pending product is also great for use in rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. You can find out more at the link.

courtesy Solvit Products

I'd like to highlight a couple of other travel solutions that Solvit Products have developed--their Vehicle Safety Harness line and their Front Seat Net Barriers. The latter is a great way to remind Fido that he is to remain behind the front seats for both his safety and yours. The harness can serve as an additional safety device, helping keep him in the car in case of an accident. This harness is available in 4 sizes that adjust to fit 6-120 pounds. Wow!

courtesy Solvit Products

These are just a few of the many pet solutions that Solvit Products have created. Others can be found at their website: www.SolvitProducts.com. When you find a product you'd like to buy, check out their Store Locator here. Watch for a giveaway coming soon!



I received a sample of the UltraLight Bifold Ramp to review with Tanner. I have not been paid to share my thoughts and the opinions are completely my own, as well as observations of Tanner's experience. I only share the reviews of products in which I find value and usefulness.

Tips: Dogs Doing the Blue Ridge

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) All Things Dog Blog
Linville Falls is a Short 3-Mile Hike

The All Things Dog Blog crew is fresh off a road trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end, just before the rush of visitors arrive for the Autumn colors. If you plan to head there for Fall fun, here are a few things we think you'll want to know:

• Yes, your dog is welcome on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Don't forget the poop bags :)
• Just because the pullover doesn't look exciting, don't skip it. There are some hidden gems on those pathways that lead to the overlooks that are often well worth your time.
• There's no cell signal along 95% of the parkway, so prepare for a welcome chance to get unplugged. Check your email and voicemail before heading into the mountains and charge up your devices as well as your camera. You'll want backups. I ran my phone battery down every day by taking pictures. 
• Very few visitor centers offer food so prepare a picnic for your day trip or a cooler of food if you're camping. Bring plenty of water and food for you and your dog.
• In my humble opinion, the Great Smokey Mountains are mis-named. The "smoke" is actually clouds that hover low and tend to be a driving hazard on some days. At times we were driving only 20 mph due to bad visibility, but this problem is patchy. It won't impede the entire trip. Plan extra time to assure you make it to your destination safely and in time. 
• Remember to carry water and first aid supplies for all participants. You'll find a travel first aid kit for dogs at Kurgo.com, that attaches to your belt. Very handy!
• Finally, save some time to relax and bond with your dog along the way. He'll enjoy the hikes as much as a picnic under a tree. I managed to find a few chances to pull out my yoga mat and relax. What an amazing experience this was; watch for more on this topic.

Happy travels,