Made by Quiet Spot the Pet Tag silencers eliminate the irritating tag noise. The noise can be a really pain for light sleepers, sleeping babies, bird hunters, joggers, people who work from home. Tag Noise attracts unwanted attention from other dogs. The reason yard dogs charge the fence and bark at you is because they can hear your dog’s tags! Quiet Spot is the cure.

Quiet Spot keeps the information from wearing off your dog’s ID tags, so you don’t need to buy new tags every year. It pays for itself! Quiet Spot eliminates unsightly “Tag Tarnish” on the necks of white or light-colored breeds (that’s why we love them).

Quiet Spot installs in seconds without tools, and features a genuine 3M Scotchlite reflective logo for safer walking after dark.  Quiet Spot allows assistance dogs to better “blend-in” to public places, and simply focus on their job without unwanted canine or human attention.

Quiet Spot is completely weatherproof, Neoprene gear in fashionable colors, and is designed to be left on your dog year-round, 24-7. And there are no snaps to rust, unlike some of the ‘collar wallets’ currently on the market. If the Quiet Spot becomes heavily soiled, remove and hand wash with mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly. And there only $12.00 and come in a wide range of colors.

We have created a professional self dog wash environment where you and your family can feel comfortable with your dog.

Each station contains a professional quality, custom built, waist high, fiberglass tub.

Each has a high backslash surrounding the back and each side, and can accommodate any size dog!

No more back strain and knee pain from washing your dog in the family bath tub!

No worries about the dog getting out as dog friendly restraints are included.

Each tub is accessible from both sides making bathing your pet a snap.

Dryers are also available so there is no need for your pet to go home wet.

When you come you receive shampoo and a cream rinse, towels, brushes, rakes anything you would need to make your pet sparkle.

Best of all: you LEAVE THE MESS BEHIND!

PRICING

All prices include:

• GST
• Shampoo + Cream Rinse
• Brushes
• Towel
• Ear Cleaner

Extra: Nail Items Small- $10.00 Large $12.00

Coupon Restrictions

Wash Tub coupons are restricted to tub 3 only! Weekends tend to have longer wait times, weekdays seem to be shorter or no wait times.

Nail trims are limited to 8 coupon customers on Saturdays.

We are committed to honoring all coupons.

Due to an overwhelming response to coupon redemptions no coupons will be honored during our busiest time of year June 15th to August 7th, 2012 and December 13th to 24th, 2012.

If you don’t allow your dog to mouth your hands (and you shouldn’t) but the groomer does, sooner or later someone at the groomer’s will likely be bitten. If your dog is not comfortable with a groomer, don’t blame the groomer unjustly. Like two people don’t always hit it off sometimes some dogs simply don’t like some people.

 Your groomer should tend to the details of grooming. For pets this means a “sanitary shave”, trimming the hair around the genitals and rectal area as well as the fine hairs under the ‘armpits’ that can become tangled and uncomfortable for your pet. Regular ear cleaning if needed can note infection or discharge which may need veterinary attention or may be handled simply with extra time by the groomer.

 Touch up trimming of the nails and trimming the hair between the pads of the dog’s feet means less places for dirt and debris to cause irritation for your pet.  A thorough bathing and drying allows another pair of eyes to look over your dog for skin issues, lumps or bumps and other concerns that often as owners we “don’t see” especially if it comes on gradually. This can be a lifesaver for your pet.

 The groomer gets down and gets any tangles or mats that you miss in your regular grooming at home. For some dogs they trim long hair on the legs, shorten the coat which makes home maintenance easier for you and insure your dog is groomed thoroughly and healthy. Breeds such as the schnauzer, poodle, bichon or shih tzu have clip styles available that are much less work than the coat sported by their show cousins. While the show dogs are beautiful, that coat takes an immense amount of time to care for, with a team of people devoted to the show dog. Your pet dog is happy and comfortable just being with you – and spending time with him is the biggest benefit of having a dog – enjoying him!

You have decided to get a new dog and the choices seem endless. Research the breeds you’re interested in well. Ask people who have them and narrow your choices to what fits you. You and the dog will be happiest if you choose one that fits your home and lifestyle mostly as is.

If you’re a person who isn’t real active the typical Border Collie may leave you both frustrated. If you are an on the go person many breeds are typically not. There are exceptions in all breeds, but generally finding a Chihuahua to jog three miles per day with you isn’t fair to you or the dog.

Once you’ve decided on basic breeds begin looking. Generally speaking pet stores are not the best choice for many reasons. Check with local shelters for just pets, and check with reliable breeders.

The shelters have many dogs that need homes, with some statistics indicating the majority of dogs are given up for training issues. Training just takes time! Other reasons for surrender can be poor choice in a pet, moving or other life changes including death of the owner. Normally these will be already spayed or neutered and have vaccinations.

Another option is a reliable breeder. Be prepared to answer some questions and be prepared to ask questions. From a breeder you have the opportunity to get more details. Are the parents health tested? This can be a valuable thing to know. If the dog doesn’t work out or there are genetic health problems will they take him back? Is there a problem with the temperament of either parent? Remember that even in a champion to champion breeding there will not be all show dogs born. Their purebred but not show quality siblings make wonderful pets. Normally they will have their initial vaccinations and worming – if they don’t then keep looking. There is too much heartbreak in losing a puppy to distemper or parvo.

Many times a pet need not have a pedigree. There are many “just dogs” that need homes too, the product of irresponsible owners. The disadvantage to these, from a shelter or otherwise, is you don’t know predicted traits. For example if you get a Shetland Sheepdog you know it will generally stay under 20 pounds or so. If you live in a rental where there is a size limit this is important. That 10 pound mixed breed might be 30 pounds adult size and you have a choice to give him up or move – neither an easy decision but giving him up changes his life forever.

Remember this is a lifetime commitment. Ask questions. Talk to several people, look at several prospects and make a decision. All dogs deserve a permanent home where they are loved – and humans receive all the dog can give back. Make an informed decision!

By nature dogs live and survive in packs. When we take the dog out of his element we, and those he lives with, become his pack. A healthy dog, and a healthy pack, needs a clear leader. In your dog’s world this should be you. If you do not take on this role your dog will, which can lead to many problems down the road.

Being the “Pack leader” means that when your dog is sitting in your chair and you say “move” he does so without hesitation. Growling or snapping or resisting should never enter his mind. You eat first, you make decisions and he must abide by them.

This does not mean being abusive! This does not mean you can’t give your dogs treats or hugs. It does mean that you decide when to do so. When you walk through the door and he’s bouncing off the walls is not the time to do so! If you do then you reward him for his behavior, which then can lead to anxiety when you’re gone and destruction of the home.

Being the pack leader means he gets attention when you decide, not because he’s being pushy and begging (which should be ignored). So many small things that mean nothing to us mean everything in the dog’s language.

When you place his food down you should be able to equally reach down and remove it with a minimum amount of resistance or, better, NO resistance! When you go to a doorway or hall you should be the one to go through first, even if it means putting a leash on your dog and holding him to insure it. In the dog’s world the pack leader and dominant dog leads the way here – if you allow him to you’re allowing him to be your boss! When he snaps, bites or then does other behaviors that are inappropriate then we have a problem with it – but at that point it is reacting, not being assertive.

Being your dog’s leader is something that leads to a great pet. This helps insure a dog that is happy to give to your wishes. It should not ever be abusive. If you watch dogs interact or even wolf documentaries their disagreements are settled quickly. An effective leader is not questioned.

Be an effective pack leader!

For more information please visit Cesar’s web site.

The Border Collie is known the world over as an elite working dog. For decades they were bred and managed as a premier working dog – their coat was easy to care for; their high energy level meant they could work all day without tiring.

Of course not all dogs inherited the breed’s legendary talents as a herding dog. Practical farmers without room for pets often destroyed these dogs, never breeding anything that didn’t excel at working. In more recent years these dogs have a chance at another career – that of a pet. However, it is not a pet for every home. They still can be high energy, although there are individuals who are happy with a walk, play time and being with their family. The higher drive dogs are best suited for an active owner – one who jogs, or bikes or takes weekend camping trips. Perhaps more than many breeds each dog is an individual and if you’re not an athlete you’ll need to look a bit harder if you want one.

It is highly recommended for prospective owners to read Donald McCaig’s books “Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men” and “Nop’s Trials”. The latter, although fiction, carries many real-life indications of what this breed is about. They’re highly intelligent. They have excelled as search and rescue dogs and even if quiet tempered have a mind that needs to be kept busy. This is the dog to hide treats for, to teach to do small tasks around the house like close a door when asked.

They can be in many colors from almost all colored to almost white, black, blue merle, lemon, red, chocolate, blue and tri color. Their coats may vary from smooth to long haired, sometimes with an undercoat. They are fiercely, obsessively attached to their family and need structure and training. Do not let them get away with jumping on the table because they’re just such a cute puppy – they will remember that when full grown! If they do something, good or bad, without correction or praise they’ve learned it. Some dogs have been known to refuse food if the owner is away. They can be obsessive about many things – from playing Frisbee or ball to chasing cars or herding kids. Because of their herding background nips should always be treated seriously and corrected – they will forgive you easily but left unchecked it almost always escalates to a bite at the worst time.

It’s also important to remember they don’t quit – in warm weather monitor them for heat exhaustion as they will continue until they collapse. They’re wonderful dogs in the right hands and you’ll swear they read your mind but that trait can be used for good or bad!

Your veterinarian is the most important professional in your dog’s life. Choosing a good veterinarian can go beyond just their skills. There should be open communication, with questions answered with care.

A good veterinarian listens as well as speaks. After all if he doesn’t listen how can he get your dog’s symptoms when ill? If he has the attitude that owners are poorly educated checkbooks then how do you know that he really has your pet’s best interest at heart? 

Some veterinarians also train for holistic methods. Is the solution to everything a shot or a pill? If it is are you comfortable with that? There are drugs out now for overweight dogs – barring medical issues this is solved much easier by limiting portions and taking the bowl up! Pills aren’t the solution to everything.

Of course like all of us veterinarians have their beliefs and preferences as to pet care. Finding a vet that will work with you is important – one who is compassionate yet professional.

Imagine you enter the veterinarian’s office and he takes your dog, puts a slip leash on her, snubs her to a stainless steel wall/table where she falls and struggles, choking herself in a panic and forbids you to comfort her. Would you return to the vet – or trust him out of sight with her? Most would not!

On the other hand you have a sick puppy suspected of mushrooms and the vet takes the history, the piece you have, the information needed and says “I’m not sure – let me do some checking.” He gets on the phone while his assistant gets on the computer. Sadly it’s too late to save the pup – but they got answers and did everything they possibly could.

When you get another dog which vet will you go to? Most owners would not hesitate in saying the second one! A clean facility that is well stocked is important, but the facility is nothing without people who care for animals. The people that make every effort to take care of your pet in health will do the same when illness or accident strikes – and a good veterinarian is worth a great deal when minutes count!

Your dog’s health rests in your hands as an owner and in your veterinarian’s as a professional. Many pets do not see the veterinarian unless ill or injured – and at that point it is too late to have questions. Choose your veterinarian wisely – your pet’s life may depend on it.

The Shetland Sheepdog often is called “miniature collie” or “Shelties” – while the latter is acceptable the first makes owners cringe. The Sheltie is a distinct breed in their own right, and is actually more closely related to the Border Collie than the breed “Lassie” made famous.

A native of the Shetland Islands the Sheltie was developed as a small working dog. Their small size meant a practical dog that was cheaper to feed in an area food was not easily ordered from the store. Their coat could shed the water and cold as they were sent out to bring a crofter’s valued livestock to the barn. Their small size meant they often barked to get their charges moving – a trait that is often cited as a fault in today’s pet homes. However, they can be taught to bark appropriately. A true threat will meet with a rapid fire of barks that won’t stop until you come check it out.

They are, for all their beautiful coat, a breed that is easy to care for. A weekly grooming session to remove any tangles and mats keeps the coat in good condition between visits to the groomer. They are a highly intelligent breed, very keen to please and generally very social small dogs. Their 13-16 inch size is small enough to be easily managed and inexpensive to feed. Pet quality dogs may be slightly larger than the standard, but still small enough to meet many apartment regulations. They can be energetic and playful but are easily satisfied with a walk and being with their family. This is not a dog happy kept outside alone – they bond with their owner and become a shadow. They shouldn’t be overly shy but also shouldn’t be aggressive. They’re often reserved with strangers – including often their new owners! Give them time to accept their new home at their pace.

Because of their natural tendencies they are best suited for a home with dedicated owners to groom them weekly, spend the time training them and willing to let them worm into your life in a way that a truly special dog does. Their square stance and solid body is crowned by that glorious coat, which is in sable, black (or tri-color) and blue merle.

For those who “don’t like little dogs” consider the big dog in a small body of a Sheltie. They might change your mind!

This is a task that many owners dread and their dogs, sensing the lack of confidence, learn to hate it. For some dogs the restraint of a foot can be traumatic and it’s a delicate balance to be firm without being abusive.

There are several types of clippers to do this – the most commonly used by owners are the small “guillotine” ones developed for pets or a heavy pair of toenail clippers, depending on the size of the dog – and his nails. Keeping his nails short reduces the chances a nail catches on something or breaks, which can mean more blood than you can imagine would come from a nail.

Before you pick up the clippers handle your dog’s feet. This is good practice anyway, checking for debris between his toes and in his pads. If he has light toenails you can clearly see the nail and within the nail the quick – a blood network that runs inside the nail. The object of proper trimming is getting as close to this as you can without cutting into the quick. Dark toenails are harder to see but in good light it’s often still possible.

As you get confident in handling his feet carefully and quickly clip the nail without getting into the quick. If you can get 2-3 nails trimmed without a fuss the first time, stop, reward your dog and finish that paw. By breaking the initial trim into a few sessions, perhaps while resting in the evening, it’s less stressful on you and the dog doesn’t pick up on negative energy and misbehave. Some people use a small file and smooth the edges of a nail

There is a product called Quick Stop that is good to have on hand…if a toenail is cut close enough to bleed dip the nail into the powder, letting it cover the nail. Old timers have recommended flour or even spider webs, but the sterile powder is an inexpensive product to have on hand.

Keeping the feet and toenails in good condition greatly increases the comfort for your pet. Shorter nails also reduce scratches to people, furniture and floors, and it is an easy thing you can learn to do to take care of your pet.