WARNING: some of those images might prove to be absolutely cute and/or ridiculous to some readers.
“Pet Fashion Week”
Strangest thing ever…
…yet oh so fascinating.
The tragedy started in August of 2004 and quickly reached South Africa, Brazil, Japan & Russia.
With what seems like a single-lady only attendance, the luxury show displays dog accessories such as $1,000 coats and $2,000 dog fragrances.
Here’s what I dug out for you (sorry for the pun!): 
To learn more: NYC Pet Fashion Week
This Off-Leash Recreational Area has both a large open field for play and wooded trails to explore!
Dogs love playtime! One of the most important things you can do for your dog or puppy is to provide her with the proper amount of exercise. Dogs love it and it’s good for you too!
The backyard can get pretty boring, and some dog owners may not even have a backyard–so where else can you go?
Consider checking out the scene at your local dog park. Dog parks are natural areas designated specifically for romping dogs, usually off-leash. Dog parks provide a great opportunity for your dog to get some exercise and strut their stuff. These areas also give you and your dog the chance to see and be seen, and to meet other dogs and people with similar interests.
Locating your nearest dog park is doggone easy! Using your fave Internet search engine, enter the words ‘dog park’ and include your city and state. Another easy way to find a dog park in your area: simply pick up the phone and call your local Parks Department. The Parks Department can direct you with any questions you may have. Keep in mind that many dog parks and dog trails require a use permit or a fee. Don’t be stingy, after all, these fees go towards the maintenance of the park. You gotta pay if you wanna play!
Here’s a list of gotta have ‘em essentials to ensure a marvelous time is had by all at the bark park:
Dog parks give dogs and their people a space where they can spend quality time together and socialize with others. Whether it be a romp in the sunshine or a game of toss, remember… your dog loves to play with you!
Sad Puppy Will Try to Do Better This Year
The impending arrival of the New Year brings the inevitable resolutions: Trim your girth, be nicer toward your in-laws, spend more time with the family. We’re all familiar with the promises we make to improve ourselves in the coming year.
As you make this ironclad list (you mean it this time – really!), have you wondered what resolutions your pet may be thinking of? Your dog also vows to improve himself (and he means it this time – really!). We conducted a survey of the resolutions pets may want to make for the coming year and found some surprises. Here are the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions from the dog’s perspective.
(Just don’t say anything if he falls a little short of the goal. You keep his secrets and he’ll keep yours.)
Resolution #1:I will eat less and exercise more.
Too many nights on the couch, too many dog biscuits and too little time running around the local dog park has made me a little, well, fluffier. I don’t think the old “I’m-just-big-boned” excuse will work anymore. I resolve to bug my owner to take me out to the doggy park several times a week.
Resolution #2:I will beg less
I’ve got begging down to a fine art – he’s putty in my paws – but it sure is demeaning. I promise to reserve the begging for worthwhile things, like going out to the park and T-bone steak.
Resolution #3: I will recognize the difference between furniture and fire hydrants.
I promise not to treat the furniture and walls the way I do fire hydrants. It drives my owners batty and has no lasting benefit for me (they clear away the scent almost as fast as I can “deposit” it.)
Resolution #4: I’ll stay out of the cat’s litter box.
I vow to resist the urge to snoop around the cat’s private lavatory – even though it’s a lot of fun and really makes her go nuts.
Resolution #5: I won’t bite the vet anymore.
I’ll remember that the vets and their staff are just trying to help in their own, inscrutable way, although they really know how to push my buttons with those needles!
Resolution #6: I won’t steal food as much.
I won’t go out of my way to steal food, although all bets are off if they make it really easy for me.
Resolution #7: I’ll introduce myself in more appropriate ways.
In other words, I’ll focus above the waist when introducing myself to humans. Somehow, I get the feeling my normal greeting methods invade their private space.
Resolution #8: I’ll do better “holding it” until morning.
When nature calls, I’ll steel my resolve to wait for my normal morning walk, unless special considerations apply. I’ll decide what those special considerations are.
Resolution #9: I’ll bark at the mailman less.
Even though it works to put him in his place, I’ll try not to exercise my authority over him and other delivery people, although my self-esteem does get a boost when they retreat.
Resolution #10: I’ll tolerate those homemade bandannas more.
My owner has gone to a lot of trouble to make these things, so I’ll just put up with the way they feel and the taunts of the other dogs.
There are so many dog fashion options for women and girl dogs like cute dresses, jackets, and fancy collars with Svarovski crystals.
But yo! What about the dudes? Are there trendy and hip dog accessories out there for men who’d prefer their pooch in something with a ruff-and-tumble look? Are there any items out there that suit those who prefer a more, shall we say, masculine image? Good news- yes there is! Guys (and boy dogs), it’s your lucky day! You just have to know what to look for…
Now dress your pup in the amazing gear and watch the other dogs (and humans) say bow wow WOW, dude!
Today, I’m going to share a built-in Dog Bed created by designer Maria Barcelona for a cute Shih Tzu named Elf in Louisiana.
Maria originally created the Dog design for the Junior League of Mandeville Showhouse in 2007.
The Shih Tzu’s Dog bed is located in the Laundry Room.
Here’s a view of Taffy’s built-in Dog Bed, decked out in fall colors…
I like to change the accessories & color scheme with the seasons, just to keep it interesting. (I wouldn’t want my Dog to get bored, right?)
If your laundry room was designed to maximize a small space and squeeze in as much storage as possible. You can see the plan & design both here and here.
Elf, the Shih Tzu, however, lives in an 8700 square foot home, so I don’t think space was an issue.
Built-In Dog Bed & Dog Crate
Even with the luxury of plenty of square footage, the homeowner Lendon Noel wanted a special spot for her dog in her new home.
No matter how big or small your home is, if you’ve got pets in the house, creating a designated storage for dog food, pet supplies & dog toys can be a challenge.
Having a place to feed your Pets so you don’t trip over the Dog’s water bowl is also a good idea. It’s even a better idea if you have Pet Friendly flooring!
And no matter how well trained your dog is; accidents happen, so it’s a must to have a pet friendly room where the dog can stay when you’re not at home.
Designer Dog Bed
To create a built-in Dog crate, designer Maria Barcelona installed an ornamental gate, omitting the need for a dog crate all together.
I suggest reviewing your room’s layout carefully if you chose this option to avoid door issues. You must allow enough space for the crate door to open fully, or it could collide with the door to the room.
Crypton Fabric, known for its durability & high performance, was selected for the Shih Tzu’s custom Dog Bed. The Posey pattern, shown above with Wiemaraner’s Candy & Chip, was designed by artist & photographer William Wegman.
Wegman & Weimaraners
While Crypton Fabrics offers plenty of stylish William Wegman Pet beds and home accessories don’t forget the company also offers fabric by the yard:
With soft, breathable, stain-resistant fabrics that are virtually indestructible; Crypton Super Fabrics are a perfect choice for pet friendly decorating and families with active lifestyles.
All of the fabrics I’ve shown are available through JoAnn Fabric Stores, which by the way, run “50% Off Home Decorating Fabric” sales several times a year.
Here is a key to the Pet Friendly fabrics above:
#1 Faux Suede in Champagne
#2 Thames 90
#3 Colburn 43
#4 Caledonia 49
#5 Fairbanks 15 Stripe
#6 Argo 90
There are so many beautiful Pet friendly fabrics on the market today, you’re sure to find plenty to fit you’re budget & style. Good luck and happy remodeling!
If you are about to embark on a home remodeling project don’t forget your Dog when planning your space. Dogs love a place to call their own just like every other member of the family.
Forget man-caves; give your Dog a “cave” of their own- it’s in their DNA. As descendants of pack animals that lived in dens, they crave the security & comfort that a built-in bed can offer.
The original “built-in” Dog Bed: a Wolves’ Den
So, how can you carve out space for your four-legged friend?
~Simply plan ahead and incorporate the perfect spot for your Dog in your building or remodeling plans using cabinetry.
Where can you integrate a built-in Dog bed in your home?
It’s easy to include a built-in Dog designed to complement and enhance your home’s décor with the variety of kitchen cabinets available.
Cabinetry Samples
While custom cabinetry lines offer unlimited design capabilities, they also come with a large price tag. I recommend using semi-custom cabinets, like those sold at your local home-improvement center.
Semi-custom cabinetry lines are more cost-effective, while not sacrificing any style. A standard base cabinet from a semi-custom line can be modified to suit your Dog’s needs, whether you’re designing for your laundry, kitchen, office, or for any room in your house.
Remember, Size Matters…
Chihuahua vs. Great Dane
Determine the size of the base cabinet that will be suitable for your Dog. Use your Dog’s crate or bed size as a guideline. Ideally, your Dog should be able to stand, turnaround, and sleep comfortably.
My client’s dog Taffy is small, so she only required an 18 inch wide by 24 in deep (standard depth) base cabinet.
Taffy’s Built-in Bed
How do you modify a cabinet to make a built-in Dog bed?
~Semi-custom cabinetry companies will make changes (for an upcharge) to their standard cabinets.
When ordering the base cabinet for your Dog’s Bed, have it modified by:
Check the trim offered by your cabinetry line to add the finishing touches and custom look by adding a decorative valance or moulding.
Base Cabinet Modifications
You’ll end up with a base cabinet that’s finished inside & out and ready for a decorative cushion to match your home’s décor.
Are you on a really tight budget?
~Do it yourself, by selecting unfinished cabinets or re-purposing the cabinets that you already have in your home.
Built-in Desk & Dog Bed
Maybe you’d like to build your boxer or labrador a mansion, but you think it’s better to start small. Well I agree. But that doesn’t mean you have to go mundane. Turns out a lot of people have put a lot of thought into creative home building for pets. Here are some great links to a wide range of ideas for your perusal and inspiration:
Turn your doghouse green with some wild ideas from Sustainable Pets. These clever pet lovers are all the rage right now. Here’s a link to just one article about their green-roofed doghouse. Here is their catalog, and here are some more great tips for building a green dog house.
Does your dog have designer tastes? There’s no reason Fido’s doghouse has to be an A-frame. Check out these sites for designer choices for the fashionably-inclined:
Okay, back to basics. Here are a couple for the traditionalists out there. They are cheap and effective, who could ask for more? (Where’s my AC!)
Just a few more unconventional choices. Just in case you want your doghouse to withstand the apocalypse (or, at least, everything but) check out these plans for a ferrocement doghouse that can put a leash on hurricanes and earthquakes. On the softer, Three Little Pigs-side of things, you can even build a doghouse using straw bales. Although something tells me the Big Bad Wolf couldn’t touch these houses.
So there you have it. More than I ever could have imagined about doghouse opportunities. Although now my mind is absolutely aflutter with wild ideas – maybe a doggy-skyscraper! or a tree doghouse! (complete with ladder). I’ll have to get working on those. In the meantime enjoy these very creative ideas for making your dog feel special and comfortable.
We are a family breeder of beautiful authentic Australian Labradoodles in Jackson Hole, WY! Our dogs are highly intelligent, non-shedding, and hypo-allergenic.
