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Pet-Friendly Home Design

Monday, March 14th, 2016

Space at Home for Your Dog

Giving your dog a space to call their own is important as it adds structure to their life and strengthens the pet/guardian bond. Take napping for example; isn’t it more comfortable to sleep in your own bed? Dogs feel the same way!

Here are some ways to help make your home pet-friendly without breaking the bank:

The kitchen; the heart of every home. Building a spot for your dog in the kitchen allows them to be part of the family’s hustle and bustle while still keeping out of the way if necessary. Incorporating a small eating area into your kitchen design with space for a food dish and water bowl is a fun way make Fido happy. This can be something as simple as a small shelf on the end of an island, pantry space or a bottom drawer.

With large and often heavy food bags, storage can be inconvenient for dog owners but they can easily conquer that problem by inserting handy storage compartments somewhere in the kitchen. They can be built into the kitchen cabinets or under the counters, giving the owner quick access to the food at feeding time and keeping the food out of site from any mischievous pets who might get into to trouble should they find an open bag (Labradors – you know who you are!). To keep toys at bay, it’s a good idea to think about an open hamper or basket where toys can be easily tossed into for quick clean up as well as easily retrievable by the pet. If you don’t want your pet getting into their toys unsupervised, you can use a decorative basket which can be closed and therefore keeps toys out of reach.

Pets have all sorts of different reactions to taking a bath, but to make it easier on the owner there are ways you can turn part of your laundry or utility room into a washing station. An oversized stainless steel sink for smaller dogs or a commercial floor mounted sink for medium to large sized dogs are both inexpensive and convenient. For a larger pet, a walk-in shower is a great solution for grooming along with a handheld shower head. This can make it much easier to bathe your dog because you have control of the water flow and direction of the spray wherever you want…especially if your dog is being difficult! Just make sure to keep towels nearby for both your pooch and the puddles on the floor. You don’t want your pooch to catch a cold or lose their footing and slip.

Now what about flooring? If you have hardwood floors, keep reading. When you’re considering hardwoods make sure you specify them as “unfinished”, and then add a durable top coat so the occasional accident doesn’t seep through. Also, be aware that hardwood flooring can be stressful for some pups. Older dogs can have trouble navigating them and every dog finds hardwood a bit slippery, so a slide and fall incident can cause serious injuries to their hips, knees and elbows.
To help prolong the life of your floors, make sure you keep your pets nails trimmed to avoid scratches as much as possible and throw down some area rugs. They can help to brighten up a living space and also provide your pup with a comfortable spot to rest (along with helpful traction)!

Whenever you make changes to your home it is imperative that you keep your dog in mind, it’s their home as much as it is yours and making simple changes for their comfort and your organization can change the lives of both you and your pet for the better.

Tags: apartment living, dog, dog basket, dog bath, dog grooming, dog health, dog people, dog safety, dog wash, dog wash station, dogs, grooming, pet care, pet health, pet-friendly, pet-friendly design, pooch, pups
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Pet Health: National Poison Prevention Week

Friday, March 11th, 2016

Pet Protection Tips from Dr. Justine Lee

Protect your pets! There are many foods that can hinder your dog’s health and Dr. Justine Lee has some wonderful insights and much needed information for all pet owners. Dr. Lee is a world-renown veterinary speaker, DVM, DACVECC, DABT and a double board-certified emergency critical care specialist and toxicologist. She’s also the CEO and founder of VETgirl, which is a subscription-based podcast and webinar service offering RACE approved continuing education.

According to this expert some of the most ten commonly talked about poisonous foods for dogs are actually more of a question mark. Avocado, for example, isn’t poisonous at all. While fertilizer might have scary looking names on the list of ingredients, most of the contents are natural and harmless. Garlic is another food that pet owners don’t need to worry about. An average-sized dog would need to eat a lot of garlic before they showed any signs of sickness, but talk about bad breath! What are you going to do when your animal comes up to you with garlic breath? Give your furry friend a “doggy” breath mint.

On the other hand, there are some foods which are dangerous, but not rarely are they deadly. Grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs and can damage their kidneys, but scientists aren’t sure what chemical in the grapes and raisins actually affect dogs. What’s more unusual is that not all dogs appear to be affected by the toxin. Then there is caffeine, this can be found in large doses in coffee beans and other stimulants. You might need your morning coffee, but dogs can accidently ingest caffeine if these products are left within reach. Please be careful when throwing your coffee grounds in the trash.

Dr. Lee also points out some foods and substances which are extremely poisonous and you should keep your dog far away them. Bread dough is one of them because it contains unrisen yeast. There are a couple of concerns for a dog that has eaten bread dough. First of all, there is a large mass of dough in the stomach that is continuing to rise. Plus, the warm environment of the stomach promotes ongoing fermentation of the alcohol in the dough, which can result in ethanol toxicosis. Chocolate is horrible for your pets as it has high amounts of theobromine which is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol is poisonous as well and can be found in chewing gum, mints, toothpaste, nasal spray, and over-the-counter medications. Xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, which causes a release of insulin from the pancreas. This release of insulin results in a rapid decrease in the level of blood sugar. If untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening.

We love macadamia nuts around here, but make sure your dog steers clear of them. They are 80% oil and the high fat content can inflame your dog’s pancreas. There is also an unknown toxin in the nuts which can affect your dog’s brain waves and muscles. Last but certainly not least, is mold. Mold can be dangerous to everybody, including your dog. The most common sources of toxic mold are found in pasta, nuts and cheese.

In order to make sure your pooch lives a long and healthy life, please keep these things out of reach and spread this important message to dog owners all over the world.

Tags: dog, dog food, dog health, dog safety, dogs, natural pet care, pet care, pet owners, pet safety, pooch
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Fact: Dog People Make Better Dog Park Equipment

Wednesday, May 20th, 2015

Trust the Experts for Dog Park Equipment

Let’s just start off by saying we’re dog people. You know, the kind of folks who have dogs running around the office (see Exhibit A below), make their own dog treats, cross the street just to say hello to another dog, go to 4-H/agility/drafting events on the weekends, belong to a raw food co-op…the list goes on and on.

When it comes to designing dog parks and dog park equipment, we think this makes all the difference in the world. Why, you might ask?

Would a restaurant hire a chef who didn’t actually enjoy eating? Because you can surely “cook” something, but it makes a huge difference when made by someone who truly loves food and has the knowledge to make something amazing. Would you trust hopping into an airplane if the engineer didn’t have a basic knowledge (and more would be better here, right?) of physics and how to get a giant piece of metal with wings to fly at 30,000 feet?

We believe the same school of thought applies to dog park equipment. Our office and design team have collectively 30+ years of experience in dog agility, metal fabrication, playground design and dog behavior.

What that means for our customers is that they get the best everything. All of our dog agility components are tested for safety and durability with our office pups who range in size from 15 pounds (Hello Sprocket!) up to our large breed mob of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Labradors, so we know what works for the little guys, the big dogs and every size in between.

Design questions? Yep, we got you covered. As the first company in the US to specialize exclusively in dog parks and dog park amenities, our customer service can’t be beat. We can guide you through surfacing options, whether it’s feasible to include a pet fountain or water feature, irrigation considerations, fencing and best of all, respect your budget.

So when you’re looking for a company to help you with your dog park, consider the following points:
1. Do they offer a lifetime warranty against rust on the agility equipment? Hint: We’re the only company in the US that does and believe us, you want this. Between environmental factors such as rain, mud, salt air and male dogs who, ahem, like to water everything in sight, rust is a huge problem in dog parks.

2. How long have they been in business? Dog parks, and dog park businesses are a hot commodity nowadays which means a lot of new companies have dipped their toes into the water. Sure, it gives people more options but they’re not experts like we are. So make sure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing and isn’t trying to sell you more equipment than your park has the space for or equipment that is potentially unsafe.

3. Customization: Does the company offer color and text customization? We know that some customers want bright, playful colors and others prefer more muted, natural options. That’s why we offer agility components in two color palettes and have the option for many other colors including blue, gray, black, yellow and more. Also, nothing screams “This is our dog park!” like custom benches and equipment with the park name. We offer that too!

So whether you’re just getting started and are looking for a turnkey dog park or have an existing park that could use some perking up, make sure you’re getting the best advice. From us, of course!

Tags: 4-H, agility equipment, Bernese Mountain Dogs, dog, dog agility, dog behavior, dog park, dog park design, dog park equipment, dog park supplies, dog parks, dog people, dog treats, dogs, Labradors, large breed dogs, off-leash, park design, pet fountain, raw feeding, small breed dogs
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Pet-Friendly Housing

Friday, March 6th, 2015

Housing Tips for Pet Parents

There’s been a huge trend with multifamily communities becoming more pet friendly, but what about the pet guardians who are renting? We thought it might be helpful to create a list with some tips for pet parents.

1. A Healthy Pup is A Happy Pup:

As with any public place where dogs interact with one another on a regular basis, it is important for pet owners to ensure that their pups are all up to date on their shots. Oftentimes multifamily communities can have pretty tight quarters when it comes to designated pet relief areas. Keeping your pup properly vaccinated can help prevent the spread of disease or illnesses through pet waste and/or coming into contact with other resident’s pets. Many communities now require proof of vaccination with the rental agreement, but even if your community does not, your pup’s long term health is important too, right?

2. Scoop Your Poop:

As mentioned above, failing to pick up after your pet can result in the spread of disease from a neighbor’s dog to your furry friend. Although your coprophagic dog might convince you otherwise, poop from the new French Bulldog next door does NOT make the best treat in town! Pollution issues aside, it’s just not neighborly to leave your pet’s waste behind for Tammy in 3B to step in on her way to work. So make sure you know where the pet waste pick up stations in your community are located and even better? Carry extra bags with you – your neighbors will appreciate it!

3. Mind Your Manners:

Mark Twain said it best, “Heaven goes by favor; if it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in”. But…only if your dog is well behaved! A little obedience training can go a long way in not only strengthening your relationship with your dog, but also lets your neighbors know you’re a responsible pet owner. Dogs, much like humans, need parameters around acceptable behavior. Once they know what’s expected (positive reinforcement with praise & treats can help!) and can behave appropriately, everyone benefits.

4. Respect Thy Neighbor’s Sleep:

Even if you are a dog owner yourself and understand occasional barking, it’s never fun to listen to a dog singing you the song of his people while you’re trying to catch up on much needed beauty sleep. Making sure your pup is entertained during the day (doggy daycares or dog sitters/walkers are a great solution!) and giving them plenty of exercise in the evening will help to burn excess energy and reduce nuisance barking. Woof!

5. Pet Friendly Perks:

In today’s competitive housing market, many communities are offering some great perks for both you and your pup! Keep an eye out for a community that truly welcomes your pet and offers features such as dog grooming stations, pet relief areas, water fountains and best of all, a dog park on site.

6. Dog Parks Are A Must:

Finding an apartment community with its own dog park is a win-win. You have the opportunity to meet other residents you might not normally have connected with and if the park has some fun agility equipment, your dog can get some much needed exercise! Having easy access to an off leash area will make life much more enjoyable for your pup and if your community plans events at the dog park such as Yappy Hour, Howl-O-Ween or even obedience training, it can be just as much fun for you.

We hope these tips help make apartment living even better for both you and your furry family members! Feel free to contact us anytime for expert guidance on all things dog park.

Tags: apartment living, bark park, dog, dog agility, dog health, dog obedience, dog park, dog park advice, dog park equipment, dogs, multi-family, multifamily, pet health, pet-friendly
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Large & Small Dog Areas Designs

Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

How to Design a Dog Park that Meets a Variety of Needs

As dog parks continue to grow in popularity, the debate on whether or not the dog park design should separate the little guys from large dogs has started to gain a lot of attention, so we’d put in our two paws, err, cents worth. Here at Dog-ON-It Parks, we have designed and outfitted dog parks in all shapes and sizes. Our verdict? Space permitting, we feel it’s safer all around to have separate large and small dog areas.

The separation helps ensure that both the dogs and their owners are able to enjoy their time at the park and also provides an opportunity to meet the needs of all park users, regardless of the size of their pets. This alleviates the need to have requested time slots for big or small dog play time and can also help to maintain the peace, so to speak. An important consideration in establishing separate areas is also providing clear communication in regards to the size restrictions for each area. Posting dog park rules and signs like these is an easy and affordable way to help make sure everyone is on the same page.

The magic words “Go for ride?” are sure to excite any pooch, especially if they know where they’re going and sometimes that excitement may be too much for a dog new to the park, or just a dog that is a little less confident. And when you add size to the equation? It’s even more challenging.

Large and small dogs often have different play styles and different breeds have distinct (and often humorous!) personality traits which can factor in as well. Even unintentionally, big dogs can end up injuring a smaller pup because they just aren’t aware that there’s a little guy running around with them. Also, if a scuffle does happen to break out, having a more even playing field from the get go can possibly save a dog’s life.

This concept is also ideal for shy or timid dogs. The smaller area is often calmer and less overwhelming than the larger area would be with four big dogs hurtling towards you and your pooch to greet you. Starting out in the small and/or shy dog area of the park is a great way to introduce your pup to the dog park in a more neutral environment, so they can have a positive experience.

Sometimes due to space or budget considerations, it isn’t feasible to separate the pack so here are some suggestions to promote a safe and fun environment for everyone:

Always supervise your dog.
Make sure your pooch has a strong recall. Practice makes perfect, and if your dog is less than enthusiastic about coming when called, work on this skill at home with some high value treats. Pretty soon, you calling their name will equal “On my way!” instead of “Nope – I’d rather play!”
This is a biggie. Please, please make sure that your dog is properly socialized before visiting your local dog park. You are responsible for your pet’s success and safety. Not sure if your dog is ready? Try visiting the park during off hours where there aren’t as many dogs present to see if it’s a good fit.
Know the park rules before you go. Many dog parks don’t allow small children, food, puppies and dogs in heat, among other local rules that may vary from city to city.
Have fun!

Interested in more dog park design tips and expert advice? Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. Woof!

Tags: bark park, big dogs, dog agility, dog breeds, dog park, dog park advice, dog park design, dog park equipment, dog park expert, dog park rules, dog park tips, dog safety, dogs, large dog area, off-leash, off-leash area, pet park, pet safety, pet-friendly, pooch, shy dogs, small dog area, small dogs
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Our Office Dog of the Month: Duchess

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015

Meet Duchess, the Lab

Meet Duchess, the newest addition to our office dog team! Duchess is a 12 week old lab mix and was adopted from a local animal rescue organization (we love to support dog rescues!). This little puppy is the sweetest girl who loves nothing more than being cuddled. Her favorite hobby is to grab her stuffed hippo and curl up in your lap while she plays with it.

She has been experiencing a lot of firsts and encounters every new task bravely. Stairs seem to still pose a challenge for her (and her face with all of the falling she does!) but we are confident she will master them soon.

Eating and playing with snow is also near the top of her list of favorites until she realized how cold it gets. She wasn’t sure about her new snow vest at first, but quickly learned to love it once it warmed her up… and we love how cute she looks in it.

She brings so much happiness to our office and has truly become part of the Dog-ON-It family! We are excited to watch her grow, experience the world and learn dog agility like our other office pups.
Stay tuned next month to meet office dog Rory!

Tags: dog adoption, dog agility, dog park, dog rescue, dogs, office dogs, pet-friendly, puppies, puppy
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Pet Parking 101

Monday, January 19th, 2015

Pet Parking Posts Make Life Easier

Have you ever seen someone tying their dog up to all varieties of objects such newspaper dispensers, chairs or café tables? Often times, these aren’t exactly the safest way to secure your pet (if you’ve seen Marley & Me, you’ll know why!)…especially when they’re not meant to hold a 70 pound dog who just spotted the cutest little squirrel across the street that they just have to play with – right this second.

One of our favorite solutions at Dog-On-It-Parks is our Pet Parking Post, specifically designed to give you an extra hand while you juggle your coffee, sweatshirt, ball thrower, bag or just a wily canine.

The vibrant colors and laser cut paw print offer a fun pop of color and the two hitching arms accommodate both standard and retractable leashes. Even better? It’s manufactured with heavy gauge (and rust resistant!) aluminum that is secured with concrete so you can feel confident knowing your pooch won’t pull it over if that pesky squirrel happens to run by again.

Our Pet Parking Post is compact and can be easily installed almost anywhere. It’s perfect for tying up your pet while you make a quick run inside the grocery or pet store, community center, property management office or even at the bank.

From being a cute talking point that people notice on their way into your business or dog park, installing Pet Parking Posts throughout your community helps to create an environment where everyone is welcome, either with two or four legs.

Tags: bark park, dog agility, dog health, dog park, dog park equipment, dogs, pet park, pet safety, pet-friendly
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The 12 Pets of Christmas

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014

Get in the Holiday Spirit With Our 12 Pets of Christmas List

These elves are on the naughty list this year…

And Santa Paws himself is making a special guest appearance!

Proof that no dog can resists cookies (or any food group) left out for Santa.

And who else can Santa Paws rely on other then his trusty reindog?

At least one of these guys looks like he’s having fun…

…and every ugly sweater party has to have THAT guy who went a little too crazy with the eggnog.

Don’t forget the Santa Paws imposters at the mall. They don’t fool anyone.

Christmas just isn’t the same without a cat to brighten the holidays.

This pup who is tired of taking holiday pictures and has reverted to the “forced smile”.

This cat plotting to get his puppy sibling in trouble every chance he can get…

And the ongoing battle between good and evil.

And last but definitely not least, our favorite –The Fainting Tree. Timber!

Happy Holidays from the Dog-ON-It-Parks team!

Tags: christmas, dog, dog park, dogs, happy holidays, puppies, santa paws
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A Holiday Feast for the Hounds

Tuesday, December 16th, 2014

As the holiday season starts to wind down (can you believe Christmas is next week??), we wanted to send out a friendly reminder to make sure and include your furry family members in the celebration! From pet stockings filled with toys, to a new leash, a fuzzy sweater and much more, there are a million ways to spoil your pooch. BUT, if your dogs are like ours, the way to their heart is through their stomach!

Here are some healthy (and tasty!) treat ideas:

*Squash and Sweet Potato Mash:

This is not only yummy (for both humans and dogs) but is easy for your pooch to digest and is full of beta carotene. Either roast or microwave the potatoes and squash (we love Kabocha & Acorn), then mix together in a large bowl. Be sure to set aside a portion for Fido before you add all of the extra goodies like butter, cream and seasoning.

*Poultry/Ham/Lamb Treats:

Once you’ve roasted your main course to perfection, carve a few small pieces (minus the seasonings, fat and/or skin) for your dog’s enjoyment. Just remember to feed snacks like this in moderation!

*Veggies:

It isn’t a proper holiday meal unless all food groups are represented. Some of our office dog’s favorite treats include fresh, crunchy carrots. They also enjoy green beans, peas and asparagus all of which are packed with healthy vitamins and antioxidants.

*Peanut Butter & Yogurt Pupsicles: If you’re having dessert, don’t leave out the dog! Just mix one 32 oz container of low-fat vanilla yogurt with a cup of melted peanut butter. Pour into small, lined muffin tins or these cute paw shaped molds and freeze.

And finally, no matter how hard your pooch begs, there are a few things to avoid:

*Onions & Garlic: Bad breath aside, both of these can lead to anemia in dogs if given in large quantities or over an extended period of time.

*Cooked bones: Although most dogs love a meaty raw bone, once they’ve been cooked the bones become brittle and can shatter causing painful splinters or something even more serious such as an obstruction. Please note: Supervision is a good thing here!

*Yeast/Bread Dough: ‘Tis the season for baking…and dogs whose sense of smell gets them into trouble. If you are going to be baking with yeast, be sure to keep the dough well out of reach so it can rise safely on the counter (or up on top of the fridge for hungry giant breeds), and not in their bellies.

*Gravy, and other items with a high fat content: High fat intake can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes fatal inflammation of the pancreas. If you’d like to treat your dog to some gravy, a good principle is to keep the quantity small. A tablespoon or so watered down before adding it to their kibble can be a tasty and much healthier option, as can some low sodium stock or broth. Less is more…and their noses are so good, they won’t know the difference!

From all of us at Dog-ON-It, have a wonderful holiday and be sure to support your local dog parks!

Tags: christmas, dog, dog biscuits, dog health, dog park, dog treats, dogs, holidays
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What should I look for in dog park equipment?

Friday, May 16th, 2014

Considering Safety Before All Else

First and foremost, safety should always be the first consideration. This means avoiding products that fall within three categories. One; re-purposed children’s playground equipment such as slides or tunnels (they’re slippery for a reason!), two; any company using AKC standards in the design of their products and three; equipment made from PVC, wood or steel.

Dogs that compete in professional agility are just that – professionals! The equipment used in those competitions is much higher, narrower and steeper than what most dogs (and their humans!) should be using in a public park setting without prior experience.

Recreation level agility equipment should be no higher than three feet off the ground with extra wide planks that are highly textured for slip resistance. Tunnel interiors should be textured as well to provide traction, especially if the ground becomes wet.

As far as materials are concerned, equipment made with heavy gauge aluminum will always be your best bet. It’s incredibly durable, eco-friendly and won’t rust like steel, crack like PVC or degrade over time like wood.

Spending a little extra time when researching dog park equipment will ensure that you end up with high quality products that will provide years of enjoyment for all your park users, both two and four-legged.

After all, you want your dog park to be safe AND fun, right? Click through for more information on what to look for in dog park equipment and dog park resources.

Tags: dog agility, dog park, dog park equipment, dogs
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