The Artful Canine Blog

Some people are very comfortable asking their groomer questions, and others are not. For that reason I decided to answer three of the most often-asked questions. I hope this helps open up the dialog between you and your dog’s groomer, and don’t ever be afraid to ask a question about your dog’s care!

How do I tell my groomer that I am not happy with my dogs groom?

Don't be afraid to ask questions of your dog's groomer.

Many people are uncomfortable asking this one, and it’s understandable. I am the same way with my hairdresser! But the worse thing you can do is not say anything and be unhappy. Groomers aren’t always able to see things as their customers do. For example, “short” to your groomer may not look quite the same as “short” does to you. The sooner you and your groomer can reach a mutual understanding about how you want your dog groomed, the better your relationship will be.

I explain to my clients that if they aren’t happy with their dog’s groom, they can bring him/her back within 2 weeks for a free trim up. If it is the first groom, it can sometimes take 2-3 sessions to get the style “just right.” If you know how you like your dog styled, be as specific as possible with your groomer. I often refer to AKC pictures as a starting point so that I can make visual references to length and style of a breeds cut. It’s great for getting folks on the same page. I’ve also had clients bring in pictures of their dog after a groom, which illustrates exactly how they want their dog to ultimately look.

How does my dog behave during the groom session?
This is a great question, because most of you will never see the behaviors your dog exhibits on the grooming table at home! Unless you perform the same procedures on your dog at home, you couldn’t know how he/she behaves. Most dogs don’t like being groomed, and that’s perfectly normal. Some dogs have learned to tolerate the grooming process for the treats (or positive attention) that occurs during or after a grooming session. Other dogs have difficulty with some (or occasionally all) aspect of the groom. Unless a dog’s behavior prohibits me from completing a good groom, I’ll rarely let a client know.  Why? Because your dog is not being bad – he’s just being a dog! They don’t sweat the small stuff like we do. But if you really want to know, feel free to ask. Remember – no dog is a “bad” dog!

Should I tip my groomer?
As with your hair stylist, waitress at your favorite restaurant, or newspaper delivery girl, tipping for grooming services is an accepted practice. It is customary to tip the person who provided the service, so long as you are satisfied with the service you received. Tipping is a great feedback mechanism for your groomer, telling him/her that they are doing a good job and that you are satisfied with the work they have performed. Tipping is also appreciated when your dog may have been especially matted, dirty or needed special attention of some sort. While a 15 – 20% tip is customary, groomers know it is a particularly tough time for some, given the economic climate. It is important to keep your dog groomed – for his/her comfort and health – so don’t ever avoid a groom because you can’t leave a tip. Like some of my clients have done, you can always bring some homemade cookies or offer some other gesture to show your appreciation and that you are satisfied and happy with your groomers work!

An Artful Canine martingale Collar and coordinating leash

As a dog groomer, dog lover, and dog collar designer, you would think I would I would know everything there is to know about dog collars, particularly the martingale collar.  Well, surprise!  Until recently, I was martingale-ignorant.  My dogs always wore buckle-style collars, and there were only two things I was concerned with – one, were they attractive looking, and two – were they of good quality.  I got used to my dogs gently leading me on walks, and never really had a dog I couldn’t handle, so I was never lured to “the martingale side.”  Not until I started designing collars did I come to learn about the martingale collar, and why dog breeders, dog trainers, and owners love them so much.

So what is a martingale dog collar? The martingale collar works like a choke collar, whereby when attached to a dog leash, the pull of the leash tightens the collar around your dogs neck. This action disrupts whatever unwanted behavior your dog is exhibiting and gets his or her attention so that you can bring the focus back to whatever you were trying to do, like getting your dog to “heel” on walks. One of the most common uses for a martingale is to train your dog to walk by your side, without pulling, when on a leash outdoors. The martingale helps you achieve this with minimal investment, as most martingale dog collars are the same price or just a tad bit more, that a regular buckle-style dog collar.

When I use the term “choke collar” to describe the martingale, this does not mean that it is an instrument of torture! On the contrary, the martingale collar is just as comfortable as a regular collar, and is quite harmless when in use. Unlike metal choke collars, the martingale is usually made with nylon or fabric, and is much gentler on your dogs neck. As an everyday dog collar, it’s comfortable, adjustable, and comes in either buckle or slip-on styles. Designers like The Artful Canine offer these martingale collars in durable washable styles, so that they are perfect as an everyday collar as well as a training/control device.

Although there are no instant cures for behavioral issues with your dog, for a minimal investment, the martingale collar is an excellent choice for training your dog on a leash.  If you are looking for a tool that will help you train your dog to respond to your commands, and are willing to put a little time and consistency into training your dog,  the martingale collar is an excellent choice.

Pepper Ann, a Fostered Pup

Today I lost a friend. Her name was Pepper Ann. Not a name I would have given her, but it suited her well. She was a little spitfire, and made her presence known wherever she was. And she was, well, very peppery!

Pepper was saved from being euthanized last year by the Schnauzer Rescue of Florida. The person that rescued her couldn’t keep her as she barked incessantly at all the other dogs in the house. And that’s how she came to live with us.

I thought she was beautiful when I first met her. She was all black, and her coat was wavy and thick. When it was time to go, she hopped in the front seat for the long ride home, never whimpering or acting restless. When we got home, she bounded out of the car and into the house to check things out. And quickly settled into her “wannabe” alpha role. That’s when I realized what all her barking was all about!

Pepper wasn’t your typical Schnauzer. She wasn’t a lap dog. She loved being petted, and loved human attention, but was distrustful. We were always wondering what she had been through to be so untrustful of others. That’s the thing when you foster. You don’t always get the history.

She would get up in all the other dogs faces and bark at them, as if to say, “Hey, listen to me! I said don’t go there! That food is my food! Don’t do that! That’s mine!” OMG! It was so funny, because all the other dogs would just ignore her and move on. I suppose the barking came from not having food. She was a stray and very underweight when found. She didn’t take well to sudden movements or handling, either. We were bitten a few times initially. But with time and patience, Pepper grew to trust us, and we never had a problem with her.  Although the barking never stopped. We just got used to it. Tuned it out – just like we do sometimes with the people we love when they get “noisy.”

Pepper had this puppy-like behavior. I used to think she was ’special” because she acted so much like a puppy. She would trot about – always wanting to be on the move, ears flapping, gangly legs hopping about. “Hey, what are you doing! I said don’t do that! You can’t play unless I say! Hey, what about me!,” she would bark at all the others. Again, everyone would ignore her.

And as time went on, she came to trust us. She would lie on her back and let us rub her belly (a BIG trust issue for those of you that are familiar). We could pick her up anytime, in any way, with no protest from her. She would follow us around the house everywhere. She would sometimes whine, “Hey, what about me? Why don’t you listen to me? I need you to pet me!” She was, well – as I said before – peppery. And maybe a bit salty too.

A little while back, she had a major seizure. They called it Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome. I guess that was the beginning of the end, because she never was the same after that.

She passed on to what those in the pet world call “The Rainbow Bridge.” Thankfully, she appears to have passed in her sleep. I had to write this in memory of her. She made me feel like I was able to fix something, or make things better in a world that is often filled with disappointments and cruelty. She was, as most dogs are, loyal and unconditionally loving – in her own special way. And I am glad to have been a part of her life.

Thanks, Pepper, wherever you are.

A plaid dog collar, harness and leash in "Menzies" tartan.

Plaids have been around forever, yet they continue to be trendy and have broad appeal. Almost everyone has something plaid in their wardrobe. In the dog world, plaid is high on the fashion charts. Sadie the Scottish Terrier and Westminster’s “Best in Show” Dog has revived the plaid dog collar to fashion status again. While historically worn by terriers, a plaid dog collar looks smart on just about any dog.

A plaid dog collar somehow transforms a dog from ordinary to extraordinary. Have you ever watched a dog being walked in a plaid dog collar and leash? There is something about the way they look that makes you think; “That’s a beautiful dog.” I wonder if a dog feels that vibe too, because they to seem to walk with a bit more bounce in their step when sporting a smart looking plaid dog collar or dog harness.

Everyone seems to associate plaid with red, however there is a wide variety of plaid colors and patterns.  These patterns originated as regional distinctions in the Scottish Highlands, and then evolved into representations of Scottish clans – so there are many tartan plaid patterns in existence today.

The Artful Canine plaid dog collars come in a variety of colors and prints

Tartan Plaid Dog collars have been around for a long time too, but seemed to have lost their visibility with the plethora of other designer dog collars on the market. While you can find a dog collar in almost any size, color, fabric and print you can imagine, plaid dog collars are a little harder to come by. Some retailer’s offer collars as plaid, but they are often just checked or cross patterns, and not true tartan plaids. However at The Artful Canine (shameless plug here), you will find a great variety of plaid dog collars, harnesses and leashes in red, blue, black and pink plaid patterns.

For those of you that like to “Artfully Dress” your dog, s/he should have at least one plaid collar in their summer wardrobe – Scottie or not!

As a designer of dog collars, I meet owners that struggle with choosing a dog collar color almost as much as they do when choosing their own clothes. Its perfectly understandable that dog owners want to make choices that compliment their dogs coat color.  After all, choosing a collar color that compliments a dogs natural beauty usually brings admiration and compliments!

Here’s 3 simple rules to guide you in choosing the right dog collar color

A contrasting collar on a black dog

1. Go for contrast between your dogs coat and the collar. This rule works for all dogs, but best for dogs with white or black coats. If you’ve got a white dog, go for dark colors, and if you’ve got a black dog, go for light colors. Bright colors work well for both coats, with exception to yellows on a white coat. With a black or white dog, there’s actually not too many colors that won’t look good, but the more contrasting the color, the better it will look on your dog.
2. Think Temperature when choosing dog collars for tan, red, or brown coats. These coats are warm colors,  so pick cool, contrasting colors like blue, purple, and green. If you want a collar to make a statement, then think cool brights like raspberry or turquoise. Grey coats are considered a cool color, so reds, oranges, and yellow/greens will look great on this color coat.
   

   Warm red contrasting collar on a cool, gray coat.

3. Avoid collar colors that are the same or similar to your dogs coat color unless it contains a contrasting color or print. For example, tan will look drab and dirty on a white dog, and navy will do the same for a black dog. Browns look bland on gray coats, and reds get lost on red coats. But a black color with a bright pink print will look great on a black coated dog. Why? Rule number 1 – contrast!

These simple rules will take the guesswork out of your decisions so that you can have fun shopping for your dog! There are so many collars to choose from, now the only hard part will be picking one – or two, or three …

We love our dogs, there is no mistaking that. They are an integral part of the family unit, partaking in as many family activities as we will allow. They go on vacation with us, pose with us in family portraits, and are treated like our children when it comes to toys, clothes and care.  Our dog’s are included in holiday and formal events too, like weddings. That being said, how do you dress your dog for a wedding? Well, that depends on the role you expect your dog to play on that special day.

If you are attending a wedding and are not a part of the bridal party, first make sure that dogs are allowed!

A wedding dog harness, leash and collar in an embossed bridal satin with satin roses by The Artful Canine

There’s nothing more embarrassing than not checking with the bride or groom on the rules, even if it’s an outdoor wedding. If dog’s are welcome, the same rules apply to your dog as they do to you. If its a very formal wedding, then a dressy collar or shirt/dress will work great. Just avoid the colors of the bridal party so as not to be a “scene stealer.”

If your dog is part of the wedding party, then things get fun! If s/he has no particular role beyond just being there and looking cute, then a white dog collar or a white dog harness is the perfect choice. Many opt for clothes or collars that coordinate with the bridal party, which is also cute, but difficult to find unless the bride has chosen a basic color like red, pink or royal blue.

Oftentimes dogs are given the task of being ring bearer, and the bride and groom invent some clever and entertaining ways of getting the dog down the isle with the wedding bands. If your dog is walking down the aisle solo, then a white dog collar or white dog harness is the perfect choice because you can affix the rings to the collar or harness D-ring with a bridal ribbon or bow. If your dog is being lead down the aisle, then a coordinating white leash will work great – you can even sew on a little pillow for the rings, or attach a floral bouquet to the dog’s leash handle for a beautifully dramatic effect.

Whatever you decide, there are many options available online today. Look for dog wear that’s stain resistant or scotch-guarded for piece of mind – the last thing a bride needs is to worry about is Daisey’s Collar getting soiled before her stroll down the aisle! And be sure to plan ahead, as some online retailers of specialty dog collars make these items to order and require anywhere from 2 days to two weeks to ship.

This has been the worse Winter yet for dogs suffering from itchy and flaky skin issues. While the causes can vary widely, the most common cause is dry winter skin. Simple as it sounds, it can cause real discomfort for your dog.

Dry skin can cause excessive scratching in your dog.

Dry skin looks much like it does in humans. Your dog will scratch and lick its skin and coat. You’ll

see lots ofskin flakes on his/her back and legs, which may or may not be accompanied by redness and irritation.

To eliminate dry skin as the cause of the problem, follow these simple steps to minimize an unnecessary trip to the vet;

• Reduce bathing. A dog shouldn’t be bathed more frequently than once a month. If s/he must be bathed, use a moisturizing shampoo and follow up with a conditioner designed for dogs (human shampoo/conditioner is a no-no due to PH imbalance).
• Brush out your dogs coat with a soft bristle brush regularly. Doing this accomplishes two things: it rids your dogs coat of the skin flakes, and stimulates natural oil production in the skin.
• Add a coat oil to your dogs food once or twice a week. Products like Lipoderm are great supplements for promoting a healthy coat in your dog.

As always, consult with your Vet if the symptoms persists. Skin conditions are complex and are difficult to diagnose. If you eliminate the issue of dry skin first, you’ll be one step closer to solving the the skin problem that your dog has.

If you are of Irish heritage, you can relate to the pride that all those that come from Gaelic stock have. Whether your family survived the Great Famine of 1845, or you have roots in a particularly Irish neighborhood or city, the feelings of belonging to some sort of Irish clan runs deep. Irish folks easily bond with strangers once we discover that we share Irish blood; we seek out pubs that tout Irish Guiness beer and celebrate our Irishness in every way possible.

That pride is often extended through our dogs. Whether it’s a Setter or Wolfhound; Wheaton, Kerry Blue, Glen of Imaal or just a sweet Lab Mix, we love our Irish dogs. Maybe its because they’re as fiercely loyal as we are, or that we just love all things Irish. Whatever our reasons, come St. Patrick’s Day, we’re shouting that pride high from the rooftops, and our dogs are right there with us doing the same!

Maybe your dog can’t share a pint with you (beer is a no-no for dogs), but if you’re planning to be out and

Ike wearing an Irish Shamrock Dog Collar by The Artful Canine

about on St. Patrick’s Day, your dog will be more than happy to accompany you. There are many outdoor activities on St. Patrick’s Day that you can take your dog to, such as parades and Irish festivals.

Be sure that both you and your pup are in compliance with the Irish Dress Code by wearing something green, and carry the luck of the Irish with you in the form of shamrocks! The Artful Canine offers Irish dog collars, Irish dog leashes, and Irish dog harnesses that can be worn proudly year round.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Its official – experts now say that walking your dog is healthier than the gym! Surprised? Don’t be. The benefits of a brisk 30 – 60 minute walk will burn nearly as many calories as an aerobic class. Why? Because dogs need daily walks for potty breaks and exercise, forcing owners to get out and walk regularly. And regular exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle and cardiovascular fitness. Just make sure to give the same consideration to your pups walking gear as you do to your own.

Now that you know that, its time to gear up for those walks! Your dogs walking gear is as important as a good pair of walking sneakers for you. Your dogs breed characteristics and training needs will dictate the type of collar, leash and/or harness that you need for your daily walking routine. Here’s a few tips for selecting the right walking gear for your dog.

Dog Harness or Dog Collar?

A well-fitted harness is key to your dogs comfort, and your control, on daily walks

Most vets will recommend a harness over a collar for small dogs. That’s because small dogs are prone to trachea injuries, and the constant pulling of a dogs neck against a collar only increases the risk of injury. A well made harness will not only minimize injury, many adjust to provide the perfect fit and look great on your dog.

Dog Collars are a better choice for bigger or strong breeds because it makes pulling, something that big dog breeds are naturally inclined to do, a bit more difficult. A dog collar also serves as a good general training tool too, so if you’ve got a dog that has not yet mastered the art of the neighborhood walk, it will aid you in controlling and training your dog.

Dog Leash Options

There are basically two types of dog leashes: the traditional fixed length leash and the retractable leash. Fixed length leashes allow better control of your dog on walks and minimize leash burn (yes, they are notorious for leaving burns on your legs when not locked). Retractable leashes have their place, and are best for the casual, non-structured walk. But if you are constantly stopping to let Fluffy sniff around, you’re not going to burn many calories. Therefore, the fixed length leash is the best way for you and your dog to stay focused on your walk.

Selecting the Right Dog Harness or Dog Collar for Your Walks

There are plenty of harness and collar styles available on the market today. Your selection depends on your personal preference, along with consideration for how well your dog is trained.
If you have a dog that needs a bit more control than a dog collar will give, then a harness is the way to go. Dog harnesses are not only easier on your dogs neck, they are nearly impossible to wriggle out of – something that many escape artists are good at doing in a collar! Rather than a choke collar, which is favored among those with narrow-headed dogs that can easily wriggle out of a dog collar, a dog harness is a much kinder and gentler way of keeping your dog in check.

When shopping for your dogs walking gear, look for products of quality that are backed by the manufacturer, and allow flexibility to adjust for a good fit. After all, a well-fitting collar or leash is just as important as a well-fitting pair of walking sneakers!

Don’t forget to enjoy your walks with your dog. Walking is not only a great way to get fit and stay in shape, it’s a good stress reliever for both you and your best friend.

Like our own health, most of us do not think much about our dog’s illness until it strikes. I’ve always been a lucky dog owner. I’ve had healthy dogs that have lived to ripe old ages with little to no medical intervention. I figured that if I exercised and fed my dogs properly and took care of their immunizations and other preventive care like heartworm, all would be well. However my lucky streak finally ran out when one of my dogs developed urinary tract stones that required surgery for removal.

The experience was pretty darn stressful. It all started when Tilde began having accidents all over the house. At first, I thought that she was displaying dominant behavior (marking) with our foster dog. But then she starting straining to pee, and when she did pee it was tinged with blood. I panicked, and after a $300 trip to the emergency clinic (that revealed nothing) and a $650 surgical procedure, I realized that if I had done just a few things differently, I could have saved 1) myself some money, and, 2) my poor Tilde from going through a battery of unnecessary tests.

Here’s what I suggest all dog owners be mindful of when dealing with an illness:

Be aware, and make note of differences in your dog’s coat, demeanor, gait, eating and elimination.
You know your dog better than anyone. The way you approach your dog’s health should be no different than the way you do your own health. When you don’t feel well, you make note of your symptoms, address them as best as you can on your own, and if that fails to resolve the situation you see your doctor, right? After a series of questions about your symptoms, your doctor will make a recommendation – either to do a series of tests if the symptoms indicate more than one potential issue, or specific tests if the symptoms more clearly describe a particular malady. The more descriptive and specific you are about your symptoms, the quicker and easier it is for your doctor to diagnose your illness. Well, the same goes for your dog.

For example, it was very clear what Tilde’s symptoms were. Because of my worry, I took Tilde to an emergency clinic. I provided a detailed description of when and how she was urinating (or trying to urinate). The attending Vet named a plethora of other potential problems, and recommended some blood tests to aid in the initial diagnosis. Now, had I done some homework up front, I would have questioned that recommendation and asked about an alternative course of action. But because I didn’t and was overwhelmed with worry, I just followed the Vet’s lead instead of actively participating in the decision-making process about her care.

Reseach, Research, Research!
There is valid info out there on dog health that you can learn much from, so long as it’s a reputable source.Prior to any hospital or vet visit, do some research so that you are literate about the potential problems your dog may have. Look for articles that are written by vets, and have images illustrating the symptoms (when there are visible indicators).
If you “Google” your dogs symptoms, you’ll find dozens of sites with good information. But don’t jump to conclusions about a diagnosis. If you find that 70% of the research you do indicates the same potential illness, then that will guide you in your visit to the vet or clinic. This is the knowledge that you need to talk intelligently with your vet about your dog’s diagnosis so that you can get the answers you need to understand the problem, or make sound decisions about your dog’s treatment.

Take an Active Role in the Treatment of Your Dog’s Medical Care.
I can’t stress enough how important it is that you actively participate in the decision process regarding your dog’s medical care. It’s not about what’s right or wrong. It again goes back to knowing your dog, and clearly articulating to your vet his/her symptoms so that the most accurate diagnosis and treatment can be made.

To use my situation as the example, the attending vet at the hospital was confused by Tilde’s initial blood test results, and indicated that she might have diabetes or a plethora of other issues that I have since forgotten, not to mention a high-cost ultrasound for the stones. I was advised that Tilde should be tested for all these different issues to properly address the problem, and because I was distraught and love my dog, I was ready to submit to all those tests to ensure the proper diagnosis. $300 later, I realized that I should have authorized only one – an x-ray – because it was the most appropriate for her symptoms, and would have revealed the stones that were causing the problem. Since there was nothing life-threatening at the moment (although they certainly made me feel like it was!), we could have continued with other tests once the x-ray was evaluated. Instead, I left the emergency clinic with little more than I had when I arrived, beyond what I already thought – that Tilde didn’t have diabetes or any of the other illnesses that were suspected – and I was determined that I would manage the next day’s visit with Tildes’ vet much better.

When we arrived at the vet the very next day, the same recommendations for testing were made. It was suggested that Tilde receive a few tests rather than just an x-ray. I diplomatically asked if we could just proceed with the x-ray, and then depending on the results, decide from there how to proceed. Tilde’s vet was super – he agreed to the approach, and once the suspected stones were confirmed, surgery for their removal was scheduled the next day. I saved around $200 in unnecessary tests that day – and my dog received the medical care she needed.