Best Furniture Ramps for Dogs

December 22, 2015 by Fanna Easter

How to Choose a Furniture Ramp for Dogs

Dog Ramp for Bed — MilicaStankovic/iStock

If you share your home with small or elderly dogs and they enjoy snoozing in your bed or on furniture, then you’ve probably researched dog ramps. Choosing a good furniture ramp for dogs is not hard. It’s flat overwhelming instead. With so many choices, which dog ramp is best for you and your dogs?

I know it’s hard to resist a chocolate wood stained dog ramp that would look glorious next to your bed. However, before pulling out your credit card, make sure a ramp will work for your dog’s and your home’s needs first.

Decide on Ramps or Stairs

Overall, ramps are easier for dogs to navigate on than stair-type ramps. Walking up and down stairs causes dogs to hop up from stair to stair, which can cause pain and injury, so stick with ramp-style options. Steep ramps are hard to climb up or down on, so find a longer ramp that slowly declines downward.

Ramps for Small Dogs

For little dogs, the sky is the limit on choosing a furniture dog ramp. Just make sure your chosen furniture ramp is wrapped in non-skid material and wide enough that your dog won’t fall off while navigating. If your little dog likes to jump off ramps, I highly recommend choosing one with side rails because little dogs can most certainly hurt themselves jumping off anything.

Ramps for Large Dogs

Larger dogs need sturdier furniture ramps due to their heavier weight, wider body and longer body length. Stay away from stuffed wedge-type ramps. They’ll crumble and fall under the weight of larger dogs (50 pounds and over).

Measure Your Space First

If you’re like me, space is minimal when living in the city. While we all want a gorgeous wide, long dog ramp, the ramp we choose must fit into a small place first. Plus, if you’re looking for a ramp for large dogs, you really need to do your homework.

Dog Ramp for Beds

Usually, furniture dog ramps are positioned at the foot of the bed. This works best for smaller dog furniture ramps. For large dog ramps, sometimes positioning the ramp on the side of your bed–sandwiched between a wall and the bed–is a huge space saver. This way, you and your spouse have access to your bed from the foot of the bed or other side.

Now measure the space, and then start looking for furniture dog ramps at your local pet supply store or online!

Dog Ramp for Couches

For small living rooms, look for dog ramps that can easily fit in front of your sofa. If your coffee table takes up a lot of room, try replacing it with an ottoman instead. Place a furniture ramp next to the ottoman, so once your dog climbs onto the ottoman, he can easily step onto the sofa.

Yes, Furniture Dog Ramps Must Be Cute

Well, at this point, we’ve narrowed down some options for you. If you’re having a difficult time finding a sturdy furniture dog ramp that meets your specifications, I highly recommend creating your own version, especially if you’re crafty. Once you’ve found the perfect dog ramp, check out this article on teaching your dog how to use his new ramp.

For more safe and well-made ramps for dogs of different sizes, check out the links below.

This is, by far, my favorite furniture dog ramp because it’s wide with a low slope, contains non-skid material, and lays flush onto the floor and bed. Plus, it’ll hold up to 200 pounds!
For DIYers, take a peek at this site. There are many options to choose from, but honestly a creative person can easily make my favorite ramp (listed above) too.

Furniture dog ramps are expensive, so make sure you’ve chosen the perfect one for you and your dog.

Is It OK for Dogs to Chew on Sticks?

December 15, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Think Twice Before Letting Your Dog Chew on Sticks

Can Dogs Eat Sticks — loriklaszlo/Deposit Photos

This is a tough one. I’m so against paranoid media posts convincing people the world is an evil place, so I’m dancing on this subject carefully. I personally feel anything is dangerous if we aren’t aware of the possible consequences. Is it OK for dogs to chew on sticks? It depends, but I would certainly suggest caution when letting your dog chew on sticks, as sticks can most certainly cause harm.

If Your Dog Chews on Sticks, Then Take Sticks Away

Sticks are basically free toys for dogs. They’re littered around your backyard and range in different sizes from tiny twigs to huge branches. Sticks quickly become toys when puppies learn to pick them up and run around the yard. Plus, sticks are softer, which makes them easy and fun to chew.

If your dog plops down to begin chewing and swallowing stick chards, then it becomes a big problem. When sticks break off, even when chewed, they turn into sharp splinters, which can easily get stuck in your dog’s mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach and intestines. I’ve even seen stick splinters lodge themselves toward the top of a dog’s mouth and in between teeth. Swallowed sticks (whole or chards) will definitely cause intestinal obstruction because wood is impossible to digest.

Believe it or not, swallowing sticks is actually quite common. Pet owners usually find their dogs pawing at their mouths, drooling or refusing to eat because a stick is causing them pain. This almost always results in a veterinary visit to remove the lodged stick or splinter because the injury bleeds a lot and can cause further damage beyond piercing the skin.

How to Take Sticks Away From Your Dog

It happens. Your young dog finds a stick, then you begin to panic and chase him around the yard to take the stick away. Well, we all know chasing a dog always ends in frustration for us, but very fun for your dog. Instead of chasing your dog, play a game of trade.

Grab a super yummy treat and hold it out in front of you. If the treat is delicious, your dog will likely drop the stick to eat the treat (most dogs can’t do both :)). Now, don’t just give your dog the treat; toss it in the opposite way of the stick, so you can quickly pick up the stick and toss it in the trash or compost bin while your dog enjoys his treat. Trading your dog for a treat is the easiest way to teach your dog to drop things. It’s not bribery either. Think of treats as a paycheck; I’ll give you this for that. Everyone deserves a paycheck or allowance, right?

Use Soft Toys for Fetch Games

Sticks are just too hard for fetch games. They can easily shatter or knock out a tooth when your dog catches them in mid-air. Also, as scary as it sounds, dogs have accidentally swallowed or were impaled by sticks during a game of fetch.

Instead, toss an appropriate-sized soft rubber toy that gives a bit when your dog catches it. Soft rubber toys are less likely to harm your dog’s mouth or teeth. When choosing a size, I recommend a fetch toy that your dog can easily carry around, but still be visible when your dog holds it in his mouth. If a toy disappears in your dog’s mouth, it’s too small. Soft yellow tennis balls work best, but if your dog is large, choose a bigger ball. Remember, dogs don’t care if it’s a stick or toy; they just want to play with you.

Stick-Obsessed Dogs

If your dog is obsessed with sticks, I would recommend picking up and tossing sticks in your compost bin every day. If you don’t have time, then walk your dog on leash until you do. One good thing about removing sticks is it stops your dog from practicing stick-playing behavior. Now, add plenty of fun toys in the backyard for your dog to play fetch with and make sure to only play fetch with appropriate toys rather than sharp sticks. Soon, your dog will learn which toys to play with because they’re fun and forget sticks even exist!

Anything is dangerous, so I recommend redirecting your dog to play with soft rubber toys.

5 Thoughtful Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers

December 8, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Gifts for Dog Lovers: Christmas Edition

We all have those people in our lives who are completely obsessed with dogs, and I’m usually that person within a group of friends. Every Christmas, my dear friends and family hunt for the perfect gift for dog lovers that will bring tears to my eyes as I rip open the wrapping paper. Personally, I appreciate dog-themed gifts chosen specially for me to wear or admire. If the dog lover in your life is anything like myself, she’d rather sport a darling T-shirt featuring a dog than a Chanel blouse any day!

Over the years, I’ve given and received the best dog lover gifts ever, which I’ll totally share with you! Hopefully, your friend beams with admiration when she unwraps your special gift because it warms the paw prints in her heart.

Hoodie & T-Shirt

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to bump into a vendor selling darling hoodies and T-shirts with special messages about dogs. It was funny because draped across the front of one was my personal motto I had had for years, so I jumped at the chance to purchase “Dogs Are My Zen” hoodie and T-shirt from Dogs Is Good (DIG) Company. Their mission statement will make any dog lover cry good tears. Plus, they offer clothing gift options for men too!

Trust me, these DIG hoodies and T-shirts are far from frumpy looking. They’re fitted just in the right place and very slimming on plus-sized women too (which is incredibility hard to find!). Oh, and the material is so soft and dreamy plus the color choices are amazing. I purchased a large gray “zen” hoodie and medium blue “zen” T-shirt, both of which fit perfectly and were true to size. And yes, I purchased these gifts for the dog lovers in my life. 🙂

Prices: $23.99-$51.99

Jewelry

As a dog lover, you can never have enough paw print or bone-shaped earrings. Since I work with dogs, I prefer stud earrings, as ones that dangle can easily get caught in fur or become a distraction. However, you can choose earrings based on your friend’s personal style from a huge assortment of paw print earrings at Etsy. The best part is you never have to worry about purchasing the right size because earrings always fit. 🙂

Prices: $10-$75

Mugs

Everyone needs glassware and stylish dog-themed mugs make great gifts for dog lovers. You can certainly choose novelty mugs with humorous sayings, but personally, I adore fashionable dog-themed mugs I can use every day. Want to take it a step further? Borrow a photo of your friend’s cherished dog and create a personalized mug at Zazzle.com. You’ll certainly warm his or her heart forever. When purchasing mugs, I recommend buying a set of two, so they can share with a friend while sipping their warm beverage.

Prices: $2-$10 per mug.

Artwork

Want to make a dog lover cry? Frame her favorite dog picture or, better yet, commission it to an artist for a one-of-a-kind art piece. If you want to keep it a surprise, dig around your friend’s social media page to locate the perfect photo, save it and memorialize it. About 15 years ago, I lost my first Rottweiler a couple of months before Christmas and my mother memorialized him in a bronze statue. To this day, I still cry when I think about opening her thoughtful gift. His statue is still on my mantle.

Enlarging and framing a picture is inexpensive now, especially if you increase the size using the local pharmacy kiosk (located in the photo sections). From there, you can pick up a frame according to your chosen size.

If you’re going the artwork route, my favorite artists are Rachel Victoria and Art Paw by Rebecca Collins. They do beautiful work. If you’re crafty, try layering different filters over a photo for a beautiful effect in Photoshop. If crafting is not your thing, download the Portrait Painter app and create breathtaking images. It’s super simple!

Prices:

Enlarging and framing pictures: $50-$150
Artwork: $100-$250
Portrait Painter app: $15 (worth every penny)

Donate to Their Local Rescue Group

For some reason, we forget this option. However, it’s every bit as meaningful to help dogs in need, especially during the holidays. Make a donation to a local rescue group or sponsor a dog in need in your friend’s name. Print and frame the donation along with a picture and bio of her sponsored dog, then gift wrap and place under the tree. Expect tears. 🙂

Price: Invaluable

Happy Holidays and don’t forget to hug your dogs!

5 Fun Stocking Stuffers For Your Dog

December 7, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Dogs

Stash a few fun and interactive toys in your dog’s Christmas stocking this year. Our dogs rely on us for entertainment; they don’t have TVs, laptops or phones. It’s up to us to keep them mentally fulfilled daily. All five stocking stuffers below will keep your dog busy for hours. Plus, a few can be fun games that can be played anywhere anytime.

During the peak of the holiday season, aim to play with or provide a food stuffed toy to your dog at least twice a day. This will keep your dog happily fulfilled, as you chat away with Aunt Edna over Christmas yams.

Pickle Pocket Toy

It’s lime green, flexible, easily washable, and it has crevices for hiding food. What more could you ask for in a stocking stuffer, right? The Pickle Pocket toy is perfect for dogs that are super skilled at removing food from toys. This dog toy takes lots of patience and persistence; that’s for sure.

Smear peanut butter, cream cheese or yogurt into each crevice and freeze overnight. Your dog will have to dig in the toy for hours. Make it harder by stuffing hard treats deep into the crevice pockets; your dog has to work really hard to loosen those treats. As a rule, the Pickle Pocket seems to be easier for smaller dogs and a bit challenging for larger dogs. If it’s too complicated and your pooch gives up, bring out the Kong toy.

Tug Toy on a String

Tug toys on a string are much more fun than a regular tug toy and they’re totally portable! This dog toy has a plush squeaky toy at the end of a long rope, which you fling around the yard (or living room), as your dog stalks, bounces and chases it. Think of it as fly fishing; you bounce the line around, mimicking a running squirrel, while your dog has a blast.

While playing with tug toys on a string, keep the plush toy ground level. This prevents dogs from springing up and injuring themselves. You’ll be shocked how quickly this wears your dog out, so keep sessions under 10 minutes. If your dog catches the toy, but refuses to give it back, check out this video demo for tips.

WATCH: Teach Your Dog The Tug Game

Bubbles

So often, I simply forget dogs love to chase bubbles. Choose bubbles specially made for dogs, as many toy store options contain toxic chemicals. Some bubbles are even peanut butter scented, so make sure to give those a try.

To get started, blow a few bubbles at your dog’s level (shoulder height) so she can see them floating past her. Many times, dogs don’t really know to look up, so blowing bubbles over their heads is useless. Once your dog is focused on the bubbles, start blowing them higher.

RELATED: Under $20 Dog Gift Ideas

Bully Stick Chew

For the most part, bully sticks are easier to digest. When giving your dog a bully stick, make sure it’s big enough for her to chew and not swallow whole. This stocking stuffer needs supervision, so make sure you’re watching your dog when she enjoys her chew toy. During the holidays, once festivities have slowed down, I’ll bring my dog into the family gathering to chew her bully stick. As I’m chatting away, I’ll hold one end of the bully stick, so my dog can happily chew the other end. This way, I’m able to keep my dog entertained while I chat with family.

Please don’t give your dog rawhide even if it’s candy cane-shaped or red-and-green-colored. Rawhide is downright dangerous, as it’s one of the main causes of intestinal obstructions. Don’t believe me? Ask your vet. 🙂

Good Ol’ Tennis Ball

The tennis ball is a tried-and-true toy of the ages, which makes it the perfect stocking stuffer. Most dogs will lose their biscuits for a quick game of toss. If your dog is mad about playing ball, the holidays are a perfect time to replenish your supply. For most dogs, tennis balls are usually the most loved. Just make sure to supervise your dog around tennis balls, as these objects can be easily chewed and swallowed.

Happy Holidays! Don’t forget to hug your dogs!

How to Teach Your Golden Retriever Polite Behaviors

December 4, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Training Golden Retrievers Polite Behaviors

Golden Retrievers are one of my favorite dogs to work with. They’re outgoing, driven, and usually pretty food and toy motivated. Over the years, I’ve worked with a number of Golden Retrievers, but unfortunately, I’ve never had the pleasure of sharing my home with one. Working with them on a regular basis has given me great insight into their common characteristics and behaviors. Hopefully, that can help you live more comfortably with your Golden Retriever.

Not-So-Polite Golden Retriever Behaviors

All dog breeds have their quirks and differences just like people. Becoming familiar with what is considered normal breed behavior will help you tailor their behavior to your lifestyle. With Golden Retrievers, you may deal with a lot of mouthy behaviors, such as always picking up unacceptable items or mouthing your hands while playing, petting or greeting. Let’s talk about how to make some of these Golden Retriever behaviors a little more manageable.

Always remember: with any unwanted behavior, you want to provide your dog with an acceptable behavior.

Mouthing (Putting Mouth on Your Hands)

In this case, we want to provide your Golden Retriever with proper chew toys and retrieval items, such as Kongs, Nylabones and retrieval toys for play. To help prevent your dog from mouthing you during playtime, only interact with him with his toys. This way, when your dog mouths you during petting, you can redirect his attention with your hand that contains the food treat while you pet with your other hand.

Sometimes, Goldens can become fascinated with mouthing unacceptable items. However, we can help them make the right choice by making the unacceptable item less intriguing. You do this by using a chewing deterrent on the unacceptable items, which may be your keys, remote controls or shoes. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Most of the deterrents are water-based, so you most likely need to reapply every couple of days.

Now that you’re providing your dog with the appropriate chew toys and deterring them from the unacceptable items, make sure you praise all correct behavior to increase the likeliness of your dog repeating it.

Excitable Greetings (Jumping Up)

Excitable greetings are nice to come home to because you can tell how happy your dog is to see you, but on the other end of the leash it’s not so nice of a behavior when you’re carrying groceries or you have a guest coming over.

Again, teaching an alternate behavior is the best place to start; in this case, it’s the “sit” behavior. Start in a low distraction area. Use a high value food reward to lure your dog into the behavior and reward once he successfully sits. Gradually fade the lure after many dog training sessions and begin asking for the behavior in lieu of the jumping.

Another great tool you can use to gain more control of your dog during walks is the head collar or front clip harness. These dog products help you redirect your dog on walks and allow you to ask for the known “sit” behavior instead of him jumping on people.

All dogs have their own personalities and characteristics. It’s all about figuring out how to live more harmoniously with your specific dog breed and enjoying all the great things about him. Using a little bit of training and management will most certainly help facilitate polite behavior.

Best Furniture Ramps for Dogs

How to Choose a Furniture Ramp for Dogs

Decide on Ramps or Stairs

Ramps for Small Dogs

Ramps for Large Dogs