Pets Smile Plus

Planning a trip to the City of Brotherly Love but don’t want to leave Fido behind?

You’re not alone. Traveling with pets is on the rise and there’s a whole new crop of pet-friendly accommodations in town.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel makes pets and their companions welcome with their Loews Loves Pets and Very Important Pet (VIP) programs. The hotel provides food and water dishes, a map of dog-walking routes, pet shops and other resources. Pet walking and sitting services are available for an extra fee. The Sheraton Society Hill Hotel welcomes dogs and has its own pet-walking area. It’s close to other walking paths along the Delaware River. The Best Western Independence Park Hotel accepts small dogs (under 25 lbs.) with a one-time pet fee.

Of course you won’t want to bring Fido all the way to Philly and leave him in a hotel room all day.

Philadelphia is a great walking town and you can get some good exercise by covering much of the city on foot. You can take your dog for a stroll by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and up the Schuylkill River beside picturesque Kelly Drive. You’ll pass famous Boathouse Row, fifteen 19th c. boathouses that still provide Crewing Quarters for Philadelphia-area colleges. Active year-round, you’ll likely see rowing teams practicing in the river.

For off-leash fun, you can visit the dog run beside Eastern State Penitentiary just five blocks from the Art Museum.

Or you may want to soak up more traditional history by walking your pet near the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Stand with your back to the National Constitution Center, and you’ll gaze across the vista to Independence Hall– though if you want to tour inside these museums, you’ll need to leave Fido with someone outside.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, stroll on down Market St. toward the river below 4th St. and you’ll find a dozen or more restaurants with outdoor seating. Most sidewalk café seating in Philadelphia won’t mind a pooch or two sitting quietly by your feet.

To stock up on gourmet dog treats, visit Bonejour the premier pet boutique of Old City. 14 N. 3rd Street and if your pooch needs a little spa time, you can visit Pooch’s Choice at 133 S. 23rd St. for a bath and nail trim.

If you’d like to bring Fido but have him be pampered on his own, you might consider
Mazzu’s Canine and Feline Hotel, the new luxury hotel in Philadelphia just for dog and cats. Brainchild of Jenee Mazzu and her husband, the hotel offers a homey environment with quilts and dvd players and filet mignon and fresh salmon. Spa services are also available. 334 N. Water Street.

With so much to do with your dog in Philadelphia, you’ll want to stay awhile and explore the Philadelphia scene.

Where to Stay

Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market Street
215 627-1200

Sheraton Society Hill
One Dock Street
215-238-6000

Best Western Independence Park Hotel
235 Chestnut St
215 922-4443
Allows small dogs (under 25 pounds) and has a one time pet fee.

Mazzu’s Canine and Feline Hotel
334 N. Water Street
215 923-8326
Spa services are also available

Where to Eat

Outdoor café seating is popular in the warmer seasons and generally dog-friendly.

While sidewalk seating can be found all over the city, the following are some neighborhoods with an especially high ratio of sidewalk cafes.

Old City—3rd and Market and towards the river
Northern Liberties—3rd and Fairmount
Rittenhouse Square—Between 18th and 20th Streets by Walnut, Locust and Spruce

Where to Play
Dog run beside Eastern State Penitentiary at Corinthian between 20th and 21st

Schuylkill River Dog Run
25th St. between Locust and Spruce Streets

Seger Dog Park
Located at 10th and Lombard Streets

Shops
Bonejour the premier pet boutique of Old City. 14 N. 3rd Street, 215 574-1225
Chic Petique Liberties Walk 1040 N. 2nd. St. St. 401 215-629-1733

Grooming
Chez BowWow Liberties Walk next door to Chic Petique 1040 N. 2nd St. St. 501 Full Grooming Salon 215-923-2992
Pooch’s Choice 133 S 23rd St at Walnut Street 215 564-1930

Jennifer April writes about dog fun in Philadelphia and shares dog treat recipes on her site, all-natural-dog-treat.com www.all-natural-dog-treat.com, your stop for all natural dog treat recipes and natural care for your dog.

Bailey is a three year old Bull Terrier, and she’s the love of Maruchy Perez’s life.

Maruchy is a singer, and the summer that Bailey was born she was working for one of the Disney ships out of Port Canaveral (half her luck - sounds like a great lifestyle!).

Maruchy had researched the the breed for two years before she met the breeder who lived about five hours away from where Maruchy lived.

Bailey was born in Brooksville forty miles north of Tampa on the 4th of July. The breeder sent pictures of the litter to Maruchy after they were born, and Maruchy picked Bailey out from the many pictures she received while on the Disney ship.

Bailey went home with Maruchy some nine weeks later, and she was everything Marchy had hoped for. She was a hand full but a lot of fun.

But it wasn’t long before the challenges started. Maruchy noticed that Bailey was sick a lot, with either hives or vomiting or diarrhea or all three. Maruchy repeatedly took Bailey to the vet who usually gave her cortisone for the hives, and pills to prevent dehydration.

When she was four months old Bailey was given her rabies shot.

Over the next four months, Bailey went from a loving puppy to a very nasty and aggressive dog with BIG teeth.

Maruchy spoke to the vet, the breeder, animal trainers, and anyone who she thought might be able to help. Bailey had become so aggressive that at one point it seemed as everyone was saying “put her down”.

Maruchy couldn’t bear the though of it. She was desperate to find a better solution. After another month of living in fear, Maruchy contacted an “animal communicator”, Diane Samsel, who told Maruchy to take Bailey off the commercial dog food she was on immediately, and to find a holistic doctor. The animal communicator also advised Maruchy to let the holistic doctor know that Bailey had “auto immune vaccinosis”.

Maruchy did exactly what the animal communicator suggested. She ceased the commercial dog food, and set up a consultation with a holistic doctor, knowing that Bailey was a very sick little dog, and determined to save Bailey from a terrible fate.

Bailey showed signs of improvement withiin two days of being totally off commercial dog food! Maruchy started her on a raw food only diet and went to see a wonderful doctor who agreed to consult with Maruchy and treat Bailey. With the animal communicator’s guidance, Maruchy instructed and helped the doctor give Bailey the holistic medicines she needed to get her back on track.

For more information on the effects of vaccinations in pets, go here: HealthyHappyDogs.com/RemoveToxinsNaturally

Maruchy’s understanding of Auto Immune Vaccinosis is that it is a condition which can arise when the body has been given so much poison by way of vaccines, that the body starts to reject one of its own organs. In Bailey’s case, her body was rejecting her liver. Bailey couldn’t control herself and was in a lot of pain, and she regressed to a behaviour reminiscent of times past when aggression was actively encouraged in bull terriers in order to fight them. The liver is also said to be the recepticle for feelings, from a holistic point of view, including anger.

Who is a candidate for Auto Immune Vaccinosis? Basically anything that lives and has organs that can be poisoned by injecting the body with the so called “anti-virus”. In other words, pets are at a very high risk due to the very high number and frequency of so-called essential vaccinations. And because the vaccinations aren’t necessarily given in doses which take into account the animal’s size, small dogs are probably at greater risk than large ones. But any dog can be susceptible.

Now that Maruchy has eliminated the vaccines and petfood toxins from Bailey’s system, she’s very careful not to expose Bailey to other poisons - including household chemicals.

For information on eliminating toxins from your dog’s life, thereby improving his/her health significantly, click here.

Maruchy sent me some cute pictures of Bailey and her playmate, Halle, Maruchy’s other dog. You can see the pics here: HealthyHappyDogs.com/BaileyPics

Wow, what a story! I know these vaccinations (not to mention cortisone as well) can do harm and can build up in the dog’s system. I’m surprised it happened so soon with Bailey. At only 8 months old! That’s really frightening, isn’t it? To think of the potential harm it can do to an older dog when they’re given these drugs regularly over a lifetime.

When I started on my “journey” with my Healthy Happy Dogs site and newsletter, I really wasn’t aware of just how important a holistic approach is for dogs. I’d actually always had my dogs vaccinated. But not any more. The last time I received the reminder letter from the vet that my dogs’ annual shots were due, I took them for an examination, but NO shots this time. And NO more cortisone for my Rottweiler’s skin irritations (which have improved radically since I’ve been supplementing with vitamins).

I actually expected an argument from the vet when I said I wasn’t going to agree to any more vaccinations. But guess what? She said that was FINE - the important thing is to bring the dogs in for a checkup - the vaccinations are certainly NOT essential. I couldn’t believe it! Why continually vaccinate a dog when it’s not ecessary?? I was dumbfounded. I’ve done a lot of research, and know this to be the case, but for my vet who has always routinely pumped poisonous vaccine into my dogs every year to admit it was totally unnecessary - I was dumbfounded.

Bailey’s story (and my experience with my vet) are such an important lesson for you. Now, please don’t misunderstand me - I’m NOT advocating abandoning your vet’s advice - PLEASE ALWAYS discuss your concerns and your intentions with your vet. There may be valid reasons why your particular dog may need a particular vaccination (especially puppies). And some jurisdictions have legal requirements for certain vaccinations.

But whatever you decide, please MAKE SURE that you take your dog in for a general health checkup at least once a year.

© Brigitte Smith, 2005

Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, click here for your dog health report: HealthyHappyDogs.com HealthyHappyDogs.com

As the pet healthcare industry becomes more proficient, pets are able to live longer life even if they should contact diseases like diabetes. More manageable than ever before, diabetes in dogs can be treated and control with medication and most importantly a properly control diet.

The first most important aspect of a control diabetic diet is to not allow your dog to gain and lose too much weight. Weight changes would affect the amount of insulin needed to control diabetes and any planned changes to gain or slim down have to be done under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

A control diabetic diet should avoid both natural and added simple sugars. Many soft foods, such as the semi-moist “burgers” and treat, contain a higher than recommended amount of sugar. Their relatively high moisture content, combined with this higher sugar content, may cause a spike in the dog’s blood sugar after eating.

Routine is an important part of the diabetic dog’s diet. The most difficult part that most diabetic dog owners face is the controlling of the dog’s blood sugar level over a long period of time. A well-established routine that features a regular schedule of meals, treats, and exercise is important and of great benefit in terms of maintaining a diabetic dog’s good health. A well-planned good routine that manages to maintain the dog’s weight at an ideal level might reduce or even stop the need to treat the dog with insulin.

Homemade Diets
Although many dog owners enjoy cooking and taking care of their diabetic dog, most homemade diets are not recommended for diabetic dogs, unless you really know what you are doing. Homemade diets are too variable to be suitable, even if high-quality ingredients are used. One of the few occasion that a homemade diet is recommended for a diabetic dog is when the dog refuses to eat a commercial diet.

Commercial Diets
Commercial diabetic canine diets are varied, to give the owner and veterinarian more options when prescribing food for an affected dog. These dogs have lower protein than that which the dog might get in a homemade diet, ranging from about 5 percent dry weight to about 8 percent dry weight.

The advantages of a commercial diabetic diet over home prepared diet is that the commercial ones are more consistent in the uses of their ingredients, that makes controlling the sugar level more manageable. Nevertheless, not all dogs will eat them and it might take the owners to try various different formulations before finding one that your dog will enjoy eating. One tip to help a diabetic dog likes his food is to try mixing his food with different flavor of prescription canned food. This method is helpful for many diabetic dogs out there.

Moses Wright is the founder of Dog-Diet.net. You can find more helpful information on dog-diet.net Canine Dog Diet, dog-diet.net/natural/ Natural Dog Food and dog-diet.net/homemade/ Homemade Dog Food on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a short little dog with a long hairy body and a carefree attitude. The “PBGV” as the breed is known by the shortened nickname, is a member of a group of four varieties of scent hounds called Griffons which were developed in the area of Vendee in southern France. The breed was introduced into the United States in 1991, being admitted into the Hound Group at A.K.C. shows. He made an instant hit with his unique long and low basset appearance but covered with rough and unruly hair. In Canada and Great Britain they had made their appearance years before and were known as “roughies”.

This is a term that befits their appearance, the coat is quite harsh and stiff. The eyes have a distinctive “shelf” of hair sticking out above them making eyebrows, protecting the eyes without hiding them. The muzzle is covered with longer hair and the lips also, making a “beard” and mustache. The coat is about two to four inches long all over and it is strictly against the standard of the breed to trim or change the lines of the dog through grooming when entered at A.K.C. shows.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was bred to have an extremely tough and durable coat, thus providing a good protection for him from the brambles and thistles in the wilds of his native country. The coat should be tousled in appearance and quite wiry. The dog’s body is long and low to the ground, rather like that of a Dachshund, so that he can make his way into thickets and heavily brushy areas to follow his prey. The height of the dog at a year of age, according to the standard required by the American Kennel Club, should be not above 15 inches nor under 13 inches at the withers. The colors of the coat should be a base of White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor or grizzle markings, so that he can be easily distinguished when out in the field.

The PBGV is definitely first and foremost a hunting dog and has the inherent nature of the hunter, alert and inquisitive with a certain amount of confidence and independence. He is easily trainable and willing to please, happy to go on the hunt or go on a walk and has made a “hit” in the United States as a pet for apartment or country living. He is not by nature aggressive to other dogs and will fit in easily into a household with other dogs. Also his personality is easy going and he will take a fair amount of mauling from children in a family with happiness and affection. He does need plenty of exercise and a good long walk daily if he is an urban dweller keeps him content and prevent obesity. This is a dog that has a strong hunting instinct however and certainly needs to be kept within a fenced in area.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to

Dog lover gifts are the perfect presents for a person who has one or more dogs. Various kinds of dog-themed gift items are available on the market. A dog lover gift is one of the most appreciated and cherished of all gifts, and it should be selected with utmost care.

When you select a dog lover gift, you have to keep certain things in mind. If you decide to give a dog as gift, you should know what type of dog you are giving. There are a host of dog breeds and each has certain unique physical traits and qualities. Dog lover gifts can be personalized with the name of a dog or dogs, or a quote related to dogs. Shop around for the best rates on these items.

Dog lover gifts are often designed with a particular breed in mind. Dog food items, dog accessories, books on dog health, grooming, care and food habits are the most common gifts. Also, personalized dog t-shirts, videos on dogs care, bed sheets, dog printed pillows, dog towels and dog doormats are available. Ceramic items, hand made products, gift baskets and showpieces made of metal, and glass and wood are in great demand. Big posters of dogs and dog photo frames make wonderful gifts. Most dog lovers would love to attend a dog show – so, why not give a ticket to a show? Other popular gift items include dog key chains, dog clocks, dog signs, dog mouse pads, dog jewelry, pins, coasters, and dog cookie jars.

e-DogLoverGifts.com Dog Lover Gifts provides detailed information on Dog Lover Gifts, Unique Dog Lover Gifts, Dog Lover Gift Baskets, Personalized Dog Lover Gifts and more. Dog Lover Gifts is affiliated with e-FoodGifts.com Gourmet Food Gifts.

Many people buy their cats scratching posts. They purchase a cheap post and set it in a corner someplace. Then, they are disappointed when the cat continues to scratch on the nice furniture.

Cats like to be where their humans are. Commonly, it is best to set the scratching post close to the current favored scratching area. This is obviously where the cat likes to scratch, so it’s more likely that they will find the post. Sometimes rubbing catnip on the post can draw the cat to it and encourage use of the post.

The cheapest scratching posts are not always the best. Often these posts are covered in carpet, which can snag claws. These posts may not be very sturdy. A wobbly post will discourage your cat from using it vigorously. This means for those really wild moments, the furniture will still get scratched. Another problem with low cost scratching posts is that they aren’t very tall. Any scratching post should allow the cat to stretch out to his or her full height with paws extended. This gives them a good stretch.

Scratching does several things for the cat. It keeps the cats claws healthy. It allows the cat to stretch its spine. It also allows the cat to work off any anxiety. Finally, the shredding of the scratching material marks a cat’s territory.

Keeping the claws healthy means the post needs a material that allows the claws to penetrate and will shred but doesn’t catch the claws and potentially tear the nails. Sisal is an excellent scratching post material. However, some cats prefer raw wood. Soft woods work well for this. Other cats like cardboard scratching posts, though they can be messy and must be replaced. Carpet snags claws easily and is not recommended for the entire scratching post.

The scratching post must be long enough to allow the cat to stretch its full spine. This means buying a taller post or at least a longer one. Some cats do prefer to scratch across the floor rather than reaching up and there are posts that lay on the floor. It’s somewhat less important that these be long because the cat can start the stretch farther away. However, it’s always good to be generous with the space the cat has. Older cats may be especially inclined to enjoy this type of post as that reduces any stress that may be placed on the hip joints.

Cats in multiple cat homes may enjoy having their own scratching post. This way each cat can mark it’s own territory. The large cat trees that offer multiple places to scratch may work for multi-cat homes because each cat can pick it’s spot for scratching.

It’s important to remember that every cat will scratch somewhere. If they are offered appropriate materials with adequate space, they are less likely to scratch in places they aren’t supposed to. Remember cats are social and will use what’s available where they are. Try to place the posts in a place where the human family spends time as well.

Bonnie Koenig lives with her three cats who all have their own scratching preferences. She and her Siamese, Cheysuli have their website mysiamese.com mysiamese.com, which includes more scratching post suggestions.

Dog collars are a necessity. Dog collars make wonderful gifts for dogs. Many people would not hesitate to spend a bundle on a unique dog collar that would delight their faithful friend.

Today, there are many different kinds of dog collars available. There are many manufacturers who are providing exclusively designed collars. These are also custom-designed as per the customer’s specifications. These make really unique gifts since they can be designed to reflect the personality of the dog or the owner.

Designer collars are the most fashionable gifts that can be given to an adored pet. These include collars made of unique materials such as denim, suede, leather, vinyl, foam, or even precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. These are decorated with beads, and precious or semi-precious stones such as gemstones, rubies, zircons, Swarovski crystals and even diamonds! The designs can be customized to spell the pet’s name, which would make the collar all the more appealing. Designer collars can be both fancy as well as functional.

Designer dog collars are available in many different sizes: toy (8-10″”), small (10-14″”), small plus (14-16″”), medium (16-18″”), large (20-22″”) and extra large (22-24″”). The width of the collar is generally ½”" or 1″”. 10-14″” collars are for beagles, Jack Russells, and shelties, which have smaller necks. Labs, Australian shepherds, Dalmatians, pointers and spaniels would need bigger collars, as they have neck sizes ranging between 14 and 20 inches, while rottweilers, Great Danes, and chow chows have neck lengths between 18 and 28 inches.

Some manufacturers also make custom collars to fit the dog perfectly. While measuring the dog for the collar, ensure that the collar rests comfortably a couple of inches below the head. Place two fingers between the tape and the dog’s neck for the right size. Choose a bigger collar for growing dogs. Designer dog collars are priced at around $20 and may go up to $100 or more. They can be affixed with attractive tags or charms for a more personalized look.

e-dogcollars.com Dog Collars provides detailed information on Dog Collars, Personalized Dog Collars, Small Dog Collars, Fancy Dog Collars and more. Dog Collars is affiliated with e-DogClothes.com Designer Dog Clothes.

All dogs need obedience. Dogs are pack animals and have several survival traits bred into them. They follow built in senses of pack order and survival behavior. In order to communicate with dogs, we should speak their language or teach them to understand ours.

Once your dog learns easy key words in addition with behavioral cues like eye contact for permission, he will quickly settle into a less anxious mindset. Dog obedience will help your dog behaviorally as well as psychologically.

Sporting dogs, for example, have the desire to run, chase, jump, climb, and retrieve. If these basic needs are not met, these dogs will substitute their energies in such behaviors as digging, chewing, and tearing up household treasures.

Not fulfilling their basic needs also may result in anxiety disorders that will show themselves as behavioral problems. Chewing on door frames and tearing up favorite items of your clothing, for example, are signs of anxiety disorders.

There are various types of obedience training. Most trainers will subscribe positive reinforcement. This means that the handler reinforces the doggy once a command has been followed correctly. The dog is put in position using a desirable object like a treat or toy. This method is popular because it usually motivates the dog to learn. Clicker and Rally-O training fit into this division. Going by the wayside is “jerk and pull” training. This occurs when a handler positions the dog with a quick pull into position to train.

Giving working doggies like terriers and shepherds, as well as sporting dogs like labs and retrievers, a task, will help focus that unwanted energy and make your dogs more contented. Dog Obedience and Agility training are excellent ways to do this.

Training your dogs in obedience will allow you to spend organized time each day with them. During this time, your dogs will be expected to perform definite jobs. In addition, they will have to use their minds to think about what is going on and give desired responses. This helps fulfill their desire to work.

Don’t think that just because you own a toy dog or a “non working” dog, that you are off of the hook. These dogs need to stimulate their mind and get exercise also. While they may or may not take too high “working” job types like rescue work, they do need to be trained.

All dogs are pack animals and dog training will help assimulate them into your home. Also, training dogs will help channel energy not spent doing what they were bred to do and utilize that energy to do what you want them to do. All dogs should be trained.

Bhaskar Das for how-to-train-a-dog.com/dogobedience Dog Care
Read more about Dog Care here
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The Basenji is an ancient African pack hunting dog. She is fairly small in stature and cat like. She will tolerate older children if properly socialized at an early age. Remember to never leave any young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog for any length of time. She keeps herself so clean that she barely sheds. She is basically a quiet dog, rarely barking, although she can make a racket if she wants to.

The Basenji is probably unsuited for apartment life because she prefers to live in a pack. She also loves to chew, everything. If you try to fence her in, she will probably climb the fence to escape, as she is a climber and an escape artist. She needs plenty of exercise.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Basenji is approximately 17 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and about 24 pounds. The female should run about 17 inches to the withers and about 22 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. All dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed. The Basenji has the following potential problems. Umbilical and Inguinal Hernias, PPM or Persistent Pupillary Membrane (related to the eye and generally does not cause symptoms), hypothyroidism (sluggish thyroid gland which can result in weight gain), certain eye anomalies, canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint), Hemolytic Anemia (serious to deadly blood problem), small intestine problems and PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness).

*Grooming. The Basenji has a fine short coat with very pliant skin. She will clean herself like a cat and sheds very little so almost no coat brushing is necessary. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

*Life Span. The Basenji can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Basenji has an amazing, ancient history. Likenesses of them are carved on Egyptian pharaohs tombs. The breed disappeared and were re-discovered in the Congo in 1895. The African people, Mangbetu and Azande used them singly and in packs to help chase game into nets. They were imported to England and America in the 1930 time frame. The AKC, American Kennel Association accepted them as a breed in 1943.

*Registries:
Basenji Club of America
CKC Continental Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
AKC American Kennel Club
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club

Category: Hound, Sight hound, Hunting dog.

Terms To Describe The Breed: Alert, affectionate, intelligent, independent, swift, elegant, graceful,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Rarely barks.
She keeps herself very clean.
Highly intelligent.
They form a strong bond with their human family.
Sheds very little.
Almost no dog odor.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Does not like water or getting wet.
May test her limits just for fun.
Can become very destructive if left alone too long.
Territorial, can be hostile to other dog and animals.
They are fence climbers.
Will chew most everything.
Rarely barks but can make plenty of noise.
Not a scary looking watch dog.

*Other Names Known By: Barkless Dog, Zaire Terrier, Congo Terrier

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular pet site: petpages.com petpages.com He provides informative advice on all pets including dogs, puppies, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs. Petpages.com also has an extensive pet classified ads section.

City walks are the principle form of exercise for urban pets. Try to find a nearby park or enclosed area where you can let your dog stretch his legs for a few minutes, off the lead. If this is impossible, buy an extra-long leash and seek a safe spot where he can roam within its limits. This is unfortunately easier said than done, since more and more cities are banning dogs from wider areas. Dog owners can strengthen their position by respecting a few rules when walking their pets on the street.

- Since most dogs feel the urge to relieve themselves shortly after they are taken out of doors, plan your walk to start with suitable stations.

- Train your dog to relieve himself in the gutter, and walk him on the curb side of the sidewalk so that you can pull him into the gutter if necessary.

- Always carry a few plastic bags with you. If your dog should make “a mistake” on the sidewalk, slip your hand into the bag as if it were a glove, scoop up the mistake, then pull the bag inside out in order to enclose it.

- Never cross the street against a traffic light. Even if the light is green, it is better to wait for the beginning of the next green phase in order to have plenty of time for crossing.

- Try to avoid rush hours and crowded places. When you are unavoidably caught in a crowd, keep your dog close at heel on a short leash, or if he is small enough, carry him in your arms.

- Never let your pet greet a passing dog if the encounter would cause a pedestrian traffic jam, nor let him make advances to strangers. Some people, believe it or not, do not like dogs.

Suburban walks aren’t much different from those in the city. The vehicle traffic may be less, but it is even more dangerous because it moves faster. Always keep your dog on a leash and under control. If he is well-trained, you can run the risk of unleashing him in selected safe spots, but always be prepared to snap on the leash if necessary, and always leash to cross the street.

Your dogs greatest freedom and enjoyment will be had with walks in the woods, the mountains, or along the beach. The woods are full of fascinating sights and scents for a dog. Let him roam on his own, but call him back when he gets out of sight. In the mountains, your dog will be more sure-footed if he is unleashed. Small terriers are in their element in rocky places and find footholds that would never support your weight. At the same time, many dogs have an instinct for finding passages through apparently impenetrable country, and are excellent guides.

The beach is a great place for giving your dog a good long run. Unfortunately, many beaches are out of bounds for dogs during the swimming season, sometimes all year round. Shingle beaches and pebbly ones are hard on a dog’s pad. Even more dangerous is the risk cuts from broken bottles and picnic litter. Small dogs are light enough to scamper over such debris unharmed, but it represents a real chance to heavy breeds. Steer your dog clear of debris when you can, and check his paws when you get home.

Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can read articles about anything pets as well as shop for the latest trends in joncopets.com/ pet supplies, dog accessories , joncopets.com/ dog clothes, dog collars, dog beds and more for their best friend. Feel free to check out Joncopets.com for more information and products.