Do you dread leaving your pet when you go on vacation? Take your pet with you. Traveling with your pet has gotten a lot easier.

Many airlines and hotels have become pet friendly. Googling pet friendly lodging generates a list of inns, hotels and resorts where dogs, cats and other pets are welcome. Telephone the hotel before you make a reservation to confirm your pet will be welcome and to ensure the setting is safe.

A few of the conveniences hotels offer to dog owners include leashes, bowls and dog beds to use during your stay. Just don’t order room service for yourself, add a special pet meal for your best buddy! Hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you are out of the room, so your pet will not be startled if a hotel employee enters the room.

There are many options for flying with your pet. Pets must be in an airline approved crate or carrier for the durations of the flight. Dogs up to 12 lbs can travel in a stylish Gray Pet Messenger Bag. It is Airline carry-on approved with mesh windows on both sides with one large zip down mesh opening in front. The zippered supply pocket on front, cell phone holder on lower strap and a pet waste bag dispenser provides comfort and convenience in one. Large dogs have to be checked in as luggage and flown in the cargo area of the plane.

It sounds sad to have to check your pet in as luggage and have them travel in the cargo area of the plane. Pet owners can choose to mildly sedate a dog, so they sleep the whole flight. Airlines tend to take good care of pets, realizing they are as near and dear to us as our children.

Traveling by car is always an option. If your car is not roomy enough to comfortably fit your family and your dog, rental cars are an option. Car rental companies like Budget and Avis allow pets in their vehicles and don’t charge fees as long as there is no damage to the vehicle.

Public transportation allows service pets, however rules and restrictions apply to bringing dogs and cats on local transit systems. Each state has their own rules which apply to taking pets on the subway. Small pets in carriers are permitted on subways in many, but not all states. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses do not allow pets.

Allow extra travel time when traveling with your pet. Water and walks will be needed. The best of times is when everyone is making memories together.

The clocks have been changed … spring ahead! Just the sound of SPRING AHEAD sounds energizing! Come out of hibernation and get outside and enjoy the daylight.

Enjoy those outdoor walks again. As we shed layers of heavy clothing, remember that some short hair breeds still need a dog sweater on chilly mornings and during evening walks.

Responsible dog owners clean up after their pets. A great Spring Ahead resolution is to use eco-friendly biodegradable poop bags. Clean Go Pet Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags are biodegradable dog waste bags made from a corn-based plastic that will naturally decompose after use. Unscented leak proof bags have quick-tie handles to seal in odors.

Cleaning up the dog poop in your backyard on a regular schedule can prevent attracting maggots and parasites. Dog poop can present a health risk, especially if you have a dog who likes to eat poop. Rakes and shovels or poop scoops get the job quickly.

Poop Scooping has also emerged as a profitable business. Does it get any easier to have someone come to your home and pick up all the dog poop on your property? Voila! A dog friendly yard!

Being outdoors replenishes our energy level. Dogs enjoy being outside in the yard while their owner is cleaning up the winter debris and planting gardens. A little sunshine and exercise does wonders for humans and canines alike!

Some pet owners train their dogs to stay in a certain section of their yard. This helps prevent brown spots on the grass and trampled gardens. It also assures dog owners with small children that there is a clean area of the yard for their children to play.

Happy Spring! Enjoy the crocus and daffodils and additional hours of daylight. Best of all, get out there and CHASE A SQUIRREL!

Roll over Clover. It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Irish Dog Breeds are popular not only on the Emerald Isle, but all over the world.

Back in the day of St. Patrick the dogs of Ireland were hunting and sporting dogs. The popular Irish breeds that have evolved through generations include the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Irish Red & White Setter and Kerry Beagle.

Mixed breed dogs, also known today as Hybrid dogs, are a combination of two or more purebred dogs. The hybrid dogs, such as the Golden Irish, have the traits and personality of both the Irish Setter and a Golden Retriever. Another common hybrid is the Irish Doodle, which is a mix of a Standard Poodle and an Irish Setter.

Many Irish dogs have Irish names. The Galelic name, Madigan, (pronounced MAD i gan) and Madden, (pronounced MAD din) translates as little dog. Anlan, (pronounced ON lin) translates as great hound. Mac is the Gaelic term for son, and some Irish owners use this as a prefix in their dog’s name, such as Mac Cutie.

If you happen to be the proud dog owner of an Irish breed, part of loving and caring for your Irish dog is celebrating their heritage with them. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th by the Irish and non Irish all around the world. Parades, Irish food and wearing green are some of the festivities of the day.

Potato dog treats and lamb stew are tasty ways to taste the roots of Ireland. Potatoes are about as Irish as you can get and are one of the staples of the Irish diet. Avoderm Potato all natural dog treats are crunchy oven-baked treats your dog will love. During the festivities dogs can also sink their teeth into a lamb filled rawhide.

At the crack o’ dawn when your Irish pup is ready to play, remember their rolling green hills of their native land and play with eco-friendly toys. GO GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day and every day. Paw Planet Bone with Rope Eco-Friendly Dog Toy Natural chew toy is made with pure natural materials and unbleached linen, cotton rope and sisal filling. Eco-friendly, durable and interactive fun!

Irish dogs have emerged from a hard working breed residing in Ireland to a wonderful family dog to many dog owners around the world. With their natural affection and loyalty, Irish Breeds are wonderful human companions.

Sharing the holidays with your pet makes precious memories. Pet stores and Veterinarians host Pictures with Santa. Many times the proceeds are donated to a local animal shelter. A donation to help other pets and a picture worth wagging a tail about! Now that is Holiday Cheer!

During the holidays family and friends come together and celebrate. Don’t forget the family member with four legs. Dogs love Christmas too, and are usually easier to shop for than their owners. A Christmas canine treat will always be a hit. Tiny Tim’s Decadent Doggie Cookie Treat Tray are fabulous treats made of only the finest, all-natural, human-grade ingredients by our Canine Chefs with loving care. Even Scrooge will love these treats! Christmas themed interactive dog toys can keep a dog busy for hours. Christmas IQube will not only keep your pet occupied and eliminate boredom this holiday season, but will also develop your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills.

Everyone wants to look their best for the holidays, including your dog. There are many styles and designs of dog collars, jingle bell dog collars, scrunchie dog collars and dog bandannas as well as holiday themed collars charms that will make your pet look merry. Dog holiday dresses, holiday tee shirts and Santa suits will have your dog looking picture perfect!

While you are sitting down to your Christmas feast, your dog needs to have a feast of their own. The Wonder Bone Dog treat is an all natural Cow Femur Bone for your dog ! This meaty mammoth size bone is a true delight for any dog! Sure to keep your energetic dog occupied, this all-natural cow femur is smoked for extra flavor. In Texas, we just grow em bigger!

Remember to hang a Christmas dog stocking by the fireplace for your dog. Santa will stuff the dog’s stocking with dog toys, dog treats, a new dog collar and leash. If you let Santa know if your dog has been Naughty or Nice … the appropriate dog bone will be left on the hearth. (NAUGHTY & NICE Dog Christmas Gourmet Dog Bones All Natural Dog Treat – 6 Decorated Holiday Bones)

Christmas Dog

by Shel Silverstein

Tonight’s my first night as a watchdog,
And here it is Christmas Eve.
The children are sleeping all cozy upstairs,
While I’m guardin’ the stockin’s and tree.

What’s that now—footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who’s this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard— And a big sack for robbin’ the house?

I’m barkin’, I’m growlin’, I’m bitin’ his butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I’ve frightened the whole bunch away.

Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again.
The stockin’s are safe as can be.
Won’t the kiddies be glad when they wake up tomorrow
And see how I’ve guarded the tree.

The days are getting chilly. Time to pull out the coats and sweaters and turn on the heater! Even though dogs come with their own coats, they could use extra warmth provided by a dog coat or dog sweater.

Dog owners enjoy dressing up small dogs. Smaller breed dogs have hair rather than fur and are sensitive to chilly weather. They need the warmth of dog clothes if they are outside for any length of time. Dog breeds such as: Yorkshire Terriers, Silky Terriers, Chinese Crested Dogs, Dachshunds and Maltese truly benefit from wearing a dog sweater or coat. Little dogs don’t like the feel of the cold or rain and are happiest warm and dry.

Smaller/Medium size dogs such as Pugs and Welsh Corgis have shorthair, but a more muscular build than teacup and small dogs. But wouldn’t a Welsh Corgi just be so righteous in a Velour Prince or Princess Royalty Hoodie? If they are spending the day with the Queen a plaid trench coat would be perfect. How about a pug in a Faux Brown Leather Bomber Jacket? Sometimes it is just about looking good! Even though Boxers are muscular they don’t fare well in extreme temperatures. Couldn’t you see a Boxer wearing a Corduroy Dog Jacket?

Short haired breeds, like a Basenji, Italian Greyhound, Greyhound, Weimaraner and Vizsla have a thin build and need to exercise outdoors. They do not fare well with the extreme cold. During cold temperatures a barn jacket is easy to Velcro onto an active dog. A Barn Coat helps to keep outdoor dogs comfortable in cold weather. The Polyester side helps repel wind and water to keep dogs dry and safe from the elements, while the soft fleece side traps body heat to provide a den of snuggly comfort.

Some dog breeds don’t need to wear a coat. For example, the Alaskan Malamute has a dense and wooly undercoat that enables them to be exposed to the frigid cold weather without wearing a coat. The Samoyed has a double coat that consists of a soft, thick undercoat and a harsh outer coat. Cold temperature breeds also have a ruff of hair around their neck for extra insulation. Some DO like it cold!

Aging dogs need a bit of extra comfort and warmth in their old age. A fleece lined dog coat will keep an older dog more comfortable. Especially on days when a dog feels arthritic, a dog sweater or coat will offer aid to keep their bodies at ease. Dogs not in tip top health can benefit from a therapeutic dog coat. Using heat, cold and magnetic therapy, veterinarians recommend therapeutic dog coats for rehabilitation and pain relief.

The right fit is important for comfort and warmth. Using a tape measure to figure out what size coat your dog will need can be accomplished in 3 easy steps.

1. Measure your dog’s girth. The girth is the dog’s chest behind the front legs.
2. Measure your dog’s neck. This is an important for hooded dog apparel.
3. Measure the length of your dog from the base of their neck to the base of their tail.

Yes, dogs come with their own coats, but depending upon the breed, the size, and the weather a dog coat can add an extra bit of warm for cold and damp days.

The month of October is synonymous with autumn, fall foliage and best of all Halloween!  Halloween decorations, candy and costumes highlight the excitement of the holiday. There is no age limit on who can enjoy Halloween, nor is there a exclusion on who can participate.    Adults, children and pets can all be active participants in the festivities.

As Halloween draws near, millions of families across America will be searching for the perfect costume for themselves, children and pets.  Pet Lovers include their dogs and cats in Halloween festivities from Halloween parties, handing out candy to trick-or-treating.

There are fun and amusing Halloween dog toys, costumes, shirts, collars, bandannas and delicious dog treats available to include your dog in the spooky celebrations.

Candy Corn has always been a Halloween and Thanksgiving favorite.  Every trick-or-treater gets a few bags of candy corn in their goodie bags.  Jake wanted candy corn too, so Tailbangers Dog Bakery made All Natural Halloween Canine Candy Corn Yogurt Covered Peanut Butter Dog Treats.  Now dogs can enjoy some Canine Candy Corn during the autumn season.  There is even a candy corn dog toy!  Squeaky Halloween Candy Corn Halloween Dog Toy is sized just right for tossing, chewing, and fetching, with a squeaker inside for extra playtime thrills.

Halloween decorations and toys can be fun as well as educational.  If you can’t bring your dog to the corn maze, they can learn puzzle solving skills with a Halloween Puzzle Dog Toy.  Hide three miniature dog toys inside the pumpkin for a puzzlingly fun game of fetch and seek!  Dogs learn to think in order to complete the task. The ghost and bones squeak.  One of Jake’s favorite toys … the lil Yelper is dressed up for Halloween! The soft plush toy has lots of parts for dogs to grab and chew a squeaker inside for fur-tingling fun!  Your home will be filled with the sights and sounds of Halloween fun!

Pet Halloween costumes can range from a seasonal dog collar or bandanna to a full costume.  Dog collars and bandannas with pumpkins, black cats and harvest themes is a great holiday accent that can be worn daily.  Trick or Treat Spooky Halloween Scrunchie Dog Collar is an elegantly yet scary scrunchie featuring a spellbinding combination of black, orange, and iridescent orange ribbon, with decorative bat accents at the tips.

Pet Apparel such as t-shirts, sweaters and coats are very common.  Therefore dressing your dogs up for Halloween is just another must have outfit.    Make your pet the center of attention with a black tee shirt with skull and crossbones that glows in the dark!   Popular Pet Halloween costumes include:  Prison Pooch, Spirit Paws Cheerleader, Glow Bones Skeleton, Hot Dog with Mustard, Hot Dog with Ketchup, Piggy Pooch, Lil Stinker, Dogzilla, K-9 Cop, Pumpkin Pooch and ER Doctor Hospital Scrubs!

Spooky Seasonal gear is a great way to include pets in Halloween activities.   Perfect for parties or photo opportunities!  The dog owner and dog will bond over candy corn, ghosts, goblins and maybe even a BLACK CAT!

Beautiful summer weather is a perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of us are “water people” and just like some dogs are “water dogs”. Sometimes a dog breed that doesn’t typically make a splash will enjoy the water if they are encouraged or just want to join in the fun!

There are canines that enjoy swimming with people, retrieving toys or simply just running around in the water. Certain dog breeds have been bred to be around water. Some of these breeds are: Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Some Poodles and Spaniel breeds also enjoy the water. Don’t rule out many mixed breeds that are always ready to dive in!

Pets need daily exercise. Your pet will not only be healthier, but calmer when indoors. Including your dog in your day at a nearby lake can be a fun adventure for all. Taking a swim with your dog and playing ball in the water is a lot of fun. A great dog toy for dogs who love the water and landlubbers, too, is Grriggles Floaty Tug Whale Dog Toy. This floating neoprene dog toy with attached rope handle makes it easy to play toss and tug games in or out of the water.

To prevent water fatigue, dog life preservers are available in many sizes and styles to keep your pet safe in the water. This will also help dog owners relax, knowing their dog is water safe. Your dog might not know when they are tired and need to take a break out of the water. Relaxing on shore for a bit will recharge both of you.

If you don’t want to travel outside of your own backyard, your dog can take a dip in your pool. This is really a personal preference since some pool filters can’t handle dog hair. Even if your dog doesn’t shed, pool owners have differing opinions about pets in the pool. Sometimes dogs can rip the liner or damage the pool equipment. A solution is a separate pool made especially for dogs. The Guardian Gear Dog Swimming Pool measures 12″H x 47″D and is made from 100% PVC. The durable dog pool is portable, easy to fill and empty, and made of extra tough PVC for lasting use. Perfect for your dog to have a refreshing dip in the backyard, or put the pool on a deck or patio. The Doggy swimming pool folds down completely, making it easy to pack for summer vacations and easy to store during the winter months.

The Dog Days of Summer are here. Give your dog cooling relief from the heat. Have a wonderful summer and share your love of the water with your pet.

Summer is here and the Beach is the place to be on hot, humid days.  Dogs love the Beach.  There is a lot of open space for running and playing Frisbee and the refreshing ocean for cooling off and taking a swim.  Down the shore dog apparel puts dog owners and their dogs in summer time sync.

Walk your dog to the beach with a Sand n Surf Dog Collar.  The rugged and durable Beach Themed Dog Collar is a practical yet stylish accessory for your pet.. Made of durable, woven nylon with heavy-duty hardware, and quick-release plastic buckles.  Matching Sand n Surf 6ft & 4ft Lead is also available.

Flip Flops are a beach essential.  The Flip Flop Stripe Dog Collar is the unofficial dog collar for the beach scene. Sizes S to XL.  When you are going to the Beach or any day -the preppy pink flip flops on green striped cotton fabric cover helps keep pet fur from matting. The high-tensile strength webbing forms a strong inner core for both the collars and leads. The heavy-duty buckles and slide make the collars fully adjustable. The thick, metal D-rings on the collars and heavy-duty bolt snap-locks on the leads ensure a secure collar-lead. Durable and looking VERY PALM BEACHY!

The perfect fitting bathing suit is a summer time necessity!  Make a Summertime Splash with the Maui Flowers Bikini.  Maui Flowers Bikini is two-piece bathing suit for easy movement. Comfy, practical fit: Velcro® closures at neck and belly, plus a tail hole.  Another option is the Skull and Crossbones Bikini offers dogs a sporty beach look with a dash of flash.  Two-piece suit has rhinestone skull and crossbone accents.  The dog bathing suit has a sparkling, stylish design for swimming or catching rays.  Velcro® closures at top, elastic at waist and tail hole for a comfy fit.  Catch a Wave with a Stylish Dog Bathing Suit is available in 5 sizes.

Athletic Sport Trunks are perfect for the boy dogs on the beach.   Adorable active wear trunks are soft, machine-washable cotton, with a drawstring closure.  Great for jogging or the beach!  The Red Lifeguard on Doody Tank Dog Shirt  is a fun pullover-style tank is perfect for “four-legged lifeguards.” Comfy breathable cotton tank is machine-washable for easy care.  Available in sizes XS to XXL.

After all the running a swimming, your dog can rest in a Guardian Gear Beach Cabana Pet Tent.
The Pet Tent provides great shade for pets on the beach, at the park, or anywhere there’s sun.  Lightweight, portable tent sets up in seconds and collapses into the included travel bag for easy storage. Mesh windows on each side let in air to keep pets cool. Durable, easy-to-clean polyester nylon design.  Cabana measures 33″L x 33″W x 28″H.

Jake’s Dog House and all the dogs in the doghouse are looking forward to a relaxing and fun filled summer.  Walking or jogging on the beach in that eye catching bathing suit is what summer fun is all about.   Everyone loves a day at the beach, pet owners as well as their canine buddies!

We all love our pets!  With Father’s Day in a few weeks let’s just use the cliché, Man’s Best Friend to touch on the special relationship a man has with his dog.  That buddy and loyal companion whose tail wagging greeting makes you feel like a celebrity every time you walk in the door.

As you walk in the door, let your doormat set the tone.  Your Dog Licker Doormat can say it all.   BEWARE:  Dog Can’t Hold His Licker.  Your guests will laugh out loud when they arrive at your door. This hysterical doormat is funny yet functional. Doormat is 18″ x 27″ and made from 100% Olefin indoor/outdoor carpet with stitched edges and color fast ink. Cleaning is easy, simply wash with hose and dry flat.

On Father’s Day, Dad needs to spend some quality time with his pet. Have some fun in the yard with a Suede Leather Rugby Ball Tug & Toss Dog Toy Leather rugby dog ball with rope for tossing & tugging: 9″ x 3 ½.  A natural byproduct of water buffalo processing with suede leather durability.  Rough and tough dog toy for Dad & his dog.

A Frisbee is a gift that both a dog lover and a dog will enjoy. The Limited Edition NFL Sport Disc is a perfect Father’s Day gift for the football enthusiast.. The Flying Disc is made from a safe non-toxic PVC with Hand Painted raised 3-dimensional graphics. Get your Dog in The Game with this very cool frisbee dog toy. Great for people use too. Available in Eagles, Patriots, Jets, Steelers, Broncos, Raiders, Giants, Packers, Bears, Falcons, Redskins, Dolphins, Buccaneers and 49′ers. The Frisbee is approximately 9.5″ in diameter.”

While Dad is enjoying his tasty Father’s Day barbecue, his buddy can enjoy the Mother Of All Bones (MOAB).  A Merrick Dog Bone filled with beef tendon and jerky.  “The Sarge”, the first in the elite M.O.A.B series. That’s army talk for “Mother of All Bones”. The Sarge has a big taste that is matched equally in size, 11″ in fact. This Smoked Meaty Beef Bone is equipped with Tendons, Beef Jerky, & Marrow.  Dogs will run laps around the base all day just to sneak a peek at this bad boy.

When bellies are full and the day comes to an end, put a picture of Dad and his buddy in a Mud Pup Black Dog Collar Ceramic Photo Frame. Woof! This Black Ceramic Dog Collar Picture Frame is a cute way to show off your Cute Doggie and the handsome dog owner. Silver WOOF Charm adorns this stylin frame. You will enjoy this beautiful dog collar frame! Frame measures 4.25 diameter.

Shopping for that special man; the dog owner, the dog lover and the best Dad in the whole world can be a lot of fun for the entire family.  Jake’s Dog House has dog treats, dog toys, and cool accessories for dog owners.  We wish all Dads a much deserved Happy Father’s Day!

Wedding season is here!  With the month of June just around the corner many couples are getting ready for their wedding.   Remember who has been by your side during the budding relationship.  So why not include your best buddy in your wedding?

Your dog can participate in your wedding as the Ring Bearer.  The Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow for Pets gives pets a leading role in the wedding ceremony. A soft satin pillow with ruffled tulle trim, a decorative bow, and two narrow ribbons on top for ring attachment. Bottom has two 24″ ribbons to secure pillow around pet’s waist.

Oh, the traditional June bride in a flowing white dress in veil, with her maid of honor by her side.  Rosy pinks reflect the color of June.   Wedding Party Bridesmaid Pink Dog Dress is a darling dress that will compliment the wedding party! Begonia pink satin dress has ruffled trim on neck and hem, and a large double bow at the waist. A soft and comfortable design with Velcro® closures for an easy fit.

To stand by the groom, the best man can wear a Distinguished Satin Bow Tie for Dogs or join the Wedding Party by sporting a Best Man Shirt for Dogs.  The easy fit design features a white shirt with pink satin bow tie, black buttons, and black ruffled trim with white polka-dotted accents.  A perfect accent to the rosy pink bridesmaid dresses.

Dog Weddings are a popular new trend.  Not only is June a great month for human weddings, but also a beautiful time of year for Pup Nuptials.   Venues such as dog parks, the beach or your backyard that can accommodate human and pet guests work well.  Vows can be performed by owners, family members or even your veterinarian.  FI-DO!

June Wedding Attire for the Dog Bride and Groom Dog should be lightweight and comfortable.  For the bride the Yappily Ever After Wedding Dog Dress is a stunningly detailed dress for the doggie bride-to-be.  White satin dress features ruffled trim, a skirt with an elegant organza overlay, and a large satin bow on the back. Coordinating headpiece features an organza veil and a satin bow. Headpiece has an elasticized chinstrap for easy attachment.  For the Groom the Yappily Ever After Groom Tuxedo for Dogs is a sharp looking suit for the man of the hour!  The groom tuxedo pairs a white satin button-down shirt with a double-breasted tux coat with tails and a comfortable, easy-fit design has Velcro® closures and a high cut belly.

The perfect wedding gift for the doggy bride and groom is the Yappy Couple Heart Tug Dog Toy.  If they could, canine couples would register for this soft, heart-shaped plush tug! Inseparable pups will enjoy the struggle (and snuggle!) with his n’ hers knotted tugs and a playful squeaker inside.  Wedding Tug toy measures 6″ and contains a squeaker.  It will create a lasting bond!

Love and devotion are in the Air.  Humans and Dogs alike are sharing vows in Matrimonial Ceremonies. Whether your dog has their own wedding or is included in your wedding, Jake’s Dog House has the perfect wedding attire and wedding accessories to make the occasion memorable!