Pet Furniture Blog

Modern-Day Living With Pets: Crate Training and Dens

2009-04-02T13:18:00.006-04:00

Today’s pet owner has many options when it comes to training and caring for their pet from natural food products to orthopedic dog pillows. Crates are a great tool for modern-day pet owners since they provide dogs with their own space inside the home and give pet owners a break. This article helps dog owners understand the short-term and long-term benefits of crate training and provides a guide to ‘dens’, an emerging trend in pet care, and why you need one for lifelong dog training and care.

Benefits of Crates and Crate Training Tips
Crates serve an important purpose in dog and puppy training – housetraining, teaching dog to relax and calm down, giving owners and dog a break, keep dog and house safe.

Crates are great for puppy housetraining as it goes against their nature to soil where they sleep. Crates also serve as a ‘safe place’ for puppies and dogs when there is too much action in the house to properly watch them or care for them. Dogs crave den-like enclosures and feel best in cave-like spaces, so crates appeal to their natural instincts and help them feel comfortable – great for breaks from playtime or after a long walk! Plus crate training is easy.

Here are 3 keys to successful crate training:
1. Make the crate comfy. This begins with making sure you get the right size for your dog. You want your dog to be able to walk in, turn around and lay down. No bigger, no smaller. If the crate is too big, your pup won’t get the benefits the cozy den he craves. If the crate is too small, your dog will feel cramped. Also, be sure to put a comfy bed inside the crate to make it feel snug and keep it warm. Dogs know the difference and appreciate the comfort of a soft bed.

2. Put the crate in a place your dog likes to be, near you in a room you and your family spend a lot of time. Pets want to be near you and all the fun.

3. Get your dog used to its crate gradually. Start with the crate door open, pet and give treats to your pup while inside the crate (lots of treats!). Close the door for a few seconds at first, with treats inside, letting your pup out and giving him lots of praise. Every time you crate your pup, load up the crate with treats. Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate, always putting lots of your dog’s favorite treats inside each time he goes in. Once your dog is used to going inside his new home, try this: put treats in, close the crate door with your dog on the outside and watch as he begs to get into the crate. You can even turn training into a fun game like ‘hide and seek’ with his favorite toy.

So, crates are great and crate training is easy, right? It’s a great place to keep your dog safe and to give him the break he needs. But, it’s ugly. We know that and that’s why we’ll next tell you about ‘dens’, sometimes referred to as ‘dog crate furniture’, and it allows you to integrate your pet into your home with just one purchase.

Dens – A Home for Your Pet, Furniture for You
When Sally from Bellevue, WA learned about dog dens for her dog Jasper she recognized the key benefit right away – replacing his plastic training crate and gaining a piece of furniture for herself. What she didn’t know was she was purchasing a product that would bring hundreds of hours of peace and relaxation for Jasper. A den acts as a crate, a bed and an end table (that’s right, furniture) all in one. Dens are a new trend in pet care and are increasing in popularity since they actually provide function beyond the first year of having a dog, serving as a home for your dog and beautiful furniture for you to keep for many years to come. Dens also appeal to a dog’s natural instincts for a cave-like space similar to those their ancestors used and a wall to lean against. A key feature of a den is that it evolves as your dog matures. Sally started out using her den to secure Jasper until he was fully housetrained and to keep the rambunctious pup safe when she entertained guests at home. Now that Japer is older and trained she leaves the door off, using it as Jasper’s home, letting him come and go as he pleases. As you can see, dens are a great compliment to your home and serve an important function in dog training and lifelong care.

Now that you know about dens, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for one.

Start with Your Home Décor and Lifestyle
Think about where you spend time at home and where you want the dog to spend time with you and your family. Living room? Kitchen? Bedroom? All three? Dens come in many shapes, sizes and materials, so it’s important to think about where the den will be so you can match it to your home furnishings and décor. Since dens are really furniture, it is important to consider where you need a piece of furniture as well. You may elect to get more than one den for multiple rooms in the house. Having a den in the bedroom can be especially helpful if you like to have your dog close at night, but do not want him taking up valuable space in your bed. Since the den will serve as furniture for you for many years to come, you will want to think about whether or not you prefer classic or modern style.

Not all Dens are the Same
Avoid the dens that are wicker or plastic. These are not sturdy enough for most dogs and will not last beyond a few years, if that. Also be sure to look for dens that have the option to lock the door and remove the door or keep it open. This will allow you to get the full benefit of a den as your pet matures. In the beginning years as you train you will want to secure the dog often, then as he learns what he can and can’t chew on, when and where to relieve himself, etc. you can remove the door and the den becomes his space, his home that he can freely enter and exit.

Be Sure to Consider Your Dog’s Personality and Size
When searching for that perfect modern or classic den, consider the size of your pet in terms of height and length. You want to make sure your den is big enough to allow your pet to walk in, turn around and lay down. Also, you want to make sure the den isn’t too big so your dog can feel snug and secure. If you have a puppy, get measurements for a full-grown dog for his breed or for a mix breed, get the measurements for a full-grown in the largest breed in his mix. It is best to measure height and length of your dog and compare with the dimensions of the den to ensure proper fit.

You’re Ready!
Armed with these tips on crate training and den living you’re ready to start living better with your pet at home. After all, better living means better relationships and according to Cesar Millan, professional dog trainer (star of his TV series, The Dog Whisperer), a strong relationship is the key to easy training and an obedient dog.

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About the Author
Written by Becky Sparks Parker, member of the DenHaus Design Team. DenHaus is a Seattle-based firm designing dens that function as furniture for you and homes for pets.

Devotion of Canines: Dogs and Homelessness

2009-03-09T12:27:00.009-04:00

Photograph by Tim Hulsizer

Genevieve Frederick is the founder and executive director of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, an organization homeless people care for their pets. The following article is an interview of her given by Felicia Gray, Executive Producer of GothamCanine.com.

What is Feeding Pets of the Homeless?

We are a nonprofit member/volunteer organization located in Carson City, Nevada. We collect pet food and deliver it to food banks and soups kitchens which have agreed to distribute the food to the homeless. Through cash donations we provide grants to veterinarians and other nonprofits that supply medicines and medical care to the pets of homeless.

How many homeless people have pets?

The National Coalition for the Homeless estimated that between 5%-10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. Statistics show that over 60% of households have at least one pet. Unfortunately, for those who have to move with pets, it becomes more difficult to find housing or shelter that accept pets. These people are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.

There are obviously several rewards to pet guardianship, but animals probably offer particular solace to people who face the many challenges of life on the streets. How would you describe the benefits of guardianship?

Pets provide a deep comfort for a group of individuals that the majority of society would just as soon forget or treat as invisible. The pets are non-judgmental. They are loyal. Homeless guardians receive a type of normalcy by providing food and water for their pets. In some cases they provide them with reality. Some homeless would sacrifice their own food for their pets.

Do you feel that many guardians would prefer to remain on the streets rather than abandon their pets?

Absolutely, because of the emotions I mentioned. There is a strong bond between animals and humans. Those with pets have the same feelings of love and devotion that parents of children have. I know a lot of people think this is crazy but look at how many people refuse to be rescued rather than abandon their pets after hurricanes, flooding and other natural disasters.

What particular challenges do homeless guardians face?

The major problem is housing. Shelters, motels and other assisted housing programs do not want to have pets on their property. Another challenge is finding food and water for themselves and their pets. Soup kitchens, food banks and shelters can offer pet food thanks to the members of Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Vet care is a challenge because of the costs and transportation issues.

Generally speaking, most homeless guardians often see to their animals' comfort and well-being before their own. At the same time, there are inherent dangers and sacrifices that go hand-in-hand with life on the streets that inevitably must affect animals. What is life like for the pets of the homeless?

I can only imagine, but I think due to the nature of pets, they more than likely do not really care if they live in a mansion and go to a groomer or if they live on the streets as long as the guardian loves and feeds them. They are loyal and nonjudgmental of their guardians. One of the dangers that come with living on the streets is that the pets do not get the proper diet and medical attention that they need. That is why we have a grant program in place to provide medical and preventative care to pets of the homeless.

Do most homeless people obtain their pets by encountering abandoned animals on the street, or does the majority already have companion animals before becoming homeless?

Most bring their pets with them into homelessness. Others meet them on the streets and form a lasting bond.

What can the general public do to help this organization and pets of the homeless?

Volunteer to help a collection site by separating the pet food into quart zip lock bags and delivering the collected pet food to a food bank. Or donate cash to the organization so we can continue to provide grants to veterinarians across the country to administer preventative and medical care to pets of the homeless.

For More Information go to www.petsofhomeless.org or www.gothamcanine.com

How to Get Your Pup in Line: Advice from a Professional Sheepdog Trainer

2009-02-12T15:57:00.004-05:00

Amelia Smith has been training working Border Collies since 1992. In 2001, she purchased her first sheep trial dog and her career began in earnest. Her dogs qualified for the 2001 United States Border Collie Hander's Association National Nursery Finals, and soon became successful on the open field as well. In this post she talks about what made her a successful dog trainer and how what she learned can apply to everyday dog owners:

When asked for training tips and advice, I always reply with the one that means the most to me, resolve.When I intend for a dog to do something, not do something, or learn something, the effect and time it takes to accomplish is directly related to my commitment to the results. The condition of my dog, his age, temperament, intelligence, all factor in, but I believe that I am more important to the equation. How strongly do I feel that I can get results? What am I willing to do to get results? How long am I willing to wait?

There's also the questions about training implements, namely what kind of tool do you use as an aid in training your dog? Leash? Extra long leash? Rattle paddle? Rake? Rope and rake? Lunge whip? Shock collar? Rolled up newspaper? Lengths of garden hose? Bean bags? Treats?

I'm going to suggest that while tools are useful, the more you rely on your tools, the less you believe in your ability to get results and the lower your resolve. If you are not engendering respect from your dog, you are begging, or you are forcing. Dogs respond just to my direction when they respect me, and they will respond willingly regardless of excitement and external commotion. You will never find the perfect tool that will solve problems with your dog. It is inside of you.

The first year I had real success at a big sheepdog trial, my dog began by ignoring my directions. I remember thinking; "I only have one chance to make the final round, it's slipping away from me and I will stop that." As a result of my determination, I distinctly remember feeling as if my feet had left the ground when I blew my whistle and directed my dog. It was powerful and rewarding to see my dog take my flank whistle, and it got easier after that. In the same way he was convincing the wild ewes, I was convincing him.

Find your inner resolve. Mine is in the middle of my chest, somewhere in the area of my diaphragm, and it seems to me that I have never needed the full extent of it. I can literally summon it up, and it is a physical feeling. We all have it. Sometimes it only shows up in our darkest hour. Sometimes it doesn't show up at all, but it's there. Start with something small. Identify something your dog does that you don't want him to do and determine to stop it. I'm not advocating force, or punishment, but to some degree, these things may play a part. That depends on you and your relationship with your dog. If you start with something easy enough, you will have success and you will build on that. Nurture your intention and you will surprise yourself

Amelia Smith is the owner of BorderSmith Stockdogs. Currently, she raises and trains working Border Collies at her ranch in Southern California. In 2008, Amelia began publishing The Real Time Canine, a weekly subscription based digest sent by e-mail each Sunday describing in words and pictures the real life and training of a puppy. For more information, visit Amelia's blog at http://therealtimecanine.blogspot.com/

Canine Vet: Which One's Right For Me?

2009-02-10T12:00:00.005-05:00

This is a Guest Posting

Your vet is a pretty significant figure in your dog’s life – and also in yours. Hopefully, you’ll only ever need him or her for routine checkups and preventative procedures. But you never know, so it’s worth taking the time to develop a good relationship with a suitable vet before you need their services.

Where Do I Look?

Sure, you could just pick a vet at random from the Yellow Pages or from an Internet search, but having the right canine vet is crucial to your dog’s health and happiness. Think about it this way, if you were trying to choose a doctor for yourself would you be happy to just select one at random from an impersonal list?

Probably not. The best place to start looking for a canine vet is by word of mouth. If you have any friends or relatives who take good care of their dogs, then that’s a great place to start looking for a good canine vet. Ask them who they’d recommend and why.

This one is particularly important, because everyone has different priorities. For example, perhaps they like their own canine vet because he/she is a specialist in their own particular breed; or they don’t charge very much; or the clinic is only five minutes’ drive. Their priorities are not necessarily yours, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your values coincide with the person giving the recommendations. Once you have a list of canine vets that you’re interested in pursuing further, all you have to do is call up the clinic and explain that you’re looking to find a regular vet for your dog(s) and if you can come in for a quick chat, introduce your dog, and have a look at the premises.

Things to Ask the Vet

While you’re at the clinic, you’ll want to be assessing your potential vet’s overall attitude and approach to health care and animals; and you’ll also probably want answers to some specific questions.

Here’s a list of useful questions to help you on your way:

What kind of testing and analysis capabilities does the clinic have? If they have to send away to a lab for this kind of stuff, it means that the results are going to be delayed. If your dog is very sick, time is an important factor, its best if the clinic has at least blood-analysis testing on hand.

What after-hours services are available? A lot of clinics close the doors in the evenings and on weekends, which means that if there’s an emergency you’ll have to go somewhere else – and subject your dog (and yourself) to an unfamiliar canine vet. If you don’t mind this, then that’s fine. But be aware that in a high-stress situation when emotions are running high, it’s reassuring for your dog and yourself to deal with someone familiar.

And of course there’s the issue of money: What’s their price range? How are payments made? Do they have payment plans in case of unexpected vet bills? The payment-plan option is particularly important. Even with pet insurance, vet bills can sometimes be astronomical – and not everyone has the resources to deal with large vet bills right away. Ask the clinic how they cater for situations like that.

Making the right choice

When you choose a canine vet, you’re balancing convenience and quality. There’s no right or wrong vet for you and your dog – which is partly why making the choice can be so confusing. There are lots of canine vets to choose from and they’re all different! A good vet knows how to take care of you as well as your dog. The relationship that you have with your vet will hopefully be one that’s based around a healthy mutual respect and positive energy - there should be very little room for misunderstanding. When the two of you see eye to eye, it makes caring for your dog that much easier.

Now off you go, your dog needs some exercise.

T.F. Jackson writes product reviews and articles on dog obedience training and on dog health issues. You can learn more about the wonderful world of dogs by visiting his weblog K-9 Corner: http://www.k-9corner.blogspot.com

A Great Solution for Dog Owners in the Snowy North

2009-02-10T11:18:00.004-05:00

My mother became increasingly worried this winter when she let the dog out without a leash, especially at dusk. Her dog, Gussie, is a Jack Russell Terrier with a white coat. Gus likes to wander around and in the winter it's impossible to keep an eye on him... until now. Mom bought Gus a Reflective Vest made by Snoozer and her problem is gone. This picture shows the dog in low light, as you can see, his fur blends in but the vest nearly blinds you. This is a great product for anyone with a light colored dog, especially if you live with snow 6 months out of the year.

Check it out! Snoozer Reflective Dog Vest

Jumping Foxes

2009-02-10T10:07:00.005-05:00

Who knew foxes were so playful... I always just thought they were sly.

icanhascheezburger.com.... Just Doesn't Get Old

2009-02-04T09:43:00.003-05:00

Kitten Fail.

2009-01-27T11:02:00.003-05:00

2008-12-22T16:08:00.003-05:00

It's new puppy time people. Everyone, meet Dozer. Dozer, everyone.

Rats are better than Rod

2008-12-12T13:06:00.003-05:00

The Chicago Sun Times wrote about someone noticing that the Rat Poison Warning Sign was taken down from they alley where IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich lives. A Sun Times photog shot a great picture the other day... I think the IL Gov gives rats a bad name.

That totally looks like...

2008-12-11T16:51:00.002-05:00

People seemed to enjoy the whole map of Guinea vs Guinea pig thing...so someone saw this and thought it was funny...I never realized that Slovenia totally looks like a running chicken!

Nice catch Pet Blog Tipper Lindsay!

Animal Christmas Video

2008-12-10T15:18:00.001-05:00

Here is a fun little Christmas song from those happy Brits across the water. They have a website dedicated to hints and tips about little things that can make a difference.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/
This video asks people to "Do One Thing for Nature this Christmas."
Enjoy!

Those folks at Midwest Homes For Pets are at it again!

2008-12-10T13:23:00.004-05:00

Those small animal friendly folks over at Midwest Homes just came out with Guinea Habitat.
Not to be confused with this Guinea Nation
(Repulic of Guinea, thanks CIA Factbook)

This one! (Guinea Habitat Plus is pictured!)

Not sure about that picture, trying to find a better one...
I appreciate the canvas bottom on this Guinea Habitat, I think the pigs will too!
Looks great for a kids first pet.
Check it out, in time for the holidays!

Fail blog posts a win

2008-12-09T17:14:00.001-05:00

So the failblog had a win today by a penguin. We thought it was great! Enjoy!

You think you're fair? Your dog might not think the same.

2008-12-08T16:13:00.002-05:00

Researchers have found that dogs see inequality in certain situations...
This AP article has the poop...
along with amusing undated pictures...here is a blurb from the article.

Crazy!
Thanks Pet Blog tipper Bridget!

Mutts pushes for White House pet adoption

2008-12-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

As President Elect Obama slowly nears the day where he will become President...the biggest question will soon have an answer.
What sort of dog will the Obama Family choose to fill the White House?
Today the comic strip "Mutts" started a weeklong storyline about adopting from a dog shelter.
Check it out!
You can see the strip on the Seattle PI website here...

Kitty in a Boot!

2008-12-05T12:56:00.001-05:00

It's chilly out there! Get your kitty some boots, or just one.

Truman wins! Best in Show!

2008-12-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

The Today Show on NBC had their own best in show competition...and they ended up naming a three legged labrador...Truman...BEST IN SHOW!

Critter Nation is up for sale...

2008-12-02T16:00:00.004-05:00

So the Critter Nation is up for sale on www.allpetfurniture.com and a couple of other sites. Looks like there is a single and double stack model...
Here is the single:

And the double unit:
Looks similar to the Ferret Nation but the spacing is different on the cage itself, and some of the inside spacing as far as ramps and whatnot have been adjusted. From what I'm told rat lovers from around the country helped Midwest Home For Pets in designing this. I'm intrigued to see the reviews on it.

Which breed is right for you?

2008-12-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

MSNBC had this really cool interactive photo gallery that talked about which dog breed is best suited for your lifestyle. For those of you that didn't see it you can click here or on the picture below.

A Turkey Day Treat!

2008-11-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a little SNL to liven up those holiday shopping hours.

Cat comes home after 13 years!

2008-11-25T17:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome home little kitty!
This story about a cat gone missing for 13 years is pretty amazing! What sort of holiday pet gift do you get for a cat after 13 years of missing birthdays and holidays?

Pet Food Recall on Food Bought at Kroger Stores!

2008-11-24T17:26:00.001-05:00

Just thought we would put this up to alert those dog and cat owners that hadn't heard...
Kroger is issuing a pet food recall on pet food sold in their stores. Originally thought to just be stores in the south, Kroger has widened the recall to its Food 4 Less Midwest and Dillons stores. You can get the full info here, http://www.kroger.com/services/Pages/recall_information.aspx
but the short of the long is that the brand Pet Pride, is recalling the following items that could be infected with Salmonella,

Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 3.5-lb. Best by JUL 29 09 or earlier dates
Pet Pride Indoor Cat Food, 18-lb. Best by JUL 29 09 or earlier dates
Pet Pride Weight Management Dog Food, 17.6-lb. Best by JUL 29 09 or earlier dates

So take a look at your pet food and make sure your little friends are not eating something that could be bad for them.

Stop that wabbit!

2008-11-21T16:37:00.002-05:00

He's stealin all the cookies! (thanks blog tipper Meaghan!)

Puppy Cam is outta control!

2008-11-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about the puppy cam?
Well people here cannot get enough. Here is a little ditty about them on the Today Show.

Critter Nation...Midwest Homes 4 Pets

2008-11-19T16:23:00.005-05:00

I was just walking by where some of the production guys sit and I saw that Midwest Homes 4 Pets has a new Critter Nation home coming out.
Specifically designed for rats, chinchillas and small pets; I was intrigued to see what the difference between that one and the Ferret Nation homes were. Apparently the wire spacing is totally different, as is the angles of the ramps.
People in the small animal world are pretty excited about these things. Word is they are launching on Dec 1st. Keep you posted if I learn anything else. Here is a pdf that Midwest put out on their website (click on the picture and it will pop up a new window)...

Cat Rides a Roomba

2008-11-19T16:07:00.001-05:00

Had to post this when I saw it!

Failblog shows a logistics fail

2008-11-18T16:14:00.002-05:00

I can't tell you how many times this happened to me today... Everyone be calm, looks like the donkey will be okay.

Carlton Fisk loves the dogs!

2008-11-18T12:31:00.004-05:00

Pet Furniture Blog tipper Patrick sent this one to us this morning...
You can read all about the new doggie restaurant in Beantown at the actual press release, or just click on the picture and read the Big League Stew blog. The restaurant was just a two day temp thing for Alpo...but I'm sure the memories for some lucky dogs will last forever.

Pet Cemetery makes "best places of rest" list

2008-11-17T14:26:00.002-05:00

The AP reported a few days ago that "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009" included the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery...right alongside the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids among the 10 "best places of rest."

Made me think of the Ramones...maybe they would want to be buried in a Pet Cemetery, if it was the right one.

The Hypoallergenic Dog Myth

2008-11-17T14:18:00.001-05:00

U.S. News & World Report had a pretty informative article on Hypoallergenic Dogs...apparently there is no such thing.

You can read the whole article here.

Mommy dog on the go!

2008-11-13T09:11:00.003-05:00

Thanks blog tipper Jamie! Here is a pic via http://poppypetunia.blogspot.com/

Puppoose indeed!

Adopt-a-Pet.com goes grass roots...

2008-11-12T17:25:00.006-05:00

The largest non-profit pet adoption website, http://www.adopt-a-pet.com/ created an online petition asking President-Elect Obama to adopt a shelter puppy, you can see all the info at http://www.presidential-pooch-pardon.com/.

Market Watch has the release here.

Here is a snapshot...

NBC Today show has puppy advice

2008-11-11T16:08:00.002-05:00

Missed this one a few days ago...but NBC had a nice segment.

Pups the word...

2008-11-07T17:13:00.003-05:00

It is amazing how popular the potential presidential puppy is right now. In fact if you google puppy, news results come up with Obama and the entire puppy fiasco.You can check out the latest here on the Wall Street Journal...

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/11/07/on-the-obamas-to-do-list-picking-a-pet/

Yup, that is puppy news on the WSJ...crazy.

Here is a puppy for all of you crazy puppy lovers out there.

(Don't worry, we fall in that category too)

A source for Presidential puppy news...

2008-11-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to e-mails coming in, we seem to be an outlet for reporting on breaking Presidential puppy news...
This clip is from the Early Show on CBS.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Presidential First Pups on Time Magazine

2008-11-06T13:09:00.002-05:00

Time Magazine just posted a photo gallery of all the Presidential first Pups...
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1830236_1746240,00.html
Check em out!

Road to the Doghouse...The Daily Show goes all pet!

2008-11-06T12:32:00.001-05:00

John Oliver became Senior Pet Correspondent last night on the Daily Show, in their segment of "Road to the Doghouse."
There are a couple cute puppies in this clip! Plus they make funny puns like this, "All of the pets have been truly vetted."

Simon's Cat...Yeah it's old news but new to us!

2008-11-04T10:12:00.002-05:00

I'm sure we are way behind the times over here at the Pet Furniture Blog (some of us anyways)...but for those of you that have not seen these Simon's Cat Videos...you are missing out.
You can watch the other three after you watch this one. We're always suckers for Garden Gnomes and cats.

Presidential Pets!

2008-11-03T09:29:00.006-05:00

The race for President is sooooo close, and it means new pets in that white house in D.C.! You know, the really big one!

So here is a nice little site the Whitehouse has about Presidential Pets from 1959-2000, http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/holiday/historicalpets3/index.html

Photo from Dwight D. Eisenhower Library Center

Did you know that Eisenhower had a Weimaraner? Neither did we!

For a more complete list Wikipedia has one...but of course you must take it all with a grain of salt because it is on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Presidential_pets

There is a really fun little Presidential pet quiz here http://www.biography.com/animalographies/presidential-pets-quiz.jsp
Questions like, which President owned a raccoon? Which one owned an alligator? Yup there are some funny ones there.

The White House Kids site has a similar quiz here,
http://www.whitehouse.gov/cgi-bin/quiz.cgi/pets but no animation or pictures like the one above.

We found out that if Barack Obama wins the Presidency he promised his two daughters a puppy...but one of them is allergic. Any suggestions out there for a puppy that would not flare up allergies?
John McCain of course has a flock of animals that are ready for the Whitehouse, not sure if he could possibly own any more than he has! :)

Happy Monday all!

Kitty (Litter) Robots are taking over the world!

2008-10-30T13:33:00.008-04:00

I was trying to find some pet robots for Halloween to put on the blog and I got directed to a video talking about cool new pet products. This video is from last year, but it is still completely current as far as recent pet products are concerned.

Litter Robot came out with Litter Robot II not so long ago...and here is some praise from CBS Early Show resident Vet and pet expert Dr. Debbye Turner.
I tried to embed the video, but CBS did not have its embedding up and running for this one...So just click on the picture, Sorry about the redirect guys (at least it's in a new window though!)!

Here is the link for the full article plus mini video.

Halloween Safety...the final cut!

2008-10-30T10:25:00.002-04:00

Here is the final installment before you start opening those doors to cute kids in costume. Those folks over at Better really summed it all up here. Although I'm not sure the pig outfit is that great :)
Very informative Halloween Pet Safety video, good work Better! I'd say it was Better than most! (too much?)

Halloween part three! The Evil version

2008-10-29T16:29:00.004-04:00

Ok, this pet video is truly lame...but one tip that you can take from it (who knows you may find more than this one):

Carved pumpkins with candles and fur do not mix - Kittens and cats (dogs too!) like to rub up against things, and they have no idea where their tails go, so getting burned or loosing fur on Halloween is quite common. Use glowsticks if you are afraid for your cat's hair.

You don't want to be Dr. Evil for Halloween...or maybe you do, but buy a hairless...don't create one. Here is the video, enjoy!

Lexie lew on CSN and AllPetfurniture.com

2008-10-29T14:51:00.007-04:00

So we blogged about the designer pet beds last week...designer personalized beds if we are getting technical. And someone wrote in to ask about Lexie Lew pet beds, saying they heard about em on Daily Candy a lil while ago...
As it happens we were well on our way to adding them to the site when you asked!
These pet beds have some of the most interesting fabric choices...and you can really tell that pets love em. Here is a little sample...

And here's another Lexie bed!

You can check em out at www.lexielew.com, or you can buy em and browse the selection on All Pet Furniture as well!
For those of you waiting for the next Halloween pet safety video, it'll be up and ready by the end of the day.

Halloween Pet Safety Tips...part duex

2008-10-28T16:00:00.005-04:00

Here is a little clip from NBC News Station 4. They brought on an expert from Bark Busters and had him talk about what to do with your dog on Halloween.
Side note to television stations...we would rather see someone walking a dog, or recreating a scene rather than someone just sitting next to one talking about dogs....
Anyways, the guy from Bark Buster made a really good point about bringing your pet in early on Halloween. People get funny the night of October 31st, and leaving your family pet outside for neighborhood kids to play with is not a good idea.
So learn what you will from this video...another one will go up tomorrow.

Safety Tips for Pets on Halloween

2008-10-27T12:07:00.006-04:00

It's the week of Halloween...and all of you pet owners need to know some pet Halloween safety tips. So each day here at the pet furniture blog we will post a video or a post directing you to some great tips or things you should know about Halloween and your pets.

The first one comes from "The Amazing Dog Training Man," self appointed and named, but a friendly lookin fellow none the less.
We mostly posted it for his wig...nice and curly...and his nice moonwalk at the end of the video. But he really does have some good tips like making sure your dog is ok with the costume you have on...not just the costume you are putting on your dog, so enjoy.

Cat People vs Dog People...who wins?

2008-10-27T10:50:00.008-04:00

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) put out the results of a new survey recently studying the differences between cat owners and dog owners.
According to their survey, single people are more inclined to own cats while those married with children are more likely to own dogs...is that really surprising?
The interesting part of this study was the statistics on overall US pet ownership. There are more cats in the US, but there are more dog owners...provocative? Maybe.
There is a little Marketwatch article here, or you can go right to the source and view a snapshot of the data here. If you are willing to pony up $264, you can buy the entire study...or you can probably find it in your local library soon.
This is off the AVMA website... a couple of interesting facts.

In 2006, nearly half of pet owners, or 49.7%, considered their pets to be family members

There are more than 72 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 82 million pet cats

The average veterinary expenditure per household for all pets was $366 in 2006

Among horse-owning households, 61.1% had at least one visit to the veterinarian in 2006, an increase of 11.9% from 2001

And here is a lunchtime treat...Raccoon steals a doormat

2008-10-23T10:42:00.002-04:00

Yup, he really does steal it!

What type of pet furniture do you do?

2008-10-23T10:28:00.005-04:00

On a recent google search of pet furniture and just random thoughts on pet stuff, here is what we came up with and here are some questions we have for pet owners...
What are you looking for in the realm of furniture for your pet?
Does it have to be modern? Do people want a large sofa just for their dog?
When you have a cat do you want things like litter boxes to be hidden within furniture?
Has anyone out there tried to make their own litter box covers? How did that turn out?
These are questions we want to know about...and we want pictures too!

This mostly stems from a discussion we have been having that deals with those plots of grass you can buy for your dog. You know the ones...they look like this.
We will be adding these little portapettys, or some like them, sooner than later to allpetfurniture.com, but we thought a discussion would be healthy first. Do people have these in their homes? Do you put them on your decks? Do they work as advertised? So many questions...but we just want to know!
Happy Thursday people, the weekend is almost here! We will post something fun in a bit so stay tuned.

Know your pets. Tips from the Today Show.

2008-10-22T15:31:00.005-04:00

Just saw this go up on the ol Hulu.com. It is a video all about pet first aid...really great tips in this one.

Personalize my pet! Or just personalize my pet bed!

2008-10-22T09:58:00.008-04:00

People were really excited about that puppy video yesterday! Keep those e-mails coming people allpetfurniture@gmail.com!

So someone was asking about personalized dog beds, actually they wanted it for their cat whom seems to take up space on a pillow whenever it is on the floor. Well, the perfect personalized pet bed is here! We recommend the P for princess since it seems that her kitty is quite the little princess. Here are some options when it comes to adding that touch of personalization to some pet products…

#1 the pet bed... Here is a line of pet beds by AY Rover that allows you to add an initial of your choice. There is a fairly wide selection, here are a few.

#2 the pet bling… Every dog and cat needs a little bit of flash…so personalize a pet collar for them. Something like this from 26 Bars and A Band is nice..

As always...If you know of anything that you want us to blog about, or anything you think we should be adding to our site, just let us know!

Oh busy Puppies

2008-10-21T17:22:00.002-04:00

We were busy today hawkin the pet furniture...so here is a video of Puppies vs Cat. Enjoy! We will be back tomorrow with more updated pet furniture news.

Some Modern Cat Scratchers

2008-10-20T09:16:00.012-04:00

There has been some complaints that we write too much about dogs and don't focus enough on other pets...like cats. So on this chilly Monday we are going to feature some new modern cat scratchers.
The first line is by Square Cat Habitat. The coolest feature of this modern cat product line is that you can make steps out of these shelf like scratchers.
There are a lot of colors to choose from as far as the scratching insert and the bamboo choices are a fun little plus. Here are some pics of the "Itch" Modern Cat Scratcher and the "Buddha"...

That looks like fun, here is a wall scratcher...they call it the "Itch."

And this kitty was just too cute not to add...he is sitting on the "Itch" with optional horizontal brackets...

The other line that is fairly new is an Eco-friendly one made out of recycled materials...the scratchers can be 100% recycled at the end of their life. That is a pretty cool feature when you are trying to be not only Eco-conscious but style-conscious as well.

Marmalade has a few cool wall scratchers that are a pretty fair price.

And some modern loungers that cats will love to lay on and scratch away.

Oh funny Fail Blog...

2008-10-17T13:59:00.005-04:00

How you amuse us here at the Pet Furniture Blog...especially when you post things about pets!

see more fail pictures

Cooper responds!

2008-10-16T09:35:00.006-04:00

We just got some new photos from Cooper himself, and he says that option #1 was the correct one! So sad!
For those of you that missed that post below...option #1 was...

#1, Owner forgot to feed Cooper so he is licking the floor for sustenance...in that case he needs a new dog bowl.

He is pleading for a new bowl and says the Hunting Dogs Dog Bowl would be perfect...or maybe something raised because he gets so tired having to lean down to eat.

We suggest something like the Medium Wooden Raised Double Dog Feeder from QT Dog...

Cooper hams it up for the camera

2008-10-15T12:35:00.005-04:00

Poor little Cooper...We figure one of three things are going on here.

#1, Owner forgot to feed Cooper so he is licking the floor for sustenance...in that case he needs a new dog bowl. One that would suit him may be a Hunting Dogs Dog Bowl, we think it fits in with his style.

#2, Owner fed him, but lil Cooper has trouble keepin the chow in the dog bowl and is licking up remnants. In that case he may need a No Splash Dog Bowl. Big tongues make big splashes...got to keep the stuff in the bowl lil buddy!

#3 He is just too darn cute and is muggin it up for the camera...

Overwhelming majority say #3 is the correct answer but we will let you decide.

Do you have a fun pet pic that needs some captions? Send em over to us at allpetfurniture@gmail.com we'll help you add that caption you're missin...and suggest some great products too!

People are so funny...

2008-10-15T08:37:00.002-04:00

Hamsters around the world are watching this thinking, "don't people know that you are supposed to go inside the ball?" Obviously this reporter (we use that term loosely) should not be standing where she is standing. The Zorb always wins in Zorb vs. Reporter.

Gustopher misses his friend

2008-10-14T15:29:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to our friend Lindsay! Here is a picture of her dog on train tracks...We think he ran away from home and is search of a new name :)

A dog on a trampoline

2008-10-14T08:50:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday everyone...just thought a dog jumping on a trampoline was just what the doctor ordered.

Chihuahua laps up the competition

2008-10-13T09:16:00.004-04:00

Seriously? Again?

How many times can you guys see Beverly Hills Chihuahua?

I wonder if anyone is bringing their pets to the film?

Well, for the second week in a row, that little furry star is the highest grossing film at the box office. Full Details here...http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/movies/13box.html
I wonder how Leonardo DiCaprio felt after being walked over by a Chihuahua?

DiCaprio is probably thinking, "Why is there a Chihuahua sitting on my head...haven't I suffered enough with being beat at the box office?"

If you need to see the trailer again, here is the official website...http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua/

Celebrities and their dogs...

2008-10-10T10:15:00.004-04:00

We've been scouring the web for finding ideas about celebrities and their dogs...and it is hard to find a site that doesn't kill you with popups and whatnot!

We were just trying to find some hot new fashions that celebs are adorning their pets with.
Here is a fun little album with 20 stars and their furry friends out on the town.
http://www.parents.com/family-life/pets/babies/celebrity-dogs/

I think a favorite of ours is Rachel Bilson and her furry friend Thurmen Murmen!
http://www.parents.com/family-life/pets/babies/celebrity-dogs/?page=16

But the Hillary Duff picture with her Chihuahua, Lola, is great too.
http://www.parents.com/family-life/pets/babies/celebrity-dogs/?page=7

So here is what we want to know here. What brands of pet accessories are these celebs buying for their furry friends? Let us know, and drop us some pictures if you have em!

Pet Halloween Costumes

2008-10-09T16:04:00.002-04:00

Okay, I just came across this dog costume. Possibly the funniest costume I have seen yet. Anyone seen better?

Grandma, what large teeth you have!

2008-10-09T11:37:00.004-04:00

It wasn't a wolf that woke a cat owner up in Northern California...but it was a mountain lion! I'm not sure how I missed this story earlier in the week, but I did. It's not every day that a mountain lion enters your house to try and eat your cat... here is just a little quote from the story out of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Chanteau

How amazing is that?
Here is a link to the full story... http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/04/SPNB13ABK0.DTL

And here is a picture of a mountain lion (thanks to National Geographic) :)

That is one brave cat owner!

Kitty may need some rest on something like this :)

Beverly Hills Chihuahua Chews up Competition

2008-10-08T12:04:00.000-04:00

The newest pet movie to hit theaters last week is tearing up the competition faster than my pup goes through a rawhide.
We here at allpetfurniture.com were wondering what sort of products we could pick out that were in the movie. We saw tons of bags and totes, some doggie loungers, a lot of apparel, and some little booties that were way too cute.

If you need to see the trailer again, here is the official website...http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua/

Those little doggie loungers? You can find some similar ones here...http://www.allpetfurniture.com/Furniture-Style-Dog-Beds-C68839.html

Here is one with a tropical poolside theme...

Bags were the all the rage, here is a nice little City Tote... You may have noticed some of the pups wearing booties...here is a nice Charcoal Pair for those long walks.

See anything else in the movie that you were looking for? We saw a lot and are hunting it down to add to our website.
Check us out for tons of great dog apparel and accessories, with new items being added daily.

The White House and Pets

2008-10-07T10:38:00.000-04:00

From the 49th State we figured we would keep on the politics subject, since it is the season, and see what pets are currently at the White House. Also take a look to see if any of the candidates would bring new pets to the White House.

We're not sure why...but you can visit President Bush's dog Barney at Barney.gov (those are your tax dollars at work!)

...or you can go to this kid friendly site to see all of the White House pets, http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/pets/.

Here is a random white house (shameless plug!) :)

As far as pets that the current candidates would bring...

Senator John McCain has a herd of animals...including Sam the English springer spaniel, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, Oreo the black and white cat, a ferret, three parakeets and a bunch of saltwater fish.(This according to an AP article from July, http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-pets-and-politics

Senator Barack Obama does not have pets, but he promised his two daughters that they could get a puppy when he makes it to the White House. Anyone have any guesses as to what type of puppy they would get?

Governor Sarah Palin - We are not sure if she has pets or not, we know she hunts...but as far as the Internet goes, no one is sure.

Senator Joe Biden - He has a cat...we think. Anyone have any more info on this?

Does anyone know anything else about the Presidential candidates and their pets?
Let us know!

And to you candidates out there...Visit us for all of your presidential pet needs!

Alaska and its Dogs

2008-10-06T09:48:00.000-04:00

With politics in full swing, and Alaska in the news fairly constantly these days. We here at allpetfurniture.com were wondering about dogs up there in our 49th state. A quick search brought up a great article by the Discovery Channel about Iditarod Dogs (Alaskan huskies).

My favorite quote from the article is this, "each approximately 55-pound sled dog can burn up to 12,000 kilocalories per day, which is the equivalent of 24 McDonald's Big Macs. A human would have to consume and efficiently process the equivalent of 72 Big Macs to fuel a day's Iditarod run." Full article here, http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/25/iditarod-dog-endurance.html.

Pretty amazing dogs! Here is a preview for Discovery's newest show about the Iditarod.

Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod series premier will start next week, 10/14.

For those of us that don't have furry friends that appreciate those cold nights, here is a little plug for some winter beds!

Stay warm out there, it's gettin cold!

Woofstock!

2008-10-02T11:33:00.000-04:00

We were just clued into something big here at allpetfurniture.com...real big!

Billed as "The Largest Festival for Dogs in North America," it's never to early to plan for Woofstock, and seeing as it is not until June 13 & 14 2009, this is planning really early. But if you figure that it is in Toronto, many of you may need to pick up your passports and petports and whatnot.

This brings up a question. How easy is it to bring your pets across the boarder? We didn't know, so we called our friendly neighbors to the north to ask about import requirements.

Those 'always friendly' folks clued us into what you would need to enter Canada with your furry friend. In most cases a record of vaccinations will be sufficient, most notably a rabies shot.

You can give the local Canadian Inspection Agency in Ontario a call and make sure your pet will not need any other info with him/her, here is the 800 number: 800-835-4486.

You can also visit their website here: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/dogse.shtml

Just a little plug for us here...We're shipping to Canada!!!!! So for those of you that are already north of the States, take a look at our wide selection of pet products...it's growing everyday!

2008-09-30T09:58:00.000-04:00

After a brief hiatus from the blogosphere, allpetfurniture.com is back and bloggin. Since the country seems to be inundated with rain lately, we were wondering about how dogs deal with rain.

Tom Waits sings a great song about Rain Dogs, and how they huddle in doorways. But people and dogs can't always wait for the rain to pass and sometimes they just love to go out walkin in the rain.

A place that knows how to deal with rain is San Francisco; so who better to make rain gear than a shop that was founded there? Apparel by George SF makes a great line of dog clothes apparel and accessories for dogs as well.

This reversible number is great!

And will keep your dog from looking like this.

So instead of this...be smart and just pop on some raingear so you can do this!

Check in on our blog for more pet ideas and random thoughts...brought to you by:

Peculiar Pet Profiles

2008-07-25T10:08:00.000-04:00

Pet name: Georgia
Age: 2
Hobby: Watching “What Not to Wear”

Georgia is afraid of blimps. When she is out at the park and spots a blimp, she cowers and slinks toward home, all the time eyeing the blimp. Unfortunately, we discovered this right before the Celtics victory parade in June.

Hot Dog! – Keeping Your Pet Cool This Summer

2008-07-01T14:55:00.000-04:00

We all know the signs: hot skin, rapid panting, a dazed expression. We always feel bad for our friends in permanent fur coats when it’s hot out, but there are actions we as pet owners can take in order to keep our animal companions comfortable this summer.

In order to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer heat stroke or heat exhaustion, follow these easy guidelines:

Never EVER leave your pet in a parked vehicle
Even if the windows are cracked or you are parked in the shade. This is the number one cause of heat stroke among dogs in the summer.

Always provide plenty of fresh water
Since dogs sweat from the pads of their feet and by panting, evaporation from their mouths and noses lower body temperature.

Watch for hot pavement and beach sand
Sensitive paws burn easily and are very painful to your pet

There are also measures you can take as a pet owner that can make hot days more comfortable for your beloved dog. First and foremost, in order to keep them well hydrated, make sure to always have fresh water. With the Pure Water Tower™ by Our Pets, your pet can have purified, filtered water whenever they need it! It holds up to 3 quarts of water, and even comes with 2 replacement filters.

Our Pets - Pure Water Tower™ Automatic Filtered Water Dispenser

Ruff Wear - Swamp Cooler™ Dog Cooling Vest

K&H Manufacturing - Large Cool Bed III

Pets Go Green!

2008-06-18T11:23:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows the proper etiquette for dog walking: you follow your dog and pick up after them. As the saying goes, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. That being said, you pick up after your pet; not most of the time, every time; right?

Since you’re a great pet parent, and walk your dog frequently, those plastic waste bags more than likely are going to add up. Did you know that an estimated 8 billion lbs of plastic bags, wraps, and sacks enter the U.S. waste stream every year? And did you know that it can take hundreds of years for them to decompose? A plastic bag will break down into tiny pieces and contaminate the soil and water, and thousands of animals die every year by mistaking these bags for food.

Plastic bags, although useful in many ways, do more harm than good. Although consumers everywhere are using them while not intending to hurt the environment, there are measures you can take as pet owners to decrease the damage being done. While picking up after your pet, opt for something biodegradable like Skooperbox Biodegradable Waste Containers. The Skooperbox is equipped with a scoop, container and a carrier; they even clip to your pet’s leash!

Featured in Bark Magazine, PETA, and on Animal Planet, these handy waste disposal systems are great for the environment and your peace of mind.

Find more Eco Friendly Pet Products at AllPetFurniture.com!

2008-06-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

Caring for Your Older Dog

Dogs for the most part mature at different rates; as a rule, large-breed dogs mature at faster than smaller breeds. As a discretionary guide, dog owners should begin to consider age related issues when their pet reaches age 7. There are several signs signs to look for and many ways to make them more comfortable!

Signs Your Dog is Getting Older:

Your dog doesn’t respond to their name or verbal commands; they also may bark for no reason.

You keep calling, and getting no response when normally your beloved dog would come running, or they stand at the front door and bark at nobody? Hearing loss is a significant sign that your canine companion is getting older; they are simply reacting to sounds that startle them, hence the unmeritedbarking.

Your dog’s eating habits have changed, or they are not eating as much food as they once did.

Older dogs can have a hard time digesting food as they grow older, and so they tend to eat less, and less frequently. Senior dogs are also more prone to tooth and gum disease, so it might even be painful when they eat. If your dog is losing excessive weight, be sure to contact your vet and look into a “senior diet”.

Your dog is gaining weight.

In addition to losing weight due to lack of appetite, your dog may also be gaining weight due to a slowing metabolism. It’s this time in your dog’s life where all those little treats begin to catch up! Exercising regularly, even a light walk with your favorite pooch can help keep the extra pounds off your otherwise healthy senior dog.

Your dog is less energetic than they used to be.

As your pet gets older, joint pain and stiffness may develop. This may mean that your pet has become less active, and less willing to run and play. A lack of energy could also mean that your pet is napping more frequently; as they are aging they are tired more often. Also, signs such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing may be a sign of heart and lung problems. If this is the case, your veterinarian is your best option.

What will make your senior dog more comfortable?

EXERCISE!

As your pet ages, exercise becomes more and more crucial to their health. Walking your pet at least once a day is great for keeping their muscles strong and healthy. A great way to keep your dog safe and by your side is a dog leash. Different breeds will of course require different types of leashes.

For smaller dogs, great brands such as La Cincopelca feature calf skin leashes in multiple sizes.

View All Small Dog Leashes

For those larger breeds, with perhaps a little more energy a Ruff Wear leash would be ideal for those days you feel like you’re the one being walked!

View All Large Dog Leashes

A GREAT BED!

Dog beds have become a necessity among pet owners, and now we can accommodate our senior dogs with beds that suit their comfort needs. Orthopedic dog beds have become a must-have for dogs with aching joints and muscles, and even dogs suffering from hip or elbow dysplasia can find relief an orthopedic bed. Whether you’re looking for a heated bed or a memory foam bed, brands like Max Comfort and Dolce Vita have what you need to keep your older dog comfortable.

Therabed Heated Oval Pet Cushion by Dolce Vita

Stylish Pet Carriers from Petote!

2008-05-12T16:22:00.001-04:00

"PETOTE is elegant proof that functionality can look fashionable. Everything from the basic design, the smart combination of materials and textures, the tasteful finishing touches and the boundless choice of fabrics, patterns, colors and textures make PETOTE a fashionable piece of personal luggage anywhere you travel."

Designer Janet Lee began creating stylish pet carriers in 2001 when she combined her two most important passions: animals and design. Today Janet's PETOTE pet carriers can be found all over the world and on the shoulders of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Halle Berry, Uma Thurman and Julianne Moore.

Whether you're traveling the globe or just taking a stroll downtown, PETOTE has a style just for you. Check out their wheeled carriers, purse style carriers, and durable travel pet carriers at AllPetFurniture today!

(Pictured above left to right: The Classic Genevieve Pet Carrier, the Classic Kelle pet Carrier, and the Classic Rio Wheeled Pet Carrier).

Harry Barker - Stylish, Eco-Friendly, High Quality

2008-04-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

Check out the newest line of designer pet beds and bowls at AllPetFurniture.com! Harry Barker values the quality and integrity of their products above all else and designs everything with your beloved dog and cat in mind. They are also committed to producing environmentally conscious products and use sustainable packaging, including biodegradable materials.

Harry Barker's dog beds are some of the most unique and stylish on the market. Pictured above is the Round Eco-Friendly Toile Pet Bed, available in 3 sizes and 5 colors!

Other great Harry Barker product categories include dog bowls, cat bowls, food storage containers, and pet robes!

For more information on Harry Barker and their products, visit AllPetFurniture.com!

New Arrivals from Ruff Wear!

2008-04-02T11:54:00.000-04:00

The folks at Ruff Wear have really outdone themselves this time. The 2008 spring lineup includes new and improved Palisades™ and Approach™ Packs, the Swamp Cooler™ Dog Vest as well as a few new collars and leashes.
Check them all out at AllPetFurniture.com!

We'd like to feature our favorite product from their spring line, the new Swamp Cooler™!

Here's how it works...

The Swamp Cooler™is great for any dog that spends elongated periods of time outside during the summer months. Your dog pines for cool shade while you're roaming through the wilderness with the hot sun on her back. Think about how great it feels to put a cold, wet wash cloth on the back of your neck when you're overheated and sweaty on a hot day. You can give your pup the same kind of cool comfort by soaking the Swamp Cooler™ with water and sliding it onto their back.

How does it work you ask? Evaporation, solar protection, and heat transfer. Yes, the folks at Ruff Wear are pretty darn smart.

Still have questions? Shoot us an email at service@allpetfurniture.com. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Check our our site today!

Introducing the Burley Tail Wagon!

2008-03-24T16:31:00.000-04:00

Burley has been manufacturing bike trailers for children for 30 years. This year, Burley introduced the 2008 Tail Wagon, the highest quality bicycle trailer for pets on the market! A Bike Trailer for pets might seem like a strange idea at first, but it really is an incredibly useful products for any bike riding pet owners.

Here are a few reasons to consider purchasing a bike trailer:

Small dogs can't keep up on runs and bike rides. Older dogs can't really take the heat either. Bike trailers are a great way to take smaller or elderly dogs along for the ride!
Long distance bike rides cause two problems for pet owners: #1 The ride is too long to bring Fido along #2 You can't stay away from home for the whole day if there's no one to let your pup outside. Solution? Bike Trailer!
If you don't bike all that much and you're worried that you wouldn't get a whole lot of use out of a bicycle trailer, don't fret - most bike trailers convert into a pet stroller! The Tail Wagon includes a stroller kit, so you won't need to purchase any additional accessories.

Check out the Tail Wagon today at AllPetFurniture or CSN Stores!

2007-12-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

Treat your dog or cat like part of the family with Comfy Pet products. Comfy Pet develops innovative pet products ranging from pet comfort to animal health, including dog houses, pet homes, dog beds, mats, pillows, and pet furniture, all featuring Comfy Pets’ trademark quality, appeal, and affordable prices. Comfy Pet is a registered trademark of A.P.C-2000 Inc. Established in 1992, APC-2000 began as a small pet products company in California. Today, it markets more than 75 products in countries all over the world. With "the next new thing” as its motto, APC-2000 is always working to create cutting edge design for reliable pet products.

Unattractive dog crates are a thing of the past! At first glance, this cedar wood elegant piece of furniture looks like an end table, blending seamlessly with your home décor. The Comfy Pet Cedar Indoor Dog House is actually a spacious indoor hideaway for smaller dogs and cats, constructed of solid cedar in a beautiful clear finish. You can even keep a grooming brush on hand with the convenient storage drawer so your dog will truly feel at home, in your home. This is a perfect gift for your pet, especially this winter when they will spend more time indoors. The best part about this indoor pet home is that it repels smells so you can keep your pet can sit comfortably with the whole family!

For more information on similar products and pet supplies, please visit All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores!

The Perfect Pet Carrier

2007-11-19T15:39:00.001-05:00

From a gift came an idea, and then a commitment. Sherpa's Pet Trading Company started when Gayle Martz was not able to find a pet carrier for her Lhasa Apso, Sherpa. She discovered that a stylish, functional, lightweight carrier didn't exist. Her goal was to then create a product and a procedure for people to travel comfortably with their small companions. Having over 20 years of experience working with airlines, she knew how unsettling it could be to have to travel with your precious pets and not have them by your side. She set out to change that.

There's no greater luxury for your pet than a ride in the Sherpa-On-Wheels Pet Carrier! Take a load off your shoulders with the detachable handle pull / shoulder strap and its recessed easy-glide wheels for smooth steering motion. This bag makes any adventure attainable for both you and your furry friend.
Sherpa's crowning success is having the major airlines change their policy regarding pets in the cabin. The Sherpa Bag is now the officially approved soft-sided carrier for in-cabin use on the following airlines: Air Canada, Alaska, American, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United and US Airways. The Sherpa Bag is recommended for use by veterinarians, the ASPCA, the Delta Society, Humane Society, and many four-footed customers. Because your pet's needs are foremost in her mind, the new design and safety innovations make this the perfect bag to take your pet wherever you go.

For more on this item and other pet products, please visit All Pet Furniture.

2007-10-31T16:13:00.000-04:00

Tired of cleaning up after your cat? Tired of the endless scooping, and emptying your cat's litterbox? Then why not let the litter-Robot do the work for you? Automated Pet Care Products, Inc. was founded in 1999 with the purpose of creating the best automatic self-cleaning litter box...and they have! The goal of the Litter-Robot II is to make your life as a cat owner easier by eliminating the daily hassle of litter box scooping; therefore your're now able to spend more quality time with your cat!
Make your life easier by eliminating the daily hassle of litterbox scooping with the Litter-RobotTM. You can be confident that your cats have a litter box that is cleaned automatically and reliably, again and again. The large waste drawer holds several days' worth of waste, giving you the time and freedom to do the things you enjoy. You can take that weekend trip or leave town for a short business trip without having to worry about your cat litter box. Emptying the drawer is now as easy as changing a kitchen garbage bag!

The Patented litter sifting system unique to the Litter-RobotTM will clean litter gently, reliably and dependently, every time. There is no rake mechanism that can jam or gum up and that requires frequent cleaning. After all, you want a self cleaning litter box to make your life easier. The globe and base unit come fully assembled and are very easy to set up. Just plug it in using the included 12 volt AC adapter, and add litter, that’s all! Say goodbye to those expensive special receptacles or waste bags, the Litter-RobotTM. uses regular kitchen garbage bags. And of course, the Litter-RobotTM. is completely safe for your cat!

For more details on this product or others like it, please visit All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores today!

Outdoor Pet

2007-10-23T12:29:00.000-04:00

Your dog wants to go everywhere you go and do everything you do. You'd obviously like to take them everywhere, but sometimes nature's elements are just too much for them...until now. Ruff Wear has come up with apparel for even the most rugged, outdoorsy of canines. The Ruff Wear line features harnesses, coats, lifevests and even boots so that your best pal no longer feels left out when you go camping, hiking or skiing! Thanks to Ruff Wear, it's now possible to see if in fact, your dog can keep up with you...and vice versa!

Are you and your pooch hikers? A spirited dog sometimes needs more adventure than his regular cruise around the local trail. Indulge your canine when you fill the Approach Pack II™ Dog Backpack with essential supplies like food, water, bowls and goodies. This backpack is built for comfort: non-chaffing, fur-friendly liner, fleece-padded belly straps and spiderweb structure for plenty of ventilation- perfect for extended wear. Available in blue and red, with a reflective trim for added visibility and safety, the Approach Pack II™ Dog Backpack is the perfect gift for your outdoor pet. Your companion’s infectious anticipation will have you both charging towards the trail!

If you jog or camp with your pet at night, consider the Ruff Wear - Lighted Lab Coat™ with Optional Reflective Dog Leash with illuminating, high-visibility, Glow-in-the-Park™ technology (1000 ft./300 m visibility). The technology uses a compact battery-pack to illuminate bright blue flexible wires running along the sides of the coat to keep your pal in sight—especially important in conditions where reflective materials can’t be seen. For added visibility, the contrasting colors and reflective trim of the Lighted Lab Coat stand out in a range of light conditions. This durable and great-fitting safety vest gives you peace-of-mind knowing your dog will be easy to spot in rural and urban settings, night or day.

All of Ruff Wear's products perform by providing benefits, functionality, and durability in demanding outdoor environments. Check out all that Ruff Wear has to offer, now you and your beloved dog will be able to do even more things together! And for more products for your furry friend, please visit us at All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores.

Safe Travels for Your Pet

2007-10-12T13:29:00.000-04:00

Perfect for anyone who loves to travel with their dog, Pet Cruiser products are the safe and secure solution. Safety is no longer a concern with the sleek, new Pet Cruiser for Auto, or Bicycle. The Pet Cruiser Auto attaches to the seat belt, and becomes a fully-enclosed booster seat, allowing your pet to be comfortable and also safe. The Pet Cruiser Sport for bicycle attaches to your bike through a built-in safety harness that also has a padded interior making sure your pet rides in style and comfort.

Live life in the fast lane! This pet car seat is the ultimate in pet fashion and comfort. Featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Auto Cruiser offers a fully enclosed raised booster seat that allows your pet to travel in comfort with out any leashes or harnesses. Equipped with a storage compartment with two detachable, snap in bag travel kits so you can now bring all of your pets belongings along for the ride. The suitcase features easy zip side pockets to access items in suitcase, while in car seat mode. For a practical and safe way to travel for you and your pets, try the Auto Cruiser and traveling will never be the same again!
Available in pink, red, tan and gray, so you can be sure to find the perfect fit for Fido!

For more car seat options, please visit All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores!

Picking a Pet Pen for Your Dog

2007-10-09T17:35:00.000-04:00

Pet pens can be used around the house, in the back yard or on vacation. They come in a variety of materials like nylon, plastic and heavy gauge steel. Pet pens are great when you have kids. They can be used inside and outside so that you can spend time with your pet without having to keep a constant eye on them. Pet Gear has designed the Home 'N Go Pet Pen. This innovatively designed pet pen play area is perfect for dog owners on the go. With its durable, lightweight steel frame that folds flat for storage, you can bring this pet pen just about anywhere. Perfect for the park, campground or kids' playroom, the Home 'N Go Pet Pen will keep your pet safe and comfortable.

The Home 'N Go Pet Pen features a water and stain resistant nylon exterior with light-weight construction and a strong steel frame. The pen can easily be folded up in seconds and it comes along with matching accessories that include: carry-along-bag, leash, reversible pad, and removable tray. The Home 'N Go Pet Pen is also available in blue for man's best friend. With all of its pet friendly features, this all-inclusive pet pen is the perfect addition to any pet owner's home.

For more pet pens, browse our entire selection at All Pet Furniture today!

Sleepypod - Sleepypod Pet Carrier

2007-09-28T16:50:00.000-04:00

The Sleepypod Pet Carrier not only pampers your pet in luxurious ultra plush and foam for those special outings, it is so comfortable your small dog or cat will make it his or her personal, private living space at home. Our pets are important and they deserve the very best in comfort and security at all times. Because your pet will already be living in the Sleepypod, traveling will become much easier and less stressful for everyone!
The Sleepypod Pet Carrier is more than a bed, it's a lifestyle. It is your pet's personal space, designed to fit his or her individual needs. The beauty of the Sleepypod is its versatility. A dog that needs to be aware of thier surroundings at all times can be just as easily accommodated as the cat who likes thier privacy. The secret is in the adjustable dome top. Removing the top altogether will give your pet the easy access of a standard pet bed, but as needs change, so will the options. In times of fear or stress the dome can be opened or closed by unzipping the center zipper and adjusting the sides.
The bed is designed so that your pet can spread out in the way that is most natural for his or her sleeping style. The round shape will contour around your pet's body providing yet another layer of coziness, and the addition of the optional warmer will assure your pet that they're number one in your heart!

Traveling made simple! The Sleepypod Pet Carrier will make it possible to tote your beloved pet around in style, and more importantly, comfort. The ultra plush interior is super comfy and easy to clean! Also, a removable padded shoulder strap makes carrying the Sleepypod even easier, and it can even be buckled into the car! Not only will your pet be snug as a bug in their Sleepypod, they'll be warm as well with the optional Sleepypod Warmer; just place it between the bedding and the water resistant liner. There is even an additional option to include a warmer car adapter to keep your pet cozy on the road. With optional replacement bedding, you'll never have to worry about accidents when you're traveling. Simply remove the old and replace with the new! Available in Jet Black, Strawberry Red, Arctic White, Dark Chocolate and Sky Blue.

Check out other Sleepypod collection items at All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores.

Decorative Litter Box Covers- A Classy Alternative to the Litter Box

2007-09-14T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Wicker Box

The easiest way to hide your cat's litter box is now in plain sight! With Mr. Herzher's Decorative Litter Box Cover, you can transform unsightly litter boxes into wicker furniture that blends with any home decor. The rhino-wicker does not absorb fluids or odors, and cleaning is a snap with a little soap and water. A front entry panel provides cats with easy access, and the litter box slides out on glide rails for quick emptying. With two wicker options, you can be sure to find the perfect Litter Box Cover for your home.

The Classic Box

No more disgusting litter box messes! The versatile Merry Products Washroom Pet House seamlessly blends into any interior and style, providing you with the perfect hiding spot for your unsightly litter box. With Wainscoting paneling details and equipped with extremely functional shelf space and a stainless steel towel rack, this piece of furniture has a classic white finish so you can easily put it anywhere in the house.

Litter Box Covers are a great way to conceal your cat's litter box and now with all of the design options, buying one is not only practical but aesthetically pleasing to you and your guests. Browse through more of our Litter Box Covers and find the one that best matches your home.

Check out more products for you cat at All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores!

Puppia - Soft Dog Harness with Optional Matching Lead

2007-08-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

Puppia is a global fashion design group...for your dog! Puppia has many years of experience in the fashion world and thier designs are among the best in dog apparel as well as dog beds, dog carriers and accessories. Puppia is now the leading dog fashion brand in the world, and their designs are retailed across the globe. The word Puppia is derived from "Puppy" + "Utopia", and that is precisely what you should look for when shopping for your dog!

The Soft Dog Harness is perfect for any small dog. Unlike many collars, this harness allows for an attachable leash that does not pull the dog by the neck. Polyester air mesh will keep your pet cool as a cucumber, and the comfortable neck ensures a great walking experience for you and your dog! An adjustable chest belt gaurentees a great fit, and in eleven colors & five sizes, you're sure to find the perfect Soft Dog Harness for your perfect little pooch. Match these vibrant colors with an optional dog lead!
Check out other Puppia collection items at All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores.

West Paw Design: The Earth Friendly Pet Company

2007-08-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

West Paw Design does all they can to reduce waste, making sure to cut as much raw product as possible out of every bolt of fabric, then reusing the scrap material where they can. West Paw rescues and reuses old boxes to store finished products, and employ recycled material in the packaging. Finally, even some of West Paw's products themselves are recyclable!West Paw believes in our responsibility to the next generation, whether four-legged or two. By keeping all of their manufacturing local, West Paw does not only provide great jobs, they get to know each other as friends and family. They work hard to support one another, both on the job and outside the workplace. West Paw Design pays a fair wage and provides good benefits, such as health insurance, retirement accounts, and paid time off. Most importantly, every employee of West Paw Design shares in the success of the company through our profit sharing program. West Paw Design supports causes that are dear to the employees’ hearts by participating in community fundraising events, and donating money and product to organizations that are important. West Paw Design believes that they are only as good as the people who work there, and you won’t find a better crew anywhere!

Spruce up the home for the holidays with these stylish new wintergreen eco naps and festively fun eco toys. Super soft, yet durable Intellitex fabric made from 85% recycled plastic bottles, is clean, safe and comprised from completely reengineered fibers. All items are stuffed with care using intelliLoft fiber fill. With a variety of adorable shapes such as the ho-ho hairball and the merry mittens, don't wait any longer! Get your cat or dog this one of a kind treat today! A great way to give mother nature a gift while letting your pet know that Santa's on his way! Also the perfect gift for any environmentally friendly pet owner!

Tricks for treats! Halloween is just around the corner...give your precious pet one of these unique earth friendly play toys! Choose from "Spook," the friendly ghost, "Berber Bat," and many more! West Paw Design creates many eco friendly products ranging from furry play toys like "Cheddar," an adorable little mouse to cozy organic bumper beds. Browse through our All Pet Furniture, part of CSN Stores, to view West Paw Design's entire collection. Let us know what you think!

Understated Elegance & Class: Bowsers Pet Products

2007-08-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

Since 1998, Bowsers has set the trend with distinctive, quality dog beds. Their unique blend of furniture grade fill, luxurious upholstery fabrics and practical designs have set a new standard in the pet industry. Bowsers has changed the way many think of pet beds...gone are the days when your unsightly dog bed is hidden away when guests arrive. Bowsers dog beds are attractive furnishings which blend with the home decor. The collection features over 60 designer upholstery fabrics to choose from, all durable and plush micro velvets which repel pet hair, dirt and even moisture. Their breathable construction ensures fabric is cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.

This week's featured item, the Super Soft Round, by Bowsers, displays an elegant contrast piping, wide gusset, and overstuffed inner, adding style and panache to this traditional design. Pictured here in an Eggplant High-Memory Dacron fabric with Smoke piping, the Super Soft Round is the perfect designer gift for any pet owner. Interested in other styles?

How about Dutchie, Bowsers’ latest trend setting dog bed design. The Dutchie features clean lines and overstuffed bolster, combined with zippered covers easy for washing, making this a stylish and practical addition to the home. View our entire Bowsers collection and see for yourself why this is an award-winning line of luxury, designer dog bed designs!

All Pet Furniture Blog

2007-08-14T10:01:00.000-04:00

With interests and expertise in a variety of pet supplies, from cozy cat carriers to doggy day daybeds, we thought it would be nice to share some of our favorite tips, tricks and products with you via the blogosphere. All Pet Furniture offers an array of top brands, styles, and price points for all of your shopping needs. From Pet Tip of the Month to Pet Traveling Advice to our Customer Favorites Section, our blog will serve as your window into the top pet trends and recommendations. Interested in environmentally friendly products? Visit our Be Green section on the site, where you can find trendy pet supplies made entirely from recycled materials. We'll update the blog every week with the best of our advice so visit us often!