Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Crate-training is essentially teaching a dog to use a cage to his advantage. The cage or crate serves a variety of purposes. It gives a dog security, for one thing; for another, it keeps a secured dog from trashing the house when you're gone. It's perfectly appropriate to crate a dog when you're away, as long as the dog has been properly acclimated.
If you're a new dog owner, you're definitely going to want to start brushing up on dog collars, supplies and accessories. Find out more about dog collar supplies and accessories with help from the executive director of the Found Animals Foundation in Los Angeles in this free video clip.
Making a door in Minecraft requires you to choose which of the two types of doors you want to make. Make a door in Minecraft with help from a video game expert in this free video clip.
Dog clothing only works well when you make sure that the articles in question have the right fit. Get a dog clothing guide with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Lighted leashes for dog are great for walking your animal outside and at night. Learn about using lighted leashes for dogs with help from an experienced pet expert in this free video clip.
Like humans, dogs need access to a place in which they feel safe and secure and which affords a certain degree of privacy. Although dogs are incredibly social creatures, they need places for rejuvenation and social withdrawal, especially in times of stress or exhaustion. When used properly, a dog crate can be that safe place as well as an important tool in house training and during travel.
Veterinarians understand that dogs, young puppies especially, benefit from structure and consistency. A dog crate provide some structure as well as security. A well-ventilated, clean dog crate, cage or kennel can assist in house-training, transportation, and recovery from some health conditions. A crate can help comfort an anxious pooch.
Plinth blocks are a throwback to a simpler time. They are common in Victorian homes or any home where homeowners desire woodworking that rises above the ordinary. They are available premade but are costly. You can make them yourself, save money and impress your neighbors. All you need is a few ordinary woodworking tools and a bit of woodworking ability.
Global Positioning System collars can help to prevent your dog from getting into trouble, letting you track your pet's whereabouts at the touch of a button. The introduction of miniature GPS receivers has made satellite technology compatible with dog collars of all sizes, meaning that even smaller dogs can wear a tracking device in comfort. A GPS collar could give you peace of mind next time your dog goes on an unscheduled adventure.
Learning how to not make a dog angry is one of the keys to training an assistance dog successfully. Learn how to not make a dog angry with help from a certified professional dog trainer in this free video clip.
While those onesies may have fit your child yesterday, babies seem to grow out of them faster than you can blink. Luckily, these little bodysuits transform into designer shirts for your favorite canine baby that are adorable and functional.
Whether or not you let your canine companion sleep in your bed depends on your health and your relationship with your dog. Dominant-aggressive dogs can become threatening if allowed to sleep next to you and restless dogs can disturb your sleep. However, some people find sleeping next to their pooch relaxing. It may help the two of you bond, but only if pet allergies aren't an issue for you.
Whether or not your dog sleeps in bed with you is a personal choice for which there is no right or wrong approach, but the choice makes a difference to both you and Lucky. However, it is not an arbitrary decision. You should give careful consideration to the behavioral, health and practical factors before you make the decision.
Elderly dogs sometimes have myriad health problems that reduce their ability to regulate body temperature as well as they did when they were younger. Conditions like arthritis can make an older dog's body ache, and having a nice warm bed to curl up in can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
Some dog trainers, including the Monks of New Skete, recommend the radio to soothe dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Try playing the radio as one part of a soothing strategy. Talk to neighbors or observe your dog's behavior when you return, then decide if it's effective for your pup.
Dog collars can help reflect your personality or that of your dog, offering skulls and crossbones for tough guys or pink rhinestones for little princesses. But collars serve more practical purposes as well, helping to keep your dog under control and making it more likely she'll be returned to you if she's lost. There's no national law about collaring your dog, but most state or local governments address it.
Humans have only one bed, in the same spot, in the same room. Dogs need a little more variety. You'll need to provide several different beds for your pooch and keep them spread out all throughout the house. That way, when Trot feels the urge to take a snooze, he'll have a cozy place nearby to catch some z's.
Slip lead leashes for dogs are so simple and easy and perfect to carry with you in your car at all times. Find out about slip lead leashes for dogs with help from a pet wellness expert in this free video clip.
Buying the wrong size collar or harness for your dog can be an unpleasant experience for both man and beast. Measure a dog's neck and chest size for a harness with help from a pet wellness expert in this free video clip.
When making dog and cat collar crafts, you're always going to want to make sure that you have quick access to a few basic tools. Make dog and cat collar crafts with help from a longtime crafts expert in this free video clip.
Many houses are now being built with open floor plans, and wide-open spaces like loft apartments continue to be popular. However, if there are spaces in your home that you would rather not expose to visitors, creating a divider to define separate spaces may allow you the privacy you desire. You can choose a simple, portable solution or something more semi-permanent that you can install yourself without expert construction knowledge or spending a great deal of money.
Making the sale of building T-accounts is a lot easier than you might think. Make a sale of building T-accounts with help from an accounting professional in this free video clip.
A tuna dog requires a few key ingredients, like white beans and blended veggies. Make a tuna dog with help from a chef and the owner of a New York catering service in this free video clip.
Adding an entry makes it easier to move items into a basement or carry them inside from the car. If your driveway comes close to the new basement access, it may be practical to take your groceries inside through this entrance. Storing lawn tools or children’s play equipment is easier through a basement access door. There are many choices for types of doors, but take into consideration the need for safety features. A basement door is often a home's most vulnerable spot for break-ins.
Your dog loves to be outside. It is natural and healthy for a dog to release his pent-up energy with outdoor exercise, stretching its muscles and tiring itself out through play. However, a responsible dog owner will build a run to permit her dog to get his exercise, rather than allowing him to roam the neighborhood unfettered. In addition, a run will keep a dog safe from such dangers as speeding cars or aggressive animals, not to mention preventing unplanned canine pregnancy. These instructions will result in a gated run measuring 30 feet long and 15 feet wide with one…
Muzzles address the biting symptom of a dog's larger behavioral issue, such as aggression toward other dogs, aggression toward people or eating dangerous items on the ground. Service-based uses for muzzles include police work and guarding exercises. Not all muzzles are created equal, and the type of muzzle your dog wears while exercising can make the difference between life and death. The ASPCA and the Calgary Humane Society agree that the only safe muzzle for your dog to wear while exercising is a basket muzzle. Protect yourself and your dog and consult with your veterinarian before applying any type of…
Dogs can suffer from tremors and from seizures. Tremors are different from seizures such as epileptic seizures in a couple main ways: They are more regular and they occur in a rhythmic fashion. They can be localized, typically affecting the head or hind limbs, or generalized, a condition whereby the whole dog shakes. Certain breeds are more prone to develop tremors, with small breeds more frequently affected by general tremors. Continuous tremors can be related to a variety of conditions, and some medications can induce tremors.
Injuries that cause significant bleeding have serious potential health consequences for your dog. In a situation where your pet has a bleeding wound, the most important thing to do is slow or stop the bleeding until you can get proper veterinary care for the injury. A pressure bandage will control the bleeding of a wound and limits blood loss, helping preserve the health and well-being of your dog.
The American Tourister Dog Car Seat provides a safe way for puppies and small breed dogs to ride in your vehicle. It provides an alternative to the unsafe habit of holding a dog on your lap or letting him roam around the car, whether you are going for a short ride or traveling a long distance. This booster-type dog seat fastens securely to the car's seat, and it also allows for easy access to fasten a harness on your dog to keep him from being injured in case of sudden braking or, more seriously, an accident. American Tourister advises that…
A dog growls to provide a warning that something is wrong or to show that he thinks he is in charge. When you know your dog loves you, a random, uncommon growl toward you can startle you. Before you become afraid of your best friend, it is always good to find out what caused the growl in the first place. To prevent growls from turning into something worse, such as a bite or an attack, give your dog proper training to prevent such events from happening.
Braided fleece dog leashes are soft to the touch and allow your pet to tug or pull with less discomfort to his neck. Fleece stretches slightly to absorb shock as a dog pulls forward on a leash. This results in less stress on his collar and your hands and arms as you walk or train your pet. Braiding the fleece strips together adds strength to the leash.
As dogs age and possibly become arthritic, they may begin to have trouble jumping into a car or onto a porch. If your dog is large, you may not be able to lift him; which means he might have to stay at home instead of going places. Meanwhile, small dogs can have trouble reaching their favorite chair or climbing steep stairs. You can build a portable dog ramp to give your dog more independence and dignity whether yours is a small breed or a large one. Heavier dogs require a sturdier ramp than smaller dogs, and you can custom-design it…
A sloped awning added above exterior doors creates an area protected from harsh sun rays, rain and snow. In addition, the awning can improve the exterior look of your home. Several commercial sloped awnings are available for purchase. However, you can save time by building your own door awning. You can create a cheap, yet effective slopped awning using materials available at craft stores and home improvement centers.
A mitered door has corner joints cut at 45-degree angles to give the door an angular look. Though the mitered joints of the past, cut with hand saws on makeshift cutting blocks, have a reputation for being unstable, advances in power tools and knowledge about proper joinery have made building a mitered door a safe bet for a beautiful bedroom or bathroom door. Angle the edges of the panels in the door to make the angular look of the corners a uniform presence throughout the door.
Mange is caused by a parasitic mite, and harness irritation can be caused by a problematic harness. Both conditions can lead to hair loss, raw skin, scabbing and itching. Mange, depending on the type of mite, may show characteristic skin patterns, whereas harness irritation usually occurs directly under the harness itself. Occasionally, harness irritation is caused by a skin allergy. Secondary inflammation or infections can develop from either mange or harness irritation as the skin becomes damaged by itching and chewing.
Purchasing dog toys can get expensive fast, so use items around your home to fashion homemade dog toys. Rubber toys are a dog favorite, so create enticing rubber toys your dog will love, such as those that involve treats. If you find your dog really enjoys the toys you make, make a few as gifts for your friends' pooches or try selling them at crafts fairs and flea markets. Be sure to not use any items your dog can choke on.
A dog’s collar size is important for his comfort and health. A traditional flat buckle collar will have a metal or plastic buckle that allows for size adjustments. If your dog is small and his collar with a traditional buckle is too large for the dog to wear even set to the hole that's farthest from the collar end, or if you wish to create a collar for your dog on your own, you can make new holes so the collar fits properly.
In the old days, aspiring authors tried to get their manuscripts to an editor by throwing the manuscript into the editor's office through the transom above the office door. This practice gave rise to the literary phrase, 'over the transom,' meaning an unsolicited manuscript. While transoms originally provided rooms with much-needed ventilation, contemporary transoms are more about aesthetics and old world charm. You can add a decorative transom when you are remodeling your doorway if you have the right tools and moderate woodworking skills.
Turning an ordinary rectangular doorway into an archway can give a room a totally new look and feel. An archway can add interest and character to a remodeled space. You can transform any Plain Jane interior doorway into a dramatic, open, arched doorway by using common interior-wall construction techniques and materials.
Leash training is an excellent way to introduce your dog to acceptable indoor behavior while curbing unwanted behavior gently and effectively. Constant wearing of a collar and leash or harness and leash will help your dog become comfortable with the feel of the contraption, and it will allow you to correct inappropriate behaviors quickly before they become unwanted habits.
The Springer dog exerciser attaches to a bicycle so your pet can join you in your exercise regime. This product is constructed of heavy-duty steel to keep your dog by your side. The impact of your pet pulling on attached rope is absorbed by a large spring. The spring keeps your dog from pulling you to the side as you ride and causes less tugging on his collar. A patented safety release allows the rope attachment to pull away from the Springer exerciser in the case that you and your dog choose opposite directions to go around an object.
Driving can be stressful enough, but if you have a high-strung dog pacing from side to side in the backseat, or -- heaven forbid -- hiding under your seat or crawling around under your pedals, you have a real safety hazard on your hands. Unless a pup is well-socialized for car rides, even a brief trip can be an anxiety-filled experience. Keeping a hyper dog calm in the car takes patience, some common sense and desensitization, but the reward of being able to travel with your pet is worth it.
Rolltop desk doors, also called tambours, are ideal for keeping a messy desk out of sight. Classic rolltop desks can use canvas or wires to hold a series of tambours in place. However, by creating tambours that interlock like wooden puzzle pieces, you do not need to fuss with glue, fabric, wires or drills to create a desk drawer. To make interlocking tambours, you will need intermediate woodworking skills and a tambour bit set, which you can purchase at a woodcraft store.
Rather than spending money on a glittery new collar for your dog, make your own bedazzled dog collar. The collar design will be completely original, plus it gives you the opportunity to use sequins and other sparkly items collecting dust on your crafting table. Create a wide variety of collars to give to friends with dogs, or consider selling them at your local craft fair or flea market. They also make great stocking stuffers for dog-loving family members.
Apartment-dwelling dog lovers with no real outdoor space of their own often turn to the "urban porch" known as the balcony. This small bit of nature can provide your indoor dog with fresh air and a chance to watch the world wander by. A world of caution, however: Just as you baby-proof your home for a new infant, you must suitably prepare your balcony so there is no chance for your dog to escape, fall or get injured.
An arch-top door can be an expensive investment due to the nonstandard design of the outer frame. However, such a door adds a lot of class to a room and will look great in any setting. Although this project is a little more challenging than creating a standard door from scratch, you can design and build an arch-top door for your own home to brighten up a room. In this way you can ensure that it will be tailored to the exact size requirements of your archway, without breaking the bank.
Drafty doors make rooms feel chilly and can increase utility bills over time. Although you could have a craftsman or handyman install weatherstripping or replace the drafty doors, hiring a professional is expensive. One alternative is to place a door snake in front of the door to block out any drafts. Make your own handmade door snake using basic materials, such as dried rice and fabric. Assembling your own door snake also enables you to match the fabric to the rest of your home decor.
Most doors in residential buildings serve both functional and decorative purposes, provide security and privacy, and impact the way a room or facade looks. Doors with insets, which can be wooden or glass panels set into openings in the face of the door, allow light to enter through glass insets or showcase wooden panels that complement the rest of the door or design of the home. Building insets for doors is a matter of precise woodworking, since insets must be the exact size of the door's opening to fit and remain in place.
Maintaining the integrity of a firewall is an important element of home safety. In some older homes, the access to the crawl space under the house is in the garage. In others, an attic crawl space can be accessed in a hall or bedroom closet. If that firewall between the house and garage or attic is inadequate or breached, a fire can spread rapidly throughout the house. While no door is 100 percent fireproof, constructing a fire-resistant door for the crawl space is essential to increasing the safety of your home.
Building a gable roof over an entry door not only provides protection against sun and rain for those entering, but also adds a decorative element to the front of a house. You have many gable options. Elaborate versions have ornate columns at the outside corners and under the sides of a long and wide gable portico. Simpler styles use brackets to support a basic gable roof 3 or 4 feet deep. All entry gables must be attached to the house, be framed with rafters or trusses and be supported some way on the sides.
