Dapper Dog

Ava in the Car

My dogs are my family. I take them everywhere. And when I moved from the West Coast to the East Coast in 2008, I planned my whole trip based around the comfort of my dogs. I researched flights and other ways to ‘ship’ them, and never found anything I was comfortable with. So, I decided to drive. Sure, it would have been easier, faster, and maybe even cheaper to fly, but I knew my dogs would be much happier and less stressed to be traveling directly with my husband and me in a car.

And I was right! They settled right in like they were seasoned world-travelers and were so excited to see all the places we stopped to explore. They forced us to stop and stretch our legs much more often than we would have otherwise, which actually allowed us to see more of the country than we thought.

But all four of us were cooped up in a car for many, many hours a day for five days, so we learned a few valuable lessons along the way.

1. Stop Often – For everyone’s sanity, it’s important to stop every 2-3 hours to give everyone (two- and four-legged alike) a chance to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. A simple walk around the block can cure a lot of pent-up energy.
2. Create a Safe Environment – Whether you choose to use crates, dog beds, blankets, dividers, or something similar, make sure that the environment you create for your pets is safe and comfortable for them and for you. Dogs should be able to rest comfortably with familiar smells around them (we used their dog beds and blankets from our bedroom) and shouldn’t be able to access the driver.
3. Stay Content – Dogs can sense our moods, so we found it was important to make sure we were relaxed and happy during the drive in order to keep them relaxed and happy. This meant being well rested and well fed, as well as creating a comfortable space to sit for those long hours in the car.
4. Research Pet-Friendly Places – It’s difficult to find safe, clean and inexpensive places to sleep when you are on the road. It can be exhausting and stressful when you are ready to stop for the night, but fail to see any hotel signs that say those magical words – ‘pet-friendly’. Doing some research even the night before can save a lot of headache. This is also true for places to eat and explore. We never wanted to leave the dogs in the car while we went into a restaurant to eat or walked around a new area. Pet-friendly places with outdoor seating were always lucky finds.

We made that same cross-country trip in 2010 when we moved back to the West Coast and because they were so used to traveling and because of the lessons we learned the first time, it was another successful and happy trip.

Even though we are now settled back on one coast, we still travel with our dogs often. They go with us on day trips to the beach and weekend trips around the Pacific Northwest. We can travel as a family, and that makes everyone happy. And inevitably, it is always an adventure.

Our Guest Blogger – Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance provider. Trupanion offers a simple, customizable pet insurance policy with no payout limits and 90% coverage of veterinary bills. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured, with no incident, annual or lifetime limit. Heather is owned by an Italian Greyhound named Ava and a Spaniel mix named Jackson. She enjoys taking them to dog parks, on hikes around the Pacific Northwest, and to the pet-friendly restaurants in her city.
Contact Heather at heather.reynolds@trupanion.com.

Dogs are such an integral part of family life that they are included in local and interstate travel in automobiles and recreational vehicles. Pet participation adds joy to family travel because the entire family is present for every event along the way. Dogs love to participate and enjoy seeing new places and meeting other dogs from all over town and around the country. Once the family pet becomes used to going in the car or RV, leaving them behind is almost impossible.

When the unthinkable happens and a dog is injured in an automobile accident, the pet’s injuries have not been covered by the automobile insurance policy, until now. One of the most innovative insurance advancements is pet injury insurance, pioneered by Progressive (and discussed in detail below given that many other car insurance companies are taking note and designing similar pet car insurance benefits), which has been developed to address the gap in coverage incurred by the insured motorist to care for his loving pet.

Pet Injury Insurance vs. Pet Insurance

Standard pet insurance covers pet illness and injury that occurs at home in the normal course of life. Dogs that love to travel with their owners have not been covered for injuries that occur in the car. Automobile insurance companies have recognized the financial impact of injuries to man’s best friend and are beginning to create an additional benefit to cover veterinarian bills.

Pet injury insurance is typically nestled in the collision coverage of automobile policies offered by certain auto insurance companies. Injuries incurred in the accident that are treated by a veterinarian are typically covered up to $1,000. A simple fall that injures the pet while in the moving vehicle is not covered by the pet injury insurance. The car must be damaged in an accident and require repairs that are sufficient to require payment from the collision or comprehensive portion of the auto insurance policy.

Coverage Specifications

The automobile insurance policy must have a collision component to include the pet injury insurance coverage. Comprehensive policies automatically include collision insurance. One coverage component of a typical pet car insurance policy is $1,000 toward veterinarian bills incurred when a pet is injured in an accident that requires repair of the vehicle under the collision component.

Deductibles are paid on the automobile repair and do not apply to the veterinarian bills. After treatment has been obtained for the beloved pet, copies of the bills are provided to the insurance company, and the owner is paid up to $1,000 for the incurred expenses.

Pet injury insurance coverage is typically built-in to the collision coverage without increasing the premium charged for the policy. The added benefit is focused on relieving expense for the insured driver in the event of an accident that would require repair to the vehicle.

All collision automobile insurance policies have the pet injury component without having to be requested by the insured motorist. When a family pet is acquired, that animal is covered by the policy if the pet is inside the vehicle at the time of an accident. No special effort to record pets on the policy is necessary.

Circumstances Covered

One nice benefit to look for in a pet car insurance policy is that any pet belonging to the same household that is riding in the vehicle will be covered by the pet injury coverage. Typically each pet is not required to be listed on the policy to qualify for the coverage. When multiple pets are inside the vehicle and injured in an accident, the veterinarian bills are covered up to $1,000 per incident. Use of the collision coverage qualifies the insured to file a claim for the pet injury expenses.

An additional benefit that can be offered is if a pet is stolen from a vehicle and then injured in some way then that will covered under comprehensive component of the auto insurance. Also, an automobile fire that invokes the comprehensive coverage should also cover the pet for injuries sustained in the fire.

If the pet dies in an accident or fire that invokes either comprehensive or collision coverage component of the auto insurance policy, the pet injury insurance will likely pay out a death benefit to the pet owner for the loss of the beloved pet. No amount of money could replace the pet, but the money can relieve some of the final expenses as average pet burial expenses can be pricey.

Minor incidents that do not require automobile repairs under the collision component of the auto insurance policy will typically not trigger pet injury coverage. If the pet simply falls out of the vehicle while it is moving, the veterinarian bills associated with that injury are usually not covered under a policy.

When the dog loves to ride in the car with his head out the window in the wind, an eye injury incurred by a small piece of debris or insect is also typically not covered under the pet injury insurance. Just because the pet is inside the vehicle does not invoke the pet injury coverage in an auto insurance policy.

For the unfortunate pet that is hit by a car, the pet injury insurance in the automobile insurance policy typically does not cover the veterinarian bills incurred to treat the injuries associated with the event. These injuries would be covered under the separate pet insurance policy.

Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets has become much easier in recent years because hotels, resorts, and campgrounds welcome pets with special play areas and daycare facilities. Since pets spend more time in the car than ever before, pet injury insurance is a logical addition to auto insurance coverage. No one wants to need the insurance coverage, but peace of mind comes from knowing there is a monetary compensation component to the auto insurance policy for the care of a beloved pet.

Only a couple of insurance companies currently offer the pet injury coverage, but others will follow in the coming years because of the appeal to pet owners. Consumer pressure will encourage most major insurance carriers to add this compassionate benefit to auto insurance policy coverage. Until then, care must be invested to keep pets safe while in moving vehicles of every size and type.

Our Guest Blogger: Samantha is a dog lover and part-time writer for a consumer website to compare car insurance quotes. When she is not researching money saving car insurance tips and tricks she can usually be found hiking trails near her house with her husband Tom and their German Shepherd Leonidas.

Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences for any animal lover. However, with canine ownership comes the related responsibilities that can cause ongoing demand and frustration. Taking care of a pet is a labor of love but not every owner may have the time and energy to give every breed. Thankfully, there are easy care dog options available for owners that consider themselves too restricted for the exercise required for a husky or the grooming necessary for a sheepdog. While you’ll still find yourself reading up on puppy housebreaking tips, there are certain low maintenance breeds that can offer all the desired companionship a prospective owner is looking for without much daily hassle.

No matter what breed an owner chooses, they will still need to clean up after their pet. Thankfully, this task can be made easier for any lazy owner with an indoor dog toilet. When looking for the proper model, it’s best to avoid those that use litter, as this can cause a bigger mess. It’s much better to purchase a plastic model with a grate, allowing the owner to place absorbent pads below for improved sanitation. These choices keep dogs from leaving any tracks inside the home and are also easy to maintain. Before buying, make sure the canine toilet can sustain the weight of your particular dog.

Here are the top ten dogs who will tolerate your low-key lifestyle:

1. Pug
A Pug is a small, lovable variety that requires little space or training. These animals are not built for excessive exercise, so this can be kept to a minimum.

2. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas make a perfect indoor choice, since they are so small, yet they can be high energy and excitable around other pets. Little exercise is needed and all types are easy to groom.

3. Bulldog
If you are looking for compatibility with other pets, Bulldogs can be a proper choice. This dog should be walked here and there to prevent health problems, but nothing too strenuous is recommended.

4. Border Terrier
Border Terriers can be an easy dog to care for due to their short hair. This type of dog does not need to be walked, but still should have a reasonable amount of indoor activity. They are also fairly easy to train.

5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is one of the few smaller dogs that get along well with children. They require little food and usually have an agreeable temperament. Though they may require a little more effort to housetrain, they are also good at learning tricks.

6. Poodle
A Poodle is another good option, as these are actually quite easy to train. These dogs are a good fit for any of a number of sizes of living spaces. Though they do require professional grooming, they don’t require other excessive care.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A great family dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These animals are able to adapt to any environment and have an easy going disposition. This breed is happy to either go for a walk or simply relax by you at home.

8. Beagle
Beagles can be either an indoor or outdoor dog and are known for being easygoing in many situations. Other than combing them weekly, they do not require an excessive amount of grooming.

9. Welsh Corgi
The Welsh corgi is easily trained and loves to spend time with their owner. They work well in small living spaces and do not have to be clipped or trimmed. Routine walks are important to help keep them healthy.

10. Greyhound
One larger dog that requires less care than you may think is the Greyhound. This dog is actually not a high energy breed, which makes it suitable for apartments and other smaller living spaces. Grooming is minimal due to their short coats and a daily walk will help keep them in good shape.

Our guest blogger: Erick D. Smith lives in San Diego, is a proud Dachshund owner, and blogs about dogs for UGoDog.com. He is kind of a lazy dog owner but mostly blames that on his lazy dog Minnie.

Being a dog owner is worth it, for all the troubles that it carries. Sure, you have a harder time finding an apartment and you have to do twice as much vacuuming in the summer, but at the end of the day, you live a lot longer than people who don’t own pets, and you have a friend who would take a bullet for you, so really, the extra hassle when it comes to finding cheap home insurance rates is nothing if not worth it.

Still, when you have a dog, insurers aren’t just looking at you, they’re looking at your dog and often making the assumption that your dog is some kind of untrained wild animal. Whether or not your dog is house trained, whether or not they’re even capable of biting the mailman, insurers are often working under the assumption that your dog isn’t doing anything in a day but biting people and soiling carpets.

Of course, when it comes to car insurance, some insurers will “throw you a bone” by offering free pet car insurance coverage with a standard car insurance policy but for homeowners insurance companies it can be quite a different story.

Risk Management

When it comes down to it, insurance is all about risk management, of course, so it makes more sense in the long run to ensure that you are protected in the event of mistakes, misunderstandings and even in the instance of a dog doing the right thing to the wrong person.

If, for instance, a burglar hops into your backyard and gets bitten, their story might not include the fact that they were planning on robbing your home. Their alibi may include a frisbee they tossed over the fence by accident. Even if you have the most well trained dog in the world, these are the kinds of claims you’re up against.

Just watch a court TV show sometime. No matter the circumstance, the judge seems to side against the dog owner almost one hundred percent of the time. In civil court, it’s one party’s word against the other’s, and if the only eyewitness on your side can’t speak, that puts you at a disadvantage in a court of law.

The “Trouble-Makers”

Whether it comes down to urban legend and misunderstanding, or real, scientifically backed points regarding the dog’s temperament, the following dog breeds can be hard to add onto a homeowners insurance policy:

- Staffordshire Bull Terrier

- Siberian Husky

- Presa Canario

- Rottweiler

- Pit Bull

- Doberman Pinscher

- Akita

- Chow Chow

- Alaskan Malamute

- German Shepherd

Pit bull owners will tell you that they’re really not anymore likely to attack random strangers than the next breed, but unfortunately, they have a bad reputation, and that matters in a court of law, so it matters when it comes to buying insurance.

Keeping Your Costs Down

There’s good news in all of this doom-saying: there’s a handful of things you can do that will be very effective in keeping the costs down. They include:

- Use A Beware of Dog Sign: Or a couple of them, even. These will let people know to keep out of your backyard. Yes, it’s odd that in this day and age we have to tell people not to trespass, but be that as it may, a beware of dog sign at least lets people know that your dog may bite intruders.

- Consult with a Professional if Your Dog Shows Aggressive Behavior: Even if the aggressive behavior was perfectly understandable, making sure that you keep that behavior in check is vital to keeping your costs down and protecting yourself should a case go to trial.

- Avoid Games of Aggression: In a broad sense, you may be thinking “what, no tug-of-war?” but aggression here is defined as being anything that can be construed as violence.

- Buy a Well Bred Dog: This tip is a little silly, actually, as pure-bred dogs often suffer from various aggression problems due to in-breeding. But, the courts don’t know this, so it doesn’t matter. Anyways, dog owners don’t choose who they fall in love with by breed, but by personality. Still, if you own a pure-bred, at least know that you have the upper hand here.

- Train Your Dog Well: A dog who’s been to a training school, or whose owner can show the receipts for a dozen books and tools for training, is going to result in much lower home insurance costs than a dog who’s been trained by the owner’s intuition alone. No matter how much you think you know about training, making sure they’re trained by the book can be a big help in keeping costs down.

- Talk to a Professional Before Adopting a Dog: Again, this tip sounds a little odd. Nevertheless, just showing that you bought or adopted a dog after consulting with a dog trainer who knows breeds can help in keeping your liability insurance cheap.

- Be Careful in New Situations: Try to avoid situations where you’re not one hundred percent sure how your dog is going to react. Even the most well-trained dog might have a bad reaction to certain situations.

- Spay and Neuter: This is simply an important tip whether or not you’re shopping for insurance but it’s also important to know that spaying/neutering may curb aggression.

- Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone with Children: Even if you know your dog can be trusted, other people don’t, so don’t leave your dog alone with infants or small children.

For dog owners, the world is full of people who misunderstand our best friends, who see aggression where a dog lover sees playfulness. Sadly, we’ve chosen as our best friends a breed of animal that some people are unjustly afraid of. This means we pay more for insurance and always have to be aware of the issue of liability. However, if you plan things through and make sure that you’re covered, you don’t really have too much to worry about in the long run.

Author Bio: Crystal is a freelance writer and mother. She writes for a number of different personal finance websites including a website for comparing homeowners insurance quotes online. When she is not researching and writing money saving articles she is probably getting some exercise walking around the block with her English Bulldog Charles.

Sadly, my Australian cattle dog cross is getting on in years. She’s not so sprightly as she once was, and at 14, isn’t nearly as keen to run around as she used to be as a young dog. I don’t mind at all- of course I love her anyway- but as she started to get less active she began to put on weight and also have problems with arthritis in her legs.

For many older dogs it’s a vicious cycle. As they age their joints begin to trouble them and they are less keen to run and exercise than they used to be, so they put on weight. Because they get heavier, the arthritis gets worse and it hurts more, so they get even less exercise and put on even more weight…

Proper diet can help and so can medication but what made the biggest difference to my dog was regular swimming. She’s always loved chasing sticks into the local rivers and lakes, but as my dog became less interested in the great outdoors and more interested in her nice warm cushion she naturally saw less of the water. My mother- the local vet- told me to get her back into it.

Swimming is great exercise but it’s also low impact. When walking and running, a dog or a person must bear their body weight on their leg and foot joints. When swimming, the body is supported by the water and there is far less strain on any one part of the body. For that reason it’s ideal for injury rehabilitation and exercising older dogs. It doesn’t take much to make a difference either. A few half hour sessions per week made all the difference to my dog’s weight and also added immeasurably to her quality of life. She’s still arthritic but much lighter on her feet and much happier.

Some dogs are reluctant swimmers but almost all can swim. You can encourage them into the water by throwing sticks to fetch (close to the water’s edge at first, then further out) or by taking them along with a dog that already loves to swim. Actually getting into the water with your dog isn’t recommended. They tend to try and climb your shoulders, which isn’t much fun and can be scary if for anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer.

Those who aren’t lucky enough to live by a natural swimming place should ask their vet- indoor dog swimming venues are popping up all over the country. I’d recommend it to anyone have trouble managing their dog’s weight, especially if joint problems are involved.

Our Guest Blogger: Jess Spate lives in Cardiff, UK, and edits Outdoor Equipment Online, a price comparison site for climbing equipment and outdoor gear. She also works as a green business consultant for FountainSpirit.com and numerous other companies.

from Chris Olson on flickr

According to a Reuters survey, as many as 20 percent of people from around the globe would rather stay home this Valentine’s Day — with their pets.

What’s causing Valentine’s Day to go to the dogs, so to speak? Perhaps it’s the economy. Prudent people realize that even if they’re in a relationship, there isn’t enough “return on investment” in a lavish Valentine’s celebration. It’s one day out of the year that could be better spent (without spending money) at home, maybe with pets and lovers.

While many couples stay home together, with the furry family at their feet, young single folk are most likely to opt out of San Valentino’s celebration. There isn’t much point in getting a date for that night if you don’t already have one. What’s more, you probably can’t afford the price tag! To spend the evening with a pooch is to spend the evening with someone who doesn’t care how much you spent on his or her dinner, and doesn’t care what movie you put on. It makes for a no-hassle, no-drama evening, guaranteed.

The most important reason for wanting to spend Valentine’s Day with your pet doesn’t brush off the holiday altogether, but celebrates it in a different way. If we are celebrating love on Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate the purest, most unconditional love humans have ever known? The love of a dog for his person deserves a day of its own.

In Europe another Valentine’s poll shows numbers as high as 40 percent spending the day with pets. The holiday is less commercialized across the pond, and perhaps the trend in the States will continue as Americans recovering from economic or relationship crises continue to reexamine their priorities.

Shadow

As a boutique for doting dog owners, we hear so many touching, funny, and amazing canine stories every week, from dogs saving babies, to dogs chasing shadows, to dogs eating nail clippings…  We also love to see the gorgeous photos posted on Facebook or sent in the mail to show us how great the dogs look in our collars.  Playing a small part in the lives of our customer’s dogs makes us happy!  But we wondered — have our customers wondered about our dogs?  We’ve got plenty, and they are a pretty neat pack.

Shadow, a majestic old girl, works in accounting.  A traditional lady, she likes to follow around the man of the house, but she wouldn’t turn down a good squirrel chase either.

Watson

Roxy

Roxy, a Corgi mix, and Watson, a mystery mix, both pound their paws to the keyboard in our marketing department.  The work is intense at times, but they can’t complain.  Roxy and Watson love the view out the office picture window, where they can watch the birds landing on the pond and imagine themselves chasing turtles and taking a stinky dip in the sparkling green water.

Kayla, a prize-winning English Pointer, oversees the collar warehouse where Lola, a hairless Chinese Crested, and Misiu, a Yorkie, carefully wrap and pack treasures for pampered pooches.  In her spare time, Kayla likes to keep fit in order to compete in the Eukanuba Championships.

Kayla, the Champ

Lola

Misiu

Duncan works upstairs in social media, building our Facebook and Twitter presence and maintaining this blog.  He is a Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie) and doesn’t mind it if you call him a mutt.  Duncan is an adopted child, but that doesn’t hurt his feelings either.  He spends his weekends outside.

Duncan, Weekend Warrior

Sheryl Matthys of Leashes & Lovers, a dating and networking site for dog lovers like us, is releasing her new book Leashes and Lovers, What Your Dog Can Teach You About Love, Life, and Happiness on March 31. The book launch will be celebrated with a booksale on the Leashes and Lovers website, with many opportunities to win prizes, as well as a gala launch party at nightlife hotspot Blvd. in New York City.

In her book, Sheryl Matthys, The Dog Expert® reveals how to attract the life you want, and improve your relationships whether with a special someone, a spouse, or your friends and family.  She shares stories with dog lovers like YOU and of Celebs like Cesar Millan, Richard Belzer, Howard Stern, & Rachel Ray.

Some of the prizes available when you buy the book before March 31 include doggy eye exams and correction, dog birthday parties, website creation, and more, all valued at over $250. There are many more opportunities to win prizes and snag goodie bags at the party, with proceeds benefiting The American Humane Association.

So far, critics are loving the advice in Matthys’ book. Matthys says it can help you with any number of relationship issues (dog or human), including making the right match, making the best of a break-up, dealing with your emotions when others just aren’t into your dog, and even mourning the loss of a best friend.

Visit the site to see a book trailer, to learn more about the online book sale, and get tickets for the NYC party.

Living the dog-loving, dog-led lifestyle may be the only way to go for many of us.  We hardly think about the extra measures we have to take to accomodate our best friends.  Whether it’s scoping out a restaurant that lets little Lola sit at the table, finding a job where pet hair-covered attire isn’t just for casual Friday, or buying the car that fits all our pooch’s latest dog travel safety gizmos, it seems we are always willing to put Fido first.

There is a sphere of life, however, where putting a dog’s wants before one’s own can be more than an inconvenience — it can be downright painful for both of you!  The dating scene is one area where dog lovers may have struggled with making a heartbreaking choice between a certain human and a certain pooch.  Turning to the internet to find a person with similar dog-driven interests is a first step for many, but it can be hard to tell when you’ve found a quality (well trained?  well behaved?) human online!

Fortunately for love-seeking dog owners there is an amazing website called Leashes and Lovers that brings dog owners together through social media, singles mixers, no-pressure outdoor doggy events, play dates (for the dogs…), and other great dog and person meet-n-greet ideas. Of course you can still use traditional dating site tools like messages and forums to interact, but you’ll be off on the right paw knowing you’ve already got something very important in common with your new online friends.

Users can browse humans by their photos, or look for owners of similar dogs. Whether you simply want a companion whose furrier companion is a sporting dog or a city dog like yours, or if you need an exact match — if only Goldendoodle owners will do! — you can find your date by the breed they bond with. The dog and person events work well for meeting similar personality types too.  You and your dog can go to a book signing at a posh hotel, crash a mixer at a local pub, or take an 8 mile wilderness hike, all sponsored by Leashes and Lovers.  You are bound to meet some very different sorts of people (and dogs!) based on the events you choose to attend.  Even if an outing doesn’t land you a date, you’ve expanded your network of dog loving friends and shown your first love (the fuzzy one) a great time.

Sheryl Matthys, founder of Leashes and Lovers, just published a book by the same title on “What your dog can teach you about Life, Love and Happiness.”  Sheryl shows us how relationships with four-legged friends can lead to better relationships with everyone in our lives.  The book launch party and book sigining are being held March 30 in New York City.

We are frequent visitors to the site too!  So if you stop by Leashes and Lovers just to take a look, or to find a leash-toting lover, be sure and stop to say “Hi” to us on there.