Adding a new dog to your family is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences that a person can go through, especially when you know you've saved a life rescuing him or her from a shelter. When dogs are kept at a shelter for a period of time, or if they had a negative experience with people before they were taken in, it can understandably have an effect on them. They may have developed shelter shock (a form of PTSD), they could have separation anxiety, or other obstacles to overcome. It may not be easy, and it may take time, but this should certainly not discourage you from rescuing a shelter pet. Read Article

Some dogs are just like kids when it comes to their favorite toy. They take it everywhere with them and love it more than anything else. Getting their paws on their special toy is better than any treat could ever be. Other dogs, however, don't find toys all that interesting. That doesn't mean that these dogs can't be taught to be toy aficionados. It just takes a little time and creativity. Read Article

Well, it's that time of the year again! Flowers are in full bloom and the aroma lingering from family cookouts fills the air. As pet parents, knowing how to properly transition our pets from the cold winter months into warmer spring and summer settings can seem like a daunting task. If you're wondering how to make the transition into warmer seasons a more pleasant one, be sure to follow these warm weather transition tips. Read Article

Have you ever caught your dog frantically digging and scratching a hole or even an imaginary hole - in the bed, blanket or couch - inside, with a devious look on his face? If so, you?re not alone as pet parents across the nation have probably experienced this phenomenon at least once while in their dog?s presence. So, what?s all the fuss about? If you?re like many pet parents, you shower your pets with an abundance of toys and treats, but why would there be any reason for him to try to bury or hide his toys? Read Article

Whether you're a man or woman, you probably tote a wallet or handbag to fit all of your belongings from day to day. If your wallet or handbag is too bulky or too small, it makes for an uncomfortable fit. Now, we haven't seen any pets toting around a wallet or handbag these days, but we have seen our share of ill-fitting collars and leashes, especially ones of the prong or chain variety. Read Article

Buying fun toys is one of most rewarding aspects of dog ownership. Toys help keep our dogs happy throughout the day and become great bonding tools when it's time to play. From the soft and squeaky to the rubber and rugged, there is a wide world of toys to explore and choosing the right dog toys is important for the overall health of our dogs. Read Article

For dogs, a kennel is much more than four walls and a roof. A kennel can become a cozy home for dogs to call their own, a personal space where they can relax and feel secure. They also serve as effective training tools for puppies and make car and air travel safer. There are a variety of styles to consider when choosing a kennel for your dog. But before you decide between a plastic kennel or wire crate, it's important to understand some sizing basics. Read Article

If you're like most pet parents, you probably hate to leave your pet behind when you travel or go on short road trips. Our pets are like our children, and we care for them in many unique ways. Well, with Petmate containment products, including our comfortable and durable tie outs and our best-seller - the Aspen Pet Dome Stake - we help make those picnics and camping trips more fun as you can rest assured that your pet will be safely and securely contained! Read Article

Summertime is synonymous with warm weather and refreshing drinks and treats. For most, summer provides a fun and relaxing escape from the cold, dreary winter months. And while beautiful, crystal clear skies paint the perfect backdrop to our summer days, we can't forget about summer's hallmark: the heat and what that means for our beloved pets! Read Article

Why is your pet being destructive and what can you do about it? Bringing home a new pet is always an exciting time. You introduce him to the family, the house, maybe even his new yard. You show him his bed and his toys. And then, the inevitable happens. Your new pet will destroy something. He will destroy something you probably really like. It is what pets do. Why do pets do this and, more importantly, how can you stop them? Read Article

Enhancing your pet's quality of life starts with his home. At Petmate we offer a diverse selection of shelters, including the Aspen Pet line, to ensure that your precious pooch is protected from the elements. And guess what? Our shelters never need painting, and are rot and mold resistant! What more could you ask for? Read Article

It's basically a proven fact: There's nothing cuter in this world than a puppy. They're adorable. Floppy. Fuzzy. Warm. And they're messy, and a big responsibility. As any seasoned dog owner will tell you, having a 10-week-old puppy is very nearly like having a baby; suddenly you're waking in the middle of the night for potty breaks, speaking freely about subjects like poop, and fretting over whether your puppy ate that stray red berry on the sidewalk during her walk. Read Article

If you're one of the millions of pet parents in America, you're probably indulging your furry friends with an assortment of fluffy, plushy and squeaky toys. Whether you have pint-sized human kids or four-legged furry kids, you're responsible for their overall well-being. Before purchasing a toy for your human kid, you inspect it and ensure that it's safe and appropriate for their age and style of play. Well, four-legged furry kids deserve the same consideration. Read Article

Caring for our furry four-legged companions is often compared to caring for kids. Our pets require regular checkups and vaccinations throughout the year. But unfortunately pet dental health is often neglected by pet parents as the focus is on vaccines such as Rabies and Distemper, among others. As responsible pet parents we're accountable for their oral hygiene, too! Read Article

Once upon a time our pets frolicked freely in their natural habitat & the great outdoors. Nowadays our domesticated pets enjoy the comforts of the great indoors around the clock, only venturing outside for scheduled potty time. With our pets spending the majority of their time indoors, outdoor safety, unfortunately, has lost its importance. In a world where no cars or pesticides could harm our furry friends, we could leave our pets to come and go as they please. However, as reality would have it, this pet utopia doesn't exist. Read Article

We've all heard the adage, "a dog is a man's best friend." A best friend is someone who loves you unconditionally, understands and adores your idiosyncrasies, and complements your uniquely awesome personality. Read Article

Of all the methods there are to housebreak a dog, one of the ways I find most effective is crate training. Many people complain to me about how their dog simply won't learn to go outside. Here's a simple 3 part process I use that can get even the worst dog house trained in 2 weeks or less. I call it the "House Training Triangle." This method is very easy and effective if followed correctly. The reason I like this system is because it teaches the dog to hold it and understand what they're doing right when they do go outside. Many people don't use crates when housebreaking. They just take their dog out every hour which is totally fine if that works for them. Read Article

The holidays are fast approaching, and during this beautiful yet busy time of year it is important to remember that our pets can get stressed out too. It could be that company is coming over and Aunt Petunia is not an animal lover. Or your family is rushing from event to event, shopping for gifts, and just generally busy and unavailable. The result is that Fido spends a lot more time outside or alone than normal. Sound familiar? Read Article