Guide To Dog Friendly Hotels For The Pampered Pooch

By: Rebecca Prescott

In France, small dogs have always been pampered and accepted virtually anywhere their owner goes. That can now be extended to cities worldwide and is especially true of Hotels at the top-end of the market.

There are two main reasons for this. Increasing numbers of clients wish to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the vacation. This is a huge market - around 62 million people in America own dogs and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when then go travelling. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty at putting their dog into kennels. This all reflects the way dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mere pet.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

A survey on behalf of a Hotel chain came up with some surprising findings. 76% of respondents claimed that they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to accommodate their dogs - even if they weren't bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that they had, at one time or another smuggled their dog into a hotel that wouldn't accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basics such as food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and custom-made ID tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can expect to indulge in. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic roasted chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog meals that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian - especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travelling! The hotel concierge will organize dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you're planning to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a Pampered Pooch Package is the use of a 'dog translator' so that guests can communicate better with their canines!

DOGS LOVE TO GROOM!

If you go for a relaxing pedicure, you dog can lie next to you and have one too. In-hotel grooming parlors are increasingly popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch to some highlights, lowlights or French braiding? Teeth cleaning and massage is also on offer.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, California

3. Chicago, Illinois

4. Boston, Massachusetts

5. Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia Area of Washington DC

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

Here's a quick run-down on what your dog could get at a stay in a high-end hotel in The Big Apple:

* Personalized ID tag plated in 22 carat gold

* Spritz treatments for the dog's coat in a choice of aromatherapy fragrances

* Luxury dog pillow in the shape of a bone

* Home-baked dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special dog mattress

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and deserts

The hotels can't control the weather but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (rainproof, naturally!), a leather jacket or if it turns chilly - a cashmere sweater. It's a dog's life!

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


For more information on dog kennels, click here. Rebecca runs this dog and puppy site.

5 Tips For Buying The Perfect Dog Collar And Leash

By: Lee Dobbins

Among the many devices used in obedience training a dog collar and leash are the most important. Every dog should have its own collar and leash. However, in obedience training, there are specvially made leashes and collars designed to support your training sessions with your dog.

In general, dog collars are viable and stylish. Your dog's name or any identification detail can be embedded within the collar. This can be a big help in case your dog got lost. You can even customize dog collars according to your taste or fashion and show off the way you would want to pamper your dog.

With the latest trend in today's dog training tools, choosing the best dog collar and leash can be very difficult. The options are too many and getting the best brand with the best function can be quite a problem.

If you are in for fashion, you can choose whatever chic and stylish collars and leashes available in the market. However, if you are in for some high quality and efficient training tools, you must opt only for the best.

Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing a fully functional collar and leash:

1. Size matters

In buying a dog collar or leash, size really matters. Do not buy your dog collar without your dog's actual measurement. To be sure, use any long thread such as tape measure or string and measure your dog's neck. Make room for allowances, probably 2-3 inches.

To check that the collar fits your dog's neck, try inserting two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. If you can insert your fingers easily, the collar fits just right.

2. Color of the fur

You do not have to be fashionable when choosing dog collars. What matters most is the way the collar will look good on your dog. In doing so, the collar must match the color of your dog's fur. It must also complement the dog's breed. For instance, a chic collar with lots of trinkets may look good on a poodle, but not on a German Shepherd.

3. Comfort

You do not have to be very choosy in getting your dog's collar and leash. However, your dog's comfort should be on top priority. The quality should come next since training would entail rigid activities. Hence, dog collars should be sturdy enough to clutch your dog.

4. Specifications

Know what you need. Before you go to a pet shop, it is best that you have all the necessary features that you have in mind. In this way, people at the shop will know exactly what you need.

Specifications are important such as describing the things you want in a dog collar and leash. Would you go for a fashionable dog collar and leash or a fully functional item with all the necessary technical features included?

5. Budget

Not all leashes and collars are created equal. So if you have a particular dog collar and leash in mind, try to consider your budget first. Fashionable and fully functional items usually cost more than the typical ones.

Try to shop around for more choices. The more choices you have, the higher chances of getting a good bargain without sacrificing quality.

Boiled down, buying a dog collar and leash may not be that easy, but with these guidelines, you can definitely get good item for your dog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about dog collars and how to buy the perfect dog collar and leash.