Wednesday, October 6, 2010

7 Must Read Books For Dog Lovers (from Oprah.com)

This article from Oprah.com caught my eye and I thought it interesting enough to share with our readers:

A breast cancer diagnosis convinces Manhattanite Janet Elder to finally let her son, Michael, get a puppy. She hopes the adorable red-haired toy poodle will give him something happy to focus on during her treatment. But Huck changed more than just one boy's life—he made Elder think differently about the people around her. Leaving Huck with her sister in suburban New Jersey, Elder and family head to Florida for vacation. When the nine-pound puppy runs away, they rush back to search for him—and find countless strangers who volunteer to help. There isn't much suspense about the outcome—but who cares? This dog book actually makes you feel better about people. Karen Holt

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings



An enjoyable read
As soon as I read the description of this book, I knew I had to order it. I am a bona fide dog lover and have loved other books about dogs, like Marley and Me. This is one of those books that you hate to end. It makes you laugh and it tugs at your heart all at the same time.

I also love the way that Janet and her husband never gave up looking for Huck, even...


Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.


Pet Grooming in Murfreesburo Tenn
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Dog Grooming Tips For Murfreesboro Tennessee

 Another is a series of Dog Grooming Tips brought to you by Doggies Day Out in Murfreesboro

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you.

Many people overlook the importance of grooming their dog to their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and should be done on a regular basis for the best results. Some of the benefits your pet will reap are increased skin oils resulting in a beautiful, healthy coat, a decrease in skin problems, less shedding around the house and car, and a more obedient pet, just to name a few.

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you. A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you advice on not just how to groom your dog, but on how to care for your dog as well. You will be pleased to find out that qualified, experienced pet groomers offer seminars for advice and trimming demonstrations for your dog.

It is a good idea to start using environmentally safe and animal friendly (non-toxic) substitutes when grooming your dog. You must groom your dog's whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain dogs from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. Comb through the unseen healthy hair and remove the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pet's coat. You must groom some animals all at once, while some other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day.

You know your dog is well-mannered when it will sit still and allow you or a professional to perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. The more often you groom your dog, the better he will be at receiving your attentions and responding to your commands. This will also strengthen the bond between you.

Last but not least, you might want to rethink your choice to get a dog if you are not ready to handle all the responsibility of grooming and feeding one. If you don't have the time or the desire to do it yourself, than its time to call the professionals. Yours dog will love you for it, and you'll feel great about it too.

You can get more pet grooming tips by visiting my site at http://www.pet-grooming-boarding.info
About the Author:

George Mello
I'm a dad of a pet loving family. Our favorites are dogs and horses, and I have shown both over the years. Now I just enjoy being around them and sharing information about them with others.
http://www.pet-grooming-boarding.info
http://www.horse-lover-gift-ideas-central.com



Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

Pet Grooming in Murfreesburo Tenn
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Yes, Cats Adore Pet Grooming!

Pet grooming is something that at vast number of pet owners feel is not all that worthwhile. However, if you have a longhaired cat, doing it for them would be like you spending a day at a Health Spa. So, it is worthwhile for cats, especially long-haired cats who love to have their skin massaged underneath all that fur so think about pampering them occasionally.

In some ways as you sit there with your cat on your lap and you stroke it you are providing them with a mild form of pet grooming and there is nothing like hearing a contented cat purring away. Cats are always grooming themselves but there is one spot on them they cannot reach and that is right on the neck, so any pampering and help you can give them on that spot is very much appreciated. If you have more than one cat at home, even if they do not get on with one another 100% of the time, you will on occasions see them grooming one another especially at that particular spot.

A tip for when you do groom a longhaired cat is to use Talcum powder as that helps to stop their long fur being matted. Cats can be very finicky creatures and they have their likes and dislikes especially when it comes to pet grooming so as you introduce your cat to it watch what they like and dislike. Some cats prefer to have their face massaged and others like to feel your fingertips run down the length of their spine but whatever your cat's fancy or choice is there is nothing like being able to do the grooming of your pet in your own time and at your own pace.

There are a whole gaggle of Pet Grooming services on the Internet and it is always advisable to do some research concerning this. Often you will find that word of mouth is a good way to go, as some services will travel to your home to groom your cat. This is especially good if your cat is an Indoor cat because if the groomer can build a good rapport with your cat and vice versa then your cat will get to know when and what to expect when you call on that service. Books on Pet Grooming are also available and well worth looking into as they should help you to make a decisive choice but remember one thing: these books are written by an individual so you would still be best in widening your perspective on the topic.

A groomed cat makes for a happy cat and if you try and put yourself in their 'shoes' so to speak would it not be something you would like to have done to you - albeit a day of pampering at a local spa or whatever. So choose wisely because your cat is another member of the family and for that reason, make sure that it is well taken care of no matter what route you go.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat furniture for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses.



Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Saturday, September 11, 2010

The Importance of Proper Pet Grooming

There are many reasons that you should be sure to get regular and comprehensive pet grooming. First of all, believe it or not, the way your dog is groomed can affect how they feel about themselves. If your dog has matted hair and overlong nails, it can make your dog feel more tired and less likely to play like they normally would. Having long hair that falls in their face makes it harder for your dog to see and can make it more irritable.

Not having proper pet grooming can also lead to certain health issues. For example, a dog that is not groomed properly is more susceptible to fleas. Fleas can bread in matted, greasy hair and are harder to remove and notice. Matted, greasy fur can also lead to dry, itchy skin which can be a definite irritant to your dog. The drier and itchier their fur is, the more they will scratch at their skin which only serves to make the problem worse as the dog can have cuts from this incessant scratching that can lead to infection. It's can be a vicious cycle that is easily avoided by proper taking care of your pet.

Of course the most obvious reason for regular pet grooming is simply that your dog will look and smell better. No one likes the smell of a wet, dirty dog. This scent can get into the fabric of your furniture and make your entire house smell less that wonderful. Your dog will also look much better after being groomed. With a short, well kept hair cut and beautiful clean ears, your dog will really be the joy of your home instead of making it smell terrible.

Another aspect of pet grooming besides having the fur combed and cut is trimmed and well maintained nails. This is extremely important for your dog, especially if they are mostly indoor dogs. Their nails keep growing and without being cut properly they can grow back into the pads of your dog's foot and be extremely painful. Dogs with overgrown nails are less likely to play and get their appropriate exercise as well. Some pet grooming salons will even paint your dog's nails to make them super cute and the envy of your dog owning neighbors.

Having regular pet grooming can also increase the blood flow in your dog's skin. Much like a massage on a human, having your dog bathed and brushed will get their skin's blood flowing which will lead to better skin health and an increased amount of energy in your dog. Your dog will truly feel better and get more exercise, which in turn will lead to better health for your dog.

Whether your choose to go with a professional dog groomer or perform pet grooming on your own, be sure that you have it done regularly. Some dogs might object to the process initially but once they get used to it and you establish a pattern they will look forward to it.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat supplies for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses.


Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Our Write Up in the Murfreesboro Post

A dog paradise is coming to Medical Center Parkway.

Doggie’s Day Out will offer cageless daycare, boarding, fun spa, grooming, training and a bakery. The facility located at 424 Medical Center Parkway is expected to open in early July.

Call owner Denise O’Connell at 948-2436 or visit www.doggiesdayout.net for registration information.

O’Connell said the facility is designed to be more upscale and to look more like a home than a kennel.

“What makes us different from the services that are offered in Murfreesboro right now is that we are a cageless doggie daycare,” O’Connell said.

Dogs are supervised but are allowed to play indoors and out during the day. There is a lounge area with a sofa and television for smaller or more sedentary dogs and a large playroom and agility equipment for active dogs.

Training also will be available.

Boarded dogs aren’t left alone at Doggie’s Day Out either. The facility is staffed overnight to take care and keep an eye on the dogs.

Doggie’s Day Out will be available for parties where dogs are going to be invited, O’Connell said. There will even be a bakery where special dog treats will be made.

O’Connell decided to open Doggie’s Day Out after growing tired of her job in corporate health care.

“I think this is just the next phase of my life,” she said, adding that she wants to spend it playing, laughing and having fun.

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Dog Vaccinations Required For Dog Boarding At Doggies Day Out

Shot Requirements at Doggie's Day OutAll canine guests are required to provide proof of the following vaccinations:

        Bordetella or Kennel Cough Vaccine - Required every 6 months
        Rabies Vaccine - Required every 1 or 3 years
        Distemper (DHP) Vaccine - Required every 1 or 3 years

Important note:

Please double check the last time the Bordetella vaccination was given, as our requirements may differ from your veterinarian's expiration dates. Was the Bordetella vaccination given within 6 months of today's date? 


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Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.




424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
 

Monday, August 30, 2010

Dog Travel Tips | Dog Boarding Murfreesboro

When you’re planning your next family trip, everyone is likely to be thrilled and will have more fun if you take the family dog along. Whether you are planning to travel by car, plane, train, or ship, in hot or cold weather - traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be difficult for you or your canine pal if you follow these simple dog travel tips.

1. Are you traveling outside of your home state or to another country? Make sure that you obtain an up-to-date canine travel document from the places you plan to visit. Most states and foreign countries require a health certificate from your vet including a statement that your dog has had his rabies shot. If you are going out of the country, you will also need these papers from a vet to get him back into a United States. And find out early about quarantine rules.

2. Advanced training in car etiquette will keep your dog safer, which means more pleasant traveling experiences for you and the other passengers on any car trip you take. It’s best to start him out on short drives, if possible, when he is still a puppy. Hold him on your lap or on the seat beside you to give him confidence. Right from the start, do not permit leaping in the car or any chance of jostling the driver. Helping your dog get accustomed to the sensation of motion in short stages will help greatly in preventing car sickness.

3. Your dog should have on his collar, a license tag, and identification plate which gives his full name, address, and contact number of a trusted person in case your pet is lost. However, you should take precautions against his straying and keep him on a leash in strange areas. Never let him run loose without supervision, regardless of how well-behaved and well-trained he is. Do not leave him alone in a hotel or motel room – it is easy for a room attendant to open a door and accidentally let your dog out.

4. Your dog will feel more at home, while in strange places, if you take along some familiar items like his favorite toy, his own grooming supplies, and feeding bowl. A small kit or suitcase for carrying these supplies is a great idea. A large plastic container is useful for carrying drinking water. He will also appreciate his own dog bed or blanket when you stay in a motel or hotel (and you can bet the proprietor will be grateful too).

5. Feeding while traveling doesn’t have to be a problem these days. Purchase soft-moist dog food, which is ideal for the traveling dog, since these foods do not require refrigeration and are easy to take along and serve. With his favorite food along, it will be easier for your dog to become used to the routine of traveling.

Source: http://www.wagstreet.com/article_Dog+Travel+Tips+For+Safe+and+Fun+Vacation-pet_travel.html

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Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.




424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Doggies Day Out in Murfreeboro TN

Doggie's Day Out is the new kid in Murfreesboro, TN offering dog daycare, cage free Pet Boarding, Dog Grooming, and an on-site Bakery with delicious dog treats, birthday cakes, cupcakes and more! Doggie's Day Out entertains guests in one of 3 playrooms and 2 lounges with a great shaded outdoor area. Sleepover guests enjoy participation in the dog daycare program during the day and with a staff on-site during the night. Doggie's Day Out treats your dog like family in this home style friendly environment. Visit the Doggie's Day Out bakery and pick up a dog treat for your best friend. Choose from a variety of all natural, healthy dog treats, cakes and other confections, your dog will be happy you did. Doggie's Day Out...where doggies play ALL day!



What Your Dog Gets @ Doggies Day Out:

  • Dog Daycare, Pet Boarding and Fun Spa
  • Professional Dog Grooming Services
  • Pet Store: Dog Bakery, Dog Treats

Friday, August 27, 2010

Pet Training Murfreesboro Tennessee

Learn about pet training in 9 easy steps from Doggies Day Out


Dog Training Basics
If you have a new dog or puppy, you may be interested in getting some basic dog training. Dog training can be taught by an obedience instructor, or you can do the dog training yourself. Dog training with an obedience instructor can vary in price and it usually takes place in a class. If you do the dog training yourself, it is usually free and you can do it from your own home. If you do choose to do the dog training yourself, it is best to get educated on dog training.

Doggie Day Care Murfreesboro

There are 3 basic things your dog should learn through basic dog training. These are: sit, stay, and come. The first part of dog training is to teach your dog to sit. To start this dog training, you will first need some dog treats. Do this dog training in a quiet environment so your dog doesn't get distracted. Tell your dog to sit repeatedly as you hold the dog treat just over their head. This way the dog has to look up and may sit on there own to reach the treat.

If not, gently push there rear down. When they sit, praise them and reward them with a treat. This kind of dog training works because the dog constantly hears "sit" and will learn to associate the command with sitting and receiving praise.

The next part of dog training is to teach your dog to stay. This is often a difficult part of dog training. This kind of dog training is also incorporated with teaching your dog the command "come." Sit your dog in an area with no directions. Tell your dog to stay repeatedly as you back away. Start out by keeping eye contact with the dog. If the dog gets up, tell it "no" and start again. Remember this dog training takes a while. You may need someone to sit with the dog to help reinforce the dog to stay the first few times.

Once you have made progress with this dog training, you then start by walking away with your back turned. Dogs will often get up to follow you at this point. Tell your dog "no" and start the dog training again by repeatedly telling your dog to stay as you walk away.

Once your dog has mastered this part, you can teach it to come. After your dog has stayed, tell it to "come." Have a happy voice and pat your knee as you say "come." Your dog should respond to this dog training right away and you may then reward it.

Always use praise instead of punishment with dog training. Dogs respond best to positive dog training, rather than negative. With all of this in mind, you should be able to teach your dog the 3 basis commands. Follow all of this advice and you should soon have a more obedient dog that is worth everyone's praise!

Eating is one of the most primal activities for dogs. They love it, and they have respect for whoever gives them food (the leader in the pack). You can use your "power" of being pack leader to enhance your dog training efforts -- every day.

The following suggestions will help you establish your role as pack leader and reinforce dog obedience, deferment to your leadership, dog training techniques, and overall attitude and disposition (yours and your dogs).

A good habit to have in feeding your dog is consistency. Dogs love routine and food is a very important subject to them.

For example, feed your dog at approximately the same time(s) each day (some modification is fine for weekly schedule changes.) If feeding two times a day, pick two windows of time that you can be consistent with, for example, between 7:00 and 8:00 am and then again between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

Having a window of time helps prevent anxiety in a dog expecting to be fed at a specific time each day (5:15 pm -- yes, dogs can zero in on a specific time of day like 5:15).

This is a very real concern for dogs and some dogs can fall apart emotionally and physically if they are expecting food at that time and don't get it. Ever hear of the dog that is panting and spastic and throwing up or having diarrhea? This dog is anxious. Setting a window of time and sticking to it will help your dog remain calm. Practice the same routine every day.

A big mistake is to offer up the running buffet, where food is available around the clock. This is actually a pretty common feeding program in many homes because its simple for the humans -- add food as needed.

So why not do this? Because it leads to an obese, lazy dog who doesn't listen to your commands, respect your leadership position or adhere to rules you've set forth in your dog training.

Wonderful things happen at mealtime -- for you and Fido. You get the opportunity to have your dog perform (reinforcing all that dog training you've done) for his meal. This could be sit, down, come, place.
So what, you say? Well, this is the easiest way you have of getting your dogs affirmation of you being the leader and reinforcing dog training. If you aren't the leader, guess who is. It will be the demanding, obnoxious dog bossing you around for a meal.

What exactly does it look like? Hold the food bowl in your hand. Your dog may be spastic, jumping, yipping, and pawing at you for the food. This is another dog training opportunity for you -- teaching him to be calmer at mealtimes.

By changing your dogs feeding routine, you change so much more. You get to reinforce all the dog training and dog obedience you've worked so hard on -- and it feels effortless. You get increased respect from your dog for providing the important commodity of food and for being a consistent provider. The more you establish yourself as leader of the pack, the more your dog will want to please you and dog training will be a snap.

Reward training is commonly thought of as a modern method of training a dog, but reward training is actually much older than you probably think, when compared to other methods of dog training. Many principles of modern reward training date back many decades. It is possible that reward training for dogs has been around as long as there have been dogs to train. Early humans probably used some informal kind of reward training when taming the wolf pups that eventually evolved into modern dogs. However, what is called reward training today has only enjoyed is remarkable popularity for the past 10 or 15 years.

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Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.



424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Pet Boarding in Murfreesboro

Pet Boarding in Murfreesboro At Doggie's Day Out, we treat your pet like family.  Your dog will get all the love and attention he deserves without charging you extra for it. 
Our Mission is to work and play with your pet to ensure proper socialization and exercise during the day.  When you pick up your buddy in the evening, you will both be tired and ready to enjoy a relaxing evening together.  No more worries about separation anxiety while you are away resulting in barking and other unwanted behavior issues.  An active dog is a happy and healthy dog.

Cage-less play and lounging is the norm at Doggie's Day Out and our staff is trained to monitor play and interactions with the other dogs at all times to ensure the safety of all.  Dogs will be crated during meals, upon showing repeated aggressive behavior, and if a medical issue is suspected.

Our pet boarding services are also cage free with a professional caregiver present throughout the night.  Your dog will never be left alone.  Kennels are available for kennel trained dogs who prefer those accommodations.

For dogs with special needs such as weight control, extra naps, quiet time, or snacks, we will customize your dog's routine to meet their needs. 


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Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.


424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140

Monday, August 23, 2010

Doggies Day Out Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro Tn

Pet Grooming Murfreesboro


Pet Grooming in Murfreesburo Tenn

Doggie's Day Out LLC is Now Open!!

The Best Pet Grooming, Cage Free Pet Boarding, and Dog Daycare in Murfreesboro, TN.

Stop by to tour our facility or check out our photo gallery. We would love to meet you and your dog.


Come.
Play.
Stay.

Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140