Ask the Dog Trainer: Stinky Collar Issues

by Michael Baugh, CPDT-KA, CDBC

© image located at TailsbytheLake.com

Dear Michael,
My dog has had so many collars in his life that I have a drawer full of them. Open it and you'll find an odor that resembles that of a dirty dog. I am not a dirty person. In fact I wash his collars regularly and still they take on this odor that starts to bother me. I have tried different fibers such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and am now about to tackle hemp and bamboo which I hear are the greenest things going. What do you recommend for these issues? Surely you have experienced many of the different fabrics and have an opinion. What about the vinyl collars? I worry about fungus since it seems they would hold moisture in. Please give me some ideas for a smell-free collar. I love to hug my dog and not smell dirty dog.


Thank you, Jenetta
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Dear Jenetta,

Thank you for the opportunity to step out of my trainer role for just a bit.  Folks ask me quite often which is the best collar for training their dog (flat buckle or clip collar), but rarely which one is the least stinky.  I guess I get to switch my focus from bad behavior to bad B.O.  Yay.  Here’s my best shot.

I did a bit of research, and you are not alone in your malodorous suffering.  It turns out there is such a thing as a no-stink collar.  It’s made of rubber!  Rubber, it turns out, is rank-resistant.  Why?  It doesn’t absorb moisture, the source of the stench.

Now if you want to nip the noxious problem at its rancid source, look to your dog’s food.  A healthy diet will give you a more fragrant friend.  Food affects funk, plain and simple.  (Don’t make me take you to the Indian Buffet to prove it).  I’d also recommend keeping your dog brushed and bathed.  Let collars dry in the sun, and make sure your dog is completely dry too.  Remember the mephitic moisture rule. 

One last thought, and this one is a bit controversial.  Let the dog go naked.  No grody collar in the all-natural, right?   That’s the way my dogs roll.  We just use the collars for trips out and about.  Of course you’d need your dog to be micro-chipped and very well trained.  We don’t want our dogs wandering the streets without I.D.  That would surely stink.

Michael

© Robyn Arouty

Houston Dog Trainer Michael Baugh CPDT-KA, CDBC is the director of training and behavior at Rover Oaks Pet Resorts. You may readch Michael at the link for a personal consultation, or write to him at our Ask the Dog Trainer Column @LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Michael's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

Check out Michael's Archives Page, or these recent articles:

My Dog Climbs the Fence!
Help Us With Our Whining Greyhound
Working with Barrier Frustration

Greener Dog Collars: Sustainable Bamboo Review & Giveaway

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Fresh Bath. New Collar. Ahhh!

Those of you who know me probably know I'm always looking for greener ways to live, both for my dogs and for our family. From composting food waste to flushable poop bags, we're all about what's best for the Earth and our health. When Tanner had the opportunity to test out a Bamboo dog collar from our Eco-friendly friends at PurePup Shop, we were all over it. This was just the thing after a long summer of sweaty walks and swims in the lake had left their signature scent on Tanner's collar.

Meet Scruffy
Our Stand-In Model

With it's anti-bacterial properties, Bamboo resists odor naturally. We all know the smell that dog collars take on; it's not easy to eliminate by washing. Yet Bamboo will surprise you with its ability to release smells.

© Carrie Boyko
My Eco Dog, Tanner

Our bamboo sheets are the softest and most durable set I've ever owned. And Bamboo is a much easier fabric to grow organically, making it the perfect prospect for clothing, sheets, towels, and even dog collars. Tanner's new collar is 70% organic Bamboo and 30% organic cotton--100% biodegradable.


Bamboo is a highly sustainable fabric, largely because of its unbelievably fast growth and very little need for fertilization or pest control. And like other natural fabrics, it breathes better than its synthetic copycats. You'll love how quickly it dries and how nicely it washes.

© courtesy Pure Pup Shop

Are you ready to go shopping? Pure Pup Shop carries a wide range of products for your green doggie, from organic beds to bamboo bowls, recyclable dog toys and much more. Drop on by and take advantage of their free shipping on orders over $100. Maybe it's time to stock up for holiday gift giving. 

© Carrie Boyko
Eco Dog Collar
In Great Fall Colors

Before we start our giveaway, make sure you check in with Pure Pup on Twitter and Facebook where you can keep up with their new product arrivals and other news updates. Now let's see who would like to win one of 3 Eco Dog Collars, just like Tanner's. Our winners will get to submit their Fido's neck size for proper fit. Good luck!


If you don't see the Rafflecopter entry form here, simply click on the post title to refresh and it will appear just below my name.

Lupine Leads Awards Dog Adoption Story Prize to Toy Poodle Owner

RESCUING ROVER, 1st edition

by Elizabeth Glavin

(c) E. Glavin, all rights reserved

Meet Cocoa-Latte

Meet my toy poodle, Cocoa-Latte. My mom and I adopted Cocoa after babysitting her over a long weekend for our neighbors. Our neighbors had two dogs and Cocoa had this cute way of jumping in your face and she just begged for attention. It was obvious she wanted to be rescued by us! Well, we were right! Two weeks later, my mom and I spent the whole day shopping for our dog that would be arriving late that night. We got her a pink bed, pink shirts, pink collars, toys; you name it- we bought it! Little did I know that this would be one of the last fun outings with my mom.

A few months later my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. Me being in a college dorm room, and my mom being on chemo, we weren’t really in shape to take care of a puppy. Needless to say, Cocoa went to live with my grandparents. We knew the outcome was not good, but I would still drive 60 miles each way to bring Cocoa to see my dying mother- it truly brought a smile to her face! When my mom passed, her husband let me have one thing of hers--Cocoa. Normally one would be upset that I didn’t get her expensive purses, lavish jewelry (Did I mention she had a 6 carat engagement ring?), or meaningful pictures, but I was thrilled to just have Cocoa.

When people ask me why I love my dog so much, I just reply that Cocoa was my mother’s. I even think my mom loved Cocoa more than she loved her only daughter! I take extra special care of Cocoa because I know that’s what my mom would want. She gets her special organic dog food, plenty of exercise (got to love those dog parks and early morning walks!), and goes to the groomers monthly. I love my little poodle to the moon and back!

(c) photos courtesy of E. Glavin

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For toy poodle adoptions available in your area, visit Adopt-a-Pet's Poodle locater page for information and search functions that will help you locate just the right poodle for you. You can also use this widget to find an available poodle in your area:

Congratulations, Elizabeth, for winning our contest and becoming the first guest writer in our RESCUING ROVER reader column. Elizabeth and Cocoa have won a matching collar, leash and key chain set provided by Lupine Leads for our contest. 


Thanks, Lupine! We love your support, and so do our readers. Let's make it easy for them to show it. Click on your favorite and you can buy it right here, right now, in your pup's size:

 

Want to Write for RESCUING ROVER?

I invite you, my readers, to sharpen your pencil and herd up your computer and pictures to join Elizabeth and Cocoa. For more information, v

isit my earlier post, Rescuing Rover: Your Column for Rescue and Adoption Stories. We're all waiting to hear the amazing story of your canine family. Do it now!

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Help protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Adopt a Dog Park Program Starting Small

by Carrie Boyko

© photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010
Will You Adopt Your Dog Park?

I'm just one person. How much can one person do alone? Last year, just before spring I hatched an idea--encouraging people to help care for their dog parks, so we don't lose them.

All over the country, free dog parks are in jeopardy, with tax dollars waning. The funds to maintain parks are simply not prioritized as highly as roads, schools and healthcare. That's to be expected.

I started a website, Adopt a Dog Park, to aid in this effort. After announcing NATIONAL CLEAN DOG PARK AWARENESS WEEK, to be honored the first week of spring each year, I put up a few signs at local dog parks, encouraging dog owners to do their part.

This year I was out there doing it again. Yet it seems the dog park crews remove my signs when they come to collect trash. I wonder if they read the signs? If they knew that I was encouraging people to help them with their job, wouldn't you think they would want to leave my 1 little sign there? Go figure!

While I am off to a slow start, this year's campaign brought in a new sponsor: Lupine Collars and Leads. You know them. They make nice leashes, collars and harnesses right here in America ( yes, jobs for Americans!), and they replace them when damaged, even if your dog chews them. That's an unheard of guarantee in this industry. 

I hope you will help me in thanking Lupine Leads for supporting NATIONAL CLEAN DOG PARK AWARENESS WEEK and Adopt a Dog Park. No! You don't have to call them or write them. You can simply support their products. You'll find them in all major pet supply stores. My dog's Invisible Fence collars are also made by Lupine. Yours may be too.

Dog owners need to step up to assure that our parks are kept clean and safe for all of us. It's really not such a huge task if we all help. Simply walk your park, while your dog plays. Pick up broken toys, trash and doggie landmines left by others. Remove dangerously sharp sticks and other hazards. That's all there is to it. You'll be able to walk out of the park knowing you did your part to care for your dog's playground. Pat yourself on the back.

Would you like to officially adopt your dog park?  Don't worry; it's FREE! I'll put your name, or your dog's name on my website, if you do. Just write to me at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com and tell me the  park name, town, state and your name or your dog's name. You can be proud to call yourself the park caretaker. Hope to hear from you soon.


One last opportunity. If you are one of the few Americans who are not in financial distress, and you would like to support the funding of a foundation for Adopt a Dog Park, this is your place. I am going to begin taking donations for the beginning of this effort. I know it will be a long term project.


First, we will need to collect enough to create a 5013c--a non profit organization. Then, as funds grow, I will be able to start a foundation that can help keep struggling dog parks from closing, and assist with funding new ones. I will rest peacefully knowing I have left this behind when my time comes. If you can contribute to this goal, please contact me for an address at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. I thank you from the bottom of my dogs' cute little toes--the same ones that enjoy running at their local dog park every week.

If you'd like to support Lupine, right here and now, you can click on any pattern you like and search for a matching accessory of your choice and size:

Visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn

Help protect our precious dog parks

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CONTEST: Free Lupine Dog Collar , Leash and Key Chain to Winner

by Carrie Boyko
Find me on Facebook    Follow me on Twitter    Write to Dr. Jacki, ASK THE VET

ASK THE DOG TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010
Tanner Models Your Dog's Prize

It's official; Tanner has selected a prize for our latest contest at All Things Dog Blog.  One of Lupine Lead's newest patterns is called 'Peace Pup', a perfect name for Tanner, who enjoys being the peacemaker and social butterfly at the dog park.

We love this beautiful 3/4-inch adjustable collar, that ranges in size from 12-20 inches. Thanks to Lupine for providing the prize, along with an ad in our sidebar, in case you'd like to check out all their other beautiful products. They were very gracious to assist us with supporting Adopt a Dog Park this year, along with our efforts to try to get the word out about National Clean Dog Park Awareness Week.

What's special about Lupine? Besides their many adorable patterns that are all made in the U.S. (American jobs!), Lupine guarantees their products, even if your dog chews them. They last a long time also. I've owned two of Lupine's Invisible Fence collars for years. Tanner is showing off his in this photo, in the 'City Lights' pattern. Xena's is a solid blue model that is 12 years old and still going strong. Amazing, huh?

Now let's move on to the contest. In one of my polls, you told me that you enjoy heart-warming or inspirational dog stories. If your dog has a special story to tell, I would love to share it. The winner gets the beautiful collar pictured at the top (for 12-20" necks), the 4 ft. lead, and a matching key chain--roughly a $45 value.

So get to writing, folks. This is your opportunity to share your pup's special journey. Multiple submissions are allowed, and may be published as well. By submission of your story, you are allowing it to be published.


Your submissions can be sent to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com, along with a photo (or 2 or 3?) of your dog. Your email should indicate whether you would like to share your name, along with your story . We're looking forward to something we can all really chew on!

Check out some of Lupine's Beautiful Products here. Like it? You can order it right now in your dog's size and favorite color.

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Visit Adopt a Dog Park to learn

what you can do to help protect our precious dog parks.

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Dog Collar Styles: Your Personality or Your Dog's?

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(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Oliver Sports his Country Boy Bandana

A recent publication in the Sacramento Dog Care Examiner, by Shellie Willetts, encouraged me to evaluate my own collar personalities imposed on my dogs. Since I have collected quite a wardrobe of bandanas, my dogs often wear them, particularly on special occasions.

Xena, in particular, is partial to her accessory, often bringing it to me if it falls off. It's as if she were saying, "Mom, please help me put this back on." I melt every time she does this.

According to Ms. Willetts, "the bandana is a free style approach to an outdoor and adventurous life style. You’re a go with the flow kind of person, you don’t always follow the rules and your dog lives the dream!"

I have to say that description works for us. Good job, Shellie. Let's check out some of the other comments in her enjoyable analysis of the many dog collar styles available.

(c) copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Here We Go Again in our Sunday Best

More of Shellie's analysis:

The pink collar with sparkly diamonds: You are high maintenance and so is your pooch, what else is there to say?

The tied rope collar: You don’t care what anybody thinks. Ever! And your dog can prove it!

Black leather spiked collar: You are tough, macho and need everyone to know that you and your dog are NOT to be messed with.

No collar: You are a nudist at heart but are afraid to show it to others so you leave it to your dog.

Simple collar with flame decal: This style expresses a repressed personality screaming for attention from the right person. Your dog is communicating your desires silently; do you have an answer for the person who understands them?

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

All Ready for Earth Day

And still more clever classifications:

Collar with pictures of your dog’s breed: This is a repetitive statement and is only correcting the person’s judgment that is looking at your dog and not knowing the breed. You like to make sure everyone knows your dog’s breed so there are no incorrect assumptions.

Argyle: This Ivy League style suggests that you feel authority over others and believe your dog does too.

Polka dot collars: You just want to have fun and your dog probably doesn’t have a preference for this collar because you keep him/her so busy going places to notice.

Collars with little dog paws on it: This collar doesn’t make much of a personality statement other than it has dog paw markings so it is a dog collar. You pay attention to some details but are not engrossed in them.

Hawaiian style flowers: You just want to be on the beach and escape from the world with your dog.

Chili peppers: You like it spicy. You are a risk taker and like to lay it on the line. You are out there working and enjoy a break from time to time.

Solid colors: You are a basics person and you like to stick with a favorite because it works for you.

Leopard pattern: You are a show off and everyone needs to know it. You never keep your expressions hidden, you come right out with them and you enjoy your dog’s attention.

Zebra pattern: You walk on the wild side. Nothing keeps you down. You walk your dog with pride and often!

Reflector collars and bright safety collars: Safety first is your motto. You like to exercise yourself and your dog and take precautions while doing it.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2008

Oliver is Pooped 

After a Long Halloween Evening

Thank you to Shellie for her insightful examination of dog collars. I hope you enjoyed this and learned a bit about YOURSELF. I'll step up and admit that my dogs' bandanas are purely an extention of my nurturing inner self. Needless to say, my only girl, Xena, has a beautifully decorated collar of hearts--perfect for an affectionate, sweet girl. What else can I say?

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2009

Jacque and Oliver Enjoy a Romp

in their St. Patrick's Day Bandanas

If you are not really into dog fashion or style, this interesting collar and heel-handle combination is a particularly clever tool. I tested one out on Bear, a local dog park friend of Tanner's. Bear's owner really likes not having to worry about remembering a leash. It's built right into the collar and retracts on heavy-duty elastic, so it is barely noticable. Cool idea, huh?

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