Grooming Fluffy Dogs | How to Care for the Double Coated Dog

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBlg2PKZo0WUpcsy-AAtg5yyjdr1urT5Kq77eWbeW79hYdrC9QduJAdQhhHjetmsRlKQZhIAAmCCjgDv7m4wb1Zd53lQaBECSEzapAhR5Xta5aq0LjJo5X1uNnyAUQX66RolsjJa4FH6d/s1600/Smitty+AOM+crop_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Champion Border Collie in Full Coat" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBlg2PKZo0WUpcsy-AAtg5yyjdr1urT5Kq77eWbeW79hYdrC9QduJAdQhhHjetmsRlKQZhIAAmCCjgDv7m4wb1Zd53lQaBECSEzapAhR5Xta5aq0LjJo5X1uNnyAUQX66RolsjJa4FH6d/s1600/Smitty+AOM+crop_0001.jpg" height="526" title="Well groomed fluffy dog" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grooming not only keeps your dog's coat in good health, it reduces the amount of hair shed in your home and provides an opportunity to bond more closely with your dog. Whether you are wanting to keep your dog's coat in show condition or are just looking to keep it free of mats, these tips on caring for your fluffy dog will make short work of keeping your dog healthy looking and your home free of unwanted dog hair.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grooming Basics 101</span></h3><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before brushing your dog, always mist him lightly with a little water from a spray bottle. The water will eliminate static electricity</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and provide elasticity to the coat to prevent breakage of hair the shafts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can hear the brush as it is pulling through the coat, you are brushing too hard or using the wrong style brush on the coat.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always brush out your dog and remove any mats before bathing him.  Washing a dog with loose hair or mats will only aggravate the situation, causing the mats to grow in size and become more tightly matted.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grooming gives you an opportunity to detect wounds, lumps or changes in the skin and coat condition that may help you detect a serious condition early on.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean coat grows coat; dirt on coats breaks hair shafts leaving unwanted hair around the house.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Double coated dogs shed their undercoats twice a year.  Dead and loose undercoat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that remains on the dog will quickly generate difficult to remove mats.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most dogs enjoy the attention of grooming when it is done regularly.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 minutes a week is all that is necessary to keep the average fluffy dog coat in good condition.</span></li></ul><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grooming Tools for the Double Coated Dog</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cost of all of these grooming tools together is less than one visit to a professional groomer, and they are well worth having on hand.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tkeboIrxgDVX4GNXa3wSP_ZoCIwx6aOpTmlDGqZO4Q_oI2dnouZUQsl-cTAjrE1XHqvUqD_DPCYj6FQn3KHcp6tJWLZOowEe3HXi-wryYhBdPLI5AjR6U0fIktCWF5y9J2pITttByWI3/s1600/All+systems+pin+brush+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pin Brush for Dog Grooming" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tkeboIrxgDVX4GNXa3wSP_ZoCIwx6aOpTmlDGqZO4Q_oI2dnouZUQsl-cTAjrE1XHqvUqD_DPCYj6FQn3KHcp6tJWLZOowEe3HXi-wryYhBdPLI5AjR6U0fIktCWF5y9J2pITttByWI3/s1600/All+systems+pin+brush+small.jpg" height="200" title="Dog Brush" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pin Brush by #1 All Systems</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pin Brush</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pin brush is the essential brush that you will use for weekly maintenance of your dog's double coat.  It should slide easily through the coat without making any rough scraping or tearing sounds. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pin brushes come in two style, those with nobs on the ends of the pins, and those with a straight pin that is gently rounded on the tips.  Never use the style with nobs on the ends.  These are designed to remove coat, however they pull and tear at healthy coat, making the grooming experience unpleasant and even painful for dogs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Poodle Comb</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVm_LM26HDXWIp7n8IxhXN3WkmLZgYWx6MAdmbbJE-OG7-rHNDXXXUB016JVqyqlqMMjBulR3bhJj2ToO_-QVj0ak8eTR9Fk9ii0a710sS3ykqOZPj1S_HNbn9VuYRYkgSYK3OSzt7CuH/s1600/Master+Groomer+Comb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wide Toothed Poodle Comb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVm_LM26HDXWIp7n8IxhXN3WkmLZgYWx6MAdmbbJE-OG7-rHNDXXXUB016JVqyqlqMMjBulR3bhJj2ToO_-QVj0ak8eTR9Fk9ii0a710sS3ykqOZPj1S_HNbn9VuYRYkgSYK3OSzt7CuH/s1600/Master+Groomer+Comb.jpg" height="200" title="Dog grooming Comb" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master Groomer Poodle Comb</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This wide toothed comb is used as a finishing comb for double coated dogs, once the dog's coat is free of any mats or loose hair. The teeth of the poodle comb are spaced at 1/4 inch distance from each other.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The comb is used to detect any small mats and clumps of loose hair that were missed in the brush-out of the dog.  If the comb sticks, you need to investigate that area of the dogs coat more carefully; this is how you prevent small tangles from becoming large mats over the course of the week.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Slicker Brush</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpy-0OlZlcPkNIXUDzpTWnwhcj-cEglV7pSCH_FrtH0QCof8EL5umHmZjkE-VeHQFSd6z93IFrAZIb4nk3qu5URU_4E4DZ3TaFUgMlVGrMhR8Lm0Qy2htVIUS_pW7S4t8_S0bVeTU9Gw9/s1600/Master+Grooming+slicker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpy-0OlZlcPkNIXUDzpTWnwhcj-cEglV7pSCH_FrtH0QCof8EL5umHmZjkE-VeHQFSd6z93IFrAZIb4nk3qu5URU_4E4DZ3TaFUgMlVGrMhR8Lm0Qy2htVIUS_pW7S4t8_S0bVeTU9Gw9/s1600/Master+Grooming+slicker.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slicker Brush</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Slicker brush is used for mat removal and grooming the furnishings (feathers on the front legs, pants and hair on the hocks and behind the ears).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will discuss its use in mat removal further down in this article.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mat Breakers</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two styles of mat breakers. The one with the longer teeth is best used for cutting apart large, fist sized mats.  The one with the shorter teeth is good for stripping out and thinning under coat. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As undercoat sheds and remains nestled in with the healthy hairs, it </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7-bXM72jAT6mcR64rzBf3JUxRF-USuW5o03xlYN26b0E2ZIIaMU_0OtEfWw6Q36RRqrJTKS-aDjLf-QYy1uVlbucXUjX7M81laEOTx4vKJ3hK799QT7u7hcFAohbdlldNRLGhx38i3fR/s1600/Mat+remover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mat Remover for Dogs" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7-bXM72jAT6mcR64rzBf3JUxRF-USuW5o03xlYN26b0E2ZIIaMU_0OtEfWw6Q36RRqrJTKS-aDjLf-QYy1uVlbucXUjX7M81laEOTx4vKJ3hK799QT7u7hcFAohbdlldNRLGhx38i3fR/s1600/Mat+remover.jpg" title="Dog Grooming Tools" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Short Blade Mat Breaker By Safari</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">begins to form a loose mat. The short blades are good for stripping out those loose mats, as the longer bladed mat remover will simple glide through the loose tangles.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing undercoat can help cool the double coated dog in the summer months, and is also done on show dogs to help sculpt the dog's outline.  Dogs with an over abundance of hair on the loins and rear can look "high in the rear."  Removing excess undercoat reveals the dog's true structure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb_9YtW7_GrV4Ohh7DFC6cGG2Qd3rwMy_TT2_PaZDlc_PUNddbQAG9eQT_DEvFGUIXFG_ZJAgEEq4T2EH26ngzpYXBzz4ghfK75cJ_iQDMzF96jGL7Wb6DachCH_WOLwSNSaygRRQXKyN/s1600/mat+breaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="grooming tool mat remover" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb_9YtW7_GrV4Ohh7DFC6cGG2Qd3rwMy_TT2_PaZDlc_PUNddbQAG9eQT_DEvFGUIXFG_ZJAgEEq4T2EH26ngzpYXBzz4ghfK75cJ_iQDMzF96jGL7Wb6DachCH_WOLwSNSaygRRQXKyN/s1600/mat+breaker.jpg" height="184" title="Mat remover" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Long Tooth Dematting Comb for Large Mats</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rolling the Coat on a Double Coated Dog</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rolling the coat removes dead and loose hair, encourages new hair growth and distributes the dog's natural oils along the hair shafts. This should be performed once a week, and will reduce the amount of shedding around your home considerably. Rolling the coat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> should only take about 5 minutes per side of the dog when done on a weekly basis.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To roll the coat, mist your dog with water from a spray bottle before beginning.  Have your dog lie down on his side, and using a pin brush <i>without</i> nobs on the ends of the pins, begin back brushing the coat at the shoulder.  Back brushing means that you will brush a small amount of hair in the reverse direction of how the hair naturally grows and lays. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hold the coat towards the front of your dog gently down as you brush the hair back towards the head of the dog, creating a part in the coat. Continue back brushing 2 inches of coat with each stroke moving down the side of the dog towards the tail. Brushing in the opposite direction of how the hair lays allows you to get to the base of each hair shaft and remove all dead or loose hairs on the dog.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have back brushed all the hairs from the shoulder to the pants in the opposite direction of its growth pattern, brush the hairs gently back to the direction it normally lays. Turn the dog over, mist again and repeat on the opposite side.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After rolling the coat, you should be able to easily pull a wide toothed comb, or Poodle comb, easily through the dog's coat.  Any places where the comb sticks, should be investigated for small tangles or mats. This is all that is required to keep a double coated dog's coat in good condition when he is not in a shedding phase.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Double Coated Dog's Shedding Phase</span></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87PFfygNsGc9Wxl52DuSKdBWhaeN6H67MAWJWAgoU8pedmkqsQiNcQJjcPTfBTRx5N781v6kjh2XdJEo2pqtCcHHbW4WXrXY2A0Zfcbh_vViKZk-jXJCESu9pTUARVwU1Tn0c_Kmp1vxd/s1600/Shedding+Rake+Double+Row.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Double Row Shedding Rake" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh87PFfygNsGc9Wxl52DuSKdBWhaeN6H67MAWJWAgoU8pedmkqsQiNcQJjcPTfBTRx5N781v6kjh2XdJEo2pqtCcHHbW4WXrXY2A0Zfcbh_vViKZk-jXJCESu9pTUARVwU1Tn0c_Kmp1vxd/s1600/Shedding+Rake+Double+Row.jpg" height="320" title="dog grooming tools" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shedding Rake</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twice a year double coated dogs will "blow coat." This is when they shed most of their undercoat and the remaining guard hairs may become dry and brittle looking.  It may take up to three weeks for a dog to fully blow their coat.  This is the time that most mats are formed if dead hairs are allowed to remain without regularly being brushed out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brushing with a pin brush will take forever to remove all of the loose hairs, however a shedding rake will make quick work of removing dead and loose hairs.  With a few passes over the back and sides of your dog, you can remove the majority of dead hair in a few minutes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mat Removal</span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a double coated dog, it is inevitable that a mat will eventually form on your dog. Favorite mat sites are behind the ears, the pants and under the forearms where the arm and body rub together.  Some dogs lose coat during their shed in tufts, making it easy to spot that the time for the shedding rake has arrived.  Other coats tend to hold in the loose hairs, creating a dense mass of hair along the rump and pants of the dog hiding beneath the guard hairs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depending on the type of mats you are dealing with, there are several techniques to help you easily and painlessly remove the mats and preserve healthy coat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing Small Mats in Delicate Areas</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small mats behind the ears can be removed with scissors.  Using thinning shears near the base of the mat will make the removal of the mat less noticeable.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEJ4lQEkRH7Cq7SPZdvOzyaSigcNjmATfiOs5mRWhzWh9pIfPQawllIQe9br_cNyq6YzGNejxyvHHTC0u-EdO_-QnRJ1Ge0EilPh_UGD7oD-oFAsPbHA3WquFHXEcvGFSi2KjWwHL-OGT/s1600/Geib+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stainless Steel Finishing Comb" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEJ4lQEkRH7Cq7SPZdvOzyaSigcNjmATfiOs5mRWhzWh9pIfPQawllIQe9br_cNyq6YzGNejxyvHHTC0u-EdO_-QnRJ1Ge0EilPh_UGD7oD-oFAsPbHA3WquFHXEcvGFSi2KjWwHL-OGT/s1600/Geib+medium.jpg" height="320" title="Grooming tool" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use the narrow tines to tease apart small or loose mats.</td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For small mats on delicate areas, you can tease out the mat with a finishing comb. Begin with the hairs farthest away from the dogs skin, and gently try to separate the hairs from each other.  You may need to use a short blade mat remover to encourage the hairs to separate.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When using any mat remover with blades, angle the blade ends away from the dog's body with the sharp sides of the blades facing away from the dogs body.  In this video, they use a Coat King type undercoat rake to tease out the mat. Mars make the Coat King, however Oster makes a similar tool (pictured here) that works equally well for half of the price.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/WRXM8EfFYNE/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WRXM8EfFYNE&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/WRXM8EfFYNE&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here the groomer uses a slicker brush with its fine tines to identify mats. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then he uses a finishing comb to tease apart small mats.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hold the fur at the base of the mat when teasing the mat apart, to keep from pulling on the dogs skin.  </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More stubborn mats on the ear are teased apart with the short blades of the Oster undercoat rake.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last of the loose hairs is removed by the fine teeth of the finishing comb. If you don't have a finishing comb, use the slicker brush to remove the final loose hairs.</span></li></ul><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing Large Mats and Densely Packed Fur Over Large Areas</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For Large Mats:</b> You may wish to spray the mat first with a detangler designed for dog coats. Best Shot makes a good detangler; our favorite is the <a href="http://www.wags-n-whiskers-giftbaskets.com/Isle-of-Dogs-Detangler-Spray-Coature-Number-63-p/iod-63-250.htm#.VEqoNLDF-RM" rel="nofollow">Isle of Dogs Detangler #63</a>. We love this detangler because it can be left in without attracting dirt, which creates new mats, plus it smells like honeysuckles! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When using a detangler, spray it on the matted area, working it into the matted area with your fingers, then wait 3-5 minutes before grooming out the mat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use the long blade mat comb to slice through tightly knitted mats. Using a sawing action, start at the loose end of the mat stroking away from the dog, working towards the base of the knot in successive strokes. This is performed with a gentle but firm sawing with blades facing away from the dog's skin (this action is demonstrated in the video below). </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make several passes until it easily glides through the knot.  Using a slicker brush, gently remove the loose hairs in short strokes on the hairs at end of the knot, working in towards the body of the dog. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish by running a comb over the area to ensure all tangles and loose hair have been removed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/K587zDEUe9U/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/K587zDEUe9U&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/K587zDEUe9U&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here the groomer demonstrates the sawing action required to break the mat, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">then follows up with a slicker brush and finishing comb.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>                                  <object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/vSc1Txhv_ZI/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vSc1Txhv_ZI&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vSc1Txhv_ZI&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Removing Dead Densely Packed Undercoat</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If a large area of the dog is tightly packed with dead hair, it can make it difficult to even feel the dogs skin beneath the coat. &nbsp;Begin by spraying liberally with a coat detangler, then allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting at the base of the matted area or above the tail of the dog. Press the coat back towards the head, and begin teasing the coat towards the tail with a slicker brush, a little at a time.  If the coat is stubborn, use the mat remover with short blades to separate and cut the tangled hairs.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the hairs loosen, repeat brushing with the slicker brush.  Continue going back and forth between the mat remover and the slicker brush until the area is mat free, going over it a final time with a comb with coarse tine spacing.  See the demonstration below on this dog's matted pants. Note she starts at the bottom of the tangled area to tease out the tangles in his coat.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As hair is loosened and removed, she reapplies detangler to speed the process.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/jtyWcZGp4VA/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/jtyWcZGp4VA&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/jtyWcZGp4VA&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quickly Removing Hair from Matted Pants</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=themodbar0e-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0002ARR2W&asins=B0002ARR2W&linkId=KYLQFL3AO4GRCH4H&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=themodbar0e-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00GSEPNW2&asins=B00GSEPNW2&linkId=7BVYQK72N25QISAM&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=themodbar0e-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000YJ4DM8&asins=B000YJ4DM8&linkId=MTVKC75VDJXOX2UP&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

4 Best Dog Houses For Outdoors | Dog House Review

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowU6vpF9q_-WKD-YhRD-jc3mBLJ0BO0J_yJlVGVSfj91-UJwjouQYySY23wE9hMRArOyCSOxHqlld8Sm0j9f4DaJ11mSco8hhr-HR8zfkVpvFtxw0ZmDO_hAPIPjUCPwtYUzs2fDMFkjb/s1600/1+++Dog_House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowU6vpF9q_-WKD-YhRD-jc3mBLJ0BO0J_yJlVGVSfj91-UJwjouQYySY23wE9hMRArOyCSOxHqlld8Sm0j9f4DaJ11mSco8hhr-HR8zfkVpvFtxw0ZmDO_hAPIPjUCPwtYUzs2fDMFkjb/s1600/1+++Dog_House.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fanciful Dog House at Ightham Mote</span><br /><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image Courtesy of Oast House Archive</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dog houses have long graced the backyards of homes as well as various institutions requiring outdoor kenneling of dogs employed in protection of property. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we do not advocate keeping dogs outdoor twenty for hours a day, some dogs do prefer resting outdoors during the daylight hours, where they can keep an eye on the neighborhood activities and teach invading squirrels a lesson.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outdoor dog houses can provide quick shelter during the sudden rainstorm or a cozy den area for afternoon napping.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tips For Purchasing the Right Dog House for Your Dog</span></h3><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a weatherproof dog house, choose one with a roof that overhangs the entrance to prevent rain from pouring in.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vinyl flaps can be installed on most dog houses for added protection in the winter, however they restrict the flow of air during warm months.  </span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To prevent flooding of the interior, select a dog house that has feet to raise it off of the ground or plan to put a pallet underneath it.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plastic dog houses are easier to keep sanitary, however they are much lighter weight and should be anchored to prevent them from flying off during high wind storms.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Select a dog house that is slightly larger (4 inches each way) than the room that is necessary for him to stand up and turn around.  Dogs like a cozy den area, however if the space is too small or too vast, he is unlikely to use the dog house.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are constructing one of the large dog houses, build it outdoors, as it probably will not fit through your doorways once it is put together.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adding cedar chips to the bottom of your dog house will discourage pest and insects from entering the house.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest in Customer Satisfaction | Petmate Indigo Dog House with Microban<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67duLd829DC1tyGnG6Wm_h9MG1-Kgl6ZZksnbSCWtR-aOOL0d_-R9COYuyD1HcAb7s-mBTr4QfbWq6-1PwoPmFLudDtX9ij3Lwq-R6t9syd45ZPbA6_wtuNNg_KCIwTulvjTlo5cXC6iH/s1600/petmate+igloo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67duLd829DC1tyGnG6Wm_h9MG1-Kgl6ZZksnbSCWtR-aOOL0d_-R9COYuyD1HcAb7s-mBTr4QfbWq6-1PwoPmFLudDtX9ij3Lwq-R6t9syd45ZPbA6_wtuNNg_KCIwTulvjTlo5cXC6iH/s1600/petmate+igloo.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogloo Plastic Insulated Dog House</td></tr></tbody></table></span></h3></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Petmate Indigo dog house or Dogloo is designed on the principles of the Inuit igloos of the North.  The front door is offset to keep warm air in during winter months and cool air in on warm days.  The roof contains a vent that allows air to circulate and keep it from becoming stale in the igloo living area.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dogloo is in use by many outdoor professional kennels because of its durability and exceptional insulation qualities.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Features:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Made with Microban which discourages the growth of odor causing</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> germs, bacteria, mold and mildew.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offset doorway offers protection from wind and rain.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Built-in structural foam adds to the insulating benefits of the design.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tool Free Installation</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy to open an clean when required.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most durable outdoor dog house on the market.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heavyweight (30 pounds for the large size) does not require anchoring the dog house.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Door flap and self heating pad are available options.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not as decorative as other dog houses on the market.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sizing runs small: Large accommodates</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> up to 70 pound dogs.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (They say 70-90 pounds).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the more expensive dog houses, but also one of the best values.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a stout dog, be sure to check the dimensions of the doorway to be sure your dog and fit into it.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you purchase the wrong size online, it will cost you a fortune to return it.  Shipping on the large can run as much as $100.00.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Latches frequently arrive broken, so be sure to purchase from a seller with a solid return policy.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rain and snow can get into this dog house.  You can add their custom flaps add-ons to the door way, or as a less expensive option, you can drape a large rubber/carpeted garage mat over the igloo entrance to extend a makeshift "porch" covering to the entrance.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DI4I0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002DI4I0&linkCode=as2&tag=themodbar0e-20&linkId=5AIZOZTTSLPL5VIR">Petmate Indigo Dog House with Microban, Medium, Taupe Top, Black Bottom</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=themodbar0e-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0002DI4I0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> <br /><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Best Selling Dog House | Suncast </span></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6yH6qxqUDDBniTShsaGgbYeN4p6n3hYe9VsR3qWAK6WWejFltb2uiVH20Dx0DnExa2Jh_3uuyS0xpkTAE71Sb4YcvZX7c4Si3XXR4ahBYPtXjL9GkdnVc4gjPhAJa_wbpLS6BTWIx6QS/s1600/Suncast+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6yH6qxqUDDBniTShsaGgbYeN4p6n3hYe9VsR3qWAK6WWejFltb2uiVH20Dx0DnExa2Jh_3uuyS0xpkTAE71Sb4YcvZX7c4Si3XXR4ahBYPtXjL9GkdnVc4gjPhAJa_wbpLS6BTWIx6QS/s1600/Suncast+2.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suncast Plastic Dog House DH350 <br />accommodates to a 100 pounds of dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suncast makes two models of their dog house, which are essentially the same house with minor cosmetic differences between them. Together they are the most popular dog house on the market.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These dog houses snap together easily, but will also snap apart easily with any amount of rough-housing.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These houses are made from thin plastic sheets that acquire rigidity through their attachment to the other pieces. As the parts are snapped together, they gain their strength from their adjoining pieces. If a dog stands on one of these dog house roofs, it is likely to collapse.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYLBOjP-ReHomGcGrl0NCRDNzKvw07hx7orq6fg8NsueJ02U6w6NtEr0bv2E-ldVGW4I_qUwYRSO0PaQi_A1-dHyS0qR0-eVF_co5g-Ykg05jmjiX0_xKFaZ3KJcZkvPom77MrNrOKpmQ/s1600/Suncast+Dog+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYLBOjP-ReHomGcGrl0NCRDNzKvw07hx7orq6fg8NsueJ02U6w6NtEr0bv2E-ldVGW4I_qUwYRSO0PaQi_A1-dHyS0qR0-eVF_co5g-Ykg05jmjiX0_xKFaZ3KJcZkvPom77MrNrOKpmQ/s1600/Suncast+Dog+House.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Suncast DH250 is the medium size model<br />accommodating up to 70 pounds of dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flaps to keep rain out are located on the inside of the doorway.  Therefore when rain hits them, they guide the water into the dog house.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Features:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tool-free assembly, snaps together easily in minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes door flaps that are easily removed and added back to the unit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Includes letters you can add on to the front to personalize with your dog's name.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sturdy enough for a laid back dog or a senior dog.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inexpensive relative to other houses on the market.</span></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does not provide much insulation; you will need to add a self heating pad for cold winter days.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not raised off the ground.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thin floor easily allows water in, and has a snap together seam to it.  You will want to attach this to a raised board or pallet to prevent flooding or liftoff in a storm.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See More on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QJ9EU2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000QJ9EU2&linkCode=as2&tag=bungonews-20&linkId=4Y4EIQHOAVP4VHRQ">Suncast DH250 Dog House</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bungonews-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000QJ9EU2" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> <br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Dog House for Cold Weather Conditions | ASL Dog Palace</span></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwL21cUTT8qLWSE-TzBxYA_KjGIvqG1fXwQWPoymDUQQ8ByMq93Rr6_to5-ZrOA1rld9GwvKfUPx17lMP5LdBydThIfSTzB0cbztCYQMnSnRriOeZ2zebqem7IdGgOn_DiQY8EM4FWg-2/s1600/ASL+Dog+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwL21cUTT8qLWSE-TzBxYA_KjGIvqG1fXwQWPoymDUQQ8ByMq93Rr6_to5-ZrOA1rld9GwvKfUPx17lMP5LdBydThIfSTzB0cbztCYQMnSnRriOeZ2zebqem7IdGgOn_DiQY8EM4FWg-2/s1600/ASL+Dog+Palace.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ASL Dog Palace - Plastic windows are <br />removable for ventilation</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ASL Insulated Dog Palace is insulated with up to 4 inches of foam/EPS insulation. Meaning that the temperature inside when dogs are in it can be as much as 30 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Expect this dog house to keep dogs warm in temperatures as low as 25 degrees.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The clever trap door design keeps out wind and water, and the windows can be removed for improved air flow during the warmer months.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 50 pounds you can expect this house to stay put in most foul weather conditions. Should any water make it into the dog house, the floor is sloped to a drain hole to whisk away and liquids. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The durable plastic is resistant to sun rot.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Features:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy Tool-free assembly.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sloped floor and drain hole to remove any liquid that seeps in or runs off of your dog.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insulation inside of the plastic walls</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raised floor prevents flooding.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Durable, expect it to last 4 years or more with normal usage.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attractive barn design</span></li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dogs may be wary of the self closing doors. You may need to tape open the door until your dog becomes comfortable with the dog house, and then train him to use the door.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000634GBA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000634GBA&linkCode=as2&tag=bungonews-20&linkId=NJC77564A2WB2HXU">ASL Solutions Foam (Styro/EPS) Insulated Dog Palace</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bungonews-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000634GBA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Built Wooden Dog House | Trixie Pet Products Rustic Dog House</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uJiOyn5Tn6CSvP5fWUEW6ydI4UoVFuPznuowk_FPYjHMs_a0hPxlR1vfQjeU6pN5PFkMNLYwv8pJCj-MXphld0gs48JHPj1FO4qG8ndPscRHIyEIGq-MrnlAXfmFkM_zceglvfz-DBMG/s1600/trixie+dog+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uJiOyn5Tn6CSvP5fWUEW6ydI4UoVFuPznuowk_FPYjHMs_a0hPxlR1vfQjeU6pN5PFkMNLYwv8pJCj-MXphld0gs48JHPj1FO4qG8ndPscRHIyEIGq-MrnlAXfmFkM_zceglvfz-DBMG/s1600/trixie+dog+house.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While many of the wooden dog houses are made from inferior wood that splinters as you screw it together, the Trixie Rustic Dog House is made from  tongue and groove wooden boards. This construction makes it resistant to drafts and rain.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ample overhang in front of the doorway keeps rain out, and gives dogs a shady place to sit and look out on the world on warm days. A plastic dog door is available separately for improving insulation on winter days.</span></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuAn5K4ZfmvHnoke1bELzAKr-JIEvi5DjHIiZT-FbxwrshD4Xd8c2YfZH77howc6oy1uVX3WklsnkJ_2TLx9hyaDQPlyZI65HK0G0m_cmJLBkoJomN9uEUiKZXCsdQ_5UNjt8swAxdxnj/s1600/Trixie+dog+house+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuAn5K4ZfmvHnoke1bELzAKr-JIEvi5DjHIiZT-FbxwrshD4Xd8c2YfZH77howc6oy1uVX3WklsnkJ_2TLx9hyaDQPlyZI65HK0G0m_cmJLBkoJomN9uEUiKZXCsdQ_5UNjt8swAxdxnj/s1600/Trixie+dog+house+inside.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy to clean with removable floor and <br />locking arm to keep the dog house roof open.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Features:</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raised floor with adjustable feet for leveling.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roof lifts up with locking arm for cleaning and maintenance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solid wooden construction keeps out drafts and the elements.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Porch offers a shape resting spot for dogs.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The floor is removable for easy cleaning.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Durable shingle roof.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Cons:</b></span></div></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will need to invest a half day assembling this product.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put it together where you want it as it weighs 100 pounds.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dragging it around the yard can cause the dog house to weaken or fall apart.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00365GX4S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00365GX4S&linkCode=as2&tag=bungonews-20&linkId=VQA6D65KMS432GD5">TRIXIE Pet Products Rustic Dog House, Large</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bungonews-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00365GX4S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span> </div><script src="http://wms-na.amazon-adsystem.com/20070822/US/js/link-enhancer-common.js?tag=bungonews-20&linkId=PHSGUREW4K5O75HM" type="text/javascript"></script><noscript><div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://wms-na.amazon-adsystem.com/20070822/US/js/link-enhancer-common.js?tag=bungonews-20&linkId=PHSGUREW4K5O75HM"></script><noscript><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></noscript>

10 Most Hilarious Dog Halloween Costumes Ever!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLocpaN28D0czWosL_tzevDnQkVc9VU5kGavuSnwxy6q090VGclnK4SlFceHs1HXS4L15UdpJjSSRmcU5gHDEcKczBgQfG2uCTIIgoSqNfscu65k3ALDPz-02nqnBt6dnpr4DsJNv6Zvri/s1600/Halloween+costume+Dinosaur+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLocpaN28D0czWosL_tzevDnQkVc9VU5kGavuSnwxy6q090VGclnK4SlFceHs1HXS4L15UdpJjSSRmcU5gHDEcKczBgQfG2uCTIIgoSqNfscu65k3ALDPz-02nqnBt6dnpr4DsJNv6Zvri/s1600/Halloween+costume+Dinosaur+hat.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These ten hilarious Halloween costumes for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dogs will make even the most hardened criminals roll on the floor with laughter. Delight your trick-or-treaters with these hysterical dog costumes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of them are affordable, although some are better suited to particular body or head shapes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Triceratops Dog Costume</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Animal planet makes several of the more adorable dog costumes available this year.  The triceratops head piece comes in four sizes. However, even the smallest size is still rather large. In fact the size small is large enough for an adult female human to wear as a costume. Made from lightweight printed foam, this is a costume best worn by dogs with blocky heads, such as the bulldogs or rottweilers. This little cutie costs under $7.00</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack and Zoey's Grr-antula Costume</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZmJLy2U6y_Iziat_cq5MefXwlIa8rrKPrFmGwQLKYlfV_Ob6d4CoNJ4-ugZn0KMgf6zJmGDwBxgiPyw_BHrSn0WbYFILoZcESHrptE2p2XLWW6ohFOcBpFE8_r6O7imFZir-MljCloOn/s1600/1++spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZmJLy2U6y_Iziat_cq5MefXwlIa8rrKPrFmGwQLKYlfV_Ob6d4CoNJ4-ugZn0KMgf6zJmGDwBxgiPyw_BHrSn0WbYFILoZcESHrptE2p2XLWW6ohFOcBpFE8_r6O7imFZir-MljCloOn/s1600/1++spider.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fans of <i>The Lord of The Rings</i> will recognize this giant spider!  Fitted with Velcro straps, it should fit fairly snugly.  However, the wire in the legs of this costume is not very strong, and the legs tend to droop on the floor when the dog is walking around.  Still this costume gets plenty of compliments.  The Grr-antula comes in 4 sizes Small - X-Large, and runs $20.00 with shipping.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zacy and Zoeys Jockey Harness </span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2fT4c6kGificBLkKBylgzHThTqvXrxmx8YiFzSEGAVcIityVVV_17zzdKXt63GqcBS-2Rkvbh_4olhdgor6sCv8hOFq_RUAwIu_7aViqlGlzMPVLKsBVW3Mtrre4Uug9VccSN96-PhU/s1600/1++Jockey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt2fT4c6kGificBLkKBylgzHThTqvXrxmx8YiFzSEGAVcIityVVV_17zzdKXt63GqcBS-2Rkvbh_4olhdgor6sCv8hOFq_RUAwIu_7aViqlGlzMPVLKsBVW3Mtrre4Uug9VccSN96-PhU/s1600/1++Jockey+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDXpB9_eHiJU5b3rpsocU-hL2nh_iPETrbUY-BDpWbAQqPxCyP-veOu_jj1AB37jF0dDvBE2YPdY7mY88Ux8trkpTi9PJQJEbCzAegjoriZUVxJv0BDS9svDMQXU7NzoCeNo0-sGeOEcd/s1600/1++Jockey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDXpB9_eHiJU5b3rpsocU-hL2nh_iPETrbUY-BDpWbAQqPxCyP-veOu_jj1AB37jF0dDvBE2YPdY7mY88Ux8trkpTi9PJQJEbCzAegjoriZUVxJv0BDS9svDMQXU7NzoCeNo0-sGeOEcd/s1600/1++Jockey.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zack and Zoey hit another home-run with the jockey costume which comes in two styles and 4 sizes.  The costume includes a D ring to attach a leach two, so it doubles as a harness.The neck and belly straps are adjustable with buckle closures for a secure fit.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">X-Large Fits Chests 30-38 Inches & Necks 18-26 Inches</span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Large Fits Chests 24-32 Inches & Necks 14-20 Inches</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medium Fits Chests 18-26 Inches and Neck 10-16 Inches</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small Fits Chests 12-16 Inches & Neck 8-12 Inches</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><h3><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">The Woolly </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Mammoth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL-8FqkRT7bUTNXSJZKZY7XfDvwI3-QIta2El4hON398Zw5yaUHhJ2PjCK_P3-OeVi-E1tc3u1L_IHghNdZ_dBktJ-WGVheODfk5POHvpFQYfOhXeYHESc9s4uUZ3Px5jAcfi3VzuvNvR/s1600/1++wooly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqL-8FqkRT7bUTNXSJZKZY7XfDvwI3-QIta2El4hON398Zw5yaUHhJ2PjCK_P3-OeVi-E1tc3u1L_IHghNdZ_dBktJ-WGVheODfk5POHvpFQYfOhXeYHESc9s4uUZ3Px5jAcfi3VzuvNvR/s1600/1++wooly.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div></span></span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Highest in customer satisfaction, Animal Planet's Woolly Mammoth costume is a very well built outfit. The plush material holds its shape, however the legs tend to be a little on the short side. A large fits a 62 pound bulldog well.  Dog with longer legs relative to their body girth will have their feet sticking out of the bottom, but that may just add to the hilarious effect.</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lions Mane</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pc2iX-Rt6ouZFZNR-fhln6hvVUX1quzcNfP9eEUmj86PiMNHTfGkdRzSlAuEFbePmBKdDALOnnj3ge7Fao_eJGq43XC0UXTQxmyHUbjOu4KLZZCKF0lWBru2CnfAc1Uvj0eiRsBBrTdv/s1600/1++Lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pc2iX-Rt6ouZFZNR-fhln6hvVUX1quzcNfP9eEUmj86PiMNHTfGkdRzSlAuEFbePmBKdDALOnnj3ge7Fao_eJGq43XC0UXTQxmyHUbjOu4KLZZCKF0lWBru2CnfAc1Uvj0eiRsBBrTdv/s1600/1++Lion.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn your golden retriever or yellow lab into the pet lion you have always secretly wanted, ever since you saw <i>Born Free!  </i>Several companies manufacture a lions mane costume; we like the one made by Urparcel best.  It is appropriately priced at $9.00 with free shipping. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This plush wig hat comes in 3 sizes and is held on by an adjustable elastic chin strap.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Raptor Dog Costume</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib-o7BnS4Qz0QNPbhG0Cl4gA9-K4fUDlTipVjtZfb6V2fBqEcNVDf4pCrOHr-XqP9rHSXQO6h4Po8QuouqTksdYUEcOd8kj5GsWa9z6mg2ND37cT7LkcIgpx-3sRvsUpH58Ocg41B4w00/s1600/1++raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib-o7BnS4Qz0QNPbhG0Cl4gA9-K4fUDlTipVjtZfb6V2fBqEcNVDf4pCrOHr-XqP9rHSXQO6h4Po8QuouqTksdYUEcOd8kj5GsWa9z6mg2ND37cT7LkcIgpx-3sRvsUpH58Ocg41B4w00/s1600/1++raptor.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also made by Animal Planet the Raptor costume is suitable for all shapes and sizes.  Both the headpiece and body are made from the same lightweight foam as the Triceratops head piece. The headpiece is separate with a chin strap to hold it on.  These tend to run a little on the large side so here is a sizing chart to guide you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">LARGE fits up to: 20" length, 24-28" chest, 16-20" neck. Breeds: Boxer, Labrador Retriever,Golden Retriever<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">MEDIUM fits up to: 16" length, 20-24" chest, 14-16" neck. Breeds: Beagle, Dachshund, Lhasa-Apso, Pug</span><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">SMALL fits up to: 12" length, 16-20" chest, 12-14" neck. Breeds: Norfolk Terrier, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">X-SMALL fits up to: 8" length, 12-16" chest, 10-12" neck. Breeds: Maltese, Miniature Pincher, Papillion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Star Wars Ewok Costume</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FZ5XbzM1vTkH6wqTIwgIPmbOGUx9CH6dxrUTer3sSxl9D1eyIdP5S31-2lIT1GMrYmOLkQ3Xu-NjqzOu6pmzbRKnMUS9x_lfgs6QjNwPT13a4HaZaCZ3cltHjR3eqmCZfiyfrjYntIud/s1600/1++star+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FZ5XbzM1vTkH6wqTIwgIPmbOGUx9CH6dxrUTer3sSxl9D1eyIdP5S31-2lIT1GMrYmOLkQ3Xu-NjqzOu6pmzbRKnMUS9x_lfgs6QjNwPT13a4HaZaCZ3cltHjR3eqmCZfiyfrjYntIud/s1600/1++star+2.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rubies has a full line of officially licensed Star Wars dog costumes and all of them are adorable.  Unfortunately many of them don't run true to their sizing.  The Ewok costume tends to run larger than their sizing suggests.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hammerhead Shark Dog Costume by Animal Planet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaI5PFSs_aug3zHChDyTRrJCmDFb_aglAT1A0-QZ1ukfO5caWdEJGbyUHZpuotubxqvvS1WA4YUlqidjK39KxrbhDx3oOAB8FpVJSH9ZerfyJ-4XSKObCD6qKGhO2tzTaBlgkdKaNiuDS/s1600/1++hammerhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaI5PFSs_aug3zHChDyTRrJCmDFb_aglAT1A0-QZ1ukfO5caWdEJGbyUHZpuotubxqvvS1WA4YUlqidjK39KxrbhDx3oOAB8FpVJSH9ZerfyJ-4XSKObCD6qKGhO2tzTaBlgkdKaNiuDS/s1600/1++hammerhead.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your dog can enjoy wearing this costume for both Halloween and Shark Week! The headpiece on this costume tends to weigh heavily on the ears, so dogs with prick ears may find it uncomfortable.  This is another costume that best fits dogs with block skulls. Sizing is the same as the Raptor dog costume above. Both costumes run around $20.00 with shipping. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Star Wars Bantha Costume</h3><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4KdCOp0M9NEyVraV5-UoQd2R_LllyHvTJL_DnKK3QD9xZ9Tna86rAyJQzEvlBErBny1BT6BD8ca66BkdN3u1HNy7cMEk7yS5GYrv9GOZJxKwRpCggIPPUfoGFJwu58EgKe3-PWIskiWg/s1600/1+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4KdCOp0M9NEyVraV5-UoQd2R_LllyHvTJL_DnKK3QD9xZ9Tna86rAyJQzEvlBErBny1BT6BD8ca66BkdN3u1HNy7cMEk7yS5GYrv9GOZJxKwRpCggIPPUfoGFJwu58EgKe3-PWIskiWg/s1600/1+Star.jpg" height="400" width="372" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div></span></h3><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the Ewok costume tends to run large, this one tends to run quite small.  That's a sheltie pictured here not a collie, therefore we recommend this costume to dog owners with dog under 25 pounds.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pup-A-Razzi's White Starlet Dress</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhb_vJKWU51tx2wlty8zD_ZU-Lm1H-g9UW47m0fBgdHNdlqYbdPeTatx-_A2yyjhRyOYxrDdpxJKVtmr0NzwK9so2AeYq0xjwTSha7WF4u0LTHPSFrwIaWjt6aroySGh9RayYFgiC7KTS/s1600/1++pupa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhb_vJKWU51tx2wlty8zD_ZU-Lm1H-g9UW47m0fBgdHNdlqYbdPeTatx-_A2yyjhRyOYxrDdpxJKVtmr0NzwK9so2AeYq0xjwTSha7WF4u0LTHPSFrwIaWjt6aroySGh9RayYFgiC7KTS/s1600/1++pupa.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pup-A-Razi's white starlet dress is not a particularly well made costume, but it wins the prize for the most ridiculously hideous dog outfit! </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00EZVOWW2&asins=B00EZVOWW2&linkId=3ZTKAKXAGZULMJIY&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B004WPI7TK&asins=B004WPI7TK&linkId=2XRUH6XNQGXT63IR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00CN7VASY&asins=B00CN7VASY&linkId=WCFVOXL4YJTQIS4F&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bungonews-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00KR27ED2&asins=B00KR27ED2&linkId=76Z7XOPFE42UAO3Y&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br /><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonus Costume! The Holy Hound</span></h3><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJQsvxCJkh8zmdbw8pniSnv9pvwgmmtY-TbybeCe6vt4TYyrPBQc6dqWGIIiAQhMgNoLZoEw9EE1v8cY_U2E2x-ytYqJirf2LAzvMctB9kDgIQwDbuJjTB5hwBmeNamriZkMTCLaq3a_p/s1600/1++Pope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJQsvxCJkh8zmdbw8pniSnv9pvwgmmtY-TbybeCe6vt4TYyrPBQc6dqWGIIiAQhMgNoLZoEw9EE1v8cY_U2E2x-ytYqJirf2LAzvMctB9kDgIQwDbuJjTB5hwBmeNamriZkMTCLaq3a_p/s1600/1++Pope.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stumbled across this outfit, and thought it was too funny to miss this list. The Holy Hound by California Costumes can be worn year round, and will surely exorcise any unwanted spirits in your home.  </span></div><br />

AKC Recognizes 2 New Dog Breeds in 2014

<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrx-brlBS0E-EtVz2-xk__vlkMVJTLHg_YqoNn3L-j5v44VHji63vhfyH2eXO0WXTe7cxBvRK8oT2i2SXxPvq8Tk_shD8fn6BpF-3x6KFjKY4J05hbRSgLInnDXztBwySihuRyr9NDPxv/s1600/1++coton_de_tulear10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrx-brlBS0E-EtVz2-xk__vlkMVJTLHg_YqoNn3L-j5v44VHji63vhfyH2eXO0WXTe7cxBvRK8oT2i2SXxPvq8Tk_shD8fn6BpF-3x6KFjKY4J05hbRSgLInnDXztBwySihuRyr9NDPxv/s1600/1++coton_de_tulear10.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/coton_de_tulear/breed_standard.cfm" target="_blank">Learn more about the Coton De Tulear</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year the American Kennel Club has allowed two new breeds to join their roster of pure bred dogs.  The Wirehaired Vizsla has joined the Sporting Group while the darling Coton De Tulear has entered the Non-Sporting Group.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Coton De Tulear</span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tiny fluffy dog is the national dog of Madagascar, where the breed originated. Named for its cottony white coat, "Coton" and the Port of Madagascar, Tulear, these charming dogs have </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">graced </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Madagascar's</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">national stamps.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The breed standard calls for a gay and light-hearted dog that is never demanding. The tail is carried happily over the back and the proportions of the dog are slightly longer that tall.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The expression of the Coton is a smiling one that expresses "joie de vivre." The temperament of the breed is marked by a unique sympathy to the emotions of those around them. They are also known for their unique vocalizations which may include unusual grunts and growls.  Bred purely as companion dogs, the Coton listens well when spoken to and often tries to answer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall the coat is dense, dry and cottony, never harsh. It should be white, with occasional light tan or grey shading on the ears or back.  On the body, the light color should not cover more than 5% of the dog.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wirehaired Viszla </span></h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPHSVQCmX_568T3wpQ_PLJj2j_KGHl3KcBaessVPg4ToQaGOeA1CYKGFpZW4RNJOH832XfGtQd-FZvBFSy9s5GlL093Iuah6_NZdS4KVLhRc4-Arc-58rmgo4_qNL3zGVXIg-SUmV_IIC/s1600/1++Vizsla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPHSVQCmX_568T3wpQ_PLJj2j_KGHl3KcBaessVPg4ToQaGOeA1CYKGFpZW4RNJOH832XfGtQd-FZvBFSy9s5GlL093Iuah6_NZdS4KVLhRc4-Arc-58rmgo4_qNL3zGVXIg-SUmV_IIC/s1600/1++Vizsla.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/wirehaired_vizsla/breed_standard.cfm" target="_blank">Learn more about the Wirehaired Vizsla </a></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Developed in the 1940's in Hungary from the standard Hungarian Viszla, hunters were seeking a sturdier dog with a coat that could stand up to the harsh Hungarian winters. They possess a dense wiry coat with bearded facial furnishings and "eyebrows." </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wirehaired vizsla has an excellent sense of smell and is a great tracker of things made of fur or feathers. Sturdily built, these dogs cover ground easily in all terrains.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wirehaired vizsla is biddable and easy to train and handle.  As sensitive dogs, they do not respond well to heavy-handed treatment.   Lively and gentle, they make excellent companions. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With these two additions to their rooster, the AKC now recognizes 180 pure breeds.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>