http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/top-3-bathroom-remodel-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/top-3-bathroom-remodel-tips.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Fantastic Decorating Ideas for the Bathroom

There are many different ways to decorate your bathroom. So many, in fact, that it can feel staggering. Take your time thinking about what you want, and then be careful what you pick. Remember that it's your bathroom that you're decorating; you will be making the final decisions, and you'll also have to live with the results. You’ll need to consider the size of the room and the amount of available space when working out the best plan for redecorating your bathroom. To make a smaller bathroom feel larger use lighter colors as dark colors tend to make the room feel smaller.

If you still can't decide what you want to do, here are a few really good bathroom decorating ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Try a Beach Theme

Perhaps a bathroom decorating scheme with a beach flair will be to your liking. This design is actually simple to implement and looks really good. Use a light colored paint and towels and drapes to fit your theme. Try a sky blue color on the wall and a window treatment that has some sort of light wood tone to it. Or go for a neutral, sandy sort of brown on the walls the lighter the better and then accent with accessories.

Add a little art on the walls, something subtle like a picture of a boat or a photograph of an actual beach, and use blue towels to help bring the theme together. For an added touch for this bathroom decorating idea, try adding real shells or jars of beach glass to give an organic, outdoor feel. Whenever you go on vacation look for some interesting beach style accessories that will fit the overall theme. When you use the bathroom you’ll be transported back to your wonderful vacation!!

Simple is Always Best

If you live in an apartment, bathroom decorating ideas are a little harder to implement, since landlords won't always let you repaint the room. Also there's not a lot of sense in spending money on fixtures if you don't intend to live in the apartment for a long while. In this case, try to purchase bathroom accessories to accent your bathroom rather than totally redecorate. Chances are that you'll have a bathroom that's plain white, so you have multiple choices that will fit with white or a neutral color.

For instance, buy a bamboo trash can and jewel tone shower curtain and give your bathroom an Eastern feel. Or start with green towels and add a potted plant, (real or fake), to give your bathroom a more natural look. Add art and unique ornaments to help bring the look together without making permanent changes. Just as with the larger projects, if you work with an idea to unify your bathroom's theme, you will have something you can enjoy for a good, long time. This is also a great idea for those looking to decorate on a tight budget.

The Retro Look

A unique retro look can give your bathroom an arty touch that can make your bathroom a showplace. Pick any era, and you’ll be able to find designs and fixtures to create a vintage style. For a great art deco bathroom, try a pedestal sink and the bold tiling with sleek, polished fixtures to add the shine this look needs. Scout websites and your local stores for the exquisite details to make your bathroom decorating idea become a reality.



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Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Remodelling and Decorating

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/easily-redecorate-your-bathroom-on-a-tight-budget.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/easily-redecorate-your-bathroom-on-a-tight-budget.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Budget Bathroom Decorating

Bathroom decorating on a budget can achieve professional results if the person doing the decorating is willing to put the effort into it. It’s a tradeoff, what budget decorating saves in materials can be put into the time it takes to do the job correctly for that professional finish. At the end of the day it’s worth a little more time and effort to create your perfect bathroom.

Decorating a bathroom on a budget often means improving what is already there. The easiest way to start making changes is by using stain. Staining old cupboards can make them look current and spruce them up. Staining can also be used on furniture and other wooden items. Matching all the staining in a room can make a small bathroom seem larger, especially if using a light stain. Be aware that darker colors and stains can make the room look smaller.

Using tiles for decorating a bathroom on a budget is a smart idea. Tiles can be purchased for very little money, especially if they are bought in bulk. By taking your time to install the tiles you should be able to get a very professional look at a fraction of the price. Purchasing a book specifically geared towards installing tile yourself will help ensure a high-quality final product and many DIY stores have advice sheets for laying tiles.

The technique you choose for laying the tile is also important. Mosaic designs that are done perfectly look designer in quality, but they can be quite labor intensive. With a more traditional layout, it is important to set tile evenly in straight lines and with equal amounts of calking or grout. Be sure to take your time and give it your best effort. You will be richly rewarded with a good looking and long lasting finish.

To make the room look even more professionally finished use textured tiles, painted tiles, or large tiles to lend a more polished effect. Use these unique and more expensive tiles as a border or accent. Textured, painted, or large sized tiles may be found at whole sale or discount stores, or you can get a great deal on discontinued styles.

Paint is relatively inexpensive and can be used to entirely redecorate a bathroom. Most paint costs around $15 a gallon, and you will only need two to three gallons of paint for most bathrooms. Make sure you buy a high quality paint. Although you may be tempted to buy budget paint this is a false economy as the finish may take more coats, not look as good and not be as long lasting.

You can get expert painting results in less time that you think. For example, use textured rollers to create a pattern in the paint, layering colors to create designer effects. Or create designs such as lattice work, or a two toned look with a border. Using any amount of colors when implementing these designs can create depth which also looks more expensive than it actually is. In this way you can spruce up a bathroom but it won’t cost a lot of money.

Decorating a bathroom on a budget can be easy and give very high-end results. Taking the time to learn about a method and following through with time and effort will make the bathroom look like it was decorated by a professional designer. But it will cost little enough to suit almost every budget.




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Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Remodelling and Decorating

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/a-quick-fix-for-a-new-bathroom-look.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/a-quick-fix-for-a-new-bathroom-look.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 A Quick Fix for a New Bathroom Look

You and your family want to have a relaxing and comfortable feeling every time you need to use the room that may the most important room in the house: the bathroom. People usually begin and their day in the bathroom taking baths and showers, cleaning their teeth and washing their faces. Therefore, decorating your bathroom so that you love it should be a top priority.

While any number of people are worried about begining a large project for bathroom decorating, usually because of potential costs, you should realize that even with a small budget you can revitalize the look of your old,plain bathroom by reorganizing, updating, and/or renewing.

Decorating a bathroom can be as uncomplicated as repainting the walls, installing new wallpaper, adding accessories, or updating your existing furniture. If you have unlimited budget, you can also update your tiles, add contemporary light fixtures and install bathtubs and spas, or other luxurious equipment.

Start by clearing out all of the clutter so that you can easily see what you have to work with. Next you need to figure out which items you want to keep and which you want to replace. You can match your current stlye, or decide to go with a whole new theme. Just remember that for smaller bathrooms a lighter theme will make the room appear bigger, giving it a spacious feel.

The Three Basic Themes for Your Bathroom Decorating Project

Traditional, contemporary and country are the three basic themes for bathroom decorating. Choose one based on your taste, desired look and budget.

Traditional styles can easily add elegance with floral fabrics, draperies on the window, or gold and silver accents. Use a traditional design to turn your bathroom or toilet area into a sanctuary. Although the result of traditional bathroom decorating can look expensive, you don’t need to buy expensive materials to capture the theme you want.

If your existing bathroom already has a traditional theme, you can update the look and feel of the room by going for contemporary designs. Contemporary bathroom decorating involves clean lines, smooth finishes, steel, and bold color. Include wood finishes, stones tiles, and textures to provide a calming accent. The simple fixtures and accessories result in a dramatic overall look for the bathroom.

Choose a country theme if you love natural materials and neutral colors. Decorate your bathroom with the organic colors, forms and fabrics that give warmth to simple flooring or wallpaper. Use rich colors to accent the neutral colors and give a dramatic effect to the room, while still offering a relaxing effect.

Decorating your bathroom is not difficult or expensive. Just start with a plan and a budget and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make the "Smallest Room in the House" one of the most fun!!










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Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Remodelling and Decorating

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-you-fear-a-bathroom-remodel.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/do-you-fear-a-bathroom-remodel.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 So You Want to Remodel Your Bathroom

An increasing number of people find that they can remodel their bathrooms to create the perfect place in which they can relax, refresh, rejuvenate and/or have a romantic time. A bathroom redo can be an inexpensive and fun way to spruce up your entire house. So, what you need are some tips for remodeling your bathroom.

When you decide to begin a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. Choose what items you want to replace, add, or take away from the bath area. Consider refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet, or renewing the tiles or tub and shower enclosure to give a new look to your bathroom even with just a little investment. The bathroom is one of the most used areas of the house, so you want to be sure that you have it remodeled in such a way that it will last for a long time. Remodeling is extremely exciting because it means you are getting to create the ambiance you have always wanted in one of your favorite places: the bathroom.

Why Remodel If You Can Decorate?

Perhaps you would like to redo the bathroom, but at the same time you would like to keep things uncomplicated. If it is time for a bathroom makeover, count yourself lucky when you see the number of wonderful current decorating ideas for the bathroom today. There is a huge amount you can do with simple decorative treatments that avoid a full remodel.

If you have a small bathroom, remodeling ideas should mostly revolve around freeing the space of clutter and making better use of the available space. Using shelves, taller cabinets, and other organizational items will help the room seem larger because everything has a place and there is nothing left to crowd the space. There are any number of cabinets available to fit over the toilet or along empty walls to maximize the available area, or cabinets can be hung on the wall to free up floor space.

Regardless of the size of your bathroom, it is important that you sort out the existing items in the bathroom and choose which items you want to keep and which items can now retire. Clearing out unimportant clutter from the bathroom can help you decorate the room easily and match items for your fresh theme. Don't be afraid to be bold and exciting - make your bathroom a fun place to visit!

Another decorating idea for a bathroom is to redo the porcelain sink and the tub. These tend to take a lot of abuse through the years, and with a fresh treatment, they will look brand-new. It's a lot cheaper than putting in all new fixtures, and it really does make your bathroom look good.

A common bathroom decorating idea for people on a budget is adding or replacing light fixtures. While choosing a light may seem like a daunting task, be aware that once you have chosen the perfect lighting to enhance your bathroom's theme, it can make a dramatic change to the overall feel of the room. Of course, also consider new paint, tile or wall paper to freshen up the space.

Following the new bathroom decorating trends while maintaining individual taste and style can be achieved with a little research and great imagination. Building on these ideas is sure to help anyone create the bathroom of their dreams. Home decorating magazines can be quite helpful, because if you see decorating materials that you like, there is often a section that shows how you can get them. They are also good at allowing you to see how the materials you're interested in fit with other colors in the room.

But I Need to Remodel

If you find that redecorating just won’t do, and you really need to remodel, as part of your planning process create a bathroom remodeling check list to help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford. Make sure you know exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project, since you need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Unless you can somehow move the location of your fixtures, your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly.

Depending on the size of your bathroom and your budget, there are a few bathroom remodeling tips that can the project go smoother, as well as make life after the project easier. For large-budgeted bathroom remodeling projects, you can go beyond your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons.

If you have a more modest budget, one of the most important things is to make sure that the shower area is easily accessible. For example, some showers require a person to step up in order to enter the shower, while others are just walk-in showers. Whichever kind of shower you choose, it is important to note that it will have to be well installed in order to prevent leaks. Another method of controlling bathroom remodeling costs could be instead of replacing your tub and all the wall tiles, you could look into a tub and wall unit that fits right over an existing tub and wall. By using this technique and for a few hundred dollars the area can look as if it is brand-new. The alternative is replacing everything, which could run into the thousands.

When you choose where smaller fixtures go in the bathroom remodeling design, think function over form. For items such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it's out of arm's reach of the bathtub, then you won't be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that's both stylish and functional.

There is no greater joy to a homeowner then to remodel a favorite room such as the bathroom. So, enjoy every minute of it, and, more importantly, enjoy the outcome of your work and labor. Once you are satisfied with the project, you can take your first relaxing shower and enjoy the long-term benefit from the investment you made.


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Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Remodelling and Decorating

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/why-remodel-if-you-can-decorate.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/interior-design/why-remodel-if-you-can-decorate.html Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Why Remodel If You Can Decorate?

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most common home improvement projects because homeowners prefer a toilet and bath area where they can relax after a hard day's work. A bathroom redo can be an inexpensive and fun way to spruce up your entire house. The bathroom can also be one of the least expensive rooms in your house to overhaul, which can allow you to bring a touch of luxury and comfort to a room that sees plenty of use.

Do it yourself bathroom remodeling projects don't have to be complicated; something as simple as replacing fixtures can enhance the overall appearance of the bathroom. Sometimes a bathroom simply requires a coat of paint to make it look like a new room, but if a more extensive upgrade is needed, there are ways to control bathroom remodeling costs.

Regardless of your budget, one thing you need to consider in planning the job is that at some point in the future you may decide to sell your house. Ask yourself if the remodel will add to the value of your home, or make potential buyers run screaming from your house.

Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Redecorating your bathroom with original and modern ideas can brighten up a cold and uninviting room. If it is time for a bathroom makeover, count yourself lucky when you see the amount of wonderful, contemporary decorating ideas for the bathroom today. Scan home decorating magazines, look on the internet, or visit your local home center to see an abundance of great ideas.

Common bathroom decorating ideas include adding or replacing light fixtures. While choosing lights may be a daunting task, be aware that the perfect lighting can enhance your bathroom's theme and make a dramatic improvement to the overall feel of the room.

Mirrors in a bathroom not only serve a genuine purpose, they can also make a room look larger and can be a good reflection on you and your decorating taste. Large mirrors may be dressed with window treatments. One colorful idea is to decorate bathroom mirrors with window scarves. Draped high over the top of the mirror and allowed to hang evenly down both sides, window scarves can add a color accent to a bland room.

If your bathroom decorating ideas include furniture, accessories and other decorations, make sure to mix and match the items before placing all of your chosen items in the room. While you may think that an item can give life to the bathroom, it may not complement other items. While it is easy to add soaps, toothbrush holders, and other bathroom accessories, small furniture, tiny collectibles and other displays may not easily complement your bathroom's theme. For this reason, you should pick your items carefully to give a harmonious feel to the room.

If you prefer to get more expensive bathroom accessories, be aware of how often they will be used. Expensive bathroom accessories are most useful for guest bathrooms, while it is a good idea for family bathrooms to have less expensive bathroom accessories. Keep in mind how you want your bathroom to look as well as how often your family and guests will wear and tear your bathroom accessories.

When it comes to your bath, this is a great opportunity to bring some whim and creativity to a room that you spend plenty of time in.

If You Need to Remodel

If you find that a remodel is necessary, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project accurately before you swing a single hammer. When you are working on the design for your bathroom remodeling project, make sure to take accurate measurements of your bathroom and create a map that you can work with. If you mark where the plumbing and fixtures are, you'll be able to better plan what you need to do. The key to successful bathroom remodeling design is good planning, and a map is a great way to keep you focused on exactly where everything needs to be.

Although many people ignore buying a toilet when they need to, I suggest embracing toilet-buying. If your toilet is really old or does not match your décor as you would like it to, then buy a new toilet! Be sure that the toilet you find is one that will last for a long time. If you want to sit on a throne that is truly made for royalty, consider a self-serve toilet. This modern idea in bathroom decorating will heat the seat for you, and give you a thorough cleansing and deodorizing when the job is done. You will even receive a warm, drying finish for the highest level of hygiene. No need for flushing either, because the toilet will flush itself when you are finished. It will even close the lid to prepare for the next user. There is no better example of luxury, comfort, and functionality colliding for maximum homeowner benefit.

Once you are satisfied with the project, enjoy the long-term benefit from the investment you made. There is no greater joy to a house owner then to remodel, and especially enlarge, a special room such as the bathroom.




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Steve Dolan has undertaken extensive home remodelling over the past 10 years. Learn how to take on remodelling projects Home Remodelling and DIY and redo your bathroom Bathroom Remodelling and Decorating

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/using-a-compass-could-save-your-life.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/using-a-compass-could-save-your-life.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500
When it comes to navigating, there's one important thing to remember - navigate before you get lost! By the time you realize you're lost, it's a lot harder to work out where you are and how to get back to the main track. It's much simpler to navigate as you go. Then, you either won't get lost at all, or you should hopefully have at least some idea of where you are, even if you're not completely sure. Constantly refer to your compass to make sure you're going the right way. Wear your compass around your neck; don't stuff it in a pocket of your backpack.

Of course, there's not much point in pulling out your compass in the middle of the backcountry somewhere and trying to figure out what to do with it. You need to learn how to navigate successfully long before you leave town. It's too late once you're already lost! So find a class or a hiking club that runs classes, and learn the basics of navigating with a map and compass. If you can read a map properly, and combine that with compass skills, you should be able to find your way back from the wilderness without too much trouble.

There's one basic rule you need to remember when you're navigating with a compass - trust the compass. It's very easy to think that our instincts are more reliable, but the reality is that getting lost often is quite disorientating. Besides, if your instincts were that good, how did you get lost in the first place? Even if you’re not lost, it's a good idea to get into the habit of relying on your compass, not yourself.

It can also be useful to orient north on the ground with north on the map, so they're both facing the same way. This makes it easier to identify items in the landscape on the map. Some people feel a bit silly turning the map around, but anything that makes navigating easier is worth doing.

The other thing you need to learn about is declination. Basically, declination is the difference between magnetic and true north. When you're navigating with a compass, declination can make a big difference to your results, so you need to understand it and learn how to compensate for it. Otherwise you could get lost even when you are using your compass. GPS systems usually compensate for declination automatically, but you can't rely on your GPS always functioning.

Heading out into the backcountry can be a wonderful experience, but it's a lot better if you can find your way using a map and a compass. Getting lost can really spoil your time with nature. So make sure you master the basic skills of navigation with a compass, and you'll be able to head off into the backcountry, confident of having a great time without any unnecessary problems.


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Steve Dolan loves to hike in the wilderness. Compasses are an essential. Click on Compasses and Compass Use to find out more and for great gear click Camping Gear and Tents

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/are-dog-beds-a-luxury-or-an-essential.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/are-dog-beds-a-luxury-or-an-essential.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Does Your Dog Need a Bed?

You bring your cute, fun loving puppy home for the first time and of course you want your canine to sleep with you. All furry warm and snuggly. But that is not the best thing to do for you or your pooch. You really need a canine bed and establish the correct behavior at the outset. Sure it’s fine now but when your dog grows to it’s full size at 100 lb, will it be such fun?

Dog beds today come in all sizes, colors, shapes, materials to suit any pooch and any decor. If that's not enough you can even have dog beds custom made. If you adopted your dog from the pound he may actually prefer his own place.

Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Bed.

Does your pooch shed or have any other disorder that will cause the bed to need constant cleaning? Does he hang his head over the edge? Does your dog curl up in a ball? The answer to any of these questions will help determine the type of dog bed needed for your pet.

Some Of The Benefits of Dog Beds

A dog bed allows your pet to have his own space, a place where he can curl up, relax and sleep. Beds with sides are great for dogs that like to hang their head over the edge.

Cushions and support should be considered for older dogs, as well as pooches with other joint or bone problems. Orthopedic foam tends to provide additional warmth too so if you live in a warmer climate, your hound may prefer a cooling bed like the Canine Cooler to the traditional orthopedic bed.


Some Dog Bed Features

You'll find out that this is something your canine will be using every single day for the next five to ten years so you ought to put some thought into the dog bed selection. You should consider the size of your room and size needed for comfort the of your pet.
Quality beds such as the Memory Foam Bed or the Thera Ortho Mattress are designed to relieve sore joints, bones and other problems that may arise due to your pets age or weight. More traditional-style cushioned outdoor beds are made of tough polyester and resist mildew and fungus.

Other Dog Bed Considerations

Be sure to measure the entire length of your canine at rest to get an idea of how much space he is using so you can select the correct size. The most efficient way to make sure you are ordering the correct size bed is by measuring your hound in his favorite laying position and adding five inches. Watch your hound sleep. Does he usually curl up or stretch out? If he’s relaxed to his maximum size, make sure the bed is big enough to support his entire body.

If you have a little hound a small round pillow-type bed may be the best. It will let your pet burrow and nest. They come in a variety of styles, materials and colors and most can be thrown straight into the washing machine.

Next on the list of requirements is probably a chew proof bed, especially for puppies! There are any amount of styles of dog bed, such as indoor or outdoor, heated or not, travel or car beds and as previously mentioned orthopedic beds for the older canine. Most are stuffed with polyfill, often have cedar chips to repel odors and their covers are removable and machine washable.

For older dogs you need to consider the ideal dog bed. What about Grandma climbing into a waterbed with a two-foot frame? Or better yet, imagine her trying to get out. If your older pooch currently sleeps on the floor or in a cardboard box with blankets, his discomfort would be similar to these scenarios. An orthopedic dog bed would be ideal in this scenario.

Your dog will enjoy a high quality dog bed for all the same reasons that we enjoy our beds so make sure you buy a good quality bed that fits your pet and suits the way he likes to sleep.


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David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog beds click Dog Beds and Puppy Beds, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/what-do-you-mean-my-dog-is-naked.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/what-do-you-mean-my-dog-is-naked.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 Why Buy Dog Clothes

Your dog is not just a pet. Your dog is not just an animal. Your dog is a bona FIDO member of the family! So of course your dog needs to dress the part – right? Well thanks to the internet and the many online boutiques you can dress your dog for every occasion from the comfort of your own home. No more "granny knitted" sweaters for your sophisticated canine!! Dog clothes are an extension of your love for them, treating them like members of the family.

Dog Coats

But is dressing up your dog just something that you like to do? Is there any benefit to your dog? It all depends!! A Dog Coat can be a very useful item of clothing for your dog. It can keep him warm in the cold weather, dry in the wet weather, and can protect him from infections in the same way that our clothes protect us. It can also keep him clean which may be especially useful after a romp in the park on a wet winter’s day. Take the coat off after it’s dirty and let your clean(ish) dog into the car helps keep the car cleaner. Dog coats come in many different styles and colors so pick the coats appropriate for their use. And of course what dog would be seen out without the matching doggie hat??

Apart from coats and sweaters, other useful dog clothing items include dog t-shirts and dog sunglasses. These can look cute but they do also serve to help protect your pet. The sunglasses can protect him from UVA and UVB rays, and the t-shirt helps protect his skin. Dogs can develop skin cancer the same way that people can, and it is one of the main cancers in dogs. And you thought it was just to make Fido look cute!! Suitable dog clothes can make your pet happy and healthy resulting in less trips to the vet and additional savings in money and time. Dogs that have had medical treatments that result in the loss of fur will often need at least some protection from the weather until their fur grows back.

Designer Clothes

Just like people wear, you can get designer labels for your dog to make him feel like a million dollars, (and probably cost that too). Many celebrities always have their dogs dressed in the latest doggie fashion. A practice that Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell have raised to an art form, or so it seems! There are designer dog sweaters, name brand outfits in denim and leather, and even emblems from such greats as Harley Davidson.

As you can see, getting clothing for your dog is not just vanity on your part, although it is fun dressing up your dog. It can also play a vital role in keeping your dog healthy and happy. And if you do get the urge to step out on the wild side – get your dog some formal wear or a great costume for Halloween – go on have fun and get your dog some great clothing today!! Just make sure the outfit you are choosing for your dogs party costume is fire resistant to all the holiday candles.




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David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog clothes click Dog Clothes, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/dog-collars-what-you-need-to-know.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/dog-collars-what-you-need-to-know.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 What Dog Collar Do I Need?

Dog collars come in a variety of materials, colors, styles and even functions. There's the obedience or choke collar, bark control collars, flea collars, and a whole array of just good old plain pooch collars. So which one do you choose? If you are taking your pooch to a special event or to a special gathering and you want them to look really good try getting a fancy dog collar and leash. For small dogs a simple flat collar will suffice. For larger dogs you might try a prong collar a wide leather band.

The dog collar market is swamped with conventional as well as more unusual types of dog collars. These serve a variety of functions and needs. As a pet lover and canine owner, you should know that different kinds of dogs need different types of collars.

What Type Of Dog Collar Are There?

Buckle Collars are pretty much just what they sound like, collars that are fastened with a buckle. They are typically made of leather or nylon and they are either flat or rolled. Buckle collars are usually adjustable and do not tighten on your pet's neck once fastened. Using a rolled leather collar avoids the chafing or hair breaking that can occur using flat collars.

Quick Release collars are fundamentally flat nylon buckle collars with a plastic closure. This clip is similar to some luggage strap fasteners and makes getting the collar on and off a little easier.

Choke chains are metal chain links of various sizes with a ring on each. These collars should only be used while actively training or exercising your canine. This type of collar is usually sold by length, so ask for assistance when buying a slip collar.

Head collars go over your pets head but they are not a muzzle. While wearing a head collar, your a hound can still pant, bark, drink and eat, even bite! They should only be used for training.

If you have a very tight lead on a dog, the strap around the muzzle will push into its eyes, and that is as bad as a Halti which pushes into the eyes anyway. While some trainers will use flat buckle type collars, especially on puppies, these collars do not always provide the most useful control for more unruly dogs. For a very aggressive dog, the pinch collar can actually make the animal worse.

What Do I Need To Know About Dog Collars?

You need to ensure that your best friends collar fits well. Badly fitted collars and their incorrect usage may be harmful to your pet and in the worst case it can prove to be fatal. A properly fitted collar has at least a two finger width space between the collar and the neck of the dog but it should not slip over his ears.

If you don't like the sound of clinking dog tags or if you worry that the metal tags will discolor your pet's fur, then you can use a special tag pouch, available at most pet stores.

For hunting dogs certain pet tracking systems allow the dog handler or owner to determine what your dog is doing by using certain behavior systems that form part of the collar. You will be able to tell if a pet has stopped, is still moving, if a hound is barking, or if he has treed an animal. Pet tracking collars are used when you are out hunting with your dog. They can be used by houndsmen, upland bird hunters, beaglers, coon hunters, field trial (bird dogs) and hog hunting.

Finally pick a dog collar that suits your dogs personality and size. A giant black leather collar with studs may not suit a toy poodle, or a pink ribbon style collar a British Bulldog. After all it is part of your pet's image so pick the correct one!


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David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog collars and tags click Dog Collars and Tags, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/how-do-i-choose-a-dog-collar.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/pets/how-do-i-choose-a-dog-collar.html Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 How Do I choose A Dog Collar?

The dog collar market is swamped with conventional as well as more unusual types of canine collars. These serve a variety of functions and needs. As a pet lover and pet owner, you should learn that different kinds of dogs need different types of dog collars.

But once your dog has stopped barking or if barking has never been a issue what do you need to consider in a dog collar? If you are taking your pet to a special event or to a special gathering and you want them to look really good try getting a fancy dog collar and leash. For small dogs a simple flat collar will suffice. For larger dogs you might try a prong collar a wide leather band.

What Are The Different Types?

Buckle collars are usually adjustable and do not tighten on your best friend's neck once fastened. Using a rolled leather collar avoids the chafing or hair breaking that can occur using flat collars.

Quick Release collars are also adjustable and do not tighten once fastened.

The hottest thing for your well-mannered hound, head collars are not to be mixed up with muzzles. They still allow your dog to bark, pant, drink, chew and even bite.

Choke chains are metal chain links of various sizes with a ring on each. These collars should only be used while actively training or exercising your best friend. This type of collar is usually sold by length, so ask for assistance when getting a slip collar.

How Are the Different Types Of Dog Collar Used?

The initial training using a head collar should be done under the supervision of a qualified trainer, even though a head collar is considered to be more humane than a pinch or slip collar. If you have a very tight lead on a hound, the strap around the muzzle will push into its eyes and that is as bad as a Halti which pushes into the eyes anyway.

Any number of of the ideal trainers feel that the most useful training collar is to have no collar at all. The problem is that if you start out using a training collar your dog may know to only obey when wearing the collar. Collars are at the most useful training tools. At the worst they are training crutches.

To ensure that you are using the ideal collar as a training aid for your dog, you should seek the advice of a professional dog trainer.

You need to ensure that your best friend collar fits well. Badly fitted collars and their incorrect usage may be harmful to your dog and in the worst case it can prove to be fatal. A properly fitted collar has at least a two finger width space between the collar and the neck of the pet but it should not slip over his ears.

Hunting Dog Collars

Certain canine tracking systems also allow the canine handler or owner to determine what your dog is doing by using certain behavior systems that form part of the collar. You will be able to tell if a hound has stopped, is still moving, if a dog is barking, or if he has treed an animal.

When you can't see your dogs due to cover, terrain or distance, radio telemetry dog tracking collars are very good at keeping track of any amount of dogs. These dog tracking collars enable the handler or owner to find the location of one dog at a time very quickly.

Some Final Thoughts

Anything other than a quick-release collar or a flat buckle should only be used during training sessions. You should aim to get away from using the training collar. If your pet only responds when wearing a training collar then he's not really been trained.

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David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog collars and tags click Dog Collars and Tags, and for more about dog health and keeping your dog happy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>