Pet Water Safety -- Not Every Dog Can Dog-Paddle

Does your pet know how to swim? Of course, you might answer--all dogs know how to swim. Not so, says MSNBC, Of pooches and pools -- teaching your dog to swim:

Diamond confirmed that some dogs are born swimmers. It's a good bet if the dog's breed includes the word "water," as in Portuguese or English water spaniel, it takes to swimming like a nursery-schooler takes to finger-painting. For owners of those breeds, the problem isn't getting the dog into the water, but keeping it on dry land. But other breeds aren't as water-friendly. Some dogs have to be taught to swim, Diamond said, and others, like bulldogs, take to the water like submarines take to the Cross Bronx Expressway. For the former, there is hope. For the latter, there are those bright orange canine flotation devices.

Among the dogs that swim naturally and gladly, she said, are water spaniels, setters, retrievers, Barbets, akitas, Kerry blue terriers, poodles and Hungarian pulis.

Among those that can't swim at all or swim only with great difficulty are basset hounds, bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, corgis, Scottish and Boston terriers and greyhounds.

WizDog Indoor Dog Potty -- No More Accidents in Your Home

No more indoor accidents with WizDog Indoor Dog Potty! If you are housebreaking, have an older, incontinent dog or just one who won't go out in the rain or snow, this is for you.

WizDog Indoor Dog Potty consists of a durable plastic pan and a fitted grate. When you pet does his/her business, the liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or a pee pad, which is separated from your dog's paws. Solid waste stays on top of the grate, so you never have to touch it. Just flip the grate, and it's gone.

No more wet paw tracks throughout your house, ripped newspapers or refills. No worries if you are caught in traffic or sleep late.

WizDog Double for dogs over 40 lbs.

Train Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post with Pavlov's Cat Interactive Treat-and-Food Dispenser

The apty named Pavlov's Cat Interactive Treat-and-Food Dispenser trains your cat to use the scratching post by rewarding him/her with food. Features:

• Scratching post doubles as treat-and-food dispenser for cats
• Rewards scratching by releasing treats or dry food; 4-1/2-cup capacity
• Heavy plastic construction ensures durability; carpeted scratching surface
• Paw-shaped base can be filled with sand or litter for added stability
• Measures 13 by 13-1/2 by 20 inches

Pavlov's Cat Interactive Treat-and-Food Dispenser

Petsafe Deluxe Little Dog Remote Trainer for Pets Under 40 Pounds

Does your little pet engage in annoying behavior such as digging, chewing on furniture, jumping on guests, or barking? Do you sometimes think you could benefit from a session with Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer? Or maybe you are simply interested in basic obedience training such as teaching the "come, fetch, stop" commands.

The Petsafe PDLDT-305 Deluxe Little-Dog Remote Trainer for Pets Under 40 Pounds is designed for both the professional trainer and the average pet owner with no training experience. The trainer has a range of up to 100 yards, so you can comfortably work around your home, in your yard or even at a park. Comes with a training manual. Features:

* Remote trainer with a range of up to 100 yards for dogs under 40 pounds
*10 easily adjustable levels of stimulation, from 400 volts to 6000 volts
* Option for negative tone without correction and negative tone with correction
* Low-battery indicator light; expanded training manual and batteries included

Just Released -- Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Ultimate Episode Guide

If you are a fan of Cesar Millan, you will be interested in the release of a new paperback book, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Ultimate Episode Guide. This episode guide is based on his famous National Geographic TV series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, featuring 50 stories of the dogs Cesar has met and rehabilitated. This book has an accessible format:
* organization by behavioral problem (i.e., aggression, phobias, obsessions)
* notable quotes, advice, and tips from Cesar
* photos of Cesar, the dogs he has met, and the people whose lives he's changed
* production secrets from behind the scenes of the show
* updates on how the dogs and their owners are getting along today

Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan: The Ultimate Episode Guide

Pet Safe Smart Door--"The Ultimate in Dog Door Security"

If you find yourself letting your dog in and out all the time, pamper yourself with a PetSafe Smart Door and Smart Key system. Give yourself a break and give the dog a key to the house! You deserve it.

Your dog wears a SmartKey tag on his or her collar that communicates with the SmartDoor through a radio frequency. Your pet unlocks the door as he or she approaches, and the door re-locks automatically as your pet enters or exits. The beauty of this system is that it offers three levels of security - Automatic (unlimited entry through use of SmartKey), Always Unlocked, and Always Locked. It has a sensing range adjustable up to 15 feet.

PetSafe Smart Door and Smart Key is energy efficient with a weather resistant seal and insulated flap. Fits standard doors from 1-1/2" to 2" thick.

The system can identify up to 5 SmartKeys™ for use with up to 5 pets. And if you have that many, this system is a very good idea for you. Additional SmartKeys are sold separately.

Care and Feeding of Our Pets--New Book Releases

Do you ever wonder if you are feeding your pet the most nutritious food? Whether you should really be throwing them scraps, or if their recent illness was caused by their diet? The pet food recall of 2007 reminded us all that we can't take pet nutrition for granted anymore. Here are a few of the new books out on the all important subject of food and fuel for our pets.

For a comprehensive guide, pick up a copy of Ultimate Pet Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Feeding Your Dog or Cat by Liz Palika. This book covers it all--homemade, commercial, and raw food diets. The author discusses introducing new foods; what "human foods" pets shouldn't eat; free-feeding; responsibility for food safety; where ingredients come from; and red flags in ingredients.

If you like to cook for your pets, you can choose from more than fifty veterinarian- and pet-nutritionist-approved recipes, along with diets tailored to special-needs pets, such as puppies/kittens and pregnant, older, overweight and/or more sedentary animals.

Natural Nutrition for Cats: The Path to Purr-fect Health by Kymythy R. Schultze, "exposes the pitfalls of the pet-food industry." You will benefit from the author's extensive knowledge of proper feline nutrition. She updates the information from her previous books, Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats and The Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book, writing with charm and humor. You will love the photos.

If you are contemplating a new puppy, or have just brought one into your home, Puppy Preschool, Revised Edition: Raising Your Puppy Right---Right from the Start! by John Ross and Barbara McKinney is a must-read. It is filled with great advice for the first-time dog owner, as well as a refresher course for repeat owner. The premise of the books is that you should always train from the canine point of view.

In the first chapter, which is critical to puppy-rearing success, they outline their underlying training philosophy and consider who should own a dog. In succeeding chapters, they cover choosing the right puppy (including finding and evaluating puppies, the ten best breeds, and ten problem breeds), puppy development, bonding and socializing, housebreaking, basic commands, and puppy manners.

If you are a dog-lover reading Super Cool Pets, you most likely have experience bringing up a puppy. Due to a dog's optimal 10-15 or so year lifespan, a lot of time can go by between puppies. As we found, it's never a bad idea to update yourself on state-of-the-art training techniques, pet food and equipment. And we will keep you current here on Super Cool Pets.

Sticky Paws Furniture Strips Protect Against Cat Scratching

Is your cat scratching and ripping your furniture, countertops, speakers, windows, curtains or carpets? Just put Sticky Paws Furniture Strips anywhere you don't want your kitty to be. These are transparent adhesive strips that apply directly to the surface or fabric. The strips won't hurt your cat, but can protect your possessions and are helpful in deterring inappropriate elimination.

Along with Sticky Paws Furniture Strips, Sticky Paws X-L Strips for carpets is also available.

Dog Dazer II -- Handheld Ultrasonic Aid to Dog Deterrence

If you want to avoid contact with most aggressive dogs, and even cats, carry the Dazer II. This is a compact, battery operated, handheld unit that comes with a steel clip to fit onto a belt or other clothing for easy access. If you feel seriously threatened by an oncoming animal, simply point it at the dog and press the built-in button for 2 or 3 seconds. A burst of ultrasonic sound is emitted at a high frequency when the button is pressed. The closer the animal gets the more intense the sound becomes. The unit is functioning correctly when a red LED light flashes after you press the button.

The Dazer II is recommended for postal workers, meter readers, service workers, sales and delivery people, walkers, joggers, cyclists, the elderly, vets, animal control workers...anyone who comes into contact with animals. It is not guaranteed to be effective against every animal, including docile, deaf, infirm and highly trained dogs. .

Relax Your Dogs with Doggone Songs - Travel Tunes CD

On the road again...and with your pooch in tow. If your dog gets a little jumpy in the car, Doggone Songs Travel Tunes CD will chill you both out. Play it during thunderstorms, fireworks, parties, training sessions--anytime your dog gets a little hyper and nervous.

The secret is in the Schoenberger effect, a musical methodology shown to relax animals. Dog enrichment and therapy with Doggone Songs Travel Tunes CD.

2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

If you love dogs, the exciting 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is being held today, Monday February 11 and Tuesday Febuary 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York. 169 Breeds and Varieties will be judged in seven different groups during the day Monday and Tuesday, competing for the ultimate prize of Best in Show as well as Group and Breed Trophies.

There are four new breeds eligible for the first time at Westminster in 2008: the Plott (Hound Group), the Tibetan Mastiff (Working), the Swedish Vallhund (Herding) and the Beauceron (Herding).

Keep tabs online or check it out on TV. This show is always educational, and it is certainly fun to watch these beautiful, sweet dogs in all shapes and sizes.

Stop Nuisance Barking with Tone Correction

If your dog barks inside and is driving you and your neighbors nuts, a PetSafe Bark Control System strategically placed on the table in the same room may solve the problem. When your dog barks, this ultrasound unit hears it through an internal microphone and will emit an automatic (can be manualy operated) 2-second tone that only the dog can hear. The dog will be "startled by the irritation" and will, as Pavlov showed us, learn to negatively associate this high-pitched sound with barking.

This form of nuisance bark correction is suitable for the pet owner who prefers a gentle method of nuisance bark correction. PetSafe Bark Control System operates on a 9-volt battery (not included). Measures 5" x 3-1/2" x 2".

SuperPuppy Puppy Trainer

If you welcomed a new puppy in your home over Christmas (you lucky!), pick up a copy of the short and readable SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever Have! The time invested in domesticating your dog is well worth it. You will be hard-pressed to find a better companion on this earth.

A must-read for all new puppy owners! In just 50 pages SuperPuppy will give you clear, concise suggestions covering: choosing a puppy, discipline, chewing, digging, jumping up, housetraining, barking, and nipping. You'll learn how to communicate better with your dog and how to get the most out of your relationship with one of the most remarkable creatures on earth.

SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You'll Ever Have! is eligible for the 4-for-3 promotion at Amazon. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free.

New Puppy? Relieve Stress with Housetraining Pads

Some of our Super Cool Pets readers out there have a new puppy in the house these days. Make life easier on yourself and pick up some Puppy Pads. These are specially scented pads that attract pups to the pad, thereby saving your floor and training them at the same time. Once using the pads becomes a habit for the puppy, place them outside to teach him or her to take care of business out there. Also can be used for older dogs that are incontinent.

Pads measure 22" x 23". Available in bags of 7, 14 or 30 pads, and a 100-pack. If you are a breeder or run a kennel, Puppy Pads are also available in a 200-count boxed kit. At Amazon.

Biodegradable and no slip Piddle Pads in Regular to X Large at Drs. Foster & Smith.