• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Happy Oodles

  • Dog Search
    • Dog Adoption
  • Training Tips
    • Puppy Training
    • Puppy Socialization
  • Dog Care
    • Dog Grooming
  • Pet Insurance
  • Dogs @ Home
  • Dog News
    • Kid’s Corner
  • Pet Loss
  • About us
  • Contact

Dog Care

The Complete Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat Review

Winter Coats for Dogs

As every parent of a doodle knows maintaining their pup’s long coat requires daily brushing.  Without frequent brushing their fur can become matted.  The alternative is to keep their fur short. This is what we do. But since we were in the middle of winter and her next grooming appointment was in just a couple of weeks, we were debating if we should cut her hair short again. Our main concern with cutting it short was that she would get too cold on our daily winter walks. If we let her fur grow out she may end up all matted.  In the end we decided to cut her fur short and look for a warm winter coat. After some looking around and research we chose the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat.

About Shedrow K9

It appears that the Shedrow line of horse apparel is a brand of Greenhawk Equestrian Sport in Canada. The tag on the Tundra Dog Coat stated that the dog winter coats were fashioned after the company’s Shedrow line of horse blankets. The canine product line was introduced in Canada to the equestrian community 25 years ago. It is currently sold in the USA at local pet shops and by Greenhawk Equestrian Sport through Amazon.com.

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat in Perfectly Plum

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Coat for Dogs

Here are the many reasons we chose the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Winter Coat.

Ease of Use

What first drew us to the Shedrow K9 Tundra winter dog coat was how easy it was to put on our pup. To make sure we chose the right size, we tried it on her while we were still in the store. Since it only has two closures to deal with it was very quick to put it on her. Also she didn’t seem to mind putting it on even though this was the first time she had ever worn any type of clothing.

Although I wish the under belly strap covered more of her underside, I do like that the strap is extra wide with a large hook and loop pad to keep the strap in place.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat with belly strap open

Adjustable Fit

The hook and loop straps that go across the chest and under the belly are adjustable to ensure a good fit. You can see the front closure in the below picture. Although Bella is long and somewhat stocky, she has a narrow front. But with the adjustable hook and loop we can get the perfect fit.

Tundra Winter Dog Coat Front Strap

There are also adjustable leg straps that keep the rear of the coat in place. These straps are thin so you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of your dog going to the bathroom.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat Back Leg Strap

Quality Construction

The Tundra Dog Winter Coat looks like it is made to last. The coat has a wind and water-resistant 420 denier outer shell which will help keep her dry during snowy winter walks. Plus the 200 gram polyfill and fleece lining seems to keep our pup toasty warm even when her hair is cut short. I like that it has double stitching on the trim and reflective piping. Though, I wish they would have double stitched the trim on the belly band too.

Tundra Winter Dog Coat Double Stitching

Tailored Fit

Yet another feature that I liked about the Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat was the tailored fit in the rear. Unlike other dog coats that just lay on the rear of the dog, the tundra is tailored so it hugs your dog’s rear keeping the cold air out. The back leg bands help keep the coat snug.

Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat Fitted Rear

Multiple Sizes

One of the great features I liked about this coat was that it came in 9 different sizes. That’s about 4 more sizes than your average dog coat. The multiple size options mean a better fit for your dog. At only 18 pounds I consider our dog to be small. But even though she has short legs, her body is long and her chest is wide. We first tried on a small. Although it fit her, it seemed a bit small. Next we tried the Medium/Small. I had never heard of a medium/small but it fit her perfectly. As it turns out the medium/small is for sized for a Dachshund and a Corgi. These are two breeds that also have long, stocky bodies.

Shedrow K9 Size Chart

Machine Washable

The Shedrow K9 Tundra dog coat is machine washable. Just close all the velcro strips and wash in cold water on the gentle cycle. Make sure to wash it with like colors. The coat can then be hung to dry. You can find complete washing instructions at Shedrow K9 Washing Instructions

Possible Improvements

Although I really like the Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat there were a few issues with the coat.

  • Limited Coverage – I wished the coat covered more of the underside of my dog. A wider belly strap might help. If you are looking for a coat with more coverage the Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat might be a better choice. In addition to the greater coverage it is also waterproof. The Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat is available at Amazon.com
Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat
Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat Available at Amazon.com
  • Not Waterproof – The Tundra Winter Coat is only water and wind resistan unlike the Shedrow K9 Chinook Winter Dog Coat available at Amazon.com.
  • Fleece Liner Holds Fur – Basically, the fleece liner is a magnet for dog fur. If you have a low shed dog like I do it will not matter. But if you have a high shed dog and hair on clothes drives you nuts, you may want to go with the Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat .This coat has a smooth inner lining that claims to repel hair. At a minimum it should not attract the hair like the fleece doses. The Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat is available at Amazon.com
Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Coat
Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Dog Coat
  • No Place for Harness Loop – When I was researching this coat I noticed the only complaint about the coat was that it was missing a space for a harness loop to go through. I am not sure if this is a negative or a positive issue. On one hand water cannot leak through the harness hole. But on the other hand you need to attach the leash to the harness above where the coat sits. As you can see from the picture you can easily attach the leash to the harness this way. We use an Earth Soy Dog Comfort Wrap Harness that sits high on the back. The Earth Soy Dog Comfort Wrap Harness is available at Amazom.com
Shedrow K9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat with Harness Loops Sticking Out

Where to find the Shedrow K 9 Tundra Winter Dog Coat

You can find the Shedrow K9 Tundra coat at premium local pet supply shops or on Amazon.com

Other Dog Coat Options from Shedrow

The Shedrow K9 product line offers a variety of winter coat options based on your dog’s needs. Here are their other winter options:

The Shedrow K9 Glacier Winter Dog Coat which is available at Amazon.com features a wind and water-resistant 600 denier ripstop outer shell with 200 gram polyfill perfect for winter weather. The Smooth inner lining helps repel fur.

The Shedrow K9 Chinook coat which is alos available at Amazon.com provides the most coverage out of all the Shedrow winter dog coats. It is designed with cold climates in mind. The waterproof outer shell, cozy fleece lining and 140 gram cotton fill should keep your pup warm. The coat features a full-coverage Y-shaped belly band for extra chest and belly protection. A Sherpa lined collar completes the look.

The Shedrow K9 Aspen Winter Dog Coat features a multi-weave traditional plaid exterior with a soft, black fleece lining. You can find the Shedrow K9 Aspen Winter Dog Coat at Amazon.com

Look for other posts from this site

Does Your Dog Need A Sweater?

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater in the Winter?

It’s getting cold outside. Time to break out the sweaters for you and me. But have you ever wondered if your dog needs a sweater too? There are a few key points to look at to help you decide if your dog needs a sweater now that it is getting cold. These key points are breed, age, health, size and the temperature. We will take a closer look at each of these points to see how they affect your dog’s need for a sweater. 

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater?

Here are some tips on how to decide

Canva.com

Breed

Your dog’s breed or breed mix will have a big impact on the type of fur your dog has. Dogs that are bred to work outside in the cold like a Siberian Husky, or Newfoundland have what is called a double coat. Dogs with a double coat have an insulating, thick under coat and a top coat. The two coats combine to protect them from the cold. This allows double coated dogs to stay warmer in the cold as compared to dogs with a single coat. However even double coated dogs can get frostbite or hypothermia in below freezing conditions. It is best to limit their exposure to the extreme cold.

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater? Picture of a dog in red dog sweater.
Sadie – Poodle/Chow Mix – Petfinder.com

Dogs that are bred for warmer climates typically have a single coat. Their fur and body fat tends to be thin. Often they will have short hair. These types of dogs may need a sweater to keep warm in the cold.  This includes breeds like the Chihuahua, the Rat Terrier, the Greyhound and the Whippet.

But what if you don’t know your dog’s breeding.   In general dogs with short fur or low body fat may benefit from wearing a sweater in the cold.  The same thing goes for long haired breeds that are clipped short like a poodle. We used to keep our English Springer Spaniel’s hair short to limit the amount of snow that would cling to her fur.

Age

Your dog’s age can be a factor in whether your dog needs a sweater to stay warm. You may not be surprised to hear that very old dogs have a harder time staying warm in the cold. But you did you know the same can be true for very young puppies?

Health

Your dog’s health can also have an effect on how well they can tolerate the cold. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association; dogs with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease can have a hard time controlling their body temperature. Plus the cold can increase the pain and joint stiffness for dogs with arthritis.

Size

Smaller dogs with less body fat will feel the cold more than large dogs with a lot of body fat. Also dogs that have shorter legs will become cold quicker because their bellies are closer to the cold ground.

Temperature

Of course the temperature plays an important part in deciding if your pup should wear a sweater. If you keep your house fairly warm your pup probably does not need to wear cloths. But if you keep the temperatures low and bundle up yourself to stay warm then you should watch your dog for signs of being cold.

If you plan to take your pup out in the cold for a walk, a winter coat might be required. We use the Shedrow K9 Tundra Dog Coat for our pup when the temperature goes below 40 degrees.

Does Your Dog Need a Sweater?  Puppy with red checked blanket
Luna from Petfinder.com

Signs Your Dog is Cold

The best way to decide if your dog needs a sweater is to watch for clues.  If your dog is shaking or shivering, they are cold and in need of immediate warmth.  Also if you find your dog curled up in a tight ball with their legs, tail and nose tucked in tight it means they are trying to stay warm. This is a sign that they might like a sweater or blanket to help keep in the warmth.    

Watch Out for Over Heating

It is important to watch for signs that your dog is too warm wearing clothes. Heavy panting or rapid breathing and drinking water more often can be signs that your dog is too warm. Also dogs will spread themselves out on the floor to try to cool themselves off. My dog loves to cuddle but will get up from time to time to cool off on the floor.

Does Your dog Really Need a Sweater?

Alternative to Sweaters

Some dogs simply do not like wearing clothes and don’t need them all the time. An alternative to clothing is to give your pup a warm blanket and a cozy bed. The bed will keep them off the cold floor and they can move the blanket around to fit their needs. Of course you can always cuddle up together to stay warm on cold nights!

Four west paw big sky dog blankets

West Paw Big Sky Dog Blanket – This soft fleece throw is machine washable and made in the USA. Comes in three sizes to fit your needs. Available at Amazon.com

As an Amazon affiliate I earn a commissions from qualifying purchases.

Happyoodles Dog Sweater Picks

If you’re looking for a unique dog sweater, look for further than the Happiness Hugs Thala Hug Dog Sweater. Made from Yak Yarn this sweater claims to be softer and more sustainable than Cashmere. Plus it features a Tibetan “Khorlo”, or “wheel” pattern, which beautifully represents the wish to walk with our companions for years to come. You can find it at Amazon.com

Dog sweater in red and white from Blueberry Pet

Blueberry Pet – This thick, soft chenille dog sweater is made from 100% polyester for ease care. Available at Amazon.com

XXXL Boyfriend Dog Sweater

Chilly Dog – Boyfriend Dog Sweater – handmade by Inca Artisans in South American. This sweater is 100% wool with plant dyes. Available at Amazon.com

Does you dog need a sweater?  beige sweater on dog

BINGPET Turtleneck Dog Sweater – The beige sweater with brown banding comes your choice of design on the back. Made from soft acrylic to keep your pup warm. Available at Amazon.com

Colorful sweater on gray dog

Baja Ponchos– One of a kind handmade dog ponchos made from an authentic Mexican blanket. Available at Amazon.com

Finding large breed sweaters is often hard to find, but Canada Pooch offers an extra-large breed dog sweater in gray or magenta. You can find it on Amazon.com

Not finding what you are looking for? Try these:

Other Posts You Might Like

Perfect Winter Sweaters

Pet Insurance – 9 Common Mistakes People Make When Deciding to Buy Pet Insurance.

What you should look for when picking a dog groomer

Pole and Bait Toys: Why You Should Get One

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-fl

When the weather is too hot or cold to go outside it is important to have a few toys in the house to keep your pup busy. But it’s hard to find a toy that will keep their attention for a long time, tire them out and does not involve food. When our pup was just a couple months old our trainer introduced us to bait toys. A bait toy is a pole with a toy or “prey” attached to it by a long rope. The idea is that you bait the dog into chasing the “prey” around the room. There are many different types of bait toys some better than others. We have reviewed the top two rated bait toys available at the time. Join us as we go over the pros and cons of each.

Bella

When our puppy was just 3 months old, she was still too young to go out for walks in the neighborhood. Plus our yard was a soggy mess due to an abundance of early spring snow.  All this time inside was making her feel pretty restless, which in turn caused her to become a hand full.  She started chewing on our tables and knocking down whatever she could to chew on. Although she was attending a puppy kindergarten class, and a puppy social on the weekends and we took her for walks around the house it was not enough to burn off her puppy energy. We needed to figure out a way to make her more active inside.

happy-oodles-reviews-chase-and-pull-dog-toy-fl

It turns out we were not the only ones feeling this way.

At a Puppy Kindergarten class the instructor showed us the Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog Toy. She explained that is was a great toy for puppies that were still too young to freely go out to parks or other areas where unvaccinated dogs could be. Since many of the puppies in the class were still not fully vaccinated we were all very interested to see how it worked. Typically the puppies in the class were interested in each other but not when this toy came out. The puppy she was demonstrating it on was mesmerized by it. So were all the other puppies. They all wanted to chase the toy. We decided to try it ourselves.

Bella’s reaction

We don’t know exactly what Bella’s breeding is with but we do know that her mother was a Rat Terrier. Because of this she has a very strong prey drive.

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-4-fl

This toy taps into those instincts and really gets her going. Even if your dog is not from a hunting breed most dogs will have a natural instinct to hunt.

happy-oodles-reviews-pole-and-chase-toys-3-fl

How Pole and Bait Toys work

Pole and bait toys work by you moving the pole in either a zigzag or circler motion which in turn makes the “prey” move while your pup chases it.  For anyone who has ever been around cats it resembles a giant cat toy.

Pole and bait toys come in different sizes with different types of prey.  To determine the right one for you, you should consider the size of your pooch and the space you have to swing it around.

Why we like it

  • Chasing the prey around can burn off a ton of your dog’s energy, but you won’t be exhausted when they are done.
  • You can use it as a training toy.
  • It can be used inside or out.

Safety For Your Pooch First

Although pole and bait toys are great, there are few things to consider:

  1. Jumping can cause injury to dogs, especially for puppies under one year old because their bodies are still developing. Instead of dangling the toy in the air, try dragging the toy on the ground for your dog to chase
  2. If you are outside, try to use it on a cushioned surface like grass for those jumpy moments. Jumping and possibly falling on a hard surface can hurt your pup.
  3. Make sure the play area is open and clear (we’ve broken few plates and glasses in the kitchen!)
  4. Don’t use with a dog you do not have complete control over.

Lastly, if your dog has bad joints or injuries that could be aggravated by quick changes of direction or jumping, you shouldn’t use a pole and bait toy.

Product Reviews

Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We’ve picked out 2 of our favorite pole and bait toys:

  • VeeVee Chase ‘N Pull Toy Review
  • Chase ‘N Pull vs Flirt Pole

Of course there are many more with similar features, we found these two toys standout due to construction quality and available replacement parts.

VeeVee Chase ‘N Pull Toy

happy-oodles-reviews-vee-chase-and-pull-dog-toy-fl

As I mentioned we purchased the Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog Toy from our trainer but you can also buy from Amazon here. The Chase’ N Pull comes with a triangle shaped stuffed faux sheep fleece toy that has a squeaker in middle. It feels very soft, replicating the feel of a small animal. The top of the pole is flexible giving you the feel of a fishing rod.

It has been our best toy purchase so far. We have had it for a long time at this point and Bella still loves chasing the prey. She likes it so much that she has started playing with it when it was draped over a chair and has been caught stealing it off a bench.

PROS CONS
Keeps Bella’s attention until she is
tired
The braided rope is not replaceable
Designed to be tough enough for
to tug on
Prey can be torn if dog is
allowed to chew on it.
Faux Sheepskin is machine
washable
Comes in three sizes:
Mini (24″ wand with 28″ rope)
Small (28″ wand with 36″ rope)
Large (30″ wand with 36″ rope)
No Warranty
Faux Fur Toy is replaceable
Made in the USA

Sizing

We purchased the large version because we wanted a larger range of motion and we didn’t know how big she would grow. However I think the “prey” is too big for her small puppy mouth right now so she has a habit of grabbing the rope instead of the prey. The prey is replaceable but the rope is not.

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole

happy-oodles-reviews-quisky-flirt-pole-v2-fl

A solid alternative to the Chase ‘N Pull is the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 also available from Amazon.com. Just like the Chase ‘N Pull, the Flirt Pole V2 is a pole and prey toy that is made in the USA, and comes with a replaceable “prey” toy. The toy is a braided fleece that is made of 100% polyester. The Flirt Pole has a foam rubber, non-slip grip for easy handling plus a safety wrist strap to prevent you from accidentally losing hold of the pole.

The main difference between the Squishy and the Vee Chase and Pull is that the Squishy routes the bungee cord through the rigid wand. However, I prefer the flexible pole from the Chase ‘n Pull toy. In addition to providing some give-and-take motions, the kids can pretend they are fishing a dog!

PROS CONS
Pole (rigid) appears durable Rigid pole may increase the risk of
injuring your pet (or even people)
Comes in two sizes:
Small/Jr. – 24″ pole with 42″cord
Large/Regular – 36″ pole with
52″cord
Bungee cord may whip back at you
Toy is replaceable
(and machine washable)
Bungee cord is NOT replaceable
One year warranty Prey will eventually wear out
Made in the USA

The Verdict

We think both chase and pull toys are good solutions to keep your dog entertained. Having said that, here are some key differences to keep in mind:

Vee Chase N PullSquishy Flirt Pole
Prey Faux Lamb FleeceBraided Fleece
Price$$$$
Tug-abilityDesigned to be tugged onTells you not to tug on rope
PoleRigid pole with safety strapFlexible pole (No Safety Strap)
WarrantyNo WarrantyOne Year Warranty

As you can see, these two products are both neck-and-neck in terms of features and functions. We love our Vee Chase ‘N Pull Dog but the Squishy pull toy is clearly the favorite on Amazon. Either one will bring you and your dog hours of fun.

What to Look for When Picking a Dog Groomer.

9 common mistakes people make when deciding to buy Pet Insurance.

Pet insurance – Here are 5 ways to get a discount on Pet Insurance

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Yorkie with groomer

If you have a doodle like us, you know that doodles spend a lot of time at the groomers. So it is very important that you pick the best dog groomer for your dog. But too often when picking a dog groomer people tend to focus on how their Doodle will look. Let’s face it; we all want our dogs to look great. While a good haircut is important, you need to also focus on finding a safe, clean grooming salon. You want a groomer that will care for your pup just like you do.

You may not realize it, but dog grooming salons can be a dangerous place for your pup. Just search on dog grooming accidents. You will find stories about dogs that were hurt at the hands of their groomers. Now accidents do happen.  But there is a difference between an experienced, dedicated groomer and one that is not.  That difference may be the difference between bringing your dog home with a nick and something much worst.  To help you we have gathered information on what to look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

Groomed dog with comb

What to Look For When Picking the Best Dog Groomer for Your Dog

Here are the 10 areas you should look at when picking the best dog groomer for your dog:

  1. Reviews
  2. Experience
  3. Training
  4. Cleanliness
  5. Safety
  6. Insurance
  7. Where will your dog be kept?
  8. What products they use
  9. Price

Join us as we review each area and provide tips on what to look for.

1. Reviews

When picking the best dog groomer for your dog, you should ask people you know for recommendations. Start with your family, and friends. They are more likely to give you their honest opinion. Ask what they like and don’t like about their groomer. Ideally you should ask people who have a dog with the same hair type and demeanor as your dog. This is particularly important if you have a poodle mixed breed. Remember all dogs are different; one groomer might be great with a certain type of dog and not so great with another. You can also ask people you meet that have the same type of dog. I found most people are willing to talk about their groomer if they have had a good experience.

When you can’t get recommendations

If you don’t know of anyone who uses a dog groomer, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. 

You can also trying searching on the internet. Use keywords like “dog groomer near me”, “dog grooming near me” or “find a dog groomer near me”. If you use Google you should receive a list of area groomers along with their contact information, reviews and website address. We found our dog groomer by searching on “best dog groomer near me”.

Once you have a few possibilities you need to do some research. Look on the web at review sites. But don’t just look at the number of stars; make sure to read what people have to say. Pay special attention to complaints regarding cleanliness, safety, and how the place treats their canine clients. 

Also look to see if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau. If there are complaints, how were they settled? If there are a lot of complaints stay away.

2. Experience

Experience is not just how long they have been grooming dogs but where they trained and if they are keeping up with their training. You can find some of this information on line by checking out their website or Facebook page. If it is not there you will need to ask them during an interview. Ideally you want someone who has at least a few years of grooming experience with some of that experience coming from an apprenticeship under an experienced groomer.

3. Training

Currently dog groomers do not need a license to groom a dog, which means anyone can call themselves a dog groomer. Because of this you need to pay attention to how the groomer was trained. When talking with the groomer make sure to ask them:

  • Where they received their training
    • Look for a groomer who has completed a qualified grooming program.
    • Find out if they are certified by a national dog groomer association.
  • Some states require that groomers are licensed and certified in flea and tick applications. Ask to see if your prospective groomer is certified.

4. Cleanliness

Once you have picked a few dog groomers you like, your next step is to visit the salon. I suggest that you pop in unexpected for a quick visit. That way can see what the place looks like and who is grooming the dogs when they are not expecting you. However don’t expect a tour or long conversation. The groomer may be busy with a client. You should be able to take a quick look around. Then setup another time to talk extensively and get a tour.

During your first visit look to see if the place looks and smells clean. A messy place can result in injuries. Some red flags to look for are dirty, musty smells, forceful handling of the dogs and unattended dogs on tables or in front of dryers. We will talk more about the interview process later.

5. Safety

Your dog’s safety should be the most important consideration when picking a groomer.   In recent years there have been reports of dogs becoming injured or dying at the hands of their groomer.   Here are some of the things you should look for:

  • First Aid Kit – Make sure your groomer has a first aid kit for dogs.  It should be easily accessible in case of an emergency.  Ask if there is a staff member always present that is trained in pet first aid and CPR.  
  • Medical Records – They should keep track of your dog’s medical and vaccination records and emergency contact information in addition to their grooming records.  Ask the owner if they have a procedure in place for emergencies.  Do they have a veterinarian on call?
  • Muzzle – Ask if they use a muzzle during grooming.   If so what is the policy for when and how long a muzzle is used.  Remember a muzzle can restrict how easy a dog can breathe.
  • Hair Dryers – Drying a dog after they had a bath can be dangerous for your dog if not done properly. Dogs can become over heated if left in front of a dryer for too long. Ask the groomer how they dry the dogs. If they use a dryer find out how it is monitored to insure the animal does not overheat.
  • Handling – Observe how friendly the staff is and how gentle they are with their four-legged clients.  Ask about how they handle difficult dogs.

Our story

Our previous dog’s groomer worked alone when we started to use her. As her popularity grew so did her workload. After a couple of years of going to her, we started to notice what looked like grooming mishaps. Spots where our dog’s fur was cut too short and the skin looked irritated. We also noticed that our pup did want to go to the groomer anymore. So at her last visit we decided to pop in early one day to check on our pup. What we found was that the owner of the shop was no longer the person who was grooming our dog. At no point during our conversations at drop off or pick up were we told that she had people working for her. The lesson here is even after you find a great groomer it is important to stay vigilant.

6. Insurance

When picking a groomer it is important to make sure the groomer and everyone who works there is covered by insurance in case of an accident. Ask the groomer about the type of insurance they have and who is covered. Ideally they will have both general and professional liability insurance.

7. Where dogs are kept?

During your tour ask where your dog will be kept when they are not being groomed.  Some groomers will keep the dogs in a cage when they are not being worked on.  Others will have play areas where well behaved dogs can be around other dogs.  In either case pay attention to how clean and well-lit the area is. Is the area monitored? Is there room to move around comfortably?   Find out what their policy is regarding aggressive dogs.  They should have a way to separate aggressive dogs from the other dogs.

8. What products do they use?

What products the groomer uses will have an effect on your dog’s skin and fur. Make sure to ask about the products they will use on your dog. All-natural or organic dog shampoos and conditioners are gentler on your dog’s coat and skin than products that are full of chemicals. This is especially important for dogs that are prone to skin conditions or have allergies.

9. Price

Although you shouldn’t base your decision on price, you do want to make sure you know what you are getting and at what cost. Make sure to ask what is included and what is not.

Be cautious of a groomer that is priced much lower than their competition. Either they are new or they are unable to get clients at an average price.

The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Westie being groomed

The Interview

Now that we have gone over items you should look for when picking the best dog groomer for your dog, let’s get into some tips for the actual interview.

During your scheduled interview and tour take a closer look at:

  • How clean the facility is?
    • Some hair on the floor is to be expected, especially if there are dogs being groomed. However there shouldn’t be hair lying around from a previous groom.
    • Does the salon smell of accidents, vomit or wet dogs?
    • If the groomer uses holding cages are they clean?
    • Are there fleas?
      • An easy way to check for fleas is to wear something white on your feet. Glance at them periodically throughout your visit. If the place has fleas, you will see them jump on your feet and ankles as you walk.
  • Is there fresh water available?

Do they ask questions?

A good dog groomer will not only answer all your questions, but they will also ask you questions about your dog. At a minimum they should ask:

  • The age of your dog
  • If your dog has previously been groomed
  • They should inquire about your dog’s health. Remember to tell them if there are any medical conditions such as:
    • Skin problems
    • Allergies
    • Arthritis
    • Other aliments
    • Let them know if your dog has mobility issues or if they cannot stand for a long period of time.
  • They should ask you how you want your dog to look. Bring pictures so you can show the groomer how you want your pup to look.
  • For proof of age appropriate vaccines. Stay away from a groomer who doesn’t ask for this.
The Best Dog Groomer: How to Find One For Your Dog - Dog getting a bath

How to Save Money at the Groomers

Picture of a Yorkshire Terrier mix on a grooming table with hair and scissors next to her. Part of What to look for when picking a groomer post
Petfinder.com

As the saying goes “Time is Money”. Dog groomers often determine the price based on how long it takes to groom a dog. The easier it is to groom your dog the less it will cost. The three big time commitments are:

1. Matted Fur

  • To keep your dog from becoming matted you need to brush and comb them often. How often will depend on how long their fur is. Since we keep our pup’s hair on the short side every few days seems to work. For long haired dogs, brushing and combing needs to be done daily. Pay attention to the areas that matt the most.
    • Use a slicker brush, than run a comb over their entire body to make sure you did not miss anything. A small mat today will become bigger by tomorrow.
  • Stay out of the rain. Wet hair mats quickly
  • Consider going to the groomer more often
  • Keep their hair on the shorter side

As an Amazon and Cherrybrook affiliate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The Chris Christensen slicker brush is highly recommended by dog groomers and doodle owners for at home use. We recommend buying it from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

We use the Chris Christensen Poodle Comb from Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies to line comb our pup. It is a heavy weight comb that should last for a very long time. Plus the long 1.25″ teeth are long enough to get through all of her fur. You can also find it on Amazon.com.

2. Dogs that don’t like to be groomed

  • Brush them at home to help your pup become comfortable with being groomed.
  • Give them a special treat when you pick them up from the groomers.

3. Specialty cuts and dyes

  • Today, dog grooming goes beyond a simple bath and cut. Dogs can get elaborate cuts and dyes. But it will cost you. If you want to keep your expenses down go for a simple haircut.

Types of Dog Groomers

Here are a few common types of dog groomers you can choose from.

Big Box Store

  • This is a corporate run salon that is attached to a retail store. There has been some bad press around corporate salons in the past couple of years due to dog deaths. Remember accidents can happen in any type of salon. If you go to a corporate salon, ask who will be grooming your dog. Then interview them just like you would at a smaller groomer before booking an appointment.
  • An advantage of this type of place over smaller salons is that you can watch as your dog is groomed.

Small business

  • Small salons tend to be owner operated businesses. In this type of salon the owner does some if not all of the grooming.
  • Sometimes they have a small staff that helps with the bathing and grooming. These places may have an apprentice working with them.

Mobile

  • Mobile groomers operate out of a van that has been designed to be a grooming salon.
  • They come to you.
  • Your dog will be the only one they are working on. This is particularly good for dogs that don’t get along with other dogs.
  • Maybe more expensive than a groomer you go to.

When picking a dog groomer for your dog remember that they are one of the few people you will leave your dog with alone.  For this reason it is important to find a groomer that you trust to treat your pup the same way you do.

Take your time and be selective when picking the best dog groomer for your dog.

Resources

There are two canine groomer associations that offer certification and advance training.

  • The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NAPCG)
  • The International Professional Groomers (IGA)

Dog Park Essentials Checklist

Having the right items with you is essential for a sucessful trip with your pup. Use this Dog Park Essentials Checklist so you don’t forget these important items on your next trip. 

11 Dog Park Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

1. Water and Water Bowl

Teton Dog Travel Water Bowl available at Amazon.com
Washable, Folding, Made in USA.

Always have plenty of water on hand for both you and your dog.  On hot days remember to take breaks from playing to offer your pup a drink.  

Don’t waste precious water trying to give your pup water straight from the bottle.  Instead use a travel water bowl like Teton Dog Travel Water Bowl to quench your pups thirst. Don’t let him drink from a communal bowl either. Parasites can be spread through feces and shared bowls.

2. Dog Waste Bags

Don’t forget to bring your own dog waste bag in case the park supplied bags run out.   Always clean up after your pet to avoid spreading disease.  

Petsafe Break-Away Collar Available at Amazon.com
Made in USA

3. Breakaway Collar

Regular dog collars can be dangerous for your dog, especially if they get in a scuffle with another dog. Dogs can also become injured if their collar is caught on a branch or part of the fencing.   

4. Identification Tags

All dogs should have an identification tag in case they escape from the fenced in area.  In addition to an id tag make sure you have your rabies and dog license on you in case you are asked for it.

Mendota Slip Lead Available at Amazon.com
Made in USA

5. Leash

All dogs should be on a leash until they enter the dog park area. However trying to take your dog’s leash off while they are excited to run and play can be a challenge. An alternative to a traditional leash and collar is a slip lead. A Slip Lead enables you to easily slip the lead over the dog’s head allowing you to quickly leash or unleash your pup.

6. Cell Phone

Preload the local animal control number so you have it if needed.

SeaSense Eco-Blast Refillable Air Horn Available at Amazon.com

7. Air horn to break-up dog fights

If a dog fight breaks out don’t get in the middle.  Try to break up the fight while keeping a safe distance.  The most recommended way to break up a dog fight is through loud startling sounds, hence the air horn. Use carefully.

8. Super Soaker Water Gun

This item will probably surprise most people but the second most recommended way to break up a fight is by throwing water on the dogs. Water guns allow you to keep your distance while being able to aim where you want the water to go.   How big a water gun is up to you, just make sure it can reach at least 15 ft.

9. Dog Deterrent Spray

For dog fights you just cannot get under control or if you have a dog charge at you and your dog, deterrent sprays can help temporarily stop the dog.   There are several kinds of sprays with different intensities.   The citronella sprays are milder than the pepper sprays.    Both get good reviews but none work 100% of the time.   If the dog is intent on attacking the spray will hopefully slow them down long enough for you to find a safe place.      

10. Treats

Keep your dog’s favorite treats handy to entice them to come to you quickly when needed.

11. A bag – To hold it all. 

The Jasper Dog Walking Bag is a stylish water proof option to carry all your dog park essentials. You can find it at Amazon.com

For more like this read:

Dog Parks Concerns and Tips on How to Protect your Dog

5 Great Raincoats for Dogs

Rainy Day Raincoat for Dogs

As the air begins to warm here in the Northeast, we know that spring is just around the corner.  I long for the warm breezes and cleansing rain that comes with the change in season.  But I dread the thought of walking the dog in the rain.   For everyone who has a dog knows that rain and fur do not go together.  At best is it a recipe for muddy floors and wet dog smells.  If you have a doodle type dog like us it also means matted fur.  Although I would like to wrap her in plastic wrap every time she goes out when it is raining or muddy, I realize this is not the best solution.  I need to find her a raincoat (and maybe booties) that will keep her dry and that she is willing to wear.  And so begins our search for a raincoat for dogs 

I was looking for something that was waterproof, of course, and that would cover as much of her as possible without being restrictive.  I also wanted something stylish.

A quick google search resulted in a few possibilities. I found plenty of coats that covered her back, but finding one that covered her head and belly was harder to find.  I needed to dig deeper.   

After an hour of searching all the internet had to offer, I did manage to find a few really cute raincoats for dogs that would do the job.

Check out these cute and functional raincoats for dogs

Elle Dog Wear Waterproof Raining Day Raincoat

My favorite is the Elle Dog Wear Waterproof Raining Day Raincoat.  This one covers not only the back, belly and head but also the chest area and part of the front legs. Plus the striped lining and silver snaps ups the cute factor.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Elle Dog Wear Raining Day Rain Coat in Blue available at Amazon.com

I also like that the hood and waist have drawn strings that allow you to custom fit the coat to your dog. This helps prevent accidental soiling while doing their business.

Cons of this raincoat

Like many human raincoats the outer layer is water resistant not waterproof, meaning that in a heavy downpour for an extended period of time it will not keep your pup dry.

Also it does not have a reflective strip so your dog is visible on cloudy days.

The raincoat comes in all sizes from X-Small to X-Large so it should fit most dogs. You can even get a XX- Large in Yellow. Elle Dog Wear also provides a sizing chart and tips on how to measure your dog to get the correct size.

Tip – When measuring your dog for this raincoat it is important to know that the material runs snug and is not stretchy. Elle Dog Wear recommends that for medium & larger dog breeds you should add up to two inches for the chest measurements when picking a size to prevent the raincoat from being too tight.

Klippo WaterProof Rain Jacket

Another super cute raincoat is the Klippo WaterProof Rain Jacket available at Amazon.com. The bright yellow jacket comes with either an embroidered splashing whale or daisies on the back. Both have a soft cotton lining accented with white polka dots and a hood.

Rainy Day Raincoat for Dogs

This jacket comes with a easy to use velcro closure that goes from the tummy area all the way up to the neck covering the chest and upper front leg areas well. The velcro strips around the sleeves help to prevent rain from splashing up onto the legs. A large D ring at the back of the neck makes it easy to attach a leash.  The bright yellow color makes it stand out even on the wettest days.

The Klippo Raincoat comes in sizes X-small to X-large, but as you can see from the sizing chart it is sized for small to medium sized dogs.

OSPet Waterproof and Windproof Raincoat

Next on our list of coats is the OSPet Waterproof and Windproof Raincoat for dogs. This lightweight raincoat is black with red color blocking and a contrasting trim which gives it a sporty look. The OSPet Waterproof and Windproof Raincoat can be found at Amazon.com

Rainy Day Raincoat for Dogs

The unique design features elastic leg straps and an adjustable Velcro belly strap for a secure and comfortable fit. There is a handy opening on the back of the neck so you can hook your leash up to the dogs collar directly.

Ethical Pet Fashion Rainy Days Yellow Slicker

Lets face it, many dogs just do not like the restrictive feeling of a dog coat, so trying to get your dog into a raincoat that covers their legs may be out of the question.

If this is the case for you the Ethical Pet Fashion Rainy Days Slicker might be the right coat for you and your pup. The Ethical Pet Fashion Rainy Days Slicker is available at Amazon.com

Rainy Day Raincoat for Dogs

You can find this coat just about everywhere. It is also very inexpensive. This popular raincoat is super easy to put on. Doesn’t restrict their legs in any way making it a great choice for fussy dogs. The downside is that the coat does not protect the dog from water that is splashed up. If you have a tall dog this might not be much of an issue.

Healers Spot-Lite Dog Reflective Jacket

Our last pick is the Healers Spot-Lite Dog Reflective Jacket also available at Amazon.com. This coat stands out for a number of reasons.

Rainy Day Raincoat for Dogs

The first reason is due to the LED lights located on the perimeter of the reflective strip on the back of the coat. This lighting making it a great choice if you walk your pup at night. The lights can be set to either either blink or be a steady light increasing your visibility.

Another reason is the soft outer fabric which is lined with a lightweight fleece to keep your pup warm. It is also the only coat I found that claimed to be machine washable and made in the USA.

Of course there are some negatives. Like the fact that the coat does not have a hood or that it doesn’t cover much of the underside of the dog.

All of these coates are great choices. It will be hard to choose.

For more article on coping with rainy days:

For more articles like this read :

  • Walking a Dog in the Rain: A Survival Guide
  • Dog Park Safety: Concerns and Tips
  • Dog Park Essentials Checklist

More Raincoat for Dogs at Amazon.com

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2

Primary Sidebar

As an Amazon affiliate I can earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Recent Posts

  • Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?
  • The 9 Best Places to Find a Goldendoodle Rescue
  • Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
  • White Dog Names: 375+ Names for White Dogs
  • Black Dog Names: 450+ Names for Black Dogs
  • Unique Dog Names: 300+ Unique Names for Your Dog
  • Can a Dog Smile? Some Say No, But Mine Does
  • 10 Common Homeowner Association Rules for Dogs
  • How to Create a Lasting Bond with your Puppy
  • Service Animal Relief Area at IAH – United Airline

Previous Posts

Footer

Happyoodles

Happyoodles is a free resource that offers real life experiences and researched information on finding and caring for your perfect pup.

We publish dog stories, dog news, tips and product buying advice for dog parents.

Happyoodles is owned and operated by two dog lovers and one cute pup named Bella, a poodle mix we rescued from a shelter.

 

Recent Posts

  • Goldendoodle vs Labradoodle: Which is Better?
  • The 9 Best Places to Find a Goldendoodle Rescue
  • Labradoodle Rescue: 14 Best Places to Get a Labradoodle
  • White Dog Names: 375+ Names for White Dogs
  • Black Dog Names: 450+ Names for Black Dogs
  • Unique Dog Names: 300+ Unique Names for Your Dog
  • Can a Dog Smile? Some Say No, But Mine Does
  • 10 Common Homeowner Association Rules for Dogs

Search

Disclosure

Some of the links are affiliate inks, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Happy Oodles will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

You can read more about our privacy policy here

Thank you for visitng Happy Oodles!

 

Copyright © 2021 · Executive Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in