Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

During hot days and dry conditions, your four-legged friends will need all the help they can get in keeping their cool over summer.

Pets require many of the same conditions that humans need: a shady spot to spend the day, access to cool water and plenty of rest. They also require gentle exercise in the coolest parts of the day and a dab of pet-friendly sunscreen on pink noses if they are out in the hot sun.

Whether your pets are spending time indoors or outdoors this summer, remember that they need special care in warm weather.

• One of the best activities for you and your dog during summer is a walk in the cooler evening so find out from your local council where the best parks and open spaces are for dogs during summer. There can be restrictions during this period that don't apply during the rest of the year, so it is worth checking for the latest information.

• Most dogs love water but with restrictions in force in many parts of Australia, you will have to be careful about splashing the wet stuff around. Many dogs love ice cubes and this is a water-efficient way of keeping them cool.

• If you are away from home during the day and can't leave your pet indoors, ensure they have a shady spot outside with plenty of fresh water.

• Some dogs just don't know when to say no, so if you have an active dog it may be necessary to discourage high energy play on hot days.

• Keeping your dog's coat short and well-groomed during summer will help it to stay cool.

• Summer thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally, your dog and cat should be kept inside with human company if there is a summer storm. Some dogs are very fearful in storms and may try to escape the yard, so take time to ensure your yard is secure and that your dog is identified with a collar and tag. In severe cases of storm phobias, your veterinarian should be consulted.

• We all know not to leave a dog in a car on a hot day - even with a window down, cars get very hot. Garden sheds and other small spaces also heat up quickly and can be dangerous if a dog is confined to that area.

• We may not all know that swimming pools can be as dangerous to dogs as they can be to small children. Make sure the gate is closed at all times. Better still, take your four-legged friend to a dog-friendly beach, river or lake and teach it to swim!

• If travelling with your pet, consult with your vet about any special requirements. Ticks can be found in many of the popular coastal holiday spots and can be dangerous to dogs. Also make sure all vaccinations are up to date and your pet's ID tags are securely fastened to their collar.

Pinching pennies? Not necessarily when it comes to pet owners

Emilie Wilson's menagerie includes 15 ferrets, two dogs and four cats, including a hefty grey feline named Tonie Stewart who rides in style inside a pet stroller during family outings.

Wilson spent US$300 on Christmas gifts for her brood last year and figures she'll exceed that sum this year. And despite the recession-like economy, the suburban Chicago woman has no plans to scale back pet presents anytime soon.

"I couldn't care less if there's anything under the tree for us, as long as there's something for Tonie," she said.

Retailers may be worrying about the possibility of the worst fourth quarter in generations, but those in the pet products industry are finding themselves in a veritable oasis among much of the gloom of American business. Companies that sell everything from organic dog treats to couture-inspired pet toys say business is up even as economic indicators show shoppers are pinching pennies during one of the worst downturns in decades.

"I think they're buying nice dog collars instead of remodelling their kitchen," said Fiona Tavernier, whose Lollypadoodle business near San Francisco sells wool stuffed dog toys and is going strong.

It may sound counterintuitive - even to some in the pet industry who say they're surprised business is robust - but experts say many pet owners are as dedicated to their animals as parents are to children. And that means they're willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends.

"You know, for some families, the pet comes first," said Carol Perkins, president and co-founder of Harry Barker, a Charleston, S.C.-based pet toy company whose sales are up 40 per cent this year. "The dog goes to the vet first and the dog gets organic food. Maybe some people will cut back on a dog bed, but they'll still buy dog treats, toys and collars and leashes."

The American Pet Products Association estimates Americans will spend US$43.4 billion this year on their pets - a figure that includes everything from treats to training - despite the dramatic slowdown in discretionary spending. That's 26 per cent higher than what U.S. consumers spent in 2004, the group said.

Market researcher Euromonitor International, which tracks sales of pet food and accessories but excludes the cost of animals, grooming, training and other expenses, puts this year's animal expenditures at US$23.9 billion.

But the group forecasts the segment's sales are still on pace to grow more than 13 per cent by 2013.

"It's definitely more resilient than most categories tied to discretionary spending," said Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy. "It's one of the last categories (people) cut out of their budget."

Backing that up is a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart, a publication from Consumer Reports, which says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper brands of everything from medication to milk, but are digging in their heels when it comes to switching to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.

Some parts of the pet food industry, particularly gourmet and organic pet food, will likely be even more insulated than the sellers of pet carriers, clothing and outdoor gear.

That's because many pet owners, who upgraded their kibble after contaminated pet food killed or sickened thousands of animals last year are leery of switching back, a move that could cause digestive problems.

"Once people have their pets on a certain pet food, there's health risks to switching over to another," Hottovy said. "As soon as they've moved up to the premium brands, they're kind of locked in, so it's hard to trade down."

Still, there are signs that the most extravagant expenses - such crystal bowls and custom-made pet beds - may be sidelined amid growing economic uncertainty.

"Gone are the days when people would buy $100 collars and fake fur," said Claire Chew, of Venice, Calif., who founded Luxepets, a line of pet keepsakes.

American Pet Products Association spokeswoman Leah Nelson said the group doesn't release industry sales projections, but that it is "eyeing the future" with caution.

That's why Paige Ormand, the owner of the Doggy Style Pet Shop in Chicago's Wicker Park neighbourhood, is ordering more products that are less expensive - for example, $5 toys instead of $20 models.

But she's not removing expensive gifts from her store shelves, either.

"This industry is way more insulated than other businesses," she said. "But I wouldn't say it's recession proof."

Fresh up a Pet Store

We don’t know how deep the economic recession will cut or how long it will last, but one thing is certain: This is no time for pet retailers to hunker down and adopt a bunker mentality. Do that and risk losing the edge that can make your pet store competitive when good economic times return.

That’s what retail and pet industry consultants are advising pet retailers. “It’s like the old adage: when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” says Jim Dion, president of Dionco. Inc., a Chicago-based retail-consulting company.



Now is the time for pet retailers to get aggressive and try things that can push them ahead of their competitors, and improving your store’s look and the image it projects is a great place to start. “A spruce up or even a new look may be the strategy that can help pet retailers excite their customers or even keep them,” says Dion.

The remarkable news is that remodeling your store can boost sales, whether there is a recession or not. “In tough times, a retailer needs to project a positive image to their customers,” explains Chris Miller, president of the Garden Grove, California-based design/building firm Pacific Store Designs Inc. “A fresher look speaks volumes to your customers. You are saying to them that times may be tough, but I’m doing okay. You can have confidence in me. A look of doom and gloom in a down economy can almost be a self fulfilling prophecy.”

Some studies show that a remodel can actually boost sales by as much as 20 to 30 percent. “Remodeling can revive your store and make it an exciting place to shop in again,” explains Jami Dolinski, marketing manager for the Cerritos California-based CASCO Group, a leading provider of acrylic aquarium displays and installations. “Customers will not only want to come to your store, they will stay longer.”

Since the current state of the economy is impacting every industry, a remodel may be more affordable than you think. “By remodeling in the current recession, you can save money by taking advantage of today’s prices,” Miller explains. “For instance, steel prices have dropped 25 percent and gas prices have fallen. We don’t have many of the surcharges we once had. Also, labor is more competitively priced in tough times.”

Of course, a substantial remodel will probably still cost a few thousand dollars or more, but the store’s appearance can be freshened up for just a fraction of that. Take on what you can afford. What’s important is that you answer the call to action.

“Even if you are hanging on by your fingernails, there are some basic things you can do to bring back excitement into the store,” Dion says. “Merely adding a fresh coat of paint can brighten up a store and make a world of difference.”

Take a look around the store and let your senses go to work. Can you detect anything that could turn off customers?

Don’t be afraid to seek other perspectives. Meet and brainstorm with employees, family, friends, mentors and advisors, as well as customers. Ask them for ideas or a frank assessment as to how you can improve the image of and bring excitement to your pet store. The more ideas received, the more options you will have to give your business that edge.

To gain even more feedback, train employees to be the eyes and ears of the store while they help freshen up the sales floor. “Employees hear a lot of stuff that indicates what customers think of your store,” Dion explains. “Customers are not experts at retail management, but they can get vocal when something bothers them.”


Keep It Clean
The first place to look when assessing a store’s image is cleanliness. “The pet supply store I use is conveniently close to my house, but sometimes it’s dirty,” Dion reveals. “How many other customers notice that and are turned off? It doesn’t take much money or effort to keep a pet store clean.”

Miller advises making each employee responsible for keeping a pre-determined area of the store clean. “You can take a photograph of a clean module and display the photo in the employee room,” he explains. “You’ve established a non-negotiable standard for how the store must look before the employees go home at night.”

Do you smell anything foul? Customers understand that a pet store, by nature, may have certain smells, but are the odors out of control? Use an exhaust system to air out the store. “Most retailers don’t bother to air out their stores,” Miller explains. “Or when they do, they use an inefficient exhaust system. A good exhaust will cost from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of store. It will be less if you don’t have live animals.”

In a tough economy, the look and attitude of a store’s employees can be just as important as the product and services provided. And freshening up the workforce will cost no more than a song.

Make every worker wear the same type of clothes. “I’ve noticed that a growing number of pet retailers have relaxed their dress codes,” he explains. “But how an employee looks and acts goes a long way in making your average customer feel comfortable.”


Sprucing Up Signage
Another area that should be carefully looked at is the store’s signage. Are the signs confusing or boring? Handwritten signs look unprofessional–discard them. You can simply print signs from a computer or use pre-printed signage supplied by vendors.

“Use signage to engage customers,” advises Nancy Reed, marketing director for Companion Habitats Inc., a Colorado Springs, Colo.-based company that provides animal fixtures for the retail industry. “For instance, if you have a sign about lizards, include a short paragraph on the sign about their habits.”

Reed suggests that retailers go a step further, particularly when trying to engage younger shoppers who are easily bored by traditional merchandising strategies. “They are the buyers of the future, and we know they are into technology. So use interactive displays to engage them,” she says.


Clear Out the Clutter Are your aisles cluttered? Do they make you feel like snake when trying to navigate them? Keep products in an orderly manner and off the floor. Taking photos of the front, middle and back of the store and analyzing them can provide some valuable insight in this regard. “What you see will shock you,” says Dion. “Many retail stores are too cluttered. The products on the floor really belong in the stock room.”

According to Diane Benson Harrington, a business writer who publishes articles that help small business owners with their most pressing management problems, narrow aisles and boxy configurations give a store a discount-store feel. “Open floor plans with a curvilinear sensibility encourage shoppers to linger and move around the store,” Harrington explains.

You can control customer traffic flow by delineating a walkway through the store. Known as the ‘main drive aisle,’ this pathway can create what Miller describes as the “yellow brick road effect.” He explains: “A pet retailer can put a red main drive aisle through the store, similar to what the Target discount store chain does to help move their customers smoothly. It’s not costly and it works very well. I’ve done 3,000 stores with this principle in mind, and I have not had to make any changes.”


A First Impression
Don’t forget that the front of the store is where the customer gets a first impression. “Make your window display as simple but as inviting as possible,” says Dion, also noting that the first two to three feet of the sales floor should be clean and open.

Miller agrees, explaining that customers will form an impression of a store within two or three steps inside the front door. Woe is the future of the pet store where the music is too loud or jarring, the aisles too cluttered or the employees too sloppily dressed.


Shed Some Light
Lighting is a key element in remodeling a store. The three keys to good lighting are atmosphere, attraction and appeal. A store needs to use different types of lighting, depending on the objective.

“To enhance the general shopping experience, use florescent full spectrum color bulbs,” Miller says. “Accent or track lighting should be used to highlight window displays or endcaps and should be placed where you want the customer to spend more time. Track lighting is used for special purposes, such as to highlight animal enclosures or for showcases or neon signage. Track lighting’s psychological goal is to trigger impulse buying.”

The above remodeling tips are inexpensive ways to spruce up a store and freshen its image. “You don’t need to do major remodeling overhaul, but it’s important that pet retailers be proactive and do everything they can to attract and keep customers,” Dolinski say.

Dog Training Tricks

Having problems with your pooch? Is she piddling on the rug? Is he dragging you down the street when you try to walk him? Chewing on your shoes or raiding the trash? Or do you have a new puppy you want to start off on the right track to prevent these problems from ever happening in the first place?

You don't need an expensive trainer for these everyday issues (though I do recommend a professional if you have a particularly aggressive dog that may require special understanding and handling). Nor do you need to attend the pet store "obedience classes" unless you'd just enjoy doing so. I'm going to show you here a couple of tricks to prove to you that you can train your dog to do anything you'd like, within his capability, and do it positively while both of you have fun. Just try them and you'll see for yourself how quick and easy this is.

First, it's important to understand that dogs live to please us. It may not appear so when your dog is ignoring your commands - that's because he doesn't understand your commands or perhaps your method for teaching him has backfired on you, which is the most common problem. What you think you're telling him and what he's thinking may be two very different things.

For example, you may want your dog to "come". Under what circumstances have you been giving that command? Are you yelling it at him for him to come to you only when you're unhappy with him and when he's to be punished somehow? Not exactly motivating. Certainly an unsuccessful approach.

It's well worth a few minutes of play every day to teach your dog to "come" immediately and every time you command it. And I do mean "play", not "work" - it's fun and a great bonding experience. Food is a terrific doggie motivator, so get some small one-bite treats (no big biscuits that take time to eat and thus distract from your goal). When you're sitting there watching TV or at your computer, most anywhere really, tell your dog to "come" with a calm, happy voice and give him a treat when he does.

Only one treat, we aren't trying to teach him to beg! A little later, tell him to "come" and give him "lovies", pet him, praise him. Another time, play with him with his favorite toy for a few minutes. Show him that "come" means something good will happen. Do this frequently throughout the day , rotating the rewards, and you'll see that he will soon be happily obeying your command every time. Sounds easy, doesn't it? It is!

Want your dog to be well-behaved on a leash? This, too, is quick and easy, usually just a matter of stopping the walk when pooch starts to pull. Your dog wants to GO, to explore and sniff - that's his motivation and fun. Stopping dead in your tracks keeps him from what he wants to do. Shorten the leash length to keep him at your side and in a calm voice (very important - if you yell or show emotion, you'll just excite him further), tell him to "calm" or "shhh", whatever comes naturally to you, and stand there until he calms down.

When he does, continue your walk, repeating this as often as necessary until he understands what you expect from him and learns to "walk nice" (my particular command for a rowdy dog). It can usually be accomplished very quickly, often in a single session with a quick reminder if he forgets it the next time you walk.

When it comes to walking, I believe this is one of the most important things you can do for your dog and for you. It not only gives you both healthy exercise, it allows for deeper bonding and understanding between you, the foundation of trust so important in further training. It also gives your dog that mental stimulation he needs to be well-behaved, socialized and happy. I don't do the "heel" thing when we walk - I have little interest in having a "Stepford" dog. Instead, I want our walks to be his time to stop and sniff (within reason) and to explore.

I just insist that he "walk nice" for both of our sakes, which is defined as a loose leash and not losing his mind when he sees other dogs. The training technique I described above usually accomplishes both of these goals.

Just these two techniques I've described can be used with variation to deal with most any issue. For example, want your dog to leave your shoes alone? Give him own chew toy and reward him with a treat at first for choosing that over the seductive shoe. Spend a few minutes each day with this exercise. If that isn't enough, or in addition to the above, you can use the "leave it" command technique. For this, place the shoe in front of him and when he reaches for it, say "leave it", giving him a treat and praising him when he does. Repeat as necessary, making him wait longer and longer for his reward.

Want your dog to be calm when the doorbell rings? Use a variation of the leash training technique and the "shhh" or "calm" command you used on your walks, which he now understands, working with a friend or neighbor who is willing to come over and ring your doorbell until your dog "gets it".

Establish the foundation of reward for the behavior you want and he'll start learning new behaviors very quickly. He'll snap to the reward thing and look forward to learning new things, knowing something good will happen when he does... and just because it's fun!

I've just given you a quick overview here, a place to start. There are many more proven techniques that I hope you'll want to learn now that you know you can train your dog and how rewarding it is for both of you!

Top gifts for pets

Pets really are a member of the family -- and this year they're more likely to get gifts than the relatives. While people are cutting back on presents this year, a survey from Consumer Reports suggests that faithful and furry companions are still making people's lists.

While the majority of people plan to give fewer gifts this year, 40 per cent say they intend to cut back on gifts for friends and family but only 23 per cent plan to cut back on gifts for their pe ts

However, the downturn in the economy is not going unnoticed. This year, retailers and organizations like the American Pet Products Association (APPA) are promoting a wider range of products to appeal to every budget. If you're hunting for a gift for the favourite pet or pet parent on your list, here are some of this year's top picks:

Delicious treats: Buying special munchies for pets continue to be popular, whether you're picking up an inexpensive bag at the pet store or searching for some gourmet goodies. Following in the wake of pet food scares, the latest trends for treats include organic, human-grade, vegetarian and kosher products. Watch for ingredients like blueberries and other superfoods which aim to provide certain health benefits. You can even buy organic frozen yoghurt for dogs and organic catnip.

Warm clothes: From practical to designer, there's an even wider range of clothing available on the market. Watch for customizable clothing and holiday wear. You won't just find it in pet stories -- keep your eyes open next time you hit your favourite clothing store.

Pet pampering : Bad news for pets who hate the bath -- more and more companies are introducing products to pamper pets. A variety of luxury and "all-natural" products are coming out for bath and grooming, but the variety of grooming combs and brushes already on the market are getting a boost from technology. For instance, the Andis The Power De-Shedder+ is a battery-operated, vibrating comb that massages pets while removing loose hair. It even claims to reduce shedding by 90 per cent.

Even nails are getting more attention. New tools from PediPaws and Peticure actually file down pet's nails rather than clipping them. The tools promise smooth, groomed nails than won't crack or splinter -- or get caught on carpets. Many pet owners tout the products as a safer and less stressful alternative to clippers, not mention a money-saver compared to professional clipping.

And while many pets prefer to sneak up on the couch or bed, there's an ever increasing variety of pet beds in stores. Aside from colour, design and plush fabrics, the last models include features like memory foam and removable heaters. In addition, heated perches are the latest innovation to keep feathered friends warm and heated pads are available for small animals.

Cleaner clean-up : This year products that make the home a more hygienic place are making a splash. For example, to take the hassle and mess out of litter boxes, Scoop Free has developed a self-cleaning litter box that seemingly does all the work for you. It's pricier than traditional litter boxes, but worth a look for those who find scooping a hassle. Alternatively, there are other new products coming out that aim to reduce odors.

Aquarium owners may want to take a look at Whisper EX filtration system from Tetra. The system includes a special strip to let you know when the carbon has worn out and it's time to change the filter.

If you've ever wanted to play crime scene investigator to find those invisible stains in your home you'll soon get your chance. To complement its line of "Urine Off" bio-enzymatic cleaning products, Bio-Pro Research has developed a pair of "Urine Finder" lights that light up those invisible stains in your carpet and upholstery so you can spot-clean without guessing.

And for dog-walkers the switch is on to biodegradable plastic bags for poop-and-scoop clean up. Watch for products from companies like Bags on Board that make dispensers that attack to leashes.

Travel accessories: More companies are getting wise to the trend of travelling pets, and this year's product offerings are no exceptions. There are safer, more secure crates for air travel, but also more accessories for the car. Another hot item is the pet travel tote bag -- in a variety of fashionable designs and colours, of course.

Watch for items that make travel more convenient, like collapsible water and food dishes, as well as products that make travel safer and more enjoyable like the Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat which keeps small dogs secure while letting them see out the window. It's a safer alternative than the lap, and a soft place to snuggle down for a nap. Kurgo also offers a variety of dog travel products like harnesses and barriers to product everyone in the car.

GPS devices: If you've ever experienced the panic of runaway pets, GPS companies like Zoombak have pet locator devices to help you find them faster. The device -- which attaches to the collar -- sends you an alert if your pets escape their "personalized safety zone" and then you can use your computer, cell phone or the company's support line to locate them.

Helping other animals: What do you get the pet lover who has everything? You may want to consider donation to a charity that benefits animals and their owners. Some options include the World Wildlife Fund, your local Humane Society or the World Society for the Protection of Animals.

Ontarians may also be interested in the Farley Foundation (named after For Better or Worse 's beloved pet) which provides emergency financial support to help injured or sick pets belonging to people who can't afford expensive care (like people with disabilities and low-income seniors).

These are just a few examples of the many gifts out there. And keep it mind that it isn't necessary to spend a lot of cash on pets. A bag of treats or an inexpensive (but good quality) toy doesn't have to break the bank. Petlifestyleonline notes that there are a lot of gifts available for less than $5.00.