Helping rescue organizations help dogs

Through our Rescue Partner program, we are able to support nonprofit animal rescue organizations financially by donating a portion of our proceeds to them.
Our newest Rescue Partner - Save a Mutt Shelter & Rescue - is a nonprofit group that works to save large dogs from high-kill shelters by providing care, training, and transportation services in the Illinois and surrounding areas.

We're excited to have Save a Mutt Shelter & Rescue as our new partner and we look forward to helping this group of dedicated volunteers save more dogs.

Our Rescue Partner program works like this: when a nonprofit group signs up and becomes our Rescue Partner, we create a unique "rescue code" for them. Anyone that shops with us and enter that rescue code will help that organization earn up to 20% of the proceeds from the order. For more info, see our website.

We recently received these handmade thank you cards from summer campers at the East Bay SPCA.

Martingale Collars 101

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from dog owners is about Martingale collars-how to use them, what are their benefits, etc. So I decided to share some info that may be helpful to people who are not familiar with this type of dog collars but are interested to learning about them.

History of Martingale collars:
Originally Martingale collars were used mostly on Greyhounds as well as other hound dogs that have smaller heads as they can easily slip out of a traditional buckle collar.
When wearing a Martingale collar, as the dog pulls or tries to escape, the collars tightens around the dog's neck. And when the dog stops pulling, the collar relaxes back to a comfortable state.
This prevents the dog from getting out of its collar and when paired with proper training, can slowly discourage the dog from pulling.
Martingale collars soon became popular tools among dog trainers and owners alike, and their use has expanded to all breeds of dogs.

What is a Martingale Collar?
A Martingale collar is consisted of two loops, a larger loop and a smaller loop that's also known as a control loop. These two loops are connected together by metal hardware.

How to put on a Martingale collar?
With the dog facing you, extend the large loop to its longest length and put it over the dog's head. Now adjust the collar back to a comfortable length around the dog's neck.



How to use a Martingale collar?
When you're ready to take your dog out for a walk, attach your leash to the D-ring on the small/control loop. Now when you pull on the leash or when your dog pulls you, the control loop will pull and cause the collar to tighten around your dog's neck. When the pulling stops, the collar loosens.
I recommend walking your dog on the Martingale collar and teaching your dog to heel and walk appropriately. Whenever you want to correct a behavior or get your dog's attention, gently pull and let go of the Martingale collar.
Never pull on the collar continously, always pull and let go immediately, and repeat.

I hope you find this information helpful. Martingale collars come in a variety of designs, sizes, and widths. Click here to see the Sirius Republic collection of Martingale collars. http://www.siriusrepublic.com/ Connect for more about dogs:

Introducing my new column: Cruelty-Free Beauty

Recently I began producing the Cruelty-Free Beauty column on Examiner.com as its National Cruelty-Free Beauty Examiner.

In this position, I research and write about beauty-related topics including cosmetics, skincare, & haircare products that have NOT been tested on animals.

I'm extremely excited about this opportunity. As an animal rescue supporter, animal rights advocate, and a makeup junkie, I've developed a passion for cruelty-free beauty products in recent years. I'm happy to share my knowledge on this topic with my readers and hopefully we'll help eliminate animal-testing in the cosmetics/beauty industry in the near future.

I would very much appreciate your support by reading/commenting/subscribing to my articles. Other ways to stay connected with me on this topic is to follow me on Twitter and become a fan of my Facebook page.

To connect with Sirius Republic for dog-related news, products, and events:
Follow Sirius Republic on Twitter
Become a fan of Sirius Republic on Facebook
My Dog Column

Jennifer @ http://www.siriusrepublic.com/

Vacation with Dogs

Following up to my last blog entry, we vacationed in the Northern California coast of breathtaking beaches and redwood forest. I'm having a hard time finding appropriate, sufficient words to describe my sentiments and enjoyment, so I decided to post some pictures of our trip showing glimpses of paradise.

Time Out

-Jennifer Z

"A dog naps so much because it loves so hard." -Anonymous

Every once in a while, it's absolutely necessary for everyone to take a break from work and play. Dogs serve as great role models in this department. They live in the moment by mostly enjoying life and only dealing with stress as it arises. We should follow their example by taking time out to just play.
We all face challenges and deal with hardship, but we often intensify the situations by wasting our precious time to continuously stress over our problems. Don't throw away another minute stressing; life is too precious and we deserve to live it happily and pursue things we love.
Practicing what I preach, we're preparing to go on a mini-vacation, a weekend to the Northern California coast and redwood forest. There will be no internet, no phone, and most of all no worries. We'll be walking the trails, enjoying nature and wildlife, cooking, and just spending quality time with our dogs.
Where is your next vacation?