Ashley Brooke Designs: Walking The Dog

We've been having some extraordinarily beautiful weather lately.  After a cold winter by Florida standards, everyone is excited to be out and about (I totally stay inside due to the allergies but that's neither here nor there...).

Since everyone is so eager to be out in this nice weather I thought today we'd review a couple of tips for walking your dog outside.

Obviously, everyone knows to clean up after their dog uses the bathroom.  But some other points to remember:  Always have your dog on a leash.  As convenient as retractable leashes may be, consider that with their super thin lines, retractable leashes can appear almost invisible to oncoming joggers and cyclists.  Also keep your leash to 6 feet or under so that your dog can't get too far!

Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: A Portrait of a Great Dane

I LOVE doing dog portraits! They are seriously so much fun! I jumped at the chance when a client e-mailed me to inquire about a dog portrait for her mother to give to her on Mother's Day (how sweet is that?)! Anyways, I was beyond thrilled to start on this project for her! I am so-so excited for her mother to receive this super special portrait on her day!

Also, I always have the clients pick out the background color for the dog portraits and she picked teal! This is an extra special color for her mother since she is fighting ovarian cancer, hopefully this portrait will be not only something fun for her but also an inspiration to fight!!

Thank you so much!







Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Ashley Brooke Designs: Another Perfect Dog Portrait!

I seriously cannot get enough of these dog portraits! I was over-joyed when Jessica commissioned me to do this portrait of her dogs! Can we just talk about how cute all three of them are, especially the little one!! :) Thank you Jessica, working with you was a blast!! I hope you've found a special place for this portrait in your home! Enjoy!!




Content and Illustrations ©2010 Ashley Brooke Designs. All Rights Reserved.

Gone to the Dogs

Deciding what to do with the pups can be quite the headache when preparing for travel. If you decide to bring them along instead of boarding them here are some pet traveling tips.

1. Be sure the hotel and/or your home you are staying at allows dogs and knows you are bringing yours. Size, weight and number of dogs are all things to consider

2. Don't leave your dog alone in the hotel room. Even the most well behaved dogs can act unexpectedly in a foreign room with unfamiliar furniture, etc.

3. No matter where your trip takes you, always clean up after your dog

4. Consult your vet before you leave and be sure you pack all necessary medications, including any sedatives recommended for the pups to make the trip a little easier on everyone.

Dog Etiquette

Every once in a while I need a good refresher in Dog Etiquette...

I too have to keep Little Lucy in line!

...

11 Dog Manners Tips from BigPawsOnly.com

Dog Manners Tip #1: Always keep your dog on a leash when out in public. You never know what you might run into - another dog that just rubs old Rex wrong, or his favorite animal darting across the street. You don't want you puppy running after him.

Dog Manners Tip #2: Never leave your dog in the car if its hot out. Even with the windows rolled down your pup could overheat. Your car is an oven under the sun.

Dog Manners Tip #3: It is inappropriate to bring your pet to a barbeque or party without him or her being invited. Even with family. Always check with the party host.

Dog Manners Tip #4: Always keep doggy bags on you at all times. You never know when you dog will want to go potty and you want to keep your neighborhood clean. No ones likes to step in poop.

Dog Manners Tip #5: If your dog gets out of line or unruly, stop and give him or her a time out. Your dog should always be on his best behavior to represent you and your breed in the best manner possible. If he continues, immediately leave and take him home. This will teach him through conditioning that only good behavior merits good long walks.

Dog Manners Tip #6: If your dog is in heat, don't take her out in public. This only makes other dogs behave poorly and disturbs the enjoyment of you and others.

Dog Manners Tip #7: When walking through your neighborhood, do not let your pup pee on lawns and gardens. This can result in unsightly dead spots and many spend a lot of time creating those environments.

Dog Manners Tip #8: Do you have a dog that drools? Perhaps a Newfoundland? Keep a towel handy so that your dogs drool doesn't get all over other pets and people. Some people genuinely get ill at the sight of slobber so keep it clean so that your pet is always ready for a good petting.

Dog Manners Tip #9: Do not let your dog swim in a pond that you yourself wouldn't freely jump into. Many local harmless looking ponds become stagnant and could carry bacteria or disease. Also in some regions, there are alligators that would just love a friendly snack.

Dog Manners Tip #10: When traveling with your dog, staying at hotels and the like, do not let him behave as he would at home. Sure you are paying for the stay but it is not home and some are absolutely scared of dogs. It is best to presume that all folks are scared than to think otherwise. Do not let your dog bark as it can be stressful for all of those around you. If your dog is allowed at the hotel, it is because previous guests gave the same courtesy. Represent your breed and yourself and keep it open for the rest of us.

Dog Manners Tip #11: When hiking or back-packing, keep your dog under strict voice command whereby heel means heel and no means no. When running into other trail users always step away giving them the right away. Make sure your pet is clear away so that he doesn't bother them trying to get a whiff of every passer-bye -- he can smell them from afar. If you run into a horse and rider, again yield and be sure your dog is calm and collected. Any barking or aggressive movements can startle the horse and injure someone.