When getting a new dog one of the first items you will need to buy is a dog collar, and dog tag. Dog collars and leads come in many styles, colours and materials. This choice can be mind boggling, but don’t worry help is at hand. Here are our tips to choosing a collar, lead and tag.

Choosing a Dog Lead

Essentially there are 2 different types of dog leads. Standard leads and retractable dog leads.
Standard dog leads are anywhere between 3 - 6 feet and tend to be made from leather or nylon materials. For new dogs that you are training to walk a shorter (approx 3-4’) dog lead is recommended. This will give you more control over your dog and stop him from getting up to no good at longer distances.
Retractable dog leads are comfortable to hold and your dog will love the freedom to run further. Retractable dog leads are generally for dogs who are already trained with a dog lead, but can be good for teaching younger dogs the stay command.

Finally make sure the dog collar is strong and durable. You don’t want it breaking and your dog running off.

Choosing a Dog Collar

Getting a dog collar that fits correctly and is comfortable for your dog is essential.
It’s vitally important that you get the correct measurements when choosing a dog collar. To get the size required for your dog, take a tape measure or piece of string and measure your dog’s neck. Once you have the size you should add approx 2 - 3 inches. This will give your dog plenty of room so the dog collar is not too tight, while not being too loose, allowing the dog to slip out of the collar.

A good test to make sure you have the right dog collar is to put the collar on the dog then see if you can get 2 fingers between the dogs neck and the collar. If you can easily do that then the collar should be perfect for your dog.

The quality and comfort of your dog collar are just as important. A collar that does not rub your dog and one that will last is essential. Make sure when your dog is wearing the collar that it is not pulling is fur, catching him anywhere or rubbing. It’s also worth paying attention to the weight of the dog collar. Some collars, especially leather ones can be a little heavy, more so for smaller dogs. Finally, like the dog lead, make sure the dog collar is strong and durable. You don’t want it breaking and have your dog run off.

The look of your dog collar may not be the most important element to a dog lead or collar, but they sure look good and provide you with something different than the normal plain collars. It always looks better if you can get a dog lead to match the collar, although not essential it’s always good to match. Although fashion collars are great, never compromise the quality and practicality of a dog lead and collar for fashion. Here at Funky Petz we make sure all our dog collars and leads are of the highest quality and are made to last as well as looking good on your dog.

Choosing a dog tag

You should always purchase a dog tag when buying a dog collar. A dog tag will hold essential information in case your dog does the worst and runs off.
Pretty much all dog tags are the same, only with variations in style and materials. If you want to keep it simple you can get a plastic dog tag, however we recommend a metal dog tag with essential contact info engraved on it. This means the tag is impermeable to water and light damage.

Please feel free to take a look at our Dog Collars and Dog Leads as well as our Dog Tags.

Dog beds come in all shapes, sizes, styles and made from a variety of materials, but which one is right for your dog?
When you’re looking for a dog bed take into account the size of the bed, the health and needs of your pet and where the bed will be housed.

Which size of dog bed?
When people ask us which size bed would be suitable for their pet we always say it’s better the bed is too big rather than too small. It doesn’t take an experienced dog owner to know that dogs love to spread out and sleep in some strange positions. If your dog is still a pup then don’t forget to allow room for your dog to grow.
To work out the best sized dog bed for your pet then next time he/ she is asleep measure your dog from the top of his head to the base of his tail, then add approx 7 to 9 inches. If you’re looking to buy a mattress dog bed then you may want to add approx 12 inches instead. If you’re looking at a sofa style dog bed then take into account extra room for pets that like to stretch out.

What style of dog bed?
Choosing from all the different styles of dog bed can be difficult. Try to think about what your dog would like? If your dog snuggles up to things when he sleeps then perhaps a dog bed with foam sides or a settee style bed would be more suitable. If your dog likes to spread out a lot then a mattress style could be the best solution.

Does your dog have health issues?
If your dog has health issues or is in his later years then you may want to look at a bed that is specially made for older dogs. A memory foam dog bed or even an orthopaedic lounger dog bed maybe what you need.

Can I wash the dog bed?
You should always check that the dog bed you are interested in is easy to wash. Quality beds will give instructions on how to wash the bed. Make sure you read the label to ensure the bed looks like new after each wash.

You may decide to use a dog harness for safety reasons, a medical condition or behaviour problems with your dog. Smaller dogs can have problem with a collar around their small and fragile necks. Larger dog like to pull so a harness can help owners gain more control over a powerful dog.
Some owners of dogs with large necks and small heads have no choice but to use a dog harness to prevent the dog from pulling out of a dog collar.
When choosing a dog harness you should consider the following:

• The material the harness is made with. A soft dog harness is usually ideal, but you may prefer a more sturdy leather one.
• Make sure you measure your dog correctly. If you use the wrong size harness there is a risk the dog will slip free.
• Dog harnesses should be adjustable so you can get the best possible fit.
• The harness should be comfortable for you dog and of course look cool!

Other features of a dog harness should include

• Machine washable material
• Easy to use with a study metal ring to clip a lead onto
• Harnesses should be safe, sturdy and durable

Funky Petz have a great range of Dog Harnesses all in great styles, at great prices and with the features mentioned above.

Keeping your dog warm during the winter months is a concern for many dog owners. There are many products you can use to help with keeping your dog warm over the coming winter season.

If your dog is old, small or has short hair then keeping your dog warm is particularly important. On cold winter morning walks or those long cold nights your dog will really feel the cold, especially if your dog is old.

Here are our 5 tips to keep your dog nice and snug this winter.
1 : Purchase a dog coat to keep your dog warm on those cold morning walks. Not only can a dog coat keep your dog warm, but if you get a waterproof dog coat you can keep your dog dry and clean. Well, as clean as you can keep a dog that just loves those puddles. Some dogs need to get used to wearing dog clothes so it’s a good idea to put the clothing on your dog for short periods during the day and give him some yummy treats. Your dog will then associate wearing the dog coat with treats therefore making it easier to dress him.

2 : For those cold nights nothing works better than a squidgy dog bed. Getting a dog bed that your dog can really snuggle into will allow him to use his own body heat to keep warm. A dog shouldn’t have to sleep on a cold floor, unless off course he decides he wants to. A dog bed or dog cushion offers the perfect protection from a cold floor.

3 : If your home gets a little chilly during the day then a dog jumper is a great way to keep your dog warm and cosy while he helps you with the house work. We don’t recommend leaving your dog clothed while you go out. Instead leave him some toys to play with. That’ll not only keep him occupied, but it’ll warm him up while jumps around.

4 : A more novel way of keep the chill off your dog is with a dog turtleneck. This stylish item will keep your dogs neck warm and keep any sniffles at bay.

5 : Another time you need to keep your dog warm is after his bath. Make sure the room is warm and cosy to help your dog from catching a chill. With a good quality towel make sure your dry your dog thoroughly. To keep your pup extra warm why not use a dog dressing gown to keep him snug while he goes mad drying his whiskers and face around the bottom of the sofa.
You might also want to invest in a dog bath mat to keep his feet warm while you dry your dog and to help mop up the huge amounts of water he’ll get all over the place.