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So many ways to pamper and spoil your dog

As a responsible pet parent, your dog receives all the love, attention and material things necessary for a good, healthy and happy life.  All your dog’s needs are me and he or she thanks you in countless ways with unconditional love and loyalty on a daily basis. Doesn’t he or she deserve to be spoiled – just a little – in a safe way? There are many things you can do to make your favorite canine feel extra special. The friendly staff at your local Rockford area Petsmart or Petco as listed below (or one closest to your home) can help you with everything you want or need for your favorite canine.

Your dog loves your undivided love and attention so any type of bonding activity will get the tail wagging. How about planning a day at the spa for your pooch?  Just as with humans, this is a great way to relieve stress. Prices vary for this great royalty treatment although you can bond with your dog by pampering it yourself if you cannot afford a professional spa. Spend a little extra time combing, brushing, bathing and massaging your favorite canine to make him/her feel and look better when spending quality time together. Learn massage techniques at - http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-give-your-dog-a-massage/page1.aspx#.

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Plan a shopping day to go get your dog a new comfy bed, toys and bones. It is such fun for both of you to get in the car and head out to the large store for pets. Not only do most dogs love going for car rides with their favorite humans, they enjoy the special time with you while picking out their toys of choice and being allowed to visit other pets doing the same. Aside from shopping, there are now pet-friendly restaurants to visit for a new type of adventure.  Remember to check out trips to the dog parks for some much needed exercise and playtime with other dogs as well.

Is your dog one that loves to pose for photos? I had some dogs that would actually sit and look straight at me as soon as I took out the camera.  You don’t necessarily want strict posing type pictures. Have fun with your dog (or others in the family) and capture those memories on film. Not only is the family spending much needed time together, you are creating reminiscences captured in pictures which can last a lifetime.

Training your dog is more than a serious “lesson time” together.  You know your dog is intelligent already and teaching him/her new (and the old) tricks are a great bonding time together. You have one on one time with your dog, asking for certain commands, providing small treats for appropriate behavior along with tons of praise and attention.  What a great way to pamper your dog and spend quality time.

Some may say  that special foods and treats are not the best way to pamper and spoil your dog because of the possibility of obesity although there are ways around that. Treats and gourmet foods are available in lower fat varieties – your dog will love them without realizing the special treat is actually good for him/her.  Even better, you can make your dog some homemade, wholesome and healthy treats in your own kitchen.  Check out this article for some tips and recipes - http://www.petplace.com/dogs/homemade-treats-for-your-dog/page1.aspx/.  It is not a good idea to give treats on a daily basis but if you do, it is all in quality time, not quantity of the treat. We have treat time with our dogs, sometimes cutting the treat in half and I can assure you they are just as happy with that half a treat as they would be with a full piece. 

There are so any ways that you can pamper your pet without spoiling them into an unruly member of the family. Any small gesture means the world to your dog. Remember it is not quantity but quality time – playtimes, walks, car rides and any activity. Keep the bond tight, loving and special with your favorite canine family member.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/ten-ways-to-pamper-your-pet/page1.aspx

http://allaboutlabradors.blogspot.com/2011/08/6-ways-to-pamper-your-pet.html

For therapy options for your dog in the Rockford, Illinois area, go to - http://articles.directorym.net/Hydrotherapy_to_Treat_Pet_Pain_Rockford_IL-r997674-Rockford_IL.html

Take your dog to the park . . . the doggy park . . . Rockford’s two locations -  http://www.dogparkusa.com/parks/IL/Rockfordor check out this site - http://www.tripswithpets.com/location/united-states/il/rockford/parksLooking for wholesome, natural and homemade treats for your favorite canine best friend, Ledfoot’s Pet Bakery near the Rockford area is happy to meet your needs. Check out the website at http://LEDFOOTSPETBAKERY.COM.  You can contact Susan Weitzel at 815 784-6358, susan@Ledfootspetbakery.com.

For all your pets needs in Rockford, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108,  (815) 229-0184 - http://www.petco.com/or  your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street,  Rockford, IL 61108,  (815) 397-7880 - http://stores.petsmart.com/result-details.php?store=493   -  PETLAND, (815) 332-4200  -  www.petland.com/

For many of your pets essentials, visit your local Rockford area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048  - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620- 2454 S. Alpine Rd.,
Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421
- http://www.cvsphoto.com/home.

In the Rockford, Illinois area or wherever you are, this site is a must have for all animal lovers. We always want to provide the best care, safety and love for our pets and this site is chock full ¼ of reviews and imperative information on important products for all pet lovers. An avid animal lover creates this site with your pets in mind. It is advisable to put this site in your favorites or bookmarks and check it out often as this pet blogging site of important information is updated almost daily. Please visit this site at http://loveourpets.eproduct-review.com/and visit often. Also sign up for my pet blog and let me know if you have questions or concerns regarding your pets. I have created a question and answer page for that reason. Hope to see you at http://animalvoicefreelancerforpets.wordpress.com/.  Be the most educated pet parent!

, Rockford Chihuahua Examiner

Susan Lee holds a certification in dog grooming and pet care, and working with Chihuahuas for more than 30 years. Susan is also the moderator for the pet channel at www.factoidz.com and www.associatedcontent.com, and writes articles for various other internet sites. You can reach her at ...

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