Scientists have shown that dog owners get the same level of emotion as mothers watching young children.

It was discovered that dog owners showed a rise of the hormone oxytocin while playing with their pet. It is known that this hormone, also known as the love hormone, helps decrease stress, fight depression and increase trust.

According to research, a dog owner who plays with their dog releases the hormone of love. Biologists Miho Nagasawa and Tekafumi Kikusui, Azubah University in Japan, were inspired by their own experience to conduct this study.

Mr Kikusui said in New Scientist that he and Miho are great dog lovers, and feel something change in them when they watch their dogs. They recruited 55 dog owners with their pets, and collected a urine sample of owners before and after half a day of games in the laboratory.

Some owners have been placed in a room as a control group with their pet and they were asked to avoid the gaze of their dogs. Those who have spent 2 and a half minutes to look their dog in the eye during the play session showed a 20% increase of oxytocin levels. Conversely, the group who avoided the gaze of the animal showed a slight decrease in oxytocin levels. Those who have watched their pet longer tended to assess their relationship with their dog as more satisfactory than those who do have stared for a short time.

Mr Kikusui said that "an increase in the hormone of love could explain why playing with dogs can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression."

It also suggests that oxytocin may have played a role in the domestication of wolves, 15 000 years ago. "Maybe during the evolutionary process, humans and dogs shared the same social aftershocks, such as eye contact and hand gestures. This would explain the adaptation of the dog in human society, "says Kikusui.

The bottom line is that animals improve our quality of life. Do you want to repay the favor? Here are 10 ways to show your pets the love they deserve:

1. Avoid chocolate

Chocolate is very popular during Saint Valentine’s day and consumed by human beings but it contains toxins which could be fatal to dogs.

2. Teach your dog to sit

Sitting is a basic command that makes your dog look at you and this is healthy for the relationship with your dog.

3. Watch for trends in your pet's health

Watch for any change in your pet's thirst, activity or weight. Even subtle changes may indicate common problems as they age. Several conditions are treatable.

4. Ensure the dental health

Brush your dog's teeth every day to prevent bad breath and prolong healthy gums and teeth. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to do this task easily and efficiently. "

5. Exercise your dog

Dogs need to run and to exercise. This Valentine's Day, show your love by establishing a regular exercise routine for them.

6. Give your animal a pet id tag If you truly care about your pet, get them a pet id tag. Dog tags and cat tags are easy to get. They come in different shapes and have custom engraved information on them. It is one of the best ways to find your pet if it escapes.

7. Schedule regular veterinary check-up

The best way to show your love pet is to schedule regular veterinary check-up year. This can help minimize major health problems later in life.

8. Don’t give your pet human drugs

Human drugs can be fatal to pets. Always consult a veterinarian before giving any kind of drug to your pet.

9. Avoid Overfeeding your Pet

The best way to keep your cat or dog health is to not overfeed it. Obesity one of the most preventable diseases according to Veterinary authorities.

10. When traveling, do not forget your pet

People who travel with pets should make sure they have appropriate vaccinations, documentation and identification in case the animal is lost or stolen. When it comes to identification, nothing beats a pet id tag.

TheTagStudio.com wishes you a wonderful and happy Valentine’s day with your pet.

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 Supplying your pet with a pet id tag will not prevent it from escaping but it will significantly increase the chances of you finding your pet again. So please do not delay getting your dog id tag or cat id tag!

If you have lost your loved companion, you must put up posters in your neighbourhood as soon as possible. The sooner you know your dog is missing the quicker you can act and the more you increase the chances that your find your pet.

Make sure you always have a recent clear photo of your pet. You may want to take a few shots including close-ups of its face and a few full body poses. The posters you put up in your neighbourhood must have clear pictures of your pet. Add good size clear pictures. Avoid photocopies of photocopies of photocopies. At this day and age it is a synch to get good quality pictures. The posters must contain all important information: phone number, name of pet, and anything specific about the pet. Put up posters in places where there is a lot of traffic and close to where your dog has disappeared. If your animal has escaped from your home, make sure that your neighbours are aware of and ask if them if they have seen your pet. The children of your neighbours will be attracted to a nice dog or cat and may even pet it if they can. So children can be of great help in your research.

You can also advertise in local newspapers. However, this may take time, especially if your dog is gone for the weekend and that the newspaper's offices are closed. When you publish ads, it is important to know if your pet is a male or a female. Describe the color of its fur and any particular sign that would draw attention to him. Be sure to include his name. It can also be useful to mention the size of your pet especially if it is a dog: very small (chihuahua), small (Poodle), medium (beagle), large (German Shepherd) or very large (German Mastiff). Photos can be misleading.

There are also websites which specify in pet losses so make sure you browse your local web sites to find the most suitable site. The advantage of posting on the web is that you can post your ad almost immediately and web ads are likely to be cheaper (even free !) that the newspaper.

In your efforts, remember to mention any health problems your pet has. If someone finds your dog thinking it was a stray animal, they may decide quickly to undertake special veterinary treatments which are not suitable or necessary for your pet. You can also specify the age of your pet.

In your ads or posters, highlight how important it is for the whole family to find your pet safe and sound. If you have the budget, you can promise a small reward to the one who finds dog. Make sure to check if your pet is not in a pound or with the municipality and make sure to stick posters in shelters and SPA near you. If your pet wears a collar or a chip, be sure to specify that on your posters.

At the www.TheTagStudio.com we are big proponents of prevention. So make sure you always know where your pet is and make sure you take all the necessary measures to prevent your pet from escaping.

Do you remember the cat scene in the Chevy Chase’s National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? A cat suddenly gets really interested in Christmas lights and starts to gnaw on the wire. When the cat’s teeth reach the copper that’s when things get ugly. You may think that this part of the movie is exaggerated...think again.

CSA International's survey on pets and safety during the holidays (Pets and Holiday Safety Survey) reveals rather disturbing information about Canadians and their pets during the holiday season. According to the survey, nearly one in four Canadians had to bring their pet to the vet over the holidays (or knows someone in the same situation). If some basic security principles are neglected, holiday decorations can very dangerous for pets.

The holiday season can be a very busy time in veterinary clinics. Pets are often not aware of the consequences of their behaviour in a house decorated for the holidays. A faulty set of lights, plants and candles can, among other things, wreak havoc. Owners must ensure the welfare of their animals by ensuring that their home is safe for them.

To avoid accidents and ensure the safety of pets and all family members during the holiday season, CSA International offers the following advice:

1- Inspect and discard sets of Christmas lights with frayed wiring. Christmas decorations in good condition and well insulated can reduce electrical hazards and fire risks.

2- When you decorate a tree or a room, place the fragile decorations and electrical decorations out of reach of children and pets. Edible objects like chocolate, poinsettias, and coloured sparkling decorations must also be placed high up.

3- After the holidays, put the lights and decorations in their original packaging. Keep pets away from areas reserved for gift wrapping. Ingestion of string, plastic and paper packaging can cause intestinal blockages and cause a visit to the vet.

4- Get Connected security side: Put your family and pets safe from electrical shock by plugging all your outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by circuit breakers Earth leakage test of the water.

5- Do not leave any burning candle unattended. Pets can burn or cause a fire if a candle spills. Use the appropriate chandeliers and install them on a stable surface. If you leave the room, blow off the candle.

6- Your pet probably loves lounging by the fireplace during the holidays. However, families should take the necessary precautions to ensure safety in case of fire, smoke and gas hazards.

7- Make sure your gas fireplace is not cracked or damaged and is in good condition and always ensure that children and pets to stay clear of hot surfaces and open flame.

8- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors: Install at least one carbon monoxide detector (CO) near the rooms and check your smoke alarms once a month. You should install a detector on each floor of your

home and outside each room. For more information about installing detectors, consult your local fire department or the www.securitealamaison.com website.

9- When you buy light strings, extension cords or electrical decorations, look for a pet safe certification stamp, such as CSA International, for example. You will have the assurance that products have been tested and have been certified to safety standards and applicable operation.

10-If you buy a Christmas tree, make sure it is freshly cut. It will be less likely to dry out and pose a fire hazard. The artificial trees illuminated by electric lights must have a certification mark and be made of fireproof material. Owners of pets must take the time to fix their Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to avoid mishaps.

11- Last but not least; you will probably be out with your pet more often than usual during the holidays. Make sure your pet has a pet id tag in case your pet decides to “explore” without your permission. At The Tag Studio we carry a variety of engraved pet id tags incuding dog tags and cat tags customized for your needs. Check out our website: www.TheTagStudio.com.

The Tag Studio wishes you happy and safe Holidays.

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Winter is approaching quickly. As you prepare yourselves to face the winter, you should do the same for your dog.

How to prepare your dog for the winter:

1. When the barometer begins to fall, we should think about keeping our pets inside. Especially if your dog has a very light coat of fur. Frostbite is common when the temperature drops abruptly. Act with prevention especially with cats, if you know the temperature is very cold, so do not let them out for very long. Your pet could end up with hypothermia. Even live animals outside should have a warm and comfortable place during extreme temperatures.

2. If the dog needs to live outside in a kennel then you should provide one big enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortably. The shelter should not be too big so that the dog's body heat keeps the place warm. The entry should be the opposite from where the wind blows. The floor should be raised a few inches of soil. And there should be a plastic or a thick material placed at the top of the door to prevent the wind from entering. Straw can be used to line the floor.

3. For dogs living outside, it is important to use a dark coloured plastic or ceramic bowl for water, contents of a metal container freezes more quickly. It is important to change the water frequently. You can also find heated water supplies on the market which can be used to prevent water from freezing in the bowl.

4. Even if your dog lives outside, he should be entitled to a weekly full body inspection, this way you can control his health. Here are some basic things to do/check:

- brush his fur

- trim nails/claws

- feel and verify around the ears, tail and eyes

- check the teeth and the gums

 

5. If you take a walk with your dog and there is a lot of salt or calcium on the ground, it is important to wipe your dog's paws with a wet towel after the walk. These substances may irritate or burn the base of his paws. Also, your dog is highly likely to lick his paws and ingest these toxins.

6. It is important to always keep your pet away from antifreeze. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze. Antifreeze is toxic, even in very small quantities. The product, if ingested, affects the brain and kidneys. Signs of poisoning appear between 30 minutes and 12 hours after ingestion. Here are some of symptoms to watch out for:

- depression

- vomiting

- poor coordination (as if the animal was under the influence of alcohol)

- Coma and death may ensue after some time

 

7. Do you know that cats have a habit of taking refuge under the hood of the car especially when the heating block is connected? Many cats die caught in the belts. So take a habit of tapping on the hood before to get into your car to start it.

 

8. Be wary of rivers, because the ice is very fragile during freezing or thawing, and could give way under the weight of your dog. If it is a river with lots of power, your dog could be taken away and drown. Many dogs can swim (but not all) and also with the water being so cold, there is risk of hypothermia if the dog does not come out of the water quickly.

 

10. Increased monitoring is required around pools also: Some pets are often found dead, drowned.

 

11. After the first snow fall, it is common to see dogs not wanting to do their business in the snow. Be persistent and bring them to their usual places. In this way, they will feel more inspired.

 

12. It is important to remember that it is dangerous to play with your dog on ice. Your dog could be seriously injured.

 

13. When you go outside with your dog, be careful that they do not catch a cold. Their health is very fragile. Remember that arthritis and cold do not mix well. There are coats on the market designed for dogs. Be careful not to slip on ice, and be especially careful on stairs.

14. Do not forget that many dogs are less active in winter. If your dog is less active then it may be important to cut their food intake. On the flip side, dogs living outside should have slightly increased rations. They burn energy by trying to keep warm. Also try splitting their meal to 2 or 3 times a day; the heat of the food will warm them up.

15. Don’t forget to get a pet id tag for your pet. With the cold and the snow your dog is more likely to get lost and panicked to find shelter. At The Tag Studio we have a wide selection of dog tags and cat tags. Have a great winter and please be safe.

Halloween is a fun event for many of us, but it can be stressful and dangerous for our beloved pets. Here are some tips to keep your dog happy and safe this time of year.

DO NOT give your pets any Halloween treats! Even if they do tricks! Halloween candy, especially chocolates are extremely toxic to your dog. The candy wrappers are also dangerous as they can get stuck in the digestive tract of your dog. Be sure to keep the bowl of candy out of reach of your dog.

If you are having a party, be sure to remind your guests (especially small children) not to give candy to your dog. Also be sure to keep all food out of the reach of your dog. It may be a good idea to separate your dog from your guests.

Do not let a pumpkin or lighted candles where they can be knocked over by your dog. This can start a fire in or around your house and can also injure your dog.

Keep decorations out of reach of your dog. Chewed pieces can be a choking hazard and if ingested can cause intestinal obstruction. Electrical cords for lit decorations can be extremely dangerous because they can cause electric shock when chewed.

Wearing an animal costume can be stressful and unpleasant for many dogs. Avoid dressing your dog unless you are sure your dog it enjoys. Keep an eye on your dog while in his costume for any signs of discomfort.

A constant stream of trick-or-Treaters may cause stress on your dog. Keep your dog away from the door. This will also prevent your dog from rushing to the door.

Make sure your dog is wearing a pet id tag. If your dog dashes out the door and he gets lost, it will have a much better chance of coming home safely.

Avoid leaving your dog outside during the Halloween season. There are many stories involving people who steal pets to torture them on the night of Halloween.

Another source of stress on your dog during Halloween is noise. The sound of children screaming, monster noises and spooky sounds can increase the fear and anxiety in your dog. The best thing during these times is to keep your dog inside away from such noises as much as possible.

Ideally you should keep your dog confined during Halloween. This is not to punish it but rather to keep it and your family safe. Prepare a safe place for your dog to hang out on Halloween. Have a place where your dog will be safe, secure and comfortable. If your dog is crate trained then this is the best option hands down. If your dog is not crate trained, keep him locked in a separate room during peak trick-or treat hours. Each of these options will reduce your stress caused by the dogs at the door and exuberant sounds of squealing children in costume. Keep your dog confined will also reduce your stress by eliminating the worry of your dog rushing out the door every time you open.

Your dog can be a fun Halloween if you play it safe. As always, follow the common  safety rules: be sure your dog is wearing a dog tag at all times, keep your dog on a leash when outdoors and keep her safe from potentially dangerous situations.

Enjoy your Halloween and don’t forget to get your pet a cat tag or dog tag before Halloween, check out our many Halloween theme designs on our product page. Have fun, be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

 

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The ideal diet for your dog is a natural diet, meat, bones, offal (organs), plus a small amount of vegetables and supplements.

Meat with bones meet the majority of energy needs required by your dog, in other words, water, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins and enzymes and antioxidants. 60% of the canine diet should consist of meat and bone, and this, in the proportions of 50:50, in weight.

Offal (organs) are a precious source of nutrients that contain water, proteins, essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes. About 10% of the canine diet should contain offal.

Vegetables mimic the content of plant material found in the digestive system of small prey. Vegetables offer an excellent source of fibre that aid digestion and prevent constipation. The dog's digestive system does not produce the enzymes needed to break down plant cells; therefore we must reduce their solid compound and puree them for the animal to benefit from the nutrients they contain. There is very little vegetable matter in the diet of wild dogs, so for our domestic dogs, about 15% of the diet should consist of vegetables, preferably the kind leafy and green, and 5% may consist of fruit.

The intestinal flora is restored by adding dairy products that enhance the level of good bacteria (probiotics) by focusing on the intestinal wall and resisting the harmful bacteria. About 10% of the diet may contain dairy products.

Supplements help to supplement the natural nutrients of the diet and compensate for the reduced availability of food (caused by factory farming), reduces the rate of minerals in the soil (in which certain foods were grown) and environmental toxins.

It is highly recommended to give your dog intact bones and larger meat cuts to exercise its jaw muscles to clean its teeth. It is also important to offer a wide variety of food that stimulates interest, prevents fixation and promotes good long term diet.

The ingredients remain the same but the amount and frequency change when fed raw, during the different stages of life of the dog. This means that a dog can eat between 5% and 10% of its weight while the adult dog can eat 2 to 5 percent of its weight, depending on activity level.

Did you know that pet obesity is a problem? That’s right; one out of every 3 pets is obese in North America! Like with human beings, dogs that have a weight problem can have problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. One way to see if your pet is a little on the heavy side is to pass your hands on its sides. If you cannot feel its ribs, then it may be time to change your pet’s eating and exercise habits.

Make sure you provide your pet with a balanced lifestyle. The dog’s diet is important but with the diet you must ensure your pet gets adequate exercise, playtime and attention. Finally if you care about your dog, make sure you put a pet id tag on it in the event that it escapes. This is important for the safety of your neighbourhood and the safety of your dog.

At the www.TheTagStudio.com we care about the health and safety of your pets. So please be careful what you feed your pets and don’t forget to get your dog tag or cat tag just in case!

A well trained dog is less likely to escape. Nevertheless you should always get a dog id tag just in case. A pet ID tag is a responsible measure to protect the safety of your pet and others.

To train your dog it is important to understand the psychology of your dog. Understanding their instinct and their psychology is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Upon arrival of your dog in your home, introduce the following: 
Rules 

These rules are the rules of hierarchy as those in a pack of dogs. As the leader, you need to enforce the rules, otherwise your dog will want to take the position of leader. You need to understand the following:

-The leader of the pack is called the alpha.

- Alpha sleeps where he wants and nobody can disturb him. 

- The alpha always eats first. The other pack members receive the remains, unless the alpha decides to keep them to himself. 

- The hierarchy is usually established by the game rather than by fighting. 

- Alpha wins most of the games of strength and power. 

- All members of the pack look up to a superior. 

- A dominant dog always goes first through a narrow passage. 

- All members of the pack show the superiority of the alpha. 
- Alpha makes all decisions in the pack. 

To better understand these rules, we must know how a pack works. In essence how to rule a family dog. Like humans, dogs are social beings: they live in groups with a clear social structure. It is not because they want to, but because it is necessary for survival. A dog is completely dependent on the rest of the group. Take the dog's ancestor, the wolf, as an example. Wolves live in groups whose. A group of wolves is called a pack. Wolves live in packs because it is the only way for them to survive. A lone wolf is unlikely to succeed in hunting. The amount of captured prey not sufficient for survival (of course there are exceptions, for example, some polar wolves who live on mice !) and he'll starve to death. By sticking with a group and hunting together, the chances of getting a larger prey is much higher. In this way it survives. Our domestic dogs are no different in this structure: they live in packs to survive. To understand the language of dogs and its rationale, we must know how an organized pack works.

Each member of the pack has a fixed place or a fixed position. These ranks can be compared to levels in a company or, better yet, in the army. But in humans, it is very possible that several members have the same rank. In dogs this is not the case, no dog is the same. 

A pack of dogs is always led by a pack leader. Often it is the strongest physically and/or the strongest mentally. The mind is often more important than the physical and often the smartest of the pack is the leader.

In second rank there is usually a female leader, the alpha female. This is the only female in a pack that can have little ones. 

Alpha dogs are potential leaders. They have the capacity to carry a pack. It is so very dominant dogs. They will use every moment to climb the social ladder to try to take the place of the head. In groups of breeds such as huskies, the Terriers and the shepherds, we find most often alphas. 

We will not find beta dogs in the higher ranks of a pack. Beta dogs do not look to take on a dominant role and like to take on a submissive role. Beta dogs are often retrievers or pet dogs. 

In a family of humans, dogs should have the role of beta. The structure of a family of dogs and humans is almost identical, hence the perfect harmony between the two species. Often the dog has not the role of subject. Sometimes just the opposite! This is possible when the teacher does not show leadership.

By nature, a dog needs authority. If the master does not behave like alpha, the dog is forced to take this task upon itself. In this latter case, if the dog is a beta there will be problems. A Beta dog should not be the leader. A leading beta dog will take bad decisions: for example, the dog may protect its territory in an obsessive way to a point that it will not let its master enter.

Also, they may be unpredictable and even adopt aggressive behaviours spontaneously.

A leader beta dog situation can easily be fixed by having a member of the family assume the role of the leader.

Alpha dogs need really clear leadership. The master can not make the slightest mistake or the dog will have his chance to go up in rank. With these dogs you should always be on your guard, because and they would like to have your position! 

Determine the hierarchy 
Integrate a dog into your family means you create a pack. In this pack, the ranks of each member shall be established: the hierarchy should be established. 
There are two ways to do: 
- The physical method. This is the traditional method where the dog shows people by physical force they are the leader. With this method it takes little account of the hierarchy between the dog and other animals. Often, the man is lower than the dog, therefore it will take very quickly the position of leader. It takes decisions that are unacceptable in our society, but are perfectly normal for him. This is one way to show the head may, with a dog who got the leadership role, be very dangerous: A dominant dog will not accept a subject, you!, The physically correct! In addition, in a pack, a dog does "force" not its position by throwing himself on a fellow. A dog undergoes because he does not mind, because it recognizes the top position on the other ... 
- Another way is passive domination: the mental method. 
We then use the language of dogs. What dogs do understand their language is "I am up or down over you." If we determine the rank of each member from other members of the pack, a strong hierarchical structure is created. Some ways to make it clear which is dominated and dominating. Here we are back to the rules of the pack. Through their language, the dogs determine their relationship in the pack. He who takes a dog will make him understand what is its place in the family. You can do this very simply by applying the rules. We'll see, one by one, what are these rules and how to apply them.

You should work hard to train your dog. This is fundamental to the safety of your family and the pet. It will also allow you to better enjoy each other’s company. A well trained dog is less likely to flea but nevertheless always get a pet id tag just in case.

Happy training!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pets are abandoned by their owners. The so called lucky ones are brought to shelters or organizations like the humane society but most are left to fend for themself and most often end up roaming the streets, which is obviously not a good thing for population and desease control!

I believe that who ever decides to take up the responsibility of pet ownership, has the morale obligation to ensure that they will always be cared for in the event that they are no longer willing or capable of providing for these animals.

In the event that you are no longer to provide care for your cat or dog, I believe that the last resort should be the shelter, as we all know most of the animals that end up there, unfortunately end up being euthenized. You should make as much effort as possible to find your pet a new home, ask family or friends if they would be willing to take up the responsibility, if not you can resort to the classified ads in print or even online.

Here is a list of top ten reason for pet relinquishment to shelters in the U.S. for both cats and dogs:

Dogs	Cats
Moving Landlord issues Cost of pet maintenance No time for pet Inadequate facilities Too many pets in home Pet illness (es) Personal problems Biting No homes for littermates	Too many in house Allergies Moving Cost of pet maintenance Landlord issues No homes for littermates House soiling Personal problems Inadequate facilities Doesn't get along with other pets

Regardless of how you end up relinquishing your pet, for the well being of the animal and society, you should NEVER simply abandone him or her to the streets.

Bringing a new pet home is one of life’s great moments for most of us. This event is usually life changing for most because of the implications regarding new responsibilities and challenges that may be involved. Though many make this decision without very much reflexion, for the better being of everyone, especially the new pet, certain aspects should be given consideration before deciding on the type and breed of animal to enrich your life with. Here are four key elements that can help you determine the best suited pet for you, your family and your lifestyle:

Your Family
As I mentioned on my previous post, type of family to which the new pet will be introduced can have great influence on the adaptability of your new pet. If you have small children, it will be crucial to ensure the breed is children friendly. It is also a good idea to discuss and assign task and responsibility relative to the new pet before hand, this way everyone can help, and all family members will get a chance to build a relationship with the new pet. You should also ensure that you have friends or family members that will be ready to assume the responsibilities when you are away such as vacations.

Your Living Space
The amount of space that you will be able to provide your new pet will also be important aspect to consider. Some pets such as large dogs will require more space than other small pets such as a domestic cat. So its not a good idea to get a large breed of dog if you are living in a bachelor pad!

Your Time
Besides the time that will be required for all the expected task such as vet visits, training them, housebreaking them and cleaning up after them, it will also be important for you to invest some time for play and bonding with your new pet. You should also Inform yourself about how often and how long you will need to walk your new pet an a daily basis before making your decision.

You Finances
Although the love and affection that you new pet may provide is priceless, things like vet visits, food, toys, collar, grooming and obedience training can quickly add up, so it would be wise to check your finances before making a commitment. Keep in mind that smaller pet will usually cost less to provide for.

Don’t forget that regardless of the type and breed you choose, it is always a good idea to get them a Pet ID Tag form The Tag Studio to make sure that they will always find their way home!
 

Before introducing a K9 friend into your family environment, there are many aspects to be considered before deciding on the breed that would be most compatible with you and your family.
When there are children present or soon to arrive this aspect must be given importance to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all members of the family.
After doing a bit of research, I have come to the conclusion that many people have many different opinion regarding which breeds are the most friendly for children. Throughout the many articles I read, the following breeds came up often as recommended to be children friendly: Golden & Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Boxers, Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers.
Because of the fact that older dogs are much calmer than puppies, most expert recommend adult dogs for families with small children. A shelter might be a good place to look, not only will you be saving a life but it will also save you money! It is also a good idea to learn as much as possible about the dogs history before making a decision.
Regardless of the age and breed of dog you will decide on, training is highly recommended, especially with small children around.
An Pet ID tag for your dog is also a must to ensure that your new furry family member will always be able to find his way back to his new home and family!

 

At the Tag Studio we offer several delivery methods based on your preference. Our basic method is by lettermail, but we also offer XpressPost service for those who prefer a more secure shipping.

Our Pet ID Tags are small and light and therefore can be sent via lettermail, at only $1 this method is the cheapest, however does not provide any insurance, tracking or guaranteed delivery date. The XpressPost service comes with a $100 insurance, tracking number and guaranteed delivery date.

Our recommendation:

If your pet tag needs to be delivered to a Canadian or US address, we strongly recommend the basic service. It is the cheapest and quite fast and highly reliable pretty much anywhere in Canada or US. There is a very small chance that the envelope might get lost, but over the many years we have very rarely had any issues. As for the delays, from experience, especially in Canada we have noticed that lettermail is just as fast as Xpresspost.

However for our customers in other countries or even in the southern parts of the US, we highly recommend the use of Xpresspost as delivery method, as it will provide you an insurance on your package, a tracking number and a scheduled delivery date.

If you have any questions regarding the delivery of a tag for your cat or dog, do not hesitate to contact us before placing your order.  

Many animal rights groups such as the Human Society strongly opposes the idea of keeping wild animals as domestic pets and after considering the risks this practice poses to human health and safety, animal welfare and the environment it would be difficult to disagree with them.

There is a considerable difference when comparing domestication of wild animals to cats and dogs. Having a pet means being responsible for providing appropriate and humane care for these animals and in the case of wild animals meeting this responsibility becomes almost impossible and cause many risk to people, animals and the environment. Typical pets such as cats and dogs depend on humans for food, shelter, affection and veterinary care. Wild animals by nature are self-sufficient and possess strong instinctive behavior which makes them unsuitable as pets.
Yes they may be irresistibly cute as babies but most grow bigger and stronger than owner ever imagined. As they grow older their behavior goes from juvenile dependant to instinctive adult animal which usually results in bitting, scratching and display of destructive behavior without warning or provocation.

Caring for wild animals requires considerable expertise, specialized facilities and lifelong dedication. Some become larger, stronger and more dangerous than owners expect or can manage. Even small monkeys or small cats such as ocelots can cause serious injuries, specially on children. There is also a heath risk to consider, these animals can carry diseases that are dangerous to people such as rabies, herpes B virus and Salmonella. Some of these diseases can even be fatal to humans. The removal of these animals from their natural habitat will also have an effect on the environment in general many species depend on each other for co-existance, not to mention that many of these wild-caught animals suffer or die on the journey to the pet store.

These are some of the many reasons why it is not a good idea to domesticate wild life but the best reason is the following fact: Wild animal is the antonym for domestic animal!

Since genetically altered foods first came out on the market, people have been conserned obout the potential health effect. There are now companies that produce genetically modified cats and dogs for various reasons. Some with goals to enhance their looks for competitive purpose and others for reasons like silencing the gene responsible for human allergies to these pets. Regardless of the reason one must wonder if it is ethical. Human genetic alteration are still the cause of large debates but pet don't seem to be a hughe concern.

The science of these DNA modifications are far from perfect, they are still in the trial and error phase producing a high quantity of "byproducts" or failed attempts that are destroyed. There is also the question of the health effects on the cats and dogs that are "successfully" modified to the "right profile", there is no guarantee that these animals will live average, healthy life spans. Furthermore, are our vets with no special training in this matter, capable of treating ailing genetically mofified pets?

You can presentlly purchase a hypoallergenic cat for close to $4,000 but what you must ask yourself before doing so is, how many "byproducts" had to pay the price for this one "successfully modified" cat? 

Because we are committed to offering our customers the best dog or cat I.D. tags available on the market.

 

We begin with the raw material:

There is many different grade of raw aluminium available on the market that can be used to manufacture Pet I.D. Tags, we selected our supplier based on the quality of the material they use and the overall process they use to anufacture the tags. There are many cheaper tags of lesser quality available, however we have been provided by the same tag manufacturer since we began operations. We deal with this United State manufacturer for many reasons, including product consistancy and the quality raw material they use to manufacture the Pet I.D. Tags the provide us. Another visually noticable sign of quality craftsmanship of this producer is the edges on our tags, most manufacturers stamp out the tags from a pre-color anodized sheet, leaving bare aluminium exposed around the edges, our quality supplier used a process which involves stamping out the tags first and then clolor anodizing the them, this method is more time consumming but ensures that the edges on the tags will also be colored and gives it a superior overall finish. It is a given that the edges will wear over time, but  the way we see it is, should car manufacturers not paint the bumpers because it is a given that they will eventually be exposed to scratches? Just as in I.D tags, we think that most of us preffer painted bumpers!

 

Our marking process:

We at The Tag Studio use the lattest available laser marking technology and graphic design software to engrave the text and graphics on our tags. This process allows us to engrave any design you can imagine on to your tag. The laser produces a high contrast, high resolution (up to 1200 DPI), permanent marking on the anodization of the tag. Additional to all the design we already offer, we can create a custom design for your unique pet tag based on your personal request, simply select the proof option and include a note with your request during checkout.

 

Overall experience:

All our orders are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours, most are sent our the next day and we generally respond to any inquiries within 24 hours. We believe that it's not enough to simply offer a great product if you cannot provide a great service! Also our tags come individually packaged with included high strenght attachment split ring and includes "Tag Care Tips" on the back of the packaging. The Tag Studio Pet I.D. Tags and the packaging they come in are also 100% Recyclable.

Before we decided to get our first dog, we did some reading on the breeds that we were interested in, however even knowing the fact that Miniature Pinscher were naturally "sticks of dymnamite" we decided to get one..... we soon found out that the word "active" is an understatement for these dogs!

He is such a cute dog but seem to think he's the boss and enjoys activities such barking for nothing.... he can hear a door opening from three blocks away! He has matured quite a bit since his puppy days but still only has one speed; OVERDRIVE, he cant do anything at a relaxed pace. He also enjoys taking off on us when he gets the chance, and thats why his Pet ID tag reads:

TAZ, I'm not lost, I Escaped!!!! God only knows how many time that dog ID tag has reunited him with us! 

Even with all his little flaws, our family has grown to love him to bits!!! You can always count on him to sneak under your blanket and squeeze between your legs for a spot to crash or to take up 80% of the couch even with his tiny size. With all that said I would recommend his breed to anyone anyday.

Imagine your pet is lost. It is unable to find its way back home. It is alone in the cold and in the dark of the night. It is hungry, tired and scared. Meanwhile you are at home worried. You are calling people you know in the neighborhood to find out if anyone has seen your pet. At night you lay down with you eyes wide open wondering where your loveable pet is and worrying about how you will find it again. Your mind works on possible ways to retrieve it: ads in the paper, ads on telephone poles, calls to your municipality and the SPCA. Your mind is working and keeping you up late. The worst is not knowing. Not knowing where your pet is and if you will ever see it again. The unknown is absolute torture when it comes to losing your pet.

This scenario can easily be avoided with a few dollars. TheTagStudio.com designs custom engraved pet id tags in various shapes and colors. TheTagStudio.com’s tags are created using the best quality anodized aluminum tags available on the market. Unlike most conventional pet ID tags the tags are color anodized even around the edges. Most Pet Tags out there print information on the tags. Not TheTagStudio tags! The graphics are laser engraved using the latest graphic design software and state of the art laser marking system, which produces a high contrast, high resolution (up to 1200 DPI), permanent marking on the anodized surface of the tag.

When you create a pet id tag at the tag studio, you are truly creating a UNIQUE tag for your pet. Just look at all you have to choose from to personalize your tag!

So why invest in a Pet ID Tag for your cat or dog? Because your pet cannot carry a wallet! A pet id tag is pretty much the cheapest and fastest way to identify them. At the Tag Studio, you can even add important medical information which can be crucial for the people who find your pet. A few dollars seem so minimal when compared to the benefits and the peace of mind that you get by knowing that your furry friends will stand a much better chance of finding their way home if ever lost.

If you’re still not convinced, then perhaps the following statistics from ASPCA will help you decide. Personally, these numbers shocked me as a pet owner:

5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters in the U.S alone!

60% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized.

Less than 2% of cats and 15 to 20% of dogs are reunited with their owners.

Most of the reunited pets were identified by tags, tattoos or microchips.

I don't know about you, but as a pet owner these numbers are scary to me and would definitely influence my decision to invest a few bucks in a Pet ID Tag to avoid having my pet become a statistic!

Why invest in a Pet I.D. Tag for your cat or dog? Because your pet cannot carry a wallet, it is pretty much the cheapest and fastest way to identify them. At the Tag Studio, you can even add important medical information that may be crucial  for finders to know if your pet is found. A few dollars seem so minimal when compared to the benifits and the peace of mind that you get by knowing that your furry friends will stand a much better chance of finding their way home if ever lost.

If thats not enough to make you precautious, than perhaps the following statistics from ASPCA will influence you way of thinking, I know that personally, these numbers shocked me as a pet owner:

• 5 to 7 million companion animals enter shelters in the U.S alone!
• 60% of dogs and 70% of cats are euthanized.
• Less than 2% of cats and 15 to 20% of dogs are reunited with their owners.
• Most of the reunited pets were identified by tags, tattoos or microchips.

I don't know about you, but as a pet owner these numbers look awfully scary to me and would definately influence my decision to invest a few bucks on a Pet ID Tag  to avoid having Taz becaume part of the statistics!

Rescently we discovered that our dog Taz is a big fan of certain vegetables. I can hear a cucumber being peeled from a block away! They seem to be his favorite but enjoys most type of crunchy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, brocoli and cauliflowers. Which brought me to question if vegetables were actualy beneficial for dogs or if they present a danger.

After a bit of digging, I came to the conclusion that although vegatables aren't a required part of a dogs diet, the phytochemicals found in such abundance in vegetables can help prevent some chronic diseases seen in dogs just as they do for humans. When considering vegetables for your dogs diet it's important to recognise the ones that are potentially harmfull to your dogs. Onion and garlic are definately to be avoided given that it is proven to cause anemia in dogs when consummed in high enough concentration. Other veggies that may have adverse affect on your dogs and should be avoided are avocados, tomatoes and wild mushrooms. Potatoes are also to be avoided due to the fact that its limited for nutritional value and may promote weight gain.

Although a little more difficult to diggest, the ones most benificial for your dogs are the cruciferous ones such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts. Although Taz likes his raw, to increase digestability it is reccommended that vegetables be cooked before serving. Steamed is the prefered method to minimize loss of nutrient during the cooking process. To avoid upset stomach or diarrhea, it is recommended to gradually introduced the vegetables to your dogs diet, making sure that vegetables don't exceed more that 25% of your dogs daily food intake and always served along side of a high quality source of protein. 

Although at The Tag Studio we generally cater our Pet ID Tags to Cat and Dog owners, I always wondered what the most common domestic pets where in North America, other than cats and dogs who as expected, do reign the top of the chart! After a little online research, here is a short list of the 10 most popular domestic pets found in US and Canadian homes today:

1- Dog

2- Cat

3- Fish

4- Bird

5- Hamster

6- Turtle

7- Lizard

8- Guinea Pig

9- Gerbil

10- Ferret

On a past article we listed many household plants that could be a source of toxin for our domestic pets. Plants are a common cause for pet poisoning, however there are many other source that can be responsible for making out pets ill. Here is a list of 13 toxins in order of most to least common cause of pet poisonning:

1- Accidental Ingestion of Pet or Human Medications

2- Rodenticide (Rat Poison)

3- Methylxanthine toxicity (Chocolate, Caffeine)

4- Plant Poisoning

5- Household Chemicals

6- Metaldehyde (Slug Poison)

7- Insecticide

8- Heavy Metal Toxicity

9- Toad Poisoning

10- Antifreeze Poisoning

11- Walnut Poisoning

12- Alcoohol Toxicity

These statistics were based on 20,000 pet poisoning claims reported to a large pet insurance company between 2005 and 2009. Further details and a visual graph can be obtained at the link we have provided bellow.

• www.probioticsmart.com/blog/2010/10/13-most-common-causes-of-pet

Zebra print Pet ID Tags now available at the Tag Studio! Choose from 11 shapes. Stylish in black but offered in all 8 colors.

• Buy ZEBRA DESIGN from The Tag Studio

Over the year of making custom Pet ID tags for our customers, I have noticed that name trends change with time. When it comes to naming our pets, some of us draw blank. I personally believe that the best approach is to name your Cat or Dog only after spending a week or two with him or her, for their caracter traits may inspire you! Just in case you need some ideas, here is a list of the 20 most popular names we have come accross over the past years:

RANK	MALE	FEMALE
1	MAX	BELLA
2	CHARLIE	DAISY
3	JACK	MOLLY
4	BUDDY	LUCY
5	JAKE	SADIE
6	TUCKER	MAGGIE
7	DUKE	BAILEY
8	TOBY	CHLOE
9	BEAR	SOPHIE
10	OSCAR	LOLA
11	COOPER	LILY
12	SHADOW	ROXY
13	ROCKY	ZOE
14	OLIVER	GINGER
15	RILEY	RUBY
16	BAILEY	ABBY
17	JASPER	PRINCESS
18	LUCKY	GRACIE
19	BENTLEY	ZOEY
20	BUSTER	EMMA

We often hear that many of the domestic plants that are commonly found in our homes are poisonous for our pets. However most of us don't really know which plants are considered a danger for our furry friend. After a little bit of  online research, here is a list that I found that can help you point out the potential threats for cats and dogs:

  

Aloe Vera (Medicine Plant)	Amaryllis	Andromeda japonica
Apple (Seeds)	Apple Leaf Croton	Asparagus Fern
Autumn Crocus	Avocado (fruit & pit)	Azalea
Baby's Breath	Bird of Paradise	Birdsnest sansovioria
Bittersweet	Branching Ivy	Buckeye
Buddhist Pine	Caladium	Calla Lily
Carnation	Castor Bean	Ceriman
Cherry (seeds & wilting leaves)	Chinaberry Tree (berries, bark, leaves, flowers)	Chinese Evergreen
Christmas Cactus	Christmas Rose	Chrysanthemum
Cineraria	Clematus	Coleus
Cordatum	Corn Plant	Cornstalk Plant
Croton	Cuban Laurel	Cycads
Cyclamen	Daffodil	Daisy
Day Lily (cats)	Dracaena	Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane (all types)	Dieffenbachia	Easter Lily (especially cats)
Elaine	Elephant Ears	Emerald Feather
English Ivy	Fiddle-leaf Fig	Flamingo Plant
Florida Beauty	Foxglove	Geranium
German Ivy	Glacier Ivy	Glory Lily
Golden Pothos	Hahn's Self-Branching	Heavenly Bamboo
Hibiscus	Holly	Hosta
Hurricane Plant	Hyacinth	Hydrangea
Indian Laurel	Indian Rubber Plant	Iris
Japanese Show Lily (sepecially cats)	Jade Plant	Jerusalem Cherry
Kalanchoe (Panda Bear Plant)	Lily of the Valley	Macadamia Nut
Madagascar Dragon Tree	Marble Queen	Marijuana
Minature Croton	Mistletoe	Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law's Tongue	Narcissus	Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthytis	Nightshade	Norfolk Pine
Oleander	Onion	Oriental Lily (especially cats)
Peace Lily	Peach (wilting leaves & pits)	Pencil Cactus
Philodendron (all types)	Plum (wilting leaves and seeds)	Plumosa Fern
Poinsetta (low toxicity)	Poison Ivy	Poison Oak
Pothos	Precatory Bean	Primrose (Primula)
Red Emerald	Red Princess	Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant	Sago Palm	Satin Pothos
Schefflera	Silver Pothos	String of Pearls/Beads
Sweetheart Ivy	Swiss Cheese Plant	Taro Vine
Tiger Lily (especially cats)	Tomato Plant (green fruit, stem & leaves)	Tulip
Varigated Rubber Plant	Wandering Jew	Weeping Fig
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow	Yew	Yucca

If you suspect that your pet has ingested one these plants, call your veterinarian or the National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423 or 1-900-680-0000. You can also further details by visiting the link I have provided bellow.

• www.dr-dan.com/newpage16.htm

In the spirit of the holiday season we have just added 10 new Christmas themed Pet ID Tag designs for you to choose from. They are available in many shapes, in all colors and make great stocking stuffers for your pets! Share the Festive season with you cat or dog with a custom Pet ID Tag from the tag studio!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank and wish all our customers a safe and happy holiday season.

• Buy SNOWMAN DESIGN from The Tag Studio
• Buy SANTA DESIGN from The Tag Studio

At the TagStudio.Com we want to make sure that you will get exactly what you want when it comes to the artwork on you cat ID tag or your dog ID tag and therefore, we offer a one of a kind proof approval system. 

The actual software that our designers use to design the artwork that will used to create your ID tag, gives them alot more flexibility than the simple functions on the "Build-A-Tag" application, so the final design can varie from the one you create on it. If you are very particular about the exact appearance of your tag, for a small fee of $1, your can request a proof of the artwork that will be e-mailed to you for your approval before we run your order. It will be in PDF format and look something like the image illustrated.

For some, it's a well worth investment!

 

For all you that have a dog like mine that barks for no reason what so ever or that own a pet that doesn't do much but laze around I just created two new design to suite your pet! The "Laziness Medical Condition" and the "Barkanitis Medical Condition" Pet ID Tags are avilable in all colors and in 5 shapes, does it suite your pets personality?

• Buy LAZINESS DESIGN from The Tag Studio
• Buy "BARKANITIS" DESIGN from The Tag Studio

For all you pet owner who are like us and love to celebrate Halloween, we have just added some new "Halloween" theme designs! These "spooky" graphics can be used with most of our shapes to create a unique festive ID tag for your dog or your cat. Though orange and black are Halloween's favorite colors, we left you the option of  using any color we offer. Stay tuned for more great designs to come at TheTagStudio.Com.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween everyone!

• Buy PUMPKIN DESIGN from The Tag Studio
• Buy BAT DESIGN from The Tag Studio

When designing a Dog ID Tag or a Cat ID Tag, many people are not quite sure what information they should include. To make things a little easier we have compilled a list of thing that you can include on your Pet ID Tag by order of importance:

•   Phone Number: The telephone is still the most common method that someone who finds your lost pet will use as mean to try to contact you. If the tag you are creating has enough room, you can include a second or third number that you can be reached at. If you only have room for one number, use the one that you are most available to be reached at, such as your mobile number.
•  Pet's Name: Being lost can be a pretty traumatic experience for your pet, if the person that finds them calls them by their name it will put them more at ease until they can be reunited with you.
•  Medical Condition: If you notifie the person that finds your pet of a medical condition that they have, odds are that they will make a greater effort to try to reunite them with you as soon as possible. At The Tag Studio we offer a specific field to enter such information without any additional charge.
•  Home Address: Most domestic pets that are lost and found are usualy found within the neibourhood, so your address may be a good information to add on your tag.
•  Email Address: In modern days, the internet is one of the preffered method of communication for many, so an e-mail address may be a good idea if you can spare the room on your tag.

Things you can add, but not essentilal:

• Personal message: If your can spare the room you can add a short personal message, but just keep in mind that this space can be used for more crucial information.
•  Postal Code: Again this information can be added if there is space to spare, but most likely will not serve any purpose when it comes to reuniting you with your lost pet. I don't think anyone has ever mailed back a lost pet!

I hope that this Information will simplifie the process of designing a tag for your best friend and look forward to creating a tag for you :)

For all of you that have a feline friend with a slight "hyper-Actif" personality, we just added the "Crazy Cat" design to our collection. This Design is available in 8 shapes that are suited for cat ID tag and are also offered in all 8 colors. This image is worth a thousand words, does it describe your cats personality?

• Buy CRAZY CAT DESIGN from The Tag Studio

Is your pet "Self-Proclaimed Royalty"? Then we have just added the perfect design for him or her! The Crown design is a highly detailed graphic that state "Royalty".... It can be used to design a Cat ID Tag or a Dog ID Tag in a color of your choice. State your "posh" pets personality with the new Crown Design Pet ID Tag!

• Buy CROWN DESIGN from The Tag Studio

Today we have added the 3D Heart Design to our list of products. This Design is available in all double sided pet ID tag shape, they are also available in all 8 colors. Come back and visit us often because we are continuously working on new designs to give you more choice to help you create that truly custom pet ID tag  for your fury friend!

• Buy 3D HEART DESIGN from The Tag Studio

 

Recently I had a customer ask me to create key ID tags for the real estate company she worked for. She wanted the large circle tags with logo, serial number, mailling address and a message that stated " IF FOUND, DROP IN ANY MAILBOX". This is a great way to make sure that lost keys are more likely to be recovered. All to say that our tags can serve for alot of other identification needs other than stylish Cat ID tags or Dog ID tags, such as key tags, luggage tags, etc.... So if you have a project in mind that requires quality identification tags don't hesitate to drop us a line. We will do our best to siute your application :)