DoggieWantsToShop

Just listed! This black velvet halter-vest by Mama Kitty is constructed using repurposed black velvet (women's skirt) and cute red and white plaid (men's shirt). This garment is hand-made and one-of-a-kind, tiny dog size Small only. 

Here at Doggie Wants to Shop we are making the environment a priority. We recycle or re-use wherever possible. We select high-quality fabrics for our dog clothes, and all of our re-purposed cloth is laundered and clean. See more eco-friendly dog fashions by Mama Kitty.

We would like to announce the addition of our new Blog, Sewing for Dog. Here you will find hints and tips for sewing cute dogwear for your best doggie friend. Also, be sure to sign-up for our Doggie Newsletter. It is emailed about once per month and is full of good dog info.

The Iditarod dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome is an endurance race for highly trained athletes, both human and canine. It covers 1,100 miles of Alaskan wilderness and pits the racers against nature and competitors. In modern times the dogs are mostly Huskies and are groomed and trained to Olympic level. They run approximately 120 miles per day, and consume over 10,000 calories. 

The race commemorates the Serum Run in 1925 which brought Diptheria Serum through the icy wilderness to Nome, a remote outpost. The Iditarod Race became official in 1973. 

Dogsled travel is an Alaskan tradition and the Iditarod highlights totally amazing dogs and skilled mushers. Wolf's Den Kennels in Anchorage has a terrific blog that gives an intimate view of the dogs and a window into the sport. See pictures of dogs like Nistor, Iowa, Zazu, Patton, Fossil, Ozzy, Clifford, Bruiser, Fang, Hawkeye and more. These dog portraits are just great!

Good luck to the racers. And if you love the Iditarod like I do, please leave your comments.

The more we learn about canine behavior, the more we are impressed by our own dog’s intelligence and problem solving skills. Dog trainers and canine experts are finding new ways to encourage good behavior in all breeds and sizes by designing challenging activities and games that stimulate interest and eliminate boredom.

Today’s sturdy innovative dog games and puzzles are engineered to keep the dog engaged and to develop problem solving skills. Canines, by instinct, want to search, stalk and capture prey, and it is these inborn abilities that are the basic mechanics of terrific new dog puzzles such as Star Spinner and Paw Hide by DogGames. In these puzzles a bit of kibble is inserted into food chambers built into the game and the dog must figure out how to lift the covers or rotate the star to get the treats.

Another puzzle is Hide a Squirrel, by PlushPuppies, in which several little furry squirrels are inserted (by the dog owner) into the furry tree trunk and the dog must figure out how to get them out. This dog game is challenging and obsessively fun!

Our dogs will be occupied and happy with these searching, chewing, stalking and capturing games and puzzles. Stimulation and eliminating boredom are the keys to good dog behavior, and our dogs love toys and games and puzzles as much as we do! You can see Star Spinner, Paw Hide and Hide-a-Squirrel here at DoggieWantsToShop.com.

Share your thoughts about dog games with us. How smart is your dog? What has been your most fun dog activity? Indoor or outdoor? Did anyone say DoggieX?

Mama Kitty does it again! She has just finished a Swiss Style School Dress for Tiny Dog Size Medium. It is adorable pink plaid with a pleated skirt and lace and ribbon front. Read the full description here at Doggie Wants To Shop under the heading "Mama Kitty's Sewing" in the CATALOG.

This morning on the CBS Morning show with Erica Hill, the featured story was about the amazing Bomb-Sniffing dogs which not only find explosives in packages or luggage, but can also follow the vapor trail and follow the person carrying or wearing explosives too. So for instance, a terrorist like the Underwear Bomber could be readily be identified and caught by Department of Homeland Security or other security personnel because the dogs could smell the explosives and find the bad guy. Airports, train stations, and events can all be made safer by deploying these intelligent and well trained dogs and their handlers. And word has it, the dogs love the work. Care to comment?

Many happy good wishes to all the dogs everywhere. May your days be filled with hugs and affection. May your dog bowl be always full. May your favorite blanket get bite-holes and snags in just the right places. May your families be warm and cozy, and your favorite toy be okay for indoors. HAPPY NEW YEAR!------Mama Kitty (Sandy Hawkyard)