Oprah Winfrey is now the proud owner of two trendy dog carrier totes by PuchiBag!  The syndicated TV program “Extra” presented her with the bags as a surprise at her home during the celebration of the Oprah Winfrey Show’s twenty-sixth anniversary.

Tami Elite, Zebra

When “Extra’s” Mario Lopez went to her house to interview her at the premier of her twenty-sixth season, the show showered her with goodies by giving her a large puppy-themed gift basket. Among those gifts were two PuchiBag dog carriers for her new dog “Sadie.” At right is the Tami Elite, Zebra, that was among those gifts. Wouldn’t you just die to have this bag?!

Oprah met Sadie at PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest no-kill humane shelter, where she immediately fell in love with her.  “Out of all the pups….Sadie was the one I felt an instant connection with. She had licked my ear and whispered, ‘Please take me with you,’” says Oprah in the June 2009 issue of O Magazine.

The gifts were the brainchild of PuchiBag’s Founder and CEO, DeEdyre Burks who was successful  in presenting these dog carriers to Oprah after many years of trying.

PuchiBag dog carriers are unique in that almost all conform to airline regulations and can be used for travel, errands or any outdoor outing.  At the same time they exemplify the ultimate in style and haute couture. In a recent review of the Blue Dot PetSak by PuchiBag, Dogtime’s “Secret Shopper” said, “Can I tell you this bag is wonderful! Anna Wintour would agree for sure.”

PuchiBag was founded in 1999, by two Los Angeles businesswomen who decided to bring together their knowledge of both fashion and furry friends. PuchiBag has been sold to over 1000 stores internationally and has appeared in feature films (including MGM’s “Legally Blonde”), numerous publications (including InStyle, US Weekly, Vogue, Marie Claire and The New York Times) and has a long list of celebrity fans.

These and other fashionable and functional dog carriers may be found in pet boutiques and pet stores carrying upscale dog carriers and luxury dog products, as well as on my website, www.PuppyCratesPlus.com.  See you there!

Here’s an article I wrote recently that was published by EzineArticles on Oct. 23 – I hope you enjoy it!

New Ideas in the World of Leash Training

Leash training your dog can be a “walk in the park” if you know the right things to do. On the other hand, it can be a grueling ordeal if your dog continually fights the leash and misbehaves. Walking your dog can be a great way to establish and maintain a positive relationship with your dog if you follow some simple steps.

We’ve all seen dogs dragging their owners down the street at the end of the leash, desperate to get to their favorite bush, fire hydrant or park bench so that can read the p-mails left by other dogs – and, of course, leave one of their own!  And if you’re the owner of a dog that has a mind of his own when walking, you’re no doubt frazzled and frustrated, and you possibly dread this daily event.

Don’t “push and pull.” Refuse to walk with your dog if he insists on pulling you down the walkway. Plant your feet firmly in the ground, lean back to get leverage, and refuse to budge until your dog gives the leash some slack and comes closer to you.

Make walking by your side a positive experience. Screaming “heel” or “pull” at your dog does not work and is certainly not fun.  Instead, some experts recommend randomly rewarding your dog with a tasty treat when he’s by your side as you reinforce his behavior with the word “close.” Don’t use the word “good dog” because your dog has no idea what he did that was good so how can he repeat it?

Once your dog begins to walk consistently at your side you can begin dishing out a series of 5-7 random treats along the way.  You could also bring his favorite toy and reward him when you get to the park by allowing him to play with it.

Most experts agree that choke collars and collars with prongs do not belong in dog training. These devices can cause your dog pain. Using painful tactics only teaches a dog to be fearful of you rather than strengthening your relationship. Instead, use a normal flat collar and exercise control through verbal reinforcement and treats.

Leather Collar and Leash

Keep the same length of leash at all times. To keep your dog from pulling on his leash, you must teach him that he only has a certain length available and that you’re in control of it. It’s also a mistake to use a retractable leash while you’re training him and you should save it for use once he has learned how to walk correctly by your side and not you pull you down the street.

When you hold the leash with only your hand, it’s easy for your dog to pull away by forcing you to extend your arm.  To avoid this, keep both hands free, which will assist you in planting your body when he’s pulling.  Slipping the end of a sturdy belt through the loop end of the leash, and fastening it around your waist will assist you in holding your dog near your side.

Remember to hold your ground when your dog pulls on the leash. Stopping, planting your feet and lowering your center of gravity will help you to hold your ground. Your dog must learn that the walk will only continue if he is not pulling on his leash and on you. Resume walking only after your dog stops pulling on the leash. As soon as he backs up – even a little bit- creating some slack on the leash, resume the walk with the phrase “let’s walk.” Continuing to hold your ground each time he pulls and continuing to walk only after he has backed up and allowed slack on the  leash will eventually result in correct walking.  As your dog walks correctly down the street with you, remember to repeat the word “walk,” reinforcing his behavior.

Talk to your dog and praise him constantly along the way. This is a great way to keep him in tune with you and your pace.  If you don’t pay attention to your dog, the message he will receive is that he’s on his own and can do whatever he pleases. Ignoring your dog when he’s walking correctly and only giving him attention when he walks incorrectly will only lead to more unwanted behavior just to get noticed by you! So, remember to give your dog undivided attention during your daily walks. Cell phones will have to stay at home!

By following these recommendations consistently and patiently, you’ll soon experience increased pleasure in walking your dog and the two of you will look forward to these walks with enthusiasm!