Do you feel bad leaving your dog at home all day alone? Does your dog need more exercise and interaction? If you need to let your dog burn off some energy and it’s too cold or rainy to hang out at the park, I cannot recommend Doggie Day Camp enough. Autumn is a happier dog on doggie day care days and I’m a happier mommy knowing that she is well taken care of. When you visit for the first time, bring your veterinary paperwork to prove your dog is up to date on shots (note: your dog will need bordetella every six months rather than one year to be in any kind of day care service in Atlanta).

While you’re filling out the day camp paperwork, one of the caregivers will evaluate your pet’s health and personality. Each dog must go through a personality check before being let in with the other dogs. Lots of other day care services I have researched don’t even mention the personality tests. This is so important, especially if you’ve got a puppy and there are other dogs that may be a bit impatient with a rambunctious baby. It doesn’t take very long at all, and it’s completely worth it.

Once the dogs are together, they are free to run around and play (they even have little jungle gyms for them to climb on and slide down). There is someone in with the dogs at all times to pet, love, and watch over them. If a fight breaks out, they are armed with spray bottles loaded with water. And if you’re worried about your dog going to the bathroom- they’ve got special textured floors for the dogs to go potty on. It’s totally safe and it gets cleaned up almost immediately.

The other important stuff you need to know: It’s not cheap. Doggie Day Camp at the Buckhead PetSmart is going to run you $20 for 6+ hours and $13 for less than 6 hours. And if you want your pup to have a snack (Kong peanut butter paste and a treat) at noon, you’ll have to cough up an extra $3. It’s going to cost you to have your pet well taken care of. But I don’t think you’ll find another place quite as safe and loving as PetSmart. If you are a PetPerks member, they will run discounts every month or so- right now until February 1, the Buckhead location is giving a $5 discount. I’ve also heard that during select months, if your dog is in daycare for 10 sessions, you get one free. Read more about the Frequent User Program.

The hours differ at every store, so please be sure to call yours to find out specifically. Buckhead is open from 7-7 during the week, but maintains slightly different hours during the weekend.

If you call ahead and make reservations, check in and check out will be a lot smoother and faster for you. Try calling ahead and let them know, that way the caregivers can have ample time to get the temporary collar ready and paperwork set up.

Required vaccinations: DPP, Bordetdella, Rabies Read more about Doggie Day Camp requirements.

The FURminator deShedding Tool helps to reduce shedding by up to 90% (so says their website- and I completely believe it). What is unique about this tool compared to others is that it gently removes the fluffy undercoat (where shedding begins) and leaves the topcoat undamaged and shiny. This dramatically reduces the amount of hair you will need to vacuum or sweep as well as reducing pet dander (are you listening allergy sufferers?). If you check out their website and take a look at the scrolling photos, you’ll see just how much hair you can remove with one treatment. The photos are real people, I swear on it!

Thanks to this tool, I don’t have to bathe Autumn as often. Personally, I like to bathe her as infrequently as possible to keep her skin from drying out and flaking (a little bit of olive oil on dry food will also help to soothe dry skin). If you’re looking for a good shampoo to use on your dog, try using Earthbath All Natural Shampoo. It’s a completely natural, cruelty-free, soap-free (no tears!), oatmeal and aloe shampoo. The oatmeal and aloe soothe irritated skin and help to moisturize it. This shampoo works wonders on the coat and skin and smells nice too (thanks to the almond and vanilla oils)! Hopefully, Autumn will quit digging at my parents house so I won’t go through so much of it!

I can only say good things about this tool. It’s one of the only deshedding tools out there that has actually lived up to my high expectations. Although it’s a bit expensive up front, it will save you lots of money on grooming costs down the road.

Pick one up at Amazon today and while you’re there, might as well get some of that sweet smelling shampoo!

• FURminator deShedding Tool
• Earthbath All Natural Shampoo

One of Autumn’s preferred pastimes seems to be chewing on things that don’t belong to her. Recently she’s really taken a liking to my favorite scarf and my new pair of black wedges. I have been striving to train her that chewing (on someone else’s) things is bad, but I can’t seem to change her behavior.

I had been searching the internet for something to curb the chewing, but never really found a proper solution. While walking through PetSmart one night, I saw it. The be-all-end-all of (virtually) indestructible doggy toys: The Kong.

The Kong has been such a blessing. It helps to keep Autumn occupied while I am making dinner or working. I spoon a dab of peanut butter into the Kong and she goes wild. Another advantage: she won’t whine when she goes into her crate. Not only has it curbed some of her chewing habits, but it’s helped me to limit the begging. Although she is still interested in human food, she won’t give me “the look” while she’s playing with her Kong.

Here’s the best part about Autumn’s favorite toy:

It keeps her occupied both mentally and physically when I am too busy to play with her or she has to be in her crate. The Kong is made from all natural puncture resistant rubber and therefore is nearly indestructible. The more Autumn plays with her Kong, the more her teeth get cleaned. The cleaner the teeth, the fresher the breath! Honestly, what more could you ask for?

I can think of only one disadvantage of the Kong. It’s pretty solid (and the one in my house is sometimes half full of peanut butter) so it’s difficult to toss around in the house. After doing a bit of research, I discovered the Kong Ball. Although it’s solid, it’s super bouncy and a lot of fun to chase around the house. I won’t lie, I’ve caught myself bouncing it while watching TV a time or two.

I highly recommend picking up a Kong for your dog- he/she really WILL love you for it!

Check them out on Amazon.com:

• KONG Ball Dog Toy
• KONG Classic Kong Dog Toy