Dog dishes and bowls become great tools for you and your pet, with a little creative thinking about how to use them.
Things to consider: Pest prevention, your dog's health, and using dishes during training.
Keep Insects Away - Dog dishes and bowls are prone to frequent visits by ants and other pests. To keep them out, place your dog dishes and bowls inside a shallow pan (like a pie pan) of water. Some dog owners like to add a dash of dish soap to the pan as well, but only do this if you can keep an eye on the dog and be sure she is not going to drink it. You could also add a dash of organic apple cider vinegar to your dog dishes and bowls each day to aid in digestion and repel fleas.
Health Issues - Dog dishes and bowls can actually help prevent hip dysplasia, a common health problem for many breeds of dogs. If your dog is one of those at risk, you can start early on the path to preventing this happening to him. Consider elevated dog dishes and bowls that are raised up off the floor. Doing so will cause less stress on his "forearm" and "wrist" area, thereby reducing a leaning effect that causes stress on the shoulders and hips. Using elevated dog dishes and bowls now will give your dog better posture and digestion for life (probably a longer and happier life at that!).
Training Tools - Feeding time is an excellent time to train your dog to sit. Before you place the dog dishes and bowls in front of her, hold it above her head and say "sit". The action of looking up to see the object of her desire over head will cause her to sit back on her haunches. When she is all the way seated, say, "good girl" and place down her well-earned dog dishes and bowls.
Doggy Decor - Dog dishes and bowls now come in so many different colors, shapes, motifs, and designs that once you consider where your dog dishes and bowls will be kept, you're sure to find one that accentuates the beauty of your home. You have worked hard to make your home beautiful. Why not make sure your decor is complemented by all the accessories in your home, including your dog dishes and bowls?
