Burberry for Dogs? by Natacha Bunzl

Burberry for Dogs? by Natacha Bunzl

Burberry is one of the world's famous designer brands. But branded trenchcoats and sweaters for dogs? A thought that may make you raise your eyebrows!

Is today's designer fashion selling out? Despite what you might think, high-class designer labels also cater for your pets nowadays as does British luxury label Burberry who has just released their own collection of Burberry clothing for dogs. Most notable features are the famous Burberry trenchcoat for dogs as well as the Check sweater and Burberry dog leash.

Where did this trend start? The origins of dog clothing most probably came from England due to its damp and cold climate, it was very easy for smaller dogs to catch colds when they were taken out. So for a while it was not uncommon to find small dogs dressed in cover-up "raincoats" and sausaged in small waterproof capes.

But the idea of actually dressing your dog and providing them with a wardrobe only came up recently. Sparked by such celebrities as Paris Hilton and her pet chihuahua Tinkerbell as well as the successful Hollywood movie 'Legally Blonde', dressing your dog up has become the ultimate in fashion and accesorizing.

From an alligator-skin dog collar and leash set to an elegant Burberry trench coat for dogs, shoes, t-shirts, hats and more you can find just about everything you wear yourself in 'dog sizes'. Bloomingdale's, Neiman-Marcus, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, all the biggest names in fashion have pawed their way into the very lucrative pet-accessories market, an industry that gathered an estimated $8 billion during 2004.

Though Burberry aren't the only designer label to release their own dog clothing collection, Burberry for dogs is definitely the collection with the most fashion credibility if you consider that as well as being English, and therefore well accustomed to bad weather, Thomas Burberry's initial success was for outdoor wear, trenchcoats and sweaters.

So if you are looking to dress your dog up, think of Burberry for dogs, with their trenchcoats, leashes and custom-made sweaters, your dog will always keep warm whilst looking elegant and refined just like Burberry clothes make you feel when you wear them. It's a sweet way of extending your love for fashion to your pet.

Unfortunately, Burberry clothing for dogs are a little pricey with the Check sweater for dogs selling at $155 and only available from select Burberry stores. But why not coordinate and shop for a Burberry mesh hat, handbag or sweater for yourself online? Shops like Bluefly.com and Ashford.com sell authentic Burberry clothing and accessories at lower prices than in real shops.

Happy Shopping!

About the Author
Natacha Bunzl writes for best fashion shopping site Indelibles.com (http://www.indelibles.com/)whose aim is to enhance your designer shopping experience.
If you wish to reproduce the above article you may do so provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and live link to the website. Live links must be human visible and search engine spiderable.

On dog bites and other dog injuries (Part 1) by Grannys Mettle

On dog bites and other dog injuries (Part 1) by Grannys Mettle

Dog bites are very common injuries for both adults and children. They can cause serious consequences from permanent disfigurement to psychological trauma. Worse, they could also result to death. No one is protected from sudden attacks of dogs.

In protecting oneself, always remember that there's no such thing as a dog that doesn't bite. In fact, statistics show that most cases of dog bite injuries are from those that are considered as pets.

So to protect yourself and your family from getting bitten, here is some information you need to know that may be helpful:

Basic Steps to Safety
DO NOT approach a dog, especially when you are not familiar with the animal. Even when you know the dog, ask the owner's permission before you try to touch or pet it. When you have the owner's permission, extend the back of your hand and allow the dog to sniff you before you try to touch or pet it. Rule of thumb: EXTEND THE BACK OF YOUR HAND. NOT YOUR FINGERS.
DO NOT try to touch the dog when it's eating.
DO NOT touch or pet a resting or sleeping dog. Always remember that dogs should always be aware of your approach.
DO NOT approach a mother dog that has puppies, particularly if the mother is nursing.
DO NOT stare a dog in the eyes, especially if the dog is strange or seem threatening. If you have information or you suspect that the dog is abused or neglected, take extra care in approaching it. Consider that the dog may be dangerous.
DO NOT get the dog very excited or engage it in excessive rough play. The dog's instincts may overpower its self-control.
DO NOT let a dog feel cornered. Exercise extra care in small or enclosed areas. Dogs feel trapped when in a place too small for them to find an exit.
DO NOT leave your baby or toddler with a dog. It doesn't matter that the dog is a pet. Some experts say that no child under the age of ten should be left alone with a dog. You never know when or what might trigger the dog's reaction to your child.
DO NOT back away from a strange dog. It may think that you're playing with it.

Children Should Always be Protected
Aside from not leaving your children with dogs, it is important to teach them on how to behave when in the company of dogs. Parents and guardians should also provide appropriate supervision for young children when dogs are present.

Experts contend that children under the age of ten should not be left alone with a dog for they may not be able to behave appropriately around it. Also, experts say that the children are too small to defend themselves when attacked even by a small dog.

In addition, dogs may confuse children's movements and behavior and mistake them for prey. It is better to take the precautionary measures now than be sorry later on. Below are a few instructions that parents should teach their children:

Not every dog that wags its tail is friendly.
Do not approach or play with a dog unless an adult is present.
Do not approach a stray dog, or a dog you do not know.
Get permission first from the dog's owner before approaching it. When you approach a dog, be sure that the owner is present.
Remain calm and still when a dog approaches you.
Do not tease dogs, or make loud noises around a dog.
Avoid staring into a dog's eyes.
Do not try to help an injured dog. Get a grown-up to help you.
Don't put your hand between two dogs. If the dog is behind a fence, do not reach through the fence.
Keep your face away from dogs.
If you got scared by a dog, do not run away, scream or shout.
If a dog knocks you over, stay on the ground. Stay completely still. Protect your head, face, neck and arms. Tell a grown-up right away.
If a dog bites, try to give something else for the dog to bite or chew. Give your backpack or jacket. Protect your head and face. As always, tell a grown-up right away.

Special Circumstances
Have you noticed that the paperboy riding a bike is always attacked by dogs in your neighborhood? There are special cases when dogs readily attack people. Rapid movement attracts a dog's attention that's why it is best to take caution when engaged in certain activities.

Riding a bicycle, jogging, running and rollerblading are some of the activities that regularly get the dogs excited. People who engage in these activities are at risk of being bitten. You should always try to keep a safe distance from dogs, including those that are on leashes.

When in a bicycle, not only do you have the risk of getting bitten, you also may be injured if you hit a dog as it runs in front of you. So if you know that you're approaching a place where there are dogs around, it is best to steer away or keep a good distance between yourself and any dogs.

If you are approached by an unrestrained dog when you're jogging, running or rollerblading, do not try to outrun it--- it is probably faster than you. Just stay still until it losses interest in you.
About the Author
For additional information and comments about the article you may log on to http://www.personalinjurydefenders.com