Customers tell us about the horrible urine stains on the back of their dogs’ hind legs. We are often asked what products will help to remove the urine stains, and to prevent them in the future.

White on White Shampoo by Chris Christensen Systems gently brightens and enhances the natural color of the coat. It is safe to use on any color coat since it does not contain bleach or peroxide.

Once the initial urine stains are gone, use Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Finishing Spray to prevent further staining. Ice on Ice actually helps repel dust, dirt and urine! It works by creating a barrier on the coat to prevent any further urine stains from soaking into the cuticle. Used daily, Ice on Ice should help to prevent any further urine stains on the hind legs of the coat.

The holiday season can present some unique challenges for pet parents. Seasonal foods, lights and decorations, perhaps even a fragrant and sparkling tree, can prove irresistible to curious cats and dogs. These temptations can pose a real nuisance to pet owners, and a danger to the pets themselves; but how can you enjoy the season without putting your pets at risk?

Here are some typical danger spots, and some proven solutions using Contech technology.

The Christmas Tree
Christmas trees can be nearly impossible for a curious pet to resist; they're bright and intriguing, but loaded with all sorts of dangerous enticements. Long strands of tinsel, if chewed and swallowed, can result in intestinal blockages. Glass ornaments may entice dogs and cats to play, but can easily be broken into dangerous shards. Christmas lights and wiring may be chewed, pulled and stripped, resulting in an electrical hazard, and wrapped gifts, especially food, can present additional hazards (particularly chocolate, and any packaging wrapped in ribbon). Also, if you have a natural tree, the water may look drinkable to your pet, but can contain harmful bacteria.

To minimize the threat of these seasonal enticements, you can designate the tree off limits to pets by placing ScatMat pet training mats around the base, or at the entrance to the room. The ScatMat responds to your pets touch with a mild static sensation (like the static shock you can get from touching a metal doorknob). After a few encounters, cats and dogs will quickly learn to stay away from the area.

Displays on mantels or sideboards
Pets that can reach tabletop displays also pose a hazard, both to your decorations, and themselves. Fine glass ornaments displayed amidst angel hair are a definite enticement, while candles can quickly get out of control if knocked over.

To protect tabletops, ledges and mantels, the StayAway pet deterrent is a versatile solution. Small and portable, just place the StayAway at the approach to the area you want to protect (for example, the spot where kitty jumps to the mantel from the television). When a cat or dog gets within three feet, the StayAway responds with a gentle warning beep, followed by a startling blast of compressed air. After a few times, you can try switching off the compressed air, the beep alone is typically enough to warn pets away. The StayAway is non-flammable, so it's great for keeping pets away from candlelit displays (just keep the can itself away from flames and heat of course), and since it's portable, you can move it around as needed to help keep your cat or dog out of trouble.

Also to keep pets away from windowsills and mantels, there's the ScatMat pet training mat.

Food (on tables, counters or in parcels)
Nobody wants their pets to help themselves uninvited, but as mentioned above, some foods can be a real hazard for cats and dogs. For example, chocolate can be quickly gobbled up, but is also quite toxic to pets. Even centerpieces containing poinsettias, holly, amaryllis, mistletoe or pine needles are at risk of being consumed, and again can be harmful to your pet.

To ensure you food doesn't go to the dogs (or cats), equip the table with a StayAway pet deterrent when you're out of the room, or place a ScatMat pet training mat at the doorway to the room. The Stay Away pet deterrent will help protect an area out to three feet in front of it, and the ScatMat pet training mat can help keep the entire room pet free.

By taking a few simple precautions to counter the risks of holiday attractions, you can ensure a safe and happy holiday season for you and your pets.

There are several different shampoos formulated to bring out different colors in the coat by Chris Christensen Systems. One of the most frequent questions asked about them is, "Which one do I use?"

White on White is formulated to be used on all coats. It does not contain bleach or peroxide, and the optical brighteners will illuminate any color.

Gold on Gold is recommended for golden coats with darker colors intermixed, such as Belgian Tervurens, Yorkshire Terriers, and brindles.

Black on Black is for use on black or brown coats. It can also be used to deepen the color of red coats.

For salt and pepper coats, use Black on Black to deepen the dark parts of the coat, and White on White to bring out the silver strands. Apply White on White to white areas first, then Black on Black in the black areas.

Mars Coat Kings are multi-stripping-curry-combs. In other words, they can do just about anything when it comes to grooming! Regular stripping knives can only remove small amounts of fur at a time. But a Mars Coat King can strip large areas very quickly. A Mars Coat King quickly and easily removes loose hair, especially the undercoat. It also works well for dematting and detangling. Coat Kings leave hair full and healthy.

Mars Coat Kings are unique in design. They have curved, sharpened blades with rounded tips for safety, and are firmly attached to a smooth wooden handle which is very easy to hold and work with. They are perfect for use either right or left handed. Coat Kings are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs.

Mars Coat King work with all breeds and coat types. They even work for cats and horses! Because of their versatility, many groomers have deemed Coat Kings indispensable. They give a show dog quality look without the extra work. Coat Kings save time, and the coat. Try one and see how much time you can save!

A finishing spray is used before scissoring coat to a final finish. It is usually a silicone type of spray. Some sprays use natural silicone, while some are more of a synthetic type. Most groomers mix the finishing spray with water and put it in a fine mist spray bottle.

The purpose of a finishing spray is to seal moisture into each hair so a comb glides through more easily and lifts the coat more evenly. To make it work properly, you must have the right comb for the type of coat you are working with. This will help to lift the hair where you need it for scissoring.

Spritz a little finishing spray onto the coat. Comb it through by using long, even strokes going against the lay of the coat so the hair gets lifted to the desired height. . Shake the area you are working with to loosen the coat. Then scissor. Because of the quick time frame, the spray won’t hurt your scissors! The coat will be straighter and easier to comb through each time.

You’ve decided to get a puppy! But how do you know which one is right for you? First decide on a particular breed that is suitable to your lifestyle. Once you know the breed of puppy you want, the next step is to find a breeder.

Once you have narrowed your search down to a few breeders with the right credentials, schedule appointments to visit the breeders and their dogs. You want to make sure the grounds are well maintained. Some breeders keep their dogs and puppies in the house, while others may use a separate building. Whether the dogs are inside the house or in a separate kennel area, make sure it is clean and doesn’t smell like urine or feces. The kennel area should be bright, not damp, and be heated and air conditioned. If you are told you can’t see the kennel, leave!

Onto the puppies! The main things to look for in a puppy are personality traits. The pup should be happy and outgoing. Puppies that are hiding in a corner and not playing with littermates tend to be introverted and don’t make good pets. You want to find the puppy that has a lot of energy and is very curious about what is going on. Generally, you want a puppy that acts like a pain in the rear! Of course, these are the first puppies to go, so make sure you observe all the puppies together.

Make sure to look at the puppies faces. There should be no mucus from the nose and the eyes, and the nose shouldn’t be running. Watch how the puppies respond to you. They should cock their heads at different sounds, and should appear interested in who you are.

Once you have looked at all the puppies and seen how they interact with you, your family, and each other, you can make a decision on the one you want. Then you can bring your new puppy home!

Many people assume that in order to bring a puppy into your home, you must rearrange it. This is not necessary! You really don’t have to start making changes to your house. You can have a nice house, own nice things, and still have a dog!

Always remember that training is more important than removing items. A puppy must be trained to respect your home. If you use 24 hour supervisory control from the time you bring a puppy into your home, you won’t have as many problems with the puppy chewing, lifting its leg on the furniture or pooping all over the house. Just remember that accidents do happen, and they are easily cleaned!

Make sure you have the proper equipment for training before you bring the puppy home. You should make sure to have a crate or vari kennel for crate training, along with a pad or towel. Always leave the door open so the puppy has a safe place to go. This will also help the puppy get used to being in the crate for transportation purposes. Puppies will often go into alcoves or other small spaces. This is totally normal. The puppies aren’t hiding. They are just looking for a refuge where they can be alone. If there are children in the house, teach them to respect the puppy when it goes to a safe area. It’s down time and they should leave the puppy alone.

Your goal should be to live your normal life, with your puppy. Puppies must be taught that they are yours, not the other way around. If you compromise your lifestyle for a puppy, you will always be resentful.

When searching for a puppy, there are several things you want to ask a prospective breeder before making a purchase. One of the first questions to ask is how he or she came to breed this particular type of dog. What first attracted them to the breed? You may be surprised by the sheer amount of knowledge the breeder has about a particular breed, and how passionate they are about their dogs and puppies.

How long has he or she been breeding, or breeding the particular type of dog you are interested in? Have they shown their dogs? Some breeders don’t actually show their own dogs, but they breed them for others to show. And if the breeder has shown dogs, don’t be surprised if he or she wants to show off the trophies!

Most breeders register their dogs with one organization, such as the AKC. Have all the dogs and puppies been registered with the American Kennel Club, or another organization? Be wary of anyone who says their dogs are registered with several different organizations, like the AKC and the UKC. This could mean there have been problems in the past, and they may be prohibited from registering with the AKC.

Ask the breeder if you can see the mature dogs when you visit. Because they are so proud of their dogs, most breeders will invite you to see all of them! If you are refused, walk away. This could mean there is a problem. One of the dogs may be a biter or have a bad temperament, and this could be the parent of the litter you in which you are interested. Not allowing you to see other dogs is not a sign of a good breeder.

If you find a breeder you are comfortable with and you decide to purchase a puppy, the breeder should give you care instructions. Make sure he or she tells you about proper equipment, feeding and grooming. Also, make sure to ask the breeder about the first night home with your new puppy. Breeds vary in how they respond to separation from parents and littermates, so make sure the breeder explains the best way to care for your puppy in his new home – yours! Don’t be surprised if the breeder cries when you leave. Breeders are running a business, but a lot of time, care, and love go into that business.

Just like any other business they want to know how you heard about them. Be sure to mention to the breeder where you got his or her name, be it a friend or relative, the AKC or its website, another breeder, or Cherrybrook!

Someone in your family said, “Let’s get a puppy!” Great! Now comes the hard part. You have to decide if you are really ready for a puppy. Sometimes people just don’t understand how big a commitment getting a puppy can be. So here are some things to keep in mind before you begin looking for a breeder.

A giant breed may only live for 7 to 9, or maybe even 11 years. But a toy breed can live as long as 22-24 years! All dogs need to be fed, brushed and walked on a daily basis. Don’t forget about bathing! How much time do you spend away from home? Not just traveling, which presents its own set of challenges, but commuting? Dogs aren’t happy being alone or crated for 12 hours a day. And being home for two days on the weekend can never make up for the time you aren’t with your dog.

Do you have kids? Children, especially young ones, aren’t accustomed to real animals. Stuffed animals can fall down the stairs safely, but a puppy cannot. Toys can be dropped, stepped on, or even run over by a bike! A puppy can be seriously hurt, even by a well-meaning child. And just like kids, puppies have soft bones and can be injured easily.

Recently married or newly co-habiting? It can be very hard to bring a puppy into a situation like this. You and your partner are just learning how to live with each other, much less a puppy! Try waiting at least a year, so you can be comfortable in your life, home, and each other before adding a puppy to the mix.

Did you become an empty-nester? Even though you probably have plenty of experience with pets, are you really ready to try again right away? Maybe it’s been a while since you had a dog. You just got your house back to yourself. Are you ready for housebreaking?

Check your schedule. Do you travel more? When you’re on the road you can travel with small dogs in cars, and even on planes. A larger breed might fit in the car, but not on an airplane. And some hotels won’t allow large dogs.

What about allergies? Is anyone in your family allergic? Do you sneeze and get a runny nose when you pet the neighbor’s Labrador? Do your daughter’s eyes itch when she plays with her friend’s Pomeranian? Before thinking about getting a puppy, everyone should be tested for allergic reactions. This can be as easy as spending time with someone else’s pet. But it can save a lot of heartbreak later.

After taking everything into consideration, if you, your partner, your family, and your lifestyle are compatible with a dog, it’s time to find a breeder. Go get your puppy! But if one person isn’t happy or ready, don’t get the dog. Always remember that getting a puppy is a lifetime commitment!

Our 2008 Dog Calendars are now available for sale! Browse our Dog Calendars category located under our Dog Lover Gifts department to find your favorite dog breed. We are offering 3 different styles in over 100 different dog breeds.

Our standard 2008 Wall Calendars feature a beautiful dog photo for every month of the year with a bonus image! This 12 x 12 inch calendar features a 6 month planner page. New wall calendars this year are Longhair Chihuahuas, Welsh Corgis, Labrador Retrievers (featuring black labs, yellow labs and chocolate labs), Toy and Mini Poodles and Black Pugs.

Our 366 Day Calendars include an image for every day of the year (There are 366 days in 2008 due to the leap year!) This 12 x 12 inch calendar features an extra large, 2 page, monthly grid. The new 366 Day Calendar this year is the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Our Mini Wall Calendars feature our favorite puppies in a perfect 6 x 6 inch size. Adorable puppies adorn each monthly page. These calendars are big on puppies yet small in price and make the perfect gift for any dog lover. New this year are Poodle puppies, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies, and Labrador Retriever puppies (featuring black lab, chocolate lab and yellow lab puppies).

With such a large selection of 2008 Dog Calendars, you're sure to find the perfect gift for the holidays. Cherrybrook offers many breeds that you won't find at your local mall or book store. Love German Shorthaired Pointers but can't find the calendar? Our Dog Lover Gifts are available in many of the AKC dog breeds that you won't find anywhere else. We offer hundreds of products including jewelry, ornaments, watches and of course Dog Calendars.

Remember to order early for holiday gift giving, as our calendars are only available for a limited time and they do go quickly!