Back to Obedience School

It’s that time of year again, when the weather cools off and dogs, both young and old, are getting ready to learn some new tricks. With that in mind we contacted Wendy, Sam & Dennis of the D.O.G (Dog Obedience Group) in Chicago to get some simple and easy training tips for collegiate canines and the home-schooled alike.

"Here's a pre-school assignment you can practice with your dog indoors called 'Follow the Leader.' With leash in hand, walk a few steps away from your dog, if he follows say 'Yes' and drop a treat. As he eats the treat walk a few more steps, if he looks up then follows say 'Yes' again and drop another treat. Before long your dog will follow and 'catch' you all over the house. This game is a simple, fun and highly rewarding way to teach attention, focus, walking nicely and recall. "

Sleep 101

Whether curling up after a long day, or napping between classes, nothing is better than a beloved bed. With our huge selection of indoor and outdoor beds, pillows and mats, we have something to accommodate sleepy pets of every size.
Finding the perfect "look" for a space is very difficult, and if you're having trouble finding a bed to match your decor, we have the answer. We can work with you, your designer, decorator or best friend, and have any of our fantastic beds custom made using a fabric of your choosing. Please contact us for more details or to book a consultation.

Studying in Style

"Having the right tools is key for every good student. We highly recommend a 6' leather leash, these are very easy on your hands and they become soft as butter once they are worn in. It gives you distance when you need it but can be folded in half to keep your dog nice and close."
Looking great is a full time job for our fashionable furry friends, but it’s easier than ever to be fabulous with our latest and greatest collars, harnesses, apparel and much more.
We know how tough college kids are on their clothes - especially the members of Delta Omega Gamma (D*O*G) House. Our new Frat Dog collars are the perfect solution - machine washable, durable and hip. Perfect for the Abarkrombie & Fetch crowd.

Looking for this school year’s new crush? barker & meowsky is totally in love with the new “Pop Heart Collection.” Available in two pulse-racing patterns and a variety of sizes, there’s sure to be one that will take your breath away.

Fresh from the streets of Paris, we offer “Les Fleurs” – beautiful patent collars sporting leather flowers in bright, stylish colors.

The Meal Plan

"Create a trail mix of treats using dry dog food and delicious treats for class. Meaty, highly scented treats are most appealing. Remember, rewards are key. When you think positive reinforcement, the reward must be positive to your dog."

The latest additions to our menu are sure to please even the pickiest poodle and the most finicky of felines. Made with the finest of all natural ingredients these delicious new dishes are sure to delight.

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze dried treats are perfect as a snack, a training treat or re-hydrated as a stand alone meal on the go. They’re made using only free-range meat and poultry and they fit perfectly in a lunch box.

Forget that junky jerky - try our all natural beef chews. Made with 100% pure beef, they’re delicious, non-greasy and offer teeth cleaning benefits (almost like dental floss). They’re also nutritious, but that can be our little secret.

Up late cramming for exams? No worries - just have some Wild Alaskan Salmon. Packed with vitamins, including omega fatty acids for brain power, these treats will keep you in tip-top shape. Just remember to keep your eyes on your own training paper.

Meet your Match

On August 26th, the storefronts on Armitage Avenue, between Halsted and Kenmore, will be playing host to Angels with Tails™: Adoptions on Armitage. This is an amazing opportunity to meet the many wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption across Chicagoland, all in one place. Stop in to barker & meowsky to meet some charming canines who are looking for a new home. We have everything you need for a new addition to the family – just in case you fall in love.

Keep 'em cool

We’ve been asking the experts for their top tips for keeping our furry friends safe and cool in the summer heat. The ever brilliant Dr. Jane Lohmar, of Family Pet Animal Hospital, has some advice to keep your furry friends cool in the hot, hot heat.

Water, Water Everywhere... - “Hydration, hydration, hydration. Always be sure to have plenty of fresh water on-hand.” Having a handy traveling bowl for water will be sure to keep everyone cool and collected on even the hottest summer day. With options for dogs of all shapes and sizes, you're sure to find a solution that's right up your alley.

Pupsicles - "Get creative, freeze slices of watermelon, carrots and other healthy snacks to keep them cool." Chilly Bones - Soaking these vanilla flavored bone-shaped toy in water and then freezing them offers a terrific way to cool down in the summer heat. You can also soak them in chicken broth, before freezing, for added fun. The Honest Kitchen recommends putting a teaspoon of their dehydrated supplements into a large container of water - pour into an unused ice cube tray and freeze. These icy treats will definitely make your pal sit up and beg.

Lay your head down – “Keep those strolls to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day. The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening.” Taking a nap in the shade is a summer tradition. Help your pet take napping a step further by using a mat made from recycled materials - enjoy the earth while protecting it. Check out our new Eco Mats!

Cannonball! - “Keep in mind that your dog is much closer to the hot surfaces you're strolling on and as heat rises the four-legers absorb the heat much moreso than their two-legged companions." What better way to beat the summer heat than by taking a dip? Whether you're looking for a life jacket for your fishing buddy, or a floating toy for the dog beach, we have a variety of products to keep you occupied while you search for sea shells on the sea shore.

You Are Hot

What to wear while strutting your stuff during the dog days of summer? We have the answer - Fantastic new designs to choose from in collars to cover-ups, there's sure to be something to tempt you - whether you're heading up to the cottage or lounging around the pool. With color combinations inspired by scorching Texas days and balmy Florida nights. Urban Hund offers their latest collection of contemporary collars with a modern twist. Put everyone in their place with our "Alpha Dog" t-shirt, exclusively for two-legged companions. This super soft, men's vintage cotton tee feels as good as it looks and is available in a variety of sizes. Check it out, and take a bite out of life.