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What’s not to love about the city of Austin, TX? Beyond being the capital of Texas, Austin boasts being the “live music capital of the world”. The city is filled with eclectic music venues, great restaurants, and funky shops, one of which is our very own crown jewel retailer, Dogadillo. (Who can’t love that name?)

Dogadillo, is a family affair with owners Mike, wife Lauren and daughter Lisa leading the pack when it comes to premium dog boutiques in Texas. Having been in business for over 4.5 years, they are tenacious at finding the best quality foods and products available on the market today. Owner Mike Conrad is a former biochemist which lends itself well to his discriminating eye for only premium ingredients when it comes to looking out for the health and well being of your pet.

For the Conrads, hanging out in Town Lake proves to be one of their favorite things to do. With amazing trails, an off-leash park for your buddy, and lots of opportunities to take a dip in the wet stuff, it's an outdoor enthusiast's dream. When asked about their favorite part of their job they said “Getting to meet new people, playing with dogs everyday, and turning customers into friends”. It’s no wonder Dogadillo was named Retailer of the Year for Outstanding Pet Boutique 2011/2012 from Pet Product News International. And it’s no wonder why the Dublin Dog Co is so proud to have them as an official retailer of our products. 12912 Hill Country Blvd. F155  Austin, TX 78738.  (512) 402-WOOF.

The latest contest from Dublin Dog Co just kicked off today. We're looking for the quintessential happy go lucky (emphasis on lucky) dog. So send us your best video of your dog utilizing one of our Dublin Dog Co products (All Style, No Stink Collars, eco-Lucks, or Roxxter  toy) for your chance at winning over $350 in prizes, including a $250 gift card from Amazon.com. Visit the "I'm a Dublin Dog" registration page today to enter. This promises to be one of the most fun contests we've run to date.  So enjoy, have fun, and show us how lucky you and your best friend REALLY are.

Dublin Dog Co is now offering sales up to 5o% off our "Original All Style, No Stink" dog collars in select colors. These include the incredibly popular Confession, Chai Latte, and Sangria, as well as the entire Camo Couture Collection as well. Why in the world would we do such a thing you ask? Easy. We want to continue to update our color offerings, keeping things fresh and fun. As such, we are doing new colors for the Arrgyle Collection as well as the Neapolitan. So if you want a few spare collars just in time for Summer, or know of another lucky dog (and owner) who could benefit from our 100% waterproof dog collars, please send them the following link for amazing savings.  Offer good while supplies last.

photo by David Hallet

Guinness, aka "Earthquake Dog" is a stout 6- year old Irish Wolfhound who recently received a Local Hero Medal as part of the 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Guinness and owner, 37 year old Sean Scully worked 12-hour days for three weeks as they both worked tirelessly in Christchurch's shattered eastern suburbs after the February earthquake.

Sean,who is also a medallist, said Guinness was very proud of himself and hoped the award would "increase his luck with the bitches at the dog park". Ah yes, we do too Guinness, we do too you lucky dog.  Emma Mcdonald, spokeswoman for New Zealander of the Year Awards, said Guinness was the first animal to receive a Local Hero Award.  He would most likely also be the last, she added.

To read the entire story click here.

Irish Wolfhound Guinness and owner Sean Scully are both awarded the Local Hero Award for their tireless efforts toward helping earthquake victims in Christchurch, New Zealand. (photo by Don Scott/The Press)

Ever wonder what your dog is trying to tell you as they bark at what appears to be nothing? For Jake, my lab mix, barking is a non-stop activity and heaven forbid if there's a toy or leash around! Here are the 10 most common barks and what they typically mean as provided by K9 Magazine.

1. Continuous rapid barking, midrange pitch: “Call the pack! There is a potential problem! Someone is coming into our territory!” Continuous barking but a bit slower and pitched lower: “The intruder [or danger] is very close. Get ready to defend yourself!”

2. Barking in rapid strings of three or four with pauses in between, midrange pitch: “I suspect that there may be a problem or an intruder near our territory. I think that the leader of the pack should look into it.”

3. Prolonged or incessant barking, with moderate to long intervals between each utterance: “Is there anybody there? I’m lonely and need companionship.” This is most often the response to confinement or being left alone for long periods of time.

4. One or two sharp short barks, midrange pitch: “Hello there!” This is the most typical greeting sound.

6. Single sharp short bark, higher midrange: “What’s this?” or “Huh?” This is a startled or surprised sound. If it is repeated two or three times its meaning changes to “Come look at this!” alerting the pack to a novel event. This same type of bark, but not quite as short and
sharp, is used to mean “Come here!”

Many dogs will use this kind of bark at the door to indicate that they want to go out. Lowering the pitch to a relaxed midrange means “Terrific!” or some other similar expletive, such as “Oh, great!” My cairn terrier, for example, who loves to jump, will give this single bark of joy when sent over the high jump. Other dogs give this same bark when given their food dish.

7. Single yelp or very short high-pitched bark: “Ouch!” This is in response to a sudden, unexpected pain.

8. Series of yelps: “I’m hurting!” “I’m really scared” This is in response to severe fear and pain.

9. Stutter-bark, midrange pitch: If a dog’s bark were spelled “ruff,” the stutter-bark would be spelled “ar-ruff.” It means “Let’s play!” and is used to initiate playing behavior.

10. Rising bark: This is a bit hard to describe, although once you’ve heard it, it is unmistakable. It is usually a series of barks, each of which starts in the middle range but rises sharply in pitch – almost a bark-yelp, though not quite that high. It is a play bark, used during rough-and- tumble games, that shows excitement and translates as “This is fun!”

What's your dog's most common bark? Do tell...

Great video of a day in the life of a dog. Using the super cool Go Pro video system, this gives you a dog's eye view of the ins and outs of being a lucky dog. Pulled together by Dave Meinert with the incredible handwork of "Lemon" the dog, this video is full of fun and good time. Great music selection as well.

Johnny Neon 'Hearts' from Dave Meinert on Vimeo.

The beautiful thing about small business is that you can break all the rules, and so we plan on taking full advantage of that here at Dublin Dog Co. Why hire some high falutin marketing genius to come up with the names of our newest "Original All Style, No Stink" dog collars when we have you? Who knows more about dogs, fun, and what feels right then the very folks who use and adore our products? That's right, NOBODY! So welcome to your first day on the job. We need you,  your friends and family, including your dogs to vote on the various options for the five new color ways that will be introduced in the Spring of 2012.  Simply visit our Facebook "You name the collar" section and place your vote. There are three name options for each color way that were provided by our fans. So go ahead, step up to the plate and set the course for the collection. It's all you!!!

Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson has made a splash with dog lovers everywhere by creating these whimsical and brilliant motifs. The 11.6" x 16.4" prints feature six different images, perfect for complimenting your various moods and personalities. Read more on this designer through the great design site, The Designer Pad.

THE lucky day is almost here. Celebrate St. Patrick's with plenty of great Dublin Dog Co gear and get lucky for an afternoon! Who says you have to hail from Dublin to enjoy the luck of the Irish? Note all Dublin Dog hats, shirts, and Lots O' Luck collars are currently on sale. Get 'em now before some other lucky bastard beats you to it! https://67.205.22.232/Dublin-Dog-Store/index.php?cPath=52

Gang, we've all heard it a thousand times, a tired dog is a happy dog (and a happy owner). So why is this the case and what is it about a walk that can do so much good for you and your dog? Let's explore:

1) It's great exercise for you both. Unlike running, it's easier on your knees and joints just as it is with your dog. It allows you both to remain in control while increasing your heart rate and blood flow.

2) It's a wonderful way to establish that you're the alpha in your home and outside; you control the pace, the scenery, and the reward spots (where they get to linger, sniff, snarl, and sample). By using a fixed leash versus the longer, corded retractable leash you can maintain more control over your dog without the risk of rope burn when they tend to lurch forward or want to check out what's going on at their 3 o'clock.

3) Dogs like routine. I know for me, there's nothing better than winding down the night than with a nice brisk walk after dinner with Jake and Kona. We have the same route on our evening walks which is 1.3 miles (i just had to google map it). We pass a great bed & breakfast with amazing gardens, past a stacked stone wall where Jake must always pee and Kona must always climb to the top, and finally to a wild patch of bamboo where Kona loves to climb in a pee. I think she likes the reeds rubbing against her belly. It's routine and each of us looks forward to it as a way to cap off our evening and a way to settle our stomachs before bed.

4) Walks are good for the brain. While I didn't have to consult the New England Journal of Medicine for this one, I simply know that it works for me and I think it stimulates my dog's brain as well. There is nothing like a walk, without the phone, without a computer, without an agenda. Here's a time to clear your head of the clutter and try to fill it with what you intend and what you desire versus your concerns. There is something about exercise, being outdoors, and inhaling fresh air that allows you to think more clearly and open up to fresh ideas. And who better to be your muse than your dog.