A smelly dog is not a beloved dog. There’s an inversely proportionate relationship between any sort of unpleasant odor and the poor pooch’s chance of getting a good scratch. And scratching is really what it’s all about if you’re a dog, right?

It’s not fair. Dog’s can’t really bathe themselves (licking just doesn’t count). While at the same time, I’ve never met anyone who can pull off a peppier greeting that my golden retriever. This leaves us with a two-bath-per month setup in my house. I see it as my job to keep him clean, which leads to more snuggly greetings. It’s a cycle made of soap, fur and love…

Just this week we tried out a new shampoo and conditioner line for dogs called Isle of Dogs. To my delight–and that of my petting-prone neighbors–Carter’s coat is now extremely shiny and oh so nice smelling. They’ve come up with a “system” for each type of dog. Based on breed, lifestyle, skin and coat conditions, your pup can get a specialized type of shampoo, conditioner and spray. Read on…

There are some 165 different breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), not to mention mixed breeds or even the so-called designer breeds like the labradoodle or the puggle. Breeds have different coats: coarse, silky, smooth, long, short, etc. (see our section on coats to discover more about their weird and wonderful variety), different dogs within the same breed may well show different skin conditions, live in different climates, have different lifestyles (outdoor vs. indoor), and most certainly be different ages.

Because every dog is unique in its grooming needs, the Isle of Dogs™ Canine Grooming System is specifically designed to treat each dog’s unique coat.

I say anyone who can carry off that kind of knock-you-over enthusiasm deserves at least his own bottle of conditioner.

Plus:

Pet-Friendly Design Dos and Don’ts (HGTV)

Great Gear for Dogs (and Dog Lovers) (HGTV Marketplace)

Bargains! Comparison Shop for Dog Accessories (Shopzilla)

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