One of our more popular blog topics has been the importance of picking up dog poop (Clean It Up!). Not picking up after dogs is unacceptable. It is lazy and disrespectful of responsible dog owners who always clean up.

Every dog owner has his or her own system and way of dealing with this problem. Calling local law enforcement is of course an option, but should probably be the last one. Instead try using a dog poop sign.

Here are some creative (and entertaining) signs that people use

Some people do find the signs offensive (the Tao of Poop) but that shows signs get people’s attention and can be effective reminders. Besides, what is more offensive, the sign or the poop on the ground?

Whether you choose to use a no dog poop sign or not, please act responsibly and remember to scoop the poop!

Next Wednesday, August 26 is National Dog Day. Pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige started National Dog Day to recognize the constant and unconditional love we receive daily from our best friends.

“Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage…National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure – and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”. -Colleen Paige

It is a day to recognize the powerful impact dogs have on our lives, to raise awareness about dog-related issues such as euthanasia, breed-specific legislation and responsible dog ownership.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate with your own pooch:

-       Stop by your local dog-friendly bakery and buy him some homemade treats! Head over to one of our favorite stores on the South-side of Boston.

-       Spend some extra time on your walk and allow your dog to get in a few extra sniffs here and there (and don’t embarrass your dog by not cleaning up after him).

-       Take your dog to the local dog park and let him off-leash.

-       Have a neighborhood ‘dog party’. Collect items from your friends and neighbors and donate them to a local shelter.

-       Curl up with your best friend and watch your favorite doggie movie! DogTipper.com has a great list of dog movies to check out!

-       Organize a neighborhood clean up and bring along your ReadyBags! Show your dogs you appreciate them by keeping their environment clean and smelling fresh.

-       If you don’t have a dog that’s okay. You can volunteer your time at a local animal shelter. There are thousands of shelter dogs looking for a little exercise and human affection.

In honor of the dogs, we are offering 50% off ALL Rascodog products on National Dog Day!  That’s right, half off!!  Simply order as you would through our website, and you will receive the discount at checkout.

Happy National Dog Day!!

Photo Courtesy of Michael “Mike” L. Baird, bairdphotos.com flickr.bairdphotos.com

Rascodog and the ReadyLeash is thrilled to announce that we are today’s feature product on the Daily Grommet.

Please take some time and check out all they had to say about the ReadyLeash. Leave your own comments and questions about our product, and watch the video featuring president and founder, Eric Suglaski.

Our warmest thanks to the wonderful staff at Daily Grommet for the glowing reviews about Rascodog.

There are few things quite as frustrating as cleaning off your shoes after an unfortunate step in dog poop.  Rascodog, a company based in Boston, MA, has created a new line of dog gear that prevents these frustrating moments from happening in the first place.  Featuring a trailblazing new leash with a bag roll compartment built-in to the handle and refillable biodegradable bags, Rascodog is helping to clean-up dog neighborhoods all over the country.

“Nobody likes picking up dog poop,” says Rascodog founder and president, Eric Sugalski, “but nobody likes stepping in it either. Cleaning up after our dogs and the environment around us is part of what it means to be a responsible dog owner.”

Rascodog’s ReadyLeash is the latest in dog walking products combining an ergonomic handle with an integrated bag roll compartment.  Just pop in a roll of Rascodog’s biodegradable Readybags, and they dispense from the handle like tissues.  Equipped with a 4-foot adjustable lead, the combination grip / bag dispenser and 45 biodegradable Readybags, the ReadyLeash retails for $19.99.

“The ReadyLeash has already saved thousands of shoes from being contaminated by unscooped dog poop,” says Sugalski.  “Our goal is to continue this trend and make it easy for people to take proper care of their dogs and their neighborhoods.”

Rascodog is a Boston-based company founded in 2007.  The company pledges to provide original and high-quality products that promote responsible dog ownership.

Hi there –

I’m Eric, President and Founder of Rascodog. I live in downtown Boston with my wife and our 75 lbs, 5-year old boxer, Oscar. Oscar goes everywhere with us, from my office to al fresco dinners at local restaurants to our family vacations. Despite his occasional smells and whining, he’s a joy to be around, and he is truly part of our family.

Rascodog is located in downtown Boston, an urban area with an abundance of dogs. Around lunchtime you can find us strolling near Boston harbor as Oscar makes sure we hit the off-leash areas. Oscar’s favorite pastime is chasing the Frisbee although he hasn’t quite figured out how to catch it. We are a fun, casual and very dog-friendly company that is always looking for new great product ideas.

My background is in product design. I have developed dozens of products from vacuum cleaners to medical devices. To me, a well designed product is one that not only works great, but also looks great and lasts. Living in the city with Oscar, I realized that there was a real need for well-designed, innovative and eco-friendly products that encourage responsible dog ownership. Rascodog was born out of this simple idea: great products for responsible dog owners.

Our products are carried in a variety of independent stores throughout the country. We are still a very small company, and we have recently been getting the word out about our latest product, the ReadyLeash. We are featured in the 2009 Summer edition of Modern Dog Magazine and you can also find us on Facebook, and Twitter . Please check us out and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!

Thanks,

Eric Sugalski