Dog Obedience Training Collars

The basic dog obedience training collar goes by many names, including choker, choke chain, training collar, correction collar and slip collar. These training devices are among the most popular and most commonly used tools with both amateur and professional dog trainers. While a training collar is a widely used tool, as with any tool it must be used properly in order to be effective and safe for your dog. Among the most important considerations when using this equipment are: - How well the devise... Read more »

Natural Tick Control

Spring and summer months bring out a variety of insects and one of the most common is the tick. Ticks are found almost everywhere in North America and all ticks have one behavior in common, they feed on the blood of mammals. The American dog tick is a common variety of these parasites as is the black-legged tick. Ticks can carry several potentially serious bacterial diseases including Lyme Disease and Spotted or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The potential for you to be exposed to these illnesses... Read more »

6 Powerful Dog Training Tips

Dog training should be an opportunity for you to build your relationship with your dog, to create a better bond, and to have some fun in the process. Unfortunately, it’s often a little more challenging than that. To help you in the process, here are a few dog training tips that can make your experience a positive one for both you and your dog. Sizing A Training Collar It’s relatively easy to determine the proper length of the training collar that’s right for your dog. The appropriate... Read more »

Dog Bite Training: Training Your Dog Not To Bite

If you’ve ever been nipped by a puppy, you know it’s no fun, even when it’s playful. Those teeth can be as sharp as needles. So how do you put a stop to your dog’s biting? With some earnest dog bite training. But first, it helps to understand that he’s not biting maliciously. Biting and mouthing are natural activities for puppies and young dogs. They instinctively nip when playing with their siblings. This is the way they interact with the world around them. Left with... Read more »

Is A Toy Dog Right For You

I’m not talking about something that requires batteries. No, I’m referring to the twenty-two breeds recognized by the AKC as being toy dog breeds - from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier. They make great human companions, adapt well to smaller spaces, they are generally good-natured and they’re cute. With so many people “down sizing” their homes and living in more compact areas, toy dogs and other small dogs may offer the perfect choice in a canine companion. But... Read more »

My Cat Spike And New Raccoons!

No one has ever accused my cat Spike of being smart. It’s not that he’s excessively stupid, it’s just that he has a one track mind and if he decides he wants something, it’s full speed ahead for him. Forget about the consequences! Last year during the great raccoon raids, he was dumb enough to be caught three times in the animal trap provided by the city. These are the kind of traps that do not hurt the prey, but lures them inside a cage with a tidbit of food. Then,... Read more »

Do Electric Pet Fences Really Work?

Many dogs delight in chasing cars or bicycles, which causes them to run into the street where they may be injured or even killed. They may also run out to greet visitors and people walking by - especially those walking their dogs. Or they may simply have a wander lust to check out everything in their neighborhood and beyond. Responsible pet owners need a way to ensure that their dog is safe at all times. Fencing an entire yard or even a large enough area for your dog to get the proper exercise can... Read more »

Dog Nutritional Supplements and Food Choices

Commercial dog foods come in a variety of forms. The most common types are dry, semi-moist, and canned. The moisture content of these foods ranges from 6 to 10% for dry, 15 to 30% for semi-moist, and 75% for canned. Most canned food has relatively more fat and protein and fewer carbohydrates than does dry and semi-moist food, and generally contains much higher levels of animal products. Most commercial dog foods today lack the nutrients most growing and active dogs require. That is why it is important... Read more »

Disaster Preparedness for your Pet: After a Disaster

On many instances it is after a disaster, rather than before or during one, that pets can really suffer as this is when they are often abandoned or escape and have to fend for themselves. Read on to see how you can prevent this. After a disaster Feeding: if pets have been without food for a prolonged period of time, reintroduce food in small servings, gradually working up to full portions. Environmental hazards: downed power lines are a danger to wandering pets. Survey the area surrounding your home... Read more »

Disaster Preparedness For Your Pet: Part 1

Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, blizzards - nature has its fury days from time to time, not to mention the man-made threat of international terrorism. No-one is exempt from the possibility of being personally affected by such a disaster. You cannot prevent one but you can prepare for one. 1) Pre-emptive Planning Vaccinations: make sure your pet is up to date with his/her vaccinations. Your veterinarian usually informs you when the annual booster is due, but this is not guaranteed to happen.... Read more »