Setting the Starting Level
After you place the collar and make sure that good contact is available between the probes and the dog’s neck, start testing the shock at the lowest level possible.  Slowly increase the level of the shock administered until you see your dog react in some manner.  It can be as simple as a twitching ear, scratching, or a quick expression change.  This is the level at which you should begin with.

Positive/Negative
If your goal is, for example, to stop your dog from pulling you down the street on walks, then make sure the remote is in your pocket where the dog can’t see it and the collar is turned on.  Head out on your walk and as soon as your dog starts to pull say, “no” and administer a continuous shock until he stops pulling.

Immediately stop the shock and praise your dog when he corrects his behavior.  The dog will quickly learn that whenever he pulls, something unpleasant happens.  When he stops, something positive happens and the the sensation goes away.

Your goal is to make yourself the safe place your dog wants to go to.  That means that you have to be diligent to stop correcting them as soon as they respond to whatever command you have given.

Shock collars can be used effectively, but the owners, and not just the dogs, need some training in proper technique before employing them.

A relatively common problem with larger dogs is that they need to bend pretty far to get to food placed on the ground, and that can lead to two problems.  Gulping food that is far below the shoulders causes a build up of air in the belly.  This can lead to the second problem of that air occasionally lead to bloat, which is a dangerous and often fatal condition.  The best way to prevent this is to get an elevated feeding station.

Just like how the dog steps benefits dogs joints and muscles. Elevated dog bowls help with digestion, keeping your dog healthy. Which will make him a much happier dog.

Ideal Eating Height
The best height for a dog bowl is six inches below the height of the withers.  The withers are the front shoulders of an animal.  If you have a small dog, like a toy Poodle or Pekinese, then eating out of a bowl on the ground is fine.  Otherwise you should invest in an elevated feeding station.  Many such stations are adjustable and come in single, double, or triple bowl configurations.

To figure out how high you need your station to be, measure your dog at the withers and subtract 6 inches.  That is the height you want for your feeding station.  If your dog is still growing and you don’t want to purchase different stations as he grows, you should consider an adjustable station that has sufficient range to meet your later needs.

Additional Benefits
If knowing that your dog is eating in an ideal position isn’t enough incentive, then consider this.  For older dogs with joint problems and arthritis, the position required for eating from a low bowl places a lot of stress on the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.  To get out of this position as quickly as possible, dogs will eat even faster.  A bowl at the right height helps them to slow down.

Getting the food up off the floor prevents problems with insects as well.  If you choose a station that has a lip formed around the edge of the platform, you will dramatically reduce the amount of food or water that ends up on the floor.  That also translates to less clean up for you.  On top of that, your dog isn’t the only one getting older.  If you have a hard time bending over, then raising the food dish by a foot or more can be a real boon.

Stylish Statement
There really isn’t anything appealing about a stainless steel bowl on the floor.  You can get elevated dog bowls nestled in modernistic plastic stations or opt for a more classic warm wood unit.  Wrought iron units are very attractive and do great outside as additional watering stations.  Picking a style that matches your tastes is easy and fun.

Elevated dog bowls are good for your dog’s health, convenient to use and look nice.  With no down side and so many benefits, there is no reason not to give them a try.  Your dog will thank you for it.

Dogs following a trail are not terribly concerned with much else.  Once they are out of sight, their barking gets somewhat difficult to follow.  In a wooded, hilly area the echoes can completely turn you around.  By being able to use GPS technology, you can significantly shorten the amount of time it takes to find your animal and bring your prey to ground.  This ability to find your animal quickly and accurately leaves you more time to hunt.

Dog tracking collars are amazing.  They tap into the same technology used by your car mounted GPS, with an additional feature.  You carry the receiver, and your dog wears the transmitter.  Don’t worry about the other dogs making fun of yours with his antenna sticking out behind his head; he doesn’t really look like an alien.  Clearly the benefits of being able to find your dog so quickly more than makes up for the teasing.

With a line of sight range of about 12 miles and a real world range of about 7 miles, according to reports, you don’t have to worry about losing your dog ever again.

The typical dog door is an accessory that you place into one of your doors.  Usually found in a back door or on a garage door, these little treasures allow your dog to go in and out whenever they want.  You no longer have to get up each time your dog wants to go out, nor get back up to let them in.  No waiting at the open door calling for your animal so you can go about your business.  If you get stuck late at work, you don’t need to worry that your dog is waiting, legs crossed, for your arrival, or worse, not waiting.

Dog doors can be found in a size that will fit any animal.  Some are simple, others sport technology that only allows your specific animal to enter and exit.  For such fancy doors, you dog will need to wear a radio transmitter on their collar.  The transmitter lets the door know when your dog is nearby and will release the locking mechanism; handy and safe for all.

Training your dog if they have never seen a dog door before may take some time.  The process is simple and should involve a lot of encouragement and treats.  Once your dog sees the freedom gained by using a dog door, there is no turning back.

Long gone are the days when an owner would throw an old blanket in the corner of the kitchen or garage for their dog.  Unless you live out in the ‘holler’ you are well aware that most family dogs sleep on the exact same high quality surfaces we do.  There is nothing unusual about buying your dog a Swedish therapeutic foam bed if they have joint aches and back problems.  Beds are available with built in head rests or bumpers and some even resemble the much coveted couch.

Covered in an endless array of fabrics your dog’s new bed can be decorated to coordinate with your furniture.  It can be discretely tucked into the corner of any room and remain unnoticed.  If your dog wishes to recline upon a cow print lounge; done.  If your dog prefers to lie on an organic cotton fleece cover; you got it. Only your imagination will limit your choices.  Rectangular or round, with sides or open, you can pick the perfect bed for your best friend.  Whatever fabric you do pick, make sure it comes off the bed easily for convenient washing.

Custom made dog beds are available as well, but costs go up significantly at that point.  You can have any type of dog bed made to your specifications, and many people do just that.  They may have two or more identical beds to ensure that their pooch has a good night’s sleep, no matter where he is.  Crate beds can be purchased as well so that while your dog is in transport, they have a comfortable place to lay their head.

Unfortunately the only way to find out if your prized pooch will like a bed is to purchase it and let them try it out.  Most dogs are fairly easy going and any surface will suit them just fine, but a dog with special requirements may need something special.  Improvements in medical care have extended the lives of dogs as well as people, so you are likely to see your dog develop ailments that used to be reserved for people.  A dog with arthritis may need a softer, more forgiving surface to sleep on than a young and active pup.  These needs can be accommodated in the new world of dog beds.

No matter what you get your dog, the experience of buying the perfect dog bed should be fun.  With the extensive selection, fun coverings and variety of shapes, you can spend hours pouring over websites, catalogs and walking through stores before settling upon your choice.  Pair a good bed with a wooden dog crate and you’ll have your dog happier than ever. Also consider outdoor dog beds for your dog houses.

Step 1: Start with the basics. Find out the location and hours of the dog groomer. The location needs to be convenient to either your work or home. Some groomer’s hours will allow you to drop your dog off on the way to work and pick him up on the way home. Find out if there is an extra charge for having your dog be there during these extra hours if your schedule requires it. Ask about weekend hours and find out how far in advance appointments typically need to be scheduled.

Step 2: Investigate the credentials. Conduct a phone interview with the groomer and find out about his or her credentials and experience. If there is more than one person who does the grooming, find out their training and history as well. If you like what you hear over the phone, conduct a site visit. Check for friendliness and cleanliness. Observe how the animals and humans are treated in the facility. While there, you might want to see if the groomers also offer boarding services, as it can be convenient to pick up a groomed dog if you’ve boarded him while taking your own vacation!

Step 3: Ask about extras. Do the extras cost extra? Some groomers will include extra services in their fees, while others will ring up all of the extras. Find out if extras such as ear cleaning and nail clipping are included. Some groomers will even perform dog massages as part of their service!

Step 4: Do they offer frequent customer discounts? Some groomers will offer discounts for regular costumers who book their next appointment while checking out during their current visit. Because groomers like you to bring your dog on a frequent basis, they might offer to give you a discount if you go on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Step 5: Do they offer multiple pet discounts? Pet grooming can become a costly expense if you have more than one pet in your family. Find out if the groomer is willing to negotiate on the price of their services based on the fact that your family’s business is doubled.

Step 6: Are they pet-friendly and environmentally friendly? Ask the groomers about the products they use on the dogs. Are the shampoos organic or do they use chemical based products? If natural products are what you prefer, you should only expect the same for your pooch.

The steps above will help you in choosing a dog groomer that you can feel comfortable with. The decision to return to that dog groomer can be made once you see the results of his or her work and once you witness his or her interaction with your dog. If your dog drags his paws on the way in, you can’t necessarily blame that on the groomer; some dogs just hate to be groomed! On the other hand, if your dog bounds towards the bath and clippers like he’s headed towards the lake, you know you’ve found a great groomer!

This article was posted by a site carrying invisible fences, soft dog steps, and elevated dog feeders.

Step 1: Make your dog a backseat driver. The safest place for your dog is in the backseat of your car. In the front seat your dog will be tempted to jump into your lap or distract you in some other fashion, which is obviously not safe. If you have a hatchback or large sport utility vehicle, the very rear of the vehicle is not the safest option because there is usually no way to harness the dog in this open space. For larger dogs, you can purchase a dog seat belt in order to restrain him in the back seat. For smaller dogs, you can purchase a car seat carrier to keep them elevated in the back seat.

Step 2: Make your dog enjoy the view from the inside. Many dog owners think it’s fun or cute to allow their dogs to hang their heads outside of the window. While the dogs might enjoy having their ears flap in the wind, it’s not a safe practice. There is a lot of debris out on the road that can fly into your dog’s eyes and ears. If you don’t have it in your heart to keep the window rolled up, invest in some doggles (dog goggles) at the very least.

Step 3: Don’t be afraid to engage the child locks. Many cars are equipped with the ability to engage child locks on their rear doors. This handy feature means that the door can only be opened from the outside. While most dogs don’t have the dexterity in their paws to open doors on purpose, it’s possible for the dog to accidentally open the door by placing his paw on the handle.

Step 4: Don’t be afraid to engage your dog in activities. A bored dog and a moving vehicle are not a good combination. Always have a few chew toys in the car in order to keep your dog entertained. Another way to keep your dog entertained is by providing him with a treat that he can busily chew during the ride.

Step 5: Know where you’re going and for how long. If your ride in the car is going to be a lengthy one, make sure you’ve brought enough food and water for your dog. You also need to make sure you’ve thought of a place to stop and allow your dog to relieve himself. In order to keep him safe while outside of the vehicle, make sure you’ve brought his leash along with you. Also be sure to pack waste disposal bags for the dirty job of cleaning up after your dog.

Step 6: Know your dog’s personality and plan accordingly. If your dog gets nervous or anxious during car rides, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if there is any medication you can administer to your dog before taking the car ride.

These steps are intended to be a guideline for keeping your dog safe during a car ride. Hopefully you’ve chosen a dog friendly destination, as you need to keep in mind that it is never safe for him or her to be left alone in the car.

This article was posted by Discount Pet Mall: where you can find things like Innotek underground fences, Innotek training collars, and Innotek bark collars.

First, you should observe your dog and his sleeping habits. Does he stretch out with all four legs perpendicular to his body or does he curl up in the tiniest ball he possibly can? If he tends to stretch then a flat, rectangular bed is probably best; however, if he is a snuggler then you should look into round beds with raised sides. You also need to measure to get a proper fit. If he sleeps stretched out measure lengthwise and width wise, add a few inches to each measurement and try purchasing a bed that size for your dog. If your dog is a snuggler then simply purchase a round bed several inches larger than the largest point of measurement of your dog when he is curled up in a ball. Once you know the proper measurement and what you are looking for, there are several other factors to consider when selecting the proper bed for your four-legged friend including the materials used inside and outside of the bed.

Second in importance only to size is the interior materials used in the construction of your dog’s bed. Choices include poly-fill, cedar, orthopedic foam or a combination of several materials. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks and it is important to consider all of them when making your selection. Poly-fill materials are like the filling of a stuffed animal. Poly-fill provides a soft surface for your dog’s new bed. This type of material is good for dogs who like to dig and shape their beds to their own specifications. While the material is adjustable it can loose support over time and will need to be fluffed or replaced. This type of material is often one of the cheaper alternatives, but will lose value as you have to replace the filling over time. When purchasing a poly-fill bed, make sure there is a zippered compartment that allows you to add stuffing as needed. Cedar is another option for dog bed filling and works well in outdoor situations. The cedar dries more easily and will not mildew or rot as quickly as other fillings. Cedar also provides a fresh scent for you and your dog. Cedar is not as comfortable and supportive as other options.

Perhaps the most supportive dog bed filling is orthopedic foam. This foam provides orthopedic support and cushy comfort. While it is one of the more expensive options it does not shift and wear over time like loose filling materials. If you have a larger dog or an arthritic dog and orthopedic bed can really make a tremendous difference in the comfort and overall mobility of your dog. Of course, if you can not decide there are many dog beds that provide a combination of materials. Some beds are comprised of a layer of foam and poly-fill on top or a cedar center for odor covered in a poly-fill. Layers will make the bed more durable and result in a bed that holds its shape and usefulness for longer period of time.

Also important to consider is the external cover. Make sure to purchase a bed with a removable cover. This will allow you to wash the cover multiple times to decrease odor and increase the life of the dog bed. Beds come with corduroy, canvas, fleece, faux suede and plain cotton covers. When making your choice, consider the durability of the fabric along with your dog’s preferences. Some dogs are sensitive to tactile changes and prefer to stick with a softer fabric while others are not particular. In general, the more durable the fabric, the better it will wear over many washings and the longer the bed will last. Most pet superstores allow leashed pets, so if you can’t make a decision try taking your canine companion shopping and let him pick!

Article submitted by pet super store a site with orthopedic dog beds, pet steps and hidden fences.

It is important that you realize that cats and dogs have certain (i.e. different) nutritional requirements. If that was not the case, then you could probably find general “pet” food at grocery stores and pet stores. Cats require taurine in their diet, but they cannot produce taurine on their own. A lack of taurine can cause severe eye problems for cats, eventually leading to blindness. Tooth decay and hair loss are also side effects of insufficient taurine. In the wild, a cat will acquire taurine by eating another animal. Cat food (dry and wet) approved by the Association of American Feed Control must contain taurine. Dogs, on the other hand, can make taurine on their own; they do not need additional taurine in their diets. So, most dog food does not contain taurine. If you feed a cat strictly dog food, then irreversible health problems can and will arise.

Cats also require more protein in their diets than dogs require, and their food often has higher caloric and fat content. For a dog that eats cat food, he is consuming more calories than he should. Yes, the food may be tasty, but it can cause weight issues. Many dogs also experience digestive problems from eating cat food; although, they are usually not serious problems.

Aside from the nutritional differences between the two, you need to watch out for your pet to become a picky eater. If the dog gets to eat tasty cat food, then he may refuse to eat his own food. It is okay to let a dog or cat steal a snack from the other on occasion, but a dog should not be fed a cat diet and vice versa.

If your pets have already developed a food sharing habit, then you need to stop the habit as soon as possible. Perhaps your cat likes the dog food, because you feed him wet food. Try to give your kitty wet food every once in awhile, and see if she likes it. If you feed your dog dry food, then find a bag of food that contains larger chunks. It will be easy for your dog to break up the chunks, but a cat will have a hard time doing so. Now, if your pooch is stealing cat food, you’ll need to place the food out of the reach of the dog. It’s easy for your cat to reach food that is out of the dog’s grasp. If your dog only likes the wet cat food, then try giving him wet dog food. You can even buy packs of gravy (for cats and dogs) that can be poured over their normal dry food.

If you can’t keep the two away from each other’s food, then you are going to have to restructure your feeding schedule. The easiest thing to do is to feed both animals at the same time. You may even want to feed them in different areas of your home, keeping them away from each other while they eat. Once the pets have had their fill of food, then remove the food until the next meal. If you leave your pets’ food out all day, then you will have to come up with a way to keep the food out of the other’s reach. To keep the dog away, you can use a pet gate or set the food up high. To keep a cat away, you may have to find a deterrent to place around the food. Remember, there are many materials that cats can’t stand to walk across!

Interchanging your pets’ food as a snack is okay here and there. However, nutritional requirements of cats and dogs are different. Cats should never be on a dog food diet, and dogs should not eat loads of cat food. If the habit has already started, then you need to work on ways to stop it.

From the hilarious folks at Discount Pet Mall who bring you fine quality dog bowls and pet training collars