LOL Pets

Dog shock collars are no substitute for proper training, but they can be effective tools if used correctly.  The key is to create a situation where the dog experiences a negative reaction when engaged in a bad behavior but that sensation stops as soon as he returns to appropriate behaviors.

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.

Choosing the right groomer can be a difficult decision. Questions like ‘Are they too rough?’ ‘Do they take safety precautions?’ and ‘Do they know how to cut my dog’s hair to her particular breed?’ run through your head. Dogs should be pampered just as you and I do. Go through these steps when choosing a groomer and you should be worry free for the next time.

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.