Photo © Clix

Today I want to talk about dog training supplies and look at some of the options on the market. There are many reasons why you might want such products, ranging from the need for more education on training your puppy, dog behavior training for dogs that are a handful, to more specific training like security dog training. There are products for everything under the sun, so I can’t list them all. But I will discuss some of them, and as always if you have any of your own dog training supplies or tips, leave a comment below.

First I want to look at the most common type of pet training: Training your puppy. When your new family member is taken in to your home, the spotlight is on and everyone wants to cuddle and spoil the new fellow. But just like a small child, your puppy needs to be given “parenting” from the get go that teaches him the correct behavior and temperament for domestic life. Just like a parent is responsible for the upbringing of their kids, you as a dog owner are responsible for your puppy’s manners and habits.

To help you on your way there are several dog training supplies that can educate you in the most effective dog training methods. Books are great resources, and so are dog training DVDs. These let you educate yourself at your own pace and apply the teachings to your dog behavior training as you learn. The best dog training DVDs and books on the market are easy to find if you look for customer reviews. Look for those that have many reviews so that you can get a picture of the average.

You also have to the dog training supplies for outdoors, like a dog training whistle and electronic dog training collars. Dog training whistles are usually made so that they are barely audible for humans, but to dogs they sound really loud. By using the whistle to call your dog and rewarding for good behavior, with practice you can increase the distance and decrease the reward, while your dog gets the habit of coming to you when she hears the high pitch.

Electronic dog training collars are dog training supplies I am a bit hesitant to write about. Since I haven’t tried one myself, it sounds a bit inhumane to me. If any of you have tried one of these, please leave a comment and tell me what you think.

The collar systems usually work like this: You get a sender and receiver. The receiver is the collar, and in the collar there is a built in unit that can either give your dog a small electrical shock, vibration, or send out an annoying sound. The sender is for you, the dog owner, and lets you send a signal to the collar to apply the chosen behavior correcting method. Some let you increase and decrease shock levels from the sender.

I have read several reviews from dog owners who say that these work like a charm on dogs that are difficult to get to behave properly. For me, the jury is still out. If the shocks are just irritating, than fine, I could perhaps, maybe, give it a try. But as I said, it still sounds inhumane, and I sure wouldn’t put one of those on a human baby, so why put it on a dog?

An affordable way to get the dog training supplies you need is to buy dog training kits. These usually come with many of the things you otherwise would have bought separately. Most include dog whistles, a bottle of scents for search and retrieval, plastic dummies, and dog training booklets. This is perhaps the best way to get started.

Training your dog is very important, and as a dog owner it is your responsibility. I have posted a few articles here at Pets and Pet Supplies on the subject earlier, most notably Training your puppy, Dog biting problems, and Dog behavior problems. You have to remember that people that are not familiar with dogs, like kids, and grown ups that don’t have experience with dogs, don’t know how to handle a dog when they are in their presence. It is vital that your dog has had proper training so that it doesn’t scare the person, and most importantly doesn’t bite a human being.

The good news is that if you start early, dog training doesn’t need to take that much time, and the initial investment will pay off enormously in the years to come. However, dog behavioral training must be done with great patience, and there are no short cuts other than using the correct and proven methods that are out there.

For some dog owners a dog training camp might be the best way to train your dog if you are not having progress on your own, or if you feel the task is to daunting. There are local dog training camps all over the world, some where you can hand over your dog when you go on a vacation. That sounds a bit lazy to me, and something that probably won’t give you long term results. It’s better to find a training camp where both you and your dog get training at the same time, so that you can continue to apply the principles and practical steps after the camp is finished also.

Ok, I better round up this post. Dog training supplies are very handy when it comes to training your dog, and there is no better place to buy these than online. So have a look and come back to tell me if you found any great products.

My next post will probably be a part two of the dog grooming courses post. So stay tuned to Pets and Pet Supplies!

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Only temporary removal

Because of these problems, I’m now in need of a product that is effective at eliminating pet odors. I have tried everything that the national stores carry, but haven’t had any real luck so far. Instead of truly eliminating pet odors, those products simply cover up the smell temporarily, which leaves me back at square one every few days. I want something that I can apply once (or even a few times) and then be done with it. The constant cycle of trying new products, having the smell go away for a short period of time, and then starting all over again is leaving me utterly exhausted.

Testing products

Since I wasn’t getting results from the national brands, I went online to see what other kinds of products are out there. I found a lot of different solvents, enzymes, and powders that claim to be effective at eliminating pet odors, but since I’ve never heard of any of these before, I’m going to have to take some time to read consumer reviews before I buy anything. Once I narrow the possibilities down to a short list of choices, I’ll then start buying the products one by one. If I find one that is successful at eliminating pet odors, I will be happy and so will probably my dog. If not, I’ll keep working my way through the rest of my list. This could get expensive, but if I find something that works, it will be worth it.

Quality of life

AS the problems with my dogs began, I slowly started to cut my self, and my house, of from friends and visitors. I was completely embarrassed by the smell, and didn’t want other to come in before the situation was resolved. Unfortunately, I still feel this way. Once I can eliminate pet odors in my house, I will be able to get my life back, while still enjoying the companionship of my lovable dogs.

Really, I’d pay any price for that!

Editor’s note: This desperate article was written by an anonymous dog owner, and permission was given to post it here.

Please submit a comment with your best pet odor eliminator tips so that others don’t have to experience the same kind of suffering.

Be prepared

When you first bring your puppy home, he’s bound to be excited and curious. Everything is new to him. Before you bring him in the house, lay a few sheets of newspaper down around the house. In his excitement, don’t be surprised if there’s an accident deposited on the floor somewhere. Treating carpets with a water repellent spray, prior to bringing your new family member home, may be a good investment! If a potty accident occurs, don’t flip out and shriek at the poor little puppy … he doesn’t know this is undesirable behavior. Instead, use a low, firm voice, saying “No, no…”, and get him over to the newspaper. Granted, the deed is already done, but if you don’t scare him with shrill chastisements and excessive hand-wringing, your puppy will soon come to the party, associating the act with the newspaper as a people-pleaser.

Be assertive, but not aggressive

One of the coolest characteristics of dogs is that they have an in-built desire to please you, which is certainly not the case with kitties! Keep this fact in mind as you begin training your puppy. He, or she, intuitively regards you as the master in this relationship, unless you give your puppy reason to think otherwise. Never use a heavy-handed approach when training your puppy. If you do, he may dig in his heels or simply become afraid of you and less willing to go along with your program.

Patience is king

Being patient during the all-important potty training period lightens your load in future lessons, such as the ’sit’, ’stay’ and ‘heel’ training sessions. Sure, for you, the potty training is one of the least attractive aspects of training. On the other hand, try thinking of this stage as an opportunity to bond with your new puppy. He’s only doing what comes naturally. Given praise for the ‘right’ behavior is like a ray of sunshine in your puppy’s mind. Eager to please, he’ll learn the ‘correct’ behavior and bask happily in your praise. If he seems a little slow on the uptake, continue to be patient. He’ll get it, eventually. In the process, you’ll find him paying closer attention to your wishes, just for the sheer pleasure of hearing your praise.

Be consistent

During the first few days, allow your puppy to explore, so he becomes familiar with your home. Your puppy training program does require that you keep a sharp eye on him. Chewing on furniture and your daughter’s favorite sweater must be discouraged though. The key to success lies in you keeping your cool, interacting with your puppy in calm and measured tones and consistent behavior.

Reward your puppy

Once you’ve mastered potty training, training your puppy to obey simple commands is a piece of cake. Now, your puppy knows all about the worst offenses. Teaching him to sit becomes easy. With a little biscuit or other treat in hand, push his behind down as you say “Sit!”. Sitting is natural to a dog, but he’ll certainly love you all the more when he gets a treat for doing something that easy!

The new family member

Puppy training can be very easy, as long as you are patient, but assertive when needed, and give your dog a lot of love. You new family member should be treated as such, rewarded for being such a beautiful blessing from nature!

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Global Problem

Of course,  cruelty to animals does not start and end with pet ownership. Animal cruelty is a pretty pressing global problem that flares up wherever and whenever people make domestic and livestock animals a part of their lives. A lot of my friends are involved in the animal rights movement, and some of the stuff that they tell me is pretty disturbing. A lot of animals that are raised for food are treated with very little compassion. They pass their lives in small cages, barely able to move around at all. When I think about how much suffering is caused by  cruelty to animals, it almost makes me want to give up.

So much we can do

Then again, the good thing is that there is so much we can do to make things better. I have recently started adopting pets as a way to help them out. There are a lot of stray and unwanted cats and dogs down at the local shelter, and many of them are perfect for pets. I have also become a lot more conscious about what I eat. Nowadays, I just eat free-range, organic meat which comes from farms which do not practice cruelty to animals. I know that it is not much, but it is a start.

Direct involvement

A good friend of mine prefers to take a much more direct approach to preventing cruelty to animals. He decided to get involved as an animal control officer in his city. Although some of what he does is dealing with natural pests like raccoons, a big part of his job is responding to complaints about cruelty to animals. He gets to go in to someone’s house, investigate, and make sure that any critters on the premises are accounted for, and that none of them look to be mistreated. When someone does seem to be treating an animal in a cruel and inhumane way, he usually gives them a hefty ticket, makes them appear in court, and takes the animal away at the same time. He says that he has gotten literally dozens of animals out of bad homes while doing his job. All in a day’s work, I guess.

Wooden and plastic houses

Wooden and plastic houses top the popularity list. A great deal of attention is paid in the design process to the comfort features. Most dog owners consider an insulated house to be the best choice. A house with flooring a few inches off the ground affords an insulating property which Rover appreciates, both in hot and cold weather situations. Warming pads on the floor gives your dog a cozy spot where he can dream, or just inspect his territory, in comfort.

Indoor dog houses

Did you know that there are indoor dog houses? Yes, indeed. These are perhaps the most stylish, as the materials don’t have to stand up to the weather, giving the house designer much latitude in the detailing. For example, for small dogs, a simple, but sturdy house of fabric covered wood can be a decorating asset in your living room. There’s an amazing array of dog houses of this type, in color schemes to match every decor.

Wooden indoor dog houses can be quite elaborate, with carved banisters leading from Rover’s entry to a stairway which gives him access to a rooftop lounging spot. Much like furnishings for people, these indoor homes come in traditional, contemporary and period styles! Your pooch can have a Queen Anne styled house to match your living room furniture. Haven’t you always wanted a sleigh bed for yourself? Well, if it’s too pricey for you, there’s no reason Rover should be deprived. Besides, you’ll get a bit of vicarious pleasure, viewing his enjoyment.

Sunbathing any one?

Outdoor houses can be every bit as attractive, available in chalet, brownstone and traditional styles, as well as whimsical dog homes which look like little cottages, often painted in a manner reminiscent of staid Victorians or in flamboyant shades. Some dog houses sport a real deck for sunbathing.

Proper fitting

Fitting Rover to his house size is important. Dogs, like cats, prefer a house just large enough for him to get inside, turn around and lie down. It’s a natural security thing for dogs. Consult your vendor for detailed fitting information. Many online vendors have a page dedicated to how to choose the correct size.

Sweet dreams

When you’ve found the dog house of his dreams, you’ll both sleep easier. Unless your dog is like mine, a 125 pound shepherd, who turned her nose up at her house in favor of my bed – after I’d fallen asleep.

Geisha? Nibbles? Have a look at the new and trendy dog names!

When you bring your new puppy or dog home, you might not have decided on a name yet. You probably scramble to find a dog name worthy of your new pet. 30 years ago, children called their dog Spot, name for his unique spots of color. Fido was a popular dog name, a reference to fidelity. And for the roaming dog? Rover!.

These time-worn names have, well, been worn out. Today, people seek more descriptive names for man’s best friend. Names which show your dog’s character and your own relationship with nature and the rest of mankind, are now in favor. In fact, there is a field of study dedicated to names. It’s called onomastics (or choice of words, for the less articulate like me).

Shifting trends

People who buy a new dog today are no longer satisfied with the traditional dog names. Onamasticians (or people who study names and words) report that there is a societal change, of heart, whereby our pets gain a new dimension in their naming. Dog names, in particular, are more aligned with humans. We now tend to associate more of the human qualities with our dogs, and naming follows suit. Not only do we treat our pets more and more like humans, we also give them human names.

For example, our German shepherd puppy might acquire the name ‘Wolfgang’ in honor of his German roots. A dog owner with macho aspirations might name his pup ‘Spike’, or ‘Rocky’.

However, there’s a new trend in dog names, which more closely fits the onamastician’s observations. Today, approximately 70% of our dogs are named with people’s names! From the onamastician’s viewpoint, this reflects a closer tie with our canine friends. Our dogs are indeed trusted friends, perhaps surpassing our human friends. Our dogs are family members, and the naming conventions prove the point. ‘Miles’, ‘Bailey’, ‘Wallace’ and other such upscale society names are becoming the norm in a certain age group. There are still the classic dog names, such as ‘Lady’, ‘Daisy’, ‘Rex’ and ‘Ginger’, which may never go out of style.

Psychological phenomenon

Naming your dog has become a psychological phenomenon! Attributing a name for your canine friend in line with names of your friends is now, definitely, in. Alicia, Zoe or Cody might well be a neighbor’s name, one which you esteem, purely fitting for your furry friend. Why not?

The bottom line in a dog’s name is the suitability to that dog’s personality. If your best human friend is named GaGa, isn’t it a tribute to that person when you confer that name on your dog?

Now, what about Big Mouth, Sissy or Teeth Galore? It sends a whole different message. On the other hand, Sweetheart makes your heart melt. So it brings to mind, what’s in a name? Dogs are man’s best friend. Choose your dog’s name accordingly.

On a completely different note, what are some of the worst choices of dog names out there? Leave a comment with your best (worst) candidate!

Actually, underground dog fences are extremely popular pet containment systems, and rightfully so. More and more home owners are switching over as an alternative to traditional fencing. Within an established perimeter, the underground fence will keep the dog, cat, or other domestic animal safely confined. The best part is that they are almost completely invisible, which makes them perfect for areas with strict uniformity codes.

The components 

What I have learned so far is that basic underground dog fences normally consist of three components. For starters, electrical wiring is placed under the ground. I have seen that most system usually come with 500 feet of wiring, which will be enough for a 1/2 –acre yard. The wiring should be placed about three inches deep, which makes the installation quite easy. Next, the transmitter box which sends radio signals to the wiring. The transmitter needs to be plugged to an electrical outlet. Most people choose to install this in their garage. Finally, the receiving collar your pet has to wear for the underground fence to work.

How they work

The underground dog fence works by sending a small shock to the dog when it gets near the perimeter. This might sound inhumane, however the shock is very weak and more an annoyance then pain. You can also choose a different correction technique, depending on how your pet responds to each. The more common correction techniques are beeping noises or a quick blast of Citronella. Remember, none of these methods actually hurt your pet, the point is to make the pet aware of the fact that they are nearing the edge of their territory.

When you like at these underground fences price wise, you will see that they are very affordable, specially compared to traditional fences. For my dogs they are by far the best solution.

Dog on operating table

The details are in the eyes

The dog’s eyes can often give clues to poor health, and it is a good idea to be conscious to the subtle signs that something is wrong. Your dog should have clear and bright eyes, and not to dry. Signs of dull, cloudy and watering eyes (they should be moist, but not runny), should warrant further investigation efforts in to the dog’s health symptoms, some of them described below.

Look out for changes in energy levels

Energy levels and general presence is usually a sign of dog health symptoms, and can be a clue to sickness and injuries. IF a usually “up beat” and energetic dog suddenly becomes indifferent and slack, you would probably notice this right away. Now, this doesn’t always happen right away, and some changes in dog health symptoms happen slowly and over time. It is a good idea to keep a tab of what dog’s interests, what they love to do, and keep an eye out for changes in behaviour or interest in the activity, or generally if the energy seems to be on a decline. As with the symptoms above, it is important that you talk to a veterinarian right away if you suspect degrading health.

Temper Tantrums

Changes in temperament and personality are also signs of dog health symptoms. As with the symptoms mentioned above, if your dog normally is very calm around other people, specially children, and they suddenly start to bark and growl in their presence, there might be something bothering the dog other then the people around him/her. Just like humans can have a looser temper when they have a head ache, so can dogs.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, it is important to be empathetic and present minded to your dog’s symptoms of health. Do not go overboard, just like parents can be worried for their children to a point where it becomes a problem. Find a balance that works for you and your dog.

Some dogs, however, get carried away and bark just for the sound of it. This can dilute the effectiveness of the signal, thus decreasing their usefulness as protector of the home. It can also become a nuisance sound for your neighbours and yourself. The dog must be taught to stop nuisance barking. The key is to teach your dog not to bark inappropriately, but not entirely stop barking.

If you experience the case where your dog has stepped in to the habit of nuisance barking, you have to break the habit. You need to figure out why your dog is barking and creating a nuisance, as it is not out of natural instinct, but rather some other reason. One of the most typical reasons dogs bark is out of boredome. If dogs are ignored or left alone for long periods of time, they might revert to barking as a way to get attention. As you know, dogs are very social animals and spending more time with your dog, taking long walks, playing and grooming, will all help your dog stop barking.

Another factor that relates to boredom is the lack of good dog toys. Have a visit to your local pet store and ask for suggestions on dog toys that are popular. My suggestion would be a Frisbee, that way both the dog and the owner can have fun together outside, a game which most probably will help tone down the nuisance barking.

It is important that you give these treatments and suggestions a couple of weeks before expecting a decrease in barking episodes. In cases where the unwanted barking persist, try keeping a log for a week or two, and take note of what happens right before the barking occurs. Can you spot a trend, something particular that sets it off? Often, when another dog in the neighbourhood barks, it sets off a chain reaction of barks from the other dogs nearby. This kind of barking is normal behaviour, and is a useful part of the dogs taking care of their territory.

I found the piece of advice below while reading about the subject, try it out and let me know the results:

“One strategy that can work is the old hand on the muzzle approach. Gently place your hands on his muzzle, closing his jaws, accompanied by a quite, “Shhh! No!” A bandanna or that familiar folded up newspaper can also be used to wrap around his muzzle for a moment, to quiet the barking.” Author unkown.

If you are not successful in teaching you dog to stop barking, it might be time call a vet and ask for advice. There might be other reasons for the barking.

Remember, there has to be a balance here. Teaching you dog to stop barking all together will strip him/her of their natural instincts, you want to leave the dog’s protective guard intact.

The American Acadamy of Pet Grooming

The American Academy of Pet Grooming is based in New York City and there are Day, Evening, and Saturday programs. In addition to the regular staff of experienced instructors, there are guest lecturers. Students enjoy field trips to local dog shows. The curriculum includes styling techniques, looking after equipment, dog anatomy, dental care and handling and controlling dogs. Students learn all there is to know about bathing, drying, combing, brushing and dematting the coat. They also learn how to use scissors and clippers properly. An Advanced Program of the dog grooming course is also offered with further tuition on pattern setting and shaping and how to manage a grooming salon.

The California School of Dog Grooming

The California School of Dog Grooming is located in San Marcos and provides a comprehensive curriculum to US and foreign students. Basic and advanced pattern techniques are taught and there is classroom instruction in addition to practical training. Class sizes are small and students receive individual attention. Students learn about bathing and which shampoos are suitable for the different breeds. They also learn scissor and clipper techniques and how to brush the dog. The program also teaches how to avoid work related injuries, the medical and skin problems of dogs, and pet nutrition. Students may go on to manage or own a business and part of the curriculum is devoted to office training, involving customer relations, booking appointments and general guidance on running a shop or kennel.

Dog getting a bath

Other schools

The Dapper Dawg School of Professional Dog Grooming is in Stoneham, just outside Boston, Massachusetts. The intensive 8 week dog grooming course is delivered by professional stylists. The school has an international reputation and students come from across the world Students receive personal instruction in all the basic techniques and hands on training in outline shaping, blending, balance and proportion. These skills are applied to different dog breeds. Students learn how to work quickly but safely and how to maintain their equipment

The Diamond Cut Grooming School in Ohio rewards students with their professional certificate, following 80 hours of instruction. There is also information on job opportunities. The curriculum includes tuition on how to handle scissors properly, how to use comb attachments and skills, such as ear cleaning and nail clipping. Students on this dog grooming course will learn about the different poodle sizes, how to treat fleas, ticks, and worms, and table and cage sanitation. When working, a groomer may encounter an aggressive dog and techniques are taught on how to deal with this. Advice is given on the pay scale of the industry and first aid, as applied to dogs and groomers.

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