Dec
20
2008
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Three Important Safety Products for your Dog

Three Important Safety Products for your Dog

If you live near a busy street or have a pool, here are a few products to consider to keep your pet safe. These and ongoing training help keep your dog safe.

Three Important Safety Products for your Dog
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Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child safe, you need to constantly be on alert. There are certain dangers a dog faces, especially in urban and suburban settings where the risk of running away and getting hit by a car poses a serious threat. Keeping your pooch protected on your property even when you’re not there to supervise, or keeping your dog from running off and becoming injured when playing around off leash, is reason enough to look for practical solutions. Below are three products that can help you and your companion enjoy some freedom while being safe!

Water Alarm

This product is designed to alert you should your dog enter the pool. Now I’m sure you’re thinking, my dog’s a great swimmer. And I’m sure he is. But the reality is dogs drown in swimming pools, simply because they can’t find the stairs. To keep your pooch safe this summer, look into the Safety Turtle Water Safety Alarm, or a similar product. This particular product works by attaching the Turtle to your pet’s collar: an alarm will sound at a base station in the house the moment he jumps in.

Fencing

There are numerous wireless pet fence manufacturers to choose from: Innotek and Petsafe are 2 very good brands. This form of containment makes it possible for you to create invisible boundaries on your property, so that your dog doesn’t run off. How does it work?

A transmitter (usually housed in the garage or basement) sends a radio signal through a concealed wire buried along the perimeter of the "fenced in" area. Your dog wears a special collar with a receiver that alerts him with a warning tone when he’s approaching the edge of the safe area, followed by a minor shock if he gets too close. Additional training, usually 7 – 14 days, is necessary to assist your dog in understanding and learning the boundaries of the fence.

It is important to note that while invisible fences work well with most dogs, they are not 100 % effective, especially if your dog is older, stubborn and not well trained. If you think this might be the case with your pet and you want to try this product, make sure you are on guard for a reasonable trial period to make sure your dog doesn’t figure out he can ‘jump’ the fence and run off.

You also need to check up on the fence once it is installed to make sure the perimeter wire is in tact, the batteries in your dog’s collar still work and if your dog has a heavy coat, the area where the collar makes contact is shaven. Also, check with the manufacturer about the radio frequency whether is it FM or AM. FM is preferable as AM tends to pick up stray signals that may give your dog a correction even when he is not near the perimeter of the fence.

Another disadvantage to this type of fence is that it does not keep other animals out. For this reason people often use this type of fence in conjunction with a standard fence to keep the dog out of a garden or pool.

Safety Light collars and vests

Safety collars and vests with flashers in general are constructed with reflective fabrics and have a flashing lights attached to them. Some, such asPolyBrite collar and leash do more than just reflect light, they generate their own. Both the collar and leash and give off a bright red glow and can also be set to flash. They use a replaceable watch battery that last up to 250 hours, are light weight, and above all – water resistant. You can also find a range of clip on flashing lights, from the more durable and water proof for larger dogs to something very small and light such as the Pet Blinker. The clip on flashing lights can also be attached to a child’s coat or belt if needed.

Safety vests are a must for the working dog or if you take your dog jogging in poorly lit areas. Also essential for hunting dogs. Besides being constructed of reflective material higher end safety vests generate light and may have a flashing light for added visibility.

Safety precautions are always advisable but should the unexpected happen to your pet another consideration is pet insurance (see: http://www.a1-dogs.com/pet-insurance.htm ). And remember, these products are not a substitute for training your dog but they will give you another layer of confidence when you’re not around to supervise.

About the Author: Nicole Martins is author and publisher of http://www.a1-dogs.com a buyer’s guide to online dog supplies, information on training your dog and general information on caring for your pet.

By Nicole Martins
Published: 11/29/2005
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Dec
19
2008
0

Dog Fences Are Very Important for Dog Owners

Dog Fences Are Very Important for Dog Owners

This article lets you in on the different types of dog fences that are available, and tells you why they are they are such an important piece of equipment

Urban sprawl grows exponentially every year, so living in those quiet country settings that we all dream of is becoming less likely for most people. For dog owners, this can cause a host of problems that could result in a lot of frustration and pain as it becomes more difficult to contain our pets at home and still allow them safety and freedom.

Even the most well-trained dogs sometimes stray. Dogs have strong individual and pack instincts, and occasionally become so intent on doing something that they ignore your commands. This can be embarrassing, and quite frustrating: especially if your dog does not return right away. However, this can often be the least of your problems: your dog can become a major liability to you. Aside from being a nuisance and running off for a quick jaunt, your dog can get you into a whole lot of trouble:

Dog causes physical harm to self:

You dog could be hit by a car, attacked by other dogs, break a leg, or eat something harmful to their health that would not normally have been available. Your dog could be seriously injured, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary expenses. Your dog could become lost, and not be able to return to you. He could be placed in a shelter and adopted by someone else. Sometimes, your dog could die in these situations.

Dog causes harm to others:

Perhaps your dog is not aggressive, and it might be that they would not attack another dog or a person. Nevertheless, your sexually intact dog could impregnate another dog, or become impregnated by one. If your dog impregnates another dog meant for breeding, you can be sued for many thousands of dollars. This is because most dogs, especially when they are not under your sphere of control, will revert to a highly natural (for them) way of behaving. They will eat toxins, have sex, and chase cats, chickens, and other animals- sometimes causing the death or loss of that animal. You can be held liable in these cases.

Dog causes property damage or is a public hazard:

If your dog soils a public place, you can be fined. The same is true if your dog destroys any kind of public or private property. Becoming a hazard by disrupting traffic or frightening citizens can result in fines, and sometimes your dog can be seized.

Beside the fact that you adore your dog and would not want anything unpleasant to befall them, any of the above situations could cost you dearly. In addition to civil suits, most dog owners can be held liable for punitive damages as well. The reason for this is that, under law, an owner is considered fully responsible for their dogs’ actions or control thereof. For this reason, and in these times, it is very important to consider installing a fencing system to contain your dog; keeping them happy, healthy, and safe.

There are many brands and styles of dog fences on the market, but there are primarily only three types.:

Physical Fencing:

An actual, physical fence may be right for you and your dog. They are usually quite sturdy, and may offer additional privacy for some owners, as well as a sound barrier. One of the drawbacks of this type of fencing is that some dogs can dig holes under it, and very agile dogs can even jump them. Physical fencing is expensive compared to other choices, and requires regular maintenance. However, the biggest benefit of physical fencing is that it not only keeps your dog in, but it keeps other creatures out. This is ideal if you have a breeding bitch, or live in an area where domesticated animals are subject to attack by wild animals.

Electric fencing:

Electric fencing utilizes a gridline of actual wires to contain your pet. The wires are buried 2-3 inches in the ground along the lines where you would like the fence to be. The system works with a control station, and a remote collar that your dog will wear. When your dog approaches the fence line and tries to cross it, a signal is sent to the collar that issues a correction in the form of a harmless electrical charge. This system works amazingly well with most dogs, with the only drawbacks being that you have to bury the wires, and that another dog or animal can still enter the fence.

Wireless fencing:

Wireless fencing is a new product, and seems to be the wisest choice for most dog owners. It uses only two items: a transmitter, and a remote collar. The transmitter can be placed anywhere in your home, and can be controlled to emit a signal that sweeps from ten feet, up to ninety feet. While wearing the collar, the transmitter will send a signal to the collar, causing it to beep, when the dog approaches the limits of the radius you have set. When your dog gets too far away, the transmitter will then send a small electrical charge to the collar, which corrects the dog’s behavior. This type of fencing is simple to use and install, though has the single drawback that it does not prevent other animals from entering the "fenced" area.

Most types of fencing can be obtained at pet stores, vet clinics, online websites, and feed stores, and most can be installed without the help of professionals.

By Geoffrey English
Published: 9/4/2008
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Dec
18
2008
0

Dog Fences Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy

Dog Fences Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy

A dog needs exercise to stay fit and healthy. If you have a back yard you may want your dog to play outside. But how do you keep him in the yard? This article covers the all of the options for dog fencing.

Introduction

Every dog needs exercised to be healthy. A dog chained in the backyard will not grow into the happy pet that you want. For this reason, it is important to use a dog fence to provide a secure space where your dog can run and play, safe from traffic and pedestrians.

When deciding what type of dog fence to use to keep your dog on your property, you have two main types to choose between: visible dog fences and hidden dog fences.

Visible Dog Fences

Erecting a visible, or traditional dog fence is the most straightforward way for you to contain your dog.

The cheapest and quickest way to make a dog fence is to use a snow fence. The holes on a snow fence will be small enough to prevent smaller dogs from escaping. If you live in a colder climate, however, you will know that snow fencing is unattractive. In addition, it can be easily bent out of shape, so it will require periodic maintenance. Nonetheless, if you are not troubled by the aesthetics, it will give you an effective fence in a pinch.

Moving up aesthetically from snow fences are chain link or picket fences. These more permanent fences can effectively act as dog fences. Given their more solid construction, they will also last longer than cheaper alternatives. If you plan to use a picket fence, however, it is important to consider the size of your dog in relation to the spaces between the pickets in your dog fence. Not surprisingly, as these fences are more attractive and permanent than snow fences, using them as a dog fence could cost considerably more.

A common problem with all the visible dog fences listed above is that even if they can keep your dog on your property, they may not prevent pedestrians from harassing your dog from the other side of the fence. While your dog will likely be unable to fit its head through a chain link, a child could put his or hand through the fence. The only sure fire way to prevent this from happening is to build a brick wall. Of course, this is by far the most expensive option.

Another importance consideration when erecting a visible dog fence is the types of fences allowed in your community by local zoning regulations.

Hidden Dog Fences

If you do not want to erect a visible fence, either because of cost or aesthetics, you may consider using a hidden dog fence. There are two main types of hidden dog fences: wireless and underground.

In wireless dog fences, a transmitter is placed in the middle of the area where you would like to contain your dog. The transmitter sends a signal to the surrounding area that sets out the perimeter of your property. Your dog wears a receiver collar that beeps when your dog is reaching the edge of your property. If the dog continues to move towards the perimeter, the collar will give your dog a mild shock. An underground dog fence is similar to a wireless dog fence, except that the perimeter is defined by laying underground cables that trigger your dog’s receiver collar.

The main advantage of hidden dog fences is that, quite simply, you don’t have to put the time and money into building a fence. This also means you don’t have to be concerned with meeting any zoning regulations. The disadvantage of hidden dog fences is significant, however: if your dog ignores the shock, there is nothing stopping it from leaving your property. Indeed, hidden dog fences will not work with dogs that are hard to train since getting to dog to stay within the perimeter is essentially a training process. And even the most perfectly trained dog might have enough reason one day to ignore the shock and run after something.

Introduction

Every dog needs exercised to be healthy. A dog chained in the backyard will not grow into the happy pet that you want. For this reason, it is important to use a dog fence to provide a secure space where your dog can run and play, safe from traffic and pedestrians.

When deciding what type of dog fence to use to keep your dog on your property, you have two main types to choose between: visible dog fences and hidden dog fences.

Visible Dog Fences

Erecting a visible, or traditional dog fence is the most straightforward way for you to contain your dog.

The cheapest and quickest way to make a dog fence is to use a snow fence. The holes on a snow fence will be small enough to prevent smaller dogs from escaping. If you live in a colder climate, however, you will know that snow fencing is unattractive. In addition, it can be easily bent out of shape, so it will require periodic maintenance. Nonetheless, if you are not troubled by the aesthetics, it will give you an effective fence in a pinch.

Moving up aesthetically from snow fences are chain link or picket fences. These more permanent fences can effectively act as dog fences. Given their more solid construction, they will also last longer than cheaper alternatives. If you plan to use a picket fence, however, it is important to consider the size of your dog in relation to the spaces between the pickets in your dog fence. Not surprisingly, as these fences are more attractive and permanent than snow fences, using them as a dog fence could cost considerably more.

A common problem with all the visible dog fences listed above is that even if they can keep your dog on your property, they may not prevent pedestrians from harassing your dog from the other side of the fence. While your dog will likely be unable to fit its head through a chain link, a child could put his or hand through the fence. The only sure fire way to prevent this from happening is to build a brick wall. Of course, this is by far the most expensive option.

Another importance consideration when erecting a visible dog fence is the types of fences allowed in your community by local zoning regulations.

Hidden Dog Fences

If you do not want to erect a visible fence, either because of cost or aesthetics, you may consider using a hidden dog fence. There are two main types of hidden dog fences: wireless and underground.

In wireless dog fences, a transmitter is placed in the middle of the area where you would like to contain your dog. The transmitter sends a signal to the surrounding area that sets out the perimeter of your property. Your dog wears a receiver collar that beeps when your dog is reaching the edge of your property. If the dog continues to move towards the perimeter, the collar will give your dog a mild shock. An underground dog fence is similar to a wireless dog fence, except that the perimeter is defined by laying underground cables that trigger your dog’s receiver collar.

The main advantage of hidden dog fences is that, quite simply, you don’t have to put the time and money into building a fence. This also means you don’t have to be concerned with meeting any zoning regulations. The disadvantage of hidden dog fences is significant, however: if your dog ignores the shock, there is nothing stopping it from leaving your property. Indeed, hidden dog fences will not work with dogs that are hard to train since getting to dog to stay within the perimeter is essentially a training process. And even the most perfectly trained dog might have enough reason one day to ignore the shock and run after something.

David Amos is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog fences click Dog Fences and Wireless Fences, and for more about dog care and keeping your dog happy and healthy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

By Steve Dolan
Published: 12/14/2006
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Dec
18
2008
0

Importance Of Pet Containment Systems

Importance Of Pet Containment Systems

Dog containment may sounds like bad idea for pet lovers, but actually it depends on the circumstances. Even though pets should be free go around and explore their surroundings, they should be taught to don’t get into where they might get an accident.

You need a dog containment system that will limit your pet’s curiosity to areas that might be harmful to them.

To train your pet properly you need a dog containment device that is right for your pet’s weight and also to the type of place you are living in. Many years ago wooden fences were used for dog containment, which is not as effective especially for large stubborn dogs that usually jump over the fence or even drill under the containment. To solve this problem many innovations were developed to create the safest and the very effective pet containment device both for indoor usage. The following are the most common and effective pet containment in the market today: Underground/Wireless Dog Fence

In all of modern pet containment devices the Underground Pet Fence is the most effective when it comes keeping your pet from venturing in the off-limit areas of your house. What makes underground dog fence effective is the light receiver worn on the pet’s collar that sends signal to the dog through a low electric charge or a high frequency noise and many times by a harmless chemical spray; every time your pet goes near the underground wiring which you set as the boundary for your pet. For dog lovers and also gardening enthusiast underground/wireless pet fence is very important.

After all it is solely the owner’s responsibility to maintain the wellness and safety of their pets. Dogs are very curious, especially when it comes to anything that they aren’t used to. This includes new appliances and furniture that most pets like to play around that will definitely end up filled with scratches, bite marks, drool stain, or even damaged.

By: Loredana Sargu

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Content Extraction: PetSafe indoor fences Indoor pet fences

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