Thursday, February 25, 2010

Effectively Train Your Canine in or out of a Dog Crate

The old school notion had been that you have to place your pup on a leash and force your pet to behave by way of yanking the dog all over the place. When the leash didn't perform then a choke training collar or a spiked dog collar was used. Dog crates were utilized for a location associated with punishment and also linked to adverse actions. Many old school puppy trainers used negative reinforcement in addition to extreme treatment whenever training not necessarily too many years ago. This technique has failed and merely made the pup fearful and also disobedient to the trainer. To obtain benefits that will work with the pet, you'll need to be engaged everyday. A couple five to ten minute training periods implementing soft yet firm voice commands can attain a high degree of obedience without the fearfulness.

As the master of your pup, you should become a pack leader. One of the best and more prominent voices of this is Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer. Choose to be calm, consistent as well as sensible. Do not burst out and yell at the dog or worse still start to strike him or her. Yelling only leads to anxiety and she will probably cower in the corner and build up resentment towards you. Pay attention to yourself when you start to yell at someone about anything. It sounds a whole lot like the neighbor's barking canine. That is why you need to maintain your voice a normal tone and show him or her using hand signs in addition to body language just what it is you wish the pup to accomplish. One particular strategy I came to find ended up being to snap my fingers to get his attention. After you have their interest then you can definitely offer a command. Without their total attention, you just as well forget it. You want your puppy to respect you certainly not fear you. Reward positive conduct. You do not always have to utilize a treat, but it is a great way to obtain his early attention. Afterward, you are able to phase out the goodies and reward with praise.

Young puppies will do several adorable things that come to be irritating down the road, therefore be cautious about that which you reward. Don't reward poor behavior. You need to have a designated place for the pup to escape into when he / she desires rest, and believe you me, pups do love to snooze. This is why a dog crate comes in to play. The dog crate is really a location in which he can go and be secure. It's not a spot where he or she potties. Before presenting your pet the command to crate, be sure that he / she has had adequate time outside to alleviate himself within the chosen place. They will by nature visit the very same spot unless it becomes too soiled with feces. Keeping this area tidy can be a huge and smelly job that falls on you the owner, but it is well worth it.

If you are looking for a great way to train your dog, check out the course I use with my canines.  It is a great and hands off method to training.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The New Age Pets Bunkhouse Insulated Dog House Review

A commercial came on television the other day and I can’t remember what it was about, but it depicted a backyard with children running around playing with a Golden Retriever. Against the back fence was a large dog house. It really looked nice and complimented the house.  Top Quality Insulated dog houses are the way to go if you live where the climate changes with the seasons.

If you are looking for quality and affordability, here is an option for you.  The New Age Pets Bunkhouse Insulated Dog House is designed to keep your pet warm in the winter and cooler in the summer months. It is fully insulated and ventilated to provide plenty of protection regardless of the weather conditions outside. This insulated dog house is durable and strong enough to withstand lots of wear and tear. If you are a technical type, read the rest of this paragraph, if not skip to the next.  It has been constructed of innovative multi-layers rather than just one thin layer of plastic. With the multi-layers there is plenty of insulation, flexibility and superior strength in this dog house. The raised floor also affords plenty of added insulation and comfort. The plastic construction will not rot from being exposed to the weather. They have used a new age design in the honey-comb panels which offer support and insulation. It has been constructed with ¾” fiberboard insulation. The attractive weather-proof poly shell gives added strength to the exterior design.

The materials that the New Age Pets Bunkhouse Insulated Dog House are made of make it maintenance free which is a plus. It is covered with a premium UV protective coating that is weather-proof and non-toxic. Owners have commented that they like the attractiveness of this particular dog house and the fact that it is easy to assemble and is eco-friendly. This durable insulated dog house is light-weight and snaps together in minutes and best of all requires NO tools. The clean simple lines of the New Age Pets Bunkhouse makes for easy cleaning.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Pet Gear Generation II Soft Dog Crates Now Available

Hi everyone.  I am happy to say that we now have the Pet Gear Generation II Soft Dog Crates available at Canine Crate Store.  We will be offering a full line of Pet Gear products that relate to the website.  These are top of the line, tough, soft crates.  They are some of my favorite for the features they offer and the strong and durable frame that is really tougher than any on the market.  We are happy to be working with this great company to bring you their high quality products at really low prices.  I am planning on getting two of these fine crates for my two dogs.  I would really like to hear any reviews or comments on these fine crates, and will be doing a complete review on them very soon.  The Pet Gear Generation II Soft Dog Crates are available in a size to fit almost any dog and along with their tough frame offer many great features like 600 denier fabric, loads of storage, as well as a pad and other items includes with them.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

An Orthopedic Dog Bed for Your Trusty Companion

Owning a dog is the best way I know of to truly learn the meaning of a true blue friend. They will following you and trust you no matter what. Even when a dog is hurting, he will do his best to please his master and bring joy. I have seen dogs crippled from being hit by a car, some with only three legs and others managing the pains of old age and arthritis. Still, under the worst of circumstances your crippled trusty companion is at your side offering love and undivided attention.


Some dogs are prone to arthritis, a disease which inhibits the smooth movement of the opposing bones in a joint. Early signs include being lame after exercise, but recovering in a short time. As a dog ages the arthritis worsens and you will notice stiffness upon his rising, lame after moderate exercise, his gait becomes a little slower and he is reluctant to climb stairs or to jump in the car. The later signs of arthritis may become so severe that you will have to help your pet get up. He will limp all of the time and will have difficulty squatting to urinate or defecate. He will walk with a hop and will flinch when touched because of the pain.

Keeping your pet’s weight under control is the best preventive measure you can take. A genuine orthopedic dog bed is another help because it relieves the pressure on the hips and affords comfort for your trusty companion. A nice thing about the orthopedic dog bed is that some offer heating and cooling relief with a memory foam pad. The orthopedic dog  bed is designed to alleviate pain and offer comfort and warmth. When you are the owner of a dog who has a crippling disease or has met some misfortune – sometimes the only thing you can do is offer comfort to ease his pain and suffering and what better way than with a nice orthopedic dog bed where he can get some relief.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Are Electronic Dog Fences Humane?

Just what is an electronic dog fence and what can it do for your dog? These pet containment systems give you a good solution to an old-fashioned fence bordering your personal property and yard. They either consist of a wireless transmitter, or an electronic wire which is usually buried throughout the perimeter of your home. When used with appropriate training, these products can be a great alternative to the hard work and money it takes to put in a traditional fence. There is one concern that has generally surrounded these products. Are they humane?

As you might believe, people today typically disagree about whether or not this really is an effective way to keep your pet contained inside your yard, or whether it's regarded as cruel and inhumane punishment. Let us consider the many statements and facts surrounding these types of systems.

There are two main types of electronic systems, the wireless dog fence, and the electric dog fence. For the purpose of this topic, the principle function is the same for both types. If your canine friend strays over the line it sends out a warning tone to the pet. If your pet ignores this tone, it then sends out a static correction, also known as a "shock". That is where the debate begins, and a decision you will have to make for yourself. My personal opinion is that it is not harmful to your canine, but definitely gets her attention and is very effective if properly used. I have felt the "shock" and it is no more than that static you get when sliding your feet across the floor in socks and then touching your best friend.

Some reasons to use an electronic dog fence are:
  • Living in a community or neighborhood with an association that will not allow visible fencing.
  • Not being able to afford for a traditional fence. We should realize that, a fence is normally costly.
  • Protecting your pet from definite dangers such as cars, and other animals should you meet one of the above criteria or a similar situation.
We owe it to our pets and to our neighbors to keep our animals within our property limits and not exploring the neighborhood, making a mess, and putting themselves in danger.

So, when all is said and done, there is not a cut in stone answer. It really depends on you, the individual, and what you really believe. I cannot and do not want to force people to believe that my way is the only way. If you are unsure if it is a good option for your pet, there are many alternatives available. Proper research and thought must go into deciding if one of these products will work for you and your pet, and if you must devote the time and energy into properly training your pet with it. Never just set it up, put on the collar and think it will work. The great thing is that these systems come with great training guides and many with a DVD or Video. Be sure to use it. I hope this helps with this difficult, but necessary question you may be asking yourself.

The Advantages and Disadvantages a Plastic Dog Crate might Provide

There are numerous different kinds of dog crates that you can buy. Possibly one of the most sought after choices for anybody who is contemplating one for your pet could be a quality plastic dog crate. A plastic variation presents a terrific feeling of security and comfort and ease your animal may get from having one of these first-class items for a home within your house. The item provides an excellent refuge for ones canine or other furry companion. It is a place to get away whenever he wants to escape something that has frightened him or just to nap. Your pet can easily consider a plastic dog crate his or her home and den if educated to appropriately use it.

Among the advantages of owning a plastic dog crate above other styles are ease of transportation, effortless cleanup, and superb comfort. A plastic version is definitely beneficial anytime the puppy and the pet owner want to fly a good deal. Numerous leading designs are airline authorized which in turn makes it one of the best ways to transport your dog when you are prepared to travel by air. The top styles all provide excellent air flow plus a great feeling of comfort which will help make vacationing with your puppy a little less stressful.

When in a position to buy a plastic dog crate for your pup always look at the many selections to you, from size to price tag to level of quality to ease and comfort. When searching for one of these products, take into consideration what you will be willing to spend on your animal. Good quality is definitely one of the biggest aspects of these items, and a high quality model will last several lifetimes, so it is well worth the investment, which is in most cases quite affordable. The most typical issue people often encounter is the size. When you are wanting to make use of this unit to help teach a new puppy, do not use a big one which the puppy can actually move from one corner to the next in. This will cause your pet to soil in a corner inside the crate and sleep in the other. A crate divider solves this issue and also actually will save you money in the long run because you can buy a large enough crate to allow for his full size. Whenever thinking about a plastic dog crate, it needs to be big enough were your pet can lay down and become comfortable in it. It also needs to be large enough your furry companion can turn around easily. The best way I have determined is to measure your canine and then add a couple of extra inches to that size. That will allow for your dog's head to move when he or she is sitting, standing up or lying down. If it's a new puppy you are looking for, there are numerous fantastic instructions offered as to which size would probably accommodate his full grown size.

Yet another great benefit of a high quality plastic dog crate is that they're strong and durable. I have owned several in my life and they are all still in very good condition. I have had to replace the door on a couple of them, but that is a pretty affordable solution to update it and keep it working for several more years. I in fact still use the very first one my father gave me. It's most likely as old as I am and has even spent a number of winters outside, but it is working great. The only downfall of a plastic dog crate is that they're big and bulky. They do not fold down like a wire or soft model can, but if you are able to get over this and would like a long enduring product, then one of these might just be the crate you are are seeking.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Helpful Hints for a Dog Exercise Pen

Recognizing that you need to exercise your pet daily is important. When you are unable to take a daily walk, the easiest way to accomplish this is with a pet pen.  Your pet can freely run and play without a collar or leash under your watchful eye. Dog exercise pens come in different sizes so finding one that will fit the space you have available will be no problem. The size of the dog will also determine how large a dog exercise pen you will need. They are great for the small as well as the large dogs and offer a safe and secure location for play, training and socialization. There is plenty of room for you inside the pet pen as well which will enable you to have unlimited fun playing with your dog.

Dog exercise pens are ideal for socializing your pet. When you have friends over, let them bring their dog and they can interact together with proper supervision. You should make sure the dogs are compatible by properly introducing them on the leash first.  Dog exercise pens are good places to have your dog socialize not only with other pets, but with other humans. The earlier you start  interacting your pet with other pets and humans, the easier it will become to take him places and not worry about how he will react. He will be much happier and content and you will be more relaxed around him when company comes to visit.

When you are teaching your pet to sit, stay and come when called - a pet pen is a great location for these types of basic training.  If you take your pet to a trainer, they will give you specific routine commands to practice during the week. When I teach my dog to learn these commands, one of the first places I start is the pet pen.  My dogs know this is a calm place where they do not pay attention to outside distractions.  Once they learn the basics of a new command there, then I move on to adding distractions.

If your dog is to be in the pet pen for a while, be sure to put plenty of fresh water at all times.  Along with providing fresh water and good quality food for your pet, be sure to have his regular veterinarian check ups, and also make sure that any other pet that may be joining your dog in the dog exercise pen is up to date on all vaccinations.

Another benefit of a dog exercise pen is that physical activity will lower your pet’s blood pressure, just like exercise for humans.  Remember that dog exercise pens do not replace the bonding and necessary exercise that a daily walk with your pet can provide for both you and your pet, but they are excellent additions to some of the daily activities and exercise needs that your canine has.  They provide a safe environment for play and exercise while you are attending to other things.  They can also be use in conjunction with a dog crate and together offer your pet a lot of benefits.