Zinger Aluminum Dog Crates

When purchasing a crate for your dog, you want one that will last and that will hold up under rough and tumble circumstances. Zinger Deluxe Aluminum Dog Crates are lightweight and offer the strength of steel at one third the weight. These crates are built sturdy and will not crack or bend when exposed to the elements or stress. Zinger crates have been built to last a lifetime.

Whether you need a crate to accommodate a small dog or an extra large dog, we have a crate that will fulfill your need. Zinger crates come in small (Deluxe 3000), medium (Deluxe 400) or large (Deluxe 5000). They weight from 29 pounds to 49 pounds and can easily be handled by one person with little effort. A tough finish has been put on the crates as has been purposely manufactured this way so it will not rub off onto the coat of your dog.

One feature of this crate that I really like is the lockable slam latch. The doors are flush mounted and for added security can be keyed so they can be locked if you need to leave the area. This safety feature prevents someone from unlocking the crate and letting your dog loose or picking him up and walking off with him. The unique design of these crates allow for plenty of ventilation so there is no worry about him suffocating while enclosed.

When traveling with your dog by air you can rest assured that he will be safe and have plenty of space for air flow by installing “Airline Rails” to the crate. Because they are constructed of strong aluminum they will not bust or break during rough handling or the shifting of cargo loads during flight. Zinger crates have a modular design that allows them to be placed side by side or stacked one atop another. This feature is great when you have several animals to care for. They work well in dog shelters, kennels and zoo’s where many animals are kept in a designated area.

Have a stubborn dog that can escape from just about any crate?  No need to worry.  The Zinger Professional Dog Crates are even stronger.  With a reinforced door and more extras than the Deluxe model, they are designed for the craftiest of dogs. 

In the few months that I have carried Zinger products, they have become my top seller.  That alone speaks for itself.  Yes, they cost more, but they are definitely worth it!

Dog Crate Training Starts When You Get Your Pet

Our hearts are touched by a small, soft, cuddly ball of fur, and we want to take him home. When we hold a small puppy, our emotions run high and we don’t stop to think about all the work and expense that is involved in taking the proper care of him into adulthood. For some unknown reason; we cannot see beyond the cute antics and the love that we feel for him when we press him up to our cheek. We have the mental picture in our mind that he will be easy to train and will walk beside us on leash without any effort on our part. Boy, are we in for a surprise!

It takes lots of effort on our part to obtain a well-behaved pet. Crate training needs to begin immediately, and it doesn’t matter if it is a puppy or an adult dog that you have chosen. Dog crate training starts the moment you pick him up and head home with him. Purchase the crate in advance and have it ready for immediate use.

Crate training is a place for you to confine your dog that will keep you in control and limit his boundaries to keep him out of trouble. Your pet needs to know his limits and boundaries from day one. You don’t want to wait to potty train him after he has decided that the living room rug will do just fine.

Dog crates are NOT places to put your dog to keep him locked up until you decided that you would like to once again enjoy some companionship. Dog crates are to be used to allow your pet his own private space and to keep you in control. We want our canine friend to be a companion and to enjoy spending time with him inside the house. They are most helpful in potty training your pet. Limiting their freedom in the house is one way to break bad habits. If he begs for food at the table, place him in the crate away from the dining area prior to your meal and release him after the dishes have been cleared from the table – this way there will be no food to smell and he will have nothing to beg for.

The idea behind using a crate to potty train your dog is to completely eliminate any bathroom accident in the home. A small puppy can squat and go in less than five seconds, so if you cannot have your eye on him at all times, let him rest in his crate. This is assuming that you have been watchful and taken him outside to his bathroom area at regular intervals. Small puppies as well as adult dogs will associate leaving the crate with being allowed to go outside to the bathroom area and will hold their urge to urinate until in the designated area. It will take some time on your part to learn effective crate training techniques, but for the enjoyment you will experience later on it will be well worth the effort. Your goal is to have a pet that you can leave in the house without worrying about an accidental urination on expensive furniture or carpet. Proper crate training your dog will give you many hours of pleasure and enjoyment free from the stress of wondering, “What will he do next?” You will be able to leave him and go about your daily chores or outside activities without the worry.

Wireless Dog Fences in a Wireless World

With WIFI, we send messages across the world with a single push of a button.  It's not surprising that there are wireless methods to train our dogs.  In fact, wireless dog fences have been around for quite some time.  They have been and will continue to be a topic of debate, but no matter what side of the fence you fall on, there is no doubt that they are effective.

Nowadays, electric and wireless dog fences are more advanced than ever and feature some excellent safety features.  The PetSafe® Wireless Fence was the first and still the most trustworthy of all of the wireless pet fences available today.  Others are making a move and starting to incorporate the latest technology. The Perimeter WiFi Wireless Fence is one of those that is making a move by not only being wireless, but WIFI.

A wireless dog fence is preferable to having an expensive fence that he learns to burrow under. If you have a dog that likes to dig a wireless fence is definitely the way to go!  In locations where high fences are looked upon as unfriendly or where they are not allowed the wireless containment system is a great option. If you live in a condo, dogs may be permitted, but putting up your own fence may not be an option. The use of a wireless fence poses no threat to other animals or to children. It is only effective when the battery collar is worn by your dog.

Maintenance consists of making sure that the transmitter is plugged into the power supply and that the battery in the collar is charged when in use. The battery will run low if used over long periods of time; therefore, it is wise to have an extra one handy at all times. This containment system is much simpler and less costly than a fence that needs to be painted every few years.

Introducing your dog to the wireless fence does require some effort on your part. Your pet needs to learn what is expected of him and what the consequences are for disobeying. A detailed instruction manual will come with your kit. Take the time to read it first and learn how to use it before placing the collar on your pet. With a small animal or one that has very little neck hair, the shock will need to be of very little intensity. With any pet, you will want to start out on the lowest setting and then adjust to a higher setting, if needed. Walking your dog around the boundary line with the collar on but no battery and telling him “back,” “stop,” or some other command to let him know you do not want him to proceed any further needs to be done several times before actual use. You need to make it very clear to your dog what is expected of him.

Approved Airline Dog Crates and Carriers

There are many airline approved dog crates and carriers available today.  Choosing one that suits your needs and your pet can be challenging.  Some of the things I like to consider when looking to travel are the size of the pet and any special needs he or she may have.

Having a small pet has it’s advantages in that you can choose an airline approved carrier bag that can be checked as a carry-on and have your pet with you for the entire flying experience. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you with the exact size dependent upon which airline you choose to fly with. Before your flight check with the particular airline you will be using to obtain the exact size and type of crate that is allowed. Nothing is worse than not doing your homework and arriving at the check-in only to be told your carrier is too large and you will need to purchase a smaller one to allow your pet to travel on-board.

Functional airline approved pet carriers are available for the small dog and have breathable mesh or netting for the safety of your small pet. These still need to be able to fit under the passenger seat in front of you. After take-off, you may want to let him have a small drink of water or a toy to chew on, but remember that most airlines do not allow your pet outside the carrier during the flight. These small considerations can be instrumental in keeping your pet quiet and content during the flight.

When you are transporting a larger pet; it will be necessary to check it in with the baggage area. There are many larger airline approved dog crates available designed especially for this purpose. I cannot stress enough, however, to check first with the airline you will be using to obtain the dimensions and style of carrier allowed as this does vary some from one airline to another. Even though your pet will be in the baggage department, the baggage compartment is pressurized and kept at a comfortable temperature.  They usually do very well with the flight and are safely taken to an animal holding facility located close to where you will be arriving, for your immediate pick-up after landing.

The carriers and crates designed for air travel all have the safety and comfort of your animal as their main concern. No matter how well they have been designed, it is up to you to make sure your pet can stand, turn around and lie down free from sharp edges or objects. Before boarding; a trip to a place where he can relieve himself is of utmost importance. Nothing is more uncomfortable than trying to hold back bodily functions for an extended period of time.

Some limitations are in place with regards to flying with your dog making it important for you to check all the rules and regulations for the transport of your pet detailed by the particular airline you will be using. Each airline has a few different rules and regulations so if you are unclear on any point – call the airline and check directly with them.

Be sure to choose a dog carrier or dog crate that is airline approved and follow through on learning the rules and regulations.

Precautions to Help Your Dog Get Along With Small Children

Since we cannot always keep your pets tied by our side or in a small enclosure when raising our children; we need to take a few extra precautions. Some dogs and cats are real people pets and will let your children do almost anything from pulling on their ears to taking food out of their mouth, but not without some proper dog training on your part. You need to keep in mind that even though they will allow it most of the time; they can be pushed too far and will react with a snap. Both need to learn their limits and allow private space for each.

Socialization of your pet is essential in teaching him what acceptable behavior is and what will not be tolerated. Introduce them at a young age to gentle children, and they will become more tolerate and allow children to approach them and pet them. Dogs like to play, so let your child throw and a ball and have the dog bring it back and drop it at the child’s feet. This will develop a close relationship that will help your dog to be gentle and loving towards others.

Some precautions to take with your dog and a child are:

a. A child under five years of age should not be left alone with a dog.

b. During snack time separate the dog and the child so the dog does not see little hands as a tasty tidbit.

c. Dogs like children need to have their “own” space. A child has his bedroom he can play in and not be disturbed. A crate or kennel needs to be provided for your dog so he can have a place to retreat. Your child needs to understand that this is “his” place and he is to be left alone. No poking sticks, toys, fingers into the crate or kennel.

d. Keep your pet safe and secure from neighborhood children that might accidentally or intentionally tease or torment him. A fence in yard need to have a locked gate.

e. If your dog is teased or tormented by kids through the fence; he will learn to dislike all kids and want to bark or snarl at them to scare them away. This type of teasing gives the kids a feeling of power over the dog and they want to do it more. They are at a distance and feel safe; but the end result can be that a kid gets bitten.

Some dogs by their nature do not like children because of their noisy or aggressive behaviors. If this is the case, then the children must be taught to change their behavior. Some ideas to help create a better relationship between the two are:

a. The child is taught that the dog’s crate is “His” and his alone, and the child is not allowed to play inside the crate. Placement of the crate needs to be away from the area where the children are engaged in rambunctious play.

b. Children need to be instructed not to squeeze the dog around the neck as this will only make him feel threatened. He may react to this action in an unacceptable manner.

c. When the dog is eating, teach the child to leave him alone. Tiny fingers are hard to resist.

d. Playing the game of tug-of-war should never be played with you dog when he will be around small children. He cannot distinguish the difference between when it is OK and when tugging on the child’s clothing is not an acceptable game.

e. Dominant and aggressive behavior may come into play when children run past the dog and scream, therefore, dogs should never be tethered on a chain or a leash in the open yard. Not only is this hard on our ears; it excites the dog and he will become more aggressive.

With the proper learning experiences, children and dogs do wonderfully well together and become the best of friends. When the dog considers himself to be the family guardian; the result is wonderful and the dog and the child will respect and cherish each other. Dog crates and cages are wonderful inventions that can assist in this process. There is nothing more important than to let your dog be part of the family and to place his crate where interaction can occur with the family.

Overweight Dogs Are a Big Concern

An article I read written by Dr. Donna Spector stated that over 60% of dogs in the United Sates are overweight or obese.  The health risks connected with being overweight include diabetes, arthritis, heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, a compromised immune function that can predispose to certain type of cancer.  Keeping your dog within an ideal body weight will help him to live 15% longer and with a better quality of life.  Obesity only shortens the life of your pet.

When your Vet suggests that you help your pet lose five pounds, it is usually pushed aside and is thought that five pounds is no big deal. Five pounds of extra baggage to a 12 pound dog is like 58 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman.  Five extra pounds on a pet that should weight around 25 pounds is like 28 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman.  Five extra pounds on a 70 pound animal is like 10 extra pounds on a 140 pound woman. Doesn't paint a very pretty picture, does it?

Overfeeding is the biggest cause of obesity.  Just like sweets add pounds on humans, most doggie treats are high in fats and should be given infrequently and in small doses.  An example given by Dr. Spector and I quote:  "A premium pig ear on average has about 230 calories.  If you give this pig ear as a treat to a 40 pound dog (who should be eating around 620 caolories each day), it is the same as a person (on a 1,200 calorie diet) eating 2 double cheeseburgers as a treat in addition to their normal meals.  This pig ear represents close to 40% of that dog's daily calorie requirement."

Keeping your dog physically active and within his suggested healthy weight means having your pet's companionship longer.  You first need to admit that you and your pet have a problem.  He doesn't just feed himself.  You can control what he eats.  Take him to the Vet for a check-up regularly and formulate a weight loss plan and then stick to it.  Your Vet can help you choose the right food and the right amount of treats that will maintain an ideal body weight for your pet.  Take him for a brisk 20 minute walk or longer every day.

If you plan on traveling with your pet; he will do much better if he is not over weight.  Excess weight is hard on them where they are contained in a dog crate for the entire flight and not allowed to get up and move about.  A crate will allow them to stand and turn around, but your dog still needs to be able to walk and stretch those muscles, so plan on a good walk or some exercise before and after the flight.

The Cold Weather and Our Furry Friends

Tis the season when the air outside is cold.  Brrr... These are the times when the temperature outside causes our breath to freeze in mid-air.  Here is where our furry friends have the advantage over us; they do not have to go out and buy a heavy coat, turn up the thermostat (and watch the money fly out the window and open doors); or purchase snow tires to keep our car safe on the roads; they just grow a thick coat of fur for protection.

We turn the heat up in the house to keep us warm and when our furry friends come inside they shed some of that coat to adjust their body temperature.  Thank goodness man invented a vacuum to suck up the shedded hair.   Here we have the advantage; we just take off the heavy overcoat and hang it in the closet until we decide once again to venture outside. 

I haven't seen a dog yet that didn't like to go outside and push his nose in the snow bank or better yet roll in a snow bank.  No matter how old they get they still like to act like a child in the snow; but after play they too start to look for a nice warm place to settle down and curl up for some sleep.  Keep a close watch on your canine for signs of frostbite or injury when they play outside.  The ears, paws and tails of dogs are the first places to check for frostbite.  If frostbite has occurred, the ear tissue will appear pale or grey.  Always check you dog's paws after a walk and be sure to clean snow out of them while checking for cuts.  Remove the ice and snow deposits as he will lick this area and can become ill if the salt used to keep the sidewalk clean is toxic rather than pet-safe.  Remember not everyone has a pet and not everyone is conscious about keeping them safe.  If they are not pet lovers, it will not occur to them that there is such a product that is pet-safe and not realizing it will use the toxic snow melt.

After your dog has been outside and comes in shivering, is lethargic, and his heart beat is low and he is unresponsive; place a warm blanket over him and put him in a warm place and call your veterinarian as he is showing signs of hypothermia.  A heated dog bed is ideal to keep your pet warm during the colder months.  An insulated dog house provides a protective shelter for dogs that stay outside much of the time.  If your dog's house does not have a cover for the opening; it is a good idea to add a flap that will keep the freezing cold out.  Remember to use a blanket on the floor of the dog house to make him more comfortable.  If the blanket becomes frozen, do not leave it in the dog house.  Bring it into the house and thaw it out and warm it before replacing it in the kennel.  If it fit's in your budget, a heater or outdoor heated dog bed is a great addition to his house.

Cold temperatures are safe for most dogs; but they still need a warm place to settle into when it is time to sleep.  There are many different types of insulated dog houses on the market that have been designed to meet the needs of your furry pet.  With proper shelter most dogs can handle temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  However, puppies and the small dogs should not be left out-of-doors in temperatures that reach below 40 degrees.  Certain short haired breeds (Chihuahuas, greyhounds, etc.) will become chilled after leaving the warmth of the home and will need to have a sweater put on for protection.  Older, arthritic dogs are inside dogs and should never be left out-of-doors for any length of time.

An active dog in the winter will burn more calories in the cold and will need about 10 percent more food to compensate.  Likewise, an inactive dog in the winter may require that you cut back on his food to keep him from gaining extra weight.  No matter what the weather, it is always a good idea to provide him with 10-15 minutes of workout twice daily to keep him fit and in good shape.  A heated dog bed is an ideal place for him to curl up on after his workout and will keep his joints warm, preventing stiffness that occurs after a workout in cold weather.  Remember to be considerate and always take good care of your pet!