Dog Leashes

A leash is one of the essential tools that every dog owner needs to have. A dog leash does more than just keeping your dog close to you when going for a walk; it gives your dog the freedom to explore while at the same time keeping him safe. In fact, in most states, not keeping your dog on a leash when it is outside is against the law. In this article, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about dog leashes, including various types available, their purpose, and their importance.

What exactly is a dog leash?
dog leash is a piece of rope or chain that is made of nylon, chain, or leather that is attached to the collar to control the dog’s movement.

What is the primary purpose of a dog leash?

The primary purpose of a dog leash is to control the dog’s movement when it is on public property. It helps to prevent your dog from trespassing to other people's property during a walk. It also helps to control the dog’s behavior by preventing it from jumping on people that you encounter while taking a walk with the dog.

Types of dog leash

· Retractable leash
A retractable dog leashes feature a thin, tension cord inside a plastic handle that is controlled with a locking mechanism. They also have a contoured grip that makes it easy to control the dog’s movement. Retractable leash length ranges from 10 to over 20 feet. Their variable length and flexibility allow the dog to explore more while on walks.

· Slip-on leash
A slip leash is similar to a regular leash. The only difference is this it has a metal ring in the end instead of a clasp. All that you need to do is insert the handle side via the metal ring, and the dog’s head will go through the loop.

· Adjustable leash
Adjustable leashes are similar to regular leashes, but they have multiple loops along the leash that allows the clasp to either shorten or lengthen the leash

· Webbing dog leash
Webbing dog leashes are just like standard leashes, only that they made of webbing, a strong fabric that is often used in place of nylon. Most dog owners prefer webbing dog leashes because they are incredibly strong and durable

· Short tab leash
Just as their name suggests, short dog leashes have a small rope and mainly used to help manage dogs in tight spaces, like controlling the dog at the vet.

· Short braided leash
Short braided leashes are similar to short tab leashes; they are both short. The only difference is that short braided leash is made of braids.

Pros of dog leashes

They prevent dogs from chasing people, other animals, or bikes.
It helps make the bond between you and your dog stronger
It is an excellent identification tool. It shows that the dog has an owner
It makes relocation easier
It prevents you from landing in trouble, especially if you live in a state where it is a law to use a dog leash

Cons of dog leashes

They prevent dogs from exploring as they wish
They can injure the dog if not used correctly

Article by Martina Smith

Summertime Furry Fun your doggy

Taking your furry friend camping is so much fun. You can enjoy each other as well as enjoying family and friends. Nature is such a peaceful environment.

We have had a summer campsite for over 20 years. Our first dog got to enjoy the friendships of many other pets as well as lots of human friends for 16 years. He absolutely loved going and come Friday, he knew before I started packing where he was going. Our permanent spot made it much easier to pack since everything was pretty much already there.

He would jump in the vehicle and sit and wait until we were loaded and out the driveway. The trip was around a 45 minute drive and he could not wait till we got there. As we would get closer he would begin looking out the window and getting more and more excited. He could tell how close we were by the landmarks along the way.

Once there he could hardly wait until we were unloaded and away we went. He enjoyed visiting all his friends and family every weekend. Since he was a Mountain Treeing Feist he was always hunting squirrel along with many other wildlife critters. Keeping him on a lease was a struggle but for his safety it was a must.

Here are a few safety suggestions when taking your own dog camping. As I mentioned, always use a leash and watch the surroundings when going into the woods.It is always a good idea to carry a backpack with essential items, such as flea and tick repellent, snacks for training, and extra items in case your hike ends of being longer than planned.

Another topic would be to always clean up after your dog no matter if you are hiking or just relaxing at your campsite. Carrying doggie bags should become a habit.

Another topic would be getting a lease that is long enough to stretch from one area to another. like from tree to tree. That way your doggie can run and get exercise, however, do not leave him unattended as the leash could get tangled and cause him harm.

And lastly I leave you with one of my favorite topics and that is the enjoyable campfire. Please make sure your furry friend is safe and not too close to cause harm. My doggie loved the campfires and would just sit on my lap and enjoy the moment.

Now, take your furry friend camping and ENJOY what nature has provided for us. Relax and enjoy this special time with your doggy or doggies. They will love you for it.

Article by. Sue Moore

Keeping Your Dog Safe While Traveling In A Car?

Whether you are planning on a long road trip or just a short drive around the corner, traveling in the car with your much-loved pooch should be a great deal of fun for both you and your dog. With some pre-planning and being aware of the dangers you can keep both your dog and the occupants of the car safe whilst being out and about. This article will provide you with some great tips and ideas about the best way to safely transport your dog and to decrease the risks inherent when riding in the vehicle with your pet.

1. Using Crash Tested Crates

A suitably designed crate can be a great choice to ensure your pet's safety during a trip. However, it is very important to pick the right size crate for your dog and one that is designed for car travel. A crate that is made from aluminium and vinyl reinforced with fiberglass are much more preferable to many other types as they are much stronger and durable. You should also pay attention to the layout of the crate to make sure your dog will be comfortable and importantly have plenty of airflow.

A crate that also has lots of insulation from the heat will ensure that your dog is comfortable. Quality is often a much better choice over cost when you and your dog’s safety is at risk. You can also get crates these days with wreck bags to make transporting your dog even safer as they provide an additional layer of protection in case of a car accident.

2. A Dog Car Safety Harness

While a crate can be a great choice some dogs will find it distressing to be locked up in a container and want to have more freedom to sit on the seats in your car. A well-designed quality car harness for your dog can often be a good solution.

These days you can get all types of dog harnesses designed to restrain your dog's movements in the car to keep them safe. One that securely harnesses your dog and then snaps into your seat belts are a viable solution. Shop around and I'm sure that you will find one that fits your size dog.

3. Offer Yourself and Your Dogs a Break

Going for a trip with a dog in the car is like travelling with a child. Even if it is not a particularly long trip it is advisable to stop every couple of hours to let them get out of the car, walk around and take care of business.

While this adds time to your trip it makes sure that the whole experience for both you and your dog is much more pleasurable.

4. Turn off power windows

If you've got a vehicle with power windows, then it is quite simple for your dog to open them by pressing on the switch with their paws inadvertently. You may believe this can be comparatively benign, particularly if your pet loves to stick her or his head out of the window, however, overexcited dogs have been known to leap from moving cars which would be horrific. There is also the concern that they could accidentally trigger the window mechanism while they have their head out of the window which could cause damage to their throat and face.

5. Bring Water and a bowl

Dogs require frequent access to water. This is even more essential when on a road trip where the temperature inside a car on a hot day can be excessive. You never know what may happen, the car may break down for example or you may get delayed for other reasons and so it always a good idea to have some water and a dog bowl handy in the trunk of your car.

The very best approach to make sure you have water available would be to keep a bottle in the car as part of your emergency kit. A bowl can also be fine, but at a pinch, allowing your dog to drink from your cupped hands is just fine and in my experience the dog has no problem doing that.

You should also be aware that often there are local laws that ensure that your dog must be suitably restrained while they are in a car. Certainly, most states don't allow the dog to be sitting in your lap while you are driving and never leave you dog in the car for extended periods during the warmer months.

With a little thought and preparation travelling with your dog can be a great experience for all concerned.

Article by.  Katherin Bason

Top 5 Benefits of the Dog Agility Training

If you are looking for a fun and exciting sport to help you bond with your pouch, then you should think of the agility training equipment. The agility training program is a full body exercise in which you subject your dog to some obstacles in the right order. This involves jumps, walkways, running through bushes and tunnels and getter totters among other assignments. Agility training is thus an essential step in ensuring that your dog is healthy, social, well-behaved and can take commands. If you are therefore not sure on whether to take your dog through the agility training course, then you can go through this guide to understand the benefits you would enjoy from such a program. Below are some of the top benefits of the dog agility training program.

1. Improved owner-dog communication
The agility training workouts are very key to helping the dog understand and know how to take commands. This, therefore, enables you to easily express your wishes as you train your dog to be attentive and be able to respond to commands quickly. The interaction as you train your dog each day also improves the bond with your canine friend. He will grow to obey, respect you, and hence be able to enjoy your company each day.

2. Building confidence
Some dogs will tend to develop some fear to carry out some tasks and therefore subjecting them to the agility training programs helps them build confidence for such activities. For instance, some dogs may have some fear of walking on tiles, running through some narrow paths, or even playing with other dogs. Therefore with the agility exercises, he can confidently do anything without any fear.

3. Self- control skills
The agility training program is not all about jumping or running through streets to improve on their speed but also behave in a controlled manner. It will be able to refrain from unwanted behaviors and only do what it is commanded to do. Even when they are taking an obstacle course with other dogs, he can wait for his turn as the trainer is handling the training equipment.

4. Keeps fit
Dogs also need to stay fit, and the only way of releasing the excess energy is through the daily agility training workouts. As he climbs up steep slopes, goes through some thorny bushes or jumps over huge stones or logs, he can improve on his coordination skills and strengthen the muscles hence maintaining a healthy body.

5. Increased attention
Taking your dog through this course subjects them to challenges in which they find a way of solving them out. This way, the dog can expand their mind and develop better skills in carrying out the tasks that they are assigned to. The dog will, therefore, be very attentive as you give them commands and instructions. These skills thus keep improving as you continue subjecting the dog on a more challenging course each time you on training.

Agility training is a great course to take your dog through, but this depends on your dog's behaviors. You have to carefully master out your dog's traits to determine the best course that is best for him. Do not subject your dog to activities that they are not interested in. It is rather supposed to be something they enjoy and you can, therefore, take him through a course that they could enjoy.

article by.   Martina Smith

Your Dog and Ticks

Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of our canine companions. Like mites and spiders,
ticks are arachnids. The brown dog tick and the American dog tick are examples of ticks that
commonly affect dogs. They require three feedings to complete their life cycles.
How are Ticks Transmitted to Dogs?: Ticks are most active from spring to fall. They live in tall brush or
grass, where they may attach to dogs playing in these areas. These parasites prefer to stay close to
the head, neck, feet and ear area. In severe infestations, however, they can be found anywhere on a
dog's body.
How Do I Know if My Dog Has Ticks?: Ticks are visible to the naked eye. During the warmer months,
it's a good idea to check your dog regularly for these parasites. If you do spot a tick, it is important to
take care when removing it. Any contact with the tick's blood can potentially transmit an infection to
your dog or even you! Treat the area with rubbing alcohol and pluck the parasite with tweezers, making
sure you've gotten the biting head and other body parts. Since it may only take a few hours for a
disease to be transmitted from an attached tick, it is ideal for your dog to be evaluated by a
veterinarian soon after any ticks are found.
Are Certain Dogs Prone to Ticks?: Ticks can be found all over the world. Dogs who live in warm
climates and certain wooded areas of the Northeast, where ticks are more prominent, might be more
prone due to increased exposure.
What are Some Complications Associated with Ticks in Dogs?: Blood loss, Anemia, Tick paralysis,
skin irritation or infections to name a few. Ticks can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease,
ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, all of which can cause serious complications and are
potentially fatal without prompt and proper treatment.
My Dog Has Been Bitten by a Tick! What Should I Do?: Remove the tick, as noted above, and consult
your veterinarian, who will help you to prevent future infestation. Your vet may also perform blood
tests to rule out diseases transmitted by ticks.
What is Lyme Disease?: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can affect humans, dogs, cats and
other mammals. Clinical signs include depression, swelling of the lymph nodes, loss of appetite and
fever, as well as lameness and swollen, painful joints. Renal failure can also be a consequence of
Lyme Disease.
What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Lyme Disease?: Bring your dog to a veterinarian, who will
evaluate your dog for Lyme disease. This includes a physician exam, blood tests and possibly x-rays.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?: Your veterinarian can best determine the optimal treatment plan for
your dog. Canine Lyme disease is most often effectively treated with antibiotics. With prompt and
proper treatment, your dog's condition should start to improve within 48 hours.
How Can I Prevent Tick Infestation?: Many of the same products on the market that treat fleas also kill
ticks and protect against future infestation. These topical treatments or collars are especially
recommended for those dogs who live in areas with high tick populations. Speak to your vet to select
the best product for your dog.
The key to any successful tick control program lies, literally, in your own backyard. Ensure a tick free
lawn by mowing it regularly, removing tall weeds and making it inhospitable to rodents by keeping
garbage covered and inaccessible.

Article by  Sue Moore

Teaching Your Dog to Settle

Want a dog who will settle down quietly when you're enjoying your refreshing cup of coffee in the local cafe? Here's how to teach your dog to chill.

As the owner of a full of life Springer Spaniel I love my dog’s energy and joyfulness. But as much as I love his enthusiasm, for both mine and his sanity, it’s important that he can also settle down and relax.

Having a dog that has learnt to relax is very important. And teaching them to do this on cue provides space for both of you. When you're busy doing things at home such as making dinner, cleaning, working or even entertaining guests the last thing you want is your dog being under your feet.

And if like me, you love your dog to join you when you are out socialising, then it’s really important that they learn to settle and relax in any environment.

Any dog can be trained to settle on cue. Some laid back dogs will learn this very quickly whereas more exuberant or young dogs may take a bit more time. As with any training don’t rush, take your time and remember consistency is key.

Your goal is to have a dog that will lie down in any environment, relax and not get distracted by what’s happening around them.

7 Steps To The Perfect Settle

1. Set yourself up for success

Start the training at home where there are no distractions for you or your dog. As your dog progresses you can take the training up a notch by going outside the house where there’s more going on.

Start by having your dog on a leash. Place your dog’s bed or mat next to where you are sitting. Start by dropping treats onto your dog’s bed so that your dog associates the bed with a treat. This will encourage them to come to the bed. When your dog get’s on to the bed, say nothing and drop very small treats on to your dog’s bed. Do this without saying anything or making a fuss.

2. Build The Behaviour in Incremental Steps

Gradually start looking for more relaxed behaviour. For example if your dog is in a sitting position reward lying down. If your dog has started in a down position, reward if they drop a hip to one side, put their head down on their paws, sigh or lie flat out. Depending on your dog they may go through all these positions or go straight to lying flat out. Reward whenever they demonstrate a more relaxed position.

3. Reward Little Steps

If your dog doesn’t come to the bed or just sits there staring at you, then reward even smaller moves towards what you want. For example if they are pulling on their lead reward them when they release the pressure, if they are staring at you reward them for looking towards their bed. Be patient and look for small responses to start with. Your dog will eventually get the idea.

4. Expect More

As your dog becomes more settled space the rewards out so they have to stay longer in the relaxed position to get the reward. Spacing should be built slowly by a few seconds at a time and over a number of training sessions. If you want to add a voice command to this behaviour wait until they are effectively giving you a relaxed position and then add your command such as "settle" as you are giving them the treat.

5. Add in Distractions

Once your dog can settle in a quiet environment consistently then start to add in distractions. You can start by changing the environment, so test in another room of your house or out in your garden.

Alternatively get a family member or friend to help by creating a distraction. Ask them to start by walking past your settled dog. Reward your dog for staying relaxed.

6. Reinforce the Positive, Ignore the Negative

When your dog stays relaxed with the person passing in walk increase the distraction by your helper doing more energetic movements as they go past. If your dog becomes unsettled or gets up stay quiet and ignore them until they have resettled and then reward.

If your dog struggles with the higher intensity then reduce the level of distraction and then build back up again slowly. Remember we are always aiming to set the dog up for success.

Always ignore any unsettled behaviour when training. If your dog becomes over-excited or fidgets don’t give them any eye contact, use your voice or touch them. If you’re able, turn your back until your dog settles down again and then reward.

7. Progress To The Great Outdoors

Once your dog is able to settle at home it’s time to progress to the great outdoors. On your walks find a reasonably quiet area to start where you can sit down and follow the same guidance as before.

Make sure at this stage your dog is on a short leash so that they are close to you and under control. If someone approaches your dog and they start to become unsettled then politely let the person know that you’re training your dog and not to interact with them until they have settled back down.

As the behaviour becomes more and more established your dog will learn to settle in any environment of their own accord.

Before you know it you will have a dog that will happily take a nap even in the noisiest, most exciting environments and you will be able to enjoy your social life without having to worry about hanging on to your dog.

Article by  Sally Hudson