Thursday, September 04, 2014

GoPro: Introducing Fetch (Dog Harness)

Here's newest GoPro product for pet lovers. Now you can buy a dog harness for your dog! GoPro, last month introduced their $59.99 GoPro Fetch dog harness that you can mount and strap to your dog and films what he sees and experience. The GoPro Fetch dog harness fits perfectly to your dog whatever he maybe doing from playing at the park to digging through the garbage. The Fetch harness comes with mounting hardware that works with any GoPro camera, and can be attached to your pet’s back for overhead shots, or to his chest, to capture the view from the ground.


Some alternatives are also available on Amazon like the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Camera Mount which you can buy for only $32.27.

Monday, August 06, 2012

Dog Collar Review

You can find a lot of different products online for our pets and sometimes we tend to forget how important it is to give attention to small details.

For example there are a lot of dog collars available at your local pet store and online and choosing one can be a mind boggling decision for some. There are even pet owners who are not fan of dog collars because of whatever reasons they may have. We usually ask store clerks or store owners to help us in our decision but only you ultimately know your dog best. For example, I usually buy harness for my dogs because I think that they are more comfortable using a harness compare to dog collars. Plus the fact that it usually lessens choking accidents with my dogs.

Did you know that there are dog collars ideal for small dogs, collars best for dogs that pull, collars for escape artists and dog collars specifically suitable for dogs with behavioral problems? Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls when you put his harness on, gags on the slip collar or slips out of the buckle collar when he gets excited? If you experienced any of the situation above that's mostly likely because you chose the wrong type of collar.

The following article is a comprehensive guide to Dog Collors which I found in voices.yahoo.com website.

A Comprehensive Guide to Common and Not so Common Dog Collars

Some collars are quite common and can be easily found at your favorite pet store but some are quite unheard of. Learn what type of collar is perfect for your dog and which you are better off avoiding. While dog collars should never be used as a substitute for training, they make a great addition to a good training program.

Buckle Collars
Also known as flat collars, these are the most common every-day type of collars and their name depicts them very well since they buckle. If the dog pulls, these traditional collars do not tighten automatically as some other collars. They come in different colors, materials and styles, however the most common are made of leather or nylon. In order to fit this collar well, it should be buckled snug but two fingers should be able to pass between the dog's neck and collar. This collar is good for dogs who do not pull much but should be avoided by dogs who pull to the point of coughing and gagging.

Pros:
Stocked in virtually all stores, can be worn most of the time (always keep an eye on your dog though).
Quite affordable in price.
The nylon varieties can be quite durable
They are ideal for attaching ID tags.
Some nylon buckle collars feature a ''quick release'' option similar to luggage strap fasteners which allow owners to get them on and off readily with no hassle.

Cons:
Adjust this collar too loose and your dog may slip out of it, adjust it too tight and your dog may cough and gag.
Some small and delicate dogs may get a collapsed trachea from wearing a buckle collar and pulling with too much force.
Some dogs learn how to back out of this collar when frightened or excited.

Martingale Collars
Also known as Greyhound collars, these collars are ideal for those dogs capable of slipping out of a buckle collar.They are great for dogs with necks larger than their heads (greyhounds, whippets and other sight hounds). If your dog has learned how to free itself from its traditional collar, this is the collar for you. It is loose when not in use, but once engaged becomes snug enough to prevent escaping. Made of two loops, the larger loop slips over the dog's neck, whereas the smaller loop is used to attach the leash to its ''D'' ring. Tension from the leash makes this small loop taunt so the larger loop around the dog's neck tightens but without choking or constricting the airway as some other collars.

Pros:
Effective against dogs slipping out of collars but without having an uncomfortably tight collar.
They are mid range in between buckle collars and slip collars.
Good for dogs with necks larger than heads.

Cons:
May cost more than regular collars.
May not be found in all pet stores
Not designed for carrying tags so may need to be worn with regular buckle collar.
Not meant to be worn most of the time.

Limited Slip Collar
Also known as Alaskan collars since they were used on sled dogs, these collars are a good solution for dogs who tend to slip out. They are similar to a buckle collar, but at a closer inspection they lack a buckle or clip and rather have a large ring to attach the leash to. They are worn by slipping it over the dog's head. Limited slip collars, as the martingale collars, are comfortable but tighten about two inches upon pulling but without choking the dog.

Pros:
Effective against dogs who slip out of collars but without constricting
Can be used as regular daily collars.
Ideal for attaching ID tags
Good for dogs with lots of fur around their necks since their loose fit does not break the hair.

Cons:
Not easy to find, may need to be special ordered.
Determined dogs may chew the attachment point if left unsupervised.

Choke Collars
Also known as slip collars or choke chains, these chain collars tighten automatically when the dog pulls. They should never be used on puppies. The right way to fit the collar is to slip the chain through one of the two end rings. This should create a large circle which will slip over the dog's neck leaving a ring to attach the leash to. When worn correctly, the choke collar will look like a ''P''.

Pros:
When used correctly, a leash ''pop'' may help train a dog to heel, but there are more positive ways to train nowadays (and should ideally be used first)
Cons:
Some dogs may slip out of them by lowering their heads
Considered by positive reinforcement trainers an old-fashioned punishment based tool
Can cause injuries when used incorrectly
Requires a dog trainer to show correct use
May get caught around hair on dog's neck
should never be left on dog unattended as may cause strangulation
Unlike martingales and limited slip collars, there are no barriers to prevent choking.

Prong Collars
Also known as pinch collars, these collars look like medieval torture devices but used correctly they may be kinder than choke collars. They should never be used on puppies. May work for hyper dogs but can aggravate fear or certain aggressive problems. This collar cannot be worn by slipping it on the dog's neck, it needs to be opened and closed by joining and separating the links. Works by delivering a ''pinch'' in the neck area which resembles a dog's bite.

Pros:
When used correctly they can help teach a dog to heel ( serve as power-steering) but there are more positive ways to train nowadays (and should ideally be tried first)
Does not put strain on the trachea

Cons:
Should never be worn when unattended
Require a trainer to show correct use
Considered by positive reinforcement trainers as a punishment based tool
Not suitable for fearful or aggressive dogs
Can break apart and fall off; it's best if worn with a buckle collar just in case
Must be worn correctly to work
May be challenging to put on and take off for novice users

Head Collars
Also known as a ''gentle leader'' or ''halter'' since it closely resembles a horses' halter, head collars are a good solution for owners of dogs who pull. Often erroneously confused for muzzles, head collars are often used in behavior modification programs since they help prevent jumping, lunging, pulling and provide give better control.

Pros:
Prevents strain on the trachea
Dogs readily responds to pressure
Good for behavior modification programs,
Cons:
Not suitable for brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles
Dogs may have a hard time getting used to wearing them
May cause skin abrasions or neck injuries.

Harnesses

A harness is not really a collar since it does not go around a dog's neck, but it is often sold in the same aisle with other collars. It makes a good solution for small and delicate dogs since it prevents strain on the neck, the main cause for collapsed trachea. They are also good for dogs with neck and other respiratory problems. When worn correctly, two fingers should be able to fit beneath it.

Pros:
Ideal for small dogs, no more strain on the dog's neck since it fits around dog's chest and rib cage
Difficult for a dog to slip out of even small headed ones.

Cons:
May take some time for some dogs to get used to
Have a reputation for encouraging pulling because of the ''opposition reflex''. Indeed harnesses are used on sled dogs to encourage pulling.

Front Connection Harnesses
These look like normal harnesses, but unlike them, the leash is connected to a ring in front of the dog's chest. One of the most popular versions is the ''Easy Walk'' harness by Premier. They are good for behavior modification since they train a dog to stop lunging and pulling.

Pros:
Do not put strain on a dog's trachea
Ideal for behavior modification programs

Cons:
May take a bit of time for a dog to get used to them
Require some initial training to teach dog not to pull.

Friday, May 25, 2012

6 Best Toys to Keep Your Dog Really Busy

Memorial Day is coming and, if you have a dog, you would probably want to keep him or her busy while you honor those who fought on countless battles to preserve your freedom to stuff your face with BBQ'ed burgers and ribs.
Dog training expert and longtime Gizmodo collaborator Anna Jane Grossman has picked the six very best toys to do that.



The Kong

KONG Classic Kong Dog Toy, Large, Red
The granddaddy of all work-to-eat toys, the Kong is a chew toy made of nearly indestructible rubber. It was originally based on a part of a Volkswagen bus' suspension device that the creator's German Shepherd found particularly irresistible. Kongs can be stuffed with a wide variety of yummies. Kong sells especially shaped treats and different things you can squeeze inside, but you can stuff it with whatever your dogs' weakness might be: cream cheese, Cheez Whiz, wet dog food, peanut butter, liverwurst, frozen blueberries, hamburger meat. Yummers.
There used to be a great product that operated on a timer and dispensed Kongs at intervals, so you could stuff four of them and then leave for the day and your dog would get them doled out at neat intervals. The product was discontinued a few years ago, but you can occasionally find a used one on Ebay, and they're well worth the $100 or so that they usually sell for. Search the ‘Bay for Dogopolis KongTime Automatic Dog Toy Dispenser.

The Bob-a-Lot

StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy
This genius little Bob-a-Lot is weighted on the bottom, so it wobbles all around like those inflatable "bop bags" we had as kids. It comes in a few different sizes. The yellow part at the top screws off, allowing you to put kibble inside, or any kind of small and fairly hard treats. If you feed your dog kibble, you can put his entire meal in this thing. It makes mealtime last ten times as long, which is a good thing for reasons both behavioral and healthful.
My dog Amos eats about four of his meals from it each week. A tiny sliding door over the outside hole and a movable flap covering the internal one makes it possible to basically set it to different levels.
Here, Amos demonstrates how to use it. I had the outer door flap mostly closed here, so you'll see there isn't much food coming out at a time. But never fear: Eventually, he did get it all.
Kong makes a similar toy, the Wobbler, which is just as good except that there are no doors or flaps, so the levels can't be changed.

The Tricky Treat Ball

Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball
The Tricky Treat Ball is similar to the Bob-A-Lot. There's a single hole in which you put in kibble or treats and they fall out as the dog pushes it. Much enjoyment will ensue. Your dog will continue to play with the ball after all the treats are gone–he'll be holding out hope that maybe there's still one lodged in there somewhere. He'll also keep playing with it because, like so many humans, dogs like balls.

The Tug-a-Jug

Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug
Here, the human puts dry food (kibble, treats, Cheerios, whatever) into the Tug-a-Jug, which unscrews at the bottom. The food comes out of a narrow hole at the top, which has a rope sticking into it. As the dog pulls on the rope, some food gets dragged out. Your pup will have crazy amounts of fun swinging this around and tugging at it. It comes in several sizes to accommodate different size dog mouths. I find that the rope usually doesn't last too long, but Premier does sell replacements–and sticking an old knotted sock halfway in pretty much does the same job. (I only recommend this toy if you have carpeting or really tolerant downstairs neighbors - it can bang around a lot.)

The Waggle

Premier Pet Waggle Dog Toy
Stuff dry food into the sides of the barbell-shaped Waggle and the bits will fall out intermittently as your dog holds the middle part in his mouth and shakes it. Well, that's supposed to be how it works, at least–my dog prefers to just kind of roll it around with his paws until the treats come out. That works too. There are rubber teeth in the holes on the sides that can be snipped out in order to reduce the level of difficulty. Premier also makes the Chuckle, which is similar but a little sturdier and has a squeaker inside.

The Dog Casino

Nina Ottosson Dog Casino Interactive game
The Dog Casino is a one of the many fine toys by Nina Ottosson, a genius Swedish pioneer in the world of interactive dog puzzle toys. Her offerings come in a variety of levels of difficulty and in both plastic and wood. This one is the first that my dog Amos tried out, and he loves it. I started him on it by taking out all the bone-shaped light blue pegs until he learned to pull open the drawers with his paw. When he got that, I put some of the pegs in –they act as locks. So then he had to pull out the pegs before the drawers could open.
Here he is with just one drawer left to unlock.
Many of Ottoson's line of toys require that you work with your dog a little bit to help him along. It's really fun to watch them solve the little mystery of each game, and to figure out how to help them get it. With Amos, I first rewarded him for just touching the handles with his paw or nose. When I withheld a few rewards, he started to get annoyed and his pawing increased until he managed to get it open just a enough to lead to the big reward inside the drawer. The magic of learnin'! To help him figure out to life up the pegs, I smeared peanut butter under them.
Now that he's a pro at this one, I often put his entire dinner in it –wet food or dry. But I only put them in some of the drawers. That's why this is called The Casino, after all.
Anna Jane Grossman is a journalist and dog training expert. She is the editor of the pet owner lifestyle website TheDogs and runsSchool For The Dogs, a training academy for dogs and their owners in New York City. You can also follow her on Twitter.
You can read a complete version of this article here.


Wednesday, September 03, 2008

PET ID TAGS

We all love our pets and that’s a fact They have been our faithful companions, friends and protectors. In more recent years our dogs have become more than pets and are now, at times, almost accessories. There are even some people that treat their pets as part of their families, where they dress up their pets with colorful outfits such as jumpers, dresses, hats and even shoes. You can find a lot of luxurious products specially made for our pets in the markets today because there is a demand for the finest apparels, pretty collars, dog carriers and other pet products today.

dog id tagEven celebrities shower their pampered pooches with gifts and designer labels to showcase their pets. They say that if you love your pets you want to give them the best of everything and some people have taken it to the next level. I think that one of the most important things that a pet owner should give his pets is safety. For those like me who love pets like they are members of the family this obviously makes sense because losing a pet is one of the hardest situations you will ever have. You should never take any chances when it comes to your pet’s safety. That’s why I always make sure that my pets always wear their ID tags so I can make sure that whatever happens to them their ID tags can serves as identification to my pets. The ID tags of my pets have their photo engraved on the front and all the relevant details on the back. I even micro chipped them so if they accidentally escape my lawn I can easily track my pet’s location.

When you decide to buy a pet ID tag you should always check for the product’s durability. Readable tags are always important in locating lost pets. A basic pet ID tags should contain a pet’s full name and address but you can find a lot of customized pet identification tags in the market today which can be designed using various machines and systems such as pet tag color matching system. There are so many choices available when it comes to personalizing a pet tag but always remember not to buy some cheap plastic dog collars that the pet may chew and render unreadable. An engraved pet id tag is often easier to read and last longer compare to ink printed tags. Pet tags can help ensure that you will have a good chance of retrieving your pet should it get lost.

There are about 2500 dogs go missing every week in the UK alone and a staggering 38% of missing dogs are actually stolen. If you really love your pets then it is only vital that we protect our pets in every possible way. I know that most of us consider our dogs more than a pet; they really are part of the family. So always make sure that your dog is wearing an ID tag, never leave them unattended in public areas, check for holes in your lawn or fence that they can escape through and be aware that there is a very real risk of pet theft.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Dog Grooming Tables

Dog lover usually love to groom their dogs especially when they have free time. Here in Pet Planet, we think that one of the most important product or equipment a dog lover must have is a dog grooming table. One of the main reasons why pet lovers should give importance to grooming their pets is because this will improve the physical state of their pets as well as their health. Not only the pet owner need to look good but also their pets. Grooming your pets will also avoid parasites from bugging your pet. A dog grooming table doesn’t cost a lot so you don’t have to worry yourself.

The dog grooming tables that we found at www.midwesthomes4pets.com will sure make you smile! Why? Because aside from its affordable, sturdy and is built to last a long time. You will never need to purchase another dog grooming table again. The design also frees up valuable floor and table space which is also perfect for those who run pet shops or pet grooming services. Check their website to see the amazing line of grooming tables.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Cat grooming products

If you are looking for cat grooming products, you will surely enjoy these products that we found in Petstreetmall.

Grooming your cat requires the right kind of pet grooming products and regular maintenance. When buying for pet grooming products you should always consider the quality of tools that you are buying. We have chosen these products because of its affordability and quality.

These amazing pet grooming products will surely help your furry friend looking and feeling great all the time!

Corner Comber – This is a self grooming aid for your cats. It is made from durable, high quality plastic that can be attached easily to any wall or corner.

Cat Claw Scissors - These cat claw scissors are hot forged from fine quality steel. This product has been heat treated to ensure the longest life.

Coarse Tooth Comb – You can use this to smooth tangles and knots.

They offer wide range of pet grooming products. So be sure to check their site for more information about their products.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Dog life jacket

I found this interesting dog product called at petstreetmall. It is an online pet store that offers different kinds of pet products especially designed for various purposes. I know a lot of you enjoy swimming at beaches especially during summer season. Every summer my family and I go to the beach to have some fun and we bring along our pet dog. For those people who enjoy the beach as much as I do, I suggest that you check out this wonderful pet product!

"Dog Life Jackets and Dog Life Vests are a great solution for the dog owner that has a pool or frequents a beach or lake. A Dog Life Jacket or Dog Life Vest provides your dog the same protection as a life jacket provides a child. Just strap your pooch into a comfortable dog life jacket and let him have fun in the water. Got a boat? Don't worry about your dog falling out when he's got a dog life jacket on! No more constant supervision when your dog goes out back near the pool. Dog life jackets work great to keep your dog safe around any body of water.

Pet Street Mall offers you all the items necessary for aquatic activity when it involves your dog. We carry several dog life jackets in many different styles and colors. Our dog life jackets and dog life vests are proven to keep your dog safe around water and are made from the highest quality materials available. We offer the Lowest Prices on dog life jackets and life vests and we'll deliver them right to your front door! Order a dog life jacket or vest today and receive it in time for your vacation!"

click here to read more
The features I like most about this dog life jacket are:

It is constructed to provide your lovely pets the ultimate buoyancy. In addition to the flotation features, this dog life jacket has reflective trim for maximum visibility and a practical assistance handle for helping your dog over deck railings, pontoons and possible nautical nuisances.

This life jacket is very useful especially your vacation includes boat outings. A life jacket is a necessity even for dogs so make sure that a dog life jackets or dog life vest is around your pooch. In addition to the flotation features, this dog life jacket has reflective trim for visibility and a practical assistance handle for helping your dog over deck railings, pontoons and potential nautical nuisances. It also has a Heavy-duty and very comfortable Velcro® fastening system around the belly and neck which is one of my favorite features of the product.