Archive for March, 2009

Mar 29 2009

How to Select a Dog Crate

Published by Guest Author under 469

There are several types of dog crates to choose from. It all depends on what you need the crate for and how big your dog is. There are a few things that you must keep in mind while shopping for a new crate for your dog. Are you traveling and how? How big is your dog? Is your dog scared of people? Does your dog like to bark a lot? What can you fit in your budget?

There are crates that are more like fence material. There is also plastic that you may want to choose from. There are some that you would have the convenience of collapsing and storing easily.

Remember that puppies grow. So if you invest in a small crate or kennel for your small boxer puppy, keep in mind the cost of the crate and the fact that the puppy will get bigger. Are you willing to invest in something that he will outgrow in a couple months?

Is this something that you are wanting your puppy to stay in during the day while you are at work? Keep in mind that if it is enclosed, your puppy may be uncomfortable and scared. Perhaps a larger fence like crate may be in his best interest. That way he has room to roam a little. It is an open crate to where he can see things around him. Also there is plenty of room for him to grow.

There may be times when you need to travel on an airplane and need to bring your pet with you. In this case, you may consider a light plastic crate because it is easier to carry and it is enclosed to where other animals won’t cause him to bark or he won’t get nervous. Not to mention you want one that he can just fit in and be secure. There are certain requirements for traveling on an airplane with dogs as well. Be sure to check with the airline to see about their guidelines and rules.

If you plan to use a crate on a regular basis, the best thing to do is to make sure that he starts out using it as soon as possible so that he can get use to it. For instance, if he needs to be puppysat, it is best that he gets use to the crate because as he travels to other places and sees other people in a strange environment, he would be familiar with the surroundings within his crate.

It would be (to him) a lot like home. It would provide him with the security that he would need so that he feels much more content. A lot of people would want to use a crate for the purpose of keeping him contained at night. In this case the crate is his ‘bed’. It should be a place where he is comfortable and secure. It is not recommended to use it for punishment and security, because that would be two separate purposes and may even confuse the puppy.

When shopping for a crate, keep in mind whether or not you would want plastic or metal. Some puppies like to chew a lot and that can even be the case as they get older. In this case the best type of crate would most likely be a metal crate versus the plastic type. When this happens, be sure to include toys and raw hide bones. Not to mention they can be very lonely and bored all day in a little confinement. Eventually they will get use to it but it is still good to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible.

Some dogs have separation anxiety, such as a Mastiff, so purchasing the largest crate is the best. The reason being is so that they have some space to move. Definitely start them out as soon as possible so that it becomes part of their everyday routine.

Another good thing to remember is that dogs that are being house broken may have a hard time being broken. Therefore, you may want to put them in a crate. Dogs are less prone to pottying in their bed area. They are less likely to dirty it up and will wait as long as possible before pottying. With that said, crates are good for house breaking dogs.

You may consider a large crate and in this case it is best to get one that is collapsible so that you can store it when you are through with it. They have some that are stainless steel so that they will last a long time. Then for moving and traveling or for your smaller dogs. The choice is up to you so keep all of these tips in mind. There are many benefits for you, your dog and even your home, in using a crate. You can find them in pet stores and even online.

Be sure to visit our pet care supply store for your large dog pet supplies.

No responses yet

Mar 27 2009

3 Steps to Easy Traveling With Your Dog

Published by Guest Author under 469

Traveling with your dog can be quite challenging. There are several issues that can arise while traveling with your dog in the car.

These problems are quite often stress or anxiety related. It is especially true if your dog is scared of the car or is not used to being inside the car while it is moving. Traveling by car can also be a challenge if you have a dog with loads of energy who just can’t seem to sit still for any extended period of time.

Some dogs may associate traveling in the car with negative experiences and that can also cause some issues.

If you are having problems getting your dog to travel in your car with you or even to just get her inside the car, practicing the following suggestions may be just the thing for you and your dog. Once she can get over her fears and anxiety traveling in the car will be a wonderful experience for her as well as peace of mind for you.

Practice these exercise for at least one week before your trip…

While your car is parked in your driveway open the back door and put your dog inside. At this point make sure the engine is not running so as not to scare her while she is inside. Give her a toy, a chew bone, or a treat and leave her in the back seat for a short while. This will start getting her used to being inside the car and the toy, bone, or treat will create the positive experience.

Once you can see that she is becoming comfortable with being in the back seat of the car, close the door. Make sure that the windows are down. Then you get in the drivers seat and sit there for a while. This will get her used to being inside the closed car with the reassurance that you are there also.

Finally, when she seems to be comfortable being inside the closed car, start the engine and take her for a short ride. It can be something as simple as a drive around the block. The idea is to get her used to being locked inside a moving car. Make sure she still has her toy or chew bone with her. After the drive is over be sure to give her a treat and lots of praise.

Now just repeat this process increasing the distance of the trip each time. Pretty soon she will begin to look forward to riding in the car.

If you can, take her on any short trips or errands you may make. For example, every morning I take Misha with me when I drop the boys off at school. As soon as they come downstairs with their book bags she runs and sits at the door, just waiting to go.

She enjoys the ride to school just laying in the back seat. When we get there and the boys leave, however, she starts to whimper. But that is a story for another day.

Read more information about dogs and be sure to stop by Pets Care Store for all your online dog supply.

No responses yet

Mar 24 2009

Puppy Training Supplies

Published by Guest Author under 469

Training your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do they get to learn a slew of exciting new tricks, you get the satisfaction of seeing your dog’s natural intelligence and athleticism in action.

From the most fundamental sit command to chasing down a Frisbee or rolling over, you are going to need a few training supplies to get you started.

Training Supplies You’ll Need

There are a number of supplies every dog owner should have on hand when they start training their dogs. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Bitter Training Aids – If your dog has problems with chewing, licking, or biting things that shouldn’t be in their mouth, a good option is to use a spray that makes those things taste bitter. It is completely safe and most dogs will give up after a couple bites of something even they can tell tastes awful.

Special Leashes – Some dogs might need special leashes, chain collars, chokers, or leads as you teach them how to walk on a leash. Don’t get anything that could be too tight or dangerous for your dog, but for larger puppies or dogs you might be training, plan accordingly.

Harnesses and Muzzles – If your dog is particularly strong, has a thick neck and likes to escape or has issues with snapping at other dogs or people while on a leash, a harness or muzzle might be necessary while training.

Clickers and Whistles – To train your dog in basic commands, one of the most popular methods is to use as clicker or whistle as a trigger. These simple tools, of pretty much any brand are cheap and work wonders for teaching your dog how to associate the noise with a positive reward. Clicker training works great when training your puppy.

Treats – In conjunction with the clicker or whistle, treats help you reward your dog for a job well done. When they start to associate an action with a positive behavior, you can replace the treat with your praise and eventually they will simply do it to please you.

Other Fun Stuff – Your dog might be perfect for agility runs, or for learning to catch Frisbees. If so, pick up poles, jumps or small toys that you can train them with. Especially for herding dogs and retrievers this kind of training is a great way to get them the exercise they are probably not getting around the house while working their minds.

Implementing Your Training Supplies

Proper training starts with knowing how your dog needs to be trained. Some dogs are eager to learn but too excited. These dogs need to be calmed so they can give you their complete attention. Focus on sit and stay, heeling, and generally providing focus. Puppies can often have a hard time with this, so don’t become impatient if your dog has trouble focusing on you during training.

When you properly use your training supplies in a way that allows your dog the opportunity to learn and showcase what they have learned while also working their brain and being fair to their intellect, both you and your pet can have fun. Pick up the right supplies, use them carefully and effectively, and who knows, your dog could be doing tricks in no time.

Other than dog training supplies you will most likely need some quality dog grooming supplies to help keep your dog in optimal health and physical condition.

No responses yet

Next »


  • Sponsored Offers

  • Free Shipping On Any Order $50.00 or more with Coupon Code: SHIP49 at PetNutritionProducts.com
  • $3.00 Off Any Order With Coupon Code: R3V1 at PetNutritionProducts.com
  • Wizdog.com... Never Worry About Your Dog's Bathroom Needs Again! Stuck in traffic, sleeping-in, raining outside? There are a number of reasons why your dog can't or won't go outside to go potty. Finally, relief for your doggie... and for you! Wizdog is a new revolutionary housetraining system for dogs. Consisting of a durable plastic pan and fitted grate, liquid waste dispenses through the grate onto newspaper or pee pad, separated from your dog's paws - No more wet paw tracks throughout your house! Go see for yourself - Wizdog.com