It’s important to keep your dog leashed when in public parks because of the potential risks to your dog and other dogs. Although you may know your dog very well, others do not know your dog well and you definitely do not know others’ dogs well. If your dog is a well-behaved off-leash dog, that is great, but only if there are not any other dogs around. If your dog likes to approach other leashed dogs, you never know when the other dog may be nervous or scared or lash out at your dog. If there are multiple off-leash dogs in a public (non-dog) park, then it is difficult to judge their behaviors. There is always the potential of dogs fighting.

The most difficult part about having a dog off-leash in a non-dog park is that you do not have full control over the situation. Typically these parks are not fenced like dog parks are, so you cannot control whether or not your dog may run off. Just as well, you cannot fully prevent your dog from approaching other dogs or people without a leash. For safety and insurance, it is best just to keep your dog leashed unless you are at a designated off-leash area.

Question by squirt: where can i get a retractable dog leash that connects to a run?
we have one of those dog runs where the cord is connected to the house and the garage and then the long leash that slides up and down the cord, but she’s always getting the leash tangled on stuff…is there such thing as a retractable leash that i could hook up to the run?
when we use a shorter leash she can’t go far at all

Best answer:

Answer by Aidriana
Your local pet store may have one, if they don’t you can always compromise. I use a normal retractable leash, and just tie it to our hook. It works really well. It isn’t quite as long as some, but it still works good.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Why It Is Important To Leash Your Dog is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

Different Styles for Every Type of Dog

For the toy breeds, there are pastels, plaid and rhinestone dog collars with leashes to match, showing the world how special your animal is to you. Matching the style and color to their personality lets them put their best paw forward when out on the sidewalks with you.

Mid-sized pets can also have the cute collars the toy breeds wear, or something a little more suited to the owner’s personality, as well as their own.

Have a larger, tougher breed? Maybe you want something to match that.

For that you can find all sorts of “bad to the bone” collars.   

All these options show both your pet and the world how much these furry friends mean to their families, by allowing their own unique personality traits to show through.

Classic leather, braided nylon, decorative or simple, each animal deserves their own style when it comes to dog collars and leashes. Putting a collar on your friend that anyone could get at the local pet store doesn’t seem right somehow, when this animal is so special to you.

Let Your Dog Stand Out

People like to be fashionable and look their best, and our pets are a reflection of ourselves. With all the unconditional love and the happiness they bring, don’t these creatures deserve to stand out in their own right? Standard, mass produced dog collars and leashes may be fine when you first get a new puppy, but when their personality comes out, and they are a part of your life, you may want something a little more unique for your pet.

Think Safe

When considering safety, reflective dog collars and leashes are the answer for twilight strolls, or after dark excursions with your pet. Sturdy leads keep them from darting out into traffic, or chasing after other animals they encounter along the way. There are even specialty training collars that will not harm the animal, nor choke them as some of the more common varieties do. No one wants to use pain and fear to train their animals, so calming collars and training varieties that are more humane are the perfect solution. Once the dog has an idea of the desired behavior when out walking, more customized, and fashionable accessories can be used.

With so many choices when it comes to dog collars and leashes, it would perhaps be best to take the time and find just the right one that matches your unique and special pet. Whether a studded leather look for a miniature poodle, or hot pink plaid for a German Shepard, every animal has their own quirks, and personality traits that can be reflected in what you choose for them to wear.

Question by Lauryn: How do I make a leash for a turtle or can I put a dog leash on it?
I have a turtle that I just got today and I want to know how to make a leash or if I can just put it on a dog leash…..and also does anybody know how to spend time with a snapping turtle to make it like you?:)…thank you.

Best answer:

Answer by Jeepers
you know, despite the fact that turtles DO have the ability to run away from you at speeds similar to a jaguar, I don’t think a leash is completely necessary.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Everyone meet Rob Amato from Marine Dog…..a vendor and a SPONSOR of the Super Pet Expo. (Sponsors keep the lights on….we like sponsors!) This 10-in-1 marine dog leash is truly unmatched for quality and control options. Anyone near water, beaches, or lakes must have at least one of these salt water-proof leashes and leads. Did we find 11-in-1 uses on film?!!!! Go to www.marinedog.com to see all the variety and bright colors as well as a huge selection of many other great products and supplies with WORLDWIDE shipping. Thanx again to Robert and Anthony Amato for all their great products. See them every year at http UPDATE: After you buy a wonderful leash from Marine Dog send them photos of your pooch enjoying their new toy and they will be posted!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Fashionable and Functional Coordinating Dog Collars and Leashes is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

When our dogs leap around in delight at the mere sight of their leash in our hands, we often smile indulgently and think how adorable their excitement is. We struggle to keep them still just long enough to clip the leash onto their collar before they are off again. That is not how you want to train your dog to behave.

Even a small dog tugging incessantly on the end of its lead is not enjoyable; a large dog capable of pulling you off your feet is even less so. It is time again to remind your dog who is the leader and who is the follower. Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to reinforce the basic precepts of dog training. Dont ignore this, thinking that a well-behaved dog doesnt enjoy walks as much as a boisterous one. Believe me, they do!

The first step is to insist your dog sit calmly while you strap on its lead. Ideally, your dog has already been trained to sit on command. Have your dog sit and then pause a moment to make sure he is calm. Attach the lead.

If the dog begins to jump around again, stop and command him to sit. Dont yell at him. You are training your dog that it is his own behaviour that delays his walk. Every time he sits quietly, immediately recognize and reward without getting him overly-excited. Once you attach his lead and he remains calm, only then do you take him outside.

The next thing is to let your dog relieve himself. Once that pressures off, your dog is going to be anxious to investigate every smell within sniffing distance, which is the main reason dogs pull so hard. If you pull back, their instinct is to pull harder, not ease up.

You have two options to train your dog to stop pulling on the leash. If he pulls, you can command him to sit, and refuse to move until he does, alternatively, you can do an abrupt about-face and begin walking in the opposite direction. Using the sit command works well with dogs that are fairly well trained; walking in the opposite direction is more effective if your dog tends to ignore you. You may feel a little silly at first but dont let that deter you. You are the leader and you choose in which direction to walk.

Every time the dog pulls ahead and you swiftly turn away, hell find himself behind you, forced to walk in the direction you dictate. The idea is to train your dog that pulling on the leash immediately stops the walk.

If you are vigilant, youll soon find your dog trotting alongside of you, waiting for your cue as to where to go. And everyone you pass will admire your well-trained dog!

Pulling On The Leash is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

The training method described in this article relies on using a pinch collar (also known as a prong collar). This will be used to give your dog a correction when needed. Here are some tips on choosing the right collar and leash.

To start the heel command place your dog in a sit position. Hold your leash in your right hand, this allows you to be able to give your dog a correction using your left hand to jerk the leash. Now give your dog a heel command this should consist of a word and action.

The action serves the purpose of getting your dog to focus not only on your voice but your movements. This is essential because if your dog is watching you he/she is not going to see the cat they want to chase! Many people use the word “heel” followed by starting to walk with their “right” foot.  Moving your right foot forward is a great visual command for your dog to heel.

When a dog is heeling properly they will have their shoulders aligned with your leg. When you stop walking they should immediately sit at your side. If your dog fails to do these things you should immediately give them a correction.

A correction should be followed by placing them on a sit command and starting “heel” over. At first walk your dog for short distances, once they stay aligned with your body and stop when you do; PRAISE them. This is essential as it is both motivation and reward for your dog.

Once your dog can heel on their leash and they are watching you (so you know you have their attention), you may want to begin trying the heel command off leash. This should be done in a safe place where your dog cannot get access to a road. 

You will use the same process as above, but keep in mind that you will not be able to easily correct your dog, so this should be done when you feel your dog is truly ready. If you try with no success continue practicing with the leash on to allow for corrections. When you feel your dog has improved try off leash again. With enough practice your dog will be able to heel both on and off leash.

If you are consistent with these steps you will be successful and will have a dog who will heel beautifully at your side. If you find your dog is not getting  it then it is time to evaluate yourself.

Simple things that we forget could confuse our dogs and make training harder. If this is happening, maybe have a friend or family member watch you to see if you are doing something wrong without even noticing it.

Training your dog is so important not only for safety but because it creates a special bond between dog and owner. When you train a dog they feel as if they are working as part of a team. They are happier and more adjusted. Just like children dogs need discipline and rules, by giving them these things we will create a bond that will last a life time.

Obedience – Teaching Your Dog to Heel is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

By Adekunle Gbelee

Every dog owner at some point in time walks their dog. The question I have at most times is whether the owner is really walking the dog or the dog walking the owner. In the following I’ll discuss about walking your dog and tips on properly walking your dog. The goal here is to have your dog walk on your terms.

The past week one of my friend’s was going on vacation and she asked me if I could watch her dog (Jack) while she was gone. I gladly accepted because Jack is a happy dog and my friend has been training him on a daily basis for the past 6 months or so. However, when I walked Jack along with mine, it appeared that Jack has no walking etiquette. My 85 pound dog appeared as a saint next to the 60 pound Jack. It didn’t take a maverick to figure out that Jack definitely needed help!

Why is walking your dog important? Here are some key benefits of walking your dog.

Walking is a good exercise. It loosens up your muscles and gets the blood flowing.

On sunny days you get a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun.

You develop a bond between yourself and your dog.

You get to have a happy dog.

Best of all, you get to be social and know your neighbors.

Now that I got your attention that you should be walking your dog on a regular basis, the question that comes up is whether you properly walk your dog. I live in a neighborhood that has plenty of people having dogs. I would say that on an average only 1 in 20 people walk their dogs properly.

Next time you are walking your dog try to make some mental notes on the following questions.

Does your dog try to get past you when you open the door of your house?

Once outside, is your dog walking in front of you?

Is their tension in the leash?

Is the dog yanking your shoulder whenever it sees something interesting?

Is the dog stopping and sniffing when ever it desires to?

Is the dog crossing your path while you walk?

If the answer is “Yes”, to any of the above questions, you need to train your dog. If on the other hand you are not sure how to correct the situation, accept the fact that you need training in walking your dog.

Here are some tips for walking your dog. In the following discussion, I am going to refer to the dog as “it”, to make no distinction between a male or female dog.

First and foremost principle is that You should be able to walk out the door first. The training starts right at this point. Always note that You are the leader and the dog is the follower. If the dog tries to get past you, correct it gently with a firm “NO” and give a gentle touch and go back inside your house. Repeat this as many times as possible until it gets the picture. If your dog already has some kind of training and understands the “Stay” command, you can use the same and walk out the door first.

If you normally walk your dog with a retractable leash, I would suggest that you get a 4′ or a 6′ leash. The longer the leash the difficult it is to control your dog. Make sure that while walking your dog, it is next to you at most times. There should always be some slack in the leash. While walking my dog, I just rest the leash on my fingers and let gravity hold it in place for me. I have gone a long way in getting my dog to this state. If everything goes good for you, technically you should be able to hold the leash with two finger tips. Initially this will not be possible as this might be something new to your dog. If you note that the dog is constantly getting ahead of you, use your leg and place in front of it and say “NO” firmly. You should definitely see that your dog stop and give you a confused look.

If the dog is constantly creating tension in the leash, depending on the size of the dog hold the leash really close to it. If it gently walks towards the side to do some business, by all means allow that to happen. Once the business is done, the dog should be back close to you. If the tension factor repeats, pull the dog towards you sideways. That normally throws them off-balance. Your dog will definitely put a fight. No one said this was going to be easy. You might have to repeat numerous times. If this process gets on your nerves, stop your walk and take a few deep breaths.

Sometimes when the dog sees something interesting, it will just give you a solid surprise pull. You cannot let that happen. Pull him back with an almost equal force back in place and say “NO”. Be gentle with the small ones.

If your dog is constantly stopping and sniffing without doing any business, try not to let that happen. The walk is supposed to be an exercise and training combined routine. I do not encourage my dog to do this. Once she has done her business, she is not allowed to sniff around every time she sees or finds something interesting. Perhaps once in every five times or so I might allow her to sniff around.

While walking your dog, it should never cross your path of walk. If the dog must go to the your other side it must go behind you. The next time it tries to cross, firmly say “NO” and guide the dog to go behind you. Always note that consistency is the key. Eventually your dog will get the point. If you decide to jog with your dog at a later time this will come very handy. You do not want to trip over your dog while running, do you?

Benefits of properly walking your dog:

A step closer to being a well balanced dog.

Your friends would not mind pet sitting.

Makes it easy for your dog walker

Makes other dogs calm.

I would definitely recommend you get a good book about training your dog. Keep in mind that training your dog is an ongoing process. Discipline is equally important as is play time. You will notice how many simple things which you thought were problems disappear by simply walking your dog the right way. Always note that a well balanced dog equals a happy owner. You reap what you sow…

Walking Your Dog -6 Important Steps is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

Level tho’ contemporary subject has enabled manufacturers to add GPS to a show of various products the mediocre consumer noneffervescent does not believe how GPS operates. Patch the statement on how the coupling GPS group totality can be complicated, explaining how to treat an someone organisation can be prefabricated orbicular. When you are disagreeable to locate a dog that is act a GPS prehend, you simply poorness to turning on the GPS scheme located on your cell sound. The moment the unit is reactive it present direct an SMS direct to the footballer. The SIM cardboard in the acquirer will move with its activity. Wi

run dog equipment obligation.

If your dog has a way of score out of the backyard or if your police dog is chasing a pretend, you leave be competent to station them by using the GPS locator. A reputable percent of the GPS care dog equipment comes with reflective colouring. Reflective feel in the unenlightened dog collars are perfect for writer dogs to use any quantify they are in the region. Not exclusive faculty you be able to trail your serving dog by using the GPS method you will also be healthy to see them from a indifference or at specular tangible procurable on the industry today. This is the said touchable utilized in designing remove and bingle mechanism that most brake service personnel use. This material will cater your employment dog equipment with the intense optimal luminance. The touchable misused is non-toxic and self charging. Just, display the touchable to rich daylight for a momentary total of abstraction and the apprehend faculty be return to a obligation, the industry for GPS collars is growing. Currently there is not a uppercase grasp of several collars to take from, and those collars existence marketed are mostly quite big comfort. Advances are speedily beingness prefab nevertheless, that faculty yield manufacturers to create smaller, cheaper and many useful trackers.

Contrary collars use disparate combination’s of broadcasting, satellite and radiophone coverage, and sometimes all trine to ensure optimum following power. Because they are fashioned to be mangey by pets, they are unremarkably prefab to be thespian durable and liquid defiant

Technological Advancements Prefab to Author Dog Equipment is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

Holistic approaches to preventive care to animals become very popular among pet owners and even the scientific community has begun to embrace the concept. Many common veterinary practices are becoming more open to a holistic approach to help cure their patients. Some veterinary practices even offer alternative methods of treatment and working with chiropractors, nutritionists, acupuncturists, herbalists and massage therapists to meet the demand of its customers for healthy and safe medical alternatives for their pets. Because prevention is always better than cure and more pet owners are looking at alternative ways to maintain your pet’s health and quality of life.

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One of the most important aspects of holistic careis pet food. Provide your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet is one of the best ways to prevent diseases and health problems. How to avoid the harsh elements in the digestion of poorly designed food is crucial if you want to build your pet’s health and increase his immune system.

Intestinal tract of animals is not designed to handle toxic buildings as a result of chemical and bacterial agents. Feeding your pet a nutritionally poor diet or one that is full of preservatives and chemicals can lead to chronic diseases and health problems further down the line.

Another important part of holistic medicine is the emotional stress. Dogs are vulnerable to stress, as we do, and decrease their level of emotional stress, helps them both physically and mentally. Many professional dog trainersbegan to take a holistic approach in their teaching methods and assessment of the dog, they would be considered animal diets. There have been many cases where the earlier aggressive dogs were calmer and more manageable simply by improving their diet. Toxins in food can lead to dramatic behavioral problems and offering the dogs a balanced and nutritious diet can make a big difference in temperament dogs.

The nervous system plays an important role in the welfare of the whole and acupuncture, acupressure and massage, have been used for centuries to treat many chronic and debilitating conditions. These alternative treatments were a lot of traction among pet owners, despite the fact that there is no scientific explanation available as to why these treatments seem to work so successfully.

All about Holistic Dog Care is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

Using the right tool makes the job much easier.  Find the right collar for your dog.  Training and walking your dog should be a pleasure, not a chore!

5 Most Commonly Used Collars are:

Head collar

Chain slip collar (aka choke chain)

Flat/rolled leather collar

Metal prong collar

Martingale collar

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Dangerous

Head collars resemble a horse’s halter.  It works on the same principal.  Ever wonder how a 5-year old child can lead a 1,200 pound horse around a paddock?  Simple!  Lead the head, the body will follow!

A head collar is designed in 3 parts.  The first part slips over the dog’s nose, almost like a muzzle. The second part connects around the dog’s neck, like a flat collar.  The third part is a short piece that hangs under the dog’s jaw, near their throat.  That is where the leash is connected to an O-ring.

If properly used, it discourages a dog from puling.  Reason being, the harder they pull, the more their head is turned toward the walker.  It’s uncomfortable to walk that way!

This collar should only be used when a dog may have, or to prevent trachea damage; or by children and seniors that may have problems controlling a large or stubborn dog.  If that’s the case…they need to enroll in obedience classes!

Chain slip collar (aka choke chain) should only be used for training purposes.  The chain collar is rapidly losing the popularity it once had, as dog trainers are encouraging students to use more humane collars.

The way a choke chain collar works is, when a correction needs to be made, the handler give a quick “pop” or tug to the leash.  The as the pressure from the tug pulls the chain, the part around the dog’s throat tightens, to let them know that particular behavior is unacceptable.

The problem is, most people, do not know there is a right and a wrong way to place a choke chain on their dog.  If done correctly, the chain will release and slide into a relaxed position, once the corrections is made, and pressure from the leash is released. If placed on the dog incorrectly, the chain will tighten with even the slightest pressure, locking into itself.  It cannot unlock when the leash pressure is relaxed.  It can and will do serious damage to the dog’s neck, and throat.

CAUTION! Before using a chain slip collar, learn how to use it correctly!  When on your dog, it should resemble a horizontal P.  The stem of the P is ALWAYS at the TOP…never at the bottom.  You will choke your pet!  Practice before using it.  Make a fist.  That’s your dog’s head.  Slide the collar over your fist to your wrist.  Your wrist is the dog’s neck.  Now pull the stem part of the chain.  If it’s on correctly, it will slide to tighten when the correction is made, and it will loosen automatically when the pressure is released.  If done incorrectly, you will cut off the circulation on your wrist!

Never leave a chain slip collar on your dog when you are not working with them. NEVER TETHER YOUR DOG USING A CHAIN COLLAR!

FLAT/ROLLED LEATHER COLLAR is the everyday collar most dogs wear with all their ID’s attached. Flat collars can be found in an phenomenal assortment of materials, colors and styles with either buckles or quick release connectors.  A rolled leather collar is suggested especially for long hair dogs, as the roundness tends to lead to less hair loss or collar marks.

METAL PRONG COLLAR aka spike or pinch collar is the one that looks like a torture tool used during the Spanish Inquisition!  Most experienced dog trainers prefer not to use them!  Some people with stubborn or large dogs they have not control over and who think they don’t need obedience training do prefer to use them!

Fact is, by having to use a metal prong collar, it is an indication the owner has no control over their animal!

The problem with the prong collar is, most people who use them, use them incorrectly!  There is no need to cause a dog pain, whenever they are walked.  When used correctly, the walker should only apply pressure with a quick “pop” or tug of the leash.

Some metal prong collars come fitted with rubber caps to cover the prong, so as not to injure or inflict unnecessary pain to your dog because of improper use.

CAUTION! If you are not walking your dog, REMOVE THIS COLLAR IMMEDIATELY!

MARTINGALE COLLAR is probably the best training collar for the average dog owner.  It offers the best part of a chain slip collar and the best part of the flat collar.  It is also known as a modified choke or Greyhound collar.

The Martingale collar has no buckle or clasp.  You adjust it to comfortably slide over your dog’s head.  It is designed so that the dog cannot slip out of it and you can make a correction with a quick “pop” or tug.  There is a short piece of chain or material at the top, fitted with an O-ring to which the leash is attached.  That short piece is used as a halting device, tightening the collar, yet not choking the dog.

It is an excellent training collar for most dogs!  It is especially helpful for when walking scent and sighthounds.

Take your time…find the right collar for your dog!

www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite

Do You Have The Right Dog Collar For Your Dog? is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

With the ever increasing importance put on one’s pet, dog owners in particular, are always on the hunt for the latest in dog design ware- this includes the dog collar.

Most everyone has heard of fashion week in New York city; if you haven’t, it’s one of the most anticipated weeks of the year where all major clothes designers parade their latest wares. Makes perfect sense, right? There is a need after all, to know what will be ‘hot’ for next season. What if I told you that for the last three years, New York City has hosted pet fashion week? Where over a period of two days, all the latest in “poochie couture” is showcased? One gets to see what all the rage in doggie clothes, collars, leashes, and products (feeding bowls, carriers, to name a few) are.

Don’t kid yourself into thinking that by buying the very popular designer dog collar, your dog will suddenly develop superhero power and run off and save the planet.

Designer dog collars are no different than any other dog collar (except the purposeful chain collar). They are generally a piece of material that fits around your dog’s neck like all other dog collars on the market. And, like all other previous nondescript dog collars, its function is to hold tags for identification (and possible medication alerts) and control (both manually and with the leash) your dog.

Some would argue that designer dog collars are a complete waste of money and a narcissistic, silly indulgence in your dog.

However, for those that hold their dogs in the highest esteem and treat them like members of the family, they don’t think designer dog collars are absurd at all. If dog fashion is your thing, it’s probably the least expensive way to treat [yourself] and your dog without breaking the bank- though, if that’s the way you really want to go, you can purchase a Louis Vuitton dog collar for hundreds of dollars.

Designer Dog Collars is a post from: Tips On Dog Care

Paracord will shrink when it gets wet, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that you preshrink the cord before you start to braid. If you don’t, the first time that you walk your dog in the rain, your leash will get all misshapen and lumpy.To preshrink the cord, soak it in hot water for about five minutes and then hang it to dry. You can toss it in a pillow case, knot it closed and dry it in the dryer as well, it’s your choice.

I am making an eight inch agility tab To determine how much paracord that you will need, break down the length of your project into inches and multiply by four. 8″ X 4 = 32″ so I will need 2 separate paracord strands that are EACH 32″ long

Thread the cords through the eye of the snap, laying them side by side. Clamp the snap down to a steady surface like a table. This will prevent the cords of twisting during braiding, which can be frustrating for the novice braider.

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A and B are the first strip, while C and D are the second strip. Now take A and cross over B. D lies to the left of B while C lies to the right of C. Keep a constant, light tension on the strands.

Now cross D behind B and cross over A.

Now take C and cross behind B and over D. To continue making your leash, cross B behind D and over C. Remember that the new strand that you will use to keep making the braid will always be the topmost strand.

While you are making your knot, plug in the wood burning tool since it takes a little while to heat up.

Grasp the end of the braid with the loose ends poking through the top of your fist and arrange the cords in an X pattern. I knew very little about ParaCord (short for Parachute Cord) at that time, only knowing that this type of cord was used extensively by the brave men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces with everything from shoe laces, to securing equipment to humvees, backpacks or ballistic vests.

What amazed me with ParaCord was its high tensile strength, lightweight characteristics, and military-inspired color options. I also knew very little about weaving, so with a little inspiration from Stormdrane and our two Shiba Inu’s, I decided to make the ParaCord dog leash. Two years and over a hundred leashes later, I have created the standard ParaCord leash, traffic leash and couplers. The ParaCord dog leashes are a sure hit with our dogs, our neighbors who we come across on our daily walks, and other dog owners at our local dog park.

The ParaCord Dog Leashes are custom hand-crafted with over twenty colors to choose from. The trigger-snap buckles offer extra security and a little style over standard dog leash buckles. There are four ParaCord strands that are inter-woven with two braiding styles – diamond or spiral.

How to Braid a Four Strand Flat Braid Dog Leash Using Paracord is a post from: Tips On Dog Care