Red Breast Festival

There are plenty of options when it comes to pet steps.  These wonderfully useful tools can improve quality of life for both you and your pet.  You will no longer need to try to pick up a large dog and hoist them into a vehicle or onto the couch, and they will be able to keep doing all the things they love while staying pain free.  The type of pet steps you choose depends on your objectives and the type of dog you have.

Foam Steps
Ideal for smaller and lighter dogs, foam steps are lightweight, easy to move, and simple to maintain.  The covers, made of fabric, are normally removable for convenient washing, and provide a bit of grip for your dog as he moves up and down the stairs.  These steps have no protection on the sides, so they are not ideal for a dog that is unsteady on its feet.

Wooden Steps
You can find steps that look just like human steps in miniature.  Constructed from plywood or particle board and covered in carpet of any shade you desire, these are heavier but also sturdier.  The tread height varies from mini-steps suitable for small or short legged dogs to standard treads for bigger dogs that can no longer jump up onto higher surfaces.

PVC Steps
Constructed from the pipes used in modern housing, these steps tend to be lightweight and durable.  Unlike dog ramps, they can support pets up to 100 pounds, if you get the proper model, and the surface is covered with carpet for comfort and traction.  Since they are constructed of PVC, they are very lightweight and durable.  You can select a carpet color that matches your décor.

Collapsing or Folding Steps
Generally made from metal, these steps are ideal for taking along in the car.  Their portability is enhanced by the small profile they require when stored.  These steps allow your dog to get in and out of the vehicle or tailgate without you risking your back by lifting them.

Since you are looking at a wood dog crate, there are some considerations that don’t exist with the typical plastic crates that are so prevalent in pet stores.  While wood dog crates are much more beautiful and adaptable than the standard they do have some drawbacks, we will cover both the positives and negatives here.

Positives
One of the primary advantages of a wood crate is that you can ask the designer to match your current décor.  There are stock models of wood crates to chose from, but you can usually contact a handyman and have something truly unique made. 

From different woods to unique shapes, each wooden crate is a product of love and hard work.  That means that you can have a crate and still have it maintain some anonymity when not in use.

You can really get a crate that is designed specifically for your pet.  Instead of being one of the crowd you can have an artisan make you something unique. 

If you have a particularly large or small dog, they can be more easily accommodated with something made of wood than a preformed unit.  Wooden dog crates are often disguised as pieces of furniture.  Whether your dog resides in an end table or an urban pet cube, the final impact is unique.

Negatives
Wood, unlike plastic, is inclined to harbor bacteria.  If you have a plastic crate, you can haul it out to the yard and turn the hose upon it.  With a wood crate, you need to keep a careful eye towards cleaning. 

Wipe out the unit regularly and dry it thoroughly, or you may unintentionally promote unhealthy bacteria.  The joints in a wooden crate are particularly sensitive to trapping materials, so keep an eye on them.

Wooden crates are heavier, relative to size than plastic or wire units.  That is because they are made of better quality material and wood just weights more than wire.  If you are going to need to move this crate around a lot, you may not want to consider the wood crate, but other than that, the weight and stability can only help if you have a rambunctious dog.

General Information
Just like any other crate, try to get something that is large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in, but no larger.  This restricts movement and reduces the chances of your dog having accidents and getting into trouble. 

Put a few favorite toys into the crate, and a bone with peanut butter tucked inside.  The bone will keep a persistent dog busy for hours.  A small source of water helps if your dog will be restrained for more than a couple of hours.  Finally, make sure to get an appropriately sized pad or small mattress to place inside the crate to ensure a nice soft surface for napping.

Aside from needing to clean it more thoroughly and the potential weight, a wooden dog crate is a much prettier addition to you home.  It still provides all the security and safety you need, but does it with more panache.

Whichever you decide, be sure to make you dog's crate as comfortable as possible. Add soft dog crate pads and slightly raised dog feeders for more comfort.

In the most simplistic terms, a dog bark collar can be used to redirect a dog that insists on barking all the time. The kind of barking your dog does with no particular reason is known as nuisance barking. This barking can go on at all hours of the day and night and is often particularly unceasing. No particular stimulus exists; your dog just barks. He barks at cars, squirrels in the yard, people passing by, or dust motes, but whatever the cause, he just won’t stop.

 

There are varieties of techniques that people use to try to stop nuisance barking. The best time to apply these techniques, which mirror other training behavior, is when your dog is young and hasn’t yet developed the habit of barking at everything. If that time has passed, and you are now facing a mature dog that barks continuously, the first thing you do is analyze the reason they bark.

 

If they are barking out of boredom, the simplest solution is to spend more time with them and get them involved in interesting activities. If they are nervous, find ways to make them feel calmer, such as providing them with comfortable dog kennels. If, however, you determine that the barking is a result of them being a very vocal dog, then training is likely to succeed.

 

Uncontrollable barking is one of the most common reasons that people relinquish their dogs to pounds. It is such a shame that a natural behavior gone awry causes so many problems. It is possible to train a dog not to bark even when older. It takes time and effort on your behalf, certainly, but it can be done. You can speed your progress and improve your odds of success by adding a dog bark collar to your training process.

 

Dog bark collars don’t take the place of personal involvement. You use them in conjunction with training. Collars come in several models, but two lead the pack. The spray collar uses a citronella based spray that hits your dog in the face when the sensor picks up the vibrations caused by barking. The e-collar, or electric collar, uses the same kind of sensor, but delivers a small electric shock to the dog when barking continues past a certain timeframe. The shock is likened to a static shock that you get during the winter if you rub your feet on the carpet.

 

Collars come in a variety of sizes. You need to make sure you pick an appropriate collar, especially if you have a small pet. There are no collars appropriate for a dog below the age of six months or below three pounds. Only one collar goes down to three pounds; most start at seven pounds. Make sure the collar is large enough to fit around your dog’s neck snuggly. Using the collar begin your retraining of your pet. Each time they bark excessively remind them "NO BARK" in a firm voice. If they continue, the collar will administer a correction. If they comply, praise them and consider providing a treat.

 

Don’t leave your dog in a collar for more than eight hours on any given day, and remember, the collar is most effective when combined with your involvement.

The Red Breast Festival is a fun place to hang out with friends and family. It is worth the travel to go see all the parade, softball tournament and much more. Each year it gets better and better. It is located in Ogeechee River, Midville, Georgia. For more information go to www.thetruecitizen.com/news/2007/0606/news/009.html

If you have mastered potty training, pack leadership skills and basic to intermediate obedience skills with your previous dog, you might be up for a little more of a challenge than your average beginner dog. If this is the case you are likely feeling confident handling dogs and being around them in general. You probably know how to give firm yet gentle training and have a knack for leash walking a dog. If a challenge with a huge payoff is what you seek then you should consider one of the following breeds as your next dog.

1. Akita: Akita’s are a very large breed dog (average between 80 to 110 pounds) originating in Japan. The Akita is among the most ancient of dog breeds and was designed to track and catch large game. The breed can sometimes be aggressive towards strangers, smaller animals or other dogs, particularly those of the same sex; however, these traits can be minimized or eliminated through careful socialization and training. They are extremely loyal to their people and are often used as attack or guards dogs; however, firm yet gentle training can make these dogs great with children. They can; however, live successfully in apartments given the proper amount of exercise. Akita’s have a dense undercoat and require brushing almost every day, especially during the warmest parts of the year.

2. American Pit Bull Terrier: The APBT was once the mascot for the United States Military during WWII. This strong, loyal, square-jawed terrier has since received quite a bit of negative press and is in danger of being banned in many US Cities and Counties. This breed is one of the most understood in the canine world and can be sweet, gentle and loving just like any other dog. They were bred for fighting and bull baiting and can become aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex; however, they are not designed to be aggressive towards humans. In fact, they were used in the fighting ring because their love and loyalty allowed handlers to break up fights without becoming injured themselves. There are many organizations emerging to save these often clown-like dogs; however, more effort is needed. When trained properly the breed is amazing with children and the reason for this is their high tolerance for pain. Well mannered American Pit Bulls allow children to climb on them, fall on them and step on their feet because it simply does not hurt the dog. Pit Bulls love to please, but they are terriers and can be stubborn in certain situations so they require extensive training as well as plenty of socialization.

3. Doberman: Another breed facing the mistaken stereotype of ferocity and aggression is the Doberman Pincher or Dobie for short. They were originally bred to be fearless, intimidating and willing to defend their owners, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to attack on command. Despite their reputations they are intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dogs. Selective breeding with Dobies has been used over the years to minimize some of their harsher personality traits to make them better suited for the life of family pets. They also make great house pets because of their short coat and minimal shedding.

4. German Shepherd: The German Shepherd Dog has a well deserved reputation as a working dog, law enforcement dog and military dog. These large, regal dogs posess tremendous strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training and do not make a good beginner dog. While they are loyal and protective of their people they can be aggressive towards people and other dogs. They are extremely intelligent, but have a mind of their own so they will need training from someone who knows a thing or two about being a pack leader.

5. Rottweiler: These massive, athletic and powerful dogs can weigh in over 100 pounds and can be gentle giants or overly aggressive depending on their upbringing. They are loyal and protective and will defend their families with fierceness. They often seem immune to pain and are serious, steadfast and confident. Firm, careful training and proper socialization are essential to raising a well-adjusted Rottie. These dogs should absolutely never be chained as it will increase aggressiveness. Owners should be prepared to handle their massive size; however, they can be mellow, gentle, loving pets when handled properly.

Article sent in by pet super store a site with couch for dog, fold up dog crate and shock collar for small dog.