Dog Fences Keep Your Dog Safe And Healthy

By: Stephen Dolan

Every dog needs exercised to be healthy. A dog chained in the backyard will not grow into the happy pet that you want. For this reason, it is important to use a dog fence to provide a secure space where your dog can run and play, safe from traffic and pedestrians.

When deciding what type of dog fence to use to keep your dog on your property, you have two main types to choose between: visible dog fences and hidden dog fences.

Erecting a visible, or traditional dog fence is the most straightforward way for you to contain your dog.

The cheapest and quickest way to make a dog fence is to use a snow fence. The holes on a snow fence will be small enough to prevent smaller dogs from escaping. If you live in a colder climate, however, you will know that snow fencing is unattractive. In addition, it can be easily bent out of shape, so it will require periodic maintenance. Nonetheless, if you are not troubled by the aesthetics, it will give you an effective fence in a pinch.

Moving up aesthetically from snow fences are chain link or picket fences. These more permanent fences can effectively act as dog fences. Given their more solid construction, they will also last longer than cheaper alternatives. If you plan to use a picket fence, however, it is important to consider the size of your dog in relation to the spaces between the pickets in your dog fence. Not surprisingly, as these fences are more attractive and permanent than snow fences, using them as a dog fence could cost considerably more.

A common problem with all the visible dog fences listed above is that even if they can keep your dog on your property, they may not prevent pedestrians from harassing your dog from the other side of the fence. While your dog will likely be unable to fit its head through a chain link, a child could put his or hand through the fence. The only sure fire way to prevent this from happening is to build a brick wall. Of course, this is by far the most expensive option.

Another importance consideration when erecting a visible dog fence is the types of fences allowed in your community by local zoning regulations.

If you do not want to erect a visible fence, either because of cost or aesthetics, you may consider using a hidden dog fence. There are two main types of hidden dog fences: wireless and underground.

In wireless dog fences, a transmitter is placed in the middle of the area where you would like to contain your dog. The transmitter sends a signal to the surrounding area that sets out the perimeter of your property. Your dog wears a receiver collar that beeps when your dog is reaching the edge of your property. If the dog continues to move towards the perimeter, the collar will give your dog a mild shock. An underground dog fence is similar to a wireless dog fence, except that the perimeter is defined by laying underground cables that trigger your dogs receiver collar.

The main advantage of hidden dog fences is that, quite simply, you don't have to put the time and money into building a fence. This also means you don't have to be concerned with meeting any zoning regulations. The disadvantage of hidden dog fences is significant, however: if your dog ignores the shock, there is nothing stopping it from leaving your property. Indeed, hidden dog fences will not work with dogs that are hard to train since getting to dog to stay within the perimeter is essentially a training process. And even the most perfectly trained dog might have enough reason one day to ignore the shock and run after something.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Steve Dolan is a dog lover and long time dog owner. For more information about dog fences click Dog Fences and Wireless Fences, and for more about dog care and keeping your dog happy and healthy click Dogs and Puppies Online.

How To Choose Designer Dog Collars

By: Lee Dobbins

Dog collars are a necessary accessory for dog owners as they are needed for identification and training purposes. They often differentiate mans best friend from a pack of wolves because they symbolize domesticity. But more than anything else, a dog collar directly or indirectly represents your personality and tastes as a dog owner.

While a dog collar has begun as a necessary tool for controlling dogs, it has evolved into an excellent gift for dogs. Today, a collar has advanced from a plain functional thing to an object of delight for both dog and owner. It is no wonder then that collars have ushered in an industry of its own in the canine accessories business.

More and more dog owners are gradually becoming aware of canine fashion sense. And the quest for uniqueness, much for the owners than for dogs, has fueled the upswing trend of designer dog collars. Designer collars are being made according to dog owners details and preferences. Exclusively designed dog collars could easily fetch a hundred dollars or more each but they are fitting presents to cherished pets.

Currently, there are countless makers of designer dog collars. These collars are made using various materials. From nylon to leather, these collars also come in countless colors, shapes, and sizes. As an owner you can even have your collar custom made according to the time of the day you walk your pet; for instance, if you take your dog for a walk usually at night, you can get a stylish reflective or lighted dog collar which is great in the dark.

Some fashion icons and designers, like Gucci, have started designing fashionable dog collars. It is not surprising today to find collars speckled with diamonds and other precious stones. Dog collars laced with gold and other expensive metals are becoming quite common for dog owners who can afford them.

The rise in popularity of these collars has made the manufacture of collars that suit any size of dog possible. Before, generic collars only cater to average sized canines, unintentionally leaving out very small and extra large dogs. Designer collars can now emphasize the beauty of your pet dog whatever the size and breed.

More importantly, designer dog collars have also introduced a wide selection of materials that were previously unimaginable to be used for collars. Indeed, the designers imagination is the sole limitation in making dog collars.

Today, dog collars can be made by using not only nylon and leather but denim, vinyl or even velvet as well. The choices for fabric used to make collars have grown more diverse. Thanks to designer dog collars, they are made to fit the dog and not the other way around as it used to be. The time for collars to be both practical and decorative has arrived.

The most basic but sought after dog collar design is having the name of the dog engraved on the collar itself or on a thin piece of metal, like copper or even a small sheet of gold alloy. Some designers offer dog collars with detachable rhinestone letters that indicate the name of the dog; this makes the rhinestone name spelling easily transferable to other collars. Still some designers have created collars with new age symbols and charms that are believed to protect dogs like talismans.

But the real essence of spending for a designer dog collar is to have a collar that perfectly and comfortably fits your canine pal. Collars do not have to be made by fashion designers with Italian-sounding names; in fact if you have the skills, you can design your own collar and put up a business making designer collars for other dogs.

With the all the hype in and deluge of designer dog collars in the dog accessory industry, one basic rule of thumb has remained constant. The perfect collar for your dog is the one that is not too loose on the neck and not too tight to the point of choking your dog. Always make sure that the distance between your dogs neck and the collar is approximately as wide as two fingers. In the end, the question is not about how a dog collar looks on your dog, but rather how it fits.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Lee Dobbins writes for dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the designer dog collar.

How To Decide On A Dog Training Collar

By: Paul P. Duxbury

Many dog owners find that their efforts toward training their pet are greatly aided by the use of a training collar. There are many types of collars available and each employs a different mechanism meant to guide your pet, restrain him or discourage bad or disobedient behavior. Some training collars can harm a dog if they are not used appropriately or are the wrong size; so, you should research training collars thoroughly before choosing one and consult with a training expert if you are unfamiliar with how to use a chosen collar. Some common dog training collars are: the prong collar, the Halti, the Gentle Leader, the choke collar and the electronic collar.

Prong Collar

The prong collar looks a lot more painful to the dog than it actually is. This collar is made up of metal prongs that have been linked together. When you apply a pulling pressure to the collar (via the leash), it gives the dog a little pinch that is meant to duplicate the effect of a mother dog's teeth when she grabs here pup by the scruff of the neck. The prong collar is a safe and effective training tool as long as the fit is correct and the collar is used appropriately. The prong collar should not be used if your dog is one to consistently yank at his leash.

The prong collar should fit snugly against the dog's neck. As most prong collars can be adjusted by simply adding or subtracting prongs, the correct fit should be easy to achieve. A properly fitted collar should leave approximately half of a finger space in between your dog'ss neck and the prong tip. A collar that is any looser than that will not do its job and will needlessly chafe the dog's skin.

Halti and Gentle Leader

Both the Halti and Gentle Leader head halter devices look a lot like the harnesses that are used to control horses. While the prong collar is designed to condition behavior and movement, the head halter is designed to restrict or restrain your dog's movements. The thought behind the halter's design is that if you can control the head, the body will follow its movement. When you pull on the attached leash the device closes the dog's mouth and restrains his head. These types of collars are great for dogs that lunge, bite or display other aggressive behaviors.

There are drawbacks, however, to using a head halter device. Most dogs will not take very easily to any device that positions a strap over its nose. You may have to struggle with your dog many, many times before he will submit to wearing it. Another drawback is that pulling at your dog's head makes it a lot more likely that you will inadvertently injure the dog's neck or back. To avoid injury, you should always make sure you are restraining your dog in the correct manner.

Choke Collar

The choke collar is one of those dog training devices that is often surrounded by controversy. Proponents of the choke collar point to its humane effectiveness, while critics say that the collar is more torture device than training tool. The truth is that what the collar becomes is largely dependent upon who is using it.

A properly fitted choke collar works by tightening around the dog's throat when the trainer pulls on the leash and then releasing pressure when the trainer does. If the collar is not put on correctly, however, the pressure will remain and the dog could truly choke to death. These collars are not meant for dogs that consistently pull at their leash or for inexperienced trainers. As is the case with head halters, the choke collar has the potential to cause injury to the dog's neck.

Electronic Collar

Just mention the option of an electronic dog collar and many dog owners (even some people with no pets at all) will look at you as if you have suggested training your dog with a stun gun. The reality is that electronic collars can be a very humane way to train a dog. As with any other training device, however, whether or not it is used for purposes of cruelty is totally dependent upon the intentions and experience of the trainer.

The electronic collar works by allowing the trainer to give the dog small, electric shocks (via remote control) in order to modify its behavior. The intensity of the shock is left to the trainer. In general, the setting should be strong enough to make the dog's ears twitch. If the dog howls or yelps when the shock is delivered, then the setting is too high. Again, the electronic collar should only be used by experienced trainers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesauce.com


Paul Duxbury writes extensively on dog and pet care at www.pet-care-centre.com and www.my-dog.co.uk