Dog Agility – the Sport and Equipment Review

Dog Agility is loosely modeled on equestrian jumping competition. The sport of Dog Agility is where the dog handler in a race against the clock is given a time period to direct a dog off-leash through an obstacle course.

The criteria for the original concept was it had to be fun, not endanger the dogs, and had to have a strong spectator appeal, because it was intended as entertainment between programs at the famous Crufts Dog Show in England held on 2-10-78. Agility became a big hit, and the sport developed a strong following from that point forwards.

At the entry level competition, courses contain few complicated tasks and call for less actual agility (by using smaller obstacles and lower jump heights) and focus more on the handling aspects of the game to allow a dog to display it can competently perform the tasks the equipment requires within a reasonable amount of time.

Dog Agility is fast and exciting. Training methods and skill development are continually evolving and enthusiasts are now found around the world.

Please feel free to leave a comment about your experiences on this subject or any other.

EQUIPMENT REVIEWS

The PetSafe Agility 3-foot Closed Tunnel will provide your dog with hours of fun. The kit comes with a detachable chute that can be a challenging obstacle for your dog to master. Your dog would have to learn to navigate the chute without the benefit of being able to see through to the other side.
Easy to assemble
Lightweight and portable
Detachable chute
Crafted of durable Ripstop™ fabric
Carrying case
Assembly and training guide
Training Level: Intermediate
CLICK HERE

The PetSafe Agility 10-foot Open Tunnel is a great starter for dog agility training. Get your dog to master going through the tunnel straight and then change it up by adding a curve or two for more difficulty. The kit comes with a carrying case so you can bring your tunnel with you, or to store it in a folded position when not in use.

Easy to assemble
Lightweight and portable
Crafted of durable Ripstop™ fabric
Carrying case
Assembly and training guide
Training Level: Beginner

CLICK HERE

Teach your dog to jump to new heights with this PetSafe Agility Bar Jump single bar hurdle. It has a simple design that will keep your dog safe, but is sturdy enough for regular use. The kit includes a carrying case for easy travel or to store while not in use.

Easy to assemble
Lightweight and portable
Crafted of durable, high-quality tubing
Carrying case included
Assembly and training guide
Training Level: Beginner

CLICK HERE

PetSafe Agility Weave Poles are one of the most enjoyable parts of an obstacle course for you and your dog. Test your dog’s agility, and speed. Mastering the agility poles will fill your dog with pride. Each kit comes with a total of 6 poles, sent 10 inches apart from one another.
Easy to assemble
Lightweight and portable
Made of durable, high-quality tubing
Carrying case included
Assembly and training guide
Training Level: Advanced

CLICK HERE

The PetSafe Agility Ring Jump is one of the most entertaining obstacles for both you and your dog. Because of the confined ring it will take great agility on your dog’s part to jump through. The ring is made of soft foam for when your dog hits it during a jump.

Easy to assemble
Lightweight and portable
Ring Jumps are made of durable high-quality plastic tubing for safety
Carrying case included
Assembly and training guide
Training Level: Intermediate

CLICK HERE

Remove Tear Stains and Support Dog Eye Health

The reddish/brownish marks on the inside corner just below the eyes of our dogs we all know as tear stains. You see them most often on light-colored fur, which makes the tear stains more visible. As the name “tear stains” implies, they are caused by an overflow of tears that react with normal bacteria found on the skin which produces the darkened color. A common culprit in producing the esthetically unpleasing tear stain is an organism known as Ptyrosporin or Red Yeast.

Genetics, Health, Allergies, Water, Diet, Fleas, Bacterial and Ear Infections

Low grade bacterial infections in the tear ducts can be the cause of excess tearing and staining along with other possibilities relating to genetics, health, allergies, water, diet, fleas, and even ear infections.

In the case of small dogs, it is not rare that the lower tear ducts are closed off and could possibly be in need of a surgical procedure to have them opened.

Veterinary consultation is appropriate in determining the source of a dog tear staining problem. Have your vet give the dog a complete exam to rule out any serious eye conditions before trying anything.

Caution suggests you refrain from using home formulas.

Dog tear stain home remedies do exist, using mixtures of milk of magnesia, corn starch, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, boric acid and lemon juice. However, harsh ingredients can irritate and make tearing worse. A dog tear stain remover should be free of alcohol or bleach. If such ingredients aren’t mixed properly, using precisely the right strength, and applied safely, you could potentially harm your dog. No solution of this type should be allowed to wick through the facial hair or splash into the pet’s eye, or into the eye area. Caution suggests you refrain from using these home formulas.

An all-natural cleansing solution is readily available

The good news is all-natural cleansing ingredients in an herbal tincture are readily available and will effectively cleanse unsightly tear stains in pets as well as support general eye health by controling bacterial and fungal growth, reducing inflammation and soothing eyes.

What are the Ingredients?

• Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) has been used since the Middle Ages to support eye health and soothe eyes, helping to keep eyes bright and healthy.

• Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is a well-known and effective herbal cleanser found all over the world.

• Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) was regarded as one of the nine sacred herbs given to the world by ancient Anglo-Saxons. In modern times, it is widely used as a gentle cleansing and soothing herb. Chamomile is also an effective tonic for the eye and surrounding area.

No animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Individual ingredients are laboratory-tested, well-researched and natural, safe and effective, guaranteeing you a product of the highest quality, backed by a One Year Unconditional Money Back Guarantee.

For more information and product recommendations GO TO ==>

http://www.CalloftheDog.com/dogtearstains.php

Could You Handle a 13,000 Pet Emergency?

This is not our first blog post on pet health insurance and won’t be the last, but a real life situation came to our attention. You can’t help but wonder how many people are prepared for such a financial hardship.

Your dogs looks at you with love and trust in their eyes; they are not expendable lives in fur coats. It is vitally important that you understand the possibility of being faced with a dog’s expensive, unexpected illness. Please don’t subject your beloved pets to unnecessary and avoidable crises because you are not prepared financially.

A devoted pet guardian noticed his canine family member was consuming large amounts of water. It was summertime after all and very hot, but then shortly after drinking the dog started to vomit. No one was particularly alarmed at first because when dogs drink too much cold water too quickly they can react that way.

When the situation repeated itself it was time for concern. The concern was well founded and came a bit later than what would have been ideal. As a concerned guardian, a rush to the emergency veterinary hospital revealed the dog was diabetic, which necessitated a week long hospitalization to stabilize its situation and save the dog’s life.

The cost, about $1,300.00, and that is just the beginning because there are further expenses associated with such a condition. Continual testing is required, insulin, urinalysis, special food, etc… Not to mention further medical maintenance because of associated effects of the disease.

A diagnosis of diabetes is terrible but manageable if you have the financial resources or the protection of pet health insurance. Costs can easily run into a $10,000 price tag over a very short period of time. Who would not want to do what you have to for your beloved pet, which you undoubtedly love and is part of the family…? But, how many of us can afford such an unexpected surprise? Please do the intelligent thing and determine whether you are in a position to handle the problem if faced with such a difficulty. Protect yourself and your dog. See if pet health insurance is right for you. There are plans to fit different budgets.

Your dog may appear to be in perfect health now, but diseases like dog diabetes can strike at anytime.

To learn about the benefits of pet insurance GO TO ==>
http://www.CalloftheDog.com/pethealthinsurance.php

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Consider Pet Health Insurance for Pet Longevity

If you know a family member very well, you can often tell by observation when he or she is not feeling well. This observation method is important for the family to develop when it comes to the family dog or pet.

Observation alone is not sufficient to keep your dog healthy and on track for a comfortable, long life. It is often suggested that humans should have periodic check-ups with their doctor; it is just as, if not more, important for your dog to have its check-ups.

Since dogs cannot speak and are very good at rolling along with infirmities without making a fuss, they need to have at least annual exams. This is, however, not optimally adequate since a dog ages faster, comparatively speaking, than people so an annual exam would be the equivalent to a person seeing his/her doctor once every seven years.

We have all by now heard a dog ages 7 years to our 1 year. Well, it is somewhere between 5 and 10 years depending on the breed and life stage.

Having your pet seen on a regular basis can help it avoid many preventable diseases and illnesses, and your pet will never have to suffer from pain that could be treated or prevented. Pets should have a wellness exam every six months so the veterinarian has the opportunity to detect, treat or, ideally, prevent problems before they become life-threatening, to give them the best opportunity for a long and healthy life.

Having a pet means taking the responsibility to handle the unexpected, and the unexpected can be expensive. If you don’t have large resources at your disposal and you don’t put aside money on a regular basis, it’s recommended and a good idea to consider pet health insurance because it allows pet owners to provide the best care for their pets, while providing the owners with the peace of mind that comes with being prepared to handle unexpected expenses. Pet insurance can save you a lot of money and heartache. Take a moment to learn more. Go to ==> http://www.CalloftheDog.com/pethealthinsurance.php

There are a number of different plans available that can fit different budgets. To get a quote and see which plan would be right for you and your dog, go to ==> http://CalloftheDog.com/pethealthinsurance.php

Pet Goggles and Sunscreen for Your Dog

There are many dogs whose eyes are particularly sensitive to sunlight. They may squint, whine, or even paw at their face to comfort themselves against the bright light. Some people consider sunglasses for canines a cute fashion statement but they are much more than that. A pair of pet dog goggles to block out UV light may help your canine feel more comfortable outdoors.

New and improved eye protection for your dog is available. After eight years of designing and manufacturing quality eyewear for dogs, Doggles pet goggles for dogs have been completely redesigned. Doggles ILS (interchangeable lens system) offers a deeper lens cup, very flexible frame, and wider nose bridge. ILS was designed from the beginning to be lighter and more comfortable for dogs.

As with all Doggles, pet goggles for dogs, you still get 100% UV protection, and shatterproof, anti-fog lenses which Doggles are known for! Side air vents; very flexible, wrap around foam padded frame; interchangeable capable lenses; two adjustable soft elastic head and chin straps.

Yes, Glow Green DOES glow in the dark!

Sunscreen for your dogs!

And, yes, many dogs can benefit from sun screen. Why put human sunscreen on your dog when you can use a formula designed specifically for a dog’s skin?

Does your dog have light colored skin or a pink nose? Your dog needs sunscreen!

Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans and thus do better with their own sunscreen. Sunscreen for pets also helps with coat condition and to prevent sun bleaching in dark haired dogs.

Doggles Interchangeable Lens System – CLICK HERE

Pet Sunscreen – CLICK HERE

Avoid the Dog Biting Problem

More than 4.5 million dog bite incidents are reported in the United States per year with approximately half of incidents involving the family dog. There is no guarantee your dog will never bite someone. A dog can behave unpredictably and become aggressive and bite causing injury, but why?

The possibilities include heredity and personality (or DNA, if you will), prior difficult experiences, lack of proper socialization, fear, lack of proper training with regard to discipline, territory and boundaries, and lack of proper guidance from the pack leader or leaders, meaning the guardian or guardians.

The risk factors that can precipitate a dog bite incident can be significantly reduced.

Spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Dogs not socialized with children can possibly react to situations by biting. The most common reason children are bitten is a dog that is fearful or wishes to avoid what it is not sure of, resulting in aggressive behavior in an attempt to make the problem or situation go away.

You do not want your dog to be afraid or become aggressive; therefore socialization is very important from the earliest stages of life.

There is a difference between biting in play and aggression.

ogs are perfectly capable of being trained to grab enthusiastically and gently without crossing the line to aggressive biting behavior, a lesson that is naturally taught by their mothers, littermates and other pack members. Young dogs bite each other everywhere and anywhere when they play. This is when they learn limits to their biting and learn control and boundaries to their play. If they are too rough with their playmates, they will find out by how the other dogs and puppies react to them. This is something that canines can accomplish and teach each other through trial and error, learning from their own experiences in the early stages far more effectively and efficiently than we can teach them. Because we take them away from this environment before this learning process is completed, it is necessary for guardians to take over and complete the training.

Physical punishment is the quickest way to erode the dog’s trust.

It is up to the dog’s guardians to establish appropriate boundaries and behaviors in all aspects of living as a family pack unit through an education process without physical abuse by the guardian. Dogs can love you almost unconditionally because of their loyal characteristics, but that does not mean they trust and respect.

Training the family dog should be a family matter.

Every household member should learn the proper training techniques and participate in the dog’s education. It is best to not send your dog away to be trained; family members should be the ones, with proper guidance, to teach your dog how to behave in your home. Note that training courses are a great investment even for experienced dog caregivers.

For More Information and our “Dog Biting” Product Recommendations, including the 3 finest online training programs CLICK HERE

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Dog Cooling Jackets & Pet Beds Protect Against Heat Stroke and Exhaustion

People do not realize how many dogs and pets suffer the ravages of heat stroke, including brain damage and death. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are most at risk, and this includes light activity or doing nothing. Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more susceptible to heat discomfort and heat stroke because their nasal passages are smaller and more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling. Puppies may not have fully developed temperature regulating systems, and older dogs’ organ systems may not function at peak levels. Overweight dogs are also more prone to heat stroke because extra layers of fat act as insulation, trapping heat in their bodies, restricting breathing.

What you do not know about dog cooling products places your pet at risk for heat difficulties and discomfort. Via thermoregulating technology, dog cooling jackets and cooling pet beds aid in your dog’s safety and comfort, and are available at very reasonable cost. Dog cooling beds, jackets and other technologically advanced products protect your pet from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Instead of just panting and sweating through the pads of its paws, your dog is now able to remove the heat from its body faster and more efficiently than without a dog cooling jacket. A cooling jacket works through water-absorbing, cross-linked polymers sewn into supplex fabric. Just soak the dog cooling jacket thoroughly with water. After submerging the dog cooling jacket for just a few minutes, high technology crystals absorb enough to keep the evaporative process going for up to several days. Even when fully soaked, the dog cooling jacket holds the water, and will help your pet fight off heat exhaustion and stay comfortable on hot days, while keeping your dog cool and dry. This wonderful technologically-advanced product can be charged over and over. When the season turns to winter, the dry jacket becomes an insulating jacket, shielding against cold.

FOR A COMPLETE SELECTION OF COOLING

PRODUCTS FOR YOUR DOG…CLICK HERE!

Prevent Dog Fleas to Prevent Disease

Preventing dog flea infestation is important and it is equally important to do so without solutions that are toxic to you or your pet. Dog fleas are not just annoying, they are dangerous.

Dog fleas do more than bite and suck your dog’s blood; they are capable of transmitting diseases to your dog!

Allergy Dermatitis

Dogs that can be allergic may be adversely affected by flea saliva resulting in allergy dermatitis. Just one bite can cause your dog to be miserable. The itching from this condition (called pruritus, an uncomfortable sensation so intense as to cause your dog to scratch and bite itself), hair loss, skin lesions and self-mutilation can result from the scratching caused by the discomfort. All it takes is one flea bite to cause a chronic condition, not to mention the severe problems and misery that resutl from a flea-infested home.

Fleas cause tapeworm infections

Preventing fleas will help your dog avoid ingesting a flea that carries a tapeworm larva. The tapeworm larva continues to develop in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. When the larva develops into the tapeworm, the head of the tapeworm attaches itself to the intestinal wall and small egg-filled segments periodically break off, passing out the rectum.

Prevent the fleas and prevent the conditions they cause

It is always time to begin preventing fleas but, especially with the warmer months upon us, flea season will be in full force and it is much more difficult to treat rather than to prevent fleas.

If you see evidence of fleas on your dog or cat, you need to wage war to get rid of these pests.

Don’t wait to protect your dog and family. Buy flea and tick prevention medication early. You wouldn’t put toxic substances on yourself, don’t put them on your pet.

Natural Flea Control Products that are Safe for your Home and Pets! Herbal Flea Collars made with essential oils that smell great but help repel fleas and ticks. Also available, Flea and Tick Squeeze-on Oils that kill fleas, ticks and mosquitoes for up to four weeks, and are safe on pets and around the family. There are Natural Insect Repellent Sprays that rely on essential oils to keep away insects without the use of DEET, as well as Natural Powders that safely eliminate fleas on your pets and in your home.

The absolute best natural flea protection solution is to reduce your pet’s susceptibility to fleas by improving its health. The healthier your pet is, the less attractive it is to fleas. Parasites and fleas in particular are attracted to weak, unhealthy or young animals whose immune system is not functioning well. The quality of nutrition is a major factor in achieving natural flea protection.

Prevent dry skin by adding some fish oil to your pet’s diet, and not washing your dog with drying shampoos. Avoid altogether toxic chemical flea baths. Make sure your pet is consuming an optimum diet, which helps avoid recurrent hot spots and other skin afflictions.

Online Catalog – Quality Pet Supplies – Click Here

Dog DNA Testing Told Meredith Vieira What She Did Not Have

Before she had her dog, Jasper, DNA tested live on the “Today Show”, Meredith Vieira did not realize that Jasper was not what she thought he was.

Meredith had purchased Jasper from a pet store believing he was an Aussie-Poo, or Australian Shepherd, Poodle mix.

SURPRISE!

After the test, Meredith discovered that Jasper is actually a Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Borzoi mix! The early morning television host is not alone; more than 85 percent of mutt or mixed breed owners don’t know or cannot be sure which breeds are in their dogs’ backgrounds.

Pet guardians no longer have to wonder or guess. Thanks to an exciting advance in canine DNA testing technology, it is now a much easier question to answer.

Truly knowing their canine companion’s history can be extremely satisfying from a curiosity point of view and gives guardians a better understanding of their dog’s behavior, potential health risks and personality.

Discover the breeds present in your dog through DNA testing

Consumer surveys conducted show more than half of owners of dogs of mixed breed heritage would like to know their best friends better by discovering their canine heritage.

Here’s how it works

You will get simple to follow written cell collection instructions along with the test by mail. To do the very simple test you receive a soft-bristled brush, which you rub on the inside of your dog’s cheek to collect cells.

No Blood or Vets!

Swabbing is done easily and comfortably by you the pet owner, no trauma and very affordable.

You place the swab in the supplied test envelope and simply mail back to the testing lab in a pre-paid envelope, and results will be returned in four to six weeks. That’s it, it’s that simple.

Online Catalog – Quality Pet Supplies – Click Here

Citronella Bark Collar – Best Solution to Stop Dog Barking

It is unrealistic and unfair to discourage your dog from barking if it’s trying to alert you to something; this can have dangerous consequences. Along with training, a Citronella Bark Collar is the most effective and humane solution to stop diagnosed problem barking.

Shock collars are inappropriate and attempt to reduce barking with pain, are less effective and may increase anxiety and aggression, potentially making behavior problems worse.

Ultra-sonic collars are not as severe as the pain of electrical shock; however, behavior experts report that they have 25% the success rate as with the Citronella Bark Collar.

The Citronella Bark Collar spray works with four of your dog’s five senses; he hears it, sees it, feels it and smells it. Citronella is a unique scent, nonoffensive to humans, which most dogs don’t normally encounter so unusual enough to distract the dog from whatever he’s barking at.

Trainers have used it with great success.

“I’ve used it with great success with several of my clients’ dogs. Companion dog owners who would never accept any other type of anti-bark collar have no qualms about using yours.” -Terry D. Morrow, Trainer

“It can be used to either interrupt behaviors or to act as a deterrent to discourage behaviors, all without causing the dog pain.” -Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Animal Behavior Associates, Inc., Littleton, CO

More Information and Product Recommendations… go to: http://www.CalloftheDog.com/citronellabarkcollar.php