From the monthly archives:

August 2009

No Bark Collars for Dogs: Good or Bad?

by Pet Care on August 23, 2009


There are three different methods currently in use as no bark collars for dogs. All of them work, but there is some debate as to whether these collars are ethical to use. As a dog owner, you should know about the no bark dog collar you want to use on your noisy pet.

Spray Collars

Some no bark dog collars work by emitting a spray of citrus smell if the dog barks for a while. Because dogs really don’t like the smell of citrus, this can be very effective as a no bark collar. These collars often come with a design that makes them give out a hissing sound before they release the citrus smell, so a dog that stops when it hears the sound can avoid the release of the smell. These no bark collars are considered ethical by experts, as there is no pain involved, just a mild annoyance for the dog.

Ultrasonic/Sonic Dog Collars

Ultrasonic or sonic dog collars will emit a high pitched tone if the dog barks. This tone is similar to the dog whistle sound. Humans can’t hear this sound, but dogs can, and they soon learn to stop barking so that the sound goes away. Again, experts and trainers don’t feel that these collars are unethical, as there is no pain or injury to the dog. Once again, there is no pain involved – it’s just a bit annoying for the dog. Note: This type of no bark collar is considered the least effective, as the dog can become used to the sound over time.

Electronic No Bark Dog Collars

These collars work by delivering a small electrical shock to the dog’s neck whenever it starts barking. It isn’t truly dangerous, and can be compared to the shock you can get from static electricity. However, there are a lot of people that think that this type of no bark collar is unethical. The main reason why these people consider this collar unethical is that it actually causes a physical stimulus that can be felt by the dog. That’s why some animal lovers think that’s bad. But does it work? Yes, it does; so condiser it an option if your dog tends to bark too much.

To make a dog behave and reduce excessive barking, you can choose between spray collars, sonic collars, or electrical shock collars. Most people have no problems with spray collars or sonic collars, but the idea of an electrical shock makes them think that shock collars aren’t good for dogs. However, none of these methods are harmful or dangerous.

Training Your Dog with A PetSafe Bark Control Collar

by Pet Care on August 23, 2009


When your dog starts barking uncontrollably at night, it can become very annoying for both you and your neighbors. Sometimes, owners simply don’t know how to deal with this problem, or have very little time to work on it. That’s the bad news, the good news is that you can get a PetSafe bark control collar to train your dog to bark less. The PetSafe bark collar has many features that make it an option worth considering.

First, the PetSafe collar has a system that allows you to choose between six levels of intensity, so that you can select the one that works best with your dog. Begin with the lowest level to see if the PetSafe bark collar discourages your pet from yapping. As you can imagine, the first level is very mild, and some dogs will not feel it at all, that’s why the collar will set itself to the next level, and the next, until the barking stops. The PetSafe bark collar will also shut off automatically for three minutes if your dog continues to bark more than 15 times in 30 seconds. This allows Fido the opportunity to alert you to intruders.

The PetSafe bark collar is not only practical, but comfortable as well. These collars are completely adjustable to fit any size pooch, with additional models available for very large or very small animals. In addition, the collars are resistant to water and can be equipped with a Quikfit buckle. The company does not recommend that you use the PetSafe bark control collar for more than eight hours at a time. This is a period of time that allows people to have some peace and quiet while they sleep.

Your dog can wear the PetSafe bark control collar while it’s in the house, or in other locations, such as the park. The collar responds to the vibration and sound that your dog makes when it barks for a little while, not to movement or play, so your dog can still enjoy activities while the collar is on. You can buy these collars at a pet store, or order them online.

A barking dog can be a nuisance to the neighborhood and a concern to his family. However, you can train your loved companion to restrain its barking. Consider getting a PetSafe bark collar, it really works.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using An Electric Dog Training Collar

by Pet Care on August 22, 2009


As technology has advanced, new ways of doing things have emerged – whether it’s writing on a computer instead of a typewriter, using a microwave instead of a stove or a car instead of a wagon, these things are considered improvements over their older alternatives. At the same time, to many of today’s dog owners the Electric Dog Training Collar is the kind of advancement they expected from modern technology.

The owners know very well about the capabilities of these kind of collars, so they use these collars to control the misbehaviors of really aggressive dogs. They are not used only by cruel owners; in fact, many owners use electric dog training collars because their dogs put themselves in danger – like running into the street – and the owner does not want them getting hurt.

The Pros And Cons Of Using A Electric Dog Training Collar

Like for all other things, there are the good and the bad about using an electric dog training collar. One of the advantages is receiving an opportunity to achieve a well-trained and obedient dog in few days. No matter where you are, indoors or outdoors, it is advantageous for the owners of hard-to-handle dogs. Also, modern electric collars work on static electricity, giving the opportunity to stimulate the dog without harming him.

Speaking about the disadvantages, it is necessary to mention a certain ethical controversy connected with using electric shocks on dogs. At that, even knowing so well that electric stimulation used in the collar is very low and harmless to the dog, it can be difficult for many dog lovers to make up their mind. Certainly, some dogs may not react properly to electric stimulation coming from an Electric Dog Training Collar or simply respond better on other methods of training. In the end, it’s an owner’s responsibility to decide what will work for them and their pet.

Keep Your Fish Healthy

by Pet Care on August 22, 2009


If you are considering to set up a fish tank to enjoy either at home or at your office, you can expect it to be more involved than filling a tank with water and tossing in some fish. There will be some special equipment required if you want to properly care for the fish for a long period of time. Most set-ups will need something called an aquarium chiller which serves to keep the water in the tank at a consistent temperature. During the heat of the summer months, aquarium chillers are especially needed to control the water temperature and help prevent the spread of disease and algae growth. You will most definitely need one if you will be running a marine tank that will contain cold water fish.

The system works basically like an air conditioner or refrigerator and utilizes the identical principles of gas expansion and contraction. A thermostat control unit can be set to the appropriate temperature and when the water temperature rises above the desired setting, the cooling unit turns on. By compressing the refrigeration gas, it becomes cooler and the cool gas is directed to a heat exchanger where it absorbs heat from the tank water, which has been pumped through the exchanger. Then, surplus heat gets carried by the gas back to the compressor and across an expansion valve. The valve causes a sudden pressure drop which results in the heat being transferred to the radiator, which releases the heat into the outside air by way of a fan. Finally, the cooled water is returned to the tank and the entire cycle repeats until the tank water is at the specified temperature.

There are a few different types of water cooling systems. Thermoelectric styles are quiet, energy-efficient, and should really only be used with smaller freshwater and saltwater tanks with a slow water flow. They are not effective on large tanks with a fast water flow. Drop-in types are available in a variety of sizes and horsepower. No plumbing is required so it makes the drop-in models perfect for tanks that have limited space. In-line models are used for larger systems that have in-line filtration because the water must be filtered before it is cooled. In-line styles require plumbing and are available in several sizes, so they will work with several sizes of tank sizes and are used mostly with saltwater setups.

When choosing a cooling system, one must consider the size of the tank, the additional equipment, and the temperature requirements of the fish. Marine tanks in particular usually require set ups, such as lighting and water pumps, which generate heat that raises the water temperature. Without a system to lower the water temperature, the water can warm up too much where it is unable to hold enough oxygen to sustain the fish. The cooling systems themselves produce a considerable amount of heat, so be sure to plan for sufficient space and adequate ventilation to avoid adding heat to the tank water.

How to use an Innotek Dog Training Collar for Your Dog

by Pet Care on August 22, 2009


Innotek is a company that prides itself is providing solutions for all your dog training needs. Among other products Innotek dog training collars are widely popular and available. The Innotek Dog Training Collar has been designed to help you train your dog easily. It makes dog training simple and easy. The way it works is by giving a small shock to your dog in order to change its behavior. While some people claim this is torture, dogs aren’t affected at all and eventually respond without the need of a shock.

The Innotek dog training collar is very easy to purchase, both in stores and online. In order to use the training collar effectively, you need to learn how to use it properly. In the first place, you must have taught your dog the command that you’re going to be practicing. As an example, the signal or command for sitting should be already known by your dog. For dogs that have not been fully domesticated or trained, it is not a good idea to apply this collar without some lessons.

Using the Training Collar

The engineers at Innotek have incorporated receivers in the Innotek Dog Training Collar. The training collar also has prongs installed into it as well. These prongs will be found around the neck or throat area. It will all depend on how you choose to fit the Innotek dog training collar. As the dog-owner or trainer, you will have a transmitter which will be used to stimulate the dog. Whenever your dog disobeys a command, you will use the transmitter to activate the collar. For instance, let’s say that your dog knows the “come” command but it ignores you. The purpose of the stimulus is to make your pet associate it with the lack of obedience. This stimulation can only be done at a range of 300 yards.

Summary

An Innotek dog training collar is definitely a good way to make sure that your dog learns and obeys all commands. This is an insight into how the shock collar works and the best way to use it. It is also a way to show you how it was designed and built.

Using an Innotek Bark Collar

by Pet Care on August 22, 2009


People love their dogs, but unfortunately, their neighbors don’t love their barking as much. His habit of barking at inappropriate times can be corrected using the Innotek Bark Collar.

If you need a training collar for your dog, you can get one of the many models that Innotek produces. Innotek has collars for small dogs, collars for medium dogs, and collars for large dogs. Depending upon your preference, there are two basic types of collar. People prefer the version that can detect the vibrations that barking causes and then deliver a small static discharge to the dog’s neck.

Using a system that has been patented by Innotek, their bark collars can be adjusted so that the intensity of the static shock can be toned up or down. The collar has seven levels of discharge and, when first used, will deliver the lowest level of shock and gradually increase until the barking stops. When the barking stops, the collar will detect the intensity at which it stopped and then set itself to it. Other Innotek bark collars give owners a wider range of levels to choose from.

By using the collar at the times when your dog is most likely to be a nuisance, you can soon train your dog not to bark – using the collar for more than half an hour or so a day is generally not recommended because a dog that is not allowed to bark at all can become neurotic.

There is another type of Innotek bark collar that uses a spray that confuses the dog and makes it stop barking. The type that delivers the static shock is perfectly harmless, but some people object to them. These collars deliver a spray of citrus smell that works exactly like the static shock, that is, they confuse the dog by surprising it and making it wonder what happened.

Every Innotek bark collar comes with full instructions for use which ensure that you will be able to train your dog properly and effectively – and enjoy his company all the more

In Conclusion: This was just a small introduction to Innotek bark collars. It talks a bit about the different types of Innotek collars available. In general, no matter which type you get, you’ll get results.

Learn How to Caring for a Fish Tank

by Pet Care on August 22, 2009


No matter what your age, taking care of your very own fish tank can be a very fun hobby. You learn a lot about marine life and spruce up the room at night with the help of aquarium lighting. Don’t worry if you’ve never had pets before because everything you need to get started, from fish food and plants to filters and aquarium lights, can all be found fairly inexpensively at your local pet shop. Just follow some simple, yet important guidelines and you’ll be all set up in no time.

First, the type of tank you choose will mostly depend upon which fish you want to buy. A good rule of thumb for determining tank size is one gallon of water per one inch of fish. For example, if you only have one fish that’s four inches in length, you would need to house it in a minimum of a 4-gallon tank.

Next, you get to be creative and decorate your tank for your guests. While you’ll want to provide your fish with enough plants to hide in and other a places to hang out, be sure not to fill up the tank too much or the fish won’t have enough room to swim, which usually leads to stressed out fish and disease.

Determine where you should locate your tank. Almost anywhere should be acceptable, however it absolutely must not be placed directly in front of a window. Direct sunlight will cause algae to grow very quickly and the heat of the sun could result in warm water and dead fish.

When selecting fish, a good first choice would be to buy fish called starter fish because they are well suited to adapting to new tanks. Some examples of starter fish are Tetras and Goldfish. You’ll also have to do your homework to find out which fish will get along with one another and which fish to avoid. Some fish, like male betas, will fight when put into the same tank and others, such as Cichlids, can cause problems due to their territorial nature.

Before you can put your new fish into the water, the chlorine must be removed so you’ll need to buy some water-cleaning drops at the pet shop. Once your new friends are settled into their tank, your responsibility is not over. The water should be monitored so you’ll need a thermometer for fish tanks. Also, the water must be changed before it looks dirty to keep the water clean and the fish healthy. It’s very difficult for fish to adapt to new water all at once, so only change about half of it at a time.

To make sure you have a complete understanding of what to do to set up your own fish tank, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance at the pet shop. Also, look at a variety of books about caring for fish and you’ll have everything you need to know about keeping your fish happy and healthy.

Dog Training Collar, The Best Tool To Educate Your Dog

by Pet Care on August 21, 2009


To stop your dog’s misbehavior, you can use an electronic Dog Training Collar. By using a dog training collar with remote control, it is possible to correct such common misbehaviors of your dog as running behind cars or digging in the garbage.

Behaviors To Change

What sorts of things will the dog training collar help with? The normal behavior of a dog, or regular dog-like behavior, is usually the same behavior that pet owners complain about. For most untrained dogs, aggressive behavior toward strangers is normal. Barking at the mailman and other noises is also “acting like a dog,” as is digging holes in the yard.

But why is “acting like a dog” a problem? Getting rid of undesired behaviors of dogs is what most dog owners want. Behavior that is normal and fine sometimes is annoying and out of line at other times, or in greater quantity. Regular excessive barking and yelping of your dog will most likely turn your neighbors into your enemies. If it is habitual for the dog to hide away or bury the things from the house, the dog can lose its charm in owner’s eyes real fast. Hole-digging behavior of your dog can result for you and your family in stepping in such holes and injuring yourself.

The Fundamentals

The remote controlled training collars are simple to operate and very handy for any sort of dog training, regardless of the size of your dog. Since the electric impulses are adjustable, it can be used on dogs from Pomeranians to Dobermans. The collar gives these impulses simultaneously with a warning tone, thus giving the warning tone alone may help correcting a dog’s misbehavior without the use of stimulation.

The Dog Training Collar helps the dog owner deter – from a distance – the behavior that is unwanted. It also helps with training your dog to obey commands when he is off his leash. Sending the electric impulses from the dog training collar every time the unwanted activity occurs will help to correct the dog’s misbehavior in a fast and effective way, without yelling or spanking, and turn the animal into a well behaved and obedient pet every dog lover wants to have.

How Bark Collars for Dogs Work

by Pet Care on August 21, 2009


No one minds a dog that barks when there is danger. That’s what watchdogs are for. But when dogs bark for no reason, then the neighbors will complain. If that’s what your dog does, then do something about it before you get into trouble. Dogs that bark can really stress people at night. You might have become used to your dog’s barking, but your neighbor might still find it annoying.

How to Stop Excessive Barking

There are some methods that you can use to stop your dog from barking so much. Some of these are: finding the underlying cause of the barking, using positive training techniques, or using clicker training to help the dog learn to only bark on command. You might even want to consult the problem with a professional dog trainer.

But if your dog is healty and just barks as a bad habit, then getting a bark collar is a good solution.

Different Types of Bark Collars

First of all, the citrus collars work by spraying the muzzle of the dog with a citrus smell. Barking triggers the citrus smell, so that dogs stop barking in order to avoid the spray. Some of these collars make a hissing noise before the spray, so dogs can learn to stop the barking when they hear the hissing sound.

Sonic collars will emit a sound that humans can’t hear, but dogs can, whenever the dog starts to bark. This sound is annoying for the dog, and it will last as long as the dog keeps barking.

There are also electrical bark collars that will give a small shock to the dog whenever it barks. Contrary to what you might think, this shock is harmless, just like the one you get from static electricity.

Some bark collars for dogs come with a combination of these methods, for example, sound and shock together. Other dog bark collars use an escalation system, where the deterrent begins small or quiet, but escalates until the barking ends. In any case, they have proven useful for stopping dogs from barking excessively.

Whatever method you use, if your dog is a barker, please address the problem as quickly as possible. Your neighbors will sleep better and so will you.

Excessive barking is annoying to neighbors, and should be dealt with. If your dog is healthy, you can always use dog bark collars to reduce barking. These work by detracting smells, sounds, or a mild shock system.

Using A Dog Training Shock Collar To Correct Your Dog's Bad Conduct

by Pet Care on August 21, 2009


To use a Dog Training Shock Collar safely and properly, it is essential to remember some very important things. Chances are, you have several misconceptions – let’s clear them up!.

The Power Of Name

Calling an effective tool for dog training as a “shock collar” can cause a real shock in some people. Some people imagine a big shock, like touching an electrical fence, but a shock collar for dog training really isn’t that bad. It’s more of a static electricity shock, much like we humans can get if we walk on carpet and then touching someone. Since the word “shock” sounds scary, it is common to call this type of collar as “electric” or “remote”.

Is It Coming From The Collar?

Most dog owners understand that the stimulation sent to control dog’s misbehavior comes from the collar. But the main idea is making the dog believe that he receives the electric signals as a response on his wrong behavior. It is recommended to make the dog wear the collar for some time, while the owner is playing with him and petting him, so the animal will not develop any negative association with the collar. Later on, when the training process begins, the dog will not connect his new experiences with having the collar on.

Avoid Hurting Your Dog

It may seem that the stronger electric impulse sent to the dog, the stronger message he receives. Actually, the opposite is a better tact. It’s better to start with sending the lowest possible signals, and then, if your dog remains unresponsive, increase the intensity level gradually. How do you know if the dog is responsive? Watch for anything that can signal changes in the dog’s behavior. It could be a twitch of the ear, a scratch of the head, turning the head, or something else. It shouldn’t be barking or acting panicked. Vocalization or panicking is a sign that the stimulation is too high on the Dog Training Shock Collar.