Dog and Cat Supplies

This series discusses some of the training “tools of the trade”: clickers, various leashes, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles, and treat carriers. We continue with the next item, muzzles.

6.  Muzzles. Muzzles can be stressful on a pet who has never encountered the device before, so it might be a good idea to introduce them carefully at home. Muzzles are used by some trainers as a way to curb nipping behaviors. Many veterinarian offices now use them to avoid injury to the staff during procedures such as nail clipping or shots. Muzzles are also useful in training dogs to stop barking and to avoid aggressive behaviors and injuries when a gathering of many animals is expected, such as at the park, or when introducing your pet to a new animal in the household, such as a family cat. More information is available on The Canine and Feline Store, including dog harnesses.

7.  Treat carriers.  Treat carriers have become quite popular in training circles, and they are much appreciated by your dog. Carriers will provide a clean way to carry a whole day’s worth of treats without having to dirty your pockets or to constantly have your hands full. They are an excellent choice for outdoor types on back packing trips or during a day’s hunting. They are relatively light and easy to carry, providing an ample supply of treats.

This series discusses some of the training “tools of the trade”: clickers, various leashes, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles, and treat carriers. We continue with the next item, electronic collars.

4. Electronic collars.  Know as “negative reinforcement devices”, these come in two major categories: sonic and shock emitting. The more humane of the two, sonic collars, emit a discomforting sound when the dog performs a certain disagreeable behavior such as traveling beyond the limits of an invisible fence perimeter or jumping on furniture. The second version works in the same manner but has the added enforcement of delivering a painful electric shock. For more information you might check under pet collars at The Canine and Feline Store.

5. Electronic and chemical training aids. These are aimed at combating specific behaviors. The electronic shock mat is one of the most popular. It is placed on furniture to keep your pet from jumping onto your leather couch or expensive recliners. When the pet comes in contact with it, the device emits a mild but persuasive electrical shock. Don’t forget to remove these items before you or a guest sits down on the furniture, or it might prove to be a shocking experience!

     There are chemical based training aids that include such products as Bitter Apple sprays or creams, used to prevent chewing or self-mutilation behaviors. There also are products administered as a dietary supplement to produce calmness in excessively overactive dogs, or to stop a dog from eating feces.

This series will discuss some of the training “tools of the trade”: clickers, various leashes, halters, electronic collars, electronic and chemical training aids, muzzles, and treat carriers.

1. The clicker.  This handy device is a plastic box with a piece of metal inside. When pressed, it emits a clicking sound. This is an attention getter for dogs that they can be taught to recognize. Once learned by the dog, the clicker can be heard over much background noise or relatively long distances. It is a positive reinforcement used by many dog trainers.

2. Leashes.  Shorter leashes of less than 18 inches are used for more control when working on training an animal for up close behaviors such as “sit”, “heel”, and “stay” commands, or also when walking through large crowds when longer leashes would not be safe or effective.

     Longer leashes - up to 20 feet or even more - allow more flexibility. The retractable leash with a spring-loaded spool permits the dog to explore at a distance but will coil itself back as the animal returns. The leash can also be locked for any distance.

               Dog leashes can be found at The Canine and Feline Store.

3. Halters.  Essentially an extension of the collar, a halter fits around the dog’s upper torso, allowing more control for the owner and less strain on the neck. Halters also are used for working dogs such as Seeing Eye dogs, police and military animals.

Knowing these few major downfalls in advance of training will help avoid stressful situations later.

1.  Expecting too much.  When encountering other obedient trained dogs, it is easy to forget the many hours that went into making them well behaved. Don’t expect your dog  to learn these thing overnight.

2.  Losing your temper.  Such actions as raising your voice and punishing your dog, make for a frightened pet that can become nervous and unresponsive rather than obeying your commands.

3.  Letting the dog become the master.  If you do not take over the leadership role, your pet will. Your dog could lose control of his behavior and become a danger to himself and others.

4.  Giving up.  Dogs love to learn, especially when the owner rewards well learned behavior. Don’t settle for your dog merely answering to his name and stopping barking when repeatedly shouted at. Your dog can and will respond to your training efforts if given the time to do so.

5.  Be consistent.  If you tell your pet to sit and he doesn’t, stick with it until he does. Always use the same command words and enforce the same action each and every time. Manually enforce the command if necessary, and reward the dog with some play time and verbal praise for properly performing the routine. Consistency is the key to training your dog.

For further possibilities, look at pet crates and visit The Canine and Feline Store.