Archives

Posts Tagged ‘Pet Safety’

How To Deal with Dog Biting Problems

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend and rightfully so, since they do have a unique way of bringing joy and laughter into anybody’s home. Some dog breeds even look so cute that one can hardly resist cuddling and playing with them. But, when you have to deal with dog biting problems as you most probably would while raising a puppy, your dog can definitely seem a lot less cute and cuddly.

In order to successfully deal with dog biting problems, you will have to dig deep and get to the root of the problem. Find out exactly why your dog is biting so that you will know what particular situation you should address directly. The best way to get to the root cause of the problem is to observe your dog. Watch how he reacts to different individuals (including children) and situations as well as to other animals. Many dog owners who find themselves having to contend with dog biting problems often feel overwhelmed and end up getting rid of the dog. What you should do instead is get rid of the reason for the biting. It’s only logical that the dog will stop biting when he no longer has any reason to do so.

Patience and confidence are the key factors for successfully dealing with dog biting problems. Understandably, this problem can be very frustrating for a dog owner, especially since it may pose a danger to other people and even the owner himself. But, no matter how frustrating it is, the problem CAN be solved and that is what you need to keep in mind.

When your children get sick, you know that it is because of a virus. Therefore, you eliminate the virus in order to relieve the sickness. In the same way, dog biting problems are merely results arising from some other factor. By identifying and addressing that factor with patience and confidence, you can effectively eliminating the biting problems. Patience is especially needed when you are still trying to identify what the root cause is. It is also important for you to keep the communication lines between you and your dog open when you are dealing with dog biting problems. Make sure that you do not allow your dog to have his own way during this period. The very moment you see signs of your dog attempting to bite, immediately give a command to correct the action. Be sure to give a command which you know your dog will understand.

Do not expect your dog to immediately obey your command. In fact, it may be safe to say that you can expect your dog to DISOBEY you at this point. You should therefore be firm and consistent in giving the correction. Let the dog know that no matter what happens, you are standing your ground and biting is not allowed. Dealing with dog biting problems can truly be a stressful experience, but you will feel a lot better once you have overcome it and you might even develop a closer bond with your dog in the process.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog Training | Comments Off

Can Your Waste Basket Kill Your Cat?

If you don’t think of the waste basket in your bathroom as anything to worry about as far as a cat is concerned, think again!

Dental floss is a form of string, and we know that cats cannot resist playing with it. Once they put it in their mouths, their natural instinct is to swallow, and what goes down cannot come back up.

There may also be razor blades, or safety razors, but once in the paws of a curious cat they no longer represent “safety;” they pose serious danger.

Keep your waste basket secure and check for any other items that may be dangerous to your cat.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Cats | Comments Off

Hartz Real Beef Treats Recall

SECAUCUS, N.J., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ — The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot may have been potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at particular risk from exposure and should avoid handling these products.

Salmonella symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea in both dogs and humans. Anyone experiencing the symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek immediate medical attention. Owners of dogs exhibiting these symptoms should also seek veterinary assistance.

Hartz Mountain Corporation is recalling 74,700 8-oz bags of Hartz Naturals Real Beef Treats for Dogs, lot code BZ0969101E, UPC number 32700-11519, which were imported by Hartz from a Brazilian supplier, Bertin S.A., and which were distributed to a number of customers in the United States. While regular testing conducted by Bertin (prior to shipment to the US) did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any packages of this product, random sample testing conducted by FDA did indicate the presence of Salmonella. Hartz is aggressively investigating the source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners having purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code BZ0969101E imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 at any time with any questions they may have and for information on how to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

Contact: Hartz Consumer Affairs

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Pet Safety | Comments Off

Does Your Dog Chase Cars?

Dogs chasing cars and proper dog trainingSome dogs love to chase cars. Unfortunately, this often leads to their injury or death. In some cases, they chase an automobile until it stops, at which point they run into its back end, and damage their spine. In other cases, they get hit by another car.

Another problem is that drivers who see dogs lunging into the street are likely to brake quickly, or swerve into oncoming traffic. This poses a serious danger to other drivers and pedestrians.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons dogs chase vehicles. If you’re able to pinpoint the trigger, you’ll be more effective in curbing the tendency. We’ll then offer a few suggestions for discouraging the behavior in your pooch.

Understanding Why Dogs Chase Cars

Your dog is a natural predator, even if he doesn’t seem so. This can manifest in different ways. For example, if given the opportunity, he’ll stalk and chase small rodents. If he happens to corner one, he’ll rarely follow through in harming it. The reason? Because stalking his prey is a game for him. He has no intention of harming or killing the rodent.

The same is true when your dog chases people riding bicycles, kids on skateboards, or even other pets. It is the mark of normal, happy, and well-balanced socializing with others.

There are a few breeds that have a stronger predatorial sense than most. For them, the act of stalking and catching their prey is not a game. If they catch their prey, there is a good chance they will kill it. While this level of stalking is rarely directed toward vehicles, it is possible. It is also difficult to control.

Even though chasing cars comes naturally to a dog, the tendency can be discouraged before it becomes a problem. The key is addressing the behavior as early as possible.

Preventing The Problem Before It Starts

When your dog first shows signs of interest in passing vehicles, immediately call his name to capture his attention. Once he looks at you, and keeps his eyes on you, praise him and give him a treat. This trains him to understand that ignoring traffic and giving you his attention when you call results in a positive outcome. This will prove invaluable if you accidentally release his leash while traffic is passing nearby.

One of the best ways to make sure your dog does not chase cars, even if your are not there to correct him, is to get either an underground dog fence or a wireless pet fence.

An underground or wireless dog fence will contain your dog without the cost of unsightly wood or chain link fencing. These Dog Fences are easy to install and after a few training sessions, your dog will never run away again.

Curbing An Existing Tendency To Chase

If your dog has already developed a habit of chasing cars, you’ll need to first test his ability to come when you call him. This is critical. Everything revolves around his perception that you are the priority. Start by testing him in a quiet environment with no distractions.

After he consistently responds to your commands, take him to a park or similar setting that offers distractions without the danger of traffic. This will teach him to ignore other things, and focus his attention on you.

Next, test his ability to focus near semi-busy streets. Make sure you keep a tight hold on his leash to prevent him from bolting into traffic. Many dogs will respond consistently to their owners at home or at a park, but will lose their focus when presented with the opportunity to chase a car. Be wary.

Many dog have been injured or killed as the result of chasing vehicles. Train your dog to ignore traffic, and listen to your voice. It may one day save his life.

Find the best dog chews and bully sticks at Bestbullysticks.com

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog Training | Comments Off

Make Dog Training Fun

If training isn’t fun and interesting for you, then stop and rethink it. Both you and the dog have to be having a good time in order for a positive result to occur. In short, learning should ideally take place in a positive environment.

Courtesy of RadioFence.com, a Leading Internet Retailer of Pet Supplies including Pet Doors, Bark Collars and Dog Training Shock Collars.

Tags: ,
Posted in Dog Tips | Comments Off

 Page 1 of 2  1  2 »