The numbers are in, and despite restrained consumer spending throughout 2009, Americans nevertheless spent a whopping $45.5 billion on their pets, an increase of 5.4 percent over 2008 levels. A large portion of that spending was focused on canines. Yet as much as dog owners love their pets, they are realistic enough to know they are a lot of work, too. Here is a countdown of some innovative new pet products to solve the Top Five problems dog owners face. (Hint: Problem Number 1 is, of course, number two! And there you go, scrolling down to read it first!)
Dog Problem Number 5: "My dog is such a sloppy eater that he spills food out of the bowl and sloshes his drinking water everywhere! NOT COOL!"
Solution: The Neater Feeder offers a drain and overflow reservoir to capture gulp splashes and the drippy muzzle-water, so you can cut back on the paper towel response. This dog invention sports a rimmed tray surface that takes care of any spilled food, so your pup's enthusiastic dive into his food bowl doesn't mean you must reach for the broom or hand vac at every meal. The feeder system was introduced by TowerStar Pets in 2009 and has been receiving rave reviews ever since. The original sloppy canine that inspired this new dog product, Duke, is now the company spokesdog, and his feeding system can be found in many specialty pet stores and directly from TowerStar Pets.
Dog Problem Number 4: "My dog eats so fast the bowl slides across the floor (making a mess) and he gets indigestion (and sometimes, you know, gas)... that's NEVER COOL!"
Solution: J.W. Pet's Skid Stop Slow Feed Bowl has rubberized feet to hold it in place as the unique design forces your ever-ravenous pooch to poke around and maneuver his muzzle and tongue to navigate carefully around the bowl dividers. It could also be fun to watch!
Dog Problem Number 3: "I like to throw a ball for my dog, and then he wants to play tug-of-war with it. But he slobbers WAY too much, and the ball is always so slimy and gooey, I can't hold onto it... I AM GROSSED OUT!"
Solution: Never touch a slobber-ball again! The Toss-N-Tug will give you a fighting chance in that tug-of-war contest. And if that weren't enough, you can select ball color and strap design for a customized purchase when you order directly from the company, If It Wags, LLC. Toss-N-Tug inventor Rob Sinninger, who introduced these new dog products for Christmas 2009, creates them using special tennis balls with a modified nap that's better for dogs. The selection of nylon webbing is terrific; shoppers may want to coordinate a Toss-N-Tug with a new designer collar while they are on the site!
Dog Problem Number 2: My dog is so tired from playing tug-of-war that he sleeps for hours on end, leaving me with time on my hands. Also, as I look at him sleeping, I realize he doesn't look goofy enough... I NEED SOMETHING TO DO!
Solution: Awaken your creative and innovative muse: make your dog an outfit for next year's Dress Up Your Pet Day Competition. After a month of online voting, "Ragedy Andy PeeWee" was awarded top honors by the contest's co-sponsors, the Craft and Hobby Association and ILoveToCreate.com. We at InventHelp love the imagination and dedication that creative people demonstrate every day, and we are committed to acknowledge it when we see it, and happy to laugh at it when we can! Come on now, that's funny, we don't care who you are!
Dog Problem Number 1: "My dog poops every day! Yo Dog, that ain't COOL!"
Solution: The Poopsta is a spot-on dog invention for cleaning up your pet's dumpsites, to make it all good in the 'hood! This sleek, cylindrical container snaps a rubber band and plastic bag deftly beneath the pile, totally out of sight and hands-free! That's right, this invention is powered by a rubber band! We haven't seen a rubber band put to such hard work since our science teacher wound one up on a toy airplane propeller, and the Poopsta is even less technical than that. But there's more: the Poopsta is ideal for the poop-prolific, as it is capable of scooping multiple piles per outing. So if you are "tired of that squishy feeling under your fingers," check out the Poopsta for hands-free poop-bagging, the solution from Across the Pond. The website links to a video that captures the snap-action of this innovative tool that just might be the next British sensation.
Source: http://news.inventhelp.com/Articles/Offbeat/Inventions/new-dog-products-inventions-12663.aspx
Impressions:
Dog supplies especially those which were invented to make the lives of dog enthusiasts a bit more convenient, have once again invaded the market. The above article actually shows dog supplies online that can be acquired such as dog bowls, dog apparel among others, but this time with a little twist to make pet dog care easier.
March 17, 2010
Dog Washing Machine
A machine made specifically for washing dogs is making the lives of groomers easier in Japan.
It may look more like a washer machine for clothes, but this contraption is perfectly safe for pets.
No more scratches from wrestling with unwilling animals, and it is much cheaper for the customer, too.
A machine wash only costs ten dollars, compared to the 50 dollars that is usually charged for a hand washing.
The only limitation is the size of the dog, big ones won't fit.
The machine was designed in the U.S. and has been available here for a while, but so far Japan only has ten of them.
Source:http://www.ketknbc.com/news/etl-dog-washing-machine-helps-groomers-japan
Impressions:
This newest technological advance in Japan on dog bath seems more popular with owners than dogs. Well, according to my research, the full cycle lasts 33 minutes and includes a shampoo, a rinse and a dry and that more and more people are making use of the dog washing machine such as one installed in a pet supermarket called Joyful Honda in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Is this some kind of animal cruelty? Well I guess we just have to weigh the pros and cons of convenience as against seeing our pet dogs inside a dog washing machine. I must admit, dog bathing is not an easy task especially if your dog washing supplies only revolve in a dog wash tub. It can give you scratches as you battle with your pet dogs' mood for that moment. But I must salute the inventors as they took dog grooming one step ahead thru innovation. With this invention, 'do it yourself dog grooming" will become much easier for pet dog enthusiasts!
It may look more like a washer machine for clothes, but this contraption is perfectly safe for pets.
No more scratches from wrestling with unwilling animals, and it is much cheaper for the customer, too.
A machine wash only costs ten dollars, compared to the 50 dollars that is usually charged for a hand washing.
The only limitation is the size of the dog, big ones won't fit.
The machine was designed in the U.S. and has been available here for a while, but so far Japan only has ten of them.
Source:http://www.ketknbc.com/news/etl-dog-washing-machine-helps-groomers-japan
Impressions:
This newest technological advance in Japan on dog bath seems more popular with owners than dogs. Well, according to my research, the full cycle lasts 33 minutes and includes a shampoo, a rinse and a dry and that more and more people are making use of the dog washing machine such as one installed in a pet supermarket called Joyful Honda in the suburbs of Tokyo.
Is this some kind of animal cruelty? Well I guess we just have to weigh the pros and cons of convenience as against seeing our pet dogs inside a dog washing machine. I must admit, dog bathing is not an easy task especially if your dog washing supplies only revolve in a dog wash tub. It can give you scratches as you battle with your pet dogs' mood for that moment. But I must salute the inventors as they took dog grooming one step ahead thru innovation. With this invention, 'do it yourself dog grooming" will become much easier for pet dog enthusiasts!
March 14, 2010
Pit Bull Dogs and Great Training Tips
Did you know that despite the aggressive behavior of pitbull dogs, this breed is easily trained as compared to other breeds? Dog training will require the willingness of the dogs to participate. Some dog breeds are smart while others are quite hard to train and you're lucky if you own a pit bull. These dogs are smart and very eager to obey their owners. You have to options when it comes to dog training - do it yourself or you can hire a professional trainer. The techniques used for training pit bulls and other dog breeds are now more effective and easier. In due time, you will have an intelligent and friendly dog as your companion.
Follow these tips when training your pit bull:
1. Dogs usually live their lives in the current moment. When giving your punishment or reward, you have to make sure that you're doing it properly. Just in case you've found an 'accident' but it took place hours ago and now you see your pit bull taking a nap. Don't try to correct this wrong behavior NOW because your dog will associate the punishment with his nap and not the 'accident' that he did hours ago.
2. The rules should always be consistent. For instance, if your rule is not to allow your dog to sleep with you on the bed, then you shouldn't allow him to do so in the coming nights - not ever! If you give in to the 'doggy eyes' and other begging acts, your dog will learn that if he do those actions, he is going to get his way. Pitbull dogs may develop the wrong behavioral patterns and you will find it hard to correct it.
3. Always give a reward for your dog's good acts. As time pass, your dog will always do the right things so that he can get rewards or treats. When you go to the grocery, don't forget to buy some dog treats. Give the rewards properly. Never give treats for a behavior that you don't want your pit bull to develop.
4. Pit bulls are eager learners. Show your dog what you want him to do instead of forcing him to do it. If you train your dog by force, you will only intimidate and distract him thereby slowing the learning process.
5. It's not a good idea to shout or yell at your pet. Repeating the commands is ideal but if you the dog is not catching up, you might as well show him the right way to do it. Take your time and don't rush your pit bull.
6. Being patient has its rewards. As a trainer, you should be patient enough. You will surely encounter some tough times with your dog but this should not discourage you. The keys to success are consistency, gentleness, and humor.
These are some of the tips that you can use when training pit bull dogs. Follow them and you will have a peace-loving and friendly pit bull even in the presence of other dogs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Octavianus_Ferdy
Impressions:
I have always had a bad impression on pitbull dogs as one of the dangerous dogs. This is because of the many news I heard on pitbull dog attacks. They are also being trained for pitbull dog fight, which just all the more heightened my dislike for pitbulls as a pet dog. The article above on pitbull training somehow gave me the impression that given the proper pitbull training, pitbull dogs can also be man's best friend just like any tamed dogs out there.
Follow these tips when training your pit bull:
1. Dogs usually live their lives in the current moment. When giving your punishment or reward, you have to make sure that you're doing it properly. Just in case you've found an 'accident' but it took place hours ago and now you see your pit bull taking a nap. Don't try to correct this wrong behavior NOW because your dog will associate the punishment with his nap and not the 'accident' that he did hours ago.
2. The rules should always be consistent. For instance, if your rule is not to allow your dog to sleep with you on the bed, then you shouldn't allow him to do so in the coming nights - not ever! If you give in to the 'doggy eyes' and other begging acts, your dog will learn that if he do those actions, he is going to get his way. Pitbull dogs may develop the wrong behavioral patterns and you will find it hard to correct it.
3. Always give a reward for your dog's good acts. As time pass, your dog will always do the right things so that he can get rewards or treats. When you go to the grocery, don't forget to buy some dog treats. Give the rewards properly. Never give treats for a behavior that you don't want your pit bull to develop.
4. Pit bulls are eager learners. Show your dog what you want him to do instead of forcing him to do it. If you train your dog by force, you will only intimidate and distract him thereby slowing the learning process.
5. It's not a good idea to shout or yell at your pet. Repeating the commands is ideal but if you the dog is not catching up, you might as well show him the right way to do it. Take your time and don't rush your pit bull.
6. Being patient has its rewards. As a trainer, you should be patient enough. You will surely encounter some tough times with your dog but this should not discourage you. The keys to success are consistency, gentleness, and humor.
These are some of the tips that you can use when training pit bull dogs. Follow them and you will have a peace-loving and friendly pit bull even in the presence of other dogs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Octavianus_Ferdy
Impressions:
I have always had a bad impression on pitbull dogs as one of the dangerous dogs. This is because of the many news I heard on pitbull dog attacks. They are also being trained for pitbull dog fight, which just all the more heightened my dislike for pitbulls as a pet dog. The article above on pitbull training somehow gave me the impression that given the proper pitbull training, pitbull dogs can also be man's best friend just like any tamed dogs out there.
March 10, 2010
March 9, 2010
Is a Leash a Must Have Even for Shih-tzu Dogs?
My family recently bought a shih-tzu dog. All cuddly and very tamed, our shih-tzu dog is allowed to roam around the house unguarded. This is despite the presence of two kids who both loved to play with our dog. Reading your article though on dog leash, i got the impression that having a dog leash is a must have. Here are just a few of my questions related to the topic:
1. Is a dog leash a requirement even for the most tamed dog like a shih-tzu?
2. Is a dog leash training effective to ensure dog obedience? Should this be part of dog training?
3. Are there available flexi dog leashes in the market?
4. Is running dog leash not dangerous to a dog, i.e. would this not cause injury to the dog?
5.As a dog leash is used to lead or hold a dog in check, is this not a form of dog control which could be similar to placing a dog in a dog cage? Will this not increase dog aggression? Or will this be an effective thing to controlling dog aggression?
1. Is a dog leash a requirement even for the most tamed dog like a shih-tzu?
2. Is a dog leash training effective to ensure dog obedience? Should this be part of dog training?
3. Are there available flexi dog leashes in the market?
4. Is running dog leash not dangerous to a dog, i.e. would this not cause injury to the dog?
5.As a dog leash is used to lead or hold a dog in check, is this not a form of dog control which could be similar to placing a dog in a dog cage? Will this not increase dog aggression? Or will this be an effective thing to controlling dog aggression?
March 8, 2010
Learn Dog Training Tips
Dog Training Methods Compared - The Positive Vs. Negative Debate!
Looking to train your dog and stumped about which dog training method or philosophy is best? Ask ten different people how they believe dogs should be trained and you’ll likely hear ten different stories. The truth is there are really two major dog training approaches, positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. And most training techniques fall under these two approaches.
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques
Positive reinforcement isn’t a new technique however it is a more recent approach when compared to negative reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement basically means you reward for good behavior. It embraces the philosophy that animals perform better when they know they’re going to receive a reward. The training results are permanent and positive reinforcement doesn’t create negative behaviors.
Benefits of positive reinforcement include
* Creating a bond of trust between owner/trainer and dog
* Creating a structure of behavior and reward
* Eliminating and preventing negative or aggressive behaviors
* Empowering owners to train – it’s easier to use positive techniques successfully
* Motivating dogs to learn. When a dog knows they’re going to get a treat they’re much more excited to learn a new behavior.
Positive reinforcement training embraces several training methods including clicker training, play training, nothing in life is free, and even luring. The essence of these techniques only differs in the process.
For example, with clicker training the click marks the correct behavior and the behavior is enforced with a reward. It can be a food reward, a belly rub or a game of tug of war, it doesn’t matter.
Food rewards, are of course easier and most dogs are very responsive to food. Play training substitutes the food reward with play time and luring guides a dog’s behavior with food. Okay, onto negative reinforcement…
Negative Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques
Before there were positive reinforcement dog training techniques, negative reinforcement was the standard approach trainers took. Now negative reinforcement isn’t all bad. Sometimes a little aversion goes a long way. However it has it’s time and place.
Negative reinforcement takes the following approach – punish for bad behaviors and the dog will remember what they’re not supposed to do. Negative reinforcement training techniques range from yelling at a dog when they do something wrong to electric shock – think about those invisible fences, that’s negative reinforcement. Choke chains and confinement are also forms of negative reinforcement.
Here’s the thing…
There’s a reason why positive reinforcement is a more recent philosophy. Trainers and animal behaviorists have learned that negative reinforcement typically doesn’t help an animal to really learn a behavior.
When a person or an animal receive a positive impulse there are chemicals released in the brain that make associations. Positive associations help an animal learn a behavior faster and better than negative reinforcement. Additionally, negative reinforcement creates potentially negative emotions like fear and aggression.
Fear and aggression are the most common causes of unwanted behaviors in dogs thus making negative reinforcement techniques a potentially vicious circle. Many traditional dog training methods like the Koehler Method embrace and are founded on negative reinforcement techniques.
Depending on your dog, your personal training philosophy and the reason you’re training your dog, different approaches may work better for you. Additionally, often times a combined approach, using positive reinforcement 99% of the time and the occasional negative stimuli 1% of the time, may be the most effective.
Dog training techniques are wide and varied. When exploring which method is right for you, examine whether they embrace positive or negative reinforcement techniques and what tools the method uses. Some methods are developed for high level agility training and competition and others are designed to help you co-habitate with your dog in a loving and structured environment. You know your dog best, what method fits your goals and needs?
Source: http://www.newdogtrainingtips.com/dog-training-methods
IMPRESSIONS:
The above article brings to mind the same concept being used in human Psychology to better understand and appreciate motivation. I supposed choosing either to use positive or negative reinforcement, just like in human Psychology, would largely depend on what the expected outcome would be. Thus, family dog training would have to be different than when your dog is intended for other purpose other than being a pet dog.
Looking to train your dog and stumped about which dog training method or philosophy is best? Ask ten different people how they believe dogs should be trained and you’ll likely hear ten different stories. The truth is there are really two major dog training approaches, positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. And most training techniques fall under these two approaches.
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques
Positive reinforcement isn’t a new technique however it is a more recent approach when compared to negative reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement basically means you reward for good behavior. It embraces the philosophy that animals perform better when they know they’re going to receive a reward. The training results are permanent and positive reinforcement doesn’t create negative behaviors.
Benefits of positive reinforcement include
* Creating a bond of trust between owner/trainer and dog
* Creating a structure of behavior and reward
* Eliminating and preventing negative or aggressive behaviors
* Empowering owners to train – it’s easier to use positive techniques successfully
* Motivating dogs to learn. When a dog knows they’re going to get a treat they’re much more excited to learn a new behavior.
Positive reinforcement training embraces several training methods including clicker training, play training, nothing in life is free, and even luring. The essence of these techniques only differs in the process.
For example, with clicker training the click marks the correct behavior and the behavior is enforced with a reward. It can be a food reward, a belly rub or a game of tug of war, it doesn’t matter.
Food rewards, are of course easier and most dogs are very responsive to food. Play training substitutes the food reward with play time and luring guides a dog’s behavior with food. Okay, onto negative reinforcement…
Negative Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques
Before there were positive reinforcement dog training techniques, negative reinforcement was the standard approach trainers took. Now negative reinforcement isn’t all bad. Sometimes a little aversion goes a long way. However it has it’s time and place.
Negative reinforcement takes the following approach – punish for bad behaviors and the dog will remember what they’re not supposed to do. Negative reinforcement training techniques range from yelling at a dog when they do something wrong to electric shock – think about those invisible fences, that’s negative reinforcement. Choke chains and confinement are also forms of negative reinforcement.
Here’s the thing…
There’s a reason why positive reinforcement is a more recent philosophy. Trainers and animal behaviorists have learned that negative reinforcement typically doesn’t help an animal to really learn a behavior.
When a person or an animal receive a positive impulse there are chemicals released in the brain that make associations. Positive associations help an animal learn a behavior faster and better than negative reinforcement. Additionally, negative reinforcement creates potentially negative emotions like fear and aggression.
Fear and aggression are the most common causes of unwanted behaviors in dogs thus making negative reinforcement techniques a potentially vicious circle. Many traditional dog training methods like the Koehler Method embrace and are founded on negative reinforcement techniques.
Depending on your dog, your personal training philosophy and the reason you’re training your dog, different approaches may work better for you. Additionally, often times a combined approach, using positive reinforcement 99% of the time and the occasional negative stimuli 1% of the time, may be the most effective.
Dog training techniques are wide and varied. When exploring which method is right for you, examine whether they embrace positive or negative reinforcement techniques and what tools the method uses. Some methods are developed for high level agility training and competition and others are designed to help you co-habitate with your dog in a loving and structured environment. You know your dog best, what method fits your goals and needs?
Source: http://www.newdogtrainingtips.com/dog-training-methods
IMPRESSIONS:
The above article brings to mind the same concept being used in human Psychology to better understand and appreciate motivation. I supposed choosing either to use positive or negative reinforcement, just like in human Psychology, would largely depend on what the expected outcome would be. Thus, family dog training would have to be different than when your dog is intended for other purpose other than being a pet dog.
March 2, 2010
Controlling Dog Aggression
The death of the 4-year old daughter of ‘Ax Men’ star Jesse Browning is indeed very unfortunate especially so that it was their family dog, a Rottweiler, which caused the tragedy. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35650849/ns/entertainment-reality_tv
This once again brought to my consciousness my fear for dogs even pet dogs. As a mother and as a newbie in dog care, I have just a few questions which I hope you guys could help me be enlightened:
1) Is there really such a thing as dog aggression training? Does it really help in controlling dog aggression?
2) In training aggressive dog, do we consider the dog breed, and dogs behavior? could these factors help in designing the dog training tools?
3) What household remedies are immediately available as first aid to dog bites?
4) Is there really such a thing as dog behavior problem? Can this contribute to dog aggression?
5)Kindly give me simple tips in training aggressive dog and how to house train a dog to reduce anxiety at home.
This once again brought to my consciousness my fear for dogs even pet dogs. As a mother and as a newbie in dog care, I have just a few questions which I hope you guys could help me be enlightened:
1) Is there really such a thing as dog aggression training? Does it really help in controlling dog aggression?
2) In training aggressive dog, do we consider the dog breed, and dogs behavior? could these factors help in designing the dog training tools?
3) What household remedies are immediately available as first aid to dog bites?
4) Is there really such a thing as dog behavior problem? Can this contribute to dog aggression?
5)Kindly give me simple tips in training aggressive dog and how to house train a dog to reduce anxiety at home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
You may also like:
