Posts Tagged ‘Problems’

Your Pets’ Behavioral Problems Can Be Fixed

Every headline in the papers, every top story on the news, and every topic of conversation at the White House points to our failing economy.  Yet, according to American Pet Products Association , in 2008, more than $43 billion � yes, forty-three billion dollars were spent on our pets.  I have to assume that not all businesses are falling apart!  

What about in your backyard?  Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NY, located right here in Rochester, took home three national awards for outstanding business growth in 2008, including National Dealer of the Year for the 3rd year in a row!  This is an achievement honoring a team who strives for excellence in customer service, guaranteeing results, and who is determined to make stronger relationships with people and their pets.

Did you know?

Every year, 10 million dogs are lost due to behavior problems! Every year, 5 million dogs are euthanized due to behavior problems! Every year, 1 million dogs are killed on the road ways!

The Invisible Fence® Brandâ??s sole premise is to be the most trusted brand in the pet ownership experience by keeping pets safe, happy and well-behaved at home all the time. And itâ??s not just about containmentâ?? we also offer solutions to help manage other unwanted behaviors like barking, jumping, digging, and chewing.  We offer lifestyle solutions such as heated beds for arthritic dogs and automatic feeders for people who have busy schedules.  We offer love and compassion for people who truly need help managing their relationships with their pets.

Trip to Lollypop

A few weeks ago, Princess and I were at Lollypop Farm.  She always looks forward to the trip!  I can tell because she starts whining as we pull in the parking lot, cold nosed pressed against the window, her breath starting to become more rapid.  Sheâ??s like a kid in a candy shop!  She darts out of the car and pulls me to the door.  Her tail is wagging with excitement.  As we peruse down the hall, I know she wants to run, play and sniff the other dogs.  Her innocence is so sweet.  She has no idea whatâ??s going on.  I always experience a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from loving every puppy in the place, to sadness at their droopy â??take me homeâ? faces, and anger when I read why they are there.  

I once saw a 10-year-old Schipperke who was given to the shelter because of â??barkingâ?.  Seriously?  After ten years you are just getting fed up with it?  I wonder why they didnâ??t call Invisible Fence® Brandâ??we can take care of that in just a few days.  I see a Siberian Husky whoâ??s claimed to be â??an escape artistâ?.  Are you for real?  Why didnâ??t you call Invisible Fence® Brand?  Thereâ??s a Rottweiler that keeps tearing up the couches.  I wonder if they would have given him a second chance if they let us create an invisible barrier that kept him away from all the couches.  I think back to the day I adopted Princess and realized she had severe separation anxiety, breaking out of three metal crates and hurting herself in the process.  I wonder if I would have known to call Invisible Fence® Brand to train her to use an invisible crate if I didnâ??t work for the company.

Help reduce the number of shelter admissions, euthanasia and lost dogs on the roadwaysâ??call Invisible Fence® Brand today and let us talk to you about how we can help improve your relationship with your best friend â?¦ before itâ??s too late. 

Kate Siwik is the Director of Sales & Marketing of Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NYâ??National Dealer of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Her dog, Princess, was adopted from Lollypop Farm in 2007.  Contact Kate at 271-1700 or email her UpstateNY@invisiblefence.com.

Fido Problems, Easy Sales, Try It!

Complete Members Area, Shows How To Train Your Dog.

Fido Problems, Easy Sales, Try It!

Top 10 Problems Dog Parents Have

Do you have a destructive chewer? Does it seem there is no end to your dog’s energy? Do you feel guilty leaving your dog home alone for hours? Does your dog soil in the house despite all housebreaking efforts?

Rest assured, you are not alone. More importantly, there are solutions to your problems.

While there is an abundance of information about these common issues, many dog parent’s still fail in their efforts.

At Canine Kingdom, we know this is not the dog parent’s fault, because the right advice and the most effective products are difficult to find.

For example, studies have shown that when chewing is directed toward objects that are acceptable, less energy is left for objects that are not, such as the leg of your antique dining table. Many dog parents do realize that chew toys help to reduce the amount of chewing on the ‘wrong’ things, such as shoes and fingers. However, many dog parents do not solve chewing problems with toys because they find that either their dogs are not ‘interested’ in the chew toys, or they chew them up in 30 seconds, still ready to take on the rest of the home.

At Canine Kingdom we provide problem-solving products that work, and our customer service team will make sure that you know how to use our products, and are completely satisfied with your results.

Proven training advice coupled with the right tools enables dogs and people to live together in harmony.

And so…Canine Kingdom announces the Top Ten Problems – and provides the Best Products for solving them.

#1 Chewing

KONG

The Kong is the safest, most chew-proof item on the market today and has received the Canine Kingdom Seal of Approval.

Think you know about Kongs? Think again! Many people don’t know the clever ways Kong Toys solve serious chewing problems.

Kongs can be stuffed with delectables – dogs just can’t resist them. If you freeze a stuffed Kong it can take hours for even an avid chewer to get to every tidbit in the Kong. Hours of fulfilling entertainment – hours that don’t include munching on the couch pillows.

Tired dogs are less likely to chew on your new Dolce & Gabbana pumps. The Kong has been designed to entice your dog’s innate prey drive. When you throw a Kong it hits the ground and bounces around unpredictably. Bring out the hunter in your dog. A Kong on a rope is perfect for fun fetching and a proven way to burn up excess energy.

See our article on exactly how to use the Kong Food puzzle in our Protocol Center.

Give your dog a chew toy that is safe and as indestructible as possible. There are so many chew toy products on the market today. Many of them can be dangerous and even fatal. Despite what the manufacturers state on packaging, all chew toys should be inspected regularly for damage and wear. Always choose a chew toy that is appropriately sized for your dog. A toy that is too small can be swallowed and cause choking. Powerful chewers can devour some inappropriate chew toys, possibly resulting in impactions and digestive tract perforations.

#2 Too much energy!

The Long Lead

Most dogs have more energy than their parents would like. Unspent energy can lead to unwanted behaviors such as jumping, chewing, digging, and barking. Exercising your dog on a regular basis is as good for your dog as it is for you. Learn your dog’s optimal exercise level. When your dog is relaxed, he has reached that state.

Many pet parents are limited in their choice of safe exercise areas. Likewise, most dogs do not have a totally reliable recall if they are let loose in an area with many distractions. Using a long lead ensures your dog’s safety yet allows him to burn up energy. Dogs can jump, sniff, run and explore without the restraint of a short leash.

When learning to use a long lead, it is best to start out in quiet, large, tree-less areas. Soon, your dog will learn the distance of his freedom.

Incorporate some sit-stay lessons into your walks. A thinking dog uses up as much energy as a running dog. Toss a Kong a few feet from your dog while in a sit-stay position. Release him to fetch after a few seconds. Treats and verbal praise follow. Great fun for you and your dog and an enjoyable way to teach her an important control lesson.

#3 Pulling on a Leash

Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness

Far too many dog parents forego walking with their dog because of leash pulling. Neck collars, despite their design and material, all put pressure on the dog’s trachea and may cause permanent physical damage. Traditional harnesses, that have leash connections on the top of the harness on the dog’s back, can actually encourage dogs to pull harder because of the opposition reflex. That is the reflex that makes sled dogs do what they do—pull.

The Gentle Leader Easy Walk™ Harness redirects the pressure through the unique front leash attachment. A patent pending martingale closure tightens slightly across the chest and shoulder blades when your dog attempts to pull forward. When your dog slows down and stops pulling, reward him with treats and verbal encouragements.

When training your dog to walk with a loose leash, first, make sure you run out as much energy as possible in your backyard or home. Initially, put the leash on your dog in your home and ‘take your walk’ around the house. Reward him with treats and praise when he walks without leash tension. Gradually move your walks to quiet areas where there are few distractions such as other dogs or critters. Repeatedly reward your dog when he is walking with a loose leash. Increasingly, walk to places where your dog will see or meet other dogs, people or wild animals. Remember to continue the treats and praise. Soon, both you and your dog will enjoy your walks together – without pain or distress to either of you.

The unique design of the Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness is easy to put on and has easy adjustment buckles to ensure a proper fit.

#4 Barking

Dog Door

‘Nuisance’ barking, caused by loneliness, boredom, stress from being home alone, or ‘commenting’ on the goings on around the house is often relieved with the ability to go in and outside, at will, to a safe and secure enclosed yard.

There are many dog doors to choose from. We chose the Staywell Electronic Infra-Red Pet Door, as its unique technology allows your pet to enter and exit safely, without the threat of other animals or people using the door. The Staywell Electronic Infra-Red Pet Door uses a small infra-red collar tag that signals the door to unlock for your pet and only your pet. The Staywell Electronic Infra-Red Pet Door locks in both directions preventing young children from leaving the home and other animals from entering or leaving. It runs on batteries so if there is a power outage, the door still works.

Allowing your dog access to the inside as well as outside, combined with a relaxing in-home setting, a digging pit outside, and a NON-citronella bark collar are often successful in stopping barking problems. For this and more information on dogs home alone, don’t miss our E-book “Creating a Better Life for the Home Alone Dog”.

#5 Housetraining

Penthouse Potty

In certain situations, a dog just must have an indoor toilet. Is your dog getting on in age and having ‘mistakes’? Is your little dog sometimes unreliable in his housetraining habits? Do you live in a 6th floor walkup and the thought of a dog walk at 2:00 a.m. is not that appealing? Has a new puppy joined your household?

The Penthouse Potty is the answer to these problem situations and more. Dogs can ‘hold it’ for only so long. So many variables determine how often a dog must eliminate. What is known about dogs is that they do determine where to ‘go’ by their sense of smell. If a dog learns to eliminate in the home on your Oriental rug or on your teak floors, he may very well choose that spot again and again because it has been ‘marked’ with his odor.

Train your dog to go in one place when the need arises – the Penthouse Potty. If you know there will be times when your dog may not get to the outdoors to eliminate, consider the Penthouse Potty. Your dog can happily go to an ‘approved’ area and the rest of your home will stay fresh and clean.

#6 Arthritis

Pet Wellness Bed

There’s no reason for any dog to suffer from the pain of arthritis. Pain can have a tremendous impact on your dog’s quality of life.

A heated dog bed? Absolutely! Heat and Massage make this therapeutic bed the best choice for arthritis pain all year long. Many arthritic dogs show increased signs of pain when the temperatures dip, humidity rises or barometric pressure drops. The plushy loft, the gentle heat and the massage functions of the Pet Wellness Bed provide a comfortable and therapeutic refuge for your dog.

The first thing you notice about our Wellness Bed is the 3″ thick orthopedic foam. When your dog plops down for a nap, his body is cushioned, protecting further damage to the joints and bones. The gentle heat relaxes tense muscles that surround achy joints, helping your dog’s pain related stress.

Massage is an effective way to manage arthritis pain. The massage feature of the Wellness Bed can help improve joint movement, relax tense muscles, and stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and underlying tissues. What’s more, it just feels good, and the relaxation it brings can help break the cycle of pain and stress that often goes along with arthritis The Pet Wellness Bed provides three beneficial features that will enhance your dog’s life – cushiony supportive softness, gentle heat and therapeutic massage.

See your dog’s health care professional to learn about arthritis and forms of treatment and palliative care available today.

#7 Boredom

KongTime

Sometimes, you must leave your dog home alone. Wouldn’t it be great if you— and your dog—could feel good about it? Canine Kingdom introduces KongTime—all day entertainment for the home-alone dog.

Stuff soft foods inside a Kong Toy and what do you have? Magic. Your dog will happily chew and lick the Kong Toy, trying to get out every last morsel. It’s fun!

Our clients call KongTime ‘Doggy Daycare in a Box’. It was developed for those times when you will be away from home, and your dog, longer than usual. One food-filled Kong just won’t provide enough quality entertainment for your dog. Wouldn’t it be great if a neighbor came by and gave your dog another food-filled Kong to keep him busy?

KongTime automatically dispenses, at a predetermined time, food-filled Kong Toys while you are away. KongTime entertains your dog and gives your dog something to look forward to while you are away.

#8 Dry Skin

Drinkwell Fountain

Many pet parents are concerned about their dog’s dry skin and the resulting itching and flaking. The causes of a dog’s dry skin, just like ours, are primarily environmental.

In general, skin—ours and our dogs’—is driest in winter, when temperatures and humidity levels plummet. But the reverse may be true if you live in desert regions, where summer temperatures can top 110 degrees and humidity levels sink to 10 percent or less. Central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin and your dog’s.

We all know that drinking up to eight glasses of water is recommended for people. Water is essential to all living beings—including our dogs. But, like us, dogs sometimes just don’t drink enough water. Without proper hydration, a dog’s skin, just like ours, gets dry and flaky. How can you entice your dog to drink more water?

In nature, moving water is much fresher than stagnant water. The movement constantly breaks the surface tension of the water and draws oxygen from the air into the water. This process is called aeration and it makes water more appealing to drink. Dogs may be drawn by instinct to moving water for this reason.

Some dogs drink water with gusto. But, others have to be coaxed to take just a sip. Developed by a veterinarian for her kidney compromised cat, the DRINKWELL® PET FOUNTAIN filters and aerates continuously moving water to keep it much fresher than standing bowl water – and much more enticing.

#9 Lost Dogs

Roameo GPS Dog Location System

Few situations can be as terrifying as learning that your dog is lost.

Canine Kingdom recommends that you always have ID tags on your dog’s collar and your dog is microchipped. Now that there is a universal system for detecting microchips, there is a much better chance a vet or shelter will find it. Be aware that both tools are passive in finding your lost dog. You are dependent on someone finding, catching, reading your dog’s ID, and returning him to you. Many people who find “stray dogs” keep them, assuming their dog parents don’t want them.

Now there is a far more reliable way to find a lost dog.

GPS technology now enables you to take an active approach to finding your dog. The RoamEO GPS dog location system tracks your lost dog’s movements on an easy to read hand-held screen. You will know where your dog is immediately if he or she escapes from your care.

Canine Kingdom applauds RoamEO for providing a user friendly, no-hidden-cost-approach to actively find lost dogs. There are no other tools to buy, no set up fees, monthly fees, “find” fees or service charges.

The RoamEO has many features, including the ability to track up to three dogs at the same time. The RoamEO also allows you to set up a safe area for your dog. If he leaves the perimeter the RoamEO alerts you immediately.

And, at Canine Kingdom, we offer the lowest cost available.

#10 Dog Fights!

Premier SprayShield

We speak to so many dog parents who describe frightening incidents where they and their dogs have been attacked by loose, marauding dogs. Do not allow yourself, members of your family, or your dog to become a victim of a dog attack. Take a proactive approach and always carry Premier SprayShield.

Many preparations, such as pepper spray and taser-type devices are sold as protection from attacking or threatening animals. But, many trainers agree that some of these products may actually antagonize aggressive animals and they can cause bodily harm.

Stop an attacking animal in its tracks with this highly effective, safe and humane spray. The citronella formula halts low-to-medium-level aggression from dogs, cats, snakes, raccoons, opossums, etc., without harmful side effects. It also won’t injure you, your family or your dog if it accidentally gets sprayed into eyes.

#11 Bonus! Jumping up

FREE!

- Don’t knee or yell at your dog when he greets you with a jump, simply turn away and ignore him until he sits, then slowly greet him, pulling back your greeting if he escalates his excitement.

Want more? Expert advice is available 24/7. For tips, challenges, and tried-and-true solutions, visit us at caninekingdom.com!