September 2020 -

September 30, 2020January 19, 2021

National Walk your dog week

October 1, 2020 kicks off National walk your dog week

Walking your dog is an important and enjoyable part of dog ownership. It helps maintain a happy bond, as well as provides mental stimulation and exercise to your pets life.

I don’t know about you but at our house, the dog gets a walk almost every day of the week. Here in Southern California sometimes it does get too hot to go out, but we make the effort to go either early or late in the evening. Lucky for the dog, we all have different schudules, so often we all have a turn taking her out at different times during the day.

Ways walking keep you and your pet healthy

Fosters a bond – My dog pal is actually my roommates senior Goldendoodle. I have lived here for a few years, but it wasn’t until this year that we have been taking regular walks. It has completely changed my relationship with her. In fact, it has even helped her and Pizza my cat get along better as well. I feel like we have bonded and now we spend time together daily working from home.
Great exercise for both of us. – It is hard to get motivated sometimes. However, it is important that dogs (and people) get regular exercise. I am not going to lie, at first it was a challenge to get into a routine. Now that is has been months we have a routine down. We have both build muscle mass and have gone from just a few minutes to 30 minutes on most days. It took a while to build up our distance and speed.
Fights canine obesity– originally this holiday was founded by Colleen Paige. She founded it to bring awareness to canine obesity and behavior.
Helps with “senior” ailments– as dog’s age, many breeds develop arthritis. Regular exercise helps with joint mobility and can help keep the pain at bay. Regular walks strengthen leg muscles and help maintain a healthy weight. Over the last few months, you can really see a difference in our pup’s leg muscles.
Mental Health /Bordem Buster – The quickest way I have found to get in a better headspace is to walk it out. The same holds true for my sweet canine friend. It gets boring just hanging out in the air conditioning all day alone, without entertainment. I can tell when she starts getting restless. On our walks, she thoroughly enjoys the stimulation of all the sights and smells of the neighborhood. She has her favorite lawns to roll on, and her favorite spot to leave her mark. It is important to keep pets stimulated. A happy pet is more likely to be a well-behaved pet.
Combats Stress
Helps with sleep issues– It is no fun when the animals we restless when the household is trying to sleep.
Socialization– It is fun to meet other dogs in the neighborhood, it is good for the doggo. For someone like myself, who is a little awkward and shy sometimes, my pet pal is a great ice breaker. Often I get asked her breed and I have something I can confidently talk about until my nerves settle meeting a new person.

Tips for a stress-free walk

Choose an appropriate collar with i.d., leash, or harness for your dog. -It should fit comfortably, yet well enough in case, during your walk your dog pulls the leash more this week. It is exciting to be out and about. enthusiasm can get the best of even the most well-behaved pet.
Doggy poop bags.– A given. Scooping the poop is an unpleasant yet necessary part of the adventure. Make sure you have them before you go. Your neighbors stay happy, and your neighborhood stays clean. win-win.
Know your route. – We have several routes around the neighborhoods near home. We change it up, turn left instead of right.
Snacks– o.k. training treats “whatever.” I don’t always take these but sometimes it is fun. If we are working on new tricks, I like to change it up. We already know how to shake paws in the kitchen with a treat in hand, But what if we are in the middle of a walk?
Walk when the weather is nice. -Here is Southern California we don’t usually have extremely cold days. However, in the heat of summer and early fall, it gets extremely hot. Especially for little paws. Cement and asphalt can reach much higher temperatures than just the ambient air. It is important to check to make sure it’s not too hot. If you can’t stand barefoot on the driveway, neither can your dog. It is always disappointing to hear are those words “Let’s Go” (code for let’s walk), get excited and all geared up, then step outside and have to come back indoors. I have learned to check before I offer to take her out.
Protection– Unfortunately, being approached or worse, chased down by a stray dog while on a relaxing walk is VERY STRESSFUL. So I recommend also carry a loud whistle , alarm or a flashlight with you. 99% of the time a peaceful walk around the neighborhood is uneventful. But, there is that one time a stray dog, coyote, or other wildlife comes too close for comfort. A deterrent can help in keeping you and your pet safe.

Best Seller Earth Rated Poop Bags ( with easy tie handles, I like those better)

In conclusion, October 1-7, National Walk your dog week, is a great reminder to get out there and enjoy time with your little buddy. If you don’t already go for regular walks, maybe it can challenge you to start a new routine and get moving. It is good for everyone and an enjoyable way to start or end your day.

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September 29, 2020May 28, 2021

How to deal with pet loss

In 2003 I got a puppy from my local shelter, and 2018 is when I had to say my final goodbye to my beloved pet dog Ginger. It is always hard to deal with pet loss. It is heartbreaking and there is a grief period. Honor the loss and allow your self time to heal. Our pets are like family.

Are you noticing your dog getting older?

Writing has always been a way to sort my thoughts. Let me share a diary excerpt about when I said was able to say goodbye to my dear friend. My life circumstances changed in 2007 and Ginger went to live with family members. In 2018 near the end of her life, I was able to go for a visit and I knew it would be the last time I saw her.

“Not much else has reminded me of the passage of time than my girl. Looking at the grey along the muzzle, and the contrast of her dark eyes and the white mask she wears around her eyes, I see how time has marched on. Today, I am so grateful though, that she has been so loved over the years and equally grateful she grew up loved and with kids around.

Today she close to 15yo, old, grey and boney. Her legs are tired and weak unless she’s on a walk. Age has taken its toll, her ribs stick out, her spine is predominate. With every sneeze or ear shake, her body shimmies as if she’s doing a little dance, in reality, she struggles to catch her balance. She is alert and her eyes are a deep dark brown, yet with every snap of a twig or unexpected noise, she jumps. Either her mind wanders off or her hearing is distorted, personally, I like to think its the previous.

In her Youth….

And In my mind, I still see her as a puppy, a troublesome curious pup, who steals loaves of bread from unintended grocery bags and the one who continually squeaks her toys into submission. I almost bought her a new one this visit….it would have only served as a reminder of her youth, not something she would enjoy today, at least not in the same way.

This trip to Oregon had many things on the to-do list. It occurred to me about Tuesday that this will most likely be my last time to say goodbye to this old girl. Today she is hanging..but she is well, old. Still with a little spirit though. Apparently, she escaped the yard and spend a night in doggie jail recently…she has a mug shot now. She also still sly enough to ask for pets, charm those around her, and ask for treats.

I got to walk her today and will walk her again a few more times before I go home. There was the opportunity to lay with her today and cry and thank her. I long time ago when I needed someone she was there, just there. Lying on the couch with me all through the night, She was chubby then and her legs would stick straight off the couch, with her back next to me. In my darkest of times, she had my back..that’s what dogs do, share unconditional love. That was a lifetime ago. Time marches on.. yup…” June 2018

When your Pet Dies: A guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

Although we only had about four years together, we were bonded. She was my girl. She lived out of state for many years and it was hard to go see her. We were apart for about five years the first time I was able to go visit. her with her new family When I walked in the door, she remembered me and immediately she came right over and sat next to me. I left so loved and it was really sweet after all that time. Dogs absolutely remember their owners.

Coping with Feelings of Loss and Grief

Let’s look at ways you can deal with the pet loss in a healthy way, and ease the pain.

Allow yourself to grieve. I feel very lucky I had time to say goodbye and spend some quality time before the end. It can be traumatic to lose a pet and it is o.k. to feel sad. It is a big deal. No one should belittle your feelings of loss.

Release the guilt – We are caretakers, and often at the end of a pet’s life, it is we have to make heartbreaking decisions. Should we do more? Is my fur baby in pain? Have I done all I can do? Sometimes when saying goodbye is the best option, guilt can take hold. It is a very difficult decision, but trust it is the right one for you and your pet.

Express your feeling about it. Write, Paint, Talk about it with friends. Don’t hold your feeling in. Pets are a wonderful part of our lives. They offer unconditional love, act as an unbiased soundboard, they are an exercise buddy. For us, single folks pets are day to day companions. Seriously, I even share my pillow and blankets with Pizza and an offer bite or two from my plate. …

Seek out support a support group either online or locally. Today Oct 2020 most of our life is turned to an online lifestyle. If you are isolated and having trouble dealing with pet loss, please check out VetVine They are a virtual zoom support group hosted by a group facilitator. Sharing and talking about your feeling is a healthy way to help get past the loss.

Memorialize your pet. It is good to have a ceremony to feel a sense of closure. There are other great ways to keep your pet in your memory. Frame photos of your pet, make a donation in your pet’s name, plant a tree, or shrub in your pet’s honor.

Pet Memorial Glass Art

Take your time take as much time as you need. It is your journey of grief. Some pet owners have other pets at home and decide to adopt soon. Other people feel the need to wait. It is absolutely fine either way. Only you , will know if and when, you will be ready to get another pet.

Custom Pet Urn

Grieving Pet Loss is Normal

Animals become our best friends and confidants. It can be challenging to deal with pet loss. It is very common to go through different stages.

“Losing a beloved pet is often an emotionally devastating experience. Yet as a society, we do not recognize how painful pet loss can be and how much it can impair our emotional and physical health.”
–scientific american.com

Guilt
Sadness
Loneliness
Anger
Depression

The loss of a pet is inevitable they only live for a fraction of time compared to our lives. Yet, they share a history with us and create memories with us. For some of us, they become our closest family members. I am dreading the day when I will have to say goodbye to my feline buddy, but pets bring such joy to my life I can’t imagine not having them around. Remember to be gentle with yourself. You are not alone. Pet loss is not something you have to deal with alone.

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September 26, 2020October 6, 2020

Pal of the Week -Meet Chimmi Look at those ears!

A Wandering Pet pal of the week Chimmi found her forever home. This story really melts my heart. Look at Chimmi and those ears…..Grab a cup of tea and read on.

There is still love in this world and perhaps a little magic.

Chimmi is a 9 year old Chiweenie (half Dachshund half Chihuahua)

Chimmi’s new journey began when was rescued from a backyard breeder who had been breeding her with her own son. She is a “purebred designer breed”, her parents were purebred chihuahua and dachshund. But to keep the line pure often there is inbreeding, especially in backyard breeding situations.

Fortunately, Chimmi’s bright future was just beginning.

Her prospective pet parents were shopping at Petsmart for their cat. They weren’t looking for a new pet but sometimes we get surprises. Petsmart was having an adoption day. It is always fun for animal lovers to go visit and say hello to the prospects.

Click for more information on Petsmart adoptions

” The day we met Chimmi we were at PetSmart getting cat treats because our cat was there getting treated for ear infections. They were having an adoption day and I saw Chimmi sitting quietly in a kennel. The woman running the event was trying to get a 6month old pitbull adopted so she shouted from the other side of the kennels saying “you can open that one and pet her if you want! ” “Chimmi walked out and crawled right into my lap and stayed put.”

The rest is history.

At the time Chimmi was 6 years old therefore was considered a senior. Being older she was in a little harder to adopt and was “on sale” by the adoption agency.

Her new parents took the time to get the house ready, prepare the living space. They made sure they had the time commitment and support of others who would be around the new furry family member.

Two weeks after the initial meeting, the foster mom brought Chimmi over to her new pet parents for a home inspection. With confidence, she was able to leave her, with her new pet parents that day.

That was three years ago and Chimmi has been a happy part of their family ever since. Despite being used for breeding, in her old age she still has a genuine motherly streak. She loves her stuffed hedgehog and carrying her favorite things around with her. I have had the pleasure of meeting this little cutie. It is so heartwarming to see the bond between Chimmi and her owners. Adopting an older pet is an admirable thing to do. Chimmi has many more years to live and love. It is awesome to see an older pet and a young couple come together to bring each other such joy.

If you have a story or would like to see your pet featured on A Wandering Pet, Pal of the Week, Like Chimmi was, reach out! I would love to share it. All pets are special and they all have a story.

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September 23, 2020June 22, 2021

Amazing Ways CBD / Hemp Extract Oil Can Help Your Pets

If you anything like me, I would love to find something that gives the dog some relief from her arthritis, and Pizza the Cat’s anxiety. Giving your pets a dose of Cbd oil may be the answer. It is pretty fascinating how the body and CBD/Hemp Extract oil work together. There is a definitive science behind the amazing ways CBD/Hemp extract oil can help your pet.

Like humans, your furry family members have receptors in the brain that react to cannabinoids found in hemp extract or CBD oil. Basically, cannabis plants and hemp both produce Phytocannabinoids that connect with those cannabinoid receptors in the brain of cats and dogs, and other mammals, like us. Yes, in case you are wondering, you can give CBD meant for humans to your pets. CBD is safe for dogs and cats, as long as it does not contain THC.

Pretty cool if you ask me. Even better, CBD or Hemp Extract oil can help your pets relax and manage pain without a “high”. In fact, scientists speculate that CBD even has an effect on homeostasis ( or the body’s ability to maintain itself regardless of external conditions). It is still a new market, and we have a lot to learn about its benefits. Personally, I am excited about a natural product with such potential for helping our furry family members in a way that is considered effective and safe.

What ailment can Pet Cbd/ Hemp oil help my pets from?

Stress from new surroundings, people or other pets- also noises like fireworks, loud neighbors, house parties, etc.., band practice. Cbd can help alleviate the symptoms of old age.

Cancer/ and Nausea from Chemotherapy – had been shown to help boost the immune system, help with pain, and promote weight gain.

Seizures- It has been researched and studies have come back hopeful. There is so much we don’t know yet, but in conjunction with prescribed medicine, some dogs responded better with fewer seizures with the addition of CBD hemp extract oil.

Separation Anxiety -Since CBD works with the pet cannabinoid receptors an appropriate dose can help promote a calm and sense of well-being.

Arthritis/Joint Pain – CBD shares metabolic pathways with anti-inflammatory drugs. The cool part about that is pain caused by inflammation like arthritis or joint pain should benefit from CBD oil at the correct dosage.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease-CBD Oil has been shown to help decrease intestinal inflammation, as well as promoting weight gain, which is so important when pets start to lose weight due to illness.

Surgery /Injury Recovery- Pain management

Skin Allergies- relieves reactions and has been shown to help ease itchiness.

CBD Oil vs. Hemp extract Oil vs Hemp Seed oil. Do they all help?

In case you are wondering, to be very clear, CBD is a compound found both in hemp plants and marijuana. Hemp and “Mary Jane” are both a part of the same varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant with hemp containing more CBD and minimal THC. but they are not the same plant. ( I love the analogy that oranges and lemons are both citrus but not the same. fruit. But both Citrus fruits provide the necessary Vitamin C to our bodies. Similarily, hemp, and “weed” both provide CBD that can be used to heal.

Today, Hemp extracted CBD oil is currently legal in all 50 states for use with pets, however, Marijuana extracted CBD is not.

But Hemp SEED oil comes from hemp seeds. There is minimal if ANY amount of CBD oil. There are still anti-inflammatory properties in hemp seed oil, however, if you are looking for the benefit of hemp EXTRACT or CBD specifically, beware that hemp oil is not the same. Please read your labels.

** Fun ( or not so fun) Fact* Amazon doesn’t allow the sell products with CBD. You really need to know what you want to be purchasing. The labeling is ridiculously confusing. PRETTY SNEAKY if you ask me. However you can purchase CBD online thru other retails.

That depends on your state. However, veterinarians are not allowed to prescribe it, some don’t discuss it. So as a pet owner we should do our own research as well as ask our pet’s vet.

Veterinary Cannabis is a resource specializing in advocacy, education, and consulting in Colorado. They also offer classes to pet parents online classes. They have cannabis trained veterinarians that will work with your pet’s vet

My Pizza Cat’s experience with CBD

I have used CBD drops for my cat. In my personal experience, when giving Pizza a dose I do see a difference in his behavior. For example, several years ago I was A LOT more social. Friday nights were MY night to go play… He knew as soon as I put my boots on I was going to leave, he would attack them and fuss. We are very bonded, and he would not be happy. So, before I left we would have extra playtime, I saved his favorite treats for Friday nights, even took naps together before I went out. Eventually, I decided I wanted to help him adjust more. Therefore I tried some CBD drops. It helped him calm down and act less anxious before. We were both happier. He responds well.

CBD for Cats

Petals and Tails CBD Pet treats for dogs and Cats!

What to look for when buying CBD Hemp extract oil for your pet

And the bad news. It is also important to know what you are buying, unfortunately, there is a discrepancy in quality, and well-crafted labels. Studies have shown in blind tests of 84 actual CBD products, as many as 31% did not have the same about of CBD that was listed on the label. There is no set standard of how much actual CBD is in a product. Legally made products that contain CBD must come from hemp plants,(not cannabis) and legally must have THC levels below 0.3%. , however some products tested higher for THC.

Important point to check for

Check for CBD (cannabidiol) or Hemp Extract on the label. Hemp seed or simply hemp oil is not the same thing.

All-natural organic ingredients

“Third-Party Lab Tested” (It is highly important as they check are an independent source to check for pesticides and milligrams of CBD per dose)

Clearly there are at great Ways Cbd / Hemp extract oil that can help pets. It could argued that a dose it just good overall sense well being. Over time and after more research hopefully, it won’t be as taboo as it is still in now in 2020. It is important to know your product.

Personally, I am not overly shy about my support for all things relating to cannabis in all its forms. ( I am after all a California Girl) .However, for our furry friends, it is exciting to see the use of non-psychoactive CBD oil to help with ailments like arthritic and inflammation.

It is sad to see our pets in pain or stressed out and unhappy. During the research though, I was really surprised to see such a difference in labeling, and marketing. How many times have you brought groceries home and discovered you bought the wrong item? ( low fat instead of regular, etc) I also heard many varying accounts of how well the products worked on your pets. I can’t help wonder how often people get hoodwinked into buying a product they are lead to believe has CBD oil as an ingredient when it really doesn’t.

Free shipping on all orders in the US! $100+

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September 21, 2020September 8, 2023

Who doesn’t love cat butts? Cat owners do

How can you not love these ? Bakerlogy you make me so happy!

The other day a friend posted these little cat butt cookie cutters ( You will love these too) And it got me thinking, actually it got me daydreaming. I also searched for some more adorable cat butt products. Fortunately, Christmas is on its way, and these would make a cute gift for a cat lover.

Why do cats show us their butts? As much as I love my cat’s little butt, it is always a surprise when it is aimed at my face first thing in the morning before coffee. Kitty turning your butt towards you is a way of communication. It is an expression of trust. I have notices it often accompanies by cuddles and head bumps.

Does my cat love me?

The autumnal equinox always awakens my desire to bake and eat more comforting foods. Even here in Southern California the nights and early morning are just starting to feel a smidge cooler. The household pets are already starting to snuggle a little closer. For instance, Pizza the cat, has started his fall rituals, like burying himself under the covers with me, usually at dawn. The household dog is inching her way from the foot of the bed to the middle near me.

Thoughts of fresh-baked cookies, a hot beverage, and a good book make me happy this time of year. Especially when there is a chilled out cat curled up near me and a dog at my feet. In preparation, I spent a little time window-shopping for the coming months. I think you will like what I found.

Look at these goodies. I am in love with these cat butt cookie cutters.

For all your favorite rolled cookie recipes.. ( or my favorite one)

Jamie’s No Chill Sugar Cookie ( For Human Enjoyment)

Preheat oven to 350° F.

1 Cup butter
1 Cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 egg (preferable medium sized)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups all purpose flour
Firstly, in a bowl cream softened butter and sugar until smooth with your mixer, at least 3 minutes Then, Add in extracts and your egg.
In a separate bowl combine baking powder and salt with flour.
Add a little flour mixtures at a time to the wet ingredients. The dough will be very stiff. If it becomes too stiff for your mixer turn out the dough onto a countertop surface. Wet your hands and finish off kneading the dough by hand.
DO NOT CHILL THE DOUGH. (Waiting is the worst part of sugar cookies, with this tried and true recipe you don’t have to)
Divide into workable batches, roll out onto a floured surface and cut. these cookies work best if rolled on the thicker side (closer to 1/4 inch rather than 1/8).
Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes. Let cool on the cookie sheet until firm enough to transfer to a cooling rack.

Perfect for decorating once cooled, or just a good solid dunker for tea.

Spinach and Chicken Cat treat Recipe

Kitty Butt Pillow To Sit on for Comfort.

For lumbar support while curling up on the couch or favorite chair with those sugar cookies

Enjoying some that first cup of coffee, hot cocoa or some hot tea

Makes you smile, doesn’t it seriously how can it not?

Coloring is fun, and relieves stress, especially when it’s a #catbutt

You are going to need to to post your holiday shopping list why not use these cute magnets?

Cat Butts are love.

Cats are pretty affectionate creatures, even if they have odd ways of showing it! Who knew a butt in facte meant I love you! Finally, I hope my enthusiasm for these adorable things brings a smile to your face. May there always be a cat butt in your face

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September 17, 2020October 6, 2020

Can Static Bark Collars really help stop the barking?

Do Bark Collars really help ? This one is on the Amazon bestseller list at #14 They remain a popular product. Does it really help stop barking? Is it humane? After some research and conversation, I have a new-found knowledge of bark collars I would like to share should you decide it is for you and your pet. Knowledge is important, and it is up to your family if this will be beneficial to your predicament. An informed decision is a good one, whatever you decide.

NVK Shock Collar with remote

Personally I have not considered using one on a dog. They have a reputation for being inhumane, and painful for the dog. True or not it has prevented me from even considering it. An electric fence works similarly to an electric collar. I have considered fences as we used to have an escape artist in the family. As it turns out, they use similar technology.

Was I too quick to judge a bark collar?

Bark collars are used as a deterrent for unwanted behavior. They can help correct unwanted behavior. They emit a static shock thru the collar to interrupt the dogs barking. You can start with just a small static shock to correct behavior, most have a dial that can be adjusted stronger. Some include a remote control so the bad behavior can be corrected from a distance.

THEY SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A PUNISHMENT, JUST AS A CORRECTIVE MEASURE

Even with the use of a shock collar, positive re-enforcement for GOOD behavior, has more long term benefits, than punishments. Remember, dogs aim to please, a positive reward system either small treats or lots of verbal praise, work well for training.

Are Bark Collars Safe ?

It depends on who you ask. The ASPCA ( American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals) doesn’t recommend them unless used with the supervision or training of a behavior specialist. Preferably after other methods have failed. Organizations like the European Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , is heavily criticize the use of collars as being cruel and inhumane.

Veterinary professionals question the efficiency of static bark collars. A study conducted at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine found that half of the dogs that were fitted an electric bark collar had absolutely no reduction in barking activity at all. Additionally there studies that confirm it can be mentally damaging to the dog.

Additional studies including The Humane society have demonstrated that shock collars have the potential to cause symptoms of distress in dogs. For small to medium-sized dogs, a shock could be painful to their little necks. They are not recommended for pups under 8 months of age or 8 pounds. Potentially, your pup might begin to associate the painful shock with people or other experiences, leading to fearful or aggressive behavior. That is counterproductive to solve the behavior you are trying to fix.

Static bark collars were originally used to help train hunting dogs in the 1960s, but some feel it is an antiquated training method. Today they are still recommended by some trainers in the states. Conversely, in 2020 they are banned in several countries. They are not allowed in Wales, England, Scottland Quebec, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, and a few areas in Australia. There is a bill on the books in Boulder Colorado to ban them. That alone makes me think twice about using them as a training method.

WHY IS your dog barking? How can we solve it?

Canines are pretty smart, some understand barking and the shock collar goes together so they stop the behavior. The problem is, some ONLY stop barking when wearing the collar. Again, a rather counteractive result of excessive barking. Bark collars should only be worn for a short amount of time per session.

Here is a checklist to assess the situation if you are home. Many times dogs bark for the following seven reasons.

Dogs are naturally territorial animals, which makes them a perfect guard to protect your property. However, if you are home feeling F-A-A-B ulous and your P-E-T is barking too much… there may be a reason.

Fear

Anxiety

Attention

Boredom

Pain

Excitment

Territory

Are bark Collars the best tool for solving the problem?

Knowing the motivation behind the exessive or inappropriate barking is a beneficial way of learning how to correct the issue effectively. Firstly, I want our household dog to bark when someone approaches the property for protection. Secondly, I don’t want her to bark ferociously at the same mailman that comes about the same time every day. Therefore, I need to understand why she barks and teach her when it is o.k. and when it is not.

When used properly with instruction from a trained behavioral specialist, bark collars can be used to solve an issue. If you feel though that a static shock collar is too aggressive, read on!

Are there other options besides a static shock collar.

There are other options besides a static shock option. Some collars also feature an

Ultrasound and or Vibration (or both) – In lieu of a shock, the collar emits a high pitched sound. A noise only dogs sensitive hearing will notice and it distracts the dog mid bark.

NPS No Shock Collar

Citronella Spray – Instead of a shock or noise, a squirt of unpleasant oil gets strayed. In theory, this works. However, if another pet or you are standing to close watch out!

Zeonetax Recharging Citronella Bark Collar

In conclusion, it is a decision you will need to make on your own. There is a lot of argument against using them. However, they are still widely used and recommended by trainers to this day. More aggressive breeds like pit bulls and larger dogs like Great Pyrenees may respond to a more forceful training than a smaller more docile dog. If you decide that excessive barking is causing too much trouble and redirection or other retraining methods haven’t been successful, bark collars may really help.

It is important to get proper knowledge on proper use. Use of a static bark collar with a rescue dog is not recommended as you don’t know the dogs history. Having a well behaved furry friends is important and it leads to a peaceful relationship. It’s our responsibility as animal owners to teach good manners. There are many constructive ways to teach that don’t cause harm. Ultimately, you know your pet’s personality best. However, please make an informed decision about how best to train your best friend.

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