Maria Chisuroeste

Invisible fence is the name of a line of electric dog fences.  Over time though, the name has come to be associated with any non-visible dog containment solution.  The basics of this system include an underground wire connected to a power source that utilizes a radio frequency received by the animal’s collar.  In the collar is a radio receiver that warns an animal with a noise upon approaching the preset “fence” and then administers a small shock if the pet gets too close.

A period of training is instituted after the fence is installed.  Flags are left over the buried wire to give the dog a visual signal and then the dog is introduced to the system over a period of time that spans from days to weeks, dependant upon their learning curve.  They learn to associate the sound the collar makes with a warning, and wanting to avoid the subsequent shock, learn to back away from areas where they hear the warning noise.

The best of these systems have a number of accessories that work inside the home as well.  You can utilize the same disciplinary method to keep your pet out of certain areas of your home or off the furniture.  The transmitter can be programmed to accommodate your pet’s specific behavior patterns, allowing for great flexibility when training animals of different personalities.

Using invisible fences to help contain dogs is a growing industry.  I suspect we will see a steady increase in families incorporating an invisible fence in comprehensive dog containment plans. My dog showed immediate attention just like he did with his bark collar.

There are numerous awards in place to reward humans for their outstanding achievements in education, sports, entertainment and a plethora of other merit based performance. With all these awards for people it is no wonder that we like to reward our dogs for their achievements. Whether it is through brave acts of courage, being beautiful or being talented in a particular field we love the accolades and praise that are bestowed upon our pooch pals.

The American Kennel Club is an organization that seeks to promote dogs through providing various canine awards each and every year. The primary goal of the AKC is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. Founded in 1884 the organization is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting canine health and well-being and responsible dog ownership. They also believe in giving back to the dog rescue community and providing accolades for truly special canines. Here is a list of our favorite AKC canine awards:

1. National Championship “Best in Show”: Each December the American Kennel Club hosts a National Championship dog show where the prize of “Best in Show” is awarded to the dog who best exemplifies his or her breed’s standards. This year’s event will be the 125th Anniversary and will be held in Long Beach, California. This award is reserved for pure-bred show dogs and is essentially the canine equivalent to the Ms. America Pageant. Last year’s “Best in Show” winner was a 3 year old pointer named Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, also known as Holly.

2. DOGNY “Heroic Military Dog Award”: Every year, the American Kennel Club honors a military working dog and handler team to acknowledge their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the US armed forces and the citizens of our nation. This award serves as a reminder to all Americans that all of our soldiers - human and canine - deserve our thanks, appreciation and respect. In 2008 Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, of the AKC, traveled to Fort Hood, Texas to bestow the 2008 award upon Sergeant First Class Gabe, a Labrador Retriever partnered with Staff Sergeant Charles Shuck in Iraq.

3. Awards for Canine Excellence of “Ace Awards”: Each year the AKC hosts an awards show to honor canines in five different categories: Exemplary Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service Work and Therapy. The awards are open to any breed and are nominated by individual dog owners and judged by an independent panel of judges with the AKC. Winners receive the national award presentation as well as a ceremony near each award recipient’s hometown. The awards serve as a valuable public-outreach program for the AKC as well as a source of pride among dog fanciers. Last year’s Exemplary Companion Award went to Annie the Doberman Pincher who worked to help her owner, who was born without arms, navigate the crowded city streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Annie was her owner’s constant companion through the loss of everything she had and continues to stick by her side today through obedience competitions and every day life.

4. “Lifetime Achievement Award”: Of course the American Kennel Club also likes to recognize and honor people who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. Each year they give Lifetime Achievement awards to loyal human members of the AKC in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance. These individuals are selected from votes cast by AKC member clubs and recognized for all they do to promote the welfare of dogs through companionship, obedience and show alike.

Find invisible dog fence, large dog cages and extra long dog gates.

First and foremost, do not attempt to trap stray animals by yourself. Even a weak or hurt animal has the potential to hurt you. If a dog is not someone’s pet you have no way of knowing how long he has been on the streets or what he has been through. He could have a history of abuse or a current injury that might cause him to attack out of fear. If you are unable to lure a dog onto the porch or into your yard with unattended to bowls of wet dog food over a period of time then you will probably not be able to catch him on your one.

Step one in capturing a feral dog is obtaining a humane trap. This is a trap designed for catching animals without harming them. Try contacting your local humane society or a rescue group in the area. Make sure that they show you how to use it before you start the trapping process. When setting the trap try placing it in an area you have seen the dog hang out and bait it with fresh cooked meat or wet dog food. If you already feed the stray try to discontinue feeding for a few days before you set out the trap to make sure he is hungry enough to take the bait when you set the trap. Be aware that you might catch unattended targets like raccoons or other wildlife. If this happens, do not release the animal by yourself. Always call animal control to contain the animal properly. They have protective gear; you do not!

Upon trapping the stray you might realize that he is a docile and sweet dog who was simply afraid to be caught. If this is the case you can try to keep the dog and find him a home, but if not and he shows aggression towards you then you might have to call animal control, the local Humane Society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you are in doubt or have very little experience handling dogs then it is always best to get help. If you have decided to assess the pet yourself try bringing the trap to a secured area away from your other pets. This could be your yard, basement, screened porch or spare bedroom. Try giving him plenty of food, but do not overfeed. No matter how quickly he eats it up you can not feed excessively because he will get sick. It is impossible to compensate for a continued lack of proper nutrition in one day.

It is likely that your stray has fleas, mites and even worms and needs prompt medical attention. If you can coax him into a carrier try taking him to the Vet’s office for care. If you take him to a private Vet you will most likely be responsible for the full cost of medical care; however, you could try taking him to the Humane Society or the ASPCA for free or inexpensive treatment. Depending upon the dog’s medical and mental condition the organization might ask to take the dog in and determine the best course of treatment; however, if he seems like a mild case they may let you take him home and arrange for his care or adoption. At this point you will have to think about contacting a rescue group to have them find a forever home for your found stray or keeping him for yourself. Either way you go he will need extensive training and socialization. Despite their tough backgrounds street dogs can make wonderful, gentle and well adjusted family pets.

Go to discount-pet-mall to save on dog training collars, dog gates and dog beds.