Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Heated Water Hoses For All!


Just under two weeks to go before Christmas.  I cannot believe it.  It does not seem much like Christmas here with our temperatures in the upper 70's and lower 80's but none the less, it will be here shortly and there is nothing I can do to stop it, lol.  Now, on the other hand, if you live in the north or north west regions I am sure that you are feeling like it is time  for Christmas.  With that being said I thought I would remind everyone of a great product.

The product that I am referring to is the heated water hose.  As I already stated, I live in a state where we don't have to worry that often about freezing temperatures.  But, I did grow up in the cold and I can remember my father winterizing by disconnecting the hoses and making sure that the faucets were drained and covered so that nothing would freeze up.  That worked OK for us but what if you really need that outside hose hooked up?  Some people have outside animals or animal pens they need to keep up with even through the winter months.  That is where the heated water hoses come in.  These hoses are so convenient to use.  The hoses come in 20, 40, or 60 ft lengths.  You simply plug the hose in and it keeps the hose from freezing. If you need the hose everyday then you can leave the hose plugged in constantly and there is a sensor that will automatically shut the heater off in warmer weather.  If you need the hose frequently but not everyday then maybe you want to just have the hose handy and then you just need to plug it in twenty minutes before you are ready to use it.  These hoses are not meant to heat your water, only to keep the hose itself from freezing.

So, if you have outside water buckets that you need to fill everyday for your outside animals such as horses, this is a great piece of equipment.  No more hauling buckets of water from the barn to outside water bins.  If you live in one of those climates that has already seen snow or is going to see snow in the very near future, now is the time to start thinking about making your life easier this winter.

Tis the season.  So, think of yourself too and order something that will make your life a little easier this winter.  As always, at baddogsupplies.com, we are here to help with all of your dog product needs.  Just let us know what you are looking for and I am sure we can help you find it.  Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Warming Pet Beds and Crate Pads

Lectro-Soft Heated Outdoor BedIt's Official, just over two weeks before Christmas!  I am so excited and so stressed out at the same time!  There is just so much to do before the big day gets here and then it is over just like that!  So I want to try and help you all out and remind everyone to remember their four legged friends this Christmas.  If you yourself have dogs or just have a friend or loved one who has dogs, you are going to want to get something special for them too.

A great product for someone who has dogs are the pet bed warmers, the warmer bed, and heating pads.  Not only is it the time of season for celebration, but it is also the time of the season for cold weather.  You don't want to let your furry friend get cold!  There are different products for your needs but you can just get the pet bed warmers or the heated pad to go with an existing pet bed.  But, another option is the heated pet bed with the warmer already built in.  The heated pet bed can even be used for outside.  These heaters are great like I said to help keep your pets warm this cool holiday season.  However, for dogs that are arthritic these pet warmers or beds can be used year round if needed to make your pet a little more comfortable from their arthritic aches and pains.

So, like I said, think of your dogs this holiday season.  At badddogsupplies.com we carry each of the products discussed above and we currently have them on sale for the holidays.  You still have time.  Go now and order your pet bed warmers or bed and still have it in time for Fido for Christmas!  As always, we are a family run business and we aim to please.  If you have any questions or concerns then please let us know so we can help in any way possible.  Happy shopping!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Dog Collars and Dog Leashes


Deer Ridge Leather Leash 5/8
Deer Ridge Leather CollarI hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving!  Now, the true holiday season has kicked in gear.  Although, it is hard to get into the spirit here in my location when it is 70-80 degrees outside, lol.

With Thanksgiving over many have started the Christmas shopping rush.  If you have family members or friends on your list who have pets then check out our website.  A great inexpensive but high quality gift for those friends or family members would be a durable leather collar or leather leash.  Both the leather collars and leashes are lined with deerskin for the handler's comfort and are constructed of single ply harness leather.  These collars look great and are comfortable for the owners and the dogs.  The collars and leashes come in different sizes and lengths.

Currently, we do have both the leather collars and leashes in stock and ready to ship in time for Christmas.  So, come by the website, get a great gift for a loved one and maybe something for yourself, and keep checking people of your Christmas list, lol.  As always, at baddogsupplies.com, we are here for you and if there are any questions or you just need assistance with a purchase please let us know so we can do out best in assisting you.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Training Your Dog With An Indoor Containment System

Instant Pet Barrier with One ZoneOur last blog talked about indoor containment systems.  With this blog I would like to briefly touch on how to train your dog or dogs before you decide to use this type of system.  First off, most of the indoor containment systems come with a collar and a transmitter.  The transmitter will be placed in a central place in your home.  The transmitter will have a control on it that will allow you to adjust the distance from the transmitter that your dog can travel in before he or she is corrected.  Most systems will give a warning beep or sound before an actual correction.  However, if the dog continues towards the restricted area then he or she will get a small correction given in the form of an electrical pulse.  We have discussed this in the past and I will say it again, the correction will not hurt your dog!  The correction is very minimal like the shock you would receive if you touched a metal object after walking around the carpet in your sock feet.  If you are still hesitant, then try it on yourself so that you feel more at ease.

Now that you have the system in place where you want or need it I am going to briefly cover how to train your dog with this type of system.  Yes, you must train them!  That is very important.  Do not just put the collar on your dog and hope for the best.  If you do this, then you are not going to get the results you need as the dog is just going to get continuous corrections without knowing why, they could end up on the wrong side of the fence with the corrections still going and then they will panic.  Please do not do that to your dog.  Training tools are great!  But you have to use them as such, training tools.  Now, with that being said.  You will first need to train your dog as to where the barrier is.  To do this, you can set a small object like a chair or foot stool at the end of the fence line so they have a visual indicator of the barrier.  Place the collar on the dog and attach your leash.  You will walk the dog slowly toward the fence line.  When you start to approach the barrier, slow down so the dog has time to hear the warning beep.  Then move a few steps more until he or she feels the correction.  Immediately upon the correction, you will turn and walk the dog in the other direction.  Reward the dog with praise and treats for moving away from the barrier line.  You will then repeat this process until the dog no longer approaches the barrier line.  


Most dogs catch on to this training very quickly but some may take a little more training.  Just take your time and train them properly and all will be rewarded with the benefits of an indoor wireless fence.  Again, use this device for training only and when it is not in use then remove the collar from the dog.  


At baddogsupplies.com we do carry a variety of indoor containment systems for your convenience.  We are even currently having a sale on our Petsafe Model.  Check out our website and ask us any questions you may have about these types of systems or any of our many other great products.  We hope to hear from you soon.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Indoor Pet Containment Systems

Aside from the dreaded time change, I love this time of year!  The days are not so muggy and hot.  I can actually go outside and enjoy myself without feeling like I need to take another shower when I come back in, lol.  But, we know that with this cooler weather winter is just around the corner.  I am fortunate enough to live where it doesn't get too, too cold but I know many people live in environments that have or are soon to have the pleasant white stuff covering  the ground.  With that being said, it is time to start thinking about what you are going to be doing with your dogs this winter.  If you have inside dogs then it may just mean a simple adjustment of making sure they have a bed warmer or bed for those cool nights.  But, if your dogs are dogs that usually stay outside, please start to think about your options.  There are many options available to you that would include insulated dog houses with dog bed warmers as already mentioned.  Or, you many want to think about letting them into certain areas of the home to get them through the extreme cold.  One way you can let them in without having to worry about them being in the house, is by using indoor containment systems.  These systems are so easy to set up and move around if you need to.  An indoor containment system will allow you to bring your dog or dogs into the home but you can restrict them to certain areas by using this system.  This way, everyone is happy.  You don't have to worry about the pet having the run of the house and the pet is happy to have a nice warm environment to sleep in to stay out of the cooler elements.

There are a variety of different indoor containment systems and you want to do your research and find the one that best fits your needs.  You will also need to do a little training with the dogs so they know where they can and cannot go in the home.  This is another good reason to start thinking about this early.  If you get your training done now then when you do have one of those really cold days and nights and have to bring the pet in, the hard part of training is already done.

Of course, this is just one idea for you but hopefully it has got you thinking about what winter brings and what you may need to do in order to prepare for winter for your dog or dogs.  At baddogsupplies.com we do carry a few different indoor containment systems.  Come by our website and check us out.  We are always willing to help you find what you need so if you don't see what you want then let us know so we can help you find it.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Great Time of the Year to Purchase Your PupLight

Is anyone else having a hard time adjusting to the daylight savings time change?  I hate that it feels like I should be in bed when it is only 5:30 pm!  Oh well, that is my venting for the day.  With this time change though it did remind me of one thing.  It reminded me how important it is to have our Pup Light for walking the dogs in the evenings.  As I already stated as I was blowing off steam, it is dark much earlier.  For us, we work all day so it is definitely dark by the time we get home.  If we want to keep up with our daily dog walks then we need a good solution for walking them in the dark safely.  The Pup Light does that for us.
PupLight

I have discussed this product in the past but I wanted to bring it up again because of how it is probably needed even more for this time of the year.  The pup light is a light that is attached to a collar worn by your dog.  The leash is not attached to the pup light so that there is no change in the position of the light itself as you are walking your dog.  The light itself is very bright and can be seen for up to one mile away.  The light runs on triple AAA batteries which is the only dog light to do so.  The Pup Light has a fur guard to prevent the dogs hair from blocking the light and it has a rim over the light so the light will not shine in the dog or dog walkers eyes.  The lights themselves are bright LED lights and the light can be seen from every angle.

I hate to bring up an old topic but, given the time change, I do feel strongly that this light is the answer to walking your pets in the evenings.  I think that this light is important for your dog's safety as well as yours.  With it being attached to your pet, it keeps your hands free and you don't have to worry about trucking a flashlight along with you.

As always, this is one of the many great products that we carry at Baddogsupplies.com.  So come by and check out our store and let us know what you think.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Dog Houses

Outback Twin Peaks Dog House Small 37
Have any of you ever been searching for a dog house and done a google search for "dog houses"?  Oh my.  I did that recently.  I did a search for dog houses.  It is unbelievable what there is out there for dog houses now a days.  There are dog houses that are insulated, which makes good sense.  You can get dog houses specially made to the exact replica of your own home.  There are dog houses out there that look like log cabins or igloos.  There are even dog houses that have two stories!  I guess I am out of touch when it comes to what is available in dog houses.  Or, at least I was out of touch, until my recent search and discovery, lol. 

I was just so intrigued with my recent discovery of dog houses that I had to share that with you.  At Bad Dog Supplies we do carry a few dog houses.  There are many options out there so you will have plenty of research to do anyhow in your searches so why not swing by our website and see what we have to offer before you make any final purchases.  While you are on our site you can see all of the other great products that we have to offer.  Happy dog house searching!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Car Chargers for Training Collars

We have discussed many different types of training collars in the past.  Some of those collars were battery operated.  I just want to make sure that people are aware of some of the extra things you can buy for your electronic or battery operated dog training collars.

Car Charger for G2 and G3In addition to being able to buy extra training collars for certain training collar systems, you can also purchase extra batteries.  But, another neat idea, especially if you are training your dog remotely or if you are a hunter using a training collar or collars on your hunting dogs, then the car charger is a great idea!  We talked about the training collars in the past and they do come with different battery lifes.  But, if you know that you are going to be out longer than the life of the battery or if you forgot to charge your unit before leaving the house, then the car charger will come in very handy.  Just plug your unit into your car on the way to your destination and have full battery life by the time you arrive, or close to it. How easy is that? 

Of couse, there are many different types of training collars out there as I have already stated, so you will need to make sure that if you buy a car charger for your unit that it is compatible with the unit you have.  Again, as stated, this is a simple idea but I thought I would bring it up for those who may not have already thought about it.

We do carry many different car chargers for you training collars at baddogsupplies.com.  As always, if we do not have what you are looking for then please let us know so we can assist you in finding you what you want or need. 

Monday, November 5, 2012

How to Train Your Dog to Use a Dog Door


Freedom Patio Panel Large and Tall White 91.4375
For our last blog, we talked about the wonderful dog door.  I realized afterwards that I may have made light of how easy it is for you to use with your dogs.  I am confident that any dog can get used to using a dog door but I also realize that it may take a little effort on your part to train them to use the dog door.  I know I talked about how easy it was to train our dog, but I know not all dogs will be so easy to train.  So, with this blog, I want to give you some tips on training your dog to use a dog door.  
Once you have the dog door installed then you want to give your dog the opportunity to check it out a little by nosing around it.  If they don't just walk right up to it then try to reassuringly ease them to it.  Then it is recommended that you tape the flap of the dog door up so that they can see out of it freely without the flap being in the way.  Next, try to push your dog gently through the door a few times so they can get the idea of going through it.  The last time you push them out, give them a few minutes to see if they come back in on their own.  You can even use a little treat or maybe even their favorite toy to coax them back through the door on their own.  Once they are back inside, whether on their own accord or with a little help from you, then trade places with them and you go outside and try to get them to come out in the same manner you tried to get them to come in.  If you have friends or family members that have dogs that use a dog door then you can even recruit them to help with the training.  If your dog sees other dogs going in and out through the door, then they are likely to follow suit.  You may have to repeat these steps several times before your dog has the hang of it.  Once they do, then lower the flap back into place.  Now with the flap lowered, see if they will still go through.  If not, you may have to repeat all of the original steps until they are comfortable again.  With these simple steps, you will have your dog using his or her dog door in no time.  It just takes a little energy to install the door and then a little patience to train your dog, and then sit back and enjoy the benefits!
If you are interested in finding a dog door for your home then please check out our website at baddogsupplies.com where we carry almost anything you could need for your dog supply and training needs.  If we don't have it, let us know so we can find it for you.  Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Doggie Doors

Deluxe Dog Door WhiteI am sure that we are all familiar with what a doggie door is.  If not, then a doggie or dog door, is a small opening that you place into any style door in order to give your dogs the freedom to go in and out when they want or need to.  I love our dog door!  My husband often says that our dog door saved one of our dogs lives.  Not really, he is just kidding, but we have a dog that we had a very hard time potty training when we first got her as a stray.  It did not matter how long we were out of the house, as soon as we walked out, she would urinate on the floor.  We were at our wits end until we finally tried a doggie door.  Believe it or not, we pushed her through it a few times to show her how it worked, and she never went on the floor again!  Now, maybe not everyone has those results but it sure did help us.  I love the dog door because it also saves us the up and down and having to get up at odd hours in the evening to let our dogs out.  They are free to go out whenever they need to.

As I stated, they have dog doors to fit any door style.  So, even if you have a sliding glass door, you can still get a dog door that will work with your sliding glass door.  They even have motion sensor pet door kits now that you can buy for your sliding glass doors that will open your door automatically to let your dog in or out.

These really are a simple but wonderful, time-saving product.  Like I said, we love ours.  I don't know now how I went so many years without it.  At baddogsupplies.com we have a variety of dog doors to fit every need and budget.  This really is worth looking into if you have a dog.  If you are concerned about weather being an issue, don't be.  There are dog doors that are more energy efficient so that you don't need to worry about it being to hot or too cold and then having this opening for your dog door.

As always, we aim to try and help you in any way we can.  Check us out and if we don't have what you need, please let us know so that we can help you find it.

Monday, October 29, 2012

How to Train Your Dog With a Prong Collar



The last blog discussed what prong collars are. With this blog I would like to discuss how to use a prong collar for training.  Again, this is a brief blog, just a general overview.  This does not take the place of you doing more research yourself or seeking the advice of a professional regarding your prong collar training.  With that being said, let me now give you some tips on training with a prong collar.

As we discussed previously, prong collars are an effective tool to use in training your dog to walk properly without pulling on the leash, or dragging you along, lol.  In the last prong collar blog we discussed the proper placement of the prong collar so I will not go through that again in any detail. I will just reiterate that you need to unhook the collar to put it on and take it off. Do not just slide the collar over the dog's head.

Now that you have the correct size collar properly positioned on the dog's head, lets get started.  Begin walking your dog as usual on their leash.  The leash should be relaxed.  You do not need or want a constant pressure on the dog's neck.  As you are walking, if the dog begins to pull, lunge, bark, or acts in any other unacceptable behavior, then you are going to provide a correction with a sharp "pop" or "yank" on the leash.  This is just a very quick correction with a quick release. Again, no constant pressure.  If you need to make turns then you can either use your body as guidance to let the dog know what you are trying to do or you can use the leash and prong collar and provide a gentle guidance pull on the leash.  You can also teach your dog to sit with a prong collar by pulling up and back on the leash while providing the sit command.  The up movement lets them know to stop while you are walking and the pulling back lets them know you want them to sit.  The pressure you are using to provide correction is just enough force to stop the undesirable behavior.

A few extra things I want to cover here are a slight overlap from the last blog.  Prong collars come in sizes small, medium, and large.  Many professionals recommend the lighter collars even with larger dogs as the large collars are sometimes just too bulky or heavy.  You will however need to add additional links to a smaller collar to make it fit a larger dog.  Remember, the collar should fit up high on the dog's neck just behind the dog's ears and along the jawline.  If you remember, the collar has two rings.  The solid ring goes against the dog's neck, while the swivel ring is the one you hook your leash to.

Another brief  but important tip.  Make sure that the collar is not twisted when you place it on the dog's neck.  If you take the collar apart in the middle and just let it hang you can check to make sure it is not twisted.

So, there you have it. Some very quick tips on using a prong collar.  When used correctly, they are great collars for training.  If there are any questions though about whether you are using it the right way, then please contact a professional who can help.

At baddogsupplies.com we do carry dog prong collars.  As always, we aim to please.  If we don't have what you are looking for then please let us know so we can help you find exactly what you need or want.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What Are Dog Prong Collars?

Titan Training Collar

There are many different types of dog training collars available.  For every type of dog training collar available, you will find people who do or don't use them or who agree or disagree with the use in the first place.  The purpose of this blog is just to make you more familiar with what a dog prong collar is and how it is typically used.  

Prong collars are dog collars that typically have a chain similar to the martingale chain as its base.  A martingale chain is a collar that has two loops.  One loop is a smaller loop used as a control loop that will tighten the second loop or the larger loop.  This helps to prevent the dog from slipping out of the collar and at the same time allows for a limited constriction on the dog's neck with an evenly applied pressure.  To make it a prong collar, in addition to the martingale style chain, the collar will have a series of chain links with blunted open ends that turn toward the dog's neck.  The combination of the martingale style collar which limits the constriction with the angle of the prongs will prevent the dog from being pinched by the prongs.  The main purpose of these collars is to prevent the dog from pulling by applying a pressure to the dog's neck at various points.  

If you decide to use a prong collar as a training tool, here are some important tips to keep in mind.  Many trainers will not begin with using the prong collar right away and if they do it is usually when the dog is around the twelve month old mark.  It is critical that the collar is fitted properly for the size of your dog.  When the collar is on your dogs neck it should sit up high on the dog's neck just behind their ears.  The collar should be snug so the prongs cannot move around to the  front of the dog's neck where they may cause unwanted pinching on your dog's trachea.  You can tell if the collar is on correctly by putting two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck.  If you can turn your two fingers sideways, then the collar is not too tight.  Also, you need to carefully follow the directions for placing the collar on your dog's neck by unhooking one of the links and then hooking the link back together once around your dog's neck.  The prong training collar should be removed when you are not training your dog.  You should not try to just slide the prong collar over your dog's head to put it on and take it off.  It is also important to note that many trainers believe that the prong collars should be used as a training tool when you are training the dog one on one rather than in group settings as it is believed by some that group training with the prong collar may cause aggressive behaviors in some dogs with long term training and use.  

Although the prong collars may look medieval and scary, if used properly with the right amount of training yourself, they can be a very effective training tool.  It is even suggested that the prong collars are often better training collars than the choke collars which are said to put more pressure and cause more damage to the dog's trachea in the long run.  

As with any dog training tool, you need to do your research.  You need to research not only the best training tool for you and your dog but also to make sure that whatever training tool you do use, is being used correctly to prevent poor outcomes or injury to your dogs.  This blog is very short and there is much more information out there as far as training with a prong collar.  As always, at baddogsupplies.com, we carry prong collars as well as many other valuable training tools for your dogs.  If you have any questions or concerns then please let us know so that we can help in any way possible.  Thank you for stopping by.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Dog Training Dummies



Soft Mouth Trainer DummyIf you are a hunter who uses dogs or you train hunting dogs, then I am sure you are well aware of what dog training dummies are.  But, for those of you who don't know what they are this is a brief description of what they are and what they do.  Many  times you will be using the dog training dummies in combination with a dummy launcher.  The dummy launchers are a great tool to utilize in order to help teach and simulate the hunting situation of a sound of a bang with the marking of a bird in the sky.  This process will assist with getting the dog used to the gun sound as well as the retrieval process of your catch.

The dummies themselves will come in different colors.  They may also come with a valve on them. The valve allows you to add water to the dummy in order to add weight to it.  The importance of the different color dummies is as follows:  the white dummies are the most common type because it can be seen on most backgrounds.  The orange color is used for blind retrievals because most dogs cannot distinguish it.  The Flasher dummy is used for mark training.  It is usually best to have several of each of the different colors of training dummies in order to maximize the effectiveness of your training.  

As for the dummy launchers themselves, they will also come in different colors of green, yellow, and red which will indicate the strength of the sound as well as the power of the launch for 50, 80, and 100 yards.  Some people will prefer not to use a launcher and instead use someone as an assistant to fire as they launch the dummy themselves.  Either way is effective training and you just have to find the right method for you and your dog.  

When you are not training your dog or dogs, you should store your dummies away so that your dog or dogs are not allowed to play with or chew on the them.  This will cause negative reinforcement to your training.

At baddogsupplies we do carry a few different types of dog training dummies in our training section.  Currently, we have the D.T. Systems Soft Mouth Trainers on sale.  As always, we aim to please and if you don't see what you need then let us know and we would be more than happy to help you find what you want.  We also are happy for any comments that you care to leave!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

What Is A PupLight?




PupLight
Have you heard of a PupLight?  Well, it is just as the name implies, a light that is worn around your dogs neck.  So, when or why would anyone need such a device?  That is what I hope to cover with today's blog.

First, let me start by telling you about the PupLight itself.  It provides bright illumination by using three ultra bright LED lights.  PupLight is the only dog light that uses triple AAA batteries so it is less expensive.  You can  even use rechargeable batteries which will save even more money in the long run.  The light itself is attached to an easy on/easy off elastic adjustable band that is worn around the dogs neck.  The collar is not attached to the leash so it will remain in one position when it is worn.  It also comes with a rim over the light so that the light does not shine up into the dog's eyes or the eyes of the person or people walking the dog.

Now to the benefits of using a PupLight.  If you are walking your dog in the evening when it is getting dark or is dark, then this light can help keep you and your dog safe.  Because the light is illuminating up to 200 feet forward and up to 70 feet to each side, you can see any potential hazards ahead for you and your dog such as potholes, wild animals, or possibly just other dogs or people.  Also, because the light is so bright, it makes the dog more visible for up to one mile away!  This will definitely make it easier for passing drivers to see your dog and you to help avoid either of you from being struck by a vehicle.  Even if you are not walking your dog, you can use the PupLight on your dog in the evenings when you let them out so you can more easily keep an eye on them and where they are in the yard so they don't run off.  If they do run off, then the PupLight will also make it easier for you to locate them.

The above benefits are just a few of many.  The PupLight is easy and convenient to use.  This product is really a must have for anyone wanting or needing to walk their dog or dogs in the evenings.  I am not sure about others reading this but for us, we live in such a humid climate that walking your dog at night is really the best choice for us and the dogs because of the heat.  So, for us, this light is a no brainer.

On our website, baddogsupplies.com, we do carry the pup light in a variety of colors.  Also, we do have a great sale on these right now.  So, check out our website for the PupLight as well as many other great dog products.  As always, if we do not have what you are looking for, just let us know at support@baddogsupplies.com.  Chances are we can get or help you find exactly what you want or need.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Types of Dog Leashes



Water Walker Leash Green / White 10 feet for up to 40 lbsI know.  When you look at the topic name, it seems really silly.  I mean, we are talking about dog leashes here.  How interesting can that be?  Well, actually, there are many different types of dog leashes out there.  So, this may be very interesting to you if you are in the market for a new or updated dog leash.

I think we are all well aware of the normal nylon leashes that come in a variety of lengths and colors.  Probably most of us are also aware of the retractable types of leashes.  If not, the retractable dog leashes  offer the convenience of being able to adjust the length of the leash within a reel that you can brake and release at the push of a button.

But, did you all know that there are also leashes that can carry water and doggie pick up bags within the reel as well?  This is the leash to have if you need to carry water and doggie poop bags with you on your walks.  As I said,  within the reel of the leash there is a portable water bottle, portable dog bowl, and doggie doo pick up bags.  This is all with the comfort and convenience of a retractable leash!

If you are a dog owner who as more than one dog, like myself, there are also leashes that you can connect two dogs at a time.  That way you have one handle, with two dogs.  This will cut down on the need to have more than two hands if you are walking multiple dogs, lol.

I know that this is a pretty basic, borderline boring topic.  But again, I just wanted to make sure that people are aware of your options out there.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I am busy!  So, I am always looking for ways to make my life easier, like using something as simple as a leash that I can walk two dogs with and still have the other hand open to walk my child.  I love it!

If you are in the market for dog leashes then stop by our website.  As always, at baddogsupplies.com, we aim to please.  We would love to make your life easier too!  If we don't have what you are looking for then let us know about it!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Ever Wonder What the Difference is Between Dog Crates and Dog Kennels?


Intrigued?  Don't be.  There actually is no difference between a dog crate and dog kennel and the two terms can be used interchangeably. There is however different types of dog crates/kennels.

Chain Link Portable Kennel - 10' x 6' x 6'You can get dog crates or kennels that are wire, hard plastic, or soft sided.  The hard molded plastic type typically has a top and bottom which is held together along the middle by bolts.  It has an opening along one end and the door is either wire or plastic.  It also has ventilation along the sides of the carrier.  If you are going to be traveling and need a dog carrier then choose the type that will best fit your traveling needs.  If traveling by airline, you will need the hard molded plastic style.  If you are traveling by car then either the wire type or the hard plastic type are fine but a lot of times the hard plastic type can be belted into place easier and will hold up better if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.  Also, the wire type of dog kennels are not meant to be able to be moved once your dog is inside whereas you can do so with the hard molded plastic type.  The wire type of dog kennels are good for training.  You do want to make sure though that you buy the correct size.  Make sure there is enough room for your dog to stand, sit, and lie down only.  If they are given too much room in their kennel then they may use the bathroom in it as well.

So, when you are ready to choose a dog crate or kennel, ask yourself some basic questions to make sure that you are buying a suitable crate or kennel for your needs.  Is the crate for home use only?  If so, the wire type may be fine.  But, if not, you again need to consider how you will be traveling.  If going by air, the wire type will not be approved by airlines.  Are you buying a crate for a puppy or young dog not yet done growing?  Then make sure you buy a size large enough to still use once the dog is full grown.  Do you need a dog crate or kennel that is portable or collapsible?  As stated earlier, the hard plastic type can moved even while the dog is inside, the wire kind cannot.  However, the wire types are usually collapsible so they may take up less space when not in use.

This was just a brief description on the different types of dog kennels/crates that are available.  Again, before making any kind of purchase for your dog, sit down and figure out what your needs are.  Once you know how the crate/kennel will be utilized then the selection of one really just comes down to getting the proper size for your dog.  I hope that this has helped you some on the kennel/crate selections.  We are here on this blog to try and provide you with some useful information on different types of dog products out there.  Also, check out our website at baddogsupplies.com.  We have a wide selection of the different types of dog crates or kennels, including the soft sided and airline approved.  As always, whether you are looking for a dog crate/kennel or some other dog supply product, if we don't have what you need or just have a question about a product then let us know so we can help.

Yes, blog followers, this is an older blog post that is probably going to show up as a new post because I am still trying to make some corrections to my site here and at baddogsupplies.com.  When we switched to our new web service and developer we lost some of our older pictures so as people are reading through our blog, you see a lot of blanks.  I am a bit of a perfectionist and I don't like the way it appears so I am going through to try and make those corrections.  So, please continue to be patient with us as I continue through this process.  Thank you.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Heated Water Hoses.



Happy Friday.  I am sure you have seen the news already with some of the states like Wyoming, Colorado, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas getting snow already!  I can't believe it.  Just another reminder that winter is just around the corner.  With that being said, I thought this would be a perfect time to let you know about a product that may save some of you who live in those frozen tundras a lot of headaches this winter.

The product that I am referring to is the heated water hose.  I am fortunate enough to live in a state now where we don't have to worry that often about freezing temperatures.  But, I did grow up in the cold and I can remember my father winterizing by disconnecting the hoses and making sure that the faucets were drained and covered so that nothing would freeze up.  That worked OK for us but what if you really need that outside hose hooked up?  Some people have outside animals or animal pens they need to keep up with even through the winter months.  That is where the heated water hoses come in.  These hoses are so convenient to use.  The hoses come in 20, 40, or 60 ft lengths.  You simply plug the hose in and it keeps the hose from freezing. If you need the hose everyday then you can leave the hose plugged in constantly and there is a sensor that will automatically shut the heater off in warmer weather.  If you need the hose frequently but not everyday then maybe you want to just have the hose handy and then you just need to plug it in twenty minutes before you are ready to use it.  These hoses are not meant to heat your water, only to keep the hose itself from freezing.

So, if you have outside water buckets that you need to fill everyday for your outside animals such as horses, this is a great piece of equipment.  No more hauling buckets of water from the barn to outside water bins.  If you live in one of those climates that has already seen snow or is going to see snow in the very near future, now is the time to start thinking about making your life easier this winter.

I know this was a little outside our usual topics but I just had to let you know about a great product that may really help you out this winter.  As always, at baddogsupplies.com we are here to help you in any way we can with your dog supply needs.  If we don't have what you are looking for then just send us an email.  Chances are good that we can find what you need or want and we would be more than happy to do so!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

What are Dog Training Collars?

Today I want to discuss a little about dog training collars.  More specifically, what are they and how do they work?  When many people think of dog training collars they think of "shock" collars and then many people freak out thinking that you are the most horrible person in the world to be "shocking" your dog.  No people, we are not in this to cause any harm to any dog.  We love our dogs and would never do them any harm as we know you love yours and feel the same way.  The stimulation that the dog will receive from one of these collars can be compared to the mild stimulation or electric shock that you may experience if you walk around the carpet in your sock feet and then touch a metal surface.  Does it hurt? No.  But it will get your attention and that is what we want to do here with the training collars.  So, for the sake of this discussion, let's just call these systems by the name many professionals use, which is electric collars or Ecollars for short.

What is an Ecollar?  An Ecollar is a device used as a training aid to assist you with obedience training for your dog.  Ecollars are operated by using a remote switch that will send a signal to the collar your dog wears.  The stimulation on the collar can be modified to increase or decrease the stimulation depending on your dogs sensitivity level.  Depending on the model of your training collar, you can correct behavior in your dog from a distance of twenty feet to over a mile.  The purpose of the training collar is to provide an undesirable distraction via the stimulation of the collar.  When the dog obeys your commands they will quickly learn to avoid the unpleasant stimulus.

Again, these training systems are meant to serve as an aid in obedience training.  Take this seriously!  This is not something you are doing with your dog just for the fun of it.  To reiterate, the shock that the dog receives is minimal!  If however, you are still hung up on the fact that your dog is going to receive any shock at all, then keep in mind that many of these training systems will also come with an option on the device that allows you to use a vibration or tone rather than a shock to correct unwanted behavior.  So, as with many things in life, you have options.  Do your research.  Find out which device would work best for you and your dog or which device you would feel most comfortable using.

I hope that I have at least scratched the surface of what a training collar is and how it works.  If you have any questions or comments then please feel free to ask.  As always, check us out on our website, badddogsupplies.com.  We have many quality dog supply products there and would love to help you in any way we can.  If we don't have what you are looking for then just let us know and we will assist you in your search and help you find what you need.






Monday, October 1, 2012

GPS Dog Trackers for Hunting

Hunting season is here!  If you are a hunter that uses dogs for tracking, then the GPS Dog Trackers are a great resource!  When it comes to GPS tracking devices there are a couple of different options.  The one that most hunters will use though is the handheld version.

GPS dog tracking devices, much like the GPS devices in your vehicles, utilize assisted global positioning satellite technology to track your dog.  A handheld GPS dog tracker will consist of two parts.  The first is the transmitting unit which is worn by your pet as a collar and the second is the receiver which is your handheld device.  There are many different types of handheld GPS dog trackers available and you will need to do your research to see what is the best fit for you.  Some of the units are even waterproof.  Still others, like the Garmin Astro 220, can track multiple dogs at one time.

Here are some things that you may want to check out before making your final purchase on a GPS dog tracker.  Check the battery life as some are up to 24 hours only.  Check what areas the device will work in, including its range.  Many of the devices will work in dense cover and if that is where you and your pet are going to be, then that is something you are definitely going to need to consider.  The ranges of the devices vary as well with the average range being anywhere from three to seven miles.  The SportDog TEK-V1LT-Collar for example can track up to twelve dogs at a time for up to seven miles.  As mentioned earlier, some devices are waterproof.  If you are going to be hunting with Fido in the snow or damp conditions then you will need the waterproof device.  Hunting is a sport for you and your dog or dogs but safety for you and them is still very important so check to see if the device has any options to alert you if your dog is in trouble.  Finally, check your pet size and get the right device based on the size of your dog.  If you buy a device meant for large dogs and you have a smaller dog then the device may not work properly.

This blog is only meant as some very basic information as you begin your research on GPS dog trackers.  Use this as a guideline on what to look for as you begin your search and before you make the final purchase, be sure that device you are looking at has everything you need or want.  At baddogsupplies we have many different options available to you when looking for a GPS dog tracker.  Come by our website and see what we have to offer.  As always, we are more than happy to look for something that we may not have on our website.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

It is very hard to believe but winter is almost here.  I know, I am sorry I have to bring it up but there is a great product out there that I need to tell you about before those brutal winter months hit.  If you are here on my blog to begin with then you are probably an animal lover like myself!  So, what better way to take care of your dogs then with keeping them warm this winter.  How can you do that you may ask?  Well, with a pet bed warmer of course.

There are different types of pet bed mats available to keep your pet warm.  There are also pet bed warmers that you can place into an existing bed or there is my favorite, the K & H Lectro soft heated outdoor bed.  The nice thing about my favorite, and the reason why it is my favorite is because it is the only warming bed that is for indoor and/or outdoor use that is on the market and it comes in three sizes so you can select the perfect fit for your dog.  Of course the warming pads that you buy are convenient as well as you can place them into your existing dog bed as I stated earlier. 

Pet bed warmers, warming pads, and warming beds are specifically designed with your pet in mind and are capable of keeping the temperature steady to provide the right amount of heat for your pet.  Also, pet bed warmers are typically water proof with sealant around the electrical elements and electrical cords which is helpful to help avoid electrical shock to your pet.  So, please do not think that you can take a regular heating pad and just use that for your pet bed.  The regular heating pad may get too hot for your pet and burn or overheat them.  If your pet has a tendency to chew on things then you may also want to look for a warmer that comes with a chew resistant cord.

Keep in mind too that pet bed warmers can be used year round if you live in a cooler climate where the pets are outside and the temperatures dip down at night.  Pet bed warmers, pads, and beds are also great for pets that are aging.  Just like a person, as their joints and ours begin to age, they tend to be a little more creaky and uncomfortable.  Keeping your pet warm may help them avoid a lot of the discomfort they can have from their arthritic changes no matter what time of the year it is.  Warmers can give the pets a sense of security and comfort as well.

As you can see there are different options available to you to help keep your dogs warm and secure this winter and throughout the year.  At baddogsupplies.com we do carry the warming pet bed in the three different sizes available as well as a pet warming mat and throw, and pet bad warmers.  So as always, give our website a look through for all of your dog supply needs.  If we don't have it then let us know at hollie@baddogsupplies.com and we will try to find exactly what you need or want.  As always, thanks for following us and checking us out. 

P.S. Check our website often because we do have sales on different products and pet warming beds just may be one of those items!


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Dog Water Dispensers

Does it seem like every time you turn around your dog is out of water again?  I have two dogs in my home (sometimes three when we are dog sitting), and it seemed as though we were constantly refilling the water bowl!  I mean, I am glad they are taking in the water they need, but there were times they were out by the time I got home in the evening.  I have a solution for you!  Automatic watering dispensers.

There are many different types of watering dispensers.  You can buy a portable watering dispenser or not.  You can even buy watering fountains for indoors or outdoors.  Many of the automatic water dispensers will come with a bottle on top much like a water cooler dispenser that will keep the bowl full as the water gets low.  Some of these type of dispensers will come with a carbonated filtration system, again much like a water cooler dispenser.  The dog watering fountains are the ones that are often used outside.  These type of systems will often work by an ultrasonic sensing technology that works by sensing the presence of your dog and then turns the fountain on.  These types of systems can often times be connected to an outdoor water faucet.  Even though these systems are often used outside, you can also buy watering fountains for inside.  There are also electronic watering systems that use more of a reservoir as opposed to a water bottle.  These systems will create a bubbling effect to keep the water oxygenated and they do not require a filter. 

So, as you can see from above, there are many different types of automatic watering systems or fountains.  You just have to find the one that will work best for the set up in your home as well as the size dog you are buying it for.  We carry a wide range of these systems at baddogsupplies.  So please come by and check us out.  As always, we are here to answer any of your questions about any of the products we carry and if we don't have what you are looking for, we would be happy to research other products for you. 

Friday, August 31, 2012

Tips for traveling with your dog (s)

The last big holiday weekend of the summer is upon us. 
 Triple A has forecasted that about 33 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles or more this holiday weekend.  Of those millions of people traveling, many are bringing their dogs with them.  So, is your dog or dogs prepared for their journey, or should I say, have you prepared for your dog's journey?  I hope to offer some helpful travel tips for you and your pets.

Those people traveling by air really only have two options.  If you are traveling with a small dog then many airlines will allow you to bring your small dog on board with you in a pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you.  However, if you are traveling with a larger dog, then you will need to make sure that you have a crate large enough to make your dog comfortable during the flight.  Keep in mind though, that even though Fido is our beloved best friend, to the airlines, he or she is just another piece of cargo and may be treated as such. 

With the economy the way that it is, many people are still traveling but maybe not as far and therefore have just decided to travel by automobile.  This is probably a better option for your dog or dogs.  But, you still need to make sure that your dog is ready for the trip in the vehicle.  Usually, our dogs are accustomed to trips in our vehicles when they have to visit their vet.  But, if that is their only experiece with riding in the car, you may want to drive them to a few other places before your longer trip, say a trip to the dog park.  This will help your dog become less anxious while traveling.  Ideally, you should be stopping at least every three hours to give your pets plenty of breaks so they can get out and use the restroom, get a drink, and just stretch their legs.

When you travel you want to plan ahead and make sure you have the following supplies:  dog collar with up to date name tag and contact information, a leash for when you let them out to stretch or walk them,  water bowl, treats, one or two toys, doggie bags to pick up waste, blanket or dog bed, medications if needed, and either a dog seat belt or dog crate/kennel/carrier. 

No matter what your mode of transportation, you also want to plan ahead to where you will be staying.  If you are going to be staying in a hotel/motel, make sure they approve pets and what their fees are.  You are staying with friends or relatives then again you may want to check out their rules in regards to pets and what kind of area your pet will be able to get around in.  If you know that the home you are visiting does not have a fence or if you are staying in a campground where there are no fences to keep your pet in his or her area, then a wireless dog fence would be a perfect solution for you.  The wireless dog fences are easy to install in usually less than an hour and are very portable so you can take them anywhere.  You many even want to consider an indoor containment system if you are going to be staying with someone who does not want the dog in certain sections or parts of the home. 

The key for your upcoming long weekend trip is to plan ahead.  While you are packing for yourself just make sure you are packing everything you need for your dog or dogs as well.  At baddogsupplies we carry almost everything you will need for your trip.  Check us out.  As always, if we don't have what you need or want then let us know so we can try and add it to our product list. 

I hope this has helped you plan for your trip and have a great and safe long weekend!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Using Dog Bark Control Collars

How do dog bark control collars work?  First, let me start by saying that there are different types of dog bark control collars that are used to control nuisance dog barking.  The different types of collars are as follows:  citronella collar which will emit an unpleasant odor in front of the dogs face when she or he barks, a tone correction bark collar which will emit a loud noise to distract the dog when he or she starts to bark, and a stimulation bark collar which will emit an electrical impulse once the dog begins to bark.  All three types of collars are very effective in curbing nuisance dog barking and the one you choose for your dog is really up to you and the type of correction you think will work best for your dog. 

All three types of collars work by emitting one of the three types of stimulus discussed above when the dog begins to bark.  The corrective stimulus interrupts the dogs barking and the dog will then associate the barking behavior with the corrective stimulus to help stop the barking. 

As with any training device, the amount of time it takes to train your dog with a bark control collar will vary from one dog to another.  The bark control collars (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/collars.html)
are not meant to be worn forever and are again used only as a training tool to curb your dogs nuisance barking behaviors.  Now remember, you are talking about dogs and they are meant to bark.  That is their nature.  What you are trying to do with a bark control collar is control nuisance barking. 

So, if you are trying to control nuisance dog barking then try a dog bark control collar (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/collars.html).  They come in different types as discussed above and some are automatic and some are handheld.  The automatic types will pick up on the vibration of your dogs bark from their vocal cord and then initiate the response whereas the handheld ones will be manual stimulation that you provide through a handheld device once the dog begins the nuisance barking.

As stated, there are different types of collars.  All are safe for your dogs and all are effective.  Pick the one that you think will work best for your dog and begin training your dog today and you will soon get rid of that nuisance dog barking behavior that you and your neighbors are annoyed with. 

As always,  check us out at baddogsupplies.com for all of your dog supply needs.  If we don't have it, let us know so we can find it for you. 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

How Do You Train Your Dog with a Dog Containment System?

As mentioned in previous blogs, it is important to use your wireless or in-ground dog fences as a tool in training your dog or dogs.  Your dog will learn the boundaries through the visual aids with the flags that you set up around the perimeter as well as with your voice commands.  The in-ground or wireless dog fences are additional aids in learning.  


We have mentioned it in the past and we will reiterate that you do need to utilize the flags with training so that the dog has a visual aid.  This will especially be useful if you have a dog that has hearing problems because they may not hear the warning signal from your in-ground or wireless fence, so they can use the flags to guide them.  During the training period, you do want ample flags.  The flags should be left in place for at least two weeks but may remain in place for up to one month.  Once into the training and after the initial two weeks, then you may want to slowly start to decrease the amount of flags that are present.  


It is recommended that you start the training with the dog containment systems with dogs that are about three months old.  But, these systems can be used at any age and some dogs may need to be trained sooner if they are a little more advanced.  You can still use these systems with older dogs too.  The actual amount of training that a dog will need in order to learn this system will vary on the dog itself as well as the amount of time you spend with the dogs and your experience.  On average, if you spend at least ten minutes a day with your dog, then it should take roughly two to three weeks to train your dog with the dog containment systems.  The recommendation is to spend the first week training your dog while the dog is on a leash, then one week with a 20-30 foot line, then the last week with the dog off the leash.


Now, to get down to the actual training and what you will actually do with the dog to begin training.  With the first week, while the dog is on his or her leash, you will begin to walk the dog toward the boundary with the collar next to his or her ear.  When you hear the collar beep, hit the flag with your hand and rush your dog  back toward the center of the yard.  Praise your dog at this point.  After your have completed this training for one week while the dog is on a leash, then start adding some distractions for the dog.  Try to let the dog correct himself.  If the dog does not run back towards the center of the yard as trained, then use the leash to guide the dog back towards the center of the yard.  As stated above, after you have done this step for at least one week while the dog is on a leash then you will switch to using a long line.  Again, once you have worked with the dog some time with this step then you will need to add distractions.  You will then spend at least one weeks time training the dog off the leash and with you out of the dogs line of vision.  


If you have found in the past that your dog or dogs are more difficult to train then you may want to consider a stubborn dog containment system such as the Petsafe In-Ground Stubborn Dog Fence, (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9419887.htm).


As always, please visit us at baddogsupplies.com for all of your dog supply needs.  If we don't have what you are looking for then let us know and we will do our best to find it.  

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Are In-ground Dog Fences Cruel and Unusual Punishment?


One of the biggest questions that comes to peoples minds when they are considering in-ground dog fences is, "Is It Safe for My Dog?"  Because an in-ground dog fence will deliver a small electric shock through the collar that the dog wears around its neck, people are concerned whether this is cruel to their dogs.  Let me start by saying, I love my dogs very much!  I would never do anything to them nor would I recommend anyone else do anything to their dogs that I thought was going to cause them harm.  That being said, in-ground dog fences are meant to train your dogs.  If you use them as such, then you should have nothing to worry about.  
The dog containment systems (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/fences.htmlare set up so that your dog will first receive a warning beep if they get to close to the boundary.  If they continue towards the boundary at that point then they will also get the small electric shock.  Now, the shock that your animal is getting is about the equivalent of you receiving a small electric shock after you have been shuffling around in your sock feet in your carpet and then touch a metal object.  Does it hurt, NO, but it will get your attention real quick.  That is what these systems are meant to do.  Most of your dog containment systems will also come with the flags which you set up around the boundary so that your dogs can also see where the boundary is as you begin to train them.  Additional flags are available if your dog containment system does not come with enough.  Yes, you do have to train them.  Putting the fence in place without training your dogs as to the boundary and consequences of crossing the boundary would be more cruel to your dog or dogs.
None of us, I hope, want to create any undue pain for our pets.  I hope you have pets because you are a pet lover to begin with.  But the small correction shock that your dog will feel as you train them with these systems is nothing in comparison to the pain that they will feel if they run off and are injured by a passing car or something else.  Besides that, by giving them an area in which they can run and play rather then chained up to one spot all day, you will be giving them much more freedom, happiness, and exercise.  
So, if the only thing holding you back from owning an in-ground dog fence or wireless dog fence is the concern of the correction, then you can rest assured that they will be just fine.  Many, many vets, trainers, and other individuals can vouch for the safety of these systems when they are used in the way they were designed for, which is for the training of your dog as to the perimeter of your yard.  
As always, we can help you with all of you dog containment system needs.  Visit us at:  http://www.baddogsupplies.com/page/page/8408616.htm for all of your dog supply needs.  I hope this has helped you so that you can make an informed choice when it comes to training your dog or dogs with an in-ground or wireless dog fence.




Monday, July 23, 2012

What In-Ground Dog Fence to Buy for Different Sized Dogs

     When you are searching for an in-ground dog fence, you want to make sure that you are going to select a fence that meets the size of your dog.  There are many great systems out there, so it should not be hard to find a dog containment system for your dog and your dog's size.  Here is some basic information that may be useful to you and a couple of sample systems that may work for your size dog or dogs.  
   If you have one, two, or even more large dogs that are all over fifteen pounds, then you have many options available to you for an in-ground dog fence.  One of the favorites is the Innotek IUC 4100  (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9420417.htm).  People tend to like this system because it has three correction levels, a progressive correction setting, and it is rechargeable. The only down fall to this system is that you cannot control the correction level for each collar if you have multiple dogs. So, to use this system with multiple dogs, you really want them to all be over fifteen pounds. There is also the Petsafe In-Ground Stubborn Dog Fence or PIG00-10777 (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9419895.htm) in your 20 gauge wire or PIG00-10777-HD which is the same fence but in the 18 gauge wire (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9427896.htm)
     If you do happen to have two or more dogs and there is at least a thirty percent difference in their weights, then you too have options.  There are different systems out there that offer an option that allows you to control the correction level for each collar worn by the different dogs you have.  One such system is the Dogtra system.   This system also has the rechargeable batteries (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9418831.htm)
This system is a little older and the collars are a little larger but is probably your best choice when it comes to different sized dogs.
     Now, when it comes to your smaller dogs or any dogs under twelve pounds, you also have some great options.  One of the options you have for your little dogs is the the Petsafe Elite System for little dogs or PIG00-10773-HD which is your eighteen gauge wire system
(http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9428027.htm), or the PIG00-10773 (http://www.baddogsupplies.com/catalog/item/8482923/9419900.htm), which is going to be the same fence in your twenty gauge wire system.  Some of the Petsafe systems will offer additional collars if you have larger dogs as well.  
     The above systems are as I stated, only a few of the many options available to you for your dogs.  Visit us at http://www.baddogsupplies.com/page/page/8408616.htm for all of your dog containment system needs.  While at our site check out some of our other great products that we carry that includes bark control collars, watering systems, GPS tracking systems, and much, much more.  




Friday, July 20, 2012

How to Install In-ground Dog Fences




  • So, you have done your research, purchased your first in-ground dog fence, and now you are ready for installation.  The purpose of this blog is just to cover the basics of installation of your new in-ground pet fence.  I have included the information you need to install the in-ground dog fence in the ground or install it without having to bury it.  Keep in mind that your dog containment systems will also come with their own guides on how to install that particular system.   Below are some steps to use as just another guide:


    1.)  Before you start tearing up your yard and getting frustrated, you may want to just sit down with a pen and paper to sketch out where your dog containment system will go.  Once you have come up with the boundary perimeter, then draw a circle around the area that will represent the warning area and about 3 to 4 feet from the boundary perimeter draw another line to represent where the pet fence perimeter will be.  If you are going to have to cross any utility lines then you will need to contact your local utility company to have them mark their lines for you before you start digging.


    2.)  Locate an area that you can place the radio transmitter.  You will probably want an exterior wall in an area that will have easy access to both the pet fence wiring and an electrical outlet.  You also want to choose a location that is going to be weatherproof to avoid getting water damage to your radio transmitter.  Once you have chosen a good location you can screw the radio transmitter into the wall with the screws that are usually provided. 


    3.)  Next you will want to lay out the provided wire along the pet fence perimeter.  You are not yet doing your digging yet but you are getting close.  


    4.)  Now you can attach the wire ends to the radio transmitter box.  There are different methods to do this depending on your dog containment system, so be sure to look at your systems instructions to correctly carry out this step.  Once the wiring has been attached you will want to plug the box  in to see if you have a complete circuit which will be indicated by the green indicator light and to make sure that the system is operating.  


    5.)  At this point you want to test the dog fence.  Most of the systems will come with a test light strip to do this step.  All you need to do is place the test light over the shock plate or shock electrodes and walk toward the pet fence perimeter to see if you first get the warning beep or tone as you get closer and then the test light strip should light up to indicate that an electric shock is being emitted once you have continued forward toward the pet fence perimeter.


    6.)  Now that you know the system is operating properly, you can bury the wire.  When you are installing the wire underground, it is easiest to use an edger to assist you in digging the hole.  The wire only needs to be in the ground about 2-3 inches but you can go deeper if you need to.  The best way to keep the wire underground is by digging the hole a little deeper and at an angle.  It is important to have the wire buried enough that you will not disturb it if you need to mow in that area.  If you have to lay the wire through an area that is heavily wooded, instead of burying the wire, you can leave the wire on the ground and use wire staples to hold it in place.


    7.)  The last step you will need to do is to place the training flags that are provided with your dog containment systems in the ground to warn your pet and other people that there is a pet perimeter there and that crossing that perimeter with the pet collar will cause an electric shock.  


    Now, if you are not going to be burying your wire at all, then simply follow all of the same steps as above up to the point where you start to bury the wire.  When you get to that point, you will be using the wire staples to hold the wire to the ground about every 5-6 feet but you may need to use additional staples to make sure the wire is flush with the ground.


    A couple of other side notes would be this:  you do not want to weave the wire through an existing metal fence because it will interfere with the correct operation of the system.  Also,  if you have an existing fence, it is best to place your wire about a foot inside the existing fence.


    There are many great dog containment systems that come with everything you need to install your in-ground dog fence ( http://www.baddogsupplies.com/inground_fences.html ).  Just make sure that if you are going to need additional wire for a larger size yard, that you also buy additional perimeter flags, as well as staples if needed.  


    I hope that you have found this information helpful.  I have also included a link for a video that you can watch that will also cover many of these steps if you are more a visual person.  As always, you can hop on over to http://www.baddogsupplies.com/page/page/8408616.htm to find your dog containment system or the extras that you will need for installing that system.  

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJZGpPq2BA&noredirect=1