Dog Gift Ideas for Black Friday Deals

I know, I know.  I almost hate to say it because that just makes it more a reality but,  next week is Thanksgiving.  Which means Black Friday is only a week away.  With Black Friday comes all the great gifts you are looking for at great prices.  To help you kick off the shopping season I thought I would compile a list of gift ideas for your dogs.  Why not?  They need something to open under the tree too right?  Lol.

• Dog Beds:  Dog Beds come in all shapes and sizes.  You can get raised dog beds, orthopedic dog beds, cooling dog beds, and warming dog beds.  Just decide what your needs are and your dog bed possibilities are endless.
• Dog Collars:  What kind of dog collar do you need?  Do you just need a traditional dog collar, leather collar, light up collar, pinch collar, or perhaps a training collar of some sort?  The point is, there are so many collar options that you cannot go wrong.
• Automatic Pet Feeding or Water System:  The automatic pet feeding and watering systems are so easy and convenient to use.  These items could make someone special in your life very happy by saving them some time out of their day by filling bowls and changing water.  
• Dog Toys:  Here again, the choices and options are endless.  There are hard toys, soft toys, training toys, chewing toys, any kind of toys for your dogs.  
• Dog Treats:  The only cautions I offer about buying treats for dogs that are not yours is to make sure that the dog is not on some sort of diet restriction.
• Dog Shoes:  There are many people, particularly those who live in the cooler climates, that just love the dog shoes.  They come in all different sizes and colors.  
• Dog Calming Shirts/Caps:  If you know someone who has a dog that is very anxious, then this would be a great idea for them and their pet.  Again, people swear by the use of the dog calming shirts and caps to help keep their dogs more relaxed in situations that are otherwise very stressful for them.

This seems like such a small list but really each category has so many options within it that it really opens up your gift giving possibilities.  There are other ideas as well.   Just do a search on the Internet and you will find all kinds of ideas for gift giving for your dogs or the dog lover in your life.  On our website, baddogsupplies.com, we carry numerous items that would be great gift ideas.  If you are unsure of a certain item and whether it would be a good Christmas gift then let us help you decide.  Give us a call and let us help you through the process.  Also, come back and check us out on Black Friday for some sales on some of these great gift ideas.  

If you have any other ideas that would be great dog gifts then please share it with us.  We would love to hear from you.

Winter Supplies

I think I say this every year, but every year this time of the year seems to come sooner and sooner.  Along with the rest of the county, we had some cooler weather yesterday to help me open my eyes to the fact that winter is right around the corner.  I know I am prepared with my winter supplies but then again there is not much I have to do to get ready since we maybe have a few nights of freezing all winter.  However, if you are living in a cooler climate, I hope that you are prepared.  If you are not then now is a great time to get there.  It won't be long before that snow fall is more than just a dusting.  Sorry to remind you, lol.  There are some great supplies out there to help you and your pets get through this winter.  I have listed a few here for you.

• Dog House Heater:  If you have dogs that are out doors through the winter then please take the proper precautions to make sure they stay warm through the harsh winter cold.  This dog house heater is just one of many items that can give you piece of mind that your dogs will stay warm out in the cold winter air.
• Hound Heater Furnace:  The same concept as the dog house heater but this one can attach to the inside of the dog house by drilling some holes.  It also has an adjustable thermostat from 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is an easy instrument to install and use and again gives you much piece of mind knowing your dogs will be plenty warm.
• Thermal Bowls:  If you have struggled through the winter with constantly having to deal with water bowls that have frozen over then this is for you.  You simply plug the bowl in to keep the water from freezing so all you have to do is keep the bowl filled and fresh this winter.  These bowls come in different sizes and also in stainless steel thermal bowls.
• Thermo Hoses:  I remember my winters up north.  My father used to bring in the hoses every winter before any freezes to prevent the hose from freezing up and then if we should happen to have a decent sunny day he would drag one out so he could wash the salt off the cars.  Ugh,  what a pain.  With these hoses, you don't have to deal with that.  Just plug the hose in and within twenty minutes you have water flowing through your hose.  The hoses do come in 20, 40, and 60 foot sizes.
• Hose Heater:  Another great product to prevent your hoses from freezing.  This has been tested in winter temperatures of 30 below.  This product is not only convenient but smart.  It will prevent your hose from freezing, shut itself off during warmer weather, and uses less energy than a standard light bulb.  How can you go wrong?  
• Heated Dog Beds and Covers:  If you are not prepared to buy a furnace or dog house heater than this may be another option for you.  These heated dog beds and covers are another way to ensure that your dogs will stay warm enough through those long winter nights.

This is just a short list of some items that may make your life easier this winter.  The dog products are all safe products to use.  They come with features such as covers over cords to protect the dogs from electrical shock and in the case of the furnace they have a special cover over the unit that does not heat up so even if your dog lies against it, they will not get burned.  At Bad Dog Supplies we would not recommend these products if we didn't think they were safe for your dogs.  If you have any other products that you have used in the past that have worked really well then please share it with us so we can pass that information along.  When it comes down to it, the most important thing is making sure that your dogs are comfortable and safe this winter.  

We carry the items listed above at Bad Dog Supplies and we would be more than happy to help you in any way we can with the items we carry as well as questions about products or items that you are looking for but do not see on our site.  Just let us know how we can help.  Also, if you check out our sale items page, many of the items listed above are currently on sale for great prices.

Halloween Dog Treats

Tomorrow is Halloween!  Do you have all your ghosts and goblins ready?  Lol.  Since it is Halloween tomorrow, and I would hate for you to leave your little four legged friends out of the fun.  I thought I would offer you some special dog treat recipes that I have come across.  I hope your dogs enjoy these special treats for Halloween!

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats:
Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups of flour
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup plain canned pumpkin
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of water

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F
• Mix all ingredients together
• Shape dough into round treat sized balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet
• Cook until golden brown and hard, apprx. 30 minutes
• Let cool and serve

Pumpkin Pie Drops:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of plain pumpkin
• 3 tablespoons of applesauce
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F
• Mix all ingredients together
• Place small portions about 1/2 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet
• Bake for 15 minutes
• Let cool, place in refrigerator, serve

Tasty Applesauce Treats:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup white flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup of oats
• 2 cups of water

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 F
• Completely mix water, applesauce, vanilla, and egg
• In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon
• Mix together the dry and wet ingredients
• Place into greased muffin tins filling each tin muffin slot completely
• Bake for 1 1/4 hours
• Let cool and serve

Some Special Reminders:

Please keep in mind that I am offering these recipes as a simple way to make something special for your dogs for a special occasion.  These are not meal replacements and should not be fed to your dogs all the time, they are only meant as a treat.  Also, please do not feed your dog any of that Halloween candy that you don't want!  That is why I have offered a few simple recipes for their own treats here.  They cannot eat your candy and it can make them very, very sick.

Happy Halloween From All of Us At Bad Dog Supplies!!!!!!

Dog Halloween Costume Ideas

I thought that since Halloween is just over one week away now, I would have a little fun with this blog and discuss some Halloween costume ideas for your dog.  Here are just a few that I came across that I thought were adorable and really neat ideas for costumes.

Hot Dog

      Lion 

Spider                                      Scorpion

Ghosts

Princess Leia

Chia Pet


I could do this all day, lol.  There are so many cute costumes for dogs.  There are some really talented and innovative people out there to come up with some of these costumes.  There are just so many I love but unless I wanted this blog to be 100 pages long, I decided to stop after the first six.

If you have ever done a unique or cute costume with your dog please share it with us.  We would love to hear about it and even more, we would love to see it.  So please send me your pet pictures with them dressed up for Halloween so I can share them with others.  As always, thank you for following along with our weekly blogs and if there is anything you would like to hear more about please let us know.  

GPS Tracking Systems for Hunting Dogs

It is that time of the year again.  Although it is fairly warm throughout the year in my neck of the woods, I can still feel the cooler air in the mornings and evenings now.  It is nice to know that we are in that fall season again with the change of the weather.  Along with that change of the weather and cooler temperatures also comes that favorite time of the year for all of our hunters out there.  Many hunters bring their dogs along, whether they are actually part of the hunting process or are there for companionship.  With that in mind, have you checked your equipment?  Our dogs are very important to us and that does not change when we are out hunting with them.  So, do you have everything you need to keep track of them?  Some dogs are trained for retrieval while others that are there just for the trip can just as easily wander off from your sight when they get on the scent of something in the woods.  That is where the GPS tracking systems come in really handy.  The GPS tracking systems can not only pin point the location of your dog but some of them can do this for multiple dogs up to varying distances depending on the system you choose.  Some of these devices even allow you to make electronic commands to your dog or dogs.

There is nothing like piece of mind of knowing where your dog or dogs are at all times or having the capability of finding them on a moments notice.  At Bad Dog Supplies we carry some of the top brands of GPS Tracking systems including Garmin and D.E. Systems.  Come by and see what we have to offer. We are always here to help with anything we can so just let us know what we can do for you.

Duck Commander Duck Calls

This topic is slightly off from my regular blogs.  However, if I did not carry this particular item and discuss this topic I would never live with myself.  You see, I have a six year old daughter that just loves the duck commander clan from Duck Dynasty.  Therefore, I want to let everyone know that we have some exciting news for all of our duck hunters.  We are now carrying two of the most popular duck calls out there from the people from Duck Commander.  I am so excited about this!

I know that many people in the southern states have already had an early duck hunting season.  Still many others are in the midst of their duck season as I write this blog.  For other duck hunters, you have a second late season that will be arriving before you know it.  So, if you don't already have one now, I strongly suggest that you get your duck call ASAP.  It is not too late even for you hunters currently in their season as many of the seasons run into December and January.  Just don't delay any longer.  Again, these are the duck calls that you see when you are watching the popular show Duck Dynasty and they are available to make your duck hunting season easier and more abundant.  

I figured we could get away with carrying the duck calls in a store that specializes mostly in dog supplies.  I rationalize this one by saying that most of the hunters going out there duck hunting are going to be bringing their dogs with them for retrieving.  So, it is dog related, lol.  We do also carry a range of supplies meant to help you with training your dogs with the retrieving processl.  So, come on by to our site, Bad Dog Supplies, and check out the new Duck Commander duck calls as well as our training supplies for retrieving dogs.  As always, we are here to work with you in any way that we can so please come by and check out all we have to offer and ask any questions you may have or just leave a comment.  We would love to hear from you. 

 

Sonic Birdhouse Anti- Dog Barking Device

I have to tell you about a great new product that is on the market by Dogtek.  It is called the Sonic Birdhouse.  What this device does is helps to deter nuisance dog barking by either your dog or perhaps a neighbors dog.

The device looks like a birdhouse, hence the name Sonic Birdhouse, lol.  But, it is much more than just a birdhouse.  This device has three separate bark sensors that can detect a dog barking from all angles up to 50 feet.  Once the device has detected a dog barking it will emit a high pitched tone that is safe but unpleasant to the dogs.  The high pitched tone can be heard by all dogs (unless of course your dog is deaf) but is not detected by humans.  The device has four sensitivity levels so that you can find the right setting in which it will begin working.  Once the device has been set into motion it does not stop until the dog stops barking.  This will help them associate their nuisance barking with the unpleasant tone and therefore deter them from barking.  The device is waterproof so it can be placed outdoors and indoors.  It is also very portable so you can even take it with you if you are traveling.  What a great way to keep your dog from barking in an unfamiliar setting when you are on the road.

I am fortunate right now that I do not have dogs that are barking all the time and I do not have neighbors who have dogs that are barking all the time.  So, for right now, I do not need such a device.  However, I have read the reviews and this new item is getting about 4/5 stars from customer reviews.  They are very inexpensive and I would not hesitate for a second if I did have an issue with nuisance dog barking to bring this item into my home and life.  Your piece of mind, your ability to get some sleep, your right to some piece and quiet is well worth the cost of this item.

At Bad Dog Supplies we do carry the new Dogtek Sonic Birdhouse as well as many other great dog training products.  So, please, when you are in need of this device or any other dog training or safety device, please come by and check us out. We are here to do what we can for your business.

Skid Plates for Dogs

If you have a working or sporting dog than more than likely you know what a skid plate is.  For those of you who don't know or are new, proud owners of a working or sporting dog, let me explain what the skid plate is.

Simply put, a skid plate is protection for your working or sporting dog or dogs when you are out in the field. Skid plates are strapped around your dog with the plate covering their chest, stomach, and sides for protection of their vital organs when they are out working or playing in the field.  They can also be worn following surgeries to protect the post surgical wounds.  Either way, this is the way to go when you are trying to protect your dogs chest and abdominal regions.

There are many different brands of skid plates out there.  However, upon reviews and speaking with others who have experience with skid plates, the best on the market is the Mendota brand.  This brand allows for optimal mobility and complete comfort with its open back to keep the dog from over heating.  They come in different sizes, the straps are adjustable, and they are water resistant.  Not to mention it allows for good visibility.  You can buy more expensive skid plates on the market but you really do not need to when the Mendota brand more than gets the job done for a great price.

When it comes to skid plates for your working or sport dog, at Bad Dog Supplies, we carry the Mendota brand.  We also offer a wide range of other great dog supplies to include dog vests, harnesses, collars, leashes, etc.  If you ever have any questions or concerns we are here to help in any way we can so just contact us and we will do what we can for you.

Labor Day Weekend Activities for You and Your Dog!

Here we are again.  The end of another summer and the last big holiday weekend to let us know it is the end of the summer.  I thought I would have a little fun with this blog with some ideas that you can do with your dog for this long weekend.  Remember, it is a holiday for your dog too anytime they get extra time with you!  Here is a list of things you might like to do.

1.  Bring yourself and your dog to a pet-friendly beach and let them play in the water.  What better way to enjoy the outdoors and still stay cool.  You can check out pet friendly beaches in your area through PetFriendlyTravel.com.  They do have listings for the U.S. and Canada.
2.  Bring your dog to a doggie park where they have a lot of room to run around and play with other dogs.  The social interaction with other dogs is great!
3.  You can go on a camping trip for the last long weekend of the summer.  It gives you and your pet a break from the norm and you get to be outside.  Again, if you visit PetFriendlyTravel.com you can find a nice listing of pet friendly campgrounds in the U.S and Canada.
4.  Take your best friend for a nice stroll around the neighborhood and let them spend a little extra time sniffing every blade of grass, lol.  Or, you can take on a little bit bigger adventure with a nice hike.
5.  Create a special dessert or main meal for your dog that is healthy but different from their every day food.  I have used the website allrecipes.com more times than I can count and they have some great and easy recipes for dog food and dog treats.

What do you think?  Not a bad list right?  Do you have any ideas that you can add to the list of things that you can do with your dog this Labor Day Weekend?  Please share.  We would love to hear from you and your ideas.

Pool Ladders For Dogs

Have you heard of the PoolPup Ladder?  This particular ladder was designed by a couple of dog breeders who were concerned about dogs being around pools and spas and is an excellent idea for anyone wanting to try and prevent dog drowning accidents.  Just as you would child proof a pool or spa area to prevent infant or child drownings, you should do the same for your dogs.

The PoolPup Ladder is a discreet addition to your pool designed to allow your dogs an easy escape in the event they fall into a pool or just need an easier exit from the pool.  The ladders are built sturdy with slip proof material on the steps and no small holes that could cut or harm your dogs.  The ladders are also easy to remove from the pool for cleaning or storage and are chlorine resistant.

Again, the Poolpup ladders are yet one more tool in a long line of tools that can help you with safety with your dogs and give you piece of mind.  The only disadvantage with this product is that it is up to 50 pounds so is not for very large dogs.  At Bad Dog Supplies we carry the Poolpup ladder as well as many other great dog products.  Please come by and check out our store so that our family can help your family stay safe and happy with your dogs!

Dog Backpacks

We recently returned from a trip up north where we were fortunate enough to do a lot of outdoor activities.  That gave me an idea to make sure that people are aware of a couple of great products that are out there for you and your dogs.  One of those great ideas is the dog back pack which I will discuss today.

As I stated, we were outside doing a lot of outdoor activities on our trip including hiking.  We were able to hike one trail that was shorter and not as steep and much more compatible for dogs and one that was not so much dog friendly.  On our hike we had a back pack for ourselves to carry some essentials like water, snacks, etc.  Now, wouldn't it be a great idea if your dog was also able to carry their own essentials on your hikes?  I think so!  That is one great purpose for the dog back packs.  Not that you want to overload them but you can take some of the strain off your own back pack if they are able to carry their own essentials in their own back packs.  These back packs are designed for dogs.  So they are designed with their ergonomics and comfort in mind.  Many of the back packs are also water resistant and also have either reflective material on the top or sides of the bag or reflective strips to help make the dog more visible.  You can get dog back packs in any size depending on the brand and some are fancier than others.  So, when looking for your dog back packs just know ahead of time what purpose it is going to serve so you can find the options and size that you need.

At Bad Dog Supplies we carry a wide range of the dog back packs.  Come on over to our website for your dog back packs and any other dog training products that you might need.  We are here to answer your questions on products that we carry and will strive to earn and keep your business.

Have You Heard of Doggles?

Doggles!  What is or who is Doggles?  Great question!  You may have heard or seen them on Regis and Kelly, CNN, Good Morning America, or The Today Show.  Doggles has been quite a rave for some time.  They are the manufacturer of the first and only goggles specifically designed for dogs.  That's right folks, FOR DOGS ONLY!  What a great idea!

I am sure that with all of the blistering heat and sun we have been having for the last couple of weeks that we have had to break out our own eye sun protection on more than one occasion.  Did you also take into consideration your pets eyes when you don your own sunglasses?  There eyes can be sensitive and harmed by the suns rays just like ours.  That is why the Doggles products are so great.  You can buy the original goggles in multiple sizes or colors or go for the sunglasses for dogs again in multiple sizes or colors.

As dog lovers, I know that there is not much we wouldn't do to keep our dogs from harm and to keep them healthy and happy.  Keeping their eyes protected from the sun's rays is just one more way we can do that.  The Doggles products are very resistant to any abuse your dog may put them through.  That being said, things can happen and just like our own sunglasses, the lenses may end up getting scratched over time.  However, the nice thing is that you can get the Doggles replacement lenses.

At Bad Dog Supplies we do carry a wide range of the Doggles goggles and sunglasses designed for dogs.  So, please, come by and check out what we have to offer.  Our prices are very comparable to others out there plus we can offer you the fast, friendly, personable service that others are lacking.

Dog Cooling Vests and Cooling Bandanas

I think we are all definitely feeling the heat of summer.  So many people are feeling the effects of record high heat across our country.  Now imagine how your dog or dogs feel as they carry around that extra layer of fur!  I live in a warm climate year round so although it can still feel pretty uncomfortable during the summer, we know that it is coming every summer so you just get used to dealing with it and doing what you can to stay cool.  I have seen all kinds of ways that people use to keep themselves cool while outside in the summer heat.  But, what are people doing to help their dogs also beat the heat?  I have a couple of excellent options for you.

Dog Cooling Jackets made for small, medium, or large dogs are one of the great options you have to help keep your dogs cooler.  These wonderful jackets use water absorbing polymer crystals sewn into the fabric. The jacket works by using the evaporative process to transfer the heat from your dog to the jacket, therefore keeping them cool and comfortable.  The other nice thing about these jackets is, although we are not thinking about it now, it can also be used when the weather turns cold to keep them warm.

The other great product you can use to help your pets beat the heat are the Cool It Bandannas.  They also come in multiple sizes and use polymer crystals like the jackets in order to keep the dogs cool.

Both the Dog Cooling Jackets and the Cool It Bandannas can be at least hand washed and come with reflective strips to help with visibility in the event you are out walking in the evenings.

We are all trying to beat the heat this summer, including Fido.  So, give your best friend the extra comfort and ability to stay cool through the rest of the summer with a cooling vest or cooling bandanna.  At Bad Dog Supplies we carry both of these great products.  If you have any questions or concerns about these products or any of the other great products that we carry then please let us know.  We are always here to help in any way we can.

Happy Fourth of July!

So, it is here.  Probably one of the most dreaded days of the year for a large majority of the dog population, lol.  I hope you have all had time to prepare for today to enjoy yourselves with your families, including the four legged family members.

From our family at bad dog supplies, we hope that you all have a very safe, and happy Fourth of July!

Safety First this Fourth of July for Your Dogs!

Let me be the first to wish you all a happy Fourth of July!  The Fourth of July is a holiday for many people.  Therefore, many people take full advantage of that with plans with parties with family and friends.  Many times those parties include large groups of people as well as fireworks.  However, before attending or throwing that Fourth of July party yourself, take a time out to think of your dogs.  You may love the Fourth of July but most of the time, your dogs do not share that same sentiment.  There are many things about the Fourth of July celebrations, including those loud fireworks that seem to start in the early evening hours and last throughout the night, that your pet is not a fan of.  So, I have put together a few steps that you can take to ensure safety first for your dogs this Fourth of July.

1.  Leave Fido at Home:  Don't get me wrong.  I am one of those people who would take my dog everywhere if I could.  However, if you know that you are going to participate in festivities that are going to either include you observing or setting off fireworks yourself, you may want to leave your beloved dog at home rather than exposing them up close and personal with the very thing that scares them the most.

2.  Consider a calming shirt:  I have a previous blog that discusses what the calming shirt is so I won't go into detail about it here.  However, if your dog is like one of mine, who is very scared of thunder or fireworks, the calming shirt may be a wise investment.  It may not make them lie down and go to sleep but just may give them the calming edge they need to get through those firework displays.

3.  Be sure that the items you have for your fireworks display or fun is safe for your dogs.  We all know the burns you can get from the simple sparkler.  So, be sure if you are using these for entertainment that your pet is kept well clear of them.  Also, glow sticks are another fun item that are toxic to your dog if he or she should happen to get a hold of it and chew on it.

4.  If you have a dog that uses a crate then this may be a good place for him or her during the festivities as many times the dogs will feel more secure inside their crate or kennel.

5.  Be sure that your dog has up to date contact information on their collar ID in the event he or she does try to escape your home to find a safe place to hide.  My sister's dog was terrified of fireworks and when she let her out to use the bathroom one evening around the Fourth when people were setting off fireworks, the dog ran two blocks and showed up on our doorstep.  She was lucky that the dog came to our house.  Some people may not be as lucky and that is why it is so important to maintain proper contact information on their dog tags.

Now, I know that this list is no where near an all inclusive lists of things that can or should be done in order to get your dogs ready for the Fourth of July.  But, hopefully it gets you thinking ahead so that you can be ready in a few days.

If anyone has any other tips or ideas that they would like to add to this list then please do.  We would love to hear from you.

Happy Fourth of July!

Dog Calming Shirts

What is a dog calming shirt?  That is an excellent question. Up until  a year ago I would have been asking the same question.  When I first heard of this product I was a bit baffled about how this could actually work.  But, upon doing a little research on my own I found out the mechanism on how researchers say it works.  I have also come across numerous reviews stating how well it has worked for people not to mention the people that I have come into contact with that swear by these shirts.

So, a dog calming shirt is just that.  It is a shirt that your dog or dogs can wear to help calm an upset or anxious dog.  The shirts provide a gentle hugging sensation which creates the same kind of mechanism that works for calming babies when you swaddle them.  Experts say that the pressure from the shirt is probably hitting certain acupressure points that helps release certain soothing chemicals in the body like endorphins which effects the nervous system and thus results in a calming effect.  

Based on the research and the surveys that over two thousand people have completed on these shirts it is said that these shirts work on over eighty (80%) percent of dogs and cats that it is used on.  That is a huge amount and a great improvement for any dog or cat that is anxious for any reason.  Now, based on what I have read and heard from users, don't think that you can throw one of these on your dog during a severe thunderstorm and expect that the dog is just going to lie down and go to sleep.  That is not likely to happen, especially with a very anxious or fearful animal.  Results will vary depending on the animal but most dogs will experience a general calming of their symptoms.  

With the great reviews and results that people are having with these shirts, it is well worth the time to check out a dog calming shirt for any dog that you are having a problem with when it comes to them being very anxious.  

At bad dog supplies, we carry the dog calming shirts in multiple sizes as well as other great dog training products.  If there is something you are looking for then please come by and check us out for your dog supply needs.  We are always here to help and answer any questions you may have so feel free to contact us.  

Basic E-Collar Training

A couple of weeks ago I talked about a great company, E-Collar Technologies, Inc,. and who and what they were.  So, today I want to give you some very basic lessons in e-collar training.

E-collars are a great training tool when used properly to reinforce things your dog already knows or to assist with training when the dog is displaying unacceptable behavior.

First, I will discuss using an e-collar to reinforce things the dog already knows.  Before you begin, you want to make sure that you have chosen the right collar.  You will need the proper size and then chose one with the options that are going to work best for you and your dog such as different stimulation levels and maybe just a vibrate setting.  You should always start with the lowest setting first and then increase it as you need to.  Remember, you are just trying to get their attention.  The other important thing to remember when you are going to use the e-collar to reinforce known behavior is that they know the command that you are trying to reinforce.  So, whether that command is sit, stand, stay, lie down, whatever, just make sure they know it ahead of time.  In reinforcing behavior, you want the dog to associate your voice to the stimulation.  So, call out the command you wish the dog to perform.  If he or she does not respond right away, then push the transmitter button to deliver the stimulation.  When the dog does as you have commanded then you want to reward them with praise, petting them, or maybe a treat.


Now let me briefly go over how to handle unwanted behavior with an e-collar.  In this circumstance, you do not want your dog to associate your voice with the stimulation.  So, it is best if you can deliver the corrective stimulation from somewhere your dog does not see you.  In this case, the stimulation is associated directly with their bad behavior.  Wait until your dog begins the unwanted behavior.  Once you observe them doing the behavior that you are trying to eliminate then you hit the transmitter to deliver a level of stimulation.  In these cases, the stimulation may have to be a little higher since the dog is already absorbed in the behavior.  However, try the lower settings first and work up to the proper setting.  Again, you are trying to just get their attention, not hurt them!  Depending on your dog, you may have to go through this type of training several times before the unwanted behavior stops.

Again, e-collars are wonderful training tools.  You must however use them properly to get the most out of training with them without causing any undue stress or discomfort to your dog.

At baddogsupplies, we carry a wide range of some of the very best names in the business when it comes to e-collars.  So, stop by and see what we have to offer.  Remember, we are always here to help in any way we can and we offer free shipping on any orders over $120.

Memorial Day Travel Tips

Memorial Day, this seems to be the long weekend that kicks off the summer fun and travel.  I want to take a break from my regular dog product posts to share some travel safety tips that you should know when traveling with your dog or dogs.  I have shared a similar blog in the past but I just feel strongly about this and I am going to do another post about it today.  These tips are for anyone planning on traveling this long weekend via  automobile with their dog or dogs.

Here are some of the basic tips to keep in mind before you set off to enjoy your long weekend:

1.  If your dog or dogs are not used to riding in the car, you may want to prepare them ahead of time by taking them on a few short trips first and then gradually increase the amount of time they are spending in the vehicle so that they will not be as anxious when it comes to the real trip.

2.  Just as you will be packing everything you need for your long weekend away from home, don't forget to pack your dogs stuff as well.  Some things that you should remember to bring with you are the dogs medical records, their food, bowls, a leash, a waste scoop and plastic bags to pick up after them, a pet first aid kit, their dog bed, and a favorite toy.  You may want to also consider a ramp or step if you have an elderly dog or a dog that has a hard time getting in and out of the vehicle.  Don't forget to also pack some water for them to drink when you make your stops along the way.

3.  Make sure that your dog has a collar with a tag that has information on it that allows someone to contact you immediately in the event the dog is lost while away from home.

4.  Make sure you have a safe way for your pet to travel while inside the vehicle.  Either a crate or kennel or a seat belt harness.  Make sure that if you are using a crate or kennel that it has enough room for your pet to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around.  Just as you would make sure that the dog is used to the vehicle before your trip, you want to do the same if using a crate or kennel.

5.  When it comes to the travel day, you should feed your dog a light meal several hours prior to you leaving.  You should not feed them while the car is in motion.  This will help avoid them from getting car sick.  Just for your own piece of mind though, you may want to get some floor liners or seat covers in the event they do have an accident or get sick.

6.  You should stop every two to three hours and let the dog get out and stretch their legs, burn off a little energy, and use the bathroom before continuing on with your journey.  PLEASE, DO NOT, leave your animal alone in a parked car!  It does not take long for a hot car to heat up and cause heatstroke for your dog.  We have all heard the sad stories of what can happen to a dog left alone in a car.  Please, please, please, don't let that happen to your dog.  Even with the windows open, it can just get too hot, too fast for it to be safe for your dog.

These are just some of the tips that I feel are important before you travel this weekend.  I am sure that others may have tips of their own that may help.  If you do, please share it with the rest of us.  We want you all to have a great and safe  holiday weekend!

God Bless All of Our Military Members past and present as well as their families!

Dog Agility Training

Are you new to dog agility training?  Have you always wanted to start working on agility training with your dog or dogs but just don't know where to begin?  You have come to the right place.

You start with the very basics and then grow and add from there.  We have made this very easy for you with a dog agility training kit.  What you will get included in this kit is the following:  a set of instructions, a game rule book, six weave pools, a high jump, an open tunnel, a pause box, a start and finish line, and a stop watch.  Now you can certainly go out of your way to purchase all of these things separately but why would you want to?  You are new at this, give yourself a break!  You can worry about adding to this kit and get something more advanced when you have the basics down.  By that time, you will know what you need or want anyhow.

Come on over to bad dog supplies and check out the dog training products for yourself.  We currently carry the Kyjen Dog Agility Training Kit as well as many other dog training products.  We are also in the process of adding more dog agility training products so if you don't see what you need today then stop back tomorrow or next week where you may find exactly what you are looking for.  Or you can always contact us  and we are always willing to help you in any way we can.

E-Collar Technologies

What or who is E-Collar Technologies?  Well, let me tell you a little about what I know about this fantastic company.  We came across this company as we were looking for new and additional products that we could carry and offer people at bad dog supplies.  We contacted E-Collar Technologies and spoke with several people, including the president and founder of E-Collar Technologies, Greg Van Curen.  I have to tell you, these are some of the nicest people in the business.  On top of that, they are right up there on top when it comes to their products.  E-Collar Technologies Inc. is a group of very experienced e-collar individuals starting right at the top with Mr. Greg Van Curen.  Mr. Van Curen was the co-founder and president of Innotek in the 1990's and has brought his insight and innovations to E-Collar Technologies.  Mr. Kim Westrick, who was one of Innotek's first employees, is leading up the sales and customer service at E-Collar Technologies.

Now you know who E-Collar Technologies are, let me tell you a little about what they are about.  E-Collar Technologies are the innovators when it comes to using low level stimulation to condition and train dogs without having to use high levels of corrective stimulus.  The proprietary stimulation circuitary is meant to mimic the scruff on the neck that a puppy would receive from her mother.  This has proven to improve the effectiveness of training as well as reduce stress on the dog and owners.  For those of you who were always scared to use a corrective collar for training, your worries should be no more with this type of collar.

By the way, one more great thing about E-Collar Technologies, they are made right here in the USA! One of the goals of E-Collar Technologies was to bring jobs back to the United States and they have done that with assembling all of their products right here in the United States!

You don't have to believe what I am telling you about this great company or the products they make.  Just check out some of the reviews as I have done.  A sample of which I have included for you below.

Reviews:

Einstein ET-800TS E-Collar 1 Mile Dog Trainer

Average Customer Review

5.0 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)

"Bought the Einstein ET-800TS Remote Training Collar recently to replace a competing product that we have been using for some time. I am very satisfied with this purchase. The transmitter has a very friendly user interface and the controls are quite easy to manipulate, even with cold weather gloves on; the size and form is conveniently compact and comfortable to hold; and the unit has some very unique characteristics, such as the remotely activated collar strobe and / or constant light for night time use and ease of locating your dog. Most importantly, the collar has been very effective on our 110 lb Male Akita. He responds very well to this collar, particularly to the "tapping sensation" vibration feature. When used in accordance with proper and safe electronic collar training techniques, this training collar has proven to be an excellent choice."

Einstein ET-300TS Mini E-Collar 1/2 Mile Remote Dog Trainer

Average Customer Review: 

4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

"seems to be well designed. You can use vibration or shock and you can set the shock from 1 to 100. Most of the time I use the vibrate and my boston terrier instantly responds. Now I can't live without it."

Mini Einstein Remote E-Collars

Average Customer Review: 

4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)

"Worth every penny. It didn't take but two zaps to stop our out of control dog's barking problem. Now we can go for a walk without a leash, when he tries to take off all it takes is the vibration mode and he comes right back and walks beside me. I wish that I would have bought this collar a long time ago."

The great reviews go on and on and I do not have the time or space to include them all here so do your own research and then select from some of the best dog training collars out there.  At bad dog supplies we carry a large selection of the E-Collar Technology product line and are proud to say that we are adding more each day.  So, check us out at www.baddogsupplies.com for these great products as well as many other high quality, top of the line products that we are also very proud to say we carry.  If you have any questions about any of the products that we carry we would be more than happy to assist in any way we can to make sure you are getting the product or products that you need or want.

Dog Days of Summer!

I hope that I am not jumping the gun on this one.  I know many people are still dealing with some cooler weather.  My parents for example in upstate NY are getting snow today.  Snow, in mid may!  But for most, spring is here and for people like myself in a warmer climate, spring is pretty much over as the heat starts to settle in.  That is the reason why I decided to get this blog post out.  With summer, comes a great many summer activities including one of my favorites, boating.  If you are like we are, we love to bring our dogs everywhere possible.  Which means, when we go boating, they go boating.

Now, my dogs swim pretty well, but I would not take a chance with them when we are out on the water in a boat.  Let's face it, life can sometimes take turns we wish it didn't and accidents happen when you would least expect it.  I would not want to take a chance of that happening out on the water without myself or my dogs having a life vest.  Dog life vests come in all sizes for your big and smaller dogs.  They also come in different colors and patterns.  But, the important thing is, no matter how stylish you want them to look in their polk-a-dot blue life vest, lol, at least they are wearing it.

At bad dog supplies we carry a wide range of dog life vests.  Check out a great selection of life vests as well as our other great dog products that we carry on our site.  As always, please let us know if there is any way we can be of assistance to you.  We are always here to help in any way we can.

Just remember, get your life vests and your dog's life vests early so you can start off the season early and safely.  Happy boating everyone!

On a Sadder Note

I am writing a short blog post today just to remember my four legged niece.  The picture you see of the dog on my blog page is Jasmine, my four legged niece.  Sadly, we lost Jasmine yesterday.  She has been a part of our family for 13 years.  We love her dearly and are heartbroken that she is no longer with us.  During her life she was full of pep and energy and loved chasing squirrels.  She even took long road trips with us so that we could all enjoy a summer break in upstate NY with lots of  camping, fishing, swimming, and just being outside.  She truly was my sister's best friend for those 13 years.  Rest in peace Jasmine.  We love you, we miss you, and we will never forget you.

Puppy Starter Package

So, you knew you wanted a puppy.  You did all your research to find out what kind of dog would be best for you and your household.  Then you start searching for that one special puppy to call your very own.  You finally find the one!  With those cute puppy eyes, puppy nose and ears, it is love at first sight.  So, you get the  puppy home, and now what?  Now you realize you have no idea where to start with what this puppy needs. That is where we come in.

With this blog and with the products that we carry at baddogsupplies.com we try to make your life easier when you begin your new life and training your new dog, young or old.  One of the many great items that we sell on our site is the puppy starter kit.  This kit is designed for those who are starting off with having a puppy for the first time with no idea where to start.  Now, it would be ideal to order one of these kits as you begin your search for a puppy that way you have what you need when you bring the puppy home.  But, either way, it will make your life easier.

Here is what makes the puppy starter kit so great.  The kit comes with a crate in either small, medium, or large.  Look back in my previous blog post to make sure that you get the right size crate for your puppy.  The kit also comes with the following:  2- 16 oz. bowls, shampoo, a brush, a rawhide, a puppy kong, a puppy collar in either blue or pink, a 4 foot puppy leash (again in either blue or pink), and a fleece bed.  This is everything that you are going to need to begin your new puppy ownership, aside from the dog food itself.  For those of you who don't know, a rawhide is for the dogs to chew on and the puppy kong is also a chew toy for them.  Believe me, you want something that this puppy can chew on besides your furniture or shoes.

Again, at baddogsupplies.com, we are trying to make your life easier.  Dog ownership is a wonderful thing.  I wouldn't know what to do without my two wonderful dogs.  But, as with anything, it does take some work to get the puppy trained and for you to adjust your lifestyle around the fact that you now have someone depending on you.  Check out our website for other great training products.  If there are any questions please let us know.  We are always happy to help in any way we can.

What Are Scat Mats?

Have you ever heard of such a silly thing?  Let me tell you, it may be a silly name but what a great product.  Scat mats can actually be purchased in different sizes or shapes.  What they do is deter your dog (or cat for that matter) from getting onto or into an area that you do not want them in. 

These mats are very sensitive devices that are run off from a regular 9 volt battery.  What you do is place them on areas where you do not want your pets.  For example, they have a scat mat that is long enough to fit on a sofa.  So, if you have a dog that is getting onto your sofa and you want them to stop, then this is a great option to deter that behavior.  All you do is place the scat mat on your sofa and when the pet jumps up there they will experience a mild harmless three second static pulse.  This does not harm your pet, but will surprise them and again deter them from getting onto that couch.  Since these run all the time, you can be training your dog to stop a certain behavior even when you are not around.  They also come in strips that you can place in a doorway so if you are trying to keep your pets out of a certain room then this would help with that. 

So, again, a scat mat is an item that you can use to help deter or train your dog or cats from jumping onto certain areas or items or to even keep them out of certain areas.  They are so simple to use and work so effectively.  Again, a silly name, but a very effective device to assist you with your pet training.

At baddogsupplies.com we do carry some different sizes of these wonderful training tools.  As always, if we do not have what you need or want then please send us an email at support@baddogsupplies.com.  We will try to help you find exactly what you need or happily answer any questions you may have.  Or if you just have a comment or suggestion then we appreciate those too. 

Dog Training Books/DVD's

Hello all.  As you know by now from previous blogs, we are all about dog training.  We try to provide a wide range of dog training products to assist you with your needs.  We have mentioned in the past in numerous blogs that dog training products are wonderful, when used properly.  So, when it comes to dog training, it is important to train yourself before you try to train your dog or dogs.  That is why I want to take this opportunity to let you know about the dog training books and dvd's that we have available.  There are so many dog training books and dvd's out there so we have decided to carry just a small collection to cover whatever it is that you may need help with.  Our dog training books and dvd's include assistance in training with retrieval as well as other needs for your hunting dogs as well as your basic dog training which includes your sit, lie down, walking, etc.

As we have stated in the past, dog training is not always easy.  Different dogs learn in different ways and at different paces.  Keep that in mind as you begin your dog training journey.  If you are still in need of assistance or if you are taking on this adventure for the first time then consider purchasing one of our dog training books and dvd's.  They are well worth the time and money it takes to make your dog training successful and stress-free.  As always, we aim to please so come by our website at baddogsupplies.com.  Look around, we have a lot of great products and are soon to add even more in the next week or two.  If we don't have what you are looking for then we try to help you find it.  Just let us know how we may be of assistance to you.