Camping Time With Your Dog

It is that time of the year.  Even here in the South we are starting to feel a slight cool down now in the mornings and evenings.  But, for our friends further north, I know not only are the temperatures getting cooler, but now is a beautiful time of the year to be out enjoying the cooler weather and wonderful fall foliage.

This is the time of the year when you can get out camping with the family, including your four legged friends, with a bit of a lesser crowd in your favorite camping site.  Sure you might need a sleeping bag warmer or a few extra layers of clothing but it is so worth it!

So, when I go camping, I know how it is to bring your dogs along.  I love my dogs very much, but they can get a bit antsy in the tent with us.  That is why it is so nice that there are tents that are made just for your dog or dogs.  They can have their own sleeping quarters without you having to worry about them being out of the tent or worrying about them being in the tent and waking up with them sleeping on your head, lol.  Can you tell I speak from experience?

You may only get a few uses out of your dog tent for camping this fall but again it will be so worth it and then you will be all ready to go when summer rolls around again.

At Bad Dog Supplies we do carry a few great dog tents that will make your camping experience with your dogs so much more enjoyable.  So, please come by and check out our website to see what we have to offer for your camping needs and don't forget that winter is coming fast and we also have some great dog supplies for your winter needs.

Dog Tents

Well, I think that our Northern friends are finally starting to see the end of winter, lol.  Since this week we will begin a new month and with summer just around the corner, I thought I would let people know about a new product that we are carrying at Bad Dog Supplies.

I don't know about you, but I love the outdoors.  Every opportunity we have to be out with the family and pets is a real blessing for us.  One of the things that we love to do in the summer is camping.  So, this new product we are carrying is specifically for all of you campers out there.  As I stated already, we love to camp!  When we camp, we love to bring our dogs, and they love to camp!  However, sometimes camping with our dogs is a bit of a challenge.  Well, usually only a challenge when it is time to settle down at the end of the day and round everyone up inside the tent.  Sometimes our dogs are a little antsy when we try to settle in for the night and that makes cramming us all into a single tent the real challenge.  So, this item, the Umbra Tent Pet Home, is a wonderful item.  Now, your dog or dogs can have their very own tent.  That means, no more of them walking over the top of your heads like ours have a tendency to do in the middle of the night, lol.  The tents come in sizes small, medium, and large depending on the size of your dog (we do have the exact size specifications available on our website).  These tents are extremely light and have their own carrying bag for easy transport.  They are also very easy to set up and take down with an umbrella mechanism.  The durable mesh vents are also claw proof.  Well worth having for anyone wanting to go camping with their dogs.  The tents can also be used as a portable dog house if you are on the road.  They can be used in cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Come by Bad Dog Supplies and check out this great product as well as many other great products that we carry.  We do have a wide range of outdoor items for your dogs including water safety items, sunglasses, cooling vests/bandanas, and sanitary products.  Like I said, summer is right around the corner.  Now is the time to prepare for you and your dogs to spend some great summer days outside.

Check back with us because we are adding products all the time and will be adding a second dog tent in the very near future.  As always, if there are any questions or comments then please share them with us.  We would love to hear from you!

pooBagger

Have you heard of this great new product?  The PooBagger is a great innovative device that helps you easily clean up animal waste from your yard or during those walks with your dog.  It is made from a strong polymer composite material and the handle is made from high density NPVC foam which is designed for comfort.

The really nice thing about the PooBagger is that you can use common household bags such as paper bags which easily attach by the ring to the apparatus.  No need to buy something fancy unless you want to.  The bags easily detach making disposal that much easier and pleasant.

If you want to make things easier on yourself than consider getting the PooBagger with the handle extension that makes cleaning up after your pooch more ergonomical on your body.

At Bad Dog Supplies we carry this great product along with many, many other great products.  We are adding new items to our site frequently so come by and check us out and let us make your life with Fido that much easier.

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.