How Technology Can Make You a Better Pet Owner!

image

Ok, so maybe technology can’t make you a better pet owner. That’s because what our pets really need is our time, love and commitment and no gadget or bit of tech can offer that. However it can certainly make us more efficient pet owners, make life easier for us and keep our pets entertained, safe and healthy.

Microchip Pet Flap

The cat flap is a fantastic invention- we all know cats are independent and like to do their own thing. A cat flap means they can go in and out as they please, so if you’re at work or have popped out in the evening there’s no worry about your cat getting locked in or out. The problem many cat owners have faced though is other cats, and often other wildlife too letting themselves into their home with the cat flap. Rats, foxes and even badgers have been known to get in this way which does pose a dilemma. However you can now buy cat flaps which are activated by your cat’s microchip. The perfect solution for giving your cat freedom while keeping uninvited guests out! You can get dog flaps too, as these can only be activated with the microchip they’re a good way to keep burglars out. Because dog flaps tend to be larger, this was previously a concern. If your dog is constantly in and out and barking at the door, something like this can certainly make your life easier.

Wireless Dog Fence

Keeping our dogs safe when they’re outside is crucial as an owner. The last thing we want is for them to wander off, whether it’s off our property or into a part of the yard that’s dangerous for them. Having physical fences and barriers built isn’t always practical, however one thing that you can invest in is a wireless dog fence. Here your dog will wear a collar and if they pass a certain wireless boundary they receive a small correction. Being intelligent creatures, dogs quickly learn to stay within the boundaries and it can help to keep them safe and contained in a set space. Since they can be plugged in anywhere they’re simple and easy to travel with and are the perfect choice for some dogs- BestPetReviews has more information on how they work. If you have a very large garden but want to keep your dog to one area, perhaps you have a pool, pond, flowerbeds, a play area for your kids or another separate zone, something like this would be perfect as it keeps them to their own section of the garden without boundaries or barriers.

Automatic Pet Feeder

Just like people, some pets are particularly keen on their food. ‘Free feeding’ is a good option for some pets, as they will simply eat what they want and then leave the rest, meaning you can just fill up their bowl when you see it getting low. Other pets will eat excessively until they make themselves sick or become overweight. One way to get around this is to weigh out their food, but you can make it easier for yourself by using an automatic pet feeder. Particularly ones which work over the space of a week, that way you can fill it up on a Sunday and know your pet is being fed at the right time, the right amount all through the week. It’s convenient and ensures that there’s no error and you’re not messing around at 6am before work weighing things out. You can even get automatic feeders for fish too, this is useful if you’re going on holiday or you’re just not good at remembering to feed fish. Dogs or cats who will let you know when they’re hungry and be very clear about it! Of course, this isn't the case with fish.

Smart Bowl

Another clever feeding gadget if an automatic feeder doesn't appeal is a smart bowl. Using your pet's age and weight it monitors their intake, and can recommend recipes that will work best for your specific pet. It can even send alerts to your phone if something is out of the ordinary, such as they’re not eating or drinking enough. Another smart way to keep tabs on your pet’s health and ensure they’re getting everything they need.

Automatic Ball Launcher

Most dogs love a good game of fetch. And let's be honest, you’re going to get bored far quicker than they will. Some dogs will happily chase a ball for hours on end which isn’t the most practical. But one thing you can buy is an automatic ball thrower, here you can teach your dog how to drop the ball into the device and then it launches it for them. This would be a good one to set up during the summer, when you’re sat outside with the family. It’s something the dog can play with and tire themselves out with and is bound to create a few laughs as well. There’s a very heartwarming video of a dog playing with one of these, while they might not be suitable in every case for the right dog it could be lots of fun and fantastic exercise.

image

Electronic Toys

As well as the ball launcher there are tonnes of other toys on the market too. Dogs need a lot of mental stimulation, certain breeds and younger dogs particularly. Without this they can become bored and exhibit destructive behaviour. While you should be making time to play with and fuss your dog and give them attention, there are toys you can get these days to help you out. These can be useful if you’re out at work, or if your dog has simply tired you out and isn’t ready to settle! From puzzles to interactive balls that dispense treats, there are loads to choose from these days. If your dog is high energy and you’re struggling wearing them out, this is a great option. There are versions for cats too, there are even ipad games for cats which are funny to watch and can give a bored housecat some much needed mental stimulation.

Smart Cameras

Smart home technology has grown massively in popularity over the last few years. You can now get voice activated smart speakers, smart lightbulbs, cctv, heating and so much more. But one thing you can get on board with as a pet owner is a wireless smart camera. Many of these have functions which detect motion, some even allow you to speak to your pet via a speaker and can dispense treats! If you work full time and your pet is alone during the day this can be an issue as an owner, while this doesn't compare to being there in person it can give you peace of mind that everything is ok and allows you to keep an eye on things.

GPS Tracking Collars

One of the biggest fears for most dog owners is their dog running off on a walk. Even if your dog is normally very well behaved, they could become spooked or run off after an animal out of the blue. The trouble is, letting them off the lead for a proper run is fantastic exercise and allows them to wear themselves out far better than walking on a lead. One thing you can do for peace of mind is use a GPS tracking collar with your dog. At least that way, worst case scenario you can follow them via the app and get them back. GPS collars are becoming sleeker and more efficient, and is a fantastic bit of equipment that’s well worth getting on board with if you let your dogs off the lead. Hopefully they never do bolt off, but if they do you’ll be so glad they had it on.

Activity Monitor

Fitness trackers which monitor our steps, heart rate, sleep and more have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years and are a great way we can track and improve our health. Now you can get something similar for your pets! They’re not quite as in depth of course, but they can tell you how your pet is sleeping and how much activity they’re clocking up and use this date to improve their life and help them live a happier and healthier lifestyle. All of the data syncs up to your phone in easy to read charts and graphs in the same way your own fitness tracker does.

There are lots of fun, cool and unique gadgets and tech items that can make life better for both you and your pet, have a browse in your local pet store online. A squeaky bone for a dog or a ball of string for a kitten might provide hours of fun still, but there are other more advanced options out there too!

What’s the coolest or most unusual pet gadget you’ve ever seen? Of the items listed above, which interests you the most or would you be most likely to buy?

How to Find a Missing Person with Your Dog- Find a Family Member with Your Own dog

How to Find a Person with Your Dog

In the event of a lost and missing loved one or friend your family dog can be your best resource for a swift recovery. 

Why? Because your dog is closer to the location then official search dogs who have to be called in which takes anywhere from 1 hour to 3 days.

Do you want to wait this long to start looking?

I don’t think you should either.

Your dog is fast and has a very good nose. Regardless of their age or breed all dogs have very good scenting ability and they know where we are when we don’t even consider they do.

A dog keeps track of the pack in ways we haven’t even thought of. They know where everybody in the pack is at so why not ask them to find a missing pack member?

I see no reason why not to try to help with your own dog during this type of incident. While you wait for officials ask your dog where the person is then follow your dog.


1 dog on a search equals 100 police doing a line search over an open space so which do you think has better odds.

If you’ve followed any of the family search dog lessons on this site then if a loved one is missing you will know what to do.


Here are the steps to find a missing loved one with a dog

1. Read about the scent article  at that link 

2. Give your dog a scent article and follow your dog...That is all there is to it.

Keep these points in mind

1. Do not try to out guess or think for your dog, do not think at all about where or what the person may of done. 

2. Your thinking interferes with the dog’s work because you do not have a nose or the 7th sense to know where pack members are like a dog, you will never know how this dog is doing this incredible feat so let them do what they know by only following them without giving them any direction at all.

3. Thinking for the dog is the biggest mistake search dog handlers make and this is why the dog will come up empty handed and this is the only reason.

4. When the dog is following the handler’s directions instead of their own nose they end up off course because the handler has no idea where the person is and does not trust the dog to do as they are asked.

5. Trust your dog and follow your dog to the missing person.

Here is an example of lost person incident where your dog can help you

Let’s say you’re at a playground with a young child who wanders away. You can’t find the child anywhere and remember your dog can.

You either call home for somebody to bring your dog or you go home as you call police and get your dog. Maybe your dog is as close as the car in the parking lot.

Remember 

LKL: The very last place you saw the child standing or the exact location or object they touched is the most important aspect of a successful rescue.


Guard and Save the LKL and Scent: You can use a tissue paper or paper towel to wipe the scent of your lost person from the equipment or bench when you are waiting for your dog.


If you have to wait for your dog, guard the last known location or the spot of scent with your life. Do not let anybody or thing contaminate the last thing your child touched on the playground.


If you have to go get your dog, ask somebody at the playground to keep other people and animals away from the place the child had been sitting or playing.

As soon as your dog arrives at the scene, the playground, take your dog to the LKL or  the exact location a person went missing from, such as- the last piece of equipment or bench your child was playing or sitting on.


1. Give your dog a smell of a scent article (the paper tissue) from the person or point to the bench the person was sitting on.


2. Let your dog smell the bench, equipment or the tissue paper that has only your scent and your lost child’s scent on it.

3. Once your dog has had time to smell the scent then ask them to find the person and follow your dog.




Many dogs do not look like they are doing much in the way of trailing; they kind of wander around a bit.

Trust your dog.
There is no rush because if you had not tried you would be waiting, doing nothing for others to come to the rescue.

The time following your dog is well spent even if your dog looks like they are not working. As long as they are moving forward they are on the move doing what you asked the best they can.

Every dog works its own way and if you allow them to do so, all you do is follow them around as they work the scents which are drifting all over on the air currents.

You would be wandering around aimlessly too if you were following scents drifting all over mixed in with millions of other scents.

Let your dog do this incredible feat and find that child before officials arrive, you can be safe and sound back at home with your dog and child.

I believe with the cutbacks nationwide in our community service branches, including law enforcement, fire and rescue that this is a very important lesson for you and your dog to learn.

We may not be able to count on the police if they are all laid off. 

We will have to depend on our own resources as more and more cutbacks occur.

You can be ready with your dog by your side to take care of yourself.

With practice, you can become self reliant instead of overwhelmed until officials arrive.

Visit Family Disaster Dogs online for more lessons and ideas about how your dog can rescue you in emergencies and disasters.

To learn more about searching with dogs, mantrailing and Bloodhounds you can visit one of my mentors, Bloodhound Expert and Mantrailing training method founder, Scent Sleeve inventor, Bill Tolhurst, website Home of the Big T 

Be sure and scroll down the page for a list of his books.

 "Each Step Begins a New Trail" Bill Tolhurst

"Blue Boy Homer"

Found 26 lost persons and 1 mountain lion who was staking the searchers!

The Essential Christmas Shopping List For Dog Owners

(image)

Christmas is coming, and chances are, your shopping list will be endless. From food to presents, there is a lot to buy to make your festive holiday complete. However, you mustn’t forget about your dog. As a valued member of your family, you need to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable Christmas too. That’s why we have compiled a list of items that are darn near essential for looking after your dog’s needs. Whether it’s a puppy you have welcomed into your home as a gift to your family or a long-standing faithful companion, we are about to make your shopping list that big longer. Apologies, but you will only thank us for it later.

So, in no particular order, you need to add the following items to your shopping list.


A safe Christmas tree

Pine Christmas trees can be a problem, not only for your carpeting but for your dog as well. When ingested, fallen pine needles can cause your dog to vomit, due to the excessive irritation in the throat, and in worse cases can cause intestinal obstruction. When possible, opt for a fake Christmas tree to reduce chances of harm, though, with a bit of common sense, you can still go for a real tree provided you take note of the safety measures mentioned here. Oh, and while you’re thinking about Christmas trees, don’t forget to pick up one of our wonderful decorations to adorn the tree’s branches.

A safety gate

While you want your dog to roam free as much as possible in your home, there may be certain areas that are off-limits. This is particularly true over the holiday season, especially if you have relatives staying, or rooms where your dog could cause an obstruction, such as the kitchen. A safety gate will keep your dog away from restricted areas, but they also give your dog full view of a room and your family, even if they aren’t allowed in - such as when you’re having your Christmas dinner!

Christmas foods

With the amount of food around over Christmas, your dog will think he’s in paradise. However, you need to be careful. Not only are certain foods problematic for your dog’s weight (as well as your own), but some, such as those listed here, are dangerous for an animal’s health. Your local supermarket will sell specially designed foods for your dog, with all the meat you normally enjoy at this time of year, including turkey and chicken. The same applies to chocolate. When you’re opening up your box of goodies, you need to keep your dog away from them. Instead, buy special doggie treats as a healthier alternative.

Flea treatments

With the amount of people coming in and out of your house, as well as their respective animals, your dog has a higher chance of catching fleas over the holiday period. Fleas can be carried on clothing as well as fur, so you need to prevent these unwelcome guests from setting foot near you and your dog. Have a look at PetAction flea prevention for dogs, which includes spot treatments and special collars that will do the trick. Sadly, they won’t do much to get rid of your other unwelcome visitors (how long are your cousins staying for again?) though if your dog does get fleas, you can be sure those pesky relatives will scarper within minutes.

Bedding

Snuggling up cosy and warm is something we all do over Christmas, whether it’s in front of an open fire, or lazily wiling away the days under our duvets. Your dog will want to do the same, and that’s why you need to buy your pooch something comfortable to snuggle down in. Not only will you give your dog a guaranteed good night’s sleep, but you will also keep them off your furniture, especially when you are trying to keep it nice and clean to show off to the in-laws when they arrive for Christmas Day.

An ID tag

You would be lost without your dog if they went missing, but Christmas is a time of year when this is likely to happen. With the toing and froing of people coming to your house, your dog could very easily escape through the front door and away from home. Likewise, if you spend a lot of Christmas travelling, you wouldn’t want your dog going missing in a strange locale. Dogs are great at finding their way home, but not if they are in unfamiliar surroundings. Therefore, an ID tag is a must, and for extra safety, you should make sure your dog is microchipped as well. You would have a miserable Christmas without them.

Christmas toys

(image)

Why should you have all the fun on Christmas morning? Let your dog in on the gift unwrapping session, and let them have something to play with over the holidays. Admittedly, they will probably spend more time with the wrapping paper for the first couple of hours, but there are loads of Christmas toy ideas online, and they will keep your dog entertained for ages. Well, at least until the smell of the turkey rises from the kitchen. On the subject of toys, remember safety. If you have young children, you don’t want your dog choking on any toys that may be littered around the floor. Your kids won’t appreciate their new ball getting chewed up, either. Get your dog its own chew toys, and spray anything else with anti-chew spray to make sure your dog doesn’t nibble on anything he shouldn’t. Note: this doesn’t mean you should spray the turkey!

Winter clothing

Despite the cold outside, you will still need to take your dog for a walk. Not only will this benefit your dog, but you will also get the health benefits, especially considering the amount of festive food you will be scoffing. While you shouldn’t forget the poop bags, you might also consider these festive jumpers that will keep Fido warm in the nippy weather. Remember to wrap up warm yourself, too!

Finally

Your dog will have a great Christmas if you remember to add these essential items to your shopping list. We hope you all have a good time, so take care, stay safe, and have fun!

Can You Train Your Dog Yourself?

If you want to have a happy, healthy dog, one of the best things you can do is start training them as early on as possible. Some people think that this is impossible to do yourself, when in fact, all it takes is a little know how, and most importantly, consistency. Without consistency, your efforts will be wasted. This means you need to get the whole family on board!

Yes, you can train your dog yourself. Here’s how:

Start As Early As You Can

The key to training your dog properly is starting very early on. While it’s never too late to train your dog - Cesar Millan has proven this - you should still start early to get into the best habits and show them that you’re the boss.

Set Ground Rules For The Family

If this is a family dog, every single person in the family needs to be on the same page. If they have people walking them completely differently, e.g. one person letting them walk ahead on the walk while another has them walk to the side, then they are going to get confused. It won’t be their fault if they misbehave. As the saying goes, there are no such things as bad dogs - just bad owners. You can have ground rules such as:

• No feeding off your plate (dogs will beg forever even if you do this once)
• Always eat before the dog
• Step in the house before the dog

You must do all of these things to ensure that your dog knows they are not the leader of the pack. If they get confused, as many do, they will become unhappy. It’s only fair on your dog that you are all consistent.

Know The Right And Wrong Things To Do

There's a right way and a wrong way to make your dog see that you are the dominant one in the relationship. There’s absolutely no need to shout, or hit them. For some reason, many dog owners still believe that this is acceptable. You simply need to have a dominant energy. Yes, you need to make it known that you’re the alpha, but you definitely don’t need to do anything to scare your dog. Why would you want them to be afraid of you?  

source

Master Basic Commands

Before doing anything else, master the basic commands. It can be a long road to getting your dog to learn everything you want them to learn, but it’s so worth it. Your only option if you don’t want to spend a while training a dog from scratch, is to look at ready trained protection dogs. These dogs have been specially trained by experts and are guaranteed to be a great guard dog for your home. However, it’s understandable if you want to train one yourself.

Figure Out What You Want From Your Dog

What do you want from your canine pal? Do you want to go into acting, like others have done? Do you simply want them to protect the house when you’re out? Knowing what you want will make everything easier!