cat collar

How to choose a dog collar or harness

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I have been caring for your pets for more than twenty five years as a Zoo Keeper, an Animal Services Officer, Veterinary Technician and a professional pet sitter with an Associate of Science degree in Animal Science.

Pet owners often use a collar for the purpose of restraining their dog or cat such as when walking. Collars should not be used for restraint. Your dog or cat can easily escape from a standard collar and martingale and pinch collars can cause injury. Pinch and Martingale Collars  should be used only by trained professionals and standard collars should only be used for the purpose of  attaching your pet’s identification. A harness is the proper tool for restraining your dog or cat and attaching a leash. You should avoid step in and expandable mesh harnesses. The expandable material in the mesh harnesses can  not hold your dog securely and the step in harnesses are difficult to fit properly. An H style harness is usually the best option. Remember it needs to fit tightly to work properly. Think your dog is so well trained you don’t need to keep them on a leash?

If you desire a harness with greater control look for one with the leash attachment in the front rather than on the top. An excellent example is the Freedom no pull harness from Wiggles Wags and Whiskers.  I am not affiliated with the company and have never received any compensation from them.

Choose the appropriate size harness for your dog or cat by measuring the circumference from around the belly to the top of the shoulder and adding five percent. You can do this easily with a flexible tape measure. NEVER leave your pet on a tie out without being supervised.

What’s your favorite harness!?

General Pet safety for Dogs Cats and Birds

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I have been caring for your pets for more than twenty five years as a Zoo Keeper, an Animal Services Officer, Veterinary Technician and a professional pet sitter with an Associate of Science degree in Animal Science.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS OUT OF HARMS WAY

  • Never let your pet outside without you holding  one end of a leash with your pet secure in a harness on  the other end, except in a fenced yard. This  rule should be followed regardless of your pets level of training. A harness is  a more secure option than a collar.  Remember you can control your actions, but you can not control the actions of others that may harm your pet. Think about the cars speeding and dogs running loose.
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  • Always have your pets identification tags attached to their collar or harness
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  • Never let your cats run free. There are too many hazards they can not defend themselves against; e.g. raccoons , cars, coyotes and other cats to name just a few.
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  • If you have a puppy never leave them unattended except in their crate. They are too prone to eating things that would harm them. When you put your puppy in their crate always remove their collar first so their is no risk of entanglement. When you have your puppy out of the crate watch them carefully to make sure they do not eat things they shouldn’t. Provide them with appropriate size toys designed for them and made in the U.S.A. that they can not ingest.
  • Check back for more tips
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  • This would be an example: Why should I not let my dog run outside as long as I am there supervising?
  • I encourage you to post comments that are relevant to the discussion, but please, only leave relevant comments. Please don’t buy a family member. ADOPT! Prefer a particular breed? Contact a purebreed rescue group. like these The American Kennel Club http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm
    The Bulldog club of America http://www.rescuebulldogs.org/
    The American German Shepherd Rescue Association http://www.agsra.com/ or contact me at http://bobspetsitting.com/ and I will be happy to help you.     I wish you and your dog many happy years together. Contact me I will be happy to help you.Spend time with your pet/family member daily and you will be rewarded ten fold!