dog leash

HOW TO SAVE YOUR DOG’S LIFE

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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 and as a Veterinary Technician.
I have seen dozens of dogs needlessly hit by cars and attacked and killed by other dogs whose owners never thought it would happen to them. I have seen the suffering that the dogs experience and the heartbreak their owners go through. Please do not let this happen to you. Whether your dog is in Florida or somewhere else
You can save your dog’s life by following a few simple steps:

1. NEVER let your dog outside without you attached to one end of a leash and your dog secured to the other end in a harness. (Except in a fenced yard).

2.When taking your dog outside always use a harness  and not a collar. 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 your best choice. Remember it needs to fit tightly to work properly.  Your dog can slip out of a collar in a few seconds and be gone forever

3. Do not rely solely on electric “Invisible fence” type fencing. It is not effective for all dogs and is not as reliable as a physical fence.

4. Inspect your fence regularly for any damage or gaps that would allow your dog to escape.

5. Always have your dog’s identification attached to their harness or collar at all times (yes even inside).

6. Use a collar only for the purpose of attaching your dog’s identification or a fashion statement, but never for attaching a leash.

7. Have your pet micro chipped. Make sure you choose a chip that is recognized by your local shelter.

8. Please keep your dog on a leash. Remember you can control your actions, but you can not control the actions of those who may harm your pet, like speeding cars,other dogs,coyotes, etc. Use a harness and leash.

I encourage you to post comments.

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Please don’t buy a family member. ADOPT! Prefer a particular breed? Contact a rescue group like these

Florida Pit Bull Rescue http://pitbull.rescueme.org/Florida

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.

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!?