April 10, 2013 / Natalie Lester

Euthanasia: How to make the decision for your pet

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by T. J. Dunn, DVM

pet euthanisia

Pets are such a dear part of our families. It is nearly impossible to imagine our days without them.

One of the great joys of life is bringing home a new puppy, kitten, or rescue pet from a local shelter. There is the promise of many happy moments during the lifetime of the pet. Each one is unique; each has a personality unlike any other dog or cat. And your interaction with that special family member is unique to you and the pet.

Maybe that’s why it is so difficult to experience that last “goodbye;” the physical connection you and your pet have nurtured is broken, the lively interaction will be no more; the sense of taking care of something that depends on you is gone. Memories, like shadows of a physical essence, are all you have left of your special friend.

Most pets live a full, healthy, and safe life under the protection of their owners. Eventually, though, the body wears down from natural processes or disease, and youthful vigor is replaced by worn out, poorly repaired, malfunctioning organs and tissues. Without our intervention any dog or cat would die a “natural death.” Unfortunately, well before natural death, the pet may experience very stressful, often painful days and nights, until eventually biochemical and circulatory breakdown is such that the body fails to support life.

Unlike in human medicine, veterinary medicine provides an important niche in pet care where gentle and painless euthanasia is employed to assist the passing of a pet whose body no longer sustains life in an acceptable manner. The degree of pain, mental confusion, irreversible degeneration from kidney failure, cancer, or heart disease all play a role in our decision-making regarding when to euthanize a pet.

Most pet owners have questions that need frank answers in order to reach a comfortable conviction that the time selected for euthanasia is the right time. The questions and answers below will assist you in determining “the right time.”

How will I know when it is the right time to put my pet to sleep?

how to decide when its time to put your pet down

It’s one of the most difficult decisions you have to make, but do what is best for your pet – even though that isn’t always what is easiest for you.

One simple rule is this: At the end of each day, rank your pet’s quality of life by one of two categories… was today a good day or a bad day. If your best care and medical treatments have been given and more bad days than good days are the norm, it is time to consider euthanasia.

How is it done?

Schedule the appointment at a time when full attention can be given to you and your pet. You can bring a favorite bed or crate to make your pet more comfortable. The doctor will talk you through the procedure, which entails giving a special intravenous medication. The euthanasia solution will terminate nerve conduction and stop brain and heart activity. Within seconds of receiving the I.V. medication, most pets quietly relax, as if falling asleep, and pass away. If a pet seems uncomfortable or afraid, a sedative can be administered prior to the injection.

Can it be done at my home?

The injection must be done carefully to ensure a smooth procedure. Only under unusual circumstances will euthanasia be done outside the hospital setting.

pet euthanasia

The last thing you want to do is leave your pet alone. Bring your friends and family with you so your pet knows how much you love them.

Can I be with my pet when the doctor administers the euthanasia solution?

Yes. And you can bring friends or family members. If you are not allowed to be present when your pet is euthanized, find another veterinarian who does permit your presence.

How will I know for sure my pet has passed away?

You may see muscle movement after the injection is given which is not from conscious brain activity. Movements, if they occur at all, result from independent muscle contraction triggered by circulatory collapse. Some pets will lose urine or stool when nerve cells shut down. Most veterinarians will listen for a heartbeat to ensure your pet has passed.

Can I take my pet home after the euthanasia?

Yes; in fact you have three choices. You can take your pet home for burying private burial, have your pet cremated and the ashes returned to you, or leave the body at the animal hospital to be taken care of, which is usually done through a pet cremation service. Be sure to get answers to all of your questions well before the time of euthanasia.

Do I have to be present during the euthanasia?

No. Some people want to remember their pet’s healthy times and would be stressed by witnessing the pet’s passing. If you are unsure what to do, keep in mind some pet owners regretted not being at their pet’s side. Guilt creeps in through thoughts that they abandoned their pet in its final moments. Will you have regrets if you do not stay with your pet?

You can take a few minutes of private time alone with the pet after euthanasia. As a remembrance you can save a sample of fur. Some animal hospitals can make a plaster imprint of a paw for you, or make a paw print on a piece of paper. Bring a supportive friend or family member to do the driving after the event to enhance your safety on the heart-rending drive home.

What happens after my pet is gone?

Many animal hospitals send a sympathy card after pets have passed away, a thoughtful and courteous way to bring closure. However, some pet owners struggle with grief and sadness, and to get a sympathetic card only brings the event back to the surface. It’s perfectly polite to inquire if a card is customarily sent and to request none be sent if the effects might sadden you.

Expect to have moments when you think you hear or see your pet. Time will resolve these impressions. Friends may seem insensitive regarding your feelings after pet loss. You may hear such statements as “Get yourself another one,” or “Oh, you’ll get over it in a few days.” It may seem that empathy is missing, when in fact they simply don’t know quite what to say.

The relationship you developed with your pet is very unique. Only you and your pet experienced its depth and beauty, and to describe the bond you had in words is at best just a shadow of the essence of the relationship. Only you will know how you feel after your pet is gone. Do not berate yourself if sadness haunts you. Dismiss thoughts that you should just “get over it.” Instead, embrace the idea that you don’t need to get over it and probably never will. Just work on getting around it. Grief, regret, loneliness, and sadness must not encumber your life; when you learn to get around the loss of a loved pet, you will feel better. To your friends it will appear as if you’ve gotten over it… only you will know the permanent place in your heart where shadows of your beloved pet live forever.

About Dr. Dunn

Dr. Dunn graduated from the University of Illinois with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1970. After working in a Chicago suburb he established the first small animal hospital in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He also directed a mobile animal hospital that serviced outlying towns in northern Wisconsin in the early 1980s. He established another animal hospital in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and a third hospital in Rhinelander with a pet food and supply store attached.

In 1997 Dr. Dunn focused on the Internet to provide pet owners with sound advice about pet health care. That effort resulted in creation of ThePetCenter.com, The Internet Animal Hospital, in 1998, which he sold to PetFoodDirect.com. Dr. Dunn was appointed Director of Veterinary Services for PetFoodDirect.com, where he recruited and directed a nine veterinarian staff for the “Ask The Vet” program. He practices small animal medicine and surgery in Naples, Florida, and northern Wisconsin.

He wrote a monthly column for Dog World Magazine and continues to write feature articles on pet health care for various pet publications. Dr. Dunn is a member of several professional associations and is licensed to practice in Wisconsin and Florida. He enjoys internet commerce, veterinary medical photography, website design and content writing, fishing, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Website: TheAnswerVet.com.

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April 8, 2013 / Toni Gibson

Landscaping by Artemis

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By Michelle Mullins

Many dogs like to dig; I know my Golden Retriever Artemis loves it!

 

Artemis says "Look at all the holes I made!"

 

Some breeds are more prone to be diggers than others but any dog might love to throw up some dirt. Digging can result in severe damage to landscaping and possibly underground pipes, wires, etc., escape from the yard and really dirty dogs.

Dogs dig for a variety of reasons.

  • Breed – This can play a part with terriers and some hounds seemingly born to dig
  • Escape – the dog may want to check out the world outside the fenced yard
  • Burrowing – for bugs, rodents, etc. the dog may see, smell or hear
  • Hiding Treasure – Some dogs like to bury their prized possessions like bone and toys
  • Creating the perfect spot – Dogs may make a hole to stay cool or warm depending on the weather.

 

My Artemis seems to be the burrowing type. She listens to the ground and digs for whatever it is she is hearing, smelling, sensing under the dirt. It’s a problem but since I’m not much of a gardener and she never tries to escape I’m not too upset about it. That’s a pretty unusual take on extreme digging.

 

Artemis says "The grass has got to be greener on the other side! Let's find out..."

 

There are several things you can do manage and stop the digging. Limiting opportunities to dig and providing alternatives is your best way to deal with this behavior.

You can try deterring your dog from digging in certain areas by placing his feces in those spots or covering the area with tarps, boards, etc. Unless you provide other things to do and redirect your dog to appropriate behaviors he will probably just find another spot to dig.

Don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the yard, especially for long periods of time. Hanging around in the back yard with little or nothing to do is not a substitute for exercise or enrichment. The yard should be for elimination use, games of fetch and play with other appropriate outdoor toys, training and hanging out with you. If left to find ways to occupy himself your dog may discover the fun pastime of digging.

Instead of just letting your dog out in yard:

  • Take your dog for a walk or run
  • Visit a dog park – if your dog enjoys playing with other dogs
  • Play fetch, frisbee, tug and other interactive games
  • Give your dog some mental exercise and do some training. Practicing behaviors like sit, down and recalls along with new stuff like tricks is very enriching for your dog.

 

Artemis does get to do all the fun things above, but she will still take every opportunity to till the soil!

 

Artemis says "I just had one little tiny smell and, well, I had to go after it"

 

Consider providing an appropriate area or box filled with sand (sandboxes and kiddy pools are two options) for your dog to dig in and encourage him to dig there. Hiding favorite toys, pieces of dry food, etc. will entice him to dig in this area and you can praise and reward him when he does.

I let Artemis dig in the area she seems to love the most and I’m taking back the rest of the yard this weekend. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

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April 7, 2013 / Jessica Medlin

Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar: What did the research tell us?

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By Jessica Medlin, PetSafe Marketing Research Specialist

ultrasonic bark control collar

When your dog barks, the PetSafe Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar emits a tone to interrupt your dog’s barking – but you can’t hear it.

It’s inevitable, dogs are going to bark. We hear from our consumers regularly that controlling barking is a MAJOR issue for them and often a barrier to enjoying their time with their dogs. We also understand how challenging barking can be to control. My furry little girl, Lilly, talks a lot  – at her own reflection in the window, if she thinks she see’s something outside when there’s actually nothing there, and if someone walks by she just feels the need to yell “HEY!” as loud as possible.  We encourage pet owners to work to understand why their dogs are barking when choosing the right bark solution. But we were also interested to understand our consumer’s issue with barking too.

We are continually working with our consumers to develop effective bark control products.  We are especially excited about one of our most recent bark products, the Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar. Prior to this products release, we conducted an In-Home Use Test (IHUT) to put our new PetSafe Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar to the test with some talkative pups

“The unit is a good size.   Once we got it on, it seemed to work right away.”

We all want our homes to peaceful and we don’t want our dog’s behavior to reflect poorly on us as owners. We were not surprised that most of our IHUT participants wanted to control barking when they are home and/or when they have visiting guests. We were excited to see how the Ultrasonic Bark Control collar works for them in these specific circumstances. And it performed great!

The Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar works by using an ultrasonic tone to deter barking.  When the collar’s microphone detects the sound of your dog’s bark, it immediately emits an ultrasonic tone.  The ultrasonic tone can be heard by dog’s, however, it is unheard by most humans.  This is great news, because the last thing we need when our dogs are barking is even more noise.  The ultrasonic tone is a safe yet annoying  sound for our dogs. The collar starts with a low tone when your pet starts barking and elevates if they continue. It continues to vary the tone every time your pet barks, so he doesn’t know what to expect or grow accustom to the tone.

“When we put the collar on and our dog started barking she quickly stopped and looked around the as if there was something that was bothering her.  She did not bark again when the collar was on her.”

Our research participants represented a very diverse group of dogs breeds and sizes, ranging from 8 lbs to 110 lbs. All of our tester dogs were also very enthusiastic barkers!  Regardless of breed or size, our talkative testers responded well to the Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar within just a few days of wearing the product.  Our participants saw a clear change in the amount of their dogs barking when they wanted to control it.

“The collar seems to be great so far…and it seems that it will last awhile.”

The type of bark collar you should choose is most dependent on your dog and your goals for bark control .  We are excited to offer our consumers the Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar for those dog that area little more timid or less stubborn but for owners still want to control excessive barking.

There’s always a time and place to be talkative and loud – your house is not one of those places and during your evening television show is not the time!  If your dog is a loud mouth the Ultrasonic Bark Control Collar could offer sanity for you and deter nuisance barking for your dog.

Do you want to control barking at the same times that our test group did? When does your dog bark most?

 

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April 5, 2013 / Natalie Lester

How to succeed at off-leash play

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By Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

How to Succeed at Off-Leash Dog Play

Like a doting parent, Anne Hendrickson recalls when her dog, Riley, was just a puppy and she started taking him to an off-leash dog park in Minneapolis. “It was so much fun,” Hendrickson says. Riley met a group of playmates. There was Dallas, Zuma and others. “They would meet and run,” Hendrickson says, “and wrestle and chase and play.”

Hendrickson is convinced of the benefits of off-leash play after seeing how happy it makes Riley and her other two dogs — and how well behaved the dogs are in the house afterwards. She’s started a dog daycare business, Downtown Dogs Minneapolis, where pups play off-leash. She tells clients that off-leash play may help correct many behaviors at home, such as destructive chewing or digging, which could result from boredom or lack of exercise.

Hendrickson is also the health and safety expert of Dog Grounds, a non-profit in Minneapolis that fights for more public land for off-leash play. She’s part of an urban movement that has caught on from New York City to Seattle, in which dog owners have answered leash laws by fighting for more off-leash parks. Dog owners also set up “playgroups” where pets can romp and socialize. Whenever you put two or more animals together, however, there are risks. Here’s how to make sure that off-leash play is a positive experience for your pet:

Know your pup’s temperament Not all dogs are cut out for dog parks, says Robin Bennett, a dog trainer in Stafford, Va., and author of Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety and Fun (Dogwise). “The best thing to ask yourself is, ‘Does my dog enjoy the company of other dogs?’” Bennett says. “Just as with people, some dogs prefer to have just one or two friends, while others are more like social butterflies.”

When starting out at a new playgroup or venturing to a new off-leash park, look for signs of stress in your dog, Bennett advises. “If the dog’s body stiffens up, it may be a bit worried,” Bennett says. Another sign of stress is if the dog was formerly panting with an open mouth and suddenly stops and closes its mouth. “The dog may be holding its breath and saying, ‘I’m not sure of this,’” Bennett says.

Find playgroups in your area. There is a growing variety of off-leash parks and playgrounds in communities around the country. Most city or county governments will have information on their websites about public parks that allow dogs to be off-leash. In addition, websites such as “Off-leash meetup” allow you to search for groups or locations by zip code. If you can’t find an organized playgroup, ask your veterinarian, breeder, or owners of other dogs that your pup sniffs during its walks.

Introduce your dog to off-leash slowly and if your dog has never been to an off-leash park before, avoid peak hours. “The first time you bring your dog, go at a time when it isn’t very busy — usually early in the morning or on a weekday,” suggests Hendrickson. “This way, your dog can sniff and explore on its own terms.”

Bennett suggests first introducing your dog to another dog, one on one. “Make sure to introduce your dog to another that is relatively calm and isn’t going to overwhelm your pet,” Bennett says. Look for a positive greeting ritual. Dogs tend to approach each other in an arc and sniff each other’s faces and necks before making a beeline for the behind, Bennett says.

Watch for stress or aggression Monitor your pup closely for a reaction to other dogs. Healthy play behavior involves exaggerated and repetitive movements, Bennett says. These may include chasing, jumping in the air, moving quickly to the left or right and bowing down with the front paws.

Be on the alert for dogs that become rough or aggressive. “Any time two dogs are off leash together, there is a risk of injury,” Hendrickson says. Cuts and scratches are likely. However, bullying is a possibility at dog parks. It can be difficult to spot because dogs bite and wrestle and pin each other in play. Hendrickson recommends the “Bully Test.” Remove the alleged aggressor and watch the reaction of the “bottom dog” to see if it continues to try to play or takes the opportunity to get away. If your dog wants to flee, it’s time to leave.

Follow off-leash etiquette A dog trainer or other expert sometimes sponsors dog daycare situations or organized playgroups. At other times, dog owners are on the honor system. You should abide by the following general rules:

  • Never let your dog play with other dogs if they have a communicable disease, such as kennel cough, or worms, experts say. Make sure your own pet is protected and up to date on its vaccinations.
  • Don’t take a dog to an off-leash park if it doesn’t have basic obedience training, such as coming when called, Bennett stresses.
  • Bring plastic bags to clean up after your dog, Hendrickson says.
  • If your dog shows aggression toward others, take it out of the park, Bennett says.
  • Don’t bring food or doggie treats into the dog park, Bennett says. Other dogs may want treats, too. One thing dogs will fight over is food.

The dog park is one of Emma’s favorite places, and we’re getting ready for year three of Bark For Your Park. Is your community ready?

 

Photo: Corbis Images

Elizabeth Wasserman a Washington, D.C., area-based freelancer, has been writing about pets, among other topics, for more than 15 years. Her love of dogs, in particular, was handed down through the generations from her great-grandfather, Eric Knight, who wrote the book Lassie Come Home in the 1930s.

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April 3, 2013 / Natalie Lester

How does your pet fool you?

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By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Communications Specialist

april fools with pets

Pets’ personalities are what make them so special and an integral part of our families. But, they always find ways to get what they want – don’t they? Has your pet ever played a trick on you?

Monday was one of the most fun days of the year – April Fools! I am not a big prankster, but I’ve always been an easy target for those looking for prank victims. For example, a few months ago, our sweet packaging engineer put one of our Elite Remote Spray Trainers under my desk and had the transmitter at his. Each day I would feel a little burst of spray but could never figure out where it was coming from. I convinced myself it was in my head since I couldn’t see the collar. This went on for a week before he couldn’t hold his laughter back anymore and confessed. I’m still trying to come up with a way to revenge his joke (suggestions accepted in the comment section!).

On Monday, we asked on our Facebook page what kind of joke our fans’ pets would play on them if they had the chance. We loved reading the comments to the creative answers pet parents came up with.

Tammy said her Jack Russell would say, “No, I don’t want to go for a walk.” Can you imagine a terrier that wasn’t itching to get outside and run?

Deb shared that her Beagle, Maddie, was a true prankster every day. “If she wants me to play with her and I don’t pay her any attention, she will go to the door like she needs to go out and as soon as I get up to let her out she runs and gets a toy to bring to me.” Oh, Maddie!! That is a classic trick to get what you want. High paw for you.

Cats are certainly pranksters too. Lezlie and Evelyn both shared their cats’ jokes on them. “I think the cat would regurgitate a half-eaten mouse and leave it on the floor,” Evelyn said. “Hold on! That wasn’t a joke. Our cat did leave a half-eaten mouse on our floor.” Lezlie’s cat had a similar story. “One of my cats already played a trick on me,” she said. “He brought me something to play with that he found in the yard… and it was alive! A squealing vole that he promptly dropped in the middle of the room so I could witness him playing with it. He wasn’t very happy when I caught it in a mason jar and took it back out.”

Sometimes I swear Emma has more personality than I do, and she definitely has some tricks up her collar. Our Facebook fans shared some great stories with us, but we want to hear yours too! Have your pets every played a prank on you? What would they do if given the chance?

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March 27, 2013 / Natalie Lester

Does your dog play nice?

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By Phil Monroe, PetSafe Village Kennel Representative

proper dog play behavior

Monitoring dogs playing can be hard work. Our Day Camp counselors have good advice on what behaviors to look for.

Is your buddy really a bully? Do you know if your dog is “playing nice” with others? Do you know how to recognize when Fido is displaying behaviors that can turn into an ugly playground spat? At PetSafe Village, our Camp Counselors have seen thousands of dogs come through our play camp over the years. Visitors are often amazed to see upwards of 40 happy dogs playing together, all seemingly the best of friends. This sight often elicits one of our most frequently asked questions: “How do you have so many dogs playing together without a fight breaking out?”

Though an altercation may occur from time to time, like in any group on the playground, it’s a rare occurrence. There are two main reasons for this. First, no dog is allowed to be the Alpha. A group of dogs is a pack and, naturally, every pack needs an Alpha. But in our Day Camp the Alpha is always a Camp Counselor. No dog is allowed to be dominating over the others. They’re all equal in the play yard.

The other important reason is our counselors are experts at spotting potential trouble before it starts. I recently spoke with two of our Camp Counselors, Bev and Niki, about bad play behavior they watch for. They were happy to share their list of behaviors not allowed in Day Camp:

Mounting – Unless a female is in heat, this behavior has nothing to do with mating. Both males and females will mount another dog to show dominance.

Muzzle Punching – This is characterized by a dog “punching” another in the back of the neck with its muzzle, another dominance behavior discouraged in the play yard.

Chest Thumping – Ever watch two dogs play, and they come up off their front feet, chests together? That’s a situation that can deteriorate into scrap. Also, chest thumping can be when a dominate dog runs deliberately into the side of another- a pushy, bullying behavior. The occasional chest thump will happen from time to time, but when it’s purposeful and deliberate it is discouraged.

Toy Guarding – Mine, mine, mine! Like it sounds, toy guarding is characterized by not letting other dogs near a particular toy. Sorry, Coco, but it’s not nice to be stingy! Share and share alike.

Excessive Licking – Though not a dominance behavior, some dogs will just lick another’s face to annoyance. This can cause the “lickee” to react with a natural “Get outta my face!” response.

Much like children, dogs play and mingle with a myriad of personalities and play styles. Proper and alert adult supervision will go a long way to keeping the fun going all day long!

What is your dog’s favorite way to play? Be sure to watch for these behaviors.

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March 24, 2013 / Toni Gibson

Happy National Puppy Day: Socialize your puppy.

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By Toni Gibson, Training and Behavior Education Specialist

There’s nothing that can beat the blues quite like a puppy. Just look at this face:

national puppy day

What is it about puppies that make us feel better instantly?

But there is actually a lot more to puppies than little paws, scrunched faces, and puppy breath. Socializing a puppy is one of the best things for a puppy and can set them up for success for the rest of their lives.

Puppies learn about their reality right after they’re born. Here we’ll go over the different developmental stages of a puppy and things you can do to successfully socialize your puppy at this stage

Neonatal stage: Birth to 2 weeks- Puppies will sleep and eat most of the time. They navigate the word by their touch and smell senses. Touching and holding the puppies in this stage for 1-3 minutes can be helpful for their development and get them used to human touch.

neonatal puppies

Neonatal puppies spend the majority of their days sleeping. Growing is hard work!

Transitional period: Weeks 2-4- Eyes and ears begin to open, so they’ll start to see what you and their littermates look and sound like. They begin to walk here too. At this point, you can pick them up, talk to them, and spend time with each one individually. Begin to introduce them to novel stimuli, like different floor textures (yes, even the dreaded linoleum that so many dogs fear later in life!)

Socialization period: Weeks 4-12- Puppies will really begin to learn here! It is very important to keep puppies with their littermates and Momma so they can learn to relate with other dogs. They will begin to learn bite inhibition with their littermates—when one bites too hard, the other squeals to say “Ouch!” Also, in the first 3 months of their lives, they should be introduced to as many things as possible to reduce the chance that they’ll be afraid of them later in life. Introduce them to rain, mailmen, crates, toys, children, the sound of trucks, busy sidewalks, wheelchairs, umbrellas, and much more!

puppy socialization

Socialization is very important for puppies.

Juvenile period: up to 6 months- Your puppy is going to get very enthusiastic! It’s important to provide lots of appropriate chew toys and begin using positive training methods. Continue introducing them to new experiences and stimuli that result in positive fun consequences, such as receiving treats or praise.

Adolescent period: 6 months to 1 year- The puppy will be getting used to the world and hopefully better established in a routine. At this point, continue introducing them to new things and using positive training methods.

If puppies aren’t introduced to things when they are young, there is a chance they can become fearful of them later. For example, if puppies were never introduced to men wearing hats, they might become fearful of them later in life. This goes the same way for vacuum cleaners. If puppies were not socialized to a vacuum cleaner, it might become a source of fear for them.

pupppy socialization

This puppy says, “How should we socialize me today?”

All of this means we have some control over what our dogs are afraid of by how much we socialize them. As puppies grow, they should be positively introduced and socialized to as many things as possible. Additionally, when we introduce all age dogs to new things, it’s important to make sure that the dog has a positive experience with that new thing. Provide your dog with treats or praise when introducing new things, such as umbrellas, vacuums, and new people. You should also consider introducing things slowly so that the experience isn’t overwhelming. For example, when introducing a dog to the vacuum, introduce them to the vacuum itself and make that a positive experience before turning it on. Slowly get your dog more acclimated to the vacuum and eventually turn it on.

When you properly socialize your puppy with positive experiences, your puppies will be better equipped to handle and cope with the changes they’ll experience in life. Additionally, they’ll be less fearful of the many things they will experience, such as umbrellas and men with hats. All of this means that you and your pet can lead a happy life together!

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March 22, 2013 / Natalie Lester

What did research show about our new Wireless Mapping Fence?

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By Jessica Medlin, PetSafe Marketing Research Specialist

We all love our dogs unconditionally want to let the dogs be dogs by giving them freedom to play outside, but many pet owners worry their dog will leave the yard and never return. One of our new products – the PetSafe® Wireless Mapping Fence – takes the worries away. It gives dog owners the flexibility to custom design the dog’s boundary without having to bury any wires. Last month, we wrapped up a 4 week in-home use test for the Wireless Mapping Fence and received great feedback from the product test participants.

The Transmitter emits a radio signal 90 feet in all directions. Boundary flags are placed around the yard to guide the pet owner in programming the boundary. The Boundary Programming Unit (BPU) collects data at each flag for the Receiver Collar. The dog wears the Receiver Collar, which monitors the dog’s location within the programmed boundary. When the dog approaches the boundary the Receiver issues a warning tone and if the dog proceeds further the Receiver issues a safe static correction. The static correction is harmless, but will persuade the dog to stay in the pet area. After training, the dog is able to freely roam the pet area.

All participants in this IHUT were new to wireless containment products, so they all came with a fresh perspective. In the test group, we had inside dogs, inside & outside dogs, and outside only dogs. The testers were so excited to get their hands on the fence, and we knew their furry family members would love it.

“She’s an indoor dog but loves to be out in the yard chasing her balls,” said one participant. “Our yard is not fenced, which is why we feel this system will be great for us.”

containment system installation

Before installing, we suggest drawing out your planned pet boundary. Here is a sample submitted by one of our research participants.

The installation time averaged approximately 2 hours. Pretty quick compared to a physical fence or even an in-ground fence, right? Right! Especially when you consider that this is brand new technology to program the boundary area. We knew we had smart group on our hands! With the Wireless Mapping Fence, participants were able to create a boundary compatible with their yard and kept their dog happy and safe.

“He is an inside dog and does not have a dog house,” explained another participant. “We installed it in the front yard and across the driveway. We used the partial boundary and we have no fence in our yard. All of the installation was easy and none of it was complicated.”

Testers rated the fence and their experience top notch! Depending on the yard, the customizable containment area and quick installation are appropriate for most pet owners. The Wireless Mapping Fence is especially great for those with off-limits areas of the yard, uniquely shaped yards, large yards, or folks wanting to contain the dog to one side of the yard. Those 1-4 hours of outside activity are critical to our dog’s well-being, but with our busy lives it’s sometimes difficult to make that time for it. The Wireless Mapping Fence provides more flexibility for you and more freedom for your dog!

wireless mapping fence

These three sweet chocolate labs loved their new Wireless Mapping Fence as much as their dad did!

“I love this containment system!” raved a tester. “It is of outstanding quality. I felt that it was well-made and well-planned for all types and sizes of dogs. The wireless fence unit’s design and functioning well exceeded my expectations. It was easy to set-up and use. I would recommend it to all dog owners.”

So, get ready. Our Wireless Mapping Fence will hit stores this summer, and we can’t wait for the rest of pet owners to use them!

 

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March 20, 2013 / Stacie Greene

The World According to Cooper: Springtime

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By Stacie Greene, PetSafe Supply Chain Specialist

springtime with pets

Cooper is ready for the warm weather to return so he can start spending more time outside.

Hi everybody! Just a quick update from last month, I got just a little bit of that snow that I was wishing for so badly! It was great. I woke up one morning and was getting ready to come to work with my mom when we went outside and there it was – SNOW!!! There wasn’t much of it, but it sure made for some fun before work that morning.

Now on to even more exciting events, it’s almost springtime. By the time you read this, we will be celebrating the first day of this fantastic season. That means spending time outside, playing catch, running, rolling in freshly mowed grass and just having fun. We have some great new products at PetSafe for the springtime. The Everflow, our new outdoor fountain, will be out soon, and don’t forget the Pogo Splash toys. Those are great in or out of the water. They are technically made for water, but I have fun throwing mine all over the yard. My mom loves them because grass never sticks to them. I have 2 really good friends at PetSafe, Anne and Leslie who make sure I have got plenty of toys to play with for both in and outside.

Another great thing to do in the spring is go on car rides with the sunroof open. I am really hoping for a trip to the mountains this spring. We have the Smoky Mountains here in East Tennessee and my favorite spot is a place called Cades Cove Loop. It is the best place to go for a car ride. We go really slow with all of the windows down so I can smell all of the smells. I definitely have to talk mom into that really soon.

Happy Spring Time!! What outside activity is your pet most looking forward to?

ABOUT STACIE

Stacie Greene is a Supply Chain Specialist for PetSafe, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to manage part of a global supply chain to deliver the best possible products for our customers. She has a BS in Operations Management, and 14 years experience in procurement, supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Her Lhasa apso, Cooper, logs the same hours at the office as Stacie. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, Tennessee the most pet friendly community in America.

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March 15, 2013 / Natalie Lester

How to introduce a new cat to your home

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By Dr. Julie Albright, PetSafe Small Animal Behavioral Chair at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

Are you considering adding another cat to your household? Owning multiple cats can be a lot of fun, but also frustrating if they do not get along with each other. Cats are territorial and do not naturally form bonds with all other cats. In fact, about half of new cat introductions result in serious and lasting aggression. A proper introduction between the resident cat and the new arrival can set the stage for long-term harmony in your home.

Create a Safe Zone

new cat

Treat dispensing toys can provide the physical and mental exercise your pet needs when getting used to a new space.

Give the new cat a temporary space of her own safe zone such as a bedroom or bathroom away from other pets. Provide a litter box, water, food and mental enrichment. Treat-dispensing toys and vertical spaces like a cat tree or cleared bookshelf are great sources of entertainment when she is alone. It’s important to build a bond with your new friend during this adjustment period, so take time to quietly interact with her as well. Calming pheromones may also help ease the cat’s transition to her new home.

I suggest keeping the new cat in her safe zone for about two weeks, depending on her personality. A nervous cat may need more time in a small space away from other pets to acclimate to a new home. However, a bolder cat may become frustrated in a limited space. In this case, the introduction exercises should happen soon after she arrives.

Set Up a Gradual Introduction

The next step is a gradual introduction between your resident cat and the new cat.

Before they see each other, I recommend wiping one cat with a towel, then present the towel to the other cat. Then wipe this cat with the same towel and present it to the first cat. Repeat this process until the cats seem relatively unaffected by the scent of the towel.

Next, let the cats see each other through a barrier. A baby gate placed in a doorway is perfect for this exercise. Increase the chances of a smooth introduction by giving each cat a dish of her favorite food. Place the bowls far enough apart that the cats notice each other but are calm enough to eat. We want all early interactions to be pleasant ones so close the door as soon as the first cat has finished eating. Move the bowls closer together at the next session as long as the cats continue to eat and no hissing or growling occurs. Soon the cats will be eating very close together on opposites sides of the gate.

There are several options for the next step in the introduction. You can allow the cats to sniff without food, repeat the food bowl introduction without the barrier, or encourage them to play together with a feather toy wand. Many, but not all cats, continue to tolerate or even become friendly with each other after a controlled, reward-filled introduction. A veterinary behaviorist is a great resource for more information.

 

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