eTraining Dog Collars

It’s 4th of July weekend and many cities and municipalities are having their fireworks displays.  The weekend will be filled with picnics and parties too.  All that excitement adds up to a lot of fun – but it also represents a lot of potential dangers for your dog.

The most common dog owner complaint during the 4th of July weekend is their dog’s reaction to fireworks. With a dog’s sensitive ears and eyes it’s no wonder that your dog gets anxious and fearful during the Fourth of July weekend. Even it you have addressed loud noises during your gun dog training This Holiday can be troublesome to your dog. The combination of loud noises and bright lights can scare dogs that don’t normally have a history of noise phobias and some of the issues can be caused by your actions.

Some dogs will exhibit signs of fear that can include pacing, panting, trembling, salivating, trying to escape and/or barking. If you notice this in your dog here are some things that you should do or not do during this Holiday:

 -    Don’t take your dog to the fireworks. Make sure he or she is calm at home. Or stay home with your dog during the fireworks.  Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location if possible.

-    Don’t try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention as this can sometimes exacerbate the problem by reinforcing your dog’s fearful response.

-    Some dogs are very sensitive to peoples’ moods, so they may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise. It is best to act happy and upbeat or to redirect your dog’s attention to some absorbing activity.

-    If you must leave your dog alone, consider what would make your dog most comfortable. Bring your dog indoors.  Would your dog feel safest in a crate? Turn on the radio/television/fan/air conditioner as (“white noise”). Make sure you provide a comfortable hiding place or “safe place” in case your dog is scared during the fireworks.
                                                  These tips were provided by Dr. Jon, from Pet Palace.

 So before the fireworks, try to anticipate your dog’s exposure to noises and avoid such exposure, if possible. Talk to your pet in a light, cheerful tone that sends a message that the storm is no big deal. Encourage your dog to find a quiet restful place to wait out the noise. Remember your dog will key off of your actions so don’t make a big deal out of the situation. Even though your dog will become anxious, talk calmly, act normal and everything should be OK.

  Dogs commonly eat things that they shouldn’t. The problem is that many items can’t be digested or passed through the intestine causing a dangerous “foreign body obstruction”.

An indigestible object can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, and often times it may require surgery to remove it. Untreated, ingestion of these types of items can be fatal.

During gun dog training or at any time dogs often chew and swallow things they shouldn’t. What are the items that most often must be surgically removed from pets? Here are the Top 10 items that seems to be more often surgically removed from pets, so  keep an eye out for these:

Top 10 Surgically Removed Items

1. Socks
2. Underwear
3. Pantyhose
4. Rocks
5. Balls
6. Chew Toys
7. Corn Cobs
8. Bones
9. Hair Ties/Ribbons
10. Sticks

When using hunting game calls and decoys for hunting turkey there are several things that should be kept in mind. Before going out turkey hunting with a decoy, local regulations need to be checked. Not every state allows decoys and therefore it may be illegal to use them.  Also, always remember safety first.  Never carry a decoy that is not covered. Even the smallest distance walked with an uncovered decoy bears a risk of being shot accidentally. When setting up decoys, it is important to make sure that from where you will be posted there is approximately 100 yards of sight available. The decoy needs to be placed somewhere around 25 yards from your position. Additionally, it’s also important to always make sure that no one else is staking out your turkey decoy and that no one else is close to the position of the decoy. Should somebody is even remotely close, you need to make your presence known for the safety of all parties involved..

Even though turkeys are sometimes seen in a flock, to attract them it is not necessary to set up a whole flock of birds. Generally one to three birds are plenty to attract another turkey.  Turkeys aren’t like geese, so therefore a good choice for a decoy arrangement would be two hens and a single Jake. Using a hunting game call and a motion decoy seems to do the trick.  The best way to place the Jake is facing towards you, so when the turkey comes in, to face the Jake, the wild turkey will show its back to you giving you a better shot as well as giving you time for any last minute adjustments that might be necessary.

Remember have a good time, know the local laws and “safety first”.

An electronic collar is a great tool for gun dog training and training in general. It also provides a safety net because if your dog is headed for trouble or his behavior is such that he may cause injury to himself you can transmit a stimulus to get your dog’s attention. However; there are other situations that we have to pay attention to such as overheating. With us humans we know when we are overheating by the way we feel and the amount of perspiration we expel. We have sweat glands all over our bodies, so we can cool ourselves down much quicker. Dogs don’t have the luxury of overall cooling because their bodies have very few sweat glands, and most of these are in the footpads.

The main way dogs cool themselves is by panting and breathing, so the moist lining of their lungs serves as the evaporative surface (much like our skin). Many people believe that a dog’s tongue contains sweat glands, but this is not true. Dogs also dissipate heat by dilating (expanding) blood vessels in their face and ears. This helps to cool the dog’s blood by causing it to flow closer to the surface of the skin.

Excessive play, hunting and or gun dog training on a hot day can lead to overheating (hyperthermia) and eventually to heat stroke. A dog that is overheated will seem sluggish or perhaps confused. His gums and tongue may appear bright red, and he will be panting hard. The dog may vomit, collapse, have a seizure or go into a coma.

On a hat day plenty of water and break periods are a must. When a dog becomes overheated, it is a real emergency situation. If this happens to your dog, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

  Winter is a wonderful time for cooler weather and scenic vistas. However it is also a time of potential hazards. There are some common emergencies that seem to impact dogs that can be prevented.
Her are some tips from Dr Jon at the Pet Place, things to keep in mind for all of our dogs not only for gun dog training:

 Protect Your Pet from Burns. Winter is the time of year when house fires are more likely to occur. Take special care to monitor wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources to protect pets from being burned. Burning ambers can get into your pet’s coat, or he may be curious and touch hot surfaces, beware of this.

 Take Special Care with Antifreeze. Antifreeze is very sweet and tasty to pets, and lethal even in small quantities. Buy brands that do not contain ethylene glycol, such as Sierra®, and be sure to keep all antifreeze out of your pet’s reach.

 Prevent Frostbite. Frostbite is injury to tissue that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures (often accompanied by moisture or high winds). Keep your gun dog warm by providing warm bedding indoors. Minimize exposure to cold temperatures, especially for those pets that are use to being in warm climates or indoors.

 Take Special Care Around Bodies of Water. Be careful around frozen lakes and bodies of water. Keep your pets on a leash and do not allow them to navigate on the ice. Weak areas can allow pets to fall through. This is where an electronic collar with a remote s valuable, as you can easily get your dog’s attention and give corrective action.

 Protect Your Pet’s Paws. Snow and ice often call for rock salt on sidewalks and driveways. Wipe snow, ice and rock salt off your pet’s paws, even clean between the toes – after being out in the field or after walks. The lime rock salt or calcium chloride salt commonly used may cause vomiting and diarrhea if the animal licks it.

Above all use common sense, don’t overlook your four legged partner.

Gun dog training and being out there in the field with your dog develops that special bond with your working dog.   The normal hunting process of being out in the fresh air with lots of physical activity plays a huge part in keeping your dog happy and healthy, but unfortunately time does take its toll and we have to be aware of that.  Every dog ages differently, but there are some common changes that occur as the body ages. Here are some of the more common symptoms that we need to be aware of:

Loss of hearing.  As dogs age, the nerve cells and hearing apparatus degenerates, resulting in a slow loss of hearing.  Just like us.

Loss of vision. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy with age. Natural changes takes place and cataracts may develop, which will interfere with vision.

Decreased activity.  As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows and as a result, they become less active and like us, what they use to do in a full day of hunting becomes more difficult.

Weight gain. Elderly dogs require 30 to 40 percent fewer calories. So simply eating a normal maintenance diet often causes obesity.  Keep taking him out in the field because the exercise is more important than ever, you might have to reduce your hunting time.  You may need a break too.

Infections.  As the body ages, the immune system weakens, making it harder for your dog to ward off infections. So be aware of various symptoms which may require a visit to your vet.

Just because your dog is getting older does not mean that you stop hunting with him, quite the contrary, you just need to take it easy. Continue with gun dog training and going to your favorite hunting spots there is still a lot of quality time to be had just watch out for your hunting partner.

When boating, each person on board should wear a life jacket or other personal floatation device. Don’t overload the boat. Check the capacity plate, and never exceed the weight limit or number of people you safely can have aboard. Consider the weight of your passengers and equipment. Hunters and their dogs should always remain seated. This is an important part of your gundog training.   If you must move, stay in the center of the boat and keep a low center of gravity. Always check the weather, and stay on shore if bad weather occurs or is expected. Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you will return. You should also observe the rules of safe firearms handling and transport.

All firearms being transported in a boat during hours of darkness should be unloaded and cased. Hypothermia is an added danger when hunting around water. This loss of inner body heat most commonly occurs when the air temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees. Carry extra clothes in a waterproof bag. Keep a survival kit with you, including matches in a waterproof container. This allows you to build a fire for warmth and to dry your clothes if wet.

If your boat capsizes, stay with it. If the boat is still afloat, climb on top. You’re more likely to survive if you’re not in the water. Wear your life jacket. This keeps you warmer and your head above water. Use common sense when boating to your favorite hunting spot. Allow extra time so you don’t forget important safety precautions. Don’t let your next water fowling trip turn into a tragedy.

Have you noticed that no one has ever been shot with a gun or rifle that was unloaded?  The only assumption is that every rifle and gun is loaded.

Other Safety Tips:

•  The muzzle of your fire arm should always be pointed in a safe direction. Control the direction of the muzzle at all times.
• Every time you pick up a firearm, the first thing you should do is check to see if it is loaded. Open the chamber. If you don’t know how to do this ask.
• Do not accept the firearm until someone has safely shown you that it is unloaded.
• Always keep the safety on until ready to fire; however, the safety should never be a substitute for safe firearm handling.
• Unload firearms when not in use. Leave actions open, and store sporting arms in cases when traveling.
• Know how your equipment operates.  Store and transport firearms and ammunition separately and under lock and key.
• Use gun or trigger locks and guards when not in use and of course out of the reach of children..
•  ALWAYS know your target and what’s beyond it. Before you pull the trigger you must properly identify game animals.  Know what is in front of and behind your target.
• When out in the field be sure you know where your companions are at all times.
• When using a clay thrower or shooting skeet don’t get caught up in the moment, know where your muzzle is pointing at all times.
• Always carry handguns with hammers over an empty chamber or cylinder. If you fall,  be sure to disassemble the gun and check the barrel from the breech end for any obstruction
• Alcohol and firearms is not a good mix. Drugs is out of the question.  Horseplay should never happen.
• Control your emotions when it comes to safety. If you lose control of your emotions bad things may result and with firearms it’s never good.
• Be aware of additional circumstances which may require additional caution.
• Be alert at all times. REMEMBER SAFTEY FIRST.

Game bird hunting can be enjoyed alone or with a partner. While not necessary, but highly recommended, most hunters also include a trained hunting dog on their excursions. Not only do these dogs quietly point, signaling ahead of time where a covey is hiding, but they can also be useful for flushing birds into flight and retrieving any kills.

When it comes to game bird hunting, it’s important to keep in practice. Tension runs high during this type of hunting, requiring an innate knowledge of your gun, your fellow hunters, and your hunting dog. To avoid accidents and to get some training in shooting skeet and using a clay thrower is a good way to grow accustomed to this unique style of shooting.  Learning basic gun safety, such as how to position your selves throughout a hunting session to avoid accidental shooting, is also a must for beginning hunters.

As you continue to undergo gun dog training for your dog to hone in his hunting skills you and your hunting colleagues need to continually master and be aware of hunting safety.  You must also develop certain responsibilities to the sport such as an understanding of game laws, sporting codes and wildlife management these areas are almost as important as handling a weapon safely.  All hunters must develop a code that makes them good hunters. This code is called “the code of hunter ethics.”

Obey all the rules of safety and insist that those around you do the same. Obey all game laws and insist that those hunting with you do likewise. Do your best to acquire marksmanship and hunting skills that assure clean, sportsmanlike skills. Support conservation efforts that assure good hunting for future generations. Fortunately most avid hunters and sportsmen take conservation very seriously and are great defenders of the outdoors.  

Don’t be a slob. Keep your campsite neat, and don’t offend others by openly displaying your kill in camp or on your vehicle. Pass along to other hunters, especially youngsters, the attitudes and skills essential to being a true outdoor sportsman.