Training Temporary Pets to Help the Disabled

The Otisville Correctional Center in New York has a new program that teaches inmates responsibility while helping them perform a service for others. Qualifying inmates can help train puppies for people with disabilities. The puppies live with the inmates for approximately 20 months. During that time, inmates are responsible for feeding, grooming, and teaching the dogs the necessary commands for them to help the disabled.

Once the dogs are sufficiently trained, they are picked up by a non-profit agency that unites the dogs with a disabled person. The dog and the special needs individual work together until the dog can satisfy their needs.
When raising guide dogs, puppy raisers will need leashes, pet bowls, and toys to care for the dogs and train them.

The trainers use tugs, balls, and other toys to teach commands and how to socialize. Leashes are instrumental when training and caring for the dogs because the dogs must be constantly exposed to people. Furthermore, owners rely on their guide dogs because they are unable to see, so the dogs must be very well-trained.

Although using inmates to train dogs is a new program, law-abiding civilians can also enjoy the experience of training dogs for the disabled. Guiding Eyes for Blind and the Eye Dog Foundation are two non-profit organizations that provide puppies and support for people who are willing to raise guide dogs.

Most non-profit organizations that supply and oversee the training of guide dogs require participants to live a reasonable distance from the organization, but there are organizations in many geographic locations.

Training a guide dog can be a wonderful way to contribute to the community. Nevertheless, it is also important to remember that caring for a guide dog is a temporary job and returning the dog to the organization can be traumatic when you have developed a strong bond.

Essenti Enterprises, LLC offers products, has a full line of sturdy pet bowls, retractable leashes, and floating rubber dog toys that are well-suited for training guide dogs. Our online selection is readily accessible and perfect for your training needs.

Dog Owners’ Actions: Minimizing Begging at the Table

Although many types of table food are not safe for dogs, pets often beg for food. Interestingly enough, research conducted by a University of Florida research team suggests that dogs may decide whether to beg based on the physical actions of the person eating. When dogs were exposed to people who faced them versus people whose faces were hidden from view, they were more likely to beg from people facing them. The study was conducted with wolves, stray dogs and pets. Pet dogs seemed to be able to interpret the behavior of the subjects better than strays and wolves, presumably because they had experience living with humans. However, even if your dog is experienced at interpreting your behavior, there are steps you can take to minimize begging.

If your dog attempts to beg, avoid looking at him. You will be sending a message that you may succumb and give him food. Above all, do not give your dog table food. You will be reinforcing his behavior, and encouraging begging.

Keep in mind that when you are making dinner and eating, your dog is drawn to the scent of your food. You can prevent him from approaching the table by barring his access. Either set up a gate or put him in a room or crate that limits his ability to approach the table.

Another possibility that will keep your dog from begging is to distract him. Give your dog toys to chew and entertain him. You could also provide your dog with his meal while you are eating. If your dog is satisfied, he is less likely to be interested in your food.

Essenti Enterprises, LLC has a line of scented toys that can keep your busy and happy while you eat. Additionally, if you want to feed your dog while you are eating, encourage your dog to eat by putting his food in his dog dish. Position the dish so it is away from your own eating area.  Essenti dog dishes are durable and stable, so they stay in one place making it easy for your dog to enjoy his meal without becoming frustrated. Order our pet products, and let them help you keep your dog away from your own dining table.

Showing Your Dog: Improving His Physical Appearance

When entering your dog in a show, he is judged on his behavior and his appearance. Judges evaluate your dog’s appearance based on the breed’s standards.

Daily activities can help your dog maintain his appearance before you enter him in a show. Walk and play with him regularly, so he maintains a fit physique. Additionally, establish a routine for grooming and hygiene, so he remains healthy and shows well. This includes brushing his teeth, cleaning his ears and feeding him the right food. Dry food can help teeth remain healthy.

While regular care and hygiene is important, you want your dog’s coat to shine during a show. Therefore, you either need to hire a groomer who is knowledgeable about grooming show dogs and familiar with the standards of the breed, or you must be adept and knowledgeable enough to perform the task.

If you decide to hire a groomer, obtain referrals from other people who show dogs, contact a vet or ask for a recommendation from a kennel club. Meet with the groomer to discuss his qualifications. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the grooming area and where dogs are kept while waiting for grooming.

Regardless of whether you groom your dog or hire a professional, your dog’s physique, fur and features must look their best. Your dog will be inspected very carefully, and grooming tips vary depending on the breed and the type of hair. The Low Chens Australia website, for example, provides breed-specific grooming tips. Pay special attention to your dog’s feet, nails, fur and facial features when grooming him.

Inspect your dog’s toenails. If you hear them hit against a floor, they are too long. Clipping a dog’s nails can be difficult because if they are cut too short, the dog may bleed if the blood vein is cut. It is usually necessary to trim hair on longer haired dogs because it grows between their foot pads.

When shampooing the dog, he needs products based on his breed and hair type. Brush your dog before shampooing him. Longer haired dogs are dried with a dryer. As the hair dries, it is styled or cut to maximize attractiveness or hide imperfections. Shorter haired dogs are often towel dried, but their hair is brushed, styled and cut to maximize their physical appearance. Grooming can take hours, but is usually more time-consuming for long-haired breeds.

Essentit’s quality retractable leashes and dog toys can help dogs get the exercise they need to look healthy and fit for a show. You can also use them if your dog needs a short break from grooming. Browse our product line today.

Reasons Bones May be Dangerous for Fido

It is not uncommon to picture a dog happily gnawing on a cooked bone. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cautioning dog owners that bones can cause hazardous health problems to a canine’s internal body or mouth. Dog owners should be aware of potential problems and take appropriate safety measures to keep their dogs healthy.

Sharp bones can easily cut or damage the mouth or tongue. Additionally, a dog can chip or break a tooth on a bone. These injuries can be painful and lead to costly veterinarian bills.

Bones can also cause internal injuries, which may not be as obvious as a damaged mouth. Bones can get caught in your dog’s windpipe, intestine, or esophagus. Sometimes these blockages can lead to death, serious injury, or excruciating pain if your dog is not treated promptly. Blockage may require a procedure to restore your dog’s ability to breathe or swallow. A blockage to the intestines can prevent bowels from moving, and cause cramping, constipation, and other discomfort.

Although some dog owners give their dogs bones, it is essential to remember that your dog can also find bones. Therefore, it is necessary to take proper safety precautions to minimize your dog’s ability to obtain bones. Follow these tips to keep your dog safe:

• Seal bones firmly in a bag before throwing them out.
• Walk your dog on a leash.
• Do not allow your dog to go outside unsupervised.
• Keep your dog satisfied by providing him with chew toys and dog food.

Sum-Plast offers a wide selection of pet products that can help keep dogs safe, happy, and healthy.

Our retractable leashes provide your dog with enough room to roam, but allow you to shorten his lead when you need to keep him close to you. Our plastic dog bowls are available in many sizes and are ideal for holding dog food or water. We also sell rubber chew toys, discs, and other toys that allow your dog to play and gnaw safely. Visit our portfolio of pet products and accessories to browse and purchase our products.

Essenti Gains Exclusive North American Distribution Rights for Fashion Puppies

In 2013, the import/export company Essenti Enterprises, LLC received exclusive rights to distribute Fashion Puppies products in North America. Fashion Puppies is a pet clothing supplier based in the United States that offers chic and stylish fashions for dogs. The Fashion Puppies brand was founded in 2011 by Iwona and Zibi Solski who are members of a venerable family of pet supply companies. Read more →