OLFACTORY COMMUNICATION

 The Importance of Olfaction in Communication

Olfaction, the sense of smell, is the most acute of the wolf's and dog's senses. Wolves and dogs, unlike humans, are strongly reliant on odors to aquire information about the outside world...about food or danger, and to communicate with other wolves.
 Unlike vocal signals, that indicate state of an individual's changing mood and possible future actions over the next few seconds or minutes, the odor provide a deeper and broader window into the animal's history, present status, and future prospects over much longer time frame.
For example, while a female's urine may inform a male that she is psychiologically ready to mate and concieve, her voice may inform him that now is not the time.

Odors contain information on species or individual identity, gender, breeding condition, social status, emotional state, age, condition and even a diet.



Skin Glands

The secretions of the wolf's or dog's skin glands not only keep the skin supple and hydrated, but also function in chemical communication. There are three types of secretory skin glands.

a) Sebaceous Glands
Found in hair follicles. They produce an oily, waxy substance, which when acted on by bacteria, emits distinct odor. In dogs, large sebaceous glands are found along the part of the neck, back and tail, especially in the tail gland area. However, those present at the junction of the skin and mucous membranes of the lips, vulva, and eyelids are even larger. If you live with more than one dog, you may often notice, that your dog's sniff, or sometimes even licking, each others at the above mentioned areas. Commonly, you will see this behaviour from the most dominant dog within your family pack.

b) Apocrine Sweat Glands
Found in the skin of dogs. They are most numerous on the face, lips, and back and between the toes. Apocrine glands become active at puberty. Their watery secretion is not used for cooling.

c) Eccrine Glands
They are the true sweat glands that function primarily for cooling. In dogs they are located only on the footpads. Their secretion is influenced by excercise or heat stress, but can be also stimulated by the nervous system. Individual differences in microflora and in diet result in the functional equivalent of "chemical fingerprints". Thus, wolves can recognize one another by distinctive " odor fingerprints", dogs can not only identify individual humans by odor, but can distinguish between identical twins that are eating different diets.


Feet
Appocrine sweat glands are present in the "webs" of the paws, in the form of small glandural pockets near the bases of the toes of dogs. Eccrine sweat glands, are numerous in the footpads. The offten seen stiff- legged scratching of the ground after a defecation, and in some individuals after or before urine marking, lay down an aditional scent mark from the paws. This behaviour is presented by dominant male dogs, or by the alpha breeding pair of wolves. So next time you see your dog doing so, it means he's laying down additional scent mark, and not cleaning his feet, as many people believe.

Marking with back feet

Paws sweat glands

Back and Tail
Little attention has been paid to the skin on the backs of canids in terms of signal value. Wolves, for example, have contrasting colour marking across the shoulders, and the relatively longer guard hairs covering that area are raised during periods of arousal. Also called "hackles", these raised hairs convey an obvious visual signal that can be seen also in domestic dogs, and can be recognized even by humans. The passive release of scent from the raised hair, during which the skin folds spread, might also play important role in communication.
Clusters of sebaceous glands, together with apocrine galnds, make up a dorsal tail gland found on the top surface of the tail near to its base. Wolves nor dogs don't typically investigate this area on one another, some might rubb the secretion on their dens, kennels or crates.

Raised hackles

Ears 
Male dogs show little interest in the ear wax samples of other males, but investigate the ears of females. These results suggest, that the information in the ear wax samples is related to gender. Many times, you will also find dogs showing interest in smelling human ears.

To be continued.....

DEVELOPMENT OF VOCAL COMMUNICATION

  From birth on, both wolves and dogs are very vocal. Newborn pups moan, squel, and scream as they wiggle around and compete for the mother's nipples.

Early Vocal Signals
( Squeal / Scream / Yelp / Yawn ) 

Pups squeal and scream during their first few weeks of life, but rarely by 5-6 weeks of age. These sounds are short, harmonic, and high-pitched. Screams are generally higher-pitched, much louder and less frequent. Squeals are not associated with any particular pup or adult behaviour, and adults appear to ignore them. When pups scream, their mother grooms them or repositions them, often eliciting more screams. Scream serve as a mild distress calls.
Pups yelp when stepped on or being carried, and their mother responds promtly by attending to them.Yelps are rare, brief, loud sounds.
Yawns are sounds produced during yawning and have no apparent social role.

Early Adultlike Vocal Sounds
 ( Moan / Whine / Growl / Bark )

Moans are most common pup sound.Moans, like squeals, screams, and whines are most common during first two weeks of life when pups are deaf. Pups moan while nursing, asleep, or resting; their moans do not elicit any overt response response from the mother. Pups also moan when huddled together, providing a possible tactile signal to the littermates. 
Pups also whine from birth on. Whines are higher-pitched than moans. Pups whine and moan in the same contexts, so the two vocalizations may carry similar information.
Pups growl as early as a day, but not frequently until their fourth week. During the first 3 weeks, pups may growl when huddled. Older pups growl during active interactions with litermates. Pups also bark in response to sounds outside.



Late Adultlike Vocal Signals
( Woof / Squeak ) 

Pups woof from their third week on, most often during their mother's absence. Woofs are associated with both hesitancy, and aproach and reflect uncertainty. 
Pups do not squeak until day 15, by by the week 4, squeaks become the most common sound in the pups repertoire.  
In weeks 3 and 4, pups squeak while in contact with one another but not interacting. During the next 2 weeks, they squeak mostly during interactions with littermates or with their mother. 

The Neonatal Vocal Repertoire 

The vocal repertoire of newborn pups begins to give way to an adult - structured repertoire shortly after the pups can see, hear and move about. Four most common sounds of newborns ( moans, whines, squeals, screams ) are made repeatedly during first 2 weeks of life, then decline rapidly or disappear entirely. Together with the yelp, these four sounds provide a stepped series that permits the mother to monitor the status of her litter. The decline of these early sounds indicate that pups rapidly outgrow the need for distress signal system. By 3-4 weeks of age, pups can avoid situations that may have been life - threatening earlier. Loss of squeals and screams still leaves moans, yelps and whines to indicate low, moderate or high level of distress. 
At 1-3 weeks, before the development of social behaviour, pup signals primaly serve to indicate distress. After 3 weeks of age, these vocal signals assume their adultlike roles. These are mainly used by wolves in a form of howls. 

K9 Healthcare

Healthcare Products Nutritional Supplements for Dogs

Joint Pain and Arthritic Relief:

Joint Aid for Dogs

Joint Aid 4 Dogs is the only joint-enhancing supplement with Oatinol, a natural, beneficial oat extract.

Joint Aid 4 Dogs is a tasty supplement that provides improved joint function along with a wealth of added health benefits, all in a simple-to-use, highly palatable form.

With the onset of age, a dog's ability to effectively metabolize glucosamine, chondroitin, curcumin, glutamine, and MSM becomes greatly diminished. Combining these ingredients with Oatinol enables dogs to gain the maximum benefit from the supplements.

Superior Benefits:
-Maintains flexibility of movement for senior, sport, and working dogs.
-Supports the repair of normal wear and tear to joints, cartilage, and synovial fluid.
-Provides the building blocks for natural replenishment of the joints' functional elements.
-Easy to use - sprinkle the tasty mini pellets directly onto a dog's regular food.

Why Oatinol?
-Dogs are better able to digest, absorb, and utilize the joint additives, thanks to Oatinol's naturally occurring polar lipids and galactolipid emulsifiers.
-Oatinol supplies an array of natural antioxidants to further benefit a dog's immune system.
-Because dogs love Oatinol's flavor, they are more likely to ingest ALL the joint additives, every time.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein ........................	12% (min)
Crude Fat ..............................	8% (min)
Crude Fiber ...........................	10% (max)
Moisture ................................	8% (max)
Chondroitin*...........................	2% (min)
Glucosamine*.........................	2% (min)
Glutamin*...............................	1% (min)
MSM*......................................	1% (min)
Curcumin*..............................	0.5% (min)
*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient profile.

Ingredients:
Oats, Beet Pulp and Molasses (Dried), Forage Products, Vegetable Oil, Yeast Extract, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Vitamin C, Glutamine, MSM, Curcumin.

Daily Feeding Recommendations Add the following quantities to your dog's feed:
Small Dogs (under 30 lbs):	1/2 Spoon per day
Medium Dogs (30 - 60 lbs):	1 Spoon per day
Large Dogs (60 lbs and more):	2 Spoons per day

 

Syn-Flex Glucosamine Complex

Syn-Flex is in a high quality liquid formula. Liquid has a higher absorption rate than powdered product. With the pharmaceutical grade glucosamine and eleven other beneficial ingredients, pet owners are able to notice a significant improvement.

Syn-Flex doesn't just stop your dog or cat's pain, it stimulates the production of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan molecules which renew the supply of synovial fluid within the cartilage matrix of the diseased joint(s), rehabilitating the cartilage and allowing your pet to move without pain.

The high quality pharmaceutical grade liquid glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL combine with twelve other ingredients in a formula designed to.

• Effectively treat and prevent arthritis and hip dysplasia
  
• Stop articular joint pain
  
• Restore joint health
  
• Stimulate the production of synovial fluid
  
• Rebuild and rehabilitates damaged cartilage
  
• Prevent future deterioration of cartilage
  
• Reduce inflammation
  
• Improve mobility
  

Why Syn-flex is Better

Glucosamine has been proven to effectively treat arthritis. However, most gluocsamine products on the market today come in capsule or pill form. This means that the glucosamine in these products is delivered in powdered form, which is not absorbed very well. Syn-flex, on the other hand uses pharmaceutical grade liquid glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL for maximum bioavailability, and fastest relief.

Even better, Syn-Flex has no serious side effects unlike Rimadyl or Etogesic.

Syn-flex binds to damaged cartilage and boosts cartilage metabolism, facilitating repair processes. At the same time, it blocks the action of destructive enzymes that promote joint inflammation, break down the synovial fluid, and attacks the cartilage.

Syn-flex stimulates the synovial membrane to manufacture new synovial fluid to replace the thin, degraded fluid of joint disease. By doing so, Syn-flex helps lubricate, nourish and clean the cartilage.

Ingredients Per 1/4 oz. of Syn-flex

1250 mg Glucosamine HCL and Glucosamine Sulfate
25 mg Shark Cartilage (20% Chondroitin Sulfate)
8 mg Boswellin
3 mg Yucca Root
5 mg Manganese (as Manganese Ascorbate)
1 mg Bromelain
18 mg Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
5 mg Omega 3 Fatty Acid
1.67 mg Omega 6 Fatty Acid
80 IU Vitamin A
2 IU Vitamin E

Dosage:

Pet Weight	Dosage	Bottle will Last
0-10	1/32 oz	256
10-40	1/16 oz	128
40-100	1/8 oz	64
100+	1/4 oz	32

Yucca

Yucca Intensive is an outstanding, proven safe, all natural supplement. Yucca contains saponins, which are nature's most powerful anit-inflammatory agents. Our product is pure concentrated extract, not powdered waste product (the result of extraction process) as found in capsules or other popular bulk products. Extract contains over 85% bio-available saponins versus only 3% to 7% left in waste powder. Therefore, our product has the highest therapeutic steroidal benefits available! Reduces pain as well as bute and aspirin without gastric side-effects. For arthritis bone and joint problems, soft tissue swelling, digestive, bowel problems and colic. Tissue swelling reduces the blood flow through injured areas, toxins build up, irritation the liver and kidneys. Yucca cleanses these organs, promotes blood flow and tissue repair, while preventing further degeneration of injured tissues. Reduces the "itch" of allergies. May reduce inflammation in brain areas responsible for seizure activity. Used topically for wound and hot spot treatment.

Dosage: 1 drop per 10 pounds of body weight per day.

Lithe Tea

A nutritional herbal tea for dogs, to support healthy mobility, bone and joint function.

Adj. Flexible, Mobile, Nimble, Lissom.

The ingredients in Lithe help to support normal joint health, flexion and movement. A good quality diet is essential for the over all health of the whole body including the musculoskeletal system. Lithe Tea is intended as a supplement to a wholesome, natural diet – not an alternative to it.

Ingredients:

Alfalfa, white willow bark, yucca, ginger, red clover and boswellia.

No fillers or synthetic ingredients whatsoever. Lithe Tea contains absolutely no added salt, sugar, artificial preservatives, by-products, dairy or grain ingredients of any kind.

Please Note: Lithe should only be used under veterinary supervision and with caution, during pregnancy and nursing. Lithe is not generally recommended for use in cats.

What It Does

The ingredients in Lithe Tea help to support normal joint health, flexion and movement. A good quality diet is essential for the over all health of the whole body including the muscoloskeletal system. Lithe Tea is intended as a supplement to a wholesome, natural diet, not an alternative to it.

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein	minimum	10.96%
Crude Fat	minimum	7.76%
Crude Fiber	maximum	13.30%
Moisture	maximum	9.13%

Feeding Guidelines

We recommend dividing the following daily amounts into two daily servings. Once steeped, Lithe Tea may be mixed directly with your dog's food.

Lithe Tea should only be used under veterinary supervision and with caution, during pregnancy and nursing. Lithe Tea is not generally recommended for use in cats.

Weight of dog	Amount per day
Up to 10 lbs	1/2 Teaspoon
Up to 30 lbs	1 Teaspoon
Up to 50 lbs	2 Teaspoons
Up to 70 lbs	2 1/4 Teaspoons
Up to 90 lbs	2 3/4 Teaspoons

To Make the Tea:

Use teaspoon handle to lever open the lid. Measure out the desired quantity of tea into a cup. Add about 1/2 cup boiling water (for 1/2 tsp to 2 tsp of tea) or 1 cup boiling water (up to 4 tsp of tea) and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Bulk quantities may be made up and stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days if preferred.

Lithe Tea naturally contains some large, hard pieces of herb stem and root. This is completely normal and they will soften when the tea is made, but very hard pieces may be discarded if preferred.

Lithe Tea is made with 100% human food grade ingredients. It contains no animal feed grade ingredients and is made in an FDA Inspected Facility, but is intended for you pet to eat, not you!

MSM

Helps the body to improve joint stiffness and skin problems. This paired with Yucca Intensive or Glucosamine has been proven effective to reduce chronic pain and arthritic symptoms. Improves the elasticity of the skin and helps improve chronic skin conditions.

Contents: 99% pure MSM (Methyl Solfony Methane), Magnesium Sterate, Gelatin and Water.

Contains NO: preservatives, yeast, sugar, artificial flavors or colors, solvents or pesticides.

Dosage: Medium & Large Dogs: 2 to 4 capsules per day

Traumeel®
Homeopathic Anti-inflammatory Medicine

For the temporary relief of:

• Muscular Pain
  
• Joint Pain
  
• Sport Injuries
  
• Bruising
  

Traumeel® is a safe and effective doctor recommended medicine formulated with 14 active ingredients that work together to provide relief of minor aches and pains associated with sports injuries, joint pain, & bruises. With rare side effects, Traumeel® is a safe and versatile medication for all ages.

About Traumeel®

Physicians have been recommending Traumeel® for over 70 years as a safe, effective and prescription-free alternative to OTC NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Traumeel® has become, to millions of people worldwide, a trusted therapy for aches and pains and an essential addition to at-home healthcare.

Product Benefits

• Over 70 years of worldwide therapeutic use
  
• Safe and effective for the whole family
  
• Rare side effects
  

For Dogs:

All of the dosing information is for humans, but you can administer them just like any other pill ground up or diluted in water.

St. John's Wort

Used in traditional herbalism for centuries, recent scientific research has made St. John's Wort one of Europe's most popular herbal products. St.-John's Wort is effective in reducing pain brought on by injuries where the muscles, joints, or nerve endings have been bruised or crushed. Topically, a tincture, oil infusion, or salve can be applied to the affected areas. Internally, a tincture of the herb can be used in combination with skullcap.

 

Supplements

Healthy dogs on good quality diets should not, in theory, require any supplements. However, commercial foods and fresh foods can also lose significant nutritional value through cooking and storage. And there can be differences in how well dogs digest their food, how well they utilise the various nutrients it contains, and what their individual requirements are. Dogs that are in poor health or that have additional requirements such as old dogs, working dogs, very active dogs or growing dogs may benefit from the addition of various supplements in their diet. Supplements and other natural products need to be used appropriately.

Kelp

Kelp is a seaweed supplement and is rich source of minerals and trace elements, particularly organic iodine. It is a good supplement for all dogs because iodine is needed for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland, which in turn affects health, skin, coat and metabolism.

Dose

Small dogs 1/8-1/4 teaspoon daily

Medium dogs 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily

Large dogs ½-1 teaspoon daily

Wheat Germ

Wheat Germ is an excellent source of thiamine and wheat barn is an excellent source of manganese. 

Brewer's Yeast

Debittered, dried brewer's yeast is an excellent supplement. As a powder, it's high in protein and a rich source of vitamin B. Yeast can help with skin disease, heart disorders, nervousness and low energy.

Dose

Small dogs 1/8-1/4 teaspoon daily

Medium dogs ¼-1/2 teaspoon daily

Large dogs ½-1 teaspoon daily

Caution: Some dogs are sensitive to yeast and can show skin reactions!

Alfalfa Powder

Alfalfa contains calcium, potassium, plus all known vitamins. The minerals are in a balanced form, which promotes absorption. These minerals are alkaline, but have a neutralizing effect on the intestinal tract. Alfalfa helps with arthritis pain.

Dose

Small dogs ¼ tsp daily

Medium dogs ½ tsp daily

Large dogs 1 tsp daily

Vitamin C

Dogs produce their own vitamin C at around 200 mg/kg per day. However, stress can increase requirements considerably. Vitamin C is vital for wound repair, healthy gums and structures that hold the body together such as ligaments, cartilage and tendons. It's also critical to immune function and is a very important antioxidant. Vitamin C supplements come in powders, capsules and tablets. The powdered form the easiest to give and to digest and it should be mixed in food.

Vitamin C is also beneficial for dogs that are stressed and in treatment of allergies, cataracts, cancer, infections ( bacterial and viral), heart disease, liver disorders, arthritis, urinary tract infections, hip dysplasia, disc disease and spondylosis of spine, dental disease, wound healing, diabetes and canine distemper.

Dose

Small dogs 50-125mg twice daily

Medium dogs 125-250mg twice daily

Large dogs 250-500mg twice daily

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an important fat soluble vitamin and antioxidant, protecting cell membranes against free radical damage. It's necessary for normal immune function and provides a protective effect in many health problems. Poorly stored dry foods or poorly prepared home-made diets can be low in vitamin E. Vitamin E requirements increase with an increasing fat content of the diet, so if you are supplementing with fatty acids, supplement with vitamin E, too. Vitamin E deficiency is associated with digestive problems, skin disease, skeletal muscle dystrophy, failure of gestation, poor fertility and impaired immunity.

Vitamin E is a beneficial supplement for any chronic disease, any degenerative disease and cancer to help increase resistance to disease and for dogs with immune depression, infections, inflammations, allergy, heart disease, skin disease, arthritis, cancer, periodontal disease, muscle problems, epilepsy and liver disease.

Dose

Small dogs 25-50 iu daily

Medium dogs 50-100 iu daily

Large dogs 100-400 iu daily

Salmon Oil

It's an excellent all-natural source of Omega3 and Omega 6. It's easier than capsules for a puppy to swallow.

Serving Instructions

Add to do's food daily and use on long-term basis for best result.

Body Weights Up to 12.5 lbs Pump Strokes

12.5-25 lbs ½ Stroke- 1 Stroke

25-50 lbs 2 Stroke

50-75 lbs 3 Strokes

Over 75 lbs 4 Strokes



One pump stroke is equal to o.12 fl oz.

Probiotic Supplements

Why use Probiotics?

• To provide a source of live, naturally occurring microorganisms
  
• To maintain a healthy microbial balance in dogs
  
• To supplement desirable organisms to newborn puppies
  
• During incidences of diarrhea
  
• To help maintain appetite
  
• As part of a health maintenance program
  

When to use Probiotics

Dogs are exposed to many stresses that can result in lack of appetite, diarrhea and other intestinal upsets. These stresses may include:

• Transportation ~ Some dogs can become extremely agitated when traveling by car or plane which
  
• Intensive Training ~ Training for Obedience, Schutzhund, Agility, Personal Protection, and Police Service puts considerable stress on the dog.
  
• Competition Dogs ~ The excitement of the competition, along with traveling, and exposure to strange dogs and people, can create a nervous stress in dogs, frequently manifested by reduced appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
  
• Boarding ~ Lack of appetite or nervous diarrhea are common in some dogs when boarded in a strange kennel.
  
• Antibiotic Therapy ~ Antibiotics can destroy pathogenic microorganisms as well as the beneficial bacteria that are normally found in an animal's digestive tract.
  
• Post-Parvo Virus Infections ~ Parvo virus infection in dogs is a devastating disease of the small intestine in susceptible dogs causing enormous stress on the dogs digestive system.
  
• Post-Surgery ~ High doses of antibiotics are often used to reduce the possibility of heavy contamination during surgery. This frequently lowers populations of beneficial bacteria as well. In addition, antibiotics are used after surgery, which can alter the physiological activity of the gut and allow the intestinal microbial population to become unbalanced.
  
• Chronic Diarrhea ~ Many times, the etiology of chronic diarrhea is unknown, and the animal won't respond to usual therapy.
  
• Post-Whelping ~ To maintain appetite and good milk flow, give Probiotic to bitches, especially "nervous mommas" and first time whelpers.
  
• Newborn Pups ~ The neonatal period for the newborn pup is a critical time for survival. Normally, newborns quickly acquire bacteria from their mother and surrounding environment, many of which are potential pathogens such as E. coli. Therefore, it is desirable to establish early colonization of the intestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, especially if the pups become orphaned.
  
• Geriatric Dogs ~ Digestive problems are fairly common in older pets, including reduced appetite, diarrhea and constipation. Probiotics helps reduce the occurrence of digestive problems due to old age.
  
• Other Uses ~ There are many other situations in which dogs may benefit from Probiotics, such as excessively nervous or "high-strung" breeds, injured animals or during exposure to weather extremes.
• 
  

Making the switch to raw diet

There are probably as many ways to do this as there are people and their pets. The following general guidelines and specific ideas should get you thinking in the right direction and help you make decision as to how you will go about the switch with your pet. The switch can be rapid, straightforward and trouble free. An important factor to consider is the diet you are switching your pet from. Where a pet has some experience of eating a variety of home produced foods, both cooked and raw, there is usually more acceptance and less likelihood of gastrointestinal upset on the part of the pet. With kibble fed pets, the change is much more dramatic for their system.
There are two ways to switch. The first being cold turkey. This method seems to work best for healthy adult dogs. You can fast them for a day or so if you wish before you switch, but the way I would recommend is to throw away your kibble, and start feeding raw. It's that simple! Keep everything very simple for the first couple of weeks, I would suggest chicken necks/backs ONLY for the first 3 or 4 days. Make sure the dog is digesting everything properly (no diarrhea or vomiting) before you add another type of food to the meals. Hold off on all supplements for several weeks. I would also wait several weeks before adding richer foods like liver, eggs or canned mackerel.

The second method is the gradual switch. Basically you add a bit of raw food to the dog's meals each day, in increasing amounts while decreasing the kibble. This may work for some dogs, but it takes longer for the dog to adjust and there are more frequent bouts of loose stools. I would recommend cold turkey for most adult dogs and some puppies.

If you decide you will be feeding veggies, wait until the dog is eating a variety of RMBS and different meats before you add them to the diet. Remember, veggies need to be thoroughly cooked or pulped in order for dogs to digest them at all.

FURminator deShedding Tool

FURminator deShedding Dog Tools address the number one complaint of dog owners, SHEDDING. FURminator for dogs will gently
comb and pull shedding dog hair from your dog's coat. It
doesn't cut, it removes the loose, dead, undercoat hair that's the underlying source of a shedding , allergies and cleanliness problems. FURminator deShedding dog brushes help reduce and remove shedding dog hair leaving your dog with a great looking coat and your furniture hair free.  Deshedding FURminator Tool come in a variety of options including size of breed and length of
coat.

Your pet's lustrous coat is an indication of the superb care you provide for them. By reducing shedding by up to 90%, the FURminator deShedding Tool enables you to share your home with your beloved pet, without surrendering it to pet hair. Reduces the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people. For use with long or short coats

Short Haired Brush

• For short hair dogs 21-50 lbs
  
• 2.65" deShedding edge Designed for coats shorter than 2 inches
  
• Reduces shedding up to 90%
  
• Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches deep beneath your dog's short topcoat to gently remove undercoat and loose hair.
  
• Used and recommended by veterinarians and professional groomers.
  
• FURejector™ button cleans and removes loose hair from the tool with ease.
  
• Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, rake or comb.
  
• Designed by a groomer for professional results.
  
• Patented technologies.
  
  
  

  
  Long Haired Brush
  

• For long hair dogs 21-50 lbs
  
• 2.65" deShedding edge Designed for coats longer than 2 inches
  
• Reduces shedding up to 90%
  
• Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches deep beneath your dog's long topcoat to gently remove undercoat and loose hair.
  
• Used and recommended by veterinarians and professional groomers.
  
• FURejector™ button cleans and removes loose hair from the tool with ease.
  
• Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, rake or comb.
  
• Designed by a groomer for professional results.
  
• Patented technologies.
  

Older version of FURminator

**The FURminator deShedding tool has a fine toothed precision deShedding edge and great care should be take to protect the teeth. Replace the protective cover when not in use. FURminator Inc. does not guarantee against broken teeth on the tool.

Dog Breeds NOT Recommended for the FURminator deShedding Tool:

American Water Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Curly-Coated Retriever, Dandie Dinmont, Havanese, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Komondor, Lowchen, Maltese, Poodle, Portoguese Water Dog, Puli, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Dog Breeds Recommended for the FURminator deShedding Tool:
(Some breeds have coat textures that vary between individual dogs. These breeds are noted with an *. Not all dogs in these breeds shed. If your dog sheds, the FURminator deShedding Tool will work on your dog.)

Affenpinscher, Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Klee Kai, Alaskean Malamute, American Bulldog*, American Eskimo Dog, American Pit Bull Terrier*, American Staffordshire Terrier, Anatolian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Kelpie, Australian Shepherd Dog, Australian Terrier, Balkan Hound, Basenji, Basset Hound, Beagle*, Bearded Collie, Belgian Griffon, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Tervueren, Bernese Mountain Dog, Black and Tan Coonhound*, Black Russian Terrier, Bloodhound, Blue Heeler, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier*, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer*, Borzoi, Briard, Brittany Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier*, Bullmastiff, Cairn Terrier, Canaan Dog, Cane Corso, Cardigan Welsh Cogi, Catahula Leopard Dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chihuahua*, Chinook, Chow Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Dachshund*, Dalmation*, Deerhound, Doberman Pinscher*, English Bulldog*, English Foxhound*, English Mastiff, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Eskimo Dog, Field Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Flat-Coated Retriever, French Bulldog*, French Mastiff, German Shepherd Dog, German Shorthair Pointer*, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Golden Tertriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Greyhound, Harrier Beagle, Ibizan Hound*, Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Greyhound*, Jack Russell Terrier, Japanese Chin*, Japanese Spitz, Kai Dog, Keeshond, Kuvasz, Labrador Retriever, Lakeland Terrier, Leonberger, Lhasa Apso*, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Munsterlander, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Norwich Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Otterhound, Papillion, Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Pekingese*, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petit Basset Griffon Vandeen, Pharaoh Hound*, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Pug, Rat Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Saluki, Samoyed, Schipperke, Scottish Deerhound, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shar Pei*, Shetland Sheepdog, Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu*, Siberian Husky, Silky Terrier*, Skye Terrier, Spinone Italian, Smooth Fox Terrier*, Staffordshire Bull Terrier*, Standard Schnauzer, Susex Spaniel, Tibetan Mastiff, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier*, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Whippet, Wire Fox Terrier, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Yorkshire Terrier*

 

PRONG COLLARS

Herm Sprenger Chrome Prong Collars

With Chrome Plated prong collars, you can add and remove links to fit your dog's neck.

Over time a chrome plated collar can rust.

  Herm Sprenger Stainless Steel Prong Collars

Up to 4 prong links can be taken out of a collar to make a better fit or additional links may be added.

These high quality stainless steel collars are going to last many, many years longer than a chrome plated collar. They will never rust.

How to Fit a Prong Collar

Prong collars are ordered by size (small, medium, large or extra large).

They all come in a standard length which is adjusted to fit the neck of the dog by removing or adding links to the collar.

These collars are meant to be put on and taken off before and after daily training sessions.

They are designed to be put on and taken off by unhooking links and actually unsnapping the collar from around the neck.

The right way to unhook a collar is to pinch one of the links and pull it apart. Taking the collar off is always easier than putting it back on.

Correct Fitting of the Prong Collar on a Malinois

The correct position for a prong collar is to sit right behind the ears and up under

 the jaw line like you see in the photo above.

Incorrect Fitting of the Prong Collar on a Malinois

The collar is too loose and riding too far down on the dog's neck. It should be up where I have drawn the red line.

Adding and Removing Links

  Prong collars are designed to be put on and taken off by unhooking links and actually unsnapping the collar from around the neck. Never slipped over the dog's head and moved down to his neck.

The right way to unhook a collar is to pinch one of the links and pull it apart. Taking the collar off is always easier than putting it back on.

Leash on Live Ring

On the live-ring the correction is amplified because more slack is taken out of the collar when the correction is given and the leash is popped. The live-ring is used if a dog does not respond well to the snap being placed on the dead-ring.

Leash on Dead Ring

The first time a prong is used on a dog the snap should be on the dead-ring. When a correction is applied and the leash is attached to the dead-ring the correction will not take as much slack out of the collar as when it is attached to the live-ring.

Safety Feature

Always wear a backup collar on your dog while wearing a prong collar. For best results wear along with the dominant dog collar and attach the leash the both of them.