Archive for the ‘Toys/Accessories’ Category

Spiked Dog Collars - Dog Fashion From History

Monday, January 28th, 2008

Indeed, dogs is man’s best friends. That can be the reason behind every dog owner’s desire to spice up the appearance of their dogs through unusual fashion.

Through the years, dog collars have always been an important and fashionable accessory to dogs, regardless of their breeds. Function-wise, dog collars serve as the handle that links the dogs and the dog leash.

Spiked dog collars have been around for several decades, perhaps, centuries. In 1981, the Museum of Liverpool Life in the United Kingdom started displaying collections of spiked dog collars.

The museum featured a spiked dog collar that has been believed to be worn by a fighting dog in the earlier part of the 19th century. The dog collar was found at an old residential area in Liverpool. The leather collar was spiked with nail, that made observers conclude that it was crafted by a blacksmith.

The unique collection spurred interest among collectors and dog lovers. Since then, dog owners have experimented and started adorning their beloved pets with spiked dog collars.

Why spiked?

You may probably ask why anyone would want the dog collars of their pets spiked? The reason is plain and logical. Spiked dog collars are aimed at giving dogs protection from potential attackers and predators.

Thus, through that function, it can be inferred that the early society, which started using the collars, had paid significant regard to dogs of their time. Be reminded that in the 19th century to early 20th century, people took care of dogs for special purposes.

Dogs were either security and body guards or a working companion, especially to farmers, who needed to guard their crops from smaller animals, and hunters, who needed to easily find the body of their animal victims.

Thus, spikes were installed at collars so that no predator of larger animal can harm the dog because the spikes would serve as a natural protection.

Modern uses

But nowadays, that function has truly evolved. Spiked dog collars are now worn by dogs not just for protection, but most importantly, for fashion.

Dog owners find pleasure in adorning their dogs with novelty accessories that range from spiked dog collars to small apparels that humanize the pets.

Gone were the days when spiked dog collars were only worn by hunter and fighting dogs. Currently, these collars are provided to dogs, regardless of their functions and breeds.

It is also rather unusual to note that most dogs with spiked dog collars are not even leashed. That means, the collars are not attached to the dog to help link it to a dog leash. You may abruptly conclude that nowadays, dog owners buy spiked dog collars to adorn dogs.

Buying spiked dog collars

Every pet shop and pet accessory shops in your vicinity certainly sells spiked dog collars. It has indeed become a necessity for these shops because every dog owner, at one point or another, would surely be lured at getting spiked dog collars for their pet companions.

That is why you surely won’t have a hard time finding and buying spiked dog collars. There are also a wide array of varieties for thise dog accessory and you would certainly tire and fall indecisive upon finding those fashionable collars.

Spiked dog collars also made sure the product would endure the test of time by making them extra fashionable and blending with attractive colors and designs.

The prices for spiked dog collars, however also vary. As usual, the prettier it gets, the more expensive it becomes. Leather collars are also more costly than the synthetic leather versions of the product.

Where to purchase spiked dog collars

There are numerous venues where you can buy spiked dog collars. Aside from the local pet shop and pet accessories store in your area, you could log online through an Internet shopping firm.

E-commerce surely moved to make it covered. You could purchase these dog collars from your favorite and reliable online shopping or auctioneering Web site. Usual transaction process for online trading applies.

Special shops also accept pre-orders for especially made and customized spiked dog collars. Ask your friends and animal aficionados and you would surely find these accessory makers.

Moreover, invest in dog accessories. It would be worth realizing that your dog is not just an eye candy, but also protected from possible attackers.

Author Info:

Lee Dobbins: Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the spiked dog collar.

Picking the Right Dog Chews and Treats for Your Pets

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

With all of the options available for dog chews and treats both online and at your local pet store, it’s hard to know which one is your best option. Which one will your dog not only enjoy, but will be healthy for them at the same time. It’s not unlike picking out an afternoon snack for a small child. In light of the recent pet food recalls, many pet owners have turned to bully sticks as an all natural treat for their dogs. But not all bully sticks are created the same. Here are some things to keep in mind when picking out a bully stick for your dog.

There is a Difference in Quality

Bully sticks are made out of beef, and like all meat from cattle, there is a difference in the quality of the beef. The better the cattle are raised, the better the quality of the product from those cattle. Choosing bully sticks that come from quality, free-ranging cattle, like those raised in Brazil and other parts of South America, creates a superior bully stick than those produced in countries like India, China, and even the US.

Where They’re Raised Matters

Cattle raised in countries like India, China, and the US are often raised in feedlots, where they are given antibiotics to stave off disease, and hormones to increase their growth at an unnatural rate. Cattle from these locations are also used to create bully sticks and other dog treats and chews. However, most of the cattle raised in Brazil and other parts of South America are free-ranging cattle, and the bully sticks created from them isn’t subjected to the same hormones and antibiotics as those from the US, India, and China.

In addition to being the leading supplier of cattle raised in a free-ranging environment, Brazil and the rest of South America have been recognized as the world’s number one source of “Green Cattle” for years. The bully sticks, and other all natural dog treats and chews, created from these cattle are much healthier for you dogs.

Recalls Are a Factor

When the pet recalls swept through the US, many people turned to bully sticks because they were lead to believe that there were no recalls associated with the treat. This is only half true. While bully sticks, and really all treats and chews for dogs, from those cattle that are raised free-range like those in South America were free from the sweeping pet recalls, those created from cattle raised in the US, India, and China were still subject to the same pet recalls that caused panic amongst pet owners.

Do the Research

The best advice for finding the perfect all natural dog treats and bully sticks for your dog is to do some research. If you’re buying from a store, look at the label and see where it comes from. If you’re buying from an online retailer read their product description to see if they list where their bully sticks come from. If they don’t, contact the company and ask them. Don’t settle for less when it comes to picking out a bully stick for your dogs.

Author Info:

About the Author Avrum Elmakis is the president of Best Bully Sticks, a leading provider of bully sticks and all natural dog treats and chews. Best Bully Sticks offers all natural bully sticks and dog treats and can be found at: http://www.bestbullysticks.com .

Wireless Fences

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Wireless fences have been tested and proven to have made such a wonderful transformation when it comes to dealing with dog

8 Tips on Buying the Right Pet Door

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Every pet owner should understand the importance of buying the right pet door for their favorite pet. Here are some ideas and tips that will help you in proper decision making.

Whether you

Do No Bark Collars Work?

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

Yes. Some work better than others. Some control the barking through corrections, these are bark control collars.

Other dog bark collars actually modify the dog