When do you use a dog seat cover or a dog carrier for your car

As a dog owner, you want to bring your dog with you for a drive but you are concerned about your leather car seat being scratched or dirtied. You can either get a dog seat cover for your car or a dog carrier for your dog. But which is better? There are a wide variety of dog carriers and dog seat covers available in the market. It can be a headache when you do not know which is more suitable for your dog and your car. So, how do you decide which is more suitable for your dog and your car - a dog carrier or a dog seat cover? The answer will depend on the size of your dog and how you will like to travel with your dog. For big dogs like Collies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, it's not possible to fit them in those carriers. Usually, these big dogs are put at the back seat of the car. Thus, a dog seat cover for your car's back seat is more suitable for your dog. A dog seat cover can protect your dog from falling off the car seat when you stop at the traffic lights. At the same time, the dog seat cover helps to keep your car clean from mud, dirt or grass or even your dog hair. Your leather car seat is also protected from scratches by your dog's sharp paws. For smaller dogs like Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and other toy dogs, they are best transported using dog carriers. As they are quite small, it is safer for them in the carrier than leaving them on the back seat, even if you use dog seat covers. A dog carrier has big enough space for the smaller dogs to move around and it is big and heavy enough to stay still on the seat and not slide around. Nowadays, dog carriers are fashionable items. But please bear in mind that functionality and comfort for your dog must come first before anything else. The dog owner must be comfortable carrying the dog carrier and the dog must be able to stretch inside comfortably. If you use a dog carrier, here's a simple tip for you: Put a soft blanket or your dog's favourite toy in the carrier. This will make it more comfortable for your dog, and it'll also help to keep your dog more calm and relaxed throughout the car journey. Just follow these simple guidelines and you'll have no problems choosing between the right car seat cover or dog carrier for your car and your dog. Copyright 2006 Taylor Fox

The many uses of chain link dog run kennels

Dog is man's best friend, but sometimes we don't treat dogs like friends. Instead, many dogs are either cooped up in inadequate spaces or they're let to run loose in unsafe environments. Likewise, while some dogs can be left unattended others require a confined environment until their owner returns. There is a very simple and economical solution to this and that is a chain link dog run kennel. What is a chain link dog kennel? It is a freestanding outdoor enclosure that has a galvanized steel frame and durable chain link wire mesh. It is portable and can be set in less than half an hour with no tools other than a set of pliers. Once assembled, it provides a secure outdoor containment area where dogs can play and enjoy the fresh air. How big is a portable dog run? That varies. Kennels for small dogs or for use on a pickup truck bed may be four by four feet and four feet high. Kennels used in backyards or other open areas may be as large as ten by six feet and six feet high while still remaining portable. Even a large animal cage only weighs between 100 and 150 pounds and can easily be disassembled and moved elsewhere. One potential problem with a smaller dog exercise pen is exposure to the sun. If a kennel is set up in the shade that's generally not an issue, but just to be safe it's best to use a cover. Most of the leading kennel products come with some sort of flexible cover. Covers should be UV-treated and offer good sun block protection so that dogs are kept cool and comfortable. Dog kennel covers are usually made of polypropylene, polyethylene or some other durable fabric and held in place with simple cable ties. If wind or other side exposure is an issue, covers can also be used for sidewalls. Another thing to keep in mind is that portable dog kennels are meant to be a convenience for both dogs and dog owners, but they are not prisons. So always make sure that the kennel is large enough for your dog and the intended purpose. Also, while portable kennels are well made and sturdy, some training may be required to accustom the animal to the kennel and keep it from potentially harmful escape attempts. Likewise, portable kennels are not designed to contain aggressive dogs. If stability is an issue, there are anchor kits that can keep a kennel in place, or it can be installed on a specially constructed base. The use of these chain link-type enclosures is not limited to dogs. They can also be used for other animals, including birds and poultry, or as an enclosure for whatever it is you want to keep safe from young children or roaming animals. Potential uses are endless, and the modularity and ease of assembly make chain link dog kennels a flexible solution for any number of projects. So whether you want to keep your dog from digging up your herb garden, provide safe transportation, or simply want to provide your canine companion with a convenient open-air environment while you are away, portable chain link dog run kennels are an inexpensive and practical solution.