My Name is Steve and I founded Spots-light out of a very real experience.

I have a beautiful Golden Retriever named Honey and we are out walking regularly in the morning and at night. It was early one winter morning and the weather was bad. Our neighbourhood doesn’t have side walks so we tend to walk along the foot of the drive ways. The snow was piled up and Honey in her typical fashion likes to walk along the top of the snow banks. We had gone up the street and a neighbour pulled out of his driveway and nearly hit us. He simply didn’t see us coming as I was wearing a black coat and it was still dark. I shrugged it off and went on my way. That evening the weather had not really improved much and it was about 11:00 pm, we went out for our evening jaunt around the block. Would you believe that the same fellow happened to be backing out again from his driveway and almost hit us again. I was so angry but really couldn’t totally blame him as he just didn’t see us walking. That night I came home and decided to try and find a high quality solution to allow us to be seen.

Spots-light is and LED lighting system that is integrated into both the collar and the leash. It is very stylish, supple and sturdy. As my Honey likes to pull when we walk I needed something that would be very strong and that could with stand all her puppy exuberance.

I started Spots-Light.com because I thought there had to be other people out there who want to be safe while walking. They don’t want carry an extra light, but they want to be seen from great distances. Spots-Light fits the bill, with 75 hours of battery life (replaceable watch batteries) they will last a season easily and now you can be seen 350 meters away. The fabric is soft yet durable so it doesn’t fail and keeps your hands from chaffing. Spots-Light Leashes and Collars come in three sizes and 5 colours. We even have trendy Teal for the highly fashion conscious dog lover.

When walking Honey at night now cars actually slow down and ask me “Hey where did you get that Leash and Collar?” My reply order one yourself at www.Spots-light.com.

Don’t take your safety for granted get Spots-light and be safe!

Post written by guest writer, Steve Barook

In the spirit of the coming season, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, offers helpful holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and happy during the holidays.

In planning for this season’s holiday festivities, it’s important to keep your pets in mind. With a little thought and preparation we can make sure we all enjoy the holidays. While most of us welcome the sights, sounds and smells of the season, holidays can also be chaotic—especially for dogs. Holiday festivities can interrupt a dog’s routine and present a potentially unsafe situation. But by following a few common-sense tips, the holidays can be cheery for everyone—including the family dog.”

Holiday foods can be harmful

Many holiday foods can be harmful to canines, causing symptoms as mild as an upset stomach or as severe as vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid giving your dog fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcohol beverages, caffeine and sweets of all kinds—especially those with chocolate or xylitol, a natural sweetener.

Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and the bone shards can cause choking, get stuck in your dog’s gums or possibly damage his intestines. Instead, treat your dog to “dog bones” specifically designed for him to chew. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.

Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage—secure lids on all trashcans.
It’s natural that you’d want to share holiday treats with your dog. While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don’t overdo it—too much of a good thing can make him sick.

Decorations are not playthings

Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis (a type of lily). Also be sure all potpourri is out of your pet’s reach.

Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Whether it’s in the garage or in a snow globe keep antifreeze products away from your happy, tail-wagging dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, keep your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure your dog does not lick the area later.

Keep electrical wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach. Chewing or biting anything electrical can cause him shock or burns. Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

Christmas trees can be hazardous
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I know I usually post videos on Friday, but this one deserved it’s own post as well.

Training your blind dog will give her confidence and help alleviate depression, dependency and fear. Proper training will also make it easier, and safer, for your blind dog to participate in everyday activities with you.

Training the “Sit” Cue

1. Give the cue “Sit.”
2. Place a tasty-smelling food treat right next to your dog’s nose and mouth at the same time.
3. Keep the food treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly take the treat up and over its head. Doing this will lead your dog into a sit.
4. Say “Yes” the instant your dog sits, and give him a food treat and praise.

Training the “Down” Cue

1. Start your “Down” cue by first giving your dog the “Sit “cue.
2. Hold a food treat close to your pet’s nose, and then give the cue “Down.”
3. Take the treat slowly down to the ground between your dog’s legs. This should lead your dog into the down position.
4. Say “Yes” when the trick is accomplished, and give your dog treats and praise.

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According to the Canada Safety Council, studies show that the in 71 percent of dog bite cases the victim knew the dog and 25 percent lived with the dog. Out of those, 64 percent of dog bite injuries were children under the age of 10. Parents can take a large “bite” out of these high incidence rates simply by learning some basic guidelines that will help their children avoid getting bitten by their own dogs as well as educating their children to be safe around other dogs.

Tips for parents:

• Never leave a child or baby alone with a dog.
• When visiting friends or relatives, who have a dog, don’t allow your child to play in the yard unsupervised.
• Do not allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised, as some dogs can be very protective of food and never allow your dog to snatch food from your child.
• Do not allow your child to pull on the dog’s collar to lead it outside the house – it could bite them.
• Children without adult supervision should not be allowed to walk a dog. A child could unwittingly be dragged into a fight with another dog.
• Never let children discipline a dog.
• Your child should always precede your dog through a door or gate.
• Never buy a dog as a toy substitute. Dogs are living, breathing creatures with feelings.

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If you are planning on bringing your dog along with you on your road trip this holiday season, here are some helpful tips that might make your trip more enjoyable for the whole family.

First, Make sure that the hotel, motel or campsite allows dogs on the premises and ask for any rules they may have.

Second, restrain your dog in the car at all times either by using a chest harness or a secured crate.

• Seatbelts save lives!
• Reduces driver distraction
• Unsecured pets become projectiles

Another thing to consider is what to bring on your trip:

• First aid kit, poop and scoop bags
• Dog food and water (don’t forget the bowls)
• Chew toys
• Collar with ID tags
• Leash
• Crate and bedding
• Vaccination records.
• You might also need cleaning supplies in case of any accidents.

Be aware that there are other people staying in the hotel, ensure that your dog is not left barking in your room.
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