Category Archives: Tips, tricks, & hacks

Taking a new look at color choices

Tips, tricks, & hacks,

Pondering of today! I have these awesome collapsible cones which are bright orange with a reflective strip that I training different exercises with my dogs. After listening to the podcast below and reading through the article, I have a new perspective!  I’m going to put wide black stripes on my orange cones which I think will help my oldest dog when we do any short trainings outside when winter ends.  I’m thinking some of the frustrated behavior she was showing were vision related. Some of my other equipment used outside (such as foot targets and agility jump bars and treibball equipment) I’m going to take inventory on rethinking now they may not have the best contrast either!

This is going to be super important as dogs age because they’re depth perception isn’t the best with stationary objects and as well in sports requiring longer distance work. For example, make sure there’s a cone with a contrasting foot target setup behind it so as the dog approaches they’ll clearly see the cone and target against the ground.

The podcast link is below and an article with a wonderful simple color chart if you would like to take a deeper dive as well!

https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2018/05/vlog-why-colours-matter-in-dog-agility/?utm_source=facebook-page&utm_medium=share&utm_term=vlog-why-colours-matter-in-dog-agility&utm_content=&utm_campaign=awareness-agility


https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201307/do-dogs-actually-use-color-vision

Staying cool

Tips, tricks, & hacks, ,

It’s finally getting hot! Though we aren’t dabbling in competitions right now, here are a few ways we stay cool and some accessories that our friends are using as indoor crating is out… ha ha!

Aluminet is found through most dog supply stores. It can be pretty pricey for a small one too! I’ve bought and tested two different UV rated ones that cover my car through Greenhouse Megastore. 50% is very breathable, lightweight, and compact! My new 80% though is amazing at blocking UV but it isn’t quite as breathable so I recommend using it with the car windows down, hatch up (if you have one), and the Ryobi battery operated fans to help keep the air moving.

Cooling gel pads are also great. I’ve found them at Marshalls, commercial pet stores, and discount stores that have a pet section. Throw one into a cotton pillowcase for added protection. They can get gross so make sure you give it a good cleaning after using.

Portable fans are a must! Ryobi has one for $40 and get the 3amp or more battery and it will last at least a day.

Shade huts for when you can’t hang out inside or in your car. They are the hottest trend right now so if you see one that has UV protection and under $50, snap it up!

Other suggestions from groups I belong to are putting down light colored sheets/tarps to park your car on if you are on asphalt, cool misting fans, and if there’s something else, I will share!