Rascodog ’s delighted to announce the recent additions and modifications made in the 2010 product line. For instance: colors, hardware, and sizing have all been altered to give the ReadyLeash an even greater advantage in the realm of dog leashes.

The ReadyLeash line has expanded, allowing folks to choose from six different color options rather than only two. Lime Green, Purple, Orange, and Grey are now available alongside the original shades of Red and Blue. Unless you’re taking a multiple choice exam, it’s safe to assume that people generally prefer a wide variety of options to choose from.

We’ve also put down the detachable leash leads and now hold the less bulky sewn-in leads. The sewn-in nylon lead is much more light-weight, without compromising the strength, durability, or integrity of the ReadyLeash. Depending on the users desired length, the lead can be adjusted between four and six feet. Sewing takes place right here in Massachusetts, allowing us to stay within face-to-face contact that’s important when dealing with a manufactured product.

Example of Direct Sewn-In Lead

It’s important to mention that ReadyLeash can be purchased with a thinner nylon lead, ideally for smaller dogs. The thinner lead is 5/8ths of an inch wide, preventing things from looking disproportinate while walking a little dog or puppy.

Orange - 5/8's'' Grey - 1''

Since the detachable leashes are no longer made, there’s no need for some of the clunky hardware. After cutting out the unnecessary fittings, we went on with upgrading to a more durable snap-hook, creating an almost unbreakable ReadyLeash.

Rascodog remains true to the ultimate goal of creating quality innovative pet products, making it convenient to take proper care of your dog and your neighborhood. We certainly appreciate any feedback from our fans, so never hesitate to write, call, or drop by our office.

Kind Regards,

Evan Perkins

“Children and dogs are as necessary to the welfare of the country as Wall Street and the railroads.” –Harry S. Truman

I’m 24 years old and live roughly a half-hour southwest of downtown Boston. The route I take is along Storrow Drive- a popular jogging/biking route amongst Bostonians that offers pleasant views of the Boston/Cambridge cityscape, green-spaces, and various outdoor recreational activities.

My bike, (a single-speed cruiser I built for enjoyment rather than velocity) was gliding along at a fairly average speed, when I decided to appreciate the surrounding scenery. Normally I try and refrain from rubbernecking, but today I became engaged with the architecture over in Cambridge, causing me to gaze-off for a few seconds. What I didn’t know or see at the time was the fact that I was rapidly approaching a Dog-Borne Mine Field.

All of a sudden, while shifting my head back to the straightforward position, I was able to catch a glimpse of an immediate obstacle, a.k.a dog poop, forcing me to jerk my handlebars to the right so that I wouldn’t run over the monsterous fudge-dragon.

Miss!

I thought I was safe; I was wrong. Many more roadside bombs lay ahead, sending my smooth ride into a frantic zig-zag motion. Although I only had to use my basic-maneuvers for 25 yards, it still seemed as though time stood still.

Two-thirds of the way through the mine-strip, I noticed a tire-track right through the middle of a chocolate hotdog. I thought to myself, “that could have been me!” Arriving to work with an ugly residue on your back will most likely ruin any day.

This brings me to the question, what’s worse: riding through dog poop or stepping in it? I’d like to know the percentage of people that have stepped in dog poop. My guess is 80/90% of people have accidently stepped where they shouldn’t have at least once in their life.

I entered the safe zone with bulging eyes and sigh of relief. Surviving my second ride to work was not on my list of “things to do”, but it is something riders should consider before stepping into dog-instigated warzones.

I want to finish up by stating that there’s a need for respect and proper dog-waste-disposal throughout the city, and the easiest and most efficient way to go about this would be for dog-owners to obtain a RascoDog ReadyLeash!

The slick user-friendly dog leash is equipt with a built-in biodegradable bag-dispenser, so that if your dog feels the need to drop military-grade piles of poop in the middle of highly trafficked areas- everything will be safe and sound.

Author: Brooke Thivierge

If you have ever thought that a retractable dog leash sounded like a good idea, this article is for you. Those who have used one most likely have a story of a minor incident they have experienced while operating these supposedly convenient contraptions. Unfortunately, too many have stories to tell of much more horrific injuries and experiences. The numbers are staggering with injuries effecting humans and dogs alike. Some users were burned literally, learned our lesson, and threw out the product. Next to burns and lacerations, amputations are also common. People of all ages have lost parts of fingers when entangled with the cord that becomes incredibly sharp and tight during disarrangement of the doggy kind. We love our dog’s excitement but for some it has resulted in lost limbs. With all of the love that I have for my own dog, I am glad that I sustained the wound and scar that would have been much more difficult to treat and possibly costly if done to himself. This is the case for many dogs who have also sustained burns and lacerations. More common injuries to dogs related to retractable leashes are the result of the leash cord or ribbon snapping and the dog getting loose. You can image all of the trouble a dog can get himself into. Some have been hit by cars, injured by other dogs, and caused injury themselves. This now becomes a huge liability for the dog owner that had previously taken the responsibility to retain their dog per most laws. Veterinary bills can be overwhelming for all involved.

It is not only the dog owners with experience using the retractable leashes that heed these warnings. Dog trainers across the world cringe when they see these leashes being used. They defeat the entire purpose of lead training. While training a dog to obey and perform on a leash they must first know that you are in control. This truly is not possible with the retractable leash variety. They must also learn that the pull they feel on the leash is their signal to let up, to know they have gone too far and return to their owner’s side. Even if you haven’t nor want to implement the heal training with your dog, I’m sure you would at the very least request that your dog not pull at the end of the leash. This makes walking the dog an unsafe chore instead of the pleasant exercise we would like to enjoy with our trusted friend.

ABC news interviewed certified dog trainer and behavioral consultant, Jamie Damato of Chicago for their article titled, “Dog Leash Dangers: Blindness, Amputations Blamed on Retractable Dog Leads”. Damato said it’s not just the injury factor that drove her away from retractable leashes. Letting a dog roam too far, especially when training, allows the dog to find all sorts of trouble. Some owners, she said, have watched in horror as their dogs darted into traffic while on a retractable leash while they fumbled with the lock. “If your dog is 16 to 18 feet in front of you … it’s almost impossible to have the response you want,” she said.

Over the last few years there have been recalls on certain brands of these retractable dog leashes. Please do yourself and your pet justice by doing the research necessary to keep yourself and your dog safe before buying a leash. We suggest examining your needs, using sound logic, and finding a sturdy, functional, correctly weight rated leash and collar.

About the Author:

For more information about the most convenient dog leashes and dog collars available, visit us at: GoUrbanDog.com

Article Source: www.linkroll.com -
Retractable Dog Leash Warnings and Information

One of our more popular blog topics has been the importance of picking up dog poop (Clean It Up!). Not picking up after dogs is unacceptable. It is lazy and disrespectful of responsible dog owners who always clean up.

Every dog owner has his or her own system and way of dealing with this problem. Calling local law enforcement is of course an option, but should probably be the last one. Instead try using a dog poop sign.

Here are some creative (and entertaining) signs that people use

Some people do find the signs offensive (the Tao of Poop) but that shows signs get people’s attention and can be effective reminders. Besides, what is more offensive, the sign or the poop on the ground?

Whether you choose to use a no dog poop sign or not, please act responsibly and remember to scoop the poop!

Next Wednesday, August 26 is National Dog Day. Pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige started National Dog Day to recognize the constant and unconditional love we receive daily from our best friends.

“Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage…National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure – and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”. -Colleen Paige

It is a day to recognize the powerful impact dogs have on our lives, to raise awareness about dog-related issues such as euthanasia, breed-specific legislation and responsible dog ownership.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate with your own pooch:

-       Stop by your local dog-friendly bakery and buy him some homemade treats! Head over to one of our favorite stores on the South-side of Boston.

-       Spend some extra time on your walk and allow your dog to get in a few extra sniffs here and there (and don’t embarrass your dog by not cleaning up after him).

-       Take your dog to the local dog park and let him off-leash.

-       Have a neighborhood ‘dog party’. Collect items from your friends and neighbors and donate them to a local shelter.

-       Curl up with your best friend and watch your favorite doggie movie! DogTipper.com has a great list of dog movies to check out!

-       Organize a neighborhood clean up and bring along your ReadyBags! Show your dogs you appreciate them by keeping their environment clean and smelling fresh.

-       If you don’t have a dog that’s okay. You can volunteer your time at a local animal shelter. There are thousands of shelter dogs looking for a little exercise and human affection.

In honor of the dogs, we are offering 50% off ALL Rascodog products on National Dog Day!  That’s right, half off!!  Simply order as you would through our website, and you will receive the discount at checkout.

Happy National Dog Day!!

Photo Courtesy of Michael “Mike” L. Baird, bairdphotos.com flickr.bairdphotos.com

For city residents with dogs, finding a way to keep their dog and please their neighbor can be difficult.

Landlords don’t like the carpet stains, odor, scratches on doors, walls and windows and the possibility of incidents between tenants.

Neighbors hate the excessive barking, messes on the sidewalks and the possibility of being cornered by an unleashed escapee.

It’s tough living in the city and being a dog owner. It’s even tougher for the dog.

Last Friday, Radio Boston dedicated their show to the topic of dogs and the city. Experts and listeners debated about whether dogs should be living in the city, if there was available space and what dictates responsible owner-dog behavior.

You can listen to the full show here: http://www.radioboston.org/shows/2009/08/08/is-boston-going-to-the-dogs/

There were a couple of key points discussed during the hour that bear repeating.

• Owning a dog and living in the city does not become an issue until a dog starts causing trouble.

• Different stimuli exist between cities, suburbs and rural areas. Give a dog time to adjust to the noise, traffic and people.

• Some non-dog owners complain about the taxes they incur to pay for public dog-parks and off-leash hours.

• Statistics show a reduction in crime rates in areas where dogs are allowed and allotted time for off-leash activity. Human traffic of any kind decreases the risk that crime will occur, and many people consider their dog a form of security.

These are great things to consider when discussing if city life is conducive to a dog owner, but none of it matters if dog owners don’t act responsibly.

Cleaning up after dogs and keeping dogs on a leash, two things we know a lot about at Rascodog, are two of the biggest reasons why non-dog owners don’t like dogs! If people didn’t have to worry about stepping in poop when they walked down the sidewalk, they would probably be a lot more receptive to the idea of their neighbor the dog lover.

Dogs that bark frequently can also create tension between neighbors. The best way to deal with this problem is to make sure the dog has plenty of exercise. Remember that a tired dog is a happy dog. If a dog is properly trained and exercised regularly the chances of the dog causing trouble lessens. If you really want a dog but know you don’t have the time for intense exercise, consider adopting a senior dog. Their temperament is calmer than that of a puppy and their exercise needs considerably less rigorous.

Just because you don’t own a dog doesn’t mean you should be exempt from providing space for those who do have dogs as pets. Another way of looking at this is paying taxes for public schooling. Many dog owners have dogs instead of kids, but their taxes go towards funding public school programs. There should be give and take on both sides.

Now it’s poll time:

Check out these great blogs for resources and stories on how to choose an appropriate dog for apartment life (and things that might happens if you do…)

Dogs and Apartments

What Are Good Dog Breeds For People Who Live in Apartments?

Pet Source USA

Rescuer could loser her apartment

He Walked His Dogs All the Time

The musical stylings of Perry Como meets Dog Poop PSA.

Recently I have been engaged in quite a few discussions about off-leash versus leashed dogs. 

Most leash laws use language similar to “under control by leash”. The term leash is never actually defined, however, so there is some wiggle room in terms of what an individual might use. A quick search through the dictionary gives you a few different options.

• A restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
• A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control
• A leash or lead is a length of rope, leather, chain or other flexible material ostensibly for restraint or control.

According to these definitions, I could restrain my dog using an old necktie and as long as she was “ under control” my dog is considered leashed. By this logic anyone walking his or her dog on a string or rope of some sort automatically has control because the dog is in fact on a leash. 

As dog owners we spend time and energy to teach our dogs basic obedience commands. Sit. Stay. Lie down. Heel. Come. Sometimes, if your dog is stubborn or has behavioral issues, a professional trainer has to be consulted. It is both for our safety and the dog’s safety that these commands are necessary. Despite all this there are some alarming statistics out there regarding dog bites.

• Dogs bite nearly 2% of the U.S. population — more than 4.7 million people annually
• Dog bites send nearly 368,000 victims to hospital emergency departments per year (1,008 per day)
• An American has a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog each year.
• The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim’s family or a friend. (CDC)

Even trained police dogs are involved in off-duty attacks despite their high level of obedience training. Just last week the Boston Globe reported that a woman walking her Chihuahua was attacked by a police dog.

If a skilled and trained police officer doesn’t have complete control over his dog, what makes people think their own dog would never misbehave? I get extremely frustrated when I encounter dog owners who say their dog is obviously trained better than mine because they’ve never had an incident while their dog was off-leash.

To ALL dog owners (because it is easy to forget sometimes) I’d like to echo a statement I recently read on a blog from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Dogs are unpredictable 

Please do not assume yours is the world’s best trained dog. In fact go ahead and throw out ALL those assumptions. Stick to the facts. Dogs are animals. Like humans they have basic genetic instincts that at some point will rise to the surface. You can’t train out the instinct to chase a rodent (even if its just fake fur hanging around someone’s neck). At best, you can take steps to control the behavior, but you’ll never eliminate it altogether.

Dog Days of Summer

Tips on travelling the country with man’s best friend

Since the beginning of summer, articles in magazines and on blogs have been offering tips on vacationing with a dog. Now that we’re entering the aptly named “dog days of summer” (check out Wikipedia if you’ve ever wondered where the term originated) I think it might be time for a little review.

It’s no secret that times are rough and everyone’s spending belts are a little tighter; however, sometimes you just have to take some time off and go on vacation.

You may have decided to bring the family dog along because its cheaper then boarding at a kennel, and safer than leaving your dog with a “pet sitter”. | Can a pet-friendly hotel actually save you money?

If you’re dog is traveling with you there are a few things (according to the Humane Society) that you need to know.

1. Dogs should be restrained either in a crate or by a harness-like seatbelt in the back seat (never in the back of a truck bed!)
2. Dogs should remain inside the car when traveling, it is dangerous when dog’s head are sticking out the window.
3. Check with your vet before leaving town to make sure your dog is healthy and up to date on all shots and vaccinations.
4. Your dog should have a collar with ID on at all times.
5. Outside of the car, keep your dog on a leash!
6. Bring water to keep your dog hydrated and make stops every few hours to let your dog go to the bathroom.

Great. If you’ve completed the following steps, you’re on your way to a stress-free weekend and there is nothing standing in your way…

Until, you cross over into another state and decide to make that first potty and you realize no one mentioned bringing poop bags.

I saw this on a recent road trip to Pennsylvania. I noticed that people who had their dogs along were leaving behind the doggie doo. There weren’t any poop police around, but it had me wondering about whether or not these people knew the laws in those states regarding cleaning up after pets. Most likely people traveling to New York City know about the recent $250 pet waste fine because it has gotten a lot of attention.

What about other states though? Chances are I’m not going to take the time to look up the rules and regulations for a state I’m only driving through. You certainly can’t rely on there being bags provided at state rest stops. Instead I’ll just come prepared with my ReadyLeash that has built-in bags.

If you’re travelling with your dog this summer, please remember to pack the poop bags (make sure they’re biodegradable too) and clean up after your pooch!

The Boston city council is looking to crack down on dog owners who don’t clean up dog poop.

According to an article in the Boston Globe, “solving the problem will not be easy. … the city does not have firm figures on the number of dogs …there are about 10,000 licensed dogs, but added there are between 5,000 and 15,000 more that are unlicensed.”

Boston joins other major cities that have begun to take control of the pet waste problem in the past few months. New York City recently increased their fines to $250 for people found not picking up dog poop.

One city official “believes steeper fines, coupled with a more efficient way to make sure those fines get paid, will deter scofflaws.”

However I’m not sure if increasing fines, that may or may not be enforced, will really solve the problem. There are a number of factors as to why people don’t pick up their dog poop.

Some people simply don’t want to touch it. They don’t want to be seen carrying around a bag of doggie doo. (I’ve never understood this argument, especially coming from people with children who have changed countless dirty diapers).

Sometimes, it’s an honest mistake and people forget a bag, and there aren’t any available. This is going to become increasingly difficult for those who use plastic bags from the grocery stores. Many grocery stores are now charging for their bags or getting rid of them altogether.

In April, a town in England released an image to initiate a clean-up in the community- and all signs point to it working! (Follow the link to see the picture- WARNING: it might offend some)

Whether or not you find the poster revolting, I bet if you saw it on the street you’d think twice about leaving behind your dog’s poop.

I think solutions to this problem will come from a combination of change in attitude and products, such as our ReadyLeash that never leave people without a bag.

So- thoughts? Should local governments continue to increase fines for leaving behind dog poop- or does there need to be a more aggressive campaign to change people’s ways?