Has Facebook Gone To the Dogs?
Pet parents everywhere are getting in on the social networking action for their dogs. With applications for mobile devices and some new technologies the whole dog world is changing. Social networking isn’t for every dog but read on to see if it’s something you and your pet might enjoy.
The Dogbook Site
Co-founders of the dogbook site, Geoffrey and Alexandre Roche, had the right idea when they set up dogbook. They enjoyed their pets and liked the idea of having a site where they could save memories and create new ones at the same time. This application was not developed by Facebook but is very similar in context. You can begin by setting up a profile for your dog and entering in information on hometown, breed and even favorite treats and activities. Post a picture of your pet and let the networking begin. Befriend other dogs and their owners; you currently have over four million users to choose from! You can enter contests, and update your pets profile to reflect where he’s at or what he’s doing.
Social Networking in Fur Labs
For short it’s called SNIF Labs and they have taken social networking to a new level. Way more advanced than dogbook they sell a device for around $149 that you attach to your pets collar. Through radio technology, if your dog comes into contact with another dog using the same technology, information regarding the owners and dogs are transferred to each other. The information can be used to develop friendships, meet new people, gain knowledge and belong to a community of dog lovers.
If you install a base station in your home you can see real-time what your pet is doing. Sleeping, eating, walking, playing or even going potty. All of this data is recorded, saved and presented in pleasing graphs and charts to help you determine your pet’s activity level when you are not around. It allows you to see if your pet is getting enough exercise, if you are over feeding based on his activity level or to see if he’s sick. Dog walkers and groomers are also using this technology to prove to clients that their pets are being well cared for.
The Dognamic Site
This is a busy site that lets you participate in all things dog: polls, games, blogs, watch videos, read classified ads, schedule events and communicate and chat with other dog owners. This site has an amber alert feature that notifies users of missing or lost dogs. With the information provided, users can help find lost pets and get them back to their owners. You can also read the latest dog news here.
The Dogster Site
At the dogster site you can view information about specific breeds, training, behavior issues, adoption, food and health. You can write in a diary, learn fun new daily tips or join groups or forums. Any dog related questions are posted and members of the community answer the questions and give their advice or share their knowledge.
How long will it be before your dog has more friends than you?! There are many sites out there for dog lovers. Look around and find the site that fits your dog and you the best. But because you are the pet parent, you must supervise your dog’s online behavior at all times!
About the Author
Tammy recommends social networking with Jim Hodges. He is a Dog Trainer that specializes in Leader of the Pack dog training … Teaching you to communicate with your dog so that he understands and wants to obey you. For more information on social networking for dogs, visit www.jimhodgesdogtraining.com.
If you have fencing needs, I recommend www.containapet.com. The only company in the world that requires all new dealers to be professional dog trainers.