Disclosed are an arced plate, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The arced plate can define a first arced aperture array and a second arced aperture array. When the arced plate, the first fastener, and the second fastener are used in combination, the fasteners can retain the arced plate as a truncated cone. Each fastener can include inserts configured to extend through, and thereby occupy minor apertures formed in the arced plate.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a team roping assembly for assisting a heeler to practice team roping without a header. The assembly includes a track having a curved portion located between a first straight portion and a second straight portion, a barrier coupled along the track, a trolley coupled to the track wherein the trolley is permitted to translate along the track, and a tether that couples a horn wrap of a steer to the trolley. Other embodiments include a drive motor assembly coupled proximately to an end of the track that pulls the trolley along the track.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a team roping assembly for assisting a heeler to practice team roping without a header. The assembly includes a track having a curved portion located between a first straight portion and a second straight portion, a barrier coupled along the track, a trolley coupled to the track wherein the trolley is permitted to translate along the track, and a tether that couples a horn wrap of a steer to the trolley. Other embodiments include a drive motor assembly coupled proximately to an end of the track that pulls the trolley along the track.

An animal restraint for dogs that maintains four points of contact to safely, securely, and humanely restrain the dog. The system includes a platform and four poles that can support the animal. The forward poles support a cross shoulder bar which prevents the dog's forward from rising. A belly strap or bar may be used under the belly of the animal to prevent the rear or bending of hind legs. An optional over strap may be used to loop around the animal's rear. The animal's leash may be mounted to the device, preferably at the top and center of the shoulder bar. The device may be adjustable in height and rotation of the poles. The system may be collapsible to allow for storage.

An animal restraint for dogs that maintains four points of contact to safely, securely, and humanely restrain the dog. The system includes a platform and four poles that can support the animal. The forward poles support a cross shoulder bar which prevents the dog's forward from rising. A belly strap or bar may be used under the belly of the animal to prevent the rear or bending of hind legs. An optional over strap may be used to loop around the animal's rear. The animal's leash may be mounted to the device, preferably at the top and center of the shoulder bar. The device may be adjustable in height and rotation of the poles. The system may be collapsible to allow for storage.

A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. Each guidance zone is associated with behavioral guidance provided to an animal Real-time determination of a current guidance zone is made by first determining present location. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The offsets are selectively subjected to a scalar conversion to accommodate large land areas while limiting the amount of memory required to store the table.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for positioning an animal. One apparatus includes an animal stand. The animal stand includes: a base having multiple legs; a vertical extension coupled to the legs; and an adjustable arm coupled to the vertical extension. The legs are configured to support the vertical extension. The adjustable arm has a first diameter. The adjustable arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is slidable coupled to the vertical extension. The second end includes a holder. The holder is sized to hold an object with a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for positioning an animal. One apparatus includes an animal stand. The animal stand includes: a base having multiple legs; a vertical extension coupled to the legs; and an adjustable arm coupled to the vertical extension. The legs are configured to support the vertical extension. The adjustable arm has a first diameter. The adjustable arm has a first end and a second end. The first end is slidable coupled to the vertical extension. The second end includes a holder. The holder is sized to hold an object with a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

A pet guard device has a plurality of layers of movable elements. The movable elements are arranged in a telescoping manner. An activation mechanism is coupled to the layers of movable elements and is configured to move the layers of movable elements between a retracted state and an expanded state. A triggering device, when activated, is configured to cause the activation device to move the layers of movable elements to the expanded state. An attempt by the pet to move its head in either direction activates pressure points along the neck collar causing the telescopic mechanism to be activated, effectively creating a muzzle along the pet's jaw. The muzzle effectively creates a barrier between the pet's mouth and the bodily area intended to be avoided.

A pet guard device has a plurality of layers of movable elements. The movable elements are arranged in a telescoping manner. An activation mechanism is coupled to the layers of movable elements and is configured to move the layers of movable elements between a retracted state and an expanded state. A triggering device, when activated, is configured to cause the activation device to move the layers of movable elements to the expanded state. An attempt by the pet to move its head in either direction activates pressure points along the neck collar causing the telescopic mechanism to be activated, effectively creating a muzzle along the pet's jaw. The muzzle effectively creates a barrier between the pet's mouth and the bodily area intended to be avoided.