Apr
2015

Orvis’s New Southwestern Collection Does Not Disappoint

categories: Products for Dogs

Southwest

Okay, first off, if you do not already get the Orvis catalog, go there now and sign up for it. Seriously, do it. You will not be disappointed.

I am a huge fan of Orvis. I swear – they are not paying me to say this. Their stuff is awesome. Nevermind that they sell a whole bunch of outdoor clothing and accessories: their dog stuff is fantastic.

They offer all kinds of items like dog beds (no joke – their dog beds look more comfortable than my real bed), bowls, and collars, and even massage jackets for dogs with arthritis. They have so many dog items, that they do a special catalog completely dedicated to their line of dog products. AND you can customize just about anything they offer with your dog’s name. They are after my heart. (more…)


Mar
2014

Buckling Up: It’s Not Just for People!

categories: Health & Safety
Dog Car Safety
Image by Almonroth available at http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I_AM_Smiling.jpg under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0.

Several weeks ago, I was in a car accident. The car in the lane next to me lost control and came into my lane, pushing my car into the median at 70 mph. When my car finally came to a stop, and I realized I was okay, my first thought was thank God I didn’t have my dog with me.

Even though I was okay, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things could’ve been a lot worse. I always put my dog on a harness in the back of the vehicle, with room enough to stick his snout out of the window, but even that, I fear, would not have been enough to keep him safe under the circumstances. Even more scary, had he been with and not restrained by his seat belt, I can almost guarantee he wouldn’t be here today, and for no good reason at all.

Why Restrain Your Pet in A Vehicle?

The accident got me thinking about the seriousness of dog safety in the car, and how seemingly overlooked it is. The honest truth is, if you would buckle up a toddler (which of course you would, duh), why wouldn’t you take the same precautions with your dog? Big, small, or medium sized, it doesn’t matter; dogs need the same safeguards as people when it comes to riding in a vehicle.

(more…)


Jan
2014

Bored this Winter? Consider Taking A Class!

categories: Dog Fun
Classes to take with your dog
Image by Paul Englefield available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawksanddoves/244517659/ under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0.

Looking to change up your routine and add some excitement to you and your pup’s life? Try taking a class!

I know, it sounds like it’s for over-achievers, but it’s not, I swear. Classes are a great way to get you and your best friend out of the house to enjoy some fun activities and social time. And believe it or not, there are probably a lot more classes available to you than you’d think. Plus, classes offer a myriad of benefits for both you and your dog!

Below is a list of some of the most common classes you’ll find for you and your four-legged pal. If you’re lucky enough to live in an extra dog-friendly area, you’ll probably find a lot more, too! (more…)


Jan
2014

Activities for Saving A Rainy Day

categories: Dog Fun

Indoor Activities for Dogs
Living in an area where weather doesn’t always allow for outdoor play can be challenging, but with a little creativity, you’ll be having fun in no time. Whether you’re looking to tire out your hyperactive dog, or just have a fun play session, there are plenty of things you can do to turn a rainy day into an active one. Not to mention, your dog will appreciate the novelty of a new activity.

Here are my top four go-to activities for fun on a rainy day.

Interactive Toys

A little mental exercise goes a long way, so finding activities that challenge your dog’s brain is key. Interactive toys are a great way to tire your dog out and help him learn in the process. Puzzle toys help your dog problem solve and that takes a lot of mental energy. Kong makes several stuffable toys you can fill with your dog’s favorite treats for him to work on getting out, as does PetSafe. You can also find various puzzle toys, like this one from Ethical Pet. (more…)


Dec
2013

Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety

categories: Training Tips

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety occurs when dogs become anxious in the absence of their owner. A common problem among dog owners, separation anxiety can show itself in many forms, from barking, to chewing, or pottying in the house while the owner is away. However it shows itself, it’s not fun – for owner or pet, and should be dealt with so your pet doesn’t have to go into panic mode every time you leave the house. Dealing with separation anxiety will help your best friend to live a more happy and content life.

There are a lot of reasons why a dog might develop separation anxiety – a major change in the dog’s life, a traumatic event, or the loss of a family member. In my case, I’m certain my dog developed separation anxiety because of me. I coddled him to no end as a pup, carrying him here and there (seriously, I’m surprised he learned to walk), constantly doting on him and solving all of his little doggy world problems before he had a chance to figure them out himself. Combine with that, a genetic predisposition for high anxiety, and I had created a monster before I knew it… (more…)


Dec
2013

Product Review: The Chuckit Kick Fetch

categories: Product Reviews

Pet Product Review - Chuckit Kick Fetch

Berkley loves to destroy balls. Tennis balls, basketballs, footballs, volleyballs, you name it – he’s destroyed it. My backyard is a graveyard for once shiny balls that are now dirty, deflated shards. I was anxious to find a ball that could stand up to the torture my dog puts balls through.

When I saw this soccer-sized ball from Chuckit, I was super excited. I already love Chuckit products. Their ball launcher has given people like me who stand powerless in the face of a tennis ball, the ability to launch a ball as far as it can go. Their line of different balls for the launcher is diverse, and makes fetch extra fun. Naturally, I had high hopes for their kick fetch ball. Here’s how it delivered…. (more…)


Dec
2013

Product Review – The Kong Wobbler

categories: Product Reviews

Product Review - Kong WobblerAs the owner of a herding dog (i.e., so smart it’s scary), I have to get pretty creative with ways to tire my dog out mentally, so I am always on the lookout for new interactive toys and puzzles. The Kong Wobbler is an interactive treat dispensing toy that works by spilling treats out of a tiny hole as it wobbles around, courtesy of your dog pushing and nudging it.

I am a major Kong fan. Their toys are some of the only ones that will stand up to Berkley’s relentless ‘destroy my toy’ attitude. They are durable, and most of all, thoughtful. At the time Kong came out with their Wobbler, I’ll admit – I was buying whatever Kong was selling. BUT. I was pretty skeptical about this one, especially considering the hefty price tag it came with. (more…)