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- Emma Burton (@EmmasContour) October 31, 2016
from Twitter https://twitter.com/EmmasContour
October 31, 2016 at 04:06PM
Monday, 31 October 2016
Splurge Or Save: The Best MAC Lipstick Drugstore Makeup Dupes https://t.co/N0FHQOa3bm
from Twitter https://twitter.com/EmmasContour
October 31, 2016 at 04:06PM
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Our Dog-Friendly Port Aransas Getaway
This week we took a quick trip to Port Aransas, one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Texas. The beaches here are dog-friendly year around but we love the fall months when the beaches are very quiet. (Leashes are mandatory year-around.)
We wanted to share our top activities on this trip:
Enjoying the Dog-Friendly Port Aransas Beach
As I mentioned, the beach is dog-friendly and, on the stretch of beach in town, driving is restricted to a driving area up by the dunes. That makes this our favorite stretch of beach. Further south, Padre Island National Seashore is equally beautiful but vehicles on the beach are scary with the dogs; the wind and the sand make it impossible to hear an approaching car.
Staying at A Laughing Horse Lodge
We stayed at A Laughing Horse Lodge, a collection of dog-friendly cottages just a few blocks from the beach. Not only does the accommodation provide dog tags with the hotel address at check-in but the facility also includes a self-service dog wash.
Shopping at a Dog-Friendly Souvenir Shop
Port Aransas is known for its Texas-sized gift stores; we took a break from the heat at the dog-friendly Palace Gift Store (405 S Alister St.)
Dining at Stingrays
Stingrays has a great dog-friendly patio and even brings out bowls of water for the dogs. We couldn't miss a chance to snap a photo of Irie and Tiki in front of the restaurant's Farley Boat (above). You'll see these concrete planters throughout town, a reminder of the famous Farley Boats that brought the attention of the world to this coastal town for tarpon fishing.
Dining at The Beach Lodge
As the name suggests, The Beach Lodge is right on the beach. Along with dog-friendly accommodations, they also have a dog-friendly patio (with three meals a day!) We enjoyed a shrimp dinner here our first night.
Getting Take Out Breakfast at Whataburger
We've had a lot of Whataburger meals across Texas–but we've never had a golf cart in line ahead of us! Golf carts are street legal in Port Aransas except on the main stretch of highway. Irie and Tiki love this Whataburger–they offer dog treats at the takeout window 
We got breakfast every morning here and headed to the park to watch for dolphins.
Watching Sunrise on the Beach
Since daylight savings time will soon end and sunrise is as late as it ever gets, it wasn't too difficult to get up and head to the beach before dawn–and the beautiful colors were definitely worth it!
Spotting Dolphins from the Ferry
The free ferry that connects Port Aransas and Mustang Island to the mainland is a great place to watch for dolphins; on our arrival, we spotted three dolphins along the short ride. Irie and Tiki are old pros at riding the ferry now and don't mind the noises that first were a little frightening to them.
If you're looking for a dog-friendly beach getaway in Texas, we highly recommend Port Aransas, especially during off season. For more information, visit the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday, 29 October 2016
50% Off Sale This Weekend!
Today Irie and Tiki are joining their cat sisters and brother in celebrating National Cat Day with a 50% off sale on our special Cat Day Collection page!
Whether you're shopping for your favorite cat lover, a pet sitter, veterinarian, rescue friend or yourself, we wanted to let you know that several of our dog items are also included in the sale, from our “Dog Lover” necklace to our exclusive RESCUE Tote (above).
Use coupon code CATDAY at checkout to save 50% on everything on the Cat Day page! All purchases over $10 include free US shipping, too!
Also, Monday is the last day for our PIT BULLS sale. You can save 50% on all the bracelets (singles and sets) in our Pit Bulls Collection with coupon code PITTIES at checkout.
Friday, 28 October 2016
Trick or Treat Fun on the Beach!
Rachael Ray Nutrish has sponsored this post, but all opinions are my own.
This week, we headed to Port Aransas with Irie and Tiki to squeeze in one more beach visit before the weather turns cold. We love going the week before Halloween when decorations are up and the girls can “dress up” in their Halloween bandanas for our meals at the many dog-friendly patio restaurants in town.
Of course, Halloween means trick or treating or, in Irie and Tiki's case, trick AND treating! We got in some fun training on the beach with one of their favorite treats, Nutrish Soup Bones, as a reward:
Available in larger sizes in beef and barley, chicken and veggies, and turkey and rice flavors (or in mini size in beef and chicken flavors), Soup Bones give Irie and Tiki the sensation of a “bone” chew without the worry of splintering a tooth. (Both girls have had multiple extractions because of their previous love of marrow bones.) Made in US facilities, the treats have a meaty center that both Irie and Tiki just love.
I also love that Soup Bones are great as a restaurant treat–nice and quiet, odor-free, and long-lasting. Tiki stayed busy with her treat during our dinner at Tuesday night's busy patio filled with World Series viewers and diners:
Nutrish Soup Bones make a great way to keep your dog busy during Halloween trick or treating, distracting your dog from the stress of costumed strangers at your door. Also, if you'll be greeting many Halloween canine visitors on Monday, either the mini Soup Bones or the Chk'n Drumstix or Beefy Tips make a popular yet small treat for handing out:
I love that the treats contain no meat by-products or artificial flavors–and that a portion of Nutrish proceeds go to Rachael's Rescue®, which was created to help animals in need. To date, over $14 million has been donated. This money has gone toward food, medical supplies and treatments for these unfortunate animals.
Whether you're enjoying your Halloween on the beach, handing out treats to trick or treaters, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, be sure to keep Halloween safety in mind:
- Keep all chocolates away from your dog.
- Watch out for discarded candy along your dog walking route the day after Halloween.
- Make sure your dog is wearing a current ID tag, even inside your home. The opening and closing of the door to trick or treaters can make it all too easy for even the best mannered dog to slip outside. Consider keeping your dog in a closed bedroom with calming music during trick or treat hours.
- If you'll be trick or treating with your dog, make sure your dog's costume is safe, comfortable and temperature-appropriate (or follow Irie and Tiki's lead and just go with Halloween bandanas!) Don't consider trick or treating with dogs who are afraid of costumes, hats, energetic children, or loud noises.
Make sure this Halloween weekend is a treat for you AND your dog!
For more on Nutrish, be sure to follow the Nutrish social channels:
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/nutrish
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/nutrish and/or http://facebook.com/nutrishforcats
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/nutrish
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Fido + Fluffy's Freebie Friday Returns from the Beach!
This week we took a two-night trip to the beach on a quick travel writing assignment. We headed to our favorite Texas beach community: Port Aransas. The weather was warm (upper 80s!) but nice and sunny, just about perfect for some beach fun (and some lazy dog beach naps)…
I'll be bringing you more about our trip, the dog-friendly restaurants we enjoyed, and more…but, first, it's time for a new Freebie Friday blog hop!
Now it's time for a new Fido + Fluffy's Freebie Friday Blog Hop! Every week, we co-host this blog hop with To Dog With Love and CatTipper, featuring giveaways for pets and pet lovers.
If you're a blogger with a pet-related giveaway, be sure to link up! Please link directly to your giveaway, not to your home page. (PLEASE don't link to non-giveaway posts.) We post a new blog hop every Thursday afternoon at 4pm ET. Good luck!
Disclaimer: Each giveaway has its own entry rules. CatTipper, To Dog With Love, and DogTipper assume no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Cleveland Indians Help Animals in Need with 2017 Pet Calendar
The 2016 World Series is underway, and while only time will tell what the future holds for the history of the Cleveland Indians, the major league baseball team has already won the admiration of animal lovers for helping to create a better future for dogs and cats who have been thrown a curve ball in life.
Progressive Field, the home of the Cleveland Indians, serves as a backdrop for players who pitch the option of pet adoption in the 2017 Indians Pet Calendar. The following animal-loving athletes stepped in front of a camera on the pitcher's mound, in the dugout and in the stands, posing with tail-wagging members of their own home team and some adorable four-legged fans from Friendship Animal Protective League.
- Cody Anderson
- Michael Brantley
- Yan Gomes
- Tommy Hunter
- Corey Kluber
- Francisco Lindor
- Tyler Maquin
- Zach McAllister
- Mike Napoli
- Carlos Santana
…and more!
Proceeds from sales of the $21 calendar will benefit Cleveland Indians Charities, Cleveland Animal Protective League and Friendship Animal Protective League. Founded in 1957, the non-profit humane society in Elyria, Ohio is the largest animal shelter in Lorain County.
Baseball buffs can fetch the recently unleashed pet calendar in the Indians' Progressive Field team store and at Friendship Animal Protective League's online store.
The Cleveland Indians recently unveiled pages from the pet calendar on Twitter:
If you don't have your Tribe pet calendar yet … Do it!
They're available today in Team Shop and Section 156! pic.twitter.com/lTKgbayNE9
- Cleveland Indians (@Indians) September 17, 2016
It being #NationalDogDay just gives us an excuse to share some more adorable 2017 Indians Pet Calendar photos. pic.twitter.com/nDxhN6djLY
- Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 26, 2016
Photo Credit: Cleveland Indians/ Friendship Animal Protective League
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Win a Brentwood Home Pet Bed ($200 value!)
Everyone in the family deserves a comfortable place to rest including our furry friends! I teamed up with the folks at Brentwood Home for this awesome giveaway featuring their luxury orthopedic pet bed. Brentwood Home produces luxury sleep products for humans, from beds and bedding to children's crib mattresses and changing pads. Now this LA-based company is producing a luxury bed for the four-legged members of our families. Not only does it support healthy bones and joints during your pet's sleep, it's made with healthy, natural materials that are safe for you and your home.
I'll be reviewing this pet bed with Tiki, who has arthritis in her front legs, and I'm looking forward to showing you how she does with the orthopedic bed, especially as we move toward cold weather. First, though, we want to give YOU the opportunity to win your own orthopedic pet bed!
The Prize: Medium Runyon Pet Bed (Dark Brown)
This beautiful bed (which will be a great decor match as we head into the holiday season) is a comfy resting place for your pet and a bed to provide orthopedic support for both young pups and senior pets, cushioning and protecting their active joints. The cover is removable, washable, and replaceable, with a nontoxic waterproof lining to protect it from staining and smells.
The Runyon pet bed is made with CertiPUR-US foam and, as with all its products, Brentwood Home uses absolutely no chemical flame retardants, heavy metals, or phthalates.
For over 30 years, the makers at Brentwood Home have been crafting mattresses, bedding and home products in their own Los Angeles factories, giving them complete control over the production process. From design to development to manufacturing, everything they do is in-house and up to their own standards. The best part of this? By eliminating middlemen and shipping directly from their factory to the customer, they're able to cut manufacturing costs and pass the savings on to you.
How to Enter
You'll enter through the widget below. Don't forget to return to the widget during the giveaway period for more entries. Good luck!
This giveaway is fulfilled by Brentwood Home.
Saturday, 22 October 2016
Dog Dumped at Curbside After Family Moves Needs a Loving Forever Family
If you think Boo could be the dog for you, visit the Detroit Youth and Dog Rescue's Facebook page for more information.
Read more
Read more
Get Ready for #DogFilmFestivalSACRAMENTO
On October 30, the 104-year-old Crest Sacramento will turn back the clock to the days when parents and kids watched family-friendly films together as the curtain rises on the Dog Film Festival, a big screen tribute to the happiness that our tail-wagging chums bring to our lives!
From the animated antics of cartoon canines to heartwarming documentaries, all of the clips and mini-movies shown during the festival's two 90-minute programs will put smiles on the faces of Fido-loving film fans.
Film Program #1 will tickle film buffs' funny bones with:
- The Hardly Boys in Hardly Gold: Famous photographer William Wegman's wardrobe-wearing Weimaraners track down laughs as dog detectives in this 30 minute comedy caper.
- The Lewis Lectures: Do you find yourself confused by the quirky comportment of your canine companion? This animated short explains the inner lives of our pals with paws and what they do with their day when we leave the house.
- Game of Bones: A rescue dog stars in a Rover-fied rendition of the popular fantasy TV series.
- Beta: An adopted canine can converse with his pet parents…when the mood strikes.
- Fog of Courage: Created by Oscar nominee John. R. Dilwirth, this animated horror/comedy tale of a scaredy cat named Courage is frightfully fun.
- Harvey Dogs Home: Sykes, a celebrity dog who has shared screen time with Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean and Sweeney Todd, portrays a shelter dog who shows potential pet parents that he wants to star in their lives.
…and many more!
Film Program #2 features a laugh-inducing line up of uplifting documentaries, narratives and selections with subtitles, such as:
- Second Chances: An inspirational documentary shines a spotlight on the efforts of incarcerated women to give shelter dogs a new lease on life as service dogs.
- SURFice: Golden Retriever Ricochet is a rad Rover who surfs in support of good causes.
- Le Sauvatage: A pair of Parisian pups (played by the skilled Spots of America's Got Talent fame) decide to adopt a human, and their dogged devotion for their person prompts them to find him a friend in a cute clip which was produced by a filmmaker and composer whose credits include Alias and The House Bunny.
…and more!
A Festival for a Paws Cause
Helping our four-legged friends in need land the role of a lifetime as a furry member of a forever family, Fido-loving film fans can meet adorable adoptables from Front Street Animal Shelter as they pose for photos on the green carpet outside the theater. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the open municipal shelter, which provides comfort and care to more than 10,000 dogs, cats and other homeless companion animals each year.
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for children
When: October 30, 2016 (Program one begins at 3 p.m. and program two takes place at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: The Crest Sacramento at 1013 K Street in Sacramento, California
For more information:
- visit www.dogfilmfestival.com
Photo Credit: Dog Film Festival
Friday, 21 October 2016
Win Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers! (5 winners!)
A few months ago, you'll remember that we hosted a great giveaway for Pro Pet Works Shampoo+Conditioner. Now, we're excited to say, this company has a new product that's arriving just in time for this fall's holiday visiting: the Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers.
As you start to prepare for the winter holidays, don't forget your dog's nails. This is the perfect time to make sure they're trimmed safely. Keeping your dog's nails properly trimmed can help prevent:
- wear and tear on your winter blankets and sweaters as you snuggle with your dog
- tearing of a nail when you put winter booties on your dog
- bruising of the nails when your dog walks
- wear on your hard flooring
If your winter dog walks mean snow and ice, your dog's nails won't be worn down by asphalt and concrete sidewalks so this is the perfect time for a trim.
The Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers, with a non-slip grip handle, are made of high quality stainless steel - and are razor sharp for a smooth, precise cut.
Every set of clippers includes a very detailed instructions on how to clip your pet's nails right the first time without hurting them, including those with dark nails.
The clippers come with a built-in nail file for smoothing over any rough nail edges after cutting. Also, a built-in nail guard helps to prevent over cutting of the nail.
Recommended by groomers and vets, the Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers are ergonomically designed and, unlike electric dog nail trimmers, these won't scare your pet away.
Now FIVE DogTipper readers will win their own set of Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers!
Where to Buy Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers
You'll find Pro Pet Works Pet Nail Clippers on Amazon!
How to Enter
You'll enter in the widget below–and don't forget that you may return to the widget any time during the giveaway period for more entries. Good luck!
This giveaway is sponsored by and fulfilled by Pro Pet Works.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
Fido + Fluffy's #FreebieFriday Makes a Quick Trip to NYC
This week I made a quick one-night trip to New York City for the annual Purina Better with Pets Summit. (As our CatTipper readers know, I'm a Tidy Insider, a member of the Tidy Cats cat litter influencer group.) Tomorrow I'll bring you more about some of the speakers who ranged from the North Shore Animal League to the Mayo Clinic but, for now, I wanted to share a few of my free time photos.
Upon arrival, I had a couple of hours on my own so I headed downtown (the event was in Brooklyn) to get in some photos for our PawZaar gift store at Rockefeller Center…
…and Times Square…
…before heading over to my hotel in Brooklyn (where I'd have a great view of the city…and the super moon!)
Now it's time for a new Fido + Fluffy's Freebie Friday Blog Hop! Every week, we co-host this blog hop with To Dog With Love and CatTipper, featuring giveaways for pets and pet lovers.
If you're a blogger with a pet-related giveaway, be sure to link up! Please link directly to your giveaway, not to your home page. (PLEASE don't link to non-giveaway posts.) We post a new blog hop every Thursday afternoon at 4pm ET. Good luck!
Disclaimer: Each giveaway has its own entry rules. CatTipper, To Dog With Love, and DogTipper assume no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.
Monday, 17 October 2016
We're Taking the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge - Will You?
Earlier this year, you'll remember our Event Barkers Twitter party for the PAW5 Rock 'n Bowl, an innovative way to make eating more engaging. You pour the food right onto the paw print, it then slides down a chamber and into the lower portion of the bowl and, bit by bit, out the holes in the lower portion of the bowl as your dog tips the bowl, transforming a quick meal into a longer-lasting exercise in foraging.
Of course, making eating more fun is just one way to make like more engaging for your dog. Your dog's life–and your own–can be so much more fun and rewarding with enrichment.
This week is PAW5™'s #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge, a one-of-a-kind program that challenges pet parents to provide five days of ideal enrichment for their dogs to further engage their pup's mind and body in healthy and rewarding activities that will keep them mentally sharp and physically fit.
The Challenge comes at the perfect time for me; early this morning I headed off on a flight to New York City. Irie and Tiki are home with John, so they're getting lots of one-on-one time. Even so, John's busy keeping our sites and store running in my absence so some extra enrichment is perfect.
Whether your dog needs some extra enrichment because you are traveling or because you are busy with everyday life, PAW5 has come up with an easy-to-follow calendar of activities to take you through the week. This mental and physical stimulation for your dog is achieved by way of puzzles, training, games, and socialization – all built to tap into natural canine instincts and behaviors.
We've got a full week's worth of activities from PAW5 to share with you. John, Irie and Tiki will be enjoying some of these activities until I get home then I'm looking forward to wrapping up the week with them when I return. I hope you'll go through PAW5's ideas below and find some great enrichment activities for YOUR dog!
Types of Enrichment Activities
The enrichment activities fall in There are six defined categories that pet parents can choose from with the goal of finding the ones that best suit their individual pup:
- Sensory – This includes anything and everything that stimulates your dog's senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. This is where playing in the grass, rolling in the dirt and splashing in water come in. You can also support this through TV programming, music and scent work.
- Feeding – This is how you can make feeding time challenging, engaging and fun. It's about putting hunting and foraging skills to use, employing the power of their nose and their brains to get to the good stuff!
- Toys+Puzzles – These products encourage your dog to engage and manipulate them to get a desired results…normally treats. But it also includes plush, rubber, rope and fetch toys, and the regular rotation of these so that your pup continues to engage with them.
- Environmental – Adding something new to your dog's environment can peak curiosity and sometimes increase physical activity. Build a ramp in the backyard, place a mirror in the living room, go play on a playground, go for a hike in the woods.
- Social – Interaction with other people and other dogs builds trust and self confidence. Whether you are going to the dog park, to the pet store, in car or to a friend's house, engagement with new environments, new people and new dogs will help keep your pup well socialized.
- Training – Training is an incredible time to bond with your dog, building trust, rapport and some much needed listening skills. Whether you are training the basics or have moved on to trick training, the time spent doing this has great benefits for your dog and your relationship.
Now how do you work this into your schedule? Simple! Below are the Enrichment Recipes for the PAW5 Enriched Life Challenge. Each of the five days is broken into five distinct times enrichment can be inserted into your daily schedule with recommended activities for each time slot. The goal of each day is to include each category of enrichment, provide a variety of activities across each category and make it as easy as possible for you to be successful! We want you and your dog to love this Challenge and see the benefits enrichment can bring to your lives!
Supplies You'll Need for the Challenge
Supplies you'll need from around the house:
- An old Tupperware or food container with lid
- Peanut butter
- A large Tupperware or food container, no lid
- Chicken broth
- Cardboard box
- Blanket and two chairs or a pop-up tunnel
- Muffin Tin
- Empty paper towel roll
- Pillow case or dish towel
- Rubber bands
- Paper grocery bag
Supplies you may need to purchase:
- Seven tennis balls
- Rock 'N Bowl or any other food puzzle
- Kong or any other treat toy
- PVC pipe with holes
For DogTV and Mood Music:
- Mood Music can be found on caninelullabies.comand throughadogsear.com or on Spotify
- DogTV has a month free trial subscription or you can find it on YouTube
Daily Menus for Dog Enrichment
Monday's Activities
Food Container Puzzle Feeder
This is a great puzzle for dogs who don't destroy and consume plastic. Simply cut a few holes in various places in the plastic and fill with kibble. Many dogs just like to crunch plastic bottles and milk jugs too. Easy and recyclable! You can make things a little tougher for them by placing paper towel rolls in the container. If this puzzle doesn't work for your dog for any reason, then take the kibble and place it in tiny piles around the room or house for your pup to hunt down.
Peanut Butter Tennis Ball
This is a super easy treat to make for your dog that will cost you close to nothing (especially if you have an old tennis ball lying around). Simply take the ball, cut a slit into it then remove a small triangle. Fill the ball with peanut butter, and then let them work to get it out. They'll be at it for awhile!
Hide and Seek
You can do this a number of ways:
- Bury toys or treats in a sand box.
- Place toys or treats in ladles and hang from trees.
- Place toys or treats in logs or other hiding places in yards.
Frozen Goodie Block
Take some kibble and their favorite toys then freeze them in some chicken broth. Perfect for the warm summer days, but still just as enjoyable as we head into fall weather!
Tuesday's Activities
Kibble Grass Hunt
Simply spread their kibble outside in the grass, let them enjoy the hunt for their food!
Stuffed Kong
Take a Kong toy and simply stuff if with your pup's favorite treats! Or, you can visit their website for a ton of tasty recipes he'll surely love. There's so many to choose from, you can try a new one every time!
Leave It and Touch It Training
Now, there are some steps to these, but it's still very simple to practice with your pup:
Leave It
- First, take two of your pup's favorite treats; take the treats and your dog over to a low level place like the floor or a coffee table.
- Put one of the treats in your pocket, then set the other on the floor or table right in front of your pup's nose.
- As you put the treat down instruct your dog to “Leave it” very slowly and firmly. Keep your hand next to the treat, because when your dog leans in to get it, cover it with your hand and repeat the command “Leave it”.
- Give it a few seconds, then pull the treat away, praise your pup for a job well done, then reward him with the treat in your pocket (don't give him the treat he is leaning on, it is being used as a training tool.)
- Repeat this a few more times, and eventually your pup will catch on!
Touch It
- Grab your pup's favorite treat in one hand in close it. Take your other hand and place it close to your dog's nose, palm facing them, with fingers pointing to either side of your dog (picture a sideways “stop” hand signal) then instruct them to “touch” that hand. Only say the word “touch”.
- What you're looking for here is for them to touch that open hand with their nose, licking your hand doesn't count!
- Once they accomplish the touch respond to them with the word “Yes!” - this will be the signal for him that he did the right thing. Then reward him with the treat.
- Repeat this; eventually you can work with larger distances, instructing your pup to come from across the room to touch your hand.
Massage
Your dog of course loves a good pet, a rub on the belly or a scratch behind the ears. But they, like us humans, also appreciate a good massage! But be careful, you don't massage them the way you would massage a human:
- Always make sure they are in a calm, relaxed state before you start.
- Start by petting them gently all over. Talking softly to them will help keep them relaxed.
- Move to their neck, massaging in circular motions, keeping the pressure gentle still.
- Continue onto their shoulders - since that's a spot they can't reach maybe spend a little extra time there.
- Move onto the chest and the legs - be mindful of how they react to the legs, if they don't seem very into it, move onto a different body part. If they do seem to like it, maybe try their feet, but again, be mindful with the pads on their feet.
- Massage their back using those circular motions, keeping gentle pressure.
- Make your way to the hind legs and tail area. Once you're done you should have one stress-free pup!
Wednesday's Activities:
Cardboard Box Puzzle
Simply put kibble inside a closed box. You can start with an easier puzzle first by cutting one side of the box, then each time making that hole smaller, increasing the challenge for them. Don't be surprised when some clean up is required, they are likely going to destroy that box!
Stuffed Apple
Dogs love apples! There are a few recipes you could try with this, but we suggest this seasonal recipe - it's perfect for both the fall and you Halloween lovers! Even better, there are some good modifications you can make to it, depending on any allergies your pup may have!
Tunnel Training
Tunnel training is one of many different types of agility training that implements verbal cues, performing tasks, and maintaining bodily awareness. This can be intimidating at first for your pup, and it will likely take some time, but in the end they'll benefit so much from it (they'll even grow to love it!).
Step 1: Keep the tunnel open, but at a short distance. You will benefit in this training if you have someone with you, or an assistant. Have the assistant hold your dog at one end while you walk to the other. Instruct your dog to go through the tunnel; use word like “Tunnel” or “Go through”.
Step 2: Repeat step one, while gradually lengthening the tunnel. Using your assistant and tunnel word, coaxing your dog through the tunnel, then rewarding him.
Step 3: Now have your assistant step aside and send your dog through the tunnel yourself. As you approach the open tunnel, give your dog a signal and the tunnel word, then run around to greet him at the other end. Reward your dog as he comes through the other end.
Step 4: Keep doing these steps, gradually extending the open tunnel to its full length.
Step 5: Eventually move up to a full-length regulation open tunnel. You can even start implementing in tunnel bends, increasing the challenge. You can also start using hand gestures instead of verbal commands, if you wish. Always remember to reward them for a job well done!
You can find these tunnels in a number of places, with a decently wide range in prices. But if you you're looking for a more wallet-friendly one, you can actually check out places like Toys 'R Us! If you'd rather use supplies you have at home, you can build a tunnel with two chairs and a blanket or sheet.
Nose Work / Treat Hunt
This of course is focused on scents; use something that your dog loves and really knows the smell of or a treat that is more pungent than others.
Have your dog in his stay position; while out of his sight, place his favorite toys or treats around the corner, just slightly hidden. Your dog may get a little frustrated at first as you do this, but he'll catch on! If he is struggling, feel free to point it out. Also always encourage him as he's close, you want to make this fun and exciting for him!
You can also drag the treat on the ground, making a scent trail for them to follow, then as they get better stop doing that for them.
Eventually make it harder for them to find their toys or treats, increasing the challenge and making the search that much more enriching for them.
Muffin Tin Puzzle
Keep the tin upright and divide the kibble up between the cups. Add difficulty by covering each section with a tennis ball or other toy.
Thursday's Activities:
Paper Towel Roll Puzzle
Take a used paper towel roll, and cut some holes into it that would be big enough to let kibble or treats fall out. Take some tape and close up the ends of the roll, and voila! You have perhaps the easiest DIY food/treat puzzle! This will require some clean up, as they are sure to destroy it!
A more advanced version is to fill the tube with kibble and stuff both ends with a paper towel and then twist them closed.
Blanket Burrito
You can make this puzzle as easy or difficult as your pup can handle! You can simply scatter treats on the ground and cover it with a blanket; or sprinkle the treats into the blanket and roll it up, enclosing the treats. The hardest versions are to tie the blanket (or dish towel) with rubber bands in places or braid several blankets or dish towels together or create little compartments for the treats to go into. So simple!
Upside Down Muffin Tin
Turn a muffin tin upside down and spread kibble between the bumps. Your dog will have to nudge the food around from all different angles.This is good for larger dogs, but for smaller pooches try a mini muffin tin.
Friday's Activities:
Shredded Grocery Bag Puzzle
In an open cardboard box, tear a paper grocery bag into small strips. Mix in kibble and breakfast is served.
PVC Pipe Puzzle
Cut a PVC pipe to about 12 inches, drill some random holes (large enough for your kibble), put end pieces on both ends, and you're done!
Red Light / Green Light Game
This is a great game for training your pup with cues. (you may remember doing this type of game as a kid, actually!)
Step 1: Start with your dog on a leash; take only one step and then instruct your dog to “sit”. Make sure this first “sit” has your dog between yourself and a wall, to teach him to sit next to you. Then begin to gradually lengthening each interval of movement time as you go between “sit” moments. Always reward your dog when they sit, so they start offering sits rather than only doing them for the reward.
Step 2: If you have kids at home, this could be a lot of fun to do with them. With your dog on a leash or with his leash dragging, Call “Green Light” and have them walk. Start with one child next to you holding a treat either in a closed fist or in a bait bag. Before the dog starts to get excited, call “Red Light” and have the kids stand quietly with hands at their sides. Your dog should sit at this point, then give them a treat. Once this step is going well, you can step to the sidelines and let the child take the dog. Call “Green Light” for forward movement, and “Red Light” for the child to stop and the dog to sit.
Step 3: Eventually, your dog will be able to do this playing off-leash. You can implement in more excitement in your behavior (like waving your arms or whooping) to make it even more fun for your pup (and the kids).
Hide and Seek
All you need is your dog's favorite toy or treats. Have your dog sit and stay in one room while you hide in another. Once you're settled, call your canine. When he finds you, reward him with the toy or treat.
Round Robin
Rally three or four people to play and take turns calling your dog's name from different places in the room and throughout the house. Each time he comes, reward him with lots of praise. When your pooch has become an expert at the game indoors, take him outside where you can spread out even further from each other and increase the challenge.
Knotted Fabric Puzzle
This is an easy puzzle to make from objects around the house and perfect if you have a roller chew toy (the rubber toys that resemble what could be the frame of soccer ball)
- Take an old t-shirt you no longer want and cut it into strips.
- Tie the strips into knots then begin stuffing them into the toy.
- Hide a treat in there to give your pup a little extra incentive to really dig into the toy, pulling out the knotted fabric.
- You can repeat this as many times as you want really, do it til they're worn out!
Notes:
- Be sure to rotate toys so the same ones aren't available for play each day.
- If your dog is prone to chewing and swallowing things, do not leave them alone for any of these activities.
- Praise and encourage your dogs as they try new puzzles. They may not figure them out on the first go-round, but being present and helping them make it more fun for both of you.
- Training sessions should only last 10 minutes or as long as your dog is still engaged and having fun. All training should be a positive experience with plenty of rewards.
- As you add treats into these activities, be sure to reduce your dog's intake of regular meals to balance daily calories.
- If your dog is more advanced and these activities are too easy, please share activities you do with your dog so everyone can learn new tricks!
For the full PAW5 Enriched Life Challenge with ground rules, advice, activity instructions, and alternative activities, head over to the PAW5 Enriched Life Challenge home page.
We'd love to hear how your five days go: share below in the comments, and post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter using the hashtag #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge to show off your progress! Good Luck!
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Win a PetSafe® KeepSafe® Break-Away Collar
When Irie and Tiki were about a year old, I was upstairs working one day when I heard a sound…a strange sound. It wasn't particularly loud or alarming but something about it made me get up, leave the computer, and go down and check on the dogs who were playing in the yard, just like they did every morning after our walk.
And that saved Irie's life.
I came down to find both dogs wrapped together–and blood coming out of Irie's nostrils. Tiki's lower jaw had gotten caught beneath Irie's collar and then her head had twisted, literally strangling Irie.
Unable to reach the release because of Tiki's jaw, somehow I was able to simultaneously pick up both dogs in a hug, repositioning them just enough to release Tiki's jaw. Irie recovered with no ill effects and, since that day, both dogs wear their collars extremely loose, like a necklace. We walk them using a Martingale collar that we add just for the walk.
That was our lucky day but many dogs aren't so lucky. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), more than 19 million dogs wear a collar daily–and upwards of 26,000 collar strangulation accidents occur yearly. Along with playing with other dogs, other common strangulation hazards are crates and kennels, fences, heating/cooling vents, shrubs and branches.
This week, October 16-22, is the second annual Collar Safety Awareness Week, sponsored by PetSafe® Brand as part of National Animal Safety and Protection Month.
One way to help keep dogs safe is the PetSafe® KeepSafe® Break-Away Collar, invented by Tenney Mudge after the devastating loss of her beloved dog, Chinook, to a collar strangulation accident.
The collar features a patented break-away safety buckle; if your dog's collar is caught and pressure is then applied, the collar's safety buckle releases and the collar falls off, saving your dog. You'll also see that the collar features a metal D-ring on each side of the breakaway buckle; you can use these to attach ID tags or clip them together with a leash for a dog walk.
Now one DogTipper reader will win a PetSafe® KeepSafe® Break-Away Collar!
How to Enter
You'll enter in the widget below; as always, you may return to the widget any time during the giveaway for more entries. Good luck!
Adoptable Dog of the Week: Posh in Minnesota
Hi! My name is Posh, just like Victoria Beckham's alter ego during her days with The Spice Girls. I've heard that my all-time favorite 90s girl group might be reuniting– if they need a new Posh Spice, this might be my big break! Actually, while the thought of life in the limelight might be appealing, to quote The Spice Girls' hit single “Wannabe,” “I'll tell you what I want/What I really, really want”…a forever pet parent to call my own!
So, what do you say…are you ready to “Spice Up Your Life” by welcoming me into your home? Hearing the word “adopted” would be music to my ears!
Adopting Posh
Seven pounds of pure sweetness who wants nothing more than to be held, Posh- a four-year-old Chihuahua who was pulled from a shelter in Arkansas–is just one of the many dogs, cats, kittens and puppies who have been given a new lease on life thanks to Secondhand Hounds' network of fosters. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, since the volunteer-run non-profit's start in 2009 more than 10,500 of our homeless four-legged friends have been united with forever families. Residents living in the Dakotas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin are eligible to adopt from Secondhand Hounds.
Help the Adoptables of the Week with Your PawZaar Purchases!
Ten percent of the week's proceeds from purchases in our PawZaar store will be donated to help the adoptable cat and dog of the week. Help with your purchases of our pet-friendly bags, jewelry, cookie cutters, and more!
Photo Credit: Secondhand Hounds/ PetFinder.com
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