Dogviews

Top Ten Dog Gifts for Christmas

I really should be out shopping for humans, but that's no fun! Here are my top ten picks for gifts for your dog (OK, maybe you'll like them, too!).

1. C’Mere
When you call your dog inside as he’s playing in the mud, does he act like he’s deaf? If your dog doesn’t come when called try the new C'mere Audible Target. Using simple, positive conditioned response training techniques, your pet can be trained to come instantly when the C'mere is activated. The hand-held unit emits a high pitched "chirp" that both you and your dog can hear. The manufacturer claims it can be heard by dogs for over 100 yards. I’ve tried this with my dogs and it works!! It’s amazing how fast they come running. And if that’s not enough, the unit includes a flashlight for late night poop pick-up (it’s not very bright) and 
a personal alarm activated by pulling on the cord which was inconveniently demonstrated by my son at a recent holiday dinner party. The dogs were following him around like he had liver!

19.95
www.twomutz.com

2. Loopies
My dogs love their Loopies. There is something about the squishy and plus loops that make them want to carry it everywhere. It’s big, about 8 inches in diameter. The manufacturer states that it is not a chew toy and please use under supervision. Colors
Assorted. The manufacturer also makes many other very cool dog toys.

10.95
www.doggonegood.com
www.loopiestoys.com

3. Wubba Wubbas
The incredibly dog-popular Wubba Wubba combines a tennis ball (which gives the toy weight so that you can throw it a distance) and a giant squeaky ball. Roxi, my service dog-in-training carries hers around everywhere. Its outrageous design makes the Wubba Wubba great for dogs to fling around and toss into the air. The Wubba Wubba is 17" long and 4" in diameter at its widest point; a perfect size for medium and large dogs. The Wee Wubba is made from two squeaky balls and is 8" long and 2" wide at its widest point; it's perfect for smaller dogs or for a toy that you can keep in your pocket while you train. Comes in bright royal blue and red.

7.95 – 11.95
www.cleanrun.com

4. IQube II Cagey Cube Puzzle Plush Dog Toy
If you have a poodle or dog that’s nearly as smart, then you have to get an IQube II. Inside the cage-like square are 5 squeaker shapes: jack, ball, cylinder, square, and triangle. This is a toy that challenges and develops your dog's confidence and puzzle-solving skills as he attempts to remove the squeaker shapes from the cube. I love to watch my point-nosed poodles stuff their noses inside and shake their heads like crazy until they free their prize. You need to help your dog learn how to use the toy properly (otherwise the dog could become frustrated and chew on the toys and ruin them). You also need to be there to replace the squeaker toys once they have been removed. Machine-washable fabric is made with safe, non-toxic materials.

9.95
www.cleanrun.com

5. Tuffies
I volunteer for a prison puppy training program and the inmates were looking for tough toys for their lab and golden puppies. I found Tuffies and they have worked great. They have 2 layers of industrial grade nylon backing underneath the soft fleece outer for strength, and are stitched twice crosswise and twice linear to withstand chewing and abuse.  Stuffed with non-toxic fiber, edged with heavy-duty grade webbing.  Each toy has multiple squeakers with a protective pouch around each one for extra safety and a quieter squeak toy, plus it rattles. They float, and are great for toss or tug games.  Machine washable, air dry.

Junior  7"     8.50
Large 10"   12.95
www.doggonegood.com

6. Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits
Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits are an all natural, low-calorie, small crunchy biscuit (a mini version of the Buddy Biscuit).  My dogs love them and they are cute! Each biscuit is about the size of of a woman's pinkie and they hold up good in pockets. I hate treats that crumble and stink up my jackets. NO corn, soy, sugar, dairy, artificial flavors or sweeteners and there are wheat free flavors. Flavors: Bacon & Cheese
Chicken
Peanut Butter (wheat free)
Veggie (wheat free).

8 ounce box: 4.50
8 lb. box: 30.00 
www.doggonegood.com

7. Bungee Ball Tug Dog Toys
If your dog loves to shake toys, he’ll love the way the Bungee Ball flings around My dogs swing it  back and forth so that the tennis balls whack them in the head! The Regular Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1" soft-touch nylon webbing and has standard size tennis balls. It's 23" long, but it's elastic core allows it to stretch to 30". The Mini Bungee Ball Tug is made from 1/2" nylon webbing and the balls are 2" in diameter. It's 13" relaxed and stretches to 21".

11.95 – 12.95
www.cleanrun.com

8. Cuz Dog Toys
Cuz dog toys are another great toy for tough chewers. Cuz rubber squeaky dog toys are made of thick-walled, heavy-duty rubber and finished with a long-winded squeaker. Available in Good Cuz and Bad Cuz characters in three sizes: Small is 2.5", Medium is 4", and Large is 5". Assorted colors.

2.95 – 5.95
www.cleanrun.com

9. Microfiber Towel
I know there are a lot of microfiber towels on the market, but this one works better than any I’ve tried. I keep it by the back door and it cleans muddy paws thoroughly. A special Aquitex microfiber is ultra-absorbent and draws water and dirt from your pet's coat. It’s very thick and mine has lasted forever!. Color
Red




Large  19 x 39: 17.50

X/Large  29 x 55: 29.50
www.doggonegood.com

10. Kong Stuff'n TOTs
Kong Stuff'n TOTs are a few calories each and very small. This liver based treat is great for training or as treats for small dogs .The shape is cylindrical and consistent, so they are easy to work with.  Dogs love the taste and they are low fat and gluten-free.  Their smell is moderately strong (part of the reason dogs love them!). Packaged in a resealable bag.

NO wheat, corn or soy
NO artificial ingredients
NO preservatives
YES low fat

7.69
www.doggonegood.com

Entertaining Your Dog and the Obbsessive Compulsive Disorder of a Cocker Spaniel

We've become a pet society obsessed with finding our dogs the perfect chew/bone/gadget/puzzle to occupy their time and keep them from becoming bored. Check out this list:

• Kongs (original, Kong Stuff-a-ball, Kong Biscuit ball, Dental Kongs and more)
• Kong Time Dispenser so you can leave up to four loaded Kongs for your dog to be dispensed at set intervals. This gadget costs over $100!!
• Busy Buddies, including Squirrel Dude, Twist N Treat, Chuckle, The Waggle, The Groove Thing and Foot Small (their names are clever!)
• Triple Crown Everlasting Fun Ball (one of Norman, the poodle's favorites because he can squash it in his mouth)
• Sterilized bones, both stuffed and unstuffed (I put peanut butter in them so it's hard to reach)
• Rawhides

The picture above is of my cocker spaniel Vino and his Waggle Busy Buddy. He's been trying to get every last morsel for the last hour. He whines and growls so much I had to finally take it from him.  I think he's about to lose his mind! The poodles were done with their sterilized bones with treats and kibble stuffed in the middle in about 5 minutes. Not Vino! He won't give up. There are fronds at the end of the toy to keep treats from easily falling out and I even cut them shorter so it wouldn't be so hard for him. There must be a larger treat stuck inside.

I don't leave my dogs home alone all day. Luckily I have that flexibility. But there are times when I just want to watch a movie and not have dogs wrestling in front of the television. That's when I bring one out from my arsenal of "interactive" or chew toys. Looks like I need to re-think my strategy:  something harder for the poodles, and something that won't make Vino obsessively crazy.

What's in your arsenal of dog entertainment gadgets?

Holistic Recommendations for Dogs

If you're interested in holistic care for your dog, Christie Keith in her blog, Dogged Blog, just posted a great list of recommendations. Even though I have very healthy dogs, I once fostered a lab that had giardia, a nasty parasitic disease that forced me to pay my teenager to pick up poop in the yard because this guy's stools were DISGUSTING.

After treating the lab, not the teenager, he still had loose stools. Slippery Elm worked wonders to eliminate the problem.

Greenies Good for the Gut?

I'm a little late on the Greenies post front. Some of my fellow bloggers have written on this before me. One of my favorite sites, Dogma, wrote about Greenies earlier this year.

For those of you in the dark, there have been some lawsuits and complaints by some that Greenies are dangerous, can cause choking deaths and are not digestible.

There are many comments on the Dogma site, some stating that their dogs have died from getting Greenies stuck in their throat, or from parts of the bone obstructing their bowel. Other say that based on the millions of Greenies sold, that they are indeed safe.

I have three dogs (well, two and one foster). They LOVE Greenies. Just going to the Greenies cupboard causes them to quiver with anticipation. I could get my dogs to jump off a roof for a Greenie. But, they have had problems with them. My cocker got a case if Irritable Bowel Syndrome that sent him to the emergency vet clinic. My Standard Poodle has barfed up bits of Greenies. I can only assume that they both have problems digesting the treat. Generally, they have no other digestive problems. However, I don't give them rawhide, either.

The owners of Greenies have announced a new formulation that is supposedly easier to digest and chew. I'll try them for my dogs. But, if I find already-chewed Greenie bits on my new carpet, they're outta here.

I do applaud the PR department for their approach to this. They found a problem, supposedly solved the problem, and were up-front about it. I think dog-owners will give them credit for that, and give the treats another try.

Soft Treats for Dogs with Allergies

Zukes, makers of Jerky Naturals, Hip Action and Mini Naturals has come out with a new soft treat product that is wheat-free and corn-free. There are two versions, one made with beef and the other with chicken. They are made with rice flour, which many dogs tolerate as a grain source.

I found these at the request of a friend who needed a soft treat for her dog, who suffers from many allergies; of which wheat is at the top of the list. She also wanted a soft treat for training.

Reports from the field are that dogs LOVE Z-fillets!

List of ingredients:
Chicken breast or beef, rice flour, maple syrup, garlic, sea salt, mixed tocopherols.

Zukes

Food Storage with Sleek Design

My friend Danielle, editor of foodmomiac, a blog about moms and great food, recently replied to one of my posts on Vittle Vaults dog food storage bins.

I've considered this... but we are resisting it because it is plastic. Maybe you have another idea for us? We just moved into a small apartment from a very large house. We used to keep our dog food in a big garbage can in our pantry. Now, it is in the same big garbage can on our patio table, out on the deck. Not a great solution. We'd like something inside. Maybe something mounted on the wall? We'd prefer chrome or stainless. Any ideas? We are coming up short here!!

So I spent some time thinking, and how about a metal garbage can? There are some beautiful ones on the market and many are made with space saving designs. Here is my favorite, available at both Williams Sonoma and Bed Bath and Beyond.

This model is available in 8 gallon capacity in stainless steel and measures 14 1/2" x 12 1/2" 2 26 3/4". It has a removable polypropylene liner that can be washed. Washing regularly is important as dried food does become rancid over time. There is also a 10 1/2 gallon model available in stainless and white.

I couldn't find anything to hang on the wall that was stainless, only plastic. Good luck, Danielle!

Canine Cookout

Does your dog get jealous when you're eating corn on the cob and ribs on the patio? Nylabone has the answer with some new nylon bones.

• The Bar-B-Chew Cob Bone has soft chewy ends and durable nylon middle with gum massaging texture in bacon flavor. It's available in three sizes. Vino LOVED this bone. My husband came home from a trip and first thing Vino did was run and get his corn cob to brag about his new prize. I got the larger version...Vino likes his cobs long.
• The Bar-B-Chew Rib Rack is made of flexible nylon for moderate chewers in three sizes. Supposedly it tastes like ribs, but I didn't try it. My puppy actually snapped one of the rib bones off the end, so I wouldn't give it to aggressive chewers. It's available in three sizes.
• Flexible Rainbow Bone is for average to light chewers. The "skeleton" inside even glows for those dogs that are afraid of the dark.

Of course, these bones are expensive. Dog.com had the best prices I could find on the Web...nearly half what I paid at my pet store.

Nylabone

No Bugs Fiddelin' with the Vittle

OK, it's a stupid headline...

I'm an organization freak...except where the garage is concerned. Ask my husband. There are times he can hardly make it from his car to the door through the maze of stuff, most of it dog related.

It seems that  I've always got 2 or 3 different types of dry dog food in the garage. If it's in an opened bag, it's all over the place (thanks to Sayla the cat.) And an opened bag can mean problems with pests.

That's why I like Vittle Vaults. They are the nicest food containers on the market. They're made of hard, strong plastic, they stack on top of each other, but most importantly they are easy and quick to open. They have this giant spin top that can be opened or closed with just a quick flip of the wrist. They come in sizes for 4-6 pounds of food to 80 pound capacity. The stackable models have openings on the side so you don't have to move containers around. From the manufacturer's website:

"We have gone to lengths to ensure that the Vittles Vault is food safe. The Vittles Vault is manufactured from FDA approved high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is used throughout the “human” food industry. The gaskets are made from FDA grade styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), and are lightly lubricated with an FDA grade silicone."

I like the 4-6 pound model for traveling. And it comes with its own measuring cup. This is a must for Vino the pudgy cocker.

Vittle Vault on Amazon

Bully, Bully, Bully

Does your dog love bully sticks? Mine do. It's a special treat they often "fight" over. But, bully sticks are expensive. I've found a new supplier, Bullysticks.com and I like their selection and prices.

First of all, I love the fact that this website is focused on bullysticks. It makes me think they know their sticks, and can find me the best around. Bullysticks.com has sticks in sizes ranging from 3 inches to 36 inches!! There are sticks in a variety of thicknesses:  standard, select (thicker), jumbo (really thick) and braided sticks. Norman, my standard poodle usually chews up regular 12" bullies in about 15 minutes. He's still working on the select 12" bully and it's been at least 30 minutes now.

You can buy bullysticks in 10-packs and incremental quantities up to 250 sticks, which is a case. The company recommends that you freeze them to maintain freshness.

Bullysticks.com doesn't have the cheapest bullies I've seen, but they are far from the most expensive. A 7" Red Barn bully stick on Petco.com is $3.47 each. There isn't a 7" available on bullysticks.com, but a 9" is $2.03 each, sold in packs of 10 ($20.30). A 12" Red Barn bully stick on Petco.com is $4.47 each. At bullysticks.com, they are $2.71 each, sold in packs of 10 ($27.09).

If your dog loves bullies, check out Bullysticks.com.

Bullysticks.com

Raw Food That's Convenient

Some people see a story on raw food for dogs, and immediately they turn their nose up. Believe me, I'm not one to chop and mix and grind raw food. It's messy, it smells and it takes a lot of time and planning. But, I have read about the great benefits of raw food and I want the best for my dogs.

There are several pre-packaged raw meals on the market, but my new favorite is from Three Cheers Raw! Raw! Raw!, Lima, Ohio. I read about the food the Whole Dog Journal (WDJ) at www.whole-dog-journal.com (a monthly journal on natural care for your dog.)  According to their web site,  "There are no fillers, no grains, no soy, no preservatives, and no heat processing, just pre-ground frozen mixes formulated from the best fresh, human grade meat, bone, organs, and vegetables."

I've ordered twice from the company and have found the service predictable, packaging great and my dogs love the food. Better yet, they are thriving. I have a very un-scientific method of determining if my dogs do well on a dog food:

1. Do they look and act well?
2. How do their stools look? My theory is, small stools, good absorption of nutrients.

Of course, I also read to get the endorsement of others, and one from Whole Dog Journal is always trusted by me.

The food is merchandised with cute names like Beefed-up, Hog Heaven, Only Ewe and Hare 'n Bone. And, believe it or not, it smells good! It must be the garlic.

You can't beat the convenience, but you pay for it. The food is between $2.00 and $3.75 per pound. Recommended feeding guidelines are 2% - 3% of body weight per day. So for my 51 pound dog, he needs between 1 and 1.5 pounds of food per day. I mix half the recommended raw food with a good quality dry food.

Overnight shipping is recommended, so that might make it tough for dogs on the west coast.

Three Cheers for Raw! Raw! Raw!
$2.00 - $375 per pound