All Things Dog Blog

Mutt Monday: Dog Toys for Outdoor Play

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Mon, 20 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

If it were up to Tanner, this page would be awash in dog toys. You should see our house. Every room has a toy basket and they are all overflowing. I constantly rotate toys and put a few away, allowing them to reappear several months later as "new friends". Such a life these dogs of mine lead!

I've linked a few of our toy reviews that are special to my boys. Bloggers are invited to link up theirs as well. One note of peculiar inclusion may be the Bug Bam. Clearly this is not a toy, but it does help to make playing outdoors safer and less uncomfortable when mosquitoes are in season.

We hope you enjoy looking into these possible playthings for your pups, and look forward to your comments and questions. Please let us know what your dog's favorite items are. C'mon; you know you want to tell me. The comment link is open!

Road Tripping with Your Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:30:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

All Thing Dog Blog
Heading North Meant Packing a Sweater and Using It

I've been on the road with Oliver for a week now and we have had some pleasurable adventures. I've learned a few things about traveling alone with a dog that I'd love to share. Oliver and I are bonding like never before, and this trip has been great for both of us to clear our heads. Feel free to add to our thoughts on how a getaway with your dog can be reinvigorating.

Without human conversation or the needs of others to worry about, I am free to focus on Oliver and the things that each of us need. That has had some surprising benefits. We are each looking to the other for cues on what is needed or wanted, and communication has been very clear. Our normally rigid schedule of photo shoots, mealtime, walks and such have gone completely out the window as we've accommodated our new surroundings and environments each day by having a few fun side trips.

With a friendly, well-behaved dog in tow, I am free to stop as often as I need to take a walk and allow Oliver to do his PR thing. He enjoys rest stops, shopping centers, fast food drive thrus and just about any other stop I choose to make. Oddly enough, he also seems to enjoy the cruising time when he acts as my co-pilot, crated just behind me so I can see him to keep tabs on him. He passes the time alternatively sleeping and watching the road ahead, while apparently enjoying the audio book I'm listening to as we travel. No trouble making yet :)

Oliver never fails to make a new friend. The hotels we have booked have been pet-friendly, and Oliver has proven their decision to be a good one. This afternoon we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the grounds of our small hotel, where grass was plentiful and the weather divine. When we discovered the pool was still covered for Winter, Oliver looked up at me with a pouty expression that said, "Tanner would be so disappointed."

"You're right, Oliver. I guess it's a good thing you're my tagalong for this conference."

We've broken out of our routine, changed up our habits and had a chance to discover new possibilities in how we spend time together. Walking up to a drive thru was a new adventure that many big cities would poo-poo. But in rural South Carolina there was not a concern at all, and I was able to grab a quick snack while we walked the area around our hotel. Al Fresco dining has not yet appeared in that small town, so I made the best of it by ordering a relatively healthy choice and eating it at our hotel. No worries.

All Things Dog Blog
Tanner and Jacque are Safe at Home

Oliver's dinner was ready in a jiffy, as we packed his Natural Balance organic formula before we left. I shared some of Oliver's favorite--ice cubes--with him, and he chowed down on his dinner right along with me.

New places and spaces have resulted in a tired Oliver. There's nothing to wear out a dog more than the excitement of NEW. If you have not traveled with your dog, give him a chance to visit a nearby town or a new dog park from time to time. You'll be amazed at how well he will sleep. After a walk through town and a full belly, he's now snoozing away, no doubt dreaming about tomorrow's adventures.

I've discovered that some of the most mundane parts of travel have peaked Oliver's interest, so I'm learning to include him in virtually everything. Things like filling the ice bucket, unpacking the car, and even check-in itself, were all quite exciting for little Oliver. But the most interesting of all was when I moved his bed. Any time I touch his most special possession, he's very focused on what I'm doing.

After placing his bed where I thought it would please him, he showed me that he has a

mind of his own. Grabbing it with his tiny mouth, he put all 9 lbs. into moving it a few inches. He gave me a very serious glance as if to say, "It's just right now."

Have you taken a road trip with your dog, even if only to visit a friend in the next town for the day? This experience will no doubt give your dog some new reasons to love jumping into the car. Let me hear from you; what are your pup's favorite outings?

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!

Fido's Freebie Friday Visits D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Oliver and I are finally in D.C. and are enjoying a great group of speakers, bloggers and brands. Of particular importance, of course, was to locate and say hello to our newest sponsor, Natural Balance. Oliver had some important thank you's for these ladies and will be enjoying a performance by Norman the Scooter Dog while we are here.

Enough about us, you're here for the giveaways and I've got them aplenty. With our latest Twitter Party now announced, you'll find three new ways to win fun stuff, just added this week. Enjoy the entries!

Here at Fido's Freebie Friday, bloggers are invited to list below their individual posts separately for all currently open giveaways. Fido's Freebie Friday opens each Thursday afternoon for linkups at 4:00 PM ET, and renews each week at the same time with a new listing. Link up anytime during the week--24/7. We make it easy to be seen here by keeping our rules simple:

•You have up to 45 characters to describe your prize and include an expiration date.

•Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts with prizes for pet products or services, including pet-related or pet-themed items for owners. Use your specific post url to link up.

•Please include our badge (the code is in the sidebar) or a link to this post in your giveaway write up, and ask your readers to tell us you sent them.

You'll find assistance at our HELP PAGE, where there is other useful information for bloggers doing giveaways and reviews. Your hosts are All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff, and Dogtipper.

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff and Dogtipper take 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. Please consult All Things Dog Blog's Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detail. 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.

#WorkLikeaDog to Win Zuke's Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Are you counting the bags and wondering if I'm serious? That's ok! We're pretty happy about this haul too, and believe me, I've had to work hard to keep Tanner and Oliver out of the samples we received in order to do our photography. And then there's our new addition, Jacque, who is proving to be quite the little Terrier.

So, maybe you'd like me to go over the goodies in this prize package, just to confirm your eyesight:

Two 20 oz. bags Hip Action Treats
Two 20 oz. bags Mini Naturals (great for training treats as seen here)
Two bags Power Bones
Two bags Supers
Zuke's T-shirt
Zuke's tote bag
Zuke's glass (we're having milk in ours)
Zuke's bandana
A treat pouch for ready availability while you're working with Fido
A dapper office tie for your dog to wear to work (size appropriate)

Sorry, the models will be staying behind. But there is more great news. Not only can you enter to win this prize package in this pre-party effort, but this is exactly what you'll be seeing at our #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party as well. We'll be giving away 10 of these prize packages in total, with the Grand Prize including even more great stuff.

If you missed the RSVP post, you'll want to be sure to get on that list if you'll be attending and want to win a prize pack. And don't forget that we're also drawing a winner from those that help us to Tweet about this terrific adventure. You can learn more here.

One of the best things about this Rafflecopter prize is that if you're unable to attend the

Twitter Party, you still have a chance to win this terrific prize package. PreTweeting will also get you entries, so be sure to use that option here, since it will count for both giveaways--two chances for your name to get drawn as a winner.

Participation Guidelines:

Winners' announcements will begin immediately upon opening of the Twitter Party at 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday, June 11, so don't be late! Stick around to the end to make sure you don't miss your shout out!

As an aside, it is very important that you understand that our Zuke's winners may only be at U.S. addresses. This is simply due to customs issues with shipping food items over the border. We encourage people from all over the world to participate in these activities; however, prizes may only go to U.S. residents.

Enter to win this great package by using the Rafflecopter form below. It's really easy, but sometimes it plays hide-n-seek. If you need to fetch it, just click on the post title above and it will come out to play nicely. Good luck; we hope you'll enjoy #WorkLikeaDog!

Zuke's is working with the Event Barkers team, Dogtipper.com and All Things Dog Blog, to increase their online presence. a Rafflecopter giveaway

PreTweet to Win for #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

#WorkLikeaDog is on its way! We're allowing plenty of time to get the word out because this is going to be one fan*tas*tic Twitter Party. Fun-filled training tips for long days at the office, healthy dog treats for rewards, and great photo fun from participants in our Rafflecopter drawing to be released tomorrow evening.

You heard that right! There are 3 pre-party events that you can participate in, even if you're unable to join us for the party itself. So jump in and have some fun with your dog.

What can you do today to help put yourself in the winners' circle? As of right now, you can RSVP at this link, and you can Tweet to help get the word out, as well as automatically entering you in the PreTweet contest.

You can write your own Tweets using the #WorkLikeaDog hashtag. We can even make it easy for you. I've embedded some Tweets below. Pick your fave or RT all 3; it's up to you. It doesn't get any easier than this:

Excited to join @zukespets #WorkLikeaDog #TwitterParty. Gr8 training tips, fun pics + prizes too: ow.ly/kXd3L
— Event Barkers (@EventBarkers) May 12, 2013

#WorkLikeaDog #TwitterParty will share working #dog photos, @zukespets treat #giveaways & more. RSVP: ow.ly/kXd3L
— Tanner & Oliver (@5MinutesforFido) May 12, 2013

Luv healthy living with @zukespets treats! Join us 4#WorkLikeaDog #TwitterParty, prizes, pics + tips: ow.ly/kXd3L
— Carrie Boyko (@Learnin2Bgreen) May 12, 2013

What can you win? The prize package is amazing. In addition to a tie for Fido, a treat

pouch for you to take to work, and other great Zuke's goodies, the PreTweet winner will snag 8 bags of Zuke's Treats, a total of 88 oz. of treats to be exact. Holy working dog! That's 5 1/2 lbs of motivation for good behavior, trick training and just plain love.

After you Tweet, warm up your camera and start working on Fido's best profile. The photo entries will give you some fun options to play to your dog's best side.

A note regarding eligibility: Due to border restrictions, all winners must have U.S. addresses. Feel free to join us at the Twitter Party, no matter where you live, for fun pet photos, our helpful training tips, and to learn more about the all-natural Zuke's treats we'll be celebrating.

Event Barkers partners Dogtipper.com and AllThingsDogBlog.com are working with Zukes to build their online visibility.

Blogpaws Bound: Packing Time

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:02:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

It's time to Sharpen the Saw, as Stephen Covey would put it. His 7 Habits for Highly Effective People has had a tremendous effect on my life. If only I could master that fourth quadrant, I'd be so much better off. Sigh; there will always be fires to put out.

Oliver and I are off to Blogpaws--a pet blogging conference--to meet other bloggers, visit with pet brand representatives, attend breakout sessions on various topics and network. When the work gets to be too much for Oliver, he'll have access to an all day daycare just for the furry members of the entourage. There he'll have an opportunity to play with Snoopy, Dexter, Rocco, Pepper and dozens of other bloggers' dogs who will join us to learn more about what we do and how to do it better--for YOU!

Oliver and I are busy packing and preparing. Tanner and Jacque will enjoy a vacation from photo shoots, product reviews and all manner of other silliness that Mom often puts them through. They'll get walks with their Daddy and their girl and playtime at the park, so not to worry. No unhappy puppies here. They don't know it yet, but they'll be getting some VIP visitors :)

Back to packing now. Oliver supervised the preparation of his Natural Balance food for the trip, and has patiently watched as I filled my suitcase with things he certainly thinks are not necessary. I did, however, make sure we brought his health certificate, bowls, leash, harness, bed, crate and a few other essentials. He packs light. Good boy Oliver!

The First Aid kit, a spill-proof water bowl, and a couple of favorite chew toys, are in the back of the car along with his seatbelt and safety harness for travel. A cooler includes water, stuffed Kongs and a few snacks. Can you think of anything he still needs to bring?

Mutt Monday Enjoys Outdoor Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

With Spring in full bloom, weather is beautiful most everywhere in the Northern hemisphere. This is our favorite time of year, when outdoor activities are not sweltering or freezing. Flowers are blooming and we don't have to worry about the temperature.

Today we're sharing some of our favorite outdoor activities for Spring and invite other bloggers to link up their posts along this theme as well. Have we missed anything that is a favorite of your dog's? Leave us a comment and let me know what we should be trying out.

You can also help get the word out about this blog hop by clicking the RT button on the Tweet here:

#MuttMonday #BlogHop open thru 5/19 sharing Outdoor #Dog Activities: ow.ly/kv8afBloggers link & readers learn!
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) May 11, 2013

We hope to see you back next week when we'll be dishing:

Best Dog Toys for Outdoor Play

I'm reasonably sure Tanner thinks he's the expert on this topic, but we'll try to offer more than just pool toys :) See you soon!

Dog Treats #WorkLikeaDog with Zukes

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sun, 12 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Our house training series has been but a prelude to our next Twitter Party: #WorkLikeaDog. Today I'm here to announce the opening of our pre-party events leading up to the big day when we give away $1500 in great Zuke's treats and other prizes, to include a Grand Prize valued at approximately $250. Mark your calendars; this is not an event to miss.

Pre-Party Activities include Giveaways:

Start with the RSVP at the bottom of this post. Once you're on this list you'll be

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Pre Party Prize Packages
Worthy of Hard Work!

eligible to win one of our prize packages (seen at right) that will include 8 bags of Zuke's treats and lots of other fun stuff. The winner will be drawn early on June 11 and announced at the party. To assure your name is included when the drawing is done, go ahead and RSVP today.
PreTweet to win: This is one of our most popular entry methods. You get to share this fun event with friends on Twitter. Watch for some easy, one-click Tweets you can send easily.
Rafflecopter fun! We've built in some great extras to this Rafflecopter that you're sure to enjoy. Join us Wednesday evening, May 15 to learn how you can share pics of your hard-working dog via Instagram, Pinterest, email or Twitter. Yes, you can even begin to experiment with Vine and show us your hard worker in action; we can't wait! We'll be sharing these fun photos of your dogs throughout the party as well as on other social media like Pinterest. Check out our #WorkLikeaDog Pinterest board.

Party Activities:

With dogs all over the country preparing to go to work with mom or dad on June 21, Zuke's and Event Barkers want to help them prepare. We'll be sharing training tips throughout the Twitter Party that are designed to help you and your Fido enjoy the day spent at your workplace.

Photos of your dogs submitted via our Rafflecopter will be shared throughout the party, showing off your hard-working dogs. Whether your dog is a Service Dog or simply in charge of kitchen patrol at your home, you can submit a photo of him doing his job, or even try out a 6-second Vine Video. You'll find instructions for this at my post here. Have fun with these entries; use your imagination and be sure to read the guidelines that will be included in my Rafflecopter post on Wednesday.

Get the anipal angle from Oliver, over at 5 Minutes for Fido, who is busy complaining about Tanner's lack of business savvy. Can you help him out?

Participation Guidelines:

Winners' announcements will begin immediately upon opening of the Twitter Party at 8:30 PM ET on Tuesday, June 11, so don't be late! Every 10 minutes thereafter, winners will continue to be announced until the Grand Prize winner is announced at the closing of the party--10 PM ET. Stick around to make sure you don't miss your shout out!

RSVP's will remain open throughout the entire party, so that everyone can join in to win or just to have fun and get some great training tips.
The RSVP winner will be drawn on Tuesday morning, June 11. This winner's handle will be announced at the party.

RSVP Instructions:

Following is an example to enter the RSVP form below. Below the numbered list at the bottom is a blue link that says "Click here to enter". Click this and follow these instructions, using the image below as a guide.

In the first field that says "Link Title or Blog Title" just enter your Twitter handle as shown in the example. Notice I entered @EventBarkers. In the second field that says "Link" you'll enter the link to your Twitter account. It will look like this: "http://twitter.com/yourhandlehere".

You can leave your email address and name in the next two fields, if you wish. This will help us reach you if your Twitter handle is listed wrong and you win a prize. Now click "Enter your link" and that's it. You have completed your RSVP. Don't forget to follow our sponsor and host handles listed above to make sure you can win prizes at the party.

Check out our training tips at the following articles:

Event Barkers is working with Zuke's to increase their online presence through this Twitter Party event that will include some pre-party exposure as well. Enjoy!

Dogs and Kids: Summer Bonding Time

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:30:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Summer will be here before you know it and so will the unique opportunity that Summer provides our kids. Bonding with their dogs requires time and some patient help in understanding what it takes to get Fido to be their sidekick for all things fun.

There are many ways we can help our kids build a bond with their dogs that will last throughout their time together. Following are a few of the tips that come to mind. What are yours?

Make the decision about when your child is ready for more responsibility with great care. Complete respect for your dog's health and safety, as well as that of other children, is imperative.
Let your kids feed your pets during the Summer. Dogs generally bond more closely to those that provide their nourishment.
Offer safety tips and do's and don'ts when are kids are learning to feed your pets. Understanding food and toy aggression is important to their safety.
Encourage your kids to play outdoors when taking their dog along on neighborhood play dates. Keeping Fido on a leash is an important part of that rule, and this time will allow your older kids to get a better understanding of the care and decision-making that goes into pets that are tagalongs.
When friends come to your home to play with your kids, discourage rambunctious play in favor of games that may include your dog. Hide-n-Seek, Fetch, Frisbee, and Laser Tag are great fun for kids and their dogs. Be sure to monitor their activities and let them know you are supervising. Your dog will appreciate your concern as much as their attentions.
As much as I'm a dog park lover, I don't believe this is a terrific place for kids under

the age of about 10 or possibly even 12. Even at this age, your son or daughter will need much instruction to be safe and enjoy the experience. Check out these tips: Dog Park Safety Challenges for Children and Dog Park Visits: Preparing Kids for a Safe First Experience.
Beyond adolescence you'll find your kids may take their own path in regard to spending time with their dog. Building this relationship before that time is important to cementing it for the future. College homecomings are wonderful when Fido greets his "kid" at the door happily.
Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping!

Dog Media Gifts for Moms and Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Thank you for all your terrific entries and comments in this giveaway. I've got a nice collection of kids books to hand out this summer so keep watching for more great reading for your children, grandchildren, or students.

I have to admit I've been tempted to open up one of the video games that teach dog training to children and give it a try. It sounds like fun! Kids get to choose from a variety off different dogs to train, select accessories, name their pooch, and learn while they train their pup. What an awesome way to teach youngsters the art of dog training.

Our two books that I'm hoping will become Mother's Day gifts are both great reads. If you're not a winner, you can pick up a copy of each at the links below. Feel free to read my review of Your Dog's Golden Years here and you can pick up a paperback from Amazon at a great price here. This book is brimming with ideas for helping your senior Fido move into old age with grace.

Today's Mother's Day book winners are Lenny G. and Theresa S. I'll give you each the option of making a selection, and "first come first serve" will make the decision if you both request the same book.

Our Pet School video games go to Christine K., Angela C., and Deanna T. Watch for your email from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Feel free to send me your address if you see this post and have not yet heard from me. Happy Mothers Day to you all.

Fido's Freebie Friday Enjoys Vine!

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 09 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Tanner and Oliver have certainly been starring in a good many videos recently. I got the new Vine app on my iPhone back in January and am having way too much fun experimenting with it. Oliver posted a couple of them this week; you can see them here. Yesterday when our Natural Balance delivery came from PetFlow, Tanner and Oliver pushed the empty bag around, licking the opening for quite a while, before collapsing to enjoy the aroma. I'm thinking Tanner looks a little bit drunk in this video-BOL! I captured this from that event:

We sure did enjoy that bag of @naturalbalance. More please! vine.co/v/b2ObF0J1tXK
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) May 7, 2013

Here at Fido's Freebie Friday, bloggers are invited to list below their individual posts separately for all currently open giveaways. Fido's Freebie Friday opens each Thursday afternoon for linkups at 4:00 PM ET, and renews each week at the same time with a new listing. Link up anytime during the week--24/7. We make it easy to be seen here by keeping our rules simple:

•You have up to 45 characters to describe your prize and include an expiration date.

•Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts with prizes for pet products or services, including pet-related or pet-themed items for owners. Use your specific post url to link up.

•Please include our badge (the code is in the sidebar) or a link to this post in your giveaway write up, and ask your readers to tell us you sent them.

You'll find assistance at our HELP PAGE, where there is other useful information for bloggers doing giveaways and reviews. Your hosts are All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff, and Dogtipper.

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff and Dogtipper take 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. Please consult All Things Dog Blog's Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detail. 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.

Fetching Fun Wishbone Flyer Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:55:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Wishbone Flyers
No More Sore Arms
from Throwing

Is your dog ready? Calling all Fetch Fanatics; Tanner has a giveaway for you that is ideal for dogs who have a fence available and lots of space to run after balls.

We're not talking about short flings like the ones I make when I throw. Yes, I do throw like a girl. But seriously, I'm talking about long flings of up to 75 feet!

If you've got a dog that will love this sort of activity, check out my Wishbone Flyers review at this link. If your Fido is already wagging his tail, this is a giveaway for you. Chihuahuas need not apply. We're looking for fetchers, runners and ball-driven dogs. Step up and join the fun.

If a little Fetch training is needed, we can help with that also: Teaching Your Dog to Fetch. Need more help? I've got a series that helps when your dogs needs more intense work. Drop me a note at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com and I'll send you the links to the whole series.

Meanwhile, want to learn more about Wishbone Flyers? Check out their website and then ask your questions at Facebook and Twitter. Tell them @AllThingsDog sent you :)

This giveaway will run the usual course. You can use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. If the form is not in place, it may have gone off to fetch a ball, so just click on the title above to shout the "Come" command. You'll soon see the form ready to roll again.

Entries to win our giveaway of a Wishbone Flyer will be open through midnight on Thursday, May 23. Winners will be announced on Friday evening, May 24. May the best fetcher win!

Wishbone Flyers provided a review sample to All Things Dog Blog for us to review the product. We were not paid to share our opinion and the thoughts here and in our review are completely our own. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fetch Flings Soar with Wishbone Flyers

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:46:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

A Wishbone Flyer arrived at All Things Dog Blog for review during Winter, the perfect time for outdoor fun in Florida. Without the cold or the heat, we were able to enjoy some Fetching fun with Tanner as our 'reviewer'. Needless to say, Tanner was very excited. Are you getting that impression from this photo?

As my son prepared the Flyer and took a few sample flings, we both were amazed at the distances that could be achieved. Before we actually played a real game of Fetch, I had to get Tanner calm and ready for the command. No taking off before the ball was released from the Wishbone Flyer.

With Tanner settled and Brent ready to give this baby a real test, he loaded up the Flyer and gave the command. Tanner took off like a rocket, ready to reach the Moon in a matter of seconds. Powered by Natural Balance's Organic Formula, Tanner's energy and stamina is a sight to see. As one dog owner put it:

"D***! That dog is fast!"

I had an entire dog park group watching behind me as Tanner returned time after time, dropping the ball and taking chase once again,

with the ball easily flying 75 feet or more. Thankfully we chose a very large dog park for this expedition, or we probably would have been scaling the fence to retrieve lost balls. There's tip number one for Wishbone Flyers users. Choose a large area!

Tip number two is that you'll need to scout out a post with a flat top to strap the Wishbone Flyer snugly in place. We learned from experimentation that a square post works better than a round one; although, as you can see, we were able to successfully have a great time flying off a chain link fence.Before you purchase a Wishbone Flyer, do your homework. Know you have a spot to attach the flyer where there is plenty of space for Fido to run safely. The

actual flinging mechanism needs to stick out above the post, so a light pole or other very tall structure will simply not work.

As you can see in my photos, we used a dog park fence for this shoot because we wanted a large, enclosed area to assure that Tanner would not be lured away while we were preoccupied with the photo shoot details. A chain link fence is not your ideal post; however the corner post seen here did work relatively well.

The Wishbone Flyer folks are very clear to share that their product was designed to attach to the top of decking such as that seen in the video below. Enjoy the show that this German Shepherd puts on, but realize that your balls may go farther, so choose a location that will allow for the long balls to be retrieved safely.

courtesy Wishbone Flyers

The video tells the story for Tanner as well.Tanner got a great workout and it was easy to use the flyer, once an appropriate post was located. Once again, I will recommend that you try to find a square post that allows you to strap on the Wishbone Flyer at the top, exposing the flinging mechanism above it, as shown in this photo at left. This will get you the best possible action, and a terrific exercise session for your Fetch-crazed dog. Tanner gives this tool a 4 out of 5, merely because locating a useful post can be challenging, although it is well worth the effort. Enjoy!

Want to learn more about the Wishbone Flyer? Check out their website at the link above, or visit them on Facebook or Twitter. If your dog is anything like my Fetching fanatic, he'll love this great tool that won't wear out your arm. Tanner is always a willing subject. Watch for a giveaway to come shortly.

Tanner wishes to thank the folks at Wishbone Flyers for this sample we reviewed at no cost to us. We were not paid to share our thoughts, take these photos or run our fannies off, and these comments are completely our own.

Weave Your Dog's Stories on Vine

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

A relatively new app, Vine is something I've been experimenting with for a couple of months. Vine is a 6-second video app for iPhone and iPod Touch that was released by Twitter in early 2013. It's a fun way to share those moments in your life when only video can tell the story. That makes it perfect for sharing the silliness that our dogs often exhibit.

As Event Barkers moves forward with our Twitter Parties and photo contests, we'll be adding Vine entries to our options. It's simple to download and use, and so much fun to watch other's videos as well. Check out this boring example I just videod to show you what you can do in just 6 seconds:

What a great day for a walk! vine.co/v/b2B11VheAAD
— Alan Boyko (@AlanJBoyko) May 5, 2013

I'd like to run through the simple procedure for getting the Vine app on your iPhone or iPod so you can join us in sharing your life's moments. Grab your device and let's get going.

1) Start by clicking on the App Store icon. Search for "Vine app" and select it when located. It's FREE!

2) Click on FREE and then click INSTALL APP. When it's completely installed, click the OPEN button.

3) You'll be offered 2 ways to sign in: via Twitter or email. If you're on Twitter, use that option to make it easy to post your videos there. Vine is all about sharing!

4) Vine will walk you through a few quick steps, guiding you through a test video. Your kindergartner could do this, so don't shy away now. After recording 3 segments, you'll have finished your test and be able to view it, delete it, or click Next to release it to your choice of social media networks. Read on for the details on doing this:

5) You'll see a screen much like this, with your video all set to share. They've even filled in the text area with "My #firstpost on Vine". LOL: it's probably not very compelling, but you'll be getting the idea. Oh, and you can add anything else you wish to those comments, as long as it fits in a Tweet, assuming you'd like it to go to Twitter. When entering a photo/video contest with your Vine Video, always use the hashtag for the party in your comment section to assure it will be picked up by the hosts.

6) You can add a location, and then indicate where you'd like to post your video: one or all of Vine, Twitter, and Facebook. With a quick touch of the button each will switch on easily.

7) Now click Done at the bottom and your video will be off to view by your friends and family on Twitter, Facebook or Vine--your choice.

8) Check your work out by visiting your post on Twitter or Facebook to view what others will see. Vine videos expand nicely on Twitter.com, for a great view of your work. Click "View Media" under your Tweet to expand the video. Sound will be OFF by default, but you can turn it on if you wish. Beneath your video, there's an additional option to View on the Web, which blows up your video for even easier viewing.

Are you pumped now? It's sort of addictive when you first get it, but that helps you get motivated to practice so you can learn to connect the segments in better ways. Have fun!

Here are a couple of places you can watch Vine videos of pets. DISCLAIMER--I can't guarantee that this will all be appropriate for your kids, so watch these on your own first:

With an Event Barkers Twitter Party being announced within a week, you may want to get your Vine skills up to speed quickly. There could be an opportunity to use them ;)

Natural Balance: Pet Nutrition + Fitness

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Tanner, our Fetch-crazed Retriever, is pulling out all the stops these days. We're noticing a sudden burst of energy that has us wondering, "What's different?" I look around and can only think of two things. Tanner's diet and the change of seasons, albeit a minimal change here in Central Florida where we enjoy a nearly year round version of hot and humid.

With my plans to take Tanner along to Blogpaws, I suppose I'll need to get a lot of Fetch in before departure. I'm guessing he won't be welcome in the hotel pool, no matter how dog-friendly the hotel is :)

That said, we've been adding in extra walks, playing more Fetch, swimming, biking and enjoying a good deal of family and company lately. Tanner's in heaven. After all, aren't they all coming to visit him?

Before my partnership with Natural Balance kicked in, I was asked by one of the organizers to share some of Tanner's skills in my posts. So here's our first installment on that request. There will be more.

Swimming is an excellent exercise for you, me and our dogs. Without the weight of our bodies to support, our joints are under less stress, even as our muscles work to propel us. This is why it's an ideal exercise for dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Tanner, while being a rescue, still has that pure Golden possibility. My goal has been to do all I can to prevent it, especially now as he approaches the age of 7. Here are the strategies I employ:

Exercise to keep the joints loose and muscles limber
Swim to keep the cardiovascular system strong
Take supplemental glucosamine-chondroitin to support healthy joints
Feed an organic, AAFCO-approved diet--Natural Balance Organic Formula--to avoid unnecessary toxins in the liver
Maintain a slender weight to avoid stress on the hips and shoulders. Tanner is a long, tall dog, weighing in at a steady 70 lbs.
Practice daily training and mentally-stimulating activities that keep his mind sharp and body busy and strong

Play Fetch to give Tanner additional mental tasks. We have a variety of different Fetch games we play.

Enjoy the photos and please do give Natural Balance a try. You can receive free coupons by simply clicking the banner ad at the top of this column. Go for it!

All Things Dog Blog is an NB Insider, sharing Natural Balance information with you. We receive pet food and sponsored travel to pet industry events as a part of this program.

Mutt Monday Takes Blogpaws Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

With Blogpaws approaching soon, lots of pet bloggers are chatting about this pet industry event. I'm sure you have questions and want to know more. I've linked up lots of my previous posts that were Blogpaws related, and hope that some of my fellow bloggers will join me in sharing their posts about this event.

I'm looking forward to getting away and having a chance to catch up with old friends and new at this conference that is designed to help pet bloggers connect among themselves and with brands. I'll be catching up with sponsors such as Natural Balance and hopefully making contacts with new ones.

I also look forward to joining in break out sessions about all sorts of social media topics, seeing performances and enjoying meals with the attendees--always a great time to network. Me and my furry sidekick will also be taking in a little cultural trip down the Potomac to view the monuments. We're looking forward to this great photo opportunity.

I'd love to answer your questions about Blogpaws. What would you like to know? Leave a comment and I'll stay on top of these and answer daily. Thanks for your participation. Feel free to let others know by clicking on this Tweet:

Join us 4 a #MuttMonday #BlogHop open thru 5/12 sharing #Blogpaws info: ow.ly/kv8af Bloggers link & readers learn!
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) May 4, 2013

Next week's Mutt Monday theme will be:

Favorite Outdoor Activities for Spring

I suppose Spring is very different depending on where you are, so my Spring offers may look more like your Summer ones. Enjoy our posts for what they are--inspiration. And before you sign off, drop in at 5 Minutes for Fido, where Oliver has some of his own Blogpaws news!

Happy tails,

Zukes Hard Working Treats: A Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Celebrating Hard Working Dogs!

Many of you have written about the need for tips on training and I've been happy to finally deliver. In sharing the beginning of our training series--house training tips--Zukes is partnering with Event Barkers to bring you an upcoming Twitter Party with tons of great prizes, along with this extra giveaway to prime your enthusiasm.

When training a puppy or recent rescue that needs bolstering of her household potty manners, a key component of your arsenal is training treats. These need to be good smelling, tiny and offered each time your pup attempts to present the correct behavior.

Check out our training tips at the following articles:

Is your pup drooling for a giveaway? We thought so! This terrific hand off will offer 4 winners a box of 4 bags each, to include all 4 flavors of the Zukes Mini Naturals. This will go a long way to getting your

pup to success in his house training. Other places you can learn more about Zukes include their Facebook page and on Twitter. Ask your questions and see what other folks are chatting about.

Entries will run through Thursday, May 16 at midnight. The winners will be announced on Friday evening, May 17. Soon the Event Barkers team will finally clue you in on the details for the upcoming Twitter Party. I know you're excited to hear the theme, our plan for the party activities, and of course you're dying to learn what the prizes will be. Right? Of course!

To enter, you'll be using the Rafflecopter below. If it's napping out of site, please wake it gently by clicking on the post title above. It won't even whimper! Keep in mind that while many possibilities for entry are offered, you need only enter using those methods you enjoy. Best of luck to you all, and we'll see you soon for the Twitter Party :)
All Things Dog Blog has worked hard to prepare for our upcoming Twitter Party. We've shared some tips for crate training your dog. Watch for much more to come at the party, to be announced soon. Event Barkers is working with Zukes to help them build their online presence. a Rafflecopter giveaway

So Your Dog is a Thief? Enjoying Dinner with Company

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sat, 04 May 2013 04:15:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Jackal of all Trades via Flickr.com
Salvage Your Dinner Party

Strange topic for a Weekly Wag, right? Maybe not. Ever have a gathering for dinner during which your dog becomes the center of attention due to begging, whining or downright food thievery? Embarrassing, right?!

The strategy we use at the All Things Dog Blog house is so simple that you'll be scratching your head and wondering "Why didn't I think of that?" I take a Kong or other fillable chew toy, layering several of my dog's favorite yummies inside. Freeze this delicious meal before serving just as your guests are seated.

The layers are key as they make the ensuing chow time a virtual hunt as your dog, one by one, uncovers a new layer of something tasty. Vary the textures, colors and flavors and your dog will stay with his frozen delight for quite a while, licking every last bit of residue and not wishing to abandon his latest thrill.

I'll include here a recent visual example provided by the AKC, so you can get some ideas of things to go inside. You'll probably find plenty of leftovers in your fridge that will work great, just remember to go easy on the fatty items like cheese or hotdogs.

After you ask your dog to sit and wait permission, give him a nice gentle ear rub or stroke his back as he enjoys starting this fab snack. When you slip away to join your guests, he'll

hardly notice you're gone and will eagerly look forward to the next dinner party. What's more, you can proudly watch as he noshes away at his treat while your guests have a peaceful dinner. Repeat after me: "Gosh, I love that dog!"

Tell me about your latest dinner party--disaster or success? We would all love to hear your stories. The comment link is open.

Happy tails,

Puppy Training Tips: Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sat, 04 May 2013 04:01:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Today we're going to toss out some tips for potty training/house training your new puppy or rescued dog.The more consistent you are the more successful you will be:

Choose a crate that will grow with your puppy. Too large of a crate will allow your pup to sleep in one corner and use the other corner as a bathroom. The crate should be large enough for him to stand, lay and turn around, but not much larger. As he grows, the movable panel can gradually grow with her, allowing more space as needed. Eventually, the panel will likely be removed when the pup grows into the crate.
Crate your puppy frequently throughout the day for short periods, allowing her to become acclimated to spending time there. Praise her when she rests peacefully without making a fuss, as well as when you remove her to take her outside. As she becomes more comfortable with these rest periods, you can begin to leave her for short outings to test her comfort level and staying power. This will take time; go slowly.
While at home, keep your pup near you and under your supervision constantly. If you move around from room to room, tether him to your belt or waist using a leash, so you can keep an eye on him in case he begins to show the tell-tale signs of needing to go.
Know those signs: pacing, circling, sniffing at a certain spot or in a circle, squatting (oops, you're too late)
Make a habit of always taking your pup out immediately after sleeping, eating, playing, exercising, drinking, or anytime you see the above signs.
Having selected the spot you'd like your pup to always use, don't waver by allowing her to drag you around. THIS is the spot; wait there until he gets the idea and takes action. The scent of his prior visits will build up and eventually give him a faster-acting release. Give him your encouraging words, such as "Go potty!" and treat immediately when he is successful.
Once action has begun or immediately upon completion, praise sweetly and gently. Don't make too much of a fuss or you may interrupt the important event :)
Call your puppy to his potty spot with the same sweet voice and special words each time, so he'll begin to associate these with this action.
If your puppy exhibits a behavior that becomes a natural signal of her need to go out, encourage that signal to alert you. Praise and treat her with your training treats as a way of encouraging this behavior that notifies you when it's time for a visit to the grass. Any signal that is acceptable to you will work: a woof, whine, scratch at the door, nose bump on your hand, ringing of potty bells that hang on your door--whatever works for your dog and you to communicate.
Young puppies and toy dogs often have trouble house training in larger spaces. They may quickly become averse to using rooms they spend time in as a bathroom; however, other rooms may sometimes take on that role for these smaller pups. I've learned that one way to prevent this is to allow them to spend time in each of these otherwise less-frequented areas. This may be inconvenient for you while you supervise him there, but hopefully you'll find a way to accomplish a task while giving your dog time to bond with this area of your home that he rarely spends time in.
If you catch your pup in the act of pottying indoors, scold quickly while immediately taking her outside to her special place, spending a few minutes to allow her to remember this is where she should have taken action. Do not rub your puppy's nose in his business or swat him, as he may become fearful of pottying altogether.
If your puppy is left in a crate too long and has an accident, don't correct her. It's your fault, not hers. Simply clean her and the crate up and don't make a fuss.
Same goes if you've left the pup alone too long in the house and you find a mistake. Often they will leave their deposit at the door or near a window, indicating their effort to get outdoors.
If you've chosen to keep your puppy in 1 room, not using a crate, you'll want to use potty pads or a dog potty with faux grass included, in order to protect the floor, as well as to help your pet know where you want his deposits to land. It's nice to know where you can and cannot step when entering the room :) This target training is important to eventually working your way outside, if that is desirable.
Once your pup is regularly hitting the puppy pad, you may choose a long weekend when you can spend several days working with him on the transition. Begin moving the pad gradually toward the exit, keeping your eye on the pup. It's imperative that you throw a big party every time he locates the pad and uses it. Lots of praise and a treat will help him understand that following the pad is exactly what you want.
Once you reach the exit door, begin cutting away small sections of the pad, or closing the door over an area of it, reducing the available amount. The idea is to help Fido understand he needs to assist you with knowing what he wants--verbally or with some sort of noise or action. Many pad users will place potty bells right where the puppy is likely to bump them while using the pad, helping you to be aware of his actions. Praise and treat your little one for ringing the bells as well as using the pad. You're on your way!

Keep in mind that rewarding your trainee each and every time he tries to get it right will be continuously building a more reliable behavior that you'll be happy to see. Zukes

courtesy Zukes

Mini Naturals are a terrific, tiny treat for rewarding good behavior, and one that your pup will love. These healthy, natural treats are made in the U.S.A. with no wheat, corn or soy, ingredients that many owners try to avoid due to possible allergens. You'll find a Store Locator at this link so you can take a personal peek and see what your local retailers are stocking of the Zukes varieties.

In less than 10 days, Event Barkers will be officially announcing a Twitter Party for Zukes. Yes, you heard it here first! While you're waiting on details, you can go ahead and check them out online at their website and on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Watch for more details soon...and a giveaway coming shortly!

All Things Dog Blog and our Event Barkers partner, DogTipper, will soon be announcing a Twitter Party promoting some of Zukes products, including the Mini Naturals reviewed here. Soon you'll be learning about more of their hard working treats so stay tuned to our sites for additional details.

Petco Winners Get Wedding Fun Plus Big Dog and Kitty Prizes

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

All Things Dog Blog held its own version of The NotWedding recently, sponsored by Petco and Unleashed by Petco. Wedding accessories and fashions for guests were front and center, and a few other treats were offered for bigger Fidos and our feline friends.

Acting as the wedding photographer, I enjoyed creating scenarios using rose petals and flowers to add to the ambiance. You could say I got a taste of being a wedding planner. Will I be ready when my own daughter ties the knot? "I'll think about that another day", as originally stated by Scarlet O'Hara.

Today's 5 lucky winners are receiving some truly fun prizes. Thank you to those of you who helped by offering size information. Without that I was unable to select appropriate winners. I appreciate you reading the entire giveaway post and following through; it has now paid off for you!

Our winners are:

Shelly P's pup will get the bridal veil, delicate and lovely, no doubt just like her pup.
Larielle's Bentley earned the Groom's set of accessories to include a bow tie, a fashion tie for the engagement party, cuffs and an adorable mustache clip on for his collar....just because it's cute and gentlemanly!
The Unleashed by Petco exclusive collar and leash set are going to Kittie Kat E for her friend with a super-sized Fido. The Looney Tunes design is sure to please.
Lisa F's Beagle will have a new Poncho to sport, along with an adorable sequinned hat for special occasions. Ooo la la!
D. Murgia's kitty will have sparkling teeth, winning Greenies and a kitty bandana to help show them off.

A word to the wise winner. Lately a few prizes have been delayed largely due to slow

replies from readers. If you have entered a contest, check your spam file regularly to see if you may have received an email with good news. I'll write to you from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. If you'll put this email address in your contacts, you'll be less likely to have to hunt it up. If you see this post and have not yet received an email, feel free to write to me with your mailing information. Congratulations to you all. Be sure to pop in to let Petco know how pleased you are.

Happy tails,

Petco provided the prizes included here as a promotional opportunity for you. I have not been compensated to share this information or the giveaway. The comments are my own.

Fido's Freebie Friday is Late for Work

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:58:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Well, my apologies for opening shop so late. A family emergency has set me back this week and it seems I'm reeling to catch up on everything. I hope you all enjoy this week's collection of giveaways. With a new Twitter Party to be announced very soon, Event Barkers is excited to be drawing closer to that next event. Stay tuned!

Here at Fido's Freebie Friday, bloggers are invited to list below their individual posts separately for all currently open giveaways. Fido's Freebie Friday opens each Thursday afternoon for linkups at 4:00 PM ET, and renews each week at the same time with a new listing. Link up anytime during the week--24/7. We make it easy to be seen here by keeping our rules simple:

•You have up to 45 characters to describe your prize and include an expiration date.

•Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts with prizes for pet products or services, including pet-related or pet-themed items for owners. Use your specific post url to link up.

•Please include our badge (the code is in the sidebar) or a link to this post in your giveaway write up, and ask your readers to tell us you sent them.

You'll find assistance at our HELP PAGE, where there is other useful information for bloggers doing giveaways and reviews. Your hosts are All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff, and Dogtipper.

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog, Doggies and Stuff and Dogtipper take 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. Please consult All Things Dog Blog's Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detail. 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.

Puppy Training Part II: Start with Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Thu, 02 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

It should come as no big surprise that most dogs are food motivated. Hold out a particularly yummy smelling treat and you've got Fido's attention until you give it to him. That makes training treats an incredibly powerful training tool--quite possibly the most important one you'll find for most dogs.

You can harness that motivation and use it to train a dog to run an agility course, perform freestyle dance, and yes, even love his crate and potty outside. You simply need to get a treat with a strong aroma and make certain your timing is spot on. When you associate receiving that delicious morsel with the exact moment that your dog runs into his crate or tinkles on the grass, you've got a winning combination that will soon have your pup building the good habits you seek.

In the agility world, many of the trainers refer to a strong-scented treat as a 'high value' treat. These are the ones your dog will overcome fears to earn. So if a crate is new to your rescue dog, try burying a few treats inside his crate, under the bedding and give him a chance to bond with that crate over the yummy goodies it delivers. Build on short visits inside the crate, assuring a very comfortable bed and a location that allows him to see you and your family wherever you spend most of your time at home.

With each visit that gets a little longer and increasingly easier, offer a reward to build that comfort level even more. Make sure you use small bits, so as not to upset your dog's tummy, going especially tiny for your puppy while training her.

One popular choice for your toughest training jobs is Zukes Mini Naturals. These moist miniature dog treats are easily broken up for the tiniest of puppies, but suitable for frequent rewards during daily training with your older dog as well. Available in 4 flavors (peanut butter, chicken, salmon and rabbit), test them all to learn which appeals to your pup's senses the most. You'll want to determine his greatest motivator. This will be the treat of choice for the more challenging training to come.

courtesy Zukes

With no wheat, corn or soy, you'll be giving your pet a low calorie reward (less than 3 1/2 calories per treat) that isn't likely to aggravate any allergies and is filled with whole food antioxidants for good health. To learn more about their extensive line of products, join Event Barkers for our upcoming Twitter Party. Healthy nutrition is at the root. Stay tuned for more details coming soon...

Event Barkers is helping Zukes get some promotional exposure on Twitter with a Twitter Party to be officially announced soon.Watch for details to come here and on our other team blogs.

Training Tips for New Pups: Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Wed, 01 May 2013 04:00:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

While I'm a staunch believer that you really can teach an old dog new tricks (Xena proved it!), this series is intended for puppies and focused on house training. Whether you have a new puppy or a rescue that needs to bolster his indoor potty manners, this series of articles is meant for you.

Let's start with a few basic assumptions. Most puppies and dogs prefer not to soil their own bedding, and to that end will go as far away from their sleeping spot as possible to leave their deposits, when the time comes. If you're doing your part staying on top of teaching, this will happen. Your part is what we'll be covering in the remaining parts of this series. For now, try to be sure to take your pup out to the same spot frequently, allowing him to spend unsupervised time in his crate.

Crate training has been proven to provide the best results toward this goal and we now know that most dogs can and do learn to enjoy this private space where they can have quiet time and no worries of being stepped on while snoozing in an active household. We'll cover some tips for helping your dog learn to love his crate as much as Oliver does. All I have to do is say "Oliver Go Nite-Nite" and off he runs:

When training a young puppy, realize that you are helping this little one learn to hold it until the appropriate opportunity presents itself. The key word here is appropriate. It's up to you to reinforce what is appropriate, so that your pup gains an understanding of what you deem acceptable.

Keep in mind that if you're house training a rescued dog that has had a prior home or no house training, he'll need the same patience and more to understand the new rules, having run by a different set of rules previously. Don't hold this against him; patience will get you there faster than agitation.

courtesy Amazon

Until Part II, please get prepared. You'll need a collar and leash, treat pouch for your waist, very small training treats with a strong scent, and a crate. Armed with these tools, you'll also need to make a decision where you would like your pup to go each and every time he needs to potty. See ya soon for Part II when I'll begin covering each of the above topics in greater detail.

Happy tails,

Watch Event Barkers, DogTipper and 5 Minutes for Fido for news of an upcoming Twitter Party featuring a key product from this series.

Road Trip Tips on Mutt Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 04:05:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Summer vacation season is nearing and many of us are preparing our plans for hitting the road--myself included. Today's version of Mutt Monday is an opportunity for pet bloggers to share their words of wisdom, product reviews and other helpful posts for pet parents who plan road trips with Fido. We hope to see some of our traveling pet bloggers join in. Will you give us an assist and click this Tweet:

Join us 4 a #MuttMonday #BlogHop open thru 5/5 sharing travel tips 4 road trips w/Fido: ow.ly/kv8af
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) April 28, 2013

And speaking of road trips, I'm going to stay on that very topic with our May 6 Mutt Monday. I'd like to give readers and bloggers alike an opportunity to ask any questions about Blogpaws. I've realized that as frequently as I have mentioned it, I rarely speak in depth about the details. What would you like to know? Leave your comments here and I'll be happy to answer them with a reply comment. Again, our May 6 theme is:

Questions about Blogpaws

Whether you're curious about who will be there, what types of speakers we have, what our dogs do or what we'll be learning--anything at all--jump right in and ask. No question is too silly. Tanner will be happy to describe his travel pajamas if you really want to know :) You can test this out by clicking on Oliver's Tweet below. Let's see if he replies!!!

Tanner volunteered 2 describe his PJs on #MuttMonday #BlogHop 5/6. Just hit RT if you'd like 2 hear other #Blogpaws info also :)
— Tanner & Oliver (@5MinutesforFido) April 28, 2013

Bloggers are welcome to link up their prior posts on the Blogpaws event or posts about their anticipation about going to help us share the excitement. See you next week!

What's Your Dog's Favorite Rub?

noreply@blogger.com (Carrie, with Tanner and Oliver) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:30:00 +0000

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Every dog has one. Maybe it's that special spot right behind his ears, or possibly the belly rub is her ultimate joy. What about that spot that makes 1 foot do a kickety-kick? Some dogs love to have their necks, ears or snouts massaged. Let's hear from you today, and when you comment, tell me how your dog responds to receiving his all time favorite reward.

Does he sink into it with total relaxation or get all giddy and silly like Oliver, butt bumping up and down like a jumping bean? Perhaps, like Tanner, he stands very still, afraid it will all go away if he moves. Or maybe your pup is like Xena and will push into the rub to get even more enjoyment from the massage.

And what about that rub? Is it a scratch, stroke, knead, or tickle? Describe it and help us all enjoy it vicariously through your words. This is your chance to write the Weekly Wag :)

Fill us in and give us all a good laugh, all the while you're bonding with your dog. I declare today "Here's the Rub" day!