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dogs easily lose interest whilst they may be caught internal by means of cold climate and without the right canine toys and bite toy stimulation, they could quick grow to be negative. With iciness fast coming near, you could already be dreading the ones long, bloodless days caught within the residence together with your valuable pets. the coolest information is that there are numerous equipment to be had to hold your dog entertained, happy and most of all maintain them from destroying your own home and possessions.

First, you want to apprehend why a dog's conduct can come to be so detrimental. The problem without a doubt lays with us humans. initially dogs had been born and survived inside the wild where they have been clearly lively and kept busy hunting for meals and defensive themselves. unfortunately, while we domesticated them, their life steadily became sedentary as they have been delivered into our homes and fed out of bowls rather than hunting for their food.

To compensate for their lack of herbal activities, it's miles necessary to provide masses of dog toys and bite toys to hold them entertained and nicely stimulated. There are multiple canine toy selections to be had now and a number of the more moderen puzzle toys are just the stimulus your dog desires to maintain busy and out of hassle.

sadly in case you do no longer supply your canine with toys to both fill their day with optimistic sports and satisfy their need to chew, they'll in all likelihood discover your preferred pair of footwear and create their own chunk toy! This leads to the next question of ways do you deliver your dog with suitable dog toys to in shape their wishes.

First, make sure you've got a terrific assortment of toys for them to experience. they may lose interest with the identical one or  toys each day so handiest give them one or two every day and rotate the toys out to keep them interested. make certain you choose excellent toys on your canine to each save you unnecessary choking hazards and to make certain that they're long lasting.

Many people provide their puppies antique socks or other family gadgets to play with. this is a commonplace mistake, which best confuses your canine and causes you grief later. for example, in case you give them an antique sock or maybe an vintage t-blouse to chunk on, they may obviously think that every sock they discover in your private home is honest sport to play with. You ought to additionally make sure your dog has a particular spot to maintain their dog toys. Use a basket or plastic bathtub that they have got clean get admission to to and this may assist your canine to apprehend which toys belong to them.

With so many canine toys to pick out from, what are some of the extra stimulating and tedium buster toys to be had?

* Balls - i have but to peer a dog who does now not love their ball and it is a fantastic manner so that you can interact and play together with your dog as properly. make certain you have separate inside and outside balls so that they do now not drag a grimy ball into the residence.
* chew Toy - dog's need to chunk instinctively so make certain you offer them with top exceptional bite toys that do not have small parts that would come off or toys which might be full of stuffing and noisemakers. the new stuffing unfastened toys are an splendid choice for chewing and having a game of tug-o-warfare. further, I propose a toy that mentally challenges your canine. There are tons of new dog toy puzzles available in which your canine gets one toy that is complete of smaller toys and has to discern out a way to get them out. every other favorite are the rubber toys that maintain either food or treats internal and your dog has to paintings to get the food out. All of these offer splendid stimulation and a damage for you.
* bite Bones - offer both an pastime and a way for you and your canine to unwind. With multiple versions of pressed bones, rawhide bones, rubber bones, dental bones and many others, you are sure to find one this is your canine's favorite. be sure to pick a bone that suits your dog's size and chewing abilties to avoid choking incidents. if your dog does not finish the bone in the course of their chewing consultation, pick out it up and placed it away for another day.
* comfort Toy - consolation toys increase while a canine is younger and handling separation tension from their mom to a brand new home however many puppies do now not outgrow their comfort toys. however, this kind of toy still gives benefits to an grownup canine. when you have to travel to unfamiliar places, go away them with a sitter, or vet for a few days, they provide your dog a sense of consolation and have a reassuring impact. Many dogs also like to use their comfort toy for a game of tug-o-struggle or to simulate shaking their prey when within the wild.

through supplying more than one dog toys in your furry pal, you'll most possibly keep away from growing bad habits and preserve them from carrying out detrimental conduct. most importantly, your canine might be a glad, wholesome canine no matter how bloodless it receives.

a few months in the past I left the enterprise international to pursue my ardour of operating with animals whilst looking to improve my health. To try this, i am using my 20+ years revel in as a dog breeder and pet proprietor. I additionally labored for a widely known veterinarian and countrywide vet deliver organization for several years. i have a B.S. In Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal technology and Ag commercial enterprise and that i worked within the Agriculture business enterprise for over twenty years. So in case you are inquisitive about the details of how the proper dog food, dog care and simply appropriate old fashioned love and affection can assist your dog live a more fit and longer existence, please be part of us at: [http://www.love-your-dog-food.com]

pleasant canine Toys for every canine. learn to play with your canine:

when you make a decision to purchase a dog toy, you likely recall this an clean procedure. you can go to the store, both a grocery store's puppy branch or a puppy save, find a lovable toy, and make your purchase. simple enough, right?

Did you ever think of the consequences of buying an irrelevant canine toy? rather of buying only a adorable toy, there are numerous other elements that you have to take into account while making the acquisition.

the primary and most important element to keep in mind is the safety of your canine playing along with his new toy. avoid buying a toy that could probable endanger your canine by splintering; indigesting any stuffing, connected strings, eyes or buttons that could without problems be chewed off and swallowed; or any object that has sharp edges.

Even whilst you would love your dog to play through himself, his safety need to additionally be taken into consideration. everywhere from a bit supervision to regular supervision is suggested when he is gambling with a toy. Any dog can destroy a toy by tough chewing. If a toy starts offevolved to crack, destroy into portions, shred, or is chewed to be so small that your dog can put the complete toy/bone in his mouth, that is the time to discard the toy straight away. area it in a container strong enough to face up to his preference to retrieve it.

some other thing in becoming an educated buyer of canine toys is to recognise the persona of your canine. in case your canine is a puppy, you could no longer understand her personality for multiple days to weeks, however we do recognize that dogs like to chew. if you get your new canine from a previous proprietor, get some advice from them. If you acquire a rescue dog, have a look at him intently. a few dog personalities to keep in mind are: the chewer, the competitive chewer, the possessor, the lively, or the snuggler. The breed of canine you select can also have a few innate traits which need to also alert you concerning popular persona tendencies.

knowing your dog's breed, age and personality will all assist in making a very good dog toy choice. Many purchases can be made before you discover the proper toy your canine enjoys gambling with.

Toys are not only for amusing and leisure; they also can have other redeemable values. dog toys can:

* resource in strengthening your dog's gums and enamel
* relieve strain
* be interactive with you or a person else
* be a bonding time with you
* hold a dog bodily and mentally healthful
* prevent separation tension
* helps to get rid of your dog from destroying the family's private possessions
* fills in instances of his boredom

indexed beneath are a few general descriptions of canine toys with feasible professionals and cons:

size: make certain the toy is dog-length appropriate. A large toy for a small dog isn't always clean for the canine to play with. on the other hand, a small toy for a massive canine may be swallowed.

Squeakers: a few toys have squeakers in them and a few dogs love to squeak them. A word of warning, however. As fun as it's far on your canine, he ought to honestly bite it till the squeaker comes out of the toy, after which swallows it. look at the toy often, and supervision is really helpful. should a hollow develop, stitch up the toy to preserve the squeaker in, or while the squeaker is out, sew up the toy so no stuffing comes out - ought to there be stuffing in the toy. closing the hollow lets in the dog to nonetheless play with the toy.

sturdiness: durable toys might cost greater, however they also may additionally final longer. if you have an aggressive chewer, you could must buy dog toys greater often.

Cleanability: If the toys are washable, you have made a terrific preference. Toys can typically be washed in cleaning soap and water, ensuring you rinse the toy absolutely. cleaning soap residue can make your dog unwell.

Rubber: Thick, stable rubber toys can every now and then be full of flavored pastes or kibbles. that is a aggregate toy and treat, and builds their mental capacity by means of identifying a way to get the treat out of the center of the toy. This is a superb preference for an competitive chewer.

rigid: Toys made from nylon, resins or hard-packed rubber, are sturdy, and rugged. they come in an expansion of shapes, sizes and flavors. probable the maximum common form is a canine bone. in case your canine has teeth or gum problems, those toys are not advocated. if your canine loves to chew and play video games like cover 'n are looking for, these are suitable alternatives. They nevertheless can be shredded thru chewing, however, and the synthetic fabric isn't always digestible. while it wears down, it is a great time to update it before a vet go to is essential.

Dental: some toys are true to fight dental plaque.

Balls: dogs like to play ball. The balls are flexible, are available in a couple of designs, smooth to smooth, and a laugh to play fetch. Tennis balls are constantly an excellent choice because of length, texture, and easy capability.

Bones: canine bones made from herbal substances are a good preference, however they will end up gooey and easy up can be essential. they may be often fabricated from vegetable rely. herbal dog bones need caution. ensure they do not splinter, like hen and rib bones, and cooked bones emerge as gentle and splinter easily.

Rawhide: Rawhide is a famous choice and is a herbal product, but make sure they are made inside the united states due to the fact not all countries have accurate rules. they might incorporate dangerous chemical compounds. it's far viable they might motive stomach disenchanted and inner blockage. Rawhide that is layered is tougher and more secure. they may ultimate longer and ultimately they may fall apart.

Have enough toys so you can rotate them regularly so your canine doesn't lose interest. The greater you engage together with your dog, the better he'll just like the toy and the extra bodily activity he's going to get. don't exercise him simply on the weekends. He wishes day by day bodily pastime similar to you do.

if you find you have got bought a toy your dog will no longer play with, smooth it up and donate it to a neighborhood puppy safe haven or humane society. they'll be very thankful!

Disclaimer: i'm no longer a veterinarian nor do i have any formal schooling in any clinical discipline. this article isn't always to replace the advice of your veterinarian. i'm handiest offering options and ideas that you can want to discuss together with your veterinarian.

 When walking Pete and Ernest, we prefer to use harnesses. But there are so many different types, how do we know the best for our dogs?


We once adopted an older dog who walked perfectly on a collar and leash, never pulled and was just as easy as pie...But he was the only easy one! The rest have been a challenge. Even sweet, gentle Ernest is a strong puller. We started using a harness with a front attachment, and found that we were much better able to handle the pulling. We also discovered that there are many different harnesses out there.


So that's why we were excited when Julius-K9, one of the largest manufacturer of dog equipment in Europe, sent us some of their harnesses and other goodies to review. It didn't take me more than a moment to discover the excellent quality and care that was put into the designing and testing of these products.



After consulting with the Julius-K9 representative and reading some of their posts, I've become more aware of the proper measuring and fitting of the dog harness and the dangers of improperly designed harnesses. It is very important to do your research and make sure the harness you use is right for your dog.

We are reviewing these Julius-K9 products:

• one IDC® Powerharness, size 2, green
• one IDC® Powerharness, size 2, blue
• one phosphorescent custom patch, ERNEST
• one phosphorescent custom patch, PETE
• two custom patches: THERAPY DOG
• two Super-Grip leashes
• two StopDog car tether leashes

We tested them all, and here's what we discovered.
The harnesses--
The first thing I noticed is that the harnesses are sturdy and well-made.





Next I noticed the really comfortable lining. Some brands of harnesses are lined with a net-type fabric, such as those used on the straps of backpacks, but they can catch on dog hairs and pull. The lining of the Julius-K9 harnesses is smooth Oeko-Tex, which is a human-clothing quality fabric with no holes or bumps to snag. I've often found spots where other harnesses have rubbed and irritated the skin on my dogs. Not so with Julius--the soft padding and smooth material feels great! The buckles on the harnesses are plastic but heavy-duty, and the Velcro used on some of the straps is really strong. The metal rings are attached firmly to help prevent any concern of breaking and my dogs slipping away.




One thing I like about the harness is the handle. I can see it being useful for guiding Petey and Ernest places. And it also can be secured out of the way so when not in use, your dog won't get it caught or tangled up in anything.

When I put the Powerharness on Petey, he actually seemed to calm down. The harness does have a certain heft to it. In a way the harness actually worked like a compression shirt used for thunderstorms and anxiety.

On the walk, I felt secure that my dogs would not slip out of the harness. They didn't object to the weight or placement of any of the straps. They enjoyed their walk. The sides of the harness are bright and make the dogs easily visible.


I also love the ability to put the patches on the side. Julius-K9 was so considerate to make patches that said Ernest and Pete, and they can custom make any patches you like. They also have patches that say Therapy Dog, Service Dog, Do Not Pet, I'm Deaf, Adopt Me, In Training and many more. And they glow in the dark.





The leashes:
The leash felt different than my usual canvas leash. That's because they have rubber threads woven into the material for extra strength and a good grip. I liked the way they felt on our walk, and the non-slip feature. Even though they are narrow, they felt strong.


Here we are testing out the harnesses and leashes:


As you can see the dogs walked comfortably and in control in the harnesses. They were able to pull some, but the harness was sturdy and helped keep them in line. I appreciated the feel of the slip-free leash. And Pete and Ernest looked super cool too! I love the bright colors and of course the patches.

StopDog car tether:



Seat belt tethers are used to keep dogs safe in the car. These worked great, we just clipped one end to the harness and attached the other in the seat belt slot. It gave Ernest and Petey just enough freedom to move around, yet kept them secure from climbing up front or getting in the back. Another advantage of a seatbelt tether is that in the unfortunate event of an accident, the dogs wouldn't be able to run off if they were frightened and the door was opened. The little neon tennis ball looking thing at the end is a great added feature to prevent accidental unfastening by their paws.

If you are looking for a superior quality harness for your dog, I highly recommend Julius-K9. You will feel secure that your dog's harness is safe and sturdy and designed with your dog's structure and mobility in mind.


Full Disclosure: Julius-K9 provided us with 4 harnesses, 2 leashes, 4 patches and 2 tethers in exchange for our honest review. This in no way influenced our opinion. Opinions expressed here are 100% our own.

How do you share the holiday season with your pet? Here are some ideas.

Kelly loved to be photographed by the tree.

 (*This post contains affiliate links. I only include links to products I think you'll love!)


1. Dress them up for a picture
My dogs aren't into wearing Christmas sweaters or fleece pajamas, but they will tolerate a hat or sweater long enough to get a photo. I also like putting them in headbands with reindeer antlers or holiday lights. When Ernest goes out to do therapy dogs, the kids love it when he's wearing a necktie, hat or his blinking Christmas lights necklace. Do you like to dress your pet up in a special coat or hat for the holidays?

Petey posed for this photo in his Christmas necktie.

2. Make them a stocking
Do you make your dogs a stocking? I love making stockings for every member of the family, and the dogs are part of the family too! I fill my own, but some stockings, like this cat toy stocking, even come pre-filled. What do you put in your dogs' stockings?

Petey and Ernest have been good dogs this year. Have yours?

 3. Get them a Gift
We always buy gifts for the dogs too. For Pete this year it's an extra large Nylabone. For Ernest it's this cool soda can toy! I like these All Kind fetch toys, and maybe Petey needs this Planet Dog "naughty" eco-friendly bone.  What are you getting for your pets this year?

Sharing is always nice.

 4. Treat them to special food
Special holiday-themed food always makes me happy. For the dogs, you can get pumpkin pie, peppermint and gingerbread flavors, and treats shaped like trees and stars, or little vanilla snowflakes. There's even Instant Eggnog for cats and dogs! What special treats do your pets like?

Share with us in the comments anything you like to do to make your pet's holiday happy!

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Products are those I personally use or think you will like.

Our dogs enjoy the comfort of their own cozy dog beds. They're allowed on the couch and  in my big green chair with the matching ottoman. They can lie on the hardwood floor or the braided rug. They even climb up into "my" chair in the living room when I vacate it. Truly, comfort is important to them. So then why do they sometimes do something that looks so...uncomfortable?

One of Petey's favorite napping positions is this:


Does that look comfortable?

And Ernest has a habit of sleeping atop tables like this:



All I can conclude is that this must be comfortable to them. Does your cat or dog nap somewhere that seems comfortable to them, but looks like it really shouldn't be that comfortable? Tell us where in the comments!

We were walking down the street and Petey pulled ahead enthusiastically.
Around the corner he pulled toward a squirrel.
He heard a dog bark and he pulled toward the dog.
Later, we walked into a room of dogs and he pulled hard, barking.
Petey's pulling had become a problem.



Now that Petey is more than a year old, he's nearly full grown and strong. He also has boundless energy. We use many techniques to help. We provide him with lots of interactive toys to keep him busy. We also use a good, front attaching harness. We like the Easy Walk harness. This has always made a big difference in all our other dogs, but Petey is an especially difficult case!

My first instinct was to stop going out in public. It certainly was easier! But this wasn't teaching Petey anything. Plus, we want to be able to take him places with us, and hopefully eventually he will do therapy dog work with us. So we bought a supply of training treats. I began rewarding him every time he made eye contact with me.



Then I began using this technique when out on a walk. Every time he pulls, I stop walking. He usually eventually stops looking at whatever he's pulling toward and looks at me. I say "yes!" and he comes to me and gets a treat. First of all, this makes the walk really slow! But every time we practice, I notice him pulling less, and stopping to check in with me more.

My friend and dog trainer sent me this video. (Thank you Teri!)



With practice, he's improving. We even walked back and forth in front of a house with a barking dog, and he didn't bark back at all! I'm very encouraged by his progress but I know that it's up to me to keep working with him.

Does your dog pull? What have you found that helps you?

Disclouse: This post contains affiliate links. The products are those I personally use or think you will like.

We walked through the parking lot, past the big yellow buses, and approached the red brick building. Pushed the buzzer to be allowed in. Then we knocked on the principal's office door.

"Hello. This is Ernest. We're here to visit the first grade today."


The principal smiled and jumped out of her seat to greet Ernest. "The boys and girls will be so excited," she said. She led us down the hall to the room. All along the way teachers and students stopped to pat Ernest. He sure enjoyed that!

 The kids in first grade were all smiles and wide eyes. The teacher had everything organized and ready for us. Ernest laid down on a quilt and the kids sat beside him one at a time and read him their stories--they'd written original Halloween stories all by themselves!

The Mummy who Lost his Bandages.


The Vampire who Lost His Teeth.


The Ghost That Wasn't White.


 The Witch Who Couldn't Fly.  These kids could write!


Ernest listened attentively while they read. Some of the kids were a little afraid of dogs--they didn't want to get too close, but they all showed him the pictures.

Afterwards Ernest gave the kids each a trading card with his "stats."


The class gave Ernest a card they'd all signed, and two Halloween toys. He played with the spider right away.  One of the girls gave Ernest a note that said "I Love You." One of the boys asked Ernest to come back. And guess what? He will come back! We're going to visit the first grade once a month. We can't wait to hear the stories again next time.