Puzzle Toys for the Win

Recently it was suggested to me that I pick up some "puzzle toys" for the boys. Puzzle toys are anything they need to figure out. Kong toys, treat balls, etc. Earlier in my puppy owning days I was a little skeptical of the wonders of these toys. I WAS WRONG. These things are amazing! Stick a treat or two inside and the dogs are entertained and challenged for as long as I let them go. Last night we had guests over - no troubles, the boys were entertaining themselves with puzzle toys. Today I had to take Jack out while leaving Patrick (normally results in whining) no problem - left him a puzzle toy. He didn't even notice us walk out the door. I picked up a puppy sized kong with kong cookies as well as a treat ball that I've been stuffing chicken into. Seriously folks - if you don't have these types of toys they are a valuable part of your dog toy arsenal. 8 paws up for puzzle toys!

New Dog Bed

Yesterday the Nuts for Mutts show had many vendors and amazing stuff for sale. We have been in the market for a new dog bed for a while. So when the owners of Friends and Cashmere offered me a screaming deal on one of their beds I jumped at the chance.

They got a new chocolate brown cashmere/wool blend, memory foam, ergonomic dog bed. I brought it home for them all excited. In typical fussy dog fashion, they prefer their old one. I'm hoping it is because they have treats and such stashed in their old bed. It smells like them and is also all broken in. I know if I had a cashmere bed you'd be hard pressed to get me out!

So, while the bed is beautiful and wonderfully constructed, the dogs have yet to give it their full approval.

Swanky Pet Dog Collar - Product Review

I mentioned a little bit ago that the boys got new collars. I ordered them from Swankpet.net. I've often thought that I wish I had a girl dog to dress because there are so many fun patterns and prints that are girly. Swankypet put my grumbles to rest, offering many selection befitting of my very masculine chihuahuas. There are a variety of sizes. The boys wear toy size.

All collars are adjustable and made with top quality materials. They are constructed with four layers of fabric paired with lightweight nylon web interfacing for structure and durability. The hardware is top grade: contoured zinc die cast side-release buckles with a stainless steel pin and spring, durable slip-lock buckles and cast D-rings. There are matching leads as well as harnesses available. I was concerned with the weight of the stainless steel buckles, and so Swankypet made ours with plastic snaps and parts. They are still very sturdy and durable. Another nice bonus is they come with a fun charm. There are a few choices to choose from.

I like that these collars are made of layered fabric. It makes them softer and less rigid than typical nylon, but still strong. If I had my choice each dog would have a collar for everyday of the week. Sadly, the husband does not agree!

Sweaters, Adoptions, Colds... Oh My!

The boys got new sweaters! I know, I know. It is summer in California. However, there was a brief time there where I thought the boys were going to have to winter in Canada. So I was getting prepared. Now that they won't be wintering in the Great White North (except maybe for a Christmas visit) the sweaters will have to wait until really cold nights, or winter. The sweaters were custom made by melodypets on eBay. She charges a ridiculously low fee. I doubt it even covered her costs. She made them custom to my specifications. I am showing Patrick's sweater because Jack didn't want to be a model the day I tried them on. The sweaters are well made and I am more than pleased with them!

We did puppy school with Jack at a new location this week. He still did pretty good. It wasn't an overwhelming success like our last few outings at the dog park, but still much, much better than before. While we were there the trainer brought out Otis to help us socialize and get used to other dogs and distractions. Otis is BEAUTIFUL! He is up for adoption at Pet Mania in Burbank. He was saved from Death Row. Pet Mania always has cats, dogs and rabbits available to rescue. Right now, on top of Otis and a few other adult dogs they have a slew of puppies and kittens. Pet Mania is on the corner of Pass and Oak in Burbank.

Patrick seems to have some kind of cold. The vet gave us some CEFA drops to give him. Hopefully it clears up, he's had a rough few weeks. All his stitches are finally gone from his neuter though.

The dog we are babysitting is having good days and bad days. Not to be all negative though, he now sits wonderfully, has stopped digging through the trash and has learned he is not allowed in the kitchen. (Our kitchen is very small - so if we drop something such as a can, knife, bad food, etc it is likely it will harm the dog - so we just don't let them in there.) Also, Jack and Patrick are more tolerant of him. They will still tell him when enough is enough (he has WAY more energy than they do - granted he hasn't been allowed outside due to neuter) but overall they play and share nicely. They have sleeping as a group down pat.

Handi-Drink - Product Review

As I have mentioned, the dogs and I frequent dog parks. One thing that has been concerning me, especially with the extreme heat, is their unwillingness to drink from the water at the park. Because I'm a well trained human I immediately got to work looking for a solution.

I ordered them a Handi-Drink not really expecting it to work, but hey, at least I was trying to solve the problem. Well, Egg on my Face! The dogs LOVE it. I don't know what it is but they will drink out of it anywhere. At home, at the park it doesn't matter. In fact it seems to be a hit with other dogs as well. Today at the park while I was giving the boys some hydration another dog came over to partake.

This is also leak free. I threw it in my doggie bag with the treats and toys and everything stayed completely dry!

Good Price, Leak Free, Portable and Dog Approved = OK by me!

Chicken Nibblers - Healthy Treats For Your Dog

I am always on the hunt for "good" treats to give my pups. Good encompasses a few things. First, they have to like it. Second, it has to be somewhat healthy for them. I can't be rewarding them for "good pees" all day long while feeding them garbage! My local pet store recommended Chicken Nibbles to me.

Chicken Nibbles are 100% natural. According to their ad: "Pet Center Chicken Nibbles dog treats, made from 100% Chicken Breast Fillets, are freshly processed according to PCI's quality standards and formulas without additives or coloring. These premium treats are delicately roasted to perfection to insure the ultimate quality and flavor. Low in fat, high in protein, no preservatives and highly nutritious. Chicken Nibbles are sure to become your dog's favorite treat. Round shaped nibbles are perfect as a training treat" These treats are also endorsed by the American Canine Association.

So, obviously the second part of my "good" criteria is fulfilled. Regarding the first, my dogs LOVE them. My one pup is a bit leery of new treats but gobbled these right up. The only thing I would change is to perhaps have a small breed version of the treat. I break each cookie up into about 4-6 pieces to use for training. Otherwise it takes way too long for them to eat and I'm sure they would get fat no matter how healthy the treats are.

Zanies Tug-a-Bloom Dog Toy - Review

The Zanies Tug-a-Bloom Dog Toy is a huge hit with our little dogs. While at a meet up with another little puppy, our dogs took to this fun toy. The owner very kindly gave us one to take home and play with. The balls on the end squeak, the flowers on top crinkle and the rope in the middle...well, it's a good old chew toy. They lady who introduced us to the toy actually separates the four blooms into individual stems. This makes 4 small dog toys out of one.

The official description of the product is:

• Four ropes that provide ample tugging & chewing options


• Crinkle flower petals and squeaker in each ball


• Tug-a-Bloom is 8 1/2"


• Multi-purpose elements will grab your pups attention


• Interactive toy has dental benefits and will provide hours of chewing fun

All I know is, the puppies approve!

Snuggle Sacks - Product Review

My boys received their very own Snuggle Sack in the mail today. They are made and sold by Wendy Barkett to help offset the costs of her dachshund's surgery costs.

"Each Snuggle Sack is made with 4 layers of fleece. All of the sides have fringe and one side is left open so your pet may crawl or burrow in. Nice and warm in the winter and a nice soft spot for the summer. They are about 20 X 30 give or take a couple of inches." They cost $35 in the US, which includes shipping. For pricing information to other areas, you need to contact Wendy directly.

She has lots of fabric choices - many much more bold and fun than the plain black I requested. That is correct - she filled my pain in the butt request. Wendy was very easy to deal with and prompt. I received the snuggle sack 2 days after I paid for it.

On top of all of those pluses, the dogs instantly loved it. They knew it was for them the minute I opened the box and began to play and sleep on it for the next few hours. I was totally impressed with the quality of materials and construction of the snuggle sack.

Even if you aren't really in the market for a new dog bed, this is a great product for a great cause! The puppies give it 2 paws up!