Choosing & Introducing A Kong To Your Dog

December 18, 2017 by Fanna Easter

A Guide to Kong Dog Toys

Introduce Kong to Dog — cbckchristine/Adobe Stock

Mental stimulation is an important daily requirement for all dogs of all ages; it keeps their brain busy. An easy way to provide your dog mental stimulation are food stuffed Kongs. As a professional dog trainer, I recommend putting your dog’s meals in Kong dog toys in place of bowls.

Before tossing your dog a food stuffed Kong, it’s important to properly introduce a Kong to your dog.

What Size Kong for My Dog?

Kong dog toys are made of toxic-free rubber with a hollowed out center inside. These dog toys look odd, but dogs love them because they bounce when tossed. Most dogs enjoy a large Kong while smaller dogs may need a medium one.

When giving any toys to dogs, bigger is better to prevent them from swallowing toy pieces. For strong chewers, choose the black Extreme Kong. This one is made of tougher material and can withstand a power chewer. When in doubt, larger and stronger is always best.

WATCH: Choosing a Kong Toy Size for Your Dog

How to Introduce a Kong to Your Dog

After you’ve chosen the right sized Kong for your dog, it’s time to introduce it to him! Proper Kong introduction is key. Many dogs will simply walk away from a weird looking rubber toy. However, once your dog realizes food falls out of his Kong toy, he’ll quickly become super interested.

Step 1: Show Him Food is Inside

Make it super simple at first. Think of food stuffed Kongs as puzzles. Smear peanut butter around the outer rim of the Kong and add a few tiny treats inside. Place the Kong on a soft surface, and walk away. Refrain from tossing a Kong across the floor, as this might scare some dogs.

Ninety percent of dogs will walk over and investigate this strange rubber alien on the floor because it smells like peanut butter. Placing Kongs on soft surfaces, such as a mat, prevents them from wobbling away, which can freak some dogs out too.

Step 2: Practice Twice a Day

Randomly, throughout the day, smear peanut butter and a few tiny loose treats inside of a Kong, and leave it on a soft surface. Follow step 1 for 2-3 days. Once your dog is licking away at the Kong, it’s time to move onto step 2. Of course, continue feeding your dog his meals out of a bowl until he’s completely comfortable emptying out a Kong.

WATCH: How to Introduce a Kong Toy to Your Dog: Step One

2017 Christmas Gift Ideas For Senior Dogs

December 15, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Gifts for Senior Dogs

As dogs age, they become a bit hesitant to chase a ball or empty out a food stuffed toy. With the holidays approaching, check out these gifts for senior dogs. Older dogs will sure to love one of these Christmas gifts.

Thick Orthopedic Bed

Seniors dogs certainly enjoy and appreciate a super soft bed. Depending on your senior dog’s size, choose a supportive orthopedic bedding for medium and large dogs. Smaller dogs enjoy fluffy comfort too, and enjoy snuggling into clamshell beds (i.e. beds with a cover). With that said, some larger dogs enjoy snuggling into large-sized clamshell beds too! Of course, make sure your senior dog’s new bed has a removable cover in case of accidents.

Fleece Blanket

All dogs enjoy thick fleece blankets, but seniors enjoy them just a tad more. Choose machine-washable twin- or queen-sized fleece blankets, and cover your dog’s bed with comfort. During colder months, cover your dog’s favorite napping spot with thick fleece blankets. Don’t forget to bring a fleece blanket during your senior dog’s next vet visit!

Boxes for Nosework Games

Senior dogs still need exercise and mental stimulation, so keep all of those Amazon boxes lying around. Once a day, place several empty boxes in a room and fill one box with a few treats. Open the door and let your senior dog wander around and hunt for treats. When treats are located and gobbled up, reset the “food” box with treats, and then place the “food” box in a different spot in the room. If your senior dog follows you around, toss a couple of treats over a baby gate and reset boxes, then let your senior dog back in to hunt. Check out additional details on playing nose work games here.

Ramp

Arthritis and painful joints are common as dogs age, and climbing into cars, beds, couches or stairs becomes difficult. Invest in a sturdy dog ramp to make it easier for your dog to climb up or down from furniture, stairs or vehicles. Small and medium dogs can be easily picked up, but it’s more difficult for larger dogs. With so many portable ramps available that attach to SUVs or that easily fold up, they make a great gift for senior dogs. Check out this DIY ramp version.

Senior dogs are such a treasure. Give them extra cuddles during this holiday season!

2017 Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers

December 8, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Christmas Gifts for the Dog Lover in Your Life

Gifts For Dog Lovers — Serenkonata/Adobe Stock

Dog people are passionate about dogs; they love dogs more than fancy shoes, cars and bedazzled clothing. If you have someone who’s passionate about dogs, you’ll want to check out these wonderful Christmas gifts for dog lovers. Each present is sure to be loved and cherished by its recipient. As an extremely passionate dog lover myself, I still love each dog-themed gift I’ve received over the years because it’s so personal.

Jewelry

Understated, yet deeply personal, jewelry is perfect for dog lovers who aren’t afraid to show off their favorite dog breed. By far, Siberian Art offers breathtaking jewelry that feature most dog breeds. Siberian Art captures each breed beautifully, which means dog lovers will see their dog in each cherished piece.

Choose from detailed pendants, earrings, rings, tie tacks and prints in either silver or gold. Sterling silver options are priced right under $100, and they’re worth every single penny. Stay away from knockoffs since those will turn your dog lover’s neck bright green. 🙂

Dog Portrait

Everyone loves a beautiful piece of artwork, and it’s even better when a furry family member is included. With many personalized options available, such as Zazzle, you could place a dog lover’s favorite dog portrait on pillows, pictures, mugs and so forth.

If you want to take a dog portrait gift idea up a notch, have an artist create a custom portrait. Before cringing at the word “custom,” remember that portraits are created digitally now, which keep costs down.

When choosing an artist, look through their online portfolio first. Each artist has a certain style, and remember to always ask questions. Order sooner rather than later, as artists take at least 3 weeks to complete artwork even if it’s digital. Costs vary depending on artist and size of the portrait.

Dog-Themed Socks

Dog-themed socks are an inexpensive gift every dog lover will wear with pride. If your dog lover’s favorite breed is not available, choose a colorful paw-printed pair of socks instead. Dog-themed socks make great stocking stuffers too. Most socks cost between $10-$12, depending on the brand. Check out this great dog sock website.

Donation to Favorite Rescue Group

As always, donating to your dog lover’s favorite rescue organization is always a great gift. Print out your donation and place inside a beautiful envelope, then place under the Christmas tree. Your dog loving friend, their chosen rescue and a dog in need will thank you!

Have a fabulous holiday season!

Best Christmas Gifts For Dogs 2017

December 4, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Christmas Gifts Your Dog Will Love

Christmas Gifts For Dogs — otsphoto/Adobe Stock

It’s almost Christmas time, which means it’s time to choose a gift for your furry family member. With so many new dog products created each year, here are my favorite 2017 Christmas dog gifts. As a professional dog trainer, I’m extremely picky about dog products, so you can rest assured I’ve tested these Christmas gifts for dogs thoroughly with my own and my clients’ dogs.

A quick tip: It’s best to place your dog’s toy, treat and chew gifts on the fireplace mantel. This prevents your dog from unwrapping his gifts before Christmas. 🙂

Comfy New Harness

Everyone needs a new spiffy outfit to start off 2018. Choose a fashionable, yet comfortable, harness for your dog to wear while trotting around town. Comfortable dog harnesses should offer full range of motion for front leg movement, and they should never chafe your dog’s skin.

My favorite harness is RuffWear’s Front Range harness. It comes in beautiful colors for every dog. This harness is easy to put on and take off your dog as well as offers lots of padding and front and back leash clip options.

Snuffle Mat

Mental enrichment is so important for dogs; that’s why I like the snuffle mat. Dogs love to forage for food, and a snuffle mat fulfills your dog’s foraging behavior. Snuffle mats contain long fleece strands tied to a rubber mat. They look like super long shag carpeting.

Sprinkle your dog’s daily kibble meal or treats into the fleece strands, and your dog will forage for an hour. Snuffle mats can be purchased online or easily created at home. Check out this DIY snuffle mat video. Oh, these mats are super easy to clean too—just toss into the washer and air dry.

Get Fit Gifts

Most dogs are stuck in the house all day, so splurge on a fun activity for your dog.

FitPaws offers balance boards, inflatable peanuts and cavaletti sets to keep your dog’s mind and body fit. Purchase online or create a DIY version, and then practice in your living room.
If your dog needs to lose a bit of weight, sign him up for hydrotherapy, which incorporates swimming in a heated pool or underwater treadmill. Hydrotherapy is not only reserved for injured dogs. It’s great for dogs that need to lose some weight too. Contact a certified pet physical therapist in your area for details.
Enroll in a fun class! Nose work is so much fun for dogs, and it’s a super easy activity for pet owners too. You’ll be shocked how good your dog’s nose really is. 🙂

Good Tried-and-True Dog Favorites

Of course, there are several tried-and-true gifts every dog will love. You can’t go wrong with any of these inexpensive Christmas gifts for dogs. 🙂

Kong Squeaky Tennis Balls are always a favorite. Balls are offered in two different sizes and come in three per package.
Stinky treats, such as bully stick chews or fish skin treats, will make any dog lose his mind.
Kong toys and Wobblers are always a hit with dogs. Just stuff stinky and yummy dog treats inside them, and your dog will stay busy for awhile.

Keep Canine Obesity At Bay With This Low Calorie Kong Filler

November 27, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Yummy Low Calorie Kong Filler

Best Low Calorie Dog Food — Stacy/Adobe Stock

Dogs love food just as much as humans. Sometimes, all of us love food a bit too much and extra pounds find their way onto our bodies. With canine obesity becoming a major epidemic, it’s time to cut back on a chunky dog’s calorie intake.

Diets don’t mean starvation; it just means making lower calorie choices. Remember, dogs must have daily mental stimulation, and providing low calorie Kong fillers are an excellent way to keep your dog’s mind busy while watching his waistline.

Choose a Vegetable

Vegetables make great low calorie dog food that is also healthy for dogs. Dog-friendly vegetables include: cooked or canned green beans, peas, carrots, kale, collard greens, and broccoli. Once you’ve chosen a vegetable, make sure to cook it thoroughly, so your dog can digest it. Vegetables have a thick cellulose layer, making it impossible for dogs to digest raw.

Something Sweet or Savory

Adding something sweet or savory to vegetables makes them taste much better. Since you’re watching your dog’s waistline, only a dollop is needed. Choose from raw honey, squeeze cheese or molasses, and make sure your dog absolutely loves it. In the Kong, layer vegetables and a 1/2 teaspoon of squeeze cheese until the Kong is filled.

If your dog only eats the squeeze cheese (it happens), then mix the cheese and vegetables together before filling up the Kong. If your dog is still skeptical about vegetables, try mixing tiny bits of lean chicken or turkey breast into the veggie mix. One sure-fire way to entice a dog to eat his vegetables is to hide a raw chicken heart at the very bottom of the Kong. 🙂

Freeze

Freezing a food stuffed toy makes it last much longer, and that’s important for a dog watching his waistline. If your dog is unsure about a frozen Kong, then firmly pack in the vegetable mixture to keep your dog busy.