Kong Wobbler

October 2, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Games for Dogs

Does your dog or puppy have a ton of energy? First, this is totally normal. Second, learn how to burn some of that extra energy using games for dogs. I highly recommend a Kong Wobbler!

How does it work?

Kong Wobbler has a weighted bottom and it moves similar to a Weeble Wobble. When pushed, it bounces back forward. Your dog pushes, nudges and paws at the Wobbler and rewarded when food is dispensed!

Which game should I choose for my dog?

There are a ton of games and food puzzles, and I’ve tried 90% of them. After all the setting up and testing, my dogs really like the Kong Wobbler. It’s super easy to use. I like the ease of refilling and cleaning. 🙂

Before starting, set your dog up for success and make it easy for him to earn the kibble.

Fill the Wobbler.
Drop a few kibble pieces next to the Wobbler.
Move the Wobbler around so your dog watches kibble or treats fall out the opening.

Always supervise your dog when he’s playing with the Wobbler. As you can see in the video, my Rottie has tried to chew the top. I recommend feeding your dog’s morning and evening meals using the Wobbler. Also, the plastic does not scratch wooden floors nor is it excessively noisy, which is a huge plus.

Which size Kong Wobbler should you choose?

I recommend the larger Kong Wobbler for dogs over 30 pounds, and the smaller version for dogs under 30 pounds. When in doubt, choose a larger size, as small dogs are powerful chewers (hint hint, terriers!). Now, a tiny Chihuahua or Yorkie will not have the strength to push a large Wobbler around. They are pretty heavy and we certainly don’t want to accidentally squish a tiny dog. 🙂

VIDEO: Kong Wobbler

It’s your turn. Does your dog love his Kong Wobbler? Comment in the section below. I want to hear from you. 🙂

Best Dog Books for Fearful Dogs

October 1, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Best Books to Help Your Fearful Dog

Fearful Dog Training Book — ArenaCreative/Deposit Photos

Fearful dogs are usually reactive. They bark, lunge, run away from dogs and people, and live in a constant state of anxiety. If your dog is fearful, I recommend:

Enrolling your dog in a Relaxed Rover training class.
Reading dog training books focused on fearful dogs.

Dog training classes like the Relaxed Rover class is generally limited to five enrollees for each class. These dog training classes are focused on decreasing your dog’s fear and anxiety. By building confidence and teaching your dog how to calm himself, you’ll make your dog less fearful.

RELATED: How to Train Fearful Dogs

Every dog in class is reactive, so the dog owners are in the same boat as you. By the end of a five- to six-week course, your dog will learn how to look at other dogs without reacting and be much more relaxed. You’ll also learn how to deal with approaching dogs during walks and so much more.

Below, I’ve recommended a few books that can help your fearful dog. They’re straight to the point, easy to read, very effective and they echo skills learned in the Relaxed Rover class environment. While these books will certainly move you in the right direction, I still recommend a session with a dog trainer. All dogs are different, so these book recommendations may need to be tweaked a bit.

Best Reactive Dog Training Book

“Feisty Fido – Help for the Leash Reactive Dog, 2nd Edition”
by Patricia McConnell and Karen London

This dog training book shows you how to complete an ER U-turn when other dogs approach. It also teaches you skills to move away quickly while keeping your dog calm. This is a booklet so it’s super easy to read, but packed full of great tips.

Best Book for Fearful Dogs

Both books target fearful dogs that are afraid of many things. Usually, these dogs will shrink away, react to loud sounds or live in general anxiety. Now, most fearful dogs will react to other dogs so I do recommend reading “Feisty Fido” by Dr. McConnell listed above as well.

“Cautious Canine – How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears, 2nd Edition”
by Patricia McConnell

“Cautious Canine” is a quick read booklet packed with invaluable information on how to manage and deal with your dog’s fear. There are also excellent tips on conquering their fear. A must-read book. 🙂

“Help for Your Fearful Dog – A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears ”
by Nicole Wilde

“Help for Your Fearful Dog” by Nicole Wilde is a step-by-step guide, as mentioned in the title, for people who need specific steps to complete. Wilde also explains what causes your dog to be fearful in greater detail than “Cautious Canine.”

I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on these recommended dog training books?

READ ALSO: How to Train Fearful Dogs

Multi-Dog Household Books

September 24, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Best Dog Books for Multi-Dog Households

Multi-Dog Household Books — Read the best dog training books for your multi-dog home. averyanova/Deposit Photos

If you share your home with two or more dogs, have foster dogs or pet sit multi-dog households, you need tips and tricks focused on living in a multiple dog household.

For tips on living in a multi-dog household, I recommend the two books below. Both recommend positive reinforcement training methods. 🙂

RELATED: Multi-Dog Household Tips

“How Many Dogs?! – Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household”

By Debby McMullen

This book is awesome! I highly recommend reading and referencing this book before bringing home another permanent or foster dog. It pays to be prepared. Debby really does an excellent job explaining how to manage several dogs in a household and introduce a new dog to an established resident dog. Another thing I really like is that Debby offers many non-traditional solutions, such as aromatherapy, which may be newer to some pet parents. Research has shown tremendous positive results so it’s totally worth a try. While some of her recommendations may seem a bit “out there,” I can tell you from personal experience, they work.

“Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household”

By Dr. Patricia McConnell

This is a booklet, which means less pages. However it’s packed with really good information. Dr. McConnell provides insight on preventing behaviors before they happen. Plus, Dr. McConnell’s writing is very entertaining and she’s a master at explaining complex situations in an easily understandable manner. This is an easy read booklet and a great place to start learning about multi-dog household management. I’m sure this booklet will answer most of your questions, but “How Many Dogs?!” by Debby McMullen provides a bit more in-depth information with additional topics. If you enjoy reading books that are short and straight to the point, then Dr. McConnell’s book is perfect for you.

What multi-dog household books do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

You may also like: Sharing a Bed With Your Dog

Dog Tug Toy

September 22, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Playing the Tug Game

It’s raining outside, but your puppy or dog is full of energy. What should you do? Learn how to teach your dog to play the tug game!

Dispelling Tug Game Myths

I’m not sure who started the rumor (myth) that tug can teach dogs to be aggressive. Whoever it was, shame on him! Tug game is a fabulous game for dogs and their pet parents to play together.

Everyday, your dog will have a tank of energy and it’s our job to empty that energy fuel tank, but what if it’s raining or you don’t have time for a long walk? Play tug!

As with all games, there are rules that both of you should follow:

Rule 1: Dogs need to learn to let go of the tug toy when asked.

Rule 2: Pet parent must reward dog when he lets go of the tug toy.

Now we understand tug game rules, let’s begin teaching your dog how to play!

Choose a tug toy: I like soft ones that are pretty long (about 2-3 feet long) so your dog can hold one end while you hold the other end.

Make it fun: Wiggle or drag the tug toy in front of your dog. When he grabs the toy, begin gently pulling the toy around.

More fun: Now that your dog understands how to pull and tug on the toy, really pull and wiggle the toy for super fun!

Teach him to let go: Stop moving the toy and wait for your dog to release the toy. Your dog will try to continue pulling the toy not wanting the game to end! But hold fast, you and the toy should remain still.

Play again: Once your dog lets go of the toy, start wiggling it again. You’re rewarding “let go” by another play session!

End game: After rotating back and forth of “let go” to tug, ask your dog to “let go” as you and the toy remain still. Once your dog lets go, give him a treat while you pick up the tug toy and end the game.

I promise, your dog will let go of the toy (even your scrappy terrier). Once the toy stops moving, it’s no longer fun so your dog lets go.

Do you want proof that dogs will let go? Watch this unedited video of Stella Mae, my uber scrappy Miniature Bull Terrier that learned how to let go of a flirt pole. About halfway through, there is a moment when I’m totally shocked she actually let go!

VIDEO: Teach Your Dog the Tug Game

Go play tug with your pup and share your findings in the comment section below!

READ ALSO: Dog Time Out

Medical Modalities for Dogs

September 19, 2014 by Fanna Easter

Four Drug-Free Treatments

Dog Medicine — Four drug-free treatments for dogs.

Our motto is “we share because we care,” and I thought it was pretty important to “shelf” dog training for a nano-minute (very big grin) and share the latest information about dog health. I want to take a moment and discuss newer and successful medical modalities, which I’ve personally witnessed work and had loads of research supporting their reliability and effectiveness.

While the mentioned modalities may not necessarily cure your dog’s illness, they can certainly relieve pain, increase recovery and boost your dog’s immunity to continue fighting. Plus, pet insurance will cover these modalities! Not sure if your pet insurance will? Contact them to find out. My pet insurance covers 90% of these treatments. 🙂

Disclaimer: If your dog is sick, please seek immediate veterinary treatment. This article brings awareness to newer treatments. Always partner with your veterinarian. He is very open-minded. 🙂

1. Chiropractic Care

If your dog is moving stiffly, limping a bit or competing in any type of dog sport, a chiropractic adjustment may be just what your pooch needs. Chiropractic adjustments are a drug free hands-on procedure that adjusts joints back into place. When joints are out of place, the body responds by tightening muscles around the injury, which forms somewhat of a cast. This is the body trying to heal itself. When this cast forms, this causes your dog to move stiffly, if at all. Once a dog is realigned, chiropractics will continue to adjust along the dog’s body, which stops muscle spams and releases the cast around the previous injury. There are two types of animal chiropractors: a veterinarian who has completed additional training in chiropractic care and a doctor of chiropractic who primarily works with people, yet has completed additional training to understand animal structure. Cost ranges from $50-$150 per session. I usually pay $65 in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.

2. Acupuncture

This is an ancient procedure of inserting tiny needles along meridian points of the body, which relieves certain ailments, depending on which meridian is targeted. Acupuncture can relieve pain and nausea, decrease pain, increase healing for injuries and is extremely beneficial for dogs that are just feeling “off.” Personally, I’ve witnessed the power of acupuncture with Armond, my Bouvier, that is undergoing chemothreapy treatment for bone cancer. Armond refused to eat after a chemo session. It was going on for 10 days. My vet performed acupuncture and within 2 minutes, he wolfed down two cans of dog food. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I’ve always been a huge skeptic, but not any longer! Veterinarians must complete additional training to become certified in animal acupuncture, and dogs tolerate the needles extremely well. Usually, dogs will take a deep sigh and relax. It’s pretty cool to watch. Costs are usually $60-$100 per session. I usually pay $65 or $75 per session, depending on the targeted treatment.

3. Essential Oil Therapy

This is a newer treatment, which is gaining momentum in the veterinary world fast. Essential oils prevent bacteria and viruses from growing or continuing to grow in the body, plus they contain healing properties to help fight illnesses. Why not give your dog’s body a boost to fight infections, viruses, cancer or whatever disease your dog is currently fighting? There are many brands of essential oils. However, it’s best to do your research first and choose someone who has extensive knowledge on which oils are beneficial for your dog. Surprisingly, veterinarians are jumping on board so I would start there first. As dogs are living longer, many vet facilities are offering hospice, which incorporates essential oils to relieve pain and boost a dog’s defenses. Personally, I’ve not used essential oils on my dogs yet, but I’ve had great success when fighting reoccurring sinus infections. And I’m going to try using lavender during dog training classes, as some dogs are pretty stressed. From my understanding, place two drops of lavender in your hands, rub together, and then rub along the sides of your dog’s face and chest. I can’t wait to try it out! Cost is usually a vet’s office exam and cost of oils.

4. Laser Treatment

Cold laser treatment has become much more popular. I was first introduced to it about 8 years ago. My older Bouvier (12-years-old) had a luxuriating patella (moving kneecap) and laser treatments reduced inflammation and relieved pain so much so, she would act like a 2-year-old again. Laser treatment is a drug free option with proven results for decreasing healing times and decreasing pain. Even for spay or neuter incisions, they heal twice as fast! Sessions are usually 10-20 minutes long, and your dog lays on a mat while the vet moves the laser over your dog’s problem area. After a few minutes, most dogs take a deep sigh and relax. My dogs will close their eyes also. 🙂 Ask your vet about laser treatments, especially for older dogs (helps relieve arthritis pain). Cost is usually $30-$50 per session. Some vets offer multiple sessions at steep discounts.

How have these medical modalities affected your dog’s health? It’s so important to share what we know. 🙂

READ ALSO: Why You Should Get Pet Insurance