Doggy Christmas gift idea: Tasty treat and the gift of giving #DOGforDOGPetSmart
This post is sponsored by DOG for DOG and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about DOG for DOG being available at PetSmart Canadian stores but Paws For Reaction only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. DOG for DOG and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.
The magic of the holidays is in the air and I am looking for gifts to go in Hazel and Keira’s stocking. This is Hazel’s first Christmas and I want it to be special. I was really excited when I heard about DOG for DOG pet treats because for every item they sell they donate all-natural DOGSFOOD to help feed dogs in need! This is the season of giving so I had to get involved and try some of their products.
DOG for DOG is all about providing dogs with tasty and nutritious food, because every dog deserves that! DOG for DOG includes three different types of treats that I am sampling with my girls. They are all available at Canadian PetSmart locations:
DOGSBUTTER: Peanut butter for dogs! This product was inspired by all natural peanut butter at the Los Angeles Farmers Market. It is gluten free with no added salt, sugar or hydrogenated oils. A lot of human-grade peanut butter on the market today contains the sugar substitute xylitol that if ingested is toxic to dogs. This peanut butter is safe for my dog and it is nutritious too. It is perfect because Hazel loves peanut butter in her Kong!
Adoptable of the Week: Eragon
Meet Eragon! Eragon is a courtesy
listing on Petfinder.com from the Friendly Giants Dog Rescue in Ottawa. Eragon
has been waiting a long time for the right forever home. He is a large,
adult nuetered Kuvasz who is very laid back and slow moving for the most part but can also
have fun and be energetic. Eragon comes with special needs but with a patient
and dedicated owner he would be a great pet. Eragon suffers from seasonal
allergies- like many dogs with white fur. He takes Evening Primrose every day
to try to prevent the urge to lick and chew his paws. Eragon is a true Kuvasz
to the core and would be best suited with a dominant owner who has experience
with large breed working dogs. Kuvasz are bred to guard their flock or home and
Eragon- like most Kuvasz- guards all sorts of things. Because of this he is not
suited for a home with young children and would flourish on a farm in a fenced in
area where he can guard his family. Eragon enjoys being groomed and doesn’t resist
when having his nails trimmed. He has an independent nature but still enjoys
affection and positive reinforcement training is a must with this dog. Eragon
needs the right person to take a chance on him and give him the structure and
care he so desperately desires.
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Sydney Photo via Petfinder.com |
Adoptable of the Week: Sydney
Meet Sydney! Sydney is a young, female Border
collie and Shepherd mix that is looking for a home with an active family. Like
most Border collies Sydney is extremely intelligent and has a lot of energy.
She is playful and affectionate. Sydney is excited to find a forever home with
a fenced in back yard so she can run and play outdoors. Her confidence needs a
boost and it is recommended that Sydney be put in obedience school. Border collie’s
learn things quickly and enjoy training with their family. With well-balanced
training and a lot of love Sydney will be the perfect dog for any active
family. This smart and caring pooch needs a forever home. If you are interested
in learning more about Sydney contact SPCA of Western Quebec Gatineau at ahspca@storm.ca
or call 819-770-SPCA (7722). Click here to view Sydney’s page on Petfinder.com
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Photo by hangdog Foter CC BY-NC 2.0 |
Here is a great training tip- dogs are more likely
to learn verbal commands if you pair them with a hand signal or a gesture.
#DogFact
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Photo courtesy of Go-Go Dog Pal |
Techno a Go-Go: This innovative electronic dog toy
promotes fitness and fun
Imagine a future where your dog can use technology for entertainment just like you do. Now stop imagining because that future is taking place right now at a dog park or backyard near you. Just like many people own gaming consoles or handheld gaming devices your dog can also play with its own electronic game- if you can fit it in the budget.
The Go-Go Dog Pal is an interactive device that can be used as a game, training tool or a way for your dog to release some energy. This remote control dog toy is shaped in a way that a dog cannot puncture it or get a firm hold onto it. Each Go-Go Dog Pal has a lightweight but durable plastic outer shell decorated like a cartoon woodchuck, raccoon or skunk- making it an innovative and adorable source of entertainment.
A mix of tricks: Learn more about the highly intelligent Saint Bernese dog
Information available about training pure dog bred dogs is vast and never-ending. Which dog is the best, most intelligent and most trainable seem to be common questions. Why not mix it up and spend some time looking at a highly trainable mix breed that dog lovers may be overlooking- the Saint Bernese.
Most responsible pet owners do some breed research before they adopt and rightfully so- different lifestyles cater to different breed characteristics. The American Kennel Club (AKC) released its list of the top 10 dog breeds of 2013 and the top three dogs were repeats from the previous year- Labrador retriever, German shepherd and the golden retriever.
In the book The Intelligence of Dogs: Canine Consciousness and Capabilities author Stanley Coren came to the conclusion that the best breeds for training are the Border collie, Poodle and German shepherd. The Border collie is thought to be the most intelligent of all dog breeds according to canine dog experts worldwide.
What doesn't exist is well documented information about hybrid breeds. Some popular hybrids include the Puggle (Pug mixed with Beagle) and Labradoodle (Lab mixed with Poodle.) I own a Saint Bernese- three year old Keira.
The Saint Bernese hybrid is a mix of two mountain dogs: the Saint Bernard and the Bernese mountain dog. Both breeds have things in common and things that set them apart. According to Marc Dubé- a breeder of the Saint Bernese cross- these dogs are not only intelligent but they are extremely loyal.
Marc and his wife Sylvie own Valley Ranch Kennel, a family run dog breeding kennel specializing in giant breeds. Located in Boulter, Ontario this family has been breeding big dogs since 2002 and have a great reputation due to their high standards. He breeds pure bred Saint Bernard’s and Saint Pyrenees (Saint Bernard mixed with Great Pyrenees) and is in his third year of breeding the Saint Bernese cross.
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Photo by danmachold Foter.com CC BY-NC-SA |
Do you have a mouthy cat? It’s probably all your
fault- the more you talk to your feline friend, the more it will speak to you. Meow!
#CatFact