Announcing #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party

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What a perfect day to announce this party that celebrates workplaces that welcome our furry friends. Labor Day takes on a whole new meaning today as we open the pre-party events and giveaways for the #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party. 

We'll be sharing some of Zuke's Good Office Snacks for your pups in our prize packages, pre-party prizes and of course, in the Grand Prize. First up is the new Genuine Jerky made from grass-fed New Zealand beef. Our first 3 winners--RSVP, PreTweet and Social Media Sharing--will each snag 6 bags of Genuine Jerky for their hard working dogs.

With all the concern over jerky products for our dogs, you're probably asking yourself about Zuke's jerky. If you're looking for an alternative to nitrate-preserved, Chinese-sourced jerky treats, Zuke's is a safe option. Here are the answers to your questions:

Prizes Galore!

• Clean protein: 100% grass-fed New Zealand Beef
• No nitrates or Nitrites: naturally preserved with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar
• Simple recipe: Limited-ingredient treats are made with just beef, savory seasonings and natural preservatives
• Flavor? Taste testers agreed that dogs love Genuine Jerky!
• Recipes available: Original beef, Teriyaki and Barbeque.

In all, Ten winners will receive prize packages that include subscriptions to the Bark magazine, so pet parents can learn more about the pet-friendly office initiative they promote each year. Zuke's supports this annual event with zeal and Event Barkers is on board for the second time to share our love of taking our dogs to work with us.

Join us September 14 from 8-9 PM ET as we celebrate dog-friendly workplaces and chat about the benefits of including our dogs in our days at work, all while getting a chance to win great prize packages of Zuke's treats.

What's your tip for dogs in the workplace? Would you like to nominate a company for an award in the Bark magazine campaign to promote dogs in the workplace? Tell us about it on Twitter, either now or during the party, and don't forget to include the #WorkLikeaDog hashtag. 

Now let's get the pre-party events rolling. You can RSVP for the party via the Giveaway Tools widget at the bottom of the page. You'll also find PreTweets included in the widget, and finally each of the above entries and more will include you in the drawing for the Social Media sharing winner. That's three easy entries that put you in the running for a $70 prize package of yummies for Fido. And there's more where those come from!

If you're having trouble with the widget napping at worktime, simply click on the post title above to call it back to duty. It will reappear instantly and you can move ahead with your entries. Remember to keep it fun and enjoy the journey. Good luck and enjoy yourself as you #WorkLikeaDog!

Ooops; just one more thing. If you're new to Twitter Party fun, check out the Twitter Party 101 section in my left sidebar. You'll find lots of helpful tips to get you through the fast-paced party with greater ease. Feel free to post any questions you may have on the Event Barkers Facebook page or send it to us @EventBarkers on Twitter. Use the hashtag #WorkLikeaDog to be sure we see your question. We'll get your answers to you as quickly as possible. See you at the party on September 14, and pssst....don't forget to check in early so you don't miss the first winner announcement at 8 PM ET sharp.

As a member of the Event Barkers team, I'm offering this Twitter Party information as a part of our work with Zuke's to share information about their products. You'll find these details and more on our partners' websites: DogTipper.com and ToDogWithLove.com. These events are open to US households and entrants age 18 and older.Void where prohibited.

Zuke's Lovers #WorkLikeaDog for Prizes!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

There's one thing for sure this morning. I'm whipped from all the fun at last night's #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party. We had such fun watching all the #WorkLikeaDog conversation with @ParisandJohn, getting answers to questions from @ZukesPets, learning a boatload about Zuke's from @DogTipper, and soaking up some training tips from yours truly, @AllThingsDog.

And then there were the fun photos from our guests like @FurkidParent, shown at left. We laughed out loud at some of them that were shared by @5MinutesforFido and @HollywoodDogs. I'm starting to think that Oliver has gotten the hang of this Twitter Party fun!

Many thanks to @WoofWoofMama for acting as our Chief Watchdog and Help Desk. With trouble brewing from an API update at Twitter, she had her hands full and did a terrific job of aiding our guests. Parties like this one don't come without some hiccups, but we were in good hands. By notifying guests that Twitter, Tweetchat and Tweetgrid were all having problems, she herded many of our guests over to Hootsuite or Tweetdeck for an enjoyable and highly active party, despite the

challenges. Please feel free to give her a shout out of thanks! 

Speaking of thank you's, I've got to send one to my awesome Event Barkers partner, @DogTipper. Her fun Q&A about dogs at work was one of the hits of last night's event. We all had a good laugh and enjoyed sharing our pet's likely behavior in numerous office-related scenarios. Thanks for all of your participation, as well.

The Event Barkers team also wants to thank everyone on the Zuke's team for their support and terrific collaboration. With their help, #WorkLikeaDog was a Trending Topic last night on Twitter. That's always a fun thing to see. Did YOU enjoy yourself? We hope so!

Our 10 winners were:

© EventBarkers
#WorkLikeaDog Prize Packages

1. RSVP Drawing: @ChaoticKarma23
2. PreTweet Prize:  @ElizabethKane6
3. Rafflecopter Package:  @KolkaKreations
4. Prize #4:  @FurkidParent
5. Prize #5:  @FromFurrin
6. Prize #6:  @BlondeTexan71
7. Prize #7:  @Fionathedoxie
8. Prize #8:  @Queenof5Guys
9. Prize #9  @SheltieGirl_727
10. Grand Prize: @MaggieMMcKenna

In addition to the 8 bags of yummy Zuke's treats and other accessories to round out the prize, our Grand Prize winner will receive 3 training videos, a Ruffwear backpack and collapsible water bowl. This pooch is sure to be ready for both the trail and the office with all these great supplies.

Thanks to all of you who joined us and stuck it out through the end last night. Despite the Twitter issues, we all had a fun time and many great laughs. I'll try to bring you a short version of some of the laugh out loud moments we enjoyed during the QandA on dogs and their jobs. What a hoot!

A small group of willing party guests have taken on a simple 5-question survey to give us feedback on our Event Barkers parties. If you attended and would like to provide some feedback, you can email me with "SURVEY REQUEST" in the subject line, sent to Event Barkers@gmail.com. Your responses will be anonymous, so you will be free to speak your mind without worry. Thanks for your help in our continuing efforts to improve our events.

In our Event Barkers association with Dogtipper.com, All Things Dog Blog has participated in assisting Zuke's with gaining online exposure.

One Last #WorkLikeaDog Reminder

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Event Barkers
10 WorkLikeaDog Prize Packages
Just Like This!

This is your very last reminder. Our #WorkLikeaDog Twitter Party on behalf of Zuke's starts

tonight at 8:30 PM ET and will run through the 10th prize package--the Grand Prize--that will be awarded at 10 PM. That Grand Prize will include $150 in extras to include a Ruffwear backpack, collapsible bowl and 3 training videos.

To make sure we're expecting you to join us to participate in the fun, be sure to RSVP at this link. After that, all you really have to do is show up and speak up! By that I mean please join in the conversation so that we know you're with us. Participating party guests are entered in the prize drawing pool, so join in and maybe you'll be one of the lucky winners of all that swag you see in the photo above.

Need some help with party tips or which handles to watch? Here's some assistance:

• For newer Twitter Party attendees, we recommend Tweetchat.com for ease of use. Note that you'll be able to adjust the speed of the refresh with this tool. Just sign into your Twitter account, add the hashtag, and you'll be able to enjoy the party without any other Twitter messages in the way.
• Remember that your refresh key is your best friend. As you scroll through your Tweets, hit that refresh button frequently to keep up with the conversation and announcements.
• Follow @EventBarkers Tweets for prize information and winners' names.
• Interested in what Zuke's has to say about their products? You can ask a question of our expert. Simply toss out your Q to @DogTipper and she'll get your answer shortly from @ZukesPets in real time. Stay tuned :)
• Follow @DogTipper for all the info on Zuke's terrific treats including your Q&A with our Zuke's representative, @ZukesPets.
• Follow @AllThingsDog to get training tips for your pooch.
• @5MinutesforFido--in the voice of Oliver--and @HollywoodDogs will be sharing the photos that have been submitted as Rafflecopter entries from our readers. You'll enjoy these fun, often inventive pics. Please RT!
• Have questions during the party about how to participate? Tweet @WoofWoofMama for assistance. She's our Chief Watchdog and Help Desk!
• Check out @ParisandJohn for some fun Q&A about your dog's day at your workplace. It's sure to be enjoyable and will help you participate in an silly, laugh out loud sort of way.
• If you're an expert Twitter Party guest and want a more regimented view, here's a TweetGrid that's all set up for you. Sign into Twitter and then simply add your handle to the right hand column. You'll be all set to watch the party streaming.
• Feel free to join in from any Twitter-based venue you prefer: Tweetdeck, Tweetchat, Hootsuite, Tweetgrid, or phone apps for any Twitter service. 
• Worried about what happens if Twitter is down? No worries; we've got your umbrella. Just scroll down to my previous post which shares info on our Rain Date and back up plan.
• FYI, while everyone may participate in the #WorkLikeaDog fun, winners must have a U.S. address to qualify due to shipping regulations. 
• Finally, if you're really in need of the Basic 411, check my left sidebar for Twitter 101 classes right here on my blog.

FYI, the party opens promptly at 8:30 PM ET with the announcement of the first winner. Don't miss it! 

#WorkLikeaDog's Rain Date in Case of Twitter Outage

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Martin Kimeldorf's Pixel Playground via Flickr.com

Are you wondering the same thing we are? What happens if Twitter is down at the time as #WorkLikeaDog? No worries. We've got your umbrella! Just to be prepared, we have chosen a Rain Date, a back up time when we will reconvene to produce the party if Twitter happens to have a sinking whale. You know the one:

So, if we're not on Twitter Tuesday evening because of technical difficulties at Twitter, give it a few minutes. Then watch for #WorkLikeaDog at our alternate time:

#WorkLikeaDog Rain Date

Thursday, June 13, 2013

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM ET

Check in early and be ready to party! Trust me, the prizes aren't going anywhere until we pull off this shindig. So don't miss us. Let's make like actors and say "break a leg". In that case, we'll see you Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM ET.

Happy tails!

More #WorkLikeaDog Training Tips

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy @FurkidParent
Vlad is Here to Help Deliver Training Tips

In preparation for #WorkLikeaDog, I've been busy putting together some training tips.  I thought it would be a manageable list, but little did I know what would roll out when I started typing. I'm planning to share quite a few during the Twitter Party for those of you who enjoy learning new ways to work with your dog. Here's some of the overflow that simply won't get included in the party. Hope to see you there on Tuesday for more tips, Zuke's info and prizes :)

• Dog touchy about brushing? Start w/soothing massage and work up, using back of brush first. Praise softly.
• With practice, praise and reward, Fido will allow inspection of ears, teeth, tail, body, paws/pads.
• Help Fido associate grooming w/pleasure. Play soft music, speak sweetly, treat when successful.
• Get your dog used to crowds and people by visiting your pet supply store on the weekend when busiest.
• If Fido pulls toward people or dogs to greet, start teaching the ‘Leave It’ command, treating accordingly.
• Another strategy for pulling toward people is to use the ‘Watch Me’ command and a
  
  treat, getting his ATTN back on you.
• Balance these ‘Leave It’ experiences with time at the dog park to meet and greet off-leash. Gr8 for socialization!
• Remember that training your dog makes him a better family member and more enjoyable companion. He’s worth it!
• Relish your training time as a bonding experience and remember to end on a high note with praise and a treat.

Join us Tuesday night at 8:30 PM ET for more tips. Now it's your turn. Share your best training tip in a comment below. Thanks for joining in. We may repeat your tip at the party.

All Things Dog Blog, in our Event Barkers partnership with Dogtipper.com, is working with Zuke's to build their online presence. As of last week, we have been instrumental in increasing their Twitter followers by 15%.