Water Fun 4 Dogs on Mutt Monday

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Go Ahead! Splash and Have Fun!

Hurricane season and the rainy season have both arrived in Florida, along with plenty of heat and humidity. Tanner could not be more thrilled!

Besides playing in the sprinklers that we happen upon while walking, Tanners loves to swim, absolutely insists on splashing in every puddle we pass, and won't miss a chance to swim or play fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself. With a pool and a lake in our backyard, he gets more than his share of water time, which is fine with him.

The low pressure system that pushed through South Florida this past week brought several inches of much needed rain. While Oliver and Jacque were pookie over the rainy, dreary days, Tanner celebrated each opportunity to go out in the rain to take care of business. He really did not understand why Jacque and Oliver were in a hurry to go back into the house. We've used all of our doggie towels more than once and he enjoyed every single duck he attempted to catch. Thankfully, he was unsuccessful.

As you can see, even if a swimming pool is not available to your dog, there are plenty of

water opportunities. Our dog park has misters that many of the dogs enjoy basking in--Tanner included! Another great way to give Fido a cooling off is a kiddie pool. With several inches of water inside, your pup can run and play, splashing through the water as he goes. This sort of fun is good for keeping your pup cool on hot, Summer days.

Today's Blog Hop offers ideas and inspiration for water fun that you can enjoy with your dog. I invite bloggers to join in by linking up their water-related posts. Show us how you give your pup an H2O adventure, either with a comment or a linkup.

Join us next week for a new Mutt Monday theme, when we'll be dishing:

Favorite Dog Videos
Did you enjoy this post and the ones linked up below? We hope so! You can help all your Twitter friends find this information by Tweeting the following:

Join #MuttMonday @allthingsdog 4 tips on water fun 4 your #dog. Enjoy fun pics, inspiration and ideas! ow.ly/lRmdw
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) June 9, 2013

Happy tails,

Mutt Monday: Greener Flea Control

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

After years of hot spots and  skin issues on our sweet Xena, we eventually switched to an organic approach to everything: food for both ourselves and our pets, lawn care, pet pest prevention as well as housecleaning products. No sooner did we make these changes than our Xena finally ceased her constant series of skin troubles. It is clear now that she was reacting to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers on our lawn, where she enjoyed lounging each morning. I wish I had known sooner.

Now we're on a quest to do everything possible to keep Tanner and Oliver toxin-free for a long, healthy life. Below I've shared some of the many posts I've written on how we manage these pests. You may find yourself having an aha moment when you read some of them. Please feel free to share your thoughts or leave your questions in the comments section. I'll do my best to help with anything you'd like to learn more about.

If you're a Twitter user, please give this important post a little help by clicking the RT button on this embedded Tweet:

Help get the word out about toxin-free flea control 4 your #dog at #MuttMonday #BlogHop: ow.ly/lEcnL
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) June 3, 2013

I invite other bloggers to join me by adding their posts about greener pest prevention throughout this entire week. Next week we'll be visiting a new topic, but one that's very close to Tanner's heart:

Water Fun for Dogs

With Summer here, we'll be sharing some of the ways we use water to enjoy a cooling activity on a hot day. See you next week!

Mutt Monday Goes Patriotic

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
How Will You Celebrate With Your Dog?

How is it possible that it's already Memorial Day? Wasn't I just reviewing Valentines treats? Oh my; time does fly!

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ready to Celebrate

Today we're sharing posts that are relevant to patriotic holidays like Memorial Day. Are you heading to a celebration at your neighborhood park or having a back yard cookout? My family members have each headed off on their own special outings, while I'll be staying back to swim with Tanner and enjoy some socializing at the dog park or our local pet supply store. We need to work more with Jacque on calming his social enthusiasm :) We've learned that an air-conditioned environment on a hot day is a wonderful way to practice socialization.

When I think about what I just wrote, I have to giggle at myself. Anyone who met Oliver at Blogpaws will tell you he's the friendliest pup on the planet. The moment he locks eyes on you or your dog every inch of him begins to wiggle. With a group of 500 pet lovers and 80 dogs, he was one very happy Fido at Blogpaws, at least while he was awake. I think he's lobbying to return again for our 5th visit in 2014!


We'd love to hear about your plans or how you'll include your dogs in the festivities. Please enjoy your day and feel free to let us know how you spent it.

And next week I'll be back to share:
Greener Flea and Tick Solutions

Join us to learn how Tanner and Oliver stay pest free without chemicals that may be dangerous to their health.

Happy Memorial Day,

Mutt Monday: Dog Toys for Outdoor Play

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

If it were up to Tanner, this page would be awash in dog toys. You should see our house. Every room has a toy basket and they are all overflowing. I constantly rotate toys and put a few away, allowing them to reappear several months later as "new friends". Such a life these dogs of mine lead!

I've linked a few of our toy reviews that are special to my boys. Bloggers are invited to link up theirs as well. One note of peculiar inclusion may be the Bug Bam. Clearly this is not a toy, but it does help to make playing outdoors safer and less uncomfortable when mosquitoes are in season.

We hope you enjoy looking into these possible playthings for your pups, and look forward to your comments and questions. Please let us know what your dog's favorite items are. C'mon; you know you want to tell me. The comment link is open!

Be Your Dog's Best Friend: Living Life to the Fullest

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Training Your Dog

Provides a Lifetime of Good Behavior

Think about your own daily routine for a minute. You rise early and eat breakfast. After a few preparations, you head off to work where you get mental stimulation, a chance to solve problems, and an opportunity to socialize--most of us anyway. Even if you work from home like I do, you probably have ample opportunities to get out for errands, meetings and appointments. You meet friends at Starbucks or have dinner out. You shuttle kids to dance and baseball, visit the library, the mall, and your friends.


Now contrast that to the life of the average dog. Most dogs get a few short walks a week, and generally are left to fend for themselves while their owners head off to work. My pack is lucky to have a work-at-home leader. But what about others? 


Can you imagine the boredom of being left behind 2 walls for the entire day, with only a chew bone and a few toys. Think about this from the dog's viewpoint. He wants to play, but with who? He wants to chew, but knows he'll be reprimanded when his owner arrives home, if he does.After an hour of pacing the house, checking all windows and doors for possible escape, Fido drops for a nap, mostly out of pure boredom. No wonder he is so happy to see you when you arrive home!


Have I described your dog? There is something you can do about it. New Years is coming and along with it that Resolution you always consider. How successful have you been with achieving those goals? Maybe this year's resolution could revolve around your Rover. Try one or more of these on for size:

• I will walk my dog for a total of 1 hour or more every day, so he will get to see the sights and smell the smells of the world's smorgasbord.
• I will create some Busy Bones to freeze, and leave one with my dog each time I depart for more than a couple of hours.
• I will shop for some safe, mentally stimulating toys to help my dog enjoy problem-solving activities to work his brain and tire him out.
• I will rotate toys so that each time I offer one, it will seem like a long lost friend.
• Knowing that many dogs will not eat or drink while their owner is away, I will assure Fido is fed and given an opportunity to eliminate before I leave. I will always leave an adequate amount of fresh water available.
• I will evaluate my home's dangers to my dog and block access to these or remove them, if possible.
• If my dog is in the house-training phase, I will arrange sufficient bathroom breaks and walks with a neighborhood friend or petsitter, to help my puppy learn good house manners.
• I will provide training to assure that my dog is well-behaved and not a danger to others.
• I will socialize my dogs with both humans and other dogs from an early age to assist him in learning good manners and having healthy relationships.
• When I leave for a long outing, I will assure that my Fido is fed, tired from activity, and ready for a long nap to pass the time.
• When I return after a long day, I will reserve time to exercise and practice training or have playtime with my dog, to continue the bond and expend his pent-up energy.

© Carrie Boyko
Mentally and Physically Stimulating
Activities will Bring Out the Best in Fido

Which Resolutions would suit your dog the best? Think about him when planning your New Year's Resolutions. Remember that this relationship is one that will give back more than you put into it, for many years to come. Build the bond!

Don't Miss "Dog Mental Stimulation" at Dogtipper

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Let the Games Begin

Dogtipper is hosting our guest post today, featuring a mentally stimulating toy. It's game on for Tanner vs. the Jolly Ball, and Tanner loses. The ball is just too tough for him to beat! Don't miss the cute slideshow and learn more about this great toy. Want one for your dog? You can order it right here:


Happy holidays to you and your furry companions. Don't miss Tanner's take on this ball over at 5 Minutes for Fido, where he's moping over the score. 

An Interview with Xena, my Super Sweet, Senior, Retriever Mix, Rescued Rover

(c) Carrie Boyko

Xena

Showing off her Gray Snout

We'll call this an interview with Xena, an idea that came from one of our readers. Xena is clearly the senior citizen at 13 1/2, and I am often asked "How do you meld your dogs' various needs?" Today we'll get Xena's take on the pack atmosphere, living with an almost 4 year old Golden Retriever and a 2 year old Papillon:

Xena:

"I'm clearly the head of this household, and the matron (duh!). These kids need whipping into shape and I'm fulfilled by having this a part of my 'job' around here. Each time a new pup, kitten or rabbit has come into the house, I have taken it under my wing, washed its ears, cleaned its backside when needed, and generally let them know when their behavior needed some work. It's a momma dog's job, and I took on that role long ago. Such is the life of a rescue--spayed before my first litter. Tisk!"

"Growing up in this house was a very busy time. With two boys and a girl I always had plenty of kids around to play with. I loved going to the park for family gatherings and having my daily walks with different family members every day. Variety is the spice of life, right?"

"Now that I'm a senior citizen, I appreciate the consideration that my housemates give me. Tanner is bigger than me, but we still enjoy a good wrestling match. He is a nice playmate that seems to know how far to go with me; I do have my limits."

"Oliver is finally coming out of the adolescent stage and respects my space these days. I guess our mom taught him that, cuz I sure didn't. Well, maybe that's not true. I did ignore him when he tried to play with me. That's great because now he uses Tanner as a jungle gym, instead of me."

"I'm glad to get out for my walks, but also happy to be dropped off at home when we reach the halfway point. These youngsters I live with have lots more stamina than me these days. I like the sanctity of the senior citizen ward; that's what we call the front porch. Have a good walk, guys; it's Xena's nap time now."

Sometimes it's good to get the straight scoop from the dog herself. If you ever have a question for Xena, Tanner or Oliver, feel free to write to them with their name in the subject line. They love receiving mail. Their email address is LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. They'll answer your questions over at their new blog, 5 Minutes for Fido. Their site includes short tips and commentary from the dogs' point of view.


You can also find some of the most popular posts from All Things Dog Blog at the link below the header: Best of All Things Dog Blog.  I suppose it's time for me to update that a bit. Thanks for reminding me. Happy tails!


Related Reading:


Senior Moments: Helping Your Dog Stay Young
Managing the Exercise Needs of Your Older and Younger Dogs


Watch for: An Interview with Oliver, coming soon to All Things Dog Blog

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10 Signs of a Happy Dog Owner

by Carrie Boyko

This isn't rocket science. The dog owners who really enjoy a bond with their dogs show it by their actions:

1. You see them at the dog park, not sitting on a bench reading, but engaging with their dog, as well as the other owners. These owners realize the importance of socializing their dog.
2. They continue to train throughout their dog's life, not just during house training or the usual  Sit Stay Heel basics class.
3. Happy dog owners enjoy the company of their dogs whenever they can take their pup along--the bank drive through, the pet supply store, a friend's home. 
4. The owner that enjoys his dog's company is rarely ready to give up their pup at the first sign of trouble. They will seek out the assistance of a trainer or the evaluation of a veterinarian when problems pop up, seeking to find a solution.
5. Happy dog owners often are seen walking with their dog daily, and sometimes more. 
6. They may even enjoy other activities with their dog, such as playing Frisbee, fetch, herding, tracking,  swimming, biking, hiking, or group activities like Agility training, flyball competitions, diving training, and yes, even freestyle dance. The video at the top of this post is a good example of an owner who loves her dog and enjoys spending time with him.
7. Most importantly, happy dog owners have learned the primary lessons of dog ownership: dogs love unconditionally and a bond with a dog is forever. There are no divorces or family feuds. You'll have a true friend for life when you give yourself over to loving a dog.
8. Happy dog owners don't fret over providing proper care for their dog. Good quality food, regular medical care, fresh water, daily training exercises and daily physical exercise are all part of the equation for a happy dog owner.Oh, and don't let me leave out the occasional belly rub.
9. Truly happy dog owners have gained insight into the mind of a dog by reading, studying and learning more about canine behavior. The result of this is better problem solving and quicker resolutions to occasional hiccups.
10. Finally, the happiest of dog owners find themselves wanting to provide love and care to more than one canine, not only for their own enjoyment, but also for the companionship a second (or third?) dog will provide the others. This decision is frequently made carefully, and an appropriate housemate will be chosen with the advice of a professional, to assure compatible energy, as well as breeds that can coexist peacefully with a reasonable amount of supervision.

You may have noticed that I have left out leadership as a sign of a happy dog owner. While I know that leadership in the home is important to a happy dog, it may not always work that way for the owner. In my lifetime, I have known many dog owners whose bonds with their dogs were strong, even when the owner seemed to give the decision making over to the dog. 

"Are you hungry yet, Fido?

 Would you like to go for a walk now?"

Keep this in mind as you enjoy your life with your dogs. Leadership can only add to the bond in a relationship where the animal wants, even needs, you to take charge. Go get 'em, pack leader!

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Helping Toy-Challenged Dogs Enjoy Playtime

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

Finally--Blue Puppy Gets Playtime

Oliver, my 9 lb. Papillon, is not really very big on toys. Well, maybe I shouldn’t say that. The reality is that Tanner, my Golden Retriever, is Oliver's toy. Oliver grew up playing on top of Tanner, as if Tanner were his personal playground or jungle gym. I’m not sure who enjoys it more—Tanner or Oliver!  


To this day, Oliver continues to enjoy playing with Tanner’s ears and tail, snuggling with Tanner for an afternoon nap and following him around during his daily rounds of the house--sort of like a pesky little brother, except that Tanner loves it.

Once in a great while, Oliver will get interested in one of his many toys. Oliver’s not exactly starving for playthings. I have tried very hard to get him interested in a plethora of different types of toys, generally to no avail. 


There are a few that he favors. One is a blue puppy, small enough for him to pick up and carry around. This is to say that it is VERY small, as Oliver has an extremely tiny mouth. This picture was taken on one of the rare days when Oliver was enthralled with the blue puppy. Yeah! If only I could get him to enjoy all of his toys this way.

Often, when Oliver seems to be in a toy mood, I will try to introduce him to another toy, along with the one he has chosen. After all, every little boy needs a variety of playthings to stimulate his brain. What usually happens is he loses interest in both and begins to follow me around. He is so cute, sort of like a deaf child who is imploring me to explain, in his own language, what I am doing and how he can be a part of it.

One of my agility friends who is a very patient trainer, gave me some tips on getting him interested in toys. I’ve tried a few. Treating him when he plays with a toy seemed like a great idea, but failed miserably when he decided it was better to follow me to get more treats. The toy was abandoned and I became the object of interest.

Playing games with his toys, like hide and seek, chase, fetch or catch, are all things that Tanner absolutely loves to do. Yet Oliver looks at flying toys as potential danger. He sees something flying through the air and runs for cover, as if to exclaim, “Incoming!” 


I tried gently tossing a soft toy to Oliver as a reward for good agility work, and he ran away from the toy. Ugg!

Today I read about a toy game that might work, so we’ll give it a trial run and see how we do. I found this game on Raise a Green Dog, one of our favorite websites. You can come along for a ride. Perhaps if you, too, have a toy-challenged dog, you might find this tactic works. 


Tuck a couple of small, great smelling treats into the sections of a muffin tin. Then set 12 small toys on top of each treat, also inside the cups of the muffin tin. The idea is that the smell will encourage the dog to pick up the toy, in order to find the yummy treat. When the dog picks up the toy, be sure to praise him or pet him immediately. The final reward will be finding the treat.

We’ll practice this a few times and see how we do. If you try it, will you report back. Hit the comment link at the bottom of the post and let me know how it worked for you. Good luck!

Help protect our precious dog parks
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