Tricky Treater Dog Food Dispensing Ball

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Let's Get this Show on the Road!

There's no denying that my boys are food motivated. But Oliver's nose is a few notches ahead of Tanner's. As we prepared to roll this photo shoot, Tanner was patient and accommodating. Oliver was Mr. Eager! What he didn't realize was that this toy may be a bit large for his tiny snout. He weighs in at a whopping 10 lbs., so his little nose could be a bit sensitive to pushing around this ball that is larger than his head. The two boys had to team up to both enjoy the goodies spilling out of this enjoyable brain teaser. 

Team Up for Fun

The team up approach works well whenever your dogs are good with one another's food--no food aggression. If your dogs tend to be protective of their noms, better to use this tool in a confined space, one dog at a time. Better safe than sorry.

To make sure that the Tricky Treater is suitable for all dogs, no matter how aggressive their interaction style, the Petlinks folks built in a system for adjusting the feeding amount. Unscrew the 2 halves of the ball to reveal a storage area in one half of the ball that includes a trap

Inside Adjustment Area

door with 4 notches. This allows you to make the game easier or more challenging, depending on your dog's nose skills and his motivation. If he needs more help, open the doorway larger to allow for more scent to escape and food to come out more easily.

The Tricky Treater can be used with your dog's kibble or even small treats. Keep in mind Fido's figure before filling it full of dog treats, however. You don't want to increase his chance of any health issues either. Better to use the ball as a breakfast dispensing game than to serve up dessert using the ball.

So, what exactly, makes a treat ball a game? Here's a few skills that your dog will gain from playing with the Tricky Treater:

• Building his recognition of scent and ability to follow it.
• Focus: Fido will stay tuned into this task as long as the food continues to trickle out. Use the slowest setting that works for your dog, to give him the maximum workout for his brain, body and problem-solving skills.
• Use of his snout as a tool.
• Paw dexterity, another important skill.
• Problem-solving: For example, if the toy gets lodged in a corner or underneath furniture, how will Fido free it up? In our video below, Tanner demonstrates use of his paws, snout, going all-in with his body to rescue it (don't miss this funny scene), and also grabbing the toy with his mouth.
• The ridges on the Tricky Treater are somewhat soft and pliable, assuring that he won't injure his teeth or cause any gum damage. These ridges also give him something to grip as he uses his teeth to grab the toy. The ability to grab and lift is a terrific skill.
• Speed: Believe it or not, your dog will likely discover that the faster he rolls the ball, the more quickly the food will spill out. I have watched Tanner's speed pick up each time he plays with the Tricky Treater.
• Building food motivation: This tool can be a skill builder if you're working on any sort of training with your dog. If Fido will work for food, you're sure to be able to train him to do many tasks, skills or tricks.

On the flip side of the speed issue, an upside of using a treat dispensing toy to feed your dog is to slow down his eating speed. Veterinarians warn against dogs eating too fast, as this has been associated with bloat, a life-threatening condition. Remember that your dog should not engage in active play or a lengthy walk after eating a full meal. Always plan an hour of rest after mealtime or a large snack.

Let's watch Tanner and Oliver as they tag-team the Tricky Treater, successfully enjoying all the contents of the ball's storage compartment:

You can learn more about the benefits of feeding your dog using a dispensing toy at our dog trainer's video. Michael does a great job of explaining the benefits.
Some of the features of the Tricky Treater that appeal to our green side are the recyclable packaging and the use of recycled plastics in the toy. Kudos to Worldwise and the Petlinks System for using their Eco friendly thinking when designing this toy.
Looking to pick up a Tricky Treater for your pup? I checked up with the website and learned that there are quite a few retailers that carry the Petlinks line. I'll list these below. You'll also find the toy at Amazon here. 
If you have questions, please do touch base with the Petlinks folks at Twitter or Facebook to ask your questions and get further insight. I also found a video about the Tricky Treater here.
Retailers that carry the Petlinks System:

• PetSmart.com
• Petco.com
• Petvalue.com
• Wag.com
• HSN.com
• OnlyNaturalPet.com

Petlinks' Instructions for First Use: Close the opening completely and fill only the top with treats. Once your dog learns how to use the ball, set the opening to the maximum setting. Over time, gradually set the opening smaller and smaller to challenge your dog.

All Things Dog Blog's addendum to the Petlinks' instructions: If your dog is already a frequent flyer with a treat ball, don't be too hasty with the maximum setting. Your Fido may plow through the treats or food, overdoing it. Always consider your dog's existing skills when using a new toy. Finally, please use this, and all dog toys, with supervision.

Hoping for a giveaway? You're right on track with our plan. Watch the site for news soon.

Petlinks asked us to review the Tricky Treater displensing toy and has provided us with this review product. We have not been compensated, and the opinions included here and in our giveaway are completely our own.

Loving Pets Serves Up Healthy Treats with Great Accessories

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Guards the Game-Day Treats
It's Football Season, Right?

© Carrie Boyko
Off to a Good Start

What I want to know is "Where's the dip?" These Barksters Krisps have an air-puffed quality that makes them a perfect pairing for a great dip. I'm sure Tanner and Oliver would agree, but I've got to keep them focused. I have a challenge for them today.

© Carrie Boyko
I Can!

My boys have been in training for self control for sometime. They do very well with our photo shoots. Today I'll put them to the challenge with food in their face; well almost. Let's see what happens here when I push them a bit.


"Okay, boys, I want to see you step it up a bit. Who can show me a treat on their paw without eating it? Good job, Oliver! How about you, Tanner? Can you match this trick?"

© Carrie Boyko
Alfalfa & Liver Krisps--Yum!

© Carrie Boyko
A 3 Barksters Stack!

"Oh oh! Oliver....Tanner trumps your one paw with a two-paw treat hold. What can you do to up your annie? A stack of treats? C'mon, Oliver! They're not on your paws! Let's see if Tanner can put a stack of treats on his paws. Or maybe he can come up with something more creative. Tanner?"

© Carrie Boyko
So There! Can You Beat that Oliver?
It's a Barkster Stackster!

Tanner's pulling out all the stops. He's got a Barksters Stackster on each paw and check out his back. It's a Barkster Backster!

© Carrie Boyko
The Self -Control Barkster Master

Okay, that was fun. But now I should get down to the business of telling you a bit about this yummy product. For starters, the All Things Dog Blog Treat Review Team gave them high marks in several categories: low calorie, American sourced and made right in New Jersey, and they're wheat free and 100% natural. And did I mention that the dogs loved them? Check out our great looking team of big and small dogs:

© courtesy Loving Pets
Alfalfa & Liver Krisps

I had to test out Loving Pets' Store Locator to see where I can buy their products near me. There was good news; I got a long list of major national chains (all the big guys) and smaller pet boutiques as well. I don't think you'll have much trouble finding them near you. A quick check online found the product easily available through Amazon as well as other online retail outlets.

© courtesy Loving Pets

Barksters also has several beautiful lines of serving bowls and treat storage too. Check out the Dolce Diners page, their newest addition. I got a beautiful sample in the Merlot. The cool features of these bowls are that they fit easily in the holder so Fido doesn't run off with them (does your dog do that?), the bowls are dishwasher safe, the holders couldn't be more cute, and they come in both large and small sizes for your particular pup's preference.


How about you? Would you like to take a chance at a box of Barksters and a Dolce Diner? I'm giving away 5 combo-packs. Winners will be able to request their Dolce Diner size and color (to the extent of stock available), and will get 1 box of treats along with it. Let's get this gig going. If you don't see the Rafflecopter entry form below, simply click the title to refresh and it should appear here:

Terra Paws™ Review and Giveaway Draws Plentiful Paws!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© S.G., reader copyright on file
Schooner and Skipper
Having a Little Fun with the Camera

I have to admit that I do love seeing these fun photos show up on my Facebook page and Terra Paws' page. What a delight to have readers' dogs appear with their lovable sayings and funny poses. The folks at Terra Paws are naturally pleased as well.

© S.N., reader copyright on fileReader Enthusiasm!

If you're active on Twitter, you probably noticed the kickup in @mentions for TerraPaws. I know they loved hearing from you guys, so thanks much!


The folks at Terra Paws have offered a very generous giveaway of 12 prizes of 2 bags each. We anticipate you'll all be singing the praises of Terra Paws and telling all your friends, right?!!! And don't forget that you can order more from their website, whenever your Fido eats them 'all gone.' So, let's get to naming those winners:


Rj7777
Mugsy5808
Caylee H.
Kat K.
C. Richman
Crzy Coookies
S.Gilbert
Gloria W.
Kel Lani
Sara N.
Julie M.
Sarah Rose

© Carrie Boyko
"Self Control"

You'll all be notified by email. Please send your addresses by reply to that email. As soon as I have all addresses, Terra Paws will get the list and ship your treats. I hope you all enjoy them as much as Tanner and Oliver have. Before I go, Tanner wants to say Thank You to Terra Paws one last time with a little trick. 




Full disclosure: Samples of  Terra Paws™ treats were provided to All Things Dog Blog for review. We were not paid to offer our opinions and the thoughts included here are our own.

Barking Deals Hands Out "Deal of the Day" Winners

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© S.N. reader copyright on file
Reader Enthusiasm...Always a Pleasure!

© S. G., reader copyright on file
Schooner Loves His "Barking Deal'

Another week, another batch of fun prizes for my readers. Fridays are such fun! A couple of our entrants were busy preparing special photos for their entries, making for great enjoyment for our Facebook fans and at Barking Deals. I've shared these two pictures here in this post, so you can all appreciate the effort and enthusiasm with which our participants enjoy their giveaway fun.


This Barking Deals prize goes to 5 of our lucky winners and it is unique in that these 5 winners get to select their own prize. Each of you will be notified by email today, and you will have 30 days to select and order your prize. Watch for your email with further instructions.


The 5 winners who will get to select their own prize from Barking Deals are Heather Wallace, Lauren (with Claire), S. Niffenegger, CrzyCoookies, and cstironkat. Please remember, your deadline is September 2, 2011. Enjoy your prizes!

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Enjoys his 'Barking Deal'

Barking Deals offered Tanner 1 free Deal of the Day to test out their service. We were not paid to provide our opinion of the service or the website. The review we wrote reflected our actual experience.

Dog Doings this Week: Prepping for Conferences

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
News from All Things Dog Blog

August is here. I feel like the chicken that thought the sky was falling. I'm going to be running around all month, absolutely certain I won't be ready to go when travel day arrives. Yikes!


The last weekend of August marks my second appearance at Blogpaws, a conference for pet bloggers. This year it will be held in our nation's capital, a perk for me, as I will have the opportunity to visit my eldest son while in the 'neighborhood'. 


Thus, the craziness that is me, I will be fretting over getting everything ready to go, as another conference follows Blogpaws very quickly. Enough of that, though, you're here to find out what's coming for THIS week:

• Pup Profiles returns tomorrow with a quick look at one of your favorite bloggers' pups. Don't miss the suprise when you get to find out who's front and center for the day.
• Wednesday I'll be honoring some very energetic readers with a thank you in our Wordless Wednesday post, which is generally not terribly wordless. In case you hadn't noticed, that's not my strong suit. I'll be offering up free bandanas to my blogging buddies in exchange for photos of your pups wearing them. Anyone interested?
• Product reviews this week will move in the direction of my preparations, or rather Oliver's, as the case may be. He's got a new travel carrier, a rolling traveler, and a Travel organizer that he wants to show off. He'll even be giving you a peek at his wardrobe selections for Blogpaws, so stop on by this Thursday.
• Kids books will be back on the menu in my weekly giveaways and of course there will be another surprise Grab Bag Winner. Will it be you?
• Friday I get to play the gifter, handing out prizes like Terra Paws dog treats, Pet Sitter Instruction pads by Planet Dog, and Daily Deals from Barking Deals.  Thanks for your participation in these giveaways. There is plenty of room for more!
• My inbox is brimming with guest posts and another gem from Dr. Mark, so these too will be showing up shortly, as well as one of my own chattering posts on Saturday.

Upcoming reviews (with giveaways) that you may enjoy also include first aid kits, Zukes treats, a dog walking belt that is rather clever and functional for dog park visits, hiking and such, hemp leash/collar/harness set from Planet Dog and more kids' books. And that's just what I can see from my desk. Happy tails!