Dog Entertainment: A Betta Fish?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Who Knew the Dogs
Would Enjoy this Experiment?

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Tanner Meets New Roomie

Well this review was one of my most surprising dog blogging adventures. I honestly did not think Tanner and Oliver would even notice the little swimmer inside, even though we were watching Olympic swimming on TV this past 2 weeks. By the way, these Betta Fish are terribly expensive. I paid about $2 for this red one. Ouch! JK!

I rather expected Chiffon (we had to name him!) would be heading off to grad school with my middle son when we completed the photos and kissed Brent goodbye. But after seeing Tanner and Oliver's reaction I couldn't give the little fella up. He actually provides good entertainment, stimulation, and an occasional drink, Ill admit. Tanner doesn't really know one water bowl from another. It's a Retriever thing. Gotta keep the toilet bowls closed in this house :)

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Get Out of the Water Dude!

At first, the boys did not really notice his presence. Once the first one discovered life existed in there, I couldn't keep them away from the bowl for several hours. Tanner tried endless ways to get in and join Chiffon for a swim. He simply couldn't figure out why the fish could swim and he couldn't. At one point he even managed to dislodge the lid and take a good gulp.

Oh my dog....I feared for Chiffon's life for a quick moment as my heart fluttered. Whew! When Tanner stopped slurping, Chiffon was still swimming away in the bottom of the tank. I moved it to higher ground, making it a big tougher for Tanner to put his snout inside.

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
What's That in the Water Bowl?

Now a spectator sport, the fish tank is safer, and Tanner and Oliver have acquiesced to watching him rather than trying to join him. So, how would your dog react to a fish in the home? Want to find out? Enter the giveaway below.

Obviously, this tank is smaller than your average home fish tank. It's actually perfect for a bedroom, dorm or apartment. I have always found watching fishtanks to be relaxing. It certainly did not have that effect on my dogs, but perhaps a child would enjoy the silent roommate as a little company that encourages introspection. Whatever your reason, let me know in the comment section. Petco will enjoy your responses.

The Rafflecopter entry form is at the bottom of the post. If you have trouble viewing it simply click on the post title to refresh and it will magically reappear. Best of luck to you all.

 

The Betta Fish Tank in this giveaway is provided by Petco as a promotional courtesy. There is no purchase required to enter. US households only, please.

Weekly Wag #20: Variety is Spot's Spice of Life

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Flying Disc Practice
 is Great Fun for Both of You

You must be asking yourself "What is she talking about?" When you get up on Saturday morning and prepare for your daily (I hope) walk with Fido, think about what he gets out of this routine.


For starters, while dogs are creatures of habit and often respond well to knowing what is coming next from you--their fearless leader--they also need a bit of the other end of the spectrum. Keep in mind that offering them a variety of different activities will not only change up their mental stimulation, but also use different muscles, teach different skills, and allow you to bond in new ways.


Here are a few of the many ways Tanner and Oliver enjoy having a  little change up:

• The obvious switch could simply be to take a completely different route, or even drive to a nearby hiking trail and enjoy the sites and sounds of the outdoors during your walk.
• Adding a backpack to your dog will give him a new challenge, something to think about and change his behavior accordingly. Most dogs will slow down and walk more smoothly when fitted with a back pack that is weighted with bags of beans, rice or even water bottles for both of you. As your dog's speed increases, his payload may swing and become bothersome, teaching him to take a more leisurely pace without a sway in his stride.
• Visit the dog park to make new friends for both you and your dog. Enjoy some running, jumping and fetching while his off-leash time is being enjoyed.
• Swimming is a wonderful Summer activity that cools off a hot Fido, and allows him to exercise without putting his full weight on his hips. It's especially perfect for the aging dog and those breeds that particularly enjoy this activity. Their pleasure means they will get more exercise during their swim.
• Rainy or dark outside? Try laser tag indoors with minimal lighting. This change of both atmosphere and activity will bring your dog's energy level to a new height.
• Another excellent rainy day activity is training. Mental activities such as learning a new skill or behavior are perfect for draining pent up physical energy.
• Try teaching Frisbee, Fetch, or tricks to your bored dog and soon you'll find he's begging for more "school".
• Choose a new location for whatever you do with your dog. If you generally have a furry tagalong for errands such as the bank, dry cleaner or other quick, in-and-out stops, try a different location for these and watch the reaction you get from your dog. Did his ears prick or his tail wag change? Your dog loves variety just as much as you do; try to give him change as often as you can.
• Give both you and your dog a new way to socialize by offering a daytime play day at doggie daycare.
• If you live in a safe area, try offering your walk during the night time hours to change up the view. I'm amazed at the difference in Tanner's reactions when he is outdoors at night.
• Run or jog with your dog; he'll love the new vigor of this funny "walk"!
• Sign up for classes to learn fun new games like agility, doggie freestyle, Flyball, Rally, and obedience.
• Finally, don't leave out biking. This is one of Oliver's favorite ways to let loose. His 10 lb. frame can get going so fast that he pulls me without any peddling. Who'd of thunk?!!

What different activities work well for your dog? Spill! The comment link is open for business.

This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or visit any of their sites for their rules of participation and another opportunity to link up. Happy hopping!