Get Up And Go Giveaway

There's nothing like summer for taking your pooch out and about. Sometimes it's a walk, going to the dog beach, going on a hike or even getting away for a couple of days.

That's why I'm happy to announce the Get Up and Go Giveaway. Part of Christmas in July, it's a prize package full of essential stuff for your lovable pooch. It's valued over $50 USD and includes:

• A coupon for a free 6 pound bag of Innova dog food
• A Nylabone Frisbee (flexible so it won't harm your dog's teeth)
• A Chuck It Ball Launcher and extra balls
• A Zinger toy set made by Kong
• A portable dog bowl for food made by Outward Hound
• A portable water bowl (not pictured)

It's everything you need to keep your pooch busy and active during the summer?

How To Win?

One lucky winner will win this by leaving a comment how they like to get up and get away with their dog. If you'd like an extra chance you can tweet:

"I just entered the Get Up and Go Getaway at Too Kool Doggies. #ChristmasInJuly"

Contest Rules

1. You must have a valid e-mail address.
2. Multiple comments and/or tweets are appreciated but only one of each will count towards the contest.
3. This contest is open to the U.S. and Canada only.
4. It ends on July 31st, 2011 at 11:59P.M.

Below, is a list of other contests being put on by other bloggers as part of Christmas in July. It's definitely worth taking a peak.

If there are any questions, please let me know. Good luck to you all.

2 Uncommon Ways For Your Dog To See Chicago

Hi All!

Photo: Mercury Skyline Cruiseline

I know it's been awhile since I've last posted. I am now finished with school for the semester so I can write more posts for the summer.

Seeing Chicago With Your Dog

Many times, the idea of bringing our pets with us on a trip is more appealing than leaving them by themselves. With hotels offering pet-friendly options these days, it's always great to find an activity that includes your dog as well. Recently I discovered two companies that make this possible.

1. Chicago Horse and CarriageThis company offers carriage rides to sightsee the fun parts of Chicago. They operate in all kinds of weather except for extreme weather (under 15°F or over 90°F. Dogs are allowed as long as their paws are dry. Rides can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as an hour. For more information, you can see more at the Chicago Horse and Carriage Website.
2. Chicago Canine Cruise from Mercury Skyline Cruiseline Last year, I learned about this cool dog cruise. Every Sunday starting in mid-July through late September, owners and their dogs can take a 90 minute cruise that talks about the best pet-friendly places to stay, eat and dog parks to visit. For more information, please visit Mercury's website.

Let's Discuss!

Kayaking With Your Dog
Wedding Season

What are some unusual ways you spend time with your dogs

When The Sun's Rays Come Into Play

Photo by C. Janssen from Morgue File

More and more these days the effects of the sun are getting stronger. As a child, I could go out into the sun, and get a nice brown look on my arms. Now, I get a burn that I'm lucky if it turns into a tan.

I was talking to my friend on Twitter and we discussed how we have to be careful not to keep our sun-loving dogs in the sun too long. Dogs are very much like us when it comes to the sun. They may be furry but their nose, belly and ears can be susceptible to sunburn. Light-colored dogs and hairless dogs are susceptible as well. Examples of these breeds would be the Chinese Crested, Greyhound and Chihuahua.

Protect Them!

If your dog loves to be out in the sun, there are two really effective methods to protect them.

Sunscreen

Yes, they really do make sunscreen for dogs. All chuckling aside, these are made not to irritate your dog's skin. You have to let the product dry and believe me, the dogs will want to lick it off. A good diversion is giving the dog a treat while applying it.

From what I saw, I liked these brands of sunscreen best. Since dog sunscreen is hard to find, I was able to find these at the Amazon.com website.

• Doggles Pet Sunscreen
  This tiny bottle will come in handy for your dog. The most effective way to apply a spray is to spray it into your hands and then apply to the areas. Spraying it directly may scare your dog.
  
  
  
  
  
• Epi-Pet Sun Protector Sunscreen Spray
  
  I like this one because it comes in a much bigger bottle. It's approved by 94% of veterinarians and made specifically for dogs. It costs $17.95 USD at Amazon but offers a good source of protection for your pooch. You ought to see the before and after pictures at their website.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Pet Guard Gel With Sunscreen
  This product works well since it not only protects your dog from the sun but protects your animal from insect bites. It's a gel so it will stay on better but you still have to watch that your dog doesn't lick the product while it's wet.

Clothing

Tuga Sunwear has created protective clothing for dogs. These are a lightweight and fitted with a SPF of 50. They dry quickly too. For dogs who love to swim or surf, these are ideal. If you don't like the idea of applying sunscreen, this may be a great alternative. They range in price from $19 to $29 USD.

Summing It All Up!

You can stay ahead of the sun's damage with some prudent planning. Dogs with lots of fur have a good source of natural protection against the UV fans. Dogs with lighter colored fur and skin are more susceptible to damage. If these measures seem excessive, it's best to have your dog avoid the sun during peak hours.

Let's Discuss!

What are some ways do you keep your dog safe in the sun? What are your favorite products to use?

Related Posts

Kayaking With Your Dog
The Perils Of Leaving Your Dog In The Car
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
8 Tips For Running With Your Dogs

To Tug Or Not To Tug

Photo by Ellen Levy Finch

Tug of War is a popular game to play these days with dogs. My brother's dog Homer loves to play it and is relentless when it comes to giving up whatever he is tugging. On one hand, it's great exercise for a dog. It is perfectly normal when you hear a dog growling playing this game.

However, there is another side to this. Opponents of the game think that tug of war causes dogs to become more aggressive. A dog can wind up biting their owner if the game gets out of control. Any time a dog nips or bites, you must stop the game immediately.

Other times, a dog may get their teeth on something you don't want chewed. Sometimes Homer will wrap his teeth around a throw or towel and will want to play tug of war. Since he's a Beagle, swapping out a treat usually works well in this situation.

Tug Of War Tips

• It's good to start out when the dog is a puppy. They haven't learned the rights and wrongs for bite inhibition so it's a good game to teach. Also, it's useful for them to learn the Drop It command.
• Never chase the dog to get the toy back, grab another toy instead or offer an item of greater value.
• If a dog has aggressive tendencies towards humans, it's advisable not to play Tug Of War.
• Some dogs will have such a grip, you can lift them into the air. While this is amazing to see, depending on what the toy is, it can pull out or loosen a young dog's tooth.

Tug Toys

Here are some great tug toys to use with your dog and can be found at Amazon.com:

Rope Toys

These are inexpensive and last quite a while. The only downside is that it may be difficult for a dog to differentiate a rope toy from a fabric you don't want chewed. However, this is more the exception rather than the rule. Bitter Apple is good to spray on things you don't want chewed.

KONG BraidZ Dog Toy

This toy is made with strong fleece and is braided. There's very little stuffing and it is good for dogs who love to destroy their toys.

PetSport USA Disco Tug Flying Disk

This is nice because a dog can not only tug on it but can play frisbee as well.

West Paw Design Bumi Dog Tug Toy

This is an eco-friendly dog toy that can be tugged, thrown and floats in water. It's a soft yet strong material that won't damage your dog's teeth. It's available through the West Paw Design website and various online retailers.

If you would like to learn more about tug of war Best Friends Pet Care has a great article here.

Let's Discuss!

Is Tug Of War a game you play with your dog? Do you think it's a good activity or a dangerous one?

Related

dogtoys.com

When Your Puppy Is Too Peppy

Photo By Jerry Reynolds

There are times when a person adopts a puppy impulsively because it was love at first sight. After falling in love with the dog, one discovers that living with the dog is another story. The dog can't stay still, is always wanting attention and will possibly chew anything in sight.

What is the cause of this? This dog has a high energy drive and has not expended enough energy.

How can you tell if a dog has abundant energy?

• They will bark excessively. They will find a way to bark because they either are not getting enough attention or are just plain bored. Usually this is referred to as nuisance barking.
• They will chew up anything. One minute, you'll have some papers on your desk. The next, they will be shredded as you see them laid out on the floor.
• A walk isn't enough. You get home from a long day at work. You're exhausted. You take your pooch for a 30 minute walk and get back home. After you feed the dog, he's ready for playtime.
• You've bought all these toys and it won't play with them. The reason this happens is the toys are not mental or physically stimulating enough for these creatures. They need more than just a toy to work off their excess stimulating.
• It will nip at you or one of your other pets. They are trying to engage you to play and as puppies, that's how they would get their litter mates to play.

What To Do

While the easiest thing is to do is give the dog away, it can be a copout in most situations. This should be a last resort because as a dog owner, we take on a huge responsibility bringing dogs into our lives.

Instead, you may want to try these activities for dogs:

Photo: Amos Fairchild

1. Dog Obedience. This will give a new dog structure and a job to do. Dogs live to please. Obedience will help them shift their focus.
2. Go Running. Even if you're not the type to run, a few short sprints on your walk will help your dog get more exercise and lower their energy levels. If your a regular runner, if your dog has excessive energy, incorporating them into your running routine is a great way to benefit you both.
3. Dog Agility (pictured right). Dog agility is becoming increasingly popular. Dogs love the challenge it presents because it gives them a job to do. It involves, running, jumping and balance. It also builds upon your bond with your dog. These classes can get expensive though. If you find yourself in that situation, a good substitute is picking up a couple of hula hoops from the store and teaching them to jump through them in your backyard.
4. Take them to a dog park. Dog parks are becoming more popular these days as dog owners are looking for a way for their dogs to be able to run free. It's a great way to socialize your dogs with other dogs yet you must watch your dog closely because there's always a chance that a fight can break out. The newest trend in dog parks are indoor dog parks. These are great because you don't have to worry about your pooch getting affected by the elements, especially those dogs that have short hair.
5. Give it a job! Many high energy dogs are that way because they were bred to do a job. Some of them may have herded sheep or hunted prey. Those instincts stay even though society has changed. If you have a working dog they may benefit from being trained to become a search and rescue dog or a therapy dog.

Let's Discuss!

What do you do to keep your dog's energy level in check?

Related posts

How To Decide On The Right Dog
When Dogs Become Too Popular
Treadmills-The New Wave In Workouts
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Kayaking With Your Dog

Photo by P. Bryley

Last year, I went kayaking for the first time. I was in a tandem kayak with a more skilled partner. It was one of the most relaxing activities I did, yet gave me a great workout. I then wondered if dogs did this activity with their owners and sure enough, there are quite a few kayakers out there who have been able to train their dogs to enjoy the ride.

Kayaking is a great way to be at one with nature. When you are out on calm waters, there's nothing more tranquil. Depending on your dog's personality, you can train them to ride in the kayak with you. The most important fact is that your dog has to enjoy being around water and can sit still. Here are some tips for this:

• Get the right size kayak.
In kayaks, dogs can ride in the seating area or if the kayak is large enough, they can ride on top. It's important to make sure that the surface the dogs will be sitting on is secured. One person, put their chihuahua on a boogie board that was strapped to the front of the kayak so the dog wouldn't slip.
• Start out slow.
The best way is to build up. Start out at five minutes the first time, then build up to ten. Many dogs, depending on the breed will be out there as long as a half-hour.
• Make sure your dog knows how to swim.
It's essential that your dog is able to swim in case the kayak capsizes. Also, an effective way to get your dog acclimated to the activity is to have them follow behind while you are paddling. Although it sounds mean, it helps because you are the pack leader and the dog will want to follow you.
• Have them wear a life jacket.
Even the best swimmers can run into difficulties. A life jacket (or PSD) is a must for the safety of your pooch.
• Bring a leash!
You want a five or six foot (two meters) leash attached to your dog. Do not attach the leash to the kayak! It's a surefire way for the dog to drown if you tip over. Instead use a specially made leash that attaches to your waist or keep the leash hanging free.

Also, it's good to have these supplies on hand:

1. Treats
2. Collapsible Water Bowl
3. Leash
4. PSD or Dog Life Jacket
5. First Aid Kit
6. Dog Friendly Sunscreen (Zinc Oxide can be used for this)
7. Ziploc Poop Bags

Let's Discuss!

Do you go kayaking with your dog? What do you like best about it?

Learn More About Kayaking With Your Dog

TopKayaker.net

Fit2Paddle
Dog Channel
Dog Paddling: A Guide to Canoeing with your Dog (From Amazon)

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Treadmills--The New Wave In Workouts

"Rufus" Photo From Flickr

I first saw a dog working out on a treadmill when I caught an episode of The Dog Whisperer one day. Pete and Ashley Simpson-Wentz had their bulldog working out on their treadmill with their leash attached. I was completely amazed.

Treadmills are a popular piece of exercise equipment to have in your house. You can use them any time of the year. You can use them for walking, jogging or hardcore running. Some health clubs are even offering dog memberships to their members. An example of this would be Auburn Total Fitness in California.

Putting your dog on a treadmill is a great way to keep it in shape.

• It's in a controlled environment.
• It it low impact.
• It's indoors.
• The workout can be customized to your dog's needs.
• It's good for people who aren't able to walk their dogs.

Teaching Your Dog How To Use It

Just like any training regimen, this takes some time for a dog to catch on. Some high energy dogs like a Jack Russell Terrier will just jump on and go. Other dogs may be more hesitant since the noise and the moving band on the treadmill can be overwhelming.

A good article that I found shows the owner the proper way to teach your dog. It is written by Dr. Joe Spoo and can be found at his website. Another good resource for treadmill instruction are the how-to videos on You Tube.

Dog Treadmills

With the popularity of this exercise, in addition to treadmills for humans, treadmills have been created exclusively for dogs. What's the difference? Well, they have a lower weight limit and are made according to your dog's size. They also have side walls to prevent the dog slipping off. The third difference is they can cost slightly less than a regular treadmill.

Two good websites that seemed to have decent dog treadmills are Pawwws.com and Hammacher Schlemmer. There's also a website called Jog A Dog, but I didn't care for the metal sides on their treadmill.

Still, human treadmills will work just as well but it's always nice to have an option.

Safety Tips To Remember

• Always monitor your dog when it is on the treadmill.
• Watch the gait for signs of overtiredness.
• Make it a positive experience. Don't show you're nervous, because your dog will pick up on it.
• Always use a leash first. If it's your preference, in time you can teach them to use the treadmill without it, .

Just remember, this is a process and not to get discouraged if your dog doesn't catch on right away. The results and benefits for your dogs health will be well worth it.

Let's Discuss!

Have you tried this workout for your dog? Do any of your health clubs offer a similar program? What are your thoughts on this workout? Personally, since I don't own a treadmill, I can't use this as an option but it's something to consider for the future.

Related Posts

Dog Agility
Workouts for Owners and Dogs
Take A Hike
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Part I
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Part II

Opee the Motorcross Dog

* Photos from LA Times Blog and Associated Press

Sometimes, things happen with little explanation. This is the story of Opee, a dog from Perris, California who loves motocross and has racked up 10,000 hours to prove it.

In the beginning

In 2001, Mike Schelin picked up a puppy after his divorce. He picked up this little Australian Shephard called Opee. Bringing him along while he worked on his bike, Opee would sleep in his toolbag.

One day when Mike was riding his dirt bike, he noticed Opee running along the side of it. With the high energy level the Australian Shepherds have, this dog would not stop running until he stopped his bike. Feeling bad that his dog couldn't be with him, he picked up a four-wheeler for Opee to ride along. Opee did not like the dust in his eyes, so Mike picked up goggles for him. One day, Opee jumped up on the tank of his owner's motocross bike and hasn't looked back since. When the bike is parked, Opee takes a nap on the tank.

While there is a huge concern of this sport being dangerous, Mike has taken all precautions to make sure that his dog is kept safe. When he races, he does not aim to win the competition but does manage to finish every race. Opee is never attached to Mike or the bike so that if the bike does take a spill, he is not trapped. Mike has also taught him special commands to know when to prepare for a jump.

A Seasoned Veteran

These two have accomplished much since then. Being a full-fledged member of American Motorcycle Association, and has a SCORE International card. Mike did this so that he and Opee could race in Baja which is one of the biggest motocross events around. He also has his own custom gear like a helmet, inflatable vest, specially made neck brace, and several jerseys.

This twosome did race in Baja which is a 276 mile (444 km) race. They were on a five-member team and finished the race --with 10 minutes to spare-- in 17 hours and 49 minutes.

They have taken a spill here and there. Even the most skilled motocross racer has a plaster cast past and Opee is no exception. His worst crash came in the 2006 Baja 500. Once, they took a spill at 75 mph in the dirt and went into a 40-foot skid.

The dog skinned his nose and scraped his paw. Mike sliced his leg. Thankfully, the injuries weren't enough to put them out of the race.

Downtime Activities

When Opee isn't racing, he works as a search and rescue dog, an assistance dog for children with disabilities and is an ambassador with the fans of motocross. His owner is trying to get an agent for him but that hasn't materialized yet.

Most importantly, as a responsible dog owner, Mike knows that participating in this sport is Opee's choice. If he doesn't jump on the tank to ride, then he won't take him.

For more information about this dynamic duo check out:

Offroad Puppy
LA Times Blog

Let's Discuss!

What is the most unusual activity you've done with your dog? I would have to say mine is when I have taken Cookie and Gigi on their leashes rollerskating around the neighborhood. I will use my rollerblades and let them go. While this can be dangerous if not done properly, I take every precaution necessary to make sure there are no injuries. I don't do it often, but the dogs do seem to enjoy it when I do, especially Cookie.

Related Posts

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A Day At The Dog Park

With summer starting to wind down, I was hoping to take the dogs to the beach one more time. Due to the possibility of rain, our trip changed to the local dog park. One of the ideas my friend Pat and I tried me backing up and having Pat hold on to them. When I got quite a distance away, they would run towards me. These types of sprints are a great way to expend an energetic dog's energy. Below are some pictures from that day.

Running to me

Cookie is First to Finish

Gigi After a Tough Workout

For all of you who would like other ways to exercise your dogs, you may want to check out:

Workouts for Owners and Dogs
Dog Agility
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Part I
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog Part II

If any of you guys did some interesting activities with your dog this weekend, please leave a comment. Hope you all have a great day!