Glyco Flex For Joints

Helps keep your dogs healthy...I know that dogs can't have chocolate, but they can have liver. I don't know much about dog treats, but I know that my Pomeranians love Glyco Flex Stage III Joint Support Soft Chews. Glyco Flex is a nice treat to offset their otherwise healthy but bland diet of Royal Canin Mini Dental Hygiene Dry Dog Food.

Pomeranians are prone to joint problems. Mine are only three years old and are already having problems. The Veterinarian recommended a joint support formula and mentioned Glyco Flex as a good brand. I ordered a 60-count pouch of the chews from www.kvvet.com. The price for the 16 ounce (60 count) bag from KV Vets is $20.95. I purchased two bags, and the shipping was free. These chews run $49.99 at 1800petmeds.com for the 120 count, so KV Vets offers a decent savings.


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Glyco Flex

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Royal Canin Mini Dental

Pomeranians are high maintenance. It seems little dogs tend to be. They are cute and fun (and mean and aggressive) but they are also prone to medical issues, especially joint degeneration, for which they take Glyco Flex Stage III. Small dogs also tend to have teeth that are disproportionately large for their jaw, which increases their tendency to build up deposits of dental plaque. This is compounded by the fact that smaller dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than larger breeds, meaning that they need to have healthy teeth for a longer period of time. As part of an aggressive maintenance program, it is a good idea to consider your dogs' dental health. This can be done through the use of dental chews and/or the use of special dog food, like Royal Canin Dental Hygiene formula dog food.

I normally purchase dog food from Petsmart. I have not purchased dog food on-line (although I have purchased medication and other products for them on-line). Royal Canin runs approximately ten dollars for a three pound bag at Petsmart, depending on whether it's on sale or not. I see that Amazon Marketplace (an Epinions partner site) is offering this dog food for $9.44, which is kind of expensive if you have to pay for shipping...I didn't check to see if the shipping was included in that price. This product might be one that you want to purchase from your local pet supply store...then you can check the dates to ensure freshness, and maybe even save a few dollars.

Royal Canin lists the ingredients of their Mini Dental Hygiene dry dog food as: Chicken, brown rice, rice, chicken meal, chicken fat (naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract and citric acid), corn gluten meal, natural chicken flavor, dried beet pulp, dried egg powder, soya oil, fish oil, potassium chloride, sodium silico aluminate, brewers yeast, cellulose powder, chicory extract, calcium sulfate, salt, DL-methionine, calcium carbonate, sodium tripolyphosphate, L-tyrosine, L-lysine, dried alfalfa, flax seed, Vitamins dl-alpha tocopherol acetate. I like the fact that the first ingredient is chicken...that means that this dog food isn't loaded with fillers (at least not as the primary ingredient).


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Royal Canin Mini Dental Hygiene

Nylabone Fold Away Den

I have owned several different types of dog carriers over the years. The two most common types of carrier that I have seen are the hard plastic type comprised of a top and bottom section that snap together in the middle, and the steel wire type that fold over for storage. The advantage of the plastic crate comes from the lightweight construction. However, when this crate requires storage it takes up quite a bit of room, because the smallest size you can reduce it to is half it's full size (by disconnecting the top from the bottom and inverting it and storing the top inside the bottom upside-down). The advantage of the metal type carrier is that it folds down completely, taking up very little room when stored (you can even slide it under the bed...which you can't do with the plastic one). The disadvantage of the steel carriers are that they are heavy and awkward to carry. Nylabone carrier combines the best qualities of both of these carrier types. It is lightweight ABS plastic that folds completely flat for easy storage or transport.

The Nylabone brand is known for producing dog chew toys. I was not aware that they made dog carriers until I discovered the brand while reading through the KV Vet catalog. My Pomeranians previously had small steel construction crates which they were starting to get a little cramped in. The steel crates, although designed for small breeds, were actually pretty heavy and very awkward to carry around. Once the crates arrived, assembly was fairly simple. The crates are bound with a velcro strap. After removing the strap, you pull the top of the crate upward and fold the sides into place. All the parts snap into place. No tools are required for assembly. A spring mechanism helps hold everything in place. The Pomeranians are still a bit unsure about their new den, but from an ower's perspective, it is a good deal.

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Nylabone Fold Away Den And Carrier

Nature's Miracle Cleaning Liquid

Having pets means that you sometimes have to deal with accidents. Sometimes your pet gets sick and just can't help it. As a pet owner, you don't want your pets to think that it's okay to relieve themselves in the house. Plus, you probably don't want to smell it. To prevent stains and odors that may confuse your pet (or your guests), an application of Nature's Miracle may be just what the doctor ordered. (The Rug Doctor).

Nature's Miracle works using natural enzymes. The product claims that it will work on urine and feces (which are the only dog stains I have used this on), as well as food, drooling and bedding stains. Getting these odors out when they happen will save you a lot of headache later on. The product also claims that the ingredients in this cleaner are safe around children and pets. That's good to know, since both tend to spend the most time in direct contact with the carpet.

Nature's Miracle is simple to use. After wiping up any excess liquid from the stain area, you simply soak the area with Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover. The cap has a flip-up spout which dispenses the product in a thin stream. After thoroughly dousing the area simply wipe it up. If you are cleaning a stain, you should wait five minutes for the product to work before wiping up the excess liquid. Tough stains may require the use of a stiff brush. Nature's Miracle also claims that this product can be used on laundry, by soaking the stained areas prior to washing.

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Tomlyn Nova Pearls

If you own pets, then you have inevitably experienced a variety of problems with odor. Long haired pets are even more susceptible to odor issues, especially if they have long fur near their hind-quarters. If you are a pet lover that enjoys the company of your pets on the furniture, then ensuring your house remains odor free may be as important to you as it is to me.

In order to reduce problems with odor, I clean accidents in my carpet or on furniture using Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover. To keep my pets smelling fresh (which ultimately keeps my furniture and carpet smelling fresh), I use Nova Pearls. The name Nova Pearls is a bit misleading, as this is a mist sprayer that uses pump action to eject propellant onto the area of your pet that you want to deodorize. I guess the name is simply a marketing concept.

After taking the dogs for a walk, I freshen them up with a baby wipe and a heavy dose of Nova Pearls. The spray goes directly on to their posterior region. I use the baby wipes to assist in cleaning and rubbing the deodorant into their fur. The pleasant smell of this spray is much nicer than the au naturale odor you might otherwise be stuck with. This saves you from having to clean your furniture later on.

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Got to have a puppy kong

The latest addition to my family came home yesterday. Kuma is a German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix that I adopted from the Humane Society. When I saw his big green eyes peering up at me, and his beautiful copper colored coat with German Shepherd tan markings, I couldn't resist. I guess I'm a sucker. Kuma is nine weeks old so toys can help keep him entertained as well providing relief for teething. An excellent product to assist with teething is Kong's Puppy Kong for puppies up to twenty pounds.

Kong is one of the pre-eminent producers of safe dog training aids. The Puppy Kong is made of a softer rubber that is easier on a pup's teeth. Leaving a puppy unattended during the day without toys to stimulate their young active minds is a disaster waiting to happen. Do yourself (and your furniture) a favor by having plenty of toys on hand for your new puppy.

The Kong Puppy toys are specially designed to provide several benefits for your puppy. Aside from easing the pain of teething, they also aid in the development of your dogs mouth. The softer rubber provides strong resistance while "giving" enough to provide relief and exercise. These toys also provide play opportunities to prevent boredom. They are equipped with a cavity that allows a treat to be hidden inside to assist in holding your pup's attention. By encouraging proper chewing habits and channeling your dogs attention they learn what proper chewing habits are. Puppy Kong can also ease sore gums. Most importantly, when you are home, Puppy Kong provides a bonding opportunity for you and your new pet.

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Kong Stuffn

In order to give my new puppy Kuma (a German Shepherd/Siberian Husky) a warm welcome to his new home, I purchased several toys to keep him happy. One highly recommended toy that aids with teething is the Puppy Kong chew toy. This toy provides great exercise for your puppy's mouth and satisfies his natural urge to chew. It is specially designed of soft rubber for puppies up to nine months old. Kong makes a special filler that you can spray inside the Puppy Kong to keep your puppy interested.

The Puppy Kong Stuff'n is formulated to be easy on the tummy. When you bring a new puppy home, it is important to avoid diet changes as this may upset your puppy's stomach. With all of the stress involved in adapting to a new environment, upset tummy's are the last thing your new puppy needs. The chicken liver flavor will have your puppy begging for more.

The delivery system for the Puppy Kong Stuff'n is easy and convenient. It is designed like the old Cheez Whiz or Reddi Wip canister with a nozzle on top that you press sideways to operate. The tip allows you to insert the end of the canister into the Kong toy to deliver the product into the interior of the toy. A single serving size is considered to be one teaspoon. There are approximately 45 servings inside each 8 ounce can. The cans run approximately seven to eight dollars each, which is a little bit expensive. However, with this treat, a small amount goes a long way. If you really want to treat your puppy on a hot day, freeze the Kong with the filling in it before giving it to him/her! Refreshing.

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Dingo Dog Denta Treats

Dental chews are a good way to help your dog exercise his teeth while cleaning up tartar and freshening his/her breath. Especially the latter. I have used Greenies, which work well, but has a propensity to make one of my dogs have loose stool. I switched to Mini Dingo Denta-Treats which cost less and don't have the negative side effects. A twelve ounce bag runs eight dollars at PetSmart. Compare that with ten dollars for a six ounce bag of Greenies.

When I gave the Mini Dingo Denta Treats to my new puppy I received a positive response. It didn't take him long to demolish the hard bone. It appeared that he liked the flavor. More importantly, this treat was an emergency response of sorts. My puppy decided to try a taste of feces that some other inconsiderate dog owner left behind. I certainly didn't want any part of puppy kisses after that move. After wiping his mouth with a baby wipe, I gave him plenty of water and a Denta Treat. It did an excellent job of removing any odor from his breath. Eeek. Additionally, Denta Treats remove plaque and tartar build up, which becomes more important as dogs get older. For a puppy it's not as big of an issue. However, puppies do have teething pain, so treats like this likely provide a bit of relief for teething.

The Mini Dingo Denta Treats are specially designed for smaller breeds. However, they are also a nice size for large breed puppies. They are also designed without dyes that can stain. Aside from the dental benefits, these treats are also infused with Vitamin E for a healthy coat and skin as well as Bromelain Enzyme to aid in digestion.

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Grannick's Bitter Apple

Puppies are like little sponges...observing the world around them, quickly learning what works and what doesn't. It is important to train the puppies while they are young to avoid problem behavior when they get too big to handle...otherwise you're going to be stuck calling Cesar Milan. Puppies that are teething can be very destructive if they are not properly trained. Aside from using good teething toys like the Puppy Kong chew toy, there are products that act as a deterrent to destructive chewing as well. The product that I use is Grannick's Bitter Apple Taste Deterrent.

Grannick's Bitter Apple comes in a spray bottle (available in 8 or 16 ounce sizes). The spray bottle allows you to apply a mist of bitter apple spray on the area that your puppy has taken to chewing. With a new puppy in the home, I am back in training as much as the puppy is in training. I have to be observant to ensure that the puppy doesn't take control of my house. I do not want to replace furniture or cabinets, and I don't want my puppy to consume anything that is going to harm or kill him. One very dangerous situation I have discovered with this pup is his desire to chew on electrical cords. I have known other people to have this problem, but it is not one I have had to deal with in the past. Obviously, a plugged in lamp or appliance could have disastrous results for a teething puppy, and possibly for your home.

I applied Grannick's Bitter Apple to the electrical cord that my puppy had taken to chewing on (I caught him every time, so he really hadn't chewed on it as much as taken it into his mouth in preparation to chew). When my puppy tasted the cord he immediately lost interest in it. Having had some success with this product, I took it another step. My puppy hasn't bitten any furniture, but he likes to gnaw on me with those razor sharp puppy teeth. It can be painful. I decided to spray my hands and let him taste. It worked. Although my puppy still grabs my hand in his mouth he doesn't do it as often and hasn't bitten very hard. I may have to keep after him with some additional applications to fully break him of the nipping. One thing is obvious, my puppy does not like the flavor of Grannick's Bitter Apple.

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Nature's Miracle Puppy Pads Work Great

While doing research on the Nature's Miracle Quick Results Training Pads I stumbled onto something that I did not realize before. I have been using several great products that are marketed under different names...but are all licensed as Eight in One Pet Products distributed by United Pet Group, Inc. Among the great products that I use that are distributed in this manner are Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, Mini Dingo Denta-Treats and Premium Select Tearless Puppy Shampoo (which is made by Eight in One for Target Corporation). The training pads are yet another quality product distributed by Eight in One.

The first potty pads that I purchased for my puppy were Simple Solution Training Pads which were touted as Leak Proof. They leaked. Like a seive. The good thing is, my puppy did use them. However, transporting them to the trash can was tedious at best. In order to minimize leakage, I had to put them directly into a plastic grocery bag before moving them...even then they leaked. That pack contained fourteen pads and ran around eight or nine dollars at PetSmart. I went back and purchased a thirty pack of Nature's Miracle Training Pads mostly because I use the Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Cleaner and have come to trust the brand. The thirty pack ran around fifteen dollars, which is comparable in price to the Simple Solution brand.

Nature's Miracle makes a few claims about these pads that are rather hard for me to verify, based on the fact that my puppy was already using the other pads. In fairness to both companies, my puppy has eliminated on both brands. The pad begins with pheromones which are designed to attract the puppy to the pads. What sets Nature's Miracle apart is the Fresh Grass Scent which is designed to train your dog to eliminate in the grass...this concept is supposed to create scent recognition to speed up the process of housebreaking your puppy. My puppy tends to go outside when I am home and uses the pad while I am at work. So for the most part, he is using natural grass when he can.


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Nature's Miracle. Great Cleaning Power.

Great cleaning power that eliminates odors...

http://www.epinions.com/review/Nature_S_Miracle_Quick_Results_Training_Pads_22_x23_Pads_30_Count/content_426313223812

Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food

My puppy, Kuma, is part Husky. There are some obvious Husky traits that he exhibits. As far as the rest of his lineage...it is probably Heinz 57 (I have a sneaking suspicion that he has a healthy dose of Australian Shepherd, too). Whatever the lineage, his paws are huge and at ten weeks he is already weighing in at sixteen pounds. He is definitely going to be a large breed dog. Husky's in particular are prone to Hip Dysplasia, while large breed dogs in general tend to have joint problems. Being a mixed breed helps his prognosis when it comes to hereditary diseases, but it is important that he eat a careful diet to ensure healthy development. In addition to health issues, Huskies also tend to eat small portions which comes from their breeding. Because of the small portions for a large breed dog, it is important to maximize the nutrition they are getting in their meals.

I do not feed my pets table scraps. It is not necessarily that I have anything against pets eating human food...but more that pets need to have balanced nutrition the same as humans. When I brought my new puppy home, I put a lot of thought into the type of food I wanted to feed him. The Humane Society was feeding him Purina bulk dog food because there are obvious cost issues involved in running a shelter. One issue in bringing home a new puppy is being careful not to alter their diet drastically. A puppy's stomach may have adverse reactions to drastic diet changes that will translate into messy carpeting. Luckily, I was able to avoid those problems with a wise food selection.

I visited PetSmart where I purchase a great deal of my pet products. There is a wide selection of high end food available at PetSmart. Several of the brands have products specifically marketed to puppies. After carefully reviewing the selections, I settled on Blue Buffalo. Blue Buffalo has a Puppy Formula food that is designed for large breed dogs. A fifteen pound bag of Blue Buffalo set me back over twenty dollars. I could easily have gone to Wal-Mart and purchased a similarly sized bag of Old Roy for under ten dollars. However, I feel the investment in my puppies health will pay off down the line.

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What Could Be More Fun Than A Rubber Ball?

Teething puppies require good toys to prevent them from chewing on things they are not supposed to be chewing on. I purchased a couple of tennis balls (designed for dogs) for my puppy to play with. These sub-standard tennis balls frayed quickly, leaving my pup with a blue goatee. The sight of my brown puppy walking around with blue fuzz around his muzzle was humorous, but gave me cause for concern. What wasn’t stuck to his snout was inevitably on it’s way to his stomach. I am certain that consuming tennis ball dander can not be the healthiest thing for a growing puppy. My pup likes to chase the ball around, so I decided to find a healthier alternative.

I am a fan of Kong products because of their durability. I visited PetSmart in search of a ball that would assist my puppy with his teething, while creating playful activity for him. The Puppy Kong that I had purchased for him first is tubular in shape and not as fun to play with. Although he likes to chew on the Puppy Kong it is difficult for him to roll it around. I found several variations of Kong balls at the store. Some of them, like most Kong products, can be filled with a treat of some sort. I decided against another treat ball, opting instead for a hard rubber ball that could be tossed and bounced without any interference from treat cavities.

The Kong rubber ball is about the same size as a tennis ball. Because it is not a treat ball, the exterior is solid. The ball is heavier than the treat alternatives. KONG is embossed in bold (slightly raised) letters across the surface of the ball. This does not seem to effect the ball much if you bounce it off the ground. The hard rubber is not designed for a young puppy to teeth on, but is durable for play. Because this ball was intended to replace the tennis balls that were dissolving in my pup’s mouth, I was not as concerned as much with the teething aspect as I was with the durability. This ball will sustain puppy play for a very long time. It is a solid, well built hard rubber ball. For an adult large breed dog, this ball may eventually give way to strong jaws, but it will take some work.

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Farnam Comfort Zone Canine Spray.

Comfort Zone Spray by Farnham products articulates several claims that make the cost of a small bottle seem like a good investment. Thirty-Five dollars is a healthy investment in such a small product. The return on that investment would be valuable, if the product lives up to it's claims. The website indicates that In clinical studies, Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® reduced or ended destructive behavior in 91% of dogs, reduced or ended house soiling in 75% of dogs and reduced or ended excessive barking and whining in 65% of dogs. D.A.P. sounds like a complex chemical, but simply stands for "Dog Appeasing Pheromone."

After the many trials and tribulations that a rescued puppy experiences, I wanted to provide an easy transition for my puppy from the kennels to his new home. I purchased this product believing it would prevent rather than end destructive behavior, assist in house breaking, prevent barking and create a comfort zone for my new pet. Knowing that the puppy would be left at home alone during the day, I wanted to create an atmosphere that was peaceful and comfortable.

The concept at work with this product is that all animals release a variety of pheromones that are used as a means of communications. Pheromones can indicate possession of territory or can be released during mating. Comfort Zone produces an analog of the pheromone released by nursing mother dogs. In theory, the scent of this pheromone is supposed to create a soothing climate for your puppy. Comfort Zone suggests that their product will assist in stopping barking, urination and defecation, whimpering and whining, anxiety, chewing and other stress related behavior. They also suggest that their product will ease the stress of car travel, veterinarian visits, adoption, adjusting to their new home, visitors to the home, introduction of a new pet, moving to a new home and thunderstorms or fireworks.


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Tear Free Shampoo Isn't Only For Babies

Dogs and Puppies require quality grooming products just like humans. Although their Ph balance is different from humans, they need products designed to meet the balance they require. I used a substandard shampoo on my Golden Retriever a couple of years ago resulting in a skin rash. I took her to the vet when the rash did not go away. The vet advised me that her shampoo was the likely culprit. I was given a bottle of prescription skin conditioner and a bill for more than one hundred dollars. If I had invested a few extra dollars in a better shampoo I could have saved a lot more money later on. Some lessons are learned the hard way.

When shopping for a puppy shampoo for Kuma, my new Husky mix puppy, I took several factors into consideration. Brand recognition was one major factor for me. I wanted to ensure that I had a brand that I knew and trusted. Scent was another major factor I considered, while price was a distant third. When I found Tender Care Pup Shampoo I discovered that it is distributed by Eight in One Products. Eight in One makes several products that have earned my trust. Among the products they make that I currently use are Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor Remover, Mini Dingo Denta Treats and Nature's Miracle Quick Results Training Pads. Aside from brand recognition, this shampoo had a pleasant baby powder fragrance and claimed to be tearless.

I gave my puppy his first bath a week ago, after his surgery had healed. My puppy has thick husky fur which required me to create lots of lather to fully saturate his coat. After permeating the water resistance of the fur, I lathered him up and rinsed him off thoroughly. The fragrance of the baby powder was pleasantly apparent during the process. After my puppy was fully dried off, I brushed and then combed him out. Husky fur can be tough to comb out. It appeared to me that this shampoo aided in the grooming process by leaving his fur easier to manage. I hit a few rough spots with the comb, but nothing that caused him to wince.

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Miracle Beam Cat Toy

Keeping up with a playful puppy can be a great challenge. Although puppies sleep as many as sixteen hours per day, the eight hours they are awake can be full of energy. I try to find toys for my puppy that will tire him out without wearing me out in the process. Toys like frisbees and balls that my puppy can fetch and bring back are great for keeping him busy while I sit back and relax. Another great product is the Miracle Beam Laser Cat Toy. He doesn't need to know that it was designed for his feline counterparts.

The Miracle Bean Laser Cat Toy allows me to exercise my puppy without making me have to run. I like to run, but haven't endeavored to take my puppy on a real run yet. Maybe eventually we will work up to that. This laser has a bright light that works well indoors, but not if there is excessively sunlight getting into the house. When the house is just a little bit dim, this laser produces a sharp enough light that I can run my puppy ragged chasing the red dot. The laser is powerful enough to shine into the next room and back, allowing me to create a pretty good distance for my puppy to exercise. It is also fun to play with his puppy psychology. I like to put the dot on his paws and watch him try to shake it off or bite it. This product provides my puppy exercise while giving me a bit of comic relief.

This laser comes in a small light-weight cylinder that is attached to a keychain (with a clip attached). You could attach this laser to your keyring or clip it to your belt. I don't carry mine around with me so I don't use these features. The laser is not very visible outdoors, so I only use it in the house. The metal casing is very durable and will last a long time. I have owned this laser since my other dog was a puppy and the batteries are still going strong. I believe I've had this laser for about two years. With limited use, the batteries are still going strong. I am not sure how much the replacement batteries cost, but the entire unit was only about six dollars, so if the batteries are any more than that I will just replace it.

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Petmate Wire Kennel For Crate Training.

When my Golden Retriever was a puppy she was crate trained. As she got bigger, we had to purchase a larger cage for. The product we purchased was the Deluxe Edition Wire Kennel by Petmate. She is a medium sized dog, so we purchased the large size which fit her well. After a period of time we stopped using the crate and it went into storage. When my newest puppy came home, I purchased a new crate for him. The crate I bought was Bargain Hound which is a hard plastic crate that can be used to transport pets, too. I also purchased a bed that fit perfectly inside the crate. My puppy has gained five pounds in the last three weeks. He protested a great deal when I put him in his crate a couple nights ago. He looked like he had enough room, but I got the feeling that he was feeling cramped.

After repeated "complaints" from my puppy, I decided to get the old Petmate crate out of storage and see if it made a difference. I moved the bedding into the larger crate and placed my puppy inside. The large crate had ample space inside for my puppy to move around or stretch out. He laid across the bottom of the crate with his feet pointing opposite directions. He looked to be in puppy heaven. The protesting stopped and I was finally able to get some sleep. My puppy has been sleeping in this crate for the last couple of nights which have been uneventful. Although he looked comfortable in the other crate, apparently he needed more space.

The Petmate kennel does not work well for carrying an animal inside. It is large and bulky and does not contain any handles. Even with handles, the size would be too awkward to try and carry...especially with live cargo inside. This kennel works better as a den for your pet, which can be set up in an area where you don't plan on moving it from. The kennel is very large when it is erected, so you need plenty of floor space. The dimensions are 36 x 24 x 28.5. This crate has twice the floor space and is approximately eight inches taller than the Bargain Hound crate I had been using.


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Cardinal Health Pet Botanics Training Rewards Treats Lamb

Puppies need training. An untrained puppy will grow up to be a difficult to train dog. The sooner you begin training the easier time you will have of it. Puppies, like children, learn quickly. By taking advantage of their eagerness to please, you can have your puppy well trained in no time. Puppies have short attention spans, so it can be helpful to add a treat reward to the normal praise that puppies respond well to.

While I try not to use food exclusively as a reward, I find that it is an excellent way to keep my puppy focused. It also allows me the opportunity to do training that is a bit more complex. I can place a treat on the floor and tell my puppy "leave it." By offering a second reward for leaving the first, I can introduce a more complicated formula to the training. (In this particular training, the puppy is never allowed to have the reward he is told to leave). This training method has worked well for me.

While visiting PetSmart I was trying to decide on a good training reward. There were several selections that had different benefits. I did not want larger treats, opting instead for something small that allows me to reinforce my dog with multiple rewards without making a meal out of training session. I also didn't want to go with a treat that was basically empty (like Pup Corn). One of the brands that appealed to me was Pet Botanics Training Reward. These treats are about the thickness of a human beefstick treat that has been cut into quarter inch sections. This makes it a nice nibble size for my puppy.

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Pet Smells Can Be Removed With Baking Soda

As long as I can remember there has been a box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda in my house. When I was young, my grandmother always kept a fresh box of this inexpensive product in the refrigerator as a natural deodorant. What I did not know is that baking soda (also known as Sodium Bicarbonate) has a very long history and numerous uses. This product is a naturally occurring mineral called nahcolite, which is a component of another mineral known as natron. The baking soda we commonly use is not normally harvested from mineral springs, but more likely produced through a chemical process.

This review is being written in conjunction with Earth Day, so I would first like to address the long history of Baking Soda as a cleaning agent. Baking Soda is an excellent non-toxic product that can be used to treat stains. The chemical products that are commonly sold for stain treatment may contain many harmful chemicals, and many of them also contain baking soda...which can be mixed at home for a fraction of the cost. Baking Soda was also the primary agent used to clean the copper skin on the Statue of Liberty. It can be used to clean many metals but should not be used on aluminum as it is a reactive metal. Baking Soda can be used as shampoo and has been used as a mild soap during ancient times. Many toothpastes claim to use Baking Soda as a whitener...it can also be used as a salt to brush your teeth. Because Arm and Hammer has such a long history, I trust this brand over others.

In terms of the natural deodorizing properties of Baking Soda, Arm and Hammer has been a staple in my home ever since I started doing my own shopping. Arm and Hammer makes a small disc product for use in deodorizing refrigerators, but the formula is still basically the same. I prefer to stick with what I know, keeping an open box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda in my refrigerator and freezer. The odor and moisture absorbing properties of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda can also be applied to an open room or carpeting. If you sprinkle it on your carpet and vacuum you will get the benefit of odor control without the heavy fragrances.

http://www.epinions.com/review/Pure_Baking_Soda_01110/content_427094281860

Simple Solution Training Pads Are A Great Investment

If you read my review on Simple Solutions Training Potty Pads you will see that I was not at all impressed with them. However, I hold down my current Nature's Miracle Quick Results Training Pads using the Simple Solution Training Pad Holder. This holder fits most potty pads. If you have a problem with shredded potty pads, then you may want to consider investing in a holder.

The Simple Solution Training Pad Holder is not cheap. It is a very simple design made of plastic strips. Although this product is very inexpensive to produce, you can expect to pay around twenty dollars at Petco or PetSmart for this product. If you are currently getting by without a holder then it may not be worth the investment. However, if you have patty pads strewn around the house or shredded to pieces then this product may be exactly what you need.

Most training potty pads are tear resistant. However, this feature is defeated somewhat if your pet is given an opportunity to fling the pad around and get to the bottom of the pad, which is not a resistant to tears. Taping the pads to the floor may work, but leaves a sticky mess on the floors. I did not have any success with the taping method, my puppy figured out how to rip the pad up anyway.


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Puppy Kong Is Great For Teething Pups!

My puppy has gained ten pounds since I brought him home from the Humane Society two and half weeks ago. At twenty pounds at eleven weeks old, I'm afraid I will have a monster on my hands. I purchased a Puppy Kong stick when I brought him home. This teething Kong was designed for puppies up to twenty pounds. Now that my puppy is twenty pounds, I'm afraid that he might bite off a piece of the smaller Kong. I stopped at Petco to pick up a larger Kong, settling on the Medium Sized recommended for puppies from fifteen to thirty-five pounds.

The Medium Puppy Kong I purchased has the classic Kong design. It is shaped like a snowman with a small hole in the top end and a larger hole in the bottom end. This Kong is also made of teething formula rubber, so it will assist my puppy with his teething needs. The teething formula rubber is somewhat softer than the traditional Kong products allowing more give when biting. Although this eases teething, it makes it more important to continually check the product for signs of wear. During two weeks with the small Kong, my puppy wasn't able to create any visible damage, so even the softer rubber is pretty strong.

I have a Large Kong made of traditional rubber for my Golder Retriever and a small Puppy Kong of this same shape for my Pomeranians. For some reason, the Medium Sized teething Kong seems to have a smaller lip on the inside of the large end. The lip on the end of the Kong allows you to insert treats so that your puppy will be stimulated to play with the Kong. The treats I have put in this Kong fall out easily. That makes for a short game. I will end up having to use the Kong Stuff'n which comes in a pressurized container. The Kong Stuff'n can be sprayed into the middle and won't come out the way hard treats do. I have tried some of the Kong Stuff'n I have left from the other Puppy Kong and it seems to work okay.

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Frontline Vs. Advantix

I bounce back and forth between Frontline Plus and Canine Advantix. I have used both products successfully and would not necessarily recommend one over the other. They are comparable in price (both are expensive) and provide much of the same protection. Frontline Plus treats for Fleas, Ticks and Lice while Canine Advantix treats for Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos. Advantix may have the edge in that they repel those insects as well as killing them (while Frontline merely kills them on contact). A newcomer to this market is Revolution which is comparable in price and treats for up to a month.

I purchased a three pack of the Frontline Plus at the Humane Society when I brought my puppy home. I bought the zero to 22 pound version thinking that I shouldn't buy more than three in case he gets bigger than 22 pounds by the end of the year. Well, here we are three weeks later and he has gained ten pounds...tipping the scales at twenty pounds already. Luckily I can use any left over treatments on my Pomeranians who are about ten pounds each. At twelve dollars a pop on the low end, unused portions could put several gallons of gas in your tank (now that is saying a lot). The Humane Society is about the cheapest I can find this product at ten or twelve dollars per unit (and you can buy it at that price in smaller packages). To order this product on-line, you are looking at about $150.00 for a pack of twelve which is more than I paid locally. There is a link showing up on Epinions advertising this product for $45.00...I clicked it because I wanted to save that kind of money. The link is not accurate. When I got to the page to purchase this product they only have it in three and six month packs. The six month pack is just over fifty dollars, which makes it less expensive than 1-800-Petmeds, but nowhere near as cheap as they are advertising.

Frontline Plus is very easy to apply. It comes in a triangular shaped green plastic tube with a foil backing. The unit is wrapped in another foil and plastic wrapper that has to be removed first. After the outer wrapper is removed, the top of the tube can be bent backwards opening the top of the vial. Take your pet and hold them gently while exposing as much skin on the back of their neck as you can expose, then pour the contents of this tube onto that area. It will primarily get into their hair while some may actually hit the skin. The product will work its way in over time. Once the product has set up on your pet's skin, it is somewhat water resistant. If you pet plays in the water there is no need for another treatment. This product should be applied monthly. There are stickers inside the package that you can place on the calendar to remind you of the dates that your pet is due for his or her next treatment.


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Bamboo Pet Combat Not Field Expedient!

During a recent visit to PetSmart I found the Bamboo Brand tug-of-war toy that appeared to be well constructed. The tag indicated that it was built to withstand the toughest abuse that a dog could deliver. The seams appeared to be well constructed and the heavy nylon fabric seemed to support the idea that this was a tough toy. The toy is approximately a foot long, with a handle sewn into one end and a squeek toy embedded in the other end. The idea being that the owner holds the handle end and pulls against the dog who bites into the more thickly padded squeeker end.

I brought the toy home and found it to be an instant success. The toy was great fun to play with and my puppy was immediately interested. It was his favorite toy for the full seven days that it lasted. The stitching around the edges is reinforced with black nylon material. The interior is composed of fiber fill and the squeeker toy (which never broke). My puppy easily chewed through the seams around the entire perimeter of the toy. If I had used the toy for only tug of war and then put it away it may have lasted longer. Allowing my puppy to teeth on the toy destroyed it quickly. The nylon shredded into strings which quickly littered my carpet with red and black nylon and white fiber. It seemed like I was constantly picking up remnants of the toy as my puppy slowly dissolved the edges. After working his way through the seams around the handle he removed all of the fiber fill from the handle area which still managed to hold some shape. While working his way through the squeeker end of the toy, great gobs of fiber fill littered my floor. After seven days, the toy was destroyed to the point that it was simply dropping colored nylon on the carpet anywhere it happened to land. It found it’s way into the garbage can when the puppy wasn’t looking. My puppy is now content playing catch with his Kong toy...having long forgotten his brief romance with the Bamboo tug-of-war toy.

The Bamboo tug-of-war toy set me back fifteen dollars at PetSmart. That appears to be the going rate, although Epinions shows partners offering this toy for under ten dollars. I have had great success with Kong brand toys, which generally run around ten dollars each. For the price, I think that the Kong brand might be a better investment. However, I followed up my tug-of-war toy with a Kong Wubba, which is made of similar material. My puppy is quickly working his way through the Wubba which appears to be holding up slightly better but not by much. I guess the lesson here might be that puppies are going to destroy nylon toys in short order. For teething, I think I am going to stick with the rubber Kong toys and wait until my puppy is older to return to the softer nylon toys.

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Avoid the Wubba Wubba

I recently purchased my puppy a Kong Wubba as a replacement for a nylon tug of war toy made by Bamboo. As a loyal Kong customer, I figured the Wubba to be a superior product. My older dog Katie has an Extra Large Wubba that she chewed the tassels off of, but the body of that toy is still intact after several months. My puppy has not been as kind to this toy. In just over a week, remnants are all that remain of this toy...from here on in I think I will stick to rubber toys.

The first Kong Wubba I purchased was in a set that included a rubber Kong toy, Kong Stuff'n and a large (three tiered) Kong Wubba. That larger wubba has withstood a decent amount of abuse but is not subjected to the constant gnawing of a teething puppy. It was this wubba that gave me a little hope that the kong nylon product might be superior to the Bamboo product. I was wrong. The Kong Wubba that I purchased for my puppy was just a vulnerable to his bite as the Bamboo tug toy.

The Wubba is made of a small tennis ball and a larger squeek ball encased in a tight nylon cover. The end of the toy has nylon tails for throwing the toy. The concept of this toy is really puppy nirvana. You have a squeek toy, soft nylon, a tennis ball, tassels for throwing or tug of war and the classic Kong shape for a bounce that will throw the toy different directions. The concept is genious...the materials not. Puppy teeth shred nylon like a knife through butter.

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Kong Tug Toy

After the poor performance of my Bamboo Tug Toy followed by an encore poor performance from my Kong Wubba I decided to find a more durable toy to replace these shredded (nylon) predecessors. Being a loyal Kong customer (although I also like Nylabone), I decided to start in the Kong section at my local PetSmart. I was actually surprised to find that Kong also makes a tug toy which is made of plastic and rubber instead of nylon. I have not seen this product in the past. I purchased one for ten dollars and took it home to try it out.

The good news about this product is that it is very durable. The product is designed like a figure eight with the primary construction being of a hard plastic. This red plastic area has ribbing throughout creating gripping and gnawing surfaces. Each end of the tug toy as well as the middle section are made of hard Kong rubber. This black area has finger grips molded into the rubber to allow you to get a good grip to wrestle with your pup. I was looking forward to some good contests with my four month old pup who is now a biscuit over forty pounds.

The bad news is that my dog doesn’t like to play tug of war with me. He actually likes the toy. He will sit and gnaw away on it like any of his other toys. However, when I present him with one end of the toy to play a game of tug of war, he doesn’t seem all that interested. With the Bamboo tug toy he actually battled me a bit. With the Kong tug toy he doesn’t seem to want to grab his end very tightly. I don’t think it hurts his mouth...it simply seems like he doesn’t get it. Every once in a while he will tug a bit, but not very hard.

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