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What do you do about keeping the dog home alone? Does your dog bark, cry, have accidents or destroy the furniture? Do you feel guilty when you leave the house? What if you were able to help your dog learn to adjust to having you out of his sight? Kate Mallatratt's book, Home Alone--And Happy ! (published by Hubble & Hattie, 2016) is chock full of tips at how you can not only accomplish this, but also help your dog to feel relaxed and happy while you're gone. And I'm giving away a copy of the book at the end of this post. Many of my friends have this problem with their dogs. While I don't recommend leaving a puppy home alone for long periods of time, there are times you're going to have to leave the house. One of the ideas in the book is to teach your dog to be comfortable alone before separation becomes a problem. This should be part of your dog's regular training, as important as sit and stay. The author first explains the home-alone scenario through your d...

Explosions, powerful booms, sudden crashes---it's enough to send your dog running for cover. But fireworks do more damage than just cause dogs to cower. They can create severe anxiety, even panic.  Keep calm, like Ike!  If left alone during a fireworks episode, some dogs will scratch or bite at crates, doors and walls enough to harm themselves, or if possible, escape and run off to some place they perceive safer. Here are some ways you can help calm your dog this 4th of July: 1. Provide Hiding Places- - Make sure bedroom or closet doors are open, or that your dog has access to some place he feels safe. For some dogs that might be glued to your side, while others prefer to seek out a dark corner. But don't shut your dog in any place he feels trapped, or can't escape if he wants. 2. Distract--   Play a game with your dog, or practice your training routines. This could help take her mind off her fears. Kelly and Ike think 4th of July is all fun and games. 3. Model Calmnes...

There are so many stories about animals needing our intervention and protection, I wanted to bring you a story of good news. A story about a group of people, gathering together to stand up for causes to protect our companion animals from cruelty. This week, June 7th was Animal Advocacy day in Albany NY. Hundreds of people gathered in New York's capital city to support animals. One of the causes highlighted this year was Kirby and Quigley's Law, named for two gentle Montgomery County NY family dogs who were shot and killed during a home invasion. The law would make it a felony for the harming of a companion animal during the commission of another felony.  The day was sponsored by Assemblyman Jim Tedisco and Senator Phil Boyle. Many rescue groups and animal causes, local animal advocate Steve Caporizzo, Bocker the labradoodle, Hudson the Railroad Dog, birds, a pony, and many more were in attendance at the NY State Legislative Office Building. Check out some of the adorable animal...

Cinnamon was my toy tester for Friskies Pull 'n Play . The Pull n Play combines a wobbly cat toy with tender edible strings and treats, giving playtime a delicious ending. The toy comes with Party Mix treats and Chicken and Cheese flavored Pull ‘n Play strings. Simply add the treats to the center opening, and insert yummy Pull ‘n Play Strings in the ears of this cat shaped toy and watch your cat bat, pounce and play with their new rewarding treat dispenser. As you can see, Cinnamon was curious about the toy...especially the treats! When assembled, your cat can bat at the strings, and then enjoy the edible treat! Cinnamon didn't figure out she could eat the strings, but it may be something she will figure out as time goes on. I think any cat would love this toy because of the way it wobbles, and the treats keep cats interested. Full disclosure: Chewy.com provided us with one Pull 'n Play Pack in exchange for our honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. Opin...

I gave Ike a taste of Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet wet dog food and this is what happened:     Ike went nuts for it!  As a Chewy.com Influencer, we often get a chance to test new products and report back to you. This month we chose Natural Balance wet food. I always feed my dogs dry food, but sometimes they don't seem to have the enthusiasm for it as they used to. Also, Ike and Kelly are both seniors, and dry food can be difficult on their jaws. So I thought a bit of wet food on top might be a good idea. I measure in a slightly less amount of dry food, and divide the small tub of Natural Balance between the two of them. The flavor we got is white fish and sweet potato. This is grain free and just a single source of animal (fish) protein. The first 5 ingredients are white fish, fish broth, sweet potato, canola oil and tricalcium phosphate. My favorite thing about this food is the convenience. The tub is only 2.75 oz, so it is the perfect size to divide as a top...

When is dinner time also play time? Answer- When you're a dog! I've long promoted products that help stimulate dogs' curiosity and give them a puzzle to solve, while also slowing down food consumption time. (Ike can gulp his meal in 2 seconds flat!) When I learned that a new company was providing "environmental enrichment for dogs through thoughtful product design" I had to find out more. Paw5 Rock 'n Bowl “Dogs are incredibly intelligent and social creatures that need ways to think, work and be active. By adding environmental enrichment to mealtime, a routine part of every day, we believe we’ve made enriching dogs’ lives easier for busy pet parents,” says PAW5® Co-Founder, Dennis O’Donnell. Paw5 sent me their product to review...and at the end, I'm giving away two Rock 'n Bowls to lucky readers!! Be sure to enter, because you're going to want one of these for your dog! Rock 'N Bowl™ builds off dogs’ natural behaviors and instincts, and turn...