Roll over Clover. It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Irish Dog Breeds are popular not only on the Emerald Isle, but all over the world.

Back in the day of St. Patrick the dogs of Ireland were hunting and sporting dogs. The popular Irish breeds that have evolved through generations include the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Irish Red & White Setter and Kerry Beagle.

Mixed breed dogs, also known today as Hybrid dogs, are a combination of two or more purebred dogs. The hybrid dogs, such as the Golden Irish, have the traits and personality of both the Irish Setter and a Golden Retriever. Another common hybrid is the Irish Doodle, which is a mix of a Standard Poodle and an Irish Setter.

Many Irish dogs have Irish names. The Galelic name, Madigan, (pronounced MAD i gan) and Madden, (pronounced MAD din) translates as little dog. Anlan, (pronounced ON lin) translates as great hound. Mac is the Gaelic term for son, and some Irish owners use this as a prefix in their dog’s name, such as Mac Cutie.

If you happen to be the proud dog owner of an Irish breed, part of loving and caring for your Irish dog is celebrating their heritage with them. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th by the Irish and non Irish all around the world. Parades, Irish food and wearing green are some of the festivities of the day.

Potato dog treats and lamb stew are tasty ways to taste the roots of Ireland. Potatoes are about as Irish as you can get and are one of the staples of the Irish diet. Avoderm Potato all natural dog treats are crunchy oven-baked treats your dog will love. During the festivities dogs can also sink their teeth into a lamb filled rawhide.

At the crack o’ dawn when your Irish pup is ready to play, remember their rolling green hills of their native land and play with eco-friendly toys. GO GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day and every day. Paw Planet Bone with Rope Eco-Friendly Dog Toy Natural chew toy is made with pure natural materials and unbleached linen, cotton rope and sisal filling. Eco-friendly, durable and interactive fun!

Irish dogs have emerged from a hard working breed residing in Ireland to a wonderful family dog to many dog owners around the world. With their natural affection and loyalty, Irish Breeds are wonderful human companions.

What does a dog find entertaining about a dog toy? Is it the squeak, the texture, the size? Every dog has their preference, and just like their human counterparts one day a soft plush toy is fun and another day a hard rubber chew toy is the toy of choice.

Do you think a dog really prefers one toy over another or do they choose the first toy they see? Is it tug-a-war time or comfort time with a soft plush dog toy? Sometimes it is difficult to predict which toy a dog will choose.

Plush dog toys with squeakers seem to satisfy a dog in several ways. They like the soft feel of the plush and the instant gratification of the squeaker. It also draws attention to the playful pup – letting you know its playtime!

Having something to sink their teeth into, aka chewing, keeps dogs busy for a long time. Putting a dog treat inside a KONG toy is the ultimate entertainment; however a dog toy shouldn’t always be centered on a treat. Weight issue can occur if treats are part of daily play.

Dog Breeds like, Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies take pleasure in chasing a ball! What a great form of exercise and quality time play. Veterinarians recommend hard rubber balls, rather than tennis balls. Tennis balls tend to get covered with dirt and sand and grind away dog’s teeth.

Portuguese Water Dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Newfoundland breeds enjoy water toys. Taking a dive for a floating neoprene toy, while splashing around is an awesome activity for these breeds.

Dogs like durable tug dog toys because they are interactive toys. Who is stronger, you or your pup? It is a showdown of strength! With practice or a bit of trickery we can take possession of the rope toy!

Depending on the activity and interaction can determine the favorite dog toy of the hour. Signs that you are headed to play ball or out to the lake creates so much stimulation that a dog will grab the ball or water toy in anticipation of leaving as soon as possible. What smart animals!

Traditionally, summer is over when the school year begins. The morning rush to get everyone out on time can leave your pet feeling neglected. On school mornings, a greeting may only be a pat on the head, when all summer long your dog received a belly rub before breakfast. Are you tripping over your dog, trying to gather school books, lunches and locating shoes? Dogs notice these changes and want their customary attention.

A great way to include your dog in a back to school morning routine is a walk to the bus stop or walk your dog all or part way to school with your child. Not only will your dog enjoy the long walk, but the other walkers and friends at the bus stop can pet the dog. If you drive your children to school, your dog will enjoy the car ride to school. A routine that involves your attention will make your dog so happy!

Dogs sleep a lot during the day. They also can get bored and be destructive. Interactive dog toys like Hide-A-Bee Puzzle is a plush dog toy in the shape of a bee hive with three 2-1/2″ diameter holes in it. It comes with three squeaker bees (about 5″ long) that you hide inside the hive. Your dog’s mission–and we think he’ll decide to accept it–is to stalk those buzzy bees and pull them out of the holes in the hive.

Kong Original Rubber Dog Toy filled with dog treats is a safe way to keep your pet busy. “Kong enrichment devices are the anecdote for boredom and bad diets, which are the plague of modern dogs. Pursuit play and safe mastication are powerful and necessary canine behaviors which only Kong natural rubber and their shapes satisfy. Not just another dog toy, Kongs are reliable tools to prevent serious behavior problems and simply to deliver happiness to dogs.” (Dr. Roger Mugford. Company of Animals)

Once everyone is gone for the day, prevent separation anxiety by leaving a worn t-shirt or pillowcase near your dog’s bed. Your scent will make them feel secure when the family is not home. Even though it might seem like your day goes fast, your dog might be feeling lonely.

When you come home from school and work spend some time playing with your dog. Cute back to school plush dog toys include a Back To School Friends School Bus Dog Toy and Back To School Friends Crossing Guard Dog Toy. Fun-shaped school related squeaker dog toys are amusing twist on the Back to school routine.

Reading your school work out loud will help you study and your dog will enjoy hearing the sound of your voice. You will be surprised how quickly History and English reading assignments are finished with your best friend at your side! A dog t-shirt, I’m Smarter than Your Honor Student is a Trendy cool gray t-shirt that speaks a pet’s mind. Very deserving after all you taught “THE DOG” all there is to know!

Hey Baseball Fans !!  Take me out to the Ball Game … The National Pastime … American as Apple pie … are some slogans used by baseball enthusiasts.  Sharing these exciting ball games with your pet makes them second to none.  If you can’t be in the Grandstand in the Stadium … hang out with your dog and root for the home team!

Baseball is a 6 month sport season with memorable moments on and off the field.  Your star outfielder is right under your nose.  Have some game time fun with a plush Talking Baseball Sports Toys with Rope Handles.  It is a great interactive pull & tug dog toy. This clever combination of plush talking pet toys, with a strong, colorful cotton rope attached to each end will entertain you and your pet for hours. Give a squeeze and your pet will hear Tug ‘N Talk Sports respond with a real life sound. Baseball dog toy says “That Ball is Going, Going, Gone….! And the Crowd Roars!

A line drive with the Baseball Boing Ball Dog Toy is caught! This plush baseball dog toy makes a fun “boing” sound — sporty dogs will have a ball! Baseball measures 4 1/2″.  Another fun baseball dog toy is the Beefy Baseball bouncing beef-flavored baseball that comes in two sizes. Major League Baseball dog toy is the size of a major league baseball and Pee Wee is slightly larger than a golf ball. Your dog will enjoy hours of fun. Awesome, Durable Toy! Prime Rib Flavor will get your dogs attention

When the ball is “outta here” – show your homerun excitement with a Grriggles Fowlers Squawking Chicken Baseball Dog Toy!   This Baseball Squawking Chicken pet toy measures 9″ and made of high-quality latex with a loud squawker inside.  This inning is looking promising!

Wearing your good luck charm or your favorite player’s Jersey?  Your dog is a true baseball fan also with a Pet Collar Charm for the Athletic Dog.  A metallic, baseball themed charm is great for the athletic hound and owner. Charm features a lobster claw clasp for secure attachment to collar.  An Officially Licensed MLB Dog Jersey is available in 17 MLB Teams. This is a MUST have for any Baseball Fan who loves their dog (or cat) as much as they love their team.  Made of 100% Polyester. All Jerseys are numbered with “00″ and have the Official Team colors and logo plus a team patch on the sleeve. These Deluxe Mesh MLB Jerseys have a very high quality look and feel. Get your favorite team today and GET YOUR DOG IN THE GAME!

Watching one or all 162 Major League Baseball games requires game time snacks.  Hotdogs for you and 12 inch Beef Sausage Links Sausage Dog Treats for your pet.   These 12″ sausages can be broken into multiple treats or given whole. Don’t spend too much time trying to find the crumbs after your dog has had its way with this treat!  By the 7th inning you’re ready for some peanuts and a beer.  The baseball game is getting tense.  Your buddy can sense the pressure and needs some refreshments as well.   All Natural Baseball Yogurt Covered Peanut Butter Dog Treats relieve the 3:2 count 2 outs end of game stress.  Playball or better yet EAT THE BALL!!  Each all natural dog treat cookie is approx 3 inches

Wash it all down with a brewsky.  For your dog a 12oz Beefy Ale Bowser Beer non-alcoholic Dog Bee.  Bowser Beer is a beefy, non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage for dogs. A fun, healthy, and unique alternative to water, it can be served with a dog treat, straight out of the bottle, or as a topping on dry food. Dogs are known to love beer and now their owners can treat them with their own festive, delicious brew. Why share when you have a better alternative? Hops and alcohol free, it is made with human-grade ingredients, and is low in calories and fat. It’s a party in a bottle

Whether your favorite team is the World Series Champions, Philadelphia Phillies (National League East) leader or the other current MLB division leaders the New York Yankees (American League East), Detroit Tigers (AL Central), Texas Rangers (AL West), Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central) and Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West); enjoy the baseball game with your All-Star Pup!

We all love our toys.  Fun and games … that’s what the GOOD life is about!!
Dogs love playing with toys.  There are toys that dogs can play with independently and toys for dog lovers and their dogs to play together.  Playing with your pet is awesome for everyone’s mental and physical well being!

Dogs need toys for entertainment; otherwise they will get bored and chew or play with their owner’s stuff!    Especially puppies, they instinctively chew and need appropriate puppy toys for teething and training purposes.

The right toy for your dog depends on the breed and size of the pet.

Chew toys like knotted ropes, rubber dog toys and heavy canvas durable dog toys are suitable for most breeds.  Treat filled toys, like Kong’s biscuit ball not only keep dogs busy, but the chewing aids in tartar and plaque removal.

Puppies enjoy chewing on sheepskin and fleece toys with attached ropes.  Teething puppies also enjoy frozen toys.  Freezing a nylabone puppy toy or putting ice in their Kong will sooth teething pain.

Dog toys that squeak are a favorite.  Squeak dog toys can entertain a dog for hours.  It is hard to figure out if the dog likes the sound of the squeak or is trying to make the toy stop squeaking by trying to get the squeaker out of the toy!  Beware of heavy chewers that they don’t chew off too much.

When you and your pet play together, tug dog toys and fetch dog toys are the most popular.  Retrievers enjoy chasing balls and Frisbees and benefit from the exercise and your devoted attention.  Durable Frisbees are important.  Cracked plastic can injure your dog.  Playing with a tennis ball at the dog park is a lot of fun; however the sand and dirt that accumulates on the wet ball can wear away the enamel on your dog’s teeth.  Durable rubber balls are better for a game of fetch in a dog park.

Playing a game of tug-of-war with your dog with a rope toy or sturdy dog toy is a good time.  Dogs need to know limits and understand when the game is over.  Aggressive dogs might not identify with the limits of this game – so be careful when having tug matches with your dog.   It could be dangerous for a child to play a tug-of-war game with a dog.  The dog might try to re-establish its hold on the toy and accidentally bite the child.

Plush dog toys and plush puppy toys are very popular.  They are comfort toys for your pet.  Some pets sleep with stuffed dog toys or just carry them around because they are soft and light.

A toy box for all the dog toys will not only keep your home neat, but it also lets your dog choose from the toy storage box which toy they need during the day.  Putting the toys back in the box is another story.  Rotating your dog’s toys helps make old toys appear like new toys.  Having 2 storage boxes of dog toys that are rotated every month will help prevent dog boredom.

Seasonal dog toys make terrific presents during the holidays, for birthday celebrations and for special occasions during the year.  Jakes Dog House has dog toys that will reward your dog for doggie school  (plush school bus), celebrate Valentine’s Day (plush red heart with attached rope), St Patrick’s Day (go green rope toy), Jewish Holidays (plush Hanukkah Menorah), Halloween (Trick or Treat BOO Bungee Squeak Toy), Thanksgiving (plush squeaky candy corn), Easter (tennis tummy pink rabbit plush and rope toy), Christmas (puppy buddy Christmas tree) and of course your dog’s birthday (musical singing birthday cake).

Dog toys are essential to keep pets healthy and active.   Running, tugging, chewing, snuggling and playing fetch are all part of happy pets lifestyle.  Large dogs, small dogs and puppies need the appropriate toy for their size, breed and temperament.    There are so many dog toy choices.   Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure about a puppy toy or if a particular toy is safe for your dog.

DOG TOYS … DOG TOYS … DOG TOYS … Don’t forget an affectionate pet once in awhile.  Why do you think their favorite toy has your smell on it!

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