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!

Dog Birthday Party

Everybody has one day each year that is their day.  We all look forward to our birthdays even if it means we are getting older.  Humans only mark the end of another year, dogs mark the end of 7 years … and they don’t complain about getting older!
Your four-legged companion’s birthday is a special day!  Many of us treat our pets as our children.   Remembering the day your canine buddy came into the world is a remarkable memory.  If you don’t know the exact date of your pet’s birthday, they won’t mind if you make the date the day you adopted them or brought them home.
Organizing a pet party can be an enjoyable undertaking and with a bit of creativity, dog owners can host a fun party for dogs and their owners.
Pet Celebrations can range from a simple birthday bone to an all out birthday celebration complete with party favors!  The highlight of the celebration will be the attention your dog will receive all day long!
Just for the fun of it we decided to have a birthday party for our Bichons 5th birthday.
Since we do not have a fenced in yard, we had the birthday party for our bichons, Wilma and Betty at a local dog park.  The guest list included 5 small dogs and their owners.  We gave each dog owner a Zebra Bon Ton Dog Walking Pick Up Kit when they arrived with their dog. This served as a gentle reminder for them to clean up after their dogs.  The dogs had a fun time running and playing with each other in the small dog section of the dog park.  We also brought a doggy pool for the dogs to stay cool and a few travel water bowls. Excited dogs become thirsty very quickly.
The birthday dogs were the VIPs of the park wearing a Happy Birthday Dog Scarf Decorated with Dog Bones.  We sang Happy Birthday to Wilma and Betty with a Big Happy Birthday Dog Bone and Birthday Candle lit to celebrate another fabulous year.  Both dogs huffed and puffed a little bit to put out the candle.  The other dogs didn’t even complain about the drool on the birthday cake.  All the dogs enjoyed a piece of the Birthday Bone.
Some of Wilma and Betty’s favorite birthday presents were:    Go Green! Eco Friendly Rope Ring Dog Toy, Dog Rawhide with Peanut Butter Dog Treat Dog Chews, Natural 100% Beef Paddywacks Beef Tendons Dog Treat and matching Designer Wild Side Zebra Print Dog Dresses.
Our friends also made a donation to our local Animal Shelter and brought old towels, blankets and cleaning supplies that we brought over to the shelter.

Every dog left with a doggie bag filled with Assorted Puppy Pop Suckers Dog Treats and a Grriggles Dog Birthday Party Animal Bear.
The bichons were exhausted and went right into their dog bed when we arrived home.
We were lucky, the weather, cooperated and the sun was shining all day.
When planning your pet’s party, the weather can ruin the birthday celebration.
Hosting the party in your home can not only be chaotic, but your dog may feel territorial.  A local doggie daycare is an option.  They will rent out their playrooms with obstacle courses and dog toys.  Wouldn’t it be funny to have the owner’s race on the agility course as well!

There are so many options for dog birthday parties.  Whether you are hosting the party or attending the party it is important to be sure all dog treats and dog toys are appropriate for the birthday dog’s breed and size.  Bring a leash or carrier in case your dog needs a time out to calm down from all the excitement or if they are feeling aggressive about a toy or another dog toys.  Sometimes dogs are like children and need to be reminded of their boundaries.  Everyone just wants to have fun and create memories!

Although your dog might not understand what a birthday is … they will definitely appreciate the extra attention.  Whether you choose to have a party or go for an extra long walk, enjoy an afternoon in the dog park, play a game of catch, read to your dog or a tummy rubbing, your dog will notice the additional attention.

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