Shopping for The Dog (or People With Dogs)

It's that time of year again! Whether you shop from the comfort of your own home, or you're masochistic enough to go trudging behind a slow herd of angst filled teenagers at the mall, here some out of the box things for dogs, and their people, this holiday season.

You can't pay me enough.

For The Dog You Love; The Owner You Might Not Love So Much:


I used to work in a coffee shop. Every Thursday, around 8pm, a woman came in with a child who was about 4 years old. I thought for the longest time that this was her own son. She would usually buy him a steamed milk with raspberry syrup in it (it really is a good drink for a cold night). They would play a game of checkers, and leave.

One evening, she got him a large hot chocolate with a shot of espresso in it. I must have had a "WTF" thought bubble over my head - because she explained that this was her sisters kid, and they had a fight earlier that day, and this was the most creative way she could get back at her. She thanked me, left me a $5.00 tip, and went to play checkers with her nephew.

This toy is EXACTLY THAT. The dog will love it. The humans will hate it after a few trials. All will be right with the world.




For The Dog Who Is Too Smart For Their Own Good; People Who Love To Make Things Difficult For Their Dogs Because It's Fun To Watch.

Many trainers, like myself, like to recommend food dispensing toys or stuffable toys to keep high energy & smart dogs busy for longer periods of time. Additionally, if you have a dog that gulps down their food faster than a Mercedes can hit 60mph, then you might also want to investigate these options.


  Aikiou Dog Feeder: This feeder has 14 compartments. The middle circle spins, exposing one compartment at a time. The 4 "toes" are 2 compartments each, and the dog has to push the sliding mechanism to expose more food.

Aikiou

Kong Wobbler:  This is the dog version of the Punch Me Clown.  You unscrew the bottom of the toy, put kibble or treats inside, screw the bottom back on, and leave it on the floor. The dog has to push the toy with his nose, dispensing a kibble. We have a version of this at home and we use it all the time.

Kong Wobbler

Other Options:  SitStay.com has a great list on their website of other toys, including the Linkables that I've mentioned once or twice. Riverdog in Union Square also has a variety of affordable puzzle toys for dogs, so shop local if you can!


For Dogs Who Love To Hike; People Who Love Bags

Yesterday, I inquired about a bag, and several of you emailed me back or posted in the comments bags that work for you. There were three that stick out -

One is the Osprey, found at REI. It has lots of exterior pockets for soggy tennis balls, and easy access to treats/poop bags, and can hold a collapsible water bowl, water, a long line, and plenty of room for a light coat if you need an extra layer/don't want to wear around an extra layer. It looks small, lightweight, and really functional.

Osprey Talon 11

My dog walking friend, Jordan, recommended the Timbuk2 Messenger Bag (Medium).  Here is her review:

Just wanted to add that I've used my Timbuktu messenger bag with quite a bit of success on walks.  I have the medium size I think--bought it several years ago for a different job.  I'll often put an umbrella or extra shirt in the main pocket, and then use the smaller pockets for whatever else I need.  The inside is lined with a waterproof material, which is great.  There are also several spots where you can easily clip keys.  It has two snaps/buckles where the flap folds over the rest of the bag.  I've slid a Chuck It into this part before and never had a problem with it falling out.  I like that you can adjust the straps so that the bag rests anywhere you'd like on your side or back.  The fabric is really durable, and you can custom design on their website.  I adore Etsy too, but I do appreciate how well made the Timbuktu bags are.

I think that says it all, from someone who works outside with dogs all day long. 

Lastly, I found this gem, which is exactly what I was looking for as someone who just wants a small, compact bag to sling over the shoulder, have easy access to a chuck it, and have poop bags readily accessible on the chest on the strap (there is a hidden nook for plastic poop bags so my leash doesn't have to wear anything bulky anymore). I also hate loosing my keys, so the small key pocket looks like it is really handy, too. I think I'm going to purchase this bag, and I'll give a full review later.

The Urban Dog Walker Sling Pack

For: The Dog for Whom No Toy Goes Un-shredded; The Human Who Hates Cleaning Up The Fluff From Shredded Toys


The Pogo Plush from Premier is a god-send for anyone who has a "shredder". This is a toy within-a toy. BRILLIANT! And, the best part is when your dog DOES shred this toy, there is no stuffing anywhere that you have to clean up.

Essentially,  it's 2 toys in one, and the first one is MADE to be destroyed. How clever!

For The Fashionista; Dog Without A Collar

Found on Etsy: Seller "Davir"

If you love (or know someone who loves) stylish accessories for their pet, look locally, or through Etsy. Sure, the big companies have some great collars and leashes, but I'm a fan of browsing Etsy, or shopping local to find just a little something for my pets, when I can. Some of my favorites include Davir on Etsy, Beez Louise (I usually purchase at Durty Harry's in Charlestown), and Dublin Dog (they offer a collar that is "no stink" - waterproof for dogs who swim all summer, comfortable, and easy to clean. AMAZING product, and functional!)



For: The Breed Enthusiast; The Silly; The Bumper; The Walls.

I've known about Obey the Purebred for awhile, but I keep forgetting to mention them here.

 They have tons of different breeds, and it looks like they have expanded to cats as well



So, what do you think? What are some other items that are your gift list, or that you are gifting to others this year? Leave a message in the comments with your favorite gift for dogs, or dog people.

Ireland

Hey Everyone! I usually stick to dog stuff, but since there was a bit of a lull, and it was sort of a big month life-wise, I figured I'd make this more of a personal post.

Brian and I got married in the rain on Friday, September 23 with a small group of 8 people in Arnold Arboretum...with our ring beasts:

I was so glad they were there, but the smell in the car with two wet dogs on the way home was less than awesome.

The umbrella was both functional, and a tip of my hat to MA law. 
Someday everyone will have the same rights nationally as all residents are lucky to have in our great state.

It stopped raining for 15 minutes.

We had a fantastic party the following day on Thompson Island, with a killer sunset. I would get married in the pouring rain a hundred times over for the sunset we had at the reception:

I didn't know a beach in Boston could be so awesome.

Bliss.

The next day, we went to Ireland. I've been explaining Ireland as "wet, green, tasty, and sheepy". But the thing that absolutely surprised me was for the first 5 days, we didn't see ANY dog leashes. The dogs, even in Ennis, a city near Shannon, had a healthy respect for the streets, and stuck to the sidewalks.

The first bar we saw was by far, my personal favorite.

 We made our way the first night to the Cliffs of Moher. If you've ever seen a travel book on Ireland, or watched a movie that has taken place on the island, you have seen the Cliffs of Moher. They are impressive cliffs that plunge 790 feet into the Atlantic. What they don't tell you is how WINDY it is on top of those flat surfaces.

Don't fall.

Of course, I had to laugh at their "warning" system.....

Gaelic for "Don't be stupid".

But as we went on, we noticed more and more dogs. There were TONS of Border Collies, which made sense considering there are millions of sheep and cattle that need to be moved each day, and lots of farmers that need the assistance of dogs. My favorite BC on our travels was a "dud" as the owner explained, but she loved her dog anyway. Turns out, "Pudgie" was brought into the family to help the farmer move sheep and cows, and even shadowed the older, wiser dog before he died. Pudgie, however, had other ideas.

Pudgie decided cars are a better flock - much more interesting than sheep - until one day he bit the side of a car tire, and has a permanent snaggle tooth. He's obviously very self-conscious about it, as evidenced by all the photos I got to take of his back, but he ran away with shame as I circled around to the front. He now serves as a tourist greeter. This same family charges 2 Euro to climb over their sheep gates, through their fields that the sheep are actively using, up what I affectionately call "Sheep-Poo-Pass" up to Eask Tower: An old ruin at the top of one of the highest points of the Dingle Penninusla. The view was amazing.

Eask Tower

View up to Eask Tower

We saw other dogs with jobs along our way. For instance, Traffic Cop: Bringing up the rear is a small black and white Border Collie who meant business. It was amazing watching this dog work, not just with cows, but with CARS. It was eyeing the cars as if to say "you want to go? I'll cut you."

Irish Traffic Jam

Door Greeter/Receptionist:      

"Guinness" the Pit/Corgi mix we met on Inis Mor Island off the west coast of Ireland. He split his time between the pub next door, and the B&B we stayed at. The spike collar was just for humor. 

Bartender/Publican:

This dog got up to greet people with french fries....

and judging by his girth, he takes his job seriously. I called him "Norm", from CHEERS fame.

Tourist Shop Owner:

Tourist Guide: 

I didn't realize until after I took the photo, but there were 4 other BC's inside the little structure that the ticket taker was in. This one must have been "on duty". She didn't move from her spot, and was carefully watching the feet of everyone, as if to say "step on the grass, and I'll take your foot off."

This one led us from the harbor of Inis Mor Island, up the hill to the open pub in town. This dog earned her tip.

Comedian:

Just one look at this dog, and Brian busted up laughing. Corgi/BC mix at a tourist attraction.

The only dog with true OCD issues, was this Rottweiller at the same tourist attraction. This dog would compulsviely bring rocks to visitors, place them in your lap, and stare until the rock moved. Then, she'd pick it up again, place it back on your lap, and stare at you until the rock moved. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sweet dog, but look at her face - she wasn't satisfied in her "work". Everyone else thought it was funny, but I thought it was just really sad.

And just for fun: Even dolphins had their job:

Look carefully next to the dinghy. There was a dolphin playing at the boat dock. This boat took us to a bigger boat, which took us to Inis Mor Island. I can't recommend the island enough. Totally worth the sea sickness to get over there, plus, the dolphin was really cool.

For Mariah: WE FOUND FUNGI! We actually saw the real Fungi in Dingle Harbor, swimming around one morning, but didn't get a photo.

And, because it's gratuitous, and I can't resist: 

Which, to be perfectly honest, is better than an unhappy hooker.

Dog Laws of Ownership

The last few posts have been a bit "Debby Downer" and pretty intense. This one is to lighten the mood before I head off for the I.A.A.B.C. conference on Friday. I would love to give credit where credit is due, but it came from an email from a friend, who got it from a friend, who....you know the drill.

Dog Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my mouth, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.
7. If it just looks like mine, it's mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours.