Archive for August 2009

Best Bully Sticks Launches New Lamb Lung Dog Treats

If your dog loves Baa Baa Q's or lamb treats they will be sure to love our puffed lamb lung. These treats are high in protein and low in fat and help provide the energy that your dog needs. These treats are also great for puppies and older dogs because of their soft, melt in your mouth consistency. They are great for training treats because they can easily be broken into smaller pieces. They are from US lambs and are processed in a USDA approved, human grade facility. These come in either a 1 lb. or 2 lb. resealable zip lock bag.

We cut these in thinner pieces than a typical lamb lung on the slicer so they won't be as thick as others, but there are more of them in the bag!

Organ meats like lamb lungs are extremely high in nutrition and protein like taurine so they make great healthy options for training treats!

Please make sure to checkout our growing selection of Lamb Dog Treats primarily made from US free ranging lamb; so far they have all been a hit!  As always, if there is something you find out there that you would like us to carry please let us know and we will look into it!

We always love to get update on how our four legged prized athlete is doing competing around the country. Best Bully Sticks is proud and honored to be Montana's official sponsor. Congrats on all your success!!

1st event:  Ultimate Air Dogs event- Dupage Co Fair- Chicago, IL

Highlights:  Montana had a PB of 19'10" during the Senior Division Finals of Ultimate Air and took 2nd place in her division.  Eric & Montana tried a new event for them called Catch It- Dog has to catch the toy for the jump to be scored.  Montana caught her toy both times and placed 6th overall on the first time event. Next UAD event will be the Ultimate Air Games in Imlay City, Michigan in September.

Montana in UAD Catch It Event!

Ultimate Air Dog Montana in Action!

Hooray!! UAD Montana with her ribbon.

2nd event: DockDogs event- Washington Fair- St Louis, MO

Highlights:  Team Karman/Montana placed 1st in the Speed Retrieve Express division during their first round and qualified for SR finals in which they earned their Speed Retrieve Express title.   Team Eric/ Montana had (2 )2nd place finishes in Big Air Waves & placed 3rd in the Speed Retrieve Express Division.They also had 3 PB's back to back to back, 2 of which came in the finals round of Big Air.  Montana likes to save the best for last!  Montana's biggest jump of the weekend was an 18'11" jump which earned her 4th place in the Semi-Pro Finals for the weekend.

Dock Dog Montana sets up for speed retrieve!

Dock Dog Montana with her awards!

So, what's next for our Best Bully Sticks Sponsored athlete & shining star?

Next stop for team Montana will be at the Illinois State Fair in a few weeks.  Then off to Nationals in October in Ohio which will conclude the DockDogs season until January 2010. So stayed tuned to our blog to read more about her progress as Montana competes in upcoming events. Best Bully Sticks is proud to sponsor its first canine athlete, please join us in rooting her on and wishing her luck.

Do you know what time it is? It's bath time!  Bath time with your dog should be fun, relaxing and good bonding experience for you both. Cleanliness and proper grooming sessions are good for your dogs overall health. Remember your dog should only be bath as needed. Over bathing your dog can strip away their natural, protective oils, dry out there already sensitive skin. Here are some tips that will make sudsing up your muddy & dirty pup a breeze. So go ahead and take the plunge!

1. Location! You can bath your dog in your tub at home or go to a a self service dog wash. These self service dog wash not only  make it easier to bath your pooch.  not to mention easier on your knees and back. Small dogs can be bath in your sink. If you decide to bath your dog outside consider hooking up the hot water to the hose to get the water warm, because no dog likes cold water.

2. Bath Supplies- Whether you are bathing your dog at home or at a self service dog wash gathering the right bath time supplies is key.

• Soft, absorbent towels. Beach towels work well for larger dogs.
• Doggie Soap-free Shampoo. Products containing natural ingredients are often best.
• Brushes and combs -- choose the right weapon of choice to tackle that matted coat. depending on your dog's hair type.
• Bath mat so you and your dog won't slip and hurt your funny bone.
• Appropriate attire that you don't mind getting wet.
• Treats galore!!

Prior to putting your dog in the tub don't forget to brush to remove  tangles or mats, which can be harder to deal with once your dog is wet.

3. Soak up!-Get your dog wet from head to paw but make sure you test the waters first to make sure it is not to hot or to cold. Making sure to avoid your dogs eyes & ears. Many dogs have water resistant coats so make sure your dog is properly soaked. To prevent your dog from shaking and soaking you from head to toe keep one hand on his or her head.

4. Apply Shampoo- Lather up your dogs wet coat with shampoo that contains a moisturizer, but be cautious & avoid eyes, face & gential area. Apply a little bit at a time to avoid using to much. One lathering trick is to mix 2 part shampoo with one part water. For easier application you can put the mixer in a spray bottle or plastic container.

5. Scrub a Dub Dub!- Take your time to rub, scrub & massage your dogs coat for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Don't forget to clean their dirty paws. Using a rubber scrubber made for dogs help with the massaging.

6. Time to Rinse!-  Throughly rinse & remove all shampoo lather & residue  by applying a warm stream of water to your dogs coat. Do not forget to rinse your dogs paws, skin folds or crevices.

7. Shake & Dry- This is the part your dog has been waiting for, so stand back and let your dog have a good shake. You can finish the job by gently squeezing out excess water and then drying him with towels. If you do decide to use a fur dryer make sure to put it on low or no heat. If you bathe your dog at a self-service tub, a forced-air dryer might be available. Careful -- these dryers are powerful so turn it up as high as your dog tolerates. But make sure to stay away from the face, eyes and ears. Once completely dry, thoroughly brush your dog out.

8. Spot is Spotless! Now that you have a clean, perhaps you should bring the fun indoors so your dog can avoid mud puddles & mud pies. Don't forget to praise & reward your dog with treats for being such a good boy or girl.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

Two Best Bully Sticks adoring fans! Italian Greyhounds from Chicago on vacation in Folly Beach, SC. Roscoe chewing on a Bully Stick (Bailey in background drinking water)

Height: Males 28 to 30 in &  females 27 to 28 in

Weight: Males 60 to 88 lbs & females 60 to 75 lbs

Coat: Soft, smooth, fine, short, firm coat that sheds a little.

Color: Vary from white to black, including fawn, gray, red, or brown, and any pattern from solid to pinto to brindle.

Appearance: Built for speed, the greyhound features long, muscular back legs, straight front legs, and a streamlined body. Its back is muscular and strong, featuring a very flexible, arched spine. The feet offer great leverage with their long, narrow shape. Overall, the head is long and narrow, and it features a long, powerful muzzle with strong, even teeth. With a spirited and intelligent expression, the eyes of the greyhound are both dark and bright. The ears are small, generally folded back, and sit on the widest part of the skull. The neck is graceful and blends smoothly into the arched back. The long tail is curved slightly upward and is carried low.

Temperament: Although greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs. They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not require extensive exercise. Most are quiet, gentle animals. An adult greyhound will stay healthy and happy with a daily walk of as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Greyhounds have been referred to as "Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.Gentle, quiet, and affectionate, the greyhounds make wonderful pets. This breed is loyal, friendly, and sensitive.

Unlike breeds that must be socialized as puppies to temper their dominant tendencies, the Greyhound needs early socialization to give it confidence and build self assurance. A Greyhound puppy that is not accustomed to noise and people at an early age can be excessively fearful of loud or persistent sounds and painfully timid with strangers. The greyhound is good with children but rough-housing with the dog should be discouraged. The greyhound is not prone to excessive barking and is generally easy to housebreak. This breed is even-tempered and graceful – a loyal dog that makes an excellent companion.

Health: The life expectancy for Greyhounds is about 10-13  years. Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and hereditary illness is rare. Some greyhounds have been known to develop esophageal achalasia, bloat (gastric torsion), andosteosarcoma. Because the greyhound's lean physique makes it ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of companion greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding, greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores.

Due to the unique physiology and anatomy of greyhounds, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly whenanaesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate-based anesthesia as other breeds can because they have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their livers. Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed; this can result in an incorrect diagnosis.

Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. Veterinary blood services often use greyhounds as universal blood donors.

Famous Greyhounds

Santa's Little Helper- Simpson's Cartoon
Peritas- owned by  Alexander the Great
Byron & Blucher owned by General George Custer

If you would like to recommend a dog breed for our next Best Bully Sticks spotlight on a breed please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course our bully sticks .

Our photo gallery is growing constantly, please submit a photo of your dog enjoying any of our products to enter our twice monthly contest!

Best Bully Sticks Launches Snack 21 Wild Caught Fish Chews

We are excited to bring a new, customer requested product line to you. Snack 21 only uses one ingredient, wild pacific fish and nothing else. All of Snack 21's products are 100% manufactured at their plant in Canada; from the cutting of the fish to the packaging of product to ensure quality and freshness.

All of their products contain absolutely no additives, preservatives, coloring or artificial flavoring. They also are a natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, natural vitamins and minerals. You can be assured that you are giving your pooch only the best, their products are made from Wild Pacific fish only, with no by-products or fillers.

From salmon sushi rolls to wild caught herring fillets, to one of our new favorites the salmon skin bone, you really can't go wrong with trying anything in this line.  Sushi and Espy (Our Two Pugs) have tried it all and give it two paws way up!!

We hope that you enjoy this excellent line of all natural wild caught fish dog chews....

We launched this line as a recommendation from a customer, so please let us know if you feel like we are missing something on the site and we will promise to look into it!