Archive for November 2012

BestBullySticks.com knows that all dogs are different, with their own unique quirks and characteristics. But did you know that much of what makes up your dog’s temperament is determined by genetic influencers and instinctive behaviors passed down from their parents? Understanding your dog’s personality can help you understand the way they act, view the world and can help in training your dog. BBS thinks these methods developed by Jack and Wendy Volhard will not only help you understand your dog more completely, but grow your relationship. Read on to take the Dog Personality Test!

Your dog’s behaviors can be lumped together into three broad motivations, called drives.

Prey: Is your dog easily excited by motion, sounds or smells? Or does your dog live for chasing small animals or destroying their toys? These are examples of prey drive.

Pack: This motivator relates back to when wild dogs were a part of larger groups of dogs. Dogs with a high pack drive will long to be a part of a social hierarchy; meaning they love working on a team, physical contact and playing. They show reproductive behaviors like mounting and cleaning behaviors, like licking ears. Petting, grooming and close companionship is desired by this dog and being left alone is not.

Defense: Fight and flight behaviors are found in defense drives, which makes this motivator more complex. A very territorial, protective dog that doesn’t like grooming or petting exhibits fight behaviors. Flight behaviors are shown by a dog who is unsure in any situation, hides and runs away and simply lacks confidence. This is seen more in young dogs. Read more

To keep your dog's whole body healthy, BestBullySticks.com recommends you give your dog NatureVet products! These are great to give to your pet to ensure they get the vitamins and minerals they need to stay active and thriving.

NatureVet products are made using the latest natural and scientific research to develop only the best supplements for your pets. With products such as their Love Drops Skin and Coat, these heart shaped tablets are delicious and will also give your dog a beautiful shiny coat! With other products including healthy ingredients like Omega-3s and fiber, NatureVet's mission is to ensure your pet's health and well-being. These products can be used for dogs and for cats as well!

These  health aids offer range from chewable tablets to prevent bad doggy breath, to pampering your pet's skin and coat for a beautiful shine. Next time you look for a supplement your dog will love, and for a healthier doggy lifestyle, choose NatureVet!

Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Health Checkup/War Dog Saving/PB&B Treating/Bouvier fun, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about:

At Home Dog Exam • Puppy Rescue Mission • Peanut Butter & Banana Swirls • Breed Spotlight on the Bouvier

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!

The Bouiver des Flandres is a very misleading dog. With a very up class name, the Bouvier des Flandres has very humble beginnings on Belgian farms. (One Bouvier, Lucky, even made it to the White Hosue as Ronald Reagan’s dog.) A formidable looking dog, the Bouvier is a gentle and sweet soul. Find out more about this dog by reading the BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight on the Bouvier des Flandres.

History & Background: Bouviers were first bred by monks in Flanders, which is an area of Belgium. These dogs were first bred by monks and other farmers for cattle droving, sheep herding and cart pulling. Watchdog duties were given to the Bouvier as well. Throughout the years, this dog has had many names. The French name of Bouvier des Flandres literally translates “Cow Herder of Flanders” but also called “koehond" (meaning cow dog), "Vuilbaard" (meaning dirty beard) and "toucheur de boeuf" (meaning cattle driver). It’s thought Bouviers get their look from the breeding of Irish wolfhounds and Scottish deerhounds with local farm dogs.

Since this dog was always meant to fulfill the function of a working dog, no breed standard was ever readily sought after. However, in the early 20^th century fanciers began noticing this dog and soon after the Bouvier appeared at the International Dog Show in Brussels. After this, Bouviers saw an uptick in popularity. It wasn’t long after WWI began and even though this dog was used a messenger, the breed almost died out. The same was true for WWII, yet by that time the AKC had recognized the breed and Bouviers had been shipped to America from Europe. By the 1960s Bouviers were thriving once more and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

Height: Males 23 to 28 inches; Females 22–27 inches

Weight: Males 80 to 120 pounds; Females 60 to 80 pounds

Coat: Bouviers sport a weather fast coat made up of a hard and course outer coat and a soft and dense undercoat. This dog's coat was made to withstand just about anything. The coat should have a disheveled look without being curly.  Hair on the ears is rough and Bouviers should have a thick mustache and beard. Read more

The slightest smell of cinnamon ushers in the Holiday season. But baking all day is time away from family and friends. That's why today BestBullySticks.com brings you an easy, but impressive doggy treat that will stand up to your pooches taste test, won’t break the bank or take all day! Darla from Darla Cooks lent us this fantastic recipe, which her dogs readily approved of and yours will, too!

Ingredients

Dough One:
4 cups whole wheat flour

½ cup cornmeal

1-1/3 cups water

1/3 cup peanut butter

1 egg

Dough Two
4 cups whole wheat flour

2/3 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup banana, mashed

1 egg

1-1/4 cups water

2 Tbs vegetable oil

2 Tbs molasses

2 Tbs cinnamon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C). 


2. Combine all Dough One ingredients and mix thoroughly. Knead on a lightly floured surface. Set aside.


3. Combine all Dough Two ingredients and mix thoroughly. Knead on a lightly floured surface. 


4. Roll each dough separately to a 1/8 inch thickness, into rectangles. Lightly brush a little water over the top of the light-colored dough.  Place the darker colored dough on top, then roll up like a jellyroll. Wrap the roll in plastic and chill in the freezer for one hour.

5. Cut the roll into 1/4 inch slices. Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake for one hour.

Bone Appétit!

Thanks to Darla Cooks for sharing this recipe and her photo with us!

Be sure to check out all of Best Bully Sticks Weekly Drool Recipes to find a great homemade treat for your pooch! We've got great Fall recipes like Gluten-Free Cheddar Pumpkin Treats, 1-Ingredient Sweet Potato Treats, Peanut Butter Pumpkin Biscuits, Pumpkin Please Pupsicles and more for a great festive Autumn treat!