Dog Care 101

Is your dog’s stuff taking over? If you have 1 dog, why do you have 4 leashes? And wasn’t that hook supposed to be for your keys? Spring cleaning is right around the corner so there’s no better time than now to de-clutter your dog’s stuff. Read BestBullySticks.com’s helpful tips below for Organizing Dog Supplies.

De-clutter & Conquer: Paring Down
Most likely there are a few things you can pare down. The first step is gathering all your dog’s supplies in one area to see exactly what you have. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Donate or Trash:

• Broken or unused dog beds, crates or toys
• Treats your dog doesn’t care for or that are expired
• Any items from a pet that is no longer in your home

Thinking Categorically: Creating Categories
Separate your remaining items by these categories

• Food & Bowls
• Toys
• Medications
• Leashes
• Waste Disposal
• Paperwork

Pet Food Storage Area
Usually you’ll keep your dog’s food, bowls and treats in the area where he’ll eat. Whether that’s in the kitchen or near his kennel, finding the right items for organization could include an airtight dog food container, food scoop, a treat jar, properly sized dog bowls and anti-slip mats.

Pet Toys
Where does your dog play the most? In the living room or your bedroom or even an enclosed patio? Wherever it may be, keep all your dog’s toys here. A simple basket can contain all of your dog’s favorite toys like his durable West Paw dog toys or his long lasting Planet Dog balls. Every time you pick up your dog’s toys and place them back in the basket, put your dog’s favorite item in the very bottom. This creates a fun scavenging game for your dog!

Consider a separate toy basket that is specifically for outdoors play. Tennis balls and flying discs can have a permanent place on your covered porch or deck to be ready for a game of fetch anytime.

For Your Walk
Create a dog-friendly entryway near the door you’ll exit before you take your dog on his daily walk. Hang hooks on the wall for leashes and collars, gather plastic grocery bags or waste bags in a basket and stow a towel near the door to take care of muddy paws or wet fur. Keep a small bag of treats near the door for rewards and brush to keep Fido’s fur in check. A lint brush might be a good idea, too!

Paperwork
Veterinary information, adoption paperwork and certifications are all crucial papers you’ll want to keep not only organized but within reach. Create a binder or file folder for each individual pet divided by topic so information is easily accessible.

Do you need to de-clutter your dog’s stuff? Tell us how your organizing your pet’s supplies. 

If you can’t make it home to let your dog out at lunch or you’re going on vacation, considering a dog sitter is a great idea. BestBullySticks.com knows you want the best caregiver for your dog besides you. That’s why we’re giving you these handy tips on How to Choose a Good Dog Sitter!

Pros of Choosing A Dog Sitter
A few positives of hiring a dog sitter include:

• Keeping your pet comfortable in their own environment
• Keeping your dog’s regular routine
• No social anxiety of a boarding facility
• Attention and care while you’re away and peace of mind you’ll feel knowing this
• Happier friends and family who aren’t begrudgingly caring for your pet
• Checking in on your house so potential burglars won’t know you’re gone
• Miscellaneous services such as plant watering, mail pick up, etc.

What To Look For
Finding a pet sitter is as easy as asking friends and family or even looking to the National Association for Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. Online services such as Care.com are helpful, too.

Once you find a few candidates, look into each person’s qualifications and services. You’ll want to check for:

• Related training
• At least three references
• Liability insurance to cover accidents or negligence

You’ll also want to see if the sitter is:

• Comfortable with your dog and your dog seems comfortable with them
• Taking thorough notes
• Offering additional services such as plant watering, mail pickup or grooming
• Providing a written contract including services and fees
• Outlining when and how long they will be at your home (if not a live-in sitter)
• Checking in with you at a specified time interval
• Setting up a replacement if they have an emergency or are sick
• Familiar with First Aid or an Emergency Vet
• The only person coming into your home
• Leaving your house key in a particular place

Your Responsibilities
Now that you know what to look for, prepare for your dog sitters visit. Here are some basic responsibilities to make your dog sitter’s time with your fur-kid easy and pleasant.

• Notify your dog sitter as early as possible
• Be sure you have current id tags and all medical information and vaccinations are up to date
• Make sure your pet is well socialized and comfortable with your sitter
• Take your sitter on a full tour of your house and be sure they’re familiar with your security system and fuse box
• Leave detailed instructions outlining your dog’s complete routine (feeding, exercise, preferences)
• Leave all your contact, emergency contact and veterinarian information
• Put your dog’s food and supplies in one place
• Leave a key with a friend, trusted neighbor or family member as well as exchange phone numbers between them all.

Now that you’re familiar with finding a good dog sitter, you can go out of town without worrying (too much) about Fido.

Recently there has been a lot question about the nature of playing the classic dog game tug-of-war. Some say it brings out aggressive tendencies in dogs, however BestBullySticks.com believes if you have a well-behaved dog that listens, tug-of-war is a great way to not only bond with your dog but also get your dog’s mind and body working. Here are a few ways to make sure tug is always a positive experience for you and your dog.

1. Teach your Dog to Listen
Before you play tug with your dog, make sure your dog can listen to commands. In particular, the “drop it” or “release” command is good for tug. This will help you stop the game easily if needed.

2. The Right Toy
Making sure your dog has the toughest tug toy out there is a must. Flexible yet durable enough for tugging, most good chew toys are made of rubber. A comfy handle is important, too. Check out A Cheerful Pet Mini Tugzee or the entire ChompChamps line for a sturdy, long lasting dog tug toy.

3. Where To Play
The best places to play tug are open areas free of clutter. Playing outside is a great idea, too.

4. Signs for Aggressive Behavior
Most likely your dog will get excited while playing tug. And why shouldn’t they! They’re having fun! You might notice your dog growling, too. This is perfectly normal as tug is the resemblance of a predatory behavior. As long as your dog’s tail is still wagging and the growl isn’t threatening, then play can continue. Read more

It’s cold out and giving your dog lots of fun playtime inside is a great idea. However, BestBullySticks.com knows your dog still needs lots of sunshine and fresh air. Outdoor winter play just takes a little planning. That’s why we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you and Fido enjoy your time outdoors, even if it is a bit chilly.

The Right Attire
Just like you, your dog will need protection from the elements when going outside in cold winter weather. If snow is involved, make sure you keep a waterproof coat on shorthaired dogs. Dog boots are also a good choice as ice and salted roads can cause paw irritation. Musher’s Secret is also great for protection for paws and toes during the winter. Always keep proper identification on your dog; more dogs get lost during the winter season than any other.

Food Games
Take your dog on a walk and with each block you go, treat your dog to special treats. This will entice your dog and give him energy to keep going.

Play hide and seek in the snow with a desirable treat, like a bully stick! Tuck a bully stick under the snow or in a remote place in your yard and let Fido loose. His powerful sense of smell will guide him to the treat and he’ll love finding it!

A Good Run
Even though it’s cold a brisk walk or run around your neighborhood is great for you and your dog! Both of your bodies will warm up and you’ll be expending excess energy from being cooped up in the house!

Snow Games
Most dogs love a good romp in the snow. If your dog is a snow lover, let him run wild! Tossing a snowball, making snow angels and even eating snow (but not the yellow kind) will invigorate your dog and wear him out! Playing fetch with flying disc or tennis ball is a regular play activity that snow just makes more fun. These routine activities are even slightly more difficult because of snow, which makes for a worn out dog. Read more

Cold. Wet. Rainy. Snowy. Being outside in winter weather can tend to be miserable and staying cooped up indoors isn’t always so much fun either. The same is true for your dog; outdoor playtime might decrease dramatically or indoors your pup may not be stimulated enough. However, BestBullySticks.com thinks winter months can force us to be creative with our day-to-day routine. We’ve come up indoor playtime activities for the winter months because, after all, your dog still needs exercise. 

Hide & Seek
Throw a treat to your dog and while they’re gobbling it up, run and hide in a different part of the house. Your dog will want to come find you if you have more treats and will tire your pooch out in the process. Use small, low calorie treats like Halo Liv-A-Littles or Purebites.

Scavenging & Dinner Games
Remember your dog is a scavenger by nature and enabling these characteristics can stimulate both mind and body. Use a puzzle food bowl or a hollow dog toy like a Planet Dog Orbo with frozen food to challenge your dog while he eats. You can also hide treats around the house and have your dog track down their location.

Indoor Agility Course & Training
A homemade agility course can test your dog’s navigation skills and stimulate brain and body. Use chairs as weave poles, using a broomstick over a couple buckets or holding a hula-hoop in your hands as a jump can make for a fun and rousing playtime. Winter can also be a great time to have dedicated training time with your dog. Want to teach your dog to high-five, shake or roll over? Use your regular outdoor playtime and substitute it for training. Your dog will emerge into Spring as a well trained pooch! Read more