While Independence Day is a cause and time to celebrate. Loud noises & flashing lights from fireworks & patriotic crowds can be scary & overwhelming for some family members, including our pets.  Dogs not only have a keen sense of smell but a keen sense of hearing. So loud sounds of flashing fireworks can cause your pet to scurry under the bed, covers or in a corner from what they may consider Armageddon.

Here are some tips from the Twittersphere on ways to keep your dog safe this Fourth of July and help your pet cope with fireworks.

1. There’s No Place Like Home- Although we all want to celebrate The Fourth of July with our furry friends, sometimes it best for your dog to be a home body. If your dog is afraid of fireworks leaving your dog home is important. Firework celebrations, the lights, the sounds, & unfamiliar location can make your dog more fearful even though you are by his side. Lounging & snuggling on your couch with your pups is a great bonding time with out worrying about the traffic and having to find a good seat amongst the crowd.

2. Never Leave Your Dog Outside- If left unattended even in a fenced yard many dogs may get so scared of the sounds of fireworks and decide to jump the fence, run into traffic and panic. Dogs that are tied up in the backyard may accidentally strangle themselves to break free & hide from the noise.

3. Create a Diversion- When fireworks are blasting its important to distract your dog by turning on the tv or radio. Turning the tv or radio to a comfortable soothing level will create a relaxing atmosphere and help drown out some of the noise. It helps take your dogs minds and ears off the sounds of fireworks.

Do not  forget to keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Also, giving your dog his or her favorite interactive chew toy with a treat spot will fill the belly and keep them entertained for hours.

4. Create a Safe Haven- Every dog needs a special den like area where he or she can feel safe & secure. Crates filled with your dogs favorite security blanket, pad, or dog beds can provide the perfect oasis.  If you don’t use a crate make sure to doggy proof your home & pick up any objects that might get chewed or destroyed. Make sure to safetly store away objects that may be dangerous within paws reach. Even the most well behaved dog when under stress can become destructive.

5.  Talk to Your Vet- Seeking the advice of a vet or dog behavorist may prove beneficial for dogs who are very fearful , stressed out, defensive, exhibit anxiety & fear. Bachs Rescue Remedy provides a natural stress relief from holidays like these and take the edge off. Although your dog may not be afraid of fireworks they may become defensive and go on a barking frenzy.

6.  Always Where Id- In case your dog decides to escape through the door. Keeping your dog securely tagged with proper identification around his collar will save you some headaches in case your dog decides to play a game of hide & not seek from the fireworks. Microchips provide an aided layer of fur protection and are painlessly embedded into your dog. The best part if that if your dog is lost & found your dogs info will be in their massive database.

If your dog is lucky enough to go with you to see the fireworks be sure to stay by his or side the whole time. There is nothing like the security of a your guardian holding your paw and calming your fears.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course bully sticks which serve as a delicious & entertaining diversion!

Mason the Pug enjoying a safe & healthy Best Bully Stick. Ready, Set, Chew..

We are always excited when we get in a new line of healthy dog treats & chews. We are proud to now offer USDA Organic All-Natural Buffalo Bones & All-Natural Elk Bones. These are rare item for us and we are proud to bring you these unique Best Bully Sticks dog bones. These bones should last your dog days (depending on size). Sure to be a hit with small and large pups!

Hey!! the Best Bully Sticks team wants to put your mind at ease, keep your loyal companion safe & make chewing fun. Dogs love to chew, so its important that you provide safety while also giving your dog the pleasure of a good chew. So, here are some dog chew safety tips.

1. Size Matters. The bone of choice should be large enough that your dog can't swallow it or fit the whole dog bone in his mouth. Dog bones this small can spell trouble; it's possible for bones to get stuck in your dog's throat or for fragments to lodge themselves in the mouth

2. Avoid the Chopping Block. Don't give your dog bones that have been sawed or cut by the butcher. They are more likely to splinter and cause health issues.

3. Take Control. You can't take a bone from your dogs chomps of steel & strong chewing grip if he or she is not properly trained. Obedience & knowing who's boss is an important part of dog bone safety.Although obedience training should start at a younger age, you can teach an old dog new tricks. If you find your dog is chewing too long and hard on a bone or gnawing on an unsafe, cooked bone you need to quickly step in as the pack leader and take the bone away.

4. Monitor Your Dog. Remember safety first! Even with a safer chew bone, you should still supervise & moderate your dog while he or she is chewing.  Dogs chew bones at different rates some are slow like the tortoise while others are fast like the hare. So, keep a close watch.

5. Cry for help!  Even with the safest chew bones, there will always risk in the form of obstruction, choking, bacterial illness and tooth chipping. Here are some symptoms that your dog is in distress if he or she has loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, bloody diarrhea & constipation. If these symptoms arise take your dog to a vet immediately.

6. Say No to Table Scraps. NEVER give your dog chicken bones and cut pieces of bone from your plate. The cooking time necessary to cook meat makes bones brittle and weak so their bones will tend to splinter into hazardous pieces. Cooked bones that have been cut by the butcher can splinter and cause serious problems in a dog's intestines. Chicken bones are especially hazardous.

7. Avoid Fast Chews. Dogs like a challenge and a chew or bone that can quickly be chomped takes away the fun. Not to mention it can be hazardous to your dogs health and cause your dog to become bloated or impacted.

Remember that a good dog chew should be palatable, tasty and enticing. As well as indestructible, able to with stand your dogs chompers for hours in order to satisfy his or her lust and craving for something to chew. Lucky for you Best Bully Sticks offers safe, all natural & healthy chews that do just that! We are dedicated to keeping your dog safe and giving you a peace of mind. So go ahead,  we dare you to try our chews and let your dog be the judge.

If you are interested in additional information on our products, please visit www.bestbullysticks.com

As always, please feel free to contact us directly at 8044776033 should you have any further questions or comments.

Benny Bix Ochman Labradoodle, known as BenBeans to his buds, is Top Dog at Pawfun.

Labradoodle

Height/Weight :

Standard - between 23-26 inches high and 45-77 pounds

Medium - approximately 18-21 inches high and 45-77 pounds

Miniature - ranges 14-17 inches high and 40-55 pounds

Coat: Their coat is curly or wavy and is 4-6 inches in length. There are three coat types:

1. Wool: does not shed, should be the most allergy friendly, feels similar to that of a pure bred Poodle and is usually tightly curled.

2. Fleece: minimal shedding, also allergy friendly, feels wonderfully soft and fleecy, and has loose curls.

3. Hair: light shedding, less allergy friendly, coarser texture, can be curly, short or long.

The wool and fleece coats do not have a dog odor.

Color: The coat comes in various colors: cream, gold, red, black, chocolate, apricot, cafe, silver, and chalk.

Appearance:

A slightly larger-built dog than their Poodle parents, the Labradoodle is a muscular and athletic animal that shows a pleasing blend of the two breeds. His muzzle and face are more refined than that of a purebred Labrador Retriever while his build is sturdier and his temperament more even than that of a Poodle. The length of the Labradoodle coat is roughly 4-6 inches and it can be either fall in a gentle wave or a relaxed curl.

Temperament: Labradoodle’s are highly social creature, affectionate and loyal by nature, friendly, non-aggressive, loveable, happy, relatively good watchdogs, and very tuned in to its human companions. It also tends to get along well with other canine companions, being less territorial than some breeds.

Like most Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles are generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children (although as with any dog the temperament may vary between individuals). Labradoodles also often display an affinity for water and the strong swimming ability present in both their parent breeds. Below is a fun video of Benny Bix, Australian Labradoodle and spokesdog for pawfun enjoying a game of fetch in the lake.

Doodle training has also proven to be a success. These dogs easily learn what is required of them for daily family life. Plus, they have also made their mark in the service dog arena becoming guide dogs for the blind and terrific therapy dogs.

A fairly large and athletic dog, the Labradoodle requires a moderate amount of exercise. While he is well-suited to either country or city living, be forewarned that this hybrid is happiest if he gets frequent lengthy walks or trips down to the dog park, particularly if he is a younger dog. In addition to his need for physical exercise, the Labradoodle also needs mental stimulation and social interaction - not a dog that tolerates being tied up and left to his own devices, the Labradoodle likes to do whatever his human is doing and his boredom and lack of exercise can result in vices, such as chewing or excessive barking.

Health: The Life expectancy for an Labradoodle is about 13-15 years. Since Labradoodles are a mixed breed or some might say hybrids. They are susceptible to health problems common to their parent breeds the Labrador and poodle. Your dog’s breeder should provide you with proof that such problems are not present in your Labradoodle’s family line.

Labradors are susceptible to hip dysplasia and other joint problems, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and retinal dysplasia.

Poodles, also generally very healthy, have been diagnosed with genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxations, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and seizures, among others.

Over the past couple of years, a number of Australian Labradoodles have also been found to suffer from Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited disease that causes blindness, which occurs in both Miniature Poodles and Cocker Spaniels.

Famous Labradoodles:

Sir Donald Campbell, who broke land speed records in the 1950s in Bluebird, was one of the first Labradoodle owners.

^{Golfer Tiger Woods has two Labradoodles named Yogi and Riley.}

U.S Vice President Joe Biden owns a Labradoodle named Brother

^{Singer/songwriter Neil Young has a Labradoodle named Carl.}

^{Actress Jennifer Aniston owns a Labradoodle, bought for her by former husband, Brad Pitt.}

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 bully sticks!

We are extremely proud to launch our first and only line of frozen raw dog food. We encourage you to give it a try as it is the United States first and only complete line of USDA certified ORGANIC raw dog food. Most food out there is USDA inspected and approved but being organic really takes this raw dog food to the next level!

Pure, healthy and eco-true raw foods fulfill your pet’s instinctive cravings. PAW NATURAW uniquely sources organic and free range meats as locally as possible and always within the continental United States from small documented family farms.

Features of Paw Naturaw Organic, Raw, Frozen Diets for Pets

• MOSA/USDA Certified Organic, Raw, Frozen Diets for Dogs & Cats
• USA Certified Organic Meats, Organs, Fruits & Vegetables

• 100% Human-Grade Ingredients
• Holistic & Nutrient Rich Raw Food
• Pure Whole Foods
• Complete and Balanced for Dogs and Cats of All Life Stages
• Fortified with Highly Absorbable Mineral & Vitamin Supplements
• 100% Grain Free
• No Water Added
• Variety of 4 distinct organic protein sources which includes chicken, grass fed bison, turkey & beef

If you are interested in additional information on this product, please visit www.bestbullysticks.com

As always, please feel free to contact us directly at 8044776033 should you have any further questions or comments.

Dog thinking: "If only I had a best bully stick to chew on. Oh well, this pump will have to do!"

No pet owner loves coming home after at hard day at work to find their dog has chewed their throw pillows, slippers, or left teeth marks on their coffee table legs. Not only does your home look like it has been hit by a wrecking ball, it can  be upsetting & costly as well. Dogs can chew up precious family heirlooms or get into something harmful & unsafe. The key to correcting this destructive behavior is getting to the root of matter.  Separation anxiety and boredom are the  #2 reasons why dogs become chewing machines & master destroyers.

1. Separation anxiety: The saying is true “absences makes the heart grow fonder” or in a dogs case makes them chew. Anxious dogs chew everything in sight to relieve stress and anxiety when you are away. When your dog chews he or she is saying in a destructive manner “I love you & miss you!”.  So, when you do leave for work  or to run errands don’t fuss over your dog this just makes it worse.

2. Boredom: Dogs are natural busy bodies and get bored very easily leaving your shoes as dismembered causalities and you left to clean up whats left of your leather soles. Their way of squelching their boredom is to chew, chew, chew some more. Nothing is safe from your dogs chompers, even if that inappropriate chew toy is your windowsill.

Giving your dog a proper outlet to release some of that pent up energy due to boredom is important. Keeping your dog properly exercised with a long walk, run or good game of fetch twice a day will help prevent your home from being torn apart and turned upside down by that four legged Hurricane Spike.  Find out what activities are best & fun for your dog and be diligent about scheduling it in everyday. Sometimes all your dog is barking for is a little TLC and quality time. If your dog knows his reward when you come through the door is a walk or run this will give him the will power to behave while you are out.

Like the saying goes "You are innocent till proven guilty". Well this does not hold true for our four legged friends. Those puppy eyes will get you every time, so remember to be stern when saying “No” . If you catch your dog in the act discipline right away and then offer a better chewing option.  When he does take the toy in his mouth make sure you praise him.

It is important to discipline at that moment, because  dogs do not have good memory and won’t understand later why they are being scolded. If you discover your dog has chewed an item but don't catch him in the act, it's too late to administer a correction. You may think that when your dogs cowers, runs away, or hide that he or she feels guilty. But truth be told dogs don't have a guilty concise all they know is that you have an angry tone of voice, body posture, or facial expression which makes them exhibit submissive behavior. Your dog doesn't know what he's done wrong; he only knows that you're upset. Therefore, punishment after the fact will not only fail to eliminate the undesirable behavior, but may provoke other undesirable behaviors, too.

Here are some tips that will help protect your dog and the home

1. Put away precious heirlooms- Dogs explore the world not just with their strong sense of smell but investigate their mouths and in the process may inflict damage and teeth marks. So, NEVER leave your valuables within paws or mouths reach of your dog. Where there's a will there is a way and dogs surely have the will to get anything off the counter or shelf. Dogs have a fascination with shoes, socks, Tupperware, wood and the list goes on.  To them anything within reach is fair game to play with or have a mid-afternoon snack or chew. Never give your dogs human objects to play with like shoes or socks if you don't won't him chewing & destroying other belongings.  It is important they understand their boundaries that human objects are not play or chew toys.

2. Have a Toy Chest- Keeping your dogs toy chest filled with his favorite play things will keep him or her preoccupied. Its important to rotate toys so they are not bored, dogs love variety.

3. Leave your dog in safe place- Confinement may be an option to keep your dog and possessions safe. You can crate your dog or restrict him to a particular area of the room.  Keep in mind that larger dogs may be able to chew free from crate, open doors and damage walls.

Bully Sticks are a great training treat to encourage constructive good chewing behavior. Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course bully sticks!

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