Friday, November 18, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog


Planet Dog Fetches Great Fun for 5 Fidos

Posted: 18 Nov 2011 05:08 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© reader copyright on file
Jack Shows Off his Planet Dog Loyalty
© s.g., reader copyright on file
Skipper Likes to Play Catch
It seems that Tanner is not the only Fetcher around.  This week's review of the Wood Chuck brought Retrievers of all sizes and types scrambling for a chance at this great throwing tool.  Could that many dog owners possible throw as badly as I do?


Tanner and Jack, shown above, both have the same Orbee-Tuff ball, so I know Jack must enjoy his too. We have been extremely impressed with its durability in daily swimming and fetching play in the pool. Fortunately I don't have to throw very far to give Tanner a good swim in the pool.


© s.p. reader copyright on file
Kody Loves Fetch too
Thanks to all of you who showed your support for this fun toy. The winners today are Shelley P, Sharon G., Rick, Abby R., and Cynthia D. I'll be in touch over the weekend from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com to request your address and phone number for shipping. 


© Brent Boyko
See You at the Park










If you missed the initial review for this product, you may want to go back and view the slideshow of our Fetch game at the dog park. We had a ball when we were joined by another Retriever. Tanner didn't miss a beat. He brought home the ball every time. 


Be sure to stop by Fido's Freebie Friday next week to see what's going on with giveaways. You'll find a bumper crop from my blog for sure. In addition, I'll be hosting the #BarkFriday Twitter Party from 11 AM-12:30 PM EST on Black Friday. Visit the link if you'd like to join us to win great prizes. You must RSVP to win. See you then. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!






No purchase was necessary to win. The Wood Chuck shown in these photos was provided for a product review; I was not paid to evaluate this product. The opinions included here are my own. Feel free to check out my Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detailed information.


Cookie Cutters for You and Fido too: The Winners

Posted: 18 Nov 2011 02:48 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© Carrie Boyko
Football Season has Started:
We Need Snacks!
Who would have thought that a couple of small packages of cookie cutters could be so popular. You guys never cease to amaze me.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised; I thought they were cute too!


Congratulations to @Tammy1409 and Colleen for winning the cookie cutter giveaway. Tammy snagged the dog cutters and Colleen will give a home to the seasonal shapes.  Tanner and Oliver are expecting to see pictures if not samples :) Recipes are great too!



Thursday, November 17, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog


Fido's Freebie Friday Makes Room for New Giveaways

Posted: 17 Nov 2011 01:00 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
Well gang, I've decided I need a little time off. Thanksgiving, my son's birthday, another one engaged, company and all the fun that comes with these events....I just need some time to savor the flavor. While considering this, I realized I need to give you guys a reason to come visit throughout the time I'm "away".


Mind you, I won't really be gone, just temporarily not creating new posts. But I've set up some wham bam pet and pet lover giveaways to keep you on your toes. A few will show up here today. But watch the blog daily to see what's new. I can't promise a daily offering, but you'll find many new goodies throughout my break. I plan to do this again during the week after Christmas, so make sure your computer is ready to rock. There will be plenty of fun stuff for bunches of winners.


There are so many fun Fido freebies coming your way that I'm wondering if I should tip you off...okay. You twisted my arm. I'll be selecting from items such as:
  • dog books for you
  • dog books for kids
  • fido fashions
  • hydration supplies for walks and hikes
  • bowls
  • Greenies
  • Flushpuppies
  • Treats such as Dog Pack Snacks and others
  • senior dog needs
  • Grab bag surprises
  • Resources materials (training information and such)
For Bloggers popping in to link up, yes, I'm open! I'll also be open for linkups next Thursday as well as during the holidays. No worries. Keep in mind if you need assistance, the HELP PAGE is always open with linkup tips, photo ideas, links to the FTC guidelines and Facebook rules for giveaways, sweepstakes, contests and such. Thanks again for joining me.




LeashLocket: Review and Giveaway

Posted: 16 Nov 2011 09:15 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© Carrie Boyko
Getting Ready for the Walk 
© Carrie Boyko
Elastic Attachment
I've made no secret of my concerns about retractable leashes. That's my disclaimer. However, I recently discovered that I can and do find the LeashLocket to be a useful tool for certain specialized applications. So, as I backpeddle on my previous notes, I'll explain why and how you can use this tool to your benefit.


If you and your dog enjoy hiking in the woods, a retractable leash allows you to give Fido some exploratory distance, without losing him to a scent among the trees. Of course any retractable leash will do this. What's special about the LeashLocket is its unique collar attachment feature. This is what won me over.


© Carrie Boyko
LeashLocket Attaches
 to Collar
Hidden inside the package and out of view is the sturdy, elastic collar attachment. This can be removed and placed around any width dog collar. It has a heavy-duty snap that attaches to the collar and a magnetic snap that connects to the LeashLocket, holding it securely on your dog's collar until you need it again. It removes quickly and easily to allow you to give up that headache of carrying your dog's leash while he plays, or locating a place to store it safely. 


Why would you want to attach the leash to Fido's collar? I can think of quite a few times when this may be handy:
  • You've arrived at the dog park and are wary of hanging your leash on the fence while you and Fido play. Simply attach the retracted LeashLocket to his collar and you can both be off and running.
  • If Fido's leash is connected to his collar and danger or excitement approaches, you can quickly grab the handle from his collar. It will release immediately and you now have control over the situation.
  • When you arrive at your destination with Fido, and he is no longer required to be on leash, you don't have to worry about where to put the leash. Simply attach it to his collar and when you're ready to leave, there will be no more seeking out your original stash.
  • I have to admit the handle is very comfortable to use. I have small hands and am reviewing a large LeashLocket, so I had my concerns about the comfort of using this handle. These concerns were quickly quelled when I grabbed it from Tanner's collar as a friend approached with his dog. I found myself examining the shape and realizing that it mimics my hand and therefore works perfectly without the typical loop handle.
  • A traditional loop handle is available for purchase on LeashLocket's site. For those who prefer their standard leash handle, this easy-to-attach handle can be hooked to the loop on one side of the LeashLocket, allowing you to hold the loop the way you may have become accustomed. This loop, being small and easy to store, will not diminish the advantages of the product significantly. It can easily be stashed in your pocket or hooked to a belt loop. I would not recommend attaching this loop to your dog's collar or leaving it on the LeashLocket, as there may be safety issues with this.
  • Having spent a couple of years in agility training with Tanner and Oliver, I can see how the LeashLocket may have some uses there. Basic training in agility often involves the use of a short leash on and off; sometimes that leash must be stowed. This storage position will allow it to be quickly used when needed without the additional step of reattaching it to the collar.
  • Finally, the large LeashLocket may appear heavy, but actually weighs only 4 oz., while the small LeashLocket weighs just under 3 oz. 
Here's a nice video to give you a little better idea how easy-to-use this product is:




If you don't see the Rafflecopter entry form here, simply click on the post title and it will reappear just beneath this line:




LeashLocket recommends that their product only remain attached to your dog's collar when he can be supervised for safety. Additional safety information can be found on their website

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. I was provided with a LeashLocket to review.Prizes available are a promotional courtesy offered by LeashLocket. I have not been paid to evaluate this product and the opinions provided here are my own. By entering the giveaway you agree to the terms of our Giveaway and Contest Rules.

All Things Dog Blog recommends that this tool be used at a heel length (walking beside handler) except when hiking, and only with dogs who are leash-trained properly without excessive pulling. Using a retractable leash when other people or animals are within range can be a trip hazard and would be a reason to shorten the length of the leash to a heel position.


Dog Books for Young Children: A Giveaway

Posted: 16 Nov 2011 09:01 PM PST

by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© Carrie Boyko
Oliver Shows Off
His Latest Crop of Book Giveaways
I'm on vacation and you get the payoff. This week's events will involve dog giveaways of all sorts. Some will appear on the blog today and others will pop up throughout the next 2 weeks. This prize will net the two winners with 4 children's dog books each.


When I return, the winners will be announced on Friday, December 2nd. Don't miss it!


If you don't see the Rafflecopter entry form here, simply click on the post title and it will reappear just beneath this line:










 

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