All Things Dog Blog

Fido's Freebie Friday Sniffs Out the Goods
Dog Treat Review: Nature Nosh Scores Big with Treat Review Team
Unleashing Fun at Fido's Bathtime:Dogs Unleashed Review and Giveaway
Dog Book Giveaway for Dog-Loving Kids
Doggie Grab Bag Surprise Goes to Five Sibes

Fido's Freebie Friday Sniffs Out the Goods

Posted: 14 Jul 2011 08:47 AM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Pop quiz: Who noticed anything different about the badge for Fido's Freebie Friday? If you can correctly identify the change with a comment, I'll give you some link love in my post next week. Let's see how observant you are!
I'm eager to see what this week's giveaway shopping expedition turns up. I've heard from a few new participants and it's shaping up to be a very interesting selection. Be sure to stop in later on Friday to see all the goodies that are linked up.
Let's get on with the show. If you're a blogger who is new to blog hops, I've put together a Help Page to give you some how to's, tips and answers to questions you may have. The code for Wordpress.com blogs is also on the Help Page. There is a new Wordpress.com code each week, so you can drop by and snag it from the Help Page.
There are just 2 rules for bloggers linking up to the blog hop, and then you can get on with the fun part--shopping!

The Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts about giveaways, drawings, prizes, and freebies for pet products or services only, including pet-related items for owners.

Please post the badge or a link to this post in your Fido's Freebie Friday blog post and invite your readers to visit their hosts, All Things Dog Blog and Doggies and Stuff.

The Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop will open each Thursday afternoon by 4 PM and close at midnight on Fridays. During these hours bloggers may add pet related giveaways to the hop with a link directly to giveaway posts at their blogs. This blog hop is ONLY for free pet products or services. You may include any contests that involve a free, pet-related prize (photo contests, guessing games, etc) including pet-related items for pet owners, as long as the contests are family friendly. If you have multiple giveaways, feel free to post each of them.
And for our visitors and readers, please enjoy a look around at the possibilities, and feel free to leave a comment to let us know how you found us.
All Things Dog Blog's giveaways are offered to North American addresses only, for ages 18 and older, and are void where prohibited. Thanks and happy tails!

You may also find our listings at the following events:

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog takes no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered.

Dog Treat Review: Nature Nosh Scores Big with Treat Review Team

Posted: 13 Jul 2011 09:20 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

The results are in and our Treat Review Team has sent 2 Paws Up for Nature Nosh's USDA Organic treats. We especially enjoyed that they were not your typical, chicken, liver and beef flavors. After all, our pups deserve a little variety, even though we may know too much variety isn't good for our fido's tummies.

While Beef Liver "Wellington" was certainly a hit, the Chicken Liver Parmesan made my boys' eyes light up, and Pumpkin Pie was certain to pair well with Thanksgiving's Best for a November special-occasion treat. Wow! I could have noshed on the Pumpkin Pie flavored treats; they smelled delish.

One interesting point is the availability of USDA Organic liver. It's tough to source and Nature Nosh is proud to be one of few that are able to sport this USDA Organic logo on a liver-based treat that is made in the U.S. That's a lot of safe, healthy ingredients built right in for your Fido.

One additional perk that appealed to me was that despite there being no artificial preservatives, the product has a great shelf life, prompted by the addition of mixed Tocopherols (a form of vitamin E often used as a healthy preservative in natural foods). I loved seeing the expiration date on each bag and knowing that my pups had a long, long time to finish them if needed.

And guess what is NOT in them?

X pesticides
X growth hormones
X artificial colors or flavors
X synthetic preservatives
X corn, wheat, egg or soy
X fillers
X antibiotics

Sounds good, huh? I love that there is nothing lurking in these yummies to leave toxins in my best furry friends. And apparently, the dogs sensed this too. There were no hesitant looks or reluctant munchers. It was chow down--across the board.

When I brought the bags out to let Tanner and Oliver take a whiff, I immediately had 2 eager photo models. I've got them trained now. When they see the camera and a product come out, it's definitely time to behave and practice their "Stay". It's a clear signal that they'll be getting some rewards for good behavior and these treats were major motivation.

I had a little fun tantalizing them with a Nature-Nosh pyramid in front of them for a picture. I'm sure they were saying to themselves, "Hold your stay. Just a few more minutes and I'll get to eat them!" And eat them they did.

Would your dog like to try some Nature Nosh Treats? Who wouldn't want to offer their pup an ultra-premium, certified organic treat. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no toxins. Just wholesome ingredients.

Nature Nosh is offering 6 winners a 4-pack of all 4 of their flavors. This is a super giveaway and I want you guys to show them your enthusiasm. I know you can do it, so let's dig deep. I'm going to offer a few extra ways to enter, just to get your motors running. Enjoy the journey and good luck to all of you. Here's how to enter:

You may enter the giveaway once daily per method, but you must use a different Tweet, comment, photo, etc. each time. All methods of entry come back to the blog comments. No matter what you do, you must follow up with a comment here on the blog, letting me know you've done it. This registers your entry for the computer-generated winners' selection.
Let's start with Facebook. Visit Nature Nosh and All Things Dog Blog on Facebook to "Like" us. Then leave a comment telling me you've done this for an entry.
Prefer Twitter? Great! Let me know @AllThingsDog that you've Tweeted about this giveaway and want an entry.
Now let's get more creative. Grab your printer or your camera. A sign and a photo of my dog or yours, whether it be hand-written or computer printed, will get you 3 entries: "I Love Nature Nosh Organic Treats". You can either post your sign on my Facebook page or email it to me at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Your photo may be used on Facebook or on the blog. Don't forget to leave comments for each of your 3 entries.
Subscribing to our blog by email using the dog house subscription box at left is a great way to keep up with our posts, giveaways, Ask the Vet and Trainer columns and more. Leave me a comment for one entry, saying "I subscribe to All Things Dog Blog." RSS subscribers may use this method also.
Going back to comments, please do have some fun with them. Tell us which flavor you think YOU would enjoy most--LOL. And what about Fido?
And of course, hit that Tweet/Retweet button at the top of the post, and then leave me a comment telling me you Tweeted/Retweeted this post. Leave your Twitter handle for verification and we'll be thrilled to give you another entry.
Winners are selected from comments here on the blog that include a method of contact (URL, email, Twitter handle, etc). All Tweets and emails must be followed up with a comment here to be entered in the drawing. Random.org will be used to select the winners.
Entries will close at 5 PM sharp on Thursday, July 21st. I'll report the winners on Friday, July 22nd.

Did I miss anything? Hope not. This is one of those great giveaways you don't want to foul up! Four-packs of dog treats don't come around just every day.

Now would you like to know where you can pick some up on your own? Nature Nosh's website has a store locator where you can simply click your state and check for the closest retailer. In addition, you'll find a link for online retailers that carry Nature Nosh Treats. While you're on their site be sure to check out their product ingredients. You'll probably find yourself wanting to be invited for dinner!

Full disclosure: All Things Dog Blog was provided with samples of Nature Nosh Treats for review. I have not been paid to provide my opinion and the opinion given is my own.

Unleashing Fun at Fido's Bathtime:Dogs Unleashed Review and Giveaway

Posted: 13 Jul 2011 09:10 PM PDT

Carrie Boyko, CEB

One of the most delightful parts of dog ownership is bathtime. Yes, you heard that right. I actually enjoy the process. Sometimes I think it has rubbed off on the boys, as they are so patient, so well-behaved, and so willing. Well, at least during warm weather, which is 360 days a year here in Florida, so we manage to get most of our baths in outside.

Tanner is interested in my new batch of bath goodies, just received from the nice folks at Dogs Unleashed. I couldn't help but fall in love with this bone-shaped sponge. It has one side that is a scrubby pad also, so I can make certain Tanner's tub is clean before we get started.

As you can see our tub is a kiddie pool. During Winter I fill it up early and allow the water to warm up in the sun. Summer's here now, so no worries about water temperature. Tanner is always ready for water in any form I make it available. Rain, sprinklers, ice cubes and swimming all appeal to him.

I'm likely to get a bit wet in the process of bathing Tanner, as he thinks drying off should be done by rubbing his face all over ME. We'll see if I can at least keep my Blogpaws Tshirt dry, as I've gotten an adorable bath apron from Dogs Unleashed. I love the way the neck and ties work on this design. Instead of tying at the neck and separately around the middle, the tie is one loop that goes over your head and runs through the sides to tie it on--pretty slick. Here's a close up pic of the artwork on the front:

Tanner is getting impatient so I signal him into the tub. Water; yes! I snuck his favorite tub toy--a rubber ducky, of course--into the Dogs Unleashed tote bag, along with their towel, bath mitts, sponge and apron. We're all set, so it's time to get to the task at hand.

If there's one sure way to help your fido enjoy his bath, it's to add forms of relaxation to the mix. A good massage makes each and every bath a "Calgon, Take Me Away" experience, that Tanner and Oliver can always look forward to again. Do you think they see me as their masseuse? That's okay; I'll take that job. What Tanner doesn't know is that his feet are soaking while he's getting his rubdown.

Now it's time to get Tanner wet and soaped up. That means more massage, as the process of working the shampoo into the fur of a 70 pound dog takes a bit more rubbing than when I bathe little 10 lb. Oliver, my Papillon.

I'm eager to show off the Dogs Unleashed mitts--my favorite product that they provided for me. I suppose you could use them for drying a small dog, but I decided they would make a great way to wash Tanner's face, allowing me to get around his eyes, ears, mouth and nose without the constant rearranging of a washcloth that I find annoying. It worked great and I'll continue to use these mitts for that job. It's so much easier to get those harder-to-suds areas where you don't want shampoo getting into sensitive eyes.

These mitts have finger sheaths inside of them, so it's as if you are putting on gloves. Each finger slides into its own space, making the mitts much easier to manipulate around your dog's delicate areas. Tanner doesn't consider anything delicate except his eyes, but Oliver likes a gentler touch, so these handy mitts are awesome for dealing with his dainty little....everything!

Since Tanner enjoys a face rub when he does it himself, he found this quite pleasant. At times he actually pushed his face into the mitts, getting a better massage as we worked around his face really well. It was probably the best facial he's ever had. Well, okay; it was the first facial he's ever had. But no seaweed or anything too girlie; he's a buff boy, ya know!

This large, microfiber towel was part of our bath kit by Dogs Unleashed. I've never owned a microfiber towel, although I've heard they absorb better than others and dry faster too. We'll test it out on Tanner and give you a report.

This towel came embroidered with an adorable pawprint, and as with all their products, comes in a number of attractive color combinations. After all, some of us really do care what color towel we dry off our fido with! Check out the pic of the embroidery:

Dogs Unleashed also makes a panel-shaped towel, much like the ones for baby baths, that has pockets in the ends. It looked to me to be a good tool for small pups like my Oliver, but Tanner needed the "big boy" version, so we opted for this one. It was large enough to get him good and dried off without having to resort to another one of my towels.

Usually it takes 2 of our traditional terry-cloth towels to do the job on Tanner, so I suppose that was a good success story. Who knew such a thin towel could absorb so much moisture?

I guess I could have managed to stay dry if I'd worn shorts. My jeans did get soaked while we dried off, but I have to say Tanner still enjoyed his snuggle-rubs against my legs. I guess that's pretty obvious in this photo, huh?

All in all, another successful bath. I'm glad I don't have to resort to leashes. A little affection teams up well with a warm day to make for a nice, relaxing bath. Thanks to Dogs Unleashed for introducing us to some new supplies that will make future tub times a bit smoother. Now I have the fun job of cleaning up. Where did I put that cute, bone-shaped sponge?

After everything is clean and dry, I'll pack it up in the tote bag for storage until the next bath day. Organization is something I can always use more of. Now all my bath supplies, including our favorite shampoo, gets tucked into the cute tote for next time.

Tanner is clean and dry now and we've written up our bath experience. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more--him or me. Now we get to make sure you enjoy it. How about a giveaway of some bath supplies?

I've got two full sets of the whole kit: Tote bag, microfiber towel, microfiber bath mitts (2-pack), Ruff Life Apron, and bone-shaped sponges (in 2-packs). In addition, I'll offer 3 smaller prizes in which each winner will get 1 of the following: Ruff Life Apron, Tote Bag, or 2 Mitts and 2 sponges teamed up as 1 prize. That's 5 total prizes from Dogs Unleashed. Sound good?

This giveaway is good for North American addresses only, void where prohibited, and available to ages 18 and older. Now all you have to do is try to get some entries in so you'll have a chance to win something from this giveaway. Here's how:

COMMENTS are the primo form of entry--super simple since you're already here. Visit the bottom of the post to find the COMMENTS link and click.
You may enter the giveaway once daily per method, but you must use a different Tweet, comment, photo, etc. each time.
Winners will be selected from comments here on the blog that include a method of contact (URL, email, Twitter handle, etc). All Tweets and emails must be followed up with a comment here to be entered in the drawing. Random.org will be used to select the winners.
For 3 entries, drop me an email at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com with a photo of your pup and a sign that says "We Love Bathtime with Dogs Unleashed". You can print a picture from this post and write the note on the photo for an extra entry. That's 4 entries right there! Your photo may even be featured on our Facebook page, or here on the blog.
Likewise, Bathtime photos of your dog sent to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com will earn you 4 entries. However, remember that you must follow up the photo with 4 comments to register your entries for the drawing. It will be done via computer selection, so the comment is needed to get you a win!
Leave a comment here saying "I Like All Things Dog Blog on Facebook" for another entry.

Likewise, follow @AllThingsDog on Twitter and leave a comment here telling me you've done this.
Subscribing to our blog by email using the dog house subscription box at left is a great way to keep up with our posts, giveaways, Ask the Vet and Trainer columns and more. Leave me a comment for one entry, saying "I subscribe to All Things Dog Blog." RSS subscribers may use this method also. Click this link for more info on RSS.
And of course, hit that Tweet/Retweet button at the top of the post, and then leave me a comment telling me you Tweeted/Retweeted this post. Leave your Twitter handle for verification and we'll be thrilled to give you another entry.
Don't forget to include a method of contact so we can notify you if you win.
Entries will close at 5 PM sharp on Thursday, July 21st. I'll report the winners on Friday afternoon, July 22nd.

It seems that each product review I do is met with at least a couple of emails asking where a reader can purchase the product NOW. Petco's online store is carrying some of the Dogs Unleashed products at these links and other products may be found at select dog boutiques. I also found the Drying (or washing!) Mitts on Amazon, as well as an assortment of their other items on Amazon here (towels, etc). Check your area for upscale shops if you're interested in finding them locally.

I hope you've enjoyed this bath-themed product review as much as Tanner and I enjoyed sharing it with you. Oliver is feeling a bit left out though. You can visit him at 5 Minutes for Fido and see what he's up to. I'm guessing he's trying to nudge his way into this fun also.

Full disclosure: The products pictured in this review were provided to me by Dogs Unleashed for a review. I was not paid to give my opinion and the thoughts included here are my own.

Dog Book Giveaway for Dog-Loving Kids

Posted: 13 Jul 2011 09:00 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

This week we're back to giving away kids books--dog stories, of course. Do you have a favorite? We picked up a nice selection and will be offering a group of 4 titles to one winner this week. We'll give the rest away another time. I like spreading out the fun.

Do you have a kid at home that likes to read? Or maybe you like to read to your children or grandchildren? We've got just the thing for you. Here's how to enter:

COMMENTS are the primo form of entry--super simple since you're already here. Visit the bottom of the post to find the COMMENTS link and click. Tell us what you read to your pup! How about your kids?
Winners will be selected from comments here on the blog that include a method of contact (URL, email, Twitter handle, etc). All Tweets and emails must be followed up with a comment here to be entered in the drawing. Random.org will be used to select the winners.
You may enter the giveaway once daily per method, but you must use a different Tweet, comment, photo, etc. each time.
For 3 entries, drop me an email at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com with a photo of your pup and a sign that says "We Love Dog Stories". You can print the picture above and write the note on the photo for an extra entry. WOW! Your photo may even be featured on our Facebook page or the blog.
Leave a comment here saying "I Like All Things Dog Blog on Facebook" for another entry.
Subscribing to our blog by email using the dog house subscription box at left is a great way to keep up with our posts, giveaways, Ask the Vet and Trainer columns and more. Leave me a comment for one entry, saying "I subscribe to All Things Dog Blog."
Follow us on Twitter @AllThingsDog for another entry. Be sure to leave a comment telling us you're following our Tweets.
And of course, hit that Tweet/Retweet button at the top of the post, and then leave me a comment telling me you Tweeted/Retweeted this post. Leave your Twitter handle for verification and we'll be thrilled to give you another entry.
Entries will close at 5 PM sharp on Thursday, July 21st. I'll report the winners on Friday, July 22nd.

This giveaway is offered for entry by adults ages 18 +, is void where prohibited, and available to North American addresses only. Are you ready to read? Ok, then get to entering already. I can't give it away if you don't do your part. Good luck!

Doggie Grab Bag Surprise Goes to Five Sibes

Posted: 13 Jul 2011 09:00 PM PDT

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Who doesn't love a surprise gift? A toy and some treats tucked into a surprise bag is the perfect way to put a wag in your dog's tail. What's more...there's no entry required and the winner has already been selected. The winners of the Grab Bag Surprises are drawn from earlier entries that did not win a prize.

Back in the dark ages, before I started using electronic winner selection via Random.org, I had a manual method. It worked something like this: Copy each entry name onto a slip of paper. Hand draw a winner for each giveaway. Repeat each week.

As you can imagine, after a while the leftovers got pretty overwhelming, so I finally decided to upgrade to the 21st century. Now each giveaway is drawn from entries to that particular post by a computer program at Random.org that selects a winning number from entries at random.

But what of the leftovers? Well, long ago I had promised readers that if they entered, one day they would get to win something. So this is how I intend to keep that promise. All those leftover entries from the dark ages are now being drawn from for Grab Bag Surprises. This week's winner is Five Sives Mom. I'm guessing she'll have no problem putting this grab bag to work. Send your address to me at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com so we can get your Grab Bag Surprise to you pronto.

Watch the blog each week for Grab Bag Surprises. Maybe you'll be lucky and get one next week. Thanks for reading and happy tails!

Doggie Bok! Bok!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

All Things Dog Blog

All Things Dog Blog

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive