Toys and Play Archives

All About Dogs

6 Steps To Teaching Your Dog To Fetch

Teaching your dog how to fetch seems like it should be one of those things that’s so simple it requires no real thought or effort. After all, dogs love both playing and pleasing their humans, and fetch involves both of these things — you should just be able to do it, right? Short answer: nope. While there are some dogs that just seem to intrinsically understand the game and will automatically chase and retrieve whatever object you use the first time you try, most do not. Either they sit and stare at you, wondering why you would choose to throw

September 14, 2020 No Comments

a dog sits outside waiting for ball to be thrown

Dog Care

How To Stimulate Your Dog’s Mind

Stimulating your dog’s mind and challenging him to try new things is one of the keys to fulfillment. Finding ways to work with a dog’s instinctual nature can bring out the best in them. The walk offers a structured routine that allows you to bond with your dog, but playtime can give you more opportunities to challenge them, enrich their lives, and establish an even deeper bond. Many owners think “play” means letting their puppy run wild, but play sessions can be productive and fun too with some focus that allows a mental component in addition to the physical. A

September 12, 2020 No Comments

All About Dogs

Safety Tips For Working Out With Your Dog

Exercising with your dog is a great way for the two of you to strengthen your bond and to get some cardiovascular in at the same time. While canine/human workouts can be fun, they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Follow the tips below when working out with your dog to ensure that you both are safe: Tips to Follow Before Exercising with Your Dog, Make Sure That He is Physically Fit Enough to Handle It Dogs should be evaluated by a veterinarian before starting a workout program. Also consider the dog’s age. Long distance

October 4, 2019 No Comments

Dog Training

Beyond Obedience And Agility: 5 Unusual Dog-Powered Sports

Exercise is good for us, and it’s good for our four-legged pals, too. As evidenced by the growing rates of overweight and obese pets, our dogs need more of that physical activity to not only help burn off excess weight, but improve their quality of life, too. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that an estimated 55.6 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. The risks of excess weight in pets include osteoarthritis, insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, kidney disease, many forms of cancer, and an up to

June 18, 2015 No Comments

8 Must-Have Puppy Products

Finding the perfect products for your puppy can be a blast — and there are plenty of them to choose from. Walk through any pet boutique, big-box retailer or department store, and you’ll see aisles of premium foods and treats, plush beds, toys of every shape and size, and even doggy haute couture. It will be tempting to splurge on your new dog. To begin with, however, pick up these items to make your pup’s homecoming a smooth one. 1. Collar & Leash Your puppy will need a collar and leash the day you bring her home. A collar —

June 18, 2015 No Comments

dog plays with sports balls in the grass

All About Dogs

The Best Sport For Your Dog

For some dogs, even regular long walks and access to a big backyard just aren’t enough of a challenge. You want your pup to test their mental and physical prowess and allow them (and you!) to have some fun. How can you do this? Dog sports! How Do Your Pick A Sport For Your Dog? You must first take into account your dog’s breed, size, and temperament. For instance, you probably wouldn’t have your Chihuahua compete in Schutzhund, where German shepherds and other large breeds learn to protect, track, and obey commands. Dog Sports But there are so many different

June 18, 2015 No Comments

A dog weaves in and out of poles his owner set up in the backyard. A DIY obstacle course for your pup is simple to set up with a few items from your home.

Dog Care

Create Your Own Dog Obstacle Course on a Budget

Are you hoping to train your dog for an agility competition? Want to provide your four-legged companion with more physical and mental stimulation? Backyard dog obstacle courses are a great way to build trust, provide exercise, and prevent boredom. We’ve compiled some easy DIY dog obstacle courses on the cheap.You don’t have to shell out a lot of money for state-of-the-art equipment. You can construct a safe and fun obstacle course for dogs of any size with a few inexpensive supplies — or even things you already have in your home. DIY Backyard Agility Course for Dogs Wherever you set

June 18, 2015 No Comments