Tiny Toes & Furry Paws

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Link (Single in Blue)

This interactive puzzle toy link can connect to many more, shaping new toys and new challenges!  Fill it with your dog’s favorite treat, and watch them empty the puzzle!

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Maze (Green)

Large treat dispensing puzzle toy.

Large Orange WestPaw Toppl Filler Toy

Outward Hound & Nina Ottosen’s Advanced Green Slider toy.

In compliance with social distancing recommendations, SD Dogs will be closing physical meet up classes through April. BUT that doesn’t mean we are leaving you all to fend for yourselves while you’re locked away weeks on end! I know a lot of dogs won’t have an outlet, because they rely on classes, so I’m taking this proactive direction to see how virtual exercises will work.

Once a week,…

Top 17 Summer Go to Items for the Whole Pack! 🐾

Summertime is FINALLY here, and by some miracle it isn’t already 100 degrees here in Utah!  Being massively pregnant, I must admit it has been rather nice having a summertime that wasn’t blazing by June, but none the less, it gave me a little bit more time to put together my go to list for this year.  Every year, there are a few items I add to my needed list, and all of them are thing’s I’ve…

8 Steps to potty training, it’s much less complicated than you’d expected!

I do appreciate a well mannered adult dog any day, BUT I am a puppy lover to the core!  I look forward to working with puppies, because they always bring a smile to my face, but lets be honest, they make me work that much harder to get there.  The reward is always amazing though, because watching their little faces light up with new information and that “moment” of realization just makes my heart…

The road to understanding why positive reinforcement ONLY trainers, can’t be a reality…

Recently I’ve found myself a spectator to serious debates surrounding whether positive reinforcement trainers (+R), balanced trainers, and so on, are they an obtainable thing?  Are they the best option?  This question, or argument, is almost daily…and guess what…it’s not exactly what you’d expect. Understanding the labels of the training styles you’ll bump into can be a funny thing, especially…

This week alone, I’ve had multiple clients contact me about their dogs “suddenly becoming destructive for no reason”.  I kind of chuckle when I think about what our idea of “for no reason” is, and what the reality is behind it.  So I decided to put myself on blast for a moment, and let me be the example, and the learning moment for all of you, because it can seriously happen to ANYONE!

I want you to disconnect from your relationship with the struggling dog, in this case, we will use Vino.  Forget what their past was for just a moment, and let’s talk about what the current issue is.  Vino is stealing food off of tables, counters, and various locations if it’s unattended, and if you have turned your back.  He has been tearing apart his beds, blankets, boxes he finds, and various kids toys.  In 15 years of dog ownership, I have never had a dog dig through the trash…well Vino can now check that off of his bucket list.  He can also thank that adventure for his crate time when I leave the house now.  I am often surprised at how many of my clients have assumed that damage and “acting out” is just okay, but it’s not, it means something!

I Don’t think I really have a problem – So in reality, the first step is realizing there is an issue with your situation to begin with.  IF you leave home, knowing that you will return to potty accidents, or damage to your personal items, and property, then this is likely going to be pretty helpful to your household.  Because…Those things should NOT be happening.  Period.  You shouldn’t have to pick up the aftermath of your dog when you get home everyday, and this doesn’t sound like the set up for a super healthy companionship to thrive in.  It is, however, a pretty good sign that your dog is missing something, and is replacing those energy release needs with what he CAN get to.  Which is your wall…

Taking responsibility – Now that we know there is a problem, we move on to our second part…which, in this case, is taking responsibility for my part in all of this.  This is why I find the “for no reason” comment so amusing, there is ALWAYS a reason.  Around the first part of November, we caught the nasty flu bug, and it circulated our house (NO JOKE) for 2-3 straight months.  It felt like death (really, Ava was even hospitalized at one point!)…which means, a lot of my normal activities stopped for about that same amount of time.  In reality, it messed with our daily walks, I stopped running with them in the evenings, our training sessions were not as often, or as long, we haven’t attended a class, and all in all, their normal exercise (both mental and physical) was seriously lacking.  When you take into account what my dogs are used to doing on a daily basis, it’s even harder for them to do next to nothing.  Karma is great at bouncing back to and from down time, but Vino needs much more than she does.  We had a few instances each day, where we would leave to take Aiden to school, and come back to find that he had snagged ANYTHING he could find, and devoured it…it’s dangerous for him, and frustrating for me. Remember above, when I said it’s not normal to expect disaster, and clean up when you come home…good example!  So obviously we crated him when we left from that point on…good start, so…I’m done now, right?  Nope.

I’ll just get a crate – The crate can, and is, a reasonable way to react to destruction.  The dog clearly can’t be cool when he’s free, and alone for a lot of reasons. I don’t want to dismiss a perfectly safe option based on sympathy (you had no problem putting up play pens for your baby so he didn’t stick his finger in an electrical socket…just sayin’…). Safety really is my biggest point with crating, i don’t want to leave my dog alone if he can get into dangerous items, or find himself caught in precarious places.  However, another important point is how it is going to effect our connection (or “bond”) by leaving my dog in a position to constantly destroy my home, and my things. While crating is a good start, it’s NOT the only thing needed here.  Shutting your dog into a small space instead of dealing with the underlying issue is more of a “bandaid” for the moments I cannot watch what he’s up to.  It’s absolutely not going to fix the issue at hand.  So what is the issue at hand then?  It’s surprisingly pretty simple, this dog is NOT getting what he needs to burn the physical and mental energy he has (In my case, in a way he is accustomed to).  Which leads me to my part in combating the problems we are having at home.

Just like all of you, I have 24 hours in a day, and it’s up to me to make sure all of my family gets what they need in that time frame.  That’s kind of what I promised my dogs when I decided to make them part of our family, so they should be allotted some of my time to keep them balanced daily as well.  Another words, even if I feel justified with sickness keeping me down, I SHOULD make sure they are getting enrichment, and exercise each day, and prioritize it into my schedule.  If I don’t, then I really can’t be upset with my dog, for being bored.  You know, the saying, “A tired dog, makes a happy owner”, in this case, it’s pretty spot on.  Tire the brain, exhaust the body, then your dog won’t have to find other ways to do that for himself!

What a thief – Now that we have that pesky responsibility issue out-of-the-way, lets back track to his food issues.  Remember when I said to push the history of your pup aside?  Now it’s time to bring that back into play!  It does help give me insight to his previous training, and needs, but don’t rely on what has worked before being the only option. Vino has always been a serious food hound, and as a puppy we really had to work hard with him on impulse control. With that being said, impulse control exercises are a great way to start, for a lot of reasons!  They are a great tool for mental exercise, and can be so unbelievably versatile, and easy to fit into your schedule. You can start with;

-Control feeding times, and make them work for meals.

-Play games (hide and go seek, find it, cups, you name it!)

-Load puzzle toys with meals (there are TONS online now to purchase!)

-Make them work for whatever they want! (Food, toys, ride, walks, anything!)

-Work on “LEAVE-IT!”  Up the anti and progress with your dog to further stimulation, and build reliability!

-The “wait” command is my fave, and you can progress with your dog, continuing to make it more of a challenge as they catch on.

-Stay is great, add distance, distraction, and duration!

-Introduce them to new things!  Physical items, sports, games, anything!

-This one is VERY important for those of you that have a counter surfer, and super hard for those of you with kids!  Now that your dog has made the reward connection to your counters, and tables, make sure you ALWAYS keep your counters clear.  If they check often, and find nothing from now on, it is no longer a lucrative exercise, because there is no longer a reward.  If you leave snacks, even small ones, they make for a pretty tasty reward, and the repetition of a nasty habit!

Let’s take a walk –  This is my second get real moment, walk your dog.  Run your dog!  Hire a dog walker…it doesn’t matter, both stimulation’s are important to tire your dog’s needs. Take into context the personalities, AND BREED, when you take in a dog, or when you are judging the exercise needs for your pal. Vino is a higher energy mastiff breed (lol, yes that exists), which is WHY I got him in the first place. We have dabbled in running together (he fails here…this is past his lazy point), Agility (he loves this!), and nose work, on top of our normal obedience. I knew this is what I was in for the day I told myself, “yeah, I can totally take in a tiny Cane Corso…”.  So it’s absolutely necessary for me to meet his physical exercise needs on top of his mental energy needs.

Training is a MUST – Dogs are not born knowing what you want from them. Sure we are connected in a way, but that doesn’t mean they can read your mind.  So take your dog to obedience classes, just give it a try!  It doesn’t mean you can’t “do it on your own”, in fact most good group classes are literally just giving YOU the skills to teach your dog on your own in the most constructive way!  Search out a good “positive” trainer (a topic for another day) that can help you earn a good relationship with your dog.  By positive I mean someone who can work with your dog outside of slapping on aversive tools to hurry anything along. As your dog progresses, move on to some fun sports that will offer you both a good bond, some fun, AND exercise (both mental, and physical). If you like to compete, and your dog is on board, there are tons of ways to find a group near you.

Combine it all!-  Let’s recap, destruction of any kind is not okay.  Crating is alright, but not a resolution. Dogs need both mental, and physical stimulation…cough, cough, I can’t say this enough…this is the millionth time…Look at your dog, and say, “what can he need from me?” Instead of “this dog doesn’t get it!” because it’s usually us.  Take in to account the personality, and breed of your dog when you decide what exercise they need.  Get some thinker toys, use your training wisely with meal times, always make them work for a reward, and don’t be afraid to try out new classes!!!!  Nothing in life is free, you can look at food and treats as currency if it makes it easier for you.  When your dog is tearing up your house, your yard, and “acting out” if you will, realize they are missing something, and give them what they need.  Your dog is a part of your life for a reason, so make the time to help them have a healthy and happy life with you!

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#1- Custom dog bowl stations- Raised dog bowls with a storage space built-in, I mean seriously?  Of course I needed one of these!  I picked the 3 bowl option because I like all of the food and water bowls in one area.  This way the center bowl is water, and I feed on each side.  I do love slow down options, so we have some new goodie gobblers, to put inside our bowls to keep Vino, the vacuum cleaner, from sucking it down too fast!  This is from Two Moose Design’s shop on etsy, and there are a TON of options to choose from, this is the Medium in Ebony.  Keep in mind this is a custom item, and large to ship, so you will want to order by November 20th, and don’t forget to use our 10% off coupon code TINYTOES at checkout from Nov 1-30th!

#2- Custom dog collars Everyone needs a new dog collar every now and then, and if you are anything like me, I order a new one…every month.  Karma visits the hospital, and I like her to sport holiday swag for the kiddos!  I found these super cute custom engraved collars at Mimi Green.   They are based out of New Mexico, so make sure you reference the site for delivery dates if you want to get some new collars by the holiday!  I LOVE that these collars give you everything you need to keep your dog well tagged, without the jingle of actual tags!  Make sure to take advantage of the discount TINYTOES10 at check out, and stop by their Instagram @shopmimigreenandwally and Facebook @shopmimigreen

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#3- Qalo rings So these are my favorite personal item this year, because they are so versatile!  I have been sporting one for a bit now, and I wear it most days in and out, and I tend to switch to my wedding ring when I’m heading off for a date night, or function with the hubs!  I have a large black diamond in my ring, and it gets in the way ALL the time!  I never wear it to the gym, for obvious reasons, but also when I was working with the dogs, hiking, running, cleaning, you know…living the mom life in general because it was so hard to wear gloves or keep it clean!  Keep an eye out for their Black Friday Sale, so you can snag a few of their rings for any outgoing and busy guy, or gal out there.  Definitely a Dog trainer MUST!

#4- Red Dingo Dog Tags- These are by far my favorite dog tags!  I love that they are thick, covered in a clear enamel, AND they guarantee the integrity of the engraving as long as the tags are intact.  In the many years of sporting these on my dogs, I have never had to return one for being unable to read the information on the back, and we have tags that have been used for close to 8 years now!  They come in small, medium, and large, and have a huge selection of adorable designs!  I’ve been known to use these on my car key, diaper bags, lunch boxes, back packs, and gym bags!  The possibilities are endless!

#5- T-shirt– Okay, so who doesn’t love a new tee? Well I personally love one just a tad bit more if it has a dog on it!  Inkopious makes these adorable T-shirts, and you can find different breeds through their site so you can sport your best pal!  Personally I’ve already ordered a pit bull one, but you know…I’m pretty partial!

#6- Ruffwear– Okay, so this one is more of a brand favorite than anything!  I order from these guys all year long, and I am never disappointed by the quality of what they send me!  We have had the same singletrack backpacks for years, and they are still in awesome shape!  Karma has been sporting the same webmaster harness for 6 years when she’s working, and it’s still in really great (all be it hairy) condition. Really I buy new things because they let them out in new colors (Shhh…don’t tell Jeff…). So check out these coats for the season, if you have a winter sport, dog loving friend, this is the place to go! You can order online here, or if you’re local to Salt Lace City, you can find them at The Dogs Meow!

#7- Chew Toys– With big dogs of my own, and boarding dogs of all sizes and chewing abilities, I am always looking for chew items that can withhold them for a reasonable amount of time. Benebones have been a fave here for the past few months!  I am a big fan of how long they withstand strong chewers, and they would DEFINITELY make a great stocking stuffer!!!  Okay, so again you can find these here (yep, click this link), or if you’re a local, you can find them at The Dogs Meow!

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#8- Mug– If you have ever been by my house, you’d know I have a serious thing for mugs…especially dog related mugs! These would be amazing stuffed with treats or hot chocolate, and so easy to do as mass gift items for friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues!  I am loving the 4 options they have right now, AND the fact that they are available with Prime 2-day shipping is just an awesome bonus!

#9- Door Mats– DOGNATTi makes my favorite door mat!  I am hoping my hubby takes a hint and orders one for the side door too, (I’m talking to you Jeff…) because this sums my house up VERY well!  I should add here, that DOGNATTi has a LOT of really adorable items in their shop!  From cups and coasters to leash holders and signs, so go check it out!  Use the coupon code FURRYPAWS10 for 10% off $50.00 or more until December 1st, which is going to be the last day for guaranteed Christmas Day delivery.

#10- Tea infuser– This puppy tea infuser is ADORABLE!  I am a crazy tea drinker, and if you know anyone else that is, that also fancies dogs, this is the ideal stocking stuffer, or small token!  I love that they are metal, because they seem to have a longer expectancy than my silicone ones.  So grab a couple this season and make the dog loving tea drinker in your life happy!

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#11- Bandanas–  The California Chi outdid themselves this year getting bandanas ready for the holiday season!  These are so cute, and versatile…by that I mean, yes they are cute, but they also grab Vino’s drool!  So that’s a win-win in my book!  Check out April’s clothing and swag magic, and stuff the doggie stockings in your life!  She takes custom orders, so you KNOW you can get something for everyone!

#12- Jewlery– Who doesn’t love some new bling?  I am in love with all of the detail in the work from Gracefully made Jewelry on Etsy.  I love the look of personalized tags with my kids names, with an adorable added heart and paw charm, and I can see these being a great memory item!  Since they are personalized items, make sure you check with the shop when you order to see what the cut off dates are!

#13- Dog Treats– I’m always looking for new treats, and these Lucky Turkey Nuggets are among our faves here in the Oliver house!  They are created specifically for Pet Wants, who also has a nice selection of other treats as well.  These dried treats are going to make AWESOME stocking stuffers!  So grab a few bags, and spoil your furry friend this holiday season!  Oh, and did I mention…they deliver???!!!

#14 Dog Treat Container– I personally hate the look of resealed open bags of treats on my kitchen counter, so I have a super cute treat container to keep it all in line.  This is my favorite jar on my counter right now, and I love to fill it with Old Mother Hubbard biscuits and keep them around for quick bribery.

#15- Blanket– I know I can’t pass up a new fluffy throw, especially if it’s cold outside!  I am stocking up on these paw print blankets this year, and I can’t wait to sit by my tree, under the classic white lights, sipping out of my new mug with my super cute puppy steeper and dig into whatever new psych book I have on my list!  So bundle up with your fuzzy pal, and enjoy your holiday season!

  This post was sponsored with product review by some of the companies featured.  I only offer items that I personally love in this list, and I feel great about doing so!