Interactive Dog Toy--Stuffed Tree Trunk

About a year ago we found this fabulous interactive dog toy at a pet store on the mainland.  This toy was a tree trunk filled with stuffed squirrels with squeakers in them.  This is a GREAT type of interactive toy!  My dogs just loved it, but over the last year it has definitely seen its share of wear and tear!  Recently I was VERY excited to find a similar interactive toy.  This is almost the same, it is a tree trunk, but with squeaky owls inside instead.

This is our newest interactive dog toy.  As you can see from the picture above, the toy comes with 3 smaller squeaky toys that are stuffed inside the bigger toy (the tree trunk).  There are 3 holes in the tree trunk where the dog must pull the toy out of the hole to get it.  I absolutely love these types of toys and very highly recommend them for your dog!  We also often stuff extra squeaky toys into the tree trunk as well.  Our dogs very much enjoy working to pull out their squeaky reward to play with.  This is a great toy for any dog, but I especially recommend them for dogs that need more entertainment when left alone.  This toy is not only physically stimulating for your dog, but mentally stimulating as well.

Here I am re-stuffing the toy.

Caravaggio pulling out an owl.

Nekita working out her own owl.

This toy is so fun, I'm tired now!

Mine!

Another version of the toy with squirrels. 

Antlerz Dog Bones

I had repeatedly been hearing about this amazing new dog chew bone called "Antlerz."  This is a real deer or elk antler for dog chewing.  After hearing so many of my clients talking about it, I decided to try them myself.  As far as a chew toy goes, I give it a very high rating.  My dogs both enjoyed the Antlerz bone and became very engaged in chewing it.  It is a very healthy bone for dogs as well, since there is nothing artificial added to the product; it is just straight up Antler Bone. This bone does splinter into very small pieces after a while, however, and I would therefore not recommend it for aggressive chewers.  Otherwise, I would highly recommend this chew for your pup.  Great product, fairly inexpensive, it lasts a good amount of time, and they come in many different sizes.

We got one of the larger sizes for our dogs.

Nekita working her way into her Antlerz bone.

Caravaggio very much enjoyed his!

The bone is getting smaller.

Nekita with a small nub of bone left.

Caravaggio finishing off the bone pieces.

Both my dogs very much enjoyed their Antlerz bones.  I would say the bones lasted about two weeks for Caravaggio and Nekita.  Both of my dogs enjoy bones and chew them fairly quickly.  

Depending on your dog's level of chewing, your bone may last a lot longer.

Trainer Tips--Dog Friends

This month's Trainer Tip is about finding friends for your dog.  Your dog needs other doggie friends just like we need other human friends.  Dogs help teach each other things also.  I often use both my own dogs in training other dogs.  Balanced dogs can help teach other dogs boundaries, proper ways of playing, and the importance of being part of the pack.  It can be even easier to meet new dog friends than you might think.  You don't have to go to a dog park or pet store for your dog to meet friends, there are dogs most places you go...on a hike, to the beach, around your own apartment building or neighborhood, or even on your daily walk.  Remember to always ask the owner if your dog may say hello to the new dog before you allow them to meet.  Some dogs were never properly socialized and may not like meeting other dogs.  To avoid this possible future with your own pup, be sure to introduce your dog to as many new dogs and situations as possible.  The more socialized your dog is with other dogs, the more balanced your dog will become, and the better off you'll be.

Caravaggio met another Great Dane outside a client's apartment complex.

Vaggy and his new friend.

Caravaggio met the largest Weimaraner I've ever seen after a hike at Honolua Bay.

Dora met 2 new dogs on a beach walk.

Dora also met a cute puppy later on the same beach walk.

Puppies playing.

Your trainer can help you make friends too.

Dora met Kahiko on our pack walk, they hit it off right away.

They played for a long time even after the 2 hour hike.

If you live in an apartment building that accepts dogs,

your neighbors probably have a dog too.

Caravaggio met a new dog neighbor of ours, Mia.

She's so cute next to my black pony of a dog.

Breed of the Month--American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

A.K.A. "AmStaff"

Color:  All colors: solid, patched, particolor
Height:  Males:  18-19 inches/  Females:  17-18 inches
Weight:  57-67 lbs
Life Span:  10-12 years

Breed Health Concerns:  Allergies, cataracts, cancer, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism spinocerebellar ataxia, hives, congenital heart disease, progressive retinal atrophy.

Coat:  Close, stiff, short, glossy
Country of Origin:  United States

Visit the American Kennel Club for breed standards and more information.

Descended from mastiff-type dogs, the AmStaff was developed from bull and terrier type dogs to catch and hold wild game for hunters, and used to manage bulls by butchers.  The American Staffordshire Terrier was popular in bear and bullbaiting until it was outlawed in 1835.

Athletic, intelligent, strong, and tenacious, the American Staffordshire Terrier gained notoriety over the years for his affectionate nature with his family and his loyalty.  The breed became increasingly popular in the United States as a hunting and guard dog.

The AmStaff is adept at guarding, hunting, herding and weight pulling.  This breed can be aggressive towards other dogs if not properly socialized and trained.  The AmStaff is a very powerful breed and I would not necessarily recommend them for the first time dog owner.  Properly raised, the AmStaff is a wonderful breed and holds a special place in my own heart.  As soon as my family has really settled into our new lives in Maui, Hawaii, we will be looking to adopt an American Staffordshire Terrier (or more likely a mixed dog with this breed) to add to our pack.

The many dogs labeled "Pit Bulls" are very powerful dogs that need proper training and socialization.  Please do not get this breed if you are not willing to put in a large amount of work in training and basic obedience.  The "Pitbull" has gained a very bad reputation in the United States over the years as being a vicious, unruly dog that attacks for no reason.  This happens because many, MANY people who get a powerful breed such as the AmStaff do not raise the breed correctly, and end up adding to the stereotype.  I have witnessed this problem first hand many times.  When considering adding a dog to your family, you must consider what breed is the right one for you and your family.  It is not about what you think might look cool or that everyone else has.  Please do your research before considering adding any power breed to your family.  Do not add to the problem!  We need AmStaff owners who will take responsibility and raise a power breed to be a well-socialized, calm, balanced member of society.

Visit the Pit Bull Awareness Coalition to get facts on many power breed myths.

When comparing the AmStaff with the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), it is noted that the AmStaff is more friendly with children and people in general.  There are very few differences in the two breeds, and many people and organizations consider them basically the same.  The AmStaff is generally shorter, seemingly smaller, and generally has a slimmer-looking nose.

Exercise:
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a high-energy breed that requires an extreme amount of exercise. The AmStaff requires several fast-paced walks each day to keep him from developing destructive behaviors.  The AmStaff also requires a large amount of mental exercise to keep him happy and healthy.

Grooming:
The coat of the American Staffordshire Terrier is easily cared for with regular brushing and bathing.

Training:
It is important to learn to read the body language of the AmStaff.  This is one of many reasons I do not recommend them for a first time dog owner.  Smart and responsive, the AmStaff will excel at training when proper positive reinforcement techniques are used.  Socialization from early puppyhood throughout his life is vitally important to raising a well balanced AmStaff.