On puppy pads and papers: Do you need 'em for housebreaking?

First-time puppy owners often receive all sorts of instructions for training their new pets. Housebreaking is usually a top topic of interest to the new pet owner, who often studies lists of recommended supplies for the task.

The puppy housebreaking list usually includes such items as:

• a puppy collar and leash
• plastic sheeting, plastic shower curtain liner, or waterproof drop-cloth
• newspapers
• puppy housebreaking pads
• pet odor eliminating products/cleaners
• puppy training treats
• and more.

Sorry, we beg to differ. OK. The collar and leash are essential. Training treats can be helpful too. But the rest of the list, we can do without.

Sure, it all depends on your puppy training technique.

But we’ve trained lots of puppies by setting up a predictable routine and paying attention. We’ve fed each of our pups at the same time every day, giving him or her outdoor potty breaks before and after each meal. We’ve given each puppy plenty of scheduled trips outside and let him or her out promptly when he or she has hovered by the door with that “I gotta go” look on his or her face.

And we have praised each pup clearly after each successful (shall we say) performance.

The only other critical components are a sturdy dog crate and a childproofing safety doorway gate or two. By keeping a puppy confined when unsupervised (such as overnight or for short times during the day) and by blocking off areas of the home where potty accidents (and chewing mishaps) could prove disastrous, we narrowed the margin of error.

But seriously, each pup only had a few accidents in the house before getting the picture.

The trickiest part was training the humans to stick to the schedule, giving each pup the chance to do his or her business at the appropriate times.

So we saved a bundle on puppy pads and recycled several bundles of clean, dry newspapers.

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On puppy pads and papers: Do you need 'em for housebreaking?

 Created by this user, including public domain artwork

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Zukes's Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Training Treats are a pup favorite

Gadzook’s! I finally found a puppy training treat that doesn’t give my little friend Dog-arrhea. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Training Treats to the rescue.

Seriously! I have tried more grocery and pet store treat varieties than I can count.

At last we have a tasty little morsel that rewards my pup’s best behavior and responses without upsetting her tummy.

Thank you, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Training Treats!

Hey, these doggy reward treats contain no corn, soy, or wheat. And they are made in the USA.

Little Big Dog likes the roasted chicken flavor. These tiny treats also come in duck, peanut butter, pork, and salmon choices. The Border Collie and the German Shorthair come running for any of the varieties. (Guess that’s not a news flash.)

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Sure, they are a little pricey – at about $10 for a one-pound zippered bag. But the result is worth it. I’m not cleaning up really disastrous droppings all over the yard. Her solid house-training is staying solid, along with … well, you get the point.

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Zuke’s Mini Naturals Healthy Moist Training Treats

 product photo

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What’s a Dalmador? No, I didn’t make that up.

My dog is simply Dalmador-able. Sure, she is. And nope.  I did not just invent that word.

Hybrid, or mixed-breed dogs have become both posh and popular these days. Maybe you’ve heard of Cock-a-Poos and Labradoodles. Actually, countless designer dog breeds now exist.

See what they’ve done? They’ve made mutts sound marvelous. (Some of us already knew that, without the fancy mixed-breed names.)

Maybe you can figure out these mixes:  Borador, Cavapoo, Chiweenee, Chug, Corkie, Goldendoodle, Peke-a-Poo, Schnoodle, and St. Weiler.

So, here’s a cheer for the Dalmador.

This fun design is available on all sorts of apparel, gifts, and household products – exclusively on CafePress. I’ve become a fan of that site. Recently, I ordered a custom-printed sweatshirt, and they shipped it the next day.

Sounds like someone knows how to “Fetch.”

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What’s a Dalmador?

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Dalmador-able product photo

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Are elk antlers safe as dog chew toys?

OK, I admit it. My nine-month-old Labrador mix pup is a pretty assertive chewer.  She’s gone through more chew toys than I can count.

That’s why I followed a friend’s recommendation and popped for a medium-sized $9 all-natural elk antler piece for her to chew. The friend pointed out that her own dog had enjoyed a single elk antler for more than six months.

She loved it. In fact, she wouldn’t leave the elk antler chew alone. It kept her busy, happily gnawing away, for longer than any toy she has ever tried.

However, within a day, this is what her all-natural elk antler looked like.

Not exactly a bargain to sink one’s teeth into.

After a day of chewing, my dog’s elk antler piece looks as dangerous as a turkey bone, having broken into multiple extra-sharp pieces. I had to take it away from her and toss it in the trash, for her safety’s sake.

Maybe all-natural elk antlers are safer for older dogs, who are not teething and don’t tend to chew so assertively. Perhaps the bigger elk antlers are worth the extra money, if they don’t break apart so easily. Still, I have to wonder.

But I guess I won’t be dropping any more bucks for elk antlers anytime soon.

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Adapted from Elk Antler

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LAN for Fad to the Bone

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Is the Nylabone Dental Ring worth sinking teeth into?

Having tossed out far too many chew toys for dogs, I opted to buy a few Nylabone products. These canine dental bones and playthings are known for generally holding up a lot longer than some of the cheaper versions.

This one was an immediate favorite for our puppy.

The white-and-green zig-zag striped and knotted rope ring (constructed of cotton and nylon) includes a hard plastic nubby medallion with mint flavoring. I didn’t know how Little Big Dog (a Lab mix puppy) would react to the mint feature, but she took to it right away.

The nubby texture is supposed to help with the dog’s dental health, by cutting down on tartar buildup on the teeth.

Does the Nylabone Dental Ring offer enough bite for the buck?

Here’s what ours looks like, after a week of use by Little Big Dog, who is given to enthusiastic gnawing and playing. At this point in her life, she gives chew toys a real workout.

Compared to the Nylabone Dental Rope, the ring seems considerably stronger and more durable. Little Big Dog went through the rope in a couple of days. Although the rope ring shows some signs of wear, it is holding up fairly well.

The Nylabone Dental Ring retails for close to $15, but I picked it up on sale for $5.99.That made it a pretty good deal.

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Nylabone Dental Ring

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LAN for Fad to the Bone

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Are Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toys packed with fun?

What’s the story on those popular Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toys? Are these floppy plush pet playthings as filled with fun as folks say? Are they tidier than fluff-containing alternatives?

These “As Seen on TV” animal toys, distributed by Telebrands, are available in several varieties, including:

• Beaver  
• Duck
• Fox
• Leopard
• Lion  
• Rabbit
• Raccoon
• Skunk  
• Squirrel
• Tiger

Made in China, Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toys are constructed in hand-washable reinforced plush fur. Each toy measures approximately 20 inches long and contains two squeakers. (Actually, the Duck toy I purchased was smaller and held just one squeaker.)

Each Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toy retails for approximately $20, but it’s pretty easy to find discounts online and in pet stores. I picked up the Duck, Fox, and Rabbit in a three-for-two deal, paying a whole lot less, during a PetSmart sale.

A Crazy Critters Six-Pack Stuffing-Free Dog Toys Variety Pack is also available – for bulk shoppers, multi-pet owners, or smart dog lover holiday gift givers.

How appealing is the Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toy to a canine?

My feisty mixed-breed dog immediately took to each of the toys. Initially, I rationed the toys, offering her one at a time. She carried a lightweight, floppy Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toy with her everywhere for several days.

Eventually, my pup dug out the squeaker from each Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toy. She also tugged and dug and chewed and tore each toy, leaving bits of colored plush fur all over the house.

But, on the plus side, the plush did not discolor carpeting or furniture, even when it was soggy with dog spit. And the intentional lack of stuffing kept cleanup to a minimum, compared to other plush toy casualties we have experienced around the house.

And even in their tattered and squeak-less condition, my pet’s Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toys are still among her favorite playthings.

At approximately $5 apiece (on sale), our Crazy Critters Stuffing-Free Dog Toys were a good deal. At $20 per animal, perhaps not so much.

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Crazy Critters

 product promo photo

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