No Pull Solutions

Posted on November 9, 2018November 12, 2018 by Timberidge

Enthusiastic dogs approach every aspect of life with passion and energy. When it comes to walking, that enthusiasm can translate into arm wrenching pulling, turning what should be a relaxing walk into a stressful, dangerous event. Don’t let your dog’s enthusiasm for walks keep you both inside! While training is clearly the best option, sometimes a little something extra to aid in pulling prevention is helpful, especially if your young children like holding the leash. So what’s the best no-pull device?

Just Say “No” To The Collar!

Before we jump into the no-pull solutions, let’s start by a quick look at why collars aren’t an ideal option. Collars certainly have their place, but attaching a leash to the collar of an enthusiastic puller could have some dire consequences. One quick glance at this pamphlet from Freedogz.com, and you’ll be wholeheartedly convinced that collars should be avoided with strong pullers. From muscular, nervous, and spinal pain to tracheal injury, this pamphlet walks through the possible problems that may result from either using a collar on a puller or from pulling hard on a leash hooked to a dog’s collar. Additionally, Andres Hallgren, a Swedish dog psychologist, published the results of his canine chiropractic study in a book entitled Back Problems in Dogs. Hallgren reports observing neck damage in the majority of dogs whose leashes had been pulled hard while wearing a collar. If your dog pulls – or if you might be tempted to give the leash a quick, firm jerk – avoid attaching a leash to your pup’s collar for walks. No one wants to unintentionally injure their beloved pet.

Two Effective No-Pull Solutions

A Pain Free Walk For Dogs & Owners

Training is always the preferred method for preventing pulling, but sometimes an extra tool is needed while you work on teaching your dog to contain her enthusiasm for the great outdoors or to walk politely past other dogs. Here are two popular no-pull solutions:

DexDog’s EZTrainer No-Pull Front Attachment Clip Dog Harness

We have tried the DexDog no-pull harness with five different dogs (poodles & goldendoodles) over the past year and have been pleased with the results everytime. All of the dogs seemed comfortable wearing the harness – in fact none of them seemed to even notice it was there. We’ve also lent it out to other poodle & doodle owners. They have likewise been pleased with the results. If your dog pulls, give the DexDog No-Pull Harness a try!

The Pros:

Uniquely designed with a ring on the chest piece as well as on the back, the DexDog no-pull harness gives you two options for where to clip the leash. The front chest ring helps with no-pull training while the ring on the back is available for a more traditional leash placement.
Slip it over your dog’s head and snap the buckle on the belly strap. Yes, it’s really that easy to put the DexDog no pull harness on your pooch. And because no training is required, you can take your dog on that long anticipated stress-free walk the moment that Amazon package arrives.
The DexDog no-pull harness comes in a variety of sizes, each of which is adjustable.
Our dogs don’t even seem to notice they’re wearing this light weight harness. It’s designed with padding for added comfort yet it won’t make your dog hot like vest style harnesses. Plus no armpit chafing, as sometimes happens with martingale-style harnesses.
DexDog leashes match DexDog harnesses perfectly, ensuring your dog looks as stylish as possible during her pull-free spin around the block.

The Cons:

While DexDog offers a one-time placement if your pup chews her no-pull harness, remember that this harness is intended for use during walks and should not be worn by your dog constantly.
A strong dog can possibly pull hard enough to loosen the front chest strap (although you may be able to remedy this problem by placing the “DexDog” label on your dog’s chest so the adjustment clips lie on her back).
Every dog is unique, so no product is perfect for every dog. The DexDog no-pull harness is a game changer for many dogs, although it does not prevent every dog from pulling.
If your dog weighs <10lbs, the DexDog no-pull harness may not be the best choice for your pet, as the hardware may be a little bulky and the webbing a bit too thick for a petite dog. Plus, depending on the adjustment, the buckle of the x-small no-pull harness may end up right behind the dog’s elbow, causing discomfort. Chihuahuas in particular seem to have trouble with this harness due to their deep chested body proportions.
Some contend that no-pull harnesses can impact a dog’s gait and therefore should not be used with canine athletes (i.e. don’t take your dog on runs while she’s wearing a no-pull harness). If you’re a runner, the DexDog chest plate harness may be a better option, although it is not intended to prevent pulling.

Even if your dog doesn’t normally pull, the DexDog no-pull harness might still be a great option. For instance our young children love walking our dogs, so the DexDog no-pull harness provides an extra bit of insurance that our dogs’ excitement about Dad returning from work won’t result in a toddler’s broken arm. We’ve been using DexDog’s no-pull harness regularly for over a year, and have zero complaints about quality. We regularly recommending it to friends & family for their pets- And we recommend it for your dog, too! If your dog is a puller, give the DexDog no-pull harness a try. You’ll be glad you did.

PetSafe Gentle Leader

You’re tired of your dog walking you, but you’re not convinced that the no-pull harness is right for your pet? Don’t worry! There’s a second great no-pull device that you just might love: PetSafe’s gentle leader head collar. It’s a halter, like those used with horses, redesigned for your dog. Since the leash snaps under your pup’s chin, attempts at pulling will turn her nose towards you, giving you a teaching opportunity. A veterinarian and dog behaviorist teamed up over 30 years ago to invent the gentle leader, a pain-free no-pull device that has since become incredibly popular worldwide.

Pros:

After observing the tendency to use pain to control dogs (i.e. with choke chains and pinch collars), R.K. Anderson D.V.M. , a respected veterinarian, co-invented the gentle leader with Ruth Foster, a renown animal behaviorist and the former president of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. The gentle leader is a pain-free no-pull training device.
When wearing a properly adjusted gentle leader, your dog can fully open her mouth for eating, barking, panting, etc.
The gentle leader does not put pressure on your dog’s throat, and it does not impact your dog’s gate.
Invented nearly 35 years ago with millions sold world-wide, the gentle leader has withstood the test of time. It was even displayed in the Smithsonian museum in 2002.
The gentle leader has been improved over the years with minor adjustments in the width of nylon and the addition of a padded nose piece to prevent chafing, but the overall design remains the same.
Available in 5 adjustable sizes, the gentle leader fits nearly every dog.
With 8 color options to choose from, you can select a color that compliments your pup’s coat, ensuring that she looks as stylish as possible during her pull-free spin around the block. Plus PetSafe’s matching leashes come in a variety of widths and colors.

Cons:

Just as your puppy originally had to get used to wearing a collar, she’ll also need time to become accustomed to wearing a gentle leader. This requires positive reinforcement training (detailed here and also in the DVD that accompanies the gentle leader) and patience. Begin by only putting the gentle leader on your pup for mealtimes and then taking it off immediately afterwards.
Some dogs find halters annoying and repeatedly rub their faces on the ground or paw at the halter while wearing it. Positive reinforcement is essential.
Every dog is unique, so no product is perfect for every dog. The PetSafe gentle leader is a game changer for many dogs, although it does not prevent every dog from pulling.
The gentle leader can be a little tricky to put on your dog initially, but you’ll soon be putting it on without a second thought.
The gentle leader is intended for use during walks and should not be worn by your dog constantly.
Note: this is not a muzzle, so it will not prevent a dog’s mouth from opening. It is not intended to assist with aggression.

Don’t we all wish more veterinarians and dog behaviorists teamed up to design awesome products for our dogs?! Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and order a gentle leader today. Your dog’s trachea will thank you!

No-Pull Made Easy

There you have it: DexDog’s no pull harness and PetSafe’s gentle leader. Both of these products are great options for preventing pulling while you work on training your dog to walk nicely on a leash. Don’t let your dog’s enthusiasm for walks keep you both inside. If you want immediate results, try the no-pull harness. If you are willing to invest 2 weeks of positive reinforcement training, go for the gentle leader. Better yet, try both and determine which is the perfect solution for your pet.

Have you tried DexDog’s no pull harness and PetSafe’s gentle leader with your furry friend? We’d love to hear about! Leave a comment sharing your experience!

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles may have received one or both of these products for free in exchange for an honest review. All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

Yak Chews

Posted on November 1, 2018January 10, 2022 by Timberidge

Native Pet Himalayan Yak Chews

What Is A “Yak Chew” Anyway?

Yak chew, hardened yak cheese, Himalayan chew, chhurpi… so many names for one cheesy dog treat. Nepalese harden yak cheese has been consumed by humans for centuries. To make chhurpi, the yak milk is separated to produce curds, which are cured & fermented at room temperature for several days. The resulting soft cheese is then slowly dehydrated, producing a hardened, long-lasting treat that is healthy for both humans and doodles. Findings from a 2008 research study indicate that this gourmet yak snack might even be healthier than cheese made from cow milk!

Cheesy & Nutritional Goodness Your Doodle Is Guaranteed To Love

It’s time to give your doodle a treat that is both delicious and nourishing, Native Pet tells dog owners. No preservatives. Organic. Easy on sensitive stomachs. Free from chemicals. There are so many reasons these chews are the perfect dog treat. Plus Native Pet yak chews are made with simple, whole-food ingredients: salt, lime juice, and milk from pasture fed yaks & cows. Isn’t it great when you can actually pronounce all of the ingredients in your dog’s chew toy?!

Just in case your doodle has a picky palate, Native Pet offers a satisfaction guarantee: “Try out Native Pet risk-free! If you aren’t satisfied, we will fully refund your purchase, no questions asked!”

Quick Cheese Puffs

When your pup whittles her scrumptious yak chew down to a small piece, don’t be fooled into thinking the deliciousness has come to an end. Snatch up that tiny hardened cheese nugget, and pop it in the microwave for 40 seconds. When you peek through the microwave window, you’ll be surprised by the transformation! That minuscule yak chew end piece has now inflated into a delightfully crispy cheese puff that your dog can’t wait to devour.

Sizes & Life Expectancy

Native Pet Yak Chews — Medium vs. Large Yak Chew

Native Pet offers small, medium, large & extra-large sized yak chews. Choose the medium treat for doodles weighing around 20lbs. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, consider purchasing the large size. Yak chews are an excellent treat to have handy for special occasions (i.e. to keep your doodle occupied while you’re on that important phone call or during Thanksgiving dinner). Since yak chews are made with real food ingredients, they are intended to be an edible treat, which means they won’t last forever. Our dogs (weighing between 20-30lbs) finish a medium sized yak chew in a few hours. Sometimes they’ll chew most of a medium yak chew in one sitting and then finish it off the next day. Doodle owners report that one yak chew lasts anywhere from 2 hours up to 2 weeks, depending on the dog’s chewing habits. If your dog doesn’t finish the whole treat in one sitting, pat it dry and store it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture to prevent molding. Unchewed yak chews last up to 3 years if stored properly. This means you could safely purchase the 10 pack and only give your pup one of these special treats per month without worrying about them spoiling. Native Pet takes extra precautions to naturally extend the shelf life of their products and to ensure that their customers never receive moldy chews (a problem common with other brands of yak chews). (More details about Native Pet’s process below.)

Do Yak Chews Stink?

Smell is an important element to consider for any dog chew! Native Pet advertises that their yak chews are odorless. When we first opened the container of yak chews, there was a definite and distinctive smell though. Just as cheddar cheese from cow’s milk has a certain smell, chhurpi made from yak’s milk also has a certain smell, especially fresh from the package. Even so, we distributed three yak chews to three different dogs, all of whom chewed them simultaneously in our family room. As our dogs chewed away happily, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we didn’t notice an odor at all. So don’t be scared by the smell when you first open the package! It quickly dissipates and you soon won’t notice it.

From Nepal to Dog Paw

There are a number of yak chews on the market, making it a little challenging to decide which one to purchase for your furchild. We want pets everywhere to enjoy a healthy, high quality treat, so we investigated a number of companies before landing on Native Pet. This young U.S. based company of about 10 employees seeks to provide dogs with whole foods of the utmost quality (it’s possible that employees may have tried a yak chew or two themselves, just to ensure that your pet is only eating the best!). Native Pet’s partnership with a cooperative of approximately 1,000 yak & cow farmers in eastern Nepal brings your pets a healthy snack produce from the milk of free-range, grass-fed herds. Native Pet vetted a number of Nepalese manufactures to determine which would produce the highest quality yak chews. That facility then underwent additional screenings to become FDA certified. Since all yak chews are comprised of the same ingredients, it’s the process that really distinguishes one from another – And that’s where you’ll notice the Native Pet difference. First, Native Pet yak chews are dried longer, producing a firmer, longer lasting chew. Secondly, these yak chews undergo two rounds of quality control screening: one before leaving Nepal and a second upon arriving to Native Pet’s facility in St. Louis. Yak chews that pass both inspections are then air-dried to release moisture that inevitably accumulates during travel. This extra step extends the shelf life by preventing molding. Thirdly, because Native Pet believes fresh is best, the company does not hold inventory. Yak Chews generally arrive on a consumer’s doorstep about 2 months out from manufacturing. Lastly, Native Pet reps travel to Nepal 1-2 times each year to visit partners, and the plant owners & the president of the yak herd cooperative also travel to St. Louis to visit Native Pet. Native Pet believes this open relationship with suppliers is vital in providing pet owners with an extra layer of transparency.

From now through Nov 26th, use the code “timber” and receive 15% off your entire order at https://thenativepet.com/ – plus free standard shipping on all purchases!

Learn about other great options for power chewers!

The Bottom Line

A scrumptious Native Pet yak chew is a treat all of our dogs enjoy! It’s hard to beat an all-natural, organic dog chew with only three simple ingredients. Head over to Amazon or theNativePet.com and surprise your doodle try one of these nutritious and tasty chews.

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles received this products for free in exchange for an honest review. All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

Elk Antler Dog Chews

Posted on October 24, 2018January 5, 2022 by Timberidge

Update: Use the code TRGD15 for 15% off your order your entire order of antlers at https://ridgerunnerantlerchews.com/ – plus free shipping on every order (no minimum purchase amount required)!

Power chewers present such a challenge. Give them a Kong… it’s demolished in hours. Give them a bully stick… the house stinks – and it’s still gone in hours. We’ve discovered an excellent all-natural option for the power chewer in our home, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! Seriously, our dogs LOVE these.

RidgeRunner Elk Antler Dog Chews

Hand Collected Dog Chews

RidgeRunner Antlers is a small, family-owned business located in the heart of elk country: Breckenridge, Colorado. Every year, wild elk naturally loose their antlers and grow a new pair. The old set is left lying on the forest floor, just waiting to become your pup’s new favorite chew. Some of the elk antlers sold by RidgeRunner are hand collected by Stephen, the company’s owner & founder, as he and his children hike miles of scenic trails searching for sheds. Others are purchased from shed hunters who enjoy exploring the many mountainsides. All together, RidgeRunner amasses approximately 20k pounds of antlers each year, all of which have been naturally shed and collected by hand. Antlers are cut to appropriate sizes, sanded to remove sharp edges, and then shipped throughout the United States and into the paws of eagerly awaiting pups in every state.

Why Elk Antlers?

Elk antlers are an all-natural dog chew that won’t stain your furniture or carpet. These non-toxic chews help keep tarter under control while supplying your fur-child with a natural source of calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and zinc. Whole antlers can withstand even a hard chewer for many months, plus they remain undamaged if left outside occasionally.

Do Dogs Like Elk Antlers?

Stephen, the owner of RidgeRunner Antlers, asserts that he’s met very few dogs who will turn their nose up at antlers, especially the split antlers. We decided to construct our own test to verify his claim. Four different adult dogs were individually given a choice between three different new chew products. All four adult dogs passed up the other enticing new chew options and headed straight for the elk antlers without hesitation!

Selecting The Right Antler

The Whole Elk Antler is the perfect choice for power chewers . If your dog is a super power chewer, include a note at checkout requesting that RidgeRunner leaves the base attached.

The Split Elk Antler is a great option for intermittent chewers. With 1/2 of the delicious, nutritious marrow exposed, your pup is sure to be smitten with this variety. Since the marrow is softer than the hard outer covering, split antlers do not withstand heavy chewing in the same way whole antlers do.

The Quarter Split Elk Antler is an ideal chew for teething puppies, elderly dogs, and teacup & toy sized dogs (<10lbs). With 2/3 of the delicious & nutritious marrow exposed, these chews are soft on teeth yet satisfy the need to chew.

If you have a special request, include a note at checkout, and RidgeRunner is happy to accommodate. Not sure which chew to choose? Email RidgeRunner and their friendly staff will assist you in selecting the right antler for your pup’s size and chewing habits. RidgeRunner is happy to accommodate, and, consequently, the company boasts a large number of repeat customers.

Life Expectancy

The length of time that an elk antler lasts depends on your individual dog’s chewing habits, the cut of antler your choose, and how many dogs will be gnawing the antler. With three dogs chewing it, a whole elk antler lasts a minimum of 3 weeks at our home before it’s completely demolished. A dog who isn’t a power chewer will take much longer to chew through a whole elk antler, especially if there’s only have one dog enjoying it. Since the marrow is soft and tasty, split elk antlers will last less time than whole elk antlers.

Bottom Line

Our dogs give RidgeRunner elk antlers an affirming chew of approval. Surprise your doodle with an elk antler dog chew. We think she’s going to love it!

Use the promo code TRGD15 to receive 15% off your entire order of antlers at https://ridgerunnerantlerchews.com/ – plus free shipping on every order (no minimum purchase amount required)!

Learn about other great options for power chewers!

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles received this products for free in exchange for an honest review. All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

DexDog Adjustable Dog Leash: Product Review

Posted on July 7, 2017October 27, 2018 by Timberidge

We have been using DexDog’s adjustable leashes almost exclusively for over a year now! These leashes are not only comfortable to use and great quality, the adjustable feature is handier than we ever would have thought.

You might ask yourself, “Is an adjustable flat lead for dogs really necessary?” I, for one, thought that an adjustable flat lead was unique… and also maybe a bit unnecessary. Much to my surprise, we actually adjust the leashes on a regular basis. Whether shortening the leash to keep the dogs from walking in front of the stroller, lengthening it so my dogs can explore, or maintaining some medium length so my one year old daughter can hold a leash, we find ourselves adjusting the leash often. Once you are accustomed to an adjustable leash, you’ll quickly get spoiled and find yourself missing this feature should you ever have to go without it.

It’s a bit of a challenge to find a 6’ flat lead anymore, which is what I generally prefer. For some reason 5’ leads have taken over the market. I’ve always used a 6’ lead because it’s required for AKC obedience trails. I’m a little partial to having a 6’ leash for that reason, and that extra foot just seems to make the walker and the dog both a bit happier. I was excited to find that the DexDog Adjustable Leash extends to 6’.

This leash is extremely durable. After one year of regular use our DexDog leashes are not showing any signs of wear. No fraying, no discoloration, no rusting, and no other type of malfunction. DexDog leashes are “Backed by a lifetime guarantee, even if chewed.” So even in the unlikely event that your leash breaks, simply snap a photo of the leash and email support@dexdog.com. You don’t even have to mail the old leash back. Does it get any better than that?!

The leash clasp is a little heavy for our small dogs (all less than 30lbs). Sometimes this causes their legs to get caught in the loop of the adjustment. This doesn’t happen very often however and for me the benefit of having the adjustment far outweighs the drawbacks of the extra weight/loop. In order to avoid this issue, you could try DexDog’s small dog leash for any dog under 25 lbs. They now make a 3/4″ leash, although advertise that the clasp is the same as that for the 1″ leash.

The Bottom Line: I recommend the adjustable DexDog leash!

Pros:

Durable
Easy to use
Vibrant colors
Padded handle
Adjustable Length

Cons:

The clasp is a bit heavy for small dogs

The Details:

Cost: $15.99-$16.99 – ships free with Amazon Prime
Size: 3.5’ to 6’ long and 1” width (DexDog also makes a small dog leash with a 3/8” width, recommended for dogs <10lbs)
Functionality: The Adjustable DexDog Leash is easy to adjust.
Where to Buy: Sold by DexDog on Amazon & Etsy

Disclaimer

Timberidge Goldendoodles received this products for free in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions expressed here were not influenced by the manufacturing company in any way. All of the products we review we have personally used with our own dogs and genuinely recommend.

Seresto Collar Product Review

Posted on October 1, 2016April 29, 2018 by Timberidge

When I removed a second tick from one of our dogs during a cold week in March, I knew something had to be done. With the exponentially increasing deer population in our area comes an increasing population of the vile deer tick. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lymes Disease are just two nasty illnesses carried by these blood-sucking bugs. Needless to say, I don’t want ticks on my dogs!

My dogs regularly receive Sentinel, which covers heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Sentinel also breaks the flea’s life cycle by inhibiting egg development. Unfortunately, Sentinel does not cover ticks. After a discussion with my vet, I decided to give the Seresto collar by Beyer a try for preventing ticks.

Pros:

Convenient: no monthly application to remember
Durable
Cheaper than many monthly topical tick preventatives
Odor free
Easy to use
No grease

Cons:

- Effectiveness can be decreased by shampooing more than once per month
- Needs to be tight enough to stay in contact with your pet’s skin

Quality: Durable – Our dogs wore their collars for the full eight months, and they held up great. Our dogs swam, hiked, and rough housed with other dogs in them.

Functionality: Easy to use, adjustable, removable

Effectiveness: Research indicates that slow release flumethrin/imidacloprid collars are very effective

Best for: Flea & tick prevention for dogs that are not already infested with fleas or ticks. For use with dogs >7 weeks old.

Where to Buy: Seresto collars are available at most vets & pet supply stores. I personally found them the cheapest at 1-800-PetMeds but have noticed that the best prices varies between there & Amazon depending on the current promotions.

The Seresto collar comes in two sizes: a small dog collar for dogs <18lbs and a large dog collar for dogs >18lbs. I ordered the large size for all three of our dogs. The Seresto collar is very easy to use. It comes wound up in a tin case. Simply fit it to your dog’s neck and cut off the excess. I’ve never had a problem with the collar accidentally coming off, yet it is easily removed when needed. I chose to remove the collar for baths and grooming since the effectiveness can be decreased by frequent bathing but left it on for romps in the river. My dogs didn’t even notice they were wearing the Seresto. When walking two dogs side by side through the woods, we found a tick on the one without the Seresto collar on several occasions and none on the dog wearing the collar. My dogs did not acquire fleas, mange or lice while wearing the Seresto (although they’ve never had any of those parasites while not wearing the collar either). The collar comes with optional attachable reflectors, which we chose not to use.

Please note: my dogs were not infested with fleas or ticks prior to the collar application, and they also receive oral Sentinel, which is a flea preventative.

The Bottom Line: We’ll try the Seresto collar again next year.

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