For those who have Dogs!!!

mrs.spunky1508

Petsmart I think has Blue Buffalo which is I think a 4 star. Specialty pet stores will have Merrick, Orijen, Wellness - all excellent highly rated brands.

uppereastgirl

F&B is fashion & beauty... and yes, spunky's accusation was fair :)Petsmart actually doesn't really carry great brands of food.  They have plenty of expensive brands, but expensive is not always good.  Petco has a few better brands (but also a lot of the expensive, not great brands).  Otherwise, a local pet food store or feed store would likely carry the other brands.  And there's always petfooddirect.com (but don't order from there without looking for/asking for a code from the Pets board -- there's almost always one going around for 20% off food)

mrs.spunky1508

Fashion & Beauty and Pets are both on the Nest http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=359&cat=all I was right, Blue Buffalo is 4 stars. Pros: First two ingredients are named meat products, uses primarily good quality grains and whole vegetables, minimal filler Cons: Minimum acceptable meat content, some filler The first ingredient in the food is a named meat product, as is the second. Since the first is lamb inclusive of its water content (about 80%) and once that is removed it is likely that this ingredient would be more accurately placed somewhat further down the ingredient list (ingredients are listed in order of weight). Note that this is an example of the practice of “splitting” (see note on main page), but in this case serves to increase our level of confidence in the amount of meat product in the food. Fish meal is the 5th ingredient in the food, and a further meat ingredient although this is a little too far down the ingredient list to make up a substantial portion of the food. We note that the manufacturer does not claim to use ethoxyquin-free sources (ethoxyquin is a chemical preservative commonly added to fish destined for meal, and is believed to be carcinogenic). There are four grains in the food ahead of the oil content. All are decent quality grains, but the food starts to appear grain-heavy. Tomato pomace is filler, but we appreciate the use of whole vegetables in the food. There is a good range of probiotics also. Overall this is a reasonably good food, and unlike the other formulas of the brand, does not include controversial ingredients such as beet pulp. Vs puppy chow, a 1 star food Pros: Cons: Inadequate meat content, byproducts, low quality grain, fat of unidentifiable origin, artificial color The primary ingredient in this food is corn. Corn is a difficult to digest grain of limited value in dog food, and which is also commonly associated with food allergies. Even if this had been a good quality grain, we would still note that grains are an unnatural foodstuff for canines, and that dog food products should be based on meat rather than grain. The 2nd ingredient is byproducts. It is impossible to ascertain the quality of by-products and these are usually products that are of such low quality as to be rejected for use in the human food chain, or else are those parts that have so little value that they cannot be used elsewhere in either the human or pet food industries. The AAFCO definition of chicken by-product meal is “consisting of the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs and intestines, exclusive of feathers, except in such amounts as might occur unavoidable in good processing practice.” Corn gluten meal, next on the ingredient list, is also low quality. This is defined as that part of the commercial shelled corn that remains after the extraction of the larger portion of the starch, gluten, and term by the processes employed in the wet milling manufacture of corn starch or syrup. In plain English, the remains of corn after most of the nutritious bits have been removed. Brewers rice is a further low quality grain and byproduct. Soybean meal boosts the protein content of the food, but Soy is a product we prefer not to see used in dog foods, especially this high on the ingredient list. Soy is a very common cause of food allergy problems, and although boosting the (otherwise minimal) protein content of this food, it is very low quality protein compared to that sourced from meat. Animal fat is an ingredient of unidentified origin for which it is impossible to determine species, source or quality. Unidentified ingredients are usually very low quality. AAFCO define this asobtained from the tissues of mammals and/or poultry in the commercial processes of rendering or extracting. It consists predominantly of glyceride esters of fatty acids and contains no additions of free fatty acids. If an antioxidant is used, the common name or names must be indicated, followed by the words "used as a preservative". Barley is a decent quality grain. We note the presence of synthetic vitamin K - a substance alleged by some to be linked to liver problems and which is progressively being removed from better quality products. There is no excuse for adding artificial colorings to dog food products.

Angie550

Def get the kongs.  They have a treat mousse that is flavored that you can spray into the toy and then I drop a few pieces of their regular food in it and they love it.  My pups can have a soft toy destroyed in about 10 mins flat so it is all hard/rubber toys in my house.  They make hard toys that look like bones and are flavored.  I have only been able to find them in ShopRite, but those work good too.We live on a main road too and have a townhouse so there isnt too much room, but we try to throw their toys back and forth for a little at night to burn off some energy.  You could also try to get a tug toy and play tug with him...the pulling might burn some energy.  Do you have any tennis courts around you?  We are not supposed to, but we take our dogs to the tennis courts and let them off the leash.  They run around like animals for about 10 mins then pass out for the night.

Angie550

Another great Kong device is this... http://www.petstore.com/ps_viewitem.aspx?idproduct=TK08730&child=TK08730&utm_source=pscseggl2&utm_medium=pscse&utm_campaign=pscseggl2&utm_content=TK08730It releases kongs ever 10 mins I think (you may be able to set it) so that it keeps your dog entertained.  You have to buy a certain type of Kong for it though.

justkris10

Holy CRAP Spunk...you're quite the informed dog owner - you make me feel like a DYFS case for my animal And def - kongs like i said before tennis courts, no unfortunately but there is a b-ball court which I may be able to utilize, great idea!

n&b9.4.2010

Re: the Kongs, i recommend the extreme my puggles were able to tear the regular ones, but not the extreme, they are really stronger chewers for little dogs, we get everything made for bigger dogs We tried the hard toys also they really don't like them either but the tennis balls are big hit just get big enough ones to just fit in his mouth otherwise they manage to rip them open Another toy we got was a hard rubber type ball with big holes in it (they wouldn't play with it) but once we put a tiny tennis ball inside they play with and it tires them out cause they try hard to get the tennis ball out, you can try looking for tough toys that you can put other toys or stuff in thats hard to get out (same concept of Kong) Also we saw on tv a game to play with beagles because they are all about hunting, we've done it a few times and seems to tire them out, you take some they really like and you are willing to give them and hide it in the house, we put it under a bucket (we showed them where the first few time) and then they try and get it out, eventually you can hide the bucket with the toy/treat and they will try to find the bucket and then get what they want out (and praise him when he finds out) on tv they would use food also but i felt a little bad making them hunt for food so we put tennis balls in the bucket. Also we unfortunately don't get to walk our dogs that often or for that long i try and do it when we can mostly on weekends but even a short walk works

Angie550

justkris..any pics of the devil dog?   I love the look of puggles.  What is his name?

mrs.spunky1508

If you get animal planet and have a DVR, record "It's me or the dog". I don't agree with everything on the show, but I do look for more "engaging" toys like the ones she shows.

mrs.spunky1508

LOL I didn't type all that, I just c&p from dogfoodanalysis.com

n&b9.4.2010

also for the bedding - they really chewed up the beds at the beginning (be careful if they swallow the stuffing they can choke but also it can get stuck in the intestines and cause a blockage) so we had to take them out after trying everything, pillows, beds, blankets, it didnt really seem to bother than, we finally found ones in target they are thin with a little cushion and they haven't ripped them apart yet (I think it may have to done with them getting older) but taking away the bed in the and letting him sleep on the plastic may be an option now - I don't think they mind either because now with the beds sometimes we will see them go under the bed and just lay on the plastic

MrsBeachGirl7

yep, my puggle does the same thing...she DRAGS her nails down my legs. she did this the other day and ripped my tights. we use the pedipaws on both our dogs to keep their nails in check. the puggle pretty much hates it, but my boxer loves getting his mani/pedi

justkris10

His name is Cash (which is funny bc little justin called him 'change' for like 3 days) Here I go...I'm not good at this: [IMG]http://i38.tinypic.com/fyk1dt.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i33.tinypic.com/2agudd3.jpg[/IMG]

Angie550

What a CUTIE! He looks like he has that personality where after he is bad he looks at you like.."did I do something wrong?"Here are the links clicky:http://i38.tinypic.com/fyk1dt.jpghttp://i33.tinypic.com/2agudd3.jpg 

justkris10

that is exactly what he does - he's not stupid at all and since he is spiteful like I said, he KNOWS when he does/did something wrong and he totally gives you the "puppy dog eyes" like no other

allie482

Definitely get the extra tough Kong toy (they're black!) and pick up a thing of the stuffing mousse (you can also use peanut butter or cream cheese if your dog likes that, but make sure to not give these too often or it could cause digestive issues).Also look for a toy called the Buster Cube.  I know they sell them at PetsMart (approx $15, I think).  It sounds pricey, but it's seriously the best toy ever.  You fill it with his kibble and he can roll it around to make the food come out randomly.  This kept my dog busy for hours when she was younger.  Make sure you supervise your dog while he's playing with this toy.  It's hard plastic and he may try to chew the corners or something.As for food, I feed my dog Orijen.  LOVE it!  The other foods the girls mentioned are also good.  You just have to find what works best for your dog.  Again, not sure where you live, but there are probably retail places locally where you can purchase small bags or sample bags to try (make sure you mix with his current food to not upset his tummy).  When I switch foods, I usually follow this formula:4 days: 75% current food & 25% new food4 days: 50% current food and new food4 days: 25% current food & 75% new foodAfter that, you should be able to feed the dog 100% new food.Good luck!

Denise91980

My puppy (in siggy pic) is 3 months old and we have had her for a month. She is half puggle, but has been really good thus far with training and what not to chew. We got her a lot of chew toys and bones, although she likes to pull apart our husky's toys. She plays a lot with the husky, so I think that tires her our because she naps for a good amount of time during the day. We also keep her in the cage when she is not at home. Do you have a crate for the puppy until he is fully trained and trustworthy? I just worry that we have difficult times like yours ahead.

alliecarrie41

However, I have read up on their methods and I think they're kinda harsh. It's very much a tough-love kind of technique. I disagree, in case you'd like to reasearch this more.  Bark Busters are actually trained, or they are supposed to be, in dog psychology, a la Cesar Milan.  there is no harsh treatment at all.  i haven't read all the responses which i hope were helpful to you, but just reading your OP, this is one bored, under exercised pooch.  he needs at least 20-30 minute walk in the AM, or whatever tires him completely.  tie him to the treadmill.  go running.  you don't have to think you need a professional for help, you can really do lots of change yourself.  all dogs can change, and it can take hours, not years.   you just need to be committed as an owner.  routine, exericise, and strict discipline are all they need to chill out, listen, and be calm, happy dogs.  i'll try to read this long post to learn more.. sounds like he's a baby since you are taking him out every hour?  are you staying home with him (not sure what you do for living)... in which case that is great, best way to puppy train is to be with them as much as possible, or crate train at least.  3 meals a day, 20 minutes then take it away, take out 20 minutes after every meal and then every 2 hours or so, praise like nuts when they go, make sure he has bones and chew toys and praise when biting them vs. your shoes, socialize him with friendly known dogs (no dog parks for puppies until all shots)...bring him over, frankie will put him in his place

alliecarrie41

oh and totally agree with victoria stillwell me or the dog... she does it right. cesar is a little off in some cases since he kinda teaches and then leaves and the family probably fails miserably after the taping.  she comes back and trains the people.  remember you are training yourself more than the dog... also this: he is spiteful like I said, he KNOWS when he does/did something wrong and he totally gives you the "puppy dog eyes" like no other... we like to think this bc they are cute and silly but they really don't know.. we have to show them and teach them.  they really are clueless without our leadership.   

mrs.spunky1508

"using a training aid that is a sack with some metal pieces in it. Thrown near (not at) the dog, it mimics a dog's snap, which in dog language is the final warning before a real fight ensues." Yes because throwing something in the vicinity of my dog - who is very fast and may move and it COULD hit her and hurt her as it is metal - is a good idea and "gentle". No thank you.

alliecarrie41

what?