(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best dog treats

(1) we have used all of the above. Standard collar holds tags the best, our training class provided a choke collar and we find it easiest for walks, and when he was still very small (8 weeks came home, so for about our first month or so) had him in the harness before we started training.

(2) we have all 3 - the retractable is new and I haven't used it yet, but we got it for beach trips so he can roam, then we started with a nylon and got a leather one from the class. We now use the leather mostly... just because its nice on the human paws :)

(3) We started with a 36" crate, at basically full grown he's fitting in pretty tightly, but still fits. We also ended up adding an ex-pen. If I was buying the crate now, I'd go up a size or two so he'd have some more space. I also highly recommend the pen if you have room.

(4) We've gone through a lot of beds... he's chewed them to bits... so might as well start off simple and cheap. He put a hole in the nice one we got recently within an hour.

(5) When he first came home, his favorites were the rope toys and unstuffed animals with squeekeres. Don't get things with stuffing!! They will try to eat it, and that makes for a lot of supervision needed. Now that he's a little older, he also loves balls, particularly [with teeth]
(https://smile.amazon.com/Coevals-Club-Interactive-Non-Toxic-Cleaning/dp/B01LARUD6M/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1493386356&sr=8-17&keywords=treat+ball+for+dog)
& [brain activity] (https://smile.amazon.com/OurPets-Treat-Ball-Interactive-Dispensing/dp/B003ARUKTG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493386356&sr=8-3&keywords=treat+ball+for+dog)

(6) Foods:

• Blue Buffalo Puppy Chow
  
• Local pet store organic puppy mix
  
• Pupperoni training treats
  
• Beggin' Bacon Strips
  
• Blue Buffalo PB Hearts crunch treats
  
• Blue Buffalo dental sticks
  
• [Bully Sticks] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HBVSG74/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) - mostly for teething, but he does "eat" them
  (7) We did a local class. For socializing, we've made sure to introduce him to people from day one - and dogs since he was fully vaxxed unless we know the dog.
  
  (8) Biggest challenge - he has chewed up window sills, door frames, etc when home alone. We originally thought it was OK to leave him in an empty room with just his toys etc bc we had an empty bedroom. He ruined the listed items of the room. Hence, adding the ex-pen. Happiest moments - it's like when people talk about their partners and babies... its the little moments, like when they snuggle up which you don't expect because its rare for the breed, or when they accomplish something - like being house broken, or a command (sit, etc).
  
  (9) we're lucky... he loves both dogs and people. Archer is an attention whore, and the more praise and play the better. This can vary by individual dog, like individual human.
  
  (10) The only thing I wish I could change is how long my commute it, and how late I get in. My husband is able to spend more time with the puppy than me which is just my own jealousy. Also... we use a dog walker 1-2 times a day (we're moving down to 1 now that he holds his bladder/bowels longer). The mid-day visit is SO important, if you can't take lunch at home... you need to have him with someone - a dog walker, a pet daycare. He cannot be alone for that long.
  
  Also... know he's a smart breed. He's not like a lab or a collie who will live to please you. You live to serve him (or her! I have a boy, so I keep using him) which means that you have to learn about his idiosyncracies. Because he is smart, but easily bored... you will need to figure out what kind of attention and stimulation keeps your shibe baby happy. Is it mental stimulation and logic puzzles? They make more than the tops I shared... so start looking. Also, just play hide and seek. Does his hunter instinct kick in? Sometimes, when he's feeling extra frisky instead of feeding him in a bowl, I'll toss his kibble and treats into the toy, or literally around the room so he can "hunt" for dinner. Is he feeling neglected? Bored? he's going to cause trouble...so how can you make sure he knows you love him. Think of him like April Ludgate in Parks & Rec, or a cat. He wants to know he can have your attention when he wants it - but he will not just snuggle because you want to... or pay attention to you if it doesn't meet his interests or needs. You'll fall in love (hopefully) and won't care, but the shiba will rule the fam not vice versa so get ready for it.

Cardboard boxes with shredded paper, pieces of cardboard, paper towel rolls, and some hay stuffed inside with a tunnel attached is by far my buns' favorite toys. They love going in and ripping everything apart and finding hay/treats to eat. Bunnies love cardboard boxes in general. They'll rip them apart and move them around, chew on 'em, make hidey holes, climb on them. I'll even cut out some holes on the side of the boxes and stuff cardboard tubes frayed at the ends/stuffed with hay for them to have fun with.

Tunnels rank at number 2 favorite toy. Their favorite is the crinkley cat tunnels which have holes throughout them they can dart out. They like the crinkle noise too.

They love manipulating objects, hard plastic slinkies (not metal ones!) are fun for them ... and to watch, haha. Hard plastic baby rattles, baby keys, etc. Just no gel/soft plastic as it would be easy for them to bite and ingest.
http://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Toys_and_Games This has an awesome list of toys and also places to buy bun toys. I've bought cottontail cottages, activity tables, rosewood activity trees, etc--buns love them all! But they are expensive for sure. The activity tables last forever but it would definitely be cheaper to build one !

Oh, also--I would recommend games like the Teach N Treat for mental stimulation as well: http://www.amazon.com/Hagen-Living-World-Teach-Treat/dp/B004HYW9B8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393474030&sr=8-1&keywords=teach+n+treat

There are tons of dog and cat games like that too that buns will love: http://www.amazon.ca/Trixie-4594-Products-Solitaire-White/dp/B0057G1WT0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3EH8O533V5DMS&coliid=I346NPTH7GATHZ

Also they love moving around these treat balls when you stuff em with pellets: http://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Toys-Treat-Inches-Colors/dp/B003ARUKTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393474058&sr=8-2&keywords=treat+ball

They love games that have anything to do with eating/end result being eating. :P

http://www.amazon.ca/Kitty-Mansions-Memphis-Tree-Beige/dp/B0043Z0EUE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3EH8O533V5DMS&coliid=IHU58PNBHRME6 CAT TREES! Build your own if you want! Make sure if you buy one to cover any non-safe bun material.

I also got them one of these: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0038B2EKM/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00005C5H4/ref=oh_details_o02_s05_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Stack cups! Put treats between them and watch them knock them over and nom the treats. :)

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00000IZQP/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i05?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They also like knocking these off.

http://www.amazon.ca/Super-Pet-Tropical-Fiddle-Stick/dp/B000HHO26E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3EH8O533V5DMS&coliid=I1Y9U0EEWOMV8N These things!

http://www.amazon.ca/Ware-711-Roller-Assorted-Colors/dp/B001CQFDJY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3EH8O533V5DMS&coliid=I3D5TZDNHU5HM8 This makes eating hay a bit more fun for them. :)

My boys love rolling around and destroying these: http://www.amazon.ca/Peters-Woven-Grass-Play-Ball/dp/B0009YJ3OG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3EH8O533V5DMS&coliid=I2VYO2771IW0LJ

Bunnies really enjoy long-term projects, which is why they like the dig boxes I described in the first paragraph so much. They dig and rearrange the boxes foreeever until I make a new one for them.

UGH I JUST REMEMBERED TO FINISH THIS BRB

EDIT: Okay here it izzzz.

These are the items you are looking for... (everything listed is from my wishlists here! )

1.) Something that is grey. – The bike lock on my wishlist (that was already gifted (: ) This one’s grey!

2.) Something reminiscent of rain. These leggings are Doctor Who Cosmic Tardis Leggings are cosmic… as in galaxy… as in the universe… in which there is a water cycle…. Which is reminiscent of rain…. Yup. ;)

3.) Something food related that is unusual. – It’s not every day you get to have jagermeister infused gummy bears....... Freaking nom.

4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why. (Yes, pets count!) – A dog bed for my puppy!! He really, really needs a new one.

5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it! – YOU NEED TO READ THE HOUSE OF LEAVES IT’S SO CRAZY AND I LOVE IT AND … AT SOME POINTS… YOU READ IT UPSIDE DOWN AND CRAZY AND INSIDE OUT AND OMFG WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING READING THIS GO READ THIS NOW

6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related! This with the value of 95 cents ;) hehehe I’m sneaky.

7.) Something related to cats. I love cats! (Keep this SFW; you know who you are...) -- This cat bed, even though I don’t have a cat, was on my puppy’s list! My puppy (who’s really a 9 year old dog but I call him puppy cause he looks/acts/is one) is a 6lb pup who’s basically a cat ;)

8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it. – The Chuck Complete Series Collector Blu-ray is not necessarily useful to my life…But the show’s so gorgeous, the cast so beautiful, the plot so delicious…I love it and need it! :P

9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why? – TANGLED!! (OK, one of the only movie related pieces on my list :P) But really, Tangled is PERFECT, SO adorable, a real winner.

10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain. – Okay this may seem crazy but stick with me here. these bones would be super helpful once whittled down. You could use it to double tap those stanky ass zombies

11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals. I have lots of stuff for fitness and school and all my goals likes that, but I thought I'd use something a little different for this one. This skin corrective cream would allow me to cover up my stupid little burn marks on my leg that make me really self conscious in skirts and shorts. This would be a good step in my goal of being happy with myself and gaining self confidence for the first time in my life.

12.) One of those pesky Add-On items.– One of those pesky add-ons… The MSC Joie Simply Slice Strawberry Slicer on my WL is one of them pesky add-ons.

13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item, why? – A Bike. Why? Mine was stolen and its extremely hindered my mobility as I need it for transportation to school /:

14.) Something bigger than a bread box. – The puppy bed on my puppy’s wishlist within my own wishlist is most definitely bigger than a breadbox.

15.) Something smaller than a golf ball. -- These cable organizers HOLLAH at me, Tiger Woods.

16.) Something that smells wonderful. -- French Vanilla Green Mountain Coffee Portion Packs for Keurig Mmmmmmmmm, delicious.

17.) A (SFW) toy. -- Crock Pot COOKING IS LIFE AND HAVING A CROCK POT WOULD BE THE BEST OF TOYS. For something more traditional, I have hedgehog toys etc on my puppy's list.

18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school. -- This beautiful backpack! Mine is shot to hell and I'm dreading buying a new one.

19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be. This Friends Milkshake Poster Print from my wishlist OMFG I AM OBSESSED WITH FRIENDS RIGHT NOW. IDK WHY BUT I AM. Also with the Chuck DVD on my dreams list xD

20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.– The New York Window Print Poster on my wishlist is pretty awe-inspiring. Looking into the city "where dreams are made of" in whatever town your in.... In a place that's essentially the culmination of all your dreams and desires.... At least for me.

-------

BONUS ITEMS

1. [YOUR NAME IS……]() Amirite?! actually... I've messaged so many people trying to figure it out, and I could've sworn I knew it before, but I absolutely cannot remember it.
   
   
2. And this handwarmer mug – OCEAN TIDE was made in Milton, Oregon! This ones not on my WL however.
   
   Finally, some people say that fear cuts deeper than swords but does it? Who knows.

the up front costs of setting up the enclosure vary a lot depending on whether you want utilitarian and cheap or aesthetically pleasing and expensive, as well as the quality of the equipment you use. using a corn snake as an example, since i think that's the most beginner-friendly of the three species you listed, you could set up an enclosure for an adult at anywhere between $50 and $500.

i'll give you some examples based on setups i have/had.

low-end:

• 74qt sterilute underbed tub with air holes drilled/soldered in the sides.
  
• luggage straps to secure the tub.
  
• ultratherm UTH [under tank heater].
  
• hydrofarm thermostat to regulate the UTH.
  
• digital dual sensor thermometer/hygrometer to monitor the warm side floor temperature [with the probe] as well as the ambient temperature/humidity.
  
• cheap/free household items like cardboard boxes for hides, paper towels or newspaper for substrate, plastic food container for water, etc.
  
  mid-range:
  
  
• glass tank, generally in the size range of 30gal to 55gal. could be free, cheap, or $100+ depending on what size you get and where you find it. craigslist can get you really cheap tanks, and petco/petsmart have dollar-per-gallon sales often.
  
• an appropriately sized screen lid and sturdy lid clips for the tank. these things can be purchased separately from the tank.
  
• ultratherm UTH.
  
• hydrofarm thermostat to regulate the UTH.
  
• lamp and CHE [ceramic heat emitter] for ambient heat if your room temperature tends to be below 70 F.
  
• digital dual sensor thermometer/hygrometer to monitor the warm side floor temperature [with the probe] as well as the ambient temperature/humidity.
  
• infrared thermometer to spot-check the temperature anywhere in the enclosure.
  
• two reptile basics hide boxes.
  
• metal or ceramic dog bowl for a water dish.
  
• shredded aspen substrate.
  
  high-end:
  
  
• pvc reptile cage. prices vary depending on the manufacturer. animal plastics is generally the cheapest but requires assembly. i have my corn in a boaphile plastics 421D cage, which is bigger than he really needs but i have a stack of cages so i needed size uniformity, and i like to give my snakes more than the minimum requirement of length+width of enclosure being equal to length of snake.
  
• UTH and/or RHP [radiant heat panel], can be included in the purchase of the cage. i only have a UTH because my room temperature stays in the 70-75 F range year round. i recommend an RHP if your room temperature tends to be below 70 F.
  
• herpstat to regulate the temperature. a herpstat intro+ is fine if you only use one heat source, a herpstat 2 would be best if you use two heat sources.
  
• digital dual sensor thermometer/hygrometer to monitor the warm side floor temperature [with the probe] as well as the ambient temperature/humidity.
  
• infrared thermometer to spot-check the temperature anywhere in the enclosure.
  
• naturalistic style hides and water dish, such as this hide and this water dish from exo terra.
  
• additional hides, half-logs, driftwood, artificial plants, etc, to clutter up the enclosure and make it interesting.
  
• naturalistic style substrate like cypress mulch, coconut husk mulch [the big chunky pieces, not the soil-like coconut fiber], fir bark mulch, etc.
  
  then there are basic medical and emergency supplies. i recommend having these things on hand:
  
  
• a good disinfectant for the enclosure. this stuff is the best.
  
• a way to contain/transport your snake outside of the enclosure. this can be a cotton pillowcase, a snake bag, or a small plastic tub with a locking lid and air holes.
  
• uniheat shipping packs for providing heat during a power outage or evacuation.
  
• a spare UTH and basic thermostat, so you're not scrambling to find a replacement if anything breaks.
  
• povidone-iodine [betadine] and an antibiotic ointment without pain relief [neosporin]. these are useful in treating things like minor burns, cuts, scale rot, etc.
  
• provent-a-mite to tackle a mite infestation.
  
  as far as annual costs go, electricity is negligible for one snake, so you're really just dealing with food and substrate. for a corn snake, you're looking at $30-$40 per year if you buy mice from expos, local shops/suppliers, or online bulk suppliers, instead of the way overpriced petco/petsmart/etc. substrate costs depend on what type you buy, how big your enclosure is, how deep you keep the substrate, and how often you do full substrate changes, could be anywhere from $20 to $100 per year.

I understand and sympathize with the cost. I think if you look at my spread sheet I don't even list Vision Cages. That might be an oversight now that I think about it. Hind sight being 20/20, had you not spent the money on that setup something like an NPI or Boaphile 322D might be doable. Again I am not here to criticize your choices. Only to show others what is out there. Glass tanks are doable if you put in the effort and you clearly are.

On the spread sheet their are two hides I like. Before I tell you about them let me tell you want I look for and why. I have three qualities that I care about and then a 4th that I consider. How tight fitting it is, how easy it is to clean, how natural it looks and of course all of that has to come at a reasonable price.

Exo Terra Reptile Cave

These hides have come down in price a lot on amazon and at these prices I think they are my favorite. They are very natural looking and reasonably easy to clean. The problem is that I only like the extra large and medium. The large is too flat in my opinion for BP's. That being said the extra large is my all time favorite for all but the 2000 gram or more ball pythons. Its a really tight fit for 1500+ gram snakes but they really seam to like it.

Now on the other side of things I love Reptile Basics Hide Boxes

They are super easy to clean, very inexpensive and the opening being off set to the side is a really nice touch. The cost is great too. I started my BP on Medium hides and moved her up to Large and eventually Extra Large. An extra large reptile basics hide is about the same as the Exo Terra extra large. I have my coastal carpet in a Jumbo Hide Box and once again I am very happy with it.

The key to hides for a BP is not moving them up to the next size hide until they are so tight in their hide that they lift if off the cage floor as if they are wearing it. Then and only then do you know its time to move up. Even then they tend look for a tighter fitting hide for a while after the switch.

We go with the raw food diet. It took them a minute to get used to, but they LOVE it now. Eat like maniacs, and they're full of energy with a beautiful coat. Vet says everything looks great too. I've had vets tell me that we should stop and put them on a kibble diet instead. I've had vets tell me to never feed them kibble and only raw meats. It's really whatever you prefer. I'm not against kibble, it seems perfectly fine if you're careful about ingredients.
A raw diet is the closest to what they would eat in the wild, so it made the most sense to me. I haven't had any bad experiences so far.


You do have to do your research and get a good mix of different kinds of meats in there - it should mostly be bones, but you have to include organs and muscle meats as well. We feed ours 3 oz each twice a day. Every other meal is raw chopped up chicken winglets (you can use whatever works for you - we just found this easiest to chop). Then in between we alternate with raw chicken hearts and raw steak strips (the ones for stir fry are already cut and it's perfect. Chopped meat is another easy alternative, my guys didn't seem to care for it though)


The most clear explanation/breakdown that I came across was from /u/TehWeezle in this post - https://www.reddit.com/r/ferrets/comments/4oekia/beginner_ferret_guide_compilation_vol_2a/ (the comments offer a lot of clarity)

For treats we use freeze dried liver and they go nuts over it.
(https://www.amazon.com/Stewart-Pro-Treat-Freeze-Dried-Treats/dp/B00SX4V7NE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502931617&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=freeze+dried+liver&psc=1) Salmon oil is another one they like. It's usually what we use to keep them still enough to clip their nails (put them on their back and rub some on their belly, they'll sit there and lick it all day.) I've read a lot of people giving their ferrets raw egg yolk as a treat, and they seem to like it. My guys couldn't seem to care less.

Some tips:

1. They hide food, and it will smell. I have to check their cage everyday, and I just put it back in their bowl. This could be tricky if you're letting them roam free.
   
   
2. They were fed kibble before hand, our first guy didn't understand it was food. We had to put a bit of kibble on top to get him to understand, but after 3 days he was totally kibble free and didn't have a problem.
   
   
3. Its a lot of prep - We buy everything in bulk at the beginning of the month, cut everything up and put them into baggies and keep them in the freezer. Takes a good two hours or so. We keep about three days worth in the fridge defrosted and once we use a bag we just take another out of the freezer.
   
   
4. Some people swear the food has to be warm for them to eat it (like prey) but our guys don't seem to care. They've eaten it half frozen with no problem.
   
   
5. You can get to a point where you just put a whole drumstick or thigh in there and let them learn to tear it apart themselves... I'm a nervous nelly and panic that they're going to choke to death so I cut it up for them. It's probably illogical, but to each their own.
   
   
6. Don't let their poop panic you. When they eat organs it tends to be very dark and runny. I first panicked it was blood in their stool, or something was wrong. Vet confirmed its just from all of the organ blood they're consuming.
   
   
7. Last but not least, you'll find videos and blogs of people doing prey diets (if you haven't already). Some people will put an entire dead pigeon carcass in the cage and let their catsneks have at it. Some people even give them live mice and let them kill it themselves. Yes this is how they eat in the wild, but I can't stomach that. This was the next best thing I could do for them.
   
   Hope this helps! If you have any questions let me know.
   
   ** Edits for spelling, formatting, bad grammar, and just because I'm a bit anal.

I also use Fromm! It’s great dog food, but my Berner (Brody) can be a little picky at times too.

[Brody**](https://i.imgur.com/AsrT4bE.jpg

I highly recommend using additive products made by “The Honest Kitchen”. I use their beef bone broth as a topper to the food, my pup goes crazy for it! Also, it’s not expensive so adding it to your rotation doesn’t affect your budget.

It says to use 1 tablespoon per 25lbs with 4 oz warm water. Brody is 100+lbs, but I only use the 1 tablespoon and that makes enough to cover all the food with beefy flavor.

I hope this helps!!!

Here are some links:

Honest Kitchen The Beef Bone Broth - Natural Human Grade Functional Liquid Treat with Turmeric Spice for Dogs & Cats, 5 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0169FBOVI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EoaTBb2G8N6GS

Honest Kitchen The Pro Bloom Dehydrated Instant Goat's Milk with Probiotics for Dogs & Cats, 6 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TM9PJ3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bpaTBb5D57F9A

)

I would really strongly suggest you try Dasuquin http://www.amazon.com/Nutramax-Dasuquin-Soft-Chews-under/dp/B0030V9HV4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1405906440&sr=8-5&keywords=dasuquin
Whatever the issue is, this will not fix it but I have heard really amazing stories of older dogs getting so much more happiness out of life after they started taking it. Bentley is taking it now and it very well might be the reason he is using his back legs more.
Good luck with your pup!

I use the Crumps freeze-dried liver treats that are only 0.17 calories per treat. (Link below but I buy them from the pet store, not Amazon.) My dog would never be motivated by veggies. I also save some kibble from her regular meals to use as treats when I don't need something high value (like just our normal walks around the block but not when we're going somewhere new).


I agree with the other posters that controlling your dog's weight is mostly about limiting the food she's getting at meal times. If you need high value treats for training, just use those and cut her regular meals. Training is important too and you don't have to make a choice between training and helping her lose weight. But also high value doesn't mean the treats have to be huge, just good quality (which is why I like the tiny freeze-dried treats).


I also use the Redbarn food logs because I can measure out how many calories I would have fed her with kibble and then cut the log into tiny pieces, and it's balanced just like a normal meal but higher value than her kibble. I'll do this in place of a meal when we go out for, say, a hike or a training class and I need to give her many treats.


https://www.amazon.com/Crumps-Naturals-Mt-Fd-105-Trainers-Freeze/dp/B01M1VAH9F/

http://www.amazon.com/Pedigree-Marrobone-Snack-Flavor-2-97-Pound/dp/B007E9VB5S/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_13

My big old puppy loves these but she doesn't get them to often. My Man's best friend would love you forever if she got these haha.

My dachshund puppy is 4.5 lbs right now so I understand your frustration. A friend got me this: http://www.amazon.ca/Kyjen-2743-Doggy-Blocks-Spinner/dp/B00E0JJ96I/ref=sr_1_20?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1427156283&sr=1-20&keywords=dog+puzzle
I thought it would be waaayyy to big for her but she just has to knock the blocks over, then once she gets them all out (and gets the treats), she can scratch/swipe her paw at the yellow to spin it and reveal more hidden treats. It looks big, but it's actually really easy for them to do and really light, so a little pup like yours could probably easily handle it. Go to a petsmart or Winners (where i've seen them) and take it out of the box and take a look at it; my Daisy figured it out surprisingly quick and she was only 4 lbs when she was given it. FYI I'm in Canada so that's why 'Amazon.ca' and Winners is a Canadian brand of TJ Maxx basically.

Trick training is amazing to wear out your dog's brain and you can make major progress in as little as two 10 minute sessions a day. Check out Kyra Sundance's books:

101 Dog Tricks

10 Minute Dog Training Games

101 Ways to do More With Your Dog

Kyra runs the Do More With Your Dog website which is an easy way to earn titles with your dog by doing tricks. At the lower levels anyone can sign off as witness to your dog's tricks to earn the titles so you don't have to be in a class or anything (though classes are fun and the DMWYD website has resources to find local trainers)

You can also check out brain engaging toys such as these (NOTE these toys should be used with supervision so your dog doesn't eat the toy!)

-Ethical Pet Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Dog Puzzle

-Ethical Pet Seek-A-Treat Flip 'N Flap Dog Puzzle

-Nina Ottosson Plastic Dog Brick Interactive Interactive Doy Toy Puzzle for Dogs, Plastic

-Nina Ottosson Dog Casino Interactive Doy Toy Puzzle for Dogs, Wood

Really any toy by Nina Ottosson is a good choice.

Enrichment can also be as easy as not feeding your dog out of a bowl. Try these (can be used with less direct supervision)

-Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze

-Kong Wobbler

And my dogs have constant access to these chewies (i leave these in their crates as well as long as they don't chew them down small enough to be choking risks).

-Nylabone

-Busy Buddy Treat Holding Bone

-Busy Buddy Jack

-Refills for the above Busy Buddy bones

-Busy Buddy for extreme chewers

No major updates for Moose this week, though if the rain stays away this upcoming weekend we've decided to go ahead and try camping at the beach with her so maybe next week's update will be interesting!

In the meantime though, I feel like we are really close but also stalled. So in poking around I read about a couple natural calming agents, and while the reviews are mixed there are enough rave reviews that I am thinking they're worth the experiment. I'm hoping for something to ease even just a tiny bit of her anxiety, to open up a little more of a window for counter-conditioning before she blows up. Has anyone here tried Rescue Remedy for Pets or Pet Naturals Calming for Dogs?

http://imgur.com/a/91rvO

Brummy is not my first dog, however he is my first JRT and the first dog I've clicker trained and I will stand behind this method 100%. It works so well. Just make sure you understand the method as well and give the dog a chance to get what you're trying to do. He is up to 15 "tricks" now and he's only a year old. Whenever I pull out the clicker and gets excited and pays attention. I usually throw the ball around a couple of times to get some of the energy out of him before we start anything new.

I would get him around other dogs at a young age. Big and small. It helps them be more friendly and not freak out everytime they see another dog.

I would look into getting an antler for a solitude toy. They last forever and he loves his.

http://www.amazon.com/Barkworthies-Natural-Elk-Antler-Medium/dp/B006H33NL2/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1421930818&sr=1-7&keywords=dog+antler+chew

Intro!: http://www.reddit.com/r/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon/comments/1jg4vf/intro_me_and_my_dog_are_grateful_to_be_here/

I have a dog named Rex!!! We call him Sexy Rexy all the time! Too ironic.

I am just starting my wish list, but these dog treats are super delicious (or so Rex tells me)!

http://www.amazon.com/Zukes-16-Ounce-Treats-Peanut-Blueberryz/dp/B00292BM7C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2MF6375C6MHWM&coliid=I2VKMFSE8HUHEE

You're nice!

I just got both of my cats to stop chewing up the house! I was waking up every day to 3-6 piles of cat barf with plastic/ribbon/unidentifiable object in them, and I got fed up. Their thing was (mostly) plastic, not cords, so I can't guarantee this'll work for you, but it's worth a shot.

I completely switched over to feeding them in one of these kibble balls. They get all their kibble in the ball now; I put in 1/4 cup twice a day (for two cats). I also feed them wet food once a day.

The other thing I did seemed really obvious after I'd thought of it - I bought chew toys. My cats love them. Their favorites are turkey tendon and cod skin, but beef esophagus is also popular. The only tricky part is securing the treats so they can chew on them - I wedge the cod skin in the corner of one of their scratching boxes and staple the beef esophagus to the side. The turkey tendon is light and flexible enough that they can hold it down with one paw while they chew!

I seriously can't believe how much of a difference this made. My house went from a cat puke minefield to a livable space. My stuff isn't getting chewed to pieces any more. My fat cat is actually exercising instead of begging me for food all day! I really hope it works for you too.

>He has gotten the cold shoulder for a week now

One more thing - negative reinforcement doesn't work with cats, and he definitely won't remember bad behavior from a week ago. Side note, this website mentions bitter apple spray, which you may want to try applying to your cords!

We use the puppy kong fill it mostly with his actual dry food taken from his food allowance, then a bit of this to make it sticky. He mostly licks it out, but he's not chewing anything else while he's engaged with the Kong if you see what I mean.

He loves to chew up sticks, but he's pretty entertained by carrots as well. We only let him at those supervised though, just in case.

Links are Amazon.co.uk, sorry if that's confusing.

Toys!

These are great "hide and seek" toys to play with your buns with. You hide treats or pellets in the cavities and your bun finds them!
Hagen Living World, Linnea, Blenda

Alternatively, you can also get something like this or this and stick treats and pellets in it so your bunny will run around trying to get them.

You can also make a maze or house out of boxes. My buns love running around and playing in anything made of cardboard. I've also heard that hiding treats inside an egg carton or inside a paper bag is also fun for them. :)

I honestly love these treats: https://www.amazon.com/Crumps-Naturals-Mt-Fd-105-Trainers-Freeze/dp/B01M1VAH9F/

0.17 calories per treat. Very tasty and healthy - just pure freeze dried liver cut into VERY small pieces. I'd say they're about 1/3 the size of the Zuke's mini treats.

They're awesome!

She has this one size small i believe.

Marrow bones fit perfectly (and i mean perfect tight fit) inside it.

My sister bought this toy: https://www.amazon.com/Outward-Hound-Blocks-Spinner-Interactive/dp/B00E0JJ96I/ref=sr_1_25?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473813456&sr=1-25&keywords=dog+treat+toy+puzzle

for her rat terrier, but she couldn't figure it out. So she gave it to me for my chihuahua! She loved it! It was really easy for her to claw the boxes out of the way (although the video shows bigger dogs) and since everything is hidden under the boxes, it allows you to hide any size treat.

We had to stop using it after getting a second dog, mostly because he couldn't figure it out and she would end up with all the treats. Then they started fighting over it.

I liked it a lot, but I think it might depend on your dog (since my sister didn't like it)

Here's the link for what mine is on, our vet recommended them, they're called Dasuquin. We've been giving her one a day, two if she played rough or we went hiking or something. We just recently upped her to two a day standard, as she's gotten older. I definitely do notice a diff fence if we give her 2 vs 1, she's much more spry. We highly recommend!
Nutramax Dasuquin Soft Chews, Small/Medium Dog, 84 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030V9HV4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6iBUzb24EJ428

What worked for mine was using a special treat that she would only get when going into the crate. No other time she was given that treat (I still do the same thing to this day). The treat in question is Pet Naturals Calming

1. Buy a black (NOT RED) extreme Kong, size Large
   http://www.amazon.com/pet-supplies/dp/B0002AR0II
   
2. Stuff it with 1 of these rings (Medium size works fine)
   http://www.amazon.com/Petsafe-Premier-Natural-Rawhide-Bristle/dp/B001F0RRTQ/
   
   
3. 20 minutes of peace and quiet.
   
   Also - Nylabone Durachew models of chew toys, like this dinosaur my staffy's love more than the regular "bone" shapes
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Nylabone-Durable-Dental-Dinosaur-Varies/dp/B000084E6V/

We have two chew toys that our dog loves:

1. Himalayan dog chew
   
   
2. Elk antlers
   
   
   The elk antlers last longer and she seems to like them more, but she loves both. Note: Both of those have larger sizes, I just estimated for the size of your dog. I use the large ones for our golden.

Treat Tower!
JW Pet Company 43506 Treat Tower Toys for Pets, Large, White/Rings of Blue, Orange, Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DICJRVA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PuA4DbSDPSNE8

Fruit is a good idea if your dog isn't sugar-sensitive. Apple chunks, banana slices (fresh or dehydrated), mandarin orange slices, blueberries, and melons are all good choices.

If you want something store-bought, I've never met a dog that didn't go bonkers for dried fish skins. They're crunchy, low-cal, and you can break them up into whatever size treat you need. I've no idea why they're so pricey on Amazon; I get this exact brand at my local doggy bakery for $8 per container.

I just got two of these
https://smile.amazon.com/KONG-Puppy-Kong-Small-Assorted/dp/B0002AR18C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496790665&sr=8-1&keywords=puppy+kong

And one of these
https://smile.amazon.com/KONG-StuffN-Treat-8-Ounce-Puppy/dp/B0009YD7P2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496790691&sr=8-1&keywords=puppy+kong+stuffing

Although like I said, sometimes we use small dabs of peanut butter. I got two so that I could switch them out - so he can have one to chew on (empty) during the day and one in the freezer. I've never had a chewer before, so this was my first experience with Kongs, and so far, they're great!

I have a 6 month old German Shorhair, he's always been fed by hand or from a toy.

We have several ways to feed him parts or all of his meal.

PetSafe Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble Feeder Ball, Medium/Large

• Great for most of his food easily fits 3 cups
  
  JW Pet Company 43506 Treat Tower Large
  
  
• Doesn't fill very easily and I added an extra sheet of plastic to make it more difficult to get the food out. Has 3 tiers to trickle through.
  
  Tough By Nature Hol-ee Roller Asst Size, 6.5-Inch
  
  
• We have 2 of these and stuff them with treats, kibble, veggies, bully sticks, and fabric to keep him busy. I also strung up an old leash on a bungee cord in a empty part of the house to make it even harder for him to extract his goodies.
  
  JW Pet 43119 Company Hol-ee Football
  
  
• This is more for treats but the right sized treats are easy for us to stuff but take a lot of time for him to extract.
  
  Obligatory Puppy Tax
  

Get these. They're great for crate training to keep pup busy and they last forever and they don't get soggy and gross.

Redbarn - Natural White Bone Large Dog Chew, Real femur bone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHU8QC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.XI4xbVNENCYG

You can get them at Petsmart and some have yummy treats in them.

My mentor swears by freeze dried beef liver dog treats, he buys it by the bucket and breaks the pieces up. Super healthy and enticing to most dogs. https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Treat-Stewart-Freeze-Dried-Treats/dp/B00SX4V7NE

I use mini training treats that are 1.5 calories each. They are easy for me to carry in the car and put in a pouch. They might upset the stomach for sensitive dogs, though.
https://www.chewy.com/crazy-dog-train-me-minis-bacon-flavor/dp/133182

Other high value treats that work great in small doses include cheese, hotdogs, steak. Obviously less convenient than buying dog treats. Smelly and moist treats are the most enticing usually, but each dog is different. Some turn their nose up mine so I always ask the owner.

I've got a golden mix, they are especially mouthy when little

I've noticed several times when the biting starts

1. he needs to exercise
   
2. he is over stimulated
   
3. he thinks we are playing
   
4. he needs to take a nap
   
   it helps to recognize the signs and stop it asap, once it starts depending on severity, I either freeze, yelp, stop play for a bit until he calms down, or leave him alone so he will take a nap
   
   edit: I forgot about the teething aspect, sometimes they just wanna chew, and make sure you have an assortment of types of chew toys, sometimes they want soft, sometimes something they can hold and tug, sometimes hard, sometimes organic, when mine is really bitey sometimes I just replace my hand with an elk antler and he just goes nuts on it for an hour instead of me
   
   http://smile.amazon.com/Barkworthies-Natural-Elk-Antler-Medium/dp/B006H33NL2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426692445&sr=8-2&keywords=elk+antler

I meant these kind https://www.amazon.com/REDBARN-NATURALS-White-Large-femur/dp/B000HHU8QC if she goes through those that quickly, she is impressive haha!

It's probably okay to use once in a while but I wouldn't do it every time. I had the same problem and wound up using Honest Kitchen's Bone Broth powder to make broth instead, one can lasts me forever and the ingredients are simple and healthy.
https://www.amazon.com/Honest-Kitchen-Broth-Turmeric-Canister/dp/B0169FBOVI

Thick washed cotton rope, the thiccer the better.

Bully sticks or antler are the best thing to chew. Rawhide isn't digestible, but both the bully sticks and antler are. They prevent nasty, paint peeling rawhide farts too.

Some butcher shops also offer smoked femoral heads that have meat, marrow and cartilage on them that make really good treats. The bone is heavy enough that can't chip it and the rest is digestible.

https://www.amazon.com/Flossy-100-Percent-Cotton-3-Knot-25-Inch/dp/B000634LKQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=cotton%2Brope%2Bdog%2Btoy&qid=1562111113&s=gateway&sprefix=cotton%2Brope%2Bdog&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1

[https://www.amazon.com/6-Inch-Boutique-Grain-Free-Sancho-Lolas/dp/B01HBVSG74/ref=sxin_2_osp43-0b60fd20_cov?ascsubtag=0b60fd20-4cc7-44c9-90ce-c25e7355471e&creativeASIN=B01HBVSG74&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.0b60fd20-4cc7-44c9-90ce-c25e7355471e&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=beef+pizzle+sticks+for+dogs&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B01HBVSG74&pd_rd_r=836f8947-f800-4163-8962-cbaf2421d1f1&pd_rd_w=xYfF2&pd_rd_wg=yr3yS&pf_rd_p=372a0539-72f9-4fd9-896b-c1a93295ea7a&pf_rd_r=N8ZGDWDN4F6ZQRDPWGRR&qid=1562110942&s=gateway&sprefix=beef+pi&tag=bgr0a0-20](bully sticks)

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Deer-Antler-Pieces-Guarantee/dp/B01AFEP9J2/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=dog+antler+chews&qid=1562111215&s=gateway&sprefix=dog+a&sr=8-6

if you're an anti Amazon person, pardon the links, but they give you an idea what to look for. I use Smile because they donate money to the charter school my kids attend.

Just make sure that anything you're buying comes from a nation that enforces food standards for dog toys and chewies. U.S., EU, Brazil, and India are the big ones that pop up in my mind. Avoid anything Chinese like the plague. Stuff is frequently toxic or carrying pathogens.

Himalayan yak chews

They last forever, and he LOVES them!

Bones for my doggie! I would used this to survive on a deserted island by throwing it in the ocean and calling my dogs name. Someone will see my dog swimming in the ocean and then they will try to follow him, eventually seeing me on the deserted island.

turtles are awesome

Himalayan Gold Yak Dog Chews. While they're expensive, they last my dog about 3 hours. I usually take it from her after an hour or so though because it's pretty dense.

It's just milk, lime juice and salt and somehow it is a rock! She will just gnaw for hours straight if I let her.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NSY33S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Look into Himalayan dog chews. They're great my dogs go bonkers over them.
https://www.amazon.com/Himalayan-Quality-Natural-Odorless-Enjoying/dp/B071NSY33S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=59868217641&hvadid=274693612548&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9003427&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1496876359084317001&hvtargid=kwd-302401702078&hydadcr=14557_9765731&keywords=himalayan+dog+treats&qid=1564257029&s=gateway&smid=A20FJJ4JTXVNN5&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A20FJJ4JTXVNN5

Look at some Exo Terra or ZooMed caves; you should be able to find some decent decor at your local pet store! Just flip it over and make sure there aren't any holes he could get stuck in. I use these in the Large size for my adult corn: https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Reptile-Cave-Medium/dp/B0002AR5B0?th=1&psc=1

For a cheaper alternative, cardboard boxes stuffed with some aspen or paper towels make an easy and snug option!

1. I know I could just use reparo, but I'd rather my wine glasses not break in the first place. Plus, there's no putting wine back in a broken glass, and we can't have that! If I drop it, I'll just use wingardium leviosa, and the wine will be saved!

2. Whenever I put my dog on the back of my broomstick, he's always trying to chew off the handle. Maybe this item will fool him.

3. I'm not sure I can afford my own, but I have three friends who might let me borrow theirs. I might have to dust them off a bit.

4. This would help me understand the magic of the mind, and the mind magic behind the magic!

5. I have a feeling my school trunk would just be full of dirty clothes.

6. Cape! I'd really like to find a cape like this guy has. Practical AND fashionable. I think he really epitomizes those two qualities.

If he tears up rawhide that fast it might be kinda rough on his tummy. You've tried something like this that is totally cleaned, even on the inside? Maybe look into the antler or horn/hoof options, and there are some chews like pressed milk and molded veggie starch that will last about as long as rawhide but would be healthier for digestion.

That’s pricey. I get four for $20 USD.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NSY33S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Are these the Yak Sticks? I don't have a problem with them being hard since he can chew very hard nylabones...

haha, the smaller guy in the photo is actually named Scooby. I put together two of these, but had to temporarily use cardboard for the back wall because the hooks on a couple of the panels were welded shut. Had to cut the corners on the tarps at the middle so they could lay flat and overlap. For bedding I got two towels and put fleece over them. The tunnel and the grass balls are here and here.

I could really use some of these because my two foster puppies are starting to teeth. T_T The corner of my couch has already gotten some battle scars!