Products We Love: Backseat Hammocks

After a recent road trip with Hiko (an Australian Shepherd), I felt compelled to write a post about how much I love backseat hammocks for dogs. Dog-in-car travel gear has been around for a while, but some products are more about protecting your car from your pet than vice versa. Amy and I both love the backseat car hammock because it provides a barrier to keep your dog out of the front seat. It does an excellent job of protecting your seats from hair and mud. Most importantly, it makes it possible for your dog to lay down and relax on your journey.

Why is a hammock better than a cushy seat cover? The hammock style prevents dogs from rolling or stepping into the footwell. Many come with holes to accommodate a dog seatbelt, for added security & safety when you need it. Also, when you leave the car, the footwell space makes a nice place to hide anything you don’t want visible. Or an extra spot to store bags for your longer road trips.

The hammock style also helps with training. If you have a dog that’s nervous about people approaching the car, or riding in the car in general, treats can be a big help. It’s hard to hand treats to your dog when they’re in the back, but with the hammock, you can just chuck them behind you! The hammock will catch them and you don’t have to worry about treats going under your seat. Easy find for your dog!

There are plenty of styles on the market, with a very wide range of prices. Amy and I both chose the Orvis seat hammock. While on the higher end price wise, Orvis dog products are sturdy, well-made, last a long time, and are comfortable for your dog. Hiko has certainly tested the stitching by putting his full body weight into suspended portion during…err…product testing.

So if your dog needs some help in the car, a back seat hammock could be a great solution! Make sure to check measurements to ensure the hammock fits well in your car. Different things to consider: Do you need it be machine washable? Do you want flaps to cover the side of your car seats? Do you need air ventilation in the front? Do you need slots to put attach a dog seat belt?

Training tip: Some dogs instantly get it, others need time to adjust (especially if they’re older and haven’t experienced one before). It took Hiko a bit to figure out where and how he could move. He also can get over the barrier if he’s determined, but a few car rides with treats and encouragement for staying in back helped a lot. You can also put your dogs bed on the hammock and have the dog lay in their bed while riding (extra helpful when you’re going to want that bed where you are going as well).

Products We Love: Muzzles

We We Love These: 

To put it succinctly, muzzles enclose the bitey part of your dog, so they can have more freedom to explore the outside world. If you have a reactive dog and you find yourself holding your breath on walks or when your dog is playing too rough, muzzles are the key to allowing you to relax a little. Unfortunately muzzles are so stigmatized that often people would rather keep their dogs inside and away from any adventures than training a muzzle and trying it out. We understand those feelings, but try to look at it this way:

• If you properly introduce your dog to the muzzle, your dog wont mind wearing it because muzzles mean yummy things like cheese! The muzzle can be their golden ticket out the door. You’re doing it FOR them, not TO them. 

• You’re also doing it for yourself and for others. Not only are you protecting others from danger, but you’re showing that muzzles aren’t such a big deal! Maybe if someone sees your dog in a muzzle, they’ll consider getting one for their own nervous pup. 

• Muzzles are like bike helmets - they aren’t that comfortable to start but they are relatively easy to get used to and when you do, you are safer out in the world and that makes you and your family members feel better.

Also, there’s a silver lining to the stigma. People want to interact with dogs so badly that they often ignore you, even if you’ve told them not to approach or say hello to your dog. But people pay attention to muzzles and generally respect them. If you have a dog that has a big personal bubble or who doesn’t do well with off-leash dogs barreling at them, a muzzle is a clear signal that your dog needs space and that approaching may not go well. Sometimes we recommend muzzles to owners with dogs with no bite history because it seems to be the only thing that works to keep people’s hands away. Interestingly a dog with a muzzle on is the least likely to bite you...but I digress. 

We like the Baskerville muzzle especially, because it’s 

• Breathable (your dog can pant and drink),

• You can deliver treats into it,

• It’s comfortable and lightweight and flexible, so often more comfortable for most dogs than other models.  

Muzzles require a little legwork for desensitization so if you need help with how to train your dog to wear a muzzle, make sure to visit the Muzzle Up Project (they have great videos). Once your dog is comfortably wearing a muzzle, you’ve got an amazing tool that enables you and your dog to have some stress-free fun. 

If you have a dog that is a very high bite risk, you might choose one without any gaps (as fingers and fur can get into the Baskerville). Check out Muzzle Up Project for more info and a whole bunch of different options. We also love BUMAS muzzles if you’re looking for something more festive and custom!

Photocred: We had a hard time finding photos of dogs living their best lives with muzzles on based on the product advertisement photos. So we took to the gram with #muzzles to find more realistic photos of dogs to show how normal and fun they can actually be. Enter Rusty & Rocky @loveofrusty.rocky who let us use their photos to help dispel the stigma against muzzles. Check out their page to see how they use them!

Products We Love: Sleepypods

Why We Love These:

Sleepypods are snazzy, sturdy, stress-reducing pet carriers. They are on the expensive side, but the beauty is worth the investment and here’s why:

1.     Pet carriers must be well made. You do not want a carrier with a flimsy handle, or a zipper that your pet can weasel open (especially if you have an actual weasel). And if you’re taking your cat on a trip, you want it to be a safe little shell for your pet, not just a bag. Crash-tested carriers can give you extra peace of mind & safety.

2.     They should be easy to get your pet into and out of, for your sake and your pet’s. If you have ever wrestled an unhappy cat into a carrier, you understand how deeply disturbing it is for everyone involved. Nobody wins. Top-loading carriers tend to make the process much quicker and gentler.

3.     Don’t get an ugly carrier. Why not? Because you shouldn’t feel compelled to keep it hidden in the basement all the time. If you only take the carrier out when your pet needs to go to the vet, it basically becomes a portal to hell. Fear of the carrier itself means your pet is stressed before they even leave your house, and likely so are you. As a person who has fostered many cats who needed to go in and out carriers on a weekly basis, I learned this lesson quickly: carrier stays out, door stays open, treats magically appear in carrier at random times. If the carrier is okay-looking, you’re more likely to be willing to have it out somewhere. If the carrier is beautiful, you will be happy to prominently display it.

4. Sleepypods take this a step further by having the carrier work as a bed when the top isn’t on. So it’s a carrier AND a bed. 2 for one bogo deal situation! I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for animals to be comfortable in a carrier. Many cat owners avoid taking their cats to the vet at all because it’s so difficult to get them into the carrier. Serious issues can then go undiagnosed for a long time.

So while the Sleepypod is a high end pet carrier, look at it as an investment in your animal’s health and your own wellbeing. And if Sleepypod isn’t your style, make an effort to find a carrier that you do like. Just look for something that is a.) sturdy & safe b.) easy to get your pet in and out of and c.) something you’d be okay with leaving out from time to time. You and your cat will appreciate it!

Products We Love: Long Lines

Why We Love These:

It’s summer and even though summer in 2020 is not what we’re used to, we hope you’re getting outdoors for some fresh air. One of our favorite summer activities is taking our dogs on off-leash hikes. Having a dog that can be trusted to stay with you, respond to your cues, and watch for you to stop/change direction while off-leash is what most dog owners dream of. A long line is a must-have tool for getting you there. A long line creates an invisible boundary for your dog, sort of like training wheels for your pup while you work on distance recall (coming when called).

Get a 15, 20 or 30 foot leash and take it to a field with treats, a harness, your dog (and a clicker if you are using one). Let your dog wander about and then call them over - never letting them get more than the length of the line away from you. Every time they come back to you, reward them with treats and praise! This teaches your dog that they have 15/20/25 feet to move away from you but no further. You should also reward them when they come back on their own to reinforce their awareness of how far is too far from you, and a habit of “checking in.”

Another great use for a long line is to allow your dog some freedom if they want to join you for outside time in an unfenced yard. My backyard is fenced but my front yard is not, so when I want to lounge on the porch, a long line allows him to join me or lay in the grass (all about the sunbathing!). We just loop a long line around the porch railing and voila, he can roam the yard but not go into the street.  I had a foster dog in the spring that really benefited from the long line as well. At first, she was straining at the line and wishing she could go further. But the more time she spent out on the line, the more she lounged and settled into the room she had. It even helped to curb her door dashing because she understood that there was a boundary in the front yard, preventing her from running off. 

Important: We are suggesting long lines as a safety net when you are out together, not as a way to keep your dog out all day while you do other things. Never tether your dog outside unsupervised, in fact it’s illegal in many states. Long lines are meant to add to the things you can do safely with your dog, not without them.

We don’t have a specific brand of long line that we like in particular, and they come in a variety of price ranges and styles depending on what you’re looking for. For example, a  simple nylon leash can go as low as $9 from Hi Kiss and will work great for most people. Some people prefer biothane over nylon because long lines do drag on the ground, and biothane is easily rinsed. Darker colored leashes are subtler, but if you’re planning on bringing the leash somewhere public like a park, a brightly colored leash is easy to see and can prevent people from tripping (you can see the difference in the leashes in the above photo from LeashBoss). And after color, there are different handle types. Sturdy handles are more comfortable but can be cumbersome, and if you plan on letting it drag during training a lighter loop might be more your style.

So, have at it! The world is your leash oyster.

Products We Love: Cat Shelves

Why We Love These:

Cat trees are to cats as dog beds are to dogs. They’re basically part of the “I’m getting a cat” starter kit. Cat trees provide an appropriate place for cats to lounge and scratch - something cats do instinctually to deposit their scent, work their muscles, and stretch (here's an entire website dedicated to cat claws). However, people are often unaware of one of the most important provisions of cat trees - an elevated perch. Cats LOVE vertical space - that’s why they’re always creeping on you from stair landings, bookshelves, and whatever other surface they inexplicably scaled.

The drawbacks of cat trees are that they can be cumbersome, and if you’re particular about your home design, you might not like the way a cat tree looks in your living room. Many people opt out of cat trees for that reason, and that’s not really fair. That’s like someone saying “I don’t like the way couches look, so if you could just sit on the floor that’d be great.” But fear not, there is an alternative: CAT SHELVES. That’s right, cat lovers (who, despite the “cat lady” stereotype, are often also design lovers) have created shelving explicitly for cats. There are quite a few brands and styles to choose from depending on your taste (CatastophicCreations is a frontrunner, but retailers from Chewy to Etsy carry a variety of options as well). And if you’re looking to be inspired by #catownergoals check out my article for the IAABC about a home kitted out (see what I did there?) with cat friendly amenities.

We recommend adding perches for cats in almost all of our consults. Not only does it enrich their lives in general, but it gives them more spaces that are “theirs.” This is especially useful in multi-cat homes, and homes with dogs. Getting on and off of cat shelves also supports fitness and can help provide more incentive for your cat to get moving. We love hiding treats and toys on shelves for cats to find later.

The real genius of cat shelving is that it doesn’t take up floor space so you can put them anywhere. We recommend placing them in rooms you’re cat already spends time, and in positions from which they can survey their environment. And if you’re not ready to commit to a cat tree or shelf, we hope you can clear off some space for you cat on your bookshelf (and in your heart). 

Products We Love: Puzzle Toys

Why We Love This:

You know those times when your dog stares at you until you realize there’s a ball under the couch? And you know how when you’re not there they are magically capable of getting it themselves? Dogs have evolved to be able to use us as a tool to solve their problems which is incredible and really makes you feel like a team player. But we also don’t want to be that parent that always does our kid’s homework. Animals need to think and solve puzzles, not just because it's a mental exercise, but because it builds confidence. There’s rarely a consultation these days in which we don’t recommend some kind of puzzle toy for feeding. Using a puzzle toy for meal time can mean several good things for your pet: 

1. They stretch mealtimes from one minute to at least ten. Your dog/cat/bird/gerbil is occupied by something engaging and fun that you don’t need to be a part of (you can work, clean up the kitchen, shower, etc and know your pet is properly entertained by a puzzle toy). Slowing down eating can also help your pet feel full faster, and be less likely to run into digestive issues from eating too quickly. 

2. Puzzle toys are also great workouts- mentally and sometimes physically! Exercising your pet while you just Netflix & Chill is already the dream, but if you have a pet displaying problematic behaviors - puzzle toys are even more valuable. They can drain energy that might otherwise be put towards destruction or anxiety spirals. 

3. Lastly, they allow your pet to engage in species-specific behaviors. There’s a reason people buy pistachios with the shells on even though you can buy them naked. Getting the shells off is fun, and they taste better because you worked for it. Animals evolved to find and then capture, tear, chew, and/or manipulate their food in some way. So not only can it be boring for them to eat out of a bowl, but what do they do with all those unused skills? Unleash them in your home that’s what. I’m looking at you cats-who-stalk-ankles-and-knock-stuff-off-counters. Puzzle toys may look like unnecessary extras for the pet-owner who really wants their pet to be their child, but they're the opposite. They are for the pet owner that wants their dog to be a dog, and cat to be a cat. 

And let’s say you’ve tried them but your pet seems disinterested or unsure at first, - help them out by showing them how it works and then sit back. If your pet isn’t trying, switch to a smaller piece of food or some treats that are higher value so they will work harder to get them out. We often discourage our pets from this type of problem solving because we either intervene to help, or we take the item away because it’s something we don’t want them to have. Once they are successful, they will often continue. If your pet tends to be less independent, you may need to start them and then sit with them but not interact and slowly move away. This is a great way to teach your pet to be more independent and do something on their own.

Rory has spent countless hours eating his food out of these treat dispensers and there is no doubt in my mind that he wouldn’t trade in a single one!

Here are a few of our favorites:

Snuffle Mat

Starmark Treat Dispensing Chewball

Westpaw Zogoflex Tough Chew toy

Quinker Dog Ball 

Kong Stuff-A Ball

Doc & Phoebe Cat Mouse Feeder

Cat Kong Treat Dispenser

Products We Love: The Kong

Why we love this:

If you own a dog, you’ve probably owned a Kong or at least seen one. But have you truly appreciated the Kong? You might not realize all the ways the Kong is there to make your and your pet’s life better.  And, while there are many puzzle toys that we love (more on that later), the Kong is the OG. Like that little giraffe toy that everyone needs for their baby but cooler cuz you can put snacks in it. So what is a Kong? It’s an indestructible, stuffable, throwable puzzle toy.

Let’s talk indestructibility: When I adopted Rory at 18 months, his dad gave me a few things to take with me, and one of these was his puppy Kong. Though Rory had chewed up the man’s sofa, rugs, and every other toy given to him, Rory had not been able to destroy his Kong. And before you assume that Rory just wasn’t a strong chewer, you should know that he literally chomped through his leash once when I tethered him to my railing in hopes of kissing a boy without Rory trying to pull me away (the history of Rory’s feelings about Amy’s men will have to wait until another blog post). Indestructibility is not only important for the longevity of the toy, but because it means little pieces won’t be chipping off for your dog to ingest. So, once your pup knows how to use the Kong, they can safely have it unsupervised!

Kongs major purpose as a toy is to be stuffed with …stuff. Although most people stuff their Kongs with a treat or two, very few grasp the Kong’s full stuffable potential. Kongs can be stuffed with little treats, big treats, smeary treats, frozen treats, red fish blue fish one fish two fish. You get it. It’s not just for variety- the type of treat you use can determine the difficulty of the puzzle and allow you to use Kongs for different purposes. You can plop one little treat in there for an easy puzzle, stuff their whole dinner in mixed with something sticky for long mealtime activity, or you can smear it with something lickable like peanut butter or easy cheese, bringing us to our favorite quality of the Kong…

We  recommend the Kong toy most often in working with two types of dogs - a dog who needs to work on crate training (puppy or new adult dog who will start in a crate before being allowed free roam) and dogs who are working to defeat (bang, bang, pow) separation anxiety. The Kong toy is designed for licking and it’s this licking behavior that can be calming to dogs, and allow them to focus on something (yummy). This is so important we’ll say it again: Licking is a self soothing behavior - the Kong elicits a behavior that helps your dog calm themself down. *Fireworks* There are so many times that people hire us to train cool activities like off-leash hiking, city-walking, or fetch. But one of the really great things that we like to do is train dogs to be calm and to be able to lower their energy levels to rest. We all need downtime to be healthy. A constantly overstimulated dog, like a constantly overstimulated person, will struggle to be emotionally healthy and practice good behaviors. So next time you’re working on a “go to mat” cue, crate training, or practicing separations from your dog, remember the Kong. It’s one of our favorites.

Products We Love: The Freedom Harness

Why we love this:

Walking well on leash is one of the toughest things for a dog to learn, but it’s one of the most crucial skills for your dog to have! It opens the door to lots of good times for you and your dog, going to new places and having adventures. While some dog owners walk their dogs despite bad leash manners, many find it to be too much of a hassle and leave their dog stuck at home!  Walking a dog who pulls is at best annoying and worst dangerous. So why don’t people do more leash training if it’s so important? Because leash training can be a lot of work! Thankfully, with advances in dog walking gear there are now tools that can make training go much faster. 

Enter: The Freedom Harness, our favorite “no pull” harness. What this means is that the dog is automatically turned and stopped when they pull forward. The freedom harness has a clip on the front to use during “no pull” training as well as a clip on the back for anything else, like running, biking, or slower dogs that do not pull. For extra control, you can even use the company’s two-clip leash. It allows you to clip one end to the chest and one to the back creating a braking system which can be especially helpful for the strong pullers. Have a houdini? This freedom harness is very secure, we haven’t seen a dog wiggle out of one yet. Another feature we love is the velvet straps under the armpits to avoid armpit chafing! Most dogs find this comfortable to wear. And most importantly, it’s stylish. There are so many color options - you can go classic chic black, discreet natural to match your dog’s coat, or loud and proud with teals, oranges, pinks to name a few. 

If you’re looking to start leash training, we also recommend a treat pouch so your hands can be free to hold the leash and you have treats handy to reward good walking. We offer leash training for all ages (virtually and in person) where we can help you learn basics or how to deal with a dog who pulls like they’re racing the iditarod! If you’re interested, sign up for a “Be Good” dog training session and let us know you want to work on leash training. We’ve got your back and want to save your dog’s neck. Ok got all the puns out of my system. 

Products We Like: Petsafe Treat Pouch

Why we love this:

There are a lot of items that are helpful when you’re actively training a dog and a treat pouch is right up near the top of our list. Early into Amy’s dog walking days, she’d put treats in the pockets of her coats for training. When she got home, she’d take off that coat and hang it in the front hallway or throw it into the laundry. It didn’t take her catahoula, Rory, long to sniff them out in the pocket and eat them. When he encountered a closed zipper, he’d just chew through the back of the pocket and suck out the treat crumbs. It was at that time that Amy decided to always use a treat pouch (and she’s never gone back). 

There are many pouch options, but we like the PetSafe pouch the best. First of all, it comes with a belt - you can wear it anytime with any pair of pants/shorts (even a dress if you fancy) so there is no need for pockets. And when you get home or finish training, the pouch can be used as a container for treats and is easily stored in a closet or high cabinet away from your pet’s reach.

This pouch has three pockets - the first one is great for a cell phone and poop bags, and there are two inner pockets for treats. It’s roomy enough to hold a ziplock bag of hot dogs or deli meat, some dry kibble or jerky treats and even a stick of string cheese - one of our favorite high value treats b/c it comes ready to travel (and as Lillian likes to say, it doubles as a person treat if you get hungry). Our favorite feature is the hinged opening so you can keep it open or snap it closed. This makes it easy to get treat after treat and then close again (all one-handed) so you won’t spill treats everywhere when you lean over to pick up dog poo (trust me on this). It’s also totally machine-washable, so every few months you can pop it into your washing machine to get out all the treat crumbs and start fresh!

If you’re ready to take your training on the road, sign up for our sessions with us today! We pride ourselves in getting behavior changes that will benefit you and your pet in a number of different settings and we LOVE adventures so we want you and your dog ready to go, enjoy, and be safe!

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