Does Your Dog Like to Ride in the Car with You?

Does your dog like to tag along for the ride? My dog sure does! He loves to sit in the front seat and hang out the window. I know this is not the safest way for him to travel with me but it makes him so happy. Every time you see someone with their dog in the car, the dog always has his head out the window, right? Although dogs love the ride and fresh air, it is very unsafe for him to ride in the car with his head hanging out the window.

Most of the time we are just taking a quick drive to drop something off at friends house or pick up the boys, but things can happen even on a short drive. Small particles could get into your dog's eyes, he could jump out, or if there is an accident, he could be badly injured or even killed. Things we do not often think about when we ask, "Do you want to go for a ride?".

If we are cautious and careful, we can still take our dogs for a ride in the car.  Here are a few things I do with Murphy when we hit the road. I make sure he has his collar on and I always put a leash on him. I slip the leash on my wrist in order to have control of him if I should need to. I let him do his thing (hang out the window) as we depart slowly down our street. The window will go up slowly in order to prevent his upper body from hanging out the window. If we need to hit the Thruway, all windows go up!

If we are careful with our surroundings and take precautions with our dog, we can still allow him to take a ride in the car with us and get some fresh air.

Play Tug with Your Dog Instead of Tug of War

Tug of War sounds pretty cool but it could lead to bad habits with your puppy. If she likes to play tug with her toys there is nothing wrong with a good game of tug just be sure you are not teaching her to be rough and aggressive.

My dog loves to tug with his toys and we play tug all the time. If he brings me his toy and I see that he wants to play I take the toy from him and say, "Take it." He will grab the toy while I hold onto it and the game begins! We go back and forth and travel around the living room all while having fun. I am very careful in tugging as I would not want to hurt his mouth or teeth. I tell him to "drop it" or "give" and when he does I pick it up and toss it across the room. He will bring it back and the game begins all over.

If you are playing with a puppy, you will need to teach her how to play tug as described above. You can use a treat and praise her when she drops the toy in the middle of play. Treats usually reinforce a behavior quickly. It will also let her know that she is pleasing you and you will stay in charge of the game. When you are ready to end the game, YOU want to be the one with the toy in your hand.

I like to use a toy that is soft, sturdy and can be thrown easily in the house. Our favorite dog toy for this has been Larry, the mail man. Check him out...he is pretty cool dog toy.

A Dog Safe BBQ

Will you be hosting a BBQ this weekend? You sent your invites, and you are planning the menu now. Don't forget to make this party dog friendly too.

Here are a few pointers that will help keep your dog safe now that BBQ season is here.

*Bones and corn on the cob can be deadly to dogs. If these make it into your dogs mouth there is a chance it could pass through his small intestine which could be fatal. Keep these items in a secure garbage can or in a location where your dog will not be tempted to go.

*Skewers, foil, bottle caps, plastic wrap and pits from fruit can also cause harm to your dog.

*Provide fresh cold water and a place in the shade where he can lay down.

*Ask your friends not to feed your dog the food they do not want.

*If you dog is on a run, be sure he can not reach the grill. You would not want him to get tangled and tip the grill over.

Just a few simple BBQ dog rules for a fun and safe summer on the grill.

Cold And Healthy Dog Treats for Summer

This is another easy treat to make this summer for your dog.

It’s getting a little hot out and with those fur coats they always wear I’m sure your pups could use a cold and tasty treat. As you can see my dog couldn’t stay away.

You’ll  needLarge Bowl
Blender
Ice cube mold

Ingredients1 Chicken Breast, cooked and chopped
2 cups chopped Berries 
1 cup Water

Directions1. Mix all ingredients and puree in blender until smooth.
2. Pour into molds and place in freezer.
3. Freeze for 8 hours to allow them to fully set.
4. Run warm water around the mold to remove the pup-sicles.

This recipe has been carefully researched and tried and tested on various dogs. However, I cannot rule out the possibility of particular food intolerances in certain dogs and cannot be held liable in this case.

These recipes are intended for special occasions. They are meant as an addition to your dogs regular diet and should not replace a proper balanced diet.
It is essential to ask the advice of your veterinarian before feeding your dog any homemade food.

Tennille Tejeda, better known as the Doggy Dessert Chef, creates and develops recipes for dog treats and biscuits. You can find her two pups, treat and biscuit recipes, as well as other doggy fun at DoggyDessertChef.com. Woof!

Home Made Dog Treat Recipe

This is one of my favorite dog treat recipes for my dog. Murphy loves them and I am sure your dog will too! These are easy to make with simple and healthy ingredients.  I like to use a bone or heart shaped cookie cutter. These also make great gifts for all your doggy friends. 

Bacon Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients

4 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/8 cup bacon grease

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup ground flax

1/4 cup wheat germ

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 325. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, flax, wheat germ, baking powder. Stir in crumbled bacon.

Put peanut butter in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave just until warm, about 20 - 30 seconds.

In a medium bowl, lightly beat egg. Add in peanut butter, bacon grease, and water. Whisk together until combined.

Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients. Stir until combined. Knead lightly in the bowl with your hands.

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters or with the rim of a drinking glass.

Place on prepared baking sheets. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes. Shut off oven and let treats stay in oven for at least 2 more hours, or overnight.

These will stay fresh in the fridge (in airtight container) for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.