Wiggle - Day 2,259

We were blessed with good weather this weekend so that gave me a chance to catch up with work in the garden.  Wiggle and Sofy enjoyed woggling on the freshly cut grass:

Then Wiggle was inspired to boing around with Gingerbread Man:

This evening we walked in the fields, making the most of the sunshine:

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

#Doga Bonding with No Hands

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

While working in the Cobra and Upward Facing Dog poses, you'll soon find that reaching out to bond with your dog takes a bit of creativity. Besides setting a treat jar on the corner of the mat, I make use of my voice, eye contact and smooches. Asking for a "watch me" in conjunction with your dog's name quickly gets their attention on you when your hands are busy supporting your body.
I guess I started this post a bit backwards--bonding first. Now let's address the position. First and foremost, do not press yourself completely up into the Upward Facing Dog position until you are strong enough to hold your weight and your back doesn't scream "Help!" Some of you will find this position easy, while others may find their back is not so accommodating. We're each unique in our areas of flexibility and strength. You'll need to embrace this and keep on moving forward.

Cobra Pose

If you're among those that find this position out of the question, stick to working in the Cobra position by using the original video post and last week's modifications. There's really no reason to go beyond Cobra if you're not comfortable.
For those of you who find you're able to stretch further upward, take it slow. Keep your gaze forward for now. We'll wait to stretch our heads up and back till when we're all a bit more limber. If you're able to straighten your arms, keep in mind that you'll want to stack your joints--shoulders over elbows over wrists. 
You'll find grounding of this position in your ankles and feet and your hands, where

pressure into the floor will allow you to balance and stretch your chest out and up. If this doesn't feel good, drop back down to the Cobra position and focus on each of your body parts, checking in for grounding there. Balance can be a factor in your comfort level.
When you're ready to work on other poses, you'll find the whole list of #doga videos here. Prepare to get your pup involved more as we progress into poses that have more and more options. I'll be back soon with some variations on the rest of the poses in our All Things Dog Blog Doga series here at the Weekly Wag, our Saturday bonding inspiration. 
Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start a yoga workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a relaxing pose.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Twitter Party Coming Soon: Watch #FidosFreebieFriday

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

The Event Barkers team is excited to leak (no names yet!) that we'll be announcing another Twitter Party on Monday--Labor Day. If you are lucky enough to languish over a day off, don't forget to stop by and find out what's in store for you. There will be 3 prize packages you can win without attending, and 7 more to win at the party itself. Don't miss our announcement on Monday here and at DogTipper.com and ToDogWithLove.com.

Now let's get to today's Fido's Freebie Friday. Bloggers are invited to list below 

their currently open giveaways, freebies, and prizes for pets and pet lovers so that readers may visit and explore items to win. You can help to get more awareness by sharing the badge you see in the top of my post. Feel free to put it in your sidebar, if you wish, but don't feel obligated.

Fido's Freebie Friday opens each Thursday afternoon for linkups at 4:00 PM ET, and renews each week at the same time with a new listing.  Link up anytime during the week--24/7. We make it easy to be seen here by keeping our rules simple:

•You have up to 45 characters to describe your prize and include an expiration date.

•Fido's Freebie Friday Blog Hop is open to posts with prizes for pet products or services, including pet-related or pet-themed items for owners. Use your specific post url to link up.You'll find assistance at our HELP PAGE, where there is other useful information for bloggers doing giveaways and reviews. Your hosts are All Things Dog Blog, DogTipper and To Dog With Love. 

Happy shopping! 

Individual rules of entry and guidelines for winning may apply to each listing. All Things Dog Blog, DogTipper, and To Dog With Love take no responsibility for the legality of the rules governing the listings on other sites and giveaways that are posted here. We simply provide this forum as a gathering place for pet product giveaways to be offered. Please consult All Things Dog Blog's Giveaway and Contest Rules for more detail. Fulfillment of each giveaway is done by the blog conducting the giveaway, not by the hosts of this giveaway hop; please contact the giveaway host with any questions regarding a giveaway or giveaway prize.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Wiggle - Day 2,253

Wiggle isn't very happy.  We've had horrid weather today so rain stopped play....

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Reviews, Giveaways, Advice: My Readers' Questions Answered

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
A Little Help?

I often receive emails and DMs about my reviews and giveaways. Likewise about my site's advice columns. It's time to come out of the closet. I'll try to answer all the questions I've been asked, but feel free to leave comments with other curiosities. I appreciate your interest!

• Why I never have negative reviews: I only review products that I can recommend for at least some of my readers who fit a certain profile (long ears, big, small, older, younger, whatever!). I NEVER review and slam a product that I do not like. It's not worth your time or mine.
• Selection of winners: Except in the case of a contest (I rarely do these), winners are drawn at Random.org. This is randomizer that selects a number from my total number of entries. If I have 87 entries and I place that number in the box at Random.org and it spits out number 43, that's the winner. And yes, sometimes that means counting down to the 43rd comment, Tweet, etc. #sigh
• Treats and Food:  I don't give away or review any food or treats that is not made in the U.S. #nuffsaid
• Grab bags, surprise packages, gift packs and more: Sometimes I have assorted items that simply cannot all be given away using a category. These are assorted into packages and given away as assortments. Each package is likely to be enjoyed by most any dog owner, as products included in these are of a general nature, useful to most, if not all, dogs or their pet parents.
• #PetCharityDonations: This is a Win-to-Donate program in which I draw names and donate specified products to a Petfinder rescue near me. This saves shipping and gas, while helping shelter pets. I am unable to ship many of these prizes to a shelter of your choice due to the cost of shipping. For example, the large dog crate that I gave away at the link above would have cost me $100 to ship. That cost would be prohibitive.
• Advertisers, Twitter Party Sponsors and Sponsorships:  When a company pays me to provide a social media service on their behalf, I only accept these jobs when I can, in my heart, share their product with you. Opinions provided in my articles about such sponsors are completely my own.
• Article choices:  I rarely share negative news about the pet industry unless it is a significant event related to pet health such as a recall. If the pet industry announced that peanut butter was deadly to dogs, I'd share this in an article to educate you. Otherwise, I generally share educational, fun, helpful topics. We are not a news blog.
• Weekly Wag Bonding series: Each Saturday I share tips across a variety of areas that are all focused on helping you bond more closely with your dog. My #doga series is often included in the Weekly Wag postings.
• Doga?  My yoga series that promotes bonding with your dog while you workout at home is simply that--a yoga workout program. If you choose to include your pet, please do it at your own risk, using the knowledge you have about your relationship with the pet.I have addressed some helpful tips for getting started here. I highly recommend that you and your dog or cat get your doctors' permission before beginning a yoga workout regimine of any kind.
• Ask the Trainer articles:  Over the years I have had several trainers write the Ask the Trainer column. Each may have had a slightly different take on a specified topic; however, they all agree on one thing--positive training works better than negative. My own articles on training topics follow this same pattern. Visit the link to look for articles on topics that appeal to you.
• Ask the Vet column:  Likewise, All Things Dog Blog has had several veterinarians who have penned the Ask the Vet articles. You'll find a complete list of these healthcare articles here.
• Organic pet food recommendations: Since day one I have fed and recommeded organic food for my readers. I only feed organic to my own dogs, in order to assure that they are not getting artificial ingredients, synthetic toxins, etc.  I understand that not all of you will choose to go this route, and I totally respect your decisions. Take my thoughts and tuck them in your memory banks for later.
• Fido's Freebie Friday:  This giveaway event is a Blog Hop which allows other pet-related sites that are running pet product giveaways to link up and share their event with you. This weekly event opens at 4 PM each Thursday and closes at 4 PM the following Thursday, therefore making it a 24/7/365 event. Giveaways may be accessed by simply clicking on the thumbnail image to visit the post where the prize is described. You may enter to win each prize per the instructions at that specific post.
• Photo Contests:  Winners of photo contests are judged by a panel of at least 2 judges that are independent of this blog. In other words, they do not work for me, and I am not the judge. Judges' decisions are final. Additional rules apply to each event.
• Rescuing Rover stories: These articles are written by my readers and published here to share their experiences. If you wish to submit a Rescuing Rover story, please send it to AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com, placing Rescuing Rover in the subject line.
• Pup Profiles: This series allows you to share a photo of your pup along with a very short bio that follows a specific pattern you'll find in the example at the link.
• Rainbow Bridge Memorial: Over the years I have published All Things Dog Blog, I have lost 3 pets and had many readers write to me about losing theirs. Some choose to share their pet's photo and a few words or a poem, as a way to memorialize their best friend. You'll find the memorial at the link. If you would like to include your own pet in our memorial, you need only write me at AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com with your pet's photo and the text you would like included. Don't forget Fido's name, and any dates you would like included.
• Tanner's Story: A good while back it was suggested that I write an interview with my dogs. Here's the result for Tanner.
• Oliver's Story: You'll find Oliver's interview here, and an update that includes the story about his latest skillset. It has been quite a ride!

Happy tails,

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Wiggle - Day 2,251

Wiggle and Sofy enjoyed the nice weather today, spending some time in the fields:

Wiggle was more interested in chewing grass than running after the ball:

Sofy followed Wiggle, but shortly after disappeared into the ditch under the hedge:

Wiggle caught up, after stopping to sniff while I stopped to pick blackberries:

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Improving Your Cobra Pose with Fido's Help

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Just getting started with #doga? Cobra pose is a great way to slowly and gently move your back's flexibility along while simultaneously strengthening it. Keep our initial suggestions in mind as you work on this for just a few minutes each day. Remember that daily practice--even 2 minutes on just a few poses each--is better than 15-30 minutes once or even twice weekly. You'll make progress far faster and feel better as a result.
I'm finding that the dogs' companionship is all the reward I need to get me to stay on the mat to practice longer. If you need something more, dangle a carrot for yourself: promise yourself a favorite beverage afterwards (I'll do most anything for a vanilla latte) or a few minutes on your favorite online game. Whatever it takes to get you motivated! Pssst--what's YOUR favorite game app? I'm loving "2048"--a great mental challenge. I've managed to beat the game and get to 4096. Anyone else loving this game?
You may also gain some inspiration from joining the IG yoga instructors group on Instagram. By following my posts on IG you'll see some of their handles. They have regular challenges and lots of ideas for modifying what they often photograph as an intensely difficult pose. Mine don't look a thing like theirs, but I'm making progress. Remember to compete only with yourself. :)
As you begin to work on Cobra pose, start by viewing the short #doga video for this pose and my introductory #doga post with some basic tips on safety and preparation. At first you'll want to simply raise your head and shoulders, taking a few breaths and moving on. Try to get Fido to connect and hang out with you; you'll be amazed at how much his presence will help you stay with your practice. See how you feel tomorrow before advancing to a slightly higher elevation like Medium Cobra. Gradually you'll get to the higher Cobra and than on to Upward Dog. I'll talk more about that pose in the next post in this series on modifications.
If your goal, like mine, is to enjoy a healthy workout at home while spending time with your dogs, keep a small treat jar at the corner of your mat and always invite your furry friends to join in. Oliver loves the start of practice. As you can see he inevitably offers a play bow as a way of showing his excitement. Tanner is my cozy boy, enjoying a snuggle of snouts. #lovemydogs
 Our #doga pose videos, published earlier, are at our dedicated Doga page. We hope you enjoy following along and that you'll offer your comments and ideas for incorporating your dogs easily and safely into your practice, either here or at our Facebook page where we can all support one another. The comment link is always open at the bottom of my posts where you can share your questions, thoughts and ideas on the poses and incorporating your dog. I'd love to hear from you!

If you're like me and you just can't get enough of this stuff, check out my Doga Pinterest Board for photos of all sorts of dogs, people and their interesting versions of various poses. Some are good for a great laugh and others will help you determine how to use your dog in your practice. Still others will simply inspire you to stay with it. I hope to see you again soon for a #WeeklyWag bonding post, each Saturday here on All Things Dog Blog.
Namaste,

If you're new to Doga or Yoga, please be sure to do these three things: (1) Get your doctor's permission to start this or any other workout, (2) Check with your vet to make sure your dog is able to participate in simple Doga exercises safely, and (3) visit our introductory post where I've outlined a few tips that will help your experience go more smoothly and enjoyable. Keep in mind that you can always stop if a pose is uncomfortable, returning to a more relaxing pose for you.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

ORGANIX Winners Get Bonus Bowls

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
ORGANIX and More....

This latest promotion of our dogs' favorite chow has really brought out some newbies, along with our long time readers who are always a pleasure to have paying us a visit. It's been fun watching the chatter on various social media. With new bowls up for grabs along with a 25 lb. bag to each winner, you guys have really shown off your enthusiasm. Thanks and please remember that both Castor and Pollux and yours truly love to see "after" photos!

I have to clear up one important matter. One curious and concerned reader wrote to ask if I was really putting Oliver on a diet--LOL!  Good heavens! Under all that fluff he weighs in at 10 lbs. I think he's good! 

What I do plan to do is check the weights of each of our winners to assure we don't give a Chihuahua-sized bowl to a Great Dane winner, or vice versa. You get the idea. Our winners will receive a specialty bowl--or in some cases a pair of them--properly suited to their dog's size. 

More importantly, however, these lucky pups will get to enjoy the transition to an organic food, made by the manufacturer's own company from quality ingredients without toxins or artificial tagalongs that we find in other foods. Oh happy day!

We'd like to help you make this transition completely so that you'll discover the emerging benefits of this nutritious diet in the coat, behavior and health of your pup. Believe me, it's worth the time and effort to find out what you've been missing. Take the challenge and transition completely to the new food, noting changes in your dog as you go along. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

Drum roll please....our winners are: Bryn N., Jackie dogmoma, J. Diehl, and L. Glickman. I'll be in touch via AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Watch your inbox and your spam file or feel free to write to me. I'll need your dog's weight and your full name and shipping address.

Happy tails,

As my primary advertiser, Castor and Pollux Pet compensates me for the ad you see at the top of my posts column. As their biggest fan, I serve their food to my dogs and recommend it whole heartedly. This giveaway was written entirely by me and contains only my own opinions.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad