How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway

Disclosure: This post and giveaway is brought to you by the Dog Agility Shop. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think you and your dog will love!

Real Dogs Have Muscles! via Ammo the Dachshund

Us dogs are powerful, muscled beasts (well when we’re in proper shape), and I’ve always been one to believe that the greatest service you can do for your dog is to help them keep in shape! As hard as it is to “feel the burn”, I’ve always believed that being the ideal weight will help keep us dogs from getting injuries, health problems, and even back issues (especially important for us dachshunds). Which is also why I’m so excited to tell you about a product to help keep your pup well muscled from my friends at the Dog Agility Shop.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

Introducing the Wobble Board! The Wobble Board from the Dog Agility Shop is a 22″ wide board that sits about 3.5″ off the ground.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

The attached wooden ball to the underside keeps the board “wobbly”. It’s even painted with silica (sand) on the surface for added traction.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

The Wobble Board has lots of great benefits for your dog:

  • Improves your dog’s reaction and control
  • Improves balance
  • Improves sensory & body awareness
  • Helps strengthen the bond with your dog through interactive positive training
  • Builds confidence in your dog or puppy
  • Can be use to introduce your dog to contacts and dog agility equipment that will move
  • Can be used to rehab after an injury (torn ACL, sprains, etc)
  • Builds muscle and strength

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

With Trooper as my coach, mom used some yummy treats to lure me onto the Wobble Board.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

Once I was confident enough to put all 4 paws on, she used the treat to lure me around on the board to get my core really working! But to really get the full effect of how the Wobble Board works, you’ll have to watch me in action…

I’ve actually been using the Wobble Board a couple time a week, and it’s going to be great in the winter months especially when it’s a little too cold to run around on the farm. I’ll use this to keep fit indoors!

You can fetch your own Wobble Board from the Dog Agility Shop in two fun colors, Purple or Blue for $49!

And now for the best part….

How to Keep Your Dog Fit with a Wobble Board + A Giveaway with the Dog Agility Shop

TWO WINNERS WILL WIN A WOBBLE BOARD! ($49 value!)

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read our full Terms & Conditions for this giveaway. 

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

November 2013 Monthly Recap

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in November, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

 
dogagilityshop-250x250The Dog Agility Shop is the best shop for all of your dog agility equipment needs. Even if you aren’t a big time competitor, having some DIY’d dog agility equipment in your backyard is a great way to have some fun with your dog and get some exercise too. The Dog Agility Shop supplies all the parts and accessories you need to make your own equipment at a very affordable price! And with FREE US GROUND SHIPPING their prices can’t be beat! Make sure you shop the Dog Agility Shop the next time you are in need of equipment! Makes for a great holiday gift for your favorite dog or dog lover!

Dog Agility Shop // Sponsor

 

Hot Dog! Digital Pet ArtHot Dog Digital Pet Art is the perfect place to find a holiday gift for your favorite dog lover. Stocked with cute dog prints, handmade stocking stuffers, cards and more, you’re certain to find something fun for the holiday season. You can even have a favorite photo of your pet turned into custom pop art!

Hot Dog Pet Art // Sponsor

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HEREAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

And now a look at everything I’ve been up to this past November…

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

I shared my new studio space that mom helped me set up at my house.

Movember // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated the month of Movember.

What does the fox say // Ammo the Dachshund // music video

I made my own music video to “What does the Fox Say“.

Trendy Coats to Keep your Dachshund Warm // Noodle & Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of the new trendy coats from Noodle and Friends.

That Time I was in Redbook Magazine // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my most recent press in Redbook Magazine.

Frolicking on the Farm // Ammo the Dachshund

I frolicked on the farm on a rare warm fall day.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I got a clean bill of health at my annual vet visit.

Throwback Thursday: Napping Buddies // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared a silly Throwback Thursday with me and my favorite napping buddy, Trooper.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my 5 tips for keeping your pet fit and healthy.

My Bags are Packed // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my plans to visit South Carolina for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated Thanksgiving with my Family!

What kind of adventures did you go on this November? Ammo the Dachshund

 

The World of Dog Agility Toys

Unknown to me until recently there is this whole world out there of secret dog agility toys. Toys designed to encourage dogs to jump, run, and soar over the agility equipment. Toys that any dog would love – regardless of whether or not they love dog agility too.

Clean Run Toys // Ammo the Dachshund

So I convinced my mom that since I’m training so hard in my weekly dog agility classes that I MUST have some of these dog agility training toys. So mom purchased me a few goodies from Clean Run.

Clean Run Toys // Ammo the Dachshund

This jackpot and tug toy is designed to win over even the toughest of critics. I only use this one when I’m training, but it’s mighty mighty fun to “kill”.

Clean Run Toys // Ammo the Dachshund

These handy toys are called food tubes. Stuff them with a yummy treats (dried hotdogs were my choice) and then you can shake them to get your dogs attention and even toss them. The handy top makes dispensing them super easy (which is totally my kind of toy).

Clean Run Toys // Ammo the Dachshund

My favorite of the toys is the rip n tug treat dispensing ball. You put your dog’s favorite treats in the center, then velco it closed.

Clean Run Toys // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been having a blast playing fetch with this ball, then ripping it apart to grab my treats.

Now where exactly has this hidden world of dog agility toys been all my life! It’s a magical magical world, and as I’ve already told mom, I think I need to test them all now! Ammo the Dachshund

P.S. if you’re interested in dog agility and want to try the fun activity with your dog too, make sure you check out our sponsor The Dog Agility Shop, for great materials to make inexpensive DIY agility equipment for your own backyard.

Disclosure: I was not paid or perked to write about these toys or this company. I purchased these toys with my own monies, and simply wanted to share the goodness with all of you!

September Monthly Recap & Sponsor Shoutout

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on this past September, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Without them I wouldn’t be able to keep my website up and running.

dogagilityshop-125x125

The Dog Agility Shop is one of my favorite shops for all of your dog agility equipment needs. Even if you aren’t a big time competitor, having some DIY’d dog agility equipment in your backyard is a great way to have some fun with your dog and get some exercise too. The Dog Agility Shop supplies all the parts and accessories you need to make your own equipment at a very affordable price! And with FREE US GROUND SHIPPING their prices can’t be beat! Make sure you shop the Dog Agility Shop the next time you are in need of equipment!

 

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

Sponsor: Envision Event Media // Ammo the Dachshund

Envision Event Media provides high-definition video production, customized editing, wireless studio-quality audio, and graphic design packages for all your video production needs. Based out of Asheville, North Carolina (but available to travel) Envision Event Media is run by my mom’s brother, Taylor Hellhake. So when you are looking for a videographer for your next big project, make sure you check out Envision Event Media!

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HEREAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!  

Now to take a look back at all the fun I’ve had in September!

Dog in Bowtie // Ammo the Dachshund

I kicked off September by dressing up in my fancy bowtie.

Adventures in Disc Golf // Ammo the Dachshund

I went on my first Disc Golf Adventure at the French Creek State Park.

Last Days of Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Since Summer was coming to an end I took in my last days at the pool and even had some ice cream.

Cookies // Ammo the Dachshund

I gave away the secret behind some of my fun photoshoots.

Family Reunion // Ammo the Dachshund

I traveled to New Jersey for a family reunion.

Best Friends // Ammo the Dachshund and Trooper

I had some fun on the farm with my best friend Trooper.

On the Obstacle Course // Ammo the Dachshund

I ran our monthly horse show at the farm.

Caramel Apples and Goats // Ammo the Dachshund

I took a trip to Highland Orchards for some caramel apples and a visit with the goats.

Family Reunion // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some snapshots from my everyday life.

Furniture Restoration // Ammo the Dachshund

I helped mom recover an ottoman.

Ammo's Newsletter Sign-up

I told everyone about my new monthly newsletter.

As you can see it’s never a dull moment around here! What kind of fun did you have in September? Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

 

DIY Weave Poles with the Dog Agility Shop

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m at the point in my Dog Agility training that I’m going to start learning how to do weave poles. Learning to do weave poles is one of the most challenging things in Dog Agility, so mom says it’s important that we have our own set at home to practice in between classes.

So when my friends over at the Dog Agility Shop offered up a set of Spikes and Pole Placers, I knew it was time to jump right in and DIY a set of weave poles!

Building your own set of weave poles is super easy and cost effective (about $25) with the help of the Dog Agility Shop. Here’s what you’ll need…..

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles

Supplies Needed:

  • A set of 6 or 12 Spikes from the Dog Agility Shop (I used 6 since I’m a beginner)
  • Weave Pole Placer from the Dog Agility Shop
  • 3/4 inch PVC Pipe (total of 228″)
  • Six 3/4 inch PVC caps
  • PVC cutting tool
  • Duct Tape

Directions:

Once your Spikes and Pole Placer arrive from the Dog Agility Shop you will need to cut your 3/4 inch PVC pipe into 6 pieces that are 38 inches in length. Then place the PVC caps on one end of all your poles and attach the other end to the Spikes. Then you can stripe your poles with colored duct tape to make them more visible. Once your poles are done, lay out the pole placer, and place your poles into the ground through the grommet holes in the placer. Now you’re ready to learn weave poles!

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Inexpensive, easy to set-up, easy to transport, and oh so much fun – these weave poles are looking great in my backyard!

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Sadly there are no super cool photos of me weaving through these poles like a pro (yet), because I’ve only just begun my training.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Having these bad boys in my back yard will give me no excuse to not show up everyone in my class when it comes to the weave pole training.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

My classmates are gonna be sooooo jealous! Ammo the Dachshund

For more agility tutorials check out my post on Building your own Dog Agility Jumps.

Disclosure: I received a set of spikes and pole placer from the dog agility shop for review. However, all opinions are entirely my own.

 

Birthday Week Savings with the Dog Agility Shop!

Today is officially my Birthday, as I am now 4 years old! It’s about to get totally crazy up in here, but before we eat too many cookies I wanted to share with you a special savings for all my friends from my pals at the Dog Agility Shop. (They totally must have known it was my Birthday).

Dog Agility Shop 24 Hour Sale on Jump Cups

Dog Agility Shop Jump CupsThe Dog Agility Shop is having a 24 HOUR SALE on their hottest selling items, jump cups! It’s the perfect time to stock up! You can grab 20 3/4″ jump cups for $20 with FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING (a $4.99 value)! Hurry now, because the quantity is limited while supplies last!

You can check out my tutorial on how to build your own Dog Agility Jumps HERE using jump cups from the Dog Agility Shop.


Make sure you like the Dog Agility Shop on Facebook, and check out their brand new Etsy Shop too. Tell them Ammo sent you!

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

This is a sponsored post by the Dog Agility Shop. Ammo the Dachshund

Sponsor Welcome: Dog Agility Shop

I’m super excited to welcome my new blog sponsor, the Dog Agility Shop!

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

The Dog Agility Shop is the perfect place for those of you who want to build your own set of agility equipment at a very reasonable price. From jump cups and pole placers to full package starter sets, they are your one stop shop for all of your agility equipment needs.

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

Not only that, but they ship all over the World – with free shipping to anywhere in the United States!

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

You might remember that I purchased some of their jump cups to use on my own set of DIY Dog Agility Jumps. They’ve worked wonderfully and saved Mom so much money by being able to build the jumps herself.

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

I hope you’ll swing by the Dog Agility Shop and check out their full line of equipment! Make sure you tell them your pal Ammo sent you.Ammo the Dachshund

DIY: Build Your Own Agility Jumps

*This post contains some affiliate links

For those of you that follow me on Facebook, you probably know that I recently have started taking agility lessons. While being an agility loving Dachshund isn’t a new concept, some might think that due to my short legs and long back that agility might not be the sport for me. But lucky for me, my mom believes that being active and fit are more important to keeping me healthy in the long run than making me sit on the sidelines. Agility might not be for every dog out there, but for me it is one of those things that keeps me motivated to run my little tushie off and keep the middle of my “hot dog” from touching the ground.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

So with my start into the World of agility, mom decided to help me build a set of my very own agility jumps for the back yard. Lucky for you I made sure we documented the entire process so that you too can build your own backyard set!

DIY: Build You Own Agility Jumps

The following step-by-step tutorial will show you how to build two jumps for your dog for about $40 in materials (we did most of our shopping at Lowes).

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Materials:

  1. Two 10′ pieces of 3/4″ PVC pipe (this will make 4 jump poles)
  2. Three 10′ pieces of 1″ PVC pipe
  3. Eight PVC “T” connectors for 1″ pipe
  4. Twelve PVC end caps for 1″ pipe
  5. Tape measure
  6. PVC pipe cutter (a circular saw or hand saw can be substituted)
  7. Sharpie (or item to mark the pipes with)

*You will also need to either purchase or make your own jump cups for this project. We opted to buy our own jump cups.*

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

It’s also helpful if you have a supervisor for this project on hand – if you do not have one I’m happy to lend my services for a nominal fee, you know where to find me.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Next you will need to make some cuts in the 1″ PVC pipe. After measuring and marking your cuts with a sharpie, you can use a pipe cutter or a circular saw to make your cuts.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Cuts to Make on 1″ PVC pipe:

  1. Eight 12″ pieces
  2. Four 1 3/4″ pieces
  3. Two 50″ pieces
  4. Four 30″ pieces

*make sure you are only making your cuts for these out of the 1″ PVC pipe (you will cut the 3/4″ pipe to make the jump poles later)

Next you will start the assembly process – if you prefer to make your jump really secure you can use PVC pipe glue to attach the pieces, but we opted to forgo the glue and just tightly assemble each piece. This way the pieces can be disassembled later or put away for the winter.

Assembly:

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

1. Create the feet of your jump by slipping the 12″ PVC pieces into the top and bottom ends of your “T” connectors. Then add an end cap to each end of the pipe.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

2. Next add the 1 3/4″ PVC pieces to the open end of the “T” connector.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

3. Then add another “T” connector to the ends of your 1 3/4″ pipe, make sure they face in the directions pictured above.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

4. Add the 50″ PVC pieces in-between your two “feet”.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

5. Place your 30″ PVC pieces into the open “T” connector and then add an end cap to the top of each pipe.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

At this point your jumps are nearly complete, but you will need to add jump cups to them. You can purchase a set of jump cups* for $19 for a set of 10 (make sure you purchase the 1″ pipe size). After you have your jump cups you will need to measure the distance between the jump cups to determine how long your jump poles need to be. In our case this was 49 3/8″ wide.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

So out of the 3/4″ PVC pipe you purchased cut 4 pieces at 49 3/8″ (or the measurement you took between the poles after attaching your jump cups).

After making your cuts for your jump poles, you might decide to paint the poles. According to the AKC Agility Rulebook, jump poles must be striped for visibility, so who was I to argue with adding a bit of color!

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

After taping off some stripes on my poles with painters tape and newspaper mom let me choose the color I wanted from the cans of spray paint we had in the basement.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

After a few coats of flashy blue paint, my jump poles were looking mighty fine. (You can also stripe your poles with colored electrical tape).

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

And then after letting them dry overnight, they were finally finished, and they were glorious!

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Oh and don’t worry, I only jump a 4″ height for practice – but I had mom and dad make me an extra jump rail for when Trooper comes over to practice with me.

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Putting my new agility jumps to the test was the best part though!

ammo the dachshund diy dog agility jumps

Look at me, I can fly! 

 

I’ve created this handy PDF for you to download that has all the instructions you will need to make your own set of DIY Dog Agility Jumps. Happy Jumping!

 

*These jumps are intended to be used for backyard fun. If you plan to build jumps for competition use make sure you build your jumps to rulebook specifications.

 

Disclaimer: To the best of our knowledge this equipment is entirely safe, however, we are not liable for any damages or injuries you or your dog may sustain from following these instructions. Use your best judgement when building equipment for your dog – and be safe!