Meeting Mr. Bones

So you might have already caught a sneak peek at my new pal, Mr. Bones, a few weeks ago when he helped out with my Martha Stewart Pets photoshoot.

Martha Stewart Pets Halloween Toys + A Giveaway

Well, he actually came home to live with me in the very beginning of October. Mom says he’s from an “adoption place” called Target.

Skeleton Dachshund

While I’m not quite sure how I feel about sharing my home and toys with another dog, the good news is he doesn’t eat very much!

And just for kicks, here’s what happened when I first met Mr. Bones….

Did you catch that little “jab” I gave him. I had to give him a big ole’ bite in the spine…you know, just so he remembers who’s in charge.

Want to see more Mr. Bones fun? You can follow the #skeletondachshund hashtag on Instagram to see all the fun the other Dachshunds out there are having with their Mr. Bones clones. Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

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

 

July 2015 Monthly Recap

I can’t believe that the summer is almost over. It makes me sad to see it go, but I’m glad I’ve been able to pack in so much fun. I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to this past July!

First, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors & affiliates! 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!

Barkbox Summer Ad Save 10% OFF!Barkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups! You can check out just what goodies your dog could be getting every month by reading my reviews!

Use code AMMO for 10% off your Barkbox Subscription.

Ruffwear Ad

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots (that even work for dachshund’s too) as well as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler to keep your pup cool in the summer and one of my favorites, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

If you would like to find out more about advertising with me, visit my advertising pageAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

Never want to miss any of the adventures on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates!

And now onto my July Adventures…

Tent Camping in the Rain with Ammo the Dachshund

I kicked off July by reaping my annual camping trip, that came with lots and lots of rain!

4th of July Holiday. What everyone will be doing!

I celebrated the 4th of July!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out what is now my new favorite dog life vest from my friends at Ruffwear.

Ammo the Dachshund Goes Camping in the Woods

Things dried out on my camping trip, and I went fishing!

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

I visited the Beltzville Lake with my pal Shilah the Husky.

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 4 with Ammo the Dachshund

I shared Vol. 4 of my crazy sleeping spots. Things got a little weird.

Jones Natural Dog Chews Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I threw a party with Jones Natural Chews!

Real Dogs Have Muscles! via Ammo the Dachshund

I practiced my dog agility on the farm, because real dogs gotta keep up their muscular physique!

Super Hero Bedtime Story with Ammo the Dachshund

My dad read me a super hero bedtime story.

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

I helped my parents start a kitchen renovation project.

American Journey from Chewy.com Review & Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

I dove head first into a WHOLE BAG OF MEAT from my friends at Chewy.

Dachshund Life Struggle with Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some more of the struggles in my life.

BarkShop Activity Mat for Dogs

I shared one of the newest toys I’m totally digging on Pinterest.

Dogs & Cats Play // Cat Play Mat & Bully Sticks from Chewy.com

I shared some toys with my kitty pal Spider.

Easy Frozen Dog Treats with Happy Lapper + A Giveaway

I made some super easy frozen pet treats.

Wellness Trufood Review & Giveaway

I shared how my parents choose the healthiest foods for me to eat!

Ammo & Trooper Wrestle with their new Outward Hound Toy

Trooper and I had an epic wrestling match.

Dogs & Cats Play // Cat Play Mat & Bully Sticks from Chewy.com

I shared a video about why I wish my legs were a little longer.

Man, July was so much fun, don’t you think? What sort of fun have you been having with your dog this past month? Do tell! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

February 2014 Monthly Recap

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in February, 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!

Barkbox AdBarkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups!

Use code AMMO5 for $5 off your Barkbox Subscription.

 

Ruffwear Ad

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots – that even work for dachshund’s too!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

 

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 February…

Dachshund Valentine's Day Cards // Flying Hero // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of the Valentine’s Day goodies in my Shop before the big day!

Valentine's Day DIY Flirt Pole - interactive dog toy // Ammo the Dachshund

I created a tutorial for a DIY Flirt Pole – the best dog toy ever!

Valentines Day Round-up // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of my favorite Valentine’s Day Products.

Care 4 Dogs Snood Review & Giveaway - Hood for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

I reviewed and gave away one of these super cool snoods!

Ammo the Dachshund's Trick Box

I updated my trick box to get ready for this year’s performances.

Ice Storm in Pennsylvania // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my adventures during the nasty ice storm that hit my area, and survived 4 days without power!

Happy Valentine's Day // Ammo the Dachshund

I invited everyone to be my Valentine!

chewy.com Dream Treats - Rabbit - Review & Giveaway

I reviewed and gave away these yummy rabbit treats.

2014 Blizzard with Ammo the Dachshund

I played in the snow during a big blizzard we received.

Ammo the Dachshund // Dog Agility

I shared a video of one of my not-so-clean runs on the dog agility course.

spider the kitten

I shared a video from back in the day on how I trained Spider the Kitten.

Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots Review & GIveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My buddy Trooper and I reviewed and gave away a pair of Ruffwear Dog Boots.

In a foggy backyard // Ammo the Dachshund

I told of the adventures in my foggy back yard.

Date Night with Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a dude night with my pal Minnow and my February Barkbox.

Super Ammo the Dachshund // Oscars

I shared how I was shocked I wasn’t invited to the Oscars.

Wow, I really packed a lot in this February! What about you, did you go on any exciting adventures this past month? Ammo the Dachshund

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Fit and Trim

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

After my vet gave me a thumbs up last week for keeping myself in tip top shape I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my tips for keeping trim. And just in time for Thanksgiving too!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

The ideal weight for a dog can be determined by being able to feel the ribs slightly, having an abdomen that is tucked when viewed from the side, and a visible waist behind the ribs when viewed from the top.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My ideal weight for my size is around 18 pounds, and at my most recent check-up my vet could feel my ribs and I have a visible waist as seen from the photo above. It’s not easy keeping weight down (especially when you love to eat like I do), but hopefully with some of my tips you’ll be on your way to keeping your pet at a healthy weight for them!

Tip 1: Keep Active

Now I’m the first to admit that I don’t actually go on a daily walk everyday, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active!

Ammo on the Farm

I visit the family farm about 4 days a week – where I run my heart out! I enjoy running from groundhog hole to groundhog hole and I’m never in one place for very long. This sort of mental and physical stimulation help keeps me in shape.

Shop Dog // Work // Ammo the Dachshund

5 days a week I work at mom’s shop, and while it may not be an intense workout, just being active and greeting customers helps keep me on the move. I’m a strong believer that mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to keep your pet fit.

ammo the dachshund at lowes

On the weekends I tend to go on one or two adventures, whether it’s a trip to lowes or a walk on the trail it’s a great way to keep me active.

Tip 2: Feed the Right Amount

Currently I eat two brands of food, Wellness Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed, which I alternate with each bag. Both are grain free dry foods.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’ll notice that on the back of all dog food bags they list recommended feeding amounts:

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Based on my ideal weight of 18 lbs both bags recommend that I eat about 1 – 1 1/2 cups of food per day. But you will also notice that both bags note that dogs are individuals and these are just recommendations, and what you should feed your dog might vary from the chart.

In actuality I eat 1/3 a cup twice a day, which is much less than the recommended amount for my weight.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My mom has chosen this amount for me over the years by monitoring my weight and cutting my food back slowly until she found an appropriate amount that was able to keep me at a healthy weight. She watches my waist line closely and always cuts my food back if it starts to look a little less trim.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

This amount of food might not look like enough to you, but you have to remember that us dogs keep food in our bellies for a long time. (Evident by the fact that hours upon hours after eating we can still throw up some pretty undigested food….yuck!)

When in doubt about how much you should feed your dog, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Tip 3: Take a Class

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012

Typically once a week I take a dog agility class at my local training center. This helps keep me fit and keeps me thinking and learning too!

Taking any sort of class, even just a basic obedience class, is a great way to keep your dog active. Not just for puppies, any dog, any age, can benefit from training classes!

Tip 4: Use Treats Sparingly

Kong Premium Treats Product Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I review a lot of treats on the blog, but that doesn’t mean that I’m allowed to have them whenever I want. Mom keeps a tight watch on the cookie jar and I’m only allowed to have small treats when we are training.

I also try to keep most of the treats I eat on the healthy end of the scale, like eating sweet potato treats.

Tip 5: Limit Table Scraps

dachshund food

As a general rule I’m not allowed to have table scraps (although that doesn’t stop me from trying). The only exception to this rule is when mom will let me have bits of apple and carrots when she’s cutting them up. But for the most part it’s best for me just to eat the food that was designed for dogs.

So I hope you enjoyed my tips for keeping your pet fit and trim! Here’s to hoping we all live long and healthy lives!Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is supposed to be a general guide on how I keep myself fit, but you may need to consult your veterinarian as to what and how much to feed & exercise your own pet. Each pet is different!

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!

Tunnel Time!

Mom had a Birthday last week, and like any spoiled well loved pooch, I got presents too!

Agility Tunnel with Ammo the Dachshund

Welcome to my new dog agility tunnel, won’t you come inside?

 

 

Super fun right? Ammo the Dachshund

If you’d like to find out more about my dog agility tunnel check it out Here

Progress Report on Dog Agility

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012As you probably know, I’ve been taking weekly agility training classes since last spring. I’ve come pretty far in my training, but I still have lots to learn until I’m ready to compete.

Last week I had a visitor at class…..which means I have video proof that I’m an agility dog! Yay!

This week I decided that the teeter totter was a bit scary – I mean do you really blame me, that thing catapults you into the sky! But mom helped me get through my fears, and hopefully I’ll be back to darting across it at super hero speed just like I had been doing for the past several months.

Anyone else taking dog agility classes? What’s your favorite obstacle? Mine is the A-frame! 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.

 

Fun on the Teeter Totter

As many of you may know, I have been taking agility classes since early Spring this year. I’m having so much fun learning how to navigate a course, and one of my very favorite things to do is work on the contact obstacles.

Ammo the Dachshund // Agility // Teeter Totter

Contact obstacles refers to such objects as; the A-frame, teeter-totter, dog walk, and tunnels. They require the upmost concentration and braveness.

Watch as I expertly navigate the teeter totter at class yesterday:

You may notice that when my mom says “mark” as I approach the base of the obstacle I stop and wait until she gives me the ok to move forward. This is so that when I’m racing around at top speed on the course I don’t forget to take all 4 of my feet across the yellow portion of the obstacle – or else it won’t count.

Looks pretty fun doesn’t it! Ammo the Dachshund