The Dog Friendly Shake Shack

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

On a recent excursion I found myself at the King of Prussia Mall, right around dinner time I might add. Not one to pass up an opportunity to dine out with my family, I decided to try out one of the local dog friendly restaurants.

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

The Shake Shack is located just outside the mall, and has establishments in other states as well. I had heard rumors that they had a dog menu, so I couldn’t wait to try it out!

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

I waited patiently outside under our table while mom and dad went inside to check out the menu.

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

There was in fact a whole section of the menu dedicated to us furry four-legged patrons!

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

In collaboration with one of my favorite bakeries, Bocce’s Bakery, the Shake Shack offered up some tasty biscuits and frozen treats.

But alas, they were all sold out of both when mom and dad finally made it up to the counter to order!

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

There was no shortage of human food though and while my parents chowed down on hot dogs, burgers, fries and shakes, I was left staring at the table like this….

The Dog Friendly Shake Shack // Ammo the Dachshund

Don’t worry, when you look this cute you get your fair share of burgers and fries too!

I’ll just have to hit up the Shake Shack again soon to try out their doggie menu. What’s your dog’s favorite dog friendly restaurant? Share your favorites around the country in the comments below! Ammo the Dachshund

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving // Ammo the Dachshund

Did you hear the news? It’s Thanksgiving Day! A day to be thankful and a day to eat turkey! That’s totally my kind of holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving // Ammo the Dachshund

Which is also why I came prepared with my very own turkey shoveling spoon!

Happy Thanksgiving // Ammo the Dachshund

I hope you brought yours too! Happy Thanksgiving! 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!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl – Under $5

When I spotted this Chalkboard Dog Bowl over on Waggo I just knew I had to have it! Only when I asked mom if I could purchase it, she suggested why not DIY it? Oh but of course!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY CHALKBOARD DOG BOWL

Materials:

  • A ceramic bowl (mine came from Homegoods) $4
  • Frog Tape (I had a roll on hand) $7
  • Chalkboard Spraypaint (I also had a can of this on hand) $5

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Using the frog tape, tape off the portion of your bowl that you do not want to have chalkboard paint on it. You may need some help from someone who doesn’t have paws!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Using even coats, spray your bowl with chalkboard paint. You may also need some help to get the cap off your spray paint.

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Once your bowl is completely dry it will be ready to write on with chalk! You may want to prep the surface first by applying a coat of chalk evenly across the entire bowl and erasing it before writing on it.

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course any dog bowl is much much better with food in it!

DIY Chalkboard Dog Bowl - Under $5 // Ammo the Dachshund

Yum! Everything tastes better in my trendy Chalkboard Food Bowl! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed – Smartphone Automatic Pet Feeder

Since I was just a wee pup my mom has always monitored the amount of food I get, careful not to overfeed me, and always keeping me looking fit and in-shape. So when I stumbled across the Pintofeed, an automatic pet feeder controlled by your smartphone, I couldn’t help but think it was a great way to monitor how much your pet is eating on a daily basis.

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed - Automated Pet Feeder // Ammo the Dachshund

Whether you’re on the go, working late at the office or out of town on vacation, just open up the Pintofeed app and feed your pet with a tap of a button. Pintofeed will learn about your pet’s typical feeding times and automatically create a schedule to dispense food. The smart app also allows you to monitor your pet’s food intake and compare to the national average.

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed - Automated Pet Feeder // Ammo the Dachshund

I was thinking this doesn’t even have to be used when you are away from the home, but as a way to make sure your pet is eating the exact amount you want every single day. From the comfort of your couch you can feed your dog too!

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed - Automated Pet Feeder // Ammo the Dachshund

This would also be a great product to use for cats as well, I think my cat friends on the farm would greatly benefit from a product like this.

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed - Automated Pet Feeder // Ammo the Dachshund

The Pintofeed is also out to lend a helping paw by donating funds to the Animal Rescue Site with every sale of their product.

Friday Fetch: Pintofeed - Automated Pet Feeder // Ammo the Dachshund

You can find out more about the Pintofeed and pre-order yours HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls

I was browsing through some of my favorite online pet product retailers the other day when I stumbled across a line of modern dog bowls that are simply to die for. So I rounded up a few of my favorites from Waggo that I’m sure you’ll love.

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Modern Dog Bowls // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m especially loving the chalkboard bowl and treat container – it holds a special place in my heart! Just check out the giant chalkboard canvas in my house!

Ammo the Dachshund - You, Me & The Dog

You can fetch any of the fabulous modern dog bowls I’ve shared at WaggoAmmo the Dachshund

 

P.S. A super happy shout out to my mom today on her 29th Birthday! I really hope you get that modern dog bowl you’re drooling over. *wink*

Trip to Wyebrook Farm

Yesterday I took a trip to Wyebrook Farm in Honeybrook, PA.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I’ve been to many farms before – but mom told me this one was a little bit different.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

From their website:

At Wyebrook Farm, we provide an alternative to the industrial food supply. By creating a diverse polyculture on our farm, we produce the healthiest animals and best food without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics.

We believe that the only way to guarantee that the food you eat is healthy, safe and nutritious is to know the farmer who produced it. We sell the products of the farm from a historic barn on the farm so that our customers can see our animals and our farming practices. We encourage you to tour the farm and ask us questions. By purchasing food from Wyebrook Farm, you support the local community and ensure that this part of Chester County retains the agricultural character that has made it one of the most productive and beautiful places in America.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

At Wyebrook Farm they have a cafe that is open on the weekends as well as a market that sells their farm raised meats and veggies.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

The food was delicious, but I was really excited to take a tour of the farm.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I met some really cute chicks along the way.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I even got to meet this portly fellow – who despite looking somewhat friendly, scared the bejeezes out of me!

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

It ended up being a really fun day – and we even stopped for ice cream on the way home! I have no doubt I’ll be back again, and next time I’ll work up the courage to tell that pig who’s boss. Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Dining with Dogs

dining with dogsI like dining out just as much as my Mom and Dad, but finding restaurants that are dog friendly can sometimes be a bit tricky. So when I stumbled across the Dining with Dogs website the other day, I thought it was a great resource for pooches that hate to be left out on dinner dates.

Dining with Dogs features reviews of restaurants that allow dogs to dine in their outdoor eating areas. Currently they only have reviews in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York – but anyone can submit a review of a restaurant in your own area.

Sadly there weren’t any listed in my home state of Pennsylvania, but I fixed that by submitting a review of one of my favorite restaurants to dine at, the Four Dogs Tavern in West Chester, PA. (It’s also were I first met Annie, the motorcycle mama) Hopefully it will be up on the site soon!

ammo at 4 dogs tavern

above photo from Four Dogs Tavern

So I encourage all my fans to submit some reviews of their favorite pet-friendly restaurants so pets everywhere can find the best places to dine!

above photo from Doghouse Burgers

You can also connect with Dining with Dogs on their Facebook Page. Happy Eating! 

Hay is for Horses

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

During the winter months, the ponies require hay – since there isn’t really any grass for them to eat.

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

I’m all for giving my ponies what they want…..but they sure do eat a lot.

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

Just look how much hay I had to throw down from the loft the other day!

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

But, when I see Boomerang’s smiling face…..

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

…and Blitz’s happy little nose….

ammo the dachshund hay is for horses

…it makes my job as hay thrower-downer all worth while!

It’s Turkey Time

I’m here to wish everyone a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

ammo the dachshund thanksgiving

I’m excited to spend the day with my family and even my best pal Trooper. And I’m especially excited to park myself under the dining table and wait for all the food scraps to fall.

ammo the dachshund thanksgiving

I’ve been practicing, and I’m pretty sure I could fit a whole turkey in my mouth if I had to. I can hardly wait!

ammo the dachshund thanksgiving

On this day, I also wanted to say how very thankful I am to have so many wonderful internet friends that enjoy reading my daily adventures. Your comments and special notes make me feel oh-so-special and it makes me smile whenever I know that I was able to brighten your day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING  xoxo your pal,

 

 

 

 

Turkey drawing above [via]