A few weeks ago I went on a fun day trip with my family. We packed up Baby P, Mom, Dad, my Nannie & Opa, my ponies and my best pal Trooper for a day at the beach!
When we got there the ponies set off on a ride along the beach while I stayed behind to help keep an eye on Baby P.
Only little did I know that I would end up tied to a tether in the sand because Dad said “I can’t keep an eye on both roaming munchkins”. (We all know he’s just not as good at multi-tasking as mom) ….Love ya Dad, but it’s true!
Baby P came to my rescue though and tried as hard as she could to free me. Alas, it was just not meant to be this time.
That’s ok though, a beach day is still a beach day and I used the opportunity to get some sun and some R&R.
After my ponies returned from their ride I knew they were ready for something else too…
….a nice relaxing nap in the sand!
Boomerang totally knows how to do a Beach Day if you ask me!
A few weeks ago this interesting looking pool* showed up in my beach ponies’ arena.
*affiliate link
I thought, well isn’t this nice, how did they know that no beach is complete without some “ocean”. Just as I was about to take a dip I had a thought…
…what if the real fun was UNDER the pool? Naturally I’m an inquisitive fellow, and you can’t help but wonder.
So a digging we will go!
Sadly the only excitement was in actually digging the hole. So it looks like my new pool will just have to wait for warmer days this summer when I can sun bathe on my beach and take a dip afterwards.
And I think I’ll have to share my pool pass too, because Blitz has been waiting patiently for his turn next!
Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Chewy. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dog will love.
Raise of paws, who likes having their nails trimmed? Raise of hands, who likes trimming their pet’s nails? Just as I thought, no one.
It’s a necessary evil though, because having long nails can cause your pet to walk irregularly which can lead to skeletal problems. And we all know that us dachshunds don’t need any more reasons to have back trouble!
Now if your dog has black nails like I do, I’m sure you spend your life in constant fear of cutting them too short and hitting the quick (a soft cuticle rich in blood vessels and nerves that grows in the center of your dog’s nail). If you nick that tiny little quick your dog will scream out in pain, and yes, there may be blood!
My mom used to trim my nails at home, but over the years I got progressively worse at having them trimmed – so she started to take me to the vet to have them done every few months. Then a few months ago she decided it was high time I got better at having my nails done, so she set out to condition me to actually enjoy having them done!
Interestingly, this new nail trimming method was not with the traditional nail clippers, but instead with a dremel!
Over the past 2 months my mom has been working with me to make me more comfortable with the use of the dremel on my nails. While I wouldn’t say I LOVE it, I tolerate it. It saves me from having to make more trips than necessary to the vet or groomer, saves my mom money, and keeps my nails at a healthy length. It’s a win – win!
So since I’m sure you’re all curious just how my mom trained me to be better about having my nails trimmed, here’s how she did it….
Starting with the nail file, mom used it EVERY SINGLE DAY for 3 weeks to get me used to having my feet and nails handled. She started by picking up a foot and gently sanding my nails for just a few seconds at a time.
Each time I didn’t resist she would use the clicker and then reward me with a small (but yummy treat).
The great thing about these chews is that not only do I love the taste, but they’re also helping to clean my teeth while rewarding me for having my nails done at the same time!
After several weeks of practice with the nail file, mom moved onto the dremel. This time she “sanded” my nails without even turning it on. Again, each time I didn’t resist on a nail she would click and reward me. At the end of the session I’d get my jackpot treat, a Natural Balance Dental Chew.
After another week or so it was time to turn on the dremel. Using a low speed to start she’d do just a few of my nails, making sure to reward me quickly for not resisting at all.
Now once you start using the dremel with it on it’s important to note that you can’t just quickly sand your dog’s nails down in one sitting to the desired length, even if they are ok with it. The quick inside grows with your dog’s nail. So my mom likes to only work on sanding my nails once a week to allow time for the quick of my nail to shorten after the last trimming. (see diagram above for more details)
How short should you keep your pet’s nails? According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation they should be short enough that they don’t touch the ground when your dog is standing on a flat surface, but long enough to aid the dog when climbing up a hill or digging.
Hear that mom? I need them for digging!
While I still have a ways to go to get mine back to the ideal length, I’m happy to say that after weeks of practice I’m now much more tolerant of having my nails done by dremel. While I very much wish I had gotten a video of the “before”, here’s how good I am at it now…
How is your dog about having their nails trimmed? Have you ever trimmed your pet’s nails with a dremel? Do tell!
Handy Tip: If your dog is resistant to even having their feet touched start without the nail fail and just reward them for letting you touch their feet without pulling away. Also, using a treat that your dog goes crazy over helps too, the better the treat, the more willing they will be to try.
Disclaimer: This post is meant to be informative, but please keep in mind, what works for me may not work for your own pet. Please consult an expert if you are unsure about how to train your pet. Use caution when using a dremel around your pet, and we are not responsible for any injuries that may occur.
A few weekends ago my mom and dad decided to take me on a fun adventure to the Delaware Beaches. And you know what that means? There are going to be a bazillion photos of me running like a crazy dog on the beach in this post!
Now if you have followed my blog for a while, then you may already know that I LOVE the beach! While I’m not so much a fan of the ocean per-say, I am a fan of the sand. Digging, rolling, and running in it are my idea of a good time.
Despite the fact that it was a little bit chilly, you can tell by the smile on my face just how happy being at the beach made me!
I spent some time relaxing on the beach, and then set out on a late afternoon walk.
It wasn’t long before my parents finally unhooked the leash so I could run as much as my heart desired!
And run I did!
If you’ve ever wondered how I keep such a fit figure….this is how! I was built to run!
After some running I decided it might be nice to cool off in the water. Good thing I found it to be a bit too chilly for me, because you’ll never guess what I found in one of the tide pools!
Oh yes! That’s a small shark right there (with sadly a hook & bobber stuck on him) in one of the beach tide pools.
Dad and I desperately wanted to capture the shark and help remove that hook and send him back out to sea….but of course mom was worried one of us would get an arm or leg bit off! So needless to say we were left hoping that the tide would come in that night and take him back out to see for more shark adventures!
And then it was back to more running on the beach…baywatch style! Of course the daredevil in me ran a little bit close to the water, just enough to make mom worry that the shark was gonna get me!
(P.S. Don’t worry, that shark was safely in another tide pool and I was in no real danger, but it’s fun to pretend!)
After all that running I was pretty pooped! But when mom and dad said it was time to pack up and head back home, I was a little sad.
Don’t worry though, I made sure to bring a little of that beach smell home with me! Nothing quite like a nose full of sand.
Does your dog love the beach as much as I do? Do you ever let your dog run off leash? (P.S. I’m only allowed off leash when mom and dad are sure I’m in the listening mood, as you know sometimes us dachshunds decide we don’t feel like obeying!)
Summer is quickly coming to an end (how sad) so I knew I had to squeeze in a fun adventure to one of my favorite places before it was over. So over the weekend I hopped in the car and drove 2 hours to the Delaware State Park Beaches for a day of fun in the sand!
The cool thing about this area is that they have specific beaches that are pet friendly all year round any time of the day. Most of the pet friendly beaches were also open to fishing vehicles as well.
As soon as I hit the sand I went into frantic running mode. Something about that warm sand between my toes just makes me want to run around like crazy!
After I had enough time to get my crazies out, mom brought out a special surprise for me!
My August Barkbox! Which arrived in the mail just in time for my trip!
What happened next was pretty inevitable – as I couldn’t wait to tear inside to see what fun goodies were shipped to my door this month.
My ability to quickly destroy the box my goodies come in every month is an art I have been perfecting. Did you that Barkbox also offers special allergy boxes (to dogs that have sensitivities to certain foods) as well as the tough chewer boxes. All you have to do is e-mail support@barkbox.com to get your pup signed up for a specialty box.
So I bet you’re wondering what was inside my Barkbox!
Well I was thrilled to see that this month’s theme was all about setting sail on the high seas – how appropriate for my day at the beach!
Here’s a few of the goodies I received, I’ve already devoured the entire package of Lobster Roll cookies (they were delish) – they were perfect for snacking on at the beach.
After opening up my Barkbox I had some fun in the sand with my new Lobster toy. With a tough outer fabric and the ability to float mom had no problem letting me get him nice and sandy since she knew we could rinse him off in the water.
Playing with my Barkbox wasn’t the only thing I did on my beach day adventure, I also did a little sun bathing…..and basically getting as sandy as I possibly could!
I also dug a HUGE hole, but alas didn’t find any fun critters to hunt under there.
I even broke out my beach ball for a game of fetch (well until I popped it!)
And just when I thought I couldn’t possibly get any sandier, dad helped to bury me in the sand!
Later in the day while I was practicing my bay watch run, I noticed that I had a new beach neighbor.
Her name was Lola and she had the most gorgeous beach babe smile. This sweet rescue dachshund came to bask in the sun all the way from Massachusetts!
Lola really knew how to work it, and had the beach babe hair toss totally down.
Well sorta.
After all my exciting beach day adventures I was pretty pooped (in a good way).
As we packed up to head home, dad pulled out one of my other Barkbox goodies, this Muddy Buddy Dog Mop.
After all my fun in the sand I knew what that meant, I was just thankful my new mop thwarted a dip in the ocean for me (it was a bit too cold!)
Beach days are the best, and hopefully it won’t be too much longer before I’m back digging my paws in sand again.
And if you’re looking to fetch your dog some fun Barkbox goodies just like mine, you can use code AMMO5 to save 10% off your subscription!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Barkbox, but all opinions are entirely my own!
As you know last week I left for a fun Thanksgiving road trip with my family. With over 1500 miles of driving this would be one of my longest road trips to date!
Not to worry though, because Trooper and I are excellent travelers and we can nap in the car for hours and hours.
Trooper even snores!
Despite our excellent traveling skills, we did make a few pitstops for dinner and a couple bathroom breaks.
And then finally after about 14 hours of driving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina we reached our destination. When we awoke the next day I wasted no time in hitting up the beach on Isle of Palms. This time of year the beaches are open all day long to dogs.
Trooper and I had a lot of energy to expel so we ran and ran to our hearts content.
I even made friends with a few dachshund mixes that were staying right next door to my beach house!
Even though we were a bit farther south, it was still chilly enough in the morning that I preferred the extra warmth of my coats.
The cool weather didn’t stop me from venturing into the cold water though!
One of my favorite things to do on the beach is to “rescue” crabs from the ocean. I drag them ashore from the sea and then I’m off in search of my next crab that needs saving.
My new favorite thing on the beach though…..bird watching!
Well ok, maybe more like bird chasing.
Seriously, bird chasing = the most fun ever!
With a close second being wrestling with my best buddy Trooper on the beach!
By the end of our trip I was becoming such a beach loving dog that I’ve decided when I’m rich and famous I’ll be purchasing a vacation house right on the beach.
I miss it already!
Check back tomorrow when I recap my adventures in the town of Charleston!
The main reason for my camping excursion to Cape May last weekend was to hit up one of the all year round dog friendly beaches, Higbee Beach. I’ve been to the beach a few times before (this was my first trip to Higbee), but every time I went it was either rainy or cold, and I never got to really have a true beach experience.
Be forewarned, my mom went a little photo crazy and took way too many photos of me at the beach – and I didn’t have the heart to leave any out of this post!
Even though the day started out a bit rainy, by the time my pal Shilah and I were ready to hit the sand the weather had cleared and at 70 degrees and a bit overcast it was the perfect weather for us dogs to be on the sand.
Now as a general rule of thumb I’m usually always kept on my leash when I’m away from home (aside from where I’m let off leash at the family farm). But since mom and dad knew that I wouldn’t get to fully enjoy the beach without being able to run, mom decided that I could be trusted enough to ditch the leash this one time. Now you’re probably thinking by the looks of this photo – that maybe it wasn’t the best idea.
But not to worry, I remembered all of my training and came running as fast as I could as soon as mom or dad called. After all, I didn’t want to loose my off-leash beach privileges!
Running free on the sand was one of the greatest experiences, I highly recommend it to all you dogs out there! But one other thing on my doggie bucket list was to touch the ocean too….
As you can see I was a bit hesitant at first – those waves are quite intimidating!
So instead I decided to build a sandcastle instead!
I even got to meet some new pals, like this short-legged (like me) Jack Russell. He was very fun to play with – until he peed on mom’s beach chair!
Just as I was getting back into my hole digging fun, mom said we need to take some family photos on the beach.
As you can see I was less than thrilled!
Even my pal Shilah got in on the action with some modeling shots!
I’m friends with that beauty right there!
After out mandated photo shoot I decided to coach Shilah on her first dip in the ocean.
Ultimately I had to show her the ropes, being that I’m much older and wiser!
Then as luck would have it I found a horseshoe crab that had washed up on the beach! (Not to worry, no horseshoe crabs were harmed – and this one was not living when I found him)
I found him quite intriguing as he didn’t smell like the groundhogs and bunnies I was used to hunting in my own backyard.
After Shilah and I full inspected and tasted our horseshoe crab friend, I started to get concerned that he might float back out to sea.
And as the waves started to take him back to the ocean I suddenly wasn’t too scared to brave the waves myself.
Ok well I was about as brave as you can be without your life vest on!
My trip to Higbee Beach was one of my favorite adventures of all time, and you can bet it won’t be my last!
Shilah and I were dog tired after our day in the sand, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Anyone else frequent dog friendly beaches? Tell us where it’s located in the comments!
On Monday I decided to take a break from every day life and head to the beach with some of my pony pals. We took a two hour ride down to Cape Henlopen in Delaware for a little romp by the seaside.
My pal Boomerang was so excited to get to the sand that he couldn’t even make it all the way to the beach before he excitedly began to roll around in it. He certainly knows how to have a good time, doesn’t he?
Boomerang and Blitz (the two pinto’s in the front) have the ocean in their blood – their parents (just like my pal Minnow) were born wild on Assateague Island in Virginia. They seem to feel right at home on the beach.
I may not have the ocean in my blood, but I was extremely excited about my trip to the beach.
This is my super excited crazy run that I do when I can hardly contain my excitement.
My ponies had a super excited crazy run too!
In fact it was so exciting that “Super Ammo” made an appearance!
“Super Ammo” really enjoyed protecting the beach from intruders – but wind & super capes don’t always mix.
The wind threatened to pick me up and blow me away!
Good thing my mom and the ponies saved me though – or I may have drifted out to sea.
Eventually I decided wind or not, I wasn’t going to let it spoil my trip to the Beach.
The “leash law” kept me from venturing too far out to sea, which is a shame because I had my inner tube packed in the car for just this occasion! Inner tube or not though, I had the best time at the beach with my friends and I’m counting the days until we can go back again.
Any other sea loving dogs out there? Or know of any other good dog beaches I could visit? I’m thinking I should take some surf lessons next time too! Yay!
