A Painting of My Best Friend Trooper

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Ammo

You might remember that over this past year I’ve been accumulating paintings created by the talented Kim at Yellow Brick Home. First she painted a magnificent painting of me in my super hero cape, then she painted two super cool paintings of my favorite ponies, Minnow, Blitz and Boomer.

Then I realized I needed to make sure my bestest friend in the whole wide world wasn’t left out of all the fun! He is my best friend afterall. So just last week Trooper’s painting from Yellow Brick Home arrived in the mail!

Trooper by Yellow Brick Home // Pet Paintings // Ammo the Dachshund

It was just as glorious as I had imagined – especially since I had made sure he sent in the very best pictures of himself.

Trooper by Yellow Brick Home // Pet Paintings // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I couldn’t let Trooper steal the spotlight for very long, and I photo bombed pretty much all of his photos that my mom took of him.

Trooper by Yellow Brick Home // Pet Paintings // Ammo the Dachshund

That’s what best friends are for!

You can get your own custom pet paintings from Kim @ Yellow Brick Home (make sure you tell her the cutest Super Hero EVER sent you!)

Disclosure: I was not paid or perked to write about Yellow Brick Home, I just think Kim’s paintings are oh-so-cool!

P.S. Did you see that I wasn’t the only one that dressed as Wile E. Coyote for Halloween this year? My Canadian Pal Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund also broke out his Wile E. Coyote for all his fans. Although I hear he’s also having trouble with his Acme Rocket…..I knew we should have gotten the warranty!

Giveaway: Canvas Prints from Printcopia

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Ammo

**This Giveaway is no longer accepting entries.** Congrats to our winner, Annie H. who plans to get a print made of her lab/doxie mix, Marshmellow!

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by my pals at Printcopia, an online resource for getting your photos made into canvas prints and other printed materials. They offered up an 11″x14″ canvas print, so I could take their services for a whirl. Being the art-loving pooch that I am, I surely couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

But before I could order my canvas print I had to choose which photo to use – not such an easy task when your parents take hundreds of photos of you on a weekly basis.

After pouring over thousands of photos of me I finally settled on this one taken during one of our big blizzards a few years ago. Adorable isn’t it? You can ooooh and ahhhh if you like.

Then I hopped on the computer and proceeded to go through the process of ordering my canvas print from Printcopia.

After uploading my chosen photo I had the option to resize it. I also noticed you can even easily upload photos from Instagram and Facebook, which makes the process even easier!

Then I selected a border option (I chose to mirror my image) for how my photo would look on the edges of my canvas & picked a display method too. Finally it was off to checkout, with the promise that a week or so later my new print would be arriving in the mail.

When my canvas arrived I could hardly wait to put it on display in my house! I love it so much that I’m already dreaming of which of my favorite Instagram photos I’d love to get printed to hang on my wall.

And now because it’s your VERY LUCKY DAY! Printcopia has offered to giveaway an 11×14 Canvas Print to one Lucky reader! How awesome is that?

Here’s how to win…

PRIZE: An 11×14 Canvas Print from Printcopia
TO ENTER: Comment on this post (you must comment on the BLOG – not on our facebook page) with the words “PRINT MY CANVAS” and….
BONUS QUESTION: Tell me what photo you would have printed if you win. Maybe it’s a photo of your own furry friend, or a family portrait, or even your bestest halloween costume. Do tell!
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, November 9, 2012 at 9:00am EST
NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
PRIZE SHIPS: United States & Canada (sorry international readers)
RULES: one entry per e-mail address. Winner will be selected using random.org (meaning the winner is drawn at random) – and will be announced shortly afterward. Good Luck!

Make sure you check out Printcopia for you next printing need (wouldn’t they make fantastic holiday gifts!) – they also announce lots of money saving specials on their Facebook Page.

Disclosure: I received a product in exchange for a review on my blog. All opinions are entirely my own!

An Acme Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Ammo

After much anticipation I’m now ready to reveal my epic Halloween Costume! Many of you took guesses on my facebook page as to what I would be wearing this year – and some of you even guessed right!

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

This year I dressed as the famous Wile E. Coyote from the popular Looney Toons Cartoon!

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to chase that speedy Roadrunner, not to mention Wile E. Coyote had some pretty cool accessories via the Acme Catalog. The dude knew how to shop!

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

Mom helped me make a coyote hood for my costume out of fabric, wire, velcro, and hot glue – and yes, I am aware that it makes me look irresistibly cute! You’re welcome.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

My Acme rocket may have not been from the official “Acme Catalog”, but mom did her best to build it’s likeness out of an old soda bottle, some cereal boxes, paint, elastic & rope.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

So with my outfit complete I was ready to start hunting that roadrunner!

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

I was sooo close, but that darn Acme Rocket malfunctioned and he got away.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

Drat!

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

I stick my tongue out at the pesky roadrunner.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

Plan B involves ropes, I’ll let you know how that pans out.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween // Wile E. Coyote Costume

I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! Be Spooktacular!

Roadrunner image via

Let’s Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Play Dead

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Ammo

One of my most popular tricks is the Play Dead trick. Guaranteed to make children giggle and adults oooh and ahhh – it’s a favorite that’s sure to win them over!

Most all of my tricks are taught and mastered with the help of clicker training, so before beginning you might want to read up on how to introduce your dog to a clicker*.

*Disclaimer: this post does contain some affiliate links

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Every great dog should know how to play dead – if only to be used as an ice breaker at parties, to scare the ground hogs in the backyard, and to generally just make you look totally awesome.

What you need: A handful of small training treats*, clicker

Step 1: To start your dog should already know how to lay down on command. Place a few treats in a fist and place your hand on the ground in front of your dog as you ask them to lay down.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 2: As your dog sniffs the treat tilt your fist up and over the top of your dog’s head, encouraging them to lay on their side. You may need to gently push your hand into your dog to entice them to lay on their side. Click and Reward your dog as soon as their side touches the ground.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 3: Continue asking your dog to lay on their side with treats in the fist of your hand until you can ask them to lay on their side with just an open palm (treats removed) – then click and reward.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 4: Once your dog is laying on their side consistently you can begin to add a verbal and visual command to it. Point your finger at your dog and say Bang, Bang – if your dog doesn’t immediately flop on their side you can then use the open palm of your hand to remind them what to do, click and reward. Slowly begin waiting longer and longer to show them what to do with the flat of your hand until they offer laying on their side on their own. Jackpot treat your dog when they get it right.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 5: When your dog is consistent in laying on their side when you ask you will need to add a release word. Part of the appeal of a play dead trick is that your dog will “remain dead” until you tell them to come back alive. So after asking your dog to play dead, wait a few seconds and say OK (before your dog gets up on their own) to release them and then click and reward. The key is to time this right before your dog gets up on their own. Gradually begin asking them to stay on their side longer and longer until you are certain they will not get up until you give them the verbal OK.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Congratulations! Your dog can now play dead! You can now bring laughter and smiles to everyone!

Disclaimer: The Let’s Get Tricky blog feature is designed to provide general information, instruction, and techniques that may not be suitable for everyone. Please note that we are not liable for any of your activities while attempting to teach your dog the techniques listed on this blog. Please train responsibly.

Learn how to teach your dog to high-five!

Birthday Week Giveaway – Winner Announced!

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Ammo

We had lots of entries for my Birthday Week Giveaway, in which one lucky reader will win my 2013 Calendar and a set of Greeting cards from my Flying Hero Etsy Shop.

I had so much fun reading everyone’s wishes, which included wishing for homes for all the doxies of the world, wishes for their dog to learn some tricks, and lots of dog treat wishes! But sadly there can be only one winner, and today’s winner is comment #28 Rebecca, who wishes every doxie had a home, and every home a doxie! (good wish!)

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway, and since I hate to see anyone go home empty handed, you can use the coupon code FREESHIP in my etsy shop, Flying Hero, to receive free shipping anywhere in the US on any order! Yay for free!

I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Super Model Dachshund

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Ammo

You might remember that last month I had my photo taken by professional photographer, Brenda Carpenter, in the Mutt Room during the Devon Fall Classic Horse Show.

I love the photos Brenda took of me so much, that I could hardly decide which ones to order. But while I wait for my prints to arrive in the mail, Brenda was kinda enough to send me over some digital images to share on the blog with all of my friends.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

During the photoshoot I did my hardest to channel my inner Gisele.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

This is my “business in the front, party in the back” pose.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

I use this stone-cold look when I’m hunting groundhogs, if only looks could kill!

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

I even dressed up for the ladies with my spiffy bowtie from Silly Buddy.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Mutt Room // Brenda Carpenter // Photographer

And my favorite pose of the day…… “please mom, can I have another cookie”. Works every time!

The 13 Project!

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Ammo

Last week Serena from Pretty Fluffy invited me to join The 13 Project, a wonderful initiative to get involved and help animals!

Ammo the Dachshund // The 13 Project

THE 13 PROJECT

The 13 Project is a Pretty Fluffy initiative that involves 13 acts of kindness towards animals before 2013. We have exactly 13 weeks left of this year, so what better way of embarking on a list of 13 achievable and worthy goals before the year is out.

To join, all you have to do is come up with a list of up to 13 ways you can help animals before the end of 2013. You don’t need to be a millionaire, you don’t need to have a website, or be a member of a rescue organization … All you need is the desire to make a difference. You can even make your list just one goal – or 3 or 5 things. Any little bit helps!

Ammo the Dachshund // The 13 Project Pretty Fluffy

My goals for the 13 Project….

1. Make a charitable contribution to some of my favorite rescue groups, as I have done for the past several years, through the help of sales of my paintings and artwork that my friends the Painting Ponies have made.

2. Get my photo taken with Santa at a place that donates the profits to rescue groups like I have done for the past 3 years.

3. Promote some local rescue group events to all of my followers through Facebook.

4. Purchase some toys from Planet Dog, where 2% of my sale goes to the Planet Dog Foundation, an organization that helps fund the training and placement of service dogs.

5. Share some of the available adoptable dogs (like I have done in the past) at the local shelters with my followers.

6. Donate some of my old towels and clothes to a local animal shelter.

7. Create Holiday Greeting Cards for my Etsy Shop and donate a percentage of the sales to animal shelters.

8. Promote responsible pet ownership and encourage my readers to spay/neuter their pets.

9. Donate some of my outgrown sweaters and jackets that I no longer use to a rescue group that can use them for shelter dogs.

10. Create a new page on the blog that highlights ways you can involved and help rescue animals, shelters, and good causes.

11. Purchase some Rescue Chocolate as Christmas gifts that donates 100% of their profits to animal rescues.

12. Try to promote more products on my Friday Fetch feature that donate a percentage of their sales to animal charities.

13. Encourage others to get involved with the 13 Project!

I hope you’ll join me in The 13 Project! I’d love to hear your ideas of animal kindness too, post links to your list of 13 goals in the comment section below so that we can all share and get inspiration on how to help more animals!

Birthday Week: Flying Hero Giveaway!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Ammo

**This Giveaway is no longer accepting entries**

Now as much as I love getting (and unwrapping) presents on my Birthday, I also love giving presents too. So since today I am officially 4, I decided to host a little giveaway for all of my friends.

Up for grabs is one of my 2013 Wall Calendars as well as a 4 pack of birthday cards from my new Etsy shop, Flying Hero.

Here’s how to win…

PRIZE: 2013 Calendar and a 4-Pack Set of Greeting Cards from Flying Hero
TO ENTER: Comment on this post (you must comment on the BLOG – not on our facebook page) with the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMMO” and….
BONUS QUESTION: Tell me what you would wish for if you could have one Birthday Wish. Do you wish you had a Unicorn in your backyard, or maybe you just wish you had the biggest dog bone humanly possible!
GIVEAWAY CLOSES: Friday, October 12, 2012 at 9:00am EST
NUMBER OF WINNERS: One
PRIZE SHIPS: Anywhere in the World! Yeah!
RULES: one entry per e-mail address. Winner will be selected using random.org (meaning the winner is drawn at random) – and will be announced shortly afterward. Good Luck!

Birthday Week: Ammo turns Four!

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Ammo

Today is my Birthday! Hooray!

In the past four years I have been on so many adventures! From riding in airplanes, paddleboarding, performing with the Painting Ponies, painting pictures, and just lounging around the house – each day has been an amazing ride.

I’m looking forward to many more years of adventures – and I can’t wait to share them with all of you!

There are still so many things I have yet to do and see, and a World that is just begging to be sniffed by me!

So excuse me if I spend today shouting Hooray! a whole bunch of times, I’m just uber excited to be turning four – and I can’t wait to tear into my presents tonight.

Three cheers for me!

Now here’s to hoping I can stay awake for my party – being an adventurer is super exhausting!

Birthday Week: Get to Know Me

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Ammo

I thought it would be fun to dive a little deeper into the true me during Birthday Week, just like I did last year when I answered some of your burning questions. So with a little help from my mom we came up with 10 new questions for me to answer that will help you get to know me a little bit better.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Week // Ammo turns Four

Q What is your all-time favorite thing to do on the weekends?
A This is a tough choice between spending time on the farm, and napping in my sunroom at home. I enjoy being at the farm to hunt for groundhogs and lay in the sun, but being at home has it perks too as my sunroom has an all around view of my yard, and my comfy worn in spot on the sofa.

Ammo the Dachshund // Sunroom napping

Q What is your favorite toy?
A Right now my favorite toy is a Strawberry made by Planet Dog. I love it because it tastes a bit minty, is fun to chew on (but this far indestructible) and mom has been filling it with peanut butter which makes it extra special!

Q Do you have any bad habits?
A Well not any that I care to admit! But if you must know, my mom says I bark a little too much at the critters in my backyard. Personally I do not consider this a bad habit when I’m just doing my job by protecting my fortress from intruders. And I guess if we are being truthful here, I also like to hump pillows – particularly the ones on mom and dad’s bed! I know, I am ashamed.

ammo the dachshund super hero

Q What is the next trick you plan to tackle?
A Well I had started learning how to barrel race like this speedy little dachshund, so perhaps mom will help me finish mastering this one. Although mom says she also wants me to learn to put away my toys at home – which doesn’t sound as thrilling to me.

Q Who is your favorite artist?
A Well besides my talented painting pony friends, I have fallen in love with the paintings made by the talented Kim from Yellow Brick Home after she painted my portrait (and the ponies) earlier this year.

Pet Paintings by Kim @ Yellow Brick Home - via Ammo the Dachshund

Q Where are all your super fun photos taken?
A I experiment with a lot of different places for my styled photoshoots (like work, my backyard, the spare bedroom in my house), but recently I’ve been setting up my backdrops in the sunroom at home. It seems to provide the perfect amount of light which makes me look extra adorable!

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Week // Get to Know Me

Q In the past 4 years, what has been your favorite adventure?
A It’s so tough to choose just one adventure, but I really have enjoyed when mom and dad took me to the corn maze (which reminds me, I’m due for a trip soon). I get to use all of my hunting and scenting skills to get us through the maze in the fastest time possible – and I have to say my maze skills have been quite impeccable!

Q What is your favorite blog to read?
A Oh gosh, how do I choose just one? You can check out my sidebar to see a bunch of the pet-related blogs that I love to read, but I guess if I had to choose just one to read I’d have to say I’m drawn to my newest blog find, Love and a Six-Foot Leash. It’s the pretty pretty pictures I tell you!

ammo the dachshund blogging outdoors

Q Do you enjoy being a shop dog?
A I very much love being able to go to work with mom every single day, and meeting lots of new people is one of the highlights of my day. However sometimes I just feel a little cooped up, and I get a little antsy having to spend my day inside all the time. But in the long run it definitely beats being stuck home alone all day, and I wouldn’t give up being a shop dog for anything!

Ammo the Dachshund at work

Q What is your favorite food?
A All of the above. But I guess if I had to choose just one, string cheese would be at the top of my list.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know me a little bit better, and if you have anymore questions for me please be sure to leave them in the comment section below!

P.S. I have to make sure I say Happy 4th Wedding Anniversary to my mom and dad today! Kisses from your number one boy, Ammo.

*some links contain affiliate links