Farm Lookouts

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

As barn dogs, there is always a lot of tasks for Trooper and I to do. And to be honest, this farm just wouldn’t run properly without us.

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

Trooper is always on my case to help him be a lookout. “Lookout for low flying birds” “Lookout for cars pulling down the farm driveway” “Lookout for anything suspicious and out of the ordinary”

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

I on the other hand usually have my own ideas about what we should be actually looking out for.

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

What about “Lookout for the snakes that accidentally get baled in the hay”

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

Or “Lookout for yummy missed poop in the pony stalls”

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

“Lookout for people in boots who might mistakenly step on you”

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

And “Lookout for ponies who look cute, but are really thinking maybe they didn’t get enough to eat”.

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

So Trooper can keep a lookout for strangers who might want to brush our ponies (the horror), and whatever other boring stuff he comes up with….

Barn Dogs Get Busy on the Farm

…and I’ll continue to lookout for the important stuff. Because we all know that pony poop isn’t going anywhere except for my belly! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Lets Get Tricky: Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch

As many of you may know I’m a big fan of learning, and ever since I was a wee pup my mom has been taking me to classes and clicker training me just like my Trick Pony friends.

Since learning is a never ending adventure I’m always up to pick up a new skill, and lately mom has been helping me to perfect my fetching skills.

See I wasn’t born with those amazing retriever traits, and while I do enjoy chasing after a good toy, I’m not great about actually bring said toy back! (the video above is proof of that)

Let's Get Tricky! Teach Your Dog To Play Fetch

But that’s ok, armed with a few simple tools my mom helped me learn what it means to play a real game of fetch!

What You Need:

  • Yummy Treats (These came in my Barkbox* this month, but you can also snag them in the Barkshop* with code AMMO for a special surprise at checkout!)
  • A Fun Fetch Toy
  • Something to Target (I used a scrap of mat board from the frame shop, but anything flat and large will work)
  • Clicker (not pictured, but you can snag one off amazon*)

To teach this trick your dog needs a basic knowledge of clicker training. You can check out this website for a basic tutorial on clicker training, or grab yourself a beginner clicker training book*. And they should also have a basic knowledge of how to pick up an item with their mouth.

*affiliate links

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch:

  1. At a close distance ask your dog to touch the target with their feet. Click and reward each time their feet touch the target. If your dog doesn’t already have a cue to “target” you may have to let them accidentally walk across the target so you can click and reward them each time their feet touch your mark. Practice this close to your dog, then move the target to different spots and areas further from you to strengthen your dog’s knowledge of this task.
  2. If your dog already has a basic knowledge of how to chase an item and pick it up then you can move onto step 3 once they have mastered targeting. Otherwise you should teach your dog to pick up an item with their mouth first.
  3. At a close distance to your target toss a toy for your dog to get. Once they pick it up with their mouth ask them to touch their target again. When they hit the target WITH the toy in their mouth, click and reward. Repeat this at a close distance until your dog has mastered the idea. Continue to repeat this until you can toss the toy further and further away.

Congratulations! Your dog is now great at playing fetch the proper way (by returning the toy to you!) Much more fun isn’t it? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Bad Dog Caught on Camera with Vimtag (Vol.2) + A Giveaway

Disclosure: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Vimtag and does contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dog will love!

A Wireless Camera to Help Train your Dog + A Giveaway

You guys had so much fun seeing me “caught on camera” last month that I’m back with another installment! You may remember that the Vimtag Wireless Video Monitor System showed up at my house a month or so ago. Well, ever since it’s arrival I’ve found myself getting into a little more trouble than usual.

Since the Vimtag camera lets my parents check up on me 24/7 via their smartphones I pretty much can’t get away with anything anymore. And I was really hoping they wouldn’t find out about a few things…

Naught Dog Caught on Camera with Vimtag + A Giveaway

Until the Vimtag camera came along mom and dad had no idea that I like to get a little “frisky” with a certain someone’s pillow when they are gone. (sorry dad, I thought you’d never see this!).

Naught Dog Caught on Camera with Vimtag + A Giveaway

I mean, do you really blame me, magazines are way more fun to play with than dog toys!

It’s really hard to deny these little indiscretions when mom had physical proof in the form of timestamped pictures from Vimtag….

Naught Dog Caught on Camera with Vimtag + A Giveaway

Naught Dog Caught on Camera with Vimtag + A Giveaway

Read all about my adventures with Vimtag, and the array of uses my mom has found for this wireless video monitor. You can snag your own Vimtag Wireless Video Monitoring Camera from Amazon to catch your own naughty dog in the act! (and I am not responsible for any dogs that get in trouble!)

And now for the best part…

A Wireless Camera to Monitor your Pet + A Giveaway

TWO WINNERS WILL A VIMTAG WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA!

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 readers 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

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

P.S. While it’s not to say that I’m always a perfect angel, these “caught on camera” scenes are dramatizations all in the name of good fun! (Although I won’t say I’ve never been caught doing something I shouldn’t!)
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Growing Old Together

While I wouldn’t necessarily say that Trooper and I are old just yet, we have grown up together over the past 7 years. One of my fondest memories is spending my working days at the shop with my best buddy and wrestling on the shop floor..

Fast forward about 6 years and I’m happy to report that not much has changed….

Growing Old Together // Best Dog Friends

Growing Old Together // Best Dog Friends

Growing Old Together // Best Dog Friends

Something tells me we’ll never be too old to wrestle!

Does your dog still enjoy wrestling with their best doggy friend? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Dachshund Finds Way to Make Biggest Mess Ever

Over the weekend mom and dad decided to put together a new piece of furniture they purchased.

Ammo the Dachshund Finds a Way to Make the Biggest Mess Ever

Of course as you know, I’m never one to not help out when there is a project at hand. So while mom and dad were busy assembling furniture in the other room, I decided to help disassemble the empty boxes for them.

Ammo the Dachshund Finds a Way to Make the Biggest Mess Ever

Mom and dad had a good laugh when I was done “helping”, although I’m not sure why.

Ammo the Dachshund Finds a Way to Make the Biggest Mess Ever

And I still don’t understand why I was immediately plopped outside after my box destroying duties. Sometimes my skills just aren’t appreciated around here.

So make sure the next time you have a box destroying need you give me a shout! I’m happy to go where my expertise is appreciated! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

February is National Pet Dental Care Month

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Chewy.com and does contain some affiliate links. All opinions are my own and I received a product in exchange for my honest review. I only share products that I think you and your dogs will love.

Since February is the month dedicated to dental care for pets I thought it would be fun to check out all the ways I’ve kept up with my oral health over the years. #NationalPetOralHealthCareMonth 

Emmi-Pet Dog Dental Toothbrush Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The Emmi-Pet is an electric dental tooth brush designed for pets that cleans teeth without the need of vibration. While I found this to be a great tool, I sort of fell off the wagon when it came to keeping up with brushing regularly (I know, shame on me). Fetch the Emmi-Pet Toothbrush.

Clean Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund

I tried the Tropiclean Teeth Gel for a time, it’s a great way to add some cleaning power to your dog’s teeth without the need to use a toothbrush. You can even spread it onto your dog’s chew toys. I did thoroughly enjoy this cleaning method, but again I wasn’t great about keeping up with a routine. Fetch the Tropiclean Teeth Gel.

How to Maintain your Dog's Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Dental Health Month

Mom even used a pet dental scraper on me. This is a great way to remove plaque buildup, and something I still have done on occasion when my plaque buildup gets noticeable. Fetch a Pet Dental Scraper.

How to Maintain your Dog's Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund // Pet Dental Health Month

Dental Chews are another great way to fight plaque if your dog likes to chew on them. I tend to be really interested in them at first, but eventually loose interest in the toys after a few weeks. One of my favorite chew toys that I have remained in is the Benebone which encourages me to chew on a regular basis (and I use it almost every night). Fetch a Benebone Dental Chew.

Zuke's Z-Bones - Chews to Keep your Pet's Teeth Clean

Zuke's Z-Bones - Chews to Keep your Pet's Teeth Clean

My absolute favorite way to keep my teeth looking sparkly is with dental chews. Lately I’ve been snacking on these Zuke’s Z-Bones Dental Chews from Chewy.com. Seriously what’s better than cleaning your teeth by eating something delicious!

Key Benefits of Zuke’s Z-Bones in Clean Berry Crisp

  • Potato and pea-based formula which is highly digestible
  • Alfalfa, parsley, rosemary, and fennel naturally freshen breath by supporting digestion
  • Helps polish teeth, freshen breath, and maintain healthy gums
  • Nutrient-rich cherries are a powerful source of antioxidants
  • Available in four sizes to accommodate all dogs 10 lbs or larger
  • Made in the USA!

My mom’s favorite part about these chews is that not only do they help clean my teeth and freshen my breath, but they also contain Turmeric. You may have heard me mention this ingredient before, but it’s been studied for its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent cancer in your pet. That’s a big plus in my book!

Zuke's Z-Bones - Chews to Keep your Pet's Teeth Clean

So while I’ll continue to do my best in keeping my teeth healthy and clean, I most certainly won’t give up my daily dental chews…..it’s my favorite part of the day!

Grab some Zuke’s Z-Bones from my friends at Chewy.com! #ChewyInfluencer

What is the dental regime for your pet? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Valentine’s Day Goes to the Dogs

Disclaimer: this post is brought to you by Martha Stewart Pets. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think you and your dog will love.

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

So I hear that this weekend is Valentine’s Day. A day to spend time with those that you love, and show them that you care.

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

So when I got wind that my old fling, Amira, was back in town I knew I was going to have to do something special on February 14th.

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

So I popped over to Petsmart to snag Amira a gift from the Martha Stewart Pets line and set out to profess my love for her.

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

Only Amira is a bit high maintenance…..

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

….and she just rolled her eyes and said “You better bring me some more toys, because one is not enough for this lady.”

Valentines Day Greeting from the cutest Dachshund

Sorry Amira, no girlfriend is worth sharing all my Martha Stewart Pets toys…. you’ll just have to get your own!

Would your dog do the same? Happy Early Valentine’s Day everyone!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11

Napping is an art form around here, and I’m never one to disappoint with a whole new collection of sleeping spots this month! Check out where I’ve been snoozing over the past few weeks…

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 11 with Ammo the Dachshund

Which spot would you be sleeping in if you were me?

Check out where else I’ve been sleeping in my “Oh the Places You Sleep” series!Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

Disclaimer: this post and giveaway are brought to you by Bark Solution. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dog will love.

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

I am a Dachshund. And being a Dachshund means that I do have one distinct trait (ok aside from being short) that makes me like all the other Dachshunds out there…..I like to bark. Not just an occasional alert bark to let you know someone is at the door, more like I could sit and bark out the window for a good solid hour at the same thing.

Does your dog like to do this too? Yeah, it’s pretty fun right?

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

Well apparently I’ve been informed that the humans don’t really like all that barking. (shocker right?) Sometimes when I’m barking the humans like to join in too by yelling at me to stop. But did you know that when you do this I just think you’re barking with me, which reinforces that I’m doing a good job and we should definitely be barking at something!

Recently my parents were introduced to a new product called Bark Solution that’s supposed to help the humans in telling us dogs that it’s not really appropriate to be barking.

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

Now I’d never enforce a product on my blog that was ever cruel or inhumane to animals, which lets face it, a lot of those “barking solutions” out there are just that (shock collars, sprays, etc), but Bark Solution is none of those things.

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

Bark Solution is simply a metal can filled with things that make a loud racket. So all you have to do when your dog is barking (and you don’t want them to be) is shake the can to interrupt their barking pattern.

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

Now us dogs, we’re designed to protect the humans (goodness knows they aren’t very good at protecting themselves), so the Bark Solution isn’t going to stop your dog from barking all together. But I did notice that when my parents shook it, it would distract me enough that eventually I sort of forgot what I was barking at all together.

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

*A helpful tip my parents found was that if they sort of snuck up on me with the Bark Solution it worked quicker in interrupting my barking pattern.

So if you’re looking for a way to humanely cut down on the amount of barking your dog does (without having to use harsh products or spending your day yelling at your dog), then you might want to check out Bark Solution.

My parents loved that it kept them from having to yell at me to stop barking all day, and lets face it, that doesn’t really work anyway.

You can also purchase this product on Amazon.

And P.S. isn’t the super fun retro packaging so cool too!

Now for the best part….

 

A Humane Bark Solution for Dogs + A Giveaway

FIVE WINNERS WILL A SINGLE PACK BARK SOLUTION!

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 readers 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

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

Surprise! It’s a Party!

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

Last weekend I attended a Surprise Birthday Party, well to be more accurate I hosted a Surprise Birthday Party for my MomMom. (above you can see me anxiously awaiting the arrival of our special guest with my party hat on)

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

With so many guests in attendance I bet you’re thinking I was probably the life of the party (being the only dog that was invited and all). Now normally I would say you are correct, and to follow there would be lots of photos of me doing Birthday Party type things, only this time I was infatuated with one particular guest only.

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

You see, my littlest cousin is about as close to the floor as you can get (at least for the humans)….so I knew that if I stuck to my cousin like glue that inevitably I would end up with some of that yummy party food in my belly.

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

Surprise! It's a Party! Ammo attends a Surprise Party

Yup, you better believe I snagged some carrots and maybe a few crackers too! And for those of you dogs out there that don’t like having children in your home….you haven’t lived until those short little people carry around food at dog height! BEST DAY EVER.

Does your dog like to snag food from children?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity