Wilderness Trail Treats Review

Last week my friends over at Mr. Chewy were kind enough to send me over a package of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats in Chicken Jerky to try. Now honestly, who would pass up the opportunity to eat treats….no one I tell you, no one.

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

I must admit, I’m already a fan of the Blue Buffalo brand, in fact I currently eat their small breed dry dog food, but I have never tried their Wilderness Trail Treats.

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

I was certainly intrigued by the “wilderness” part of it, and I pictured myself lurking in the wild in search of my dinner just like the lone wolf on the package. But just to be clear I do not want to be dropped off in the woods to fend for myself – I like my dog bed and heat lamp, and prefer my food to come pre-packaged, just fyi!

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

So after the obligatory “pose with package” photos mom made me take, I was more than ready to test them out.

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

Mmmmm, tastes like chicken!

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Trail Treats are grain free and made with no by-products or artificial anything, which means it’s practically like eating chicken….right off the chicken!

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

As I gnawed on my pieces of chicken jerky I couldn’t help by channel my inner wolf – although in my case I was gnawing on imaginary ground-hog (those sneaky critters).

Ammo the Dachshund // Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Review // Mr. Chewy

If you want to channel your inner wolf too you can fetch your own bag of Wilderness Trail Treats from Mr. Chewy!

 

Ammo the DachshundDisclosure: I received a bag of Wilderness Trail Treats to review from Mr. Chewy, but 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

Barn Raising

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Trooper and I were hanging out on the farm this morning because the Timber Frame has arrived for the new farmhouse.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

The Timbers arrived on the truck to be used in the construction of Trooper’s new post and beam house being built on the farm.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

My initial inspection earned a paws up review from me – and I told the boys to start loading up the crane!

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

After the crane piled all the timbers into the new house, Trooper and I were anxious to see how they would put them together.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

We watched from afar for a bit, but eventually we just couldn’t wait any longer to get our paws dirty too.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

So Trooper convinced his mom and dad that we would promise to be safe if they let us get a little closer to see just how a post and beam house is constructed.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

As you can imagine, Trooper was very excited!

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

I was enthralled with watching the construction workers help the crane lower the beams into the house.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

But the very best part – getting to watch Trooper’s Dad pound some of the very first pegs into the timber frame.

Ammo the Dachshund // Barn Raising // Timber Frame

It was a VERY exciting day, and Trooper even got to keep a souvenir of the day! Lucky! Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Halloween Pet Costume Round-up

It’s almost time for Halloweenie! Yay! Arguably one of my favorite times of the year, I love having an excuse to dress up in costume. Although if you know me, everyday is an excuse to dress up in costume!

My mom is working on making my top secret costume this year, and I’m hoping it will top last year’s Rocket Dog – but while I can’t show you the finished product just yet, I thought I’d do a little round-up of some of my favorite pet costumes on the market this year.

Ammo the Dachshund // Halloween Pet Costume Round-up

1. Sherlock Holmes Costume from Yuppy Puppy Boutique $49

2. Astronaut Costume from Target $6 -$9

3. Dragon Sweatshirt from Inubar $28

4. Where’s Waldo Costume from Target $25

5. Cupcake Costume from Target $20 -$27

 

So what are you going to be for Halloweenie? Ammo the Dachshund

The Building of a Farmhouse

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

Yesterday I spent the evening exploring around the construction site of Trooper’s new farmhouse.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

The walls have started to go up and Trooper couldn’t be more excited.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

Well, that is until we realized that the house had been built on top of Trooper’s favorite bone-burying spot! Gulp!

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

We searched high and low hoping that the construction crew had built a secret trap door so that we could retrieve Trooper’s buried bones.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

Trooper was mostly concerned that his new house would be haunted – on account of all the bones.

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

Alas, there was no secret trap door – but I told Trooper that the good news was that the construction crew had built him lots and lots of doggie doors!

Ammo the Dachshund // The Building of a Farmhouse

Ammo the Dachshund

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

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!

Ammo the DachshundDisclaimer: 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 Wrap-up

A long overdue post, I bet you guys are wondering what exciting things I did on my day of birth (October 5th). And more importantly, what goodies did Mom and Dad get me?

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-up

When it comes to presents, I’m an unwrapping fool! I can unwrap a present faster than you can blink – a glorious achievement!

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

After the chaos ensued, I was left with some lovely Birthday gifts from my very generous parents.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

It was a very happy day.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

My Birthday bounty included a new collar from Mattie & Margot, a lime green hand-knitted sweater from By Chance Designs, a jar of Pet Fair Noshers to fill my toys, a toy and bag of cookies from my bestest friend Trooper, and a Kicker Box.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

I felt like the luckiest boy in the World! And after a little bit of celebratory barking, mom agreed to let me test out my new Kicker Box.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

The Kicker Box is a toy designed to challenge a dog, and get them thinking as they try to figure out how to get the treats out of the box by moving the nobs from side to side and up and down. And after about 5 minutes, I knew why they called it a kicker box…..

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

….because I wanted to kick that dang box to the curb! Seriously, all I wanted was my cookies and this box was keeping them all to himself. This must have been some sort of cruel joke.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

But since I’m a pretty smart guy, I eventually figured out how to move the nobs and release my treats. It’s still a cruel joke is you ask me though!

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Wrap-Up

My 4th Birthday was loads of fun, and I’m so glad I got to celebrate it all week with all my friends. Now begins my countdown to Christmas, when I get to open all my presents from Santa! Yay! Ammo the Dachshund

 

Disclosure: I was not paid or perked to write about any of these products. I simply wanted to share all the goodies I got for my Birthday!

2012 Petties Award Show

You might remember that this year I had the honor of being chosen as a finalist in the 2012 Petties Awards for the best designed blog.

2012 Petties Awards // Ammo the Dachshund

I was surprised and excited to be chosen as one of the top four finalist, and was on the edge of my seat to watch the award show which was broadcast on the Dogtime Blog on Friday.

Sadly I did not win, but in the Petties everyone is a winner, because the winners in each category get to choose an animal rescue or charity to donate their $1,000 prize to. Isn’t that fantastic!

petties-2012-finalist-design-badgeSo I send my congratulations out to all of the winners this year, and hopefully next year I’ll get a chance to be in the running for a Petties Award again!

Friday Fetch: Bub Pet Jackets

In keeping with my goals for the 13 Project, today’s Friday Fetch features a company that does their part to help pets in need.

BUB strives to create the highest quality dog outerwear with unsurpassed variety of personlization options. BUB’s got your back (and your belly) – featuring a coat that has an optimal fit for a wide variety of dogs.

With a selection of fleeces, winter coats and rain coats, you’re sure to find something to fit your pet’s needs. I already feel warm and toasty just looking at them!

BUB Pet Coats via Ammo the Dachshund
BUB Pet Coats via Ammo the Dachshund
BUB Pet Coats via Ammo the Dachshund
BUB Pet Coats via Ammo the Dachshund
BUB Pet Coats via Ammo the Dachshund

Bub’s “Stop the Shivering Campaign” donates a pet coat to a worthy shelter/rescue for every 20 likes they receive on their Facebook Page. So make sure you head over and Like them!

You can fetch your own Bub coat through one of their retailers, Pet Products.Ammo the Dachshund

Birthday Week Giveaway – Winner Announced!

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.

Ammo the Dachshund // Birthday Week // Giveaway from Flying Hero

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!)

Flying Hero Etsy Shop

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! Ammo the Dachshund