Ammo’s Lake School

Ammo's Lake School

It’s come to my attention that I may need to open my own Lake School. Until recently I didn’t realize how many dog’s I’ve mentored on their very first lake outing.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

First there was Shilah, who I introduced to the water and her first paddleboarding experience.

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Lake Dogs // Summer // Ammo the Dachshund

Then there was Maya, who had her first dip and also took to the paddle board under my supervision.

Ammo's Lake School

And then there was Hank! The latest victim trainee in Ammo’s Lake School.

Ammo's Lake School

Being that Hank is a Miniature GoldenDoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle Mix), it didn’t take much convincing for me to get him into the water.

Ammo's Lake School

Just in case though I coached from the sidelines, ready to swim Hank to safety if need be.

Ammo's Lake School

Thankfully he was a natural!

Ammo's Lake School

Although when he emerged it became apparent that there really wasn’t much dog hiding under all that fur!

Ammo's Lake School

So I did what any good dog would do, I let him borrow one of my life vests*! No drowning dogs on my watch!

*affiliate link

Ammo's Lake School

Swimming was one thing, but the true test of a lake dog is the boating. So we took to the docks for a boat adventure. Hank passed test number one with flying colors, making friends with the boat shop crew.

Ammo's Lake School

I led the expedition (as always) and things were going swimmingly for my pal Hank.

Ammo's Lake School

And after a dip overboard to cool off….

Ammo's Lake School

….Hank was officially a Lake Dog just like me!

Since Hank made my job super easy and passed my rigorous training with ease, it made it possible for me to divert my attention to victim trainee #2 of the day…

Ammo's Lake School

*affiliate link

….Baby P!

After we mastered wearing the uncomfortable but necessary life vest* (thanks to some helpful cheerios that mom packed), I am happy to report that Baby P also mastered my Lake School and survived her very first boating adventure. (with very minimal crying I might add). Although she still has a ways to go in the doggie paddle department, but we’ll get there!

So what do you think, should I open up my own Lake School? Likely we’d need sailor hats (and a captain hat for me) with really cool logos. Good thing I know a great graphic designer! 🙂 Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

July 2015 Monthly Recap

I can’t believe that the summer is almost over. It makes me sad to see it go, but I’m glad I’ve been able to pack in so much fun. I can’t wait to share what I’ve been up to this past July!

First, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors & affiliates! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

Barkbox Summer Ad Save 10% OFF!Barkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups! You can check out just what goodies your dog could be getting every month by reading my reviews!

Use code AMMO for 10% off your Barkbox Subscription.

Ruffwear Ad

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots (that even work for dachshund’s too) as well as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler to keep your pup cool in the summer and one of my favorites, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

If you would like to find out more about advertising with me, visit my advertising pageAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

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

And now onto my July Adventures…

Tent Camping in the Rain with Ammo the Dachshund

I kicked off July by reaping my annual camping trip, that came with lots and lots of rain!

4th of July Holiday. What everyone will be doing!

I celebrated the 4th of July!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out what is now my new favorite dog life vest from my friends at Ruffwear.

Ammo the Dachshund Goes Camping in the Woods

Things dried out on my camping trip, and I went fishing!

Beltzville Lake with Ammo the Dachshund & Shilah the Husky

I visited the Beltzville Lake with my pal Shilah the Husky.

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 4 with Ammo the Dachshund

I shared Vol. 4 of my crazy sleeping spots. Things got a little weird.

Jones Natural Dog Chews Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I threw a party with Jones Natural Chews!

Real Dogs Have Muscles! via Ammo the Dachshund

I practiced my dog agility on the farm, because real dogs gotta keep up their muscular physique!

Super Hero Bedtime Story with Ammo the Dachshund

My dad read me a super hero bedtime story.

Pet Friendly Kitchen Renovation via Ammo the Dachshund

I helped my parents start a kitchen renovation project.

American Journey from Chewy.com Review & Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

I dove head first into a WHOLE BAG OF MEAT from my friends at Chewy.

Dachshund Life Struggle with Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some more of the struggles in my life.

BarkShop Activity Mat for Dogs

I shared one of the newest toys I’m totally digging on Pinterest.

Dogs & Cats Play // Cat Play Mat & Bully Sticks from Chewy.com

I shared some toys with my kitty pal Spider.

Easy Frozen Dog Treats with Happy Lapper + A Giveaway

I made some super easy frozen pet treats.

Wellness Trufood Review & Giveaway

I shared how my parents choose the healthiest foods for me to eat!

Ammo & Trooper Wrestle with their new Outward Hound Toy

Trooper and I had an epic wrestling match.

Dogs & Cats Play // Cat Play Mat & Bully Sticks from Chewy.com

I shared a video about why I wish my legs were a little longer.

Man, July was so much fun, don’t you think? What sort of fun have you been having with your dog this past month? Do tell! Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Best Fitting Lifevest for Dogs & A Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Ruffwear. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think my readers will love!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Every summer I enjoy hitting the lake, sometimes kayaking, most of the time Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and always practicing water safety by wearing a floatation device. While I’ve owned several life vests over the years, I’ve finally found one that fits me PERFECTLY, the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Being a Dachshund means that sometimes I have trouble finding harnesses, coats and even life vests that can accommodate my unique body type. Thankfully the Ruffwear Lifevest is adjustable in all the right places making it the best fitting one I’ve ever worn.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This floatation device has a sleek design making it slimmer fitting than any of the other vests I’ve tried, but don’t worry it’s still full of plenty of “float”!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

This life jacket is not only a great design for Dachshunds, but it is also designed for dogs of all shapes and sizes. It even includes thoughtful details like a strong handle, optimally positioned to lift dogs out of the water, and reflective trim for enhanced visibility in or out of the water.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoyed how the front of the vest was adjustable, but once set is easy to slip over your pup’s head, and the belly straps are also fully adjustable.

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The design of this vest allowed me to have great free-flowing movement of my front legs, which is fantastic for swimming (and for all those occasions when you accidentally fall in!).

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

A fun little fact about me, while swimming might not be my #1 favorite thing to do, I do on occasion like to swim voluntarily, but I’ll only do so if I’m wearing a life jacket and the water is bath water warm!

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m a big fan of the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat, and I can’t recommend it enough for all those water loving dogs out there! It’s now my go-to summer accessory that I never leave home without.

You can fetch your own life jacket from Ruffwear for $79.95. (and incase you’re wondering, I wear a size XS and I’m 20lbs).

And now for the best part…

Ruffwear Float Coat Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

ONE WINNER WILL WIN A RUFFWEAR K-9 FLOAT COAT!

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 residents 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). Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read our full list of Terms & Conditions for this giveaway. Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

On the Lake with Friends

Adventures on the lake are quickly becoming my favorite thing to do in the summer. And at the Marsh Creek Boat Rental, where dogs are always welcome, there is a whole slew of fun to be had out on the water!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I started out my adventure by renting a paddleboard with mom. There’s nothing quite like gliding through the water on one of those!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

This time I brought along my pal Shilah, for her very first boat ride in a motorized rowboat rental.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Dad also rented a kayak which I happily took a few laps around the lake in.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Since this was Shilah’s first trip to the lake I decided to let her test out the paddle board, which is one of my favorite rental choices.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Shilah had also never been swimming before, so I gave her a little coaching from the sidelines.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Eventually though I hopped aboard to show her how to man her lake vessel with style. She’s only one, so she has lots of learning to do still!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Shilah almost got to assist in her first water rescue when Dad accidentally tipped his kayak, but luckily things didn’t get too crazy.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Later I showed off my natural swimming skills, and it was enough to convince my pal to take her first dip too! You can see her showing off at the end of this video:

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

Being on the lake with my friends was so enjoyable I just didn’t want it to end!

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

So when we landed back on shore I decided to practice some of my swimming skills.

On the Lake with Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve gotten quite good at playing fetch in the water, mom even picked up this new floating buoy toy for me from West Elm (which mom bought before it sold out).

Sigh, I’m so sad that summer is coming to an end, but hopefully I’ll get to squeeze in a few more lake trips before it ends!Ammo the Dachshund

 

Kayaking Adventure

Kayaking Adventure // Ammo the Dachshund // Marshcreek Lake

Over the weekend it got hot hot hot, and instead of just laying around the house panting I decided to go to the lake!

Kayaking Adventure // Ammo the Dachshund // Marshcreek Lake

I’m no stranger to the Marshcreek Lake, in fact I took my first paddleboarding adventure out there just last year.

Kayaking Adventure // Ammo the Dachshund // Marshcreek Lake

This time though I decided to take to the lake via kayak!

Kayaking Adventure // Ammo the Dachshund // Marshcreek Lake

Kayaking Adventure // Ammo the Dachshund // Marshcreek Lake

The wind in my ears was just what I needed to cool off on a hot summer day.

What do you do to beat the heat in the summer?Ammo the Dachshund

 

Friday Fetch: Life Vests for Dogs

Now that the hot hot Summer has officially started I’ve been thinking about taking more trips to my local lake. Up until now I’ve never worn a doggie flotation device – not for lack of wanting to – but because I did not have direct access to a credit card (ahem…mom).

But have no fear! Mom ordered me my very own life vest just the other day, and while I wait for my new purchase to arrive in the mail I figured I’d share a round-up of some of the Pet Life Vests that are on the market currently.

kyjen pet life vest

I ended up ordering the Kyjen Outward Hound Life Jacket from Amazon because it included an extra flotation device on the front to keep tired puppy heads above the water. I’ll be sure to post a full review on the product once it arrives on my doorstep next week! (above link contains affiliate links to my Amazon shop)

Now here’s a round-up of a few more life vests for dogs that I thought looked just as swim worthy as the one that ended up in my cart.

ruffwear k-9 float coat

Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat from Cabela’s

paws aboard dog life vest

Paws Aboard Designer Dog Life Vest

dog life jacket from waterdoggy

Dog Life Jacket from Waterdoggy

 

Safe swimming everyone!