TTPM Dog Day! Win prizes with TTPM's photo contest #sponsored

This post is sponsored by TTPM, however we here at Life With Beagle share information we only feel is relevant to our readers. TTPM is not responsible for the content of this article. 

We Americans love our dogs! More than ever we're recognizing the importance of having a dog in our lives, especially a rescue dog or a purebreed dog from a reputable breeder. We want the best for our dogs!
Review website TTPM.com recognizes how much we love our dogs. That's why they do reviews on all kinds of pet toys and more. They also host giveaways and contests too!

And starting today, they want to see your dog with their favorite toy.

Global Pet Expo: Photos and observations

Last week I posted pictures from the first day of Global Pet Expo in Orlando.

Then things happened, and I ran out of time.

So here's a wrap-up of the expo.

But first, some observations:

• There's an emphasis among some of the biggest food companies for more exotic meat. But with that is another issue -- the meat is not sourced in the U.S. But the good news is none of it is in China.
• The tech trend continues. This year we're seeing more activity trackers -- FitBits for dogs. One in particular even checks the dog's vitals. 
• Beds are getting fancier. How about a bed with a washable insert, or a bed with folders for those who love to dig? Or a bed that is self-warming!
• More and more companies are also looking at pet safety. From lights to glow in the dark leashes, there's loads of products coming out to make sure you can see pets in the dark.

 And now, pictures!

Thursday, Lulu's visit!

New formulas from Merrick Pet Food: BackCountry and Limited Ingredient Diets.

A highlight of Lulu's day: The treat bins.

Just one of the new treats from Zuke's.

Insect Shield has released a line of products coated to protect pets from bugs, including blankets, shirts and even beds.

Lulu and one of her favorite toy companies, Quaker Pet Group.

Lulu meets Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy!

Popware Snack Duos for your pet!

Lulu poolside at the Purina reception.

BlogPaws chief Chloe DeVita with Lulu.

Cool doggy toys from Haute Diggity Dog.

Because dogs should have a bed as comfortable as yours!

Geeky products for your dog, including Star Trek and Adventure Time!

Pets still have back to school blues? Some tips from Pet360

Photo by Maxim, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Most everyone with kids should be back to school by now, right? But sometimes it's a big change for your pet, having to deal with a new routine. Especially if it changes things like when to use the bathroom, or how much activity they get during the day. It could lead to bathroom accidents, or separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.

I'm an ambassador for Pet360.com. And they have some great tips for how to help your pet get acclimated to the new routine. Here's a few:

1. Treats, Puzzles and Toys: Sturdy toys, treat toys like Kongs, and puzzle toys are great ways for your pet to entertain themselves. With these toys, they can spend time, they get something special and they tire themselves out.
2. Get your dog some doggy time: Doggy daycare or doggy playdates helps tucker your dog out. A tired dog is a happy dog. Also, if you replace time with the kids with time with four-legged friends, they won't miss them as much when they're at school. 
3. Training. Enroll your dog in obedience training, and be sure to include the kids in that training.

See more tips on Pet360.com, include tips for cats.

Meanwhile, Pet360.com is hosting a Fab and Furry Back to School Giveaway in their community section. The giveaway includes all kinds of awesome grooming supplies for your dog and cat.

• Earthbath Hypo-allergenic fragrance free wipes for cats and dogs
• Earthbath totally natural pet care eye wipes
• A Furminator de-shedding brush (exact product depends on whether winner is a cat or dog)
• Four Paws Ultimate Touch Safety Pet Nail clipper for dogs & cats
• Furminator de-shedding spray 
• C.E.T. Toothpaste and Fingerbrush for dogs & cats
• Pearhead Pawprints Wall Frame to showcase a picture of your pet looking furry and fabulous. 

To enter, head to the Pet360.com Community Board. The contest ends Sept. 30.

DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by Pet360. I am being compensated for spreading the word about Pet360.com, but this blog only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. 

Countdown to Global Pet Expo -- Trixie Gambling Tower Dog Toy

We are counting down to the Global Pet Expo, the largest pet product trade show in the country.

Almost a thousand exhibitors will be showing products of all kinds. So we are taking a look at some of the companies we might see at the expo, and their products.

Trixie Gambling Tower. Photo courtesy of Amazon.

Trixie Pet Products is an American company with a global line of products. When I saw the Trixie Gambling Tower, Level 1 on Amazon.com, I liked it so much I added it to my Holiday Gift Guide for 2012, and bought one for Lulu.

The tower works best with small treats. I am using the animal crackers from the Petco treat bar here.

The listing on Amazon.com comes with a good video showing how the dog should get the treats. The dog should pull the white strings to get the slats out, making the treats fall through the tube.

Lulu, however, doesn't do it that way.

As you can see, Lulu uses her paws to pull the slats out. It works, however, it may not work as easy once I actually bolt it together. I haven't done it yet because I want to show this to the folks at Trixie at the expo, see if they can give me some tips.

You'll notice the red and yellow holes on the base.

Treats put under the cones, and the dogs are supposed to pull the cones out to get the treats. Lulu can sniff out the treats well enough, but she can't seem to get the cones out with her mouth, so she keeps trying to pull them out with her paws. I want to talk to them about that too.

Still, I see a lot of possibilities for training and getting the dog's mind active with this toy. Plus, it gives you a reason to give your dog treats. Just because Lulu doesn't have it down like in the video, doesn't mean another dog won't get it better.

Pros:

• Lots of ways to design a puzzle for the dog
• Good for scenting
• Very sturdy

Cons:

• Tougher than it appears
• You need treats that fit, or you have to break up treats to fit
• Has to be bolted together

Trixie has a full line of puzzle toys, and other pet products. You can see the full line of Trixie Pet Products on Amazon.com.