How to touch: Hand targeting with your dog -- a Trick or Treat Giveaway Blog Hop

Halloween is coming up fast! Who is ready to trick or treat?

We've joined up with Kol's Notes, Beagles and Bargains and more of your favorite pet bloggers for this year's Trick or Treat Giveaway Blog Hop!

We've got a great trick to show you -- and after you see our trick, you'll have a chance to enter to win prizes -- including a $300 PetSmart gift card!

DISCLOSURE: The Trick or Treat Giveaway Hop is sponsored by CleverPet, The Honest Kitchen, Planet Dog, and Health Extension. The opinions and ideas in this post are my own and are uninfluenced by any other person or business. The individual sponsors are responsible for their giveaway prizes including shipping.

Global Pet Expo: 9 dog products to watch in 2017

Another Global Pet Expo is in the books. We stumbled through over 7 miles of pet products over three days in March. Over 1,100 companies showed off thousands of products for dogs, cats, reptiles, fish, hamsters, birds, chickens, and more. 

Here are 9 of our favorite dog products from Global Pet Expo -- broken up into six trending product areas to watch in 2017.

NEED TO KNOW: We did not get any compensation for this post. We did receive product samples, but all opinions here are our own.

3 treat feeders to exercise a dog's body, mind

With Lulu still recovering from her cranial cruciate ligament surgery, strengthening her hind leg is important.

We've always used treat feeders to keep them busy, but they've taken on a new importance: physical exercise.

So here are our three favorites.

DISCLAIMER: I've received these feeders for free to review, but Life With Beagle received no payment for this post. All thoughts are our own.

9 great dog companies we found at Global Pet Expo: Day 1

It's Global Pet Expo week!

Thousands of pet companies from all over the world are showing their new and popular products.

Here are 9 our favorites from day 1 of Global Pet Expo.

Your dogs will beg for Rocky's Rollers by Jones: REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Jones Natural Chews is a proud sponsor of Life With Beagle and Lulu's Favorite Things, our annual fundraising campaign for Harbor House of Central Florida. Although we received compensation for the post, my opinions are my own -- and so are Lulu's. 

How much does Lulu like Rocky's Rollers?

We first heard about these new treats from Jones Natural Chews while visiting their booth at Global Pet Expo. They gave me a sample -- long lamb sausage links. I gave one each to Lulu and Jasmine that week. Lulu did something I'd never seen before -- she pulled it from Jasmine's mouth!

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!

Concerned about #DogDentalHealth? Get nubbly with WHIMZEES

This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Dental Health Month, but Life With Beagle only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Can your dog chew their way to better health?

While tooth brushing is still the gold standard for cleaning doggy teeth, giving your dog a dental chew is a great way to keep your dog from the dentist's chair.
 

Have you ever flipped the lip? It's the best way to check your dog's teeth?

Never thought about dog dental health? You should (especially if you're a beagle parents because, you know, beagles eat ANYTHING). Some 80 percent of dogs have signs of dental disease by the age of three. Dental disease can lead to other diseases in dogs, just like it can in humans.

Plus as dogs get older it could mean teeth cleanings where dogs are put under, or even tooth removal. Talk about expensive! You can avoid all that just by taking care of your dog's teeth now.

What kind of dental treat should you give? Well, in our opinion, it's all about the nubs!

 What are WHIMZEES™?

These treats from Holland are a crazy fun way to keep the tartar in your dog's teeth in check.

There are only six ingredients in WHIMZEES, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives (top ingredient? potato starch). The treats are colorful, sure, but it's done with natural extracts. The green ones, for instance, are made with alfalfa extract, while the orange ones are made with extracts from the Annatto fruit.

The company comes out with some new styles every year so there's lots to choose from: gators and hedgehogs and toothbrushes and more. And in different sizes too.

And almost all of them have those bumps you see there -- they're nubbly. The nubs and the shape designs actually help to increase blood flow through the gums. And THAT helps prevent tartar buildup.

"Can I eat it now?... How about now?"

Those nubs are great in helping your dog's teeth stay in good shape.

How can you buy WHIMZEES? We went to PetSmart® to check it out.

Take note: PetSmart has a sale for #DogDentalHealth Month!

PetSmart has a display like that one in the stores, plus WHIMZEES in the treats aisle, PLUS single packs on shelves near the registers. 

That is another great reason I love WHIMZEES -- you don't have to buy a big bag. You can buy single treats, so you can mix and match sizes and types. On this trip I bought a bag of toothbrushes, and a couple alligators.

I actually love the alligators best, not only because they are hysterical, but because the dogs seem to chew them slowly. The slower they chew, the better it is for them.

There are lots of dog dental treats available at PetSmart. Make sure which ever one you choose is a good, chewy treat that helps your doggy keep those teeth clean.

Be sure to follow WHIMZEES on Facebook and on Twitter.

A spooky giveaway: Jones Natural Chews Boo Bucket *SPONSORED*

Jones Natural Chews is one of the sponsors of the Lulu's Favorite Things Campaign, which raises money for Harbor House of Central Florida's Paws for Peace Kennel.

Please consider donating to their newest campaign, the Purple Purse Challenge. If you donate, they have a chance to win thousands of dollars from the Allstate Foundation, to help domestic abuse survivors re-establish their lives.
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It's starting to feel like fall for some of you. Some of you are even getting snow.

Not here in Florida. Saturday has a high of 91 degrees.

"I choose the pool life." -- Lulu

Not to say it doesn't have its benefits, but it's time for pretty leaves, apples, pumpkins, jackets, cinnamon, mulled cider and Halloween!

Time to get the dogs interested too. And here's a chance to get you excited for Halloween too!

If you follow Life With Beagle, you've read our Jones Natural Chews reviews before. This is one of their newest and neatest treats.

The bucket has nine items in it and is reuseable: a Windee, 2 Lambly Links, 2 Woofers, a beef Knee Cap, a beef hoof, an "other pig ear" (a piece of pig chin) and a bacon roll.

They are all great treats if you are looking for a special treat that keeps the dogs busy for a while.

In case you didn't know, I love Jones Natural Chews. Their products are made in the USA, all natural (they rarely use anything other than the basic meat product) and are a family-owned company. Their products are not too expensive either.

And, of course, the dogs love them.

Jasmine tried her first beef trachea. It's tough for Lulu to work on, but Jasmine was able to get in there and break it open.

Lulu chose the bacon roll from the bucket, which is a favorite of hers.

Just don't try to take it from her.

Now for your chance to win!

This giveaway is for one Jones Natural Chews Bow Wow Boo Bucket, mailed to your home in time for Halloween! Enter the Rafflecopter now through Oct. 1 for chances to win. There's only one mandatory entry -- you have to leave a comment on the blog below.

The fine print:

This post is sponsored by Jones Natural Chews. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Jones Natural Chews, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. JNC is not responsible for the content of this article.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Favorite dog treats for training your beagles

We love our treats! (They are beagles after all!)

Look at the awesome box we got from Merrick -- It's got all kinds of doggy treats inside.

I like to make sure Lulu and Jasmine are doing things and learning for their treats. I try very hard not to just hand them a cookie.

But some tricks and behaviors are more important than others. And I also have to make sure my girls don't lose their figure eating treats.

So here are the treats I like to use -- and why I use them.

Day-to-day small stuff

Merrick Kitchen Bites: These are small doggy biscuits made by Merrick and come in the company's canned food flavors. We particularly love the Brauts n Tots one because we think chicken makes Jasmine itchy.

Why I like these: Grain free, gluten free, and small. I like to use these for little midday treats, particularly when I need to get the dogs in the house, or I need to get Jasmine in her crate so I can go to work. They are crunchy, but not particularly stinky.

Keeping them in line 

Zuke's Treats: Zuke's treats are made in the USA or New Zealand. They are flavorful treats, and they aren't big treats. I like the Lil' Links and the Hip Action treats.

Why I like these: The treats are small enough to give the girls a taste of something good. I like to use them when we're out and about to keep their attention. For instance, I gave them to Lulu during outdoor photo shoots. I also used them to maintain her attention while at farmer's markets and the post office. They aren't too fattening, and the Hip Action have the added bonus of having glucosamine.

Training time

We have a small stash.

Natural Balance Food Rolls: My trainer, Adam at Petco, is the one who coined the term "puppy crack." It's the truth. Dogs will do almost anything for some food rolls. They are also Made in the USA.

Why I like these: The food rolls can be broken apart or cut. You can mold them into a ball. They are incredibly stinky. And with a beagle that can be a great help. I save these for training because it's helpful in keeping them focused on you. They love the taste and smell.

Now I say this all with the understanding that Natural Balance changed the recipe recently. The roll is crumblier and not as easy to use. But from what my trainer understands, NB has gotten so many complaints they are changing back to the old recipe.

Very Important Tasks

Peanut butter: I kid you not. Lulu can hear a jar open from half the house away. If I have peanut butter Lulu wants a taste. So I make it very special. For instance, pills. I put the pill in the middle of the peanut butter and she takes it in one go. Jasmine is a bit more judicious, licking and licking. But she still goes for the pill at the end. 

Why I like it: Ummm peanut butter is tasty? No seriously, I can buy a jar and share it between the dogs and I. Cheaper than treats, good for the dog and when they know it's extra special they'll do anything. Just try to buy one that doesn't have lots of sugar.

Busy time

 Jones Natural Chews rib bones: There are lots of ways to keep your pets busy, but I like these bones. Plus, stripping bones is good for doggy teeth.

Why I like these: All natural, made in the USA. No preservatives. Plus, Lulu finds these beef rib bones easier to chew. She likes her bones not to big, not too small. Plus, Jones also sell a "rib roller," a beef bone wrapped with pig skin. The dogs really like those!


What are your favorite treats for training? TELL US BELOW!

Lulu's Favorite Things: Zuke's Lil' Links treats GIVEAWAY *SPONSORED*

Zuke's Pet Treats is one of the sponsors of the Lulu's Favorite Things Campaign, which raises money for Harbor House of Central Florida's Paws for Peace Walk. Thanks to the help of companies like Zuke's, we raised $500 for Harbor House. You can continue to help us raise money by going to the Harbor House website. And keep reading for our great giveaway below.
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We are all constantly looking for new and better treats for our pets, aren't we?

And lets be honest, Lulu's never met a treat she didn't like. Or anything edible, really -- and sometimes her idea of edible and mine don't mesh. So it's up to me as the parent to kind of move her toward treats that won't make her sick... or fat.

I actually started buying Zuke's treats for my cats, because some have glucosamine, which is good for joints. But I found Zuke's can be great training treats too.

These Lil' Links are great for training your pet. They are small, but they are a little stinky, and they can be broken up. Or you can just use them as high-value treats.

I also like them because the ingredients are limited.

Zuke's honored me by letting Lulu and Jasmine try the new Duck and Apple flavor that is coming out! And you know what the first two ingredients are? Duck and apple! Maybe 17 ingredients go into each treat! So not a lot of preservatives, which is great if you're watching what your dog is eating, or are worried about allergy issues. And they're grain free.

And where do the ingredients come from? Here's what Zuke's says on their website:

"All natural ingredients, all sourced in the USA (except our rabbit and venison which come from New Zealand), with final products made in the USA."

Plus duck is a great protein if your dog has an intolerance for regular proteins, like chicken. Of course, if your pet likes chicken treats, you can get Chicken and Apple Lil' Links too. They also make them in Pork and Apple and Rabbit and Apple.

Zuke's has lots of other treat lines, in case you are looking for something else. Lulu also likes their Hip Action peanut butter treats, which have glucosamine. And if your dog could lose a little weight, there's the Skinny Bakes line too.

You can also follow Zuke's on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Now, here's your chance to win a set of the Lil' Links line!

Four bags -- one of each of the chicken, rabbit, pork and the new duck treats, will be shipped to your house from Zuke's!

Just fill out the RaffleCopter below. The question -- what kind of treats do your dogs like?

There are others ways to get entries as well! So enter today. The contest ends June 1.

The fine print: This post is sponsored by Zuke's. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Zuke's, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Zuke's is not responsible for the content of this article.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lulu's favorite things GIVEAWAY: Jones Natural Chews *SPONSORED*

Jones Natural Chews is one of the sponsors of the Lulu's Favorite Things Campaign, which raises money for Harbor House of Central Florida's Paws for Peace Walk. Please consider donating to our campaign here. 

The Paws for Peace Walk is Saturday, April 26  at 9 a.m. at Blue Jacket Park. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Please join Team Beagle!

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You know the old saying "give a dog a bone?"

The time-honored tradition of the dog chewing on a bone at his master's feet hasn't gone away, though it's more of a treat than the main meal. Stripping a bone is actually good for a dog's teeth, and it's a great way to keep a dog busy.

But rawhide is not the best thing for many dogs, and ESPECIALLY beagles. You have to worry about what kind of bone you give as well.

That's why I like Jones Natural Chews, and they are up first in our Lulu's Favorite things campaign.

It's not just Flea, JNC's quirky blogger that makes Jones great. Or her penchant for bringing chicks to conferences.

These products are great, and Lulu loves them.

Jones got its start as a family of butchers in the 1850s. But once Jones started offering to butcher and smoke the best cuts of meats for local farms in the 1970s, Jones also became a place to get great dog chews. After all, there's lots of bones and animal parts that would be thrown away otherwise.

In 1988, some of the Jones kids got together and started expanding on those dog chews. Today, Jones chews are USDA inspected, made in America and still family owned.

So what kind of animal parts are we talking about?

Here's some of our favorites:

Lulu absolutely loves pig ears. I like the pig ear snacks because I can give her a piece of pig ear and as a high-value snack. She doesn't get all the calories, and but gets a bit of something to chew (because pig ears are pretty high calorie).

Did you know? Many companies coat pig ears with a preservative. Sometimes it's glycerin. But that preservative can be a problem for beagles. I've even had some beagle people tell me it can cause seizures.

So when Lulu had what I assumed was a seizure last year, I looked into this. Jones uses no preservatives. They coat the ears with fat when they bake them. That's it. Lulu's been eating them for months, and no problems!

We also like these rib bones! But my favorites come with a special treat -- a piece of pig skin wrapped around. It's called a rib roller. Lulu has a stash of the bones under the recliner (kid you not). Every once in a while I hear her digging -- she's pulling a bone out to chew. She'll take a while to actually strip it and chew it, but she loves it when she does.

Then there are the TaffySnapz! It's like candy for dogs. It comes in all kinds of flavors. These sausage sticks are beef, rye flour and salt. That's it!

 They've got other great treats too -- filled bones, lamb lungs, windees -- trachea, which Mom's dog Cappy loves.

How do you get Jones Natural Chews?

They are available in pet stores, on Amazon and on Jones' -affiliated treat shop website.

There's a store locator on their website.

BUT -- you can win some Jones Natural Chews right now!

We are giving away a 20-piece Variety pack:

• Beef Hooves
• Beef Rib Bone pieces
• Pork Skin Roll pieces
• Pig Ear slices
• Beef Bully Stick pieces
• Steer Stick pieces

Here's an in-depth look from Jones Natural chews, with great info on each treat.  

To enter the giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter. The giveaway ends May 1, so hurry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The fine print:
This post is sponsored by Jones Natural Chews. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Jones Natural Chews, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. JNC is not responsible for the content of this article.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Do you want to know a secret?

Listen... do you want to know a secret?

Do you promise not to tell?

Closer!

Let me whisper in your ear.

Say the words you long to heeeeeeaaar...

I'VE GOT TREATS FOR YOU!

AROOOOOO!!




Happy anniversary to The Beatles!

Via Portal Do Dog.com