DIY Easy and Cheap Dog Toys

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It can be hard when you’re stuck inside during a string of snowy days.  And the last thing you want to do is go out to the pet store and grab you dog a new toy to keep them occupied.  That’s when these easy and cheap dog toys that you can make at home come in real handy.  Almost all of these DIY cheap dog toys are made with items you can easily find around your house.  

Don’t forget to click the links for quick tutorial! 

Denim Knot – This one is almost as easy as they come.  Take an old pair of jeans, cut them into 1” strips and tie them together in a knot and well, that’s it!  Now they have a cute little knoted fray toy to throw and catch.

Tennis Ball Foxtail – Also another super easy trick you can do to make a cheap dog toy is get an old sock (needs to be a long one) and a tennis ball.  Put the tennis ball in the sock, tie a knot around the bottom to secure the ball. You can then cut either side of the sock to make two “tails” or just keep it whole.

Water Bottle Toss-able – Just like the foxtail this one is ridiculously easy.  Take an empty water bottle and wrap it in an old t-shirt.  Tie the sides and cut to fray it up to make it a little more fun looking. Your dog will love the crinkle sound it makes and the shirt keeps the plastic safe, so basically it’s the perfect cheap dog toy!

Braided Pull Toy – This one take a little more time, but the end result is awesome.  You take an old shirt, towel, or cloth and cut it into various strips about 1” wide. You can decided how long or think you want to make it.  Next, you tie a knot at the top (leaving little fray at top) then you divide them into three sections and braid them all together to make a giant braid and knot the bottom. If you want to give it a little extra something, take a tennis ball and slit it through the middle and string the toy through it before you knot it.  This one can actually come out looking so good no one will ever know you made it!

Cereal Box Treat Find – Intended to be a one time toy, the cereal box treat idea is pretty fun for your dog.  You tape up treats in a box and let them shred it to pieces as they try and find the snacks.  Just make sure you have a broom handy and watch them as they play so they don’t ingest the cardboard box.

DIY Treat Puzzle –  I love this idea, it’s super simple and tons of fun.  Take an old tupperware or butter container and cut various sized holes around the edges and top.  You want them to big enough that the treats fall out somewhat easily so your dog doesn’t get discouraged.  If you think the edges are a little rough, use sandpaper to smooth it out.  Insert treats, tape it shut, and enjoy watching your pet paw it around with excitement as treats fall out. Just like the cereal box, you’ll want to make sure your dog is supervised while playing with this one; which should be too hard since they’ll look so cute as they play!

Don’t forget to comment which ones you like best and share pics of your pup playing with these amazing easy and cheap dog toys!  

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Cats

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Is your kitty your Valentine this year? What do you get him or her? Cats generally don’t like chocolate or roses, but these gifts are sure to win your cat’s heart over. Here are some great Valentine’s Day gifts for cats.

Catnip 

Most kitties love catnip! Catnip can be a great Valentine’s Day gift for cats. For a gift sure to please buy or make your kitty a catnip toy. Making a catnip toy at home is easy.

Catnip sock toy:

  1. Start with a children’s or small sock, catnip and a needle and thread
  2. Fill the sock with catnip
  3. Sew the top of the sock closed with the needle and thread
  4. Give the sock to your kitty

Another great catnip gift is fresh catnip. You can find fresh catnip at pet stores or grow it from seeds.

Treats 

Treats are awesome Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. A cool new treat is flaked tuna. These are thin flakes of freeze dried tuna that can be fed as treats or as a topping for food. For some homemade treat ideas, check out our previous blog posts on Valentine’s Day treats for cats.

Collars 

A new collar is a fun Valentine’s Day gift for cats. Many cats will love a collar with hearts on it (and maybe a bell). Be sure to fit the collar correctly to keep your cat safe.

Furniture 

A cat tree is a sure win for Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. For a new cat tree check out your local petstore. For a smaller gift try a new cat bed or scratching post. Want to make a homemade cat bed? Take a small box and decorate it, with lots of hearts using construction paper and child-safe markers. Place a pillow in the box and you have a wonderful DIY cat bed.

Valentine’s Day can be a great holiday to share with your cat. These Valentine’s Day gifts for cats are sure to make your cat’s day.

What Are the Best Fort Collins Dog Trails?

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Fort Collins dog owners are very lucky to have many friendly dog trails to choose from. There are a variety of trails in city natural areas and parks, county parks, and state parks. Here are some of my favorite hikes with dogs.

Lory State Park- Well Gulch Nature Trail 

This trail is a beautiful 1.5 mile hike through a variety of terrains. The trails has some slow climbs and downhills. There are also many waterfalls along the way. I would recommend this trail because it is not steep or very technical, it is fairly short, and has great views.

Fort Collins Natural Areas- Maxwell Natural Area

The trail in Maxwell Natural Area leads to the A. Taking the foothills trail to the overlook trail will take you and your dog up to the A, with a great view of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. This hike is about 4 miles round trip but is lots of fun. It starts with a walk through rolling hills, then you begin climbing up the mountain. The climb is not too steep or technical. I recommend this trail because it has great views, has wide trails, and has few cacti along the trail.

Horsetooth Mountain Park- Horsetooth Falls

Horsetooth Mountain Park has many trails, but the Horsetooth Falls Trail is one of the easier trails. This trail is an out and back, with the whole trip being about 2.4 miles. There are many ups and downs on this trail but few steep climbs. At the end of the trail is a waterfall (sometimes a small trickle) with a water pool. This trail has some narrow portions so be aware of other trail users. I recommend this trail because it is a good workout, and ends in a very pretty waterfall.

These are my favorite trails for dogs in Fort Collins. Most trails in Fort Collins are dog friendly, but few like Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Natural Areas are not. Always be aware of wildlife and other hikers. Check out our previous article on heat stress in dogs and have a great hike with your furry friend.

How Do I Get My Dog into Shape?

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Getting into shape is a common New Year’s goal for people and their pets. With over 50% of pets overweight, getting into shape is good goal. So, what can you do to help you get your dog into shape?

 

Playing

Playing with dogs can seem like a no brainer. A great calorie burning activity is fetch. Tossing the ball around gets your dog running and engaging many muscles. For a little more oomph in your fetch game, use a ChuckIt, which launches balls much farther than a person can throw them.

 

Getting outside 

Going for walks, hikes or runs is a great way to get your pup (and yourself) active. For overweight or out of shape dogs, start slow. Start with a slow 5-10 minute walk, then increase the speed and duration of your walks over a few weeks. Always bring water for your dog and read his body language to see when he is tired. Once your dog is in shape (and possibly with vet approval) start going for runs or long hikes.

 

 

Reducing calories 

In conjunction with exercise, reducing the calories your dog eats is key to him or her losing weight. Reducing calories can mean switching to a low calorie food or simply reducing the amount of food your dog gets. Start by cutting out excess calories, like lots of wet food or treats. Try feeding your dog healthy treats like freeze dried liver (available at the pet store) or pet friendly fruits and veggies (like watermelon and carrots). As an alternative to wet food try a small amount of boiled chicken. You can also add veggies to your pet’s dry food to add some extra bulk and fiber. This can help make the transition to a lower amount of food easier. Steamed string beans and carrots are great to add to your dog’s food.

 

Every pet parent wants their dog to stay happy and healthy! Getting your pup into shape helps keep your pet healthy and might even help you get healthier too.

How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self-Service Dog Wash?

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Depending on where you go in Fort Collins or Loveland and what type of bath package you choose, a self-service dog wash can range in pricing. Remember, all services are on a first-come first-serve basis. Be sure to hurry in as peak times are on the weekends during the middle of the day! Here are some of the different options that self-service dog wash locations offer.

Less expensive options:

If you are looking for a basic wash without all the bells and whistles, Unleashed by Petco is the place to go. At $10 per dog, you are permitted the use of an elevated tub, towels, grooming tools, an apron, a dryer, shampoo and conditioner.

Mid-priced options

Do you want to spoil your dog, but not break the bank? Then these self-serve locations may be best suited for you and your pups. Cosmic Dog offers a fun, spa-like atmosphere with a plethora of choices for shampoo, conditioner and even a spritz, all for $14! Doggie Baths and Beyond offers 3 different packages, ranging from a basic wash at $10 to a deluxe wash at $15. Poudre Pet and Feed Supply offers a $15 wash at select locations. Camp Bow Wow offers a $15 wash for current clients only. All of these facilities provide raised tubs, easy access stairs or ramps, no slip mats, dog dryers, aprons, and brushes, as well as a variety of shampoos and conditioners.

More expensive options:

For those looking for a self-service dog wash with a more spa-like environment with a variety of add-ons, The Dog Pawlour or Doggie Dips and Chips may be the place for you. Baths here run about $16 for your first dog, and offer a small discount on your other dog’s bath if sharing the same tub. Depending on where you go, these facilities offer the basics like a tub, grooming tools, and towels, as well as a variety of scented shampoos and conditioners to choose from.

So whether your pups had some fun at the dog park rolling in the mud or just need a bath to freshen up, think about taking them to a self-serve dog wash! Just remember that in Fort Collins or Loveland, self-serve baths will range from $10 to $16. It is worth the money and will save you time from scrubbing your bathroom tub!

What Can I Do to Make My Dog More Comfortable on New Year’s Eve?

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If you’ve read our previous blog post, “Why does my dog not like New Year’s Eve?”, then odds are you’re looking for tips to make your dog more comfortable on New Year’s Eve! Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can start off the year right with a happy, healthy pooch!

Keep Pets Indoors

As tempting as it is to keep your dog outside while your party guests are over, you may want to rethink this option. Your neighbors are most likely experimenting with fireworks and firecrackers, scaring Fido into jumping the fence and running away. Keep your dog inside a secure room in the house with the windows and doors closed so he doesn’t have the opportunity to run!

Turn up the TV or radio

While you are enjoying the chatter, fireworks, and festivities among friends and family, your pup is most likely shaking in fear. To make him more comfortable, keep him secured in a safe location and turn up some familiar noises to soothe and distract him.

Give your dog a special treat

Think about giving your pup a long-lasting special treat, like a bully-stick or bone, to distract him. Chances are, it will take him more than a few minutes to consume it and will keep him satisfied for a few hours.

Rescue Remedy

If you are not familiar with this wonder product, look into buying some Rescue Remedy for your pup. It is a natural stress reliever that you can add to their food, water, or directly into their mouth. It may not be completely effective, but it is worth a shot if you know your pup is the anxious type!

Whether you are hosting a party for 20 or a party for one, remember to keep your dog as comfortable as possible this New Year’s Eve by following these tips! So tell us, what else have you tried to make your dog comfortable in these scary situations?

 

Holiday Treats For Dogs

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The holidays are a great time of year for humans and their canine companions.  Great food is a huge part of the holidays, but much of it is off limits for Fido. Here are some holiday treats for dogs for that special pup in your life!

Doggy Eggnog 

Eggnog is a wonderful holiday treat, this year share some with your dog!

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 container of plain, greek yogurt
  • 1/2 jar of baby food (in a dog friendly flavor)
  • 1/4 cup of water or milk
  • 1 egg
  • Dog treats as toppings

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blend and blend until frothy
  2. Add your toppings
  3. Give your dog a small serving

 

Mint Dog Bones

Not only are these festive treats tasty, but they will also improve your dog’s breath.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves
  • 3/4 a cup of milk or water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of wheat germ
  • 1 tablespoon of Brewer’s yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups of flour

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. Whisk mint, milk or water, egg, honey and oil in a large bowl
  3. Mix in wheat germ and Brewer’s yeast
  4. Slowly mix in flour to form a thick dough
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick
  6. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the cookies
  7. Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown
  8. Let the cookies cool and feed to your dog

 

Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies 

Potatoes are a traditional Hanukkah food, here is a healthy way to include your dog in the tradition.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup of oats
  • 3 cups of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of xylitol free peanut butter

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place in a pot of boiling water
  3. Boil sweet potatoes until soft then puree in a blender
  4. Whisk the egg and peanut butter into the sweet potato puree
  5. In a separate bowl mix the oats and flour
  6. Add the sweet potato mixture to the flour- oat mixture
  7. Stir the mixture until combined
  8. Roll out the dough of a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick
  9.  Use cookie cutter or a glass to cut the cookies into shapes
  10. Bake the cookies until golden brown
  11. Let the cookies cool and feed them to your dog

 

Chicken Jerky

These yummy treats make special and healthy gifts for your dog.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees
  2. Wash the chicken breasts with water and slice into 1/4 inch strips
  3. Place the chicken strips in an single, even layer on a baking sheet, leave a small amount of space between each strip
  4. Bake until the chicken strips are dehydrated, about 2 hours

Check that the strips are done by cutting one open. There should be no uncooked parts and there should not be any moisture inside. Store the jerky in sealed containers for about a week or longer in the refrigerator.

 

Gingerbread Christmas Dog Treats

Gingerbread is yummy treat for your dog this holiday season. These treats are very easy to make and fairly healthy for your dog.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup of molasses
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of canola oil

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. In a small bowl mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon and cloves together
  3. In a separate bowl mix the molasses, water and oil
  4. Mix the molasses mix into the flour mix and combine until it forms a dough
  5. On a floured surface roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thick
  6. Cut the cookies into holiday shapes and place on baking sheet
  7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown
  8. Let the cookies cool and feed to your dog

 

 

These holiday treats for dogs will no doubt help make your furbaby’s holiday a little sweeter. As always feed all treats in moderation.

Did your dog enjoy your homemade dog treats? Let us know on our Facebook page!

 

 

 

 

How Do I Make My Cat Comfortable with Guests Over for Thanksgiving?

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Every cat has a different purr-sonality. Some cats love new people, others take a bit longer to warm up to new people. Thanksgiving dinner can be a stressful time for both kinds of cats. Most cats do not like crowds of people or the loud noises associated with Thanksgiving. So how can you make your cat comfortable over Thanksgiving?

1. Provide a safe space

Almost all cats will choose flight over fight, especially when confronted with new people. Do not try and force your cat to hang out in the living room. Open all the doors to your cat’s favorite hiding spots and provide your cat with many different options for hiding areas, such as under beds, in closets, or in a cat tree. Make sure to keep your cat’s space quiet and off-limits to guests. This will help keep your cat happy and prevent any conflict between your cat and your guests. Make sure to move your cat’s food, water, and litter box into a safe space so that your cat does not need to leave the room if he or she does not want to.

2. Give your cat look-out zones

Create a “stairway” up to a high shelf or provide a cat tree. This allows your cat to survey the room without being in the middle of it. Your cat will be able to evaluate the situation and decide if he or she feels comfortable. This will let him or her choose when to join the party. Try placing a towel on a shelf or in a cat tree so your kitty has somewhere comfortable to lay.

3. Tell your guests how to interact with your cat

Not everyone knows how to interact with cats. As your guests enter the house, tell them that your cat may be a little shy. Recommend that they do not approach your cat, or try to pet him or her. Cornering a scared kitty can result in your guests getting scratched. Always have your guests wait for the cat to approach them, then they can pet your kitty. Try having guests give your kitty a favorite treat when he or she comes to say hi. Keep a special eye on kids, as they may not know how to pet cats.

4. Provide calming scents 

Catnip can be very effective at calming cats. Catnip mimics the smell of the pheromone cats have in their face and paws. This scent can help make your cat feel more comfortable during Thanksgiving dinner. There are many sprays and diffusers on the market that have cat calming scents. Try spraying these on your cat’s bed and around the house to help calm him or her down.

 

The key to having a happy cat this Thanksgiving is by allowing your cat to choose where he or she wants to be. Never force your cat to interact with a guest or hang out in high traffic areas. Giving your cat lots of areas to hang out in can help reduce the stress of Thanksgiving dinner. Want to really have a happy cat? Check out our last blog post on Thanksgiving treats for your cat.

Why I Love Being Your Sidehill Sitter

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Being a pet sitter is the best job in the world! I have worked many other jobs in the pet care industry, but working for Sidehill as a pet sitter is my favorite job I have ever had. Here are three reasons I love being your pet sitter and love being a Sidehill sitter.

1. At Sidehill we strive to give the best care to your pet. 

We know that leaving your pets at home can be scary! As a pet parent I feel the same way, but I trust Sidehill 100% to keep my animals happy and safe.I know that all of our sitters do everything we can to keep your animals content. We love to give extra belly rubs, extra play time and sometimes extra treats. Additionally, all of our sitters go thought lots of training, including pet first aid and CPR, to keep your pet safe.

2. We get to form relationships with the pets we take care of.

 Many of our clients at Sidehill book regularly, so we get to develop relationships with pets. One of my favorite experiences as a pet sitter was developing a relationship with a shy dog. I have watched this dog and his brother and sister multiple times. Each time he barked at me and did not want anything to do with me. This went on for a few visits, then slowly he started warming up to me. Finally he wanted to hang out with me, I know soon I will be able to pet him. This experience was very fulfilling and why I know forming relationships with pets is so important.

 

3. We get to make clients feel safe.

Another cool part of my job is forming relationships with my clients. Our clients are really cool people and really care about their pets. Leaving your pet in the care of a stranger is so hard. For this reason, we do client meetings. During a client meeting your sitter gets to learn about your home and pets. The other benefit to client meetings is that you get to put a face to your pet sitter. Knowing who your pet sitter is really helps make our clients feel safer about leaving their pets at home. Additionally, we always offer to text or email our clients each day. This allows the client to check up on their pet and helps them feel safer.

 

Being a pet sitter is a really amazing job. I get to work with awesome pets and learn new things every day. We love getting to work with you and your pets and can’t wait to meet you (or see your pets again)!

 

Clicker Training Tips

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There are many different positive reinforcement training methods available to both cat and dog owners. One of my favorite methods is clicker training, it is a good way to quickly train your pet with less treats than traditional training.

Clicker training is used by thousands of animal trainers to teach all types of animals. It can be used to teach dogs obedience, leash manners, agility and many other things. It can also be used to teach tricks and other positive behaviors to cats.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is using a sound (generally a clicker) to positively reinforce your pet for a behavior he or she is doing. In clicker training, a click is used every time a good behavior happens and treats are given later (which means fewer treats).

 

Why should I clicker train my pet? 

Clicker training has a couple of cool benefits. Clicker training allows you to reward positive behavior more quickly than giving your pet a treat. Depending on your reaction time, you could be clicking 10-15 seconds after your pet does the positive behavior. Giving a treat to your pet generally takes a longer time, which may cause your pet to forget the positive behavior he or she did. This helps your pet learn what the behavior you want to see, and learn it more quickly.

Because you click for each behavior rather than give your pet a treat, you feed less treats per training session. This is really helpful if you are working with an overweight pet or do not want your pet to gain weight.

 

How do I get started clicker training? 

Clicker training is all about associating a sound with a reward, so start by picking a sound. Pick a sound that is easy to make and distinct (will not be heard outside of training). For example, it is not recommended you use a clap because your pet will hear clapping outside of the training session and may get confused. This is the reason many people use the clicker. It is a very distinct sound, and it may be quicker to make than any sound you can make on your own. Clickers are easy to find at pet stores and generally cost around $2.

 

Next get started with your first sessions of training. These sessions will be very treat heavy, so pick a treat that your dog likes. Because clicker training is all about associating a sound with a reward (like a treat) you will be clicking and giving your dog a treat per click. Start by getting your dog’s attention, and simply clicking the clicker. After each click, quickly give your dog a treat. Do this for a few 5-10 minute sessions. After a few sessions, start mixing in simple behaviors with clicking. For example, have your dog sit, then click and treat. Do this for a few sessions and slowly wean down to only treating for every 10 clicks. Be sure to give your pet some treats after each session to tell him that he did a good job.

Next move on to the first behavior you want to teach, do so slowly. Because your dog is new to training, still give treats pretty frequently during the sessions. If you are teaching a complicated behavior, like how to walk nicely on a leash, use multiple steps to teach this. For simple behaviors you can use one step. An example I am going to use is teaching a pet how to come. Have someone hold your pet at the other end of the room and use your come signal. Only when your pet comes to you, give a click and give a treat. Repeat this behavior, give a click and treat the second and third times. The next time your pet comes, give only a click. Repeat this for the remainder of your session, mixing in a few treats with clicks. At the end of the session give your pet treats to tell him he did a good job. At each training session, reduce the amount of treats given during the session to only treating at the end. Do this until your pet masters the behavior.

 

Clicker training is a great way to teach pets positive behaviors. Be sure to use treats your pet likes and keep training sessions short for success!