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Brand new GPS Pet Tracker – Guardian Orb + Giveaway

My weimaraner likes to run ahead of me on the trails. He’s not a courageous dog as well as always keeps me in sight. He darts ahead about 100 lawns (oh so brave!), as well as then stops to make sure I’m following.

But as most of you are well aware, a few of our dogs just can’t assist themselves around birds, rabbits, squirrels or whatever it may be.

I do my finest at discovering the balance between obligation as well as providing my dog the flexibility to be a weim. There is danger to that, as well as my dog definitely takes off into the clean in browse of birds. (Sorry, birds.)

Guardian Orb is a brand-new pet tracker that has taken all the great of the present GPS pet trackers while likewise overcoming the limitations (no monthly charges or subscriptions). It will be offered in July 2018. December 2019 update: Guardian Orb has not yet released the GPS tracking product. You can checked out updates on their Indiegogo page here.

This publish is sponsored by Guardian Orb.

GPS Pet Tracker – Guardian Orb

When my dog bounds ahead into the brush, I understand it’s only a matter of 30 seconds before I see his derpy deal with re-appear.

But there’s always some danger in enabling any type of dog off leash. perhaps the dog takes off a bit further than usual as well as gets confused. perhaps the wind somehow disorients him as well as he goes the wrong way.

Unfortunately, almost everybody understands a dog who has gotten lost. If it hasn’t occurred to you, I’m sure you understand a good friend or household member who has lost a dog for at least a few minutes. It’s terrifying!

Today I’m going to tell you a bit more about the new GPS pet tracker called Guardian Orb.

With the product, a little “Orb” attaches to your pet’s collar as well as the Guardian Orb app provides you gain access to to your pet’s real-time place from your phone, tablet or computer. There are no monthly charges or subscriptions, as well as it has a tracking radius as much as 10 miles.

Here is a video we made about Guardian Orb:

Features of the Guardian Orb GPS pet tracker:

Attaches to your dog’s collar (or a feline or other pet’s collar)

Tracking radius as much as 10 miles

NO monthly charges or subscriptions!

Offers advanced geo-location technology

Smallest pet tracking gadget available, according to the company

Tracks your pet in genuine time

Track from any type of smartphone, tablet or desktop

Stationary as well as portable “base” choices for house or travel

Private secure network

Waterproof

Uses radio signal, cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking

Cons:

I have not tested Guardian Orb yet since it’s not offered up until July.

Guardian Orb is trying to be the very best pet tracker possible as well as as you can see there are a great deal of benefits.

The only con I can see is that with all innovation there are limitations. It might be human error where you fail to remember to fee the battery or it might be that you’re hiking in a remote area where you believed you’d have cell reception however you don’t.

Guardian Orb is truly trying to offer the very best product as well as service possible though by utilizing radio signal, cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking.

How to order a Guardian Orb

Follow Guardian Orb on Facebook so you don’t miss out on introduce updates.

More information on exactly how the Guardian Orb pet tracker works

The Guardian Orb attaches to your dog’s collar, as well as then you pair it with the “base” system – either a “Guardian Go” for travel as well as adventures or a “Guardian Home.” The “Orb” is 1.2” in diameter. You can utilize several Orbs with one base system if you have several dogs.

Guardian Home: links to your Web router as well as tracks your pet from house as much as 10 miles.

It pairs with any type of smartphone, tablet or desktop with wifi or cellular. It combines Radio Signal, Cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking so there are three methods to discover your pup.

Guardian Go: The Guardian Go is what I photo being most practical for my dog Remy for our hiking as well as camping adventures. This is a portable base station that fits in your pocket or pack as well as pairs with your mobile gadget via Bluetooth. The tracking radius moves together with you, tracking as much as ten miles with a 16-hour battery life.

The Guradian Go base system is 3” by 2.5” by 1.5”. like the Guardian Home, this likewise combines Radio Signal, Cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking. as well as remember, there are no monthly charges or subscriptions.

You can likewise utilize the Guardian Orb for other pets like cats, horses or any type of pet that has something you can connect the “Orb” too.

Here is a graphic showing a few of Guardian Orb’s features compared to other pet trackers:

Let me understand if you have any type of concerns about the product.

Related posts:

What to do if you lose your dog

Off leash hiking with your dog

*Again, say thanks to you for the kind messages about our recent loss of both Ace as well as Beamer. Your notes truly help.

Benefits of getting A Puppy From A Breeder

I’ve learned there are so numerous benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder.

We got our puppy Remy from a breeder, and it was such a positive experience.

OK, she did have a lengthy application form and a comprehensive contract for me to sign (yikes!) but that is to be expected.

This is not to say that going to a breeder is a better option than getting a puppy through a shelter or rescue. It’s not. There are benefits to both.

Benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder

1. Our puppy will not be neutered at 8 weeks old (creepy).

I plan to have our puppy neutered but not until he’s around 12 months old. We’ve discussed this with the breeder, and our vet also recommends waiting until the pup is at least 12 months old.

If you get a puppy from many shelters or rescue groups, the puppy will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. It’s common practice for rescues to spay/neuter puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

Most people don’t seem to mind this, and it’s good because then you don’t have to worry about the expense and hassle of spaying/neutering down the road. This is also for the overall greater good of dogs. Rescues are certainly wishing to decrease the number of unwanted dogs by spaying & neutering puppies as early as possible.

However, I do not believe it is healthy for a puppy to be spayed or neutered at such a young age. You can read about that here. A dog’s balls are there for numerous reasons. recreating is just one. same goes for a female’s ovaries.

See my post: Is spaying and neutering the healthiest choice for my dog?

2. There was no “home visit” or reference check.

And young boy was that nice!

I did apply through several rescue groups and all but one rejected me for various reasons. Those reasons included not having a fenced yard, not giving out my landlord’s phone number for a reference and not vaccinating my senior, indoor cats for rabies. So I never even got to the “home visit” stage.

With our breeder, I did have to go through an comprehensive application process, show that I am a “true runner” and of course pay a deposit and wait several months on a waiting list. but no one inspected my home (such an invasion of privacy!) and no one called my vet or landlord.

3. We have time to plan for our puppy.

Going with a breeder has taken away the tension of rapidly choosing “the right” rescue dog.

One of the challenges with adoption is you really have to make a decision about the canine within a few days or even that day or someone else will adopt her. At least that is the case in San Diego. There is a HIGH demand for rescued dogs, especially puppies. The puppies are scooped up instantly and there are waiting lists.

Some people don’t mind making fast decisions about adoption. They “just know” the one and it works out great. That kind of fast decision making about a canine is incredibly stressful for me. I spend a lot of time deciding on the best dog, even when I’m just fostering.

4. I know I’m getting an athletic dog.

One of the benefits of getting a puppy through a breeder is I know our weimaraner will be capable of distance running, hiking and agility. There are no guarantees, but I know this with as much certainty as possible.

Yes, there are tons of rescue and shelter dogs that could make good running buddies and shelters like to market them as such. BUT, I’ve been running with dogs for 8 years as my job and I can tell you it’s actually hard to find a canine capable of distance running. As in, a canine who’s able to maintain my pace for much more than 10 minutes – and I’m slow as far as “runners” go!

I run at about a 10-minute per mile pace, and many dogs start to slow down after the first mile even if they’re in good shape. Most dogs just not built for long-distance running. walking or a slow jog is better for them.

Curious which breeds make the best distance runners in my experience? Pointing-type breeds! Dogs such as English pointers, vizslas, weims and pudelpointers. They can typically maintain my slow pace for over an hour and then sprint around the yard afterwards!

5. I’ve removed my emotional need to “rescue.”

I have this deep need to “rescue” dogs and cats in need. This is a fantastic thing, but I am also aware that this is also about me and not just about the animals. Fostering is a way for me to have a purpose and to feel good about myself, and I will certainly be fostering and adopting in the future.

However, there is something to be said about a puppy that will be loved every single day of his life. The fact that we are not “rescuing” him practically gives me a sense of relief. It allows me to just let him be who he is. Our puppyis not a “good deed.” He is a dog.

I don’t know if anybody can relate to that or if I’m discussing it right. Anyone?

6. health screening and pedigree

Good breeders test for several genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia. They will only breed animals that are healthy and not likely to pass on any genetic health issues to their pups. They will also offer you with a pedigree from each parent going back several generations.

What are some other benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder?

Or, what are some benefits of getting a canine elsewhere, like through a shelter? let me know your thoughts!

Related posts:

Reasons to purchase a canine vs. rescue a dog

When a canine rescue volunteer purchases a puppy from a breeder

Senior canine Klyde is 18 years old!

I have such a soft area for senior dogs.

I’m believing seriously about adopting a senior canine in the future. however for now, one method to honor them is to function three “super seniors” right here on the blog.

By “super seniors,” I imply dogs that are living well into their teens.

I am so appreciative for the three people who kindly shared stories as well as pictures of their special household members. I understand it’s not always simple to show on an older dog’s life.

I hope you delight in “meeting” these fantastic dogs – Klyde, Maddie as well as Jenna, as well as please feel welcome to share your own stories of your senior dogs. I composed about my senior canine Ace earlier this week.

Klyde, 18-year-old mixed breed

[quote_center]”He is such a blessing.”[/quote_center]

“Klyde is certainly a very dog, as well as the sweetest, many cuddly canine you can imagine,” stated his owner Aaron Gessner, who believes Klyde might be a husky/corgi/Sheltie mix.

Klyde is pictured above for 2014’s “Bring Your canine to work Day” as well as below with Gessner as well as his spouse on Christmas.

Gessner’s spouse was the one who discovered Klyde under a truck in 1996, so they understand he has to be at least 18 years old.

“Wherever we take Klyde, he brings delight as well as smiles to peoples’ faces,” Gessner said. “People want to pet him as well as talk about him. Of program they are always impressed when they discover out he is a mutt as well as is 18 year old! They always state he looks just like a puppy.”

I asked Gessner if there’s anything that might have contributed to Klyde outliving many dogs.

He stated Klyde eats homemade canine food, a mix of chicken, rice as well as vegetables. He likewise has the most remarkable veterinarians.

“Klyde is perfection of body, essence, spirit, size, weight, obedience as well as partnership,” Gessner said. “He shares his food with the feline as well as any type of other furry guest that comes over. He just shares whatever he has with everyone.”

Klyde utilized to be a country canine however adapted to life as a city canine later in life, Gessner said. He’s been hit by a car, attacked by a porcupine, sprayed by various skunks as well as been in a commercial.

“He is such a blessing.”

Maddie, 14-year-old flat coated retriever

[quote_center]”She is incredibly well loved, as well as she understands it.”[/quote_center]Maddie is a 14-year-old flat coated retriever had by Diana Donnarumma.

“She still runs after her sphere like a puppy,” Donnarumma said. “We take her out at least when a day to play with her sphere as well as be active.”

As a puppy, Maddie was the “runt of the pack” as well as the only female out of 12 puppies.

“When she saw me, she untied my shoelace, believing it was a toy, as well as my household understood then that she was the one,” Donnarumma said.

She doesn’t understand what has contributed to Maddie outliving many dogs. However, she believes Maddie’s food has been a factor, together with her dog’s pleased as well as active nature.

“She is incredibly well loved, as well as she understands it,” Donnarumma said. “Ever because the day we brought her home, she has brought so much delight to our lives.”

Jenna, 18-year-old Labrador/border collie mix

[quote_center]”I’m so extremely pleased we chose to take a drive to our regional animal shelter on that specific day …”[/quote_center]“I own the sweetest, very senior canine you’ll ever meet,” stated Cathy Herard of her canine Jenna, a Lab/border collie mix who turns 18 this month.

“I’m so extremely pleased we chose to take a drive to our regional animal shelter on that specific day back in 1996,” she said. “Not only did she ended up being my one as well as only ‘daughter’ when she joined our family, however she has likewise been one of the biggest gifts.”

Herard stated she likes to believe Jenna has lived so long since she has always been pleased as well as well taken care of by her loving family.

“I likewise believe that having a younger canine in our house – Socks just turned 9 – has assisted to keep her ‘young’ as well as active over the years.”

When Jenna joined the family, Herard’s child Cody was practically 2 years old, as well as Jenna had to put up with a great deal of young child habits that was “disguised as like for the household pet.”

To Herard, whatever about her canine is special.

“She has really been the most loving as well as faithful canine a household might ever ask for,” she said. “We all feel so fortunate to have had Jenna as a furry member of our household for so long.”

Update: Jenna passed away on Sept. 3, 2014.

These dogs are so special, aren’t they?

Please share your own stories of your own senior dogs.

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Raw pet dog food guide

10 simple Raw pet dog Food Recipes

In my ebook “10 simple Raw pet dog Food Recipes” you will learn:

How to feed a homemade raw diet

Which bones are risk-free for which dogs

How to choose whether to feed fruits as well as veggies

How to save money monthly on raw food

The book includes 10 simple recipes for small, medium as well as big dogs that you can feed on a rotational basis.

Get the book right here for $9.

Green Bark Gummies evaluation – healthy pet dog treats for training

‘The soft as well as chewy treat that dogs like to eat’

Note: This is a sponsored post. checked out a lot more to discover exactly how you can win a bag of healthy treats for your dog.

A business called eco-friendly Bark Gummies just recently sent me a few of its healthy pet dog treats for my pet dog Ace to try. as well as let’s be honest, my feline Beamer tried them as well (Pretty much swallowed one whole).

The thing that’s so special about these treats, according to eco-friendly Bark Gummies, is they include a healthy “super food” component called chia.

What the heck is chia?

Yeah, I didn’t understand either.

Chia seeds consists of omega-3 fatty acids, according to eco-friendly Bark. as well as they have other benefits, too. For example, they:

support joint function as well as mobility

are high in fiber as well as supports healthy digestion

are an exceptional source of minerals

More details about eco-friendly Bark Gummies

I’ve been utilizing the eco-friendly Bark Gummies while training as well as walking my pet dog lately. I likewise put them in his Kong toy.

I don’t mind providing Ace great deals of treats as long as they’re healthy, as well as lucky for him he’s never had an problem with getting weight (Yeah, I’m jealous too).

These treats are soft as well as chewy (not really gummy) as well as they are shaped like bit bears. They are so cute! as well as my pet dog goes nuts over them. I normally end up breaking them in half when we’re working on training. They’re fantastic for assisting Ace focus on me when we pass other dogs.

The Green Bark Gummies are made in the united states as well as the web site states they consist of no:

corn, soy, wheat or added sugar

GMOs

artificial flavors or colors

The treats are available in four varieties: Skin & coat, hip & joint, healthy digestion as well as health and wellness & vitality.

“Chia delivers all the great oils that salmon delivers without heavy metals, ocean-borne contaminants or mercury,” according to GreenBarkGummies.com.

According to eco-friendly Bark Gummies:

1. The treats are made with white fish or wild-caught Alaska pollock.

2. The treats were established by vets as well as nutritionists.

3. The gummies are powered by one of nature’s “super foods” – chia.

4. The treats include a blend of antioxidant-rich eco-friendlies such as alfalfa, kelp, eco-friendly tea as well as chlorophyll.

5. two sizes are offered so dogs of all breeds can enjoy!

NutriCHIA

Green Bark Gummies utilizes its own component called NutriCHIA. This is sprouted chia ingrained with three omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, EPA as well as DHA, according to the web site.

Green Bark Gummies states the omega-3s are in a bioavailable form, indicating they are quickly absorbed by the body.

Would your pet dog like to win some treats?

Green Bark Gummies is providing away a bag of treats to two lucky visitors of That Mutt. need to have a U.S. mailing address to win.

For your possibility to win, just go into utilizing the Raffelcopter below. It’s simple to utilize as well as will just ask you to log in with Facebook or by supplying an email address. The contest ends at midnight PST Nov.18. two winners have been chosen.

Ordering information

Green Bark Gummies are offered on Amazon here (aff link).

Or, for a lot more info on the business or to discover a store that brings the treats, go to GreenBarkGummies.com.

What have you been training your pet dog to do lately while utilizing treats?

The first greeting between Your canine and baby

I’m back with another post about how I prepared my canine Baxter for the birth of our first baby. Today’s post is about the first greeting between your canine and baby

A pointer that you can check out all of the messages in this baby prep series here. and if you have major behaviour issues or special needs our best guidance is to work with a reputable, professional trainer.

The first meeting between our canine Baxter and our new baby was something that I thought about quite a bit.

I wanted it to be as positive as possible, so that Baxter associates the baby with goodness best from the start. Therefore, I tried to plan an introduction that dealt with Baxter’s needs of meeting his new housemate in a unwinded and pleased manner and my needs of making sure the baby is safe.

If you’re planning for a similar scene, keep in mind that your techniques may need to change depending on how delivery goes and what your recovery is like. However, thinking through the first introduction, rather than just letting it unfold is a worthwhile exercise.

The first greeting between your canine and baby

My technique was one of divide and conquer.

I was on canine duty, and my spouse was on baby duty.

I entered the house first and greeted Bax. Matt had been home several times between Ellie’s birth and our first homecoming, so Baxter had spent some time with him—and Matt was responsible for ensuring Bax had a walk before my arrival.

Since I was away a bit longer, Baxter was thrilled to say hi to me.

The walk before I came home was essential even for our low-energy dog. I didn’t want Baxter to have excess energy or be wanting to go outside. I wanted my canine to be as calm and unwinded as possible. If you have a high-energy dog, figure out how he can get some exercise before you get home.

I spent some time greeting Bax and moved into the living room which is an open space and an area where Baxter is typically very calm. If your canine tends to get over-excited when you return home, spend some time before the baby is born working on encouraging calm greeting behaviour.

Then it was Matt’s and the baby’s turn. Ellie was asleep, which was an essential part of my plan. I did not want Baxter’s first exposure to her to be with her crying.

Matt took her out of the automobile seat and came into the living room and sat on the couch with me. I feel it’s essential to not set the baby on the couch or on a blanket on its own. one of us was always holding the baby for Baxter’s early interactions. Baxter was able to come up, greet Matt and sniff baby on his own time. We spoke with Bax in calm, quiet, low voices.

For dogs, the most essential part of encountering something new is being able to smell it.

For the first greeting between your canine and baby, lots of people suggest sending a blanket home from the hospital, so that the canine can smell the baby on the blanket before meeting the baby itself. Our trainer felt that this was unnecessary. She said, “Your canine has been smelling your baby for nine months while it’s been inside you. He already knows what your baby smells like.”

Even if your canine is familiar with the baby’s scent from your pregnancy, or from the blanket, or from your partner coming home, the canine will still be very interested in meeting the real thing. The blanket may not result in calmer behaviour.

If you choose to send a blanket home first:

If you do choose to send home a blanket first, make sure that your dog’s interactions with it are calm and relaxed. Don’t present it to your canine with a very thrilled voice.

Definitely avoid letting your canine play, tug or chew on the blanket. and do not tuck the blanket into bed with your dog.

When planning to meet the real thing, our trainer encouraged us to hold the baby so that the canine starts his sniffs at the feet or bum end, so that we can easily safeguard Ellie’s susceptible head. We kept our hands in tactical spots so that we can relocation between the canine and the baby if we need to (and we still do).

(By the way, baby was not cooperating when we reenacted this for blog photos! Haha!)

Standing up to get the baby out of the dog’s reach is also an option, but I feel this may seem too much like a game of keep-away and with some dogs may result in jumping or over-excitement.

Another technique may be to keep a leash on your dog, so that you can use that to direct him if needed.

I had planned that if Baxter seemed unpleasant or over-excited (watching his body language was very important), because I was on canine responsibility I could redirect his attention or help him to relocation away.

The greeting took place at Baxter’s pace as long as he seemed relaxed. He could sniff as much or as little as he liked. I hoped—and expected—that after a short while, Baxter would go lay down in his chair or bed across the room, and that’s exactly what happened.

For me, this was the optimal behaviour. Matt and I sat on the couch for awhile longer, and we were together as a family for the first time, calm and unwinded in our new normal.

I expected to repeat greetings several times, as Baxter got much more familiar with Ellie. even now two months in when he exhibits curious, calm behaviour and a desire to interact with the baby, we continue to allow him to sniff and examine at his own pace.

He occasionally sniffs her, but for the most part Ellie and Bax coexist and he seems to have accepted her as part of our family.

My 9 suggestions for the first greeting between your canine and baby

1. Greet your dog.

While the baby is your focus, your canine will want to say hi to you too. Make sure to acknowledge his greeting.

2. exercise your canine before introductions.

Ensure your canine is as calm and unwinded as possible by organizing for him to have a walk before you get home.

3. Divide and conquer.

Have one person take the lead with the baby while the other takes the lead with the dog. If you have much more than one dog, you may want to let them meet the baby one at a time.

4. keep the environment calm.

Speak softly and gently. Time the greeting so that your baby is calm and quiet. choose a space for the greeting where your canine is typically relaxed.

5. have the baby at the dog’s level.

Make sure that your canine can easily sniff your baby. Hold the baby in your arms, rather than setting it on a blanket or furniture. Don’t hold the baby out of reach in a game of keep away. I recommend sitting over squatting, as you’re much more stable and relaxed.

6. Be ready to relocation your hands between your canine and your baby. I

f a dog’s greeting becomes to exuberant, relocation your hands between his nose (or maybe tongue) and the baby.

7. let the canine greet at his own pace.

The canine ought to be able to come up to the baby on his own. Do not call him over, make him come or drag him to the baby. let him sniff as much or as little as he likes. When he moves away, let him go.

If he exhibits anxious or unpleasant behavior redirect his focus or gently encourage him to relocation away.

8. spend time together best away.

Don’t right away get up and walk away with the baby as soon as the initial greeting is done. sit for awhile so that your canine gets accustomed to his new family reality.

9. Repeat as needed.

The baby will be new for all of you for awhile. allow your canine to continue to examine it at his own pace, making sure to safeguard your baby, project unwinded energy and encourage calm behavior from your dog.

What suggestions would the rest of you add to this list for the first (and second and third) greeting?

Let us know in the comments.

Julia Thomson is a blogger at Home on 129 Acres where she writes about her adventures of country living and diy renovating. She writes frequently for That Mutt.

Surprise My Pet subscription Box review & coupon Code

two readers of That Mutt will receive a free box

Note: This is a sponsored post. read more to learn how you can win a free box from surprise My Pet for your dog.

Surprise My Pet is a new subscription box service for dogs, and the company recently sent a box to my dog Ace for review.

Surprise My Pet launched earlier this week, and Ace received the February box.

You can read about the surprises we received in our first box below. Plus, I also share a coupon code for $5 off and info on two giveaways.

Here’s a video with more information about surprise My Pet.

More about the pet subscription box surprise My Pet

Surprise My Pet currently offers boxes for dogs, and it also plans to offer boxes for cats and other pets in the near future.

One unique thing about surprise My Pet is subscribers can choose from a “Deluxe Package” to receive 2 to 3 items per month or a “Premium Package” to receive 4 to 7 items.

Both the Deluxe and the premium boxes contain treats, toys, chews and sometimes other items too like grooming products or gadgets, according to the company.

As far as pricing, the month-to-month Deluxe package is $13.95 per month, plus shipping. The price drops to $12.56 per month if you commit to the 3-month plan and $11.44 per month if you commit to the 12-month plan. shipping is $6.95 per month, regardless of which plan.

The premium Package is $32.95 per month, plus $7.95 for shipping. as with the Deluxe Package, you can save a little money by signing up for a 3-month or 12-month plan.

All plans automatically review, and you can cancel at any time, according to surprise My Pet.

What was in our first box from surprise My Pet?

Our box from surprise My Pet contained three items:

Cadet premium chicken Tendors

Ace and our foster dog Lana loved these treats. They are soft enough to break up for training, and they can also be stuffed into a Kong toy.

They are made in the united states and do not contain any artificial flavors, according to the company.

Dura-Squeaks Stick dog Toy

Both dogs think this toy is great, and it seems pretty durable like the packaging says. Lana is able to ruin most toys and she hasn’t ruined this one (yet).

This toy squeaks and floats and is made with non-toxic materials, according to the company. It’s terrific for playing tug or fetch.

Smokehouse dog Treats

Smokehouse makes a variety of different chews for dogs, and the one we received was a beef ligament. pretty straightforward, and of course Ace loved it!

Surprise My Pet coupon Code and two Giveaways!

Surprise My Pet would like to mail a free premium box containing 4 to 7 items to two lucky readers of That Mutt.

To enter, just leave a comment to indicate your dog would like “in” on the drawing.

I’ll choose two winners at random on Thursday March 5. Must live in the contiguous united states to win, but if you live elsewhere you can still enter and have a box sent to a pal if you’d like.

*Congrats Ariel and Mal!

Coupon code for $5 off surprise My Pet

You can use coupon code ThatMutt to get $5 off your first order with surprise My Pet. The code expires April 4.

For more information or to order a box, check out SurpriseMyPet.com.

Would your dog be interested in ordering a box from surprise My Pet?

Also, sign up for That Mutt’s newsletter here.

I received compensation and a free box in exchange for writing about surprise My Pet.

Choosing a second dog

All dog lovers want to adopt more dogs. Our significant others and family members have learned this the hard way.

I know that at some point there will be a second dog in our household. This very day, week or month is not the right time, but that could easily change.

My problem is not whether or not to adopt a second dog, my problem is deciding on “the right” dog.

I know the correct way to adopt a dog – take my time, set my emotions aside and find a dog that will compliment the energy in our house. That’s exactly what I did with my mutt Ace when I adopted him almost three years ago through a terrific rescue in Fargo called adopt A Pet.

The second time around will be much harder for me because I’m more involved with dog rescue and it’s hard to set my emotions aside now that I spend time with so many dogs in need of homes. When I adopted Ace, I had no connections with any rescues in town and in many ways this made it easier to find “the perfect” dog.

‘The right’ dog

The dog I have always wanted to adopt does not fit that “ideal” profile for our household.

Ideally, a new dog should be more submissive and less energetic than the existing dog (and cats) so she can fit nicely into the order of the house. most people make the mistake of adopting a hyper, young dog that ends up bringing chaos and stress to everyone.

I know from experience as a foster owner and Fargo pet sitter that the above advice should be taken very seriously. higher energy, dominant dogs will create problems. Calmer, laid-back, submissive dogs will mold with the other animals almost seamlessly. It’s pretty amazing, yet it’s a very simple concept.

If anyone were to ask me for advice on adopting a second dog, I would highly advise them to choose a dog with less energy than their current dog. At the same time, I am going to have a hard time following my own advice.

Most dogs are more dominant than Ace. In case you forgot, my 9-pound cat will sit in an entryway blocking Ace just because he can. Ace will sit and cry until I come and “rescue” him.

The ranking in our house is very clear – humans, cats, dog.

The dog that I have always wanted to adopt is a dominant animal. Although she has no trouble following a consistent, knowledgeable human, there would naturally be a power struggle between her and my more dominant cat, Beamer. Not only that, but this particular dog has shown aggression with other animals.

Rescuing a dog

I’m writing this post because my conflict is one that every dog lover should think about.

At what point is it ok to adopt a more challenging dog?

That answer is different for everyone, and some people should never adopt certain dogs. It’s something I struggle with. I know how to properly choose a “perfect” dog, but I am also willing and capable of offering a terrific home to a dog with a few “issues.” we all know there is a lack of homes for these dogs.

I work with a lot of rescue dogs, and I can say that I am better than most as far as not getting too attached. I never want to keep my foster dogs. I don’t even want to foster a dog right now.

But … there has always been this one dog.

Am I “the one” for her? It’s easy to believe I am, but I know it’s mostly my emotional needs getting in the way again – a danger for every dog lover involved with rescue.

This dog doesn’t need me, as much as I want to believe she does. She needs someone – me or any other capable dog owner.  I think of there must be hundreds of dog lovers out there who could be right for this dog. They just haven’t met her, at least not at the right time.

So … for now we are a one-dog home (with a lot of visiting and temporary dogs). Sooner or later though, there will be a second. The “right dog” for us is yet to be determined.

Why did you choose the dog/s you have?