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Category: Pet Supplies

  • Anxious Pups? CBD Products are a must!

    Anxious Pups? CBD Products are a must!

    4th of July fireworks & thunder storms have begun to rumble. Maybe, you have a dog that’s overly anxious or exhibits separation anxiety. Mark with K9 Korral explains his success with using CBD products as a remedy.

    CBD Products are derived from the Male hemp plant. The female plant contains the “THC.” The effects of the extracted oil cause your dog to relax but not change their personality like prescribed (RX) meds would.

    These products help regulate functions related to sleep, mood, immune system, inflammation, pain management and helps with insomnia, seizures, inflammation and arthritis.

    It is sold in oil, spray, chews, treats, capsules, & topical cream.

    “I have personally found it to be beneficial to dogs in these situation: Fireworks, Thunder, Seizures, Nervousness, Separation Anxiety, Fear & pain” says Mark.

    If you have a high anxiety dog or would like to find out more about this product, contact K9 Korral today to learn more.

    K9 Korral offers dog training, daycare, boarding and holistic pet supplies. Visit today at www.K9KorralSrq.com

  • How to Easily Find the Right Dog Food in Sarasota

    Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids-does your dog food contain all of the necessities?  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. WOW! We thought we had enough to worry about with our own food, much less for our pets. And the kicker is, these ingredients are all considered essential. And if they aren’t there, in the right amounts, well, Rover may not be feeling that well. So, will you ever be sure your dog’s food is meeting all of the standards?

    The Secret to the best dog food in Sarasota

    When you go into the store to buy Rover’s food, just how closely do you inspect his labels? Do you check every one for every ingredient that should be there, and in the correct quantity? Hey, we don’t even check that closely for our own food. So chances are you’re not doing your job for Rover either.

    But there’s a solution. Dog food experts know the secret. And that secret is the National Adequacy Statement. Once you understand it and know where it is, this can be the shortcut to your dog’s health.

    There’s a Way to Know if Your Dog’s Food Meets Nutritional Requirements

    According to the industry, if a dog food can be eaten as the dog’s sole ration, then it is classified as nutritionally complete. What this means is, you can feed your dog this food, and nothing else except water, and it will be sufficient to sustain life. It goes on to say that a good balanced food has all the right nutrients in the right proportions and in the right amounts.

    So, what do you think would happen if a dog food was sold as a complete and balanced food, when in reality, it was missing a key ingredient? That’s why this statement is so important. It’s not the answer to all of the industry problems, but it goes a long way toward making sure our pets are being take care of properly and they are receiving the essentials.

    The Important AAFCO Statement

    The officials have stated that no dog food supplier can label their food as “balanced and complete” unless it’s validated in at least one of two possibilities. The first refers to the laboratory analysis to assure that it meets the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile. You’ll recognize these with a statement similar to “(Name of Product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrition Profiles.” The second way is to not only meet the AAFCO profile, but additionally by conducting field trials on dogs. If the company takes this approach, the label will be similar to “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition.” Obviously, the second method carries the most validity and should be more heavily considered.

    Finding the Right Dog Food for the Right Life Stage

    So, are we dealing with a puppy, adult or senior? These AAFCO statements must also clarify which stage of life this product is best suited for. These standards can be for one of two profiles:

    ● Adult maintenance

    ● Growth and reproduction

    This adult maintenance category includes just non-reproducing adults that are normally active. This food shouldn’t be used for any other category. If a product is classified as available for “all life stages” then it has to meet the needs of the growth and reproduction category. And, in certain cases, there are foods classified for one particular stage, like “senior dogs”. These guidelines are not clear-cut, but they are important for the protection of our dog’s nutrition. If food cannot meet these standards, then the statement must include this statement “This product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding” which means, this food cannot be used for the long-term.

    Nutritional Adequacy Statements Conclusion

    These statements can really save you a lot of time when shopping for your dog’s food. And they will provide some assurance that the food will meet your dog’s needs for proper nutrition. The problem is, you can’t always find the statements on the food packaging. They could be anywhere. But, don’t worry, they are supposed to there. If the statement isn’t obvious, or it doesn’t state that the product is complete and balanced and the right food for your dog, PASS. DO NOT BUY IT! Here’s what can happen. If you dog eats a deficient food consistently over time, it could mean the life of your dog. Please don’t allow that to happen. Look for the statement, read it carefully and keep Rover healthy for a long as possible.

  • Get Pet Supplies Sarasota Cheap

    Shopping for dog supplies in Sarasota may not be as easy as it sounds. Dogs are a lot like people. They have different needs and different lifestyles. That means you need to find a pet supplies store in the area that carries a variety of goods. The pet supplies Sarasota that you find also need to be affordable, as well as practical. K9 Korral has a variety of dog supplies and food for even the pickiest eaters.

    A Wide Selection of Dog Food

    Sarasota

    Not every dog will be happy eating the name brand dog food that you find in the grocery store. They might not like the taste or the smell. You may need to try several different pet food Sarasota suppliers before you find a kind that your dog enjoys. K9 Korral has a wide variety of Puppy food Sarasota to help you get exactly what your dog needs to be happy and healthy.

    Find Food for Dogs with Allergy

    Sarasota

    Much like humans, dogs can develop allergies over time. When this happens, it may eliminate many of their old food and treat choices. You will need to examine the ingredients of your dog’s food carefully and find food for dogs with allergy Sarasota that is labeled as such.

    Many popular brands carry specific foods that cater to dogs with allergies. It is important to read the label and get the bag that avoids all potential allergens. For example, if your dog has an allergy to chicken, the problem will not necessarily be avoided if you buy beef-flavored kibble. You would need to examine the list of ingredients and look for chicken-based ingredients. Food for dogs with allergy Sarasota would ensure that their machinery and tools do not come in contact with the chicken and that no chicken by-products are used in the ingredients of their all beef bag.

    Puppies with allergy food Sarasota needs can be a little bit different. Puppy food often uses a different formula that promotes the growth of the dog and provides them with all of the essential vitamins and minerals they need. When choosing food for puppy with allergy Sarasota, be sure to find a brand that specifies that it is for young dogs.

    Reward Your Pet with Dog Treats

    Sarasota

    Even if your dog is on a very specific diet plan, there are still treats that you can give him that will reward his good behavior. Several dog treats Sarasota residents use to reward their dogs can be found at K9 Korral. When shopping for healthy treats, make sure you look for labels like all natural or organic. If you have a small dog or puppy, try to look for products formulated just for them. Puppy treats Sarasota can be easier to chew and digest then treats designed for a big dog.

    Encourage Healthy Activity with

    Dog Toys

    Dog toys, such as tennis balls and ropes, encourage healthy play and activity. They also help you bond with your dog as you play fetch or tug of war. This has a number of different emotional and physical benefits. The only downside is that you may need to switch up your activities every once and awhile to avoid boredom. Having a variety of dog toys Sarasota can help to keep things interesting and exciting.

    Healthy toys made with high quality ingredients are also available for your convenience. With affordable prices, you will be able to get many toys for your pet. Bring your pet with you on your shopping trip and see what they react to.

    Do You Need a Collar and Leash in Sarasota?

    It is always a wise idea to use a collar and leash, regardless of what local regulations are. Many collars and leashes are available in matching sets, making them easy to identify. Dog collars Sarasota are also available in multiple sizes, including extra small and puppy.

    Dog leashes Sarasota residents use can also come in a variety of lengths. Traditional leashes are still popular; however, most residents choose a long retractable leash. The retractable leash allows you to easily adjust the space between you and your dog. Any time you and your dog leave your yard, you should be using a leash for safety.

    Get Other Pet Supplies Sarasota

    There are many other pet supplies Sarasota residents need in order to keep their dog happy and healthy. Work with a local store that offers affordable prices and practical merchandise. Whether you need a large stock of pet food Sarasota or a new dish, you can find it at K9 Korral. Contact us today to learn more about the dog supplies we carry and how they can help you.

  • Food for Dogs with Allergy in Sarasota

    A dog is a family’s best friend and is treated as one of the family. Just like with any other family member, when there are issues with your dog, you take action to find out what is going on. Food allergies in dogs are a common concern that most pet owners have in mind. If your dog has an allergy from the food that it eats, they will show characteristics such as skin breakouts, itchiness and hives. Food allergies account for about 10-15% of allergies in dogs and cats. When your dog has a food allergy, the immune system mistakes the ingredients or additives in the food as being harmful and the antibodies within the body tries to fight off invading enemy. This then causes the different symptoms that your dog may have after eating the food.
    When you find out that your dog has food allergies, you must take precaution in finding the proper food for dogs with allergy Sarasota so that your dog will have minimum suffering from the issue at hand. Food intolerance are often misdiagnosed as food allergies, therefore, certain foods must be taken out of the diet. Food for dogs with allergy Sarasota will have the proper food combination for your dog that will provide a healthy diet.

    How to Find Food for Puppy with Allergy Sarasota

    A puppy can be a cute furry friend that can be a handful. When a food allergy is mixed in with the already rambunctious puppy, it can create even more havoc. Puppies are easily affected by a food allergy because they are still building up their immune system. Any type of trigger can create a food allergy, which last from puppyhood throughout adulthood.
    As with people that have food allergies, finding the right food for puppy with allergy Sarasota goes by trial and error.

    Even when two puppies of the same breed have a food allergy, a specific ingredient of the food may be different for both of the puppies that can trigger the allergy. Dietary elimination trials are an accurate and practical way to determine food allergies whether it is a puppy or an adult dog. As a pet owner, you can work with your veterinarian to balance out the food for puppy with allergy Sarasota that has few addictives and ingredients as possible. This also includes removing any puppy treats, table food and any other puppy food or toys while the isolation of the allergen is in effect. Always keep in contact with your veterinarian if you feel that the food may not be working, as they are able to recommend further treatments or food that may work better for your dog’s food allergy.

    K9Korral Offers a Healthy Variety of Pet Food Sarasota to Furry Customers

    K9Korral knows that your pet is an important family member and we will treat our furry customers as an important part of our family too. With our healthy variety of pet food Sarasota selections, you can be sure you will find the right pet food for your furry friend. Your dog’s nutrition is just as important as your own and it plays an important role in your dog’s overall health and life. With high quality diet in our pet food Sarasota, it offers many benefits for your pet such as:
    • Greater nutritional benefits in smaller food quantities
    • Improved digestion and absorption of nutrients
    • Stronger immune system to prevent infection and illnesses
    • Healthier skin and coat and an overall improvement in quality of life
    • Fewer veterinary visits which means lower veterinary costs
    • Reduced pet waste

    When you need help amongst the confusion of the many pet food brands that are out on the market, K9Korral is here to help you. The best type of pet food Sarasota is here is with K9Korral as we only endorse high quality food and none of the low quality fillers that you may find in other pet foods. You dog will love the food that we provide for them and at the same time, start giving them a healthier life.
    Contact us through our website or call (941) 915-8181 for more information on our pet supplies and other pet services.

  • K9 Korral Has Top Quality Dog Supplies Sarasota!

    Everyone knows that dog is man’s best friend, and it is true that dogs confer a huge amount of benefits to man and his family. A dog can help us emotionally, reducing stress as we pet them, or being a friend when otherwise we might feel like we’re alone. They help us physically as well, asking us to take them out to play, causing us to stretch ourselves out of a still life, which also reduces stress and gives us access to the fresh outdoors that, without our dogs, we might ignore and stay inside on our televisions and computers instead.

    What we need to stay conscious of is how well we take care of our dogs. While they help us, they also absolutely rely on us for food, shelter, and physical and emotional care. We are symbiotic. The quality of a dog’s life is determined almost entirely by what we, as their owners, decide to give them access to. This is why we at K9 Korral carry the very best in dog supplies Sarasota. We want our dogs (and your dogs!) to be happy and healthy all of the time. The first step in this process is ensuring that you are allowing your dog to eat premium, healthy dog food.

    We Carry Food For Dogs with Allergy Sarasota

    It is important to make sure that you are feeding your dog the highest quality foods. Many people do not realize that many of the big brands that are on grocery stores shelves are really the equivalent of fast food for dogs. These brands can contain fillers that dogs do not process easily or well, such as corn, wheat, or soy. At K9 Korral we do our research and make sure to carry the highest quality foods that contain ingredients that dogs are meant to eat. Some of these brands include Blue Buffalo, By Nature, Canidae, Eagle Pack, Newman’s Own Organics, Taste of the Wild, and more. These are holistic dog foods that only use healthy ingredients, and we feel that we can recommend them with the utmost confidence.

    And while many of these foods are good for most dogs, sometimes a dog will turn up an allergy, as dogs are very much like humans. We all have small quirks of biology, and just as we can be allergic to particular ingredients, dogs can as well. Some common dog allergies include: beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, corn, wheat, soy, and yeast. These are ingredients that are widely used in dog food, and we know that it can be difficult to find a safe food for a dog with particular allergies. However, we have made sure to stock our store with some of the best food for dogs with allergy Sarasota. Sometimes it does take a little experimentation to figure out what ingredient your dog is having a reaction to, but whatever the need, we at K9 Korral will work with you to help figure out what your dog should avoid and which brand of food is going to be the best fit for your best buddy.

    We Have Great Dog Toys Sarasota as Well!

    Other than diet, the most obvious and important aspect of your dog’s life is their exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, many of them so much that we find it hard to keep up with them. One of the best ways to help a dog work through his energy is to get him a great toy. This can be something that he can fetch and chase after, such as a ball, a ball and rope, or some sort of Frisbee. Alternatively, you can get your dog something that he can chew and work on, such as a bone, a knotted bone, a knotted rope, or anything else that has some durability and/or digestibility. Luckily we carry some of everything, and only carry the very best dog toys Sarasota that we would want our own pets to have access to.

    No matter what your need, we at K9 Korral are here to ensure that you have access to the best dog supplies Sarasota! Come in and check us out so your dog stays happy and healthy!

  • Pet Supplies

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    We at K9 Korral believe in feeding only the highest quality pet food to our pets. Many pet foods, even those that many consider “premium” contain low cost, low quality ingredients that are not optimal to your pet’s health. I have included on this page a list of foods that are very high quality and contain none of the meat or poultry by-products or any of the low quality fillers such as Corn, Wheat or Soy commonly found in pet foods. K9 Korral only endorses the best pet food Sarasota has ever seen. We endorse only the highest quality, most natural dog foods. They are:

    • Blue Buffalo
    • Breeders Choice: Pinnacle
    • By Nature
    • Canidae
    • Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul
    • Eagle Pack -Holistic formula
    • Evanger’s
    • Merrick Natura
    • Natural Balance
Dry formulas
Organic formulas
Frozen
Dog Food Rolls
    • Nature’s Variety
Prairie
Instinct
Raw
    • Newman’s Own Organics
    • Solid Gold

Raw Food Diet
    • Taste of the Wild
    • Timberwolf Organics
    • Wellness

    If you’re looking for the highest quality dog food, Sarasota K9 Korral is the place for you. Be especially leery of puppy food. Sarasota K9 Korral will make sure your dog is off to the healthiest possible start. We understand that it is cheaper and easier to feed your dog whatever is on sale, or worse, whatever is on your table. However, there is more than one reason to avoid feeding table scraps to your beloved, spoiled little guy. Not only does it teach him that begging brings rewards, you can also be causing harm. Here we will discuss human foods that are poisonous and sometimes deadly to canines.

    • Chocolate, coffee, tea, and other products containing caffeine
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Fruit pits and seeds
    • Bones from fish, poultry, and other meat
    • Fat trimmings from meat
    • Any candy containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol
    • Grapes and raisins
Onions and onion powder
    • Garlic & Salt
    • Macadamia nuts
    • Mushrooms and mushroom plants
    • Hops
    • Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves and stems
    • Yeast dough

    Food For Dogs With Allergy, Sarasota FL

    If you are looking for food for dogs with allergy, Sarasota K9 Korral can help. Dog treats at Sarasota K9 Korral are only the highest quality and all-natural, best for puppies with food allergy in Sarasota. Most of your training problems can be solved with some positive training and a little patience. Our kind approach will teach you proven methods for dealing with most behavior problems. Using a “positive reinforcement” method is an intricate part of our recipe for a well-trained dog. Our philosophy is the positive methods, when trained properly, will help you build a bond of friendship and trust with your dog like nothing else can. K9 Korral has the best dog treats Sarasota can offer your dog, as well as the best dog supplies Sarasota has to offer in general. Check here for food for puppies with allergies. Sarasota K9 Korral is the only place to go for your puppy for food allergy, Sarasota cares.

    Training with the Finest Dog Leashes, Sarasota

    Our founder and Training Director of K9 Korral Obedience Training Center, Jeffery, has an extensive background in all of these approaches. It is from Jeffery’s experience, the K9 Korral’s staff has crafted flexible programs that are committed to helping dog owners in a sensible, fast-paced way that draws on the best of everything in line with the needs of their dogs. Our approach is not one-dimensional, insisting the “we only do it this way,” or “we would never do that.” K9 Korral’s instructors have a toolbox of remedies available that are creatively integrated into all of our classes in a variety of combinations to produce positive results for you and your dog.

    K9 Korral’s training approach emphasizes positive reinforcement while retaining the benefits of structure, guidance and authority. Our motto is “maximize the positive, minimize the negative and be realistic.” In our private and group training classes, K9 Korral’s staff will tailor an approach that takes into account the temperaments of the owner and their dog. In designing our private and group classes we have combined the best of what they have learned from our mentors and our clients in the many years of our involvement with dog training.

    Do a quick online search for the following: dog toys, Sarasota, dog leashes, Sarasota and dog dishes Sarasota only to find that K9 Korral earns the best user ratings and online reviews for our products and services. Other products include the finest dog collars Sarasota has to offer, as well as the best dog leashes Sarasota has to offer and the best and healthiest puppy treats Sarasota can offer you.

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  • How Do I Teach My Dog To Obey Commands?

    Most people want their dogs to behave when walking on a leash. It is essential that your dog come when called. Staying when told is also very helpful. But how do you teach your dog to do these things?

    The key to success is understand how your dogs mind works, and then incorporate that with proven training techniques, a few training aids, and consistency. Dogs do not understand every word in the human language. Instead, they learn a few words that they are told repeatedly and associate with a specific activity or task. For example, your dog may recognize the word “out” and associate it with going outside. However, if you change the word you use, he will no longer understand what you are saying or what you mean. It is important that whatever word you choose to give as a command, you stick with that same word each and every time.

    A word that often confuses dogs is ‘down’ because people use it to mean ‘lie down’ which is the correct usage. However, the dog also often hears it with the meaning of “get off the couch” or “don’t jump at people”. When the word is used to command all three things, your dog will remain unknowingly clueless. Persistent training in this situation means that you would use “down” to mean only “lie down” and nothing else. If you want your dog to get off the couch, you would use the command ‘off’ rather than ‘down’ and if you want your dog to quit jumping on people, you would use a command like “floor” or “no jump” instead of “down”.

    Pack Leader:

    Before you begin training your dog, you must set the ground rules that you are the master and he is the follower. In some breeds you will need to work 24/7 to remind your dog that you are the pack leader for example a Doberman, while in other breeds for example, a Golden Retriever will only need to establish your “leader-follower” relationship at the very beginning.

    Find the key to being your new pack’s leader. Encourage and help all your family members to become pack leaders for your dog. If you are not the pack leader, your dog is. The pack leader trains the pack members. Become the pack leader. Turn your out of control dog into an obedient pet.

  • Misconceptions About Small Dogs

    Small dogs have been put under many stereotypes due to their size, and many of us have wrongly judged small dogs based on these untrue judgments. Thus we are here to clarify some myths regarding dog training, socialization, needs, and energy regarding small dogs.

    Exercise

    Many people believe that small dogs do not need as much daily activity as bigger dogs due to their size.  This however is not true.  Some smaller dogs such as Jack Russel Terriers are extremely energetic, and require equal, or even more exercise than larger dogs.

    Training

    It is a well known thought that small dogs do not require training because they are believed to generally be lap dogs.  All dogs should (at the very least) learn their everyday commands such as sit, stay, etc.  Small dogs are actually dodgier than bigger dogs because they can run through the door when you open it a little and fit in small places.  Dog training is necessary for every type and size of dog, but small dogs especially need to be taught not to run, jump, and bark.

    Barking

    Many people believe that small dogs bark because they are bred in a way that makes them loony by birth.  I wont disagree with the fact than many small dogs are prone to excessive barking, but they do not bark for the believed reasons.  Many small dogs bark because they recognize their small size and prefer to feel big by making constant noise.  Many small dogs are also constant barkers because they were bred to be alarm dogs.  Small dogs are great with warnings, but generally bad with defense.

    Children

    Couples tend to get smaller dogs when starting a family because they believer smaller dogs will be easier for the children to handle, and will better deal with kids because of their small size.  This misconception is particularly bad because small dogs tend to be jumpers.  When we say they are jumpers, we mean that they leap on friends and family when they enter a house, and bigger dogs know that the baby is smaller than them, and will not hurt the baby because they are afraid.  Small dogs however realize the equality in height and tend to jump because they don’t know better if you haven’t taught them, therefore dog obedience is very important if you are considering getting a small dog.  Remember that if you have a child, supervise your dog around them at all times.

    To learn more about small dogs leave a message below or contact our Florida dog training center. Love your dog!

  • Different Dog Collars

    When choosing a dog collar, many people do not understand that the collar you choose could heavily effect dog obedience and health.  Your specific type of dog should have a specific type of collar or harness, and this choice, having such an impact on dog care, should be something that more people are aware in the importance of.  Here are a few types of dog collars.

    The original buckle collar is the one you see on most dogs.  These collars are adjustable and don’t pinch or pull.  leather is the best choice when considering the buckle collar because they don’t tend to chaff or break hair as much as the nylon types. Plus they last longer
    Break collars

    Break collars were invented to let a dog escape from it’s collar to avoid being strangled by accident.  These collars will release their clip if the strap gets stuck on something, which could save your dog, and also work so that when you put a leash on, the clip will not open.
    Chokers

    Chokers, also called slip collars, are generally used for training or for generally unruly dogs.  this metal chain tightens around a dogs neck if they pull on the leash, teaching them not to pull you when they walk.  If you plan on getting a choker, you should ask for the specific type for your dog, because the wrong type could get caught in their hair, or choke them.  However, this isn’t a problem if you get the right type and size.  These should never be used on puppies.
    Pinch Collars

    Pinch collars have a shockingly gory appearance, but don’t be fooled by it! Despite the looks of the pinch collar, they are actually a safer training method than using a choker.  These collars are typically metal, and pinch the dog when they pull on the leash, making training faster, and teaching your dog never to pull.  These leashes, however, can never be left on your dog when they are unattended and should also never be used on puppies.

    Harnesses

    Harnesses are a type of leash that distribute pressure equally throughout the dogs chest and make walking little dogs and non-pulling dogs easier.  Harnesses have a strap that go over your dogs chest and stomach.  These were originally made in order to allow your dogs to pull heavy weights, and are still today used on sled dogs.  However, they are now also used as a way to protect dogs because of the way they spread the weight of your pulling on the leash.  Many trainers believe that this collar influences pulling, but some find it quite effective in different cases.

    Head Harness

    I’m not going to lie, these look a little funny.  This harness goes on the dogs face right above their nose, and right under their neck.  The head harness was created for dogs that pull, and make most dogs very uncomfortable, however they are very effective.

    Shock Collars

    We won’t give out much information on this type of dog collars, because they tend to have more negative than positive effects on a dog, but they basically shock your dog when they go out of the perimeters you set around your home, or shock them when you press a button.  We personally do not recommend this collar for any dog.

    If you have any additional questions, contact our Florida Dog training Center, or talk to your local dog trainers.

  • Dog Toys

    Almost every dog loves toys! It’s a staple in dogs that they love to play, bound, and leap around with their toys, but with so many out there, which ones are good and bad for dogs? Through the years of dog play, a few toys have stuck around that are famous for being so loved by our furry friends everywhere, so here are a few winners and losers out there!

    The Kong ball has to be the best known dog toy out there.  It’s a red bumpy ball that you can stuff with yummy treats for your dog, or toss around the yard for fun! Dogs also love to chew on Kong toys, and being practically indestructible, they last a lifetime.  Kong toys are also dishwasher safe as an added bonus!

    Squeaky Toys

    Squeaky toys are generally a dog favorite.  This is because with normal toys they are just playing with a stuffed animal, but with a squeaker inside they get a reaction out of their toy, which some dogs are very fond of.  However, the drawback to a squeaky toy is that they get very annoying for us; as a result, many people tend not to buy them.  Some dogs feel the same way as most humans and hate the squeakiness, alternatively some dogs love the noise and relentlessly play with them.  One thing that you have to be careful concerning squeaky toys is that your dog does not tear apart the toy.  We’ve all seen cartoons where a dog swallows the squeaker and ends up squeaking, but little do people know that this actually happens.  When a dog is chewing a squeaky toy, the squeaking nozzle often comes off and can get lodged in their throat causing a need for emergency surgery (no matter how funny it sounds). So if you are going to buy squeaky toys, just make sure you are there for supervision while the dog plays with the toy.

    Floating toys

    Floating rings make wonderful toys for retrievers to go fetch.  These toys (like tennis balls) create a way for you to interact and play with your pet while giving them a good time! Fetch toys will also help you with dog exercise habits!

    Toys to be Cautious With

    Large breed dogs often love to play fetch with tennis balls, but if they are large enough (Such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards) they can literally swallow it.  When playing with tennis balls, just make sure you keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t hold it too far back in their throat.  A study in Germany has also shown that the glue used in tennis balls also damages tooth enamel for dogs, so be cautious.  Another toy to be careful of are Tug toys.  Tug-of-war as seen by a dog can be a fight for dominance, while for you it is just a game.  Just make sure with tug toys that your dog is keeping it friendly.  As a last warning, keep big toys for big dogs.  Bigger dogs tend to choke on small toys, so make sure your toys are size appropriate.

    Overall make sure your toys use positive reinforcement on your dogs attitude, and are safe for your pet.  Questions about toy safety? Contact a Florida dog obedience trainer today!