Dog Chews | Bully sticks

My family and I are always on the lookout for the perfect dog chews. We live in a mixed cat/dog household and us dogs vary in size from XXSM-L. We also have furiends who belong in the XXL category we're always thinking of. Because the opinions on rawhide dog chews vary so much, we don't feel safe about using those, yet. Therefore, for the time being, our solution has been: bully sticks aka pizzle. Bully sticks are pricey, but they last a really long time with us small dogs. With larger dog breeds they don't last nearly as long, but they're still a good choice. Mommy found that the longest bully sticks for dogs at Petco were the best deal. She'd buy one and then use a handsaw or a Dremel tool to split it in three, but yesterday she checked out Amazon and found an even better deal I want to share with you.

30 Pack - All Natural 6 Inch Best Bully Sticks

list price $81.00 on sale $34.99

Of course, I still love the marrow bones that we get from the butcher's, and leftover bones we get to suck on for a little while, under the strictest supervision, so we don't break off any sharp fragments, or fight.

Much better than bully sticks

but also more dangerous

Why is it that all good things in life are either forbidden or don't last long?

We have already ordered our bully sticks for now, but we'll keep on looking, learning, testing and we'll give you more information regularly. Some of you made some pawesome suggestions on dog chews that I will post about once I've tested them for myself in my diverse household. 

For you cat owners, our cats do occasionally play, roll, and chew with the bully sticks mommy gets for us, but I don't think that they are too interested. Perhaps we'll figure out a way to saturate them with catnip aroma turning them into the idea catnip toy!

Twinkie

Chiweenie Friday (15) - Dog Obedience Training

I went to dog obedience training yesterday to learn some new moves and to practice for my AKC Canine Good Citizen test and it went really really well.

This is me, the Chiweenie demonstrating how timid I am generally

Consider this my personal dog training tip

I am rather submissive

This is my furiend, Dexter the Doxie

For a easily frightened dog, like my chiweenie self, the real challenge regarding the Canine Good Citizen test is overcoming my fears (and the fact that for this test mommy is not allowed to use treats). The test is not so hard. I get evaluated on a pass/fail basis. Most items I need to learn are simple. I have to be able to sit/stay, do down/stay, sit politely for petting, allow a stranger to groom me, walk on a loose leash, and sit down on command. No problem. Where dog obedience training gets tough for me is the following training items: walking through a crowd and  reaction to another dog and distractions. Those require a certain amount of bravery I have yet to master. I'll know more next Wednesday the day I take my Canine Good Citizen exam. 

Meanwhile, I have my two sissies to protect me. 

I ask my tiny tea cup chihuahua sissy to fight my battles

btw this is the friendliest blue heeler in the world and her name is Sage

And I hide behind my larger, dalmatian and german shothaired pointer sissy

for protection

Regardless, we all do the best we can in this life and my mommy appreciates it. This is the email we got from my superb and funny and adorable trainer, the fabulous Ms Cyndy Wood.

"Frankie's test is next week but she deserves recognition for completing, and very successfully I might add, the CGC class.  So, with Pomp & Circumstances playing in the background, this is in honor of Frankie's stellar performance as a Canine Good Citizen.

Congratulations to Ms. Frankie and to her able handler!  What a great team you are!"

She even sented me a virtual star!!! I will cherish this email and save it among my most prized possessions. What I haven't mentioned yet is that my trainer is a firm believer in Positive Training for Dogs and Their People. I'm so lucky! Mom loves this philosophy and swears to use it on all dog obedience training from now on. I agree 100%. Thank you Ms Wood and mommy. 

One final word about the Canine Good Citizen exam. There is an automatic failure rule if we, the students, eliminate during testing, we must be marked fail. As you know, chiweenie puppies are not simple to potty train. Puppy potty training is not that easy on most small dogs. If anybody has any potty training tips to share, now is a good time. 

Stay not out of touch and I'll have the exam results next week.

Frankie

Eco Friendly Products

It's the time to inspire awareness and appreciation for our Earth. As you all know, I'm a green dog living in a green home. When is earth day? Today, April 22nd. That's why I want do discuss a few eco friendly products to help with earth day activities. I decided to focus on poopy related products mainly. I'm so fed up seeing plastic bags on the hills where I hike. Frankly, I don't even see the need for poop baggies in nature. Just move the poo to the side and get on with your walk. Nature will take care of the rest. M is disgusted and upset because she often finds bags full of poop in out trash cans, on pick up day, when she goes to pull them inside the garage. We don't want poop in our garage, especially somebody else's. Ours smells like roses.

You ready to become more eco friendly? Start with buying eco friendly dog supplies.  There are a several eco friendly products in the market. One is the Doggie Dooley 2000 Plastic Septic-Tank-Style Pet-Waste Disposal System. It's an environmentally safe in-ground system. 

Doggie Dooley 2000 Plastic Septic-Tank-Style Pet-Waste Disposal System

Our blog friends, Tiny Growl, have made their business to help with our environment. They have created the ScooPup Pocket, "A better way to pick up after your pup!" I was really hoping to win their G.A.B.E. giveaway, but now I'll just have to purchase one--money well spent. 

Using the ScooPup Pocket

They even recommend biodegradable poop baggies

I too recommend biodegradable baggies. Check out Bags on Board Dispenser and Baggies!

Bags on Board Bone Dispenser, 30 Biodegradable Refill Bags

Of course, on site composting is my favorite. You save resources by building soil. This is just for your flowers and not your veggies, still, an inexpensive and simple way to help out our environment and feel good about yourselves. 

I think I'm going to go for a hike to check out the new growth in the burn areas. I feel the need to be outdoors to celebrate earth day. Hopefully, I won't encounter many plastic bags in my path.

Enjoy earth day!

Twinkie

A USC Equestrian Team Fundraiser and The LAPD Mounted Police Force

I had the opportunity to visit the fourth annual USC Equestrian Team Fundraiser this past weekend. M always complains and tells me that banquets and fund raisers are terribly boring, but this time she was proven wrong. The USC fundraiser was a hoot! My favorite part was LAPD's Mounties' demonstration. 

LAPD badge

A nice soft breeze, a comfortable seat on mommy's lap, and the best show I could have asked for (not even counting the yummy food!). Three LAPD officers, two on horse and one on foot explained the inside scoop on this small 35-man unit, established in 1986. 

The officer in the middle is the "bad guy"

The mounties are about to arrest him

"Stop right there!" 

See the officer dismount in the back?

Officer in the left is in the process of dismounting next, once 

the other officer is pointing a gun at the suspect

We were told that LAPD mounties never shoot from their horses, and that's just in the movies, duh! However, these horses are not like horse show ones. They are so well trained that if you have to shoot a gun near them, they will stay exactly in the position they were left at. They are trained to fear nothing, especially loud and sudden noises. 

You're toast, sucka!

Busted...

Now, roll over 

(oops, I guess I'm still thinking in terms of dog training tips, BOL)

Notice how both horses haven't moved an inch? That's due to their amazing training. They are not to move one foot/hoof once dismounted. While the mounties' horses are publicly/city owned, the responsibility falls on their rider. The LAPD mountie officer said, "We are responsible for every footstep our horse puts on the pavement." He used the example of a stroller. I got it.

LAPD mountie demonstrates how well-trained the horses are

and that they simply will not move, even when pushed

The wooden "katana" hanging in front of the mountie is how they treat suspects who are too close

The suspects get hit anywhere but their heads, ideally

If somebody approached my horse with ill intentions, I'd make sure to doink him on the head

I loved learning that a strike to any of these mounties' horses is a misdemeanor whereas any visible injury is a felony! The horses can be petted in public since they are publicly owned, and the officers encourage the human interaction, unless they have a nipper on their hands. A touchy subject is the clean up. Apparently in horse country, like in the city of Chatsworth, the mounties and their horse doodoo are welcome, but at certain parts of LA, certain unpleasant issues arise. E-hem.

The LAPD mountie who acted as the perp, had a horrific story to share with us. Apparently, a man he called "a gangster" released a trained pit bull on his horse at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The dog was ordered to go for the throat, and the mountie was bucked off. The horse was able to free himself and started running through the freaked out crowd. The police had no way of shooting at the suspect in the middle of the crowd. All I wanted to know was what happened to the horse. He recovered from his injuries and was immediately retired. Apparently he still can't be around any type of dog, even one my size.; not even a Chiweenie. Since then, all doggies are banned from  the world famous Venice Beach boardwalk.

Thank you USC equestrian team for giving us the opportunity to meet and hear from these brave LAPD mounties and to see the demonstration. For more information on the LAPD Mounted Police Unit you can click HERE.

* * *

May I have your attention please? My furiend Norwood is organizing the first ever, the one and only, the 2010 Pawdance Film Festival! Still here? Go check out the details and I dare you to compete about me. All I'm going to say for now is: You snooze, you lose. There are no losers in here, so let's go!

Twinkie

Dear Twinkie

Dog Advice Column

Martine asked...

Tuesdays are now our favorite day of the week! The kiddlets appreciate your great advice and have been reassured they will still exist after the peanut comes... that is if he makes his debut! Now a question from Caps: to get more attention is it ok to act totally crazy and out of control when I visit the potty park? also, what do you think it means that I want to jump on any dog that weights at least 200x more than I do?

TVT: The "peanut debut" BOL Nicely put. Oh, Captain, my captain... I've seen your wonderful youtube videos and there's no way I'd ever discourage you from your cracker-life-style. We teenies are brave at heart and full of energy. Yes, by all means, go nuts and jump on any dog you can reach! For the ones you can't reach, I suggest a ramp or a set of steps, which incidentally you can use to go over the new roadblocks in your own home. 

mayziegal asked...

Dear Twinkie Yo Yo Ma Chico Bandito, I thinks you did another real outstanding job on your advice column. You're like Dr. Laura only less scary and mean. My question is, in two weeks, I haves to take my high school graduation test and I'm real afraids I might flunk it. What should I do if I gets stuck on an answer? Mom says it's wrong to cheat.
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

TVT: Yo, Mayzie, I realize there's an extra degree of difficulty since you left me this question, seeing that your mommy is all the way in Nooor Kitty. Do not worry one bit. If Frankie can do it, you can do it, and it looks as if Frankie will be graduating and getting her CGC around the same time you do. After all I know you'll be getting extra cheese from dad while mom is out of town, and that will definitely help with your self esteem and focus. 

My mom says that even though cheating is wrong, sometimes it's necessary, especially when it's regarding school. In your case though, you don't even need to cheat. Just be yourself and relax. Don't forget to share the good news, when you ace it!

3 doxies asked...

Twink, I did finds my thinking cap and I dids come back and askeded you a question...hmmmmm. Maybes your fish oil hasn't kicked in either...hehehehe!
Puddles

TVT: ??? I am very confused, but I believe it's Blogger we can both blame for this. I do empathize with you. I've lost many comments throughout my blogging career. 

Ruby and Penny asked...

Hi ........Twinkerson , you fill in the blanks. We love reading your advice. Do you have any advice for us?
Love Ruby & Penny

TVT: As a matter of fact, I do. I don't like the sound of that Nickel dude. I mean, you're just furiends, right? You will never find a better husband than our Frankie Furter. Stay true to your man and enjoy Date Night for now. Did you see how your Frankie asked Daisy's dad NOT to be kissing him? I rest my case.

Benny and Lily asked...

Twink with such a long beautiful name, why are you a TV news reporter. We have those people with long names here in L.A. BOL
Benny & Lily

TVT: That is why I changed it to Twinkie Van Twinkerson--my pen name!

Dog Foster Mom asked...

Dear Twinkie Maria Conchita Espenoza Cucaracha Doodle-Bug Chupa Cabra Twinkerson, we (me, Remi, Noelle, Merlin, and current foster pets) all really enjoy reading your advice column each week. Noelle has a question for you. She wants to know if its okay to keep doing zoomies even though she is now a mature adult at 1 and a half years old. She doesn't want the foster dogs to lose respect for her if she still acts like a puppy. Can you please give her some advice

TVT: I believe you should continue enjoying your zoomies for as long as you can. I mean, think about it. It was barking, your breed, physical handicap, and naughty behavior that ensured your forever home almost a year ago. Zoom away and be grateful every minute. And if the other fosters don't get it, too bad for them. 

Lorenza asked...

Hi, Dear Twinkie Marie Conchita Espenoza Cucaracha Doodle-bug Chupa Cabra Twinkerson! I wonder why I always forget my question when I finish writting your name! Haaa! Kisses and hugs, Lorenza

TVT: I would normally recommend fish oil supplements, but not for your case. I believe you're distracted by the revenges and the dresses. Another major disruptive factor in your life is the fabulous auntie! 

Cocorue asked...

dear dear TwinkieMCECDCCTwinkerson, you are one dang smart Chi and i don't say that lightly......do YOU think there's a WaWaLand? go figure and find a way to stop my mumster embarrasing me ALL the time! NO ONE has ever picked that up or they were too dang polite to ask BOL BOL BOL!
My NEXT Q: do you think i can sell my mumster on eBay? i have never seen a 2legger being sold at auction. Awaiting your wise answer as the sooner i sell her, the better returns i will get as i think her SELL OUT date is expiring!
chikisses
coco

TVT: I found wawaland! (but don't click if you scare easily) There's a supersized photo of a blond chocking a tiny chi. Your NEXT Q is really easy to answer. Of course I had to do a little "borrowing" but I think my furiends Loki and Juno will not be offended (not sure about their dad).  Thanks to Wild Dingo, I present you with a model 2-legger ebay add. 

And if he doesn't sell out of pity,

I bet he'll sell for top $$$ for his grrreat sense of humor!!!

Mack and Sally Ann asked...

Your advice is great, but my question is, do you let your sisters help with the advice. I know your Italian sister is older, so does she help?
Sally Ann

TVT: My dearest Sally Ann, I'll answer any question from your lovely self. I guess I forgot to mention, but my older Italian sister is just older. She's not wiser. Plus, she doesn't speak but a couple of words in English. The biggest help I can expect from both my sissies is their not tooting when I'm working on the computer. 

Mr Koda MD asked...

Dearest Twinkie Marie Conchita Espenoza Cucaracha Doodle-bug Chupa Cabra Twinkerson - yet another genius instalment! A question if I may: Howcome when a dog chases a cat.. and the cat stops, turns around and swipes with the razor paws.. that I end up feeling like my schnoz is on fire? Please help! Koda

TVT: I consulted with Linguini who is usually the one with the bloody nose. She said to trim the kitty's lethal weapons and if that doesn't do it, put on the acrylic nails to embarrass her. That should keep the cat-astrophic kitties away from you and the burning sensation with them.

Take THIS, kitty!

RILEY AND STAR asked...

Hi Twink, whenever hoomans come to visit, I am excited to see them and my head starts spinning around like Linda Blaire in the Exorcist. Do you think this is unusual behavior for a furrendly pup like me? I'm starting to get a complex! Thanks!
Your pal, Riley

TVT: I believe your problem is rooted even deeper than you imagine. It's probably a reflection of your angst when Star T.P.d the bathroom and mentioned you as her accomplice.  I suggest that next time you're expecting guests, you do five minutes of neck warm up exercises. All I care about is that you don't come unhinged. And don't forget, unless you start throwing up like Linda Blair, humans will find you adorable. Friendlier pups have done worse. My chiweenie sissy still pees on our guests out of her overt friendliness; and that's when she's not twirling mid air. 

It was my birthday yesterday

Luckily, I have many wonderful FaceBook friends who reminded M. She was surprised at first, but then she turned all emo on me. She never thought I'd make it this far. I must say, I had my doubts too. Frankie, my Chiweenie sissy, played a big part in this. In my efforts to keep up with the little brat, I got healthier than I've ever been. I hope I'm around for a long time, but if not, I have a looong list of furiends waiting for me at the bridge and I'm looking forward to that too. Life is good! Hasta la vista, baby!!!

Now go take on the day!

Twinkie

Monday's Dog Training Tips | How to train a Greyhound

Enough joking around. Today, I mean business and I'm here to share some serious dog training tips. I will demonstrate that size does not matter and that designer dogs aren't any smarter than purebred dogs.

I was playing by the side of a "river" when I spotted trouble on the other bank. My Chiweenie sissy was in need of my help. Dog training tip #1: Look fearless. This way, even if you look pathetic like me, you at least surprise your opponent.

Like superman, bum leg flying off to my side, I dove into the raging rapids

"I'm coming, Frankie!" I yelled, swallowing more water with each breath I took

Have no fear! Twinkie's here!

One final leap and I was almost there

Frankie was screaming for her life because Mabel, our good old furiend, was looking at her. I tell you, designer dogs can be quirky, especially the Chiweenie type. As for Mabel, she's a fancy mix herself. She is a Rottweiler and Greyhound cross. Dog training tip #2: Stand your ground and take advantage of the voice Dog gave you. 

The minute I landed on the other side of the river, I let the Greyhound - Rottweiler have an earful. "And don't you ever look at my sister again!" I said in the highest pitch ever known to Chihuahuas, especially considering I'm a tea cup chihuahua

She leaned a bit closer, probably because she couldn't hear me well from that high up

Frankie the Chiweenie, or Chicken Weenie, was inching away

"Run, Frankie, run," I yelled, while staring Mabel down

The Chiweenie didn't get far. She did feel braver though and she learned a lot from me that day. I sure hope you enjoyed my latest dog training tips.

* * *

I've been so busy recently, I still haven't had a chance to visit the Global Animal Blogging Event links to see if I won any of our free giveaways. I can't wait and I'll do it first chance I get! Bottom line, we're all winners just for participating and making new friendships. 

The Date Night over at Twix's is turning into the event of the century. It's fun, unpredictable and hilarious. Look what they did with me and my Gunther!

"Twinkie and Gunther stopped at the beach before heading over. I heard she might put her bikini back on later and go swimming in the toilet!"

The happy couple! BOL

Warning: Please check first before flashing toilet

Have a wonderful week!

Twinkie

Global Animal Blogging Event Is Over | Free Giveaways

Drawing #1,917 ENTRANT ACCESSIBLE

Global Animal Blogging Event 2010 2nd drawing held by Twinkie The Tiny Dog - Dog Training Tips Completed on Sunday, 18 April 2010 at 16:51:25 UTC 59 entrants, 3 winners Winners (3) 1st: Piappies World 2nd: Ina in Alaska 3rd: Missy Rey

I interrupt my latest dog training tips to announce that the first ever Global Animal Blogging Event has come to an end. It's been a blast. The best part for me was watching the newer blogs' friend lists grow and grow along with their comments. All the feedback I've received has been positive and I am grateful for each and all your lovely remarks. I never expected so much personal publicity and links. I was truly humbled and self conscious, but then I got it. It was your way of saying, thank you. Well, I thank you all back! You were wonderful! 

The event may be over, for now, but your links will be revisited as it happens with all of this type of events. Active participants, make sure you post and contact the winners of your free giveaways today. 

One final huge "thank you" to Ann from Zoolatry for making the most appropriate, stylish, classy, smart, and vibrant logo!

An event like G.A.B.E. does not exactly take off during its first year. It picks up momentum and traffic as it becomes established, but I think we did a fine job launching it. I'm looking forward to Global Animal Blogging Event 2011!!!

Cheers to all my friends, old and new, and to the winners!

Twinkie, your grateful hostess