Tips for Tug-of-War Wannabes

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
Yup! She Had to Wave the White Flag

Every now and then I have the duty of teaching a newbie the greatest dog game ever--Tug of War! This is Lauren. She's really a rookie, so I had some fun showing her than nobody beats Tanner at Tug. Well maybe Dad, but he doesn't really count because he's way bigger than me.

Here's my tips for winning Tug of War to all you dogs out there. Please make sure this article stays safely in dogdom. We don't need the humans knowing our tricks of the trade.

• Invite your house guest to play by laying the toy in their lap. Rarely do they not understand this kickoff maneuver.
• Start out pulling gently to give the impression you'll be a pushover. This will tease your opponent into believing this will be an easy win.
• Let them think they are winning for while.
• Make sure to start out with a really good grip. Grasp the toy with your back teeth to assure the strongest part of your jaw is doing the work.
• Next, put your body weight into the game and start to back up.
• To get the game cranking, offer a good shake. 
• Change directions. Pull up. Pull down. Pull back and occasionally lunge forward and then surprise your opponent with an unsuspected move in any direction.
• Sound tough. Let out a guttural growl.
• If you're up against a worthy competitor, try this tactic: Pretend to give up. Stop pulling, while keeping the toy in your mouth, and walk toward your opponent. Suddenly jerk the toy as you back up quickly. This usually does the trick for me. 
• Conditioning will be your friend. If you're out of shape, you're sure to lose. Drop on over to K9 Kamp at Peggy's Pet Place and Kol's Notes to get some more tips on shaping up for games like Tug.

Be sure to stop over at All Things Dog Blog where my mom is sharing our weekly report on K9 Kamp training. I definitely have more points than she does this week. Does that mean I win a prize?

Teamwork Guard Dogs: Do We Look Vicious?

by Tanner and Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
Do We Look Rough and Tough?

Mom has us on guard duty today. We're not sure if we're guarding our new P.L.A.Y. bed or the front door. We're trying to put on our best tough-guy looks. How are we doing?

Oliver says he's definitely more ferocious looking. After all, have you seen the picture of Tanner over at All Things Dog Blog today? It's absolutely pussy-cat! Be sure to check it out. Meanwhile, Oliver will be sure to keep things safe here, tough guy that he is!

Tired Oliver Takes Ten

by Oliver

(c) Carrie Boyko
The Blogpaws Bouncer

Yup. You heard right. Blogpaws was a huge success, despite our brush with Hurricane Irene. That's mostly because I was on duty. As the unofficial, off-the-record, Blogpaws Bouncer, I kept all the pups out of trouble and made sure that the bloggers got their doggie fix. I was on call 24-7 and mom and I hung tight to the bitter (no so much) end.

Of course, taking care of security was just one of my roles at this year's conference. I also had to stand in as mom's PR front man. That's no easy task but I think I pulled it off well. I met all kinds of new friends. If you're a blogger, I hope to see you next year. It's a blast!

Now that I'm home, I plan to rest up. Next year's event will be right around the corner. Meanwhile, I think mom has more jobs for me than ever over at All Things Dog Blog. I better get a quick nap in before her To Do List arrives.

Oliver May Be Going to Blowpaws, but I'm In Charge Here!

by Tanner, the first Biker Dude of All Things Dog Blog

Dear Dog-Mom: We Need to Talk

by Tanner

© Carrie Boyko
Time for a Heart-to-Heart

Dear Mom:

Lately Oliver is getting most of the attention over at All Things Dog Blog. I know I'm not the chosen one that gets to go to Blogpaws, but I'm still important. Maybe I could go next year? I'd like to be the one who's packing and being fussed over. And of course you won't need a rolling carrier for me. I can walk through the airport just fine. Airplanes? No problem. I'm fearless. Just let me rest my head on your lap and we'll be there in a jiffy.

On to another matter. I think I'm pulling more than my weight in the modeling and photo shoot stuff lately, even though Oliver is doing all the Blogpaws posts. What gives? I haven't seen him doing any pool-slaying of floating toys or fetching of flying discs. At least I can do stuff that isn't just about STAY. I'm also much more help in the kitchen with KP.

Sincerely your doggie,

Tanner

PS: I'd be perfectly happy with an increase in my treat compensation and my Organix ration. Maybe a Dog Pack Snack now and then, huh? Coco won't mind.

Happy Birthday Tanner! You're 5 Now.

by Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
5 Years Old Today!

I can hardly believe that my big brother is 5 today. I'm pretty sure I'll never be that OLD. Let's see; I'm, um, 3 I think. Yeah. That still sounds young, right? It must be cuz mom always calls me the "kid".

So, you're probably wondering how we celebrated, huh? The usual stuff that Tanner thinks is fun: dog park and swimming. I had fun too, but no wet stuff for me. I swam last week when mom said it was time for my regular "reminder" of where the shallow step is. One of these days she'll realize I'll never forget, right?

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Decided his Petstages Gator was a Pool Toy
It Survived!

© Carrie Boyko
We Don't Need a Ball to Play Fetch!

Happy Birthday big brother. We're all glad you're part of the family. :)

WANTED: SpokesModel Jobs for Experienced Dog Models

by Tanner and Oliver

© Carrie Boyko
Meet Your SpokesModel, Tanner

Oliver and I have been so very busy this week modeling for product reviews. We thought we'd share a few shots with you and tell you where you can find the products.

Over at All Things Dog Blog, mom is busy reviewing Barking Deals, Terra Paws, and Planet Dog's Pet Sitter Instructions. You'll find all these reviews, complete with the requisite giveaways, at the All Things Dog Blog link above. Have fun entering to win these great prizes and more.

Oliver and I thoroughly enjoyed devouring savoring our Terra Paws treats after we finished with each picture. No paycheck in the world can compare to a full belly!

© Carrie Boyko
Oliver Eyes
  Terra Paws Treat

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Protects
his Terra Paws Treats

© courtesy PlanetDog.com
Where Ya Goin, Mom?

© Carrie Boyko
Barking Deals Gave Me
 a Beaver Toy to Wrestle With
(I'm Winning So Far)