Monday, December 16, 2013

Hello Canine Einstein! Introducting Dognition!

Stuck looking for a last-minute gift for the dog-genius in your life?


We recently stumbled across Dognition, which is like a Myers-Briggs test for your dog! How does it work?


The tests are designed to measure skills like: empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning, and will assign your pup one of nine different profiles. Once you've got your breakdown, based on the package you sign up for, Dognition then provides monthly tailored tips and activities to help you continue to take utilize your new understanding of your dog's decision making process.

The coolest part, besides obviously have an intellectual profile of your dog, is that by participating you are contributing as a "citizen scientist" to a pool of data that is being used by researchers globally to advance canine cognitive knowledge. We also checked out the data part of the website and can't wait to dig in once we've got our results!

Pricing is super reasonable, with the basic toolkit and one time assessment starting at $19 for one dog (special holiday price!), making it a really fun gift idea for the intellectual dog lover in your life. You also don't need to be an Einstein to use Dognition's gift/redemption process, which is really nice.

While the husband is dubious about Paddy's powers of analytical reasoning, we can't wait to prove him wrong. Stay tuned for the results!



Disclaimer: A complimentary trial of Dognition was extended to us by the company. For more information about our review policy, please visit our disclaimer page.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Gifts for the Dog Loving Host/Hostess

With the holidays right around the corner, it's time to start stocking up on hostess presents! It shouldn't surprise you that most of our friends have one or two canine companions, so with that in mind we always like to bring a "thank you for having us" gift that's doggy-inspired. (After all, what are you really going to do with another bottle of mediocre white wine or some floral cocktail napkins?) Here are our budget-friendly suggestions that are worth tucking away into your present closet:




One can never have enough cheese or enough cheese knives to cut them with. We picked up this set last time we were at Anthropologie, and at $12 each, the trio makes for a lovely gift. The quality is absolutely amazing and they definitely look and feel more expensive than they are.

Available from Anthropologie.com or in stores.



What could be more appropriate than a set of leopard print tennis balls for your next Upper East Side cocktail soiree? The perfect balance of posh and playful, this set makes the perfect "add on" item; we're definitely going to snag some of these!

Available from HarryBarker.com, from $8.



 This porcelain dog treat jar is stylish enough to live on your kitchen counter. While you could use it to stash treats/chews, we'd fill it with Paddington's knick knacks (how does she have so many random things?!), like business cards, tennis balls, backup squeakers and clickers, etc.

Available from C.Wonder for $40.


 How cute would these handmade ornaments look tied onto your hostess gift? Though a little on the pricey side ($28/each), they come from Peru and are crafted by fair-trade artisans who use traditional needle felting techniques.

Available in a variety of breeds from UncommonGoods for $28 each. 

And finally, a bag of delicious dog treats is never NOT going to go over well. A tin of luxury treats from a canine bakeshop, like Bocce's Bakery, is always going to be well-received-- especially in a gourmet flavor like Chicken Cordon Blue or limited-edition Holiday Feast!

What are you go to hostess gifts?


Friday, November 8, 2013

Nom: Comfort Food Goes to the Dogs

Brrrr! It seems like fall has finally descended upon New York City! Cooler temperatures, breezy weather, and darker evenings has made us want to fill our tummies with yummy snacks like mac n' cheese, soup and baked potatoes. Mmmm! And while these meals are not canine-friendly, check out these tasty treats that take comfort food to the dogs!

I mean, who doesn't love mac n' cheese? Bocce's Bakery takes dog treats to the next level with their scrumptious Truffle Mac & Cheese biscuits  -- they smell absolutely divine and are a big hit with our fussy eater. Truth be told... we find them quite tempting... Texture-wise, they're also easy to break in half so we're able to more easily portion control snack time. 


What could be more yum than tomato soup and a grilled cheese on a chilly afternoon? Three Dog Bakery transforms this lunchtime favorite into Tomato Soup & Cheese oven baked wafers for your pup. Served up in this oh-so-cute can, we couldn't resist stocking our cupboard with a few cans. 

Available from Three Dog's Bakery- $7.50 a can. 


We are long-time fans of Sojos bite-sized delicacies (mmm Peanut Butter & Jelly!), and thus have to recommend their Chicken Pot Pie biscuits as well. Perfectly sized for the small pup, we use them as training and just-because treats.

Available from Sojos- $7.65 a box. 



Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Holiday Gift Idea: @PotteryBarn's Doggy Storage Chests


Well, this is at the top of our holiday list. 

So far, we're loving Pottery Barn's dog-focused additions to their line of home goods, and these bone-shaped storage chests are just the bee's knees! If you're doing the apartment living thing like us, odds are you have one main space that is your family-living-dinning-study-room, that also doubles as your dog's main hangout. These adorable wicker baskets make it easy to store your dog's stuff in a way that is attractive and won't detract from your decor.

While the price tag may keep you from picking them up "just because," we're thinking of filling them with dog treats/toys and giving them as gifts to our favorite four-legged friends this holiday season. Fill the chest with goodies and tissue paper, tie it with a bow, and voila!

Available in small ($69) and large ($99) sizes from Pottery Barn's website.


 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Fall Fashions from Martha Stewart at @Petsmart!

Looking for something adorable to dress your pup up in for the holidays? Head over to Petsmart, where the Martha Stewart line is part of the site-wide sale! We've had our eye on several different pieces which are already in our cart and ready to go! 

 

Who doesn't love a cozy cable-knit for cold weather? Loving the neutral color of this sweater and the cute little sleeves. Looks really classy and high-end!


This polka-dot fleece number would be perfect for AM walks. We love how colorful it is and the fact that of course fleece is easy to clean/maintain

.

Seriously- look at the ahhh-dooor-able little tulle dress! Cannot get enough of the candy cane stripe ribbon or the holly accessory on the collar. We also love the fact that it's not going to be too warm for indoor wear.  

Does your dog don anything festive for the holidays? 


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Original Sock Dogs = SQUEE!

WELL. This is DEFINITELY going on the holiday wish list. Looking for a unique gift for the dog-lover in your life? You're welcome.


We are kind of obsessed with these sock based replicas of your four-legged pal. For $95, the folks at Original Sock Dogs are going to recreate your four-legged pal out of footwear accessories!

Handmade in the USA, 10% of each sale is donated to shelter and rescue groups, which in the past have included Humane Society of Greater Kansas City and Angel City Bull Rescue. 

Look at these adorable little faces!



For more info, and to place your order, please visit: http://www.sockdogs.com/

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Buy, Pass, or Wait? The Verdict on the @TaggTracker

Hey there Pups!

We've had to wrap up our demo of the Tagg Tracker on the earlier side. We had our device on loan for two weeks, but Paddy is headed out to her grandparents for a few weeks and we wouldn't be able to get it back on time. Bummer, I know.

So, where did we net out? Unfortunately, we didn't get too much time to actually test this out properly due to the technical issues we experienced and the fact that the Activity Tracker is currently being re-launched.  Today was the first time that we got consistent/accurate updates which were really cool, and nice -- especially as we spent most of today on a plane half-way across the country. The one other draw back we encountered was battery life-- maybe it's something we're doing wrong, but we can't figure out why our battery only lasts 3-4 days before needing a charge. According to the handbook, we should at least get a few more.

We were hoping to get a chance to use this device to keep a tab on Miss P while we're on the road and she's out on the Farm, but again-- timing got in the way. (This would have been a super cool use case!)  Same with keeping tabs on her while she's at daycare; alas, with the busy travel schedule of Paddy's PA (i.e. me), we won't get a chance to check it out.

Here's our final take on the Tagg Tracker.

Who it's good for:
Those with yards and dogs who have a free-roaming lifestyle.
Anyone who has a dog that likes to take unauthorized solo trips.
People who send their dogs out with dog-walkers, or to day-care.
People who travel a lot and want to keep tabs on their dog on the go. 

Who it's probably a pass for: 
Dogs under 10 lbs- while it worked on Paddy, it was a little too bulky to leave strapped on all the time in the apartment (also, our apartment is minuscule).
Old, sedentary dogs that aren't going to go far without a human companion.
People who are not patient with technology- as we mentioned, it took a fair amount of trouble shooting and research to figure out what the blinking lights meant and what exactly was going on. You'll need to download the app to your smart phone to really get the most out of it.

Things to keep in mind:
If you fall into the "pass" category, the Tagg is probably not the best investment-- especially considering the cost involved with the 4G subscription. However, if your dog is active and out n' about, we say take a look. It may be worthwhile to wait until they've ironed out all of the technical issues and re-launched the Activity Tracker though. (Again, maybe we just tested this out during a bad week- technology isn't perfect!) We are currently going to hold off on investing in one of our own for now in the hopes that there will be a smaller version in the near future.

Overall, very grateful that we got a chance to check this gadget out-- just wish we had been able to spend more time utilizing the features.

If you're in the market for Tagg-- they're still on sale until 10/31 via their website and code BOO13.



Disclaimer: This device was provided by PR for a fair and honest review. For more information, please see our blog disclaimer for our review policy.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Day 4: Tagg Tracker in Action!


All right! So since getting our Tagg Tracker set up, we've had the opportunity to try it out in action. As you can see from our test subject's adorable photo above, the device is a little bulky on a dog that's less than 10 lbs. That said, it really hasn't been bothering her, though we have been unclipping it to and from her collar whenever she's in the "home zone". We also tried attaching it to her harness which worked well. Fortunately, the tracker comes with two sets of attachment clips, so we can leave one set up on her collar and another on the harness. Yay. 


So here's where we kind of hit a roadblock.... On Day 2 of our trial Tagg pushed an update to their system which was accompanied by some scheduled, and some not s scheduled downtime. Eek. Our tracker didn't update for two days and we couldn't figure out what was going on. Also, the Quick Start instruction guide that came with the device definitely did not have all the answers we would have liked-- visit their website to check out the PDF there, it's much more helpful! 

After overcoming those few little speed bumps, we've been on our way! We're still figuring out a bunch of different things, like how to set up our home zone, but hopefully we'll have some more time to figure all of these things out soon. 

Things we like so far: the push notifications we get on our phone whenever Paddy is on the move outside of her home area. Thanks to the Verizon 4G network, these updates are pretty much in real time, and when we did get the "Locate" feature working, cool to play with! We could definitely see how this would be beneficial if you were trying to track down an unaccompanied wanderer.


It does look like the activity tracker piece is being relaunched so we haven't had a chance to demo that, but will keep you updated!

The Tagg Tracker is available from most major retailers and also their website. I believe they also have a Halloween deal going on: 20% off with code BOO13. 



Disclaimer: We received this device courtesy of PR in exchange for our fair and honest review. For more information about our policies, please view the disclaimer section of our blog. 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Get Those Costumes Ready! #SEEPAWS is Almost Here!


It's kind of crazy to think that it's been almost a year since NYC battened down the hatches and prepared to face Hurricane Sandy. While we fortunately escaped the worst of the storm, our friends down at the South Street Seaport weren't so lucky. Some of our favorite haunts like The Salty Paw, have only recently been able to get back on their four paws (which we're so happy about!), which is why we were thrilled to hear about the SEE PAWS Halloween event.

Hosted by sponsors like The Salty Paw and Paws on Pine to name two, this event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 26th at 2 PM at the South Street Seaport. In addition to adorable pets in costume, there are wonderful prizes to be won by entering their costume contest. To enter, head down to the Seaport or use hashtag #SEEPAWS on Twitter or Instagram.

For more information, click here. Will you be there? 

Tagg Tracker: Day 1


We are so excited to be testing out the Tagg pet tracker for the next two weeks! This portable little GPS system attaches to your dog's collar to provide you with location updates via text/email. In addition to helping you locate an adventurous wandered, the Tagg can track your dog's daily activity and share information about your pet with your vet. Think of it as the canine FitBit! 





So far, setup has been a breeze and we've downloaded the Tagg app to our iPhone.  While we were slightly worried that the unit was going to be bulky/too big on our little 6 lb Morkie, so far she seems to be adjusting. Since the Tagg is designed for dogs that are around 10lbs, it is a little heavy on her collar and doesn't rest at the back of her neck, but we're going to play around with adjustments. 

 

Really looking forward to trying this out as we're looking at moving to the suburbs in the next year (GASP), where Paddy will have much more outdoor freedom. 

Paddy is resting up prior to an afternoon of fun! Will keep you updated :) 



Disclaimer: The Tagg tracker device was provided by PR for the purposes of review.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Ricky's NYC Halloween Pup Pop-Up!

So, it's no secret that Halloween is one of our faaaaavvvoorrrrittteee holidays. And while the human residents of our apartment have lost the motivation to dress up, that doesn't mean that Paddy gets a free pass. (Much to her horror.... clearly.


This Halloween, costume HQ Ricky's is making it even easier to mortify your mutt by opening up their first-ever pet-only Halloween pop up shop! Featuring costumes, accessories, clothing, etc. this one stop shop has everything you'd ever need to create the perfect spooky/scary/cute/adorable getup. 

Located at 1276 Lexington on the Upper East Side (the corner of 86th street), we're planning on swinging by this weekend to scope out what this year's embarrassing options are. Mwahahaha! If you can't make it up north, most Ricky's in the city also carry a selection of doggy costumes.

Is your dog dressing up for Halloween? 


Thursday, October 3, 2013

RESCUE Pet Products


It shouldn't come as a surprise that we're a little bit picky about the grooming products we use at home. While there's something to be said for some of the "salon" brands, we're often more drawn to more fur-friendly and chemical-free picks, like RESCUE...Pet Products. Handmade to order, these organic pet products were created by a veterinary technician who donates a percentage of profits to local animal shelters and other organizations.

In addition to her wide range of products, from paw and nose balm (vegan friendly!) to anti-itch shampoo, RESCUE Pet Products also offers travel/sample sized options which are PERFECT for packing. What a brilliant idea!

Head over to their Etsy store to pick up yours today-- and make sure to check out their shop announcement which includes discounts for Facebook fans and folks in the pet industry.


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Kickstarter: Petcube


Call us kind of obsessed, but we are sooooo stoked for the Petcube! It's as if someone asked us to jot down everything we'd want from a pet camera and then transformed it into reality. A physical box that will let you interact with your pet via mobile app, it feels like it was designed for helicopter parents like us. In addition to being able to check in on your pup's activities, you'll be able to communicate with them via the cube's speakers in real-time.

While this project is already 105% funded, every additional dollar means that Petcube gets closer to their stretch goals! Getting in now also means you have the opportunity to get the Petcube at less than retail price (saving about $50).

Don't wait-- this Kickstarter project is ONLY around until November 5th!



 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

A Very Morkie Paw-ty!





Last week, Paddington celebrated her 6th birthday! How time flies! It seems like only yesterday we picked up our tiny Morkie from the airport.... Awww!


To celebrate, we picked up some canine confections and party supplies from The Hungry Hound in Somerville NJ. They have an amazing array of doggy-friendly baked goods, including cakes (which can be custom ordered), cupcakes, and biscuits! We have to say that we were completely impressed with their decorating skills, and will definitely be returning for future birthday supplies. For those not based in NJ, it looks like they also will mail some of their treats.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Summer Cottages


Summer always gets us daydreaming about the day when we'll leave the concrete jungle behind... we can't wait to have a backyard so that Paddy can have her own little Victorian cottage.

We spotted this adorable shingled number over at One Kings Lane. Sadly, the sale is now over, but you can still purchase this cozy little abode directly from Home Bazaar.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

5 Tips for a PAWSOME Photo Shoot!

Today, we were invited to take part in a very special shoot for an upcoming issue of Pup Culture Magazine! We got to catch up with old friends and also make some new ones that we're excited to introduce you to in the near future. Anyway, prepping for today got us thinking about advice for making the most out of a photo shoot, so here we go:

Paddy on set with her snacks.
1. WATER. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! We packed one of our handy Aqua Pure Breed waters and made sure to bring an extra backup bottle that we could refill the dish with. While there are some nice portable dispensers, typically we find it hard to convince Paddy to drink out of anything that isn't bowl shaped. Also, if you have a small dog, disposable cups typically won't work since they're too deep. Another good alternative would be to save a shallow takeout container with a lid if you can't get your hands on any pre-packaged waters.

2. BREAKS. Just like people, dogs have varying attention spans. Paddy can go for about 5-10 minutes of photos before needing a quick breather. Make sure that your dog isn't getting too stressed out by giving them a chance to relax off the set. We packed a small ball for Paddy which we threw for her during breaks to keep her entertained and give her a nice break from posing. In addition to play breaks, all that hydration and excitement might mean more regular bathroom breaks than normal.

3. TOYS. Does your dog have a favorite toy? Make sure to pack a few items that will get your dog's attention behind the camera. While squeaky/noisy toys often get ears to perk in a way that is oh-so-adorable, we find that anything with noise is going to make Paddy break the pose she's holding. We typically bring one of Paddy's favorite toys or a little tennis ball to get her to look at the camera.

4. SNACKS. Low-calorie training treats make for great photo shoot snacks. We brought with us Blue Buffalo Bits Training Treats which are soft and easy to break into smaller morsels. Don't reward your dog after ever photo--use your judgment, otherwise the snack you have on hand will quickly become boring/expected. We also bring a VERY high value snack (little bits of Pupperoni), just in case. It also helps to make sure your dog does not eat/snack 2-3 hours before the shoot. If they're full, they're going to be less likely to want to work for the treats.

5. HAVE FUN! The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your dog is going to be. Things may not go perfectly, your dog may have absolutely no interest in what's going on, but getting frustrated will only make them less likely to listen. Stay calm and use a friendly tone of voice-- the more rewarding and positive the experience they have, the more they'll be into it in the future. We use lots of positive reinforcement (treats, pats, verbal encouragement), and always try to make sure Paddy is having fun on set.



We hope that these tips were helpful and that you'll share them with friends! Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes details of our shoot! and make sure to follow Pup Culture Magazine on Facebook for info about their Fall issue.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

For the Pooch who is "Le-Tired"

There is something about warm weather that just makes us want to lounge around...

Catching up on real-life post-wedding has also been exhausting... which is why when we spied this adorable doggy chaise in our inbox, we KNEW we had to share it with you.

Featuring more technology than the bed we sleep on, this bed utilizes the SNOOzZzONE™ Pet Comfort System to allow your pet to rest in absolute comfort.

Specs include (and we kid you not...) :
·       Self-Warming Thermal Reflective Layer – Reflective technology helps preserve your pet’s temperature by reflecting the warmth his or her body generates.
·       Gel Core Comfort Layer – The gel-core science provides your pet with superior pressure distribution for a more comfortable and cooler sleep.
·       Memory Foam Comfort Layer – Memory foam conforms to your pet’s body position to provide ultimate support when snoozing. Perfect for pets with orthopedic needs.
·       Allergen, Microbe, Dust Mite Protective Liner – The cushion liner protects your pet and his or her bed from water penetration, mold, dust mites, bed bugs, allergens and microbes.

Also fabulous-- storage beneath the main cushion!

Available in three colors from Wag.com for $109.

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