3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

dogs

Day 58/365: Another Dog Toy Bites the Dust

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Day 58: Grrrrr….Give me my toy!!

The search for the indestructible dog toy continues. Why do I try? Because it’s fun, because I like a challenge, and one day Brody might learn that the fun will last longer if he doesn’t totally destroy his squeaky toys. This time is was with a line from Tuffy Dog Toys.

When I worked for a pet supply company I had a lot of excuses to indulge my dog. I tried different dog foods, various types of dog toys, and all kinds of  dog treats. Brody eats anything so that wasn’t really a fair test.

But, I digress, back to the dog toy test. My daughter played tug of war, keep away, and pulled him around the kitchen. It wore Brody completely out. He actually didn’t eviscerate this rabbit for over an hour, but was content to slobber and just gnaw.

It took almost three hours this very determined Jack Russell to break through the 3 layers of fabric and reach the stuffing. then it was an all out war on the dog toy. Kill the Rabbit, kill the rabbit,…isn’t that from a movie, I think Bugs Bunny.

The squeaker came out first, then all the stuffing, all over the floor. When the toy was sufficiently dead and just the skin left the novelty of the toy was over.

I now have a Boxer, in addition to my Jack, and Leah loves stuffed animals and carries them around like a baby. So as long as it doesn’t have a squeaker

This was also a level 9 dog toy from MyDogToy.com and it’s a good thing I participate in the Dog Testing program, otherwise these experiments would cost me a fortune.

 

Day 55/365: Brody, the Toy Destroyer

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Day 55: Another toy bites the dust

For those who have been following, I have been searching for the indestructible squeaky toy. I searched online and found a company that advertises Mighty Dog Toys, “Rethink Durability” from mydogtoy.com, well let’s just say even a toy ranked 9 on the durability scale didn’t survive Brody.

This little foxes ears and tail were the first to go, then a hole in it’s side, and the stuffing came out within two hours. I do have to state a disclaimer. The company clearing states that these toys are meant for interactive fun and play and not meant as a chew toy. Very few have tried to get a squeaky toy away from a Jack Russel. He doesn’t want to let go.

Day 49/365: Packing, the Dog Waits..

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Day 49: Can I have my bed back?

As my  son packed to go back to the U.S. Marine Base in Yuma AZ, the bed gradually became visible.   I can finally see the covers and it was amazing how everything fit. Only the important electronics, change of clothes, a very heavy suitcase, and backpack remained.

Brody even found enough room to curl up without Nathan catching him. It’s an “off the bed” policy when Nathan is home and Brody knows it. You can almost see the guilty, you caught me look in his face. It’s ok Brody, you can sleep with me and keep my feet warm. I may even give you a treat.

Brody’s Tongue is Famous!

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I love photo contests, especially when they are goofy and include pets. FidoBlog sponsored a Dog’s Tongue contest, and I just happened to have a great photo of Brody’s tongue. There were so many entries they created a YouTube video. Brody is at mark 1:35, so you don’t have to watch long.

But if you’re a dog lover you will watch it through the end. The music is really fun to listen to even without watching the pictures and listened to it in the background.

Enjoy!

Introducing Brody

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My Dog looks like Wishbone the Jack Russell
Brodys’ Pawprint Ear Looks like Wishbone

My Jack Russell Terrier

Let me introduce Brody. He’s my six year old Jack Russel Terrier that I rescued in 2005 from the Nebraska Jack Russell Rescue. I thought we were going to do agility together, but with three kids and life being as it is, we didn’t get to it, now I wonder if he’s too old to start.

The rescue had a lot of dogs and most of the “Jacks” were bouncing off their kennel and barking. Brody was the only one who stood calmly in his kennel and just looked at me as if to say, “If I’m really good and calm she will take me home, those other dogs don’t know anything.” We walked out and he passed his first “test”, a cat. Didn’t even give the cat the time of day. Now it’s a different story, but only if the cat runs, if the cat ignores him, he ignores the cat.

He was found wandering around Des Moines and based on his aggressive eating had not seen food on a regular basis. The bowl went across the room, food went everywhere. That was the first training step in his education. Sit, stay, wait, then eat.

Jack Russell Terrier with Gentle Leader
The Gentle Leader collar taken off the nose.

Brody is my walking buddy we normally go for 3-5 miles on the trail. He also loves to snuggle on the couch and give kisses. When I’m working at my desk buddy as he sits at my feet for a tummy rub, he likes how my toes get all the itchy places.

I love going for walks, but Brody lunges at EVERYTHING, seriously a bird flying overhead, leaves blowing and every time he almost rip my arm from my shoulder.

My Favorite Jack Russell Training Tools

So how did I stop my dog from pulling on a leash? I tried almost every training technique. But none worked. I tried a body harness, it didn’t work either. The only product that stopped him from pulling was the Gentle Leader head collar. I wish I had taken a video, but literally I could walk him with one finger after just a week.

PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar, Medium, FawnPetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness, Large, Black/SilverJack Russell Terrier Training, Think Like a Dog, But Don’t Eat your Poop!: Here’s EXACTLY How To Train Your Jack Russell Terrier (Volume 2)Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies

Learn More About Jack Russell Terriers

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