ThunderLeash: the simpler "no pull" solution has become our "no choke" solution

My dog, N.A.S.H.A., totally looks like the anxious type, but she's cool as a cucumber. Unless a butterfly tries to invade our home, and, then, she goes ballistic. So though I've worked with ThunderShirt and done several product reviews, I've always given the shirts they send me to clients who can really use them. It's awesome to be able to that, and I highly recommend the ThunderShirt as a natural remedy for many types of canine anxiety. So when ThunderShirt asked if I'd like to try out their newest product, the ThunderLeash, I was intrigued. After checking it out online, I knew that N.A.S.H.A. and I would be trying this one, ourselves. The ThunderLeash is described as "the simpler 'no pull'" solution.

Though only eleven or so pounds and eight years old, when it's time to go for a walk, N.A.S.H.A. thinks she's part of the Iditarod. She has other weird habits on a leash, too. Like she won't go potty on one. So after our walks, she rushes in the house and to the backyard so she can relieve herself. I don't think ThunderLeash can help with that issue, but I was hopeful it might finally be a solution for N.A.S.H.A.'s constant pulling on a traditional leash.

We'd tried other "no pull" products with little or no success. Our family loves to hike, and we love to take N.A.S.H.A. with us, but sometimes we leave her behind, just because we don't want to deal with her. She's too light to pull us along, and even the kids can hold the leash when she's pulling. Her problem is different. She chokes. Over and over. And over. And over. It's quite irritating to listen to, and it can't be healthy for her. Ah...the intelligence of dogs, ever in question.

So here she is, choking and walking in all her glory with her regular leash:

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I was pretty excited when our ThunderLeash arrived.

I loved how the instructions were right on the front. So simple!

The ThunderLeash is a full leash, just like it says. It can be used as a regular leash when your dog isn't pulling, and can quickly be converted while it's on your dog, should your dog start pulling. The patent-pending "harness slot" allows you to simply wrap the leash around your dog's torso, just under his "arm pits."

ThunderShirt describes it best:

ThunderLeash is the simpler "no pull" solution. The innovative hardware turns a leash into a "no pull" harness instantly. The safe pressure greatly reduces pulling with no need for a harness. Professional dog trainer recommended. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

ThunderLeash will help make walking your dog a hassle free, positive experience for both you and your dog. Dog harnesses can be great tools for many dogs, but not everyone wants to make the effort to get one onto their dog or to have extra stuff to carry around. ThunderLeash is the perfect combination of simplicity and functionality. For those times you just need a standard leash for a quick walk or for times when your dog is well behaved, simply connect the ThunderLeash to your dog's collar just like any other leash. But for times when pulling might be a problem, simply wrap ThunderLeash around your dog's torso and slide it into the harness slot. Now whenever your dog pulls, a mild pressure is applied to his torso, and the pulling will quickly cease. Which the ThunderLeash, you will finally be able to walk your dog, instead of being walked by your dog.

Since we already experienced what N.A.S.H.A. does on a regular leash, we jumped right ahead to the harness slot.

Physics has never been my strong point, but I could tell that the configuration would not encourage pulling, as a traditional harness often does. It is also equipped with a safety stopper (which is hidden by fur) so the harness won't squeeze too tight.

Before we headed out the door, I hooked the clip to N.A.S.H.A.'s collar, then wrapped the leash around her as the directions showed, then easily slipped the leash into the harness slot. Just as easily, N.A.S.H.A. bucked and twisted and–voilá–we were back to the regular leash configuration. Sigh. It was a new sensation for her, so we tried again, and this time she wasn't so wiggly. So we set off...

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Do you hear anything? Me neither! She still pulled, but not as hard, and the best part is that she stopped choking completely. That's a win for her and a win for our whole family!

The ThunderSeash Web site offers free shipping  and a full refund within forty-five days, if the ThunderLeash doesn't work out for you, so there's really no risk.

As the weather cools in Arizona and we're able to venture out on more hikes, I think N.A.S.H.A. will be able to join us more often! I'm really excited about that.

Disclaimer: ThunderShirt provided me with a ThunderLeash in exchange for my honest opinion. 

i am here: an urban intervention to make the invisible visble

Have you seen it?

I'm out of touch with what's gone viral and what hasn't, and I don't make a habit of sharing viral videos to generate traffic or whatever it might do. And I don't know the original source, so I can't cite it. And I don't know the people who took this video, or I'd be contacting them and kissing them. I just want you to see it.

So, what do I know?

I viewed this video a couple of months ago and didn't feel worthy to share it. I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's so spectacular.

I now feel that everyone should see it, damn the torpedoes!

I challenge you to watch it without laughing and crying at the same time. It's the kind of laughing-through-the-tears video that we all need sometimes. No...I'm not on my period.

Just check it out.

Wordless Wednesday: Radiant Remington

grain-free dog food that doesn't break the bank

Regardless of our financial situation, we all want the best for our pets, especially when it comes to health and nutrition.

Grain-free dog food is associated with high-quality pet food, and high-quality pet food is associated with a high price tag. With few exceptions, buying a ten-pound bag of high-quality grain-free dog food will be more expensive than buying a bag of "chow kibble chemical nuggets." On the other hand, savings on vet bills and the likelihood that your dog will consume less food if it is nutrient-rich can really add up, which can completely offset the extra expense.

So let's assume you're ready to switch your dog to a high-quality grain-free food. And let's also consider that you're concerned about the cost. I get that. Our family is on a budget, and I can say with confidence that I save money by feeding N.A.S.H.A. a high-quality, mostly grain-free diet. If you're, too, making this choice, then how can you find what you're looking for at a price your family can afford? There are so many great options in terms of food and in terms of where to buy that food, so where do you start?

Let's start with the food, itself. And, for the sake of argument (and so this essay doesn't become War and Peace), let's look hard at one high-quality grain-free food: Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. This food is a great one to look at because it has the fiber that some grain-free foods are criticized for lacking, has high-quality ingredients, and it's also priced fairly in the market of options. They offer three varieties, perfect for rotation-feeding: Beef & Sweet Potato, Chicken & Sweet Potato, and Whitefish & Sweet Potato.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free describes their food as:

Everything your dog needs for good health and nothing he doesn't.

Though dogs have adapted to a domesticated, omnivorous diet over the centuries, a protein-based diet free of grains more closely mimics their ancestral beginnings. Dogs are able to digest grains, but their bodies don't break down grains as efficiently as they do proteins and fats. This is why a diet free of grains and made with limited protein sources is an excellent option for all dogs, but especially those with food sensitivities.

Regardless of whether you serve your dog a grain-free diet or not, you want to make sure that the first ingredient in the food is a protein, so you want to avoid a grain-BASED food. How do you know? A grain should not be the first ingredient, and you should avoid low-quality grains, such as corn, gluten, or wheat flour.

So what about Diamond Naturals Grain-Free? Their Web site explains:

The first ingredient in every formula of Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is animal-sourced protein from trusted sources, for superior taste and nutrition. Sweet potatoes provide complete carbohydrates for all-day energy, while fruits and vegetables add powerful natural antioxidants for optimal health and vitality.

Diamond Naturals Grain-Free is by no means your only grain-free or quality dog food option, but it is a great example of what to look for.

So where can you get it, and is it affordable?

We're lucky these days that we have so many options, not just in terms of what we purchase, but also in terms of where we purchase it and what we pay for it. If you're willing to put in a little bit of leg-work, you'll be able to find the food you want to feed your dog at a most reasonable price, and don't forget to look for online codes or local store coupons for additional savings.

I first look to small local stores because I like to support my local community, and, as a small business owner, I choose first to support other local small businesses. One thing I've discovered about my local small pet store is that they are quite knowledgeable and willing to work with me. They haven't hired the teen-thing who is willing to work for minimum wage (no offense to teen-things who are willing to work for minimum wage...I have one! But I wouldn't want him advising me on dog food choices), but they hire people who, through experience, education, or both, know what the heck they are talking about and truly want to help you find the food that works best for you and your dog. You can ask them tons of questions, and they can give you options that will be most beneficial for your dog and won't put a strain on your pocketbook. I have also found that my local pet store is willing to provide me with samples. I get some snack-size pouches of recommended food, and I can analyze the ingredients and let my pooch do a good old fashioned taste-test. I mean, even if I purchase the best food ever made, it does no good if my dog won't eat it! Local small businesses often offer discounts or coupons in local papers, on line, or even if you just ask, so give it a shot!

If all else fails, I hop online. I love online shopping. I can stay in my pjs, and I almost always feel like I get a great deal, because, literally, the retail world is at my fingertips. You can almost always find a coupon or code for a discount. The only disadvantage is that you're usually not shopping local that way, and you usually don't get that personal experience that can be so valuable, especially when the well-being of your pet is the question. What you get in exchange, that can be equally valuable, is a ton of anonymous (raw and truthful) product reviews. When I shop online, I rely on reviews. And I'm rarely dissatisfied with my purchase because I read them and take them to heart.

So let's go back to our example, Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. Lucky for me, they have a "where to buy" function on their Web site, so I can check out whether or not there's a local store that offers it. Sweet! I found two local pet stores–within three miles of my home–who offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free. One offered me a $3 coupon just for signing up for their loyalty club!

But let's pretend my local stores didn't offer Diamond Naturals Grain-Free...

I'd then look online. Diamond Naturals Grain-Free offers a function on their Web site that points you to online retailers who carry the formula. You may be loyal to a particular online retailer who offers you incentives to shop with them. Ask if they carry Diamond Naturals Grain-Free, and see if they will give you a discount if you purchase your dog food of choice from them. You can find some crazy deals online!

tips for finding the affordable grain-free food that is right for your dog:

• utilize the personal experience and expertise of your local pet stores

• ask local pet stores if they can give you samples of the foods you are considering

• ask your local pet store if they offer loyalty discounts or coupons

• do online price comparisons and read reviews (reading reviews can be helpful even if you take your business offline)

• search for online coupon codes if you make your purchase on a Web site

• ask online retailers at which you frequently shop if they carry and will offer a discount on the food you'd like to purchase

Finding a suitable high-quality grain-free dog food that is affordable will be simple, when you know what to look for and where to go. When we're on a budget, we often have to be resourceful about purchasing what our family needs at an affordable price. Our dogs are family, so it stands to reason that finding a high-quality grain-free option that fits into our budget like the one from Diamond Naturals is a no-brainer!

Connect with Diamond Naturals on Facebook.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Diamond Naturals. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, but well minded word only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Diamond Naturals is not responsible for the content of this article.

keeping an "intelligent busy" pup out of trouble

Do you have a naughty busy pup on your hands? As a professional pet sitter, I've pretty much seen them in all varieties. There are different kinds of busy. Some can be constructive, but most are either destructive or dangerous, however innocent. This weekend I'm caring for a busy pup. I've been taking care of him for over a year, so I'm on to his antics, as is his family, and they have taken precautions. The special thing about this busy pup is that he's "intelligent busy," which is the most dangerous and destructive kind of all.

I think intelligence is universally valued. But there are cases where taking care of a being with brains is a real challenge, especially when their brains are bigger than their judgement. Take my four-year-old daughter, for example.

On second thought, let's not go there, now.

Let's take the aforementioned pup, instead. He is one of the most loving creatures I've met. Lots of pounds bigger than a lap dog, lap dog. YouknowwhatImean? He whines if your hand is not in contact with his body 100% of the time, and he only breaks contact if he has to eat, drink, or relieve himself, all of which he does with lightening speed so that he can get back in your lap. And crush you.

He's fun and fantastic, though. And his attempts to outsmart his family are in check after lots of trial and error. Think Fort Knox.

Here are some examples of how this family protects themselves from their "intelligent busy" pup:

What lengthy measures have you taken to protect your home, your belongings, and your pup (from himself), from your busy pup?