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. 

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?

stuff to stuff in a KONG®

One of the most versatile dog treats I know is a stuffed KONG®. What miracles can this wonder bring?

• Occupies a bored dog while you are away.

• Calms a hyper or anxious dog.

• Rewards a good dog.

• Exercises the tongue and jaw and induces sleep after physical exertion.

• Can be used to help administer medicine.

• Helps exercise the mind of a thoughtful dog.

• It's a fun, playful way to get a treat.

• Provides a dog who likes to chew with an outlet.

• Virtually indestructible for tough guys.

• Just the right size. They come in all sizes.

• You can create your own healthy stuffing...you're in control of what goes in.

The majority of dog treats are highly processed and quite unhealthy for your pooch. There are some great ones out there, but they are few and far between. Just as a healthy, homemade snack is typically better for our kids than something out of a package, a healthy, homemade snack is usually better for your dog. Get creative with what you put in your KONG®. You know what your dog loves, so go with it! Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

• Peanut butter (natural, organic is best...they don't need added sugar) plain or mixed with small crunchy treats

• Frozen peanut butter (just as tasty, but lasts longer)

• Frozen plain yogurt

• Frozen peanut butter and plain yogurt swirl

• Add banana to any of the above (just a couple of slices)

• Frozen low sodium beef broth (with or without crunchy treats): this one is tricky because you have to seal the ends while it freezes...duct tape usually works

• Frozen vegetable broth with green beans, carrots, peas, etc. inside

• Any number of small, homemade, crunchy biscuits

As with any treat or at any time, always be sure your dog has plenty of fresh water...especially if he's eating peanut butter. You know how that can be!

What is your pooch's favorite KONG® recipe?

protecting the dove from the crow

This morning I was taking advantage of the cool(er) about 95-degree summer morning air by doing a bit of gardening in the front yard when a young, tattered baby dove landed at my feet. The bird did not seem injured, but I immediately got the impression that it needed assistance. My elderly, sweet, wonderfully originally-from-Brooklyn neighbor shouted from across the street, "good morning, Kristen! Can you believe that dove? It really likes you. Maybe it's looking for protection from that black crow. We had four mangled doves in our yard last week!"

Tell it like it is, Celeste.

Sure enough, a large black crow was looming nearby. It approached, and the dove got even closer, just an inch from my foot. I squatted down, and the dove walked just out of my reach, moving no faster than what was required to maintain independence. When I stood up, it once again sought protection just next to me. We went through this cycle a couple of times as the crow paced nearby.

"You should run after that crow and shoo it away," cackled Celeste. "It slaughtered doves in my yard last week! They're NASTY!"

Yes...I remember, Celeste.

She and her husband drove off, but not before she rolled down her window and made one last announcement "really, that dove seems to want to be with you!"

And it did.

So the dove and I did the do-se-do for a while. I couldn't chase the crow away because I was the shelter for the dove and couldn't make any sudden movements. Eventually, the crow gave up and flew off, and then my friend left me. Had it let me touch it, who knows what would have happened. I feel bonded to the poor thing, nevertheless.

I hope to see it again under better circumstances.

anticipating Blackfish

From the day I discovered you could be something when you're all grown up, I had a singular dream. Until the middle of my college career, I worked hard to become a Killer Whale Trainer. Did you just giggle a little? It's no joke. I became a certified SCUBA diver. I was a docent at a marine museum. The license plate on my first car read "TINORCA." I chose my college based on it's Marine Biology program. I honestly can't put my finger on one reason why I ultimately decided to go down a different path. I'm not sure if it was fear or concern for the animals or a combination of the two, but I never realized that dream.

As a child, I spent a great deal of time with the killer whales at Sea World. I have yet to take my children there. I no longer wish to support that industry. That fact leaves me in mourning. I so want my children to see the magic of the killer whale in person. I want to share with them the excitement that I experienced as a child, but I know I can't. I can't.

Blackfish, a film by Magnolia pictures, was recently released. As described on the Blackfish web site:

Many of us have experienced the excitement and awe of watching 8,000-pound orcas, or "killer whales," soar out of the water and fly through the air at sea parks, as if in perfect harmony with their trainers. Yet, in our contemporary lore this mighty black-and-white mammal is like a two-faced Janus–beloved as a majestic, friendly giant yet infamous for its capacity to kill viciously. Blackfish unravels the complexities of this dichotomy, employing the story of notorious performing whale, Tilikum, who–unlike any orca in the wild–has taken the lives of several people while in captivity. So what exactly went wrong?

Shocking, never-before-seen footage and riveting interviews with trainers and experts manifest the orca's extraordinary nature, the species' cruel treatment in captivity over the last four decades, and the growing disillusionment of workers who were mislead and endangered by the highly profitable sea-park industry. This emotionally wrenching, tautly structured story challenges us to consider our relationship to nature and reveals how little we humans have learned from these highly intelligent and enormously sentient fellow mammals.

Although I am quite anxious about seeing the movie, I am very much looking forward to it. It is out in limited release, so I'll have to wait until August. I know the experience of viewing the film will be emotional for me.

Are you planning to see Blackfish?