Good Dog Bakery

7 Ways to keep your dog safe this Halloween

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:06:00 +0000

1. Keep your dogs away from the Chocolate. You knew this one. I just wanted to say CHOCOLATE mmmmm!

2. Sugar is no good either even in small amounts.

3. Keep candy wrappers out of the reach of your dog. Candy wrappers can be dangerous or even fatal to your dog. Candy wrappers will still smell like the candy, dogs will think the wrapper are food. If your dog does not choke on the wrapper it will still have to go through the digestion track doing damage along the way.

4. Reflective gear for your dog. You and your children will probably be wearing reflective gear so put some on your dog too. Let cars see all members of your family.

5. Pick the correct atmosphere for your dog. Dogs can get stressed out easy. Taking a dog that has nervous tendencies to a high energy costume party may not be a good idea, but trick or treating with a group of ten year old children maybe a perfect activity.

6. Keep candy bowl out of the reach of your dog. Dogs like that candy too.

7. Make some healthy treats for you dogs.

What ways to you keep your dog safe on Halloween?

The Pit Bull as a Greek Tragedy

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000

A Greek tragedy depicts the downfall of a noble hero or heroine. The tragic hero usually has a flaw the leads them to their fate. Apply this to the Pit Bull. The K9 hero demonized by society, media, and the uninformed. The Pit Bull's downfall is it's most positive quality; the will to please his human companion. This quality along with the Pit Bull's physical attributes is what some jackass Pit Bull owners exploit to give this breed his bad reputation. A good soldier fights when their commander tells them to fight. That soldier will get a medal and the Pit Bull will get to go down with Rhesus. (Rhesus an Euripides character that was killed in the Trojan War while trying to help his neighbors defend their land)

According to the American Temperament Test Society the American Pit Bull Terrier has the the same temperament score of 85.3% as a Basset Hound. Pit Bull scored better than Beagles 81.0%, Border Collies 80.6%, Dachshunds 70.2%, and the list goes on.

What do you think of the Pit Bull breed? We would love to hear your opinion.

Don't be itchy and bitchy!

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Fall is here and winter is just around the corner! Seasonal changes can create dry skin for dogs. A good coat starts from the inside with proper nutrition. Below is an oil base recipe from The Whole Pet Diet by Andi Brown that may help.

5 ounces e. v. olive oil
1 ounce cod liver oil
1 ounce wheat germ oil
1 ounce flax seed oil
1 clove garlic, chopped or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
2-inch sprig of rosemary, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Combine ingredients in a blender and pulse for approximately 30 seconds. Store in a dark glass bottle in the refrigerator. If stored as directed, the blend should last approximately 2 months.

At feeding time pour the appropriate amount of the oil blend for your dog's weight on top of their food. Mix thoroughly. They will love the taste!

Dogs weight Amount of oil blend

2 - 11 lbs - 1/2 teaspoon
12 - 25 lbs - 1 teaspoon
26 - 50 lbs - 2 teaspoons
51 - 100 lbs - 1 tablespoon
100+ - 1 1/2 tablespoons

This mixture of oils will help the skin repair itself as well as moisturize. The oils provide Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. Garlic lends protein, Vitamin A, B1 and C as well as essential minerals. Rosemary is beneficial to the heart, liver, eyes and optimizes the quality of the coat.

Please consult your veterinarian before supplementing your dogs food or making dietary changes.

Hope your dogs enjoy this mixture and have healthy luxurious coats all season long!

-Chris, manager

Good Dog Bakery, LLC

Labor of Love for a New Line

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Viggo’s implementation of the Wheat & Gluten Free line featuring 2 alternative recipes made with certified organically grown millet flour and more.

This recipe was first created for Rueben Tuesday who suffers a wheat allergy. Since each of the executives is a taste tester as well it was important to offer a treat which could be given without upsetting Reuben's allergy. Behold…
Peanut Butter Treats
Pumpkin Molasses Flavor Bones
…both are wheat and gluten free and delicious.

Since this was Viggo’s first product, he knew the importance of expressing himself early. He didn’t want to be taken for granted cause he was the young guy. Rueben Tuesday, his older sister, had a need. The problem became the solution.

Viggo sought new suppliers to formulate the recipes. He decided to modify two great original flavors into new and better recipes which are now wheat and gluten free. He worked long hours perfecting the recipes. His commitment to his sister and love of the food made the discovery easy. And the dogs taste it in every bite. They know there’s a little bit of happiness with every crunch.

Even if your dogs don’t suffer a wheat and gluten allergy, know that you’re offering them healthy dog treats packed with flavor! How? You might ask. It’s because they’re made with wholesome human grade ingredients and not chemicals or modified foods.

Try a bag today! You’re dogs will love them. And maybe even love you a little more too. If you dog don’t eat them then we will!

City Dog Adventure

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Reuben Tuesday took Viggo for a walk last weekend for an exercise in park etiquette as well as exercise itself. What an adventure!

Viggo is our 10 week old APBT who is learning so much about the life of a good dog from our other 3 kiddos. The park outing was a great opportunity to not only socialize Viggo to other people and animals but also an excellent exercise for the family. Such as with all new puppies, various stimulus is so important in the training and upbringing of a puppy for the health and safety of you dog and others. Interaction with new people and the outside world helps your dog maintain a healthy balance and learn positive interaction. Additionally the exercise will help the dog to maintain good health and burn extra energy so to avoid unwanted behavioral problems stemming from boredom or otherwise.

Don't hesitate to stop and smell the flowers along the way, but be careful. It's springtime so many flowers are in bloom which may be toxic to your pet. It's important to avoid allowing your dog to ingest vegetation especially if you do not know what it is. The ASPCA offers a terrific link for various vegetation including fruits and vegetables which may be toxic to you dog. You may also use the printable version as a quick reference guide. Many of these plants may also be in your own back yard. Various symptoms can apply so refer the information often. If you believe your dog may be ill or has ingested a suspect substance, call your veterinarian immediately. You may also contact the 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

We worked up quite a sweat along the trails and the dogs were panting like mad. I think this may have been as much from the excitement than the exercises. We took breaks often to discover strange bugs or sniff out something new. Breaks are important so as not to overheat your dog. Be sure to maintain a clean water supply so you and your animal stay adequately hydrated along the journey. Enjoying trails and hiking is a great way for city dogs to get back to nature.

Don't be surprised if your dog wants to discover his or her own adventure! Using the stimulus of the outdoors is an excellent way to take advantage of a training opportunity. Use different value treats to redirect your dogs attention to the matter at hand with positive reinforcement. You are never too old to learn something new and neither is your dog. Remember to reinforce good behavior and redirect undesirable behavior.

Discovering a new adventure is a healthy way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Enjoy life and all it has to offer. Don't be afraid to be adorable along the way!

Stacy & Chris

Rueben & Viggo

Good Dog Bakery

Welcome home Viggo!

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:02:00 +0000

Who could resist a face like this?!

Welcome the newest member of our little family, Viggo. Viggo is an 8 week old American Pit Bull Terrier.

Viggo was a rescue puppy from OK Best Friends of Pets and entered our lives on March 11th. He is every bit as tenacious as you might expect, and we are honored to have him in our lives.

Why choose an APBT? The simple answer is that it's the right breed for our family. We are an active bunch with lots of love to give. As you well know, we already have one mixed breed Pit Bull in the pack. We love her quirky character so much we decided to go for the full monty. Finding the right breed for your family is key to a healthy relationship for dogs and for the whole pack.

Pit Bulls are usually quite misunderstood which leads to unnecessary things like BSL, breed specific legislation. They make loving, caring members of the family and are quite happy just goofing around. They are an energetic breed who can find mischief if not properly exercised. But then again, tell me about a dog who isn't prone to trouble if left to his own devices. APBT are a powerful and athletic breed who often excel in pulling contests and agility trials. If you've ever truly know a Pit Bull, you know them for the spunky, outgoing characters that they usually are.

Viggo doesn't stray from that description one bit. He has found a happy home with his 3 older siblings and torments them like only a puppy can. Our pack is finding their groove and teaching the new kid the ropes. We've found training is much easier when you let the pros in the pack show 'em how it is done!

Viggo is quite attentive and has learned his name rather quickly. He is a sucker for treats so positively reinforced training has been a breeze thus far. While he is not fond of crate training, his big sis, Rueben Tuesday doesn't mind keeping him company.

Do you know how rewarding it is to rescue a dog in need? I simply don't have the words to describe the feeling. If you are considering a new dog, a new member of your family, please consider rescuing a dog in need. There are so many little lives out there just waiting for a kind face and warm heart. You'll find every breed, age and situation you can imagine. Consider fostering a dog. Fostering is a great way to help out many dogs who are in transition to finding a forever home. If adding a new member to you pack simply isn't possible right now, consider volunteering you time or donating. There are many ways you can make a difference.

We look forward to sharing the growth of Viggo with you while he prospers into a productive member of our pack. Look for more updates from each one of our dogs. Until then, enjoy a happy and healthy Spring!

Stacy
Good Dog Bakery, LLC

Treat Critic: a bark about pumpkin

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:09:00 +0000

So as you might imagine, being President of the best dog treat company has some perks. I enjoy sampling all of the recipes fresh from the oven. I let them cool, of course, cause a burned tongue gives no taste! In my indulgence, I have mastered the keen ability of critiquing each of the unique flavors to offer a very refined opinion from a very discriminating palette.

Pumpkin is not just for humans anymore...

You can be thankful everyday with pumpkin molasses flavor bones. Pumpkin is so good it needs no description. When you pair it with sweet, earthy molasses, you have a flavor combination that is simply delectable. This recipe offers spicy notes of rich organic cinnamon and ginger. The milled flax is so smooth, you don't even realize that it's good for you too. The snap of the bone when you bite into it lets you know right away that this quality snacking.

Some may say that I am bias just because of who I am. I'd respond that it's easy to be bias when life is this good!

Cheers! Love

President and Queen

Good Dog Bakery LLC

Our Dogs

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:14:00 +0000

7 Foods your dog should never eat: PART 2

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Almonds, Macadamia Nuts & Walnuts affect digestive & nervous systems and muscles. High phosphorus levels may also lead to bladder stones.
Coffee & Tea contain caffeine, methylxanthine compound, which may increase heart rate and cause seizures
Avocado contain persin which may result in abdominal enlargement and abnormal fluid accumulation in the chest and surrounding the heart.
Alcohol causes intoxication & dehydration which can result in coma or death.

This is a continuation of Part 1. Please check the product labels of any food you feed to your dog to make sure that none of these are present. If you are aware of any foods which may belong on this list, please contact us. This list will grow from day to day. Please check it often.

Reuben Tuesday
Vice President of Quality Control
http://www.agooddogbakery.com/

7 Foods your dog should never eat: PART 1

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:45:00 +0000

BHA or BHT chemical preservatives which have been shown to be carcinogenic.
Red No. 5 & Yellow No. 7 dogs may have an allergy to these food colorings.
Ethoxyquin preservative found in pet found & is also used as a weed killer and rubber stabilizer.
Chocolate contain theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine which affect the heart & nervous system
Onions contain sulfoxides & disulfides which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia
Grapes or Raisins can damage kidneys and lead to kidney failure.

These ingredients have been found to be harmful to dogs. Some manufactures try to slip these ingredients in to the food they produce. Please check the product labels of any food you feed to your dog to make sure that none of these are present. If you are aware of any foods which may belong on this list, please contact us. This list will grow from day to day. Please check it often.

Reuben Tuesday
Vice President of Quality Control
http://www.agooddogbakery.com/

Salmonella outbreak adds pet food industry to recall

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:16:00 +0000

More than 125 products have been recalled due to a salmonella contamination effecting peanut paste which is used in many peanut butter flavored products such as ice cream, snack crackers and pet foods. With investigation of this outbreak ongoing, the number of products and those affected are likely to rise.

The US Food and Drug Administration keeps updated information on those products recalled as a result of the contamination. Please follow the proceeding link to see all recalled products including pet food products. As this investigation is ongoing, please refer to this link often to assure the most up-to-date information.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

Good Dog Bakery offers Canine Cookies made from real peanut butter. There is no indication that actual peanut butter rather than peanut paste is a concern of contamination. Therefore Peanut Butter Canine Cookies are not affected by this recall.

-Stacy & Chris
Good Dog Bakery LLC
http://www.agooddogbakery.com/

A Little History

chris@agooddogbakery.com (Good Dog Bakery) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Good Dog Bakery, LLC started in 2006 from a need to find healthy treats for our three dogs. We found nothing suitable at the local grocery or pet supply stores. With our dogs heath in mind we decided that we would have to make them ourselves. After researching dog nutrition and finding the right blend of ingredients and supplements for our treats, we formulated all natural recipes. Upon giving them to our dogs as well as the dogs of our friends and family, the response was the dogs went crazy for our treats. We decided making a healthy snack for dogs into a business would be a very rewarding pursuit.

In order to preserve the level of quality that our four legged family members deserve, we produce every batch of treats by hand. Our treats are unique in that these are just not hand crafted biscuits made of flour, water and bouillon cubes. Our treats contain supplements and specific ingredients geared for positive canine nutrition. We always use top quality human grade ingredients including organic ingredients as often as possible. Our treats contain no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or artificial flavors. We strive to use as many local ingredients as possible in order to preserve the nutrients and flavor as well as support local producers.

Our dogs are not only our Board of Directors, but our inspiration for each of our recipes. Love, Captain Peter, and Reuben Tuesday have strict rules regarding freshness, taste and quality. Each has a discriminating palette which only allows for the highest quality. Every batch of treats is approved by a taste test. All three must approve or production is halted.