Category: Products

  • Bissell Bark Bath Review for Great Danes

    Bissell Bark Bath Review for Great Danes

    I recently splurged on a Bissell Bark Bath for my Great Danes and literally RAN to the blog to tell you about it. If you are considering options for bathing your Great Dane, this Bark Bath review is a must-read.

    When a Great Dane is muddy and dirty, you know it! Giant muddy paws and 130lbs of dirty fur on your couch are a sign that it’s time for a bath!

    I’m a big fan of letting my Danes play in the mud and run around outside; but it comes with the added headache of keeping my house clean, too. I purchased the Bark Bath by Bissell for two reasons:

    • I wanted to easily remove irritants such as pollen, sand, and dirt that were causing my male Dane to itch
    • Our newly renovated shower doesn’t have enough water pressure to get my dogs clean (unfortunately)

    Does the Bissell Bark Bath work to get a dog clean? Are dogs afraid of their Bark Bath? Let’s dig in.

    Bissell Bark Bath Review

    What is a Bark Bath?

    This one is a little crazy, but hear me out.

    The Bissell Bark Bath is essentially an upholstery cleaner for your dog.

    I’m not kidding. This thing looks like a carpet shampooer and acts like one, too.

    At first, I thought “this has GOT to be a joke, right?”.

    No, it’s not a joke. Bissell went there. They literally made a device that shampoos your dog like they are a piece of furniture. As a matter of fact, they’ve even included an attachment so that you CAN shampoo your actual furniture, too.

    I know what you are thinking though. There is NO way this could possibly work! Dogs will be afraid of the Bark Bath anyways, right? How does a Bark Bath even get the dog clean?

    81Snth3K3L. AC SL1500 1 1

    Are Dogs Afraid of the Bark Bath?

    Here is my honest experience with this.

    At first, my dogs were cautious. Within minutes, all three of them actually seemed to enjoy it.

    If your dog likes being brushed (I use a Sleek EZ) or is used to being brushed, the Bark Bath will be no trouble at all for your dog.

    This really speaks to the importance of good early socialization for Great Dane puppies!

    Bissell includes a beautiful, well-thought-out training guide for acclimating dogs that are not as amenable to the process of being cleaned with a Bark Bath. This guide uses solid, modern behavioral training practices and I was super impressed with the content!

    Here is my mantle boy Figaro getting bathed after spending an afternoon running in a VERY muddy field. It’s loud only because my phone was next to the machine during filming – in an ambient room it doesn’t sound this noisy.

    Notice how I have him on a towel, and the water/mess is minimal.

    Is the Bark Bath Loud?

    Bissell includes a thick microfiber mat to put the machine on. This dampens the sound which is not super loud at all. The machine resonates at a deeper tone, so there is no aversive high pitched whine. If anything, the deeper sound of the machine is soothing.

    They also made the cord and hose super long so that you can place the machine several feet away from your dog. In theory, if you had a noise-phobic pet, you could absolutely put the device in another room and bath your dog around the corner.

    IMG 0321 2

    What Does the Bark Bath Come With?

    The box includes the Bark Bath machine itself, but also a huge tray of tools for all different coat types from short to long.

    It also includes an attachment which can be used to spot clean carpets and upholstery, which are different from the ones you use on your dog.

    Bissell included a sample size fabric soap and a full size bottle of no-rinse oatmeal dog shampoo.

    The kit comes with two soap reservoirs: one is for dog shampoo, the other one is for upholstery. They are labeled so you don’t mix them up, and when you use the machine you simply snap the correct soap container into place. It’s very easy and straightforward.

    They have also included the mat (to dampen the sound of the machine), a microfiber cloth (to wipe feet and face), and a bag to store all of the pieces and parts.

    The cord and the hose wrap neatly onto the Bark Bath machine itself, which I like because I cannot stand storing things with errant tangled up cords.

    IMG 0319

    How Does the Bark Bath Work?

    The machine is easy to set up (see above where I mentioned pouring the included shampoo into the reservoir, which pre-measures and dispenses soap for you as you clean).

    With Danes, the short hair combs are perfect.

    I started with my most easy-going confident dog who loves being brushed, just so I could see how the machine worked.

    You do not have to wet the coat or scrub it in advance. I do think brushing it first with a Sleek EZ to remove surface dander and extra fur can provide the best results, though.

    I had him stand on a towel and then before I turned the machine on, I ran the brush down his back a few times. Then we got started for real.

    It literally works just like a carpet cleaner! You depress the button and soap and water comes out, then as you move the wand down the fur, it scrubs and sucks up the water (and dirt). You can see the water and dirt getting sucked back off of your dog.

    The water ends up in a reservoir and let me tell you, it was NASTY.

    I am able to easily “wash” a whole mildly dirty (not muddy) 130lb Great Dane in about 15 minutes with some solid time spent on his tummy and legs. Once I was finished with shampoo, I switched to ‘rinse only’ mode and ran through his coat one more time.

    Do you know those satisfying lines that the carpet gets after you vacuum? This happens with your dog and the Bark Bath, too!

    Once I was done, my dog was only a little damp. It was easy to towel dry him and send him on his way!

    81mtU3 9xPL. AC SL1500 1

    Does the Bark Bath Actually Get a Dog Clean?

    Honestly?

    So far, so good.

    I’ve run the machine on all three of my dogs multiple times and they are shiny, clean, and smell great. I have no complaints.

    Do I think it beats an experienced groomer doing a traditional bath in a salon? No. Nobody can beat that, those people know their stuff.

    Is it better than, or similar to an a typical at-home bath? YES! It absolutely replaces a DIY bath in your tub or walk-in shower.

    The Bark Bath absolutely got my dogs clean with minimal mess and drama, too.

    One of the biggest benefits I can see with a tool like this is that it’s also VERY simple and easy to use for just a quick ‘surface clean’ when you don’t want to deep clean your dog.

    This could also be a game-changer for dogs with seasonal and environmental allergies. Just keep it ready-to-go in the mudroom and suck up all the gunk your dog tracks in on their coat.

    With a little more time spent, it absolutely gets the dog as clean as a bath, too.

    81 53IlGA3L. AC SL1500 1

    What is the Bark Bath Recommended For?

    Having now used (and decided to fall in love with) the Bark Bath, I think it’s an exceptional tool for many situations:

    • All people who want their dogs clean
    • Dogs that are afraid of traditional baths
    • Pet parents who cannot physically wrestle their giant dog into a tub
    • Dogs with sensitive skin that benefit from keeping irritants off of their coat
    • People who let their dogs run and play in mud and dirt often
    • Pets that have lost their mobility and need to be on a stable or soft surface for bathing

    The Bark Bath is currently $189 – 199 on Amazon and payment plans may be available. This machine will pay for itself if you are used to frequenting the self-serve dog wash!

    81cDV8n BPL. AC SL1500 1

    What Kind of Shampoo Does the Bark Bath Use?

    Bissell makes a shampoo specifically for use with this machine, and says that using other shampoos can void the warranty. This is a common practice in similar (carpet and upholstery) appliances as suds and bubbles or certain soap formulations can harm the machinery.

    My Bark Bath came with Oatmeal shampoo. It smells amazing and left my dogs fur soft and shiny, so I haven’t tried the other varieties yet. They offer four types:

    All of these choices are soothing and safe to use on puppies, too.

    My complaint? It does NOT go far. With giant breed dogs, you’ll go through a lot of the soap.

    The machine DOES give you a ‘rinse only’ option that doesn’t pull soap into the water spray and if I would remember to switch to that I wouldn’t go through quite so much shampoo. My bad.

    IMG 5959
    Photo of my Bark Bath cleaned dogs on their Big Barker Bed.

    Where Can I Buy a Bark Bath?

    I’ve only found one place to purchase a Bark Bath, though I’m sure they can be obtained through some other online retailers.

    Amazon has very fast shipping and may offer a payment plan on this device.

    You can get it on Amazon HERE.

    Do I recommend Bark Bath? Without a question. The Dane community is currently sleeping on this device, but truly, it’s awesome. I would say this is definitely in my top ten “must have” tools for owning Great Danes!

  • My Personal and Unbiased Review of the Insane Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    My Personal and Unbiased Review of the Insane Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    The Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner was built for your dog’s muddy paws that you just can’t get clean fast enough as they barge back into your house from a (wet) afternoon adventure. But, does it actually work?

    I put the dexas mudbuster to the test with my large dogs as well as with my tiny dog to see if this paw washer was really worth the hype.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    WHAT IS A DEXAS PETWARE MUDBUSTER PORTABLE DOG PAW CLEANER?

    Have you ever taken your dog for a walk, only to come home and realize your pup’s paws were absolutely disgusting?

    Well, I have!

    Nasty but Fascinating Truth: Dirt is Good for Dogs in More Ways than 1

    And it always seems to be directly after I have vacuumed or mopped.

    I don’t know about you- but I have 3 Great Danes (and one little who seems to like tagging along). Incase you’re as bad at math as I am- that is 16 dog paws. It’s nearly impossible to keep my dog’s paws clean.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    So, as we entered into the wet, winter season, I wanted to find a muddy paw cleaner that actually works, and that is when I saw the mud buster and decided to give it a try.

    MUDBUSTER PAW CLEANER

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    The Dexas Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Grooming Tool is a ‘paw plunger’ with thick silicone bristles inside meant to gently loosen mud for easy gleaning of dogs paws.

    Convinced? I wasn’t either. But heres a video incase you still don’t understand how it’s supposed to fix your dog’s paw.

    SIZES

    I have larger dogs than most, so I purchased the Large Dexas Mudbuster Portable Paw Washer- but it also comes in a medium mudbuster and a small for smaller dogs.

    However, I think that medium sized dogs would be able to use both the medium size paw washer as well as the large, but it would depend on your dog’s paw size on whether they would work better with the medium or large mudbuster.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    So ANYWAYS- I closed my computer, gathered all 16 dogs- I mean 16 dog paws, and we went out in search of some dirty water, dirt, mud, or messes.

    (Side note: why is it that whenever you’re looking for mud or dirt, it seems nonexistent?)

    EXPERIMENT STEP PART 1: FIND MUD AND LATHER THOSE CLEAN FEET

    Well, the Dexas Mudbuster portable dog is making some large claims here- so I had to bust back with some even larger dirt.

    We headed out to put the mud buster to the test.

    A DIRTY PAW (OR 16)

    Once we found some dirt, I let my dogs do what they do best. They played, they ran, they dug and they got those paws dirty.

    MMMM…. Nothing better than muddy paws. Photo evidence of my Great Danes living their BEST DAY EVER below…

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    Then, we set off to show those paws who was boss.

    GETTING THE DOG PAW CLEANER READY TO CLEAN THE DOG’S PAWS

    The paw cleaner is pretty simple. All you need is to the following:

    1. A Dexas Mudbuster Paw Washer
    2. Some warm water
    3. Possibly a few drops of doggie shampoo or soap (depending on how dirty your dog is)
    4. Something to towel dry your dog after (depending on where you buy your paw cleaner- some of them come with a little towel to wipe dry your dog after you clean their paw)
    5. A dirty dog (that one comes separately) but if you need one- feel free to come take mine.

    FILLING THE PAW WASHER WITH WARM WATER TO CLEAN MY DOG’S DIRTY FEET

    When you are ready to clean your dog, go ahead and fill the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw washer with some warm water.

    I would say that the largest size Dexas mudbuster holds about 1-2 cups of water inside.

    Fill her up and get your dog ready to stick their muddy paw inside.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    WASHING THE MUD OFF MY DOG’S PAWS

    Once the Dexas Mudbuster is ready to go- it’s time to clean those muddy paws.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    Taking one paw at a time, put your dog’s paw inside. Remember that the Mud buster features thick silicone bristles inside, so you don’t really have to do much scrubbing.

    Just simply move the dog paw around in a slight motion so that the soft bristles begin to remove dirt and other debris from the dog paw.

    Once you are sure that the paws touched the external silicone brush enough to result in some clean paws, remove the dog paw and have a look at your results.

    WHAT I NOTICED RIGHT OFF THE BAT

    When I took the first dog paw to the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw cleaner, I was actually way more impressed than I thought I was going to be.

    Watch the video here:

    https://youtu.be/lLQWc7JxpW8

    The silicone brushes on the inside of the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw washer actually DID make a dent on the cleanliness of my dog and it’s paw.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    Her muddy paw, although not ‘sanitized’ per say, was cleansed of all visible dirt/grime/mud and after a quick paw dry with a cloth, I felt comfortable with her walking into the house and knew she wouldn’t be tracking in paw prints. (After I did the same with the other paws)

    But, I then faced a bit of an obstacle. Read on…

    THE WATER EXPERIMENT:GETTING CLEAN AND DIRTY WATER CHANGED OVER

    I wanted to really understand just how much the dog paw washer was helping, so I decided to check out the mudbuster to see how dirty the water was after cleansing just one paw.

    As you can see it was PRETTY GROSS.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    So, I am unsure of if I am supposed to continue using the gross dirty water on every single one of my dogs paws (I’m aware I have more than the average amount of paws living in my home) or if I am/should empty it out between every single dog paw.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    I guess the determining factor would be whether or whether not a dog paw caused the water to be too dirty to the point that it might affect the further easy cleaning of the future paws.

    Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

    5 Big Reasons to Have Your Dog’s Teeth Cleaned by a Veterinarian
    What are the Best Floors for Dogs? Slipping, Tripping, and Sliding and Ruining—A Dog’s Potential Dangers and Perils

    HOW LONG DOES THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER TAKE TO CLEAN PAWS

    Well, I can guarantee you are not more lazy than me!

    Well, just kidding. But, I do NOT like spending time on unnecessary things.

    I’ve used paw wipes before- and by the time we’re through, the entire bag of wipes is in the trash, the paws are still dirty and it’s an hour later.

    So, it was really important to me to find a paw cleaner that myself and other pet parents can use not only effectively but also quickly.

    I think this has to be one of (if not the single) quickest of all dog paw washers I have ever used.

    I had all 16 paws cleaned within just 10 minutes, which may not seem fast to you- but to me: ten minutes = fast and easy cleaning for 4 dirty dogs and their paws.

    NEXT STEP: CLEANING THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER

    I was NOT able to find any information on whether the dog paw cleaner itself was dishwasher safe. I did find some Amazon reviews stating that they stuck the cup portion of their dog paw cleaner into the top rack of the dishwasher- but not confirmed whether or not that would be safe for the silicone bristles.

    I simply just took some soap and rinsed it out in the sink. Seemed to work just fine and I did not want to take the risk of having the bristles unroll or melt.

    DO I LIKE THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER?

    In the end, I did not expect to say this, but I really did like the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner.

    With 4 dogs, 4 messes everywhere we go, and a really small house- I sometimes feel like I’m going to spend my entire day and life cleaning.

    However, the large was perfectly sized to clean my dogs paws and it was easy to use.

    It’s an easy to grip tumbler that would be easy to throw in a backpack or in your car to keep your car free of mud or dirt stains as well.

    The silicone bristles are stronger than I felt they would be but still soft on their feet and left no scratches.

    Overall, I felt that this product was significantly better and easier than even the best wipes I have found in the past.

    PRO TIP: DOG ALLERGIES

    I read once that if your dog is struggling with environmental contact allergies, one of the most simple things you can do is to rinse their feet every time you come inside from a walk.

    How to Know if Great Dane Skin Bumps are a Problem
    Great Dane Dry Skin: 4 Causes and 4 Treatments
    Are Great Danes Allergic to Chicken?

    Well, when my Great Dane, Birdie, was having a few issues with her paws irritating her last summer I set out on the mission to do so.

    Seems easy enough right? Wrong, because nothing is as easy as it sounds.

    It actually was pretty challenging to get her feet rinsed every single time we came inside because I didn’t want to just toss the concoction I was making for her little foot rinse/soak every time we used it, but the tub of water I was using was getting pretty gross after the repeat uses.

    This is when the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner came in clutch because it allowed me to quickly rinse her feet without any water spilling everywhere or her getting her feet gross.

    With the mudbuster, I think it would make it easier for dog owners to add things like aloe vera or a hypoallergenic soap to the mixture and quickly rinse allergens off of their dogs feet after a walk outside. Most dogs should have their feet cleaned regularly, but dogs with allergies it really does help to do it after every single time they come in contact with seasonal allergies like grass.

    IN THE END

    To conclude, I really liked the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner and I would definitely recommend it to other pet parents who are looking for an easy and effective way to clean their dogs feet.

    I think it’s a great size, easy to use, and doesn’t take up a lot of space which is important in my small house.

    If you have a lot of dogs or big dogs, I think this would be an especially great tool to have because it’s big enough to accommodate multiple feet at once. (I think works great for medium dogs or small as well)

    It’s also affordable which is important for pet parents on a budget.

    I hope you found this review helpful and that it gave you some insight into whether or not to purchase this item.

    READ MORE REVIEWS: (Some good some ugly)
    Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review
    My Review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness: 1 GIANT and Terrible Elephant In The Room
    OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review
    Embark DNA Review: Worthwhile or Waste of Time? 6 Things I Learned!
    Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review
    Gentle Giants Dog Food Review
    Life’s Abundance Dog Food Review for Great Danes
    Halo Dog Collar Review (Our Honest take)

  • How to Keep Your House from Smelling Like a Dog

    How to Keep Your House from Smelling Like a Dog

    It’s no secret that dogs can often leave a smelly mess in their wake. Are you looking for ways to keep your house from smelling like a dog?

    If you’re not careful, your entire house can start to smell like a kennel. Yuck!

    This is particularly true if you have a large dog or several dogs (you know, Great Danes and all).

    In this blog post, we will discuss tips on keeping your house from stinking up the neighborhood. Enjoy your big dogs AND your clean, fresh home once again. Read on, friends.

    How to Keep Your House From Smelling Like a Dog

    Start from Scratch

    It’s best to start with a clean slate. If your house is already smelling like a dog, you’re going to have to do some deep cleaning.

    This may include shampooing carpets, washing all of your bedding, and scrubbing down any areas where the dog spends a lot of time (think: their crate).

    Let’s roll up those sleeves and get started!

    How to keep your house from smelling like a dog

    Surprising places that pet smells hang out

    If you have a dog, chances are your house has at least a little bit of a doggy smell. It’s not necessarily bad (we love our pups, after all), but sometimes we need to take extra steps to ensure our homes are a dream to live in.

    It’s time to grab your detective hat! Here are some surprising places that pet odors tend to fester in your home:

    • Carpets (Mud. Pee. The contents of your dog’s rejected meal.)
    • Baseboards (slobber. Did we say slobber?)
    • Drapes (hair…and more hair!!!)
    • Throw pillows (you know, the one Buster drools on in his sleep?)
    • Under furniture (ooooh, just think of all the missing treats, toys, and dust bunnies made of dog hair!)
    • Pet beds (this is a freebie! You know this one stinks)
    • The pet feeding area (blech. Nothing like the smell of kibble in the morning, eh?)

    When is the last time these things were cleaned?

    Start with something that is easy to do; toss your throw pillow covers in the wash. Buy a new bed for your dog. Vacuum and mop the pet feeding area and wash dog beds that have been around a while.

    By starting small, you’ll notice positive changes and will be motivated to keep going!

    Dog Myths & Misconceptions

    The 7 BEST Nail Trimmers for Dogs

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    a young woman sitting on a sofa playing with her dog

    Have your Carpets Professionally Cleaned

    If you are overwhelmed with pet funk in your home, it’s helpful to invest first in professional carpet cleaning! Textiles such as carpet, bedding, draperies, couches, and pillows harbor lingering scents.

    Professional carpet cleaning is an effective solution to get started. This will help to remove the deep-set dog odor that has become embedded in your carpets over time, without destroying your carpet fibers.

    When searching for a carpet cleaning company, be sure to ask about their pet odor removal services. You’ll want to find a team that is equipped to handle this. You may have to pay extra, but it’s worth it for you to start with fresh air and a clean slate.

    How to Trim a Puppies Nails

    How to Choose the Best Dog Trainer

    Choosing a Dog From a Show Breeder

    Shampoo your furniture to eliminate pet stench

    You can choose to have this done professionally, or DIY with an at-home carpet shampooer. (See our favorite, the Hoover Smartwash HERE). If you opt to do it yourself, check our cleaning products section below for recommendations!

    You’ll want to make two passes over each area- once for a pre-treatment and then again for the actual cleaning. This will help ensure all of the dirt, gunk, and smelliness is removed from your furniture.

    We also highly recommend treating your furniture with a natural enzyme-based odor remover, to get rid of any residual dog smells. (See our favorite HERE)

    Once you’ve done this, cover your couch! You can buy a variety of washable, waterproof pet blankets on Amazon that are comfy, cute, and washable. Tap on your favorites below to view!

    whippet resting on couch near wall at home

    Wash your baseboards

    Baseboards are one of those things we know we should address once in a while but rarely do.

    If you have pets, this should be moved to the top of your cleaning list! Baseboards are often where stinky pet hair and dander accumulate.

    Many people also fail to notice dog pee on the baseboards! Get down on your hands and knees to check, or better yet, turn off the lights and use this blacklight (from Amazon) to see exactly where the dog smell is coming from.

    To clean your baseboards, start by vacuuming them with the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

    If there is any caked-on dirt or grime, use a Magic Eraser to easily scrub it away.

    Finally, use an odor neutralizer such as Skout’s honor to take care of any residual pet odors.

    How to Choose a Canine Family Member

    What is the ‘Pick of the Litter’?

    Read our Embark Dog DNA Review!

    image 109

    ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES

    Are they good or bad? ↗

    Tackle Scent at the Source

    You can eliminate a lot of dog stink from your home by eliminating scent from the source.

    That source being…your stinky DOG! Let’s dig in…

    Wash and brush your dog on a regular basis

    This one is a no-brainer. The cleaner your dog is, the less they will stink up your home. Pet dander is a leading culprit of stinky, dirty homes that have a musty dog smell!

    Wash your dog with a gentle dog shampoo (we love this natural ‘Itchy Dog Shampoo’ from the Natural Dog Company) and brush their coat regularly to help distribute natural oils and remove shedding hair.

    A happy bonus of regular baths and brushing is a healthy, shiny coat!

    Pro-tip: don’t bath too often, however. Doing so can strip your dog of the natural oils they need to protect their own skin from allergens and irritants.

    Daily brushing, however, with a Sleek-EZ is highly recommended. Most dogs LOVE being brushed with this tool. It will remove loose hair, dander, and dirt without stripping oils or damaging healthy hairs. This one is a Hello Danes Favorite!!! ⬇

    819WZtTrx7L. AC SL1500

    Launder bedding often

    Dog beds suck up all of the stinky things that your dog is carrying around.

    Every time your dog lays down, he brings with him any dirt, pollen, and allergens he’s encountered that day.

    To keep your dog’s bed from becoming a stink magnet, launder it regularly. Most dog beds are machine washable: simply unzip the cover and wash (just check the tag to be sure).

    Washing on a hot cycle with a small amount of detergent should do the trick! Air dry to prevent shrinkage.

    If the foam inside of the pet bed stinks, treat it with Skout’s Honor Natural Enzymatic Pet Odor remover.

    Boop the snoot below to see washable Big Barker Dog Beds:

    1199685796919461 BigBarker 3999x2999 1.01 1 1 1600x

    How to clean floors covered in paw prints

    Mopping your floors is one of the best ways to eliminate stink, BUT, I bet you’re doing it wrong!

    When you add a lot of soaps and chemicals to your mopping solution, you mop a layer of goop onto your floors. This will smell good for a short while, and then will literally TRAP the dirt, dust, and grime that your pet brings in.

    This is the reason you may have noticed your floors always feel grimy, sticky, and stinky!

    The best mops for homes with pets

    To fix this problem, we recommend using a simple mixture of hot water and a small splash of vinegar in an O’Cedar Easy Wring Rinse Clean spin mop.

    The acidity in the vinegar will break down all of the dirt, grime, and stink without leaving behind any residue, and the O’Cedar Rinse Clean mop makes sure that you only use clean solution, not dirty mop water on your floors.

    If you’re not a fan of the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil to your mop bucket for a fresh scent.

    You may have to mop your floors several times to remove all of the residual soap scum, but once you are down to truly clean floors again you are going to notice a massive difference.

    Once the scum is removed, plain hot water should be all you need!

    For daily use, the Bissell Crosswave Pet Electric mop is fantastic. It will mop and vacuum at the same time and works on tile floors, wood floors, and laminate, too!

    This is a great solution for tackling areas where mud and food tend to be tracked around. I keep mine in the kitchen to clean up our everyday messes so my house stays clean.

    housewife washing floor in contemporary kitchen with lamps

    Tackle potty training issues

    There is nothing worse than a dog peeing on your freshly cleaned home. If you are having potty training issues, there are a few things you can do to help your house horse (er, we mean giant breed dog) out.

    Always check with your vet if there has been a sudden change in potty habits, as this can be a sign of a medical issue.

    Assuming there are no health concerns, here are some tips:

    -Take your dog out frequently, especially after they eat or drink, and give them plenty of time to do their business.

    Use lots of positive reinforcement to encourage the correct behavior, and never scold your dog for indoor accidents. (Doing so can breed anxiety and worsen the problem).

    -Use enzymatic cleaners such as Skout’s Honor or Rocco & Roxie to eliminate the odors that encourage dogs to mark

    -Consider investing in belly bands or diapers as a temporary solution for dogs that are incontinent and cleared of other more serious medical issues.

    Develop a Routine

    Most people don’t love cleaning their homes. This is why developing a routine can help you keep things tidy enough that you never feel overwhelmed by dog odors again!

    Make a relaxed cleaning schedule

    While you wait for your coffee to brew, grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down door handles, cabinets, or counters (the Dane people KNOW what I’m saying here…) where dog slime tends to collect in your house. Or quickly brush your dog!

    Keep a small handheld vacuum by your entryway. When you go to put your shoes on, take 30 seconds to suck up any dog hair, mud, or debris that has collected.

    Set a timer for 15 minutes every day and use that time to clean one dog-stink spot. This can be as simple as throwing the dog bed into the wash, using a fur scraper on your couch, or running your Crosswave Mop on high traffic areas.

    The key is to not overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Small changes add up over time, and before you know it you’ll be well on your way towards great habits and a healthy, clean house!

    brown short coated dog sitting on brown wooden floor
    Photo by Monica Silvestre on Pexels.com

    Use a robot vacuum

    A robot vacuum is a fantastic way to keep your floors clean with very little effort. It’s a game-changer for dog owners and well worth the investment!

    We recommend the iRobot Roomba for homes with pets. This model is specifically designed to deal with pet hair and features powerful suction and tangle-free brushes.

    It also has a self-emptying base, so you don’t have to do a thing! Your robot will run over to the base on its own, empty itself, recharge and start again on a schedule that you create.

    The i7 iROBOT for dog hair

    Create small changes for significant impact

    When addressing dog odor and stinky pet smell in your home, small changes can make a big difference.

    Brushing your dog daily is something that takes just 5 minutes, but you’ll notice that your pet bedding and couch will be fresher, and stay that way longer!

    You can also use a pet-specific vacuum attachment to help remove loose hair when you are actively cleaning, which can help keep dog smell at bay.

    Wiping your dog’s paws after a walk will also go a long way in keeping your floors clean and free of mud and stink. Or better yet, use a MUDBUSTER! This handy device will remove dirt and mud from paws:

    Tap your paw below to view this on Amazon ↓

    71dZRrY SEL. AC SL1500
    The Mudbuster for cleaning muddy, dirty paws!

    Use Natural Cleaning Products

    We recommend natural cleaning products, packaged without plastic whenever possible. This is especially important when you have pets in the home.

    Why natural cleaning for dog owners matters!

    Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful or irritating to your furry friends.

    When using any kind of cleaner, always make sure to read the label and follow the directions carefully.

    Us humans tend to use WAY more liquid and powder cleaning solution than we need! You only need a small amount: if it says a capful, that’s what they mean.

    One ‘traditional’ soap we highly recommend that dog owners use for tough jobs is Dawn Power Wash. This stuff is incredible and can be used to clean everything from greasy stoves to dog crates.

    Our favorite cleaning products for dog owners

    Some natural cleaners that we love for everyday use are:

    • Anything by the Grove Collaborative (plastic-free pledge!)
    • Dropps Detergent
    • Skout’s Honor Enzyme Cleaner
    • Baking Soda
    • White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
    15

    Are essential oils safe to use around dogs?

    Some essential oils are actually dangerous to use around dogs.

    Avoid using oils that contain phenols, such as eucalyptus oil, or citrus oils like lemon and orange. These can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied in large quantities, and may even be toxic when diffused!

    If you use any kind of oil in your essential oil diffuser, do so sparingly in open rooms with pet-safe oils only.

    https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/health-wellness/pet-safe-essential-oils-for-a-diffuser

    Tea Tree oil is a popular essential oil that is extremely toxic to pets. Do not listen to sales reps who say that it’s safe because it’s “therapeutic grade”! This is nothing more than dangerous marketing.

    https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/tea-tree-oil/

    If you do choose to use oils around your home, make sure to diffuse them properly and never leave your dog unattended in a room with an active diffuser.

    Remember that your dog has an incredible nose. If you are smelling and enjoying oils, your dog may likely feel absolutely suffocated by them.

    Never diffuse essential oils when your dog is in a crate and cannot escape the smell.

    35

    Choose Washable Beds & Rugs for Your Dog

    Every pet home should invest in washable textiles, which can help keep the home smelling fresh.

    Our favorite washable dog beds for big dogs

    There are two types of dog beds that we love for Great Danes.

    The BIG BARKER orthopedic foam bed was built for large and giant breed dogs. It has a tough washable cover that holds up to heavy use, and the foam supports your dog’s joints! If you want to keep your home fresh, we recommend that you only invest in dog beds with removable covers.

    Read our Big Barker Review HERE

    We also recommend an elevated cot. This can be used for teaching the ‘place’ command so that your giant dog isn’t in the way during meals or when guests are arriving. This dog cot is well priced at under$60, and washable (just use some Dawn Powerwash, a scrubber, and your hose, then air dry!)

    IMG 3394
    A Great Dane on a Large Elevated Dog Cot topped with a Big Barker Dog Bed. Use one or both!

    The best washable rugs

    Washable rugs are a modern, pet-friendly solution that we love. Several companies now make them. They can be pricy, but keep in mind that they are washable and will last a long time!

    Some come with a pad that you place on the floor first. The ‘cover’ (or washable part) is a very thin material that can be vacuumed normally or shaken out, washed, and replaced!

    We put some work in for you and found a few favorites on Amazon ↓

    Pet-Friendly furniture recommendations

    Some furniture companies are doing amazing things for pet owners, going so far as to make entire sectionals that are completely washable with easily replaceable cushions!

    Here are a few brands to consider:

    Home Reserve

    Lovesac Sactional

    Interior Define

    Burrow

    Door mats & paw washers for muddy days

    Every dog home needs a good microfiber door mat to catch the mud and dirt before it gets into your house. Mud catcher mats are easy to wash and make a huge difference in the paw prints getting onto your floors!

    We also recommend keeping a dog paw washer by the door for those extra muddy days. If you have a wet dog, use this microfiber towel to dry them off (before they roll all over your couch, yikes!).

    You can find our favorite door mat HERE.

    71jeqYopEsL. AC SL1000
    Microfiber Door Mat Dirt Catcher – pet homes will love this

    Clean up Urine Smells from your Carpet

    It’s all about the protein

    Have you ever noticed that urine smells come back, even though you thoroughly cleaned them?

    It’s all about protein. Urine stains are full of it and it’s tough to destroy!

    To remove the protein and ultimately the pee smell, you need to use an enzymatic cleaner. This will break down the proteins and eliminate the odor at the same time.

    However, enzymatic cleaners don’t work well if you’ve already layered on 14 different soaps and scents trying to get the smell out.

    Enter the urine-stain deep clean. Read on, dog lovers…

    white and tan english bulldog lying on black rug

    Deep clean urine out of your carpet

    For your enzymatic cleaner to work (we recommend Skout’s Honor) you must first remove as MUCH urine and chemical residue as possible from the urine stain.

    If the stain is old and you’ve been trying to get rid of it, the next step is to rinse rinse rinse.

    Yeah, sorry. But you need to rinse the area with warm water several times. Do not use soap!

    If you have a carpet cleaner, use it! If not, you can rent one from most hardware stores.

    The goal here is to remove all of the soap, detergents, cleaners, and scents that had been applied before.

    PRO TIP: If the stain is fresh, soak it up with a towel. Place something heavy (and washable) on the towel such as a stock pot with a few books in it and let it sit overnight. The weight will help wick the fresh urine out of the carpet.

    Use the best products for eliminating urine smell

    Once you’ve got a clean slate, all you should have left is the urine protein. Now you can apply your enzyme cleaner and let it do its magic!

    We use and love Skout’s Honor and Rocco and Roxie.

    Skout’s Honor is great for people who are sensitive to scents, as it has a VERY light fresh smell that is not overpowering.

    Rocco and Roxie has an amazing earthy fresh smell that we love, but may be overpowering to some people.

    Use the spray bottle to add enough cleaner to dampen the area.

    Allow it to completely dry on its own. If you still have carpet odor after this, you may need to repeat the process again but you will be much closer to the goal!

    12 Dog Potty Training Tips

    Potty Training Dogs in an Apartment

    61g5ACSe HL. AC SL1000
    Rocco & Roxie Urine Odor and Stain Remover for Pet Carpets

    What if enzyme cleaner doesn’t remove the pee smell?

    Worst case scenario: there are times when the urine proteins have saturated the foundation of your floor below the carpet.

    If this has happened, you will need to remove the carpet (trash it, sorry) and use a product like KILZ to paint over the stains on your subfloor. You may also have to replace your baseboards and paint your walls, too, depending on the extend of the damage.

    KILZ primers are an odor-sealing paint that will also help kill bacteria that are festering in your flooring or on your walls. Bad smells, be gone!

    If you want to keep your house from smelling like a dog, you need to be diligent about cleaning up any accidents as soon as they happen. Invest in a good washable dirt-catching door mat and enzymatic cleaner, and you’ll be well on your way to a fresh-smelling dog-friendly home!

    Do you have any tips for keeping your home smelling fresh and clean? Share them with us in the comments below!

    Happy Cleaning! 🙂

  • 11 Ways to Calm Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    11 Ways to Calm Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    Owners of nervous dogs are always looking for ways to calm dog anxiety in car rides.

    Many dogs experience anxiety in the car. Even though a car ride may seem harmless to a human who is used to car travel, car anxiety is relatively normal for dogs.

    Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    If your dog is anxious in the car, there are a few things you can do to ease their anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

    1. Get them used to the car gradually
    2. Prevent motion sickness
    3. Practice calm behavior
    4. Take car rides to fun places
    5. Take short trips
    6. Get a car seatbelt or harness
    7. Crate train
    8. Use a car hammock
    9. Get a Big Barker SUV bed
    10. Bring along a high value treat or favorite toy
    11. USE CBD or other calming supplements

    If your dog isn’t used to car rides, some of these ideas may help make your dog’s car ride more of a positive association than a negative association.

    Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    GET THEM USED TO THE CAR GRADUALLY

    If your dog experiences anxiety in the car, it’s important to get them used to the car gradually.

    Puppy Fear Stages

    This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.

    There are a few ways you can do this, but one of the most important parts is to gradually introduce your dog to the car.

    If your dog is anxious in the car, gradually introduce them to the car will help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.

    One way to gradually introduce your dog to the car is to take them on short trips around the block.

    This will help them get used to the motion of the car and being in a confined space.

    If your dog isn’t used to car rides, getting them in the car quickly can worsen their anxiety. It’s best to get them used to the car gradually so that they have a positive association with it.

    You can start by leaving the door open and letting them sniff around and explore the car on their own. Once they seem comfortable , you can try getting in the car with them and giving them treats.

    If they seem scared or anxious, it’s best to take things slowly and not force them into the car.

    PREVENT MOTION SICKNESS

    Dog Anxiety in Car Rides

    Motion sickness is a common problem for dogs that experience anxiety in the car.

    There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting car sick:

    1. Feed them a light meal before driving
    2. Make sure they have plenty of fresh air
    3. Use car sickness medication
    4. Provide lots of cool water. Your dog’s water should be accessible often.
    5. Keep your car cool

    If your dog starts feeling sick, lip licking, or showing mild discomfort, pull the car over in a safe area and let your dog take a break. Getting out of the car often will help with motion sickness, which is often a major trigger of dog’s anxiety.

    CAR FANS THAT MANY DOGS WILL LOVE FOR CAR RIDES

    If you ride in the car often, you will want to invest in a car fan, which helps dogs get fresh air on their face. Having cool air can help with motion sickness and help them not get car sick during car travel.

    image 106

    PRACTICE CALM BEHAVIOR

    Your dog is looking to you for how they should act and feel while riding in the car.

    Overcoming dog car anxiety is much in part related to how you, the owner, act while you are taking car trips.

    Are you blasting heavy metal music, or are you beginning the car ride with soothing music to set the tone correct and help your anxious dog feel better?

    Is your energy level stressful, are you amped up on the phone during car rides?

    Your dog is picking up on any extreme anxiety that you have. Many pet owners might not even realize that they use car rides as a time to decompress.

    If you have your dog in the car with you, be careful to keep the car a safe and happy place to help your dog associate the car rides with something happy.

    A dog’s sense of intuition is much stronger than pet owners realize. Also, a dog’s level of how in tune they are with their pet owners is much deeper than they realize. If you like to calm your dog, work to calm yourself.

    TAKE CAR RIDES TO FUN PLACES

    Most of the time when a dog takes car rides, they are traveling to the vet’s office.

    Dogs usually do not love going to the vet, thus they get car related anxiety.

    Switch things up as often as you can. Take your dog on car rides to fun places too!

    1. Take a car ride to the park
    2. Take a car ride to dog parks, just make sure the dog park is safe and calm
    3. Take a car ride to have a visit with other dogs
    4. Take a car ride to a pet friendly store and get your dog a special treat

    As much as you can, take your dog to fun places. Most dogs will begin to associate the car with exciting outings, and the car anxiety will eventually dissipate.

    TAKE SHORT TRIPS

    Car anxiety is usually not ‘random’.

    Some dogs do not like to travel for extended periods of time, but it doesn’t mean they will always hate long car rides.

    For starters, try to calm your dog in the car by taking them on short car rides.

    Begin to take your dog on a car ride that is as short as just down the driveway and back up.

    Get ready with lots of treats!

    As your dog begins to not get as anxious on the short car rides, you can start to increase the amount of time that you are gone.

    If your car ride is going to be longer, a few hours, make sure that you are taking the time to

    INVEST IN A CAR HARNESS OR SEATBELT

    A car harness or car seatbelt is an excellent way to help a dog with car anxiety.

    The harness will help keep your dog safe and secure while in the car.

    A seatbelt will also help to keep your dog from roaming around the car, which can often make car sickness worse.

    There are many different types of car harnesses and seatbelts on the market, so take some time to find one that will work best for your dog and your vehicle. Here are some recommendations of products that can help calm your dog:

    CAR SEATBELT:

    This car seatbelt will help your dog feel more secure while in the car and help to keep them from pacing around or getting car sick.

    CAR HARNESS:

    This is a great harness that will help to keep your dog calm and secure while in the car. The harness is made with breathable fabric to help keep your dog cool and comfortable.

    61dPdEPidL. AC SL1200

    CRATE TRAINING

    Crate training can help with car anxiety, car sickness, and just dog anxiety in general.

    If possible, use a crate in the car for your dog and it could solve a ton of your problems with dog anxiety in the car.

    CRASH PROOF CRATES

    The Variocage Crash Proof Car Crate is an investment, but it is certain to help any level of dog anxiety in the car.

    image 20

    USE A CAR HAMMOCK

    Some dogs who have major car anxiety love to be in something called a car hammock.

    This Kong Travel Car Hammock will help your dog have it’s own safe area to either sit or lay.

    In the hammock, you can tie their seatbelt through to add extra safety and security for your dog.

    image 21

    BRING ALONG A HIGH VALUE TREATS OR YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TOY

    Travel anxiety can happen to the best of any dogs.

    But, with some behavior modification and planning on the owners part, dogs can begin to enjoy the car.

    TREATS FOR A HAPPY DOG

    You should plan on always having treats in the car during any travel so that you can toss treats to your dog as you go.

    Best Toys for Great Danes
    New Puppy Checklist
    Day Pouch Treat Bag Review
    Best Training Treats for Dogs and Puppies

    Dogs love the Dr. Harveys treats, they are minimal ingredients which are great for dog’s motion sickness in the car, and they can help turn travel anxiety into making dogs love the car.

    BRINGING ALONG A TOY FOR YOUR DOG

    If your dog has a toy that they love, be sure to bring it to help their travel anxiety.

    If you are looking for a toy that can help your dog with travel anxiety, look into the Snuggle Puppies.

    Snuggle Puppies help by mimicking a heartbeat sound and feeling, which can help your dog feel physically secure, like they have a friend with them in the car.

    The Snuggle Puppy might help your dog’s car anxiety.

    108164 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1557167263

    GET A BIG BARKER SUV BED

    Your dog’s car anxiety probably has somewhat to do with the movement, sudden turns, and feeling like they are lacking control.

    The Big Barker SUV bed helps your dog feel like they aren’t going to roll around in the back.

    With comfort and security, your dog car anxiety will diminish.

    The Big Barker SUV bed is sturdy enough, but also relaxing and comfortable.

    Purchase here.

    image 19

    KEEP THE DOG IN THE BACK OF THE CAR SAFELY

    When your dog starts climbing up in to the front of the car, their car anxiety is going to get worse.

    In order for your dog to feel safe and have less car anxiety, they need to have a space that they feel secure.

    So, it is important to have a barrier between the driver and the dog.

    This one is affordable and strong, and will provide your dog with a barrier to keep them in the back seat, which will ultimately contribute to a decrease in the car anxiety.

    image 18

    USE CBD OR OTHER CALMING SUPPLEMENTS

    Using anti anxiety medication can take a toll on your dog and leave you with a tired dog.

    It CAN be the right choice to use prescription medications, but sometimes you may just want to use dog CBD.

    Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
    Can You Use Human Medicine for Dogs?
    7 Uses of CBD
    How Can CBD Be Used?
    Adding CBD Into Your Dog’s Diet

    Using CBD for your dogs is a great way to help them stay grounded and calm in a moving vehicle.

    When you give your dog their CBD, if you also play calming music or classical music, it can help give your dog additional relaxation.

    IN CONCLUSION

    So, although your dog may be afraid of the car right now, with some counter conditioning and desensitization, you can help your dog feel better about car rides.

    If you have a dog with car anxiety, there are many things that you can do to help ease their anxiety.

    First, try to find the root of the problem. If they are anxious about being in the car, start by making car rides fun and positive experiences.

    Bring along their favorite toy or some high value treats to help them associate the car with something positive.

    You can also try using a dog crate or hammock in the car to give them their own space.

    And finally, consider using CBD or other calming supplements to help ease their anxiety.

    With some patience and effort, you can help your dog overcome their car anxiety and enjoy car rides again.

    READ MORE:
    Training Mistakes
    Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies
    Why is Leash Training so Hard?
    5 Leash Training Tips
    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training
    What is Balanced Training?
    Respect Training Tips: How to Train Your Puppy Great Dane
    Is My Great Dane Being Aggressive?
    Canine Good Citizen Training for Great Danes


  • OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review

    OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review

    Our OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack treat pouch review was written just for you.

    After years of searching, trial and error I think I’ve found a near-perfect treat training pouch.

    A bait bag like the OllyDog Backcountry is made to carry treats for your dog during luring, training, sports, and activities.

    Having a great treat training pouch that is easy to use, rugged and simple to wear is so important. At Hello Danes we believe in positive reinforcement (and modern balanced) dog training, and treats are a HUGE piece of that puzzle!

    Ollydog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review

    OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review

    I ordered my OllyDog treat pouch directly from Amazon. What really caught my eye was the fact that they had several colors to choose from, including CUTE patterns like the one I chose (with pine trees and hearts. I’m obsessed!).

    (SEE IT ON AMAZON HERE).

    It came fast with one-day shipping (YAY! I needed it for a training class after my old treat pouch bit the dust).

    Some of the colors were out of stock or took longer to arrive, so be aware of that before you fall in love with a color or pattern they have!

    IMG 2426

    OllyDog Treat Pouch First Impressions

    I LOVE this pattern so much, it’s adorable. I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I was worried about the white getting dirty (because you know, dogs) but it’s worth the risk.

    The pattern part with the white background does appear to be a high quality, possibly waxed canvas material. I suspect like similar products from that fabric that it’s going to hold up VERY well.

    This bag is well-made and sturdy, from heavy canvas, zippers and linings. It’s actually much nicer in quality and build than other treat pouches I’ve had (and believe me, I’ve had several).

    I personally like that this dog treat pouch is substantial in size. Many of the smaller ones will spill treats out if you bend over, but this one is deep and wide.

    IMG 2424

    OllyDog Backcountry Treat Pouch Features

    This treat pouch offers:

    • Sturdy construction
    • Beautiful decorative details
    • A LARGE deep pouch with a zipper closure, for holding your favorite dog treats
    • A zipper pouch for your keys and cell phone (keep them secure!)
    • A pouch with a dispenser hole for doo-doo bags (we prefer the biodegradable or compostable kind)
    • A stretchy side-pocket made of webbing, may be useful for clickers and small toys

    Two of the biggest complaints that people (including me) have about treat pouches (in general) is that they are NOT deep enough OR that their hand doesn’t easily fit into the pouch.
    OllyDog has solved both of these problems.

    IMG 2434

    How to wear (and use) a dog treat pouch

    You can attach your new OllyDog Treat Pouch to your body with the included (removable) belt OR the metal clip. Your choice!

    We recommend using positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors. These include things such as:

    • Sit, Down, Stand
    • Stay
    • Wait
    • Leave it
    • Let’s Go!
    • Look
    • Touch
    • Place
    • Heel
    • Back up
    • COME!

    Positive reinforcement means to add something to reinforce (increase) a behavior.

    Professional dog trainers use treats and dog food to motivate and reward dogs.

    When using treats for positive reinforcement, HIDE the treat until your dog completes the behavior!

    When you hide the treats (in an OllyDog or similar treat pouch), the treats become a surprise reward.

    The goal with all treat training is to fade out the reliance on treats, so don’t spend too much time luring!

    Keep your hands off the treats until your dog shows the behavior you want. Storing the goodies in a treat pouch, but still easily accessible, is the professional way of doing things.

    A good treat pouch is a must-have for training classes, rewarding good behavior around the house (especially for puppies!), hiking, and more.

    IMG 2435

    Is the OllyDog Treat Bag missing anything?

    If I had ONE piece of feedback for the makers of this beautiful treat pouch, it’s that I wish it had a small clip for an E-Collar remote.

    A simple clip on the outside front would have made it so that the remote could be attached to this bag, and you could also have the treats within reach. E-Collar training should always be taught with lots of positive reinforcement, and the Mini-Educator (low stim, feels like a touch sensation) paired with treats = magic for you and your dog.

    Until I figure out how to fashion my own clip for this, I’ll continue to wear my E-Collar remotes around my neck.

    OllyDog Styles

    The OllyDog Treat pouch comes in two versions: the Backcountry (my personal favorite, as we walk and hike off-leash often), or the smaller goodie bag with magnetic closure.

    The smaller version is perfect for dog owners who want something more compact with fewer features.

    Like the Backcountry treat pouch, it comes in a range of gorgeous designer colors and patterns.

    Figaro approves!

    IMG 2440

    Choose Your Treat Pouch

    Fill Your Treat Pouch UP!

    Screen Shot 2022 03 30 at 2.11.34 PM

    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

    Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

    Join our growing Facebook group!

  • Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review

    Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review

    I hope you are geared up for an ultimate Big Barker dog bed review.

    If you are looking for a new dog bed then you came to the right place for a completely non-biased, comprehensive and detailed Big Barker orthopedic dog bed review.

    Do you have a big dog? You may have heard of an orthopedic dog bed company called Big Barker dog beds. Keep reading our orthopedic dog bed reviews to find out.

    As pet parents, you know that finding a good bed for your big dog can be tough. Maybe you’re interested in trying out a Big Barker, but aren’t sure if you should spend the money.

    Not all beds are created equal – some are too small, and others just don’t offer the support your furry friend needs. That’s where Big Barker comes in. We’re here to provide you with a non-biased and comprehensive review of their dog beds which are made for giant breed dogs.

    Keep reading to learn more about why these beds are so popular, and find out if one is right for your big dogs! Let’s jump into the Big Barker dog bed review.

    Dear Danes 5 Square 2000 1

    Our Big Barker Dog Bed Review Is Specific to Giant Breed Dogs

    We are targeting this Big Barker dog bed review to big dogs or large dogs who need specific prevention in their lives to avoid joint pain or other health issues as they age.

    For large dog owners, you will be especially interested to keep reading this dog bed review as you know that dogs sleep is essential for their overall health. Additionally, finding quality dog beds to support their weight and joints is very difficult.

    Smaller Dogs and The Big Barker Dog Bed

    A quick note about small dogs:

    If you have a smaller dog, especially one with joint problems, this review can still apply to you, as the Big Barker Dog Bed does come in a smaller size called the Junior Barker dog bed. Your teeny dog could benefit from you reading this Big Barker review all the same. The Big Barker Junior dog bed could be a great fit for you.

    However, for small dog owners, it can be easier to find a normal dog bed that is suitable for their weight and size and does not flatten under their smaller weight. However, the big barker junior is still one of our favorite beds.

    That is why we have targeted this Big Barker review more so to the dog owners of large and giant breed dogs like Great Danes.

    maxresdefault 25

    Big Barker Foam vs. Memory Foam

    When looking to make a purchase like an expensive dog bed, you have to examine if the company offers high quality foam. This is important because your dog’s joints should never hit the ground while they are sleeping as it can cause joint pain and other issues down the line like hip dysplasia.

    First up: the Foam Fight:

    We took a look at the Big Barker American foam and cross reviewed it to some other versions of foam inside of dog beds being sold online.

    Let’s jump in!

    Is Polyfil Good For Large Dogs?

    Every dog owner has probably seen or felt a brand new bed that they thought was a quality bed, only to realize that their large dogs instantly crush it to the floor, their feet / elbows / joints sink right to the bottom when laying on it, or it seems to ‘crumble’ or ‘ball’ after just a few months.

    This is typically because the bed is made from a material called Polyfil, which sort of resembles a cotton ball pillow.

    Should Giant Breed Dogs Sleep on a Crib Mattress?

    Well, according to a Tactilus study (Tactilus is a machine that checks how much pressure is on something when you step on it or lay on it), the answer is no. Although not typically used to measure a dog on a bed, in this study, it was used for multiple different beds, including a Big Barker.

    During a Tactilus Pressure Mapping study, red spots appear the highest when there are extreme pressure spots. Orange means there are less pressure spots, and yellow is even less. You get the point.

    In order for our large dogs to have less joint pain and a good night’s rest, we should desire for them to have little to no pressure when laying on the best dog bed.

    As you can see, a crib mattress, polyfill bed, and memory foam bed all signaled extreme joint pressure for large dog’s joints.

    image

    What really got my interest is when the dog laid on a Big Barker on the pressure mapper, there was NO red- indicating that the Big Barker did not allow ANY pressure from the dog to touch the pressure sensor. The dog’s weight was held up entirely by the bed.

    test big block

    Chinese Foam and the ‘Orthopedic Bed’ Scam

    Pet parents need to be more vigilant now than ever. Unfortunately, the word ‘orthopedic’ bed is being tossed around in marketing scams.

    The word ‘orthopedic beds’ is not a protected word, which means that companies can use it to describe their dog beds, even if their beds are made of memory foam, polyfil, or other materials that provide absolutely no support to keep their dogs youthful.

    Did you know that most ‘orthopedic beds’ are actually sourced with Chinese foam because it’s easier and cheaper for companies to make the bed?

    Check out this video- and be vigilant in protecting your dogs from a bed from pet stores or Amazon that claim to be an ‘orthopedic bed’ but can actually HARM them with toxins and lack of support foam.

    https://youtu.be/NZKQLiHs-ME

    What’s Inside of the Big Barker Dog Bed?

    One of the first things you will notice when trying out a Big Barker compared to other dog beds is the foam used inside the bed.

    image 1

    Big Barker uses American made foam that is 7″ thick.

    2″ of comfort foam on the top and 2″ of comfort foam on the bottom of the orthopedic bed helps your dog feel comfortable and sink into the bed in a ‘softer’ and more relaxing way.

    But, the middle layer between the comfort foam is a 3″ layer of support foam inside beakers beds. This support foam keeps your giant dog’s heavy body off of the ground, because it supports the weight of up to 300 lbs.

    Comfort foam

    Note in this video, this large dog is not sinking to the ground- elbows are off the floor and the bed stood nearly straight up as he lays down:

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CanMzmltSxj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    That means that the weight of not one Great Dane, but two can lay on the Big Barker before the dog bed flattens at all.

    How Do We Know if a Bed Is an Orthopedic Bed?

    Well, after trying several normal dog beds that claimed to be ‘high quality memory foam’ or have a ‘supportive mattress’ for large dogs like a Great Dane, we realized that the only way to write a dog bed review was based in science.

    We started to look around for Orthopedic dog beds that had conducted actual studies for big dogs, older dogs / senior dogs, dogs with hip dysplasia / arthritis, or other general joint issues.

    I mean, that IS what ‘orthopedic’ implies, right?

    That is when we came across the clinical study that was conducted by Big Barker dog beds.

    The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Clinical Study

    The clinical study of the Big Barker bed showed (with evidence) that their orthopedic dog bed improved the quality of life, decreased stiffness in big dogs, reduced pain in big dogs, reduced stiffness in big dogs, improved the gait of big dogs and older dogs, and overall improved the quality of life.

    Did You know Your Dog’s Bed Can Impact Them?

    Up until this point, many people had no idea that their dog’s bed could actually help their giant dog live a longer life, walk around better, run and play with their big dog buddies and overall have better mobility and less vet bills.

    Even veterinarians quickly became attached to this study. Check out some Veterinarians talking about the Big Barker dog beds here:

    What Size Bed Should I Get My Big Dog?

    Well, when it comes to the size of your dog’s bed, it obviously matters how big your dog is.

    Also, it matters if your dog loves to stretch out or if they are okay snuggling with other dogs (if you have any other dogs).

    How Big Is Your Dog?

    The Big Barker beds are suitable for any big dog in size, but the size you choose depends on the size of your dog.

    To give you an idea of just how big the Big Barker actually is, here is a video of the Giant size Big Barker laid out on top of a human mattress:

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CakqAxfJdvZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sizes of Big Barker Dog Beds

    The Big Barker dog beds come in 3 sizes for large dogs.

    1. Size Large: more suitable for dogs like Golden Retrievers, Pit bull, Husky, etc. but still much bigger than other beds out there.
    2. Size XL: Suitable for larger dogs like a Rottweiler or Doberman.
    3. Giant Size: Specifically designed for dogs like Great Danes (and in my opinion, Mastiffs etc)

    You can find all three of these sizes on the Big Barker website.

    Here is an image of two Great Dane dogs laying on one of the Giant Big Barker beds. These two dogs are about 100 lb. so although they are not huge dogs, but they seem to still have room to lounge.

    Big Barker dog bed review

    The Different Styles of Big Barker Dog Beds

    The Big Barker Beds come in three specific styles: sleek, sofa, and headrest. That does not include the SUV Edition of the Big Barker, which is used for vehicle travel.

    The Sleek Big Barker Beds

    The sleek Big Barker bed is exactly what the name implies. The sleek dog bed is just one straight piece of Big Barker foam, with no specific ‘pillow’ or place for your dog to rest its head.

    I find the Sleek bed to be a great choice for a living space, family room, or if your dog likes to really stretch out.

    Here are a few photos of the Sleek orthopedic dog bed:

    The Sofa Big Barker Beds

    The Sofa orthopedic dog bed definitely seems like a fan favorite by pet parents and dogs.

    The Sofa Big Barker bed is the same 7″ American foam as the Sleek, but this time with a piece of therapeutic mattress foam lining three sides of the bed, making it a ‘sofa’ instead of a ‘bed’. They also now offer the big barker crate pad.

    Is Your Giant Dog a Snuggle Pup? They Will Probably Love the Sofa Bed

    Since most dogs love to be ‘snuggled up’, it makes sense that alot of dogs love the Sofa Big Barker dog bed as the sofa bolsters sort of snuggle them.

    Cons to the Sofa Big Barker:

    1. Ease of Washing: The Sofa Big Barker has bolsters that surround 3 sides of the bed- however the bolsters are NOT attached to the actual dog beds. Therefore, whenever you want to change out the washable cover, you need to remove the foam bolsters, and put them back in.
    2. Waterproof Liner Non-Compatible: The waterproof liner made for Big Barker dog beds does NOT cover the sofa bolsters. Instead, you will just be getting a sleek waterproof liner and putting it UNDER your sofa bolsters, leaving the actual sofa bolsters at risk for water / liquid stains or spills.

    The Headrest Big Barker Beds

    The Headrest Big Barker dog beds are by far my favorite of all the Big Barker dog beds.

    The Headrest Big Barker bed offers the benefit of it having a bolster / headrest, with the ease of being able to clean and wash it very easily, unlike other bolster beds I have seen in other pet beds.

    The SUV Big Barker

    The SUV Big Barker is really a great investment for anybody who takes their dog in their car often. The SUV Big Barker comes in 3 sizes, Medium, Large and XL, and it is best to measure before you purchase.

    image 15
    Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

    Instead of being 7″, the SUV Big Barker is 3″ with ‘wings’ that protect your dog from hitting the sides of your vehicle.

    The SUV Bed is NOT a Safety Replacement

    By no means is the SUV Big Barker a replacement for a seatbelt, and Big Barker does NOT state so. However it is a great travel bed option.

    The Foam of the SUV Big Barker Bed

    As shown below, the SUV Big Barker comes with two layers of foam, making it good competition for their other standard orthopedic dog beds, especially since your dog will only be using this bed while they are in the car.

    For a great and full review of the SUV Big Barker, you may be interested in reading this SUV Dog Bed Review:

    What Color Options Does Big Barker Offer?

    Big Barker offers their orthopedic dog beds in khaki, charcoal, burgundy and cordura.

    Occasionally, they run promos where they will have a ‘special’ color, but you have to snag them quickly when they do.

    Examples of Big Barker Dog Bed Colors

    Here is a cute video with the colors of beds for you to see the colors in action:

    Big Barker Dog Beds Fit Into Your Home / Lifestyle

    The nice part about the Big Barker dog bed color options is that no matter what color your dog is, you can most likely choose a bed to match them.

    Also, if you want the bed to match your house, the neutral and lifestyle friendly colors will easily fit into most designs so that your dog bed doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb.

    Is the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Washable?

    It is absolutely crucial that dog beds are washable.

    Dogs are not the cleanest creatures, and no matter how often you bathe them, they will still track in dirt, leaves, grass, and yes- sometimes even mud.

    The good news is that all Big Barker dog beds are compatible with a machine washable cover AND a waterproof liner.

    How to Wash Big Barker Dog Beds

    You can simply take off the outer cover (it has a zipper that you zip up to get the bed into the cover) and throw it in the wash in warm water. Even the zippers are very easy to use.

    The washable cover IS safe to go into the drier, but it does say to tumble dry on low.

    Do Big Barker Beds Have Waterproof Liners?

    The Big Barker bed does not come with a waterproof cover, but it is available for additional purchase for each bed.

    If your dog is older and prone to incontinence, if you have a young dog / puppy who is very active and messy, or if your dog eats any form of pet food or treats on its bed, it is pretty recommended that you get a waterproof cover for your bed.

    Heres a quick video demonstration of the liner being used:

    Is a Big Barker Bed Worth It?

    If you have a big, large or giant breed dog, in our opinion- yes, the Big Barker orthopedic dog bed is worth the price.

    For dog breeds anywhere in size from Golden Retrievers to Great Danes, Big Barker offers numerous beds that are suitable for your dog.

    Clinically Proven is Always Worth It

    Not only that, being clinically proven as a bed that will help your dog with mobility, joint issues, stiffness and pain, it is something that you cannot look past.

    My only regret is not trying the Big Barker for my dog sooner, as it is a bed that I know she will use for many years to come.

    Do you have a Big Barker bed? Join our Facebook community and let us know which bed is your favorite.

    Free Jolly Ball with Purchase

    READ MORE:

    Off-Color & ‘Designer Color’ Great Danes, Good or Bad?