500 Japanese Dog Names

Getting a new dog is a fun and exciting time, and one of the first things you’ll need to do is come up with the perfect name for your new companion. I don’t know about you, but I find the process a bit overwhelming. With so many names to choose from it’s hard to know where to begin. So to help you out I’ve been putting together dog name lists for ideas; and today’s theme is Japanese dog names.

Finding the right name for your new dog can be tough. But one method that helps is picking a theme and checking out name lists for inspiration. You can write down the names you like, and then move onto the challenging part — narrowing it down until you find a name the whole family can agree on.

So if you’re looking for a Japanese name for your new dog you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together a list of 500 popular Japanese names to help get you started. From Akira to Yuri, here’s 500 Japanese dog names.

500 Japanese Dog Names

Female Japanese Dog Names	Male Japanese Dog Names
Aika	Aito
Aiko	Aki
Airi	Akiara
Akemi	Akio
Akira	Akito
Akito	Arata
Amaya	Asas
Anzu	Atomu
Arisu	Atsuji
Asa	Banri
Asuka	Benjiro
Aya	Bunta
Ayano	Chibi
Azumi	Chiko
Bashira	Chimon
Botan	Chujiro
Chiaki	Dai
Chie	Daichi
Chika	Daido
Chiyo	Daigo
Chizue	Daizo
Cho	Denji
Chuya	Eiji
Dai	Eito
Danuja	Eizo
Eiko	Enmei
Emi	Etsuji
Emica	Fujio
Emika	Fumihiro
Eri	Fumio
Eshima	Fumito
Etsu	Futoshi
Etsuko	Gaku
Fuji	Genjiro
Hachi	Genkei
Hana	Genzo
Hanako	Gin
Hanami	Ginjoro
Haru	Goro
Haruka	Habiki
Haruko	Hachi
Harumi	Hachiro
Hatsu	Haku
Hatsuko	Haru
Haya	Haruki
Hibiki	Haruto
Hikari	Hayata
Hinata	Hayate
Hiro	Hayato
Hiroko	Hedeki
Hiromi	Hibiki
Hisako	Hideaki
Hitomi	Hideji
Hoshi	Hidemi
Hoshiko	Hideo
Ima	Hideto
Isamu	Hideyo
Ito	Hikaru
Iwa	Hinata
Izumi	Hiraku
Jin	Hiro
Jona	Hiroaki
Jun	Hiroki
Junko	Hiromitsu
Kaede	Hiroshi
Kairi	Hiroto
Kaiyo	Hisato
Kamiko	Hisoka
Kaori	Hisoki
Kasumi	Hitoshi
Katsu	Hoshi
Katsumi	Hozumi
Kayda	Ichiro
Kayo	Ikko
Kazue	Isami
Kazuko	Isamu
Kei	Itsuki
Keiko	Jinichi
Keomi	Jiro
Kichi	Joben
Kiku	Jona
Kimi	Jun
Kimika	Junichi
Kimiko	Junji
Kioka	Junpei
Kishi	Junto
Kiwa	Juro
Kiyomi	Jurou
Ko	Kaede
Kohana	Kaemon
Koko	Kage
Kokoro	Kaichi
Koto	Kaito
Kuma	Kamin
Kuri	Katashi
Kyi	Katsu
Kyo	Katsuji
Machiko	Katsumi
Madoka	Katsuro
Mai	Kazu
Maiko	Kazuki
Maki	Kazumi
Makoto	Kazuro
Mami	Kazz
Mana	Kei
Mari	Keiji
Mariko	Ken
Masako	Kenichi
Masami	Kenji
Masumi	Kenta
Mayu	Kento
Mei	Kenzou
Michi	Kin
Michiko	Kioshi
Midori	Kiyoshi
Mie	Ko
Mieko	Kohaku
Miho	Koichi
Mika	Koji
Mikan	Koya
Miki	Kozo
Mikka	Kuma
Minako	Kuniko
Minami	Kuro
Minato	Kyo
Minori	Madoka
Mio	Maki
Misa	Makoto
Misaki	Manabu
Misako	Manjiro
Mitsu	Maro
Mitsuko	Maru
Miwa	Masa
Miya	Masaji
Miyo	Masaki
Miyoko	Masao
Miyuki	Masaru
Mizuki	Masato
Momo	Michi
Momoka	Miki
Morie	Mikio
Moriko	Minato
Mura	Minori
Nakano	Minoru
Namie	Mitsuru
Namika	Miyo
Nana	Namio
Nanako	Naoji
Nanami	Naoki
Naoki	Naoshi
Nara	Naozumi
Narumi	Natsu
Natsuki	Noboru
Natsuko	Nobu
Natsumi	Nori
Nishi	Notin
Noa	Osamu
Nobuko	Oshin
Nori	Raden
Noriko	Rai
Norita	Raiden
Nozomi	Raijin
Nyoko	Reiji
Okimi	Reiki
Rai	Reiko
Raku	Reizo
Rei	Ren
Reiko	Renzo
Ren	Riki
Rika	Riku
Riko	Rokuro
Rikona	Ruka
Rini	Ryo
Risa	Ryota
Rumi	Ryu
Ruri	Ryuma
Ryo	Saku
Ryoko	Samuru
Sachi	Sanyu
Sada	Satoru
Sadako	Satoshi
Saeko	Satsuo
Sai	Seiji
Sakae	Seto
Sakai	Shigeo
Saki	Shiki
Saku	Shinji
Sakura	Shinobu
Sango	Shinya
Sanyu	Shiro
Saori	Sho
Satomi	Shoji
Satsuki	Shoma
Sayaka	Shuji
Sayuri	Shunta
Seika	Shuzo
Setsuko	Sora
Shika	Souji
Shiki	Souta
Shiko	Susumu
Shinju	Suzu
Shino	Suzuki
Shiori	Tadami
Shizu	Tadao
Shoko	Tadashi
Sora	Taiga
Sorano	Taiki
Sugi	Taishi
Suki	Taji
Sumire	Takao
Sunako	Takashi
Susumu	Takato
Suzu	Takeo
Suzume	Taku
Taka	Takuma
Takara	Takumi
Takaro	Tamaki
Tako	Taro
Tamaki	Tateo
Tani	Tatsumi
Taru	Tatsuo
Tatsu	Teiji
Taura	Teijo
Toki	Tetsu
Tomiju	Tetsuji
Tomiko	Tetsuro
Tomo	Tohru
Toru	Tokuro
Toshi	Tomio
Toshiko	Tomohito
Ume	Tomoya
Umi	Toshi
Usagi	Toshiji
Utano	Toshio
Wakana	Toshiro
Wakumi	Toya
Yasu	Umeji
Yasuko	Yahiro
Yoko	Yamato
Yori	Yasuri
Yoru	Yataro
Yoshi	Yori
Yoshiko	Yoshi
Yuka	Yoshiro
Yuki	Yoshito
Yuko	Yozo
Yumi	Yuji
Yuna	Yujiro
Yuri	Yuki
Yuriko	Yutaka

Recommended Reading

Still looking for the perfect name for your new dog? Be sure to check out the following name lists for more inspiration:

• 500 Male Dog Names
• 500 Female Dog Names
• 500 Popular Dog Names
• Japanese Girl Names
• Japanese Boy Names

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7 Benefits of Playing With Your Dog

Everyone knows that playing games with your dog is fun, but what we don’t often consider is that the benefits of play go well beyond just having fun. Adding in a little more playtime to your dog’s routine is one of the easiest ways to enrich your dog’s life. Here’s 7 benefits of playing with your dog.

You’re Training Your Dog, Even If You Don’t Realize It

One of the benefits to playing with your dog is that it’s a fun way to get in some daily training. Now I’m not talking about traditional “teach your dog a trick” training, but I am talking about reinforcing desirable behaviors. And in the case of play that revolves around teaching your dog to follow some basic rules.

Does your dog get too mouthy while playing tug? When that happens I simply stop playing the game. If you stop the game because your dog gets too mouthy you’re teaching them biting your hand is not acceptable. Does that feel like traditional training? Not exactly, and that’s why it’s so easy to forget that we’re training when we’re engaged in play. And that’s one of the greatest things about playing with your dog — it gives you a chance to reinforce good behaviors and have fun, all at the same time.

Play Provides Mental Stimulation

We all know that physical exercise is important for our dogs, but we often overlook the importance of mental exercise. Interactive games like tug or fetch might seem like a simple way to keep your dog busy, but they also provide a lot of mental stimulation for your dog.

Since games rely on some basic rules such as “you need to bring the frisbee back if you want to keep playing” they give your dog a chance to make their own decisions and help them build focus. Adding in a few quick games to your dogs routine is a way to ensure your dog gets a nice mental workout each day.

It’s Good Physical Exercise For You & Your Dog

Dogs require regular exercise, and using play is one of the funnest ways to make sure your dog has a chance to release all that pent up energy. And since playing with your dog requires you to get involved it means both of you will be getting in more physical activity.

And when it comes to playing with your dog for physical exercise don’t worry; I’m not suggesting a 3 hour marathon game of tug of war. Just a couple of extra 5 – 10 minute sessions of play can make a huge difference. Games like frisbee or playing with a flirt pole are physically demanding, so if you add those into your regular exercise routine (which includes the daily walk) you can make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise each day.

And If you have a high energy dog I recommend checking out 5 quick ways to tire out your dog for more suggestions; these games helped tremendously when Laika was going through her “OK I know we just got back from a 3 mile walk but I’m still ready to go!” phase.

Play is a Fun Way to Relieve Stress

Playing with your dog is fun, and as far as stress reliever’s go it’s a really simple way to improve both you and your dog’s overall mood. Spending time with your dog can have a calming effect, and some studies have found that it can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Adding in a couple of quick 5 minute play sessions with your dog each day can have a big effect on both you and your dog’s overall mood.

Playing With Your Dog Strengthens Your Bond

One of the greatest things about playing with your dog is how much it strengthens your bond. Spending quality time with your dog is one of the best ways to strengthen that bond, and when it comes to dogs play time is one of their favorite ways to pass the time. You’re not just providing them with fun when you engage them in play; you’re giving them a routine and reinforcing the idea that you are the bringer of all things fun — and that goes a long way when it comes to speeding up the bonding process.

Play Can Decrease Problem Behaviors in Dogs

Dogs who engage in regular play are less likely to develop problem behaviors such as excessive barking and chewing. The reason being is that dogs get bored, and when your dog gets bored chances are they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves — and that boredom is what leads to things like chewed up shoes.

When you regularly play with your dog you’re keeping them busy and engaged, reducing the chance that they’ll go off on their own to find their own entertainment. If you’re looking for ways to keep your dog busy & entertained I recommend checking out 33 ways to keep your dog busy indoors & 26 boredom busters for dogs.

It Can Improve Your Social Life

And last but not least playing with your dog can improve your social life. Whether it’s going to the park to play a game of fetch or taking your dog to the neighborhood playground, chances are you and your dog will meet some new people along the way.

Your dog will benefit from brushing up on their social skills, and so will you. A study from 2015 found that being a pet owner was the third most common way that people said they met people in their neighborhoods, and that pet owners were 60% more likely to get to know people in their neighborhood that they didn’t know before.

What Are Your Dog’s Favorite Games?

What games does your dog enjoy most? Do you carve out time each day for a couple of quick play sessions? Does your dog seem more relaxed after play?

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5 Reasons to Walk Your Dog Every Day

Ask your dog if they want to go for a walk. Did they get excited? That tells you all you need to know about how your dog feel about the daily walk. But have you ever wondered why they get so excited about it? Today we’ll take a look at the daily dog walk, and why it’s such a crucial part of your dog’s routine. Here’s 5 reasons to walk your dog every day.

Physical Exercise

Walking your dog every day is a great way to help your dog stay fit & active. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of your dog developing a number of health related conditions such as hypertension, liver disease and diabetes. And one of the easiest ways to keep your dog fit is by walking them every day. Walking helps preserve your dog’s muscles and joints, and it’s a great way to help shed some extra pounds if your dog is overweight. And the regular cardio that a daily walk provides can improve mood and energy levels.

Mental Exercise

The daily walk is the one time a day your dog has a chance to go out and explore the neighborhood. And since dogs explore with their nose don’t forget to give them a chance to use it. When you’re out on your walk give them some time to sniff around for some extra mental stimulation and enrichment. I always set aside a few designated “sniff breaks” for Laika on our walks. I give her the cue “go sniff” and let her do her thing. When it’s time to head back I use the “let’s go” cue and we’re back on the trail.

To keep your dog walks fun remember to switch up your routine once in a while by going to a different neighborhood or checking out a new park or trail. Once a week I like to take Laika to a local park or trail to explore; it helps keep things exciting for the both of us.

For more mental stimulation remember to give your dog some time to sniff around & explore on walks.

Boosts Confidence

Another reason to walk your dog every day is that it’s a great for confidence. Having a daily routine will help boost your dog’s confidence, and your daily walk is a big part of that structure. A daily routine will give your dog structure and stability, and that level of predictability goes a long way to boosting confidence, especially in shy or fearful dogs. One of the best ways to keep your dog happy and confident is by creating a daily routine for your dog that includes fun activities such as the daily walk and interactive play.

Tip: If you’re looking for more activities to add into your dog’s daily routine be sure to check out 33 ways to keep your dog busy indoors & 26 boredom busters for dogs.

Socialization

Walking with your dog will help with socialization by exposing them to different people, dogs and situations. Although the majority of socialization happens when your dog is a pup it’s important to keep up on those skills by continually introducing your dog to new people and situations. Switching up your route, such as going to a different neighborhood, trail or park, will give your dog a chance to experience a variety of environments and situations. For shy or fearful dogs remember to take it slow to avoid over arousal.

Reinforces Your Bond

Another reason to walk your dog every day is that it’s a great way to reinforce the bond you have with your dog. It’s one relatively easy thing you can do each day that brings your dog so much joy. Spending quality time with your dog makes that bond stronger, and the daily walk is one of the most rewarding activities around. Trust is a big part of the bonding process, and by walking your dog every day you’re showing them that you’re someone they can depend on and trust for their daily needs.

Tip: Be sure to check out 10 ways to bond with your dog if you’re looking for more tips on creating a strong bond with your dog.

What Is Your Daily Walking Routine?

Do you walk your dog every day? How often do you switch up your route? Do you let your dog take sniff breaks? Let me know in the comments below.

Recommended Reading

• 10 Dog Walking Tips Everyone Should Know
• 5 Ways to Motivate Yourself For a Dog Walk
• 10 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

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Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Looking for a simple dog treat recipe? These pumpkin & peanut butter dog treats are one of my favorites because they’re easy to prepare and quick to bake. And since my dog loves anything with pumpkin or peanut butter these always get a big seal of approval from her.

Tip: If you’re looking for more homemade dog treat recipes be sure to check our our list of 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes, all made with 5 ingredients or less.

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

I use Libby’s 100% canned pumpkin and Crazy Richard’s natural peanut butter. I used the chunky variety of peanut butter because it was what I had on hand. If you want a more polished look stick with a creamy variety.

When using peanut butter in dog treats always check to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that a few brands use and it can be fatal to dogs. Check out this list for more information on which brands use xylitol in their products.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F.
2. Mix the pumpkin & peanut butter together in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the flour and combine the mixture into a dough.
4. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface.
5. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter.
   
6. Place treats onto an ungreased baking sheet, about a half inch apart.
7. Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven.

If you don’t have any cookie cutters you can use a knife to cut out some shapes, use the top of a shot glass to carefully cut out circles, or make your own cookie cutters using a soda can.

Once the treats have cooled you can store them in a container for a week. Since this recipe makes so many treats I usually keep 1/3 of them in a container and freeze the rest for later.

This recipe yields 3 baking sheets worth of treats. Using a large cookie cutter (3 inches) you’ll get 60 individual dog treats.

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500 French Dog Names

I don’t know about you, but I find picking names a bit stressful. You want one that sounds good, one that fits your dog’s personality, and one that the whole family can agree on. Finding a name that fits those criteria can be a bit tough.

My trick? I check out baby name lists for inspiration. It’s hard coming up with a bunch of names on the spot, and it can be even harder when you’re trying to stick with a theme. So to help you out I’ve put together a list of 500 French names for inspiration.

So if you’re looking for a French inspired name for your new dog you’ve come to the right place, I’ve put together a list of my favorites. From classic names to contemporary options, here’s 500 French dog names to choose from.

500 French Dog Names

French Female Dog Names	French Male Dog Names
Adela	Abel
Adelaide	Abi
Adele	Ace
Adelie	Achille
Adrienne	Adamson
Aeris	Adrein
Agathe	Alain
Agnes	Albert
Aimee	Alfonse
Alice	Alfrid
Alma	Alvin
Amaline	Andre
Ambre	Antoine
Amelie	Anton
Anne	Arman
Anouk	Armel
Antoinette	Arsene
Apolline	Arthur
Ariane	Astin
Aubree	Auger
Audette	Avery
Audrey	Barden
Ava	Bardot
Aveline	Barnette
Avril	Basile
Aya	Bastien
Babette	Beaumont
Batilde	Beldan
Beatrice	Belot
Bella	Benedict
Belle	Benjamin
Berdine	Benjie
Bernadette	Bensen
Bianca	Bernard
Bibi	Briant
Bijou	Cain
Blanche	Carvel
Brigitte	Cesar
Camille	Charles
Cecile	Chauncey
Celeste	Chevy
Celine	Claude
Charline	Clement
Chloe	Clovis
Clara	Cloyd
Claudie	Corbin
Clemence	Corin
Constance	Cornett
Corrine	Cosme
Cosette	Damien
Danette	Daryl
Delphine	Dash
Desiree	Daz
Dionne	Del
Doriane	Delroy
Dorothee	Demont
Edith	Denis
Elaine	Dennes
Elena	Dion
Elisabeth	Dru
Elodie	Eddie
Eloise	Edmond
Elsa	Elliot
Emeline	Eloi
Emma	Elois
Emmie	Emile
Enide	Emmanuel
Esme	Erec
Estelle	Erik
Felice	Erwan
Fifi	Esme
Flavie	Ethan
Fleur	Eudes
Francine	Eudo
Francoise	Eudon
Garland	Eugene
Geneva	Everard
Genevieve	Fabien
Genny	Felix
Georgette	Fernand
Germaine	Florent
Gigi	Forest
Ginette	Franc
Giselle	Francois
Gladys	Fraser
Guilia	Gael
Guinevere	Gais
Helaine	Galant
Helene	Garen
Helo	Gaston
Heloise	Gerald
Hennie	Gerard
Henriette	Germain
Hortense	Gifferd
Idelle	Gilbert
Ines	Gill
Irene	Gilles
Iris	Gosse
Isabel	Gul
Jacinthe	Gustave
Jacqueline	Gustavo
Jacqui	Guy
Jeanette	Hamblin
Jeanne	Hamlin
Jenava	Hardien
Jeslyn	Harland
Jodelle	Harvey
Joelle	Henri
Johanne	Herve
Joi	Horace
Jolene	Hubert
Joli	Hugo
Josee	Ignace
Josette	Ilbert
Juliet	Ives
Kalle	Ivon
Kari	Jacques
Karlis	James
Lacey	Jean
Laudine	Jori
Laure	Joshua
Lea	Josse
Lena	Jovan
Leona	Jules
Liane	Julien
Lila	Karel
Lina	Karlis
Lise	Kota
Lisette	Lafayette
Lison	Lamar
Lizette	Landis
Loraine	Landy
Lottie	Lanny
Louise	Laurent
Lourdes	Lazare
Luce	Leo
Lucie	Leon
Lucille	Leonard
Lucinde	Leron
Lula	Leroy
Luna	Lewes
Lunete	Liam
Lydie	Lionel
Mabella	Lonell
Macella	Louie
Madeline	Louis
Maeva	Loup
Majori	Luc
Marcela	Lucas
Marcelle	Lucien
Mardy	Marc
Maresa	Marcel
Margerie	Marin
Margot	Marquis
Marguerite	Marrok
Mariam	Marshall
Marianne	Martin
Marie	Matheo
Marielle	Mathias
Marine	Mathieu
Marquite	Mathis
Marthe	Maurice
Martine	Maurin
Mathilde	Maxime
Maude	Maximilien
Michele	Michel
Mila	Michon
Monique	Milot
Myriam	Milun
Nadelle	Montel
Nadi	Mort
Nadine	Mory
Nadiya	Nathanael
Nathalie	Nel
Neva	Nichol
Nicolette	Nicolas
Nina	Noa
Ninette	Noe
Ninon	Noel
Noe	Noham
Noela	Norbert
Noelle	Norris
Noemie	Oates
Noleen	Oda
Nour	Olivier
Octavia	Orleans
Odette	Ormondo
Odila	Orrie
Olivia	Orval
Olivie	Paget
Orabelle	Parke
Osanne	Pascal
Ozanna	Patrice
Pancha	Patrik
Paris	Pepin
Paulette	Perceval
Pauline	Percy
Penelope	Perkins
Perle	Perrin
Radelle	Philbert
Raina	Pierre
Raissa	Pons
Rebecca	Porter
Regina	Pryor
Rema	Purvis
Remie	Quentin
Renee	Quint
Riva	Rabbie
Rivera	Raimond
Romane	Raphael
Romy	Raulf
Rosali	Regis
Rosalind	Rema
Rosella	Remi
Roselle	Renard
Rosine	Rene
Roux	Reynold
Roxanne	Richard
Ruby	Riche
Sabine	Robert
Sacha	Rodel
Salome	Rodolph
Sara	Roland
Sasha	Roul
Satine	Rousel
Shantal	Ruff
Sheril	Salomon
Simone	Savon
Sofia	Sebastien
Sophie	Serge
Suzanne	Simon
Suzette	Stuart
Sylvie	Sylvan
Symone	Teddie
Tallis	Theo
Therese	Thoreau
Tilde	Timeo
Tracia	Travis
Trais	Tre
Valentine	Tristan
Veva	Troy
Victoria	Ulysse
Violette	Urbain
Vivienne	Valentin
Yasmina	Varden
Yasmine	Wyatt
Yvette	Younes
Yvonne	Yves
Zoe	Zacharie

How Did You Come Up With Your Dog’s Name?

How do you come up with name ideas for your dog? Do you look for names that fit their personality? Do you check out name lists (like I do) for inspiration? Do you pick names based on their meaning? Let me know in the comments below.

Still Looking For Dog Name Ideas?

If you’re looking for even more name ideas for your dog be sure to check out the following:

• 500 Classic Dog Names
• 500 Of The Most Popular Dog Names
• 500 Female Dog Names
• 500 Male Dog Names

Resources

If you’re looking for more French name ideas be sure to check out the following:

• French Baby Names
• 1661 French Baby Names
• Female & Male French Names

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15 Valentine’s Day Dog Treat Recipes

Looking to make your dog feel extra special this Valentine’s Day? My favorite way to treat my dog on Valentine’s Day is by making her some yummy dog treats.

They’re a great (and simple) way to make sure my dog feels included in all the holiday festivities. And since I do this every year I decided to put together a list of my favorite Valentine’s Day dog treats.

Before you begin: If you want to make heart shaped treats remember that you’ll need heart shaped cookie cutters, or heart shaped ice trays for the frozen options.

15 Valentine’s Day Dog Treat Recipes

If you’re looking for an easy way to treat your dog this Valentine’s Day try making them some homemade dog treats. From gluten free dog treats to frozen options, there’s plenty of recipes to choose from. Here’s 15 Valentine’s Day dog treat recipes.

Valentine’s Day Cranberry Hearts

These little grain free dog treats are a favorite of mine because they’re easy to make and super cute. If you want to treat your dog with something special this Valentine’s Day you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Valentine Strawberry Hearts Frosty Treats

If you’re not in the mood for baking give frozen treats a try. This one is simple (yogurt & strawberries) and super cute, and my dog goes bonkers for them.

Valentines Day Dog Cookies (Gluten Free)

If you’re looking to make something special for your dog this Valentine’s day check out these awesome heart shaped dog cookies. They’re one of my favorites because they’re gluten free and easy to make.

Homemade Valentine’s Day Dog Treats

These mini cake dog treats are really festive, and my dog Laika absolutely loves (devours) them. If you want to give your dog an extra special treat this Valentine’s Day these mini cakes are a great option.

Strawberry Banana Carob Marble Dog Treats

Do you love the combination of strawberry & banana as much as I do? My dog does too, so these adorable treats are always a favorite in my house.

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Banana Heart Frozen Treats

As I mentioned above we love strawberry & banana in this house, so when I don’t feel like baking I love making these yummy frozen treats instead.

DIY Heart-Shaped Dog Treats

When it comes to making dog treats pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients to use, and this is one of my go to recipes. These super cute heart shaped dog treats are perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Quick Valentine’s Day Dog Treats

These cute little frozen Valentine’s day dog treats are made with coconut oil & diced strawberries. If you’re not in the mood for baking these little treats are a great choice.

Frozen Heart Shaped Green Smoothie Dog Treats

I love this green smoothie recipe for dogs, and this little frozen heart adaptation makes it the perfect healthy treat for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Gummy Dog Treats

Have I mentioned how much I love strawberries? I love this frozen recipe, and it’s one of Laika’s favorites. These strawberry gummy treats are great way to treat your dog this holiday.

“Puppy Love” Treats

These little heart shaped frozen treats made with yogurt, strawberries & banana are a great way to treat your dog with something special this Valentine’s Day.

Frozen Peanut Butter & Yogurt Dog Treats

Here’s another yummy frozen option for your dog this holiday — this time with peanut butter and yogurt. I don’t know about your dog, but mine goes nuts for peanut butter. These are definitely a favorite of hers.

Three Ingredient Homemade Doggie Ice Cream

I don’t know why it took me years to figure out I could make dog-friendly ice cream, but when I discovered this recipe I was hooked. It’s a nice way to treat your dog with something extra special this holiday.

Crusted Banana Cranberry Heart Frosty

These cute little frozen treats look super fancy, but they’re actually pretty easy to make. These frozen treats are one of my favorites to make, and my dog goes nuts for them.

“Puppy Hugs & Kisses” Valentine Dog Treat Recipe

These little treats are super cute and festive, and they’re a perfect way to treat your dog on Valentine’s Day.

Looking For More Recipes?

If you’re looking for even more dog treat recipes be sure to check out our list of 25 simple dog treat recipes & 20 frozen dog treat recipes.

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5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Dogs Life

Looking for some easy ways to help improve your dog’s life and keep them happy? The good news is there’s some pretty easy ways to enrich our dogs lives, and I’ve put together a list of my favorites. From providing your dog with daily exercise to being consistent with rules, here’s 5 simple ways to improve your dogs life.

Provide Your Dog With Daily Exercise

Regular exercise is important to your dog’s overall well-being, both mentally & physically. Overweight dogs are at an increased risk for developing health issues such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. You can cut down that risk by keeping your dog physically active.

A lack of exercise can cause also cause boredom and frustration. Dog’s that don’t get daily exercise are much more likely to develop destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing or barking. By providing regular exercise you’re giving them a routine and a way to burn off extra energy — one that won’t include chewing up your favorite shoes.

Making sure your dog gets enough physical exercise each day will help keep them fit and out of trouble. Some of the easiest ways to exercise your dog include:

• Playing frisbee
• The daily dog walk (or jog)
• Using a flirt pole
• Play fetch with your dog
• Playing a game of tug of war

Exercise is about more than just keeping your dog fit & healthy — it can also help cut down on problem behaviors such as excessive chewing, barking or digging. Bored dogs get into trouble. You can help cut down on that risk by making sure your dog gets enough physical activity every day.

Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated

Have you ever heard the saying  “a tired dog is a good dog?” Well it’s true, and you don’t just have to rely on physical exercise. Giving your dog plenty of mental exercise every day can be just as tiring as physical. For my dog a 5 minute game of “find the treats” is just as tiring as a 30 minute walk (measured by how long she naps for afterward).

Adding in some interactive play and games every day will keep your dog mentally stimulated. Here’s a few of my favorite ways to give my dog more mental stimulation:

• Let your dog sniff on walks aka “sniff breaks”
• Teach your dog some new tricks
• Use food dispensing toys & stuffed Kongs
• Play some nose work games with your dog
• Make your own DIY obstacle course

Keep in mind that every dog requires different amount of physical & mental exercise. Most dogs still need plenty of physical exercise every day, but you can supplement the “down time” by adding in some mentally stimulating activities.

Make Training More Fun For Your Dog

Fun isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind when you think of dog training. In fact the first words that come to my mind would be frustration and confusion, but that’s besides the point. The point is there are some relatively easy ways to make training more fun for your dog. And when training sessions are fun for your dog it’s easier to  keep them motivated to learn new things.

One way to make training more fun and interesting for your dog is by switching up the reward. Experiment with using different rewards such as different games, toys and treats. Some dogs are highly motivated by food, while others prefer play. Find out which rewards your dog prefers and save those for them you’re working on particularly difficult behaviors.

Another way to make training more fun is by keeping your sessions short & sweet. Dog’s don’t have unlimited attention spans, so working for too long on anything can lead to frustration for both you and your dog. You can avoid that frustration by keeping your training sessions short (I tend to prefer 5 minute sessions). And remember to use plenty of praise when your dog does what you ask — the timing of your praise will courage that behavior in the future.

When it comes to dog training most of us don’t immediately think of the word “fun,” but there are a few simple ways to make training more enjoyable. By switching up the rewards, using plenty of praise, and keeping your sessions short & sweet you can make training more fun for you and your dog.

Be Consistent & Fair With Rules

One of the easiest ways to confuse and frustrate your dog is by being inconsistent with rules. Did you toss your dog a bite of food during dinner three weeks ago, yet wonder why he’s begging today? By tossing that food a few weeks ago you encouraged more begging, even if it was unintentional on your part.

Our dog’s learn from us all the time, and we have a tendency to send out a lot of mixed messages. When you set rules and boundaries for your dog remember to be consistent. Don’t let them get away with something one day only to punish them for it the next.

Having clear rules and boundaries will ensure your dog knows exactly what’s expected of them at any given time, and it will help avoid the frustration of inconsistent punishment. If they’re not allowed to do something (such as jumping on the couch) make sure everyone in the family sticks to that rule.

Give Your Dog a Routine

One of the best ways to keep your dog happy is by providing them with a daily routine. They’ll feel more secure knowing when meal time is, when they get to go outside, when they get to play, and when their daily walk will be.

Now when I say give your dog a routine I don’t mean you have to dedicate 6 hours every day to playtime. I’m talking about short little activities scattered throughout the day. A 5 minute game of tug after dinner, a stuffed Kong in the morning, a walk in the evening. Those are the kinds of activities that will make a fun daily routine for your dog.

Come up with a routine for your dog that includes some fun things for them to do every day. Little activities throughout the day (as minor as they may seem) will enrich your dog’s life, and they’ll help cut down on problem behaviors that can arise out of boredom.

Recommended Reading

• 33 Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors
• 26 Simple Boredom Busters For Dogs
• 10 Fun Games to Play With Your Dog

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The Best Food Dispensing Toys For Dogs

Looking for an easy way to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated? One of my favorite ways to keep my dog entertained is by using food dispensing toys.

They keep her busy for 20+ minutes at a time, and they’re a great way to give her some extra mental stimulation each day. Food dispensing toys let your dog hone in on their natural foraging abilities in a mentally stimulating way, and that extra activity can help cut down on behavioral issues caused by boredom such as excessive chewing or barking.

These toys are great because you just fill them up and let your dog go at it. When it comes to keeping your dog busy it doesn’t get much easier than that.

If you’re not sure what type of treat dispensing toy will work for your dog don’t worry we’ve got you covered; I’ve put together a list of food dispensing toys that are durable, challenging and easy to clean. Here’s the best food dispensing toys for dogs.

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Star Mark Bob-A-Lot

The Bob-A-Lot tops the list because it’s my favorite food dispensing toy. It’s extremely durable, and it’s one of the few dog toys I use nearly every day. It’s made of hard plastic, and after years my dog still hasn’t put a dent in it.

The large measures 6 x 6 x 8.5 inches, and the small measures 4.5 x 4.5 x 11 inches. You can fit up to 3 cups of food in the large one, making it big enough to use for complete meals.

My favorite feature of the Bob-A-Lot is how easy it is to adjust. The opening where the food comes out is easily adjustable, so you can use it for different kinds of food or treats.

It’s a great toy for dogs who eat too fast, or for anyone who wants to give their dog some more mental stimulation. And although the Bob-A-Lot is durable it’s not indestructible; the cap makes for an easy chew target if you leave your dog unsupervised. So remember to put it away after the food is gone.

The Bob-A-Lot is a great toy, but it can be a little loud. If you have hardwood or tile floors it will get a bit noisy when your dog’s pushing it around, but since it keeps my dog busy for 20+ minutes at a time I think it’s well worth the noise.

Kong Wobbler

The Kong Wobbler is similar to the Bob-A-Lot when it comes to size and durability, and the twist off top makes it even easier to fill. And like other food dispensing toys it’s one you can use every day to give your dog some more mental stimulation.

The large one measures 7 x 6 x 10.5-inches, and you can fit about a cup of food in it. The opening where the food comes out is approximately 3/4 of an inch in diameter. It’s made of hard plastic and is quite durable (though remember to put the toy away when the food is gone).

My favorite thing about the Kong Wobbler is how easy it is to fill. You unscrew the top from the bottom and pour the food right in. Like the Bob-A-Lot it can be a bit noisy on hard floors.

Like other food dispensing toys the Kong Wobbler is a great way to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated. When I fill it up for Laika it’ll keep her busy for 20+ minutes. For more details be sure to check out our full Kong Wobbler review.

Buster Cube

The Buster Cube is another great food dispensing toy. It’s a durable cube divided into several compartments that release food when your dog pushes it around.

The large measures 4 x 2 x 6 inches, and it’s made of hard plastic. It can hold about a cup of food. The opening where the food comes out is adjustable, so you can choose how challenging to make it for your dog.

This food dispensing toy is probably the most challenging for dogs since it’s divided into different compartments — it’ll take Laika well over 30 minutes to finish it. So if you have a dog that needs a challenging toy the Buster Cube is a good bet. The Buster Cube is also a good toy if your dog eats too fast.

Like other food dispensing toys remember to put this away when it’s not in use; although it’s durable it’s not meant to be a standalone chew toy.

West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl

The West Paw Zogoflex Qwizl is a food dispensing toy that I use when I want dog treats such as bully sticks or Greenies to last longer. The toy itself is quite durable (like the other Zogoflex products), and it’s held up for over a year with no problems.

The Qwizl toy comes in two sizes and three different colors (orange, green & blue). The large measures 5.9 x 2.4 x 6.5 inches, and the small measures 2 x 5.3 x 2 inches.

It has openings on both ends, and you can fill it with treats or kibble. It’s made in the USA, recyclable and dishwasher safe. It’s also 100% guaranteed against damage by the manufacturer.

Like other food dispensing toys this one will keep most dogs busy for 20+ minutes. To give Laika an extra challenge I like to stuff larger treats in the ends, and hide some extra goodies (such as chopped up carrots) in the middle chamber.

Our Pets IQ Treat Ball

The Our Pets IQ Treat Ball is another food dispensing toy that’s well suited for small or medium sized dogs. The difficulty level is adjustable, and the ball itself twists apart making it easy to fill and clean.

You can get it in two sizes — 3 inches and 4 inches. So it’s not quite as big as some of the other food dispensing toys, but you can still fit about a half cup of food in the smaller one and nearly a cup in the larger one.

You can easily adjust the feeding difficulty on this toy, and it twists apart for east cleaning.

If you have a tough chewer use caution with this toy; Laika managed to get the top off within a couple minutes. She didn’t destroy it (because I took it away), but for big chewers like her taking it apart is pretty appealing. My friends with smaller dogs love this toy, but I wouldn’t recommend it for large dogs.

What Are Your Favorite Food Dispensing Toys for Dogs?

Do you have your favorites when it comes to food dispensing toys? How long do they keep your dog busy for? Do you use them for your dogs meals?

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