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Review: Zooborn Cats

I love animals and my kids love animals, so this was a “Must-have!”

About the Book (from the webpage)

From the guys who brought you the smash hit ZooBorns: The Newest, Cutest Animals from the World’s Zoos and Aquariums, which DiscoverMagazine.com called “hands down the cutest books ever to grace my shelf” comes ZooBorns CATS! The Newest, Cutest Kittens and Cubs from the World’s Zoos featuring adorable pictures of newborn felines from accredited zoos and conservation programs around the world. ZooBorns: Cats! is the largest and most complete collection of kittens of different feline species ever published! Every sale of ZooBorns Cats! supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Endowment Fund.  Look out for exclusive giveaways and excerpts on our Facebook page in the coming weeks!

About the Author

Andrew Bleiman is a lifelong animal nerd who serves on the Auxiliary Boards of the Lincoln Park Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. He also runs Zooillogix.com, a bizarre zoology news blog on the ScienceBlogs Network (a division of Seed Media). In his day job he develops new media strategy for the Bradford Group.

Chris Eastland is a classically trained artist and photographer, who studied and taught at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy, and now lives in Brooklyn. Chris was formerly the Photography Editor for Quest Magazine.

My Thoughts

I only glanced through the book before my son took it!  He even showed it to his baby sister, telling her about the cats in the book!  Seriously cute pictures, even for people who may be (GASP) not cat-lovers!  A great book for parents and teachers, because kiddos LOVE it!

Buy it!

With the official release on November 1st, you can pre-order ZooBorns CATS! now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for under $11.99!  This would be a fantastic Christmas present…

*Disclaimer:  I received this book from Simon and Schuster in order to review it.  I received no money and my thoughts are my own!*

 

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Using Training Aids to Train Your Dog

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In order to successfully train a dog, the use of training aids is sometimes necessary. An individual that owns a dog that barks excessively and/or inappropriately may find that a dog bark collar is exactly what is needed to effectively curb the behavior.

A dog bark collar is a training aid that delivers instantaneous correction, whenever a dog is exhibiting behavior that is undesirable, in this case, it the behavior would be excessive or inopportune barking.

There are three primary types of dog bark collars. They are the electronic, citronella and ultrasonic bark collar. An electric dog bark collar is one that emits static electricity to the dog when it barks. Contrary to popular belief, an electric dog bark collars doesn’t hurt the dog. It is an admittedly, unpleasant, but it isn’t harmful. This type of bark collar is the most popular and oft used by dog owners.

Citronella bark collars are aromatic. When a dog barks when it is not supposed to, a foul smelling odor is emitted. This odor is supposed to discourage the dog from barking. The jury is still out on this type of dog bark collar. Though in theory, this form of correction seems like it would be effective, it hasn’t proven to be so over the long run. Some people prefer citronella bark collars because they don’t cause the dog any type of physical discomfort. It is much gentler than an electric dog bark collar.

Ultrasonic bark collars are another option for dog owners looking to discourage barking. When a dog barks when it is not supposed to, the collar emits a high pitched sound. This is another off-shoot of the electric dog bark collar, the standard in dog bark collars. Unfortunately, it is one of the least effective. These collars don’t work well for dogs that are persistent in their desire to bark. They, may, however, help curb barking in dogs that don’t have a lot of fight in them (those that tend to have a more submissive nature).

Combining the use of a dog bark collar with good, old-fashioned, positive reinforcement, can be a very effective way to discourage barking. When a dog remains quiet, suppressing its urge to bark, when it normally wouldn’t, rewarding it with treats is recommended. This helps to reinforce the desired behavior. A dog bark collar, conversely, punishes and thus discourages undesirable behavior. When used in concert this can be a very effective strategy.

**Sponsored Post**

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9 Costumes to Help Fido Celebrate Halloween

Cats loathe costumes, but some dogs positively revel in dressing up for Halloween. Strap on a pair of fairy wings and they begin to strut their stuff, eager to trick-or-treat like a little kid.

Dressing up your dachshund can get pretty pricey, however, without sewing skills or a big budget. Here’s a list of easy and frugal ideas to keep Toto happy come Oct. 31. And before you costume your canine, be sure to check out “Dog Halloween Safety Tips” from PuppyinTraining.com.

1. Octopus
This works best with taller dogs. Stuff pantyhose with a light material, sew eight of them together in a cluster, and pin to your dog’s harness.

2. Chippendale Dancer
Cut the collar and cuffs from a disposable white shirt and secure to to a large dog’s neck and front paws. Create a bow tie out of a strip of black cloth. Encourage donations by tucking a few $1 bills into their collar. This works really well if you have a dog able to dance on their hind legs.

3. Little Red Riding Hood
A good costume for a small dog, this one is also easy on the sewing impaired. Hit Joann Fabrics for a yard of red material with some starch to it, like felt or flannel, and a length of red ribbon. Cut the material into a hood and cape shape then baste the ribbon to the neck of the hood.

4. Gangsta Pup
Let your street-wise hound go gangsta style with a hoodie and gold medallions. Make the bling out of Yoplait yogurt lids and pick up a hoodie on the cheapside with a Petsmart coupon from sites like CouponSherpa.com.

5. Vampire
Those canine teeth will come in handy when your dog takes on the most popular costume of the decade. Simply cut a swath of black silk into a cape shape and attach it to the collar. If you have sewing skills or a glue gun, create a stand-up collar by melding red silk to a cardboard frame.

6. Winged Fairy
Teacup pups might be too tiny to handle wings, but a small dog should be able to pull off this low-cost outfit. Read how to create this look with directions from instructables.com.

7. Rescue Dog
This one’s a natural for St. Bernards, but even funnier on a small dog. Strap an empty beer or pop can to their collar and use a long piece of red felt to create a waistband painted with a white cross. For a humorous twist, larger dogs might be able to handle an empty coffee can instead of the expected beer barrel.

8. Pillow Camel
From all reports, dachshunds enjoy a bit of dress up now and then. Turn your weiner dog into a camel by attaching an old sofa pillow in a caramel shade to a center harness. For a lumpier look, wrap a belt around the middle to give them two humps.

9. Go Pre-made
Walmart has added to their online costume section with an entire line of outfits for dogs. Here you’ll find everything from maid to sheriff costumes for various size dogsand all at bargain-friendly prices. And with so many other online Halloween stores selling pet costumes, you’ll likely find something fitting for Fido, whether freaky, festive or funny. Just remember to search for promo codes to score savings and free shipping before checking out.

Guest article provided by Andrea Woroch who is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.
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Giveaway: Martha Stewart Halloween Pet Costume

Giveaway: Martha Stewart Halloween Pet Costume

I was sent a devil costume from PetSmart to review. I litterally couldn’t wait for it to get here.  It is absolutely cute!!!!! My kids are older now so they don’t trick or treat anymore. We go to the drive-in halloween weekend and they have a pet costume contest and I can’t wait to take our dog, Rocket in this costume!! I’m pretty sure he is gonna be a big hit!!!

Martha Stewart Pets™ Devil Costume for Dogs - PetSmart

What the website has to say:

Product Description: Item: 11385081

No matter how your dog acts the rest of the year, Halloween can bring out the devil in him. In stretchy red fabric with silver lamé trim, this costume features sinister red eyes and three-dimensional horns on the hood. Stuffed silver wings and a devil’s pointed tail decorate the back. $ 19.99-$21.99
There are plenty of other costumes to choose from too.
If you love football this is for you: $7.99
Grreat Choice™ Football Dog Costume - PetSmart
Product Description: Item: 11418818

Are you ready for some canine Football? You’ll love the look, and your dog will love the comfort of this Costume by Grreat Choice™.Made exclusively for PetSmart.
There are even cheerleaders!!!!
Grreat Choice™ Cheerleader Dog Costume - PetSmart
Product Description: Item: 11418819

Want something to cheer for? How about how cute your pet will look in this bright red and blue Cheerleader Costume by Grreat Choice™! Only  $4.79 You sure won’t find a better deal!!!!!!!
Top Paw™ Bee Costume - PetSmart
Product Description: Item: 11414085

Your dog dressed in this costume will create quite a buzz this Halloween! A PetSmart exclusive. $8.99-$10.19
They even have some for cats: Jester Hat & Collar $6.99
Whisker City Jester Hat & Collar for Cats - PetSmart
Product Description: Item: 11405957

This jester hat with a coordinating collar provides an adorable look for Halloween. The cotton and polyester construction offers an adorable look.
Buy it: All the costumes listed and many more can be purchased at Petsmart.com $4.79-$21.99
Win it: 1 Lucky winner will win a costume of there choice $4.79-$21.99 value.

REQUIRED COMMENT:  Check out the website and tell me which costume you will choose if you win.

BONUS #1: Follow Petsmart  and @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the blue ReTweet button on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY

BONUS #2: Like PetSmart  and 3 Boys and a Dog on FaceBook then share this post by clicking the FaceBook share button at the bottom of this post.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Follow my blog.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on October 14th, 2011

OPEN TO: USA and Canada

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent a devil costume from PetSmart to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

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Giveaway: A Wish and a Prayer Book

I love to find children’s books that help my kids to better understand gospel subjects such as prayer!  So, I looked forward to reading this book with them!

About the book (from the website)

Jason’s parakeet accidentally flies out the window and is lost.
He tries wishing to bring his pet home. But one night during a thunderstorm,
Jason discovers the truth about wishes. 

About the Author and Illustrator

Beth Bence Reinke is a registered dietitian who writes children’s books, devotional books for women, and magazine articles about food and nutrition. The inspiration for Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe came from her preschooler asking, “If the clouds were on the ground, could we walk on them?” Beth loves to read and enjoys watching NASCAR races and football games. Visit her at www.bethbencereinke.com

Ginger Nielson is a full-time children’s book illustrator who lives at the top of a hill, near the edge of a forest in semi-rural New Hampshire. There is a magic wand on her desk and a dragon in her basement. Everything else is perfectly normal. You can see examples of her work at www.gingernielson.com.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book, because I know my children took awhile to realize it is easier to pray and get answers than to search and search and get angry (which is no fun for anyone)!  I love that Jason takes a long time wishing for his pet to come back before he realizes how useless it is to wish for things.  That is a great lesson for kiddos!  The illustrations are awesome and go right along with the text (which is also fantastic)!  I think this is a great book for all ages!

Buy it!

You can buy it online at Amazon, 4RV Publishing online bookstore, or you can get autographed copies from author, or autographed copies from illustrator for only $12.99!

Win it!

Two lucky winners will receive a copy of A Wish and a Prayer, a $12.99 value!

REQUIRED:  Leave me a comment telling me what the author writes articles about!  Tell me what you learned from one of her articles.

BONUS #1: Follow @bbreinke and @momof3boys3702  on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY!

BONUS #2: Like Beth B Reinke and 3 Boys and a Dog on FaceBook  then share this post by clicking the FaceBook share button at the bottom of this post.

Other bonus entries:

#1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)

#2. Follow my blog.

#3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.

#4. Put my button on your blog.

#5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.

#6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on September 17th, 2011

OPEN TO: USA only

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent a book by Beth Reinke to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

 

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