As the summer months come to an end and fall begins, exercising with your dog becomes cooler. Exercising with your dog or making sure your dog receives sufficient exercise is important for their health and well being. A healthy dog is a happy dog!

• First, gain an understanding of what kind and how much exercise is best for your breed. Do your research—talk to your vet or study proper literature about your breed. Large breeds, for example cannot handle heavy running or jogs. You want exercise to be seen as enjoyable not punishment.  
• If you’re going on walks and runs with your dog, make sure they are properly trained on a leash. Ideally, you want to try and control them from jumping on children, adults or other dogs—or dragging you down the street. You want to enjoy the exercise too.
• Dogs with high energy levels do the best with high-energy activities. They enjoy running, playing fetch and chasing other dogs. Our dogs get plenty of play time in at the office!
• Slow, leisurely walks are usually best for dogs with disabilities or more senior age.
• Dogs are like humans, start slow if your dog is not used to regular exercise.
• Just like humans, dogs should not exercise or swim after they have eaten.
• An easy way for your dog to get some exercise is to take them to a dog park and let them wrestle and chase with the other dogs. This way they are also socializing.
• Be safe. Dogs can pick up flees, ticks, seeds etc. while outdoors. They can also get sunburned or their skin and paws can get too dry.
• If it’s hot outside consider an alternative for exercise. Our dogs love to play in the water! Also, if you do go for walks during the hot summer months make sure plenty of water is available so your dog does not get dehydrated. Remember the 8s-rule when it is extremely hot—walk before 8am or after 8pm.
• Make sure you have the proper accessories; toys, booties for paw protection, paw rub, retractable water bowls, etc. AND most of all have fun –change it up a bit so Fido doesn’t get bored!

You both need and enjoy it! Exercising with your dog is a great time saver; an entire list of things gets accomplished while you’re both having fun!

No bones about it, people love to eat out with their dogs. After all, they are apart of the family too. However, taking your dog out to a restaurant can be quite a challenge. Don’t fret; it will get better with practice –just follow our 10 easy tips!

• Start practicing at home when you eat out on the patio or inside at the dinner table. Practice getting your dog to mind your commands and teaching him not to beg. Once your dog has mastered this at home, you are ready to test the waters.
• Always call ahead and make sure the restaurant you choose is dog friendly!
• Try taking your dog out alone first before going on double doggie dates.
• Start by taking your dog to a restaurant or café that generally has other pets around. This way your dog can learn from his furry friends around him and become accustomed to the new atmosphere. It will also be nice for you because your dog will blend in. Or even take a short trip to your local coffee shop to see how your pup does on its first outing.
• Once you’re ready to take your dog out regularly try taking your dog for a walk before hand to give him some exercise and a chance to empty his bladder. This way he will be calmer and more likely to take a nap during your meal.
• Bring something incase your dog gets bored; treats, rawhides, or his favorite toy! And always keep them on a 4ft. leash. We do not recommend retractable leashes.
• Always pick a place that is at the edge of the dining area. This is good incase you need to step out for a quick potty break and because it will be less noisy.
• Bring some supplies with you –retractable water bowl, water, favorite toy, treats and maybe some plastic baggies just incase. This way you don’t cause added stress to your waiter or waitress.
• Refrain from feeding your dog table scraps because this could cause them to go to other tables and beg.
• At the end always reward your dog for his good behavior and also reward your waiter or waitress for being understanding and accommodating!

Some dogs are so ugly they’re cute! June 26^th is National Ugly Dog Day and we are celebrating with a contest. Show your parent pride and send us your my-dog-is-so-ugly-it’s-cute photo and caption for a chance to win your share of $150 of Three Dog Bakery prizes!

How to Participate:

• Take your best ugly dog photo.
• Upload your photo via Twitpic or other Twitter photo applications.
• Include an original 100 characters or less caption explaining why your dog should win.
• Include #uglydogday @ThreeDogNews in your Twitter posting.
• Become a follower of ThreeDogNews on Twitter.
• Please note that if your tweets are blocked we may not be able to see your entries.

Judging:

Entries will be judged on the most creative and cutest depiction of an Ugly Dog photo, the originality of the caption and the appropriateness of the entry to our theme. This contest is limited to dogs only. Other contests will be done for cats.

Prizes:

1^st Place – $75 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

2^nd Place – $50 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

3^rd Place -  $25 value of Three Dog Bakery treats

Everyone who enters and becomes a follower of @ThreeDogNews on Twitter will receive a coupon for 15% OFF their next online order at threedog.com

Rules & Regulations:

One entry per dog, and no more than two entries per person. Contest is for dogs only. Contest runs 6/21/10 – 6/27/10 11:59 pm (CST). The founding dogs and staff will pick the winners. Winners will be announced and contacted within a week of the end date. All participants must follow @ThreeDogNews on Twitter to be a winner. Please note that blocked tweets may result in a failed entry. A hashtag of #uglydogday must be include in the tweet to qualify. RT’s appreciated.

Terms & Conditions:

Must reside in the USA and be 18 years or older. No cash value and non transferable. We will contact winner and must here from them within 48hrs. Standard shipping and tax is included. Please email contests@threedog.com with any questions or concerns.

Bringing home a new puppy can be very exciting and also very scary. I know when I brought Lela home I was so thrilled to have rescued her but also very scared because she was the first pet I truly owned 100 percent by myself. Before Lela, I only had pets when I was little and let’s face it—my parents did all the hard stuff, such as vet visits.

Before bringing home a pet consider your options. Make sure your schedule allows you to take sufficient care of your puppy. They need lots of attention, love and affection. Also, if you have kids make sure the timing of your puppy is appropriate.

At Three Dog Bakery we are HUGE advocates of adoption, when you decide to pick out a puppy please check out your local shelter first. So many wonderful dogs need good homes.

When bringing home a new puppy follow these easy steps to help you prep for a good start to a long lasting, fulfilling relationship.

1. Start by preparing yourself and your family members. This is especially important with children; rules need to be set so that everyone understands their responsibility and knows how to properly handle the puppy. When pups are small injuries can easily occur. Also, if you already have a dog make sure your current dog’s temperament can handle a puppy.
2. To make certain the puppy doesn’t get mixed signals and get confused, discuss how you are going to train the puppy. That way everyone is on the same page.
3. Next, make sure you purchase the necessary supplies; puppy food, dog treats, water and food bowls, chew toys, collars and leashes, bed and a playpen/crate. You may also want to purchase grooming supplies at this time as well. Three Dog Bakery’s Web site offers a variety of all natural food & treats suitable for puppies as well as grooming supplies!  And Three Dog Bakery Stores offer everything you need for a new dog. Sniff out your local bakery today!
4. You will need a carrier or a kennel, either for travel or while you’re away. To save money choose a size that will fit the breed once they are full grown. Kennels can also be used for potty training.
5. Next, make your home suitable for a puppy. Pick a designated area for your puppy to mature. It will most likely hangout here while you’re away until it is potty trained. Remove all electrical cords from reach and also make sure that the puppy has plenty of water and appropriate things to chew such as all natural rawhides or puppy toys. It is a good idea to remove plants from this area. Puppies will often chew on plants, and common house plants can be harmful or even poisonous.
6. Since puppies have a natural tendency to chew, you should store away items that may appeal to them (i.e. shoes, kids toys, belts, etc.) until the puppy has matured.
7. Put away / up breakable items; puppies jump, get excited, wag their tails, chew and rough house. Things can easily be knocked over and you don’t want to have to scold a happy puppy or have your favorite item broken.

Bringing a furry friend into the family is always exciting and with these easy tips you will be closer to doing so! I know getting Lela was the best decision I ever made.

For more information on Three Dog Bakery treats and food visit threedog.com/

Depending on where you live, the summer months can be harsh on our furry friends. Just like we need to cool off during hot weather, so do our dogs. In fact, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than us humans. Follow these 10 easy steps to keep your dogs safe from heat!

1. Water, water, water! Make sure your dogs have access to water at all times, even when you are in the car or at the park. We like Ruff Wear’s portable (recycled polyester) water bowls. These can be purchased at a number of our bakeries!
2. Ceiling fans, cool tile and of course air conditioning help keep our pets cool enough in hot temperatures but also think about cool places for them outside. Have a permanent place for your dog to seek shade if he is spending time outdoors or in the back yard.
3. Make sure to have the windows down in the car when you’re driving. Dogs should never be left in a parked car when it’s hot outside. Temperatures can easily rise inside a car even when the windows are down. The hottest hours of the day are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
4. Senior dogs, puppies under six months and ill dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke. On extra hot days limit their outdoor activity and again, make sure they have plenty of clean, fresh water.
5. As a general rule do not exercise your dog on hot days. Monitor their playtime as well. Also, some breeds can handle the heat better than others and should not be taken on long runs or walks once it reaches certain temperatures.
6. Be aware of hot pavement during the afternoon hours. Hot asphalt can burn paws. We suggest morning and evening walks and the usage of our Paw Rub! Our Fur Di Vine Paw Rub is great for cracked, dry paws and chapped noses.
7. Dogs that are pale and have short hair are more prone to sunburn. Try applying sunscreen if they will be spending a lot time outdoors. However, we suggest testing a small area first to make sure the dog is not allergic to sunscreen.
8. If your dog likes the outdoors and tends to overheat, try buying a kiddie pool for the back yard. It is a great way for them to cool down rather than rolling in the mud.
9. Be aware of how your dog’s breed is affected by the heat and sun. Certain breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke and dogs with dark coats absorb heat faster than breeds with light coats. Also, be aware that during the summer months your pet might require a haircut or buzz to keep them cool. Veterinarians say Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Lhasa Apsos, Shi Tzus, Pekingese, Mastiffs and Shar-Peis are at a slightly higher risk to heatstroke.
10. Most importantly, just get to know your dog. Monitor them and figure out what they can handle and what they like. Our dogs love ice cubes on hot days!

Any of the products mentioned in this article can be found online at www.threedog.com or in a number of our bakeries. Sniff out a store today – http://ow.ly/1QhXP

You want to provide the best for your pups. They’re family (your babies) and you want them to be healthy and happy.  However, let’s face it, trying to figure out the best dog food to feed them is confusing and somewhat scary. 

 Have you ever read a dog food label and thought what is this stuff and what does it mean for my dog’s health?   Does dog food really need all those chemicals? Should my dog eat that much corn?  What are meal and meat by-products?

 In this article, we answer several of the most common asked questions about dog food ingredients and dog food labels.  If you don’t see your questions answered, bark back  and we’ll “dig up” some answers.

What are meat by-products?

They are the left over stuff from the human food industry. The items you don’t want to eat such as beaks, heads, feet, undeveloped eggs, feathers or intestines.  GROSS! You wouldn’t feed these to your dogs in raw form, so why would you feed it to them as a dried up pellet?

There are all types of “meal” on dog food labels, what does “meal” mean?

Meal means coarsely ground. For example, corn meal is just coarsely ground corn. There isn’t anything wrong with meal. However, you want to see Chicken or Lamb listed before Meal.  You never want to see Meat or Meat Meal listed. It could be anything, including dying, diseased or dead animals.

Remember to look for chicken meal or lamb meal.

Why is there so much corn and corn filler in dog food?

Corn is a cheap protein source used to keep down the cost of the dog food. As with humans, corn is known to be hard on dog’s digestive system.

Are chemical dyes and preservatives necessary?

The simple answer is no. In general, foods will spoil without some form of preservative, however there are many all natural food coloring dyes and preservatives available. Beet, tomato and spinach powders make great coloring dyes and citric acid (vitamin 0C) and tocopherols –a natural antioxidant that slows the oxidation process of fats and oils—are perfect for preserving yummy-for-the-tummy dog food and treats.

Does my dog need a full balance diet?

Yes, your dogs should eat a well balance diet (just like yours). It should consist of healthy protein, vegetables, fruit, and wholesome grains. 

Why is oven-baked dog food so important to the quality of my dog’s food?

Many pet foods are mostly made from grain fragments mixed with meat by-products, (both left over from the human food industry). It is then cooked quickly at an extremely high temperature until it is tasteless. To make it palatable they then coat it with fats. YUCK!    

Three Dog Bakery uses only premium, wholesome ingredients, like you would for your family.  We slow bake our premium dog food and treats to seal the natural flavors, aromas and nutrients into our all natural ingredients.  The slow baking process creates highly nutritious and palatable healthy dog food that works naturally with your dog’s digestive system.

There is a lot of contradictory information about dog diets. Just like humans no two dogs are alike. You have to find what works for you and your dogs.

We at Three Dogs Bakery, believe our premium quality dog food and treats are something you can feel good about feeding to your family–the four legged ones. Remember, Three Dog Bakery dog food and treats are made in the USA.

Get Three Dog Bakery premium dog food today at http://www.threedog.com

Not that we condone procrastination but sometimes a lil pep in your step helps the work day go by faster. We’ve all got different tastes in music here at the office, but here are our top five music sites to jam to – we give them four-paws up!

1. Pandora – Pandora.com
2. Jango – jango.com
3. Hype Machine – hypem.com
4. Project Playlist – playlist.com
5. Blip.fm – blip.fm  

Owner: Jessica Lewellen
Position: Store Supervisor in Kansas City
Pet’s Name: Harley LaBone Lewellen
Breed: English Cocker Spaniel
Birthday: February 2, 2003
Funny Personality Traits: Acts younger as he gets older, submissive, does not want to be alpha dog, and likes to be the puppy!

Second Pet’s Name: Dory Adair Lewellen
Breed: Sheltland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Birthday: August 1, 2006
Funny Personality Traits: Daddy’s girl, boss of the bakery, scared of fire hydrants, loves to eat and play in snow, one track mind: FOOD!

Third Pet’s Name: Noah Bennet Lewellen
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
Birthday: March 23, 2007
Funny Personality Traits: Usually scared of everything but tough with his big friends around, loves to be snuggled and on momma’s lap, has a love affair with Lexi Jo.

Owner: Sarah Deters
Position: Corporate Executive Chef in Kansas City
Pet’s Name: Lexi Jo
Breed: Boxer
Birthday: April 3, 2002
Funny Personality Traits: Princess, social butterfly, loves to sing and dance!

Second Pet’s Name: Bruiser Cash
Breed: Boxer
Birthday: April 5, 2006
Funny Personality Traits: Mamma’s boy, very shy, loves to eat, snuggle, and play outside.

Third Pet’s Name: Newman
Breed: Boxer
Birthday: adopted November 4, 2009
Funny Personality Traits: still coming out of his shell, loves belly scratches, laying on big fluffy beds, and chew toys.

Owners: Mike and Leslie Presson
Franchise: Three Dog Bakery, Memphis
Pet’s name: Winston
Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Birthday: July 3rd
Funny Personality Traits: Doesn’t go anywhere without his Frisbee (his pacifier!!)

Owners: Chad & Angie Konzen
Franchise: Three Dog Bakery, Detroit
Pet’s Name: Indy
Franchise: Three Dog Bakery
Breed: Boxer
Birthday: July 16^th
Funny Personality Traits: Indy is not really a dog…she is a pretty sarcastic human in a dog’s body.  She expects nothing but the best and everything is about her (notice the self-portraits behind our counter at the store)!
Web site: http://www.3dogatthecreek.com/
Location: The Mall at Partridge Creek, Clinton Township, MI

Owners: Jon & Brad
Franchise: Three Dog Bakery, Las Vegas
Pet’s Name: Sparky
Breed: Parson Russell Terrier
Birthday: February 11^th
Funny Personality Traits: When it’s time for breakfast or dinner, Sparky races to the bedroom, hops on the bed, and barks until someone comes in to hold and comfort him while his meal is being prepared. Then he has to be carried to his bowl. Considering that he was rescued from a family that had banished him to their unfinished desert side yard with no toys, we think he deserves the pampering; and we enjoy it as much as, if not more than, he does.
Web site: http://www.threedogvegas.com/
Location: 2110 N. Rampart, Suit 150, Las Vegas, NV

The Three Dog Bakery Team would like to introduce you to our newest addition – Carli and Tobey! The office dogs are head-over-tails for their new furry friend. Here are some “fur”bulous facts about Carli and her pup. 

Name: Carli

Position: Analyst

Favorite type of music: Pretty much anything, but I really like Carrie Underwood and Michael Buble.

Favorite food: Pizza and sweet tea.

Pet’s name: Tobey

Breed: Brindle Shih Tzu

Pet’s Birthday: August 12, 2008

Funny personality traits: Tobey has a really bad underbite and he uses it to get you to pet him. He loves to play with cats and likes lay in front of the fire place.

In 1989, three dogs, two guys and one 59¢ biscuit cutter joined forces to create Three Dog Bakery— the world’s original bakery for dogs. Thanks to dog lovers everywhere, we’ve grown from a bare-bones tabletop beginning to one of the nation’s leading producers of all-natural foods and treats for dogs.

The Three Dog Bakery legend began with the three girls, Gracie, Dottie, and Sarah. Since then our family has grown and flourished into a “mutt”nificent group of office and bakery dogs. By “pup”ular demand, we’d like to introduce you to our furry family.

Owner: Teri
Position: Creative Manager & Designer at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Ms. Millie
Breed: Golden Retriever/Chow Mix
Birthday: April 12, 2003
Funny Personality Traits: Office protector, you can’t sneak by her, anytime, anywhere. She’s a squirrel watcher, rabbit chaser and super fast in action.

Owner: Kirsten
Position: Marketing & Customer Relations Coordinator at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Lela Rose
Breed: Labernard (St. Bernard/Lab mix)
Birthday: Thanksgiving 2009
Funny Personality Traits: Loves to play in her water bowl, so-much-so, sometimes she falls asleep in it. Enjoys digging and eating plants.

Owner: Andra
Position: Global Sales Account Manager at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Millie
Breed: Irish Terrier
Birthday: March 16, 2003
Funny Personality Traits: She’s the mother hen; she looks out for all the other office dogs.

Owner: Scott
Position: CEO & President at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Buddy
Breed: Yorkiepoo
Birthday: August 20, 2008
Funny Personality Traits: He’s turning into a silver fox at age two. He’s a genuine lap dog that never wants to be left out!

Owner: Jennifer
Position: Account Manager at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Aspen Lynn
Breed: Black Lab
Birthday: April 10, 2008
Funny Personality Traits: Loves the Kansas Jayhawks, they are her favorite team.

Owner: Angela
Position: Multi-Channel Marketing Manager at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Sable
Breed: Ulti”mutt” (Black Lab mutt)
Birthday: June 1, 2009
Funny Personality Traits: Happy Dog, social butterfly, and locomotive. Always on the go and chew, chew, chew!

Owner: Brenda
Position: Direct Sales Associate at Three Dog Bakery headquarters
Pet’s Name: Isabelle Anne, “Izzy” or “Squirtals”
Breed: Yowzer
Birthday: October 29, 2008
Funny Personality Traits: Mama’s girl and makes a funny rooster noise when she gets excited for a treat.

We love dogs and dogs love us! At Three Dog Bakery headquarters you’re sure to see these little fella’s running around. It makes for one grrreat big furry family.