Lab Lover Organic T-Shirts & More!

8PawsUp Expands to Brand New Line of Organic Clothing for Labrador Retriever Dog Lovers

8PawsUp.com expands its line of Labrador Retriever dog lover T-shirts to include a brand new line of eco-friendly organic T-shirts, baby shirts and kids tees.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – May 28, 2009 – MILWAUKEE, WI – 8PawsUp.com announces the launch of its expanded line of Labrador Retriever dog breed lover t-shirts, with a new line of organic shirts added to their already extensive selection. These T-shirts and infant bodysuits are 100% organic ultra-fine ring-spun cotton. This new line of organic products includes Organic Cotton Tees, Organic Men's Dark Tee, Organic Mens Dark Fitted T-Shirts, Organic Men's Shirts, Organic Women's Dark Tee, Organic Women's Dark Fitted Apparel, Organic Women's Shirts, Organic Womens Fitted Apparel, Organic Baby T-Shirts, Baby Organic Bodysuits, Organic Toddler Dark T-Shirts, Kid's Organic Clothing, Organic Toddler T-Shirts, Organic Kid Shirts and Reusable Green Tote Bags with beautiful artistic designs help show your love of chocolate, black and yellow Labrador Retrievers while remaining comfortable and eco-friendly.

“The love of Labradors is a personal one for me and finding quality Lab lover T-shirts and gifts was always difficult. That is why I offer hundreds of unique Labrador Retriever dog breed designs with to convey the love of this dog breed from purebreds to rescues and everything in-between. Expanding my product line to include eco-friend products such as organic shirts and recyclable tote bags is just another way for us to provide high quality products that our customers will love while doing our part for the planet,” says Shannon Steffen, 8PawsUp owner and Graphic Designer.

At 8PawsUp.com, customers can view hundreds of Lab lover designs on a variety of products including sweatshirts, men’s clothing, women’s apparel, kid’s gear, mugs, bumper stickers, fashionable totes and so much more. Show your love today with http://www.8pawsup.com.

About 8PawsUp.com

8PawsUp.com is a small, privately owned company that creates and sells original Labrador Retriever dog breed art and designs on quality apparel and gift items through the Internet. It is the goal of the company to deliver creative products that celebrate the love of this specific dog breed for Lab lovers and families. To date, the company has sold merchandise to customers in all 50 states online as well as International sales to Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Taiwan, Turkey and more. Visit http://www.8pawsup.com for more information.

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Win Free Dog Stuff Contests!

Normally emails for contests and such end up in my spam folder but seeing as Dogster.com is on my "safe" list, they just sent me a list of a number of contests going on right now that are giving away some great dog prizes.

1. Enter daily for your chance to win a FREE FURminator deShedding Tool! The FURminator deShedding Tool reduces shedding up to 90% by removing the loose hair & undercoat without cutting.

2. Win FREE Greenies! Show off your pet's healthy smile and you could win a year's supply of GREENIES®! Simply upload a photo of your dog or cat at www.GREENIES.com to enter.

3. Win a FREE Dyson vacuum cleaner! How well do you know dog breeds? Play and win!

4. Here's your chance to win a FREE Flappy Dog Toy! Loved by dogs of all sizes for its awesome in-your-face action, Flappy will become your dog's favorite toy. We make 'em for dogs to shake 'em!

Good Luck!!

7 Hot Weather Tips for Dogs

With the warmer weather coming, it is time to remind fellow dog lovers and owners to keep these hot weather tips in mind so that you and your canine companion can have fun in the sun:

1. Make sure your dog has had its yearly exam for confirm good health. Include heartworm and flea/tick control to your summer shopping list.

2. Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle! Heat stroke can be fatal - even with the windows opened. It doesn't take long for your car to become a furnace - even in the shade.

3. Carry a gallon of cold water when you travel with your dog. The fresh water will help him/her stay cool during your adventures outdoors.

4. The best time to play is during the cool morning hours or late in the evening after the sun has set. Not only is the can the air become too hot for your pooch but the ground as well. Paws can burn easier than most dog owners understand.

5. Bringing your pup to the beach is great - as long as there is a place for the dog to cool off in the shade. Bring plenty of fresh water and beach umbrella or two if there are no lining trees or shade.

6. If you keep your beloved canine companion outdoors, make sure there is plenty of fresh cool water and shade. A proper doghouse is usually best but it is even better to bring your dog inside during the hottest times of day to keep him or her cool.

7. When opening windows in your house, make sure that there are no unscreened windows or doors in your home that your pup can jump through and fall. Open windows can allow in fresh breezes but also sounds and smells from outside that can attract your pup to an open window or door.

For more information on how to keep your pet safe and healthy during the summer, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care.

5 Days Into Dog Food Switch

It has been 5 days since we started the dog food switch over to Nature's Logic Dog Food and here's what we noticed:

1. White, formed and almost powder-like stools (very good sign of a high quality dog food - means they are digesting it very well and getting all the nutrients they need from it)

2. Less stools (again, good digestion)

3. Less scratching and gnawing at the paws (Cheyenne was going to eat her paw off before but it has decreased)

4. More energy

5. No more gas (Yay!! Cheyenne used to scare herself with her "gassy" episodes)

Again, this is just 5 days into the process of switching to a better quality food after having bad reactions to their normal Eagle Pack Holistic brand dog food. It is going to take a few weeks to see how well they do on this new dog food but the signs are encouraging.

Need a Better Dog Food

For years people that been asking me what I feed my own Labrador Retrievers. They have always had shiny coats, healthy skin, hardly any allergies, clean ears, good joint support and the list goes on. However, a few months ago that changed.

We noticed a slow progression of deterioration for all of the above over a period of several weeks. At first we shrugged it off to seasonal allergies but as Dakota’s eye discharge got worse and Cheyenne began to gnaw off her paws, we knew something was just not right.

It was a trip to our local pet food store this weekend that a light went on over my head and the “ah-ha” moment started.

Per the store clerk, another company recently purchased Eagle Pack and Wellness dog foods. Now, I cannot find any information on their websites or the ‘net to confirm or deny this statement but he stated the exact time when I started to noticed a difference in the health of the Lab Brats.

So, we began looking over the shelves of holistic dog food. We know how to read the labels and we know what is most important but most of the dog foods were loaded with fillers, synthesized vitamins and nutrients and loads of ingredients we couldn’t pronounce. Needless to say, it was making our heads spin to find the right one.

That was when a woman from Nature’s Logic Dog Food came over. She noticed our frustration and after asking a few questions about the Lab Brats, showed us her product to see if it was what we were looking for.

Yes! This was exactly what we were looking for! Just a comparison on the ingredients highlighted the huge difference between the foods:

Other “Natural” Dog Food Example
INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Tricalcium Phosphate, Eggs, Peas, Carrots, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Kelp, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley (Note: This particular natural diet has 43 total ingredients; about 19 recognizable food ingredients and about 24 chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.)

Nature’s Logic Dog Food Example
INGREDIENTS: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Egg Product, Animal Plasma, Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite, Cottage Cheese, Brewers Yeast, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell, Apple, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Tomato Powder, Parsley, Blueberry, Cranberry, Apricots, Spinach, Artichoke, Broccoli, Carrots, Pumpkin, Kelp, Chicory Root, Rosemary.

You have to remember that when a dog hunts in the wild, they eat everything they catch – the entire prey. However commercial dog foods fall extremely short in their ability to match the quality of food found in the wild.

We are currently on a slow dog food transition to Nature’s Logic Dry Kibble – Beef. It will take a while to fully transition and see the full effects but I can honestly say that I have never, ever, seen my Labrador Retrievers react to food like that – they can’t get enough. Sure, Dakota normally drools like Niagara Falls when food is around but with this food, it turns into a monsoon! I can’t wait to see the end results!

(Do you feed Nature’s Logic? If so, we would love for you to comment on your experience with this dog food as well.)

Introducing SIGG™ bottles

We’re excited to announce a new branded partnership with SIGG. If you’ve got some bottled-up dog loving energy, now is the time purchase your new eco-friendly water bottle today!

The popular SIGG bottles are recyclable, reusable, and BPA-free. Perfect for folks who think green and drink clean. SIGG bottles are lined on the inside with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin to minimize unwanted tastes and scents. Each is also made from a single piece of aluminum, making bottles ultra-lightweight yet rugged and crack-resistant.

SIGG bottle details:

* Holds 1.0 liters
* Recyclable & reusable
* BPA-free
* Image size: 3.25″ x 6″
* Do not freeze
* Lifetime warranty
* 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Shop our full line of SIGG Labrador Retriever Water Bottles >

On Cleaning Dog Ears

When we bring a Lab into our homes and hearts, one of the things that attracts us to this dog breed is its big floppy ears. However cute they may be, the shape of these ears (along with diet) makes this dog breed prone to very dirty and constantly infected ears if not properly maintained and cleaned.

Many owners of dogs with folded over ears get uncomfortable when talking about cleaning their dog's ears. Some bring their pups to the veterinarian's office every few weeks and spend a great deal of money to have them professionally cleaned because of the resistance their pup puts up.

So, how to give a dog ear drop or clean their ears when you practically have to sit on the pooch in order to pin him/her down while doing a sort of "twister" action to get a free arm to do to the deed with while he/she is putting up the fight of its life?

Simple question: What is your pup's most favorite thing in the world? Is it food? Is it a toy?

Use that thing to keep the pup still and reward the pup with it immediately after the ear drops are given. For us, it is a special dog treat we only use during the times we give ear cleanings or nail cuttings. Both Labs are highly food motivated but they are slowly becoming more relaxed when we do those things because the treat is right in front of their nose the entire time. When we are done, it goes right into their mouth.

I won't lie and say that the Lab Brats love to their ears cleaned but I can honestly say that they are not where as energetic in their protests as they once were. Dogs, especially Labs, need to have their minds and noses focused on something else to get their minds off of what you are doing to them.

Remember to stay calm through it all - you are in control and you are doing it because you truly love your dog and want to keep him/her healthy for many years to come.

Enter the Devil Dog

You ever have one of those days where you are trying to get a bunch of stuff done and your dog just doesn't understand? Instead of giving you the space you need, your pup howls, jumps up and down, pushes your hands off your keyboard, pushes you over, or brings you every toy that exists in your house.

Last week Dakota pushed me to the edge. It was with every ounce of sheer will that I did not jump up and crate her in her room. Instead, I decided to take a more passive approach.

Being a graphic designer, I grabbed a beautiful picture of Dakota and did my magic artwork. As I created my masterpiece, I felt the annoyance leave my body and a smile broaden my face. It was like therapeutic art in which you paint a bulls eye or mustache on that annoying coworker when you have had too much.

All stress left my body during those final moments of creativity. I was left laughing my head off as I witnessed my own creation - DEVIL DOG!! *laugh*

(No, Dakota did not stop annoying me but my creativity allowed me to just laugh at her annoying self rather than get angry. After a while, she gave up.)

Balancing Work and Dogs

Dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers, have a ton of energy and many dog owners just don't how to balance their busy lifestyle while being a responsible dog owner.

Cesar Milan's popular show "The Dog Whisperer" teaches people how to be correct even the worst dog's bad behavior. However, many don't truly hear the deeper message that is being taught during the show. In order to be a responsible pet owner and give your pup the best life possible, you must first learn to balance your life and that of your dog's.

Taking care of a dog is not a full-time job but needs to have structure and balance. But how to do this when you already have a plate full with work, family, social activities, and so on?

Simple: Pen your dog into your schedule.

Dogs need rules, schedules, boundaries or else their energy and boredom get the better of them. This is easy to see when a human parent goes back to work after a few years staying at home, new kids are thrown into the pack which take up more time, or the human parent just becomes lazy after a while of having the dog.

Why does my dog chew the furniture? Why does it go to the bathroom all over the house? Why has it become aggressive? Why? Why? Why?

The key here is that if you want a well behaved and happy dog, then you need to maintain a balance of work and dog. Dogs need long walks at least twice a day - with you in control of the walk and not the dog. They also need some play time at least once a day to be a dog and run free. Meals, play, walks and so on all need to be on schedule. Sure, you pup doesn't wear a watch but it has a built in watch that never stops working.

To give an example of balance, here is our schedule for the Lab Brats:

5:30am - Long Walk

6:00am - Meal (their filled bowls are hidden in the house for them to find when they return from the walk)

7:00am - Settle down for a rest in the sun spots

11:00am - Playtime (30 minutes retrieving balls)

12:30pm - Snack time (small bit of kibble hidden in house)

1:00pm - Back to sun spots

4:00pm - Dinner

6:00pm - Long Walk

7:00pm - Playtime (weather permitting outside)

9:00pm - Bed

Keep in mind that I work from home at this time so this is my own weekday schedule with the dogs. My husband (who works outside the home) takes them for their walks and I do the rest. During the weekend, we go to the dog park on Saturday for at least an hour and Sunday is fun time at home (sometimes with their kiddie pool). Either way, we stick to the same feeding and walking schedule regardless of the day of week or the weather.

And you know what we got for it? Two very happy and well behaved Labrador Retrievers.

Balancing and keeping your pup to a schedule is the first step to building a healthy and happy life together.

How do you balance work, life and dogs?