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There are many toys available for pets today in all shapes and sizes to cater to all needs, but some just prefer the humble ball.
Even so, with so much choice available, how do you choose the perfect ball for your pet?
Balls you can’t pick up
Not all dogs like to fetch and chase. Some like to squeak or seek out treats.
Our boy Blitz loved any ball, but once he had it clamped in his jaws, it was game over. He wasn’t releasing it for any reason. However, he had one ball that he couldn’t clamp and that was the Boomer Ball.
Nevertheless, he loved that ball. He would play with it for hours on his own until we had to pull him away because he was so over-excited.
Blitz with his Boomer Ball
Balls to Chase in the Dark
We have wasted plenty of hours traipsing around a pitch-black park searching for the ball that one of our dogs has dropped. But for dusk and dawn playtime, the Chuckit! Max Glow Ball is ideal – no batteries required!
Chuckit! Max Glow Ball
Balls that go beyond Fetch
The Hol-ee Roller Ball is probably more fun on land. This ball can be used for tugging and tossing, but also filling with tasty treats.
Photograph by SETH CASTEEL @ LittleFriendsPhoto.com
Balls with Catnip for the Canny Cat
Cats love to chase too, and so these animal print Jungle Catnip Balls are fun and bring out the Tiger in your Kitty – they can’t resist the Catnip!
Jungle Catnip Balls
Boredom Busters for Horses
Horses love balls too, and these Jolly Balls are perfect not just for horses, but also for dogs. They come in scented varieties to make them more attractive to your horse.
Horses love balls too and are available in scented varieties
Ball Toys for Dogs, Cats and Horses
Why not take a look at our full range of Ball Toys and see if you can spot one that could be your pet’s new favourite?
From left to right, Chuckit! Breathe Right, Bad Cuz, Mini Fetch me Fido, Orbee-Tuff Fetch Balls, Chuckit! Rope Fetch Toy, Tug n Toss Jolly Ball, Ball in a Ball Puzzle Toy, Biosafe Puppy Treat Balls, Chuckit! Fetch Medley
From all of us here at Training Lines, we hope you have the very best Christmas possible and roll-on next year!
As it’s the season of giving, we would like to mention five charities that we think are pretty special, thank them for all their hard work and wish them all the best for the coming year.
“Our goal is to increase awareness, educate the public about this dreadful disease, and to help fund continuing research, that looks for additional causes, better treatments and ultimately, to finding a cure.
Dealing with the heartbreak of DM is both stressful and costly. Helping your companion to cope with the paralysis that comes with the disease, by the use of special equipment can help your companion to have a better quality of life”.
When we were floundering, wondering how best to cope with Daisy’s DM, this charity’s Wheels to Help Me programme, helped us out with the loan of a wheelchair and plenty of advice, until we had found our feet (or wheels!). They have branches in the UK and the USA.
“Garbo’s GSD Rescue is a non-profit rescue organisation, set up not only to ease the lives of German Shepherds that need to find secure and responsible homes, but to provide education and assistance in getting the most out of every GSD”.
Many years ago Garbo entrusted us with two of her rescue dogs, Blitz and Fin, who were both fabulous dogs. We had many happy years with these two and our other GSD’s – adopt don’t shop!
“We are the UK’s pioneering kennel-free dog rescue, saving dogs in desperate need from the UK & around the world. Our rescue is powered by love”.
This is the most amazing charity where the dogs live together and help each other and if you need cheering up, take a look at their videos and keep a special eye out for Lollipop – he will be sure to bring a smile to your face on the gloomiest day!
We are the UK’s pioneering kennel-free rescue, rescuing dogs in desperate need from the UK & abroad. Our rescue dogs lives together as packs, never knowing they are homeless or feeling isolated & alone. There is an alternative to traditional kennels 💜 #dogsoftwitter#kennelfreepic.twitter.com/KdZAjd1Q30
“We are a non-profit animal sanctuary located in Israel, we rescue and rehabilitate donkeys and horses which undergo cruelty and abuse in Arab and Bedouin villages and cities in Israel and the Palestinian Areas. We also save farm animals.
This charity is based in Israel and we were contacted by them earlier this year as they had a lamb, Malbi, suffering from a neurological injury. We shipped them a Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair and just look how happy Malbi is now!
A word of caution – there are often some very upsetting images on their Facebook page.
A clicker is a small, plastic, (usually) hand-held noisemaker.
What do you use a clicker for in dog training?
You use a clicker as a marker. It marks the exact moment that your pet did what you wanted them to do.
Clicker Training your dog – total focus
What happens after the click?
You give a treat – always, no questions asked. Even if you clicked at the wrong moment.
How does it work?
Clicker training is a reward-based (positive) training method, so your pets generally love it. In the early stages, they associate the click with a treat. Once this concept is learned, every time you click, they know a treat will be forthcoming, so they work hard to achieve that “click”.
Do I have to carry a clicker forever?
No. Once the lessons are learned, you can put the clicker away until you want to teach the next trick.
It’s as simple as that.
And it really is quicker with a clicker!
A few of the varieties available – Teardrop Clicker, Box Clicker, i-Click, Clik-R
Clickers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and volumes. The box clickers tend to be louder, and the button clickers quieter. Remember, your pets have amazing hearing, so they don’t necessarily need loud.
For the first-time clicker trainer, buttons are usually best as it is much easier to locate the clicking part. They can also be used with your foot.
SPECIAL EDITION Teardrop Clickers
We happen to love these teardrop clickers. They are lightweight, fit nicely in the hand, have a good substantial click, and the button is easy to locate without being too prominent. So, we have created two fun SPECIAL EDITION varieties with pawsitive training messages!
Orange Teardrop Clicker – Trick & Click & Treat
Blue Teardrop Clicker – It’s Quicker with a Clicker
There is a small hole near the edge for fitting your favourite attachment to ensure that your clicker is always close at hand.
They make lovely gifts for your dog training pals!
Approx measurements: 6 x 4 x 2cm
Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle
Our Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle is available for a limited time only and includes the Doggone Good Rapid Reward Treat Pouch in Orange, Black Webbing Belt, SPECIAL EDITION Orange Teardrop Clicker, and Black Wrist Coil. Save over 10% on individual prices!
The first time we had clickers printed with our logo, it was a considerable investment for us. We were just starting up, and 250 was the minimum quantity available. We had to think long and hard about it, and it was quite a while before we felt able to take the plunge.
Since then, we have often been contacted by dog trainers and pet professionals who love the idea of promoting their business with imprinted clickers, but who are (just as we were) unsure about ordering such a high number. Thankfully, now they don’t have to!
An achievable minimum order quantity
Minimum order quantity 32
For pet businesses that would like to test the water, smaller batches can be a much more attractive proposition, and we can supply as few as 32 clickers! Perfect if you’re not sure how many you might need, or if you are getting back on your ‘training feet’ after COVID. Could now be just the right time to get personalised?
Supply us with your design or ideas
Logo, text or both – it’s up to you
The process is quite simple, and we help you all the way. Just supply us with your logo (if applicable) or contact details that you would like to see imprinted. You then choose the type of clicker, whether you want single colour or full colour, and finally, the number of clickers required – the great news is the minimum quantity is just 32 – and we will do the rest!
We will take your logo or your details and produce a proof for you. All you have to do is approve it or make changes until you are happy with it, and then we turn your chosen design into a stunning clicker, showcasing your business.
Put your name on everyone’s clicks
Your design bought to life
Your clients will always know how to get hold of you and let’s face it, most trainers get recommendations by word of mouth, so they can easily pass your details onto friends, relatives or someone they met in the local dog park!
Imprinted Treat Bags for Trainers and Clubs
We also supply imprinted Treat Bags for Pet Professionals. Minimum order five treat bags.
Imprinted Treat Bags for Pet Professionals
Read our testimonials
You choose – we print
But don’t just take our word for it – have a look at what our happy customers say:
“I was thrilled to find out that Training Lines can supply such small quantities for such a good price. Ordering was easy, my clients love them and it’s great to be able to give them out to new customers and help to encourage positive dog training methods. Great customer service too!”
Rachel Rodgers, PupStart
“The clickers have arrived and they are brilliant thank you so much!”
Kimberley Grundy, Pooches Galore
“In a last-minute rush to get ready for an event, I reached out to Neil at Training Lines in the hope that he could supply me with Rebel Dog co branded clickers at super-short notice. I didn’t hold out much hope. Delighted to say that Neil proved me wrong. The service, communication and problem-solving I have been treated to whenever I have called upon Training Lines has been an utter breath of fresh air. Even at first contact I was made to feel like a valued customer – it must take a great deal of passion and dedication to get customer service this right.”
Ross Andrews, Rebel Dog co
We hear a lot of talk about “enrichment” toys these days, but what does that actually mean?
Do your pets really need “enriching”?
We first came across the term many years ago, where it was used in connection with zoo animals. Animals confined to a cage or kept in an environment that is not natural need something stimulating to help prevent boredom and enrich their lives. To emulate activities and behaviours that they would encounter naturally.
Cats, dogs and horses are smart animals and need stimulation and enrichment too.
How many pets develop unwanted behaviours that could be down to boredom?
There are hundreds of enrichment toys available these days, but the key is finding the ones that your dog or cat or horse enjoys.
Most dogs are food motivated – but not all. Cats – and horses too. Treats can be a big part of enrichment games, but then so can toys. What about the dogs that are crazy about squeaky toys or tennis balls?
Choose your product wisely
Before you choose your enrichment “product”, take some time to discover what motivates your pet.
All of our dogs are food motivated, so any treat toy would work for them. Tilly adores squeaky toys, but they terrify Toby, so we have to be very careful.
Tilly loves the Petsafe Ricochet
Most of our dogs have tried and tested various toys and games as puppies, so they are familiar with the concepts. There have been some games that they’ve taken to and others that have frustrated them and they’ve quickly lost interest.
When choosing your game or toy, ensure that it is not too difficult for your pet to “win” the prize.
Daisy found the Dog Box frustrating but fully engaged with the Poker Box
You may think your pet is a genius, but start simple
Start with something simple, and once your pet has mastered it, you can move on to something more challenging.
The Caterpillar was Toby’s first enrichment toy
The majority of these enrichment toys/games are designed to be interactive. This means that you, as the owner, should be involved too – either teaching, encouraging or removing the game once it is done. They can have small pieces that you wouldn’t want your pet to chew or swallow.
Fun for the whole family
Make your own enrichment toys with treats, a muffin that’s interesting and tennis balls
Once you have the key to what stimulates your pet, you can incorporate it into your day-to-day life. Get the whole family involved. It needn’t take hours of your time or cost a fortune – just a simple routine that gets your pet engaged, relieves stress and boredom and makes them happy! Watching your pet play and figure things out can be fascinating.
Cat Activity Fun Circle is one of Tuesday’s favourite games
Share your own DIY enrichment toys and win a prize!
Join and post a picture on our Facebook group – Canine Enrichment Ideas and you could win an activity toy for your pet! We have a prize for the best canine and for the best cat ideas.
These are a few of our favourite things – unassuming yet amazingly useful enrichment toys
Thanks to the pandemic, many people new to pet ownership are finding their feet with their new paws and wading through the thousands of available aids, toys, and enrichment games on the market.
We see a lot of different toys for pets and there are plenty of choices, but what if you want a “toy” that has more than one purpose? One that can become a hit with your pet and your go-to item for entertainment, comfort or learning. Have a quick browse through our well-tested, favourite things.
KONG
KONG – available in a range of sizes and varieties
Years ago, when we bought our pups their first KONGs, neither we nor the youngsters were impressed. We tried throwing them, but there wasn’t a lot of interest in them and they may have chewed on them for a while, but they just weren’t very stimulating. If only we had known!
What use is a KONG?
Fast forward a few years and we learned the secret of the KONG – the filling! Fill them with all sorts of goodies and the dogs were drooling the moment they saw them. That is the value of a KONG. Freeze them in the hot weather for a nice refreshing treat and prolong the entertainment.
Learn to stuff ’em
Cats too, can get to enjoy this far from boring gift that keeps on giving.
The Kitty KONG
Puller
The Puller Dog Exercise Toy
Another product that doesn’t initially excite you when you first set eyes on it. The Puller has become the number one favourite toy in our household. They all love it, even Jack, who doesn’t play with toys.
The Puller comes in a wide range of sizes to suit all breeds
It will fly like a frisbee, roll along the ground, float in water and not surprisingly, you can use it as a puller or tuggy. If you have more than one dog, they can play tug together. Our dogs adore it, especially our Daisy, who would swim to it in the pool and even chase it in her wheelchair.
But that’s not all it does, it is also a dog fitness aid, and with it, you get instructions on just how to use it to get your dog fit. But, if fun is all you’re after, you can’t beat it!
Train your dog to fitness with the Puller
Tug n Toss Jolly Ball
The Tug n Toss Jolly Ball
The Tug n Toss Jolly Ball is actually lovely to look at, but it is far more than just an ornament. This toy floats beautifully in water and, with the handle, is perfect for a dog to grab. Although our big boy Blitz never bothered with the handle, he enjoyed chomping into the body with his powerful jaws. And that’s the beauty of a Tug n Toss Jolly Ball, they may puncture, but they don’t deflate.
Available in a range of sizes and even scented varieties
Great for tossing, retrieving and for mouthing. They are also brilliant enrichment toys for horses and come in scented varieties to entice the equine nose!
An enrichment toy for your horse or pony
HOL-EE Roller
The HOL-EE Roller
This one took us by surprise. We have stocked the HOL-EE Roller for a while, but had no idea that there was a whole movement out there – #hackyourholee.
#hackyourholee
Such a simple, unassuming “toy”, and yet it has a cult following. Inventive owners have come up with all sorts of wonderful ideas to turn this into probably one of the best, most cost-effective enrichment toys around at the moment.
The HOL-EE Roller comes in a range of sizes
Use the HOL-EE Roller for a simple game of fetch if you wish, but you can go so much further. Attach a handle to it for an instant tuggy. Fill it with treats, or don’t just fill it with treats! Cut up some felt strips, roll the treats inside and then push them through the holes of the HOL-EE for longer-lasting fun and a handy brain game. Alternatively, put a ball or squeaker inside for some exciting entertainment. And horses can enjoy it too!
Fill the HOL-EE Roller with hay or treats to make snack time more fun
For us, it’s that time of year where we need to be vigilant for ticks.
Our grass is tall, nearly ready to be cut for hay and when we walk, it swallows up the dogs – prime tick territory. Although we check our dogs frequently, we often only find ticks by chance. Cats can be the prime target for hungry ticks too, so here are the main areas you should be checking regularly on your pets.
In addition to ticks, we also have to contend with grass seed and pollen, all of which can act as irritants for dogs – they can suffer allergies too. Know what to look out for.
Allergies are always difficult to treat. For seasonal allergies, we have fed honey produced by local bees, but if unsure, it is best to seek veterinary advice.
Pause for paws
When the weather is hot, we also need to be aware of what our pets are walking on, be it tarmac or even artificial grass. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws!
Play it cool
Keeping your pets cool and hydrated is also very important. We have two large water bowls in the house, but with four dogs, we are constantly refilling them in this weather. So ensure there is always plenty of fresh water available, particularly if you are leaving them home alone.
Tips for cool cats
Cool down your canine
If you are out at work and your windows are all closed, create a cool place for your pets to lay in the house – perhaps with a cooling mat. Or how about a frozen treat toy such as a KONG? But make sure they don’t eat it all over your carpet! And, of course, plenty of fresh water – you can also pop an ice cube or two in their bowls.
From left to right: Fresh Breeze Mat, Cooling Bandana, Hydration Bone, Garden Water Fountain, Cooler Bowl
A hot dog is not a good dog
And finally, the most important thing to remember this summer!
We all know you shouldn’t leave dogs or any pets in cars in the hot weather, but are you aware of how quickly it could affect your dog. Just by nipping into the shop for a couple of minutes, you are risking disaster – not long is too long! Dogs die in hot cars, caravans and conservatories.
Most people have heard of dog agility, and probably a lot of people have had a go at it, but what if you haven’t got the space for all that equipment? How about trying some alternative dog sports that get you outside with your dog(s) and that you can do together. Or if you are both competitive types, take part with other sporty dog lovers.
What is CaniCross?
CaniCross
CaniCross is the sport of cross country running with dogs. The dog is attached to the runner’s waist with a bungee lead. It is powered, and whenever the runner’s feet are off the ground, the dog pulls the runner forward. The dog and the human form a team with the human as the driver, directing the dog from behind with voice commands. CaniCross is not only a great way to get human and canine fit but also works the dog’s mind as well as its body.
What skills does your dog need?
To successfully participate in CaniCross, your dog needs basic obedience skills. Start by teaching good lead manners during your walks. Once you and your dog are walking nicely together, start picking up the pace from a jog to a run. In addition, it’s helpful to teach your dog movement cues such as “speed up” or “slow down.”
What types of dogs can participate?
As long as your dog is fit, healthy, of the right age and able to run, you can both take part in CaniCross. Always consult your vet if unsure.
Equipment needed
The equipment needed for the dog is a comfortable fitting harness, which is suitable for running. A bungee line/lead and a waist/hip belt for the runner.
Treibball can be best described as urban herding. It is a competitive dog sport that requires teamwork between dogs and their handlers. Together, they must drive large exercise balls into the goal in a set amount of time. Handlers can only use whistles, hand signals, and verbal commands to provide direction to their dogs and play their part in the game.
What skills does your dog need?
The distance skills and verbal cues are similar to those used in agility, but with Treibball, there aren’t the same physical demands on the handler, and so people of any age and athletic ability can play. Basic skills needed are sit and down, touch an object with the nose, turn left and right and work reliably off lead.
What types of dogs can participate?
Most popular with herding breeds, but any dog can take part whatever breed or size.
Equipment needed
You will need fitness balls of varying sizes and colours, a kid-sized soccer goal, long line if your dog is unreliable off lead.
For more information:
Here’s a great video to get you started:
What is Disc Dog?
Disc Dog
Disc dog takes a casual game of fetch with your dog to a different level. Dogs take part in the sport worldwide, and there are local clubs that organise meet-ups, training sessions and small competitions. In disc dog competitions, dogs and their human flying disc throwers compete in events such as distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching.
What skills does your dog need?
It will help if your dog already likes to play fetch, but it’s not a requirement. The most important thing is a good bond between human and dog. The sport celebrates this bond by allowing them to work together.
What types of dogs can participate?
Dogs of all shapes and sizes. Check with a vet first if your dog has any fitness or lameness issues.
If none of these suit you or your canine, there are lots of other doggy sporting activities that may take your fancy and an excellent look book to get you both in the right frame of mind.
This is a difficult question and one we pondered on for quite a while, probably too long. It can be a big investment, so it needs to offer a lot of benefits.
With Daisy and her DM, we knew only too well the progression of the illness, but we had no idea whether a wheelchair would help her or if she would even accept it.
We eventually decided we would go ahead and try one when she still had use of all 4 legs. DM was creeping along, and she was already unsteady on her back legs but could still run and walk about indoors.
Another difficult question. We started out buying a second-hand Eddies Wheels wheelchair that wasn’t the ideal size for Daisy. However, we spent a lot of time and effort customising it to fit her needs. We pretty much took it apart and put it back together again in a way that suited her best. It was perfect for a few months but then started to deteriorate. We found ourselves constantly repairing it on every outing.
Her second wheelchair was from Best Friends. It was also used and on loan to us from a charity. This one was a much better fit, but our customising options were limited since it didn’t belong to us. Several other dogs had used it before we got it, so again, it was in constant need of repair. When we noticed that Daisy was struggling on her front legs, we looked around for something more suitable.
We came across Walkin’ Wheels and purchased the 4-wheel option to future-proof it. This wheelchair was the perfect fit. We were impressed by how customisable it was out of the box and the sturdiness of the frame. She seemed far more comfortable in this one than the previous ones.
Will my dog take to a wheelchair?
Daisy in her camo Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair
For us, this was the most critical question and one that could only be addressed the first time we put her in it.
At first, the answer was no! She refused to move. Remember, she still had the use of four legs. She much preferred being walked in a sling where she would run around quite happily with one of us trying to keep up with her.
By combining her sling with her first wheelchair, we finally got her to use it. Once she realised she had her freedom back and could chase her beloved Puller, there was no stopping her – all she had needed was the right motivation.
Wheelchairs are not just for dogs
Other animals can benefit from a wheelchair
We’ve seen cats, goats, sheep, and even ducks benefit from a wheelchair, whether it be long-term or short-term, to cope with surgery or injury.
Take a look at our range of second-hand, hardly used wheelchairs
Second-hand Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchairs
If you face this dilemma and are undecided, we are now offering a range of second-hand/hardly used Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchairs for sale.
We may not have the ideal size available for your dog, so if you don’t see what you need or would like further advice, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.
Daisy
We never did use the front wheels. We lost Daisy in December 2019 and miss her every day. She was such a character. One thing we don’t ever regret was getting her that wheelchair. Watching her run around in her Wakin’ Wheels wheelchair was our greatest pleasure and left us with many happy memories. It gave her back some of what DM had taken away, and you could see on her face how happy and contented she was pottering around the field, sniffing out rabbits – just one of the gang and being a normal dog in her last few months.
First and foremost, what is a licking mat? A licking mat is a plastic or silicone mat that can be smeared with a variety of different treats. These can include wet food, pastes, peanut butter or plain yoghurt – anything really that is spreadable and enjoyed by your pet. They come in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes but all of them have patterns of cavities and grooves to hold the treats.
Why would you want a licking mat?
Both dogs and cats find the act of repetitive licking soothing which can calm an anxious pet, so by participating in an activity that causes them to lick, they are releasing cortisol into their body – a hormone responsible for relaxation. Licking mats are a great way to help promote calm behaviour.
If you have pets that eat too quickly, you can extend their feeding time with a licking mat making them eat more slowly, produce more saliva and aid digestion. This also aids dental health helping fight off bacteria in the mouth.
And of course the big buzzword at the moment “enrichment”. The licking mat can provide mental stimulation which promotes mental health. A mentally stimulated pet is a healthy pet.
Licking mats can also be frozen thereby extending the game longer by presenting a greater challenge or maybe provide some much-needed refreshment in the hotter months.
When should you use a licking mat?
As a distraction. Maybe you’re still working from home and need time to make that Zoom call in peace.
How about bath time, nail trimming, grooming? You can get licking mats that stick on the wall, and on windows when out on a car journey.
Perhaps on Bonfire night? Something to soothe an anxious pet and take their mind off their fears.
If your pet is confined to a crate due to illness or an operation, and they need a low-impact boredom buster.
Trixie Junior Licking Plate
To distract and entertain your new puppy or kitten.
As a slow feeder, and of course, as a reward. At the end of a great training session, for example.
Just because you love them!
A useful addition to your toolkit
Aquapaw Feeding Mat Licking Toy
In summary, you may already have a whole stash of puzzle toys to keep your pet entertained but we believe it’s worthwhile adding this simple yet effective soothing slow feeder to your toolkit.
Bear in mind that these mats can be a chewing hazard so should only be used when supervised.
Our range of Licking Toys:
Licking Toys range from left to right: iQuites Lick Treat Mat, Trixie Lick n Snack Ball, Junior Licking Plate from Trixie, Trixie Lick n Snack Platter, Aquapaw Feeding Mat Licking Toy
We are closed from 10am Thursday, April 25th until 9am Tuesday, April 30th, and orders placed between these dates will be dispatched when we re-open. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.