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Showing posts with label FAVOURITE FINDS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FAVOURITE FINDS. Show all posts

GoGetMe Dog Subscription Box Review

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GoGetMe is a high-quality dog subscription box which delivers a box of premium quality toys, treats, tips and tricks delivered right to your door every month.

Whether your dog is left alone at home for most of the day and needs mental stimulation or you want to spoil your furry friend at Christmas time, there is a lot to like in this concept!

HOW DOES THE GOGETME SUBSCRIPTION BOX WORK?

Life can make it hard to find time to run all our own errands, let alone shop around for the best toys and treats to pamper our pooches! This is where the GoGetMe team steps in, scouting for toys that last longer than a few hours to keep your dogs stimulated and healthy natural treats to keep them healthy and happy!

Each monthly box contains 5 to 7 handpicked items tailored to your dog’s size, normally including two treats, two toys, plus chews and an assortment of other dog products. Every month the box includes different items so you’ll never see the same product twice. 

With all the selected dog treats and chews, the focus is on organic, natural, grain free and single ingredient products. GoGetMe is proudly supporting Dogs for Kids with Disabilities with 10% of all profits going to this cause.

WHAT WAS IN OUR NOVEMBER GOGETME BOX?

The quirky shape and design of the GoGetMe box, bright yellow complete with knotted rope, certainly grabbed our attention! The team must be great at Tetris as once all the items were out, there was no chance we could pack that box again!

We always check out the toys first but our dogs were more interested in the smells emanating from the box...

The NERF DOG Infinity Tug Toy is designed for long-lasting games of tug-of-war between you and your dog or multiple dogs. This tough toy is made from durable rubber with an exterior texture like a tire track to assist with grip.

It is shaped like an infinity symbol to allow each participant to tug from their end. This durable toy is great for tough chewers as it promises to stand up to the test. It comes in Large only (25.4 cm long) which is a great size for our Belgian Shepherds.

The JW Monkey Fist Ball is perfect for dogs who love chewing rope toys and also chasing balls. 

We could not judge its 'fun and erratic bounce' on our overgrown lawn however I can foresee many hours of dedicated chewing from our Malinois to untangle all these knots!

The K9 Natural Beef Feast Toppers were a timely inclusion as we'd run out of dog food and were preparing some home cooked meals during that week! 

The toppers are made with 90% New Zealand grass-fed beef and 5% vegetables and fruit. They are free from grain, gluten and GMO ingredients. 

They were very easy to sprinkle over our senior dog's food for a nutrient-packed high meat boost.

Also included was a pack of Blackdog Shark Cartilage dog treats (100g). Made from the cartilage of shark spine, these chewy treats are rich in protein (51%) and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin which helps keep dogs’ joints healthy so they're great for those dogs suffering from arthritis.
Our dogs loved their smelly fishy munchies but a word of advice: these are best kept for outdoor use as they pack a punch! 

Probably why they were so popular... To date, this is the best shaped treat we have found for use in our Kong Goodie Bone chew toy as they fit the slots perfectly!

Also included was a sample pack (40g) of natural premium treats by Pure Pet Products Ruby Rose’s Chicken Chunks  handmade in Perth. Suitable for both dogs and cats, these treats contain 71% protein and only 7% fat as they're made with 100% chicken tenderloin and skinless chicken breast. Our dogs would have enjoyed a much larger pack!

We also received three GoGetMe Kangaroo sticks with 100% kangaroo meat and no preservatives. These natural high protein chews were clearly our dogs' favourites as it was very difficult to keep them from eating them during the photo shoot!

The box comes with some colourful cards: one details all the items in your monthly box, handy if you're not familiar with some of these brands or products. As the focus is on keeping dogs entertained, there's also a 'GoGetMe a Trick' - this month's trick was how to teach your pooch to give you a hug. There was also a 'GoGetMe a Tip' explaining why our dogs love ripping up their toys... 

OUR VERDICT

We were impressed with the excellent customer service and the prompt delivery we received from GoGetMe. Boxes are delivered after the 15th of each month to current subscribers.

We also appreciated the fact that the company took the trouble to customise our November box to include tough toys suited to our pack of active chewers. Please note this option will be available to all box subscribers in 2018.

The main thing we're looking for these days is "do we get good value for money" and we think that GoGetMe certainly delivered on its promise. The retail value of sourcing these high-quality dog toys and treats individually (plus shipping) would certainly exceed the cost of the one-off box and you'd also miss the element of surprise!

All the products we received were high-quality items in their own right and were thoroughly enjoyed by our pack! 

PRICES & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: from $39-$49 on a monthly subscription; $55 for a one-off Gift Box exclusively from gogetme.com.au

A GoGetMe Christmas themed box is available for $60 (includes free shipping Australia wide). This box will be themed and packed with extra Christmas goodies with only a limited number available. 

All orders must be placed prior to Dec 15 to ensure timely delivery.

Australian Dog Lover readers can save $10 off any order until 31/12/2017, simply use your unique coupon AUSTDL.  

Disclaimer: product gifted by GoGetMe for editorial consideration

Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog

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The Miele Blizzard CX1 is the the latest innovation in hygienic bagless vacuum cleaning, with a Cat & Dog model aimed at pet owners.

After a successful launch in the US and European markets in late 2016, Miele Australia enters this floor care segment for the first time with the revolutionary Blizzard CX1, which promises to change the very nature of bagless vacuuming. The wait has certainly been worthwhile! 

The Miele Blizzard CX1 is an exemplary floor care range delivering powerful cleaning performance and extremely hygienic dust disposal.

THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND THE MIELE BLIZZARD CX1 RANGE
MIELE Blizzard CX1 Excellence model

Miele’s exclusive innovative development of Vortex Technology is responsible for achieving these outstanding outcomes and, in the process, delivers new standards of hygienic dust disposal to bagless vacuuming.

The Miele Blizzard CX1 effectively separates coarse and fine dust particles, ensuring only coarser dust particles find their way to the dust container, making emptying so much more efficient as well as hygienic. The technology reduces the plume of dust that is so common when emptying most bagless vacuum cleaners.

Finer dust particles and allergens are captured by a separate filter container, an innovative Miele pleated Gore®CleanStream® fine dust filter which only requires emptying, when prompted by the controls, once or twice a year. Then, it’s simply a matter of removing the filter and placing it under running water.

Worthy of special note, the Miele Blizzard CX1 is designed so there is no direct physical contact with dust at any stage of the vacuuming process.

MIELE Blizzard CX1 Multifloor
In the final filtration stage, the lifetime HEPA filter of the Blizzard CX1 ensures that the air discharged from the vacuum cleaner is purer than ambient room air.  Furthermore, the lifetime HEPA filter is absolutely maintenance-free, and like the fine dust filter, will never need replacing.

With the inclusion of the outstanding bagless Blizzard CX1 range, Miele is the only premium brand to offer a total floor care solution.

Like all other vacuum cleaners from Miele, the Blizzard CX1 range is tested to the equivalent of 20 years* usage. 
*based for example on 45 minutes of vacuuming a week and 5000 disposal cycles.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: from $699 (Excellence model), $799 (Multifloor model), $849 (Cat & Dog model), $949 (Comfort model)

The four models in the Miele Blizzard CX1 range are now available nationally from Miele Authorised Retailers, Miele Experience Centres and the Miele shop online.

Press Release received 1/11/ 2017

Joseph Lyddy Easy Wash - Review

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Bathing three Belgian Shepherds has always been a major hassle: not because it takes a bit of time, they leave our bathtub full of scratches and we end up with a pile of soggy towels… 

No, they’re simply very reluctant participants and see no redeeming features in being clean: one puts on the brakes and suddenly weighs a ton whilst the other escapes to the backyard as soon he hears the sound of the running tap!

Conner's first bath: not a fan then, not a fan now!
Drying is a cinch even in winter with our short-coated Malinois, as they quickly shake off the excess water and then pace the deck in the sun, eagerly waiting to be let back in!

However washing our double-coated Tervueren during the winter months is an ordeal. It takes him forever to dry and the look of pain on his face when water touches him has always been priceless!

Taking them to our local dog wash is not an option: the closest is a fair way away and our pack is likely to be just as uncooperative and embarrassing!

Thankfully we recently woke up to the fact that there are some dry shampoos which allow you to get your dogs clean and smelling fresh in no time whilst avoiding all the drama!

JOSEPH LYDDY PET INDULGENCE - EASY WASH DRY SHAMPOOS



Joseph Lyddy is an Australian manufacturer of pet grooming products including shampoos, conditioners and detanglers but they also offer dog accessories (collars, leads and bowls) as well as dental treats and joint care chews.

"No water?" OMG, this is amazing!" says Porthos
When the company suggested we trial their Easy Wash dry shampoos (part of the Pet Indulgence line) we were eager to accept and try anything that would make our collective bath experience less painful!

We had a choice of three ‘fragrances’ which all sounded equally appealing:
  • Blood Orange & Cinnamon Bark
  • Vanilla, Honey & Coconut
  • Pomegranate, Lime & Lavender
All varieties contain only natural ingredients and are pH balanced and paraben free. They come in spray cans (200g) which should last you a long time. 

WHAT IS A DRY SHAMPOO AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

It is a convenient and quick way to give your dog a clean-up without water. This means you don’t need to drag them to the bathroom or organise a tub and hose outside, and best of all you don’t have to deal with a soaking wet dog, as we usually end up just as wet! Dry shampoos are a great solution for in-between regular baths or when your dog needs a quick freshen-up for visitors or a trip to the vet!

We are told that the Easy Wash range is also suitable for cats, who are possibly even less fond of water than our dogs!

We decided to allocate one fragrance per dog in an attempt to choose our favourite at the end of our grooming session.

I don’t know if Porthos understood this was his 'get out of jail card' and an alternative to being put in the bathtub but he could not shake the grin off his face! 

We gave him a couple of quick squirts on with the Blood Orange & Cinnamon Bark. 

 Past the first moment of surprise, he settled in very well and thoroughly enjoyed the brushing process – we still use our old Kong Zoom Groom bought ten years ago, which always removes a huge amount of loose hair on all our dogs at bath time. 

Once our one-on-one grooming session was over, I could definitely smell the citrus on him but that cinnamon bark remained elusive… 

Next in line was his sister Aramis and we thought the Vanilla, Honey & Coconut would be a bit more girly and appropriate for her! Again the first sprays came as a surprise to her - though we made sure we were not too close - but she decided that being the centre of attention was fun after all and ended up rolling on her back! Not so practical for a thorough refresh but at least she was relaxed! Smelling her coat afterwards, this fragrance was definitely our favourite out of the three we tried.

All our dogs had a proper bath in the three weeks prior so they were not very dirty to start with. So if your dog decides to jump into mud puddles or to roll in something “unmentionable”, I’d still head for the bathroom for a thorough soak and scrub!

WHAT WE LIKE

There is no need to dry off your dog as the spray does not leave any greasy residues. The shampoo sinks into your dog's coat beautifully so you could really use it anywhere even in the middle of your living room if it weren't for all the loose hair if you're brushing…

We were able to give our three dogs a quick refresh in under 15 minutes with no mess whilst keeping them happy throughout the process so this is one grooming session for the record books!

The only negative is that the Easy Wash dry shampoos come in pressurised dispensers. They are therefore extremely flammable and must be kept in a cool place and away from direct sunlight. Don’t leave them in your car or exposed to temperatures over 50°C.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $12.95 (200g spray) available from Coles, Big W, Best Friends Super Pet Centres and other independent pet retailers.

For more details, please visit
josephlyddypetindulgence.com.au/washing-grooming/

Disclaimer: products gifted by Joseph Lyddy Pet Indulgence for editorial consideration

EzyDog Summit Backpack for Dogs - Review

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Aramis Malinois wears EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack - turning her head left
As we decided to hit the local trails with our dogs this Spring, what better time to trial the EzyDog Summit Backpack?

With its rugged look and practical design we thought this dog gear would give us the extra incentive to go out and explore more. Being of similar size and built, our Malinois could even share the load with one carrying the backpack on the way in and the other one on the way out!

WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE SUMMIT BACKPACK?

We have used EzyDog's award winning EVA Chest Plate Harness – which forms to our dog’s chest for a secure and custom fit - with our dogs for 3 years now and it is still our preferred harness for longer walks.
EzyDog Summit Backpack for Dogs - Using the Leash Caddy
The EzyDog Summit Backpack combines the chest plate with a double-sided pack, which offers two large waterproof compartments as well as two outer pockets for easy access.

This backpack is made from a super-tough RipStop fabric with a breathable mesh on the inside for comfort against your dog. As it can get hot pretty quickly where we live, this is an essential feature and we found that our dog Aramis was more than happy to carry her (light) load for a couple of hours without getting sweaty.

As I'd never put anything on her back before, I was half expecting our strong-willed girl to shake it off but she took to wearing her own pack with surprising ease.
It certainly did not restrict her movements or deter her in her bush explorations!
Aramis walks towards camera wearing EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack
The Summit Backpack has a convenient grab handle on the top of the spine for when you need extra control over your dog. Having a reactive dog, this comes in extremely handy when we encounter other walkers with a dog during our hikes.

On the back of the handle, there is also a D-Ring which we used to clip our leash to on our walks.

If your dog has the 'perfect recall' and is allowed to roam free during your walks, the Leash Caddy will hold your dog lead until you’re ready to resume control!

The Summit Backpack also features reflective trims for increased visibility in low light conditions.
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack - Aramis Malinois standing on old tree trunk
WHAT WE LIKE

The Medium Summit Backpack is a neat compact size for our 30kg dog with the roomy compartments providing more than enough capacity for a day hike. We did easily fit a couple of small water bottles, a collapsible bowl, extra poop bags, treats etc. with plenty of space left.

The sizing is quite generous so our advice is to select your size based on the girth of your dog and not their weight. We opted for the Medium for our Malinois but there was still a bit of adjustment with the straps for it to fit properly.

It was easy to put on (once your dog co-operates!) as it slides over the head and then you simply snap it under the belly.
The one issue we encountered is that the backpack tended to slide forward when Aramis bent down so we may end up sewing the straps in place once adjusted.

The EzyDog Summit Backpack is available in 4 sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large.
EzyDog Summit Dog Backpack worn by Malinois Aramis on a bushwalk


PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $69.95-$109.95 from www.ezydog.com.au

Disclaimer: product gifted by EzyDog for editorial consideration

Aussie Dog Products - Buddy Ball Review

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The Buddy Ball range is the latest in interactive dog toys by Aussie Dog Products. Like all their toys, these are designed to be tough and they also come in a range of sizes to cater for all our best friends!

Dogs don’t need to eat out of a food bowl and studies have shown that when given food enrichment toys or boredom busters, dogs are not only more active but also less likely to bark!

By providing ongoing mental stimulation, enrichment toys have been shown to also slow down our dogs’ cognitive decline due to age. Most pet dogs are left alone during the day so they get bored and crave stimulation!

Our own dogs will quickly get tired of any particular toy – no matter how much they loved it initially - so we are always on the search for variety to offer them new challenges and this means rotating their toys often!

BUDDY BALL FEATURES

The Aussie Dog Buddy Ball is more like a rolling restaurant than a treat ball! The unique design of its opening allows for all sorts of treats and goodies to be stuffed in to it 
like bones, carrots, jerky, liver treats etc. The only limitation is your imagination!

It changes treat time to challenge time and will keep your dog entertained even after the ball has been emptied of its contents. Made from food grade materials, your dogs will love the soft feel of this toy on their gums and the built-in chicken flavour!

The Buddy Ball comes in 3 sizes: Small (for dogs: 0-5kg), Medium (for dogs: 5-20kg) and Large (for dogs: 20kg+).

Whilst being super tough, the Buddy Ball is not designed to be left with your dog long-term so after play, always put it away.

WHAT WE LIKE

It is a challenge to find toys that will survive the assaults of our Malinois’ jaws and it is usually more a matter of hours rather than days before a toy has to be “retired”.

The plastic used in the manufacturing of the Buddy Ball is flexible enough to allow for chewing - to extract the last treats which haven’t fallen out by rolling it around – without causing any damage or leaving any teeth marks so they should have many more hours of play ahead…

The trick consists in finding the perfect size treat for each Buddy Ball as the hole size is different. We found pieces of liver treats worked best in the smallest ball whilst the larger one suited roo strips, a chicken wing or similar (you can even get crocodiles bones these days!).

Surprisingly our dogs favoured the smaller sized Buddy Balls - though not designed for them - and had lots of fun taking turns pushing them around with their noses to get all the treats out!

We found the Buddy Ball very easy to keep clean with a quick rinse under the tap after our dogs finished playing in the yard and the occasional soak in the sink after using wet/raw food.

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

RRP: $16-$53 (based on size, orange only) from www.aussiedogproducts.com.au


Disclaimer: product gifted by Aussie Dog Products for editorial consideration

The Trainers Pouch - Training Pouch Review

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The Trainers Pouch was designed by an Australian dog trainer who understood the need for a practical and durable treat dispenser for dog training sessions, whether you're a professional or a dedicated dog owner at home.

The pouch is made from high quality BPA-free, non-toxic silicone. This means you can carry both dry and wet dog treats (especially our dogs' favourite - roasted chicken!) without any odours being absorbed or mould developing.

We were actually surprised by the size when we first received it. The Trainers Pouch is definitely a lot larger than anything we've previously used: 12cm (height) x 15cm (width) x 7cm (depth). 

This means you could theoretically carry up to 4 cups of food or 4 tennis balls - not that you would ever need that many! In times of need, the pouch can also double as a travel water bowl, just keep the slit open for your pooch.

The pouch is flexible but strong and you can easily flip it inside out for quick and easy cleaning. If you get caught out in the rain, this pouch is waterproof and it is also dishwasher safe (placed in the top rack) to ensure it remains completely hygienic.

Included with The Trainers Pouch is a high-quality easily adjustable long (120cm) belt.

Our favourite feature is the narrow  slit opening at the top meaning your dog treats won't fall out if you need to kneel or bend down to pick up a ball! This has happened to us a few times, meaning our dogs got a smorgasbord of treats before doing anything to earn them.. Training session over that day!

How versatile is it? Watch the video below to find out more...

  

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

The price includes The Trainers Pouch and a durable trade quality belt in Black.

Available in Black, Blue, Purple and a Limited Edition Hot Pink.

RRP: $44.00 (inc. GST) at www.thetrainerspouch.com

Disclaimer: Product gifted by The Trainer's Pouch for editorial consideration.