Now you can train your dog using advanced machine learning through a company called Companion. Check this out from their website, joincompanion.com :

Companion develops technology that automatically trains dogs to high levels using machine learning, robotics, computer vision, and state of the art reward-based training. Our products create high-quality solutions to the most pressing dog training and welfare issues for professional working dog businesses, boarding facilities, trainers and consumers. The Companion team includes world-class technologists, animal welfare experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs. We’ve partnered with the SF SPCA, Google, and top tier venture investors to bring a new category of products to the world.

Companion uses state of the art AI to provide thousands of hours of fun and engaging training. We help your dog understand cues and directions while you get on with the rest of your day. So when it's time for you to take them for a walk, you can focus on the good times.

Companion's proprietary technology adapts to your dog in real time and delivers transformative insights into your dog's behavior. Audio and 3D sensing systems precisely detect and analyze your dog's movement and behaviors. Machine learning rapidly calculates the best way to engage with your dog with positive reinforcement, recognizing and rewarding their achievements with their favorite treats.

Check out more about it here: joincompanion.com 

Image: Joincompanion.com

If you're looking for some of the best gear for doggies that came out last year, you'll want to check out the extensive product review by Whole Dog Journal. Experts evaluated and reviewed a whole bunch of products in different categories, some of which are sure to be of interest to you and your four-legged friend. Some of the products reviewed include:

• Toppl Treat Toy, an innovative toy that just might replace the long-standing "Kong"
• Keepsafe Breakway Collar, a proven system that protects against collar strangulation
• Wash 'N Zip Bed, an ingenious, easy-to-care-for doggie bed.

You'll find reviews of these products and much more here:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/lifestyle/whole-dog-journal-product-review-2020-dog-gear-of-the-year/

Walkin' Pets specializes in equipment for handicapped dogs. During their January sale, you'll find special prices on the Walkin' Scooter, Walkin' Ski Attachment, Walkin' Dog Boots, Walkin' Splint, Walkin' Wheels Rear Wheelchair and more.

If your pet is handicapped, elderly or has any trouble walking, you'll find the right stuff for him or her at Walkin' Pets -- on sale in January. Check out the sale here: https://www.handicappedpets.com/on-sale/

A new dog business just launched in Asheville: Botanical Bones. Here's the story, according to the website:

"Botanical Bones is a family business thoughtfully making superfood + adaptogenic dog treats in Asheville, NC.

When we rescued our pup, Carnaby, at 4 months old from an animal shelter in Asheville, NC it was the early days of the pandemic. He had a rough start before we brought him home and was an extremely anxious puppy.

As new dog owners, we decided  to start by addressing our dog's struggles the same we would our own: in the kitchen.

We’re strong believers in the healing power of plants. It was clear that Carnaby was struggling so I started experimenting with superfoods and adaptogens our family uses every day for wellness. 

When we saw how much our pup loved the treats we were making we decided to share them with neighbors. Pretty soon we realized we needed to share these SUPER TREATS with the world!"

Check out the products, available for purchase online, at: https://botanicalbones.com/

Image: BotanicalBones.com

Does your dog have trouble walking? Has your dog had leg or hip surgery that makes it difficult or impossible to walk? Then you need to check out all of the specially-made devices from Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com. Walkin' Pets was created in 2001 for pets with mobility issues. Founder Mark C. Robinson's goal is to help extend the lives of beloved pets who are aging, injured or have special needs.

Check out the website for Fall deals on some of their wheelchairs, scooters, harnesses, splints, boots and more:

https://www.handicappedpets.com/on-sale/

Image: Walkin' Pets

Technology has taken over the pet market -- and that's good news for dog owners. There are lots of high tech gadgets that can make your life, and your dog's, easier. Here are just a few of the top picks:

Nutrition
Dogness Automatic Smart Feeder
Pawbo+ Pet Camera and Treat Dispenser

Dog Walks
Dogness Smart Retractable Leash
PupFlask Dog Water Bottle

Games
Clever Pet V2
iDig Digging Toy

You'll find more information about these and more tech devices at the 2020 Pet Tech Guide here: https://www.attplans.com/resources/pet-tech-guide/

Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay

While more dog owners may be turning vegetarian, most vets don't endorse a completely vegetarian diet for dogs. Still, vegetables and some fruits are good for dogs, and one way to include them in your dog's diet is to feed her an occasional vegetarian treat.

Vegetarian Times has compiled a list of the publication's six favorite veggie dog treats. Here they are:

1. Lord Jameson (multiple flavors)
2. Rejuv-A-Wafers
3. Zest Paws Superfood Bites
4. Wholesome Pride Sweet Potato Chews
5. Wild Earth Dog Snacks
6. Zuke's Crunchy Naturals

For information about each of these treats, including available flavors, visit: https://www.vegetariantimes.com/health-and-nutrition/6-plant-based-treats-your-dog-will-do-tricks-for?

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

Enjoy 50% OFF EVERYTHING at the Asheville Humane Society Thrift Store on Saturday, June 27!

The Thrift Store is located at 1425 Patton Avenue! Stop by between 10 AM and 6 PM to shop for a good cause - all proceeds benefit the animals!

To keep everyone safe, all staff and customers are required to wear face masks, and only 10 people will be allowed inside the store at a time.

If you haven't visited the Thrift Store yet, NOW is the time!  A variety of items are available for the whole family, including furniture, housewares, clothing, books, children's items, jewelry, pet supplies and more! You can also donate your unwanted items to help animals in need! 

Shop on June 27 and everything is 50% Off!

Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm (Also open on Mondays, beginning July 1!)

Donation Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am-5 pm 

Visit ashevillehumane.org/thrift for more information on items we do/don't accept. Thank you for supporting Asheville Humane Society!

"Walkin' Pets" by Handicapped Pets is dedicated to creating specialized devices for dogs who have trouble walking. Through June 30, the company is offering many of its one-of-a-kind devices at special savings. "Walkin' Wheels" wheelchairs are $40 off. Items including adjustable splints, support slings, hip support systems, training socks and more are 25 percent off. Free shipping is offered on all sale items.

If you have a dog who is handicapped, elderly or just needs extra support, check out these great items here: https://www.handicappedpets.com/on-sale/#monthlysale

Image: Walkin' Pets

Last year was another banner year for doggie products, according to Whole Dog Journal. Among the most unique products reviewed in 2019 by the publication were:

• Clawguard Scratch Shield
• Pooch Paper (non-plastic poop pick-ups)
• BreezeGuards
• PetAml waterproof dog blanket
• Treat Hugger

Check out these and other products and books that made the Whole Dog Journal "best of" list here:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/whole-dog-journals-2019-gear-of-the-year/

Technology is influencing every aspect of our lives, so it's only natural that there should be an emerging segment of the pet products industry called "pet tech." Yes, it's really a thing! Some of the pet tech products available today may strike you as absurd, but you may think others are pretty ingenious and useful.

Here is a link to 17 of the hottest pet tech ideas for 2019, courtesy of the firm Design 1st:
https://www.design1st.com/pet-tech-products/https://www.design1st.com/pet-tech-products/

You'll find some pretty amazing stuff here, including:

• A dog carrier for your bicycle
• A "smart" dog house
• A "dog activity social network"
• A harness for dogs with hip dysplasia

Check out the list -- it's mind-boggling!

Image: Pixabay.com

Petrics, a Wilmington, NC pet technology company, is now offering a health and nutrition application for pets that "gives you the tools necessary to ensure proper diet and safety for your pet." The application features:

• A database of over 15,000 pet foods and treats that can be scientifically matched and personalized to your dog's individual needs
• A comprehensive ingredients analyzer
• At home delivery and auto-ordering of pet foods
• Pet food recommendations based on genetic risks and pre-existing medical conditions
• Schedule reminders for vet visits and medications
• Recall alerts

The app can be downloaded free. More information is available at: https://www.petrics.com/

This company has also just introduced the world's first connected pet bed, which maintains a comfortable temperature for your dog and also reports on body temperature, heart rate, and other data.

Looking for the best chew toys for puppies? Or how about the best dog shampoos and conditioners for dogs? You might even want to find the best boots for your doggie to wear this winter.

Now a website reviews all sorts of doggie products so you don't have to. "The Goody Pet" is a pet product review site that buys products at full retail prices and does not accept sponsored items. Pet lovers research the products, often by speaking with veterinarians and pet owners. Then they summarize their findings for other pet lovers and post reviews on the site.

Whether it's the best hands-free dog leash, the best vacuums for pet hair, or the best pet odor eliminators, The Goody Pet covers a wide variety of pet products, compares and contrasts product features and prices, and makes objective recommendations.

Check it out: https://www.thegoodypet.com/

Ever heard of ThunderShirt? It is a product made by a Durham, North Carolina company, ThunderWorks, that is proven to reduce anxiety in many dogs. Now ThunderWorks has introduced a product line that naturally relieves anxiety in dogs and cats called ThunderEase.

According to the company, ThunderEase replicates feline and canine pheromones — naturally providing a sense of comfort and security during a wide variety of stressful occasions and situations.

“Both dogs and cats emit natural pheromones to help them feel safe and communicate in their environments," said Phil Blizzard, CEO of ThunderWorks.  "For dogs and cats, mothers emit them during nursing. ThunderEase mimics those comforting pheromones and, in turn, provides a very natural solution to treating anxiety and many other behavioral problems in cats and dogs.”

Like ThunderWorks’ other products, ThunderEase is a drug-free and veterinary recommended solution. The pheromones are effective in treating uneasiness in a new home or environment, fear of loud noises like thunder or fireworks, urine spraying and scratching, stressed caused by change, multiple cat tension, anxiety when visiting a veterinarian office or while boarding, and much more.

The ThunderEase diffuser kits, refills and sprays are now available for dogs, online at thunderease.com and will soon be available at pet retailers across the country. ThunderEase Collars for dogs will be available this fall.

“ThunderEase has been proven to be over 90% effective for many anxiety cases ,” said Blizzard. “Pheromones are highly recommended by veterinarians as an alternative solution to treat fear, anxiety and stress in pets without the need for a costly prescription.”

A new product, "Canine Calm Aromatherapy Wipes," is designed to calm pets during storms, fireworks, boarding, grooming, clinic visits, and other unsettling times. While aromatherapy is commonly used in sprays and diffusers, the development of therapeutic aromatherapy in convenient, travel-friendly wipes creates a new product category for the industry. The Canine Calm wipes are made with pure essential oils to create a serene experience and come in a re-sealable package.
 
“Aromatherapy has been used for centuries, and scientific studies on the effects of essential oils with dogs and horses were well-established by the mid-1880s in areas of Europe,” Vicki Rae Thorne, founder of Earth Heart Inc., said. “We formulate our products with 100 percent pure essential oils that are developed by an aromatherapist with 25-years of experience to ensure a safe and easy-to-use product for all canine owners.” 
 
A dog’s sense of smell is far more advanced than humans’, and their olfactory memory is remarkable since their world revolves around scents. Dogs can associate scents with calming persons and environments, which is why the use of essential oils and aromatherapy is effective when calming canines in stressful situations.

Canine Calm Aromatherapy Wipes contain the same high-quality, pure essential oils as other Earth Heart Inc. products. The company’s reputation has been built with safety in mind and all of its products, including Canine Calm Aromatherapy Wipes, have been formulated for use as often as needed.

Learn more about this new product from Earth Heart Inc., the creator: http://earthheartinc.com/index.html

Image: Earth Heart Inc.

On the right hand side of our blog page, you'll notice a section called "Support Our Advertisers." Carolina Mountain Dog carefully selects only advertisers who meet the highest standards for dog-related products and services.

One of our advertisers is Cherrybrook. Founded in 1969, Cherrybrook has a long, outstanding history of serving professional breeders, show dog handlers and pet parents. Cherrybrook’s vision is to provide customers with the supplies they need to raise vigorous puppies…to turn show dogs into champions…and to keep family pets healthy and happy. Built upon high standards of excellence, Cherrybrook offers a wide selection of health and wellness products, grooming supplies, educational materials and unique gifts for pet lovers. Cherrybrook is the leading supplier of high-quality show dog grooming products that are used by top show dog professionals around the globe. Their products and expertise can help all pets become champions!

Cherrybrook is currently making a special offer to Carolina Mountain Dog readers: Simply sign up for their free e-newsletter and you'll receive $10 off your first order of $50 or more. Take advantage of this great offer by clicking the link below.

Sign up for our Newsletter and receive $10 OFF your order of $50 or more!

Carolina Mountain Dog usually does not promote products, but "Walkin' Pets" is such a cool organization it deserves some recognition. Created by HandicappedPets.com, Walkin' Pets offers dog wheelchairs, products, services and support for disabled, injured, and aging pets. Through the month of January, Walkin' Pets is having a major sale. See the details below, and then visit: http://www.handicappedpets.com/on-sale

Technology has come to the pet world just in time for the holiday season. Whether you're looking for an easier way to feed, care for, or entertain your dog, there are a whole host of technology-enabled items available now that you could consider as gifts for your favorite four-legged friend.

Here's an informative article, courtesy of Petco, that describes many such items, including:
- automatic feeders
- water fountains
- video cameras and remote treat dispensers
- health trackers, and
- interactive dog toys.

Read the article here:
https://community.petco.com/t5/Blog/These-Awesome-Gifts-Will-Make-Your-Life-and-Your-Pet-s-Life/ba-p/81849 

Image: Petco

Not surprisingly, the same people who own dogs often care about the environment. Loving and caring for an animal demonstrates a certain respect for living things and a sensitivity to our earth and its precious resources. Dog owners who share nature with their pets are especially aware of their environment.

So how can you, as a dog owner, "shop green" and do your part to protect the environment? The website RetailMeNot has a helpful, detailed article called "The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Green for Your Pet" that shows you how to do just that. The article discusses the things that make a pet product green, how to find "green" pet food (with some great advice about food ingredients and additives), shopping for green playthings, choosing the right kind of pet beds, and more. It even has a handy green checklist for buying pet products.

Read this great article here.

Image: Aopsan, freedigitalphotos.net

It is estimated that 1.2 million dogs are hit and killed by cars every year. Long work hours, strict off-leash laws and short days often mean people are walking dogs at night.

"Shine for Dogs" has the answer -- and it's a win-win for the dog lover. The company's products use rechargeable fiber optics to cast a bright light from collars and leashes. Plus, the company promises to donate $10 for every item sold to shelters and rescue organizations that care for dogs.

Shine for Dogs products are:

•  Rechargeable - never pay for batteries again!

•   Use LED - Ultra bright.

•    Made of fiber optic strips allowing better flexibility, comfort for your dog and the current does not break when bent, twisted, or pulled. 

•    Durable, weather resistant, and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

The rechargeable LED light-up collars and leashes can be purchased on the Shine for Dogs website and at supporting pet stores and pet service establishments who believe in their cause.