5 Tips To Fuel Your Small Breed Dog/s

This post is sponsored by Wellness CORE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As an animal care provider I handle many shapes, sizes, ages and species throughout the week.

It has truly given me an appreciation for all of the many factors that contribute to what makes each and every pet I come across so very unique. And when it comes to dogs every wet nose, puppy slurp, and toe bean (yes, that's the official term) is as distinctly one of a kind as the pup that owns them.

Naturally, that is what makes annual vet check-ups so very important. Just like no human from any one background, hair color, shape, or size is identical to another of similar build every pup requires it's own unique map to a long, happy, life lived. However, when it comes to breed size, there are definitely some generic tips you can take to heart to help ensure your pups are living their happiest life, no matter their, erm, short-comings.

In no particular order, here are my favorite tips to help fuel small breed dogs, in particular...

#1: Let Them Slurp

If you have a small breed dog then you know that size does not limit personality. If anything small dogs are known for having larger than life personalities that define them far beyond their height and stature.

Whether your dog is justifiable timid and slow to trust, the life of the party at the end of the leash borking (yes, borking) on 2 paws, or the bossy bitch at the dog park talking smack through the chain link fence at the 'big dog side.' small breed dogs have consistently clear and defined personalities.

One thing is for certain, though, you are their favorite human- unless you have a food motivated dog- then the bringer of food is Person #1, and you are Person #2- but hey, #2 ain't so shabby, so don't feel bad. No matter the persona your small pup embodies it's important to know that you are their sun (or their moon, depending on where you are in the food galaxy) and any and all affections they so honorably bestow upon you should be greeted as though it were a treasured gift. After all, it kinds is, isn't it?

It may sound like common sense (great! then you do this already,) but your pup needs time to show you love and affection just as much as you feel you need to take time out to reciprocate with pets and love to them. This might just be a few seconds snuggled up against you, a moment where you take your hands off the laptop/coffee mug/smartphone for just 2 extra minutes, or that magical word "kisses" and an invitation for some sloppy kisses.

Whatever your dog's love language is use it often- this just may be one of the biggest fuels you can provide for a longer, happier life!

2. I Am My Own Dog

I often here people joke that those who parent small  breed dogs 'collect' them like crazy cat ladies collect cats. Just like potato chips, you can't have 'just one.'

If you've fallen into this pattern of tiny paws and itty snouts it can be easy to get a little laxed and let certain behaviors slide in the name of 'fairness' or even your own convenience.

Whether it's easiest to do 'the same' for every pup, or simply something you feel is right because that's the only 'fair' wait to do it- think again.

Going back to how each pup is their own unique, wonderful, ball of wonder and magic- each dog should always have the consideration of an individual. Sure, you CAN buy 1 large dog bowl and let all the small breed dogs graze on the same food throughout the day- but is that what's really best? Even brothers and sisters from the same litter, raised in the same household, can have different nutrition needs as they age. And if that isn't reason alone your pup will certainly appreciate seeing your recognize them as a unique individual with their own feeding station, and food consideration. You don't like the same exact things as your siblings, do you?

In our home Nora wouldn't get a single bite if Gidget had her say, so we are always sure to separate feeding areas to ensure that Nora gets every bite of her carefully selected food and nutrition. And Gidget, who metabolizes better than Nora, and can handle a higher fat content in her food for her high energy levels throughout the day, needs a little extra protein then mature Nora.

Taking time out to re-evaluate your small breed dog's needs on a 1-by-1 basis, at least once a year, while working with a vet for proper nutrition means you can get the most from meal time.

3. Protein Is At The CORE Of My Dog's Diet

While every dog is different, and your dog's diet should always be guided by a licensed veterinarian, many believe that small breed dogs can thrive on quality, natural, animal proteins. But finding a grain-free, protein-rich, natural pet food that also caters towards the tiny mouths of small breed dogs has traditionally been frustrating.

Many of my clients feed their pets Wellness® CORE® RawRev, a kibble+ dry food with 100% freeze dried meat, for a flavorful and protein packed meal that helps fuel breeds of every size. Until now, however, I haven't been able to share this range with my own pups, because the formulations weren't made for dogs their size.

However, Wellness® CORE® Small Breed is here at last and packed full of all sorts of flavorful treats from wet shreds and broth pouches to Wellness® CORE® Small Breed RawRev and Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats for a comprehensive selection to delight every small breed dog's unique palette and needs. Find Wellness CORE Small Breed at a store near you today!

Both of our girls are loving Wellness® CORE® Small Breed High Protein Kibble + 100% RAW Turkey- it's a safe and easy way to integrate RAW feeding into their diets at home and on the go. We transitioned this new blend into their old Wellness dog food over the course of a week and bowls are being licked clean. We even get a little happy dance at meal time!

Gidget, at 2.3lbs, benefits from a small portion of 'wet' feeding each day and enjoys the Wellness® CORE® Grain Free Mini Meals- especially the shredded varieties with generous chunks of meat you can see.

***PRO TIP: Make your own 'slow feeder' by sizing up your small breed dog's bowl to a 'large' bowl and adding small washable dog toys at the bottom. Cheap rubber based dog dogs are easy to wash in the dishwasher and soak, and help create a barrier for your pup to navigate at feeding time, for slower eating and better digestion!

4. Fuel Their Brain

Treating your pups is a wonderful time to bond, and a necessary part of any Small Breed to Human Slave relationship. However, where it is mandatory in the rules that treats are given often and amply, there is not regulation on how they must be presented- so I say, make them work for it!

These days there are many wonderful treat dispensers, robot treat launchers, and homemade puzzles you can provide to help exercise your pups brain, and senses, at treat time.

We, especially, have been enjoying watching Gidget 'forrage' for her Wellness® CORE® Petite Treats in a homemade "Snuffle Mat." You can find various kits online for plastic mat bases- but these Snuffle Mats really can be made at home with any felt strips of your choice tied to a variety of creative bases. The main idea is to tie the treats to, and hide them deep within, the flaps and folds of these mats.

You can make an event of it and present the filled mat to your pup, or slyly hide 1 or 2 in the mat when you pass by throughout the day. The Snuffle Mat is always a hot spot in our household!

5. Just Because I'm Small Doesn't Mean I Don't Need To Work Out

Naturally your dog's age, health, joints, etc- determine the amount of exercise and play they can safely do every day. The important part is to know what your small breed dog is capable of and encouraging them to do it!

It can be quite easy to have a lap dog, or two, or three snuggled at every corner of the couch or arm chair for hours on end- but the truth is that your and your pups should be motivating each other!

Just because they are SMALL does not mean their don't need to get their heart pumping, and stretch those tiny legs!

Take several time outs during the day, if even for 5 minutes, to stop and get their zoomies on with some silly fun beyond a trip to the backyard or a walk for potty.

Keep in mind your dog's size physical limitation and their environment, such as temperature, joint sensitivities, heights, and always provide plenty of fresh water before/during/after playtime, but PLAY often. You're not only fueling your pup's day, but enriching yours as well!

So there you have it, 5 of my favorite tips for fueling Small Breed Dogs for their furriest and fiercest life. Just like parenting or raising any other living thing, learning to raise and care for a small breed dog is a constantly evolving experience. There's no such thing as perfect, but remember, you're pretty darn close in your dog's eyes (unless, again, you aren't the bringer of food, then remember you're still pretty darn close.)

Your Dog Nudges You In The Most Unexpected Ways, #NudgeThemBack This Summer

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NudgeThemBack #CollectiveBias 

Momma Told Me: Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge.

It never really bothered me when people referred to me as a 'crazy cat lady,' until I got a dog. See, I'm a pet parent, not a cat hoarder or a dog owner. I'm the caregiver, nurturer, educator, provider, and companion to two lovely living beings. They just happen to have four paws and require a few extra accommodations in the potty training department. But if you think I own them, then you are sorely mistaken- after all, who wipes my hiney when I do the walk of shame back from the potty patch? Yes, I'm a firm believer that family is what you make it, and my furkids are my family. Sure, one day we'll add some 2 legged pooping machines to the mix but, for now at least, we're quite content parenting children that won't require student loans and college funds.

In fact, in recent years, the term 'pet parent' has grown with quite a bit of popularity. It's odd to think there ever was a time where cats and dogs weren't considered part of the family. Surely even those who first adopted for pest control or home security have forged an unbreakable bond of love and nurturing? After all, pets tend to nudge us in the most unexpected ways. With our 3 year old Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie,) Nora, the nudges have come in the form of patience, understanding, and the drive to live more active, overall.

When we decided to bring home a toy breed dog it was with the desire to have a traveling companion that suited our small 2 bedroom condo. I am, indeed, the epitome of a 'crazy cat lady,' in the sense that Truffles, our cat, is my baby and princess. However, Truffles does not travel outside our walls, and I have no desire to put her through the training of acclimating a cat to outdoor walks. (Besides, even I draw the line at a house cat in a harness, but I digress...)

When we brought Nora home she was about 5 months, and expected not to grow much more. To my relief, she did grow, but mostly in length. She is a very slender dog that holds her stature quite well in hair. Nora weighs 4.8lbs on a 'hefty' day. She's certainly not the smallest dog I've seen but she's tiny enough to give me a complex whenever shes underfoot, or out and about. While she is always nudging me to get out of the house and be more active, to burn calories, I am always trying to put some meat on her bones and 'fatten' her up.

And, while a proper pet parent can't walk past the pet aisle without a gander, this means I almost always bring something new and delicious home for Nora when I visit Walmart. On a recent trip I discovered the latest addition to one of her favorite treat brands, Nudges. The new Nudges Grillers and Sizzlers dog treats are made in the U.S.A., just like the original treats, with real meat as the #1 ingredient. Even better, they are 'people food' inspired with varieties such as Chicken Grillers and Beef And Cheese Sizzlers, while remaining absolutely natural, and artificial (filler) free! Our Walmart was sold out of the 3.5oz pouches so we took 2 18oz zipper pouches of these new Nudges Grillers and Sizzlers treats home.

I was so inspired by the adorable shapes of these new Nudges natural dog treats that I decided to stage a photo shoot during our next trip to the beach. Being a proud pet parent means taking lots of photos- and we have albums full of our four legged kids! Not only did the Nudges Grillers and Sizzlers dog treats look like real 'people' food, but they smelled delicious- Nora really threw some pouty faces out as I made her practice her 'leave its' for the photos! Of course, when we were done, it was time to hit the beach. If there's one thing Nora loves more than a delicious treat it's the chance to socialize with complete strangers. There's no 'small dog' complex here!

I dont like to brag about my fur children, but one of Nora's best qualities is her ability to walk up to absolutely anyone with a wagging tail and enthusiasm. She could easily sit at the end of the pier and people watch all day and never get bored. Of course, it doesn't hurt her chances for attention that she's absolutely adorable (okay, so I may be a little biased.)

Before we brought Nora home we hadn't been to the beach in years- In fact, I barely motivated myself to get off the computer (work) and walk down to the mailbox. These days we're all a lot more active. I try to look at the world through Nora's eyes, with such enthusiasm, and take her leash as an opportunity to get out, see more, and be more active. She nudges us constantly to live happier and healthier, and the beach is just one of her favorite places to take her parents.

On her first trip to the beach Nora decided she wanted to treat the ocean like her personal water bowl. We were pretty concerned when our daughter decided she wanted to return for seconds and thirds- after all, who wants a mouthful of saltwater? A few visits back a good wave fixed her of her fascination with drinking the ocean when she emerged from a surge soaked in her harness. So now it's our turn to nudge her back as she works on building her confidence around the beach and moving water. On the most recent trip she learned to observe the rhythm of the waves and began playing cat and mouse with the incoming tides.

Of course nothing in life is ever routine, and even Nora got caught by an unsuspecting wave. I can't imagine how cold she must have been as she scurried directly under her father's legs, pawing at his calves to let her 'up.' Even though she was just wet, and cold, my heart grew a little more for this tiny dog. There was our dogher, running to her dad for comfort and protection. Who could argue she's unlike any other child?

If you are a pet parent you know your four legged kids nudge you in the most unexpected ways, #NudgeThemBack this Summer with unexpected memories and Nudges Grillers and Sizzlers from Walmart. Follow Nudges Dog Treats on Facebook for more touching stored of doghood and bonding over life's little nudges. Remember, while fun in the sun is best for socialization and pup's health, don't forget to grab the water bottles. Hydration is important too- and I'm not talking about salt water, Nora! How has a pet or animal in your life nudged you unexpectedly?

What Daughter Says: Our dogher nudges us constantly to get out, be more active, and smile more. Nudge your pets back accordingly.

Summer is here and we're sharing all the fun with our fur children. Our #morkie nudges us to get out and do more, so we can live healthier and longer. Does your dog nudge you in unexpected ways? #NudgeThemBack this #Summer with @NudgesDogTreats Grillers from Walmart! #ad #dogsofinstagram #maltese #petsagram #grilltime #beach #SoCal #California #flipagram Made with @flipagram See full video at flipagram.com/askandilltell86

A video posted by Jenna Marie's (@mommatoldme) on May 16, 2015 at 1:20pm PDT

#Ad Rewarding Beyond Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. 

Momma Told Me: The best rewards are the ones you didn't even know you earned.

I still remember that first ride home. It was a long one, six hours long to be exact. We'd waited months to find Nora, and as I tucked my new ball of fluff safely into her 'car seat,' I distinctly remember the classic wave of 'new parent' fear washing over me. I worried about pet safety, if I'd be able to keep her happy in our second story condo, if I'd have the patience to potty train her, how we'd both deal with separation anxiety when I'd inevitably have to leave home to run errands. I was nervous, I was excited; but most of all I was in love. She was an adorable puppy, yes, but she was also the newest member of our growing family. That long ride 'home' Nora didn't whine once, and not a single accident was made; and you can bet I pulled my new dogher out of the car beaming with pride.

As a child we never had a dog in the household. We spent the first 10 years of my life in a condominium with a very tiny patio, and no grass. Momma was adamant that she always 'wanted' a dog, but that a dog simply wouldn't be happy living there. So I understandably had a bit of anxiety when Nora came into our lives, my own life stage very similar to those of my parents during my childhood. I worried if Truffles, our cat, would learn to accept her new sibling. I pondered adding a 1' fencing border around our patio railing. And I avoided the temptation of allowing Nora to sleep in our bed for fear one of us would roll onto her in the middle of the night. There was plenty of puppy-proofing; and as a toy breed dog, there are still many things we do today to ensure Nora's safety.

Nora picked up on training really fast; I often look back on how well she did with her basic commands and wonder why I never attempted to teach her tricks. I suppose I was too busy thinking of her as  family member more than a pet. Until she grew too long, she'd sleep on my shoulder while I blogged through the afternoon. When she'd become too big she'd sleep stretched alongside. And there were definitely some anxiety issues on both our parts whenever I'd have to leave the house. Much like a crying baby, we'd often have to practice on leaving Nora in  separate room while home, or leaving a radio on, to soothe her when her humans couldn't be around.

One of the behaviors we taught Nora shortly after crate training was 'homing' or 'spot training.' As a Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie,) Nora tends to be a very energetic breed that loves people more than any plaything. Seriously folks, this dog has no judgement when it comes to strangers; if you are a human you must be there to love her, period. This is where spot training came in especially handy. It's a technique Nora executes without fail, and to the amazement of 22 strange relatives huddled around her last Thanksgiving. When placed on one of her beds or play mats Nora will not move off the surface, for anything. The exception is that she is allowed to retrieve a wayward toy so long as she returns to her bed or mat immediately. We also permit Nora to be 'in good behavior' while technically off her spot, so long as she is still touching (IE a leg on the mat her head resting on her bed), and she is intelligent enough to comprehend this.

I will have to share a video of this sometime, it really is quite astounding. The only detriment is that you must remove the dog from her 'spot' if you wish her to roam freely or even come on command. Nora knows full well when she has free reign to roam, and will take advantage of it quite fully when there is no bed or mat around! During our training process there was a decent amount of patience, relocating the dog back to her 'spot' when she moved, and positive reinforcement in the form of treats. I distinctly remember feeling guilty every time I handed over a treat- most of the ingredients on the back of the generic pouch has an excessive amount of syllables and didn't sound very natural.

For a long time, since her behavioral training, Nora has forgone treats for that very reason. Occasionally I'd find a gluten free or handmade biscuits and chews I trusted and Nora would simply turn her nose up at them. I recently discovered Nudges premium jerky dog treats on a shopping trip at Walmart. I immediately recognized the American brand behind Nudges for their raised in the U.S.A. proteins and a quick once-over of the pouch told me I was right to trust my instincts. There were absolutely no fillers, and four delicious varieties to choose from; Health and Wellness, Bacon, Duck, and Beef. Even more exciting to me, as a pet parent, was the discovery that these FDA dog treats were made with human grade ingredients.

For a long time we've gone without 'treating' in our family because I felt there was no need for rewards if I wasn't actively training Nora- and she also never approved of the treats I approved of. When I recently opened a bag of Nudges dog treats for the first time our tiny dog nearly fell off the bed in excitement! Let' just say Nora is less than lady like when Nudges are involved. And it turns out she's not the only canine wagging their tail for these treats- check out the brand's Pinterest board for some adorably wholesome moments.

While my little girl is still quite 'little,' I still look back on those fluff ball days with pride. But I am always sure to stop and live in the little moments of today as well. We've made it two years together, and all of us still have our limbs (okay, I might be lacking a tail); that's an accomplishment in itself! Nora is always there will a silly grin and a wagging tail no matter what the universe has thrown at me, and sometimes I forget that all those little things are #NudgesMoments in themselves. I don't need my dog to do back flips or retrieve the paper to indulge in a little extra happiness; after all, she never asks me for anything before sharing her love....

What Daughter Says: Nora is a reward in herself. Doesn't she deserve a Nudge now and then?