BarkBox Review + Coupon: Summer Olympics Edition

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Our July BarkBox has arrived and that means it’s time for this month’s BarkBox review, where Daisy and I give you an insider’s look at all the dog toys, treats and surprises that come with the world’s most popular dog subscription box.

This month’s BarkBox is dedicated to the 2020 Summer Olympics that were supposed to happen this July-August in Tokyo but have been postponed til 2021 due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. This is the first time in history that the Summer Olympic Games have been postponed rather than cancelled. Although we are very sad about the postponement, we are super happy that BarkBox decided to keep the Olympics theme!

As with each month’s dog subscription box from BarkBox, this one included 2 fun toys inspired by the theme, plus 2 full-size bags of dog treats and a tasty meat chew. You can expect a value of $30-$40 worth of dog toys and treats in each month’s BarkBox, for as low as $21/month including Free US Shipping. Read on to see what we thought of our July BarkBox.

Daisy gets the large dog box which is shown in all our BarkBox reviews, but whatever size your dog is, they will get the same number of toys and treats in appropriate sizes. Treats are also customized based on whether you specify food allergies in your dog’s BarkBox profile.

We hope you’ll stay for our BarkBox review but if you are just here for the BarkBox coupon, promo code WOOFWOOFMAMA will get you a FREE extra month added to any order of 1-month or more at BarkBox.com/woofwoofmama.

July BarkBox Dog Toys

Rocco Socco Dog Toy ($10 retail value) This soft and squeaky raccoon dog toy flips inside out and turns into a soccer ball. Perfect for a game of fetch, and adorable in his olympic athletic attire!

Retrieve the Gold Dog Toy ($10 retail value) A dog toy that can also be worn as a medal. It’s got an adorable emoji face, giant disc squeaker and nylon strap with velcro that detaches easily for safety and convenience. And in this game, everyone gets a participation medal, regardless of the judges’ scores!

BarkBox dog toys are always super cute and unique, and the BarkBox folks never fail to surprise and delight us with something new in each month’s box. Not every dog gets the same toys in their BarkBox, so here’s a look at some of the variations.

July BarkBox Dog Treats

Treaties Peanut Butter Recipe Dog Treats ($5 retail value) The packaging looks just like the Wheaties box with a famous Olympian on the cover, except it’s an adorable pup-thlete. The perfect post workout treat.

Treaties Lamb Dog Treats ($5 retail value) The snack of chompians! Every athlete needs their protein, and lamb is the first ingredient in these tasty snacks.

Peanut Butter and Carob Stick Dog Treat ($3 retail value) We always love the chew stick that’s included each month in Daisy’s BarkBox. To make them last longer, and control her portions, I break off a piece at a time.

We think this month’s BarkBox deserves a GOLD MEDAL, but if you ever receive a toy or treat that doesn’t make you happy or that isn’t suitable for your dog, know that BarkBox will send you a FREE replacement with no questions asked. You don’t even have to send back the unwanted item. They encourage you to donate or share it, and will send you a replacement more to your dog’s liking! It’s part of their Scout’s Honor Satisfaction Guarantee that comes with every delivery.

There are always extras and fun surprises in each BarkBox, so be sure to check the inserts that come with your dog’s box. This month’s extra surprise is that the cardboard insert is designed so that you can turn your dog’s BarkBox into a podium where they can pose with their medal. Very cute as a photo prop for your dog’s Instagram or other social media profiles.

BarkBox Cost and Value

By our calculation, this month’s BarkBox had $33 worth of dog toys and  treats if you were to purchase them all separately.

That’s a great value when you consider that subscription prices start at $21/month with free US Shipping.

In addition to saving money, we also love the WOW-factor and excitement of getting a new delivery of surprises each month. It’s a chance to discover new dog treats and toys that we might not have known about otherwise. And the BarkBox toys are really Instagram-worthy, making them the perfect photo props in addition to some amazing and unique dog toys!

Visit BarkBox HERE to learn more!

To learn more about Classic and Super Chewer BarkBox, visit our BarkBox Coupon and Review Page for BarkBox coupon codes, reviews and photos.

7 Adorable Jigsaw Puzzles for Dog Lovers

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If you are looking for an activity while you and your family are isolated at home, why not dig in to a new jigsaw puzzle. These adorable and entertaining dog and puppy puzzles are sure to beat the blues. Here are our recommendations to help relieve some stress and put a smile on your face during these difficult times.

All items are in-stock and prices are accurate at time of publication, but may be subject to change. Free 2-day shipping on most items.

Dean Russo Dog is Love 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $13

AlphaDogs 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $18.95

Momo The Dog 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $13.99

Mudpuppy Hot Dogs A-Z 1000 Piece Dog Jigsaw Puzzle $20

Beach Dogs 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $14.99

Dogs in The Park 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $21.95

The Puppy Gang’s All Here 300 Large Piece Jigsaw Puzzle $10.99

Play Your Way To Good Manners Dog Training Book Review

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Dog lovers, there’s a brand new dog training book dropping this week. Daisy and I got an early copy so we could check it out and tell you all about it.

It’s Play Your Way To Good Manners, Getting the Best Behavior from Your Dog through Sports, Games, and Tricks. The authors are accomplished dog trainers Kate Naito and Sarah Westcott.

There are many dog training books out there, but what we really love about this one is that it focuses on The Power of Play. I think we all know that learning is faster and more effective when we’re having FUN, but we often forget this when it comes to training our dogs. This book focuses on positive reinforcement and takes the frustration out of teaching AND learning.

Training topics include these basics: sit, down, stay, recall, and leashed walking; PLUS cute tricks, advanced tips, and games to beat boredom and encourage good manners.

Go HERE to get a look inside the book.

Spot Magazine says, “If you live with a dog, or plan to live with a dog, or just like other people’s dogs, consider this book required reading. It extends the responsibility for companionship and communication to both ends of the leash, helping humans understand dogs, what motivates them, and how they learn.”

We think this one is worth grabbing for yourself or your favorite dog person. It’s being released this week and is available HERE with Amazon’s Pre-Order Low Price Guarantee, or look for it at your favorite local book shop.

11 Rainy Day Activity Ideas for Pet-Loving Kids

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Rainy Day Crafts Kids

Summer is a super FUN time of year for kids, but rainy days can have everyone stuck indoors and looking for something to do. We’ve put together a new list with lots of rainy day activity ideas for pet-loving kids. Some involve a little supervision, or some planning ahead, so take a look and pin this list for later so you’ll always be prepared to help your kids entertain themselves on the next rainy day!

Printable PAW Patrol Dance Game

PAW Patrol Pup Pup Boogie Dance Game: Nothing beats the rainy day blues like an indoor dance party! Use this free printable from PAW Patrol and get your tails wagging! Get the Free Printable Game Template and Instructions here.

 

DIY dog house

Kid’s DIY Cardboard Box Dog House: Every dog should have a super fun indoor dog house, and it’s easy to make one. Help your kids with this tutorial for parents on how to make an indoor dog house from cardboard boxes.

DIY Catnip Toy Kids Craft

Make DIY Catnip Toys for Cats:  Check out this simple and fun kid’s activity to make some sock fish catnip toys for your cat and all their neighborhood pals, too. It’s a great way to use some of those solo socks that are missing their partner!

How To Draw Dog for Kids

Draw a Portrait of your Dog or Cat: Search youtube for loads of helpful instructional videos on how to draw pets, like this one.  Also visit Crayola for a free printable How to Draw Dogs Coloring Page for Kids.

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Help Your Pet-Loving Tween or Teen Explore a Veterinary Career with Vet Set Go!

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vet learning pics

Do you have a child or grandchild who wants to be a veterinarian? If so, you’ll want to make sure they know about Vet Set Go. It’s the first and only online community dedicated to helping aspiring veterinarians explore their passion. It’s free to join, and your tween or teen will get access to all kinds of resources, including videos, games, articles and more. I’ve spent the last week or so exploring the site and am SO impressed with everything. Here are some of the highlights from my tour:

Vet Learning Games

Super fun and interactive learning games to help future veterinarians explore everything from dog breeds to animal anatomy. Don’t let the cute illustrations fool you…these games are challenging! I scored 7 out of 10 on my first anatomy quiz and learned quite a bit. And I’ve become somewhat obsessed with the blood works game…super cool sound effects, too!

 

The Meet the Vet video series features all sorts of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of different types of veterinarians and the work they do. This is a great way for interested kiddos to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Zoo Veterinarian, a Shelter Vet, a Veterinary Oncologist, Sea Turtle Specialist and more. Who knew there were so many interesting and exciting career options for animal lovers!?!

Vet Camp for Kids

One of my favorite features of Vet Set Go is their large database of activities including Vet Camps, Zoo Camps, Hospital and Vet Office Tours, Volunteer opportunities and more. You can search by type of activity and location. I was pleased to learn about several opportunities in our area including Zoo Miami’s Conservation Teen Scientist program for high school students seeking to learn more about environmental conservation, wildlife biology, zoo operations, and public engagement.

Vet Set Go Book

The Moms Choice Award winning Vet Set Go! Book is written for 9-14 year olds interested in becoming a veterinarian. Includes tips and advice on how get animal experience, volunteer, learn animal science, meet veterinarians, and connect with other aspiring veterinarians. Full of color photographs and graphics on every page offering checklists, case studies and action plans to help your kid turn their dream of becoming a vet into a reality.

To preview the book, explore the free online community resources and connect with other aspiring veterinarians, visit vetsetgo.com. Also be sure to follow with the Vet Set Go Facebook page and Instagram for news, updates and photos.