Pokémon Go
Pokémon GO is a gaming app created by Niantic with the tag
line “Get up and go catch Pokémon in the real world with Pokémon GO!” This app
is available in both Apple and Android.
Now you may be asking yourself why a dog blog is blogging
about Pokémon GO. There is one simple answer; it has had a huge impact on dogs
across the globe. While it was intended to get humans up and outside walking
more, it has also had a similar impact on dogs.
Those humans with dogs are taking their dogs with them while
walking around looking for Pokémon. I
have also seen some post shared on Facebook telling how Pokémon GO has been
affecting dogs in shelters across the country. Some shelters have started
renting their dogs for those playing Pokémon Go to walk while playing to help
hide the fact that they are playing the game. (I will include a couple screen
shots of them below.)
When possible, My boyfriend and I take Chip for what we call
Poke-walks. We take a few different routes through our local town past the
majority of the Poke-stops to collect gear. We get to play Pokemon Go and Chip
gets to go on a walk. It benefits all three of us by giving us something to
look forward to and get us excited about getting outside to exercise.
Walk For A Dog
In addition to Pokémon GO, there is an app called Walk for a
Dog by WoofTrax, Inc. It is also available on both Apple and Android.
Walk for a Dog donates to your local animal shelter. The
more people walking for your selected animal shelter the more money they could receive.
At the end of each donation period the funds are divided between the shelters
based on the number of active walkers. Their funds are acquired by sponsorships
and advertising.
I love that I can run Walk for a Dog in the background while
playing Pokemon Go. It makes me feel like I am doing something fun while
also doing something that benefits dogs less fortunate than Chip.
I try to remember each and every time I walk to use this
app, whether I am playing Pokémon Go, walking Chip, or just walking on my own.
I run both of these apps on an Android based Samsung Galaxy
s5.
Sincerely,
Chip & Jessica
! If you have never seen a Kong before its a hollow rubber toy that you can stuff with yummy treats. The shape makes it a challenge for your dog to get the treat that is inside. It comes in many colors and sizes depending on your needs. Fiona has the small puppy size which is perfect for her. As she gets older we will upgrade to a larger size Kong. The Kong is made from a very durable material. The standard Kong is red, but they do offer them in black for heavy chewers. They're is also an option for senior dogs!
. Nylabones come in many shapes, sizes and flavors. Her favorite is the chicken scented one. Nylabone also make edible bones that she also seems to enjoy. She is still going through the teething stage and chewing up a storm. She loves to chew on anything she can so having appropriate chewing toys is a must! 
. These chew are made from goats milk. They are long lasting and hold up well to lots of chewing. The first time I gave one to Fiona she was entertained for 45 minutes, which is incredible for her since she looses interest in things and udually moves on to something else quickly. She still continues to show interest in them at times. I often find one hidden in her bed where she buries it to chew on later. 
. I have noticed an amazing difference on our day to day walks as to how much slower she walks and without pulling. The harness works differently from a normal harness because the clip to connect the leash to is in the front vs the back. The difference in placement makes the dog turn if they start to pull too hard which in turn makes the dog slow down. For about the same price, or slightly more than a regular harness, you can have one that prevents pulling. 