cooltugs.com

03/25/2024

Fun competition! If you follow the page or not, you can still enter.

Start by following Puller Canada though. There will be more competitions and ways to get involved over the spring!

UPDATE: winners were announced! be sure to check out the live last Friday (29th March) for who won and instructions on how to claim your prizes.

Time to share the Puller Love 💜

I need your help to spread the word about how great Pullers are and how much they can help people and dogs. To do this we need more people involved! So…

First prize is a a set of Pullers for you and a friend who is not currently following this page. I’ll cover shipping if in North America. But anyone can win anywhere! (Approx $60 value although not redeemable for cash)

Second prize is an t-shirt. Same rules for shipping.

How to win…

Like this post and in separate comments

1. Tag a friend who has pullers and isn’t in this page as of today.
2. Tag a friend who doesn’t have pullers but you think might like them.

You need to do both to be entered. Each tag = an entry.

You can comment as many times as you’d like to and each new tag will get an entry after the initial tags 1 & 2.

Come back every day for more ways to get more entries!

Competition closes on Friday and the draw will happen Friday evening, 6pm PST.

This competition isn’t associated with meta in any way.

03/13/2024

Your chance to get your questions answered about anything Pullers!!

- dog not returning?
- dog not picking up?
- want your dog to tug more?
- come all the way back?
- destroying Pullers?
- not outing/dropping?

and more!

03/13/2024

But then if you’re following along here, you already know this!

03/02/2024

Thank you 🙏

03/01/2024

An important part of play is keeping our dogs safe.

Did you know that playing PULLERS properly is the safest way for your dog to play fetch?

Have you ever felt your stomach drop and your breath catch as you launch a ball for your dog and it hits and an unseen object that sends it off in a direction you couldn’t have imagined….but you know your dog will go for it anyway???

Or you’ve clenched your teeth and held your breath (always the breath holding 🤣) as your dog flings themselves at the frisbee and you’ve no idea what the landing will look like 😬

Well…there none of that with PULLERS.

A proper Puller throw:
💜 places the puller in front of your dog for a clean pick up
💜 it rolls so no fear of crazy bounces
💜 it rolls on the ground so no fear of crazy catches and landings.

And your dog will love them the most!! If they don’t already!!

Play safe and have fun with your dog today’

02/29/2024

How are your games going?
Do you struggle with outs?
A dog that chews their toys?
A dog that runs off…either their toy?
Or even a dog that won’t play.

Then join me for these bite sized lives on the Puller Canada FB page. And please ask your questions!! I’d love to support you in any way I can with your toy play journey 😊

…a bit about me:
- not just your average toy retailer 😉
- certified dog trainer (Karen prior academy)
- certified Puller coach
- and for those if you who are FDSA peeps, I’ve also TA’d Shade’s toy class as well as being fortunate enough to train with Shade in person for many years.

So problem solving is my thing 🤣

Have a question? Post, PM or respond to my story.

Know a friend who has a question? Please tag them below 😊

02/13/2024

When’s the best time to start teaching your dog to play with Pullers?

The answer is very simple… 💜 NOW 💜

And the next best time is when your dog’s a puppy 😊 if your dog is a puppy now, even better.

A bit confusing? Let me explain…

Chances are, if you’re here, then you have a fairly energetic dog and you’re looking for something else to do with them.

Fantastic!!

You’ve found that something, now don’t delay or question or second guess…go for it!

In a years time you want your look back and see how far you’ve come and how much Fun your dog is having. You don’t want to look back and wonder…and then think “I should have just given them a try last year…”

And the puppies….

All puppies like to play so take advantage of this!! It will never be easier than when they are a puppy to teach them to play with Pullers from scratch.

But no matter what, these mantras will help you

💜 I have fun with my dog no matter what!
And
💜 let it be easy

It can be easy…as long as you’re having fun 😉

Make every day a Puller Day!

01/20/2024

Because every day is a Puller day 😊💜💛💙

12/02/2023

Crazy how this year’s flown by and Christmas and the holidays are just around the corner. 24 days (or fewer) away by the time you see this.

If you’re looking for something fun, or a little different, something that won’t break the bank but is still great quality, you’ll find it at Cooltugs!

But don’t waste any time! Last day to shop to ensure you and your intended furry friend get their gift on time is December 15!!

In the meantime…’tis the season to be merry 🎄🐾🎄🎶🎄

11/22/2023

What do your dogs wear?

Big dogs should have wide flat collars. Here’s a sample what mine wear (pics taken this morning so genuinely what they wear, not done for show)

11/18/2023

So many designs to choose from!

This one is "graffiti" and comes in all sizes from the smallest to the biggest.
The plastic lock is extremely durable and reliable, and has a locking mechanism.
As with all of the products, I've tried them myself, and they work!

Sale is coming November 24th...
Put a not in your calendar and subscribe to be the first to know when it starts.

11/18/2023

Because dogs need to accessorize too...

So many patterns to choose from.

Made from nylon, they are wear resistant, easy care AND hardware comes with a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.

In case you're eyeing these, the top is 'Watermelon', then comes 'NASA' and the leash is 'Dreamcatcher'.

Which is your favourite?

11/16/2023

Black Friday Super Sale is coming…

I know…I’m supposed to be doing other things, BUT I have so many GORGEOUS leashes and collars that are dying to find there forever homes and didn’t make it into the Labour Day sale.

So, if you’re looking for:
🐾 stocking stuffers,
🐾 inexpensive items that will actually last,
🐾 novel dog patterns and prints,
🐾 beautiful leather items that you just can’t get elsewhere
🐾 and more…

Look no further!
If you haven’t already done so, subscribe to the website (link in bio) and plz share far and wide.

More details to follow soon…

09/05/2023

Not sure how to measure for your airy vest?
Check this video out

09/04/2023

but the fun doesn't have to stop with the right gear!!

Airy Vest is the lightest, most packable dog vest you'll find.
It is designed for maximum functionality - breathable fabric, puffy and light, and has a bit of give in it too. It isn't a full jacket, but a vest, so it doesn't inhibit your dog's movement as they go about their adventures.

Limited and colours and sizes (as wth everything), but these too are on sale! If my dogs liked (and needed clothes) these are the coats I'd have, because they are so pretty!

Functional and fashionable! who knew that was even possible with dogs!!

So if you have a dog that gets chilly in the winter, this is the coat for you.
Measure carefully (see the next post) as chest and neck measurements are important.

(these are water resistant, not water proof).

09/02/2023

The savings have started!!

With limited stock, and discounts of up to 60% on some items, if there’s anything you ever wanted from the store….

NOW is the time!!

Be sure to check out new things like the flexi leashes and FUN tugs too.

I’ll be adding new items as the weekend progresses too so be sure to subscribe to my email list if you haven’t already done so.

Just click on the link in the bio and doggy heaven awaits you!!

08/28/2023

Are you a flexi person…?

The use thereof is often hotly debated, and they’re used under cover of night 🤣

But these are flexis you can be proud to use any time, all the time!

They are practical, light and pretty!

I brought them in for stores but these premium products are too expensive for the Canadian market.

So you, the lucky few, get them at a great price this Labour Day sale!

And I’ve had them tested here…on Malinois 🤣

So, win win situation if you ask me 🤷‍♀️

Mark your calendars…sale starts Friday!! Limited stock that won’t be replenished.

08/27/2023

Looking fur a new waterproof collar with a super fancy clasp???

These metal quick release clasps don’t rust!!

And the collars are all the same ones you love in the plastic version.

And…you won’t find them anywhere in Canada (that I know of) in a brick and mortar store.

They will be on sale and like the whole water proof range, this online retail store won’t be carrying them going forward.

To be clear, it’s just because I’m changing focus and has nothing to do with the product. The product is fantastic! My dogs wear them every day.

AND the hardware comes with a life time guarantee directly from the maker. So…nothing to lose and everything to gain when you get one if these for your dog 😊

With the rainy season coming to BC any day now, you need AT LEAST one waterproof, stink proof collar for you dog. Just sayin’…🤷‍♀️

08/25/2023

So…what have you been up to this year?? 🤦‍♀️

I started off the year convinced I could do all the things…
- be a great Mum
- look after our 3 amazing but demanding dogs
- run a home
- look after my partner AND
- run a business…

Turns out I was wrong. Something(s) had to give 🙁

Which is why you have seen me post much or do much of anything cooltugs or dog training related this year.

And what I’m realizing is, unfortunately, things aren’t likely to change any time soon.

So with that in mind, I’m downsizing and refocussing. Starting with a sale!

I will be having a BLOWOUT Labour Day weekend sale.

For the majority, once the stock has been sold, that’s it, I won’t be restocking.

- no more leashes and collars
- no more liker balls and frisbees
- no more coats

I started Cooltugs because I wanted to help people learn to play with their dogs to benefit their relationship.

I wanted to help them (and you!) be the fun your dogs deserve.

But just a toy won’t do that for you. It’s much more about you and less about the toy than you think. Don’t get me wrong, the toy counts too…initially anyway.

So, in future, my plan is to not only give you the toy your dog will love, but also to teach you how to use it and play in a way your dogs loves!! So that you can both enjoy the relationship you’ve dreamed of 💕

But in the meantime….there’s a SALE coming your way!!

08/22/2023

Couldn’t agree more!

The Dog Daddy and people like him must go. Time to stand up for what you believe in.

The world is a strange place and working in an unregulated industry I have learned to accept that there are going to be many different opinions on different things and scrolling past without comment is not only wise, but essential for maintaining sanity and retaining the energy to give to those who align with your ethics and want to improve the lives and welfare of animals.

I have been fairly quiet on this page in recent months, partly due to raising a young dog who deserves my focus, looking after my other animals, taking care of family and getting on with the job of teaching and working with people and their dogs in real life – and partly because I have just been finding Facebook training groups a bit of an information overload, with so many warnings, lectures, cautionary tales and nitpicking over EVERYTHING that I just haven’t had the energy to engage.

There have always been dreadful “balanced” or punishment-based trainers out there and my policy for the most part is to avoid them and hope that in time they will have enough rope to hang themselves. For my own sanity, I don’t look at or engage with posts by aversive trainers and I avoid sharing things which could draw people to them. I don’t believe that engaging in social media fights is a productive use of time. I am also generally not keen on jumping on the bandwagon and joining in with all the hand-wringing that occurs every time some “hero” in the dog world turns out to have feet of clay. I guess it is human nature that we love to build people up and then tear them down, but I don’t think it helps any of us at the end of the day or the message we are trying to put out there about welfare-based training and behaviour modification. This doesn’t mean that I am not discerning or that I won’t make a decision that a certain trainer is no longer someone who’s content I will share, but I prefer to make this decision quietly on my own and not as some form of cancel culture mob justice.

Having said all of this, there is one thing that I cannot keep quiet about and that is the flagrant abuse of animals for the sake of celebrity and media sensation. Having had video clips of “The Dog Daddy” shown to me this week, I feel strongly that this is something we all need to take a stand against. In a world where big tech is happy to wield censorship when it suits them, under the guise of “community standards” or “misinformation”, it is the height of hypocrisy that platforms like Facebook and YouTube allow videos to be published where a man, dressed like some sort or deranged cartoon character, physically assaults and strangles dogs.

In what other “industry” would this kind of abuse be happily viewed by the public and seen as entertainment? Imagine a TV show where teachers smacked students around in a classroom or one where parents brought their difficult children to a child psychologist who proceeded to place his hands around their necks and throw them around on the floor in front of an audience. Imagine a show about a zoo or animal park, where instead of learning about the behaviour and needs of the animals being cared for, viewers were entertained by animal keepers wrestling animals to the ground, forcing them to “submit” and throttling them. Any zoo, animal park or sanctuary that was even suspected of such practises would be shut down in five minutes, but do these things to dogs and it is just good viewing? This kind of thing is utter depravity. It is sick and twisted. It needs to be stopped. The Dog Daddy has no interest in helping dogs, he is just a social media clown, out to make money off the suffering of dogs by appealing to the worst aspects of human nature. There is no doubt that what the Dog Daddy does violates animal welfare laws around the world, yet on he goes with no authorities speaking out. Why has he not been charged and prosecuted?

Why is it that the species we have elevated to one of the highest places in society and claim to love the most, we also have the lowest welfare standards for? How is it possible that in 2023 people still cannot process that what they are seeing is the blatant physical and emotional abuse of dogs? I suppose it is cognitive dissonance and the desire to avoid an inconvenient truth that would demand accountability.

This is the one thing in the dog world that I will not abide or sit quietly by and ignore. If the Dog Daddy or anyone like him comes to your town, take a stand: write to prospective venues and express your displeasure, write to your local authorities, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and cite the welfare acts that such “entertainment” would violate. Write to sponsors of such events and boycott them. Engage in peaceful protest.

If there is anything worth taking a stand on, it is this.

(Link to petition in the comments)

07/08/2023

Do you have possession problems with your toy play??

I remember Inga as a puppy:
- all chase, no fetch;
- toy hoarder extraordinaire;
- drop it…what’s that??
Cooperation was NOT part of her vocabulary 🤦‍♀️

But I was determined that we would have a great game, one that she would love and love enough that she’d want to work with me.

It took time, and patience…lots of patience!! But it was so worth it. And I’m so grateful for the dog trainer she helped me become.

What helped me the most was a 2 toy game AND capturing the drop. I sat and because luring doesn’t work for long. Not with a possessive dog, not with any dog.

Have you fixed your possession problems?? Tell me how in the comments ⬇️ I’m always looking for new and creative ideas.

[picture of a Malinois puppy (not my Inga) with a in its mouth jumping at a …hoping to acquire says second toy too!]

06/06/2023

It's that time of year!!

The BC Yukon Regional Agility Championships are happening in Campbell River on Vancouver Island this year and this weekend!

Ordinarily I'd be there, cheering everyone on and setting up a stall, but this year...baby.

But...

A good friend offered to deliver orders to the event as she is going to be there to watch and support!!! If you know Lorraine, this won't surprise you :-).
Thank you Lorraine!!!

SO, there's a last minute sale on NOW.

Here are the details:

For competitors or people attending regionals:
- if you would like free delivery to the event you must order BEFORE NOON on FRIDAY June 9. Use the PICK UP option for zero delivery charges (don't worry about the address - this is the only way I could do it). You will be emailed instructions on where and how to pick up your order.

Good news is, the sales are on for everyone!!

What can you get:

20% off most waterproof leashses, collars and harnesses (because it's summer and dogs like to swim!!)
10% off Classic Ruff & Tumble drying coats;
20% off discontinued colours and styles for Ruff & Tumble drying coats;
10% all Floramicato toys (coupon needed - BCRegionals10%)
and if you're having your order delivered, that's free shipping too!!

Stock is limited as I wasn't expecting to be able to sell to all the competitors, so order early to avoid disappointment!

Any questions? send me an email - [email protected].

And last, but not least...

Best of luck to everyone competitng this weekend! Hope you have a blast with your dogs!

🇨🇦

05/10/2023

No, I don’t mean a golden 😜 although they’re pretty cute!

If you don’t have a ruff & tumble drying coat for your dog yet, I feel obliged to ask ‘why not’?

If your dog only ever has 1 item of clothing in their wardrobe, THIS should be it!!

And if they have 2, the second should also be a ruff & tumble dog coat!

Now I know not all dogs swim… but do you
- bath your dog?
- do they take their own mud baths?
- do you walk them in the rain?
- do they roll on wet grass, or better yet, freshly cut wet grass?

If the answer to any of these is yes, then you need one.

Or…
- do they get hot?
- cold?
- afraid of loud noises?
- play in the snow?

Then these help too. There uses are about as endless as can be.

So, I’ll ask again, if you don’t have a ruff & tumble dog coat for your dog…why not? I’m curious, truly. Pop your answer in the comments below ⬇️

📷 Sarah Knight Dog Training

04/19/2023

Just because your dog likes toys, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to use them as rewards…yet!

Toys are so much fun and CAN add so much to your connection with your dogs and your training relationships.

BUT…if you and your dog don’t have the necessary toy skills and communication in place, trying to use toys can have the opposite effect.

Instead of adding joy, it can create frustration;
instead of improving behaviours, it can make them more unreliable;
instead of a more willing partner, it can create the opposite.

So, how do you know if your dog is ready for you to use toys as rewards?

Ask yourself these 3 questions:
- does my dog return with the ball/toy immediately?
- does my dog have an offered drop?
- does my dog understand their toy reward marker?

If the answer to any of these is no, then using toys in your training is premature.

Can you do it? Yes.
Will it come back to bite you? Yes!!

Not sure of your answers or how to get these skills?

Send me a DM! Toys is what I do as a dog trainer, and I’m currently offering complimentary 15 minute zoom consultations. So claim yours now!

04/15/2023

A toy for all sizes of dog and for all stages of growth!

Did I mention that ??

Not sure what size is best for you dog? Ask away 😊

04/14/2023

“Help!! I’m tired of having to get all the toys for all the things…”

Yip…this problem is real. But I love it when I can solve it for people. In a word, PULLERS!

My conversations usually go something along the lines of…

- “Good in water?” Me; Yes!! They float brilliantly 💧
- “But my dog likes to jump and tug…” me: No problem! And what’s more, with PULLERS your dog won’t bite your hands 😃
- “how about fetch? Surely not that too….?” Me: PULLERS have you covered, AND they are the safest way to play fetch too.
- “but I live in Canada and it snows…”. Me: PULLERS are great in snow too.
- “ok ok that’s nice. But at what age can I start them. I have a puppy?” Me: tight now! No time like the present.

So, what are you waiting for? Pullers do it all and are designed so dogs will love them!

Don’t believe me? Scroll right to see them in action.

What’s your dogs favourite thing to do? Pop it in the comments and we’ll see if PULLERS are right for you.

04/09/2023

Back by popular demand!!
And available to buy now 💙💛

The Colours of Freedom PULLERS are the same great PULLERS you love BUT….

This iconic limited edition from the makers of the are also making a difference on the ground, in Ukraine.

Some things you need to know:
- There is a limited number as it is a limited edition.
- By purchasing a set of these pullers you will be supporting the removal of mines in Ukraine. So this is a great way to actually
- They come in all the sizes!
- They are the same price as purple pullers
- When they’re gone…they’re gone.

Don’t miss out!!

04/09/2023

Spring has arrived in full force and it seems crazy that the Easter long weekend is already upon us!

The dogs don’t look any different in spring…other than blowing their coats 🤦‍♀️ but I couldn’t resist sharing these beautiful and delicate flowers.

Nature constantly amazes me with its incredible knowing what to do when. The fresh start everything is given never disappoints.

Hope you and your dogs take the opportunity to have some fresh starts too 💛💜

12/28/2022

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my family to yours ❤️

I hope you’ve been able to take the time you need to do whatever you need.

For some that’s celebrating with family and friends, and for others, this time of year is hard. Sending you doggie kisses from my pooches to help you through, either way.

Christmas was special for us this year, with our new edition and also somewhat overshadowed by the loss of a very dear friend, and fellow local dog community member just before. A reminder to hold those who are dear to you tight.