Category Archives: Dog

The 5 Best Things About Owning a Shiba Inu

I felt kind of bad after I wrote 10 things you should probably know about Shiba Inus. I know most of you got that I was kind of poking fun at Rigby and his breed of weirdos, but I was also fairly serious. They’re not really for the faint of heart and I think everyone should know that, especially because I get frequent comments or emails about where one can acquire a Shibe.

BUT, with that said, I am a Shiba lover. They’re cute and quirky and way too smart. So I figured I’d follow up my last post to share why Shibas will always have my heart, despite their interesting personalities.

The Best Things About Owning a Shiba Inu  / hellorigby dog and lifestyle blog

The 5 Best Things About Owning a Shiba Inu

1. They’re darn adorable. Whether it’s making “Airplane Ears”, howling, play bowing, or walking around the house grunting a greeting with a toy in their mouth, it’s hard from melting into a puddle from the cuteness.

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Rigby Reviews: Orijen Treats & Kong Toys

Product Sample: Complimentary toys and treats were provided to me in exchange for this review from Chewy.

Hi guys! Rigby here. You may remember me, since this blog is named after me and all. I know it’s been awhile since I last pawed my woof out, but I’m still the king of this castle. Mom wasn’t paying attention and I got my paws back on her laptop so I could share something fun that Chewy.com sent for me to try out. It was so good, in fact, that I think you need to get both for my fellow doggies and kitties with bloggies: Orijen’s Freeze Dried Dog Treats (also for cats!) and the Kong On/Off Squeaker toy. Mom demanded I work for my food and play time, but it was more than worth it.

Rigby Reviews: Orijen Freeze Dried Treats in Bison Review / hellorigby lifestyle and dog blog

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10 Things You Should Probably Know About Shiba Inus

They’re cute and they’re fuzzy. They kind of look like foxes, wolves, coyotes, and dingos. But they’re anything but your “average” dog. From day one, Rigby has brought about so many questions. From the “what breed is that?” to the “I want one!” responses, I thought I’d share some of what I’ve learned about the Shiba Inu temperament, and other things I think you should probably know if you’ve ever considered owning one too.

*Please note, Shiba Inus each have their own personality and just like their owners, are special and unique. These experiences reflect my own experiences with my own dog and other Shibas I have met over the years. I am not dog professional, just a passionate dog owner.

10 Things You Should Know about Shiba Inus from a Shiba Owner / hellorigby seattle lifestyle and dog blog

10 Things You Should Probably Know About Shiba Inus (From a Shiba Inu Owner)

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5 Ways Becoming a Dog Owner Has Changed Me

Just shy of two years ago, my whole world was rocked when we picked up a little Shiba Inu named Rigby. Rigby is my very first dog, and I would have never guessed as to how much he would change me. He basically took over my life – including inspiring the name of this blog! ;) Since Jamie from SnapGinger is a big dog lover (and isn’t Roxy the cutest?!), I figured sharing 5 ways becoming a dog owner has changed me would be relatable to all of the other dog lovers out there.

5 Ways Becoming a Dog Owner has Changed Me / hellorigby.com

Be sure to check out the rest of this post over at SnapGinger today!

5 Ways to Challenge Your Dog’s Bored Mind

You know how much I love my dog, so when I found Cat’s blog, Oddly Lovely, I was smitten. She’s like a cooler version of me because not only does she share posts about controversial topics and her pets, she also creates recipes that look and sound far too good. Today she’s got some awesome dog boredom buster suggestions and ways to entertain your dog because really, there’s nothing better than a tired dog!

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My dog Ru is my best friend. It’s funny, because I was really never a dog-person before she came along. Then I took a trip to “just visit” an animal shelter, and the moment we looked into each other’s eyes, it was all over. Now I am a crazy dog lady. Ru comes with me to the office, and she waits for me outside grocery stores and coffee shops. Together we got our Canine Good Citizen certificate and now we’re starting a nose-work class so we can try out container searches like bomb and drug sniffing dogs. She is so happy and smart and eager to please. It really makes me understand the expression “Lord, help me be the person my dog thinks I am.”

5 Ways to Entertain Your Dog / @oddlylovely for @hellorigby

In addition to exercise, the #1 thing most dogs lack is mental stimulation. Sure, they can hang out on the couch all day and stare at the wall for what seems like hours. But their boredom certainly contributes to the destruction of your shoes and the holes in the yard. Dogs are not children – they want to WORK. They love to be challenged and they love discipline. Find little ways you can turn your dog’s boring life into little puzzles, and they will thank you for it.

Here are my five favorite ways to mentally challenge my pup:

Turn meals into challenges with food toys

This is my absolute favorite way to keep Ru entertained when I’m busy at the office. Pick up some food toys like these Kong Geniuses, stuff them full of regular kibble (or stinky treats if your dog feels so-so about food), and let them puzzle out how to get the food out. In fact, you can feed your dog entire meals exclusively out of food toys, effectively turning a ten-second activity into an hour long mental challenge. Other than the Kong Genius toys, Ru also loves the Tug-a-Jug and the Bob-A-Lot. Continue reading