Dog Whisperer | Final Episodes - Sept 8th and 15th - 8 PM ET

The Dog Whisperer has become so much a part of our culture that I catch my sister trying to "Tssst!" her grand-dog into behaving as I try "Tsst-zing!" my husband into doing the same. I imagine there are millions of Dog Whisperer devotees, just like us, who are also doing their darndest to mimic Cesar's mystical methods. LOL!

Check-out the Captain of Canine Conversation in this hysterical video:

 

As another season of the Dog Whisperer comes to a close we thank our lucky liver treats for Cesar's serene supervision as we delved deeper into the canine psyche. Only two episodes left and we're here to tell you that they were worth the wait!

Tonight's episode, "Hollywood Hounds" features fitness guru, Jillian Michaels, and her Chihuahua, Richard, who is in desparate need of a mental "chill pill." Jillian is in the process of adopting a two year old daughter and doesn't want to fear for her new babe's safety around her pup.

Next we visit Kelsey Grammer and his wife, Kayte, whose dogs, Elvis and George, have a propensity for pottying indoors rather than dirtying their outdoor play-space. Will Cesar be able to save the day and the carpet?

In next Saturday's episode, "Cesar's Worst Bite," Cesar comes face to face with Holly, a Lab pup with some serious food aggression issues. Cesar learns first-hand just how dangerous this pooch's problem is when he is rushed to the hospital after sustaining a bad bite.

In Cesar's next case we meet Lenie, pregnant and homeless, with an opportunity to make a fresh start courtesty of a women's shelter that is willing to take-in her and her beloved Pit Bull, Tucker. But will Tucker's protective nature keep Lenie from making a better life for her and her unborn baby? Can the Dog Whisperer work his magic and keep this family together?

Tune in to Nat Geo Wild tonight, September 8th, and next Saturday, September 15th, for the exciting, final installments of our favorite Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan!

Video Review | Petprojekt Skrubal Football

by Guest Blogger Pat Knoll

Betsy may have met her match! Made from 100% natural, non-toxic rubber, the Skrubal Football is the  perfect toy for any dog that loves to chew away at their toys. The Skrubal Football is very rugged and durable.

Betsy is considered a strong to heavy chewer so, in the past, we've worried about how well a rubber toy would stand up to her strong jaws. Betsy has tested Petprojekt toys in the past and they have all successfully endured everything Betsy has thrown at them. 

Check-out Betsy with her new Skrubal Football

 

The Skrubal continues to stand up to her constant chewing and gnawing. Betsy’s favorite thing to do to new toys is to find a weak spot, and chew on it until the toy is absolutely worthless. The unique ridged construction of the Skrubal makes it nearly impossible for her to find a weak spot to exploit. And the Skrubal's fun, football-type shape makes it bounce in all sorts of crazy directions. Betsy thoroughly enjoys chasing it around the yard and playing fetch with it.

Skrubal Footballs ($14) can be found on the Petprojeckt^TM website along with TONS of other really cool dog products.

Petprojekt | 2012 Global Pet Expo Exhibitor

Think your product can pass the Secret Shopper's test? Send us an email: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.

Video Review | Aroma Paws Honeysuckle & Jasmine Dry Skin Shampoo

by Guest Blogger Jessica Rinehart

As you can see by the picture, Khloee was one unhappy pup prior to her bath with the aroma paws dry skin and dandruff relief shampoo and conditioner.

We just rescued her a few weeks ago and she has been itching all over day and night ever since. I looked everywhere for fleas or other pests that might be bothering her or for any visible rashes or bumps. I couldn’t find anything causing her discomfort so I determined she just had dry skin.

I went to the pet store and bought specific anti-itch oatmeal shampoo. The next few days she continued to itch all over. I felt so bad, she was obviously very uncomfortable and the oatmeal shampoo I had bought hadn’t helped at all.

Then, as if it was meant to be, we received Aroma Paws Luxury Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for dry skin and dandruff relief to review. I was excited to see if maybe this brand would work better for her.

 

The night after using the Aroma Paws shampoo and conditioner, I kept watching to see if she would start itching again, but to my surprise she didn’t. Not once. Plus her fur smelled of jasmine and violet and was seriously shiny and soft.

I was skeptical of the product being a shampoo and conditioner in one. We all know how well those work on human hair and I suspected I'd have to spend an hour brushing her out following the bath. Surprisingly this was not the case, the conditioning agents worked fantastically. I also love that the Aroma Paws shampoo and conditioner is all natural and chemical free and contains no dyes, parabens, alcohol, salt, phosphates, synthetic fragrances.

Khloee and I give the Aroma Paws Luxury Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Dry Skin and Dandruff Relief Formula a VERY positive review.

You can purchase a 12 oz. bottle of Aroma Paws Honeysuckle Jasmine - Dry Skin & Dandruff Relief Formula online at AromaPaws.com for $14.99.

Think your product can pass the Secret Shopper test? Send us an email: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.

Global Pet Expo 2012 | Top 15 New Pet Products

The Global Pet Expo in Orlando was filled with a mixture of new pet products and some familiar favorites. One thing it never was is boring!

We've combined our daily 'top' lists into one grand slideshow of our Top 15 New Pet Products (in random order) from Global Pet Expo (GPE) 2012. So sit back, grab your favorite chew toy, and enjoy the show:

Pet Expo Day 1 |  Pet Expo Day 2 | Pet Expo Day 3

As you can see, everything from dog toys, cat toys, pet treats, pet furniture, health aids, bird accessories, fish supplies, and more were represented at our country's largest pet expo.

The Secret Shopper team is already busy planning for next year's event and we can't help but wonder what new pet products will shock and amaze us at Global Pet Expo 2013!

Stay tuned for reviews of many of these new, innovative, and award winning pet products on PetSecretShopper.com!

Global Pet Expo 2012 | Top 5 New Pet Products | Day 3

by Secret Shopper and guest blogger Sue Stella

Even though there were more than 900 exhibitors and over 2,500 booths, there is nothing like the anticipation of making one last round of the Global Pet Expo.

The air is filled with the expectation of of finding the next great product just begging to be reviewed and finally winging our way home where we can examine (and play with) our finds. Exhibitors are busy making final sales and this Secret Shopper team is doggone tired!

View Top 15 New Pet Products Slideshow

Pet Expo Slideshow Day 1 | Pet Expo Slideshow Day 2

PetPaint - Stay tuned for our summer review of this safe and non-toxic colored hairspray for pups. Veterinarian tested. You can pre-order yours today. Winner of BlogPaws Best New Product Award

Paragon Dog Chews - Edible dog chews available in a variety of colors, textures, and shapes that simultaneously clean teeth while freshening breath. Winner of BlogPaws Best In Show Award

Feline Lickety Stik - The natural liquid treat for dogs will soon be available for cats too! Awesome! Coming soon in 6 flavors that we hear cats can't resist. One feline expo attendee wrapped her paws around her owner's wrist and refused to stop licking even when lifted off the ground!

Dog Gone Smart Pet Beds - These unique pet beds repel liquids, dirt and coat oil naturally, thanks to nanotechnology. The Dog Gone Smart technology also reduces the spread of bacteria that causes doggie odor and the beds are machine washable!

The Amazing Goo - Though the sound of this product may not delight the senses, it is ingenious. Goo helps cats take their medicine with absolute ease. After crushing up a pill you mix it with a little Goo and your cat will be anxious to lick it all up! That's some Amazing Goo!

Did you know that women are the pet retailer's biggest market? "According to the 2011 APPA Pet Products Trend Report, U.S. households are increasingly bestowing the dog of the house with full family privileges. They travel with the family, wear designer brands and frequently use high tech and eco-friendly toys. But with these additional privileges often come increased expectations regarding behavior and training—the responsibility for which rests primarily with the woman of the house." PRWeb - Wed, Feb 8, 2012

Keep checking back with us to catch the Secret Shopper team's reviews of the groovy new products we discovered at the Global Pet Expo!

Global Pet Expo 2012 | Top 5 New Pet Products | Day 1

What a day! The Global Pet Expo, the pet industry's largest annual trade show, opened it's doors today with a record breaking 890 exhibitors and 2,452 booths.

View Top 15 New Pet Products Slideshow

Pet Expo Slideshow Day 2 | Pet Expo Slideshow Day 3

Many new products being launched at this year's Expo, from PetMatrix's SmartChips, to Kittypod's new designs, to Kane and Couture's Swimwear. The Expo is a virtual feast for pet retailers and yours truly, the Pet Secret Shopper.

BiOrb Life Aquarium - The BiOrb Life Aquariums are the newest fish tanks created by Reef One for the BiOrb Line. They come in three sizes, 8 gallon, 12 gallon, or 16 gallon. Each size is also available in red, black, or white.

Aikiou Stimulo - This unique interactive food activity center will help slow down your cat's food ingestion, thus reducing the risks of having digestive problems such as vomiting, GDV, or bloating while giving them a fun and entertaining activity.

AbsolutelyNew Treat Launcher - Make your dog’s snack or reward time a fun, interactive game with the Treat Launcher™. Just fill and close the reloadable kibble-treat compartment; press the index-finger trigger-pull; and a treat automatically flies out of the dispenser.

FrostyBowlz - Dogs enjoy a cool drink on a hot day, just like we do. FrostyBowlz freezable FrostyCore™ contains a nontoxic gel, which keeps your dog’s water refreshingly cold even on the warmest summer days. Winner of BlogPaws Best In Show Award

Birdpods - Sleep and simple living spaces for very lucky birds! These colorful pods accent a yard or garden and give birds the comfort, style and protection that Mother Nature intended Winner 3rd Place in the Bird Category

Check-out the Green Guys performing at the Gamm²inc booth

With seemingly miles to cover before the show comes to a close this Friday, my assistant and I are well-equipped to stay the course with plenty of energy bars and comfortable walking shoes (though we may have to hijack an electric scooter soon).

sleek living spaces for very lucky birds.

Winner 3rd Place in Bird Category

Video Review | Bergan Catnip Hurricane

Bergan makes a variety of pet products including their new Catnip Hurricane. The Hurricane has two balls that roll on separate, circular tracks. My cats have informed me that the pièce de résistance of this toy is the catnip breeze created as the balls spin around the track, putting the Hurricane heads and tails above its competition and making it irresistible to our kitties.

I poured some of the catnip (included) into the center of the Hurricane and let the cats have at it. Indy went nuts! She spins the ball, then rolls around deliriously, spins the ball, rolls some more, etc. Buddha goes straight for the catnip in the center and Braveheart loves to play with it, but stops as soon as he spots me with my camera. I'm making a note of this in your employee file, Bravheart!

Watch the gang's video review of the Catnip Hurricane

 

They stalk it, attack it, pounce on it, and once they're comfortably ensconced in a catnip haze, they hug it. Too funny! We give the Catnip Hurricane an all-paws-up rating!

You can purchase the Catnip Hurricane for $16.29 at Amazon.com.

Think your product can pass the Secret Shopper test? Send us an email: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.

Dog Whisperer | New Season. New network. Tssssst!

Dog Whisperer begins its new season on Nat Geo Wild this Saturday. Cesar Millan comes to the rescue of a new crop of canines and their furless counterparts with his dog whispering magic. As always, no job is too daunting for the Dog Whisperer. Of course Cesar has an advantage over most of the rest of us...he speaks dog.

I previewed 3 of the 10 new episodes, the first of which will air on Saturday, January 7th, at 8pm ET, followed by a bonus episode from 9 to 10pm, on Nat Geo Wild. As usual, I walked away from each episode dumbfounded by Cesar's ability to tame (and train) even the wildest beast, both canine and human.

Why Dogs Fight
January 7 @ 8 pm

In this episode we watch Cesar tackle a fascinating situation where two Jack Russel Terriers would rather battle it out to the death than share a bone on Mom's cozy couch. Cesar teaches us that understanding the cues that bring out a dog's killer instinct is imperative in turning your beasty boy into a prince of peace. It's cool to watch Cesar as he holds the fighting Terriers apart for several minutes, all the while maintaining his zen-like composure. You can just see the dogs' negative energy bouncing off of his invisible DW force-field. I want to be like Cesar when I grow up.

Mascot Mayhem
January 14 @ 8pm

In this installment we meet an ill-mannered English Bulldog who terrorizes her family's dog-friendly cafe and is in desperate need of boundaries; two Min Pins and their humans, a former pro wrestler and her sister. The dogs both survived past traumas only to become nippers and biters by feeding off of their humans' negative energy; and a German Shepherd with some serious pent-up energy that results in constant barking, chewing everything in sight, and general mayhem. As always, Cesar works his magic and leaves behind some very happy, and better trained, humans and dogs.

Army Brats
January 21 @ 8pm

This week we travel to Fort Hood in Texas where Cesar meets up with an Australian Shepherd who is terrified of anyone in uniform. Could there be a worse affliction for a dog who lives on an Army base?; a Shetland Shepherd that barks at everything that moves, makes noise, or both, particularly helicopters and lawn mowers; and a Miniature Bull Terrier who operates in hyper-drive most of the time. I love how Cesar takes a young neighbor girl under his wing and dubs her "the new Dog Whisperer on the block." He's even good with kids! Is there anything this guy isn't good at?

 

Sometimes, when Cesar explains the reasons for a dog's bad behavior, and what the owner needs to do to correct it, the cause and solution seem so obvious. I experience several, "I could've had a V8!" moments when watching Dog Whisperer. I've even tried the "Tsssssst!" sound on my own manner-challenged pups, but it only works for short periods of time. Clearly, I'm in need of a Dog Whisperer intervention. We love this show!

For more details on the new season of Dog Whisperer on Nat Geo Wild, and to view the full episode guide, visit NationalGeographic.com.

Video Review | Booda Balance Ball Cat Toy by Petmate

The moment we placed the Balance Ball in the center of the living room floor, Buddha was hooked. There's something about the cluster of feathers with jingling bell, bobbing up and down, that Bu finds bewitching.

The Balance Ball is weighted so no matter how hard our cats swipe at it, knock it down, drag it away, lie on top of it or shoot it across the floor, it always lands on its "feet." And even after several days of Buddha putting the Balance Ball to the test, the toy is still intact!

Watch Buddha's video review of the Booda Balance Ball

 

There came a point during Buddha's rigorous review when we wanted to take a break, so we put the cat toy up, out of reach (or so we thought), but little Buddha-boy managed to knock it back down to the floor to continue his Balance Ball love-fest. Of course Buddha also has an affinity for the brand name. We love it!

The Booda Balance Ball comes in two color combos: green and purple, or yellow and pink, and can be purchased at Amazon.com.

Think your product can pass the Secret Shopper test? Send us an email: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.

Video Review | Petprojekt's Bumpi

by Guest Blogger Lindsey Hockert

Petprojekt has done it again! Betsy had a great time playing with the Bumpi! It’s color is definitely a big plus for our snowy home in Denver, Colorado. We never lose the Bumpi in the snow, therefore it has become our go-to snow toy.

Betsy chewed at the Bumpi like crazy but low and behold, it remains intact, impressive! There are small holes in the Bumpi that allow for a little treats to be inserted into  the ball. This is my favorite thing about it - I put a treat in there and Betsy still hasn’t gotten it out - it's my personal, free, dog sitter :)

Make sure your pup has a big enough mouth to handle the Bumpi! Sometimes Betsy has a hard time keeping the ball in her mouth when running around - though it sure doesn't stop her! 

Watch Betsy with her Bumpi

This is one of Betsy's favorite toys, and for $14, it's one of my favorites too! Two paws up! You can purchase Petprojekt's Bumpi at Otomik.com.

Think your product can pass the Secret Shopper test? Send us an email: SecretShopperBlog@gmail.com.