Sara and Hero of The Super Collies Got Talent

June 27, 2017 By Sydney Shapansky 2 Comments

Hero the Super Collie and Sara Carson Had a Life Changing Day on AGT

If you’ve ever watched America’s Got Talent you know that the show is full of incredibly talented and interesting performers of all kinds. Our friends the Olate Dogs featured one Talent Hounds thrilled us and won in 2012.

Well, get ready because our own Backseat Barkers and Talent Hounds stars Hero and Sara Carson auditioned. They did an incredible performance that even included a sword fight. After a nail-biter with the judges and an intervention by Simon Cowell, they are through to the live show. We love Sara, Hero and Simon and are so excited!

Sara and Hero

Hero is not only an amazing entertainer, but also a Qualified Therapy dog and has awards and certificates in Herding Instinct, Worlds Youngest Champion Trick Dog (At only 4 months old), Dock Jumping and Agility! Hero is one of the Most Talent Trick Dogs in the World and if you can’t wait to see what he can do, check out this video:

As well as dazzling audiences with Talent Hounds, Hero has given David Letterman Kisses, Performed for Marilyn Denis and CityTV, Played Basket Ball on Animal Planet and Skateboarded on The Family Channel. He has hosted the Canadian Pet Expo, travelled the US and Canada performing and won the Stupid Dog Trick Contest at Woofstock more than once.

Though it may seem like it happens overnight, a lot of work goes into training then preparing to audition for a show like AGT.

Sara is a gifted dog trainer and performer. She got Hero as a puppy and has spent every day since developing their bond and teaching him tricks and behaviors. She is even launching a training app with great tips which we plan to download ASAP for Backseat Barker Kilo the Pug! Check out this short video where she explains how to teach your dog to walk on your feet.

Auditioning for America’s Got Talent

Now, Sara and Hero are taking on all of America on AGT and it’s sure to be a night to remember. In a teaser we see the briefest of clips of Simon Cowell on stage giving Sara a hug.

Sara and Hero wowed the audiences of AGT the way they’ve wowed us so many times before!

Be sure to tune in on CityTV in Canada or NBC in America to watch Sara and Hero’s full audition and to cheer them on and vote for them on the live show. Woohoo! So proud.

How to Keep Your Dogs Safe When Travelling

May 30, 2017 By Susan Nation Leave a Comment

How to be safe and smart when traveling with dogs — Sara and The Suer Collies

Tips for Travelling with the Super Collies

Before we get into our adventures, I think it’s important to review what is needed to make a road trip successful and safe for both you and your dog/s! My dogs travel with more luggage than I do!

Let’s Go Over The Basics

First things first, you’re going to want to either get your pup a car restraint to keep them secure in the case of a sudden stop or accident. You can use a harness that attaches to a seatbelt or a crate or carrier. Dogs can be badly injured or even killed if they become a projectile in a collision, so you want to make sure your pet is as safe and secure as you are.

The Center for Pet Safety has done studies on several of the most popular carriers and crates for travel so you can check out your preferred carrier and see for yourself how they hold up in a crash test scenario here.

The Kurgo and Sleepy Pod equipment both seem to test well.

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car in the Hot Sun

Never leave your dog in the car alone on a hot day, even for 10 minutes with the window open, as a car can heat up so fast and this can be deadly.

Once you arrive somewhere hot, watch for hot pavement and overheating. You may want to check out some of these dog heat safety tips from Talent Hounds for useful info like how to spot the signs of overheating.

Always Pick up after your dog and keep pet-friendly spaces safe for everyone!

Leaving poop is gross and can be dangerous.

Microchip Your Dog

If you’re going to be taking your dog far away from home you should think about getting them microchipped and making sure the contact information is up to date.

Keep your Dog Safe from Bugs and Diseases

Be sure to check that all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. Investigate what bugs or diseases like heart worms, ticks, fleas, mosquitos or flu might be a threat where you are travelling and look into ways to protect yourself and your dog.

My Travel Essentials Include:

Food – You may not be able to find your dog’s favorite brand on the road easily so make sure you have a decent supply with you. Switching foods around can cause your dog digestive issues. Use a waterproof container.
Water – You want to make sure you and your dog stay hydrated and keep a supply of clean water handy.
Non-spill bowl(s)
Treats.
Supplements and any medications.
Toys, discs and trick gear.
A Pet First Aid Kit (I carry several)
Clean Up Bags.
Blankets.
Cleaning Supplies- Because accidents do happen!
A camera and a phone to document your adventures
Bed(s)
Leash(es)- Do some research about where you’re going beforehand as some places require 6 ft leashes.
Collars and up to date tags.
Sunscreen (for you and your dog).
Calming spray and/or toys- This can be a big help if you have an anxious dog, here’s a post about products that can be helpful for soothing reactive dogs found at the Global Pet Expo this year.
Vet records and emergency vet and contact numbers – In case of emergency if you’re far away from home you want to be prepared to get your pet any treatment they may need. Pet MD has lists of Vets by location. There’s also the ASPCA poison control hotline which you can call 24/7 if your pet ingests something you fear might be toxic: (888) 426-4435
Towel in case your dog gets wet

and I am sure I missed something…

Now, if sleeping in your car isn’t something you want to do, don’t worry!!

Thankfully the Red Roof Inns are not only affordable and nice, but pets stay FREE! We have enjoyed them a few times in the past month.

They have over 345 locations spread out across the USA.

Have you ever traveled with your Pups? What are your must haves?

The Backseat Barkers Are Back And Better Than Ever

May 8, 2017 By Sydney Shapansky Leave a Comment

The Laughs are Back and Better than Ever in 2017

Last year, Hugh’s dental conference brought Sophie, and Lottie and Fishstick to Toronto and this year we’re not waiting for an excuse to dive right back into the fun. The Backseat Barkers are back!

Doug the Pug relaxing at the Fairmont Royal York — Celebrity Doug the Pug enjoying the royal treatment at the Fairmont Royal York

What You Missed If You Weren’t With Us Last Year

We had the time of our lives last year visiting Toronto and the Fairmont Royal York Luxury Hotel. We indulged our every whim then enjoyed so many fun activities and endless treats at Woofstock 2016!

Catch up on what you missed below with a romping round-up of our stupendously busy day at Woofstock where we visited with Fishstick’s rescue PugALug, the Dog Lovers Days Lure Course, A Pug Race (yeah, that’s right, a PUG race!) and saw friends old and new.

Get Ready For The Ride Of Your Life!

If you enjoyed our Award-Nominated Videos so far, get ready to have your socks knocked off with what’s coming your way this summer. Various Backseat Barkers are going on the road again and we’re bringing you along for the ride! Let our different dogs including the Super Collies and Fishstick’s witty banter and sibling rivalry fuel your laughter as you sit back, relax and enjoy. We’ll be sharing with you the inside scoop on everything dog-related and if your pupperinos haven’t learned to speak yet, fret not, cause Fish’ll do the talking for all of us as we check out hotels, training, shows, restaurants and all the parks a dog could dream of.

Are you excited for more of the Backseat Barkers? Do you ever travel with your dog? Will you be at Woofstock? What would you like to see us do this summer? Tell us in the comments!