We’re A Finalist For The BlogPaws/PetSmart Blog To Biz Contest!

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I’ve been working on the Puppy In Training Blog for nearly 5 years now writing about my experiences and puppy training tips as a guide dog puppy raiser.  You may have noticed over the years that from time to time I make changes to the design by adding Google AdSense, Sponsored Ads in the sidebar, and affiliate links to Amazon.com.  This brings in a little bit of income to help cover the costs of hosting my blog and also allows me to make more donations to my favorite guide dog groups, animal rescues, and charities.

This bit of money helps, but it’s not enough for me to consider the Puppy In Training Blog a business.

The good news is help may be on the way.  I’ve been itching to go to this years BlogPaws Conference and recently while checking my RSS feed I came across Build a Business Blog Contest sponsored by PetSmart and BlogPaws.

Needless to say, I was excited that I might have the opportunity to work with a PetSmart Social Media Expert to try and move my blog to the next level.  Conference calls, coaching, and homework assignments sounded exactly like what I need to turn my blog into a business.

I decided to submit the Puppy In Training Blog into the competition and one week later I found out that this blog was one of the top 10 finalists!

Top 10 Finalists For Build A Business Blog Contest

Here it is!  In no particular order the top 10 finalists for the build a business blog contest sponsored by PetSmart and BlogPaws:

1. Paws-and-effect – http://www.paws-and-effect.com
2. Snoopys Dog Blog  – http://snoopysdogblog.com
3. I Love Rescue Animals – http://iloverescueanimals.org
4. Travelin’ Jack’s Dog Blog –  http://www.travlinjack.com
5. AdoptedMomtoChazz – http://www.adoptedmomtochazzthedog.wordpress.com
6. Tripawds – http://tripawds.com
7. GLO GIRLY – http://www.glogirly.com/
8. You Did What with Your Weiner – http://youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com
9. Puppy In Training – http://PuppyInTraining.com
10. Pet Peeves – http://www.Pet-Peeves.org

Congratulations to the 10 finalists!  I’m honored to be in the company of these great blogs!

Thank you so much to the judges, BlogPaws, and PetSmart!  I really appreciate the opportunity you are giving us to improve our blogs.

So you’re a finalist…now what?  These 10 finalists are now required to submit a 2 minute video telling the judges exactly why they should win this fun, fantastic opportunity to take their blog to the next level.

And what happens should we win?

Two lucky winners will receive a free pass to attend BlogPaws 2012 and will work with PetSmart to enhance their blog leading into BlogPaws 2012. You can expect conference calls, homework assignments, coaching and more – AND you can help present your key learnings with PetSmart during a blogger panel on this topic.

I think I’m equally as excited that I might have the opportunity to present my key learnings with PetSmart during a blogger panel on this topic!

Now all I have to do is put together a super awesome 2 minute video to try and win over the judges.  I’m hoping some of my readers could help me out here.  Does anyone out there have any great ideas I could use in my video?  Let me know in the comment section below.

Top Picks For Our Puppies

1. BEST PUPPY TOY
   We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home.
2. BEST DOG CHEW
   We Like: Mighty Paw Naturals Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
3. BEST DOG TREATS
   We Like: Crazy Dog Train-Me Treats - We use these as our high-value treats for our guide dog puppies.
4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
   We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.