Author: Petstore

Potty training is one of the most important first lessons that you have to teach a new pup. Since they haven’t been told otherwise, they wouldn’t see anything wrong with messing the floor up or doing their business anywhere they deem fit. However, you do not want a house-turned-pup toilet on your hand. So, here are some 5 steps to potty train your pup: 

1. Set Up Your Home  

The idea behind potty training is teaching your dog that the entire house is their extra-large den simply because they are known for being averse to soiling their own space. For this, you would need to restrict your pup’s movement around the house until he is old enough to roam without incident. 

You would be needing a dog crate or a baby gate that would restrict your pup to that particular area. The more time they spend there, the less they would feel inclined to mess the place up, hence, potty training would move swiftly. 

2. Use a Potty Cue 

The idea behind a potty cue is so that your pup knows exactly what time it is when you use the word or phrase. It would imply that it’s potty time and at a point, you would be able to get your pup to go potty just by saying it. 

The phrase can be anything, just one that doesn’t come up in regular conversation. The idea is to use the word or phrase just as your dog is starting to do its business in the right spot. 2-3 days after, once you think he’s connected the cue to potty, start mentioning it just as he is getting in potty position. 

After this, the next step is to give it before he even gets into position. This would register as the word or phrase for ‘time to go’.

3. Treating 

Pup training consists of a great deal of treating for positive reinforcement. When you give your dog a treat for doing something, it implies that it is a desirable one and he starts to connect the action to the treat. 

During potty training, if your dog goes to the potty in the right spot, and gets a treat, but never does during accidents, he would start to note that it is the right thing to do. 

Since timing is crucial, you might need to add an approving sound like a click or “yes” at the precise time, and then give the treat later. This way, your pup knows that the treat was for that particular action. 

4. Create a Schedule 

You shouldn’t be alarmed by the fact that you might have to take a puppy to potty up to 10-15 times daily. As a rule of thumb, the bladder develops to hold urine longer every month in pups, so, a month-old pup would be able to hold his bladder for an hour while a 5-month old pup would hold his bladder for up to 5 hours. 

Therefore, it is essential to create a schedule that your pup would start to associate with potty time. For instance, you can make it: First thing in the morning, right after each meal, when your pup gets up from napping, at regular intervals during the day and evening, and right before you go to sleep. 

5. Allow for Playtime 

After your pup has eliminated in the right spot, you can allow him to play around for some minutes without fear that he would soil the place. After this, you can then have him go back to the restricted area. Playtime should be based on the rate of development of your pup’s bladder.

You probably consider yourself a maestro when it comes to identifying dog breeds. The good ol’ reliable German Shepherd, the adorable Labrador Retriever, or the spoiled Chihuahua. 

There are breeds that you see and can identify at the drop of a hat. However, there are a number of dog breeds that are not all that common. There is even a possibility that you’ve never heard of them. Here’s 5 of them:

1. Azawakh 

Azawakhs are known for their fierce loyalty and protectiveness of their owners. Unlike other dog breeds that smell before seeing, this breed is a sight hound and mostly discovers its prey using its sights. 

It stands regal with long legs and has its origins in the Sahel region of Africa, where it stood guard over nomad’s tepees while withstanding the harsh conditions. 

This breed was introduced to America in the 80s, was entered into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation in 1997, and is known to shy away from strangers.  

2. Telonian 

The Telonian is a Malaysian breed and the only known one at that. Specifically trained to catch vermin by the Orang Asil indigenous people, this breed moves really fast and has great sensory abilities. 

It also has a surprising climbing ability which is clearly an adaptation to the homes of the Orang Asil people that were built on stilts to prevent invasion by wild animals. 

3. Norwegian Lundehund 

With a long history dating as far back as the ice age, the Norwegian Lundehund is one of the rarest of dog breeds alive. They feature a crimson coat and were originally intended for hunting down Puffin birds on the edges of coastal cliffs. 

As a result of this hunting environment, over the years, this breed has mastered scaling rocky cliffs. In addition, although pretty close to extinction, it is known as a breed that builds a close-knit relationship with its owner.

4. Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback sees its origins in Thailand and just along the breed’s back, you would find a ridge similar to that of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This ridge which is found in only three dog breeds refers to a strip that grows away in the opposite direction of the fur. 

Although for a while, they could only be found in Thailand, the breed has started to spread gradually. However, they are notable for their great escape methods and need a close eye kept on them. 

5. Otterhound 

The British Otterhound is ranked one of the most vulnerable dog breeds In the UK. It is believed to be as old as the medieval age and bred mainly to stay on guard during fishing. 

It is kinsmen with the Bloodhound and displays similar virtues such as determination and dexterity. This breed features a healthy and impressive crop of hair and makes for a great companion anyway. 

They eat in a pretty messy manner, and their grooming, well, you can definitely handle it. 

Your dog’s nutritional needs supersedes every other in terms of importance, it is what guarantees your pup would live a long, healthy life. You may skimp from time to time on grooming or neglect to take Milo walking on rare occasions. But for his meals, you want to pay extra care to guarantee that he’s getting all the right nutrients in the right proportions. What are these vital nutrients? Check them out: 

1. Water 

A mature dog’s lean body mass is made up of about 70-80% of water. It is vital for digestion, regulating body temperature, and even the elimination process. On a biological level, it serves as a transportation system for conveying nutrients to the various cells. 

Your pup’s water needs depend on activity level, health, and temperature. Most dogs can regulate water intake on their own, and if your dog is on high-moisture food, they would generally take less water. However, always make clean and fresh water available. 

2. Fat

Fat is a better source of energy than both protein and carbohydrates, supplying up to twice as many calories. It also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which function in protecting the organs, absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, and boosting a healthy nervous system. 

On the flip side, excess fats can cause gastrointestinal problems or pancreatitis, so, it should be well regulated. Pup fat sources include plant-based oils like hemp seed and flaxseed as well as low-mercury fish and fish oil. 

3. Protein

Protein is a source of both essential and non-essential amino acids that your dog needs to stay alive and healthy. Pups are unable to produce their required amount of proteins, so they need to get it from their diet. 

Proteins are responsible for a range of structures ranging from bones to muscles to nails and even healthy hair. It also has some energy components and complements that are supplied by carbs and fat. Fish, eggs, and lean-muscle meats are great sources of protein for pups. 

4. Carbohydrates 

Dogs are able to get a measure of glucose from fat and protein, therefore, carbs are not essential. However, they are important because they are the main source of glucose which supplies energy for daily activity. 

A good measure of carbohydrates also provides the body with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins for general pup health. It can be gotten from gluten-free grains and legumes. 

5. Vitamins

Vitamins play several important roles such as aiding blood clotting (K), boosting the immune system (A), functioning as antioxidants (C and E), amongst others. 

They are usually required in minute quantities and can be gotten from diets like dog-friendly plant-based foods or muscle meats. 

6. Minerals 

Minerals are essential to the body for sustaining metabolic functions and play a major role in various processes. 

For instance, calcium and phosphorus are a major constituent of bones, iron transports oxygen, zinc aids injury recovery, nerve transmission is aided by sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium amongst other functions. 

Dogs are unable to naturally manufacture minerals, hence, their only source is their diet. Feed like meat and bone is rich in phosphorus and calcium respectively while a great source of zinc is shellfish. 

You are finally taking the summer trip and bringing Ruby along! Planning for a humans-only summer trip is not so much of a hassle, you just have to bring along the regulars. But if you’re going with your pet, then you need to be certain that you’ve made adequate preparation for them. Here are some things to know before beginning the trip:

1. A Visit to the Vet!

A big summer trip or any one for that matter calls for a visit to the vet first off. The main purpose is to check that they’re healthy enough to undertake the journey. It wouldn’t be ideal for a pet who’s facing a series of health or nutrition problems to embark on a big trip. Similarly, a thorough checkup and getting up-to-date vaccination are vet activities, so you shouldn’t be skipping this step. 

2. A Trip Calls for a Carrier  

It would have been a nice idea for your pup to sit up in front, seat belt all tucked in and looking pretty. However, if you would be going on a major trip, whether via land or air, you would need a carrier to guarantee a positive trip experience. You need to size up your crate to supply your pet with more room to move around and great ventilation. It is advisable to purchase the crate in advance so that your pet can get acclimated to it. 

3. Aim for Cool Weather 

For air travel, some airlines only permit pet cargo travel in the mornings or evenings when the weather would be cool. A pet-safe airline like Lufthansa only allows for snub-nosed pet travel when it is guaranteed that both departure and arrival locations would have temperatures under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Pups are unable to regulate their body temperature as we do, so you would need to look out for cool weather. This applies to road trips too, ensuring that the air conditioning works just great. 

4. Get Their ‘Groom’ On!

Some pre-travel summer grooming might not be a bad idea for your pet. Depending on the breed, they might stand to benefit beyond just looking great. You would need to be careful with the length of their coat. This is because your pup’s hair serves as a cooling system for her and a measure of hair left on could help prevent the skin from experiencing sun damage. So, cutting hair short or giving them a buzz cut could be exposing them to a lot of discomforts during the trip. 

5. Tire Them Out 

Plenty of exercise before departure time is bound to have your pet snoozing or lying around passively during the trip. Not exercising Ruby can cause her to experience anxiety all through the trip, something you want to avoid. Before heading out to the airport or starting the car, get some quick exercises because a tired pup is a calm pup. 

We all want to spoil and care for our pets as best we can, and one major factor that plays in is the financial aspect. This implies money spent on feeding, the vet, pet supplies, grooming products, and toys amongst others. For the most part, this is money that you probably don’t mind spending and perhaps you even enjoy doing so. But certainly, you won’t mind learning some ways to cut back, so, here are some proven ways to save money as a pet parent: 

1. Prioritize Your Pet’s Health 

It’s a fact that most dogs are not big fans of the vet. But maintaining your pup’s quality of life and saving yourself money involves routine trips to a capable vet. By ensuring that your dog gets adequate exercise and a healthy diet, you can start wading off ailments that may come later in their lives. 80% of dogs over age three experience dental problems, so, make sure to keep your pup’s teeth healthy. 

2. Work With a Budget 

Lesson 101 in saving money is working with a budget. This budget would be based on your dog’s needs and topping the list would be recurring expenses like quality food. Some expenses that are far in between such as a vet visit should be planned for ahead of time. After breaking down monthly expenses that are absolutely necessary, you can eliminate the ones that can be dispensed with, and you’re on track to saving money. 

3. Make Your Dog Treats 

You’d be surprised at what all the money you spend on treats sums up to. We can’t help spoiling our pups with chewy treats and tasty goodies and making them yourself can save you a great deal of cash. Homemade dog treats using ingredients you already have at home are surprisingly easy to make and healthier even! You could also make a significant portion and preserve in the freezer. 

4. Regular Doggo Playtime  

If you’ve seen the movie Marley and Me, then you probably understand where this is coming from. A tired dog is a happy dog and in addition, can save you a great deal of money. If you have a dog who constantly needs physical or mental exercise for stimulation, and they aren’t getting it, they could lovingly take it out on your shoes or couch. Provided their teeth and claws can get in, they would stimulate themselves. Save yourself extra expenses by creating playtime for Fido!

5. Groom Your Dog at Home 

Bath time is a pretty great time for bonding. There’s nothing like saving yourself money while deepening the loving bond between you and your pup. Professional groomers could cost a pretty penny, and there’s the stressful drive down there too, depending on how often you groom. When you’re grooming, make sure to concentrate on the coat, the paws, the inside of the ears, and other semi-hidden parts of your dog’s body.

Rewarding Max from time to time for being such a good boy is bound to make him happy. In addition to toys and other products that you can get at the store, you can pour your heart into making a DIY accessory. It could be a couple of toys to boost his plaything portfolio or a comfy piece of cushion for him to snuggle up to. Sound like a plan? Then you should totally check out these exciting DIYs for your dog:

1. Braided T-Shirt Toy 

For this, all you need is a pair of scissors and 2-3 old T-shirts (preferably cotton). 

• Cut the hems off the shirts,
• Make even slits that are about 2-3” wide along the base of the shirts, then rip them up to get the slits,
• Tie off one end of the strips after you’ve gathered them together, and then divide the strips into thirds, 
• Braid starting from the tied part and make your way down to the untied portion of the shirt, all the while ensuring that your braids are tight,
• Once you’ve braided all the way to the bottom, tie it off there and cut off strips that won’t be useful. 

And then you would have made the perfect toy for Max!

2. A Chew Toy 

Making your pup a chew toy is perhaps one of the easiest DIYs. It doesn’t require any cutting up, or braiding, or sewing. All you have to do is:

• Find an old sock that is still pretty firm,
• Wash if dirty. You don’t want Max tasting your feet, do you?
• Get a clean tennis ball,
• Stick it in the sock, and tie the open end up. 

And voila, a great chewing toy for your beloved Max. 

3. Suitcase Dog Bed 

Your pup might have a bed in his designated room or corner, but does he have one in the room where he spends most of his time? The living room. A suitcase dog bed is a super convenient way to solve this minor problem. For starters: 

• Look for a suitcase that your dog would fit into width-wise,
• Get a regular density foam insert from a store that you trust,
• Get fabric that would serve as a covering or case for your foam,
• Cut your foam up so that it perfectly in the bottom of your suitcase,
• Slip your mattress into your pre-sewn cover, make it removable so that you can wash it,
• Fit the foam into your suitcase. 

Watch Max turn this bed into his watchtower. 

4. Dog Shampoo 

Take a break from harsh chemicals and go a bit natural. All you need for your dog shampoo is one cup of dish soap, one cup of apple cider vinegar, two ounces of glycerin, and a bottle to pour your shampoo in. Vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that calm inflammation and skin irritations, glycerin also helps moisturize your dog’s fur and prevent irritation. You can get glycerin at a drugstore. 

• Pour all your ingredients into a jar, starting with the dish soap,
• Mix by shaking the ingredients thoroughly until even mixing has taken place,
• Pour the mixture into your bottle and keep until the next time you want to wash your pup. 

Beyond licking their food bowls clean and being a good sport at fetch (particularly Golden Retrievers), your pup probably boasts a range of capabilities that you don’t even know about. Are you sometimes surprised by occurrences like your pup picking up a scent that is very far off, or even detecting when you’re sad or scared? No, it’s not sorcery! It’s merely dog physiology, and here are 5 mind-blowing facts that you probably didn’t know about pups generally:

1. Incredible Sense of Smell 

Comparing the area of the human brain that is responsible for smelling to that of your pup, theirs is about 40 times larger. This implies that your dog can pick up a lot more smells than you can imagine. It’s no surprise that they are often used in airports for sniffing out drugs or even people during investigations. They can even pick up on your feelings by smelling a change in your perspiration when you become scared or nervous. It’s not unheard of for a dog to detect certain diseases and there are now cancer-sniffing dogs. 

2. Some Dogs Can Outrun a Cheetah 

This probably sounds far-fetched since you know the cheetah to be the fastest animal. And the Greyhound, the fastest dog breed alive reaches a top speed of 45mph in seconds, while the cheetah easily tops this at 70mph. However, the cheetah can only keep this up for about 30 seconds, while a greyhound can run at 35mph or more for up to 7 miles! So, in the long run (literally), a greyhound would end up overtaking a cheetah. 

3. Super Sensitive Hearing 

You know how you try to tread lightly around sleepy Daisy, but she still stirs, well, it’s because pups can hear much softer sounds than we can. Also, they can hear sounds from further away too! They hear amazingly high frequencies and this one feature contributes to why they’re great for search and rescue. Combining their sense of smell and super-sensitive hearing seals their status as the best trackers. 

4. Doggo Intelligence is On Par With a Two Year Old Human’s

Wonder why your toddler and your pup get along so well? It’s probably because they speak the same language! Studies have shown that your dog can understand up to 250 words or gestures, placing their intelligence on the same level as your two-year-old’s. But of course, your dog is easier to train than your two-year-old, and would probably do what you want her to more often. 

5. Your Dog Has a Dominant Paw!  

Yes, a few studies have centered around this and shown that just like humans, pups also favor a particular paw over the other. How to know your dog’s? Well, give him one of his favorite toys or games and see which paw he reaches out to pull it closer first. Also, look out for the first paw that your pup puts out when preparing to walk. This is another way of detecting their preferred paw. 

Did you know cats can make about 100 sounds? Cats are not only intuitive about their surroundings, but they want to communicate what they’ve learned, isn’t that amazing! Now, it’s time cats receive the loving respect they so deserve, so today, it’s time to celebrate them for their unique personalities and loving affection. 

With this guide, we’ll take a look at how to best respect your cat and celebrate them on respect your cat day. From learning how to pet your cat properly to trimming your cat’s nails correctly, you can learn how to be aware of your cat’s boundaries.  

Now, are you ready to get started? Here’s a quick look at how to celebrate your cat: 

Learn How to Pet Your Cat Properly 

Cats, like humans, are complex creatures, and because of that, showing affection towards your cat can be difficult at times. You may have already noticed incidences where you’ve pet your cat, and their mood has immediately changed.  

Well, unlike dogs, cats are more sensitive. After all, cats don’t generally like their belly scratched or petted. Instead, cats prefer to have their head and neck massaged. If you pet your cat properly, they’ll show you the same affection back. 

Make Sure Your Cat Isn’t Bored 

While it’s true, cats aren’t as high maintenance or as needy as dogs, that doesn’t mean they don’t need attention. One of the best ways to give them attention, especially if you’re busy throughout the day, is with a toy. 

There are numerous toys you can buy, from wind-up robotic toys to food dispensing toys; your cat will surely love each one. However, don’t let these toys replace the time you should physically spend with your cat. 

Trim Your Cat’s Nails Correctly 

Trimming your cat’s nails might be difficult, but don’t give up just yet. Here’s why: if you stop trimming their nails, it could put your cat’s health in danger. 

After all, nails never stop growing, so if you stop trimming them, you’ll only put your cat at risk. In fact, indoor cats are more susceptible to injuries due to household furniture and fabric. For instance, cats may get their long nails stuck in carpet fibers, resulting in your cat tearing its nail.

Other problems occur when the nail itself becomes so long that it curves inward towards the pad. This can cause an infection and make your cat’s paw not only hurt but become sensitive. Thus, trimming your cat’s nails is necessary to ensure your cat has healthy nails.    

Celebrate Respect Your Cat Day Now 

There’s no better way to celebrate Respect Your Cat Day than considering your cat’s boundaries, health needs, and attention span. Make sure you give him or her all the love by being aware and conscientious of their space. 

Don’t try to force anything on your cat. Instead, let your cat tell you what they like or dislike.  

Dogs are the cutest and most loving companions that you’d probably ever find. They know how to look with sad, gooey eyes until you finally oblige to that walk in the park or toss them a nice bone. They also know how to make messes and have so much fun while at it that you don’t have the heart to reprimand them. 

Caring for your furry companion is one very essential aspect that you shouldn’t take for granted. They are quite delicate, and as such, they require a measure of care to maintain their hygiene and keep them in a bubble of good health. 

Therefore, here are 5 care tips that every dog parent should know: 

1. Feed Regularly With High-quality Food  

The two keywords here are ‘regularly’ and ‘high-quality’. You might be tempted to feed your dog with human food, and while this isn’t entirely a bad idea, it might not be ideal. 

You should always consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. And a general tip is that the initial ingredients on the label of food that you want to feed your pup with should be some form of meat, not grain or meat by-product. 

Clean water, changed from time to time is vital too! 

2. Have a Qualified Veterinarian On Board 

Veterinarians are experts on animal health, physiology, and just about everything that has to do with your dog. 

Ensure that the veterinarian whose services you are engaging is reliable and qualified, and you can easily test this by evaluating the responses you get to your questions and interaction with your dog. 

You would also need to get your pet vaccinated and brought in for regular checkups. If you notice anything out of place, your first port of call should be the vet!

3. Spend Time With Daisy!

Dogs are social creatures and need companionship just as much as you do. You need to spend time indoors with your dog, and you don’t necessarily have to do anything elaborate. 

Dog toys and having an outdoor space for your pet to play in are not bad ideas, but they cannot replace your presence. 

Try to avoid leaving her alone for extended periods and occasionally come up with fun games and adventures that you can go on together. 

4. Physical Exercise 

You definitely want Max to stay in prime health, so, you would need to get Max exercising. Physical exercise is essential for the physical fitness of your pet and it is your responsibility to ensure that he gets adequate exercise. 

The regular daily walk alongside some carving up a time to play with your canine companion does the magic. Not sure how much exercise Max needs? Speak with the vet!

5. Grooming 

This can be done by you or you can fix regular vet visits. It typically involves a proper, thorough bath, clipping of toenails and cleaning the paws, trimming the coat, and brushing it down so that it glows. Some nice fragrance and you’ve got the cleanest pet in the world!  

There are at least 810 dog parks in the USA by the beginning of 2020. There was an increase of 37 parks in 2019.

But having a dog park available to you doesn’t mean that’s all you need to know. You’re no doubt concerned about when to start introducing your little furry baby to other dogs en masse. You want to get the advantages of early socializing without injury, illness, or other fears.

We understand, which is why we’ve done the research and brought you the best ways to get you and your pup ready. Keep reading to find out!

All Vaccinations Are Complete: Time to Play

Most puppies get all their vaccinations by the time they’re 16 weeks old. If you wait until adolescence (about 6 months old) it could engrain difficult-to-break bad habits. That said, from 17 weeks onward is a good time to bring puppies to dog parks.

There’s more you can do until then, though. The life stage for a puppy between three to four months will either help or hurt your dog’s development in big ways. A dog that’s afraid is more prone to be aggressive as a defense against an enemy that isn’t there.

Bringing home a puppy that isn’t too young is your best defense against bad social skills. A puppy taken away from the rest of the litter before eight weeks could lose vital opportunity to learn what’s acceptable and what’s not by their peers.

Setting up playdates with dogs of all ages (as long as they’re healthy and vaccinated) in a controlled environment is a good way to start slowly introducing them to others. Mixing the place up between home and away turf can get them to understand they aren’t the kings and queens of every place they go.

The Puppy Can Mostly Perform Reliable Recall

There’s more to the fenced parks than letting them off the leash to play as soon as they’re old enough. Leading up to the dog park, you can play games that train your puppy to perform “reliable recall.” Basically, presenting themselves on command in a reliable way.

Some games you can play are:

• Catch me
• Find me
• Hot potato

If your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall down yet, you may be tempted to keep them on-leash and close. This could have the opposite effect you want, though. Dogs that are on leashes around dogs that aren’t could feel backed into a corner and cause them to start a fight.

Members-only parks are selective about the temperament of dogs that they allow in, excluding the more aggressive dogs. They also generally have better fencing and space to run around or avoid bullies. In the case they don’t have a good recall yet, you can use a long leash that gives the puppy more freedom.

So the puppy doesn’t get overwhelmed, you could try off-peak dog park hours at short intervals at first.

Dog Park: The Last Bark

So what should you remember?

Give solid basic training to your puppy as early as possible. Try to socialize in a safe environment from 12 weeks onward. Introduce them to more than one other dog if possible.

Scout your favorite dog park for fences, peak play-times, size, etc. Size up the dogs and people that frequent there with a few visits before taking the puppy inside.