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  • Do Tiny Dogs need Big Care?

    Small dog breeds are wonderful and super cute animals. Taking care of small dogs can be tough at times because they are so little. You must have a special amount of patience for these dogs. Before buying one, you may wonder how much care will they require? Read on to the basics of caring for small dogs.

    1. Balanced exercise  

    Small size dogs have shorter legs, which means they can’t handle very far walks. It is important that you respect their size and do not drag them on long hikes that their bodies are not made. The smallest dog needs to walk around the block to get in a little exercise and handle their business.

    2. Extra vigilance 

    This is beyond important when having small dogs. Dogs are curious animals, especially small dogs. They love exploring things on the ground by putting them in their mouths. To ensure their safety so that they do not choke on anything, remove all of the small choking hazardous you have in your house to higher up surfaces.

    3. Feed them the proper amount.

    Most small dogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. This is a great thing and something that should be taken with precaution. Because these dogs will eat anything sometimes they do not know when to stop. Make sure that your dog is being fed the right caloric amount every day – not too much or too little. You want your small dog to have a healthy weight to ensure that they have a happy healthy life.

    If you are thinking about or already own a small dog this summer, please make sure to take these tips seriously. We want you and your dog to have a happy and healthy life together. Small dog breeds are special animals that should always be handled with care.

  • Is bigger really better: The Facts about Large Dog Breeds

    Have you ever seen a small person walking a large dog and wondered how and why they do it? Some people just love big dogs. Today we are going to discuss a few facts about large dog breeds that may leave you thinking bigger is better.

    Protection

    Large dogs will undoubtedly scare away intruders and serve as great house guards. They’re loyal and protective qualities make them wonderful crime deterrents! Their sizes are intimidating and so are their barks. Depending on which of the large dog breeds that you own and their personality, they may go the extra physical mile to protect you. It’s important to understand that not all large dogs are guard dogs. Some are gentle giants who love making friends and playing rather than fighting crime.

     Showstoppers

    Big dogs rarely go unnoticed. During walks, car rides, and at the dog park they garner lots of attention. Large dog breeds are admired by the public, and you can’t go out with them, without someone asking, “What kind of dog is that?”. If you are an introvert, you might have to adapt to conversations with strangers and extra-long walks with frequent stops while people adore your dog.

    Gentle Giants

    Most large dog breeds are gentle and goofy giants! They can handle a little rough play with toddlers and they’re far from fragile like little purse pets. They also require a lot of exercise and space to run and stretch their legs. Their big size can often mean increased energy, so you might have to take extended walks or jogs! 

    Also, big dogs tend to have heavier jaws which can cause them to drool and slobber. They even can sling spit across the walls of your home when they shake their heads after a long refreshing nap. They mean no harm it’s just one of the many ways big breeds show their love.

    Have we made our case for buying large dog breeds? We think so! They’re tons of fun and you should get you one! Come by our store today. 

  • 5 Best Dog Breeds for Hiking

    August is a great time to enjoy the trails with your dog. The end of summer temperatures are mild enough for you both to enjoy a midday hike. Time in the open air can help us unplug from technology and bond with our pet companions. While there are no rules regarding breeds best-suited for hiking, we’ve compiled a list of the top five best breeds for hiking. Read on to see if your dog makes our list.

    1. Labrador Retriever

    There aren’t many things labs aren’t good at, and unsurprisingly, they make wonderful hiking companions too. Rugged, outdoorsy dogs, labs love going on adventures, have the bodies to tolerate tough terrain and personalities that make them quite well-behaved when you encounter other hikers and their dogs.

    2. Siberian Husky

    As long as the weather isn’t too warm, huskies are great companions on the trail  and if it is cold enough to upset your husky, you should probably be indoors yourself. They’ve got energy for days, so they’ll view most of your hikes as warm-up sessions. Their hair can hide an army of ticks, so be sure to give your husky a good bath after every trip.

    3. Australian Shepherd

    Don’t worry whether or not your Australian shepherd will enjoy hiking – just be sure his leash is secure before you arrive at the trailhead, so she doesn’t leave you in the dust. The combination of their adventurous spirit, incredible energy and happy-go-lucky attitude makes them one of the best hiking companions one could desire. Additionally, despite hailing from Australia, these herding dogs are reasonably tolerant of both hot temperatures and cold climates.

    4. Border Collie

    Border collies are smart, agile and capable dogs that love to run – what more could you want in a good hiking dog? Most border collies are a bit sensitive, so you’ll want to make sure your dog feels confident out on the trail, so it probably pays to start introducing your pup to the trail from a relatively young age. Border collies will eye-stalk just about anything and everything that moves, but they have a relatively low prey drive, which helps prevent them from dragging you through the forest in pursuit of squirrels, chipmunks and birds.

    5. Australian Cattle Dog

    Australian cattle dogs are better suited for hiking than you are. They are often a bit much for first-time dog owners, but most experienced puppy parents will find them easy to train and eager to please. Like their shepherd brethren who also hail from the outback, Australian cattle dogs are surprisingly capable of enduring both warm and chilly temperatures. Simply put, few dogs are as well-suited for accompanying you as you travel over the river and through the woods.

  • 5 tips for successful Crate training

    Some dogs take to crate training right away, for others it can be a challenge. Here are our tips for successful crate training. 

    1) Fill The Crate With Your Pup’s Stuff

    Before you introduce your fur baby to their new crate, fill it up with their bed, blanket and some toys. This will help your pup view the crate as a fun place.

    2) Introduce Your Dog To The Crate With The Door Open

    If your pup explores the crate on his own, give lots of praise! If not, sit next to the crate and call your canine kid over. After a few moments of exploring, invite your pup inside. The goal is to get him to go inside on his own. To do this, put a treat in the middle of the crate. Once he’s inside, offer lots of praise. It’s important to make the crate a positive place.

    3) Close The Door For A Short Period Of Time

    When you first introduce your fur baby to the crate, don’t close the door. You don’t want him to feel trapped. Once he seems comfortable with the crate, close the door for a second or two. When you open the door, give lots of praise. Try this several times over a span of about five to ten minutes.

    4) Leave The Room

    Now that your pup is familiar with the crate and isn’t afraid of a shut door, try leaving the room. Leave them in the crate for about a minute. When you come back into the room, stay calm. If your pet is whining, wait until he calms down. If you let your little one out when he cries, he will associate crying with getting what he wants.

    5) Leave The House

    The first few times you leave your dog in the crate home alone, only leave for a short amount of time. Try a quick trip to the gas station or store.

  • Milestones for a 4 Month Old Puppy

    Four months old is a wonderful milestone for your puppy. Around this time things begin to fall into place. Potty accidents around the house rarely happen if at all, crate training is a breeze, unruly barking starts to subside. If you have a new puppy here are the milestones your pup should achieve around this time. Keep in mind that every puppy is different so if your pup hasn’t reached these milestones don’t feel as if you’ve done anything wrong. Patience is key with raising a young puppy.

    • Vaccinations

    Your puppy gets his rabies vaccination which also signals the time when your puppy’s immune system is well developed.  Naturally you will feel more inclined to take your puppy on outings and allow him to interact with other dogs because he is less likely to become ill. If your dog does happen to get sick or show irregular behavior such as lethargy or vomiting a visit to the vet is important because despite this milestone a young puppy doesn’t have the strongest immune system and may need help to overcome a sickness. 

    • Feeding Schedule

    You can change your puppy’s feeding schedule to 1 cup of food 3 times a day. Since your puppy is growing they will need more energy to play all day. 

    • Teeth

    Your dog’s baby teeth start to fall out and as the teeth disappear so does the puppy’s bitey, nippy, mouthy behavior

    • House Training

    It’s around this time that your puppy has fully grasped potty training.  If not, they are usually very close with not much more than 1 accident per week.

    • Crate Training

    Your pup can usually sleep through the night without incident.  They can also tolerate a stay in the crate for short periods during the day without barking, crying, howling, etc.

    A few other training milestones that typically occur at 4 months are: 

    • Good House Manners

    • Stays off the furniture.

    • Usually not 100% at this age, but your puppy is allowed more freedom around the house.

    • Can sit/down and wait for food for 30+ seconds until released.

    If you puppy is fast approaching or has reached the 4 month old milestone you can enjoy a new level of freedom as you puppy can showcase these skills. 

  • Small Dog Breeds for Families with Children

    There is no doubt that small dogs are cute, and a good companion especially for kids. When you decide to buy a puppy, there are different factors you should consider in choosing the right breed because different breeds have various characters, personalities, ways of training them, and some other factors. Here are the top 5 small dog breeds that you may want to consider as a family pet.

    Maltese

    The Maltese was first recognized as a breed in Malta, where it received its name. The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do well without a yard. Typically calm and friendly, they are also energetic and good-natured. They are intelligent, quick learners and lovable. If you suffer from allergies, this is a good choice.

    Pomeranian

    They are attentive and aware of changes in their environment so they can tend to bark a bit. Friendly and lively, Pomeranians love to be around their owners and are also caring of them. Sometimes it can be difficult to feed them as they are picky eaters. It is also a good choice for apartment dwellers, but if you are receiving guests frequently this is not a very good choice for you. 

    Yorkshire Terrier

    This breed was created by working men of north England, who developed the breed for catching the awful rats and mice that infected clothing mills. Small in size but big in personality, the Yorkshire Terrier makes an energetic but loving companion. The Yorkie is sensitive to the cold and prefers warm climates. It is very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children. They are very eager for adventure and like to play with kids. The Yorkshire Terrier is very confident, intelligent and an active little dog. 

    Shih Tzu

    The translation of Shih Tzu means Lion Dog and this breed originated in Tibet where it was admired all the way back in the 1600’s. Shih Tzu are very interactive and can adapt well to children and adults. It is loyal, loving, outgoing, and alert. By the age of one year, the Shih Tzu attains its full growth. Shih Tzus are famous for their luxurious coats and need proper care.

    Boston Terrier

    The Boston Terrier is really an American breed. It is interesting that some Terriers do not bark at all. This breed is gentle, alert, very intelligent, polite and enthusiastic. Avoid high pitched sounds as they are very sensitive to tones. 

  • Tips for Using the Bell Potty Training Method with your Puppy

    One of the hardest jobs for new puppy parents is potty training. If you are like most new puppy parents, then you probably have combed the internet looking for help. You may have found the bell method and wondered if your puppy is a good candidate. The answer is yes! Your dog can learn to alert you with a bell each time they need to use the bathroom.

    This is an excellent method for apartment or condo dwellers. But the technique is also really good for someone with a larger home. All you will need is a simple bell that can be placed on the floor or hung from a door with a string.

    We’ve compiled some simple tips but keep in mind it’s all about repetition and responsiveness. Once your puppy associates the bell with being let out, they will ring it each time they need a bathroom break.

    Tip 1: 

    Start showing your puppy how to ring the bell by taking his paw in your hand and ringing the bell. Use a simple command such as, “Out” with each ring of the bell and reward your dog with a treat. It may take a few days or weeks, but your dog will soon begin to ring the bell with his paw without your help. Be sure to reward with a treat each time.

    Tip 2:

    Once your pup has got a hang of ringing the bell, move the bell over towards the door you want your dog to go out. Do the same program, but as your dog rings the bell, use your command word, open the door, go outside and reward as you start walking through the door to encourage your dog to follow you. You can do this several times a day, and since you will be outside most of the time your dog will naturally want to relieve himself. Give a reward each time your dog uses the bathroom.

    Tip 3:

    Soon your dog will expect the door to be opened after ringing the bell, so feel free to add the leash into this routine. Be consistent. Your dog will pick up on the association that ringing the bell equals potty, so follow the same pattern each time. The bell rings. The door opens. They go potty. They get rewarded.

    It’s not uncommon for your dog to start ringing the bell more than it should because he just wants to go out or be rewarded. You can prevent abuse of the bell by only rewarding when your dog goes to the potty.  If your dog doesn’t potty, bring him back inside. It’s important that he knows the bell is for potty, not for play.

    Your friends and family will be in awe of the fact that your dog rings a bell to let you know they need to go out.

  • Designer Dog Spotlight: Maltipoo

    Designer dog breeds are becoming rather popular these days, because they were made to provide certain physical and personality traits. Among all these designer breeds, most certainly the Maltipoo is one of the most popular. The Maltipoo, also known as the Moodle, is a mixed breed that has the Maltese and Miniature Poodle as parents. Here’s what you need to know about the Maltipoo.

    Physical Appearance

    The Maltipoo is a small dog, even as an adult, so its weight will range between 5 and 12 pounds. When it comes to the color of a Maltipoo puppy, they can vary quite a lot. The Poodle contributes to this part, with its coat available in a variety of colors.

    Temperament and Personality

    The Maltipoo is a friendly and playful dog. It is loyal to its owner and family and loves spending time with its favorite humans. Whether you feel like relaxing on the couch or walking around the park, the Maltipoo will be happy to be at your side. Some Maltipoo dogs may have the tendency to warn the presence of strangers by barking. 

    Grooming and maintenance

    The Maltipoo is a hypoallergenic dog breed that sheds very little. However, the coat will require a good amount of attention. It can grow to have a medium length and because it can get rather curly, you will have to groom it in order to avoid unwanted tangles.
    Also to minimize the existence of dog hair and dander inside the house, grooming your dog periodically is recommended. If you can’t do it daily, it would be great if you could groom it every other day. This will make your dog look presentable at all times and will keep its coat free of dust and dead hair.

  • How to Make your Puppy’s Bad Habits a Thing of the Past

    We all have a few bad habits that we have picked up over time.  Like humans, dogs can pick up some bad habits as they grow. Lucky for us, it’s easier to break a dog’s unwanted behavior than change our own. Dogs learn by association. They are bound to repeat an action that is rewarded. Below are two of the most common bad dog habits—and how to break them.

    Destructive Chewing

    Chewing, especially in puppies, is not a bad thing. Dogs chew on things to release some pent up energy. Not only that, it keeps their teeth and gums in good shape. But to everyone’s annoyance, dogs often chew inappropriately—destroying plants, cushions, and shoes in their paths. Your dogs must learn what objects are meant for chewing and what is not.

    Instead of punishing them for inappropriate chewing, give them chew toys and treats to distract them. Practice positive reinforcement, every time they choose to chew on their toys instead of household objects, by praising them or giving small treats.

    Begging for Food

    We know those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, but if your dog is constantly begging for food in the table, you probably have reinforced that behavior in the past. As hard as it is, you must be consistent not to feed them while you’re at the dinner table or snacking in front of the TV.

    Over time, your dog will learn that begging will not give them what they want and will stop the unwanted behavior. You may also train your dog to stay in his bed while you’re eating or plan his meals around your own, so that he will be busy chowing from his bowl while you’re busy eating on your plate.

    The most important thing to remember to break a dog’s bad habits is make sure that they only get a reward when they do good.  This doesn’t mean you should opt for negative reinforcement such as yelling, or other forms of punishment for your dog. Instead find ways to redirect your puppy to positive behavior and reward them for their actions. 

  • Best practices for bathing a puppy

    A new puppy is going to find ways to get messy. One of your responsibilities as a new puppy parent will be bathing your new baby. Here are some best practices that you can use during bath time. 

    Proper timing 

    When doing any type of at home dog grooming, it is always a good idea to do it when your dog is a little tired and worn out. After some exercise is a good time, as your pup has worked off some of his energy and may be more interested in cooling off in a bath.

    Pre poo Brushing 

    Brushing your dog before bathing helps remove any loose hair and loosen any hair that’s also ready to shed. This will reduce the amount of hair that come off in the bath. Brushing your dog is an especially important first step to take if you have a long-haired dog whose coat tangles easily.

    Wet Down Your Dog With Warm Water

    Place your dog in the bath or tub, on top of a non-slip mat to eliminate slipping. A mat will also give nervous dogs more confidence by giving them sure footing. You can use a towel if you don’t have a mat. To keep yourself from getting wet, you might also want to drape another towel over yourself.

    Shampoo And Condition

    There are a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners on the market. The products you choose should depend on your dog’s coat and any skin issues they may suffer from. For instance, dogs with dry skin might need a shampoo with added oils that promote skin and coat health.

    Rinse Thoroughly

    Rinsing your dog thoroughly is one of the most important steps of the process. When you’re first learning how to give a dog a bath you’ll probably underestimate just how much rinsing they will need.