Category: Petland

Equipping your pup to deal with your occasional absences is a vital part of the training process. The alternative to this is a pup going berserk once you step inside the house. 

Pups with separation anxiety usually need an outlet for their anxiety, and this might not bode well for you. Some of the most common indications are:

• Howling, barking, and whining. 
• Destructive chewing. 
• Scratching and digging at windows and doors in a bid to find their owners. 
• Defecation and urination; even in house-trained pets.  

To help your pup get through this and adjust to the idea of your absence. Here are 5 practical ways:

1. Physical Exercise (Before You Leave)

One of the reasons why your pup might get wound up is because of nervous energy. Taking your pet for a brisk walk to reduce his energy levels is advisable. 

Once you’ve been able to get your pet in a passive state, he would likely spend your time away from him mostly resting or lazing around the place. 

Remember, an exhausted pup is a happy one (and one that stays out of trouble too).  

2. Start Small

You don’t just up from out of the blues and leave your pet alone for hours on end. You could start with small time durations, and gradually increase your absence. 

Leave him alone for some five minutes, then up to ten or 20 minutes, and then keep increasing it until you could go 8 hours without a fuss. 

This gradual separation helps your pup slowly adjust to the idea of separation and also instills the information that you would always come back home to him.  

3. No Grand Gestures! 

Overly affectionate goodbyes or greetings when you return is not the way to go. You’re trying to get your pup to understand that your leaving isn’t a big deal. A ceremonial farewell would be counterproductive. 

Instead, avoid eye contact, no touching, and no talking either. Make your pup get used to the idea that it’s nothing out of the ordinary. 

You should bring this into play when you’re starting out the separation process right from the smallest time duration. 

4. Crate Training 

You should idealize your pup’s crate so that it feels like his own personal safe space. When used the right way, it is neither inhumane nor inappropriate. 

Rather, it provides your pet with a place to escape to when the pressure gets too much. Try to make your pup associate the crate with good feelings by leaving his favorite chew toys in there. 

You should only use a crate when you feel like it is the best alternative. First observe whether your pup styles down, and feels comfortable in there. Otherwise, a crate might not make things better. 

5. Build Your Pet’s Independence 

An independent pet would not experience intense separation anxiety. Get your pup used to not following you around, or you ignore him when you’re focused on certain tasks. 

This would spur him to develop new interests, and if they skew in the way of independence, then reward this behavior. 

The earlier you start getting your pup used to your absence, the easier it would be for him to adjust over time. 

There are an incredible number of options when it comes to dog toys. Just like anything that involves a choice, making an educated one is your best bet. An educated choice would ensure that your pup gets a great toy, and derives maximum satisfaction from playing with it. The right toy has a lot of benefits for your pup. Some of these benefits include keeping her active throughout the day, improving bonding between you and your pup (in the case of tug toys and fetch toys), or simply keeping your pup happy. Your local Petland has a wide variety of toys to help you find the perfect toy for your pet!

Here are 5 tips to help with choosing the best toys for your pup: 

1. Personal Preference 

In this case, this isn’t your personal preference, it’s your pooch’s. The perfect toy has to suit your pup’s personality. Dogs have a natural playing and chewing instinct, which of course, varies by breed. You might have to experiment with a variety of toys to see which of them your dog prefers the most. For instance, Susie might be more inclined to fetch toys or tug toys, or even chewing toys. Once you note her favorite, you know what toys to buy more of going forward. 

2. Age 

The type of toys that you get your pup should be appropriate for her age. A toy for a 5-week old puppy should be plush or soft or snuggly. For a pup between three to nine months, you should consider relatively soft chew toys, because she would be teething. So, a good selection of chew toys would keep her away from the center rug or your sneakers. Past the teething phase, you can start to explore harder rubber toys as well as balls or rope pulls since they now have the jaw strength and energy to support that. This doesn’t mean you should totally eliminate softer toys, a mix of both types is a great idea. 

3. Size 

Here the breed plays a major role. For instance, a German Shepherd would chew more harshly compared to a chihuahua. Therefore, if Susie is a German Shepherd, you would need a harder and sizable toy that wouldn’t break or get stuck in her teeth. A toy that is too soft could break into pieces and cause a choking hazard, same with one that is too small. Rule of thumb, if it’s small enough to fit in your dog’s rear molars, it fits the bill of a choking hazard. 

4. Variety 

Overall development is essential, and this is why just one toy type isn’t ideal. Although your pup might have a favorite, say, a chewing toy, she really wouldn’t mind others. For bonding time, a nice tug toy would be ideal or even ball toys to play fetch. This variety would help keep your dog active, occupied, and entertained. Win-win for you and Susie!

5. Safety 

While this has been lightly touched on in the third point, it is still worthy of emphasis. In addition to getting the appropriate toy size, toy texture is an important point too.A hard toy for soft, developing dentition does more harm than good. Safety is essential when getting your pup a toy, so, ensure that the toys are perfectly suited to age and breed. Finally, keep a close eye on your pup, if you notice a toy wearing out, it might be time to replace it. 

Your pup probably tags along when you go to the kitchen and looks longingly while you eat. Our digestive system differs from theirs, and this makes some food that is perfectly safe for us, bad for them. But not all of it is, matter of fact, some human foods would do them a world of good. So, here are 7 food items that are safe for your dog, and they will absolutely love too: 

1. Fish 

Fish is a great source of protein for dogs; Salmon, tuna, and shrimp are perfectly safe. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in tuna and salmon serve to boost the immune system and maintain coat and skin health. Shrimp supplies B vitamins that aids improved blood circulation and are beneficial to the digestive system too. Before giving your pup fish, ensure that it is thoroughly cooked to kill any parasites. 

2. Peanut Butter 

Giving your pup the occasional unsalted peanut butter that has no sweeteners or added sugar is safe. Peanut butter can be a good source of protein, niacin, vitamins E and B as well as healthy fats. Ensure that you’re not giving your pup peanut butter that has the sweetener xylitol. It is toxic to dogs and if you suspect that your pup has mistakenly ingested some, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

3. Carrots 

Baby carrots are the perfect crunchy snack for your pet. They are a haven of vitamin A which helps boost the immune system and maintains the coat and skin. In addition, they are good for your pup’s dental health and help get rid of plaque on the teeth. Excess vitamin A can be pretty toxic, so moderation is the key here. 

4. Dairy Products

You would probably expect that dairy products are a total no-no, but that’s not the case. Small quantities of cheese, milk and plain yogurt are good for your pup. They cannot ingest a lot because they have low levels of the digestive enzyme lactase needed in the breakdown of sugar present in milk. 

Note: if your pet is lactose intolerant, then you should avoid giving them dairy products. How to know your pet is lactose intolerant? Vomiting or diarrhea after ingesting dairy. 

5. Watermelon 

Your pup needs high water content, and watermelons can help keep hydration levels high. It also contains vitamins A, C, and B-6. Before feeding your pup with watermelon, ensure to remove the rind first, because it can cause an upset stomach. The seeds, when ingested, can block the intestines, so you should get rid of those too. 

6. Eggs

Yes, dogs can eat eggs, even scrambled eggs. If you’re boiling the eggs, ensure that they are thoroughly boiled to avoid salmonella. Eggs are a great protein source, but that’s not all they also supply selenium and riboflavin. Selenium aids improved immune function while riboflavin improves digestion. Just remember, no seasoning!

7. Apple Slices 

Sliced apples are a good source of vitamins A, C, and high fiber content. Before giving your dog apples, ensure you take out the core and seeds, they can serve as a choking hazard. Apple slices also improve dental health. They get rid of residue on your pup’s teeth and of course, there’s the benefit of fresh breath too. 

“Man’s best friend.” Does that ring any bells? It probably would, because that’s just how dogs are regarded. And this isn’t off the mark in any way. You would agree that many-a-time, after a long day, the excitement and intense tail-wagging welcome you get takes the edge off. In addition to this, here are 5 other reasons why dogs are such great companions: 

1. They Make Us Happy!

Yes, we’re starting out with an essential emotional aspect. There’s no being sad or down when you’re around your pup. If he sees that you’ve been sitting around for too long, he’d probably start antics to get you up and moving so that you come to play. The licking, tail wagging and excited barks make us happy, it’s usually nice to be missed after a long day. Sometimes simply thinking about Abe brings a smile to your face. Pups are agents of happiness. 

2. They Get Us Moving 

If you rarely get up to do some exercising, having a dog would force you to burn some calories. You know just how much your pup loves his regular walks, and how much fun he has sniffing and skipping. What you probably don’t realize is that you’re keeping fit too. Regular walks are a great way to keep in shape and your fur baby ensures that happens like clockwork. Also, running around in the garden or backyard with Abe is keeping you fit. 

3. They are Great Entertainers 

Dogs are amazing entertainers without even trying hard. You know how hilarious it can be to watch your pup chasing his own tail. And he can be at it for hours!  He’d weave from side to side and bob his head now and again, trying to capture the elusive tail. They also have some really funny expressions sometimes, such as when you play pranks on them. They’re great company and with them, boredom flies out the door. 

4. They Can be Fierce Protectors 

Dogs are fiercely protective of their humans. Of course, this depends on breed, but most breeds have this in common. You know how much grief dogs give the postman and how they go shooting towards the door once the head knocks. This behavior makes them a deterrent to burglars, and you can sleep easier at night thanks to them. 

5. They Love Us Unconditionally

The love that pups have for their human is pure, innocent, and unconditional. It really doesn’t matter who you are, they just love you for who you are for you. Your pup produces oxytocin or the ‘love hormone’ that comes into play during a moment of intimacy or affection. The hormone is known for helping to form strong interpersonal bonds and help us connect to people, or in this case, your adorable pup. The hormone is mostly released when you’re interacting with your fur baby. While dogs make great companions, this is a reciprocal relationship. You have to be their best buddy too. Have fun bonding with your new best bud!

Communication with your dog is mainly done with your facial expression, your voice/tone, and body language. This isn’t any different when you want to show your pet affection. And you have the tail-wagging and loving slurps to confirm that they love you right back. Now, let’s take a look at 5 ways you can show your pup affection: 

1. Gaze Into His Eyes 

Recall that your pup watches your facial expressions closely. Therefore, he would perfectly understand a gentle, loving gaze. While at it, you could use calm words affirming how much you love him. Raising your left eyebrow is also seen as a display of affection. Doing this releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your pup relax and acts as a bonding agent. Watching his gooey eyes may also trigger an oxytocin release in you. 

2. Scratch Behind the Ears 

Your dog’s ears have receptors that are known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which makes him feel real good. Replace a pat on the head with a gentle scratch or patting behind the ears, and you would see the pleasurable response. Rub his ears gently too, and accompany that with other forms of petting. This says “I love you” to your pet in very certain terms. 

3. Hang Out Together 

Your pup can tell when you want him around. Including your pup in your busy day, like letting him hang around when you’re working makes him feel loved. It could be a simple act of letting him curl up at your feet while you’re sitting at your desk or letting him snuggle in your lap. On occasions like a family dinner or movie night, you could move your pup’s place close to the dining table or allow him to play with his favorite toy on the couch while seeing the movie. These are just a few suggestions. 

4. Snuggling 

Your pup has a lot of energy and sure does like to run around a lot. But after a long day, there’s nothing he loves more than snuggling next to his favorite human. A nap on the couch together or lying in the grass outdoors makes him feel like you’re part of his pack. Pets love physical contact and they thrive on it. However, they might not appreciate hugs, but cuddling on the couch, now, that’s one thing they love. 

5. Treats! 

One way to show your pup a whole lot of affection is by giving them treats! This isn’t just when they’ve been good or successfully carried out a command. Random treating and petting your fur baby shows him that you love him. Note that you shouldn’t feed your pet with just treats, because they may not always contain all the primary nutrients. Also, avoid giving human junk food and snacks, they contain more calories than your pup needs. Remember, treats should be given in moderation. 

Hurrah! Your pup’s gotcha day is just around the corner, and you’re probably looking to do something special. They are a big part of our families, so with all the excitement around, you can be certain that he would enjoy every single moment. Thankfully, there are several ways to give your pup an incredible birthday. So, here are some ideas you can explore in making your pup’s special day super memorable: 

1. A Doggo Birthday Party!

What better way to celebrate your dog’s special day than by throwing them a party. To make the party more like it, you could invite some friends and neighbors to come along with their dogs (preferably friendly pooches). If this would be your first party, then you should keep the numbers down. You could play fun pup games, share dog-friendly cake, and share bags filled with goodies and treats that dogs love. For an outdoors party, ensure that the dogs are properly supervised, have constant access to fresh water, and are shaded from the sun.  

2. Hike a New Trail 

You know just how much your pup loves his daily work, yes? Now, imagine you hiked a new road filled with new smells and sights, wouldn’t that make Max giddy with excitement! This is one way to give your pup an incredible gotcha day, take him someplace new and let him play around. Go lax a bit so that he has the freedom to take in the new smells. Visiting a new park is a nice idea too!

3. Play His Favorite Games 

Dogs have a whole lot of energy and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with their energy levels, so we do what we can, and it’s on to the next playtime! For Max’s birthday, it would be nice to spend some extra time playing the games you know that he loves. This is definitely one way to make your dog feel special on this day. Some exciting game ideas include Fetch/Frisbee, Tug of War, Hide & Seek, and you could even play Find The Treats where his keen sense of smell is rewarded with his favorite treats. 

4. Go Swimming!

Most dogs like splashing around in the water, and if your pup is that way, then a swimming session would be wonderful fun! You could visit a local beach or find a dog-friendly pool in the area. Just make sure to follow all the safety rules and bring fresh water along for wash up. 

5. Shower Him With Gifts and Treats  

Are birthdays really complete without gifts and treats? The same goes for your adorable pup. If the usual maximum was three to four treats per day, go as high as seven and see whether he doesn’t know it’s a special day. You could also take the day off to cuddle with him on the sofa, make an extra special meal, sing him a birthday song, make a birthday hat for him, and take cute pictures of him. This would definitely make a memorable one for both you and Max. 

So you’re the parent of that preppy new pup? Congratulations! You’ve gotten his crate, a couple of matching leashes, favorite chew toys, and stocked up on the best foods you could find. Great! Now that you’ve found your perfect pup, it’s time to schedule a vet appointment. Because, as cute and energetic as Boomer can be, he can feel less-than-awesome sometimes. Hence, your cute Boomer is going to need a team to keep him healthy. 

Say hello to the Vet Clinic!

However, the first trip to the vet can be stressful for your little fluff ball if he isn’t prepared for it. It’s his first time after all. You want to make the experience as smooth as possible and less daunting, there are a couple of habits you need to inculcate before dropping by the vet’s office. 

If you’re a new proud parent, here are few tips to help you prepare your pup for a visit to the vet:

1. Accustom Your Puppy With Car Rides

It’s a bad idea to only take your pup for a car ride only when it’s a trip to the vet. Soon enough, he will associate car rides with fear and scary shots. 

Make brief trips to enjoyable places such as a park or just sightseeing. If you’re concerned about the safety of your buddy during the trip, you can place him in a crate or use a canine harness restraint. Let him play with one of his toys to cheer him up. 

And if you want to take it up a notch, you could spritz calming fragrances in the car. This kind of scent would relax them as dogs possess a powerful nose.  

2. Introduce The Vet Clinic Beforehand

Visiting the clinic ahead of time may be difficult if you’re busy, but your pup would appreciate the effort. It’ll make an enormous difference to your dog’s real appointment. 

You can get to the clinic when it’s less busy and crowded with ‘strange’ dogs. Let your pup get familiar with the waiting room, the exam room, and the staff. The team will most likely say hi to your dog and drop a few treats. Since there will be no procedures and lots of people eager to play with him, the clinic won’t provoke fear for your pup.

You can even take the time to fill out the necessary paperwork. 

If possible, take two or three trial runs before the actual appointment for maximum results.

3. Remain Calm On The Big Day

Dogs are quite sensitive. 

It’s a known fact that pups pick up the energy of their owners and act accordingly. Meaning, yes, your emotions are contagious. If you’re making a fuss, your pup is likely to as well. 

Get all the information and items you need to prepare in advance from the clinic—a list of medications, stool samples, urine samples, etc.

Don’t change your routine, and remain cheerful so your baby knows nothing is wrong.

Since you absolutely adore your bundle of fluff, you would want to keep her safe by ensuring she learns basic obedience to commands.Dogs easily fall prey to distractions. One moment Betsy is chewing on her favorite toy in the park, the next, she’s running fast ahead, chasing a butterfly. 

Teaching your Betsy basic commands will prove useful to keep her away from potential danger and of course, skunk attack!  Another upside is the fact that you can take the leash off of her and have a successful outing.

To help you make that dream come true, here are basic tips on how to teach your pup to answer commands:

1. Get All Your Materials Ready

To start on the right note (or nose!), you need to get the necessary tools that are required for successful training. You will need a leash, a proper collar, and, of course, a large supply of treats for positive reinforcement.

Having something to eat motivates every dog. 

2. Speak In Clear Tones

When uttering commands to your little pup, you need to speak in a normal, rational tone—that inspires trust and confidence. 

Yelling passes the message that you’re upset and it could stress her out, making her more anxious. It could even risk damaging the precious bond with your puppy.

Use an excited voice when you want to praise your dog for following commands. When you want to deliver a correction, employ a growly tone. But when you want to issue commands that speak with more authority and less correction, use a flat, low-pitched tone. 

3. Use Concise Commands

Choose commands that are not just clear, but easy to remember for consistency. This will prevent your dog from being confused. Some common commands include:

• Sit
• Stay
• Heel (to keep her walking at your side)
• Down (to lie down)
• Stand 
• Come

4. Have Brief Training Sessions 

Dogs have a short attention span, therefore, it’s advisable to have brief training sessions that span around 10-15 minutes. Introduce the commands bit by bit. 

Recall that these commands are habits that your dog needs to pick up. And like all habits, repetition strengthens them. Do 5-20 repetitions of one command before moving to the next one.

5. Practice Outdoors 

Practicing indoors with your little buddy helps her build behaviors without distractions. However, you need to certify that your dog can listen to commands in an unfamiliar environment. 

Hence, outdoor pieces of training are necessary. Here, your dog will understand that commands you issue inside or in your backyard, means the same in all situations. 

6.  Reinforce Good Behavior 

Positive reinforcements are meant to reward your dog and help her understand when she performs well. Reward her with treats, but ensure to keep it small; since you’ll be using them many times. 

Also, avoid treats she would need to actively break apart—it would only lead to distractions.

In addition, mix verbal rewards with food rewards; eventually cutting down on the frequency of treats.

What’s better than cuddling your dog in your home or walking them in the park? It’s seeing their furry cuteness on the big screen. These movies that depict dogs’ amazing qualities and their connection with humans are sure to make you laugh, cry and tug all your heartstrings. Here are the top five best movies that will guarantee your viewing pleasure. 

1. Old Yeller (1957)

Although released in 1957, this movie is sure to tug at your heart with the powerful depiction of a loving relationship between a young boy and a stray dog. The movie displays the fierce loyalty of a dog and would have you kissing your little pooch at the end.

2. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

Again, Disney doesn’t disappoint with this memorable story in 101 Dalmatians. The movie centers on Roger Radcliffe—A computer game genius and his dog, Pongo. 

Pongo, tired of the single life, goes to find a mate for both of them. Finding a match in the Dalmatian, Perdita and her owner, Anita, he stages an encounter. Soon, Pongo and Perdita have a litter of babies—101 puppies. This catches the attention of Cruella De Ville, who wants to use their fur to make a coat for herself.

But hey, this is Disney; so her plan doesn’t fall through. 

If you are a dog lover, this movie is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing out loud.

3. Lady And The Tramp (1955)

This iconic animated romance by Disney defined the childhood of many; and for good reason. It tells the story of two individuals—the Lady, (a classic spaniel breed) and the Tramp (a street dog)—from opposite ends of the world. 

The lady adores her family but starts feeling left out when her dog-parents decide to have a child. Soon after, she meets the Tramp who introduces her to the ways of the street. It’s a fun movie that takes us through their many perils, funny moments, and of course, Hollywood’s famous date scene—the spaghetti and meatballs trick. 

4. Marley And Me (2008)

This movie will make you fall in love with your fur baby even more deeply. It will also make you appreciate how much your dog makes life bearable when it throws you lemons. 

The story tells the tale of a couple who get a dog and try to be mature dog parents. Marley, in his free-spirited manner and mischievous antics, teaches them significant life lessons along the way. 

The movie is filled with hilarious scenes and tear-provoking moments, so you do need to get ready to wipe some.  

5. The Secret Lives Of Pets (2016)

If you’ve ever wondered what your dog does when you leave the house, this movie had the same thought and ran with it. 

It’s a movie that talks about a terrier, Max, who is living the best life with his owner. When she adopts another dog, Duke, Max wants him far away from his perfect life. The animation follows their misadventures and plans to beat a common opponent. The movie is hilarious, touching, and can be viewed by anyone.

If you own one of these fluffy angels, it’s only natural for you to want to know what they are thinking. Sometimes, you might catch them doing something weird or comical that makes you go, ‘Why on earth would you do that?’

Now, no two dogs are exactly the same. They each have their own defining personality. But all dogs share similar behavior patterns that give us an inkling of what they are feeling.

In this article, we discuss the different behaviors your pup can exhibit, in basic dog language, and what they mean.

1. Head Tilting

Cocking their head to one side is one of the cutest expressions that your dog can pull off. It’s almost like they are questioning what is going on. 

Experts say that they are trying to figure out what they are hearing and the location of the noise. Another reason they might do this is that they are trying to pick up some commands they’ve gotten accustomed to, maybe ‘heel’ or ‘walk’

However, if your dog cocks her head without a trigger or appears not to have control over it, it could be a health issue. You need to see your vet as quickly as possible.

2. Eating Grass

Yes, your pup eating grass is normal. However, this behavior is a sign that they lack some important nutrients in their diet. Another reason could be that they may be dehydrated or want to get rid of intestinal worms in their bellies. In such scenarios, it’s best you contact your vet for advice on their diet.

3. Constant Digging

Dogs dig a lot. And we’re pretty sure your pup is no different. They dig when they’re bored, or want to hide their important belongings, or when they need a cooler spot to stay. But, when they dig inside the house as well—couches and blankets—it can be a nuisance. 

This behavior is completely normal. Get your furry friend busy by engaging her with interactive games. However, if the digging really distresses you, you can employ the services of a trainer to reduce the habit.

4. Chasing Their Tail

Does your Goldie spin in circles, chasing her tail? It’s a cute scene to watch and a very normal activity. It’s just another fun way she releases energy. However, if she does the activity excessively, it could be a sign of an anal or skin infection.

If this progresses to something constant and extreme, your dog might have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Did your jaw drop? Yep, Dogs do have OCD. You will need to see your vet concerning the tail chasing.

5. Eating Poop

We’ve spoken about the cute behaviors, the weird patterns, and the funny ones. Now, it’s time for the ugly and downright gross behavior—eating poop. 

As grotesque as it sounds (or looks), your pup eating poop is actually quite common. The truth is, we may never pinpoint exactly why they do this. 

But different theories speculate that they do this because they may be hungry, anxious or stressed, or purely out of natural instinct.