Category: Petland

Needing some time to adjust to a new location also applies to your pet. Matter of fact, it might take a bigger toll on Cecil because she thrives on the familiar; familiar places, intimate knowledge of room locations, all of that stuff. 

So, uprooting her from the familiar and taking her to an all-new location might have her acting up; it can even be downright traumatic. This is why you need to make sure that she gets used to the new conditions as quickly as possible. Here are some tips that can help: 

1. Create Familiar Feelings 

If you’re moving to a new home, the biggest mistake you would make is tossing out all of your dog’s toys, thinking you would get her new ones. 

To create a sense of familiarity, you would need objects that your dog was familiar with previously such as her toys, bed, feeding and drinking bowls, the cloth she liked to tug on, her favorite ball, all of these things. 

This way she isn’t thrust into an all-new experience that is difficult to handle. 

2. Extreme Patience Would be Needed 

Your pup would be getting a new location for her bed, her feeding and drinking bowls, different-smelling grass, basically a whole new environment. It would therefore take some getting used to for her, it might take a while to get a perfect peeing spot, so, you would have to sit tight while she circles round and round. 

She has to test out all the corners before selecting her favorite, might not like the location of her bed, etc. New preferences take a while to establish, and you would have to be patient through all of this. 

3. Spend Quality Time With Cecil   

Of all the familiar things you brought along, the most familiar remains your face, your scent, your touch, your voice, everything about you. So, a great deal of her getting adjusted to a new environment lies on your shoulders. 

Spend time playing catch outside so that she gets used to the sight and smell of that and start taking regular walks along the same path so that she adjusts to that gradually. Once the feeling of familiarity starts to return, she would be less tense and carefree once again. 

4. Maintain Your Routine! 

Doesn’t it surprise you sometimes that at exactly 5:45, your dog is at the door waiting and wagging its tail to welcome you home? 

While dogs may not understand passing time, they do have a perception of it and if you have a routine, it’s easy for them to catch up to it. In a new location, do your possible best to maintain your routine because Cecil thrives on it. 

Wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, breakfast, walk Cecil, playtime, all of these using the former schedule. This easily recreates the sense of routine and allows for easier adjustment.

Opening up your home and your heart to a new puppy is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have. The feeling of the warm, fluffy, pulsing mass of life (super adorable puppy in other words), is nothing short of an incredible one. 

But before the puppy arrives, you would need to ensure that your home is in the right state to accommodate a puppy. What does this mean? It simply implies that you would need to answer the following questions and tick them off your checklist:

1. Is Your Home Puppy Proof?  

The first step before bringing your puppy home is ensuring your home is safe. Your puppy would tend to wander around the house a lot, getting familiar with the surroundings and on his quest, might decide to explore interesting subjects. 

These subjects may range anywhere from dangling fabrics, strings, or wires to small objects like paper clips or even furniture! So, you would want to protect your pup from swallowing stuff he shouldn’t while preserving your property too. 

2. Have You Gotten Supplies?

Food and water bowls, and of course, food are primary supplies you need. For feeding, 2 or 3 times a day is ideal while your pup’s feed should be recommended by a veterinarian. 

You would need to get a collar and leash, and toys too! Your puppy would have a lot of nervous energy and wouldn’t you rather he took it out on toys rather than your furniture. 

Furthermore, your pup would need a place to sleep, just like you do, and a crate would do just fine for this. It would also serve as a secure location for times when you’re leaving him on his own. As a rule of thumb, the crate should have enough space for your pup to stand and turn around. 

3. Have You Decided On Limits?

Puppies are just like babies, they watch your every move and easily pick up on routine or rules. However, inconsistency is one factor you want to avoid. If it’s cool for them to go in a room one day, and it’s not the next, you’re sending mixed signals and this is confusing. 

Before bringing the puppy home, decide rooms where he’s allowed to enter, whether or not he’s allowed on the furniture and other decisions in that line. Consistency is key!

4. Are Your Family Members Prepared Too?

Preparing your family members is just as important as preparing your home itself. If you have kids, they need to know that the pup isn’t a toy, and should be treated gently. 

They should know the basics about puppy care; how to relate with the puppy, knowing better than to not disturb the pup when he’s sleeping or eating, amongst others. 

Create a routine for your pup and let your family members know about it so that they can keep up even in your absence. These preparations go a long way into making the obedient dog that you want later in the future.  

Establishing a strong bond is the foundation for success in any relationship, and this applies to your pup. The human-pet bond that goes so deep that they can sense changes in your mood doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it comes about as a result of certain conscious or unconsciously done moves. Not sure how to bond with your pup better? Here’s how:

1. Quality Time Together!

No relationship, not a single one, blossoms without quality time. Even love at first sight needs time to develop into happily ever after. It’s all about being together and going on adventures and making memories. Whether indoors or outdoors, you absolutely want to devote time and attention to your pup. Once in a while, you could plan a little human-doggo vacation and go exploring!

2. Never Lose Your Cool

There are times when your pup might do something naughty like chew on the rug or pee indoors. These times call for utmost calmness, and even if you’re not feeling it, you must totally remain tranquil. If you’re losing your temper as a result of something different altogether and you feel the urge to yell, resist it. The memory of your pup running off to hide under a chair is one that would haunt you and you absolutely do not want to experience this. 

3. Clear Communication 

Communicating clearly and precisely is the lubricant that smoothens relationships over. You need to be as clear as possible when communicating with your dog. Your body language is important too as they watch very closely. Therefore, you don’t want your words and body language contradicting as this would confuse your pet. Ensure that your training signals are consistent and if you notice that your dog is more of a visual learner, emphasize more on that and less on words. 

4. The Power of Touch 

A cuddle, a warm hug, a kiss, regular patting, and you’re on your way to building a strong bond with your pet. More than anything in the world, pups love being physically loved up just like you do. The same hormones that are released in you when you get a warm, soothing hug are released in them too. Give your dog a massage on occasion, and some veterinarians even believe that it helps with a lowered blood pressure and relieves stress.   

5. Keep Them Comfortable  

Your pup has likes and dislikes too, some things annoy him and it is your responsibility to take note of these things. For instance, some pups are not comfortable around other people and wouldn’t like to be petted by them. Some others do not like being dressed up or being put in unfamiliar situations. If you would be introducing them to new situations, take along treats for positive reinforcement. Also, recall that their sense of smell is way stronger than yours. So, that slightly irritating smell for you is multiplied for them. Just try to keep them comfy!

The park is a great place for your dog to run free amongst other dogs and more importantly, socialize. There’d also be the occasional butt sniffing, but consider the ‘hazards’ that come with the park. While the park sounds just perfect, you’d need to make sure that your dog is ready for the park environment. Not sure what this entails? Then take a look at this checklist: 

1. Will Your Dog Have Fun?

More than anything, you need to be certain that your pet would have a good time. Not all dogs are big fans of socializing with other dogs, and your pup might get frightened by large, adult dogs. A good way to break them in would be supervised playgroups or play dates, perhaps with friends’ puppies who are in the same age bracket and would interact pleasantly. Also, if your dog displays signs of aggression, even at that young age, you would need to work on curbing that before introducing him to a dog park. 

2. Are Vaccinations In Order? 

Taking your unvaccinated pup to the park opens them up to transmittable diseases, and puts other dogs at risk. This is why you need to get your pup vaccinated first for all necessary ailments, as well as various parasite preservatives. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb, your pup should only visit the park when they are 17 weeks or older. Keeping your pup’s information updated is also essential in case they get separated from you, so, even when you’re letting them off-leash, the collar and tags should stay on. 

3. Does Duke Have Basic Training?

The most basic of training: would Duke respond to a “come!” command? If you’re not certain that your dog would respond to your summons, then it isn’t quite dog park time yet. To get Duke used to answering the summons, you can start in the living room with short distances. You can then extend this to further distances such as calling from an entirely different room. For every time he runs to you, make sure you give him a treat; this would help with ingraining this response in his psyche. This particularly comes in handy when it looks like trouble is starting to brew at the park and you need to get your pup out of the mix. 

4. Are You Conversant With Dog Park Manners?

Knowing dog park manners is important to keep your dog in line. For instance, there’s a thin line between normal play behavior and bullying, and you need to be able to detect when your dog is acting up. This is a two-way street, so it could happen to your pup too and you should be ready to rescue your pet. A dog park is meant for relaxation and socializing, so, if your dog is experiencing stress and anxiety, the purpose is defeated. Similarly, recall that pups would pick up proper mannerism from well-socialized adult dogs, so the occasional growl from one during dog to dog interaction shouldn’t be perceived as a fight, especially when no harm or bullying is evident. 

Ever heard of a sad dog? I bet you haven’t. This is because dogs are naturally happy animals who find a way to have fun every chance they get. Now, this doesn’t mean there are no ways to make your dog happy. After spending a bit of time with your pup, you would have picked up on certain activities that get Lily giddy with excitement. In addition to these activities, here are 5 tips to keep your dog happy:

1. Be Health-conscious 

It goes without saying that a healthy pup is a happy pup. Only a healthy pup has sufficient nervous energy to dash around with reckless abandon. In addition to regular checkups, proper nutrition is an essential aspect of keeping your pup in sound health. Don’t just pick food off the shelf, get recommendations from your veterinarian. Be sure that other healthy habits like regular exercise and adequate grooming are not left out either. 

2. Playtime!

More than anything in the world, all Lily wants to do is play catch and fetch and run around the backyard with her ‘hooman’. Playtime with your dog helps them get physical exercise which is required for stimulation, and of course, you get to have fun and relax too. It doesn’t have to be outdoors fun only, you could play hide and seek within the house, unleash the tracker in them! Read to Lily, dance around the house with her, you would definitely see her eyes shining with excitement. 

3. Road Trip!

No, it doesn’t have to be a planned road trip. It could be a quick drive to the mall or the drive-through. He would definitely love riding shotgun and make sure you let the window down a bit so that he gets the breeze in his face. You can almost picture him with his tongue hanging out, face pressed against the window watching the shrubbery fly by and the occasional bird takes flight. If this sounds like such a great pastime to you, then it definitely is for Max too! By the way, ensure he’s well secured in his seat. 

4. Plenty of Love 

That strong loving bond that you form with your pup is one of the greatest rewards that having a dog gets you. Dogs love physical contact; cuddling, belly rubs, petting, forehead kisses, they love all of it. So, if you want your pup to be happy, then you have to show them that they are loved a whole lot. This helps build a stronger emotional connection with you, maintains their emotional intelligence, and helps them remain friends and sociable. 

5. Treats! 

You want to give out treats from time to time, particularly to reinforce good behavior. And at other times, treat your dog just because. Treats,outside of mealtimes,are bound to make them ecstatic. And of course, be sure to share in moderation and ensure they are healthy treats. They could even be homemade, so you save some money in the process.

Fun fact; dogs are never the villain in any movie. If anything, they do something so incredibly endearing that we love them more for it. Or they simply just exist as their wonderful selves and make us fall in love with them! Long story short, here are 10 of the most famous tv show dogs you’ve probably heard about, and if you hadn’t previously, you would have now: 

1. Marley from Marley & Me (2008)

The story of Marley is one that’s made it into print media. Marley was the super active 100-pound dog of John and Jennifer Grogan who acted like a puppy all his life and was featured in the movie, Marley and Me. 

2. Old Yeller from Old Yeller (1957)

Old Yeller is a very familiar name and the star of the 1957 film, Old Yeller. The plot details a Labrador Retriever/Mastiff mix who saves his family and saves the day but tragically gets rabies in the process. 

3. Chance and Shadow from Homeward Bound (1993)

A combo of Chance, a young pup, and Shadow, old and experienced, make up two out of the three pets who embark on a journey to find their owners who are vacationing. Their adventure takes them across open countryside and forests in this film. 

4. Brian from Family Guy (1999)

One of the most eloquent and educated talking dogs you would find on TV. Brian from Family Guy is smarter than most of his family members and was even quite the player! No, this can’t be left out! 

5. Beethoven from Beethoven (1992) 

For starters, this is not about the famous music composer. This is Beethoven the “St. Bernard dog” and in addition to the remarkable name, this dog-themed movie has enjoyed immense success since its making in 1992.  

6. Buddy from Air Bud (1997)

Police dogs are a thing, but a basketball-player dog, now that’s a new one. This is the story of Buddy the Golden Retriever in the movie Air Bud. In the movie, he goes on to join a human team and play in a competition! Fun fact, his real-life name was Buddy too and his trainer, Kevin di Cicco, really did teach him basketball and how to dunk. 

7. Jerry Lee from K-9 (1989)

Jerry Lee was a cool police dog who did just what he pleased and frustrated his handler, Michael Dooley, many times. He was supposed to help Michael in his pursuit of an international drug dealer, Ken Lyman, and by the end of the movie, he’d endeared himself to everyone. 

8. Hachi from Hachi A Dog’s Tale (2009)

Inspired by a real story from Japan about an Akita Inu who always waited at the train station for his master’s arrival and continued every single day even after his master’s demise. 

9. Rin Tin Tin from The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (1954)

This series with a total of 164 episodes tells the story of an orphan boy Rusty and his German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin. With his trusted companion by his side, he traveled to carry out various military duties. 

10. Snoopy from Snoopy Come Home (1972)

Snoopy was a well-known fictional character from the peanuts comic strip, and he could walk upright like a human. In fiction, Snoopy always wanted to be famous, and he got so famous in reality, that he was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Dogs do not seem to understand that rolling around in puddles and chasing skunks equates to bad doggo. They just want to have their fun, and sometimes, there’s really nothing you can do to stop them. But of course, you’re saddled with the responsibility of keeping them clean. For grooming, some tools you need include: 

• A brush, comb, or shedding blade (subject to dog cost type).
• A grooming table with a grooming arm to keep her secure on the table.
• Clipper and blade coolant.
• Grooming shears.
• Grooming clippers (using No. 10 blades to avoid cuts).
• A grinder or nail clippers.
• Styptic powder (in case of nail bleed).

So, for the times you cannot visit a professional groomer or you want to DIY, here are the major areas of grooming and how to get your ‘groom’ on. 

Brushing and Bathing 

You would need to create a routine, and you can start by brushing your dog for a few minutes at different times during the week. Whether or not you would be proceeding to a proper bath, brushing down is important because it gets rid of most of the heavy dirt. Get your dog used to being brushed while she’s standing and for baths, high-quality dog shampoo should be used. 

Haircut!

After a brush-down and a bath, you might want to do some trimming. If you’re using a pair of scissors, you would have to be extra careful, but ideally, professional clippers or shears are recommended. A grooming table also makes the process seamless and before the trim, ensure that your pup is dry and clean. Use the tips of the shears to prevent injury and for matted hair, use a clipper instead. 

Shaving!

A spot without distractions, a dry, clean dog, and a sharp blade are the players here. Starting around the neck is recommended with the blade kept flat against the skin. Exercise caution around thin skin like the hocks (thigh and hip), underarms, and joints. A No. 10 blade is ideal for this and you should check the blades as they tend to heat up and burn the skin. If you’re not confident of your shaving abilities, don’t wing it. You don’t want your pet left with cuts. 

Trimming Nails

First off, you need to get your pet used to the sound of the nail grinder or clippers. As a rule of thumb, white nails should be clipped until you see ‘the quick’ (usually pink), and black nails should be clipped gradually until a black dot appears at the tip. Clipping action should be done slowly, but with the clip closing fast, and dull clippers should be avoided as they can cause splitting and chipping. While using the grinder, make sure you stop before ‘the quick’. Mistakenly clipped the quick? Dab on some styptic powder to stop bleeding. 

And there you have it, your pet is all groomed and ready to take on the world!

Dogs are usually a great addition to the family and they come with a lot of unconditional love for everyone. It isn’t uncommon for pups and pup owners to form an unbreakable bond and make blissful memories over the years. The first ever best friend of many kids is their childhood pup and in addition to the companionship, they also pick up lessons in caregiving, love and patience. 

When choosing a puppy for your kids, you would need to take note of factors like his temperament, energy levels, and size. Chances are your wonderful munchkins would be spending a lot of time playing with their pup, so you would need a breed that can match their enthusiasm. Without further ado, here are 5 dog breeds that are just amazing for kids: 

1. Golden Retriever 

Golden Retrievers just about have an infinite amount of patience and are known to be fiercely protective of their wards. They are not aggressive and they are known for their playful nature (your kids would have a lot of fun getting him to play fetch). Their golden coats are exquisite too, and just brushing them down twice weekly is all you need to unleash the glow. 

2. Labrador Retriever 

If your kids especially have a whole lot of nervous energy and are typically all over the place, then a Labrador Retriever is perfect for them. Labs usually need a lot of exercise and how better for them to get it than while having fun with the kids! They are also very patient, obedient, loving, and respond to training without any hassle. 

3. Newfoundland 

This breed comes with a pretty distinct nickname that tells a lot about them, “Nature’s babysitter.” They are super intelligent and totally love kids as well. They also come with an unlimited amount of patience, they’re very kind and can be easily trained too. Opting for this breed does come with some extra work; they drool and shed significantly and are therefore great for a home that has open space. 

4. Pug

One breed that sure does like to show off is the Pug! They absolutely adore human companionship and are very playful and affectionate. They do not appreciate being left alone for long periods on their own and often display a stubborn side from time to time. However, they make a great playmate for kids and get along well even with inexperienced pet parents. Easygoing and compact, they do not do well in heat and would typically wheeze or snore because of their short nose. 

5. Beagle 

Beagles are sweet-tempered cuties who have found a way to endear themselves to both kids and adults alike. They make for a wonderful companion and are known for being very active, especially when outdoors. They are great scent hounds and sure do know how to have fun. They need lots of exercise, so, anticipate a lot of running and jumping around the house. Beagles are compact and can easily be transported as a result. 

On a final note, you should teach your kids and puppy how to interact, and there shouldn’t be any problems at all!

The Labrador Retriever has consistently ranked number one as the most popular dog breed in America for almost three decades. And, we’re not surprised. 

Labradors are all-around amazing dogs with lovable personalities who love to play and are very intelligent. If you’re looking for the best dog ever, you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading to find out more about why these are the greatest dogs, and we’re certain you’ll be searching ‘Labrador puppy for sale’ in no time.

Labrador Retrievers are Amazing Family Dogs

These dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds because they’re fantastic family dogs who make great companions for children. They’re affectionate and patient with little ones and rarely show any sort of aggression towards strangers and children. 

They are adventurous and playful and love to take part in all sorts of activities. They love swimming, playing fetch, and joining their family on outdoor excursions.

They are also the perfect size, somewhere in the middle between not-too-big and not-too-small. So, they’re happy living in an apartment as long they get plenty of exercise, but they flourish in a house with a yard.

This Popular Dog Breed is Very Intelligent 

Labradors are not only intelligent and curious but obedient, too. This means that they love to learn and are highly trainable. They have a great desire to please their owner and they don’t show resistance or stubbornness when it comes to training. 

They’re one of the easier dogs to train and are loyal and helpful. This is the reason that they are the perfect canine for service dog jobs such as rescue dogs and guide dogs. 

Who wouldn’t want one of these honorable pups in their home, being ever-helpful and loyal?

This Dog Breed is Generally Healthy

Unlike other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are typically healthy and live for an average of 12 years. That’s over a decade that you’ll get to spend with your lovely pup. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are among the most common hereditary health issues that Labradors experience. 

But, if you provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet and plenty of exercise, you can help to prevent common health issues. 

You Won’t Need to Constantly Groom a Labrador 

Among the plenty of reasons why we love Labradors is that they’re low-maintenance dogs. They don’t require frequent brushing and bathing. Their coat sheds on its own (and doesn’t excessively shed — yay!) and you won’t have to deal with dreadlocks, hairballs, and tangles.

Give your pup a bath and a brush every once in a while and they’re good to go!

The Paw-fect Personality

Labradors are goofy, they love to cuddle and they’re full of energy. What more could you want from a furry family member? They’re fantastic with other dogs, so a trip to the park or bringing a new pet home couldn’t be simpler. 

These dogs are highly lovable and affectionate and really are a human’s best friend. 

Are You Ready to Bring Home the Best Dog Ever?

It’s clear why we think the Labrador Retriever is the best dog ever, and we’re sure that you’re thinking the same too! If you’re looking for a loyal and lovable companion who’s easy to train and full of energy, you can’t go wrong with a Labrador. 

Did you know there’s been a 40% increase in the number of US dog parks in the past decade?

Of course, not all dog parks are created equal. Some are little more than a fenced-in area surrounded by city streets.

To find some truly epic dog parks, you may need to travel beyond your hometown. To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up five of the best dog parks from coast to coast. 

Keep reading to find the best dog parks near you!

1. Dog Mountain (St. Johnsbury, VT)

How do 150 acres of unspoiled Vermont wilderness sound for you and your pup? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Dog Mountain, located just east of Montpelier and Stowe.

Imagine endless hiking trails, ponds, and wide-open fields for your dog to run and play. You’ll also love the property’s charming Dog Chapel that celebrates the unique bond between man and man’s best friend.

2. Newtown Dream Dog Park (Johns Creek, GA)

Just north of Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll find the first-ever winner of Beneful’s Dream Dog Park campaign. The winners were awarded a cool $500,000 to build the ultimate dog park — and they did not disappoint.

Newtown Dream Dog Park is a fenced-in acre of doggie heaven. It’s full of bridges, arches, and tunnels over soft artificial turf. In the summer months, the park’s fire hydrant “sprinklers” are sure to keep your pup entertained for hours.

3. Shaggy Pines Dog Park (Ada, MI)

If you’re near Grand Rapids, Michigan, high-tail it over to the puppy paradise of Shaggy Pines Dog Park. There you’ll find 16 acres of rolling hills, lush pine forests, and a huge doggy swimming pond.

Does your pup love to climb and dig? He’ll love playing on the epic Doggy Mountain sand pile! Afterward, get a snack for yourself and your pup at the on-site Coffee and Treat Bar.

4. Bear Creek Dog Park (Colorado Springs, CO)

How much fun could your dog have exploring 25 leash-free acres in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains? Find out by taking a trip to Colorado Springs’ Bear Creek Dog Park.

There are hills, trails, and swimming opportunities galore in this majestic dog park. There’s also an Agility Training Area, as well as two acres dedicated to small dogs and senior dogs.

5. Fiesta Island Dog Park (San Diego, CA)

It’s hard to find a California beach where your pup can play off leash. But San Diego’s Fiesta Island Dog Park is one such place.

Here your furry friend can enjoy endless romps on wide sandy beaches and swims in the cool Pacific waters. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enjoy the oceanfront tranquility of one of the nation’s most best dog parks.

Plan a Visit to These Unique Dog Parks

So, which of these epic dog parks will make your must-see list?

Hopefully there’s one located near you. If not, it’s the perfect excuse to plan a road trip with your pup!

Speaking of your pup, do you have everything you need for your next trip to the dog park? From the best toys and training products to grooming and nutritional needs, Petland is your one-stop-shop for a happy, healthy pup.