Category: Petland

Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” 

Wrong on both counts. First off, training any dog, regardless of age, is relatively easy if you use the two most important tools: treats and patience. Declining health might mean your senior dog can’t perform certain tasks, but within his physical limitations, older dogs can learn new things. Puppies may train faster, but older dogs outperform the pups in logic and reasoning tasks. Like humans, they learn from life experiences. They are also able to focus longer than a young dog.

So what to teach your dog to do? Here is a list of tricks to teach any dog of any age. Using the techniques of consistency, repetition, and positive reward, any dog can learn these. Using a clicker to signal correct responses speeds this training up many times over. The most important thing about clicker training is timing. You absolutely must time the click to coincide with the correct behavior. A moment too late and he won’t understand what you are rewarding him for. 

1. Touch. This is the basic command—targeting— that will be foundational in teaching other tricks. Simply hold out two fingers in front of your dog. When your dog reaches out and touches your fingers, immediately click and then give him his tiny pieces of his favorite treat. After he gets the idea, move your hand away so that the dog must come to your hand in order to touch it. When he is reliably touching your fingers every time you hold them out, add the verbal word, “touch.” (If he’s hearing impaired, just skip the word. The visual gesture will be all he needs.)
2. Come. If you have taught touch, give the touch command and hold out your fingers. When he touches your fingers, toss his treat a little ways away from him so he has to go get it. Then command “touch” again and repeat the sequence of command, touch (click), toss, repeat. As soon as he starts eagerly coming to you when he sees your hand outstretched, change the command from “touch” to “come.”
3. Lie down. Start with your dog in front of you and hold two fingers out as before. When he touches your fingers, click and treat. Next time, put your fingers on the ground and say “touch.” You’ll be amazed how quickly he will lie down to touch your fingers. Remember to click the moment the behavior is correct. When he’s reliably lying down to touch your fingers, change the command to “lie down.” Repeat it until he will lie down on command.
4. Sit. This time, use the touch command to teach your dog to sit. Start out the same way with the dog touching your extended fingers. Then lift the fingers up and slightly over his head. He will lift his head to touch your fingers and will probably lower his hindquarters at the same time. When he is sitting each time you lift your fingers above his head, add the “sit” command.
5. Follow. Teaching your dog to follow your moving fingers at this point should be very easy. Keep the fingers just slightly ahead of him and out of his reach. When you finally allow him to touch your fingers, click and reward. This one will be a lot of fun for him, so teaching “follow” will seem more like a game.
6. Ring the bell to go outside. One secret of clicker training is to capture behavior you want to reinforce. Instead of extending your fingers, hold a string of bells and command your dog to touch. At first, he may look at you confused. Just wait. Repeat the command “touch” and wiggle the string of bells a little to encourage his attention. As soon as he touches the bells, click and reward. Next, hold the bells a little higher than his nose so he reaches for the bells. When he touches them, click and reward. Next time, move the bells to a door or gate and when he touches them, open the gate and reward him after he passes through the door. You no longer have to verbally cue him, but every time he goes through the gate, take him to his potty spot. Slowly wait to treat him until he is closer to his spot, and eventually stop rewarding him for going outside and reward him for doing his business. 

Building on targeting, you can teach your dog to go get things, to pick up his toys, to open doors, and so much more. Any dog of any age can learn this way. So head to your nearest Petland, grab some Lil Gimmes training treats and start mastering some new tricks with your dog! To see videos of how to use this technique with your dog, watch this Treehugger video.

This year has been one of unique challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to stay at home. But the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already had 9 named storms, “the most ever recorded since the satellite era began in 1966,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  The fire season in California is expected to be worse than ever this year, and there have already been 672 tornadoes so far. 

Chances are, you have a preparedness plan for your family, but did you include your pets in that plan? If not, today is not too soon to prepare in case you need to vacate your home in an emergency. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that masks and social distancing are not the only ways we need to protect ourselves in this unusual new “normal.” They remind us that leaving your pets out of your evacuation plans can spell disaster for you, your pets, and first responders. Here’s what they suggest.

Before an emergency, familiarize yourself with the kinds of disasters that are not uncommon in your area. Make a list of pet-friendly hotels where you can take refuge if you have to evacuate your home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your pet in case you’re not home when an emergency occurs. Make an animal hospital and veterinarian’s contact information part of the important information in your own preparedness kit. 

Other critical things to do before disaster happens include making sure your pet wears a collar and tag with up-to-date contact information. If you haven’t done it already, seriously consider having your pet microchipped. Be sure you register the microchip with the manufacturer and update your contact information immediately when anything changes.

You should have a leash and carrier near the exit and be sure your car is equipped with equipment for traveling with your pet. To be thoroughly prepared, check out the CDC’s Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit (free) and gather all documents and items just in case 2020 throws more surprises at us this year!

Dogs love the outdoors. They notice everything, not only with their eyes but with their whole bodies. Watch Fido, and you’ll see him sniff, move his ears, cock his head, wag his tail, raise his hackles, paw at things, maybe even dig. And if he finds something really, really stinky, watch out! Chances are, he’ll want to roll in it.

One of the best vacays with your dog is hiking. He probably likes that more than any other activity because he gets to explore sights, sounds, and smells he doesn’t usually get to enjoy. Your dog lives with his whole being, so hiking is right up his alley. Parks and lakes, beaches, or pools are also wonderful vacation spots.

Important questions when you plan your time outside with Fido:

1. Where do you want to go?

2. Are dogs allowed?

3. Do you have absolute control of your dog off-leash, or do you plan to keep him on a leash?

4. Is he healthy enough for activity in the sun? For how long?

5. Are you going with other dog owners or just you two?

Be sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with a proper license. Today it is easy to have your dog microchipped, and many veterinarians and shelters have scanners to read them. This will facilitate getting Fido back to you if he should get lost.

You never know what you might run into on trails. Other dogs and animals are possible, so be sure your buddy is current on all his vaccines. Even if your state does not require a rabies vaccine, if you are going to hike with him, it’s a good idea to vaccinate against rabies anyway.

Especially in areas where there is a lot of undergrowth or high grass and weeds, your dog may pick up ticks and fleas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so if that’s a risk in your area, consider vaccinating Fido against it. Petland has a variety of flea/tick products to choose from.

Not everyone appreciates dogs and you should brush up on his manners before exposing the world to him. Don’t let him approach anyone uninvited.

Musts:

●   Keep your dog close

●   Clean up after him

●   Bring plenty of clear water and a bowl

●   Bring a spray bottle of water for spritzing his body, but avoid his face

●   Be aware of trail side hazards

●   Bring along a first aid kit and check paws often

Must Nots:

●   Don’t let your dog run around loose

●   Don’t let Fido enter private property (even through wire fences)

●   Don’t let him drink any water but what you bring

●   Don’t let your dog approach strangers

●   Don’t let him bark excessively

●   Don’t let Fido eat anything off the ground

Most importantly, have tons of fun with your pooch as we continue through the rest of the Summer and stay safe!

Does your fur baby love catnip? Well, here’s why!

Cat owners respond with laughter when they see their cat’s reaction to catnip, an herb in the mint family. Their normally lazy feline rubs her nose and cheeks in the catnip, rolls around on the ground, leaps around like a kitten, and then in roughly 10 minutes falls asleep. Most cats enjoying catnip also vocalize more than usual, but not all cats are equally respondent.

Some people question the ethics of giving what appears to have the effect of a recreational drug in human use to an animal. But is it really the same? What exactly is going on when our cats act silly around this “magic” cat herb?

There are many varieties of what is commonly known as the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species). They are all members of the mint family Lamiaceae that also includes such herbs as rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil. Catnip contains tannins, volatile oils, acids, and sterols. Although not native to North America, they were imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa and are now commonly seen in herb gardens. The plants also grow widely as weeds. The volatile oil nepetalactone found in the stems and leaves of the catnip plant is the component that cats react to. It is nonaddictive and completely harmless to cats. Domestic cats as well as their wild cousins seem to love the smell.

They look high—are they? Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology and co-director of the Center for Sensory Sciences and Innovation at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, says no. The behaviors exhibited by cats when they smell catnip are those common to queens in season (females in heat.) The response to catnip is hereditary. Seventy to 80 percent of cats, both male and female, act this way when exposed to the plant. Kittens under the age of 6 months (when they reach sexual maturity), however, do not react to catnip. If it induced a high like marijuana does in humans, age would have no bearing on it.

It’s not only nepetalactone in catnip that stimulates a response, says Simon. Other compounds are similar in molecular structure, but not as strong. The odor of nepetalactone binds to receptors in their noses and the resulting behavior may appear euphoric.

According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, these other compounds affect neurotransmitters, “resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity.”

A study published in Science Direct says that virtually 100% of cats respond to catnip, although the reaction in some is passive, seen in the sphinx-like posture they exhibit. Whatever their response, it’s definitely a pure pleasure for the cat that smells catnip. Check out your local Petland for a variety of fun catnip treats!

How to keep your pet’s paws perfect.

Summer is hot, and when that sun is still beating down on the asphalt, rocks, and cement, it can really do a number on your pet’s toe beans, regardless of size.

Most dogs show signs of distress when they walk on pavement that is too hot. How hot is too hot? The general rule is “if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for his paws.” It’s hard to believe that when your temperature reaches 77° the pavement can be 125°, but it is true. Pavement that hot can literally burn your dog’s paw pads off.

In the summertime, it’s best to walk Pal during early morning hours or late evening hours. If your dog can’t go that long between walks, carry him—if he’s not too big—to the grass. But even grass can be too hot in the midday sun. If he starts to whine, limp, or simply stop walking, take him home immediately. Examine his feet to make sure not damage has been done. Wash them gently in room temperature water and soothe them with balm formulated specifically for canine use (ask your vet for a recommendation).

If you see signs of burned, torn, or injured pads, there are some things you can do until you can get him to the vet.

1. Clean the wound. Use room-temperature or cool water to wash away dirt and debris. If there is something deeply embedded, do not attempt to remove it—you can cause further damage. Use mild antibacterial soap or betadine to cleanse the area
2. Stop the bleeding. Firm pressure against the wound should stop the bleeding within ten to fifteen minutes. If it doesn’t, an emergency trip to the animal hospital is in order—NOW.
3. Bandage the wounded pad. Use gauze to cushion the foot and absorb the blood. Hold it in place by using self-sticking Vet Wrap to wrap the entire foot, including toes and up to the top of the ankle or wrist. Don’t make the wrap too tight, though, or you can cut off circulation. You should be able to fit a finger between the bandage and the foot.
4. Change the bandage every day. Look for swollen toes or a foul smell. These can indicate an infection and definitely require a vet’s help. Antibiotics and pain medicine can promote faster healing. Keep the bandage dry. You can use a “cone” or a spray-on product to stop licking or chewing on the bandage.

If it’s still too hot outside for the two of you, especially for those that live in the southern half of the US, find some fun games to play while you’re inside. Teach your dog some new tricks or do some indoor workouts with him. Either, way, stay safe, and keep your pup’s paws perfect!

The what, why, and how. Make sure your pet is safe!

When I was small, we moved from one neighborhood to another pretty far away. During the move, our Boston Terrier, Chippy, got lost. We searched high and low for her until finally she was found in the trunk with some of the things we were moving! If Chippy had been lost in the new neighborhood, chances are highly unlikely that we would have gotten her back.

Today, your pet is much more likely to be returned to you if it has a microchip implanted. (Yes, I get the irony of my Boston’s name being Chippy!) In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that after a study of 7,700 shelter animals was undertaken, they discovered that cats with microchips were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time compared with the dismal rate of only 1.8% of those without microchips. Dogs without microchips fared better, being returned 21.9% of the time, but not even close to the return rate of 52.2% for microchipped pups (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009).

What about those with microchips that weren’t returned? Usually, it was because the owners didn’t keep the information on their registration updated, or they had never registered the microchip in the first place. When the lost or strayed animal is picked up and taken to a shelter or vet, the first thing they do is scan to see if there is a microchip. If the information the database has is accurate, it is usually pretty simple to get the pet and owner reunited.

The good news is that all Petland puppies are microchipped and entered into a national database at petkey.org. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, you should definitely consider getting one. Let’s dispel some myths that might make you hesitant.

1. A microchip can allow others to access my private information. FALSE. The only information available is what you choose to share with the database. The chip carries no other information at all.
2. Microchipping causes cancer. Mostly FALSE.  While it is true that microchips have been associated with cancer in mice and rats, these were in laboratories that raised cancer-prone animals for study on treating cancer. Cancer was found in two dogs and two cats, but in one dog and one cat, the microchip could not be directly linked to the tumor.
3. Removing a microchip will keep your pet from getting cancer. FALSE. Inserting a microchip is an easy procedure but removing one requires anesthesia. Since no proof has been found that microchips cause cancer, removing a chip is much more dangerous than leaving it in.
4. Microchipping does not help pets be returned to their owners. FALSE. As we talked about above, the chances of a microchipped pet being returned to its owner are much higher than for those without microchips.

Are all microchips the same? Actually, no. Microchips are manufactured by different companies that can choose to make chips that respond to scanners that detect 125, 128, or 134.2 kHz (kilo Hertz frequencies). The ISO (International Standards Organization) recommends 134.2 kHz chips because that is the largest database. However, the other frequencies are also widely used, so shelters and veterinarians that use universal scanners can detect both kinds of chips. Since the information is stored in the manufacturer’s database, the scanners actually read the name of the manufacturer and not the information stored in the database. Then the search of the manufacturer’s database will contain the information available for locating the owner. That’s why it is so important to keep your information current.

If your pet isn’t chipped, call your vet for deals on microchipping. Sometimes, they can be free or deeply discounted. Don’t lose your pet, get her chipped!

As pet owners, we’re constantly being lectured by our vets about the importance of setting yearly vaccination appointments. So what’s the big deal, anyway? Well, over 5,000 dogs are infected with rabies each year in the U.S.; that’s just one of the dozens of contagious diseases that your pet could come in contact with throughout their life.

Vaccines are just as necessary for our dog’s longevity as they are for us, and since it’s Vaccination Awareness Month, we’ll tell you why!

Why Should You Vaccinate?

You already know that rabies is highly infectious, but were you aware that the disease can spread from species to species? It’s also incurable, and unmercifully painful to the host once symptoms begin to show.

In addition to the rabies vaccination, there are 3 other “core” shots your dog needs:

• Distemper (DA2P)
• Canine Hepatitis (DHPP)
• Parvovirus (DA2PP)

Parvovirus is a highly-contagious and dangerous virus, especially with puppies. So, if you’re a puppy-parent the DA2P and DA2PP should be the first items on your vaccine list. 

Owners of younger dogs might also want to consider vaccinating their pet against Bordetella and Leptospirosis. The first year of adolescent canine’s life is crucial for socialization, but dog parks and playgrounds can be hotspots for these infections. Bordetella is otherwise known as kennel cough, and can sometimes be found in places like boarding facilities and pet hotels. 

Lepto is a bacterial infection that likes to hide in standing water and is usually picked up when your dog walks through or accidentally drinks another canine’s urine. The long-term effects of Leptospirosis are quite serious, so keep that in mind when socializing your pup!

What About Side Effects?

Dogs receive inoculation in two ways, a shot through the muscle, or by spraying through the nose. In addition to some light soreness around the point of muscular injection, it’s typical for some pets to appear more tired and less hungry than usual. Vaccines mimic the behavior of a foreign threat, and the body responds by turning up the heat. This usually results in a minor fever. 

If your pup receives a vaccination through the nose, they might sneeze or cough a bit afterward.

The good news is that they should be feeling better within a couple of days! If symptoms worsen, your pet struggles to breathe, or experiences any kind of swelling, hit the vet ASAP. Anaphylaxis is life-threatening but can be managed with an anti-inflammatory shot…if administered quickly.

Scheduling An Appointment

Not only is it recommended for your pet’s well-being, but regular inoculation is also required by law in most states by 8 to 12 weeks of age. The frequency will depend on the type of shot given by your vet. For example, the booster for rabies can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, whereas the canine flu vaccine only lasts for up to 2 years.

If you know your dog is due for a checkup but unsure of when just check with your vet! They keep your dog’s records and usually send out reminders for you to set an appointment when the time comes.

If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”

Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.

1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.
2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper,  and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet  if the water running from the tap scares him.)
3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath.
4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water.
5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.
6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair.
7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems.
8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!

Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools!

Summertime is the perfect time to throw a bash (and a frisbee or tennis ball) for Barkley. It can be the highlight of the warmer season if you follow some common-sense rules and dip into your imagination. (If you’re not that imaginative, check out Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.)

Basically, if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for kids, you already know how to make things fun. Your dog’s birthday is an ideal occasion, but if you don’t know when he was born, the date you first met is a great alternative. (Besides, isn’t it anytime a good time for a party?)

Here are the simple steps and cautions.

1. Choose a date. As mentioned above, a birthday or adoption anniversary works well.  Keep in mind that most people work and may not be available during the day.
2. Think about your guest list. Will the party include Barkley’s best four-footed friends? Or will he be the center of attention of humans who are all dog-lovers but leave their own at home? If you’re planning to have doggy-guests, make sure that Barkley has met them before and gets along. An obedience group, a doggy-daycare group, or the pups in the dog park are good invitees. How many you want to invite and the size of the dogs will help you determine the next goal—
3. Choose a venue. If the dogs attending Barkley’s Bash are small like he is, an indoor party at your house might just work fine. A fenced backyard is ideal, as long as it’s a dog-proofed environment that can’t be escaped from. Other options are a park (you may have to get permission), a dog park, a doggy-daycare facility, or even a swimming pool. All of these offer their own advantages.
4. What refreshments should you serve? There are numerous dog-friendly recipes online if you want to bake a birthday cake or make pupsicles. Most Petland locations also sell puppy cake mixes, birthday cookies and ice cream mixes. Dogs also love people-food as treats, especially carrots and apples. Your veggie platter for humans will have a lot of options as well but steer the canines away from processed meats (and cheese, in case any are lactose intolerant). There’s too much sodium in lunch meat and tiny sausages to be good for Barkley and company. Lots of bowls filled with cool, freshwater is a must.
5. Activities to share with poochy friends necessarily include things to fetch, like tennis balls and frisbees. Put out tug-toys that the pups can play with as well. But keep Barkley’s favorite toys put away because he might not want to share them with his friends. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can have a splash party! Even if you don’t have a pool, a kiddie pool filled with water can be almost as much fun and some dogs totally love the sprinkler. Make sure you have a lot of old towels on hand for guests to dry off with after the water fun.
6. Decorations are fun but not absolutely necessary. The decorations are for Barkley’s human friends, actually, so have fun with a themed party or leave them out entirely. Dog-themed partyware is available at many retailers or online.

A backyard barbeque can be an ideal time to gather with friends and neighbors while celebrating the special relationship you have with Barkley, too!

So you’ve got a baby on the way, congratulations! This is such an exciting time period for moms, dads, and furry siblings. They can sense your joy and see that changes are being made to the home, but they’re not exactly sure of what’s to come next.

Instead of abruptly interrupting your pup’s established routine, keep the harmony by working to ease into the transition a few months prior to the arrival of your infant. This way, it’s not such a shock to the system when their schedule is altered and new boundaries are set in place.

What’s Yours Is Mine…Unless It’s the Baby’s

The funny thing about children’s toys is that they often resemble the ropes and balls your dog likes to play with. They squeak, rattle, they’re filled with stuffing, and have the perfect texture for chewing. However, the last thing you want is to walk into a room and find your pup gnawing on a bottle nipple like it’s a piece of Bubblicious gum. 

While you’re hanging out at home, set out a couple of baby items in obvious locations. When your dog shows interest, begins to lick, or attempts to pick up the toy or object, give them a stern “shh!” or “no!” 

When they turn away, use positive reinforcement by reminding them of their own toy through light play and praise.

Through repetition, your dog will be able to make out the difference between what belongs to them, and what belongs to the baby just as they did with your belongings. This subtle, crucial step will not only prevent infant and pup from swapping saliva, but it’ll also prevent confrontation.

What’s That Sound

The sound of a baby crying can be rather unnerving to a canine that has never really heard it before. Heck, it’s unnerving to most parents! All your dog knows is that this little creature you’ve brought home makes a sound that’s unfamiliar, and repetitive…almost like the meow of a cat. Only, it’s a distressed cat that hollers at all hours, and at random times of the day.

Help manage your pup’s confusion by getting them adjusted with a video or recording of a crying baby. Start by playing short segments a couple of times each day, and gradually increase the frequency and length of time. Be sure to place the device in the baby room and areas that you know your child will be sleeping, playing, and living in.

It’ll be a daily reality in just a few short weeks; the sooner your pup gets used to it, the better. 

Making New Friends

Look for opportunities to socialize with young children, and consenting parents, of course. Babies are one thing, but soon enough they’ll be walking, talking, touching, and interacting with the world around them. Your dog will be eye-level with this growing toddler, so it’s important that they are gentle and tolerant.

We want our fur babies to understand that children sometimes shriek or make sudden movements, but they don’t always require a reaction or response. It’s just what kids do.

Obviously this last step is dependent upon your dog’s comfort level and your ability to gauge how much stimulation is too much. As your child gets a bit older don’t forget to teach them that Fido has boundaries, too. It hurts when you pull on his ears or tail, but it feels good when you rub his belly.

Safety should always be the number one priority!