Category: Petland

  • 3 Indoor Games to keep your Dog Entertained this Winter

    Indoor dog games are a great way to keep your pup mentally stimulated, physically active and happy in the winter.

    Not all dogs love the winter. It’s cold, icy and can be challenging to walk in.  It’s so important to keep our dogs mentally and physically active especially in the wintertime when they’re stuck inside.  Fortunately, there are many creative indoor dog games to try this winter.

    1. Monkey In the Middle

    Monkey in the middle is a simple game that will help your dog burn energy. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and toss it back and forth between you and your partner, while your pup stands in the middle. Your dog will have fun running between the two of you trying to catch the toy. Every once in a while, let your dog capture the toy to avoid discouragement. For an added challenge, place a small hurdle between you and your partner so that your dog jumps over the obstacle while running back and forth.

    2. Hide and Seek

    This is one of the best indoor dog games to play.  It’s the perfect indoor activity because it exercises your dog’s body and mind while strengthening the bond between the two of you. First, tell your dog to “sit” and “stay.” Runaway and quickly hide somewhere easy like behind a chair or sofa. You can have someone hold your dog while you hide in the beginning until they are able to stay on their own. Next, call your dog’s name or give a command like “OK!” Once your dog finds you, celebrate your dog’s accomplishment by giving them praise, a delightful head scratch or some yummy treats. Increase the difficulty of your hiding spot over time. Natural instincts will kick in, and he will begin using his nose to find you. The challenge for you will be trying to refrain from laughing when your dog catches your scent!

    3. Have a doggy play date

    If it’s too cold to play outside, then bring the party indoors! Have your dog’s favorite pals come over for some good old fashioned playtime. Have extra water and healthy treats on hand.

  • Guide to Training Goldendoodles

    The Goldendoodle was first bred in the late 1960s, though the breed did not become popular until the 1990s. This cross between a Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle was an attempt to create a service dog that would be suitable for people with allergies. The amazing combination created a curly or wavy coated, long-legged, golden-colored dog with a good temperament, and, generally speaking, doesn’t shed or give off dander- which is the biggest cause of allergies. The Golden Retriever isn’t the only breed to be crossed with the Poodle, the Labrador also has this distinction, creating the Labradoodle.

    Training a Goldendoodle

    Goldendoodles are typically very friendly. They tend to love everyone they meet and want to greet or play with everyone they encounter. This can sometimes lead to a dog that has difficulty focusing. Goldendoodles tend to be higher on the energy spectrum, so it’s important to allow them to run and play to release energy before training sessions.

    Goldendoodles are comprised of two working dog breeds so chances are your Doodle will enjoy the time spent training. Doodles of all kinds tend to do really well with crate training and potty train fast- as long as you are consistent. Even the smartest breeds need consistency to know what to do, so be sure you are training on a schedule, the same way each time. Don’t be surprised if you’re young golden learn the basics early- sit, down, and stay with ease.

    Due to their high energy, it is not uncommon for owners to feel frustrated with training a Goldendoodle. Unintentional training is real and can be a big problem when we let any negative emotions into training. Dogs are such agreeable creatures that it’s easy to forget that they are much more in tune with nonverbal cues than we are because they are masters in nonverbal communication! Not only that, they can smell changes in our body so your Doodle knows if you’re unhappy. Make training fun, and if you feel yourself getting exhausted or frustrated try again another day!

  • Tips and Tricks for Potty Training a Chihuahua

    If you are ready to start potty training Chihuahua, there are some basic things you should know. First of all, because this breed is quite smart, it does not have to be a difficult task. By following these tips, you should be able to potty training your Chihuahua quickly and painlessly.

    Potty training Chihuahua should start at about 7 weeks, but you should expect a few accidents in the months ahead, even after you consider the dog trained. But by starting early, you can speed up the timeframe.

    Because dogs have the instinct to keep their beds clean, potty training Chihuahua should include some kind of kennel training. You should especially decide to keep your dog in a kennel during the night. In this way, the dog learns to hold its bladder and bowels during the time it should be sleeping. Let the dog out at the same time each day and immediately take it to the place where it should relieve itself.

    Consistency is one of the most important factors in potty training Chihuahua. If you have a dog that is going to go outdoors, let it out every morning and after every meal.

    Unless you have a dog that is living completely indoors, you should always reinforce that it should relieve itself outside. When they go in a spot, they are likely to go to that spot to relieve themselves again and again. Use gates to keep the dog away from carpeted areas or areas where they have peed before.

    Also, know that these dogs are very sensitive to praise and affection. Potty training Chihuahua means giving it love when it does what you want in terms of peeing and pooing. Because your Chihuahua wants to please you, it will learn how to behave as far as relieving itself. Lavish your dog with praise and affection when it does what you want, and ignore it when it makes a mistake (other than cleaning it up, of course). He or she needs to know what he did right and what needs to be improved.

    You should know that accidents will happen. You shouldn’t punish the dog, especially by hitting it, when this occurs. Instead, go easy on the dog and reinforce good behavior rather than punishing it when things go wrong. You have to be patient when potty training Chihuahua.

    While accidents do happen, try not to let the bad things overshadow what your puppy is doing right. If you make a mistake like keeping them crated too long, accidents are going to happen. You have to train yourself as well as your dog.

  • Why Are German Shepherds So Smart?

    The German Shepherd belongs to the top three smartest dog breeds, with the mental capability of a 2.5-year-old human child. Many dog experts agree that the German Shepherd isn’t only the most intelligent, but also a very trainable dog. That’s because they have such a fast and retentive memory, which helps them understand and remember words that are important throughout training, as well as the tricks they learn from you.

    Their intelligence comes from the days of their ancestors, as intelligence was needed as working dogs in the field, specifically in shepherding. After all, a dog will require the sharpness and attentiveness, as well as the logic to watch out for their herd. While shepherding (hence, the name!) isn’t a popular job as it was before, German Shepherds still have the same mind and are more focused on their owner, making them smart protectors, too.

    Furthermore, these dogs were, and still, are a part of the police, and they are service workers. These K9 dogs have been a part of the police force and army as bomb sniffers, protectors, even as mercy dogs to bring first aid to soldiers. Besides being such intelligent breeds in noble professions, they are also easily trained for acting and are part of the silver screen because of their skill.

    Be patient while training and also map sure that your dog feels that he’s a part of the family! You’re training him to be a part of your family, so love them as much as you would your kin and they’ll live for long filled with loyalty and love.

    German Shepherds are some of the most interesting and smartest breeds around. Considering their origins and the heavy training they go through as puppies, you can see why they’re such an intelligent and protective breed that deserves recognition. It’s what makes them such an excellent dog breed to own!

  • How to introduce young children to a puppy.

    Young children are a bundle of fun and a bundle of energy. As they learn and explore more about the world around them, they’re happiest when doing so with a buddy. And who better to share exciting adventures with than a furry four-legged friend?

    It can take a ton of energy and a lot of patience in order to spend lots of time with kids. They’re delightful and imaginative, but they don’t always understand boundaries or limits, and, it’s pretty difficult to wear them out. Luckily, there are several breeds have plenty of patience and a ton of energy that often perfectly matches the needs of little kids.

    Of course, all dog personalities — no matter what the breed — can vary greatly. And plenty of dogs, especially those that come from rescue shelters, may have backgrounds that are either unknown or may not be conducive to hanging with little ones all the time. So be sure to take the time to get to know, train and understand the needs of your dog before you let them hang out with your kid. But many dogs who grow up with the children (and plenty of those who are introduced later to families) will gel immediately with their young human friends.

    Here are some tips for introducing your new puppy to your young children.

    ~Set boundaries for your children – Since children can understand do’s and don’ts its best to start by setting a boundary with your little ones. Help them understand proper touch and the importance of using a calm voice when meeting a new puppy.

    ~Provide sufficient space – Your puppy won’t want to cornered when meeting your children so ensure that the setting is open so that your new puppy can wander free toward and away from your children

    ~Feed first – Hungry puppies are always nice. Take time to feed your puppy and don’t mix the introduction to your children with feeding time

  • Top 3 breeds of 2019

    2019 is coming to a close, and its time to rank the most popular breeds of this year. We determine the top breeds using our rating system from in-store requests and purchases. While we celebrate the uniqueness of every dog breed because we are passionate about dogs, here are the top three breeds we ranked for 2019.

    • Labrador Retriever – The year’s most adventurous dog breed, the famous Labrador Retriever. In 2019 we saw an increase in owners looking for an adventure companion, and Labs fit the bill. Whether it is a hike up a steep mountain or a play date at the lake, Labs are always down for an excursion. They are fearless companions who love to have fun in the great outdoors,
    • French Bulldogs – The award for the most affectionate dog breed, goes to the loving Frenchie pup. We deem them the best dog for quality family time because they’re great with kids of all ages. The medium-sized Frenchie pups enjoy every moment spent with their family. Frenchie pups are super affectionate and do not like to be left out of family time.
    • The Pug – The most outgoing dog breed. The Pug has always been known for having an extremely outgoing personality. These dogs know how to make their owners smile and have a great day. They are also not afraid to communicate their needs. These dogs do not grow to be that big in size so they won’t take up too much space in your home.

    There you have it the best in class for 2019 and overall timeless choices for companions. Whether you are looking for an adventure, affection or attention these breeds are a perfect choice. The new year is fast approaching and we are excited to see which breed will be trending next year.

  • Oodles of Poodles!

    Are you ready to learn some fun facts about Poodles?

     Hairy Details

    • The Poodle is considered to be hypoallergenic, and they are generally odorless. Unlike dogs that shed, the Poodle will grow fur continuously so they will need regular grooming. If left un-groomed, their fur will become matted and become like dreadlocks, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a personal choice! 
    • Poodles for sale are widely known for their curly puffy hairdos. They are fancy and no matter what color they come in, people love their soft coils.

     Historical Context

     Most people associate the Poodles with French culture, but their cousins, miniature Poodles originated in Germany during the 1400s. The French, however, have loved the dog since the 1500s and have even made it their national dog!

     Personable Puppies

    • If you’re looking for Poodles and have little kiddies at home, then you’re safe for adding them to your family. They are great with kids!
    • Do you know that Poodles are highly intelligent? They are brilliant actually and known to be highly trainable. They became popular in France when they began performing tricks in circus rings.
    • They have incredibly joyful dispositions, and it makes them natural for engaging with people of all ages.
    • You’ve heard of people being people pleasers. Well, poodles are puppy people, pleasers! They love to be around their human family members. Part of the reason they are also so highly trainable is that they love to please their owners.  
    • Poodles are often purchased because they are excellent therapy dogs and are most often used during visits to nursing homes, schools, and hospitals.

    Now is the time to come to our store and play with our Poodles!

  • Golden Retriever Puppies – We Have What You Want

    We know that there are tons of dogs in America. While there are many popular breeds, none are like the Golden Retriever! These beauties are the ultimate family dog. They are the perfect hiking partner. They are an all-around lovable and treasured four-legged family member. Golden puppies are one of our favorite breeds for families, and they fit in well in almost any environment. Here is the list of facts we’ve put together for Golden puppies.

     Check out some interesting facts about the lovable Golden Retriever

     These are large breed dogs. They have an average weight of 55 to 75 pounds and a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

     The Golden Retriever is actually from Scotland. This is where they were retrievers of fowl and small game for hunters. Their short, very dense, and water-resistant coats helped the Golden puppies wade into the cold water.

     Golden puppies require brushing and de-shedding constantly to keep their undercoats looking nice, healthy, and shiny.

     Golden puppies are a very active breed. This means they will need daily exercise. Take them on lots of walks. Give them tons of playtime. Allow them to run (supervised of course) as often as possible. Do anything you can think of to keep them active and burning off all of their energy!

     This is only a small amount of information about our Golden puppies. However, if you need more information or have specific questions, give our dedicated pet counselors a call today. You may want to actually come into our store and play with one of our Golden puppies for yourself! We’re warning you; you’re going to fall in love!

  • The Beauty of the Doberman

    They’re big. They’re bold. They’re beautiful. 

     The Dobermann puppy undoubtedly holds that title! To maintain their beauty takes knowledge, persistence, and care. Below is all about their physical attributes and appearance.

     Size and Weight

     Once the Dobermann puppy matures, he should stand between 24 to 27 inches at his shoulder. Females should stand between 22 to 25 inches… Males weigh around 115 pounds, while females weigh in around 100 pounds.

     Appearance

     Dobermanns are muscular, powerful, athletic dogs. As we previously mentioned, their bodies are somewhat longer than they are tall. Their triangular ears sit atop their large, broadheads. The eyes are dark brown, deep-set, and beautifully shaped like almonds. They typically have their dewclaws removed and have docked tails.

     Color and Coat

    Dobermanns are most often black with markings over the eyes, cheeks, each side of the muzzle, the chest, legs, and beneath the tail. While rare there is red and blue coat variations. The tail area may sometimes range from rust to mahogany color. The coat of a Dobermann puppy is short in length, coarse to the touch, and straight. The undercoat is concentrated on the neck and thighs. The coat is always shorter on the head, ears, and legs than the rest of its body.

     Grooming Needs

     You’ll find that your Dobermann puppy will indeed shed, and pretty heavily twice a year! You should brush him at least two to three times a week to remove loose hair. Brushing also helps to distribute natural skin oils, which helps to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Bathe only as needed.

     Cleaning 

     Brush your Dobermann puppy’s teeth twice a week to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath and to also promote healthy gums. Keep an eye on their eyes, by checking for signs of wax buildup and infections. To clean them, use a cotton ball with a cleanser approved by a vet. Under no circumstances should you use a cotton swab in the ear canal of your Dobermann puppy. Keep their nails nice and trimmed. 

    If you follow these instructions and guidelines, your Dobermann puppy will maintain its prize-winning coats. Contact us for more information and to see the available Dobermanns we have in store! 

  • The Beautiful British Bulldog

    Bulldogs, also known as British bulldogs are sweet little comical pups who garner tons of attention virtually everywhere their presence is known. Below, we are sharing some known and unknown facts about this breed.

    They Have Great Temperaments

    Do not read into the bulldog’s somewhat glum face, because they are far from it. They are widely known to be silly and entertaining!  They are well behaved with family, friends, strangers, and other dogs. They don’t require much space, adapting well in apartments or on a farm. With the exception of barking to announce the arrival of a visitor, they’re otherwise quiet and respectable doggie companions. They need a little patience during the training process, because they are Bulldogs after all, which means they can be stubborn! They are overall great as pets. 

    History

    The Bulldog is a much different dog today than his ancestors. Descending from ancient mastiff-type dogs, the Bulldog breed was developed entirely in England. The then-fierce dogs were used in a practice called bull baiting, which involved the dog grabbing onto the bull’s nose and roughly shaking it.

    Bull baiting actually had a purpose; it was thought to tenderize the bull’s meat. For many years, this practice was said to “thin” the blood of the bull and make its flesh tender after it was butchered. This belief was so strong that many areas in England had laws requiring bulls to be baited before they were slaughtered.

    Final Thoughts

    While your Bulldog, probably won’t be interacting with any bulls, it will add character and fun in your home as these well mannered and family-friendly dogs are the perfect medium-sized companion.