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  • Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2021

    There are over 350 dog breeds world over, however, the American Kennel Club recognizes only 195 of these breeds.

    Of these significantly large numbers, here are the top 10 dog breeds of 2021:
    1. Goldendoodle
    The Goldendoodle is the result of a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Regarded as a “designer dog,” this breed is intelligent, affectionate, low-shedding, and thrives in excellent health.

    2. Yorkshire Terrier
    The Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect lap dog, but is beyond just a cute bundle of fur. This breed is smart, picking up tricks easily, and brave too.

    3. Golden Retriever
    Golden retrievers are known for their loyalty and affection. They are a popular breed thanks to their high intelligence and focus which makes them perfect as guide dogs.

    4. Labrador Retriever
    The Labrador Retriever bursts with energy and is a great family pet. This breed has a very kind nature, is intelligent, and totally lovable.

    5. Shih Tzu
    In spite of the small size, this breed stands elegant. They are quite inactive, making them perfect for adults, and they are friendly and cuddly.

    6. Pomeranian
    The small frame of this breed doesn’t affect their ability to be excellent watchdogs. They are smart, easy to train, and great kid lovers.

    7. Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise mix)
    Round eyes, curly hair, hanging ears, and black, brown and white colors shows aptly why they are regarded as “Teddy Bear.” They are adorable, playful, and a top choice for people with allergies.

    8. Pug
    Pugs have a small stature, but are pretty muscular. They are adorable, and require some special care especially in extreme weather conditions. Pugs do love to eat, so you would have to watch their weight closely.

    9. French Bulldog
    The French Bulldog requires only low to moderate exercise, and is super adorable. Great option for urban residents.

    10. Pomski (Husky x Pomeranian Mix)
    This designer dog breed is a mix of playful and adorable. Their cuteness, which is their selling point, does do a great deal of selling.

  • Accessorizing Your Dog for the Holidays

    Playing dress up with your pup can be so much more fun than you can imagine. This is because there’s such a wide range of clothes and accessories to explore. Jackets, shirts, bows, scarves, sweaters, leashes, tags, designer handbags! There’s so much that the ideas just keep flowing.

    If you’re looking to dress your pup up and turn Ruby into a fashion icon, here are some pretty remarkable ways to go about this:
    Matching Outfits
    Do you think you have a pretty epic fashion sense? Then perhaps dressing your pup to match your outfit isn’t such a bad idea. This is definitely one that would turn heads.

    ‘Cool’ Get-Ups
    Sunglasses, bandanas, dog booties, floral shirts, bow ties, if dogs could vote, your pup would definitely cart away the top dresser of the year award. In addition, outfits and accessories like this look awesome in pictures!

    Matching Kids’ Bows and Dogs’ Bows
    It’s not uncommon to see parents dress both pups and kids in matching bows. They’re both such sweet babies after all, and they do look absolutely adorable.

    Designer and Blings!
    Who says only humans get to wear designer clothing and expensive jewelry? You can get designer clothes and bags custom made for your fur baby. You could also take it a step further, investing in a nice necklace suitable for your pup.

    Jackets, Sweaters, and Scarves
    Winter is coming! How best to keep your pup warm outdoors than by opting for clothing options that are practical, yet fashionableInvesting in some cuddly and fashion forward sweaters, jackets and scarves make for Ruby looking like an elegant lady.

    Beyond looking great, always ensure that your pup is totally comfortable in any outfit or accessories. This is primary.

  • Is Your House Puppy Proof For The Holidays?

    Christmas is the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly. But as a new puppy owner, should you? In getting your house ready for the holidays, you want to make sure that you don’t cause any hazard to your new puppy. You don’t want Rex getting hurt because of some decorations. Consider these safety tips to puppy proof your house during the holidays:

    Keep Unsafe Food Out of Reach
    You probably know that chocolates are a no-go. But those are not the only Christmas foods that are harmful to your puppies. Some of the foods to avoid include:

    • Coconut
    • Garlic
    • Onions
    • Salty snacks
    • Grapes
    • Raisins
    • Citrus

    Any of these foods can result in weakness, dehydration, vomiting, tremors, upset stomach, and in worst cases, kidney failure.
    Restrict Access To the Christmas Tree
    To keep your pup from toppling over the Christmas tree and toying with your favorite ornaments, restrict access to the tree. You can consider weighing it down or tying it. Another option is putting the tree in a puppy playpen or exercise pen.
    Keep Chords Out of Reach
    Electrical cords can pose a huge risk to your puppy. Make sure you keep them out of reach.
    You can run them on the ground and cover them up with plastic liners. You can keep the cords up high, so that it’s out of reach. Another easy option is to opt for decorations that are battery-operated decorations. That way, you don’t have any chords running around.
    Keep Wrapping Materials Off the Floor
    What’s Christmas without gift wrapping? When wrapping gifts, ensure your wrapping materials are away from your pup. Once you’re done wrapping, make sure all your materials are off the floor.
    Create a Safe Space
    During the holidays, you’ll most likely get more visitors, relatives, and friends in your home. This can cause stress to your pup. To prevent this, create a safe space for your puppy where he can relax such as a comfy crate set up.

  • Top 5 Small Breed Purebred Dogs of 2021

    Most people see small breeds as big dogs in little bodies. Frankly, this is somewhat true for some. But there are other small breeds that enjoy calmer lifestyles.
    Small breeds often get a bad reputation because of their personality. Yet, a lot of them make excellent pets for both individuals and families.
    Not all small breeds develop the big-dog syndrome, particularly if they’re naturally happy and social dogs. There are a few small breeds that have amazing athleticism and are capable of running circles around big breeds.
    If you’re searching for a small cute fur baby, here are 5 top small breeds you can consider:
    Yorkshire Terrier
    Despite having small bodies, Yorkshire Terriers have big personalities they aren’t afraid of showing off. Yorkies are brave and tend to stand up to almost everything they consider a threat and alert the household.

    Shih Tzu
    Shih-Tzus were originally bred as aristocratic companion dogs for royalty. There’s nothing they love more than being spoiled lapdogs.
    They can be pretty stubborn, however, they’re quite easier to train than most other small breeds.

    Dachshund
    The Dachshund’s stumpy short legs and elongated bodies have earned them the name ‘wiener dogs’. Dachshunds can be very clever and smart dogs. But they’re stubborn and can be difficult to train.

    Chihuahua
    Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed. They have become infamous for the fierce loyalty they show their owners. They can be pretty feisty too.
    Chihuahuas can be excellent companions and great pets for individuals and families alike, but they have to be socialized frequently and early to prevent territorial aggression.

    Pomeranian
    There are only a handful of dogs that are more recognizable than Pomeranians. Poms are famous for their spirited personalities and fluffy coats.

    They require lots of training to avoid excessive barking. Other than that, they make excellent companions.

  • This Is Why You Need A French Bulldog

    Are you looking for a friendly and cute puppy? Look no further! Why? Because the French Bulldog is the perfect breed for you. The French bulldog, or the Frenchie as some prefer to call him, is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world today. A lot of celebrities like Lady Gaga, Dwayne Johnson, Hugh Jackman, John Legend and David Beckham are all parents to French bulldogs.

    Considering his distinct and irresistible looks, it’s no surprise that a lot of people love the Frenchie. But that’s just one of the several other qualities that makes the Frenchie the perfect puppy to get:
    Great Companion Dog
    The Frenchie is a perfect companion dog. He’s the perfect pet for a single person, for couples and even a family with kids. He’s playful, loving, loyal, funny and can sometimes be mischievous. The minimal need for exercise makes him the perfect dog for apartment living.
    Minimal Grooming
    He has a short, silky coat that needs minimal grooming. This means they don’t shed as much as most breeds. You can just give his coat a quick brush. This removes loose hair, distributes natural oils and reduces shedding.
    He sleeps an average of 18 hours a day as a puppy and 13 hours a day as an adult.
    Good Watchdog
    The French Bulldog makes all sorts of noises like grunting and snoring but he is not a big barker. Despite this, he makes a surprisingly good watchdog. He’ll bark when someone’s at the door or around strangers. He can be a bit territorial.
    Easy to Train
    He has a reputation for being pretty stubborn but your Frenchie is a people pleaser. So be rest assured that he’s easy to train with the right motivation.
    Frenchies have a lot of love to give and make for one of the best furry companions you can get.

  • Introducing Your Pet to Strangers

    As a pet parent, if you’re going to be having guests in the house with your pet present, then this is an essential step. 

    Ideally, the socialization process should begin as soon as your pup comes home. Invite friends and family over, and have them interact with your pup so that he gets used to the feel of other people outside of yourself. 

    Pups have different personalities and would naturally react differently when meeting strangers for the first time. So, whether the meeting is outdoors or indoors, here are 5 steps to help you ace pet-human introductions: 

    1. Stay On Top of the Entire Exchange 

    This starts right from when the doorbell rings. Keep your dog on a leash, and correct unpleasant behavior like barking or charging at the door using a firm but calm tone. 

    Once your guest enters, ensure that they are interacting with you and ignoring your pup. This strange but correct action allows your pet to understand that they don’t pose a threat, and this should help him relax. 

    Next, allow your dog to get a few sniffs of your guest, and he should be more relaxed afterward. 

    1. Keep Intros Short Initially 

    This especially applies when your pet gets easily excited. Watch his behavior, if you note any buildup of aggression or agitation, slow the process down. 

    You may need to keep the leash on for the entire duration of the visit, this would help you keep control of the situation. 

    Furthermore, a calm tone and lots of loving physical contact should help. 

    1. Reward Good Behavior 

    If your pup remains calm when he hears a knock instead of racing to the door, this is behavior that should be rewarded. 

    You could allow your visitor to do the honors even, this would help him relax. 

    Furthermore, it would reinforce the message that remaining calm is a pathway to treatsville. Even from visitors! 

    1. Employ Commands

    If your pet starts to appear startled, use any of the basic commands, “Sit”, “Stay”, “Off” and “Lie Down” which are already in his vocabulary. 

    Similarly, you should use a calming tone when doing this. It would serve to take away the building fear. This also indicates that your attention is still on him even with strangers around. 

    Ensure that your guest’s manner is calming as well. No eye contact with your pet for the first minute or two a slow approach is one of the fundamentals. 

    1. Provide Safe Grounds 

    A secure, calming space where your pup can retire to when he’s spooked is pretty essential. You want him to retreat and not attack or face his fears if he’s feeling threatened. 

    Apart from a crate, using a doggy gate is a good idea as well. The gate serves as a separation between your pup and your guest, and he can observe from a safe distance. 

    Since he’s in a safe space, he can then evaluate the situation more calmly. And over time, you should be able to do introductions without any hassle. 

  • Holiday Puppy Palooza: How to Convince Your Family to Get a Puppy

    If you and your family are considering adopting a dog or getting a puppy this holiday season, we couldn’t be more excited for you! Dogs are some of the best companions and a testament to how magical unconditional love is.

    Even with all the warm fuzzies you get from your pup, the messes and the midnight potty breaks can seem overwhelming at times. Plus, we know your vote probably isn’t the only one that counts if you share a home with other people.

    There are lots of preconceived ideas about pet ownership. Whether you grew up with pets or not, you might have opinions and concerns about what it might be like to get a new four-legged family member and you’re not alone!

    We’re here to help you figure out what breed is right for you and go over some of the most common reservations so that you can feel confident in your decision.

    Keep reading for a list to help back-up your arguments in favor of getting a new fluff-ball of joy.

    Let’s Start with the Basics

    A simple list of why owning a dog is the best.

    • Companionship and comfort
    • Encourages a daily routine
    • A source of positivity
    • Demands a certain amount of exercise
    • Endless humor (I mean the TikToks with dogs + voiceover get us through the work week – SO CUTE)
    • Easily adaptable, dogs can adjust to moving homes or across states fairly easily
    • Infectious energy
    • Helps to fill out an aspect of life outside of work or family that isn’t easily replicated
    • Long-standing commitment that fosters responsibility
    • Boundless love

    What Breed Is Best for You?

    It’s imperative that you focus on the dog breed that aligns best with your lifestyle.

    There are so many to choose from but it can be difficult to not be swayed by adorable little fuzzy faces, we get it. The daily routine each dog requires is a big part of what you’re signing up for and eventually the cuteness will not outweigh their needs. If you are extremely active, then couch-potato breeds like French Bulldogs are perhaps not the right choice.

    Common Concerns

    Shedding is a big concern for new potential pet parents. “What will it be like when my house is covered in dog hair?” Depending on the size and breed of dog you choose it could be much less of an issue than you think. Dogs with hair instead of fur only shed a fraction of the amount of their furry cousins. Even for the worst shedders, it goes through seasonal cycles and after a year or so of getting a routine down, you will have it mastered.

    Behavior Issues are a potential worry, particularly for anyone who has had a less than friendly encounter with a dog before. Rest assured, there are lots of options for monitoring behavior and aggression in pets is usually easy to recognize and curb. There are options to adopt adult dogs whose temperaments are set and that will minimize any surprises along the way. You can also opt for a puppy of a notoriously friendly breed and take training classes so that you and your dog learn how to interact with other dogs of all backgrounds.

    Budget. While you should ideally have a budget in mind for your pet’s initial cost, typical monthly expenses include food, waste bags, and toys, with things like vet bills, grooming, and boarding coming up various times through the year depending on your dog’s breed and the amount that you travel. If you’re concerned with establishing a realistic budget, definitely do your research and keep in mind that the AKC says the cost of dog ownership is roughly $121/month.

    Considerations

    Our main suggestion is that any barrier you may think stands between you and your furry friend is more easily dealt with than it might feel with proper research and training.

    The only reason to avoid dog ownership is not wanting one! It’s always better to go with your gut and wait until absolutely sure before jumping into this exciting chapter.

    We hope that if you’re considering adopting a pet to do your research and feel empowered to. And know that looking up how to be the best pet parent you can be is a great place to start!

    Is it a labor of love? Yes, but surely beyond worth it.

  • Do Dogs Actually Like Wearing Clothes?

    Are you trying to get Fluffy to wear a dress and it seems she doesn’t want to keep it on? You’ve seen a lot of other dog owners walk their dogs all dressed up and looking fab. This has probably left you confused as to whether dogs do not like to wear clothes or it’s just Fluffy. Well, the truth is that it depends on the dog. Dogs are individuals and are different from one another.

    Some dogs feel better when they wear a hoodie on a cold day. An anxious dog can feel more secure in clothes. Other dogs enjoy the attention they get when they are dressed up.
    However, not all dogs like to wear clothes. If you notice your dog getting stressed or upset when you dress them up, maybe it’s just not for them. But really, most dogs just need a little positive reinforcement.
    You can dress up your pup when the weather is a bit chilly. This is especially if they have a thin coat and not a lot of body fat or if they are getting old. You can also dress them up to take photos or for special occasions like Halloween.
    You can decide to spice things up by throwing in some accessories like sunglasses and scarves.
    Be careful when dressing up your furry friend. Their comfort is your priority. Make sure to check their body language. They’ll generally show signs of unhappiness if they don’t want to wear the clothes or if they are uncomfortable.
    You should avoid clothes or costumes that extend to your pup’s feet or involve footwears. Most dogs really don’t like anything on their feet.
    If you have a pup, it helps to dress them up while they’re still young. This way they get used to dressing up and don’t mind it as much when they are older.

  • Autumn Is Definitely Best Season For Fur Baby Photos

    Everyone loves autumn, especially puppies. Many will agree that autumn is the most beautiful season of the year. It starts out with the leaves on the trees turning bright and brilliant.
    Shortly after that, the leaves begin to fall on the ground and everyone’s lawn is covered in a beautiful array of autumn colors.
    Puppies enjoy this time of the year because they get to chase the falling leaves and play in the raked heap of leaves. Daisy definitely enjoys running through the leaves and hiking through the gorgeous autumn landscape.
    However, that’s not all you can do. You can make beautiful memories with photos of your Daisy enjoying the serene atmosphere.
    Here are three reasons why autumn is the best season to take photos of your fur baby:

    Golden sunsets
    During autumn, the evening sky is so lovely. You get beautiful golden sunsets that are picture perfect and guess what? Your fur baby will glow in this beautiful evening light.

    The Leaves
    What beats the vast array of colors in autumn? Nothing! Absolutely nothing! The golden rich brown and red leaves are just to die for. You can chuck them into the air for your puppy to catch. Feel free to enjoy nature’s own backdrop.

    The Clothes
    It’s finally time to play dress up with Daisy! What better way to create memories with your fur baby than to dress her up? You can dress her up in sweaters, scarves or other costumes for the photos.

    In addition to your backyard, some other lovely places to take pictures of your puppy include in the woods and along nature trails, playgrounds, parks, cityscapes and anywhere there’s an abundance of colorful autumn leaves.
    You can share your puppy’s photos on places like Instagram and Facebook for friends and family to behold your fur baby’s beauty.

  • Build Your Pet’s Intelligence; 4 Ways!

    Dogs are naturally intelligent creatures. They have a base level of intellectual ability that develops over time. This is why it is possible to get your pup to learn new words, understand hand signals, and obey new commands. 

    Just like humans, a dog’s intelligence can be improved with education and training. Smart dogs are the ones who are so well trained that most of their actions become second nature. 

    So, if you want to get your pooch’s IQ even higher, here are four tips that can help:

    1. Start Training Early 

    Starting to train your pup early in life is an almost certain guarantee of impressive results. 

    Remember that it isn’t a military camp, so you’re looking to keep it fun and informal. Bits of training spread over the course of the day are advised. 

    Training daily or as often as possible is a great idea too. This is because frequent handling would make your pup adjust to the idea of accepting changes. 

    Also, he would be more inclined to learn new commands. Similarly, if your pooch is older, you could try too. It’s really never too late to start. 

    1. Use the Power of Association 

    Pups typically understand certain words that imply pleasure for them even without you consciously training. 

    They would typically cock their ears in your direction when they hear words like ‘treat’, ‘walk’, or ‘toy’ because they derive pleasure from these things. 

    You can teach your dog to link words to actions or activities by applying the same technique. The use of positive reinforcement in training is a great way to expand your pup’s vocabulary. 

    Daisy would easily respond to words and signals based on the anticipated reward of treats. 

    1. Constantly Stimulate Their Intelligence 

    One practical way to stimulate your pup’s intelligence constantly is with the use of food. Pups love food, so why not make them work for it? 

    You can opt for food bowls that require his intelligence to figure out how to eat. This would aid mental stimulation significantly. 

    Also, you could set up a treasure hunt with kibble as the reward, or hide treats and let him sniff it out with all the barriers in the way. 

    You could also help make use of food-dispensing toys. Practicing any of these on a daily basis would keep your pooch entertained and their brains in top shape. 

    1. Use Lots of Hand Signals 

    By their nature, dogs are more biased to visual cues and seem more inclined to understanding them. For instance, pointing in the direction of an object or toy almost guarantees that your pup would pick it up. 

    In addition to voice commands, include hand signals as well. A combination of these two would make for the powerful force that makes your dog respond fast and excitedly. 

    Dogs are also able to note the tone of voice, so keep this in mind when you embark on your training.