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  • Tips for choosing the best breed for you

    Just like humans, dogs have personalities. Some dogs can be larger than life, while others are shy. Choose a dog whose personality compliments yours is a recipe for success. Here are three personality types with breeds to match. 

    The Adventure Seeker

    If you love to scale mountains and have an overall passion for the outdoors, the famous Labrador Retriever is exactly the dog you need to be your sidekick. These dogs are known to love outdoor excursions and lake days because they are excellent swimmers. They are not afraid to get messy, and there is very little that they fear. They are loyal, trusting, and natural survivors.

    The Affectionate type

    If you love cuddling and enjoying time with the family, then you will need an affectionate and family-oriented dog. Frenchie pups are one of the most fun and loving dogs that enjoy every moment spent with their family. Frenchie pups understand younger children’s playtime needs but also respect the boundaries of your older children too. Frenchie pups are super affectionate and do not like to be left out of family time.

    The Socializer 

    If you are the life of the party, then you will be well suited to an outgoing dog breed. The Pug has always been known for being extremely outgoing. These dogs attract a lot of attention and know-how to make strangers smile. They are also not afraid to communicate their needs. These dogs do not grow to be that big in size so they are not intimidating.

    Finding the right puppy for your home and your family doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Understanding the common personality traits can help you narrow down your selection. Keep in mind that every dog is unique therefore there is no predicting individual behavior, likes or dislikes of a puppy. Getting to know your pup’s true personality is the fun part of puppy parenting. 

  • Are short hair dogs easier to groom?

    If you don’t love the idea of regularly grooming a puppy or paying a groomer to do it for you, you might be considering a short hair dog. But are short hair dogs really easier to groom? Let’s explore some of the advantages of caring for short hair dogs

    Grooming takes less time!

    For humans and dogs alike, grooming will always be a factor, but with short hair dogs, the time investment is decreased. If you have ever had long trees then you know that it takes extra time to wash, dry, style and maintain, but having short hair doesn’t eliminate the need to care for your hair.  The same applies for pups. There’s way more care and attention needed with long hair puppies than short hair puppies. Doggies with long and flowing manes mean time spent brushing and sometimes wrestling with your pup to sit still while you tend to their tresses. Be honest with yourself before you buy a dog. If you are someone who cannot spare the time or effort to brush your dog’s coat regularly, then it’s borderline cruelty to get long hair puppies. Short hair puppies typically need a quick brush or two and that’s it!

    More time for play

    As we mentioned, it can be a hassle to constantly brush long hair puppies. Would you rather spend your time petting your dog versus working to keep their fur from matting, tangling, or potentially getting caught in their nails? Are you someone who would rather have the loving companionship of a dog, instead of grooming them? Are you someone who loves to play, but hates to brush, if so short hair puppies might be right for you. 

    Less time cleaning!

    All dogs shed to some degree. We won’t dispute that, however long hair puppies are more likely to put the “fur” in furniture! Are you willing to constantly clean up little fur balls found around your home? If your answer is “no,” then short hair puppies might be best for you. Do you want to keep lint brushes handy in each room and in your car? If the answers are “no,” then long hair puppies may not be best for you.

  • How to Prepare for Apartment Puppies for the Fall

    Summer is coming to an end and your puppy will have to adjust to the new season of Fall. There are several ways you can make your pup more comfortable in your apartment as the seasons’ change. We take the utmost pride in educating our pet parents. Here are three things you can do to make your apartment the perfect home for your puppies.

    Easy on the Air

    The hot days of summer require constant use of air conditioning. Your dog may have fur, but pups prefer natural air over air conditioning. On a cool crisp fall day, opt for opening your bedroom or living room window and letting the fresh fall breeze enter your apartment. Your pup will be relaxed and comfortable breathing in the natural air. 

    Purchase a crate and become educated on crate training.

    Crate training is great for apartment puppies, as it helps to keep relatively small spaces cleaner and provides structure for your pups. We provide in-depth details on crate training to all puppy parents. We also carry a wide variety of crates. Our staff can assist you in finding the perfect crate for your new apartment companion.

    Get outdoors.

    Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean your puppy isn’t ready for some fall outdoor fun. Apartment puppies, especially some of the larger ones, will require exercise and will love some playtime with other pups! Venture out and find a pile of leaves for them to jump in or visit a local dog park. Fall mid-range temperatures are perfect for spending time outdoors. Plus, early socialization is important, but so is establishing a routine with your pup for elimination purposes. Your apartment community may actually have designated walking trails and areas for its residents’ dogs. Some are spacious and some are just patches! Do your research – it could be a fun venture for you and your pup!  

  • 3 Rooms You Must Puppy Proof

    Purchasing a puppy is an unforgettable experience, similar to bringing home a new baby. Your new puppy is a new member of your family and will soon be exploring his new home. Preparing your home for his arrival is an essential part of caring for your pup.  Below is our advice on the three most important rooms you should puppy proof.

    Bathrooms

    First, we recommend that you use child-proof cabinet locks where hazardous chemicals are stored. Puppies are smarter than you think and can learn how to open cabinets to explore, hide and play inside. If possible install toilet clamps to avoid your new puppy drinking from the porcelain bowl. There are tons of dangerous items such as medication, razors, cotton balls, and swabs and even soap. When you buy a pup, some things don’t necessarily seem harmful, but they are. Shampoos and tissue can be digested and cause unnecessary discomfort to your dog. It’s best to keep those items high atop or simply put away so that they’re inaccessible. Teach your family members to close the bathroom door as the ultimate puppy proof mechanism.

    Kitchen

    Just as in the bathroom, add kid-proof cabinet locks to all of the low- level kitchen cabinets. Since kitchens are bigger there are more things that your pup can get into. Make sure that your trashcans are sturdy and have tops that can’t be pried open and consider putting your trash can in a cabinet or in the pantry. Don’t leave food and drinks on tables and countertops and be extra cautious with low hanging tablecloths and drapes. Also be sure to store plastic grocery bags out of sight, or just switch to reusable cloth bags to be extra safe and environmentally conscience. 

    Living Rooms and Dens

    The family room is a place where your dog will feel just as comfortable as you, so you want to make it safe for him. Move magazines and remote controls in places where he can’t reach. Put away loose items, including decorative throw pillows. Teething puppies will enjoy gnawing on them, so move them! Cover electrical power cords and strips and also install outlet covers. 

    All of these tips are for the benefit and preservation of your pup’s good health and well-being. You should keep the local animal poison number handy and readily accessible. Contact us should you have questions or concerns about how to puppy-proof your home and keep them safe at all times.

  • Best Gift for Grandparents Day

    We celebrate our Mothers and Fathers each year, but what about Grandparents? Well, this year Grandparent’s Day is on September 8, so we suggest celebrating your lovely grandparents all September long. What better gift to present than a new puppy for your grandparents? Here are a few benefits that elders can experience for owning a dog

    1. Exercise – walking a dog each day can help your grandparents maintain an active lifestyle.   morning, afternoon and evening walks will ensure that your grandparents are getting up and moving which helps to improve blood circulation and fresh air will help improve their mood. Be sure that your grandparents are healthy and strong enough to meet the requirements for dog walking. Also, remember that large dog breeds can pull during walks so its best to opt for a smaller breed. 

    2. Companionship – sometimes our grandparents can get lonely. Living in an empty house after all of the grandchild’s leave can be quiet and boring. A puppy can bring vigor and spice back into the home of your grandparents. Again, a smaller breed is best for elders so they don’t occupy too much space in the home. 

    3. Entertainment – One of the best characteristics of dogs is that they really love spending time with their owners. Not only will this make your grandparents extremely happy but a dog will bring laughter and cheer into the home. 

    Make Grandparent’s day a big deal this year and buy your beloved grandparents a gift that will love them forever. Stop in today to learn about the best breeds for elders to help them remain active and have companionship and entertainment. 

  • Do Tiny Dogs need Big Care?

    Small dog breeds are wonderful and super cute animals. Taking care of small dogs can be tough at times because they are so little. You must have a special amount of patience for these dogs. Before buying one, you may wonder how much care will they require? Read on to the basics of caring for small dogs.

    1. Balanced exercise  

    Small size dogs have shorter legs, which means they can’t handle very far walks. It is important that you respect their size and do not drag them on long hikes that their bodies are not made. The smallest dog needs to walk around the block to get in a little exercise and handle their business.

    2. Extra vigilance 

    This is beyond important when having small dogs. Dogs are curious animals, especially small dogs. They love exploring things on the ground by putting them in their mouths. To ensure their safety so that they do not choke on anything, remove all of the small choking hazardous you have in your house to higher up surfaces.

    3. Feed them the proper amount.

    Most small dogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. This is a great thing and something that should be taken with precaution. Because these dogs will eat anything sometimes they do not know when to stop. Make sure that your dog is being fed the right caloric amount every day – not too much or too little. You want your small dog to have a healthy weight to ensure that they have a happy healthy life.

    If you are thinking about or already own a small dog this summer, please make sure to take these tips seriously. We want you and your dog to have a happy and healthy life together. Small dog breeds are special animals that should always be handled with care.

  • Is bigger really better: The Facts about Large Dog Breeds

    Have you ever seen a small person walking a large dog and wondered how and why they do it? Some people just love big dogs. Today we are going to discuss a few facts about large dog breeds that may leave you thinking bigger is better.

    Protection

    Large dogs will undoubtedly scare away intruders and serve as great house guards. They’re loyal and protective qualities make them wonderful crime deterrents! Their sizes are intimidating and so are their barks. Depending on which of the large dog breeds that you own and their personality, they may go the extra physical mile to protect you. It’s important to understand that not all large dogs are guard dogs. Some are gentle giants who love making friends and playing rather than fighting crime.

     Showstoppers

    Big dogs rarely go unnoticed. During walks, car rides, and at the dog park they garner lots of attention. Large dog breeds are admired by the public, and you can’t go out with them, without someone asking, “What kind of dog is that?”. If you are an introvert, you might have to adapt to conversations with strangers and extra-long walks with frequent stops while people adore your dog.

    Gentle Giants

    Most large dog breeds are gentle and goofy giants! They can handle a little rough play with toddlers and they’re far from fragile like little purse pets. They also require a lot of exercise and space to run and stretch their legs. Their big size can often mean increased energy, so you might have to take extended walks or jogs! 

    Also, big dogs tend to have heavier jaws which can cause them to drool and slobber. They even can sling spit across the walls of your home when they shake their heads after a long refreshing nap. They mean no harm it’s just one of the many ways big breeds show their love.

    Have we made our case for buying large dog breeds? We think so! They’re tons of fun and you should get you one! Come by our store today. 

  • 5 Best Dog Breeds for Hiking

    August is a great time to enjoy the trails with your dog. The end of summer temperatures are mild enough for you both to enjoy a midday hike. Time in the open air can help us unplug from technology and bond with our pet companions. While there are no rules regarding breeds best-suited for hiking, we’ve compiled a list of the top five best breeds for hiking. Read on to see if your dog makes our list.

    1. Labrador Retriever

    There aren’t many things labs aren’t good at, and unsurprisingly, they make wonderful hiking companions too. Rugged, outdoorsy dogs, labs love going on adventures, have the bodies to tolerate tough terrain and personalities that make them quite well-behaved when you encounter other hikers and their dogs.

    2. Siberian Husky

    As long as the weather isn’t too warm, huskies are great companions on the trail  and if it is cold enough to upset your husky, you should probably be indoors yourself. They’ve got energy for days, so they’ll view most of your hikes as warm-up sessions. Their hair can hide an army of ticks, so be sure to give your husky a good bath after every trip.

    3. Australian Shepherd

    Don’t worry whether or not your Australian shepherd will enjoy hiking – just be sure his leash is secure before you arrive at the trailhead, so she doesn’t leave you in the dust. The combination of their adventurous spirit, incredible energy and happy-go-lucky attitude makes them one of the best hiking companions one could desire. Additionally, despite hailing from Australia, these herding dogs are reasonably tolerant of both hot temperatures and cold climates.

    4. Border Collie

    Border collies are smart, agile and capable dogs that love to run – what more could you want in a good hiking dog? Most border collies are a bit sensitive, so you’ll want to make sure your dog feels confident out on the trail, so it probably pays to start introducing your pup to the trail from a relatively young age. Border collies will eye-stalk just about anything and everything that moves, but they have a relatively low prey drive, which helps prevent them from dragging you through the forest in pursuit of squirrels, chipmunks and birds.

    5. Australian Cattle Dog

    Australian cattle dogs are better suited for hiking than you are. They are often a bit much for first-time dog owners, but most experienced puppy parents will find them easy to train and eager to please. Like their shepherd brethren who also hail from the outback, Australian cattle dogs are surprisingly capable of enduring both warm and chilly temperatures. Simply put, few dogs are as well-suited for accompanying you as you travel over the river and through the woods.

  • 5 tips for successful Crate training

    Some dogs take to crate training right away, for others it can be a challenge. Here are our tips for successful crate training. 

    1) Fill The Crate With Your Pup’s Stuff

    Before you introduce your fur baby to their new crate, fill it up with their bed, blanket and some toys. This will help your pup view the crate as a fun place.

    2) Introduce Your Dog To The Crate With The Door Open

    If your pup explores the crate on his own, give lots of praise! If not, sit next to the crate and call your canine kid over. After a few moments of exploring, invite your pup inside. The goal is to get him to go inside on his own. To do this, put a treat in the middle of the crate. Once he’s inside, offer lots of praise. It’s important to make the crate a positive place.

    3) Close The Door For A Short Period Of Time

    When you first introduce your fur baby to the crate, don’t close the door. You don’t want him to feel trapped. Once he seems comfortable with the crate, close the door for a second or two. When you open the door, give lots of praise. Try this several times over a span of about five to ten minutes.

    4) Leave The Room

    Now that your pup is familiar with the crate and isn’t afraid of a shut door, try leaving the room. Leave them in the crate for about a minute. When you come back into the room, stay calm. If your pet is whining, wait until he calms down. If you let your little one out when he cries, he will associate crying with getting what he wants.

    5) Leave The House

    The first few times you leave your dog in the crate home alone, only leave for a short amount of time. Try a quick trip to the gas station or store.

  • Milestones for a 4 Month Old Puppy

    Four months old is a wonderful milestone for your puppy. Around this time things begin to fall into place. Potty accidents around the house rarely happen if at all, crate training is a breeze, unruly barking starts to subside. If you have a new puppy here are the milestones your pup should achieve around this time. Keep in mind that every puppy is different so if your pup hasn’t reached these milestones don’t feel as if you’ve done anything wrong. Patience is key with raising a young puppy.

    • Vaccinations

    Your puppy gets his rabies vaccination which also signals the time when your puppy’s immune system is well developed.  Naturally you will feel more inclined to take your puppy on outings and allow him to interact with other dogs because he is less likely to become ill. If your dog does happen to get sick or show irregular behavior such as lethargy or vomiting a visit to the vet is important because despite this milestone a young puppy doesn’t have the strongest immune system and may need help to overcome a sickness. 

    • Feeding Schedule

    You can change your puppy’s feeding schedule to 1 cup of food 3 times a day. Since your puppy is growing they will need more energy to play all day. 

    • Teeth

    Your dog’s baby teeth start to fall out and as the teeth disappear so does the puppy’s bitey, nippy, mouthy behavior

    • House Training

    It’s around this time that your puppy has fully grasped potty training.  If not, they are usually very close with not much more than 1 accident per week.

    • Crate Training

    Your pup can usually sleep through the night without incident.  They can also tolerate a stay in the crate for short periods during the day without barking, crying, howling, etc.

    A few other training milestones that typically occur at 4 months are: 

    • Good House Manners

    • Stays off the furniture.

    • Usually not 100% at this age, but your puppy is allowed more freedom around the house.

    • Can sit/down and wait for food for 30+ seconds until released.

    If you puppy is fast approaching or has reached the 4 month old milestone you can enjoy a new level of freedom as you puppy can showcase these skills.