Cosmick Media SEO Blogs

Blog

  • Small Dog Breeds for Families with Children

    There is no doubt that small dogs are cute, and a good companion especially for kids. When you decide to buy a puppy, there are different factors you should consider in choosing the right breed because different breeds have various characters, personalities, ways of training them, and some other factors. Here are the top 5 small dog breeds that you may want to consider as a family pet.

    Maltese

    The Maltese was first recognized as a breed in Malta, where it received its name. The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do well without a yard. Typically calm and friendly, they are also energetic and good-natured. They are intelligent, quick learners and lovable. If you suffer from allergies, this is a good choice.

    Pomeranian

    They are attentive and aware of changes in their environment so they can tend to bark a bit. Friendly and lively, Pomeranians love to be around their owners and are also caring of them. Sometimes it can be difficult to feed them as they are picky eaters. It is also a good choice for apartment dwellers, but if you are receiving guests frequently this is not a very good choice for you. 

    Yorkshire Terrier

    This breed was created by working men of north England, who developed the breed for catching the awful rats and mice that infected clothing mills. Small in size but big in personality, the Yorkshire Terrier makes an energetic but loving companion. The Yorkie is sensitive to the cold and prefers warm climates. It is very sweet and loving and can be trusted with children. They are very eager for adventure and like to play with kids. The Yorkshire Terrier is very confident, intelligent and an active little dog. 

    Shih Tzu

    The translation of Shih Tzu means Lion Dog and this breed originated in Tibet where it was admired all the way back in the 1600’s. Shih Tzu are very interactive and can adapt well to children and adults. It is loyal, loving, outgoing, and alert. By the age of one year, the Shih Tzu attains its full growth. Shih Tzus are famous for their luxurious coats and need proper care.

    Boston Terrier

    The Boston Terrier is really an American breed. It is interesting that some Terriers do not bark at all. This breed is gentle, alert, very intelligent, polite and enthusiastic. Avoid high pitched sounds as they are very sensitive to tones. 

  • Tips for Using the Bell Potty Training Method with your Puppy

    One of the hardest jobs for new puppy parents is potty training. If you are like most new puppy parents, then you probably have combed the internet looking for help. You may have found the bell method and wondered if your puppy is a good candidate. The answer is yes! Your dog can learn to alert you with a bell each time they need to use the bathroom.

    This is an excellent method for apartment or condo dwellers. But the technique is also really good for someone with a larger home. All you will need is a simple bell that can be placed on the floor or hung from a door with a string.

    We’ve compiled some simple tips but keep in mind it’s all about repetition and responsiveness. Once your puppy associates the bell with being let out, they will ring it each time they need a bathroom break.

    Tip 1: 

    Start showing your puppy how to ring the bell by taking his paw in your hand and ringing the bell. Use a simple command such as, “Out” with each ring of the bell and reward your dog with a treat. It may take a few days or weeks, but your dog will soon begin to ring the bell with his paw without your help. Be sure to reward with a treat each time.

    Tip 2:

    Once your pup has got a hang of ringing the bell, move the bell over towards the door you want your dog to go out. Do the same program, but as your dog rings the bell, use your command word, open the door, go outside and reward as you start walking through the door to encourage your dog to follow you. You can do this several times a day, and since you will be outside most of the time your dog will naturally want to relieve himself. Give a reward each time your dog uses the bathroom.

    Tip 3:

    Soon your dog will expect the door to be opened after ringing the bell, so feel free to add the leash into this routine. Be consistent. Your dog will pick up on the association that ringing the bell equals potty, so follow the same pattern each time. The bell rings. The door opens. They go potty. They get rewarded.

    It’s not uncommon for your dog to start ringing the bell more than it should because he just wants to go out or be rewarded. You can prevent abuse of the bell by only rewarding when your dog goes to the potty.  If your dog doesn’t potty, bring him back inside. It’s important that he knows the bell is for potty, not for play.

    Your friends and family will be in awe of the fact that your dog rings a bell to let you know they need to go out.

  • Designer Dog Spotlight: Maltipoo

    Designer dog breeds are becoming rather popular these days, because they were made to provide certain physical and personality traits. Among all these designer breeds, most certainly the Maltipoo is one of the most popular. The Maltipoo, also known as the Moodle, is a mixed breed that has the Maltese and Miniature Poodle as parents. Here’s what you need to know about the Maltipoo.

    Physical Appearance

    The Maltipoo is a small dog, even as an adult, so its weight will range between 5 and 12 pounds. When it comes to the color of a Maltipoo puppy, they can vary quite a lot. The Poodle contributes to this part, with its coat available in a variety of colors.

    Temperament and Personality

    The Maltipoo is a friendly and playful dog. It is loyal to its owner and family and loves spending time with its favorite humans. Whether you feel like relaxing on the couch or walking around the park, the Maltipoo will be happy to be at your side. Some Maltipoo dogs may have the tendency to warn the presence of strangers by barking. 

    Grooming and maintenance

    The Maltipoo is a hypoallergenic dog breed that sheds very little. However, the coat will require a good amount of attention. It can grow to have a medium length and because it can get rather curly, you will have to groom it in order to avoid unwanted tangles.
    Also to minimize the existence of dog hair and dander inside the house, grooming your dog periodically is recommended. If you can’t do it daily, it would be great if you could groom it every other day. This will make your dog look presentable at all times and will keep its coat free of dust and dead hair.

  • How to Make your Puppy’s Bad Habits a Thing of the Past

    We all have a few bad habits that we have picked up over time.  Like humans, dogs can pick up some bad habits as they grow. Lucky for us, it’s easier to break a dog’s unwanted behavior than change our own. Dogs learn by association. They are bound to repeat an action that is rewarded. Below are two of the most common bad dog habits—and how to break them.

    Destructive Chewing

    Chewing, especially in puppies, is not a bad thing. Dogs chew on things to release some pent up energy. Not only that, it keeps their teeth and gums in good shape. But to everyone’s annoyance, dogs often chew inappropriately—destroying plants, cushions, and shoes in their paths. Your dogs must learn what objects are meant for chewing and what is not.

    Instead of punishing them for inappropriate chewing, give them chew toys and treats to distract them. Practice positive reinforcement, every time they choose to chew on their toys instead of household objects, by praising them or giving small treats.

    Begging for Food

    We know those puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, but if your dog is constantly begging for food in the table, you probably have reinforced that behavior in the past. As hard as it is, you must be consistent not to feed them while you’re at the dinner table or snacking in front of the TV.

    Over time, your dog will learn that begging will not give them what they want and will stop the unwanted behavior. You may also train your dog to stay in his bed while you’re eating or plan his meals around your own, so that he will be busy chowing from his bowl while you’re busy eating on your plate.

    The most important thing to remember to break a dog’s bad habits is make sure that they only get a reward when they do good.  This doesn’t mean you should opt for negative reinforcement such as yelling, or other forms of punishment for your dog. Instead find ways to redirect your puppy to positive behavior and reward them for their actions. 

  • Best practices for bathing a puppy

    A new puppy is going to find ways to get messy. One of your responsibilities as a new puppy parent will be bathing your new baby. Here are some best practices that you can use during bath time. 

    Proper timing 

    When doing any type of at home dog grooming, it is always a good idea to do it when your dog is a little tired and worn out. After some exercise is a good time, as your pup has worked off some of his energy and may be more interested in cooling off in a bath.

    Pre poo Brushing 

    Brushing your dog before bathing helps remove any loose hair and loosen any hair that’s also ready to shed. This will reduce the amount of hair that come off in the bath. Brushing your dog is an especially important first step to take if you have a long-haired dog whose coat tangles easily.

    Wet Down Your Dog With Warm Water

    Place your dog in the bath or tub, on top of a non-slip mat to eliminate slipping. A mat will also give nervous dogs more confidence by giving them sure footing. You can use a towel if you don’t have a mat. To keep yourself from getting wet, you might also want to drape another towel over yourself.

    Shampoo And Condition

    There are a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners on the market. The products you choose should depend on your dog’s coat and any skin issues they may suffer from. For instance, dogs with dry skin might need a shampoo with added oils that promote skin and coat health.

    Rinse Thoroughly

    Rinsing your dog thoroughly is one of the most important steps of the process. When you’re first learning how to give a dog a bath you’ll probably underestimate just how much rinsing they will need.

  • Benefits of Buying a Gentle Giant Dog Breed

    Good things do come in large packages – Extra large dog breeds are a prime example. There is a whole lot of joy packed into those 100 – 200 pound bodies of gentle giant breeds.  These gentle giants usually have a mild, often comical temperament.  Many are great family dogs.

    Things to consider before buying a gentle giant dog breed

    • Be prepared to adjust your budget to their often large appetites. They need high quality foods, low in carbohydrates and supplements to keep them healthy.
    • Life expectancy can range from 8 – 14 years. High quality dog food and nutritional dog supplements can help extend and add quality to the extra large dog breeds life.
    • An extra large dog breed will require equipment tailored to their size; large dog feeding bowls, large dog beds and large dog toys.
    • Prepare for some work in the grooming of these giant dog breeds. Your home bath tub can prove a bit small when attempting to wash these dogs. Consider professional dog grooming or rent a tub at a self serve dog wash. 
    • Many of the extra large dog breeds do quite well in apartments and smaller spaces as long as they are provided with regular exercise in the form of walks and trips to dog parks
    • These big dog breeds can also be great with kids and love to play and romp with them, often seeing themselves as one of the kids.  Care must be taken when selecting a giant dog breed if you have very small children. Often these larger breeds do not realize their size and can be quite clumsy, knocking over smaller kids.

    Here are a few gentle giant breeds and their known character traits 

    • Great Dane – One of the tallest dogs. Friendly, known as “the gentle giant”.  Short hair.
    • Saint Bernard – Extremely gentle.  Long hair.
    • Rottweiler – Reliable and loving with their family, very protective.  Short hair.
    • Mastiff – Gentle with family, excellent with children.  Shorter hair.
    • Bull Mastiff – Good natured, docile and affectionate.  Shorter hair.
    • Newfoundland – Calm and gentle.  Long hair.
    • Irish Wolfhound – Gentle, also one of the tallest dogs.  Shorter hair.
    • Akita – Docile, affectionate, courageous.  May be dog selective.  
    • American Bulldog – Loves children, loyal, not hostile.  Short hair.
    • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog – Not aggressive, loves to please, excellent with children.  Long hair.
    • Black Russian Terrier – Protective, loves children, needs to be close to owner.  Longer hair.
    • Bloodhound – Mild-mannered, lovable, very gentle.  Short hair.

  • Know the difference: French Bulldogs vs Pugs

    Shopping for a new puppy can be a difficult decision, often it comes down to deciding between two very similar  breeds. French bulldogs and Pugs are two similar breeds that can be difficult to choose from. Here are some key differences between the French Bulldog and the Pug.

    Origins

    The French bulldogs are successors of bulldogs that were owned by an Ancient Greek tribe, the Molossians. The first of the breed was brought into existence through crossing bulldogs from England and local ratters in France after their owners’ immigrated to France for better opportunities.

    The Pug originated from China. They were presented as prizes by people from royal families. In the 16th century, they were imported to Europe and they became popular among the royals.

    Puppy training

    Training French bulldog puppies is not as challenging despite the fact that they quickly lose interest in repetitive activities. This can be solved by having shorter sessions with lots of treats. With consistency puppy training for French Bulldogs usually takes about 6 months.

    Puppy training Pugs is more challenging and requires more patience and time. They are stubborn and independent and get bored more quickly. It is advisable to train your Pug during their first six months. This comes with a major challenge as during the first 6 months, their muscles are not fully developed and they are unable to control their bowels.

    Shedding of hair

    French bulldogs shed their hair moderately. Compared to Pugs who, shed frequently. Whether you choose a French Bulldog or a Pug, you are sure to fall in love with you new puppy.

  • Should I bring my puppy?

    As a new puppy owner it’s hard to think of leaving your puppy at home alone. Ideally, you’d like to bring him everywhere but is that the right thing to do? Here’s our take.

    Can your dog participate? 

    Leave your dog at home if you are doing something where your dog can’t participate.  If your dog has to stay in the car leave your dog at home. For those that can’t or won’t leave their dog at home, here are three tips if you have your dog with you.

    Bring someone with you that can get out and walk around with the dog in a shaded area while you shop or attend an appointment. In the summer months leaving your dog in the car is the most dangerous option. Even with the windows down cars can reach high temperatures that can cause your dog to overheat, so never leave your beloved puppy in the car.

    Only visit stores that are dog friendly and your dog can go inside if he or she is on a leash. There are several pet friendly stores, banks, and restaurants. Call ahead to your destination so that you are aware of the company’s policy.

    Go through the drive thru. If you are running errands that have a drive thru such as the bank, pharmacy, and coffee shop, stay in the car with your dog so you can keep the car cool and take care of business. Your dog will love receiving treats from the friendly staff at the drive thru windows.

    Your dog depends on you to make good decisions for a healthy puppy. In the hot summer months consider your puppies health and comfort by not leaving him in the car.

  • Fun activities for Dogs with lots of Energy

    The sunshine and long summer days gives a unique opportunity for fun activities with your dog. Being in the house all day can not only be boring but it can leave your dog with extra energy. Here’s are a few ideas for fun activities with your dog. 

    • Summer splash- If your dog doesn’t mind the water using the hose or sprinklers can be a great way to give them exercise.  Let your dog bathe outdoors this week with a run through the water.Some dogs love chasing water that’s coming out of a hose or sprinkler. Just remember to bring a towel or let them dry in the sun or your likely to have a mess on your hands after the fun. 

    • Hide and seek – Hide and seek is an easy teach-as-you-go game, so begin by hiding in an obvious place and tell your dog “come find me!” Have a celebration when your dog locates you, either with praise or a quick game of tug. Then hide again in a more challenging location and repeat the process. It’s a fun game suitable for all ages that will put a dent in your dog’s energy levels, and will increase the bond between you at the same time.

    • Nothing quite compares to the full body exhaustion that results from an intense dog play session. Not only is the body very obviously engaged, the social nuances that happen during the play date require that your dog engage her brain as well. This type of interaction takes more effort on your part because you have to find appropriate play partners. Pairing up dogs that are a similar age, size and enjoy the same types of interactions (for example, both  are large dog breeds who to wrestle or both enjoy a game of “catch-me”) helps to ensure healthy and constructive play. By the end of the get-together, you’ll have a tired and happy pooch.

  • The Great Great Dane!

    No matter what kind of dog you decide to purchase, you must make sure that you have enough space and time to accommodate them. This is especially true if you’re searching for Great Dane puppies for sale to add to your home. And by the way, when we talk about space, we’re talking about physical and emotional space, because Great Dane puppies for sale are large and they give an equal amount of love to their owners. Let us back up for a second. How much do you actually know about Great Dane puppies for sale? Want to learn more? Continue reading because we’ve got some great information about Great Danes!

    They’re Incredibly Sweet

    We mentioned earlier that they love to love and this is true. Great Dane puppies for sale are truly gentle giants. They are notoriously sweet and are safe to be around kids of all ages. They recognize and respect smaller children’s sizes so they’re soft with their play, even if the little ones may be somewhat rough! They can handle it and gladly. Great Danes are pleasant and playful dogs.

    Fancy Pants People Loved Them

    Back in the day, Great Dane puppies for sale were particularly popular amongst upper-class society members. Having been around for more than 400 years, they have been fancied by many people from all walks of life! Descending from mastiff-like dogs, these German-born beauties were initially bred for protection and used to hold the position as a watchdog of estates and carriages.  

    When it comes to owning a dog that will be a fierce but gentle family protector, you can’t go wrong with purchasing one of the Great Dane puppies for sale that we offer. As long as you have space in your home to comfortably fit a Great Dane, we say go for it! With their overall pleasant dispositions and natural ability to protect, they are simply one-of-a-kind! Should you have any additional questions regarding other aspects and characteristics of Great Dane puppies for sale, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance!