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  • Keeping Your Apartment Puppies Warm This Winter

    Cuddling up with your pup by the fire sounds like an ideal way to wind down and warm up during the winter season.

    But what about when it’s time to go outside? How will your pup stay warm and healthy this winter? Just as we take extra steps and precautions for the winter, i.e. flu shots, we need to do the same for our dogs. Take a look at three tips we have gathered to help keep apartment puppies warm and healthy.

    Add Extra Layers

    Most apartment puppies are small but if they’re small and short-haired and living in a winter environment, then it’s likely they’re going to be cold. The best way to warm them up is by adding layers. That’s right…layers and by that we really mean clothing. Take the time to go shopping for your dog. Stock up on a few sweaters and there are even thick puffy coats for dogs. Your pups deserve the same warmth that you’d afford to yourself while going out on walks!

    Monitor Their Nutrition

    You are the only person in control of your dog’s diet so it’s your responsibility to feed your dog the best food available and possible. Quality and healthy dog food should consist of and be rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and copper-zinc. Consult your veterinarian about how to add vitamins and fatty acids to your pet’s food if you’re unsure. All of these will help to promote shiny, healthy coats in addition to several other benefits. You can also give your dog warm drinking water in winter.

    Fight Off Dry Skin

    As we mentioned above, having a healthy diet will promote healthy, shiny, fur. The above also helps to keep your dog’s skin from drying out and being uncomfortable during the winter season. While Old Man Frost is outside, bathe your apartment puppies as little as possible to keep their skin from being dry. When you do, make sure the shampoo is pet-friendly, as human ones are harsh and acidic to their skin causing dryness and itchiness.

     

  • Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

    As a pet owner, sometimes you just need your own space, especially when you have medium dog breeds.

    They aren’t small enough to not be intrusive, but they’re large enough to feel their presence. Do you want to get your dog a bed of his own but not sure how? We’ve got a list for that! Continue reading to learn more.

    No Floor No More

    When selecting a special bed for your pup, you should know your dog’s personality. Some dogs don’t like sleeping on the floor…they’re kinda rare but they exist! For the elite royal group, there are raised dog beds to suit them just fine. Medium dog breeds will enjoy not being on a cold floor.

    Wrapped in a Ball

    Haven’t you seen popular memes of medium dog breeds squeezing into the bed of a small dog? They’re funny and quite frankly the dogs look comfortable. Sometimes they like to be in smaller spaces. If your pup fits this category, there are bagel/doughnut-shaped beds that will help to perfect their sleeping ball position.

    Welcome Mat

    Many dogs like to stretch out so, for those pups, they’d fancy mat beds. These are big square pads that sit directly on the floor. It allows your furry baby to get comfortable and rest in any position they’d like, as long as they’re not on a cold hard floor they’re happy.

    Tent Time

    There are some dogs who really love to have their own hidden spaces. There’s a bed for that. Check out beds that are made like tents or caves. They can get in there and get their rest and sleep on with no interruptions at all!

    Cleaning Quarters

    No matter the type of bed that you choose, we highly recommend each bed has something that is removable and washable. This is important and will allow you to take off the outer layer and seamlessly pop it in the washing machine to get rid of any dirt or hair that’s been collecting over time.

  • The Nose Knows – 5 Facts About Dog’s Sense of Smell

    There’s is one thing for sure, a dog has a strong sense of smell.

    It doesn’t matter if they are hybrid puppies or purebred, all dogs possess this strong sense. So basically they can hear better than us and they have an amazing sense of smell! How much do you know about a dog’s nose? To learn more, continue reading.

    Their sense of smell is stronger than ours.

    When it comes to the sensitivity of a dog’s nose, you should know that they beat humans in this category, hands down!  There’s no getting around it. Sure there are variables that contribute to what they can smell, but facts are facts. There’s a cool analogy that sheds light on just how strong they are. When you walk into a doughnut shop, you smell the sweet glaze on doughnuts or coffee scents. If one of your hybrid puppies walked into the same shop, he’d smell the ingredients of the sweet glazed doughnut. Makes sense?

    You stink…

    …to dogs that is. Even though you’ve showered and sprayed your smell goods all around you, to a dog it’s putrid! We are stinky to them, but they love us regardless, as do we to them!

    There’s no tricking a dog’s scent.

    Research has shown that a dog’s sense of smell can easily pick up on and detect anxiety, fear, and sadness. An increased heart rate and blood flow are normally accompanied by fear or anxiety. When this happens our body chemicals rise more quickly to the surface of the skin and guess what…your dog smells that! So, if you’re feeling anxious and try to brush it off with a smile around your dog, don’t think for a second that they’re buying it. They’ve already sniffed you out!

    Did you know a dog’s nose has two functions?

    This is true! One function is for smell and the other is for respiration. If you’ve got hybrid puppies or purebred ones, it’s all the same. The dog’s nose has the ability to separate air. A portion goes directly to the olfactory sensing area (for scents), and the other portion is dedicated strictly to breathing.

    They breathe in and out simultaneously.

    Dogs also have the interesting ability to breathe in and let out air at the same time! When a dog is sniffing, it creates a circulation of air, unlike with humans. We can do one other the other but not at the same time.

  • Money Saving Tips for Large Dog Breeds

    Owning a dog is a wonderful experience to have in one’s lifetime.

    There’s no doubt about it, however, it can also be expensive if you don’t plan properly. This is especially true for large dog breeds, because of …well their size! Everything is a bit pricier, so we’ve put together five money saving tips for you to implement with your large dog breeds.

    Make Your Own Dog Treats

    We’ve discussed this in the past in previous posts and it’s certainly worth mentioning here. Instead of buying expensive treats in stores, take the time to make some at home. Large dog breeds eat more than their smaller counterparts, so this will be beneficial to you as a pet owner. Make your treats at home and freeze them for later!

    Make Your Own Dog Toys

    Have you considered this as an option? Probably not, because most people would just go to a store and buy toys. We believe your pups should be entertained regardless of where they got their toys, but to save you some money, you can make your own at home, if you’re crafty…go for it!

    Keep Vet Appointments Up-to-Date

    One of the best ways to keep large dog breeds healthy is by maintaining regular vet visits. Sure, you’ll have to pay when you take your dogs however this will save you money in the long run. Their health assessments will be current and you’ll be proactive in caring for your pup.

    Use Duct Tape and Rubber Gloves For Hair Removal

    Phew, there are some large dog breeds that are downright furry and shed and that can be costly to maintain. For instance, German Shepherds are one of the top shedding dogs. To keep a handle on everything, we recommend that you use duct tape and rubber gloves to remove hair from your home in various places and on your clothing. This is cheaper than buying tons of lint brushes and it helps you cut down on the amount of vacuuming you may need to do.

    Groom Your Dog at Home

    The last money saving tip we’re sharing is to groom your dog at home. This can be a task, sure, but it can also be fun and most importantly it saves you some bucks. Pull out your old towels and shampoo your pup from the comfort of your own home! While you’re at it, try trimming your dog’s nails too. This takes time to do and learn so be careful and if you’re uncomfortable, leave to a professional.

  • The Truth Behind How Old Is a Dog in Human Years

    For as long as you can remember, there’s always been a distinction between the age of a dog in “dog years” versus that of human years.

    Are you ready to really learn how old is a dog in human years and if that really means anything? As always, we are going to shed light on another dog topic that has people talking. Keep reading to learn more.

    The First Year

    As much as there is an easy topic that compares the age of dogs to the age of humans, we know that it’s a controversial subject. What is commonly circulated is that for every human year, there are 7 dog years in comparison. The reality is that it doesn’t matter the breed, all dogs will develop and age very similar to 15 human years in their first year of life. You read that right. In the first 5 months, your pup will lose teeth and by seven months old, they will have all of their adult teeth.

    The “Terrible Twos”

    Once again, as in the first year, the second year of your pup’s life will be the same regardless of the breed or size. They will all age pretty much at the same rate, with little variants. During the “terrible twos” your dog will age a total of 9 human years. So how old is a dog in human years? This means that after only 2 years, your dog is already past the human legal drinking age and well into their mid-20s!

    Puberty Time

    Small dog breeds grow much faster out of the puppy stage than larger dogs but they will eventually catch up to them. Large dogs reach middle age faster than small dogs.

    40 Fine

    In your dog’s fifth year of living in the big world, this is when they start a little more rapidly. Small dogs weighing 20 pounds or less are approximately 40 in human years while they are only 6 in dog years. For larger dogs, add 2 more years.

    Senior Dogs

    If you can believe it, after only 6 years of living, your dog will technically be considered a senior dog. They will continue to age anywhere from 3 to 5 years over just 1 human year.

     

  • Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety – What Now?

    At Petland, we fall in love over and over again with all of our dogs.

    From the small dog breeds to the larger ones, we love them all. Once they’re in your home, we know that life happens and your pup may be home alone, resulting in some sadness while you’re gone. Here are three ways to help ease the anxiety of your pup.

    Keep Them Busy

    Dogs that are well exercised or just downright tired are the best dogs! We say this because they aren’t as bored and will sleep that energy away that they just burned especially small dog breeds! When you leave your dog alone, leave them toys that are safe and can entertain them. Kongs are great for hiding treats and providing hours of entertainment. Leave some bits of dry food around your home too if you have that option. If possible, before you leave take your dog on a long walk. That will help them adjust to your departure because they’ll be exhausted coming home

    Have Quick Goodbyes

    As you’re getting dressed, your dog likely knows that you’re getting ready to leave. He may already be on edge anticipating it. Try not to make a big deal of you leaving, because it will get your dog even more worked up and excited and eventually sad.

    When you leave the home, make it a quick exit. Gently pet your pup and give him kind words like “I’ll be back soon,” and then leave. Make it nonchalant and then get outta there!

    Have Quick Hellos

    When you left the home, it wasn’t a big deal. When you come home, it should the same. As much as you want to hug and scoop up those small dog breeds into your arms, it’s best that you don’t. Because your dog hasn’t seen you for some time, he’s going to be hyper and wanting to jump all over you. Don’t allow it. Be nonchalant but do address your pup. Give it some time, maybe 5 -10 minutes and then shower your pup with love.

     

  • Your Pup is Pooped!

    As pet parents, one of the most endearing things to do is watch your pup sleep.

    They’re just so stinkin’ cute and at times, even in their sleep, they’re quite entertaining. Sometimes they look peaceful and other times they look like they’re putting up a fight, with no enemy in sight! We have spent time watching our Bichon Frise puppies for sale and we have to say that they equally adorable asleep as they are awake! Ever wonder what’s behind their sleeping positions and twitching? Read on to learn more about those sleeping beauties.

    Tummy Time

    This position is as obvious as its name, but sometimes referred to as the “Superman.” Your pup is lying flat on its tummy. Because they’re so young, puppies tend to need to nap often and this position puts them in, well…a position, where they can pop up at a moment’s notice to check out their surroundings. Dogs that sleep like this refuse to miss out on any action.

    On The Side

    When you see your Bichon Frise puppies sleeping on their side, this is a sign that they’re comfortable and feel pretty safe in their environment. Pups that sleep like this seems to be relaxed. They may switch positions if someone or someplace is unfamiliar with them. When they’re on their side, their limbs are free to move and you may see twitching and kicking commonly.

    Back Down and Paws Up

    This is a funny position. If you purchased something other than one of our Bichon Frise puppies for sale, you’ll still think the same thing. Though it may be comical, there’s some practicality to it. When dogs sleep on their backs it helps to keep them cool. When you see dogs resting like this, rest assured that they are beyond comfortable in their surroundings! They couldn’t be more relaxed or feel more secure. They haven’t a care in the world!

    Balled Up

    This is one of the more common positions that you’ll see while dogs are sleeping, especially in fall and winter months. Haven’t you seen pics of big dogs plopped down in doggy beds fit for small Bichon Frise puppies? They are literally curled up in a ball, nose-to-tail.  It’s hilarious! Their movements are restricted so you’ll see less twitching and dancing in their sleep! Dogs in the wild sleep like this often to protect vital organs and conserve heat. This is also a favored position that allows them to get up quickly.

    Snugglefest/Back-To-Back

    Ahhh, if you’re one of those pet parents who allow your pups to nap in your bed then you’re surely accustomed to this position, albeit not every night. This is when you’ll feel your pup snuggled beside you with his back to your tummy. If you have other dogs, you may see them back-to-back to each other. This is one of the most comfortable positions for Bichon Frise puppies or any puppy for that matter. They are relaxed, comfortable, and feel loved, which is the ultimate goal!

    We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and learned a little more about how and why dogs sleep the way that they do. We have Bichon Frise puppies for sale waiting to snuggle with you! Take a look at all of our available puppies by clicking here and then come to pay us a visit!

     

  • Siberian Huskies Are so Stinkin’…Cute That Is

    Okay, so you’ve come to our store and purchased one of our adorable Siberian Husky puppies for sale.

    She’s been home with you for some time now and you’re noticing that her coat isn’t quite as shiny or smelling as sweet as it once did. Sounds (and smells) like it may be time to give your pup a bath. Are you clueless? Perhaps you’ve only taken your Siberian to a professional groomer and you are finally ready for some DIY. We’ve got some tips to get you going.

    A Few Things of Note First:

    • A good rule of thumb to follow is that you bathe your dog once a month. Of course, if your pup plays in the mud, by all means, bathe her sooner!
    • Never leave your pup unattended.
    • Keep in mind the breed of your dog. Some are prone to dry skin so frequent baths could worsen the dryness and create discomfort for your pup. Most, including our Siberian Husky puppies for sale, don’t have dry skin proneness.
    • Brush your puppy regularly between baths. By doing so, you will manage any potential matting or tangling, thus making your lives easier.

    Start Soon.

    Even if you’re taking your dog to a professional groomer initially, you want to do this sooner than later. It will get your puppy used to bathing. If you’re doing this for the first time and in your home, use as much praise as possible. This will make her feel more comfortable.

    Choose a Location.

    Our Siberian Husky puppies for sale are small but not for long! In the beginning, sinks will do just fine to bathe your little beauty. As they start to get bigger, you’ll have to find another spot. Kiddie swimming pools in the summer are great, too.

    Make it Fun.

    You will have a much better time getting your puppy acclimated to bathing if it’s fun. Give your pup a toy or two to have while you’re washing her. Don’t forget praise…lots of it!

    Rinse Thoroughly.

    After you’ve shampooed your pup, make sure that you rinse your puppy thoroughly. Just like with humans, remnants of shampoo can cause dry and flaky skin. Minimize the amount of water you get in your pup’s eyes and eyes. Ideally, none should directly be sprayed in either.

    Watch Out for The Shakes.

    Commercials and videos of dogs happily shaking excess water from the bodies are circulated and viewed often. Sure it’s cute to watch, but not always to experience! Keep a towel nearby and pat dry your pup to keep the shaking to a minimal. If possible, use a hair dryer to assist in the process. When you purchased one of our Siberian Husky puppies for sale, you kinda knew that you were already getting a rather fluffy furball, so keep that in mind when bathing and drying them because their shakes are wide-spreading!

  • Porky the Pembroke?

    One of the things about being pet owners is that we all love to spoil our pups, somehow and in some way.

    It may not always be the best thing to needlessly reward your pup for just being cute, but it happens. After all, just looking at the adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgis for sale is probably how you ended up being an owner.

    If we were to reward our pets on looks alone with verbal praise or through sparking up a game, that would be acceptable, across the board. Unfortunately, our reward system can be detrimental to their health when we are giving them edible rewards. Even though their good behavior warrants good treatment, they can start to pack on the pounds. After all, if we are giving our Corgis more calories than they can burn off, the expectation is that they’d gain weight. Right?

    At any rate, we want our pups to be healthy and trim and it’s not always easy to tell. They are short and stout naturally and their fluffy hair makes them look pudgy, too. To aid in your discernment, here are three signs that one of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies for sale that you bought is now overweight.

    Sign #1 – They Have No Definition

    ‘Tis true that each breed has its own unique shape and dietary requirements, but all breeds should have a certain level of definition. Considering that Pembrokes have a deep rib cage and only a slight tuck at the loin, you can still see a difference. If you seem to notice that there’s more width than normal to your pup, that is a sign of obesity.

    #2 – Can’t Scratch an Itch

    We know. Corgis have long bodies, like Dachshunds, and it can sometimes cause problems. With a normal and healthy weight, your pup should have no problems grooming herself. If she’s unable to relieve some ear itchiness with her legs, she is more than likely chunkier than she should be.

    #3 – Overexerted Quickly

    Much like with humans, if we’re overweight the slightest bit of movement that remotely resembles exercise can cause us to pant and get out of breath fairly quickly. Have you noticed any of this behavior? Sans extremely hot climates, your pup shouldn’t be overly exerted so easily. If you see this pattern, your dog is likely overweight.

    When you decided to purchase one of the precious Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies for sale, you became responsible for the health and well-being of such a beloved animal. Any of the aforementioned signs are enough to warrant a vet visit to start discussing ways to get control of your pup’s diet and exercise. We all want healthy, happy, and comfortable dogs and you’re no exception. Hop to it and get your pup back on track!
  • Prepping For a Puppy

    We take excellent care of all the dogs in our care.

    This is why when you become a new pet owner of one of our Newfoundland puppies for sale, we want you to be as prepared as possible. We have a list of essential things that you’ll need to make your house a home for your new furry friend.

    Water and Food Bowls

    You’re going to learn this fairly quickly. Puppies have a lot of energy. They play hard and sleep even harder! Because of said energy, you want to make sure that you have a consistent supply of water for them and that food is given at the appropriate times. For now, we are stressing the importance of having actual bowls that suit your animal. For instance, Newfoundland puppies for sale in our store are small, yes, but they are a little larger than most little puppies. We make sure that their bowls are of the proper height for their consumption and won’t tip over easily and accidentally.

    Keep the bowls clean. Ideally, stainless steel bowls are recommended because of their weight and quite frankly they’re easy to clean, too. As your Newfoundland starts to grow, you’ll need to upgrade the bowl sizes accordingly.

    Harness or Collar and Leash

    All of our Newfoundland puppies for sale have been vaccinated and you’ll receive a rabies tag. You may choose to keep this on your pup or in your home for record keeping. For the former, having a harness or collar on your dog will allow you to hang it. You can also hang ID tags that contain your contact information and your pet’s name should you and your pup inadvertently become separated.

    A leash is used for walking purposes and to keep control of your pup. We recommend having one, even if you’ve got a massive backyard. When you leave your home with your dog, you’ll need a leash.

    Toys

    Quite naturally your puppy is going to need toys. They will entertain them but also serve as a form of exercise and relief from boredom. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior and you don’t want that. Because you just recently bought one of our Newfoundland puppies for sale, you’ll need some strong but puppy-safe chew toys can help with teething too. Here are some dos and don’ts:

    • DO buy nylon chews or hard rubber balls.
    • DO not give your pup toys that fit in his mouth entirely. This is a choking hazard. As your pup grows, you may need to throw it out and get a larger size.
    • DO not give your dog anything that’s hard, has sharp points, or any attachments.
    • DO not allow your dog to play with shoes, socks, or any personal clothing. Lest you start, this can be a very bad habit to break and is also dangerous.
    • DO puppy proof your house periodically to ensure things like plastic wrap, twist ties, string, etc. aren’t lying around and accessible for consumption.

    Sleeping Quarters

    We all love warm and comfy environments and your pup is no exception. Purchase a crate early on and line it with a dog-friendly pillow/bed and a toy or two. Make it nice and relaxing for your dog, creating a den-like environment. Dogs love to have their own personal space, so give it to them.

     

    These are just a few of the things that we suggest purchasing at the same time, or soon after, getting one of the Newfoundland puppies for sale you found here. We have more suggestions and we are here to help you make the best choices of care and comfort for your new pup.