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  • Play Time With Your Puppy

    You love dogs.

    You may have always wanted one…or two. You search “small dogs for sale near me,” online and you make the life-enriching choice of getting a dog. Your home life has changed and you’re all in with your new dog! You’re ready to let the fun begin and we’re gonna show how to amp it up a bit. Here are some fun games you can play with your new puppy while also teaching him some special skills.

    Fetch

    Fetch is a favorite and very common game. You see it all of the time, but just in case you haven’t, it’s the process of teaching your dog to retrieve an item. Your dog learns to come when called and to get the toy or item you ask. The goal is to get your puppy to come to you, sit and stay, while you throw a toy, and he is then encouraged to get it. Keep some treats handy and always praise him when he brings it back. Go all out and over-the-top with your praise so that he knows this is the intended goal. Once he’s back to you with the item, tell him “drop it” and then praise him all over again when he does! The two of you will have tons o’ fun doing this. (BTW, this is a good form of exercise for your dog, as well. We call this a win-win situation!)

    Agility

    Just as with fetching, agility games are ways to get your dog moving and thinking. Perhaps you didn’t think that searching “small dogs for sale near me” could potentially mean that you’d be teaching a dog agility tricks. The sky really is the limit, whether your dog is small or large. Puppies in general love jumping and navigating obstacles. They’ll do this on their own by sprinting around the house or in a particular room just for fun. Why not make it a little more challenging and rewarding?

    Did you know that you don’t need a large yard to create an obstacle course? You can do this right in your home with blankets and chairs and treats. Use the treats to lure your pup as he follows the course. Reward him when he conquers the obstacles and, you’ve got it, start the praising! As he gets used to it, you can branch out and start making other obstacles, both inside and outside, if you have space. You’ll be surprised at how fast your pup picks up on this game and just how enjoyable it is.

    Tug-of-War

    Tug-of-War is another popular game and believe it or not, you can teach your puppy commands with this game as well. They’ll learn how to drop a toy and when to pull or not. Here’s how it goes. Hold on to your pup’s favorite toy and offer it to him until he grabs it. Start tugging it back and forth, pulling harder and harder (within reason). Every once in a while, let your pup “win” by letting it go. You know what’s next…praise! Only praise him when he “wins,” and you can also give him a treat. Be careful not to reward behavior that includes biting or grabbing on anything other than the toy that you’re using. You can incorporate the “drop it” command and give your puppy a treat if he listens to you. The next time you play the game and he “wins”, he’ll be anticipating a treat. But guess what, you’ve actually “won,” too because Googling “small dogs for sale near me” has proven to be rewarding.

  • Is Your Pug a Senior?

    We like to give useful and informative information about our Pug puppies for sale and what you can expect having one as your pet.

    As you know, we all get older and age and it’s a natural part of life’s process. Because dogs age differently than humans, sometimes it’s hard to quite distinguish when they are technically seniors or not. We’ve put together a list of things to look for when trying to determine their seniority, so to speak!  

    Check for hearing and vision changes.

    Older dogs tend to experience a gradual loss of hearing. If you notice that one of the Pug puppies for sale that you purchased long ago stops responding to your commands, they may be experiencing a hearing loss which is associated with older age. Regarding their vision, if you notice that they are bumping into things when they walk, that may be a sign of sight loss. That, in addition to, cloudiness in their eyes, is also a sign.

    Check their skin and coat.

    Just like with humans, older dogs have digestive systems that don’t absorb or digest nutrients from their meals as efficiently as in the past. Have you noticed gray hairs sprouting up and about on your pup? If so, you’ll likely see the grays appearing mostly on their muzzle and around their eyes. Though when you purchased one of the Pug puppies for sale they didn’t have much hair, as they age it can start to thin out, become coarse, and dry. Be on the lookout for (extra) wrinkles on your Pug’s skin, too!

    Check for behavioral changes.

    There was something special that made you get one of those precious Pug puppies for sale. Perhaps it was how it stood out from the rest of the bunch or it was simply a connection you made and felt. Back then, you paid attention to your potential pup’s behavior. As they age, continue to do the same. Keep note of things that may be changing, because they can be very subtle in the beginning. Pay attention the following:

    • Disorientation
    • Reduced social interaction
    • Housebreaking habits
    • Sleep-wake cycle seems to be off or different
    • Lack of an appetite
    • Pacing
    • Confusion
    • Barking or crying at night
    • Sudden aggression

    Check their mobility.

    Senior dogs will most likely have reduced mobility. Your dog may be experiencing joint pain and the early stages of osteoarthritis. Various symptoms include limping, walking slowly, the refusal to walk up or down steps, and a lack of appetite.

    As pet owners, your job consists of caring for your pup through all stages of life. As your dog gets older, your responsibility of physical and behavioral awareness increases. Take care of your senior dog with the same love and care as when they were puppies. Continue to shower them with cuddles and affection.

     

  • 3 Common Personality Traits of Shih Tzu

    Shih Tzu puppies for sale are absolutely adorable.

    Enthusiasts champion for them and new pet owners fall for them almost immediately. We think it’s because of their cute faces and rumored sweet dispositions. Below are 3 reasons why getting Shih Tzu puppies for sale is a wise and endearing move.

    Shhh Shih Tzus

    They’re little but are a good package. Though they were not bred to be watchdogs, they can happily serve as one for you. Keep in mind that they won’t be attacking would-be assailants or anything like that. They will, however, bark to let you know if someone is at the door. I mean who likes uninvited guests anyway? We kid…kinda!

    Play, Play, Play

    When it comes to getting their play on, the Shih Tzu might as well take home a trophy, because they love to play. Families with kids should feel rather comfortable getting Shih Tzu puppies for sale because they will definitely serve as a (free) babysitter and playpal for your little ones. They are excellent around little kids, both young and old. They are small pups but they grow to be sturdy little dogs that can handle some rough and tough play with kids who might not be as gentle as older ones.  

    Here’s what we know. Whether they are outside splashing around in a pool on a hot summer afternoon or engaging you in a game of fetch or tug-o-war, they are almost always ready! Speaking of games, they excel in the sport of agility. They enjoy pleasing their owners so if you’re game, so are they.

    Lap Dogs 

    Shih Tzu puppies for sale were originally bred to be companion dogs. Take our word for it, and the rest of the world’s, when we say that they excel in this category. Pick them up and you may never be able to set them down! They will snuggle in and get oh so comfy. Watching a movie? They’re right there, secretly wishing they were eating the popcorn with you. Taking a quick nap? They’ll snooze with you.

    When you think of these pups they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Contact us today if you want to discuss how you can take home one of our personable Shih Tzu puppies for sale.

     

  • Holiday Do’s and Don’ts for Pets

    Halloween is over. Thanksgiving has come and gone.

    There are still a few more celebratory holidays before the year is over. Now is the perfect time to educate and reiterate the importance of holiday pet safety.

    Edible Gift Baskets

    As we mentioned Halloween is long gone, but that doesn’t mean that the sweet treats have taken refuge! Gift baskets of food, candy, and various other treats are exchanged and dogs can smell each and every ingredient in the basket. Be sure to keep this and other treats for humans out of their reach and sight. Small pieces of hard candies are choking hazards to pets, particularly if they don’t have strong teeth and jaws. To be safe, keep these treats out of your pet’s reach.

    Christmas Trees

    Are you an artificial tree buyer or do you prefer to sniff and pick yours out of a local nursery? If it’s the latter, you must be very careful to ensure holiday pet safety. To keep your tree beautiful and healthy, you need to keep it watered. When doing so, try to keep your pets out of the area while your tree is soaking up the water. Never leave standing tree water accessible to your pets, unless it’s covered securely around the base.

    Tree Decorations

    While we’re talking about Christmas trees let’s also delve into the hidden dangers of your beautifully decorated tree.  

    Strands of Lights 

    Keep strands of lights off of the bottom branches of your tree. Pets are very curious and they will sniff around, which is natural. The hazard lies in your pet getting tangled and or potentially shocked if they bite to free themselves. Tape extra strands to a wall or nearby furniture for security.

    Ornaments 

    There are tons of tragic stories of pets biting into pretty ornaments that entice your pets’ curiosity. If consumed, they are choking hazards; furthermore shards of broken glass can potentially injure their paws and mouths. Strategically place your precious ornaments in areas that aren’t accessible to your pet.

     

    We want your holiday season to be memorable, because of the time spent with your family, friends, and loved ones. Holiday pet safety is paramount. No ER visits are allowed! Follow these simple steps to assist you!
  • December is Cat Lovers Month

    At Petland, we love all of our cats, dogs, and small animals in our care.

    December is Cat Lovers Month. In celebration, we’ve put together 5 reasons why owning a cat is awesome and the way to go!

    They’re Pretty Self Sufficient

    One of the greatest reasons people love cats is because of their self-sufficiency. They are incredibly low maintenance and very independent. Unlike dogs who normally require daily walks, exercise, and baths, cats can do all of the above themselves. There’s no need for walks. They can get their required exercise from zipping about in their homes.

    No Bath Time Required

    Cats clean themselves. Period. Every once in a while some will require a bit of cleaning and tidying up, but for the most part, they take care of their hygiene effortlessly. This applies to outdoor cats, too. Cats are mostly indoor animals so you needn’t worry about them jumping in mud and things of that nature. They don’t fancy it and lucky for you!

    They Add Love to Your Home

    There is no doubt one of the main reasons people become pet owners is because of an innate love or affinity for them. Cats bring tons of love into the home. They are wonderful pets and companions.

    They’re Quiet

    Unlike dogs, cats are not typically loud animals. They are relatively quiet animals. Sure, they’ll meow every now and then, but they don’t bark or snore, or even make noise when they walk. With dogs, you’ll hear their nails on non-carpeted floors or you’ll hear them playing. Cats inadvertently get the sneaky title because of their quiet and almost stealth mode movements.

    Housebreaking is Easy

    Forget about potty training your cat, because they are really good at learning this on their own. Provide them a litter box and kitty litter and they’re likely to just start going there. They like to have their own space and privacy. Of course, no animal is perfect so they may have an accident or spiteful incident every once in a while!

    These are just a few of the lovable reasons to own a cat. Celebrate Cat Lovers Month by purchasing a kitten from us.
  • 8 Reasons to Get a Puppy

    We promise that this post isn’t a cat bashing one, because we love our feline friends too.

    We are going to concentrate on the many reasons why you should get a doggy. Oh yeah, we’re also cheerleading on how one of our Maltese puppies for sale will fit the bill for your eventual purchase. Here are 8 benefits and reasons to get a puppy.

    Experience Lower Stress Levels

    Are you stressed out? Have you been and can’t quite shake it? Guess what…puppies can actually be supportive in your effort to lower your stress. They provide such love and affection that they have also been known to lower blood pressure, as well.

    Got Allergies?

    Allergies can make life miserable for those who suffer and can’t avoid the allergen. People with allergies to dogs can breathe a sigh of relief (pun intended) because our Maltese puppies for sale are hypoallergenic, which makes being around them even more enjoyable.

    Need a Pick-Me-Up?

    There’s scientific evidence that supports the theory that dogs make people feel better. The interaction between humans and dogs generate a release of “happy” hormones like serotonin.

    Increase Your Physical Activity

    People who walk their dogs for at least twenty minutes a day can actually lose weight, with a sensible diet plan of course. The requirement for dogs to have daily exercise will be beneficial to you and your puppy.

    Puppies Help With Child Development

    Seems like owning one of our Maltese puppies for sale has multiple benefits and this one may seem unbelievable. But, there’s scientific evidence backing this reason to get a puppy, too. Kids with dogs in the home score higher in cognitive, social, and motor development tests than children without a dog in the house.

    Puppies Are Good for The Heart

    Yep, it’s true. Puppies can actually help one’s heart health. Pet owners are more likely to live at least one year longer than those without. Talk about holistic medicine!

    Puppies Make You Social

    Once you step out with one of our Maltese puppies for sale, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Owning a puppy automatically makes you a conversation starter. People will initiate conversations with you, so get ready for the spotlight!

    Man’s Best Friend?

    Everyone always says that a dog is man’s best friend. They say it for a reason because it’s true. Once you have a dog, there is a bond that is created that lasts a lifetime. Dogs enjoy the connection as much as humans!

     

  • The Maltese Name Game

    There are some dogs that are off the charts adorable and Maltese puppies for sale are some of them!

    They are little but pack a lot of punch when it comes to personality and charm. In this blog post, we giving you some interesting facts and options for naming your new puppy.

    Maltese Quirks and Facts

    • They have a lifespan of 15 years.
    • They get along well with people and other animals, so if you have another dog or cat in your home, you’ll be just fine as long as you socialize your Maltese early.
    • They are one of the smallest breeds so there’s some fragility associated with them. Be careful of little kids handling them.
    • They are hard to housebreak. Crate training is best for them.
    • They don’t shed much at all, which is great. Most people who purchase Maltese puppies for sale normally opt for professional grooming to keep them looking good and tangle-free.
    • They suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time.
    • They are prone to sunburn along the hair parting.
    • They get cold and hot fast so keep in mind that they may need extra warmth during the winter and cool air during the summer.

    The Maltese is one of the most popular of the tiny breeds of dogs. As a result, they are often mixed with other breeds. Some of the names are downright funny!

    Here are some of the most popular and funny ones that we could find:

    • Poodle x Maltese = Maltipoo
    • Chihuahua x Maltese = Malchi
    • Pomeranian x Maltese = Maltipom
    • Shih Tzu x Maltese = Malshi
    • Perkingese x Maltese = Perkitese
    • Yorkshire Terrier x Maltese = Morkie
    • Beagle x Maltese = Maltibeag
    • Schnauzer x Maltese = Mauzer
    • Pug x Maltese = Mug
    • Westie x Maltese = Waltese

    Here are some cute girl name suggestions for Maltese puppies:

    • Cookie
    • Gigi
    • Gracie
    • Mimi
    • Izzy
    • Millie
    • Lady
    • Penny
    • Peach

    Here are some funny names associated with Maltese puppies for sale based on their size:

    • Tiny
    • Minnie
    • Itty Bitty
    • Mouse
    • Olive
    • Peanut
    • Gizmo
    • Baby
    • Squirt

    Here are some cute boy names for Maltese puppies:

    • Buttons
    • Oscar
    • Oliver/Ollie
    • Frankie
    • Finn
    • Winston
    • Ernie
    • Fritz

     

  • The History of Shih Tzu Puppies

    People always fall in love when they see Shih Tzu puppies for sale and who can blame them?

    They are simply adorable, with their smush faces and big eyes! They’re almost comical to look at sometimes. They have a deep history and respect bestowed up them. If you’re interested in learning a bit more, continue reading this historical post about Shih Tzus.

    • For at least 2,0000, they’ve been bred as a companion and referred to as the little “lion dog.”
    • During the 1920’s, the first pair of Shih Tzu puppies for sale were brought to England. They quickly gained popularity and began to be bred across many continents.
    • They were considered royal dogs of sorts, so they are known to occupy laps across the world, but they still need some daily exercising. They certainly enjoy a good walk, but they don’t demand vigorous outdoor activities like some other dog breeds.
    • Shih Tzus are known to be barkers so you’ve been warned! What does this mean for you as an owner? It means you’ll have an excellent guard dog who will alert you of visitors, both known and unknown to you.
    • Speaking of guard dogs, Shih Tzus used to work alongside the monks where they used to serve as guard dogs.

    There are so many wonderful things that can be said about Shih Tzu puppies for sale. What with their unique and royal history and their current reputations for being sweet and funny furry companions, they are favorites in homes across the world.

     

    If you’re looking to own one or more of our Shih Tzu puppies you’ve come to the right place. Take a look at all of our available puppies and then feel free to contact us. We offer advice and will help you select the perfect pup for you and your family.

     

  • Boston Terriers – America’s Gentle Dog

    At our store, the Boston Terrier puppies for sale are always such a hit.

    From their expressive eyes to their limitless energy, what’s not to love about a Boston Terrier? It’s pretty hard to find a reason not to, especially after reading these fun facts about this adorable breed.

    • An All American Breed – Boston Terriers were the first breed developed in America—and it’s no surprise which town they called home!
    • Very Stately Pups – Bostons were named as the state dog of Massachusetts in 1970. This is not common for all states, so it was quite the honor for the Boston Terrier to be named as the designated dog.
    • Dapper Dogs – It’s too easy to fall in love with Boston Terrier puppies for sale. Just look at them! They’ve been nicknamed as “the American Gentleman” because they look like they are all dressed up in a tuxedo. How cute!
    • Noisy Little Fellas – The short muzzles on Bostons cause them to take in a lot of air and consequently, they snort…and pass gas quite frequently!!!
    • Bred for Fighting – We know, it’s hard to believe that these precious pups were fighters and not lovers, but it’s true. Back in the day they were much larger and used to participate in dogfighting. Thankfully those days are over!
    • Nope, Try Again – Sometimes Boston Terrier puppies for sale are confused with French Bulldogs because they look so much alike. The best way to tell them apart is by looking at their ears. Boston Terriers have pointed ones while Frenchies have rounded, bat-like ears.
    • Presidential Pooches – President Gerald Ford had two Boston Terriers named Fleck and Spot. Warren G. Harding had one called Hub.

    Aren’t you pretty convinced now about purchasing one of our Boston Terrier puppies for sale? Who wouldn’t be at this point!? Stop by our store today or give us a call if you’re interested in learning more.

     

  • November 17th is National Take a Hike Day

    Today is National Take a Hike Day, which is observed annually on November 17th.

    There are over 60,000 miles of trails in the national trail system across the country. There’s an opportunity to hike pretty much everywhere. Taking a hike alone is fantastic and so is taking one with a dog. Our American Eskimo puppies for sale are the perfect companion! They are built for stamina challenging situations. So, if you’re ready to participate in National Take a Hike Day, take a look at these five tips for hiking with your canine friend.

    Tip 1 – Make sure that your American Eskimo puppies are up-to-date on their shots and attended routine veterinary appointments. You’ll be doing fun yet strenuous activities so their health is very important.

    Tip 2 – Bring enough food and water for your dog and yourself. If it’s hot or cold where you live, you want to make sure that you and your dog are properly hydrated. This could take a few hours. Make it as enjoyable as possible.

    Tip 3 – When you think about American Eskimo puppies for sale you may envision them in cold climates with doggy backpacks on their bodies. Well, in this case, that’s a good thing to envision, because it’s practical and necessary for hiking. Because of the large size of American Eskimo puppies, they can stand to hold a few items for you while hiking.

    Tip 4 – Pick up after your pup! Bring along poop bags and even a bag to hold it while you’re hiking. There may or may not be trash cans or places for you to dispose of it along the way.

    Tip 5 – Bring a pet emergency aid kit, just in case. This should include items like bandages, ointment for cuts or scrapes, and some sort of antiseptic that can be used to clean any bruises or injuries.

     

    Enjoying National Take a Hike Day can be pleasant especially if you are prepared!