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  • Bark To Me Please!

    If you’re a new owner of small puppies, then your world has changed, and for the better we add!

     

    Dogs have a way of enriching our lives in so many ways. Sometimes we just don’t know how, but they do. Now that you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably cuddled with and talked to your dogs countless times. Your small puppies have responded, but you aren’t quite sure what they’ve said. Dogs communicate their thoughts all of the time, to humans and other dogs. It’s just done in their own language. How? Read on to learn!

    Doggie Body Language

    Whether they’re small puppies are large adult dogs, they all communicate with their bodies. Here are some typical signs they use:

    • With their ears: Dogs with their ears raised are either relaxed or listening. Dogs with their ears back may be afraid or signaling submission.
    • With their eyes: Their eyes will brighten when looking at something they consider to be friendly. If you notice dilated pupils and the whites in their eyes, this means they’re afraid.
    • With their faces: To show confusion or determination, they will wrinkle or straighten their foreheads.
    • With their lips, teeth, and tongues: You’ll know that your small puppies want to play if they pull their lips back, showing their teeth (like a smile), and sometimes with a hanging tongue. Keep in mind, this is only done with humans, not other dogs.
    • With their tails: A study was conducted that if your dog wags his tail more to the right, then it’s a sign of positive feelings. If it wags more to the left, there are negative feelings.

    Dog-to-Dog Communication

    Dogs know how to “speak” and physically convey their feelings to other dogs, by doing the following:

    • They bite: This is a sign of playing! It’s sometimes accompanied with slight growls and those are playful in nature, too.
    • They bow: This is a telltale sign meaning “let’s play!” It can also mean, however, “I’m sorry I was so rough, but let’s keep playing please.”
    • They paw slap: This is like a human patting you on the back. For dogs, it’s a signal that the dog trusts the other dog playing partner.
    • They rear their hind legs: A sign of affection is displayed when dogs rear up on their hind legs. It will look like your small puppies are dancing!

    Barking Dogs

    Not all dogs are big barkers, but when they do it means that they’re talking and their barks can mean a myriad of things. The pitch and volume will increase with the dog’s emotional levels.

    A study conducted by Hungarian researchers tested 6,000 different barks from 14 Hungarian sheepdogs using special software. The results concluded that 43% of the time the software correctly identified what the dog was trying to communicate.

    Proper and consistent training will help your small puppies and you understand each other. It’s such a joyful thing when it’s achieved!

     

  • 5 American Dog Breeds

    There are some commonly known American puppies, like Boston Terriers and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. There are more and we’re talking about them today!

    The Chinook

    Definitely one of the rarest American puppies, they were recognized by the AKC in 2010! There’s a record of only 600 of them alive in the world today. These American puppies are so rare that the Guinness Book of World Records awarded them the rarest dog three times since 1965. At one time only 125 Chinooks existed. Developed in the 1900’s, they are great with children and consider to be intelligent and calm canines.

    The American Eskimo

    These American puppies are either all white or white and biscuit colored and they’re members of the spitz dog family. Despite its name, however, they have absolutely no traces to the Eskimo culture. They were developed in the United States and used to travel in circuses during the latter part of the 19th century. Sometimes being confused with the Samoyed, these fluffy fellows have a thick double coat, distinctly pointy ears, and a curly tail, coming in 3 different sizes. They are a really new breed, only being recognized by the American  Kennel Club in 1994.

    The Plott

    Named after a German immigrant family that moved to America, this brindle colored hound dog is currently the official state dog of North Carolina. These American puppies held the job of bringing bears and boars to bays and trees. They clearly are courageous canines! They too, like the American Eskimo, are a new breed, only being recognized by the AKC in 2006.

    The American Leopard Hound

    Unlike the other American puppies we’ve highlighted today, the American Leopard Hound hasn’t been recognized by the AKC. They are, however, considered to be one of the oldest tree dog breeds. They have been traced back to dogs brought to the New World by Spanish conquistadors. They are highly intelligent, possessing extremely strong tracking sensibilities. They can track all types of prey to include bears, raccoons, cougars, squirrels, and bobcats for miles. They are considered to be laid-back and somewhat standoffish.

    The Treeing Tennessee Brindle

    The Treeing Tennessee Brindle, also known as the Cur, was founded in the 1960’s by Rev. Earl Phillips.  These high-energy American puppies have evolved from treeing dogs primarily from the Appalachian and Ozark Mountain regions. Their treeing abilities are unmatched, as they were bred to do it for hours! The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is still relatively rare and has been recorded in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service since 1995.

     

  • Top 5 Misconceptions about German Shepherds

    Fear of dogs is not uncommon.

    Many people unfortunately suffer from it and they are especially afraid of big dogs, like German Shepherd puppies. It’s partially because of their fear, but it’s also because there are common misconceptions about them. People think that because they are commonly side-by-side of police officers and the like, that they all must be aggressive. That is not the case. We are going to debunk and dispel many of these myths about German Shepherd puppies.

    German Shepherds Aren’t Intelligent

    Say what?! That’s simply the biggest misconception. German Shepherd puppies are actually one of the smartest breeds, hands down! Perhaps this misperception comes from the fact the they can sometimes seem to be disinterested or aloof. In any case, German Shepherds are very intelligent and extremely loyal animals. They are not anti-social, but rather selectively social.

    German Shepherds Aren’t Kid-Friendly

    From their birth, our German Shepherd puppies for sale have been known to be great around families with kids. They get along well with children and are quite gentle with them actually.

    German Shepherd Puppies Don’t Get Along With Other Pets

    Once again, this isn’t true and it really comes down to training and early socialization, as with any dog.

    German Shepherd Puppies Are Hard to Find

    Well, that’s not true either and we can personally attest to that. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale and they’re purebred and healthy. They aren’t a rare breed, so we aren’t sure from where this misconception comes.

    German Shepherd Puppies are Violent

    Now this one is the most popular and most inaccurate, we might add. It’s commonly perpetuated by people who simply don’t know much about this breed. Their fear is rooted in this misconception being spread around time and again. Sure, they may have strong and powerful barks that can be intimidating, but it’s to be expected from such a large dog! Ultimately, their barks don’t mean anymore than a Yorkie’s.  

     

    Ultimately, German Shepherd puppies are intelligent, loving, protective dogs. Visit our store and see for yourself!  

  • How to Prepare for Apartment Puppies

    This is something you should inquire about before you acquire apartment puppies.

    If you are thinking of adding a puppy to your family but are hesitant because you live in an apartment, don’t fret. We take the utmost pride in educating our pet parents. Here are three things you can do to make your apartment puppies have an easy and comfortable transition into their new home.

    Do your apartment have any breed or weight restrictions?

    There are some apartment complexes and communities that do no permit specific breeds on their premises. Furthermore, there are some places don’t only allow apartment puppies that will grow to a certain size. Say for instance, Rottweilers start out small and soon grow to be quite large! Contact your leasing office to obtain all of this information, including any associated fees. Those fees could be nominal and only a deposit, or they could be more costly and on a monthly basis.

    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 with finding the perfect crate for your new apartment companion.

    Find the nearest park.

    Apartment puppies, especially some of the larger ones, will require exercise and will love some playtime with other pups! Venture out or hop online to locate some parks in your area. 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!  

     

  • What Are Hybrid Dogs

    A hybrid dog is also known as a mixed breed dog.

    Hybrid puppies are available in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They may have short curly hair or long and silky locs. Maybe they will have long and pointy noses or short and stubby snouts. As we mentioned, there are so many options when it comes to hybrid puppies. What makes them so attractive is that they are designed to meet various pet owners’ needs! At Petland, we have many designer or hybrid puppies for sale!

    History

    There actually used to be a time when most “mutt” dogs that roamed pretty much looked the same. More often than not, the only things separating them was their age and their names! Other than that, they were brown, short coated, medium sized dogs.

    Today

    Even today in some countries where humans haven’t imprinted the canine population with breeding hybrid puppies, many of the dogs still bear the aforementioned physical characteristics. Say for instance hybrid puppies in countries located in Australia and South America, have longer coats than others, but they generally have their historical traits.

    Why Are Hybrid Puppies Popular Choices?

    One of the main reasons that people choose to purchase hybrid puppies is because they are generally considered to be healthier than purebred dogs. They draw from broader gene pools, thus producing hybrid puppies and reducing inbreeding, which causes genetic health issues.

    Of course, we know that you can’t assume that because you’ve purchased hybrid puppies that they won’t have any health problems. As with any breed, there are issues that are commonly associated with them. Having a fresh bloodline makes very little difference if the parents aren’t healthy and this is important for you to know.

     

    All of our hybrid puppies for sale come from reputable and responsible breeders and you can always ensure that your puppies are happy and healthy! We are always available to field your questions and help with your hybrid puppy choice!

     

  • The Great German Shepherd

    Without a question and any doubt, German Shepherd puppies are prized possessions!

    They are strong, formidable furry family members and they are like none other. They’ve been praised across the globe for their presence and prestige. Below, we’ve highlight some of the most prestigious accomplishments of German Shepherd puppies.

    Rin Tin Tin

    We’re pretty sure that you’ve probably heard or know of Rin Tin Tin. Rin Tin Tin was one of the German Shepherd puppies rescued from the World War I battlefield. The American soldier named Duncan Lee, trained Rin Tin Tin to work in silent films. Rin Tin Tin was such a huge star that Warner Brothers would create a Rin Tin Tin movie whenever the studio needed money!

    This was a first for German Shepherd puppies or any breed for that matter, being rumored have been voted as best actor of the first Academy Awards, in 1929. He didn’t win, however, and it was given to a human after all. He was later awarded the American Humane Association’s first Legacy Award, in 2011. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    Strong heart

    There were other famous German Shepherd puppies! Before there was Rin Tin Tin, there was Strong heart. He was a German Shepherd who was actually one of the first canine film stars. He was trained in Germany as a police dog and he worked for the German Red Cross. By the age of 3, he was brought to the United States.

    Strongheart went on to star in tons of movies, including the 1925 adaption of White Fang. He was a beloved celebrity and he certainly paved the way for other German Shepherd puppies.

    6 German Shepherds in One Play

    During the mid-1980s, there was a play that was written by a Dutch director named Whim Schipper. They received acting lessons in Amsterdam, as they were highly motivated by treats! The name of the play was called Going to the Dogs. It was about a daughter who brought home a new boyfriend, their love, and jealousy and the consequential parental concerns. The play didn’t do so well, however!

    German Shepherds Helped in WWI

    Flax of Lewanno was honored at Westminster, in 1917, for bringing in 54 wounded soldiers to safety in WWI. WWI helped to increase the popularity of German Shepherd puppies in the United States, too. American Soldiers took notice of how they were capable, that they decided to bring some back home with them.

     

  • Prepping for Your Pup

    Yippee! You’ve done it.

    You followed through with your dreams to buy a pup. Now the fun and work begins for you. Your new puppy is a new member of your family and you must care for him just as you would for your human counterparts. Part of that care involves preparing your home for his presence by removing any hazardous materials, liquids, and items. Room by room they exist, unbeknownst to you! Below is our guide of how to prep your home, since you’ve decided to buy a pup and happily welcome him!

    Bathrooms

    Firstly, we recommend that you use child-proof cabinet locks where possible and install toilet clamps for the larger and more curious dog! 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 away so that they’re inaccessible. It’s actually best to keep your door closed as much as possible!

    Kitchens

    Just as we’ve recommended installing kid-proof cabinet locks, you should definitely do the same in the kitchen. There is normally triple the space of a bathroom so that’s triple the number of things your pup can get into! Make sure that your trashcans are sturdy and can’t be pried open. Sometimes it’s helpful to place something heavy on top of it to keep them from nosing about those trashy smells they love so much.

    Living Rooms and Dens

    This 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 them, so move them! Cover electrical power cords and strips and also install outlet covers.

    Home Office

    When you buy a pup you have to even consider your home office as a place that may need to be off limits. This, of course, depends on what you have in there and how accessible they are. For instance, if you have a large dog, he may easily be able to hop on your office chair and thus your desk! He could just sloppily knock over some things or he could decide to chew on your pens or take in some paperclips. Either way, there are plenty of “no no’s” in your office. Much like in other parts of your home, protect the electrical outlets and power cords. Move your copy paper and working documents.

    Bedrooms

    Probably more than any other rooms in your home, this is where your dog will most tempted, because of the sheer stuff that you’ve got. There are shoes, clothes (both clean and dirty), jewelry, knick-knacks, toys, hampers, hair accessories, random coins, etc. All of these are welcoming temptations for your doggie. Before you buy a pup, consider keeping your room tidier so that none of the aforementioned are accidentally or purposefully ingested causing your pup harm.

    Other Rooms, The Garage, and The Yard

    These items might be a bit easier to detect as hazardous, when you buy a pup. Things like fertilizers, rodent poison, oils, paint, and various cleaners are obvious. Secure all containers and boxes of these items. Pay close attention to antifreeze, for it has a particularly sweet taste and just a small bit ingested can be fatal!

    In and around your yard, some plants are harmful. Beautiful daffodils and birds-of-paradise, can be poisonous to your pup. The physical reactions include the development of a rash to vomiting to diarrhea.

    In other open areas of your home (i.e. stair landings, foyers, and hallways) you may have potted plants. Dogs like them too! Move them to higher shelves or other rooms as a precaution.

    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.

     

  • All About Long Hair Puppies

    Deciding between long hair puppies and short hair puppies is a personal and kinda big choice.

    We say “kinda,” because there is, undoubtedly, some work involved with their day-to-day maintenance. It’s a task that requires some TLC, for sure. Below we are defining and sharing information on those lovely long hair puppies!  

    Long hair puppies can be divided into three categories. They are: long-coated small dogs, long-parted coats, and long-coated large dogs. Each category has somewhat different grooming specifications.

    Long-Coated Small Dogs

    Long-coated small dogs have hair that is not parted along their back, which can still be a challenge to groom. These long hair puppies should be groomed on a daily basis.

    Once you’ve given your small pup a bath, you should towel dry his coat and immediately blow dry it. This will greatly reduce the chances of tangling. Simultaneously while blow drying, use a pin brush to continually brush and fluff his hair. When it’s completely dry, trim the underside of your dog using an electric clipper. This should be done in the pattern of how your dog’s hair lays. Next, you’ll want to trim his paw pads and feet, and do this just enough so that it reaches the ground around his paw. The last step is to brush and comb the hair on and around your dog’s head and face.

    These are some popular long-coated small dogs:

    • Pomeranian
    • Havanese
    • Pekingese

    Long-Parted Coats

    These long hair puppies have a long-parted coat with long hair that should be especially separated in a straight part along their back. The biggest complaint about these long hair puppies is that it’s quite difficult to groom the part in a precisely straight pattern.

    After you have bathed your long hair puppies, towel dry and then blow dry it to keep the hair tangle-free. Once the coat is dry, stand behind your dog and guide the tip of a comb just over the nose. Very slowly, begin moving the comb over the crown of the head, down the neck and back towards the base of the tail. It’s important to make sure that you’re moving the hairs to the proper sides, forming the part as you go. After you’ve attained a perfectly straight part (and you will!), spray the entire coat with conditioner to set it.

    Here are the only breeds that fall into this category:

    • Shih Tzu
    • Afghan Hound
    • Yorkshire Terrier
    • Maltese
    • Lhasa Apso
    • Skye Terrier
    • Tibetan Terrier
    • Silky Terrier

    Long-Coated Large Dogs

    The grooming requirements of these long hair puppies are very similar to that of long-coated small dogs. The only significant difference is that long-coated large dogs are more likely to have more dirt and tangles in their coats, from spending more time outside. Other than that, you can follow the same grooming techniques, as referenced earlier.

     

  • The Beautiful Blue Frenchie

    The Blue Frenchie is a rare but beautiful member of the French Bulldog family.

    They are sweet little comical pups who garners tons of attention virtually everywhere their presence is known. Below, we are sharing some known and unknown facts about this rare breed.

    They Have Great Temperaments

    Do not read into the Blue Frenchie’s somewhat glum face, because they are far from it. They are widely known to be silly and entertaining!  They are well behaved with family, friends, strangers, and other dogs. They don’t require much space, adapting well in apartments or on a farm. With the exception of barking to announce the arrival of a visitor, they’re otherwise quiet  and respectable doggie companions. They need a little patience during the training process, because they are Bulldogs after all, which means they can be stubborn! They are overall great as pets.

    Controversy and Legitimacy

    When choosing a Blue Frenchie, you’ll soon learn that there is some controversy surrounding their very existence. We’ll will look deeper into some of those issues regarding their gene type and breed standards.  

    The Blue Frenchie came about as a result of a recessive allele on one of the genes that determines the color of their coats. What would normally be black hair becomes blue in parts and in some cases, a strong blue color covers their entire body. These colors are highly attractive to many future owners. They’re striking and rare and rightfully stand out from standard French Bulldogs and other dogs, in general.

    As a result of their rare color, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or many other dog associations. Consequently, the Blue Frenchie may not be as desirable as a breed standard, especially for owners who wish to show their dogs.

    Final Thought

    Despite the controversy surrounding the Blue Frenchie, this does not affect their popularity and how they have increasingly become household favorites. They may look different from their French Bulldog counterparts, but they are equally desirable and well mannered dogs. Come into a Petland store and see for yourself!

     

  • 5 Tips to Puppy Proof Your Home

    We’re here for your pup’s safety!

    Let us be one of many to say that dog proofing your home is one of the absolute best and most responsible things you can do before you buy a dog and bring her into your home! Below we have a list of tips that may seem like common sense and some that may come as a surprise. They are very useful, nonetheless.

    Lock Her Up! Lock Her Up!

    Okay, was that in bad taste?! We hope not, because we have a sense of humor. What we’re really trying to convey is that you should crate your pup. Before you buy a dog, invest in purchasing a kennel that fits her just enough so that she can stand and turn around in it. You don’t want it too large or too small. This is one of the simplest ways to keep her safe at home while you’re away. This keeps her out of trouble, too!

    Baby, Proof the House Please?

    When you buy a dog, especially if it’s a puppy, you’ll certainly notice many similarities between it and human babies, even if you’re not a parent. The truth is that many of the items that parents use to keep their children safe can be used to keep dogs safe, as well. Here are a few suggested items you should purchase:

    • Electrical outlet covers
    • Power strip covers
    • Baby gates that can limit access to certain rooms
    • Safety locks for kitchen and bathroom cabinets
    • An air-tight container for dog food (some dogs are incredibly crafty and figure out ways to get into “sealed” food bags!)

    De-clutter

    Before you buy a dog, tidy up…actually clean up thoroughly. Put away items that have been aimlessly sitting around the house. If you’re at home reading this, pause and take a look at your surroundings and see if you can identify a few things that should either be trashed or put away. Now, do it! Dogs, especially teething ones, love to chew on things and that’s exactly what they’ll do whether unattended or not. Some items may be harmless to them, but others are dangerous. Don’t take any chances with your clutter! Let it go.   

    Keep The Doors Closed

    This is a simple step. When you leave your home, shut all of the doors where you pup may have access. You’ll save your carpets and your pup!

    Purchase a Trashcan Your Dog Can’t Open

    Surprise…dogs love trash. When you buy a dog, you’ll learn this and hopefully not the hard way! The very scents that we find disgusting are delicious to them! Besides food, there are fun paper products and boxes and many things that turn into toys to them. On the flip-side, there are razors and harmful foods. The best way to keep them from those dangerous discoveries is to purchase a trashcan that they can’t open.

    If you have the space, invest in a pull-out trashcan that can fit under your kitchen sink and nicely secured with the kitchen cabinet locks we mentioned earlier. Tall, metal, sturdy trashcans do the trick as well, for both large and small dogs.

     

    Follow these tips, because it’s better safe than sorry! Should have any any questions or need some assistance, do not hesitate to contact us!