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  • 5 Ways To Prevent Obesity in Dogs

    As humans, it’s quite natural for us to pay close attention to our health and weight.

    It’s in magazines and on television so often that it’s practically ingrained in our brains. What’s not more prevalent is the same amount of attention paid to our furry family members. Sure, we may have seen a commercial or two about specific dog brands catering towards their weight maintenance, but still – that’s not enough. When people decide to buy a dog, their weight may not be on the top of their priority list, like house training for example. With that said, we want to give you 5 tips to prevent obesity in your dog, so that he can live a long and healthy life!

    1. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s ideal weight.

    Here’s an interesting and commonly unknown fact. Most owners will buy a dog and not have a clue as to what their ideal weight should be. This is the easiest tip and the first step in monitoring and staying on top of your pup’s healthy. This is so important to know, because it will help you make the best dietary decisions when feeding your dog.

    1.  Exercise, exercise, and exercise!

    Ah, exercise…it’s a word many dread and some actually love! No matter what emotion it evokes, the reality is that it’s necessary for both humans and dogs. There’s just no getting around it! When you buy a dog, make the commitment to exercise her, especially once you’ve mastered #1, the aforementioned tip. Depending on your dog, a daily stroll may be all that’s required. If you buy a dog of a larger breed, it kind of goes without saying that a stroll won’t cut it. Take your dog to a park and let him run about or if you’re a bike rider or jogger, take him along with you. This is beneficial for both you and your dog!

    1. Stay abreast with your vet.

    If you’ve noticed that your dog has put on a few extra pounds, contact your vet. Your veterinarian is the best place to start. They can give you a meal plan, yes we said meal plan! A recommended goal weight and professional plan of action is suggested, as opposed to you going at it alone. Keep in mind that an overweight dog can truly experience discomfort in their joints and they are prone to additional injuries. Your veterinarian can also help you rule out other ailments that can cause obesity, such as hypothyroidism.

    1. Make dietary changes, if needed.

    First and foremost, try hard to avoid feeding your dog table scraps and human food, in general. When you buy a dog, you can also buy treats for him, but opt for low fat, low caloric, and healthy ones. They exist, trust us! Stick to a feeding schedule rather than a free-for-all. Treat treats just as that – treats! If your dog seems to be grazing and appears hungry, try giving her fresh veggies, as they’re an excellent source of fiber and can be filling. Based on the advice and consultation with your vet, it may not be necessary to change your pet’s food, but rather the quantity.

    1. Continuously monitor your pup’s weight.

    Check your pup’s weight regularly, just as you would do for yourself. It’s imperative to know if your efforts of weight loss or maintenance are paying off, just as you desired. If weight loss is your goal, they should be losing approximately 1 lb. a month. Again, stay in contact with your vet regularly to ensure the laid out plan is working.

     

    We recognize that when you buy a dog, there will be some areas that are forgotten or that you may not have known about, but we’re hopeful that these tips will be helpful. Keep in mind, you control what and when your dog eats. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to maintaining a long and healthy life. You can do it!

  • 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Blue Frenchie

    Fun Facts About The Blue Frenchie

     

    •  They AREN’T French!

    Say what? Contrary to their name, the Blue Frenchie doesn’t have French origins at all. This is always a surprising fact for many Blue Frenchie owners. They are actually the sisters to English Bulldogs, who hail from a small area in England called Nottingham. It’s widely unknown why or how they got their names, but it’s also widely agreed upon that they aren’t from France.

    •  They don’t do laps…but they’re lap dogs.

    The Blue Frenchie is not a good swimmer. They don’t do well in water at all and they don’t like it either. There are plenty of dogs that innately are great swimmers and love the water, but the Blue Frenchie isn’t one of them! They prefer the dry land, period.

    •  They aren’t recognized.

    The Blue Frenchie is not recognized by any dog breeder associations. You can not show or train a Blue Frenchie in any competitions, strictly because of their color. The only French Bulldogs allowed in shows are those with the color palettes of brindle, white, fawn, or a combination of white and brindle.

    • Blue Frenchies freeze!

    Because of their single coat, they can become cold very easily. You’ll notice a Blue Frenchie constantly curled up in a tight warm ball during the winter or when air conditioners are furiously running during the summer. Invest in some sweaters or t-shirts for these babies, as they’ll happily comfortably sport them all year ‘round!

    •  They are big time snorers!

    Upon one glance, you can notice their flat faces. Unfortunately, this means that they have very labored and audible breathing patterns. It’s called brachycephalic. The Blue Frenchie is not a quiet dog! You’ll often here them when they’re just being and breathing and certainly when they’re sleeping. Invest in some earplugs, because despite their small size, they are big snorters!

    •  They’re pretty and a pretty penny.

    The only difference between a regular French Bulldog and the Blue Frenchie is the color, which makes for the largest difference…the price! They are almost twice as much as the price of the “regular” French Bulldog. The Blue Frenchie is much more difficult to find. They cost a lot more money to maintain physically, because of their serious health issues, especially because of their allergies. They also have other neck and back issues, due to their short and curved spines. If they have an allergic reaction, a typical vet visit can run you anywhere from $300 – $700.

    •  They’re lazy.

    Blue Frenchies are not very active dogs, nor do they require it to be happy and healthy. They aren’t prone to obesity. They like to just chill, typically with you. They’ll enjoy a nice walk or a few moments outside, but then back to the couch to cuddle they go!

     

  • 5 Tips To Feeding Your Rottie Puppy

    The Rottie puppy is a beauty.

    Their strong, muscular body and black and brown coat commands your attention. Beyond the surface of their stunning appearance, you want to keep proper care of their health, which in turn reflects how beautiful their coats radiate. We’ve compiled some 5 tips for you to incorporate when you’re feeding your Rottie puppy.

    Creature of Habit

    For starters, dogs are a creature of habit. They thrive best when a routine is part of their daily schedule. This means it’s necessary to stick to a routine when it comes to feeding them. For adult dogs, the best time for meals is during breakfast time in the morning and dinnertime at night.

    Proper Balance

     Your Rottie puppy should always have a proper balance of the six basic food nutrients. They are carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, water, fats, and vitamins. Your Rottie puppy will display signs of deficiency if these essential nutrients are not available. They can and should be fed 2 or 3 times a day to prevent bloat. Give your Rottweiler a ration of 4 or 5 small meals a day until she’s about a year old.

    Meals

    As a general rule of thumb, Rottie puppy food is changed to adult food when he has reached almost 90 of its body weight. As with any dog, this shift in diet should be gradual and carefully executed, to allow your Rottweiler’s digestive system to get used to the change of food. The change should take place over a span of five to seven days. Below, follow one of the two guidelines to gradually changing your Rottie puppy’s diet:

    • You want to begin with mixing very small amounts of the new food to the old one, over a period of five to seven days.

    OR

    • Try fasting your Rottie puppy for one meal. At the next meal, mix a quarter of the new food with a normal amount of old food. For the next five meals, increase the amount of the new dog food to one half of its normal consumption of the old dog food. Ultimately, you’ll fully and seamlessly transition from the old to new food.

    Meat Lovers

    Rottweilers are classified as carnivores, just like any other dogs. They absolutely love to consume meat. Should you decide to satisfy your Rottie puppy’s carnivorous desires, it is best to give him raw meat. Be sure that the meat is clean and not contaminated, to mitigate any resulting illnesses or diseases.

    Proper Diet

    You can always tell if you’re feeding your Rottie puppy a proper diet, based on their lustrous coat. Happy dogs are those that are active and have proper nutrition. Those without the aforementioned will get sick easily and disconnected with their surroundings. The Rottie puppy diet should include sufficient amounts of carbohydrate food sources like protein from meat, and cereals, together with salt, vegetables, animal oil, and other sources of vitamins and minerals.  

     

  • 5 Hunter Breeds To Meet Your Rural Needs

    In life, sometimes we want what we want and there are times when we need what we need.

    If you live, work and breath in rural or more countryside areas, sometimes you actually have a need for hunting dogs. They serve the purpose of guarding and herding your farm animals. We have purebred puppies that will meet your needs and we’ve compiled a list of 5 hunting breeds of dogs.

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Nicknamed “The Chessie,” these purebred puppies have an origin date of 1807. Two Newfoundland dogs were rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay river. They were bred for duck hunting with other water loving breeds and eventually they became the family friendly, outdoorsy, and energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They will happily charge through a long day of hunting.

    Beagle

    Beagle purebred puppies are seen as the the quintessential “hunting dog.” If you are hunting varmint like rabbits, the Beagle is your dog, hands down! They are known to track and follow a scent until they tire or the scent disappears! Beagles have been described as having a “nose with feet!”

    American Foxhound

    American Foxhounds, just as their name suggests, were bred with the purpose of hunting foxes, and although a somewhat rare breed, they are still known to do so. Deer hunters have used these purebred puppies for their excellent running skills during deer season. When it comes to the American Foxhound, they are great at what they do and will practically chase down anything you train and tell them.

    Labrador Retriever

    It’s a known fact that Labrador Retrievers are household favorites, however the same goes for the countryside and their impeccable hunting reputations. Retriever breeds make the best hunting dog and are revered as the best that’s ever did it! Their thick coats allow them to be in cold weather for hours. They are best known for hunting ducks, but they can also help you out with any type of small game.

    Bloodhound

    The Bloodhound is the largest scent hound there is! These purebred puppies were originally bred for hunting deer, wild boar, and since the Middle Ages…for tracking people! They live up to the expectation of their name, with their unparalleled tracking abilities and strong noses making them excellent hunting dogs.

     

  • We Just Love Long Hair Puppies…And So Will You!

    Don’t say long hair puppies aren’t fabulous, when you know they are!

    Puppies with long hair are preferred by many! Besides how beautiful their luxurious coats can look, many owners love grooming and taking care of their long hair puppies. We’ve put together a list of 5 long hair puppies that are absolutely lovable.

    Have a Havanese, Why Don’tcha?

    The Havanese is the national dog for Cuba. These little beauties have a long lifespan of 13-15 years. They can be found in many color combinations, but best of all – their furs are very long, straight and silky! They are excellent family dogs and provide endless companionship.

    Afghan Hounds

    Now THESE are long hair puppies to be envied! They have bouncy, long and silky fur all over their bodies, which are tall and lean. The Afghan is said to be one of the oldest existing dog breeds. They are also known as the Kuchi Hound or the Kabul Hound. They are a gorgeous breed and definitely benefit from professional and regular grooming.

    The Ever So Soft – Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    This breed originated in Ireland over 200 years ago. They share a common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier, but are distinguished separately by their soft, silky, long coats. They are great family dogs, especially for those with kids. These long hair puppies require daily brushing every day, but since they don’t shed, they only require baths and trimming every other month!

    Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies)

    These long hair puppies may be in the toy group and member of the small dog breeds, but they pack a good punch!  Their long and silky coats give the appearance of being just a handsome lap dog, but their demeanor matches that of large dog breeds, serving as sometimes overly protective watchdogs. They are one of the more popular long hair puppy breeds!

    Can You Handle The Komondor?

    At first glance, you may not know their names, but you definitely know their giant “mop dog” appearance! These fluffy and shaggy fur babies commonly command attention everywhere they go. You wouldn’t know it, because their eyes are barely visible, but Komondors are used today as sheep guardians! Their coats require detailed and professional attention. As an owner, be ready to separate their cords by hand regularly to prevent matting and to maintain their distinctive coats! Because of the sheer volume of their hair, they must be towel dried as much as possible, as it can take two or three days for these long hair puppies to dry!

  • Hmmm…Which Are Best, Hybrid Puppies or Purebred Puppies?

    There are so many awesome puppy breeds in both categories, it can be hard to know which way to go!

    There’s a great debate within the dog buying/owning community as to whether one should own hybrid puppies or purebred puppies. So what’s the difference? Purebred puppies are dogs that have been carefully bred to produce offspring with identical characteristics and traits of the parent breeds. Hybrid puppies are a cross of two pure breed dogs. This really is a personal decision that should be made. At the end of the day, we really recognize that either choice is arguably a sound and reasonable one based on many factors. Neither is right or wrong, but rather based on an individual preference for each owner’s lifestyle. To help you make a choice, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions regarding purebred puppies and hybrid puppies.

    Are purebred puppies healthier?

    Most hybrid puppies are pretty unpredictable in a lot ways, from their size to their haircoats! Purebreds are tested for issues usually known to affect the breed. This is to ensure only healthy dogs are being bred. Most diseases are being detected and eradicated this way. When breeds are crossed, it creates hybrid puppies with unknown results, thus they really can’t be tested in advance. However, it should be said that hybrid puppies are relatively healthier than their purebred brethren.

    What are the temperaments of purebred puppies?

    Now with this question, the answer is easier to answer and relatively straightforward. Purebred puppies possess a temperament that’s fairly predictable based on breed standards. Hybrid dogs have a few question marks attached to them! For most hybrid puppies, you get characteristics from both parents, but it’s impossible to tell exactly how they’ll turn out.

    Are there hypoallergenic purebred dogs?

    Technically, there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog.  There are, however, low-to-no shedding dogs with little-to-no amounts of dander. Hybrid puppies that are a cross of two or more breeds may or may not grow into a low shedding adult dog. It’s kind of a toss up.

    What’s the verdict?

    As we mentioned previously, this is a personal choice. People who own and love dogs are passionate about them. Some may favor one breed over the other. Ultimately, all dogs are wonderful and beautiful in their own rite and whichever you choose to own depends on your lifestyle. What’s most important is that any dog purchased or should be done with reputable breeders and research should always be conducted to ensure that your puppies have the healthiest and happiest life with you!

  • Tips for Raising Happy Apartment Puppies!

    Gone are the days and misconceptions of all dogs living in homes with lavish backyards. There are breeds that thrive in small environments!

    You can raise happy condo or apartment puppies. It just takes a little more planning and foresight. Follow these tips when considering adding a dog to your apartment.

    Research, research and more research!

    Firstly, you want to be absolutely realistic about what kind of dog you want and if they’re actually well suited for apartment life. Most large dog breeds won’t gel well in small spaces, so small to medium sized dogs are recommended. Big dogs may become frustrated with being cooped in tight spaces and may resort to destructive behavior like chewing or scratching.

    A little preparation goes a long way

    Once you’ve decided on the apartment puppies you want to have, you want to puppy proof and prepare your house. Protect your floors. Put some items like potted plants in higher places, so that curious pups won’t inspect them. Educate yourself on harmful foods for dogs and keep them away. Create a space specifically for your dog, by getting a dog bed, some toys and food and water bowls. If you have the room, create two spaces for your dog to enjoy and rest. You’ll also want to find a place for their crate.

    Take a look at your schedule

    You, most assuredly, need to create a routine. Dogs thrive best when they have one. Feed him at the same times in the same places every single day. Take them for walks at the same time. It might not be immediately evident, but they will become more compliant with a consistently executed routine.

    Apartment puppies still need exercise

    Now that your dog has joined your home, you’ll soon learn that apartments puppies will need exercise just like dogs that dwell in larger homes. They are excitable and need to burn that energy. Take them for at least two walks a day. Socialize them by allowing them to run freely in neighborhood dog parks. You’ll thank us later. Promise!

    Invest in some training classes

    Lastly, get professional training and make it a priority. No one wants a dog who barks incessantly or won’t listen to your commands. It can make life unbearable and you’ll question your decision to have apartment puppies. If you’re unable to actually obtain or attend professional training, invest in books or other training techniques via YouTube. Remember, consistency is key!

  • Yorkie Poo Puppies for Sale: Is the Yorkie Poo the Right Dog Breed for You?

    Yorkie Poo Puppies for Sale: A Lot of Cuteness in a Little Package!

    Gentle and cute, the Yorkie Poo is one of the most popular designer pet breeds for dog lovers. There are Yorkie Poo puppies for sale almost everywhere but the question remains, is this dog breed the ideal breed for you and your family? Here at Petland, we believe that the Yorkie poo can an ideal furry family member for many different types of people. That’s why we are always matching our Yorkie poo puppers with their furrr-ever homes in our store!

     

    Check out these Yorkie Poo traits and see for yourself if this is the ideal next pet.

    • The Yorkie Poo is what’s called a “designer breed” and the product of a Yorkshire terrier and a Miniature Poodle. One of the main reasons was to eliminate the pet dander that comes along with dogs, so the breed would be better suited for people with allergies or asthma.
    • This breed is very intelligent and can follow commands closely. It trains well, but needs consistency and a firm training hand. You must be patient, the Yorkie poo can be a saucy breed!
    • Regular grooming is needed to keep its fur in tip top shape. It is the ideal pet for people who don’t want to deal with pet fur at home or in their cars.
    • This is the ideal pet for first time dog owners, since it trains easily and needs only moderate grooming maintenance.
    • Yorkie poos are good with kids. It will play with them, is energetic and affectionate. It is also good with other pets and animals at home.
    • This breed is very loyal too and will do all it can to protect its owners despite its size. It can be depended on to bark or warn owners of intruders.
    • This breed is all out fun! You can take it anywhere and does not need a large yard to play. It is suitable for people who live in a small house or apartment.

    A Yorkie Poo might just be the breed you have been looking for so take that leap and bring home a new friend! Check out all of our adorable Yorkie poo puppies for sale on our available puppies page, right here! Want more information? No problem! Give us a call today and our caring, knowledgeable Pet Counselors can answer any questions you might have about taking home one of our puppies! 

  • German Shepherd Puppies – The Loyal and Protective Breed!

    The German Shepherd, though not an American breed, is one of America’s most loyal and fierce family dogs!

    When you spot German Shepherd puppies, you know it. They are commonly side-by-side with police units across the world and that’s for many reasons. Below, we’ve highlighted the top three characteristics and other facts about German Shepherd puppies.

    The Protector

    German Shepherd dogs are frequently known to provide protection for families, police, and people with disabilities. They are widely used as guard dogs, police dogs, and herders – sometimes to little kiddies at home! Their work ethics are nearly unmatched, because their level of trainability is high and their intelligence is incomparable. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly eager to learn and crave challenges which lends itself to their outstanding obedience. Like any dog, they don’t respond to anger or negativity. These pups command authority, so everyone in the household should be prepared to “show” them respect, with a firm but gentle touch!

    Their Noble Stature

    At first glance, you’ll notice that German Shepherd puppies are handsome and regal, with a powerful disposition. Their bodies are always much longer than they are tall, giving a wolf-like build and appearance. This breed varies in color and there are various mixes of lines, including American, Canadian, West German, East German, and Czech. Each line has its own breeding purpose, however physically they differ slightly.

    Consistently, the German Shepherd dog has front legs that are straight, while their thighs are very toned and extremely muscular. The head is well-proportioned to the rest of the body, with inquisitive almond shaped eyes that range from black/dark brown to light orange/yellow/red brown. Their ears typically stand up when they’re approximately a year old and are held erect on the top of their head. Their muzzle is long, with a black nose and strong teeth that meet in a scissors bite. They have distinctive bushy, long tails that hang downward with a slight curve when they’re at rest and curves more noticeably when they get excited.

    They Are Family And Kid Friendly Dogs

    German Shepherd puppies have high energies and are perfect for families with kids. They don’t get tired too soon, so children can play with them endlessly! It’s true that they don’t take very well to strangers, but they have a sweet and friendly disposition towards their family members. They absolutely love playing with kids, especially if they’re trained to do so at a young age. German Shepherd puppies are an addition to your family which are recommended and one you won’t regret!

  • Pomsky for Sale, Could This Cross be Just What Your Family Needs?

    Searching for Pomsky for sale? Check out more about this family-friendly breed!

    A Pomsky is an adorable cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. These dogs weigh about 20 to 30 pounds and have a height from 10 to 15 inches. The puppies were extremely popular in 2016, and they have a good lifespan of 13 to 16 years. People are drawn to the small Siberian Husky look of the dog. Generally, the crossing includes a female Siberian Husky and a male Pomeranian, to avoid birthing complications in the mother. Petland always has the Pomsky for sale! Just check out our available puppies page!

    What do Pomskies look like?

    The looks of a Pomsky can vary between two pups but that’s what makes them so charming. Their eyes are often a light to medium blue color. They can have a pure white with black coat, all-white coat, white with brown coat or variations of grey. Breeders are still working on perfecting their look. A Pomsky has ears that are triangular and pointy with a black nose tip.

    Fitting a Pomsky puppy in your life

    This Pomsky breed is full of energy, and very loving and playful, but no two dogs will ever be alike. Generally, they inherit the personality traits of both the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky. They are also highly intelligent, and can easily be trained through reward methods.

    There may be some that inherit the Pomeranian’s stubbornness, but if you remain calm and patient they’ll learn through your assertive leadership. A puppy would best suit a family with older children, single people, and seniors. They are a good choice for a small house or apartment. If you are considering a Pomsky for sale you should also allow your budget to include a high quality dry kibble which can provide the extra nutrition this energetic dog requires.

    Want to learn more about this precocious breed? Give us a call to talk with our knowledgeable pet counselors and schedule your appointment to see all of our adorable Pomsky puppies for sale today! Want to check out all the puppies we have, just click here!