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  • 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!

  • Preparing For Large Dog Breeds

    Do you live by the motto “bigger is better” and have you chosen to purchase and add a pup to your home?

    If so, then you’d probably fair well with large dog breeds! They’re tons of fun and we have them in our store. With big dogs, comes big responsibility, beginning with the preparation of your home. Here are a few tips to assist you.

    • Get a House or Larger Space

    Many large dog breeds need space to stretch, run, and play! There are, however, plenty that look active and are big old couch potatoes. If you’ve done your large dog breeds research and the one you’ve selected needs plenty of exercise and space, then consider upgrading your living area.

    Big and boisterous barking and loud playful footsteps could be bothersome to close neighbors and eventually become a nuisance. When deciding to purchase a particularly active large dog breed, it’s ideal to have a larger space with a yard so that your dog can play without disturbing neighbors.

    Okay, so what if moving into a house isn’t an option? Be sure that if you’re currently living in an apartment, there aren’t any breed or weight restrictions in your apartment community. Contact your leasing office for information on local dog parks or enclosed areas where your pup can run and roam.

    • Prepare Your Yard

    If you already live in a house with a sizable yard to accommodate large dog breeds, get it ready for your new pup. Create or schedule regular lawn maintenance by treating it for mosquitos and other pests that could potentially bite, infect, and harm your doggie.

    Purchase safe and weather durable toys for your dog to play with while he’s outside. Depending on your space, install some training plastic tubes in the ground, for them to run through and weave between! Petland carries a wide variety of durable toys that can’t be easily destroyed by the strong jaws of large dog breeds. From tug-o-war ropes, to indestructible ball toys, we have the selection you need to keep them entertained and happy.

    • Keep Them Fenced

    Let’s face it – large dog breeds can easily damage a fence and create a path to explore a neighboring yard, if they aren’t monitored. You want to make sure that before bringing your new puppy into your home, that you’ve checked and double-checked all of the entrances and the surrounding foundation. You don’t want any holes that they can use to create an escape route! You want to prevent them getting out and lost or having a dangerous encounter with another dog.

     

    For more information on purchasing large dog breeds and pet accessories, visit a Petland near you or contact us directly.

  • How To Care for Small Dog Breeds

    Small dog breeds are known to be ideal to owners in a variety of living situations.

    Most commonly, for people who live in relatively small spaces, they may find it best and most suitable for them to have small canine companions. Here at Petland, that makes sense to us! One thing is for sure, no matter where small dog breeds live, their little sizes require specific attention. Their needs should be addressed, in order for them to have happy and healthy lives. These are three helpful tips to follow when caring for small dog breeds.

    Watch them closely.

    When they’re not in your lap, and let’s face that’s where they’ll likely want to be, pay attention to their locations. Really small dog breeds can squeeze into really small spaces. They can injure themselves while trying to escape and maneuver from where they may be trapped. Something else to consider, when you’re entertaining you may want to crate your pup. Small dog breeds tend to be underfoot and your guests may not be as accustomed to that innate habit, as you are.

    Keep your small dog breeds warm.

    Because they’re small, they are more likely to be chilly. During fall and winter seasons, fit your pup with clothes to keep them comfortable. This can be pretty fun! There are tons of fashionable, yet practical clothes for small dog breeds, ranging form jackets and sweaters to t-shirts and tanks! At any rate, you want to make sure you always regulate their body temperature. Do the same during the summer when air conditioners are likely to be run pretty regularly. Try placing a heating pad in her crate to keep her warm, too. As always, monitor your pup.

    Monitor their diets.

    Some pet owners are misguided when feeding their small dog breeds. Just as large dogs are prone to obesity, small dog breeds aren’t exempt. Consult with your vet for the best high quality foods to feed them. Stick with the recommended portions. Look for a meat or fish based food, with no fillers such as ash or corn. Keep high fatty treats to a minimal, as they’re unhealthy for their diets, but also harmful to their teeth and gums. Make sure that you brush your dog’s teeth several times a week. Small dog breeds often suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, and frequent brushing will keep them healthy and in check!

     

  • 5 Shorthair Puppies in All Sizes

    When it comes to puppies, many people simply can’t resist them.

    They are adorable and desirable for various reasons. Would-be dog owners, however, recognize that they’ll grow up and out of the puppy stage and they prepare for life with them. A common consideration of potential pet owners is the grooming responsibility. Many people prefer short hair puppies, because they are easier to groom and bathe. Others don’t mind their locs being a somewhat labor of love! For those preferring the former, we’ve compiled a list of 5 of the most popular short hair puppies.

    Beagles

    Beagles are wonderful short hair puppies and are great with kids, making them suitable for families with children. They are strong-minded and inquisitive because their instinctive hunting nature. Overall, they are a healthy breed, living long and full lives.

    French Bulldogs

    Hailing from England – not France, these short hair puppies are average shedders. You will need to invest in a lint brush or two. Otherwise, you’ll find that bathing and grooming your French Bulldog is an easy and pleasurable task!

    Walrus Puppies

    The Walrus dog, also known as the Ba-Shar, is a designer dog. These short hair puppies are combinations of Chinese Shar-Peis and Basset Hounds. They are wrinkly wonders weighing anywhere between 30 to 60 pounds and standing 10 to 13 inches. They are delightful additions to any sized home.

    Great Danes

    Short hair puppies come in all sizes and the Great Dane fits the bill! They are loving and loyal dogs. You’ll have no problem with them socializing with kids and other pets. They are known to have an average intelligence, so be diligent with training those big babies!

    Boxers

    Everybody knows Boxers, because they are one of the most popular dogs in America. They have a commanding presence and are known to be eternal puppies! They are playful despite the somewhat intimidating appearance. Bathing and grooming these short hair puppies is a breeze. They are average shedders and have coats that can be wiped down occasionally, between professional grooming.

  • All American Breeds

    What are American puppies?

    They’re exactly what you think. They’re American dog breeds that were made in America, specifically the United States of America. Cue the Springsteen favorite “born in the USA” lyric!

    Much like clothes, products, technology, etc. are created in the United States, so have been various dog breeds. They can be dated back to the 16th century to more recent years. The American puppies were certainly at some point in time developed with the assistance of other dog breeds found in other parts of the world. Just like any other breed, they were developed with a particular purpose in mind. For instance, American puppies may have been bred to be hypoallergenic, or guide dogs, or simply loving companions whose sole purpose is to give and receive love!

    Going back further in time, there are ancient dogs with an origin that may have reached the Americas over the Bering land bridge during the last Ice Age. These dogs accompanied their human counterparts approximately 12,000 to 35,000 years ago.

    The aforementioned people eventually became known as Native Americans or American Indians. They have historically had dogs by their sides, helping them to perform daily duties. Those duties included guarding livestock, hunting and retrieving, serving as pack animals, and hauling large quantities of food and other possessions over rugged terrains. They were the first to actually domesticate dogs!

    As a result, many dogs were being bred for specialized needs. A particular terrain needed sheepdogs to work the flocks better than a European dog. Urban dwellers required a terrier that would be much better suited to capturing specific American rats. Unfortunately, there were American puppies who were exploited for dog fighting purposes, too.  

    Moving forward to the 20th century, there was a greater desire to have American puppies be loving companions, emotional support, and filling healthy voids. The trend continues to grow and designer or hybrid breeds are created. Animal rights advocates are more prevalent and there’s protection of the loving canines that have filled the hearts and homes people across the world.

     

  • 5 Large Dog Breeds

    Large and In Charge 

    Whether they’re muscular and stocky, or long haired and large, we’ve got them covered. Take a look at this list of large dog breeds found across the world and some located at a Petland location near you! 

    Bernadoodle (or Bernedoodle)

    They are big. They are goofy and they are here! Considered one of the gentlest of the large dog breeds, the Bernadoodle is a mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. This relatively new mixed breed was bred to be the most perfect and loving companion to families with kids and active owners. They can grow to be as large as 100 pounds and live between 12 to 18 years. Talk about a long-lasting love! 

    Newfoundland

    Nicknamed “Nature’s Nannies,” the Newfoundland is excellent with kids and most suitable to live in large open spaces. These jolly giants are lovable fur balls who will lovingly keep watch and protect you and your family. They’ve been documented to grow as large as a whopping 200 pounds! 

    Great Dane

    You can’t possibly think of large dog breeds without immediately envisioning the Great Dane, because they’re most notable for the size! They reach heights well over 30 inches tall. The famous Great Dane named Zeus held a record standing at 44 inches. He lived to be 5 years old, just shy of their typical lifespan of 6 to 8 years.

    Dalmatian

    Famously associated with firehouses and popularized by Disney’s 101 Dalmatians movie, these pups have a long history going back several hundred years. They are athletic and well-built. Like many large dog breeds, they’re giant goofballs! They typically weigh between 48 to 55 pounds and live relatively long, especially for their size, ranging from 13 to 16 years!

    Goldendoodle

    Gosh, the Goldendoodle is one of the most popular of large dog breeds! The gentle giant weighs between 50 to 90 pounds and he will never know it. Goldendoodles are so affectionate, they seem to think they’re small lap dogs. These overly friendly pups will make your lap home if you let them, for their lifespan of 10 to 15 years.