Why Do Dogs Shed, Anyway?

There’s no way around it, shedding stinks – whether you’re sick of encountering fur all over the house, or are allergic to dog dander, reducing shedding is a big priority for many dog owners.

Understanding why dogs shed can help you feel better about the daily struggle with dog fur.

Shedding is a completely normal occurrence for almost all dogs. Dogs shed for a number of reasons and regular grooming and bath times are the key to cut down on the amount of fur on your clothes and in your home.

Dogs Shed To Grow New Fur or hair.

Just like humans, dogs have hair that is continuously growing especially long hair dogs. Shedding is the normal turnover of hair, allowing old or damaged hair to be replaced with new healthy strands which keeps your dog’s coat in tip top condition.

Dogs Shed When Seasons Change.

Shedding is especially evident during the changing of seasons. The transition from a winter to summer coat is usually the time of heaviest fur loss for dogs, so don’t fret when your long haired, double-coated dog loses giant clumps of fur come springtime.

Some Breeds Shed More Than Others.

While all dogs shed to some degree, there is a significant difference between the amount of fur loss between breeds. Some breeds, like Poodles and Poodle-mixes, are known for shedding very little. Heavy coated breeds, like Huskies, will shed so much that you’ll be surprised that your dog has any fur left.

Since understanding the cause of shedding won’t reduce the amount of hair your long hair dog sheds, it’s important to remember that grooming can make a world of difference. Try brushing your dog outside to reduce the amount of hair in your home. Also pet vacuums are designed to pick up dander and fur better than normal household vacuums so these can be a great option.

How to Properly Care for Small Dogs

Small dog breeds are wonderful and super cute animals. Taking care of small dogs can be tough at times because they are so little. You must have a special amount of patience for these dogs. So before buying one, we want to make sure you know how to properly take care of them so they can live long and healthy lives with you. We promise they will love you forever, as long as you take these precautions with them.

1. Take them on short walks.

Because of these dogs’ sizes, they can only handle so much exercise. It is important that you respect their size and do not drag them on long hikes that their bodies are not made. The most a small dog needs to walk around the block to get in a little exercise and handle their business.

2. Remove all small items from the ground.

This is beyond important when having small dogs. Dogs are curious animals, especially small dogs. They love exploring things on the ground by putting them in their mouths. To ensure their safety so that they do not choke on anything, remove all of the small toys you have in your house to higher up surfaces.

3. Feed them the proper amount.

Most small dogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. This is a great thing and something that should be taken with precaution. Because these dogs will eat anything sometimes they do not know when to stop. Make sure that your dog is being fed the right caloric amount every day – not too much or too little. You want your small dog to have a healthy weight to ensure that they have a happy healthy life.

If you are thinking about or already own a small dog this summer, please make sure to take these tips seriously. We want you and your dog to have a happy and healthy life together. Small dog breeds are special animals that should always be handled with care.

Caring for No Shed Puppies

Owning a dog comes with so much joy and also responsibility. This is especially true for people with allergies and is searching for no shed puppies. No shed puppies can be hypoallergenic depending on an individual’s specific allergies, because they have coats made of hair. We take pride in providing education for pet owners. Read on to learn the basics of caring for no shed puppies.

Understand the shed cycle.

While they don’t shed as much as dogs with fur, it is important to understand that no shed puppies do shed hair, therefore the terms “no shed puppies” and “no shed dogs” can seem a bit misleading. These terms are used to describe the breeds that shed considerably less compared to dogs with fur. If you have dog allergies it is important to note that as the seasons change, shed cycles begin, and irritation can follow. The first step in becoming a responsible and loving pet owner is choosing the right pet. If you suffer from allergies, stop by our store first and learn more about finding the right hypoallergenic dog for you.

Groom regularly.

Once you purchase one of our no shed puppies for sale,  be prepared to create a relationship with your local groomer. Regular visits to a groomer will ensure your no shed puppies have coats that are well-maintained and free of tangles and debris. Hypoallergenic dogs shed dead hair, but often this dead hair will mat in their coat. This is especially true for curly haired breeds. Normal visits to the groomer can keep your puppy looking fabulous and make at home maintenance simple.

Choose the right type of brush.

At home care between visits to the groomer will keep your no shed puppies happy. With a wide variety of brands available, selecting the correct brush for your puppy’s coat can be overwhelming.

Our staff specializes in providing education for pet owners. We are the industry leader in the arena of animal care because we provide ongoing staff training programs and in-store animal husbandry systems. We always have more information to provide and of course, we have recommendations for the best breeds to match your specific needs!

Hybrids and Designers and Purebreds…Oh My!

Let’s just dive right into the differences between purebred puppies, designer dogs, and hybrid. As dog lovers and fanciers, we know that there is some confusion surrounding these definitions. These dogs are typically a blend of the best of both doggy worlds, making for dogs with affable and desirable temperaments. Below is our take on defining these types of pups and also a list of our top designer dogs.

Definition of purebred puppies.

They are dog breeds that encompass a unique genetic makeup that can be consistently reproduced. This means that any dog whose parents belong to the same breed is considered a purebred dog.

Definition of mutt.

Mutt is an older term and refers to two dogs from different breeds that mate and produce a puppy. A lot of times, the parents’ breeds are unknown, thus so is the puppy’s.

Definition of hybrid puppies.

A true hybrid is a dog that has been crossed with a wild animal, like wolves and coyotes. Normally these mixes are not intentional and occur in the wild. These dogs are not recommended as pets and in many places, they’re against the law to own one.

Are they health concerns?

Most designer dogs are pretty unpredictable in a lot of ways, particularly regarding their health and inherited diseases, but because of their growing history, we’re able to learn and report more about their health. Purebred puppies are tested for issues usually known to affect the breed, which is common and helps to detect diseases and potentially eradicate them. When breeds are crossed, it creates hybrid puppies with unknown results, thus they really can’t be tested in advance.

Top 3 Designer Dogs We Have!

1. Maltipoo puppies

This adorable dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They’re smart and funny and tiny and our customers can’t get enough of our Maltipoo puppies!

2. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. These dogs are the ultimate smarty pants.

3. Goldendoodle

It is a mixed breed dog obtained by breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. The Golden Doodle was originally developed as a guide dog for visually impaired people with allergies.

How to Prepare for an Apartment Puppy

If you are thinking of adding a puppy to your family but you live in an apartment, there’s no need to fret – no one single bit. All you need to do is some well-thought-out research (a la this blog post) and to follow our tips. Here are five things you can do to make puppy apartment living easy and comfortable.

1. Check to see if your apartment has breed or weight restrictions.

Some puppy breeds are banned from apartments and even cities or counties. Take for instance, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. They aren’t the most welcomed breed, despite their true and innate kind dispositions. They get bad reputations. At any rate, you need to confirm with your landlord or apartment complex if they have dogs that are restricted.

2. Purchase a crate and get educated on crate training.

Living with a puppy in an apartment brings a unique set of challenges. Your puppy will depend on you to provide training. Crate training is a great way to help your puppy get adjusted to your apartment. Crate training should be a comfortable experience for you and your puppy.

3. Locate the nearest park.

Most puppies need exercise, so there is no exception for apartment puppies. Now that you’ve committed to ownership, you should plan on taking your new puppy to the nearest park… often. They’ll need to burn off energy and it’s downright fun!

4. Purchase in puppy toys.

To keep your apartment puppies entertained when they’re left alone, purchase some toys. They will need them from being destructive and ruining stuff in and around your house! We’re sure you don’t want that and we’re sure you want to make your pup happy. Toys are fun and they give your dog mental stimulation. Kongs are one of the leaders in providing hours of entertainment for dogs when they’re home alone.

5. Purchase high-quality food.

Feeding your puppy high-quality food will ensure your puppy feels good and looks good! They should be low in fat and sugar and high in protein and nutrients. Sounds like human requirements, right?!

If you’re looking for more information, feel free to contact us. We’ll help to match you with one of our puppies!

3 Cute Dogs You Need This Summer

There are so many cute dog breeds. It is very special owning a dog because they become your best friend almost immediately. You are not going to want to spend any time without them. With that said, you may be wondering just what breeds are the cutest dog breeds? Well, we have a list of cute puppy dogs for you that we know you’ll enjoy. These dogs are super sweet and love spending time with their owners. Here are just a few of the cute puppy dogs we think would interest you.

1. Yorkshire Terrier.

These are one of the cutest dogs because they are so small and full of personality. These dogs grow up to 4 to 6 pounds. They average about 8 to 9 inches and live for almost 15 years. These dogs are super smart and very stylish dogs to take carry around with you all day.

2. Pomeranians.

These dogs are super fluffy and cute. They grow up to 4 to 7 pounds and average about 8 inches in height. These dogs are so cute they are commonly found with celebrities. If you love to travel these dogs are exceptional travel pets. They love spending time with their owners and appreciate long cuddle naps.

3. Shih Tzu.

These are also super cute puppy dogs. They have long really elegant looking body hair. They weigh anywhere from 8 to 16 pounds. They are also part of the small cute dog team. These dogs only grow to about a foot in size. They are really easy to care for all of the time.

Almost every dog breed is really cute, but these dogs, in particular, have a very special cuteness quality that is unmatched by other dogs. If you are looking for a really cute dog to own this summer than these are some of the cutest dogs, you could ever buy. If you have any more questions concerning these dogs give us a call today!

5 Things You Need for Small Dog Breeds

Big things come in small packages they say!

Small dog breeds are no exception. They are full of personality and refuse to be underestimated. When you commit to buying a dog that’s in the small dog breeds family, there are some things you should know that will be essential to raising happy and healthy little pups. We’ve got a list for that. Keep reading to learn more.

Potty Pads

Small dog breeds, especially those under 10 pounds, sometimes have a hard time holding their bladder. It’s best to invest in puppy potty pads. Of course, we advise that you train your pup, but having designated potty pads in certain areas of your home will encourage your pup to go there for elimination and save your carpet!

Doggy Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

There’s something about small dog breeds that make them more susceptible to dental disease. We recommend that you purchase toothpaste and brushes and use them at least twice a week. As with any dog, it’s important, but smaller dogs really need extra dental attention.

Small Crate

Purchasing a crate for small dog breeds is a great idea. Not only does it give them a comfy and cozy place to relax but it will also encourage housebreaking.

Small Dog Breeds Food

This is very important. It is vital that you purchase and feed your small pup food that is appropriate for his age and for his weight. We can’t stress this enough. You must feed your small dog breeds food that is healthy and nutritional. There are no exceptions.

Dog Leash and Collar

Okay, we know that part of the reason you were probably attracted to small dog breeds is that they’re small and portable and aren’t in the way – understood! We must, however, say that their size doesn’t negate their necessity to be protected by wearing a collar or harness and being on a leash. For starters, it helps in training them, both housebreaking and with commands and secondly, they help you keep track of your dog’s location. When you purchase your collar or harness, make sure that you get the proper size – one that’s not too large or snug.

Whether they’re large or small, we love them all! We want you to be armed with the knowledge to care for your dogs in the best way possible. For more questions, give us a call!

Understanding the Different Types of Dogs

There are many different types of dog breeds and consequently, there are a lot of different definitions that get thrown out there.

here are purebred dogs and designer dogs and mutts…oh my! While there are various definitions, they actually mean the same darn thing. The difference lies in the negative and positive connotations surrounding them. We’re going to discuss the various types.

Defining Purebred Dogs

To begin with just a basic understanding of dog breeds, we’ll start with purebred dogs. These are dogs who typically have official registration papers and those papers always denote the lineage, i.e. both parents were registered and are the same breed. The term purebred dog only reflects lineage. It doesn’t speak to the quality of the actual dog.

Defining Designer Dogs

Another name for designer dogs is mixed breed and these are relatively newer terms and seemingly more politically correct. In essence, designer dogs and mixed breed dogs and mutts are the same. Mutt simply has a negative connotation attached to it. All of these terms mean that the dog’s parents were not registered and that both parents are not the same breed. The coat types, shapes, and sizes will vary tremendously.

Going a bit further, designer dogs refer to the intentional mixing of breeds. You’ll also see them sometimes called hybrid dogs. Designer dogs are created by intentionally combining existing breeds to form new ones. Take for instance the Goldendoodle. This is the intentional mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle! Some say this is the perfect combination because both dogs are extremely friendly, active, healthy, and intelligent.

Defining Hybrid Dogs

As we mentioned earlier, this term will be mixed with designer dogs and mixed breeds and mutts, but hybrid dogs are slightly different. A true hybrid is a dog that has been crossed with a wild animal, like wolves and coyotes. Normally these mixes are not intentional and occur in the wild. These dogs are not recommended as pets and in many places, they’re against the law to own one.

As you can tell, there are tons of different dog breeds and types. It’s important that you conduct research if you’re looking to buy a dog. If you need help making a selection, feel free to contact us!

5 Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make

No pet owner is perfect!

We know that it doesn’t matter if you have purebred puppies or designer dogs, mistakes are going to happen. We’ve compiled a list of five common mistakes that pet owners make, unbeknownst to them. Hopefully, this will help thwart any future errors for current or future pet parents.

Mistake #1: Not following through with commands.

Some people believe that purebred puppies follow commands better and are easier to train. It doesn’t matter if they are purebred puppies or hybrid dogs, the competency of their training is up to pet parent and consistency. When teaching commands, you must always follow through with them. For example, only say “come” when you can be happy and lure your pet with a treat. Eventually, your dog will learn to respond to the command alone.

Mistake #2: Asking a friend or family member to watch your dog.

There’s nothing wrong with asking a friend or family member to watch your purebred puppies, however, you must make sure that you ask someone who is familiar with your dog and dogs in general. Unexpected health conditions or accidents can happen and you want to make sure that the person caring for your precious pup is mentally and physically equipped to do so.

Mistake #3: Expecting your pet to automatically make friends.

Some dogs are immediately comfortable with other animals but many are not. There is a story of a pet owner who had a dog that would cower and roll over upon entering a dog park because of fear. The same pet owner had another dog who entered the park upright and with confidence! It must be said that the latter dog was small and the former was large! Our point is that you shouldn’t expect your dog to simply “make friends” instantly. Never force an interaction and let things happen as naturally and smoothly as possible.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to register your microchip.

Microchipping your dog is only half the battle and unfortunately, many owners don’t realize or simply forget that you have to also register the microchip with your name and current contact information in order for it to work! If for some reason one of your purebred puppies is lost, if you’re not registered it will be hard to reconnect you with your dog!

Mistake #5: Leaving your dog in a hot car “for just a minute.”

We feel it necessary to mention this tragic mistake. Every year, dogs suffer and die when their owners make the mistake of leaving them in a hot car “for just a minute.” A minute is all it can take to make a fatal turn. Just don’t do it…ever.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

As pet lovers, we can’t get enough of them!

Just about everything they do is adorable, that includes watching dogs sleep. When dogs that don’t shed a lot are cuddling in the bed beside you, it can be such a joy but who would think this would be controversial! You’ve read that right. In the dog community, there’s a debate regarding whether dogs should or shouldn’t sleep in the bed with their owners! We’re not advocating one way or the other. We are simply sharing our knowledge to you. Not all pet owners create separate spaces, especially for dogs that don’t shed a lot. They’ll find themselves anywhere in the home they’d’ like! Continue reading to learn more about this not-so-sleepy subject!

Should You Or Shouldn’t You Allow Dogs To Sleep With You?

There’s an undeniable fact and it’s that dogs genuinely love to be near us. It feels natural to them and sharing a bed makes most dogs (and people) feel secure, loved, and cozy! There have been numerous scientific researches conducted that revealed owning a dog has tremendous positive psychological and emotional effects. Stress is lowered and general feelings of happiness are increased exponentially. So it’s no wonder that the extra security of being close to their owner will also reduce the stress some dogs may experience, whether it be from a storm or other loud noises outside. The close proximity makes them feel safe.

As we indicated earlier, we aren’t advocating one way or the other but there seem to be benefits that both parties experience. Pet owners who don’t have dogs that don’t shed a lot may shy away from allowing a dog in the bed, but plenty of other owners don’t mind one bit and welcome the bonding experience. Having a dog as a bed buddy can be awesome and comforting as long as everyone is happy with the arrangement, no one falls off the bed and space is shared equally! We kid around, but you get our point! It’s a personal choice and there is no right or wrong decision.