Category: Petcare

We know that when you decided to buy a dog you weren’t expecting a lecture about exercising.

We aren’t going to lecture you necessarily, but we are going to strongly make a point of the importance of exercising your dog and why it’s beneficial. Much like humans, dog require exercise. Sure, it varies depending on the breed and size, but the fact still stands that most, if not all, will require some form. When you buy a dog, you’ll soon learn that this comes with the territory. There are benefits that also come with exercising your puppies, so read on to learn about them.

Exercising strengthens their muscles

Regular exercise helps to build up their muscles and strengthens their bones. This is helpful in their youth. Consistency will help to fight arthritis as your dog matures and ages. Muscle atrophy is commonly diagnosed with dogs who have joint pain. Building and maintaining strong muscles will prevent such pain in the long run.

Exercising boosts their immunity

Establishing a routine exercise regiment with your puppy will help to boost and strengthen their immune systems. When you buy a dog, you have to take care of them, just as you do for yourself. Having a strong immunity system will protect your pup from dog related diseases and illnesses.

Exercising prevents obesity

When you buy a dog, you should know a lot about the breed that will be in your home and life for years to come. One specific physical trait you should know is whether your pup is prone to obesity, for instance like the Pug. They’re also known to be overeaters if given the opportunity! In addition to well balanced doggy diets, physical exercise is needed. Obesity is just as bad with dogs as it is with humans, and in both cases humans control the process and outcomes. Be a responsible pet owner and be mindful of what you feed your pup and exercise them so that obesity doesn’t affect their quality of life.

Exercising increases sharpness and agility

When you go to work and leave your dog, he’s cooped up in the house all day long. It’s true that dogs have the keen ability to adapt to human behaviors and schedules, but they’re still relatives to wolves (even that little Yorkie of yours) and aren’t designed to be left alone all day with nothing to do. Innately, dogs are active, outdoor animals who need regular exercise to maintain their mental health. Many behavioral problems are a direct result of the lack of play and exercise. They include: hyperactivity, rough play, destructive chewing or digging, garbage raiding, and barking and whining for attention. Exercise will greatly reduce and discourage this behavior.

The importance of regular exercise to your puppies cannot be overemphasized and there are boundless benefits!

Allergies are no fun and it doesn’t matter if they’re mild or severe or in reaction to food or furry friends!

Thankfully, there are breeds that lessen the chances of allergic reactions to dogs. All dogs naturally shed, but these, and several others, shed an almost non-existent amount and the dander is at a minimal. Read on to learn more about these no shed puppies!

Bichon Frise

The Bichon puppy has a beautiful coat, but what makes it even more spectacular is that they are hypoallergenic. Their coats shed very little and is rather comparable to that of a Poodle. The longer their hair grows, the cuter and curlier it gets. Consequently, professional and regular grooming is necessary to maintain the purity of the powdery white coats. Visiting the groomer every 6 – 8 weeks will keep your Bichon looking radiant!

Teddy Bear Dogs

The teddy bear dog “breed” is a relatively new type of dog that was first discovered and introduced in 2000. These no shed puppies consist of and is commonly known as the Zuchon or Suchon, which is a cross breed between the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. Now, although this is the technical definition of the teddy bear dog breed, the name has become synonymous with the hybrid mix of Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodles, Daschunds, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, and Schnauzers. Regardless of the mix, they share the same friendly, sweet, playful dispositions. Their weights range from 11 – 20 pounds.  Their coats are fluffy, soft, and shed very little.

Shitzpoos

The Shitzpoo is a crossbreed of a Shih Tzu and Toy or Miniature Poodle. They are simply a dream, with their fluffy hair and captivating eyes. He is cute and alert and absolutely adorable. They originated in the United States, with the hopes of creating a new hypoallergenic dog. The Shitzpoo was also crossed to be small companions, just enough to be lap dogs and be carried around, but not too fragile.

Poodles

Ah, Poodles! They have been mixed time and time again specifically for their intelligence and lately because of their hypoallergenic coats. They are a favorite and at the base of many no shed puppies and we’ll just leave it at that!

Mini Schnauzers

Mini Schnauzer puppies have a thick, wiry, double coat, which came in handy while they dug into the ground, as it naturally kept off debris. As an added benefit, they do not shed much! They, too, are often mixed with Poodles creating perfect no shed puppies!

We just love dogs, large and small.

For now, we’re going to show some love to the large dog breeds out there! Here are some fun and somewhat comical cons and pros to housing and having big dogs.

Protection

Pro: Large dogs undoubtedly are crime deterrents! Their sizes are intimidating and so are their barks. Depending on which of the large dog breeds that you own and the situation, of course, they may go the extra physical mile to protect you.

Con: Not all large dogs are guard dogs. Forget about their sizes, because many are big old friendly pals and they’d rather play than capture a crook!

Showstoppers

Pro: They are simply fun and they garner lots of attention. Large dog breeds are so popular and you can rarely go out with them, without it being some type of show!

Con: Conversely, all of the attention can become a task to just go for a walk. You’re gonna have to factor in extra time no matter what!

Gentle Giants

Pro: Most large dog breeds are gentle and goofy giants! They can handle a little rough play with toddlers and they’re far from fragile like little purse pets. They also don’t require a lot of exercise. Size doesn’t correlate to increased physical activity, so you won’t have to take extended walks or jogs!

Trailblazers

Con: Well, they leave a trail is more like it! A lot of large dog breeds slobber and there’s nothing you can do about it, except keep paper towels handy!

Warm Blankets

Pro: If you are cold and need a little warmth, your big dog can provide it for you! They will more than likely want nothing more than to sleep beside you anyway!

Have we made our case for buying large dog breeds? We think so! They’re tons of fun and you should get you one! Come by our store today.

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!  

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!  

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.