Category: Petcare

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.

Are you in the market to buy a dog, but not sure if you want short hair puppies or long hair puppies?  

It’s quite the decision to make, because with either choice time is needed, however for long hair puppies, they fall short in some areas! Here, we’re playing devil’s advocate and siding with short hair puppies. We have a comprehensive checklist for you to ponder before you buy a dog. 

Time’s a Ticking! 

For humans and dogs alike, with long hair comes longer prep. There’s way more care and attention needed with long hair puppies than short hair puppies. Doggies with long and flowing manes means time spent brushing and sometimes wrestling with your pup to sit still while you tend to their tresses. Be honest with yourself before you buy a dog. If you are someone who cannot spare the time or effort to brush your dog’s coat regularly, then it’s borderline cruelty to get long hair puppies. Short hair puppies typically need a quick brush or two and that’s it! 

Work Hard or Play Hard?

As we mentioned, it can be a hassle to constantly brush long hair puppies. Would you rather spend your time petting your dog versus working to keep their fur from matting, tangling, or potentially getting caught in their nails? Are you someone who would rather have the loving companionship of a dog, instead of grooming them? Are you someone who loves to play, but hates to brush, if so short hair puppies might be right for you.  

 It’s Lint! 

All dogs shed to some degree. We won’t dispute that; however long hair puppies are more likely to put the “fur” in furniture! Are you willing to constantly clean up little fur balls found around your home? If your answer is “no,” then short hair puppies might be best for you. Do you want to keep lint brushes handy in each room and in your car? If the answers are “no,” then long hair puppies may not be best for you. 

As we mentioned earlier, we’re making light of this debate, before you buy a dog! We recognize that no matter the length of your dog’s hair, they bring great joy and comfort. Feel free to contact us directly with any questions you may have and while you’re at it, take a look at the short hair puppies we have for sale.  

What are purebred puppies? 

The official definition of purebred reads as follows: canines who are “bred for many generations from a member of a recognized breed or strain” or “a pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage.” According to the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog means “the sire and dam of a dog are members of a recognized breed and the ancestry of a dog consists of the same breed over many generations.” 

 Why would you select to purchase purebred puppies? 

Here are a few reasons to consider for owning a purebred dog: 

• They are AKC registered and have distinct heritages 
• Most breeds were developed to perform a specific function that helped humans in their daily lives, i.e. capturing pest, such as vermin, herding animals, or hauling food and supplies 
• Many AKC breeds have pedigrees that can be traced back more than 100 years, thus creating breed predictability 

Are there any associated health problems with purebred puppies? 

The main problem with purebreds stems inbreeding. To create a purebred puppy, you need two dogs from the exact same gene pool. Because this pool is already limited, many breeders use the same family gene pool to create more dogs. As a result, there is a higher risk of genetic defects with each successive coupling. 

 Can you predict the temperament of purebred puppies? 

Yes, you can predict some behavior traits in purebred puppies. If you want a herding breed, then choose a breed with those traits and the chances are they’ll inherit them. The same goes for dogs who are more relaxed or have high energy. There are, however, some aspects of temperaments that are not inherited, but rather based on how the dog is raised and in what environment. 

 Why is purchasing purebred puppies is a good choice? 

They’re a good choice: 

• if you know exactly which characteristics you want in a dog 
• if there is a breed that has all the characteristics you want 
• if you’re willing to accept the other traits that breed may have 
• if you’re willing to accept the greater potential for health problems 
• if you’re willing to pay more than mixed breeds or opting to adopt 

Just because you live in an apartment or condo doesn’t mean that your love for having big dogs as apartment puppies isn’t an option – on the contrary!  

Your choice for apartment puppies doesn’t have to be limited to little pint-sized pups. In this vain, large dog get a bad rap. Many times, large dogs are more laid back and chill than their small or medium size counterparts. Despite their sometimes-intimidating appearances, they are quieter than the little ones. We’re here to make the case for large apartment puppies. Below is a list of 5 popular large dogs that will bode well in an apartment or condo. 

Great Dane 

The Great Dane was bred to basically to sit next to a king’s throne to look big and intimidating, but they are truly gentle giants and very mellow dogs. They aren’t overly active, so a daily regular walk will suit their needs just fine, making them perfect apartment puppies. You’ll soon learn that Great Danes, though grand in size, are pseudo lap dogs, because that’s where they’ll try to lay their giant heads! 

Basset Hound 

Basset Hounds are apartment puppies, because they are pretty easy-going. Even though they have short legs, they are considered larger dogs, because they weigh between 50 – 60 pounds. They love a slow paced daily walk, due to their innate love for scents. They’d love to sniff and follow scents, versus romping around and running at a fast pace. They are really social and friendly dogs, too. 

Standard Poodle 

We’re going to talk specifically about the Standard Poodle, not the miniature or toy, because those are common apartment puppies. The reality is that they are suitable as well. They require 3 good long walks a day and they’ll be satisfied. They aren’t overly excitable, like their smaller counterparts. What they’ll require, more than anything is a good groomer to keep these picture-perfect pups looking beautiful and handsome! 

Greyhound 

Sure, we all know that Greyhounds are fast runners, but that doesn’t mean that they require fast running exercise all day. It also doesn’t mean that they’ll be running all over your space and place. They have been nicknamed the “40 mph couch potato!” These apartment puppies have been likened to being a giant cat! They’re quiet and don’t demand much. They will certainly enjoy a nice long walk or even a jog, but they’re equally satisfied with a few short daily walks or maybe an opportunity to run off leash in a fenced in area. 

Irish Wolfhound 

Irish Wolfhounds are showstoppers! You won’t be able to go anywhere or do anything without garnering attention. People just can’t help it and we don’t blame them! When it comes to where they reside, believe us when we say that they can live and thrive just well as apartment puppies. They are mild mannered and generally gentle and quiet dogs. They require nice and slow daily walks. Because of their large sizes, running isn’t recommended, nor are homes with lots of stairs or steps.  

They’re big. They’re bold. They’re beautiful.  

The Rottie puppy undoubtedly holds that title! To maintain their beauty takes knowledge, persistence, and care. Below is all about their physical attributes and appearance. 

Size and Weight 

Once the Rottie puppy matures, he should stand between 24 to 27 inches at his shoulder. Females should stand between 22 to 25 inches. In general, the mature Rottie puppy should be slightly longer than they are tall. Males weigh around 115 pounds, while females weigh in around 100 pounds. 

Appearance 

Rottweilers are muscular, powerful, athletic dogs. As we previously mentioned, their bodies are somewhat longer than they are tall. Their triangular ears sit atop their large, broad heads. Their black coats cover their eyes, cheeks, chest, lower legs, and under their tails. The Rottie puppy has a black and wide nose, black lips, and also the insides of their mouths are black. The eyes are dark brown, deep set, and beautifully shaped like almonds. They typically have their dewclaws removed and have docked tails. 

Color and Coat 

Rottweilers are always black with markings over the eyes, cheeks, each side of the muzzle, the chest, legs, and beneath the tail. The tail area may sometimes range from a rust to mahogany color. The coat of a Rottie puppy is medium in length, coarse to the touch, and straight. The undercoat is concentrated on the neck and thighs. The coat is always shorter on the head, ears, and legs, than the rest of its body. 

Grooming Needs 

You’ll find that your Rottie puppy will indeed shed, and pretty heavily twice a year! You should brush him at least two to three times a week to remove loose hair. Brushing also helps to distribute natural skin oils, which helps to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Bathe only as needed. 

Cleaning  

Brush your Rottie puppy’s teeth twice a week to prevent tartar build up and bad breath and to also promote healthy gums. Keep an eye on their eyes, by checking for signs of wax build up and infections. To clean them, use a cotton ball with a cleanser approved by a vet. Under no circumstances should you use a cotton swab in the canal of your Rottie puppy. Keep their nails nice and trimmed.  

If you follow these instructions and guidelines, your Rottie puppy will maintain its prize-winning coats. Contact us for more information and to see the available Rotties we have in store!