Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

• 3 Great Dog Breeds for Seniors

  Dogs are traditionally called “man’s best friend” for a reason. They are loving and playful, providing great company to people of all ages. Of course, depending on which stage of life you’re in there are certain breeds that will fit better into your life. The best dogs for seniors are calm, affectionate and low maintenance.

  When the children leave the home and the grandchildren start growing up and getting busy with their own activities, senior adults can experience loneliness and boredom. A dog makes a great companion and friend. In fact, several studies have shown that dogs improve the health of the elderly.

  Poodles are still a very popular breed among senior adults. They are very regal looking. Their intelligence makes them easy to train. You will never be bored when you own a poodle.

  Their playfulness and energy make them a very entertaining dog. They are one of the best dogs for seniors because Poodles are clean dogs and have minimal shedding. They come in 3 varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. You are sure to find one that fits your situation.

  Maltese was bred specifically to be a companion dog. They are gentle and loving. Their small size makes them one of the best dogs for seniors who may be lacking in strength. Maltese shed little, which makes for quick cleanup.

  Their hair is long, but most people keep their coat short so it is manageable. If you don’t mind daily brushing, you can let your pet’s glorious mane flow. Good health is one of the Maltese’s strongest features. These lap dogs also love learning tricks and pleasing their owners.

  This is a great dog for an older adult who doesn’t want the typical lap dog. They are medium in size. Shar-Peis are one of the easiest dogs to housetrain. They usually do not like strangers and make excellent watchdogs.

  Shar-Peis are very independent. They are good for owners who may not be home all the time. If you still enjoy getting out and taking walks often, a Shar-Pei is a perfect companion for you. They have short hair, so grooming is kept at a minimum.

• Pet Grieving and how to cope with it.

  No one thinks that the day will come where we lose our beloved pets, but sometimes that day comes sooner than we expected, and we are forced to cope with the loss of a pet. In this blog, we will discuss some strategies to help you manage to grieve a pet.

  Express your feelings

  It’s okay to cry, feel lost or sad after you lose a pet companion. Taking the time to express your feelings in a safe and understanding environment can help you to cope with your loss.

  Talk to someone you trust

  Not everyone will understand what you are feeling. People who have never had the companionship of a dog can struggle to identify with the strong sense of loss that comes with grieving a dog. It’s important that you talk to someone who can understand and extend empathy to you in your time of need.

  Join a support group

  Technology has made finding a support group easier than ever. Whether you prefer a Facebook support group or a faith-based support or something in between, you can easily find a community of supportive individuals. Try not to isolate yourself or think you are the only one who can understand your pain. A support group can help you through this tough time

  Memorize your dog

  Print the photos from your phone and grab a friend who loved your dog and make a book of memories. The process of memorization can help you to remember all of the good times that you shared with your dog.

  Look for the good

  If your dog was suffering from an illness, know that now she is no longer in pain. While it’s hard to find the good in such a tough situation it important to remember that quality of life is more important than length.

  Never stop loving your dog

  Even though your dog is no longer physically here, you can continue to love and care for your friend. Carry your dog in your heart and tell stories of the good time to help keep his legacy alive.

• Playdates for Your Pup

  Puppies need friends, too, and they love to play! Playdates help them establish new dog friends and grow socially. No matter what breed of dog you have, when they socialize with other canines, it can make them happier animals. As a pet owner, finding ways for your puppy to make friends is essential to your pet’s health. Here are a few ideas on how you can make sure you get your puppy the social pet network he needs.

  1. Dog Parks 

  Dog parks are in almost every neighborhood. In these parks are dogs of every breed and size, and this can be the right place for your dog to meet a friend. It may be overwhelming for your dog the first time you visit, so limit your time at the dog park. Beware of aggressive dogs so your pet can have a positive experience.

  2. A Walk in The Park 

  Early morning walks in the park can be exhilarating for you and your dog.  Many other pet owners set aside time to walk their dogs in the park, and this is a perfect time to meet other dogs and dog owners. Notice the dogs your pet gravitates to and help him make friends by socializing with the other pet’s owner. Exchange information and set up a play date for your furry friend.

  3. Neighborhood Websites 

  Neighborhood websites are the perfect place to make friends with other pet owners. You may have the same schedules or same breed of dog, or you both may be in need of a doggie play date. Whether you have the same breed pet as your neighbor or not, this could be an opportunity for many fun doggie play dates to come.

• Two Dog Households

  Owning two puppies can be a joyful experience. Whether they are big or small, a Great Dane, and a poodle, they can be companions for life. Four-legged friends enjoy hanging out together, especially when you are not around. They take care of each other, cuddle together, enjoy their walks, and show their owners twice as much love. If you are considering adding two dogs to complete your family, here are a few tips to make this adventure a smooth one.

  1. Prepare Your Home 

  Keep in mind each dog needs its own toys, food bowls, dog pillows, leashes, and love. Be prepared to provide these individual items for each of your puppies to create a harmonious home. Once you have all of the pet supplies, you need to be sure to set up a separate area for each of your pets to enjoy their meals and sleep. A special blanket for each of your pets may be soothing and give your puppy the feeling they are extra special.

  2. Transportation for Two

  Your vehicle should have enough space to transport your two furry friends safely. Use crates when necessary or reserve a spot in the back where your dogs can move comfortably around your car without obstructing your view. Don’t forget to have those water bowls and leashes handy in case you and your puppies decide to go on a long hike.

  3. Relax and Show Double Love

  Pets are easy and just want the same unconditional love they give you. Loving two pets is not double work; it’s double fun. When you watch your two pets bonding, it will light up your life and warm your heart. You’ll look forward to coming home to their love and doggie kisses and spending cozy nights cuddled with them both. Once you have two doggies, you will wonder how you ever lived your life without them.

• Winter Pet Care

  As the season changes and the weather gets colder, make sure you and your pet are prepared. Winter may bring about a few challenges for your pet, but nothing you can’t handle. Knowing what to do so your pet is well taken care of in these colder months is easy and could help make a life for your furry friend something he will look forward to. Here are a few tips you can follow to make sure your pet has a cozy and warm winter.

  1. Limit Your Dog Grooming Appointments 

      Cancel your next grooming appointment!  The wintertime is a time to let your dog’s fur grow. We understand that dogs are more flattering when they are well-groomed, however, their fur is what will keep them insulated in this cold weather. A dog with a big fluffy coat will be able to take on the outdoors and not worry about getting cold.

   2. Booties and Sweaters 

       Invest in puppy booties and dog sweaters. They are worth their weight in gold! Pet booties are not just trendy and cute, and they are functional. Your dog’s toes won’t have to touch the ice, or cold concrete or experience any winter weather pain. Dog sweaters can give your dog an extra sense of comfort. Remember, extreme temperatures are tough on a dog’s paws, and cold weather can be a culprit. It may take a few more moments to put

   3. Short Walks 

    Early morning walks can get chilly, so shorten your walk to make sure your dog is not in the cold for too long. Your pet may get chillier a lot faster than you since more of their skin is exposed. By limiting the distance of your regular walks for those cold mornings, you can protect your dog from the harsh elements winter can bring 

• Puppies and Holidays

  It’s time for holiday festivities once again. It’s an exciting time to get together with our families and friends. If your family includes a puppy, make sure they are included in your holiday traditions, from the songs to the holiday meal to pictures and gift-giving. This can be a memorable time for all of your family and furry friends. Here are some tips on how to make sure your puppy and family have a Merry good time they will not soon forget.

  1. Gifts your puppy will love 

  When you’re hanging up those stocking stuffers, don’t forget to buy a stocking for your puppy. Puppies love gifts too. While everyone is opening up their presents on that beautiful Christmas morning, your puppy will be excited to open his. This is the perfect time to make sure your puppy gets their stocking and any other toys or goodies you may have for them. Don’t worry; there is no need to wrap their toys since your puppy will be ready to enjoy them.

  2. A family meal for all. 

  The holiday meal can be an exciting and much anticipated time for all, and perhaps everyone has worked hard to put together this special meal. Before everyone takes their place at the table, make sure your puppy has a special spot and meal preparation. Be sure only to include foods that you know your puppy can digest safely. With a special dog-friendly meal, your puppy won’t be susceptible to dangerous bones or foods that may cause illness..

  3. Family and Puppy Photos 

  When it’s time to take those family photos, tie that big beautiful red bow on your puppy so they can be as festive as everyone else in the picture. Be sure to groom or brush and make them feel comfortable next to the family he loves. These photos will remind you of your cherished holidays with your family and your puppy.

• Pet Safety For Your Furry Friend

  Keeping your pet safe shows them just how much you love them. Your best friend trust and depend on you to keep him safe and protected. There are many ways to make sure your pet is safe. Whether on a walk or inside the comforts of their home and yard or just in a safe environment. By using some safety measures to care for your puppy, you both will feel more at ease. Here are a few safety tips you can use to keep your pet safe.

  1. Safe Walks 

  Not every neighborhood is dog-friendly. Choose the right park or trail or dog park where the environment is not dangerous for your dog. Save the long walks for the bright daylight hours. Pay close attention when you are walking your dog by observing other animals and people in the vicinity. Never walk your dog without a collar and always have an extra leash in case your leash breaks, and don’t forget to clean up after your pet. Having your pet chipped at the local pet store is a good idea in case they are lost or stolen.

  2. Keep Your Pet Healthy

   Your puppy depends on you to make sure their shots are up to date. Follow the recommendations of your vet. Feed your puppy the right type of food and amount for their weight. Make sure your pet gets enough water and nutrition, including healthy dog treats from the local pet stores. Pets need proper nourishment, just like their owners.   

  3. Pet-Proof Your Home 

  Puppies love to explore. Take a close look around your home from a pet’s point of view. Clean up any areas that could be dangerous to your pet. Pesticides and hazardous chemicals should never be kept in the reach of your pet.

  Follow these tips to keep your pet safe so you can enjoy years of memories with your furry friend.

• 3 Steps for Training your Puppy to go to bed

  This is a very easy concept to teach a dog. It’s just a matter of consistency on the owner’s part.
  

  Step #1: Give the command “go to your bed.”
  

  If your dog actually does go to her bed, make sure to give her treats and praise. Most likely, she’ll need you to guide her. Once there, place her in a down position and give her treats and praise. Then release her. “Good girl!” Repeat that five times or so and quit.
  

  At this point, the dog doesn’t stay on the bed for more than a second or so. You’re just encouraging her to go to her bed and giving her rewards for it. Remember to have some sort of word to release your dog from her bed such as “free!” or “ok!
  

  Step #2: Begin increasing the distance.
  

  Increase the difficulty very gradually so the dog is successful. At this point, you could tell your dog to go to her bed when she is about six feet away from it. Once she is successful from that distance, work from 10 feet away and then across the room.
  

  Step #3: Increase the time.

  You’ll most likely be practicing this step along with step two. Basically, you want to teach your dog that “go to your bed” means “go to your bed and stay there until I release you.”
  

  Ideally your dog would then stay on her bed for up to a half-hour or more while you’re doing something else but you need to gradually work up to that point.
  

  If your dog knows the command “stay” then it’s OK to use that to encourage your dog to stay. Personally, I don’t like to use “go to your bed” and “stay” because “go to your bed” implies the dog should stay.
  

  At first, you’ll only expect your dog to remain on her bed for five seconds while you’re sitting right next to her. Give her treats and praise. Then release her with – “free!”
  

• Tips for Caring for Older Dogs

  If you have an older dog, you may not want to leave them in a kennel when you’re away from home. Instead, you might want to look at some of your options for elderly dog care. Here’s how you can make sure your senior dog receives the level of care that it needs.

  1.       Search For Care Providers That Specialize In Senior Dog Care

  While some dog kennels just provide basic care, there are providers that offer more specialized services. If you find a provider that specifically offers care for elder dogs, you can assume that they’ll be able to properly care for your pet. Take the time to see if there are options like this near you. You may also want to call dog kennels and ask them about their experience with elderly dogs.

  2.       Look At In-Home Care Services

  Your dog may not be comfortable staying in a kennel, especially if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time. Thankfully, there are care providers that will take care of your dog in your own home. Your dog will be able to stay in a comfortable environment while still getting care from a professional.

  3.       Read Plenty Of Reviews

  You should always be careful when you’re leaving your pet in someone else’s care, but you should be especially cautious if your dog is older. Take the time to read through a number of reviews so that you can see what people have to say about various local care providers. Try to find some of the best options in your area.

  Focus on finding the best options for elderly dog care. Senior dogs are more prone to health problems, which means they need more from a care provider. Your pet is an important part of your life, and you should make sure your animal is properly cared for when you aren’t there.
  

• How to keep working breeds active and happy

  While some dogs are content to sit on your lap and look cute, working breeds have a different agenda. These are the dogs that are bred to hunt, herd, retrieve, and detect. They were born with an urge to work, and when they’re bored they tend to be mischievous and destructive. Working dogs like Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Newfoundlands, and all the others thrive on farms and ranches where there’s never a shortage of things to do. But what about the dogs that live in the suburbs or city? Their families have 9-5 jobs; they’re not farmers or ranchers.  So what’s an average dog to do? If your active dog is getting bored of life not on the farm, try these simple jobs for working breeds that they can do almost anywhere.

  1. Scent Games

  Your dog doesn’t need to be a professionally trained scent detection dog to put his powerful sniffer to good use. K9 Nose Work is a dog sport based on the same training those drug-busting and ivory-finding working dogs undergo. But instead of sniffing out illegal objects, you teach your dog to recognize and detect the smell of birch, anise, and clove. There are competitions where dogs earn titles and awards, but you and your pup can enjoy the game right in your home, in the yard, or on the trail. It works your dog’s mind and body while giving him a satisfying job.

  2. Find it Games

  In addition to scent, dogs use all their senses to track down items and even people. Think of search and rescue dogs but without all the peril. Teaching the “find” or “go get” cue will be your first step. Once your dog understands the basis of the game, you can teach him to find and fetch all kinds of useful objects. Teach him to bring you your shoes before a walk or carry over his own leash. You can even teach him to seek out specific people and pets. Retrieving breeds love this game because it’s based on their natural instinct to find things and bring them back.

  3 Trick Training

  Once your dog has mastered basic obedience, it’s time to move on to trick training. It’s not one of the most useful jobs for working breed dogs, but learning and performing tricks gives a dog a purpose and sense of accomplishment. The best part is, tricks are fun for both ends of the leash. There’s no end to the list of potential tricks you can teach your dog. Start with the easy stuff, like roll over and spin. With these types of tricks, you can lead your dog into it by luring him with a treat. From there, try teaching him to open and close the kitchen cabinets, weave through your legs, or jump through a hoop. Once he has a nice repertoire of impressive tricks, put them all together to make a routine that’ll impress all your friends and family.
  

• Know When It’s Too Cold to Go Out

  The easiest way to know how to keep dogs warm in the winter is to learn when it’s too cold for dogs to go outside. This means knowing what the temperature outside is with the wind chill factor AND knowing whether other serious conditions are expected.

  When it’s 20˚ F outside, it’s too cold for any dog to be walking. Above 20˚ F it may still be too cold to walk if conditions are icy, very windy, or if your dog is very young, old, or has a compromised immune system. If it is safe to go out, make sure to keep walks short and keep your pup wrapped up warm with their feet protected.
  

  Invest in a Winter Jacket or Sweater for Your Dog

  Not all dogs will benefit from a sweater or jacket, but many dogs can. Hairless breeds should always wear some type of winter dog clothing in cold climates. Short-haired and small breeds should also always wear a sweater or jacket to help keep them insulated during winter.

  You should also always consider getting a jacket or sweater for your elderly dog, sick dog, a young puppy, or immune-compromised dog. We’ve published some great articles that can help you find the right jacket or sweater for your pet:

  · Top 10 Best Winter Dog Clothes

  · Top 5 Best Dog Coats for Winter

  · Top 5 Best Dog Sweaters for Winter
  

  Protect Your Dog’s Paws

  While this isn’t really a tip about how to keep dogs warm in the winter, it is a tip on keeping them safe. When winter arrives it often means chemicals being spread on sidewalks to prevent icing. These chemicals can absorb into your dog’s paws and end up being ingested if your dog licks their paws when they get home.

  Even if chemicals aren’t spread to prevent icing, sharp ice pieces or objects are hidden under snow can be dangerous to your dog’s paws. You can protect your dog’s feet by purchasing hard sole booties for walking or purchasing protective paw wax to protect against chemicals. If you rely on paw wax, it’s important to clean your dog’s paws when you get back home every time you go walking.
  

  DON’T Make Your Dog Sleep Outdoors

  A dog should never be made to sleep outdoors. As social animals, dogs want to be close to their family and the isolation of being an “outside dog” is torturous to them. It is particularly important to have dogs sleep indoors during winter months to keep them protected against the cold. Even with outdoor shelter and housing, it’s possible for dogs to succumb to the cold or become ill. The best advice on how to keep dogs warm in the winter is to keep them out of the cold and weather as much as possible, meaning invite them inside. As an alternative, you can always provide your cold pet with a dog house with a heater.

  Limit Outdoor Playtime

  Some dogs just love to play in the snow, but you should monitor and limit outdoor playtime during the winter. Just like human children, dogs can get caught up in playing and forget to monitor their body temperature.
  

  It’s up to you to monitor your pup and make sure that they aren’t spending too much time out in the cold. Ideally, your dog should spend just 30 minutes or less playing outdoors at a time, according to veterinarians. Of course, if temperatures are dangerously low, they shouldn’t be outdoors at all!
  

• Get the facts about Diabetes in Dogs

  Let’s face it, when you buy a dog, the thought of any illnesses further down the line is something that most of us don’t anticipate. To discover that our pooch has a disease can be heartbreaking and traumatic. But fear not, the effects of diabetes in dogs are very similar to those of an adult and are much easier to manage than you first think.

  If you have recently discovered that your dog has diabetes, know that lots of dogs live a normal and active life.

  Although Diabetes is incurable, depending on the severity of the condition, diabetes in dogs is easily managed through time, commitment, medication and the managing of your dog’s diet.

  Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in dogs and it occurs when the body fails to respond to the hormone insulin.

  The organ held responsible for not doing its job properly is the pancreas – the small organ near the stomach.  When a normal dog eats her food is broken down into tiny components, one of those components is carbohydrates.

  When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the glucose fails to get into your dog’s cells and builds up to a dangerous unhealthy level, this can lead to other conditions in your dog health such as cataracts.

  Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

  Luckily, there are lots of signs that might point you in the right direction when diagnosing your dog with Diabetes. Bear in mind that these symptoms won’t necessarily occur at the same time.

  If you are concerned about your dog’s health and notice any of the below signs, take her to a vet straight away.

  •Increased urination

  •Excessive thirst

  •Weight loss

  Increased appetite If left untreated, diabetes can advance and you may notice these symptoms:

  •Sweet smelling breath

  •Kidney failure

  •Cataracts

  •Skin infections

  Although the first few weeks after your dog diagnosed with diabetes may incur some disruption in your life, your vet will set about creating a management plan for you both, and things will settle down rather quickly.
  

• How to make Thanksgiving Celebration Dog Centered

  Having a new puppy is just as great as having a new baby. If you are not able to be with family this Thanksgiving, you’ll want to spend with your furry friend. Here are ideas for making Thanksgiving all about your pup.

  Watch the dog show: A great thing to do on Thanksgiving Day is watching the National Dog Show! Cuddle up with your pups and watch all of the beautiful dogs strut their stuff. It’s always fun to daydream about showing dogs and what’s better than cheering on dogs as part of your Thanksgiving festivities?

  Go on a walk or hike: This year I have created a Thanksgiving week challenge, which entails taking your dog on a walk every single day of that week. Take a nice morning stroll on Thanksgiving Day or go on one in the evening to walk off all of those delicious calories.

  Cuddle by the fireplace: Grab some hot cocoa and a blanket and cuddle up with your pups in front of the fire. How cozy!

  Take photos! Your friends and family will double-tap, like and share your selfies with your new puppy.  Dress up with your favorite fall sweater and capture the moment with your best friend. 

  Play indoor games: I know many states already have snow. If you are in a place with snow, play some indoor games like ‘hide and seek’ with your dog. You can also teach them some new tricks using Thanksgiving food as positive reinforcement. 

  Remember that not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. It is best to consult with your vet before giving your dog human food, even in small amounts. 
  

• Designer Spotlight: Borador

  The Borador, (border collie lab mix) despite sounding like a holiday destination, is actually the most reliable dog you could wish for. This intelligent and loving canine is the result of mixing a Labrador Retriever with a Border Collie.

  Due to the high intelligence of the Collie and the Labrador’s want to please people, these pups are a dream to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward, with a consistent routine. The Labrador’s scavenging nature means food rewards are top of the list.

  They are extremely energetic, so ensure you meet their daily exercise needs. Most owners of these dogs boast their dog as being the friendliest dog ever; most suited for families and the easiest to train.
  

  As both of his parents have working backgrounds, you could argue that the Border Collie Lab Mix is a working dog. However, as it’s a mixed breed, and is not currently registered with any major Kennel Clubs, it is classed as a companion or designer dog.

  To understand more of this seemingly perfect family companion, let’s have a look at his parents in more detail.

  The Border Collie. An agile herder with an impeccable work ethic. It took a while for the Border Collie to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. Border Collies are renowned for their speed and athleticism, often being the dog of choice in agility rings. Their astounding intelligence, ranking number one of all dogs’ breeds, and work ethic mean they are a dream to train.

  The Labrador Retriever ranks number one for popularity with The American Kennel Club. The Labrador was first registered with the English Kennel Club in 1903 and then by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The Labrador is often used as a working dog, but it has seemingly gained. It’s popularity for its family companionship instead. Labs are renowned for being friendly and super people orientated. They are energetic and happy; they love nothing more than playing ball in the yard and hiking in the woods. Equally, they love chilling on the sofa at the end of a busy day.
  

• Dog Training Tips For Apartment Dwellers

  If you are considering a move to an apartment with your dog, or perhaps you already live in an apartment but are considering buying a dog, there are a few important things to consider.  Loving your pet and giving them the proper care they need while living in a confined space can be difficult, but with these tips, it’s not impossible.
  

  Consider A Smaller Breed: Be realistic about the size of your apartment versus the size of your pet. Great Dane’s in a one-bedroom 500 square foot apartment just aren’t practical.  While a large dog may be your preference, while living in an apartment you may want to reconsider and go for a small or medium dog breed that will be more comfortable in smaller spaces.
  

  Devote Dedicated Play Time Daily to Your Pet: You absolutely cannot neglect the much-needed playtime on a daily basis.  If you want an unhappy, loud and destructive pet then stop playing with them. This isn’t just taking them for a walk to do their business, but active playtime.  Get them to chase balls, play with the kids and run off energy. That means you need to find a nice local park or area where you can take them daily for playtime.
  

  Don’t Expect Too Much: Be realistic.  No animal will behave perfectly. Understand that there will be occasional barking, accidents on carpet and pairs of shoes that get chewed upon.  Work in regular training and consistency to help prevent these things from becoming habits.
  

  Choosing to add a dog to your family is always a big thing to take on.  These dog training tips for apartment dwellers are simple courses of action that will help you to make the most of a tight space with your beloved pet.  Consistency in routine and behavior training is key to success. Choose a dog wisely that will fit into your family dynamic, as well as the space you have available.  Not only will this make apartment training that much easier, it will keep your family happy as well.
  

• Myths regarding shedding

  Do you have allergies to dog dander? If so, you’re not alone. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that as much as 10% of Americans are allergic to dogs. If you are allergic to dogs and you love them, this can present a problem, but not one that’s insurmountable. The first step is to arm yourself with the facts. Here are a few things you should know.

  What Causes A Dog To Shed?

  It’s normal for dogs to shed. Even though the idea of a “hypoallergenic” dog is popular, no dog is truly, completely hypoallergenic. They all shed to some extent. But if you’re allergic to dogs, don’t give up your quest to find a dog you can live with just yet. Some dogs shed much less than other dogs. And some dogs shed so little then it’s hardly noticeable.

  Dogs shed in response to the amount of daylight. The change in seasons affects their hormones and tells them when it’s time to get ready for winter (grow more coat); and when it’s time for spring (shed, grow new coat). Things like the temperature, the dog’s individual health, genetics, and diet also affect shedding. It’s not unusual for an intact female dog to shed after going through a heat cycle even when she hasn’t been bred.

  Dogs may also shed after a stressful event such as surgery, an illness, giving birth, trauma or accident, or even traveling in some cases.

  Myths Regarding Shedding

  There are a lot of myths about shedding in dogs.

  Myth: Dogs with longer hair shed more. This is false. The length of the coat has nothing to do with how much or how often the dog sheds. A shorthaired dog can shed just as much as a longhaired dog. It may be more noticeable when a longhaired dog sheds but some shorthaired dogs such as Beagles and Pugs seem to shed all the time.

  Myth: People are allergic to dog hair. Not exactly. If you’re allergic to dogs, you are usually allergic to dog saliva, urine, and dander. Dander is the tiny bits of dead skin that flake off the dog’s body. Dander is so small that it can be airborne and inhaled by humans. All dogs produce dander because they have to shed dead skin. (We all do.) Dogs that are known for being “hypoallergenic” don’t spread much dander around.

  Myth: Low-shedding dogs are also low maintenance. Mostly false. Many of the dogs that don’t shed or don’t shed much do require some special grooming. If you get one of these dogs, plan on visits to the groomer.
  

• Should you choose to buy an Adult dog or a puppy?

  When it comes to buying a dog there are so many options. You can choose by a specific breed, hair type, and even personality, but age also a factor you should consider when buying a dog? Many people dream of raising a small puppy from the beginning of its life and forming an unbreakable bond. It’s a well-kept secret that adult dogs can adjust very well to new home environments. Read on to learn more facts about buying adult dogs versus puppies.

  1. Potty training – One of the biggest differences between an adult dog and a puppy is potty training. Most adult dogs have already mastered the skill of potty training. Puppies require more patience as they learn to navigate the timing and location of potty training. One of the things to consider when buying a dog is your own ability to invest in potty training. Not only will you need to purchase pee pads, and odor eliminating cleaner, but you will also need to invest time and have patience because potty training doesn’t happen overnight. If you live in a space where accidents would be frowned upon, an adult potty-trained dog might be a better option for you.
  2. Bonding – We don’t call dogs man’s best friend for no reason. No matter the age, dogs have the capacity to develop special bonds with their owners. It is true that dogs are imprinters. This means that as soon as they find someone who’s trusting and loving to them, they will attach to them and always try to protect them. No need to worry if an adult dog will love you the same as a puppy. Both adult dogs and puppies will love and adore you the same.
  3. New tricks? – The old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t always prove to be true. Dogs are continuous learners no matter their age. Like babies, puppies are learning through experiencing their environment, while adult dogs have a handle on reality and learn through patterns and routines

  Whether you choose to buy a new puppy or open your home to an adult dog, there is no denying that your heart and home will expand to accept your newest family member. 
  

• A few Reasons to Love Maltese Puppies

  This popular tiny dog breed is packed with a big personality. Maltese puppies have found their way into the hearts of dog lovers across the world… They have created a name for themselves with their larger than life temperaments. We have compiled five fun reasons why we think Maltese puppies are some of the best to own!

   They are fun to dress up!

   Come on, you know it’s absolutely adorable when you see little puppies dressed up and we like to think that Maltese puppies popularized the trend of dressing up dogs. Because of their tiny sizes, it’s almost impossible not to find clothing for them. Whether your pup is a male or female, they are cute and stylish in every outfit!

   They can go everywhere with you. 

   At their maximum weights of 7 pounds, they are the absolute perfect size to accompany you on any trip, whether it’s in a car or on a plane. It goes without saying that they are also perfect for apartments. If you’re a first-time pet owner, getting one of our Maltese puppies was a great choice. They are rather low maintenance dogs. 

   They come in many types. 

   Did you know that Maltese puppies come in many hair types? They range from long hair to short hair, there are teacups, pear-head shaped ones, and even apple-heads. It sounds funny, we know, but they truly exist and each is a cute as the other. 

   They’re loyal to their owners and family.

   People purchase Maltese puppies because they are cute, for sure, but they also may have heard about their loyalty. These beauties will defend you to the end…well as much as they can! Their protective nature and barking make them excellent watchdogs. Who doesn’t love that?
  

• Saint Bernard is an Ideal Companion

  Let’s face it! Small, teeny tiny puppies aren’t for everyone. We get it and respect it, so that’s why we’re talking about our big and bubbly Saint Bernard puppies! Take a look below to learn more about this breed. 

   Happy Go Lucky

   Saint Bernard dogs are known for their sweet dispositions. Sure they are large and sometimes people may be intimidated by their size, but there’s no need to be with these big babies. Our Saint Bernard puppies have been raised in such a way that they will bring joy and peace to your home. In general, they are perfect for families with kids so don’t shy away from getting one…or two!

   Health and Size and Exercise

   Forget about stumbling over small dogs being underfoot! Your Saint Bernard is far from it. They, on average, weigh anywhere from 100 pounds to 150 pounds and they are pretty muscular underneath their shiny, long coats. 

   Like any other dog, they are prone to specific ailments like the following:

  • Cherry eye
  • Cataracts
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip dysplasia

   They typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. 

   Other Interesting Facts

  • Get one of our Saint Bernard puppies if you want a dog who likes to exercise because he does and he needs it. They have strong work ethics, plus exercising provides them their required mental stimulation. Dog sports are a perfect outlet for him!
  • To keep your Saint Bernard dog’s thick coat looking luxurious, you’ll need to take him for regular grooming. There’s really no getting around it unless you’re a professional stylist!
  • We’ll keep this brief. They slobber…a lot!
  • No matter where you live, when you purchase one of our Saint Bernard puppies, you can rest assured that they can thrive in both cool and warm climates. Be sure to provide them with air conditioning when it’s hot and heating when it’s cold.

• 5 Reasons to get a Labradoodle Puppy

  We’ve written an entire post about our Labradoodle puppy because they deserve it. 

  These big and beautiful pups have so much more to offer than a photo op. Take a look at five reasons we think you should consider getting one of our Labradoodle puppies.

   Their Intelligence

  Labradoodles belong to the working dog breeds group and that’s because they’re incredibly smart and quick to learn. Guess what. All you need to give them is 15 good minutes of training each day and you’ll have one of the most intelligent dogs out there.

   Their Vast History

  The Labradoodle dog rose to fame in the mid 1950s as one of the first hybrid breeds. The puppies were initially bred by mixing Labs and poodles by creator Wally Conron, who recently stated he regrets created the dogs, as their existence opened Pandora’s box for designer dog breeding.

   Their Temperament

  We’ve already talked about their intelligence, but we haven’t begun to cover their overall affable dispositions. These dogs are the creme de la creme! They are smart, sweet, eager to please, and great with kids. Because they are such family dogs, they absolutely hate being alone for long periods of time. They truly thrive off of being around family and they feel oh so sad when they’re left out…so don’t! 

   They’re Great Watchdogs

  As watchdogs, they will fiercely protect your home and anyone in it. Just because they’re sweet doesn’t mean they aren’t ideal home protectors. Trust us, you don’t want to challenge Labradoodle puppies who have grown to adults.

   Their Activity Levels

  Because they were bred as outdoorsy working dogs, their activity levels reflect that. Be mindful of outside activities during the summer because their thick coats can make them extremely hot and overheat. Overall, they are rather active dogs and they will benefit from daily exercises and they will enjoy every minute of it!