Hey Poochy!

Helpful tips for happy paws.

Warning Signs — September 22, 2017

Warning Signs

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These are the signs to look out for when getting a new puppy from a breeder. If you come across the following, do not purchase the dog:

  1. Breeder doesn’t encourage you to visit puppies before selection one of two.
  2. The dogs don’t appear to be cared for or look sick
  3. The parents or mother in particular is aggressive, shy or anxious
  4. Puppies are kept in dirty environment, scared to ply and shy away from touch.
  5. Breeder doesn’t ask you about your living conditions and doesn’t have knowledge of dogs. Seems eager to sell.
  6. Breeder refuses to show you parent dog i.e. a mother, and refuses to show you their environment.
  7. Breeder doesn’t provide any medical records or history of a puppy.
  8. You are not given a certificate of vaccinations, deworming or micro chipping.
  9. Breeder raises a few different breeds of dogs and doesn’t seem competent.
  10. The price is extremely low, compared to other breeders.
  11. The dogs have lived without intensive human contact, and are scared when held.
The Art of Playing — September 21, 2017

The Art of Playing

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Tennis balls aren’t the best play toy. It might be a cheaper solution, but also may cause issues for 2 reasons:

  • Pieces of the ball can get bitten off and swallowed. This may cause an intestinal blockage.
  • The outer layer of felt can easily get stuck in dog’s teeth.

Either one of the cases will cause large vet bills. Instead of putting yourself and your dog, through this hassle, simply invest in a few chew toys at pet store. This will save you on vet bills and pose no threat to your dog, plus it will also last longer than any tennis ball.

Best place(s) for bed — September 20, 2017

Best place(s) for bed

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I am on one of those owners who spoil my dogs. They have more sweaters and tees than I do, and homemade treats galore. Same goes for their beds. Each room of the house has a doggy bed.

I allow my dogs to choose their “sleeping zone”. For example: My alpha male, Dido, loves to sleep under my bed. After he has chosen this spot, I simply put his bed there – this will be not only his quiet sleeping place, but also his safe zone. And by safe zone, I mean a place that belongs to the dog alone. A place where it won’t be disturbed.

 Clink on this link to see different beds from PetSmart for you furbaby.

 

Love fest —
Purebred vs. Mixed – Which is better? — September 18, 2017

Purebred vs. Mixed – Which is better?

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When it comes to purebred, you can look up dog’s size, personality, temperament and appearance ahead of time. The description usually matches purebreds. If you love surprises, than mixed breed is for you. Sizes and appearance are harder to predict. The same litter of puppies can be quite different in color, size and in the inheritance of their parents’ traits. Mixed puppies are usually unique as no 2 dogs are alike.

There are many debates, weather mixed breeds are healthier/better. This is not so. The puppy may inherit some genetic imperfections from its parent, regardless of purebred or mixed. Some breeds have genetic illnesses. Mixing breeds is used as a tool to repair the genetic deficiencies. For example: Bichon poodles are prone to seizures. Mixing Bichon and Maltese, produces a higher chance of a seizure-free dog. Since mixed breeds come from at least 2 breeds, there is a chance they will not develop breed-specific disease. Doing some research before choosing a breed, will help you understand the complexity of each breed.

Once again, all dogs are amazing. I am yet to meet a dog I didn’t like. So this preference is entirely up to you. When you treat your dog like family, they will grow up to be gentle, playful and affectionate.

Tips for Leashes — September 15, 2017

Tips for Leashes

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Since I live in the city, leash is a necessity. And with huge selection from the stores, how do you know which leash to get? It all comes down to preference.

I prefer nylon leashes. They are durable, don’t easily stretch and are easy to clean. When choosing the right leash, consider the following:

  • Does it feel comfortable in your hand?
  • Does it slip out of your hard easily? If yes, than this is not your leash.
  • If the dog were to suddenly pull, would the leash cut into your hand?
  • Are the clips durable and easy to open/close?

For city dwellers, the leash shouldn’t be more than 4-feet long. It should be long enough to keep your dog close to you and out of danger, yet let it feel unrestricted. If you live in a more remote location, than you can give your dog a little more wiggle room, as you aren’t limited by space

Everyone Does This, You Should Too — September 14, 2017

Everyone Does This, You Should Too

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Microchip is essential. In the event your dog goes missing, you want to be able to find it quickly. With microchips, the changes of getting it back are much better.

*** Good to Know ***

If the breeder offer to microchip your dog, accept that offer.

What is a microchip? It’s a tiny transponder, a digital ID, the size of a rice grain. It is implanted just under the skin of your dog. Each chip contains a unique identifier, dog’s name and owner’s information. Any veterinarian office is able to use a special device to scan it.

.:. Tips .:.

You cannot track your dog with microchip. Microchip contains mostly owner information and is not a GPS device.

 

Adopt Porsche — September 13, 2017
Fool Proof, Beginner Dogs —

Fool Proof, Beginner Dogs

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Look at every dog as an individual – with its own personality and preferences. Therefore before getting a pooch, consider your living arrangements and the right dog for you. Some dogs need a yard to exercise and it would simply be cruel to restrict them from this basic pleasure. Some dogs have bad separations anxiety and don’t like being home along for extended periods of time. And some are simply afraid of everything and prefer to hide in your lap all day.

So how do you go about finding the right fit for you?

Looks like you are in luck! I found the best quiz, just for you– it will help you with determining the most suitable dog for your current lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Click here to get started and find the right puppy!

 

How to create the perfect harmony — September 11, 2017

How to create the perfect harmony

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If you are like me, than one dog is never enough. So I’ve made it as a rule, to allow the first dog to choose their mate. This does take some to find the right dog, but once it chooses its friend, there will be harmony.

Imagine for a moment, your parent bring home a complete stranger, off the street, and tell you, that this is your new sibling and you must love it like your own. Would you?

That’s how dogs feel about any other dogs that you bring home. So just to skip, all of the unnecessary hassle, I allow my pooch to choose their sibling/mate.

The main thing is to allow your dogs to establish their own hierarchy, in which the pack order is clear. This will ensure that conflicts will be rare.