Archive for October, 2018

• The Best Family Pet – Cocker Spaniels

  They’re kind and sweet and have one heck of a reputation. We’re talking about Cocker Spaniels, and we’ve got them right here!

  Do you want to learn more about these precious pups and how they can fit it your family? Continue reading below for some fun facts about these snuggle buddies!

  They’re an excellent kid companion. We’d shy away from kids that are younger than six years old, but those that are older are perfect for the affectionate and agreeable nature of the Cocker Spaniel.

  • Actually, they’re so well suited for family life that they’re nicknamed “The Babysitter!” Of course, we don’t suggest that you leave them home alone together, but while you’re home you’ll have a sitter that you’ll only have to pay in hugs and praise.
  • They get along with other animals, too. They have a temperament that is ideally suited for life with children and their size matches well. Because they aren’t really small, they are sturdy enough to handle life around rambunctious kids. On the flipside, they aren’t too big that they’ll end up knocking over kids.
  • They love being around the family so we have to tell you that they suffer from separation anxiety. Cockers love to be busy! They shouldn’t be left on their own for very long, or they may become bored and sometimes destructive.
  • They are very trainable, hands down! Group them with dogs like the Golden and Labrador Retriever, because Cocker Spaniels are extremely eager to please and love to learn. They are sugary sweet natured so use only positive reinforcement when training them.

  At Petland, we almost always have Cocker Spaniels in our stores and if we don’t, let’s have a conversation. We can figure something out because we’re here to help you make the best choice for a dog as an addition to your family!

• Maltese to the Rescue

  What is that you say? You’re not feeling well? You’ve got a headache? Skip the trip to the doctor and come to Petland! Take two Maltese puppies and call us in the morning!

  Okay, we kid around just a bit. The reality is that Maltese puppies have a soothing energy and we’re going to talk about it some more!

  So, we recognize that there is no real evidence that connects the headache cure with an actual Maltese, but we do know that they’ve been bred for years to provide comfort. Way back in the Elizabethan day, there were rumors that the tiny dogs with long white coats could relieve pain and cure illness simply by snuggling under the covers next to the person who’s in pain. While we don’t know that to be precisely true either, we know that Maltese puppies for sure provide warmth both physically and emotionally!

  In fact, did you know that the Maltese dog breed has been serving in companion and confidant roles for years? Yep! They were and are currently known as “comforters.” They are one of many breeds of dogs that were bred specifically for comfort and to be lapdogs! Let us be the ones to tell you that they live up to their reputation, happily and easily.

  The Maltese has been known to be one of the most faithful pets, almost never leaving your side. If you’re in the market to have a majestic and beautiful pup to snuggle with and comfort you, you’ll definitely want to check out our Maltese puppies for sale. Oh, we should clarify one thing. Sure they’re bred for companionship, but don’t think these are just docile and lazy dogs, because they aren’t! They’re equally entertaining and energetic and learn to match your moods. They are simply one of the best and sweetest dogs to own and love.

• German Shepherds – The Great Family Dog

  Let’s see…much has been said and reported about German Shepherd puppies. However, we’re going to add to it and talk a bit more about these powerful but lovable dogs.

  Sure, you know a lot about German Shepherd dogs and how they’re affiliated with law enforcement agencies across the world, but do you know that they make one of the best family dogs? They certainly do, and we’re not saying that because we happen to be in love with them. It’s the truth. Want to learn some more? Keep reading while we delve into this breed.

  They are as intelligent as they come and that’s one of the reasons why they are by the side of and in the field with police officers. Let’s put that aside and talk about their presence in a loving home and how they contribute to the lovefest! German Shepherd puppies start out and grow up to be friendly dogs to other pets and children. They have a protective but loving and playful nature about them. Having said that, these characteristics also make them a perfect choice for a family dog. Any family, whether there are children or other pets, will benefit greatly from having a German Shepherd.

  All they need is sufficient, diligent, and consistent training by someone with a firm hand. They are natural leaders and will need to know who’s really the boss in your house! Once that is established, you’re in for a treat with your German Shepherd puppies. Their athleticism is perfect for younger children who inadvertently engage in rough play. They will know to return it with gentle gestures.

  Don’t think that you have to keep your puppy outside, because you don’t. They’re just fine in the house with their families, in fact, they’d prefer it, sans exercising. They absolutely must have daily exercise and playing with the kids around the house won’t cut it! Take them for jogs or in places where they can run supervised.

   

  So with training, exercise, a healthy diet and lots of loving, German Shepherd puppies light up lives! It’s time you find out for yourself. Contact us today for more information on how one of these loyal and loving pups can enrich your life.

• Bichon Frise is The Top Dog – Really!

  Bichon Frise puppies are perky, playful, and downright gorgeous. There’s no getting around their beauty.

   

  It’s just one of the reasons a Bichon Frise named Flynn was picked and earned the best in show title for 2018 at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! That’s right, a Bichon Frise prevailed as American’s top dog, pleasantly surprising many in the audience. The competition was fierce, but as we mentioned, the looks of a Bichon was just one of the reasons Flynn won. There’s more than meets the eye with them. The trainability and tricks displayed beat out the competition. Are you interested in getting one of these prize-winning furry babies? Check out our available puppies page and continue reading below for some pointers on how to keep your Bichon Frise in pristine condition!

   

  Caring for Your Bichon

  They don’t just wake up looking all pretty and fancy. Their fluffy and show-stopping white coats require maintenance, which includes regular brushing and combing. They will need to be trimmed at least twice a month because their hair grows pretty quickly. And since the Bichon Frise doesn’t shed any loose hair, it is easy for their hair to become matted or tangled; therefore we suggest professional grooming.

   

  Training Your Bichon

  Bichons are very intelligent, but they require a firm hand when training. Never yell at your Bichon Frise, because it’s harsh and won’t ever yield the responses you want. We always suggest positive reinforcement when training new puppies. Give your pup treats to do exactly what you want! We aren’t professing that you’ll have the skills of Flynn the best in show winner, but it’ll be fun trying!

   

  Do you need more information about our Bichon Frise puppies? Come to our store today to play with one of our puppies. We also have onsite pet counselors waiting to answer your questions!

   

• 4 Training Tips for Your Rottweiler

   

  Rottweilers are big beauties who command a presence, and we know exactly! Besides their looks, they’re smarty pants, but they need a little encouragement from their owners in order for them to reach their full potential!

   

  If you want to know how to train your Rottweiler, then you’re in the right place. We have 4 neat tips for you. Well, we have 4 and a half, because we have to start by imploring you to have patience, patience, and more patience! Okay, now let’s get to it.

   

  Step One: Start Young

  We have always recommended that training your Rottweiler, or any dog for that matter, at a young age is best. You will have the most success and yield the best results if you train your Rotty between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months. If your Rottweiler is older, don’t worry. It may take a little more time and, ahem – patience, on your part. Don’t be discouraged because they are innately intelligent and obedient. Institute positive reinforcement training always.

   

  Step Two: Understand Dominance Training

  What’s dominance training? It’s the idea of constantly establishing rules that your Rottweiler will follow, to eventually improve his behavior. Dominance training is not meant to exert dominance over your dog. No! Never show aggression towards your dog and always be kind and careful.

   

  Step Three: Socialize Your Rotty

  It is imperative to make sure your Rottweiler is comfortable around other people as well as other dogs. This can be accomplished by taking your puppy for walks, or going to a park, or over a friend’s houses, and also by inviting guests to your home to visit. These tips are ways to get your puppy to be happy and comfortable around other people and pets. Having a well-socialized dog is critical to training him. It’s also nice to be able to take your dog for a walk and not have any confrontations or issues.

   

  Step Four: Utilizing Positive Reinforcement

  We mentioned this briefly in another tip, but this one is more detailed. Positive reinforcement is a type of training that gives your dog rewards consequential to his actions. Training by reward is the best possible way that you can communicate with your Rotty. By rewarding him with treats, toys, and praise, you’re relating to him your appreciation, and he’s doing the same.

  A very effective form of dog training involves creating mini training sessions that are set up like a game. When you are trying to teach your Rottweiler a command, and they perform the command to your liking, immediately give them their reward. Be mindful of the type and amount of treats you give your Rotty, because they are notorious for being overweight.

   

  These 4 tips will get you started on the right path to training and obedient yet playful dog!