Archive for February, 2021

• Dog Park Tips: When Is It Okay to Take Your Puppy to a Dog Park?

  There are at least 810 dog parks in the USA by the beginning of 2020. There was an increase of 37 parks in 2019.

  But having a dog park available to you doesn’t mean that’s all you need to know. You’re no doubt concerned about when to start introducing your little furry baby to other dogs en masse. You want to get the advantages of early socializing without injury, illness, or other fears.

  We understand, which is why we’ve done the research and brought you the best ways to get you and your pup ready. Keep reading to find out!

  All Vaccinations Are Complete: Time to Play

  Most puppies get all their vaccinations by the time they’re 16 weeks old. If you wait until adolescence (about 6 months old) it could engrain difficult-to-break bad habits. That said, from 17 weeks onward is a good time to bring puppies to dog parks.

  There’s more you can do until then, though. The life stage for a puppy between three to four months will either help or hurt your dog’s development in big ways. A dog that’s afraid is more prone to be aggressive as a defense against an enemy that isn’t there.

  Bringing home a puppy that isn’t too young is your best defense against bad social skills. A puppy taken away from the rest of the litter before eight weeks could lose vital opportunity to learn what’s acceptable and what’s not by their peers.

  Setting up playdates with dogs of all ages (as long as they’re healthy and vaccinated) in a controlled environment is a good way to start slowly introducing them to others. Mixing the place up between home and away turf can get them to understand they aren’t the kings and queens of every place they go.

  The Puppy Can Mostly Perform Reliable Recall

  There’s more to the fenced parks than letting them off the leash to play as soon as they’re old enough. Leading up to the dog park, you can play games that train your puppy to perform “reliable recall.” Basically, presenting themselves on command in a reliable way.

  Some games you can play are:

  • Catch me
  • Find me
  • Hot potato

  If your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall down yet, you may be tempted to keep them on-leash and close. This could have the opposite effect you want, though. Dogs that are on leashes around dogs that aren’t could feel backed into a corner and cause them to start a fight.

  Members-only parks are selective about the temperament of dogs that they allow in, excluding the more aggressive dogs. They also generally have better fencing and space to run around or avoid bullies. In the case they don’t have a good recall yet, you can use a long leash that gives the puppy more freedom.

  So the puppy doesn’t get overwhelmed, you could try off-peak dog park hours at short intervals at first.

  Dog Park: The Last Bark

  So what should you remember?

  Give solid basic training to your puppy as early as possible. Try to socialize in a safe environment from 12 weeks onward. Introduce them to more than one other dog if possible.

  Scout your favorite dog park for fences, peak play-times, size, etc. Size up the dogs and people that frequent there with a few visits before taking the puppy inside.

• The Best Option for Puppies for Sale

  Do you ever wonder what it would be like to bring a new puppy home? To experience the joy of coming home to an adorable dog each day who is completely excited to see you?

  Owning a dog is an incredible experience. They are truly the perfect companion, especially when you get the privilege of raising them as a puppy.

  Have you started looking at puppies for sale? It can be difficult to decide if you aren’t sure what you are looking for and what type of dog would work best with your family.

  Are you convinced that getting a puppy is right for you? Wondering what the best option is when getting a new puppy? Keep reading for answers to all your puppy questions.

  Benefits of Getting a Puppy

  No one can deny that getting a puppy is a good idea. But sometimes we just need a little nudge to finally make it happen. You know they require time, attention, and resources. But they’re worth it, aren’t they?

  Consider the fact that owning a dog improves heart health. Studies have shown that dog ownership is linked to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels, giving you a healthier, stronger heart.

  Owning a dog also means you are more likely to get adequate exercise on a weekly basis, leading to lower weight. Whether that’s a daily walk, playing catch at the park, or riding a bike with your dog, you are both likely to lead healthier lives. 

  Plus, bringing a puppy home will fill you with joy, help to reduce stress, and reduce the risk of depression. Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

  Getting Started With Puppies for Sale

  When it comes time to get a pet and bring them home, there are countless options.

  Should you buy a puppy that a friend or neighbor is selling? It might work out, but you are limiting your options. You probably won’t know anything about the puppy, and you won’t be confident that they are the right fit for your family.

  Wouldn’t it be great if you could talk to an expert about what type of dogs you love, and what you are hoping for in a new puppy?

  Find Your New Puppy Today

  There’s no better time than today to bring a new pup home. With countless physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, along with the fun of caring for a dog, there’s no reason not to find your furry friend today.