Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. As we gather around the table to indulge in our favorite holiday dishes, it’s only natural to want to share this joy with our furry friends. However, it’s important to remember that not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. Fortunately, there are several options that can be enjoyed by both humans and canines alike.

The Most Common

One such treat is plain cooked turkey. Dogs can benefit from the lean protein found in turkey meat, but it should be free from any seasoning or bones which can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive issues. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a nutritious option for dogs as they are rich in vitamins A and C. Mashed sweet potatoes without added sugar or spices make a tasty and healthy addition to their meal.

Don’t Forget the Greens!

Furthermore, green beans are another Thanksgiving staple that dogs can enjoy. These low-calorie vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients while being gentle on their digestive system. Simply steam or blanch them before serving.

Leave Room for Dessert

Lastly, pumpkin puree is an excellent choice for dogs during Thanksgiving festivities. It aids digestion and can alleviate constipation or diarrhea in pets when served in small amounts.

Foods To Avoid

While it’s tempting to share every dish with our beloved pets during this festive season, it’s crucial to avoid certain foods like onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, chocolate, and anything containing xylitol as they can be toxic to dogs.

Moderation Is Key

Although we love making our pups smile, we need to remember that they are dogs and moderation is very key. Be sure to regulate and monitor how much food they eat, especially if its food they are not accustomed to on a regular basis.

In conclusion, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to exclude our four-legged companions from enjoying some special treats. By providing them with plain cooked turkey meat (without bones), mashed sweet potatoes (without sugar or spices), steamed green beans, and pumpkin puree (in moderation), we can ensure they partake in the holiday feast safely while keeping their health at the forefront of our minds.

The joy of welcoming a new litter of puppies into the world is an experience that brings immense happiness to both breeders and dog lovers alike. While every litter is special, there is something particularly fascinating about the largest breed puppy litters. These litters not only captivate us with their sheer size but also offer a glimpse into the wonders of nature’s miracles.

When it comes to large breed dogs, it should come as no surprise that they tend to have larger litters compared to their smaller counterparts. Breeds such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Irish Wolfhounds are known for producing some of the largest litters in the canine world. These gentle giants often give birth to anywhere between 10 to 15 puppies per litter, sometimes even more!

One might wonder how these massive breeds can accommodate such large numbers of puppies within their bodies. The answer lies in their biology. Large breed dogs typically have larger uterine horns and wider pelvic bones, allowing them to carry more puppies comfortably. Additionally, these breeds often have higher levels of progesterone during pregnancy, which can contribute to larger litter sizes.

While large breed puppy litters are undoubtedly awe-inspiring, they also present unique challenges for both the mother dog and the breeder. The mother’s health and well-being become paramount during this time as she must provide nourishment and care for her numerous offspring. Breeders must be vigilant in ensuring that each puppy receives adequate nutrition and attention from its mother.

The process of raising a large breed puppy litter requires careful planning and preparation. Adequate space is essential for both the mother dog and her pups. A spacious whelping box or area allows room for movement while providing a safe environment for all involved. Additionally, ensuring proper nutrition through high-quality food becomes crucial in supporting healthy growth for each individual puppy.

Socialization is another vital aspect when dealing with large breed puppy litters. Early socialization helps puppies develop into well-adjusted adults, and this becomes even more crucial when dealing with larger numbers. Breeders must invest time and effort into exposing the puppies to various stimuli, such as different sounds, textures, and experiences. This early exposure helps build confidence and reduces the likelihood of behavioral issues later in life.

The fascination with large breed puppy litters extends beyond their physical size. Each puppy within the litter possesses its unique personality traits, markings, and potential. It is a joy to witness these little beings grow and develop into their own distinct individuals. From observing their first wobbly steps to witnessing them explore the world around them, every moment is filled with wonder.

Large breed puppy litters also present an opportunity for breeders to contribute positively to the future of these magnificent breeds. By carefully selecting breeding pairs based on health, temperament, and conformation standards, breeders can work towards improving the overall quality of these breeds while ensuring their long-term well-being.

Large breed puppy litters are a testament to nature’s marvels. They embody both the beauty of life’s diversity and the challenges that come with it. These litters captivate us not only with their size but also with their potential for growth and development. As we marvel at these gentle giants’ ability to bring forth new life in abundance, we are reminded of our responsibility as stewards of these remarkable creatures.

We’ve all heard the saying, they’ll fight like cats and dogs…

Well, not really if you find the right dog. There are certain qualities a dog needs to have in order for it to get along well with a cat. The initial thing to take into consideration is the dog’s breed group. Breeds in the Terrier Group were designed to hunt smaller animals, such as a cat! Dogs in the Hound Group were bred to follow, pursue, and chase animals. Dog breeds that fall under the Herding Group were designed to do just that, herd. Cats are certainly independent animals and may not do well being led, however, herding dogs tend to get along well with them. Below is our list of the Top-4 herding dogs that we feel would make the best fit in a household that has a cat.

The Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and loyal dog breed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Despite its name, the breed actually originated in the western United States in the 19th century, where it was used for herding livestock on ranches. It is believed that the breed’s ancestors were brought over by Basque shepherds who came to America from Australia.

The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a breed of dog that has been around for over a century. Originally bred in Germany as a herding dog, they quickly became popular as police and military dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, self-control and bravery. Today, German Shepherds are still used in these roles but have also become beloved family pets.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a medium sized breed of herding dog. They are widely considered to be the most intelligent dog breed who are easily trained. They are descendants of landrace sheepdogs that were once found all over the British Isles, but became standardized in the Anglo-Scottish border region. They are gentle and caring dogs who grow close to family and other pets within their household.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a breed of herding dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. The original name was Shetland Collie, but this caused controversy amongst Rough Collie breeders of the time, so the breed’s name was formally changed. The Shetland Sheepdog is a working dog and has a lowkey and generally laidback personality. They enjoy the company of other animals and rarely show signs of aggression.

Regardless which breed of dog you eventually decide to go with, the initial introduction between the animals is very important. Many animals are territorial and learning to share their space is something that may take a little time.

Although there are many exciting things about getting a new puppy, one of the most exciting is picking out his or her name. Although some of the “old school” names like Spot still work, check out our list of some very unique names and the meaning behind them.

Abe

Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of the U.S.’s 16th president.

Ace

A term for the best card in the deck, “ace,” can also mean an expert or pro. 

Alfie

A classic 1966 rom-com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law.

Ali

Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee who won Olympic gold in 1960 and was the boxing heavyweight champion along the way.

Alpha

The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha, will let all the other dogs know who’s the top dog! 

Amigo

Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new best friend. 

Andy

Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek. 

Apollo

The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon. 

Astro

Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team.

Atlas

 In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world.

Avery

 This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves.”

Axel

 Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel. 

Bacardi

One of the all-time best-selling rums in the world.

Bailey

A creamy Irish liquor enjoyed in coffee in the morning or on the rocks in the evening. 

Baloo

The easygoing bear character of “The Jungle Book.”

Bandit

Meaning a thief, this pup name could be perfect for your little pup who stole your heart! 

Banjo A twangy instrument popularized by Earl Scruggs.

Eisenhower

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States.

Eli

Short for names like Elijah and Elliott, and meaning “elevated” in Hebrew.

Elvis

After “The King,” Elvis Presley, of “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” fame.

Fenway

Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball and home to the legendary Boston Red Sox.

Finley Signifying a “fair-haired hero” in Scottish.

Finn

For fair-skinned male dog names, this literally means “fair or white” in Irish.

Finnegan

Also means “fair-haired” in Irish.

Flash

A good name for a sporty-looking pup.

Flex

A name with a macho vibe.

Ice

For the dog who is cooler than the other pups! 

Igor

A common Russian and Polish name meaning “farm laborer.”

Jager

Short for Jgermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.

Jake

Short for Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”

Jager

Short for Jgermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.

Lincoln

The U.S. president on the penny, or a luxury automobile company.

Link

The main character in Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game series.

Linus

Sibling of Lucy and Rerun in the iconic “Peanuts” franchise.

Marlin

A fish found in oceans throughout the globe.

Marshall

A Scottish name meaning “lover of horses.”

Martini

A cocktail that’s a favorite of James Bond.

Ninja 

For a stealthy dog, or one with all black fur, like the ninja’s outfit.

Norman

Golfers can name their pup after “The Great White Shark,” former world No. 1, Greg Norman.

Noah

A biblical character known for his ark.

Porsche

The German maker of high-performance sports vehicles.

Presley

Last name of Elvis, the King of Rock’ n Roll. 

Raven A bird, an Edgar Allan Poe poem, and Baltimore’s NFL team.

Rebel

For the dog who goes against the flow and shakes things up. 

Red

The color of Mars, roses, bricks, and maybe your dog’s coat, too.

Teddy

Like a stuffed teddy bear, you’ll just want to snuggle with him.

Thunder A powerful name for the noise that comes after lightning.

The Pomeranian and Maltese have many great qualities. They are both friendly pups that love their family and look forward to seeing them. These dog breeds are very popular and have found their way into homes around the world thanks to their endless list of great qualities. If you are looking to learn more about for a smaller breed of dog that is kid friendly and mom approved this blog is for you.

History of the Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a miniaturized Spitz-type dog that originated in Pomerania, Germany in the 1800s. This breed was originally a larger dog that over time were bred to be the smaller dog they are today. “Poms,” as they are often referred to, have been warm and loving companion dogs that have won the hearts of people around the world.

Life With the Pomeranian

Pomeranians tend to be easy to maintain and live with. Their double coat does require some extra brushing to keep looking good, but overall, they do not require excessive amounts of work. They also tend to be healthy pups because of their activity level and generally do not have a tendency toward obesity. They are normally up for learning new tricks and will gladly be the center of attention while showing these tricks off to family and friends. This breed of dog does well with other pets in the home and will quickly bond with any children. It should be noted that they are a smaller breed of dog so children do need to use a degree of caution while playing with them.

The Pomeranian’s Personality

The Pomeranian is a very smart, affectionate, and playful pup. This breed has a very charming and happy personality and a demeanor to match. The Pomeranian is very approachable and is not known to be aggressive or abrasive. They love their family and show it with their snuggles and licks. This breed has been around for a very long time and has made a truly amazing family pet.

Basic Breed Information

Male: 10-12 inches tall and 3-8 pounds
Female: 10 to 12 inches tall and 3-8 pounds

Physical Characteristics: Puffy and shiny coat with upright ears

Daily Exercise Requirements: About thirty minutes

Energy Level: High

Life Expectancy: Twelve to sixteen years

Drool Level: Low

Bark Level: High

History of the Maltese

For centuries, the Maltese spaniel has been the aristocrat of the K9 world. It is believed that the Maltese originated in Malta, Italy. The Maltese has been highly valued in society throughout history. One account is of a Maltese being sold in the 1500s for the equivalent of today’s $2,000. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a “Maltese lion dog” at Westminster’s first dog show in 1877. In 1888 the American Kennel Club registered the Maltese.

Life With the Maltese

The Maltese is a very down to earth breed of dog that loves to socialize and spend time with his family. They are not overly rambunctious dogs but do have a lot of play in them. They also do not require excessive amounts of work to look good and enjoy a daily brushing and a warm bath every four or five weeks. They tend to adapt well in contemporary homes or apartments and get along well with other pets inside the house. This breed is a great companion dog and will win your heart in no time at all.

The Maltese’s Personality

The Maltese has a very personable and caring personality. They are easy to approach and not known for aggression or being very hyper. Many families that own this breed are repeat breed owners because they have had a lot of success with a past Maltese. This breed is generally a happy and loving breed that just wants to be loved.

Basic Breed Information

Male: 9-11 inches tall and 4-6 pounds
Female: 9-11 inches tall and 4-6 pounds

Physical Characteristic: Floppy ears with a smooth coat

Daily Exercise Requirements: About twenty minutes
Energy Level: Semi energetic
Life Expectancy: Twelve to fourteen years
Drool Level: Low
Bark Level: High

We all know the Poodle makes a great family pet. This breed of dog is also considered to be the smartest of dogs and has a very inquisitive and sharp mind. The Poodle is known to interact very well with people and other animals and loves one on one attention. For generations, the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds of dog and it looks like this pup’s status will remain this way for a long time.

The Poodle is so well-liked that it has been bred with more than forty other dog breeds which have also proven to be a success. In this blog we will go over some of these breeds and talk a little bit about them.

Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is a cross between the Goldendoodle and the Poodle. This breed has become one of the most sought-after dogs on the planet. They make great family pets as well as therapy pets. They are pleasant and do well with children in the household.

Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. This breed is very popular amongst those who suffer from allergies yet want a dog. This breed is smart and loyal and a joy to be around. They can also be found in a variety of colors.

Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a mix between the Old English Sheepdog and the Poodle. Loving, loyal and friendly best describes this breed of dog. They are known to have amazing personalities and to quickly bond with their family.

Whoodle

The Whoodle is a cross between the Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier and the Poodle. This breed of dog is also known as a Wheatendoodle, the Wheatenpoo, the Sweatendoodle, and the Sweatenpoo. These pups are friendly and energetic and are not known to bark a lot.

Westiepoo

The Westiepoo is a mix between the West Highland White Terrier and the Poodle. This is a smaller breed of dog known for its fluffy coat and high levels of energy. They do well with families that have active children.

Weimardoodle

The Weimardoodle is a cross between the Weimaraner and the Poodle.This breed enjoys his family and loves to be a part of everyday family activities. They are a kind and gentle breed of dog with a very warm and approachable demeanor.

Pomapoo

The Pomapoo is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle. This compact and energetic dog has the heart of a lion yet is very gentle and caring. They do quickly bond with family and love to be the center of your attention.

Aussiedoodle

The Aussiedoodle is a cross between the Australian Shepherdand the Poodle. This breed of dog is very popular and known to be very smart, energetic, and loyal. They love outdoor playtime and make lovely family pets.

Dalmadoodle

The Dalmadoodle is a cross between the Dalmatian and the Poodle. These are bigger dogs who are considered to be very smart. They enjoy socialization and one-on-one attention from their family.

Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Poodle. These dogs are known for their charming personalities and their alert watchdog mentality. They are not aggressive dogs and tend to do well with families that have children.

Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle. These dogs are friendly, caring, social, and affectionate. They have funny personalities and tend to be happy when you are. They are considered to be the oldest of designer dog breeds with roots that date back to the 1960s. This breed is a great pet that the whole family will love.

Bringing home a puppy is one of your life’s most precious—and challenging—moments. Your life will improve in the next couple of months, as it has for so many dog owners worldwide. According to PR Newswire, around 71% of dog owners have said their new puppy has made them happier people.

And there are plenty of great reasons why! Puppies are our friends whenever we need them, and they shower us with cuddles and love without expecting anything in return. Even at our lowest points, dogs remain our loyal and best friends for life.

Our furry friends also need lifelong care from their owners, like going to the vet regularly, being trained, and getting plenty of exercise. Puppies won’t stay small forever, so you must ensure that you’ll always be there for your cuddly friend.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to know before buying a puppy.

Make sure you’re ready for a puppy.

Many puppy parents fall for their impulses. We get it, and it’s hard to resist the charms of a cute puppy when you glance at them for the first time. For example, our available puppies for sale are known for being such natural charmers that you can’t help but love them.

However, it’s important to remember one key thing: raising a puppy is not easy.

Like babies, you’ll need to devote a lot of patience and time to your new family member. Your puppy does not know your rules or how the world around them works, and they also do not understand what behavior will earn them rewards or praise. That’s where training comes in.

If you cannot dedicate time to training and socializing your puppy, they may not mature into well-mannered adult dogs. We know how vital puppy training and socialization are for your puppy’s development.

Puppies also need other essentials to live a happy life, such as food, water, bedding, grooming toys, leashes, and collars.

Are you ready to commit to a new puppy?

Think about your life commitments and schedule before you make a final decision.

Be curious about the store or breeder’s puppy health standards.

Does the store or breeder you’re planning to visit include a quality health policy for their puppies? Responsible stores and breeders always care about the welfare of their puppies and their parents.

They may uphold specific standards when caring for their puppies. For example, having licensed veterinarians check their health. Some may even go above and beyond to search for and work only with elite breeders in the industry.

Unfortunately, many breeders in the industry aren’t careful with their puppies’ health and well-being. We highly recommend looking at the store’s or breeder’s puppy care standards.

Ask a lot of questions.

Always ask questions, no matter the reputation of a puppy breeder or store. Getting as much information as possible is crucial to get an idea of the store’s puppy care standards, dog welfare, and overall routine maintenance.

Along with asking about a store’s health standards, you should also ask them what type of breeders they work with. A responsible puppy store only works with elite breeder partners that are renowned in the industry.

Any submission below this standard is a red flag.

You should also ask whether a store’s puppies are microchipped and/or purebred and if they offer health-related perks to their customers. Pay attention to any evasiveness to specific questions.

Know which dog breed is right for you.

Research is one of the best steps to take before buying a puppy. Every puppy has a distinct set of traits inherent to its breed, such as personality, size, looks, grooming, and training needs.

What works for one dog will likely not work for another. For example, a Bulldog doesn’t require a lot of exercise due to its physical structure. The same cannot be said for breeds like the Golden Retriever or the Poodle.

These dogs can become restless without exercise, playtime, or any activity, leading to destructive behavior. Other dogs are perfect for small apartments, while others thrive in homes with large backyards.

You should also consider the size of your dream puppy. Smaller dogs are known to be slightly stubborn and bossy, so you must devote more attention to training.

Larger dogs tend to be less aggressive but usually need more food, exercise, and other essentials than smaller breeds. Researching each dog breed and its needs ensures you find the right dog for your personality and lifestyle.

Puppy-proof your home and backyard.

When your puppy is finally home, they’re likely to explore every inch of your house and backyard. You may not know it, but your house and backyard are dangerous places for little puppies!

Whether it’s electrical outlets, medications, or poisonous plants, your home is full of serious hazards that can harm your puppy’s health.

Make sure you prepare your house before your puppy comes home. Put away any medications or cleaning supplies in an area that’s hard to reach. Lock up all rooms you don’t want your puppy to enter.

Move foods to your fridges, especially chocolate, grapes, and onions. Move toxic plants to a secure location for your backyard, and check your fence for spaces under which your furry friend may crawl.

Buy all necessary puppy supplies.

Food, water, toys, beds, and crates—there are many supplies that every puppy needs to live a happy life. Welcome your puppy home by having all of its essentials ready, and you only need to start with basic supplies like food bowls, collars, leashes, and brushes.

These things will help your puppy adjust to their new surroundings and life with you. As your puppy matures into a well-rounded dog, you can buy other supplies like toys or treats based on their likes and dislikes. You may also purchase another leash to help leash-train your puppy during walks.

Getting a new puppy should never be an impulsive decision. There’s so much that goes on with raising a puppy! Think twice before you decide on the spot. If you’re ready to add a new puppy to your family, your next step is finding the best place. Our puppy experts and staff are committed to helping you find your furry soulmate!

There’s enough to think about and keep track of when caring for a puppy—feeding, walking, training, housebreaking (and don’t forget playtime!)—that you might not give their teeth a lot of thought.

But in their first 8 months or so, puppies will develop two sets of teeth, and there’s more to caring for them than just making sure they don’t leave marks on your furniture legs.

Here’s all the information you need to know about those cute (and sharp!) little puppy teeth.

How Many Teeth Do Puppies Have?

In the beginning, none.

Like us, dogs are born toothless, but puppies quickly develop 28 “baby” teeth.

When Do Puppies Get Their Teeth?

Puppy teeth erupt [emerge from the gums] starting at about 2 weeks of age and are usually completely in by about 8-10 weeks old.

The incisors often come in first, followed by the canine teeth and the premolars, although there can certainly be some normal variation between individuals.

When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Puppies develop and lose this set of “baby” teeth just like humans do. These teeth, sometimes known as “milk teeth” or “needle teeth” and referred to as “deciduous teeth” by vets, eventually give way to permanent “adult” teeth.

The first deciduous teeth are usually lost at about 4 months. The last baby teeth to fall out are usually the canines, which are lost at about 6 months old.

At What Age Do Puppies Get Their Permanent Teeth?

The permanent teeth start to erupt as soon as the baby teeth fall out.

The permanent teeth can start to appear at 2 months:

2-5 months: incisors
5-6 months: canine teeth
4-6 months: premolars
4-7 months: molars (these only come in as part of the permanent set)

When a dog is 7 or 8 months old, it should have all of its permanent teeth—a total of 42 adult teeth.

How Long Do Puppies Teethe?

Teething is a months-long process. It starts when puppies are around 2 weeks old, and their first baby teeth begin to come in, and the process usually ends at about 8 months of age when all the adult teeth have fully erupted.

During this time, puppies need to chew on appropriate items to relieve the discomfort associated with teething.

Chewing during a puppy’s teething period is also a way to explore their environment and relieve boredom.

How to Care for a Teething Puppy

If your puppy is still engaging in everyday activities like eating, drinking, socializing, grooming, and exploring, then discomfort isn’t really a problem.

If they aren’t doing some of these things and the pain or discomfort affects their quality of life, your puppy may need to see the vet.

There is little for the owners to do during the transition. The best thing is for you to supply good, safe chews so the dog can teethe on appropriate items.

Look for soft and flexible puppy teething toys that bend easily in your hand. If it is too hard to bend, flex or break, it is too hard to give to your puppy.

What to Do When a Puppy Starts Losing Teeth

We recommend letting the baby’s teeth fall out on their own and advise against trying to pull loose teeth out.

The teeth have very long roots; pulling a tooth can break a root, leaving part of it behind and leading to an infection.

However, something needs to be done in retained deciduous teeth, where the permanent tooth is coming up in the same space that a baby tooth is still occupying.

If the baby tooth remains in place while the adult tooth is coming in, this causes a disruption in the location of the adult tooth, causing an occlusion problem (a bad bite).

There is also a risk for periodontal disease, which occurs very quickly when crowding.

When a retained deciduous tooth is present, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to remove the baby tooth.

How to Take Care of Puppy Teeth

We recommend getting your puppy used to you touching its mouth early on. Raise their lips and touch their gums and teeth in a slow, playful way.

This will make it easier for you to introduce a dental care regimen and recognize any oddities or problems with their teeth or mouths. It’ll also prime your pup for their veterinarian’s oral examinations.