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Grooming 101 for Non-Shedding Dog Breeds

Introduction:

Hey, fellow dog lovers! Dogs are the best, right? But did you know some dogs require more grooming than others to stay healthy and clean? These are the non-shedding dog breeds, and they’re becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. So let’s look at how to care for these furry friends correctly!

What are Non-Shedding Dog Breeds?

Non-shedding dog breeds don’t lose their hair like most dogs. Instead, their hair grows continuously and needs regular grooming to stay healthy and prevent matting. Popular non-shedding breeds include Poodles, Bichon Frises, Yorkshire Terriers, and Shih Tzus.

Importance of Proper Grooming for Non-Shedding Dog Breeds

Proper grooming for dog breeds that don’t shed is essential. Regular grooming keeps your dog’s coat healthy, prevents tangles and matting, and can help you spot potential health issues.

Understanding Your Dog’s Coat:

Pet parents! Understanding your non-shedding dog’s coat is crucial for proper grooming. They can have curly, wavy, or straight coats, so knowing their coat type is essential for good care.

Types of Non-Shedding Dog Coats:

Dog coats come in two main types: hair and fur. Hair coats like those of Poodles need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Like Bichon Frises, fur coats are shorter and denser but require regular care to stay healthy and clean.

Coat Characteristics to Consider When Grooming:

Consider your dog’s coat characteristics when grooming. Is it long, short, thick, or thin? The length and thickness can affect the frequency and tools needed for grooming.

Tools Required for Grooming Non-Shedding Dog Breeds:

To groom your non-shedding furry friend, you’ll need essential tools like a slicker brush, a pin brush, a comb, and scissors. Depending on your dog’s coat, you may also need a detangling spray or conditioner. Using the right tools can make grooming a breeze and keep your pup’s coat looking great.

Bathing Your Non-Shedding Dog:

Keep your dog’s coat healthy and clean by bathing them every 4-6 weeks with gentle dog shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a towel or low-heat hair dryer. Don’t over-bathe, as it can strip natural oils from their coat.

Brushing Your Non-Shedding Dog’s Coat:

Brushing your non-shedding pup’s coat is crucial to keep it healthy and shiny. Use a slicker or pin brush 2-3 times a week, brushing in the direction of hair growth to avoid tangles. For stubborn mats, use a detangling spray.

Trimming and Clipping Your Non-Shedding Dog’s Coat

Regular trimming and clipping are important for maintaining your dog’s coat. Consider a puppy cut, teddy bear cut, or lion cut every 4-8 weeks to keep their coat well-groomed. Use clippers, scissors, and a comb for the job. Start with small cuts and work your way up to ensure a successful haircut. Your pup will love the results!

Nail Care for Non-Shedding Dogs

Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important for their health and comfort. Use clippers or a grinder every 4-6 weeks, and remember to be gentle and offer treats for positive reinforcement.

Ear Care for Non-Shedding Dogs

Ear care is important to prevent infection and discomfort in dogs. Look out for signs of infection and use a cotton ball and ear cleaning solution to clean the outer ear flap and canal gently. Regular ear cleaning can keep your pup healthy and happy.

Teeth and Gum Care for Non-Shedding Dogs

Your dog’s dental care is just as important as your own. Regular teeth and gum care can prevent dental issues, such as bad breath or bleeding gums. Brush their teeth regularly using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, or try dental chews or water additives. With some TLC, your pup can have a healthy smile for years!

Eye Care for Non-Shedding Dogs

Regular eye care is essential for your dog’s wellbeing. Watch out for any signs of eye problems, and clean your pup’s eyes regularly with a gentle damp cloth. Show them some extra love with proper eye care, and help them see the world with clear and bright eyes.

Dealing with Shedding in Non-Shedding Dogs

The dogs may still shed a little, but there are ways to manage it. Regular grooming, a healthy diet, and supplements can help reduce shedding. So don’t worry. With some extra care, your non-shedding pup can still be an excellent choice for a low-shedding companion.

Professional Grooming for Non-Shedding Dogs

Taking your dog to a professional groomer is a great option to keep them looking their best. Consider a visit every 4-6 weeks, and be sure to ask questions about their experience and approach to handling dogs. Your pup can receive a bath, haircut, and nail trimming during a session. With the help of a professional groomer, your furry friend can be the envy of the dog park.

Grooming Your Non-Shedding Dog at Home

Grooming your dog at home can be a fun and money-saving experience. Gather the right tools, work patiently, and seek professional help. Keep your furry friend looking and feeling great!

Grooming Accessories for Non-Shedding Dogs

Choosing the right grooming accessories can greatly affect your dog’s health and appearance. Essential accessories include brushes, combs, nail clippers, and shampoo. Consider their specific coat type and grooming needs when selecting accessories.

Grooming and Your Dog’s Health

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking good, but it can also positively impact its overall health. Grooming can help prevent skin irritations, infections, and other health issues. You can seek prompt medical attention if needed by catching any issues early. You can help keep your dog healthy and happy with extra care and attention.

Conclusion

Regular grooming is crucial for the health and happiness of non-shedding dogs. Proper grooming can prevent health issues and ensure your pup looks and feels its best. Use the right tools, take your time, and offer lots of love and treats. Whether you groom at home or seek professional help, the key is showing your furry friend plenty of care and attention. You can keep your dog healthy and happy with some extra effort.

FAQs:

Do all non-shedding dog breeds require the same grooming? No, each breed has unique coat characteristics that require specific grooming.
How do I know which grooming tools are right for my dog? Consider their coat type and grooming needs, and consult a vet or groomer.
How often should I groom my non-shedding dog? Every 4-6 weeks, depending on their coat type and length.
Can I use human shampoo on my non-shedding dog? No, it can cause skin irritation and strip essential oils.
How can I prevent matting and tangles in my dog’s coat? Regular brushing and combing, and using a detangling spray if needed.
Should I always take my non-shedding dog to a professional groomer? It’s not necessary. You can groom them at home with the right tools and techniques.
Is it safe to trim my dog’s nails at home? Yes, as long as you use the proper technique and tools.

How to Teach Your Puppy to Walk on a Leash

Many people believe that dogs are born with the ability to walk on a leash, but this skill is acquired. It’s an essential skill to teach, and you’ll appreciate it whenever you take your dog for a walk.

Introduce the collar or harness and leash to your puppy. Allow your puppy to wear his collar and leash in the house for short periods while you play with him and give him treats. Because collar-leash time represents food and fun, your puppy should enjoy it.

Make a Cue

Introduce your puppy to a sound cue that indicates “food is on the way.” Some people like to click and treat, while others use words like “yes” or cluck their tongues. The method is the same regardless of which you use: Make the sound while your puppy is on a leash and collar in a quiet, distraction-free area. Reward your puppy with a treat when he turns toward you and looks at you. After a few repetitions, your puppy will look at you and come to you for the treat.

Bring Your Puppy to You

Back up a few paces while he’s on his way to you, still wearing the leash and collar, and then reward him when he arrives. Continue the progression until your puppy comes to you and walks a few paces with you after hearing the cue noise. Keep in mind that puppies have a short attention span, so keep your sessions brief and end them when your puppy is still eager to do more rather than when he is mentally exhausted.

Practice Indoors

Now that your puppy understands how to approach you take a few steps in a room with little distraction. Feeling and seeing the leash around him will be difficult enough. As your puppy becomes accustomed to coming to you while wearing a leash, reward him with treats and praise.

Take it Outside

Finally, you’re ready to test your puppy’s abilities in the great outdoors. This step will present new challenges because all of the sounds, smells, and sights your puppy encounters will be intriguing and novel to him. Be patient and take short walks at first. While on a walk, if your puppy appears to be about to lunge toward something or to become distracted (you’ll notice this because you’ll be keeping your eyes on him at all times), make your cue sound and move a few steps away. Then give him a treat for following you.

Troubleshooting with Leashes

Even if your puppy is learning to walk nicely on a leash, you’re bound to run into issues as he grows older, visits new places, and encounters new distractions. You should teach him loose-leash walking because it is more comfortable for both of you!

If your dog starts pulling in the opposite direction:

Transform yourself into “a tree.” Hold your breath and refuse to move until your dog returns to you. You should not yank or jerk the leash, and you should not drag your dog along with you. Alternative training tools for pulling dogs include front-hook harnesses and head halters.

If your dog lunges:

Be proactive if your dog is chasing something on a walk. Try to redirect your attention with a treat and increase the distance between your dog and the target. Stay alert and prepare as your dog’s target comes closer. This behavior is common in herding breeds, but any dog can be startled by something new.

If your dog barks at other dogs while out for a walk:

Some dogs have a habit of barking at other dogs while out for a walk, typically due to a lack of exercise. Ensure your dog receives the appropriate mental and physical stimulation for his age and breed. If this is still an issue, follow the same steps as if your dog was lunging, as described above: create distance and offer treats before he begins to bark so that every time he sees another dog, he becomes accustomed to turning his attention to you.

You’ll gradually reduce the number of treats and troubleshooting that your puppy requires during a walk, but it’s a good idea to keep some on hand at all times so you can reinforce good leash-walking behavior when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should a dog be able to walk on a leash?

Leash training a puppy at ten weeks is ideal, but you can begin as a few weeks after you get your puppy accustomed to their new home. Your puppy should be aware of when they need to go outside to urinate or defecate by this point.

How long does it take to leash train a dog?

Puppies are easy and can probably be fully leash-trained in a month, but dogs in the “teenage” stage or older usually require a more extended training period.

Which side should a dog walk on?

When it comes to which side the dog goes on, show and hunting dogs are trained to stay on their human’s left side, but it doesn’t matter for most dogs. However, experts recommend that you choose a side — left or right — and stick to it so that the dog doesn’t trip you going back and forth.

Is it OK to let your dog walk in front of you?

If your dog needs extra management and supervision during walks, he will do his best walking directly next to you at all times. In this case, the dog should be given time to explore either before or after the walk.

How to Stop Your Puppy from Biting

Puppies spend time playing, chewing, and investigating new things, using their mouths and needle-sharp teeth in all these activities. When puppies play with humans, they frequently bite, chew, and mouth on their hands, limbs, and clothing. This behavior may be endearing when your puppy is seven weeks old, but it’s not nearly as endearing when he’s three or four months old!

How to Handle Puppy Mouthing

It’s critical to teach your puppy to control his mouthy behavior. The ultimate goal is to train your puppy to stop biting and mouthing people. However, the first and most important goal is to teach him that people’s skin is susceptible, so he must be extremely gentle.

Teach Your Puppy to Be Gentle With Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition is a dog’s ability to control the force with which he bites. When a puppy or dog hasn’t learned bite inhibition with people, he doesn’t recognize the sensitivity of human skin and bites too hard, even when playing. Some behaviorists and trainers believe that if a dog has learned to use his mouth gently when interacting with people, he will be less likely to bite hard and break skin if he ever bites someone in a non-play situation, such as when he is afraid or in pain.

Bite inhibition is typically learned by puppies while playing with other puppies. When you watch a group of puppies play, you will notice a lot of chasing, pouncing, and wrestling. Puppies bite each other all over the place. A pup will occasionally bite his playmate too hard. The victim of the painful bite usually yelps and stops playing. The offender is often taken aback by the yelp and temporarily stops playing. However, both teammates are soon back in the game. Puppies learn to control the intensity of their bites through this type of interaction so that no one gets hurt and the play can continue uninterrupted. If puppies can learn to be gentle with one another, they can also learn from people.

Allow your puppy to mouth on your hands when playing with him. Play with him until he bites hard. When he does, give a high-pitched yelp and let your hand go limp as if you’re hurt. This yelp should startle your puppy and cause him to stop mouthing you for a few seconds. If yelping appears to have no effect, say “Too bad!” or “You blew it!” sternly instead.

Praise your puppy for coming to a halt or for licking you. Do whatever you did before; yelp loudly if your puppy bites you again. Within 15 minutes, repeat these steps no more than three times.

You can try a time-out procedure if you discover that yelping alone is ineffective. A time-out is a firm but effective discipline practice to train to your puppy. This entails you sending your puppy to their crate as this is a safe and familiar environment to calm them down. This confined space will allow your puppy to deescalate hyperactivity and undesirable behaviors. This should not be seen as a punishment, but as a means to calm the situation. Time-outs should not be longer than a minute in most cases.

An effective time-out routine is effective in reducing puppy-mouthing. For example, yelp loudly when your puppy delivers a hard bite. Then, when he becomes startled and turns to look at you or around, take your hand away. If he starts mouthing at you again, either ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds or get up and move away for 10 to 20 seconds.

Return to your puppy after the brief time-out and encourage him to play with you again. It’s critical to teach him that gentle play continues while painful play ends. Play with your puppy until he starts biting again. When he does, repeat the preceding steps. You can relax your rules when your puppy no longer delivers really hard bites. Make your puppy even more gentle in response to moderately hard bites, yelp, and pause play. Continue yelping, ignoring your puppy, or giving him a time-out for his hardest bites. Repeat for his next-hardest bites, and so on, until your puppy can play with your hands very gently, controlling the force of his mouthing so that you feel little or no pressure at all.

Next, teach your puppy that teeth do not belong on human skin:

When your puppy tries to gnaw on your fingers or toes, replace it with a toy or chew bone.

When puppies are stroked, patted, or scratched, they frequently mouth on their owners’ hands (unless they are sleepy or distracted). If your puppy becomes agitated when you pet him, divert his attention by feeding him small treats with your other hand, and this will assist your puppy in becoming accustomed to being touched without mouthing.

Encourage non contact games like fetch and tug-of-war over wrestling and rough play with your hands. Once your puppy can safely play tug, keep tug toys in your pocket or easily accessible. If he starts mouthing you, redirect him to the tug toy immediately. He should start anticipating and looking for a toy when he feels like mouthing.

Carry his favorite tug toy in your pocket if your puppy bites at your feet and ankles. Stop moving your feet as soon as he ambushes you. Take out the tug toy and wave it around. Start moving again when your puppy grabs the toy. If you don’t have the toy, simply freeze and wait for your puppy to stop mouthing you. When he comes to a complete stop, praise him and get a toy to reward him. Repeat these steps until your puppy becomes accustomed to watching you move around without chasing your feet or ankles.

Give your puppy new and exciting toys to play with, so he doesn’t gnaw on you or your clothing.

Give your puppy plenty of opportunities to play with other puppies and friendly, vaccinated adult dogs. Playing and socializing with other puppies is vital for your puppy’s development, and if he spends a lot of his energy doing so, he’ll be less motivated to play rough with you.

Use a time-out procedure similar to the one described above, but modify the rules slightly. Instead of giving your puppy time-outs for hard biting, start giving him time-outs whenever his teeth come into contact with your skin.

Give a high-pitched yelp the moment your puppy’s teeth touch you. Then walk away from him immediately. For 30 to 60 seconds, ignore him. Leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds if your puppy follows you or continues to bite and nip at you. Make sure the room has been “puppy-proofed” before leaving your puppy alone. Don’t leave him in an area with items that he could destroy or harm him. Return to the room and calmly resume whatever you were doing with your puppy after the brief time-out.

Alternatively, you can attach a leash to your puppy during time-out training and let it dangle on the floor while you supervise him. When your puppy mouths you, instead of leaving the room, you can take his leash and lead him to a quiet area, tether him, and turn your back on him for a brief time-out. Then untie him and go back to what you were doing.

Consider using a taste deterrent if a time-out isn’t feasible or practical. Before you begin interacting with your puppy, spray areas of your body and clothing he likes to mouth. Stop moving and wait for him to react to the bad taste of the deterrent if he mouths you or your clothing. When he lets go of you, lavishly praise him. Apply the bad taste to your body and clothes for at least two weeks. Your puppy will most likely learn to inhibit his mouthy behavior after two weeks of being deterred by the bitter taste every time he mouths you.

Be understanding and patient. Playful mouthing is a typical puppy or young dog behavior.

Precautions for Everyone

To entice your puppy to play, avoid waving your fingers or toes in his face or slapping the sides of his face. These actions may encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet.

In general, do not discourage your puppy from playing with you. Play strengthens the bond between a dog and his human family. Teach your puppy it’s better to play gently than not at all.

When your puppy mouths, avoid jerking your hands or feet away from him, as this will entice him to charge forward and grab you. Letting your hands or feet go limp is far more effective, making them uninteresting targets for your puppy.

Slapping or hitting puppies for playing with their mouths can make them bite harder, and they usually respond by becoming more aggressive. Physical punishment can also make your puppy fearful of you, leading to actual aggression. Avoid whacking your puppy on the nose, sticking your fingers down his throat, and other punishments that could hurt or scare him.

When Does Mouthing Turn Into Aggression? The majority of puppy-mouthing is normal behavior. Some puppies, however, bite out of fear or frustration, and this type of biting can indicate future aggression issues.

“Temper Tantrums” in a Puppy

Puppy temper tantrums are common. Tantrums usually occur when you force a puppy to do something he dislikes. Something as simple as holding your puppy still or handling his body may irritate him. Tantrums can also occur when play becomes too intense.

A puppy temper tantrum is more severe than playful mouthing, but distinguishing between the two can be difficult. A playful puppy will usually have a relaxed body and face. His muzzle may be wrinkled, but you won’t notice much tension in his facial muscles. If your puppy has a temper tantrum, his body may appear stiff or frozen. He might growl or pull his lips back to expose his teeth. In these cases, his bites are almost always much more painful than usual mouthing during play.

Avoid yelping like you’re hurt if you’re holding or handling your puppy and he starts throwing a temper tantrum. Yelping may cause your puppy’s aggressive behavior to continue or worsen. Instead, remain calm and emotionless. Don’t hurt your puppy, but keep him firmly held without constriction, if possible, until he stops struggling. Allow him to go after he has calmed down for a second or two. Biting in frustration is not something a puppy will grow out of, so your puppy’s behavior should be evaluated and resolved as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a puppy stop biting?

The most important thing to remember is that for the vast majority of puppies, mouthing or play biting is a phase that they will typically outgrow between three and five months.

What should you say to your puppy to get him to stop biting?

If your puppy begins to bite you, say “no” quickly and replace yourself with the tug toy/chew toy. When your dog engages with the toy, say “yes” and lavish him with praise. Teaching your dog to tug is an excellent way to prevent puppy biting.

What’s the deal with your puppy biting so much?

Puppies use their teeth during play and exploration. It’s how they learn about the world, just like human babies, and it’s crucial to their socialization. Puppies will chew on anything and everything while teething.

When you pet your puppy, why does he bite you?

Puppies use their mouths to play with one another. As a result, puppies frequently bite or “mouth” hands while playing or being petted, which is rarely aggressive behavior with the intent to harm.

Tips for Potty Training Your New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy home presents new challenges of teaching where and when to use the restroom. Until the pups are old enough to follow their mother outside to relieve themselves, mother dogs keep the den area clean of urine and feces. Because this is a natural part of a dog’s early training, you can teach the basics of potty training to a puppy as young as two months old and have success!

Here are a few tips to consider during the first week of potty training:

Plan ahead of time

Your dog requires consistency throughout their house training, so you or someone who is committed to the process should always be present. Make a plan for where you will take your dog to relieve themself. If an outdoor area is not easily accessible from the house, they will become distracted on their way to the potty spot. If you live in an apartment and want your dog to use training pads, choose a surface such as tile where any misses will not damage the flooring. Invest in cleaning products that will remove odors if an accident occurs so that they are aware not to return to the same location. Never leave your puppy unattended for long periods of time. Create a schedule; reinforce crate training to potty training so they always feel confident when they have to go.

It’s time to go potty.

Set an alarm every 2 hours for the first part of the day for potty training. Take them to their potty spot, point to it, and tell them to go. Use the same command and gesture every time, so they know what to expect. Praise them when they produce results or encourage good behavior with a treat. Time your outings so that you take them out five to thirty minutes after eating or drinking a substantial amount of water. Take them out the last thing before bedtime. When your puppy needs to go out at night, he will whine or move around restlessly. Be sure to be attentive to their call. They won’t be able to hold their potty all night, so be prepared to take the dog out if they cry in the middle of the night. Reward your puppy for pottying outside and they’ll be back in the playpen ready to sleep in no time.

Look for the Signs

By the end of the day, you will have a good idea of how long your pup can go without going to the potty. The rest of the week entails being consistent so that the routine becomes second nature by the end of seven days. When your dog is with you, keep an eye out for signs that he needs to relieve themself. Actions such as whining, circling, or pacing are good indicators. Other than leaving the room or going over to a corner, some puppies give little indication that they need to relieve themselves. Keeping the pup in a confined space, such as a crate or play pen, usually results in whining or a sharp bark once the pup realizes you’ll respond by taking them outside to their favorite spot.

When Mishaps Occur

They would have enough control of their bodily functions by six months to adjust gradually to longer periods. The more frequently the dog needs to relieve themself, the younger he is. Don’t yell, poke their nose, or swat at them if there is an accident between outings. Creating negative associations can cause them to become confused and hide bodily waste around the house. If you notice squatting while you’re watching, firmly say “no” and hurry them to an outside spot. To help reduce odors, clean up immediately after each accident with an enzymatic cleaner.

Reinforce good behavior with lots of praise and treats, but don’t punish the puppy for misbehaving. Once the puppy has had an accident and moved on, they will not understand the reason behind the punishment- this is an ineffective training method.

Our utmost responsibility to both puppy and new puppy parents at Furry Babies is that you go home prepared to care for the new life you bring into your family and potty training is no exception. We walk with you through the fundamentals of housebreaking and are always available to assist with any issues or questions about training. We want to ensure everyone has a positive experience with their new puppy!

Fun Games to Play with Your Puppy

Having a good selection of puppy games on hand is a lifesaver for those times when all your little one wants to do is play, play, play! While having a variety of the best puppy toys on hand will go down well with your puppy, it’s also nice to mix things up and add some variety to your dog’s day.

One of the most important things for a pet parent is learning to play with their puppy. Playtime is essential because it gives your growing dog the physical and mental stimulation it needs to be happy and healthy.

Playing with your puppy daily is fun for them, but it also burns calories, makes them stronger and more resilient, and sharpens their young minds. Playtime is also a great way to keep your puppy entertained and out of mischief.

But what games should you play? We’ve compiled a list of our favorite puppy games. Let the games begin!

The Name Game

Your puppy’s name will be one of the first things they must learn. That may seem simple enough, but learning generalized behaviors is difficult for young puppies. In this case, “generalized behavior” refers to your puppy responding to his name in the same way at home or at a dog park with you. In general, you want your puppy’s behaviors to be generalizable. You don’t want him jumping up on your guests at home, and you certainly don’t want him jumping on strangers at the park. He should never “jump up,” no matter where he goes.

However, where puppies learn to do or not do certain behaviors can become associated with where they learn the rule. When you call your puppy’s name at home, for example, he will readily respond, but when you go to the park, he will ignore you.

This is why we recommend you make it a habit to play the name game with your puppy. Start slow and warm up to your puppy. Make this an experience to remember. Use your puppy’s kibble during feeding. Sit on the ground with the puppy and say their name. When they look at you, give them a piece of their kibble. This makes dinner time fun and filled with training. Play the same name game outside on walks. Don’t forget the treats! Call your puppy’s name and give them a treat the second they look at you and continue that throughout your walk. These sweet experiences will bring a closer bond between you and your puppy.

The Shadow Game

Nothing beats taking your dog for an off-leash walk on a hike or in a dog park. This is a great long-term goal to work toward, and if you start now while your puppy is young, you have a good chance of having an obedient dog who will heel when necessary later in life. The key is to teach your puppy the rules and benefits of walking next to you when he is off-leash. The best way to do this is to reward him with the shadow game.

Begin at home in a quiet area with your puppy on a leash. Prepare some treats to reward him and begin walking around in any direction. Give your puppy a treat whenever he catches up to you. If your puppy gets ahead, turn around and throw a treat on the ground. Walk ahead a few paces while your puppy eats the treat, but be prepared for him to catch up to you and give you another treat when he does. Go forward, backward, sideways, fast, slow, and in any direction you want. Your puppy should be following you like a shadow the entire time.

If you play this game at home regularly, you will eventually be able to remove your puppy’s leash and see how he does. You will notice they would show more interest in following you like a shadow than sprinting away, but this will take time, so be patient. As they get more comfortable, they will also gain a greater deal of self-control. It’s now time to enjoy the outdoors. Be aware, when you try it in public the dog must be on leash so you set them up for success. There are many distractions outdoors and safety always comes first.

Play Hide and Seek

Hide and seek is a fun game for your puppy that allows him to practice using his senses of smell, hearing, and logic to find you. This could come in handy if you get separated on a hike later in life.

We recommend starting the game inside first, then moving it outside if you have a large backyard with hiding places. You’ll eventually be able to play this game in a larger outdoor area, but you may find that the interior of your home offers the best hiding spots.

Make sure to have treats on hand for the first game. When you start walking away from your puppy to hide, keep your puppy in sight and don’t go too far. If you “hide” the first time, it’s clear where you are. You can hide once he understands the game by going to a different floor of your house and tucking yourself out of sight.

Having a friend “play” with your puppy can be beneficial while you hide. Call your puppy when you’re out of sight, and reward him when he finds you. When your dog understands the game’s concept, expand the hiding places to include the entire family so he can find each of you individually.

We wish you a wonderful new year bonding with your pet!

Are you interested in learning more about Furry Babies? Our staff of puppy experts can help you find the right puppy breed. Click here to view our available puppies.

What You Should Know Before Purchasing Your First Puppy

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!

Puppy Teeth Stages, What You Should Know

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.