Don’t forget to close the fence gate!

The famous last words of thousands of American parents who have children and own a puppy. And although the gate is closed 99/100 times, the one time it is left open, their fur-ever friend makes a run for a new taste of freedom, and out he goes!

Colored flyers posted on every utility pole in the neighborhood go up with the words “Missing Puppy” and his picture printed on them. A few social media posts also are submitted regarding your pup, and the waiting game begins. Each day of waiting feels more like a month, and you really are not sure if your buddy will make it home safely. If only there was an easier way to find your pup…

Well, now there is.

Thousands of American households who own a puppy have bought a puppy GPS tracker. Generally, these tracking systems are very small and attach to your pup’s collar. Whether you have a little Shih Poo or a standard-sized Poodle, the tracker’s tiny size and weight do not pose an issue.

Some of these trackers are so advanced in technology that the moment your pup steps foot (paw actually) off of your property, his owner receives an immediate notification on his phone. With a real-time tracking location updated on his owner’s phone, the family begins to close-in on their pup’s location in a matter of minutes. It’s like a game of cat and mouse, but with a dog and his family.

Interestingly, technology like this is not as expensive as one would think. For about $200.00, a puppy owner can purchase one. Throughout a puppy’s average lifespan, this breaks down to about $15.00 a year. Not bad for the peace of mind it will provide you and your family. Most of these trackers also require a basic monthly subscription, which runs about $10.00-$15.00 a month. Considering the amount of time and grief it will save you, it is well worth the cost.

The majority of the GPS locators are waterproof and are made to withstand weather elements. They also tend to come with a rechargeable battery as well, which lasts for several days at a time.

Man’s best friend is undoubtedly a fascinating creature. We know that they are loyal, loving, playful, and protective of their families. 

But did you know……?

Dogs have three eyelids? It is true! Their third eyelid is called a “haw” and is used to protect their eyes and keep them moist. 

In 1990 a blind man named Bill Irwin, with his fur-ever friend’s assistance, hiked the Appalachian Trail. 

Although many believe the Poodle originated in France, it actually was first bred in Germany. In fact, the word poodle is thought to derive from an old German word ‘pudeln,’ which translates as ‘to splash in water’. These pups were relied upon to help their hunter handlers retrieve water game.

The tallest dog on record was a Great Dane named Zeus. He stood just under four feet tall! 

Many dog breeds end in “doodle.” This is because the Poodle is used in more than sixty types of cross-breeding. The Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Sheepadoodle, and Bernedoodle are some of their top pups. 

Bloodhounds have such an incredible sense of smell that their tracking ability can actually be admitted as evidence in court. They can track someone for about 130 miles and up to more than twelve days after the person being tracked passed the area. 

Day at the beach? You may want to bring a Newfoundland. These pups are incredible swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet and water-resistant coats. They were first bred to serve fishermen and to help save people from drowning. 

Lightning-fast! When we think of fast animals, the first thought that comes into mind is the Cheetah. Did you know that a Greyhound could outpace a Cheetah in a long-distance run? Greyhounds are capable of maintaining speeds up to 35 mph for seven miles. 

Top of her class. Did you know the Poodle is considered to be the most intelligent dog in the world? In fact, most dog breeds are smart and have an estimated level of intelligence as a two to a three-year-old child has. 

The smallest pup in the world is Chihuahua, named Milly. She stands a full four inches tall and weighs about one pound! 

All dogs are amazing and make a great addition to a family. When you begin your search for your fur-ever friend, be sure to take the time to research and learn more about the breeds that interest you and speak to a puppy care specialist for advice. These specialists can be found in reputable puppy adoption store. 

Now that we understand what a designer dog is, we need to figure out which breeds make the best family pets. Below we will review a list of the most family-friendly designer dog breeds and go over some of their exceptional qualities.

The Aussiedoodle: A fine mix between a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Poodle, comes the Aussiedoodle. These pups enjoy playtime and are fantastic around children. They are incredibly loving and smart and make fantastic pets the entire family will love.

The Aussie Pom: The brilliant mix between a purebred standard, mini, or toy Australian Shepherd and a purebred Pomeranian is the Aussie Pom. These pups are bred to be companion dogs, and thanks to their manageable size and terrific temperament fit the role well. The Aussie Pom is a very popular dog breed that is a family favorite around the world.

The Bernedoodle: With a purebred Poodle and Bernese Mountain dog as parents, it’s no surprise that these puppies are amazing! The Bernedoodle is a very loyal, upbeat, playful, and energetic pup that loves his family. These dogs are not only good looking but very intelligent, thanks to their Poodle parent, who is ranked as the smartest dog breed in the world.

The Cavapoo: A cross between the adorable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the Poodle is the Cavapoo. Even its name is adorable! This pup is extremely friendly and loving and adores his family. They are great pups for families of all dynamics and easily adapt to their homes. What would one expect when you mix two of America’s favorite dogs?

The Labradoodle: This is a very affectionate and playful puppy who enjoys playing outside. They are even known to participate in pool time with their family! This breed is the result of a purebred Poodle parent and a purebred Labrador Retriever parent. The popularity of these pups continues to grow, especially with those who are not very tolerant to heavy shedding puppies. With a Poodle parent, shedding is not as common in this breed as it is in other breeds.

The Morkie: If you are looking for a genuinely adorable dog who is free-spirited, the Morkie should be on your wish list. With a purebred Maltese parent and a purebred Yorkshire Terrier parent, this pup will win your heart. These little pups have a lot of energy and enjoy activity time with their family.

The Goldendoodle: The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred Poodle. Like their Golden Retriever parent, Goldendoodles make excellent service and therapy dogs. They also tend to inherit the intelligence of their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles make an ideal fit for any family.

For those searching for a designer dog, consider beginning your search at a reputable puppy adoption store. Check the store’s available puppies page and speak to their puppy care specialists who can guide you in the right direction. Designer dogs make great pets, and with so many to choose from, you are sure to find the right one for you.

Designer dogs, also referred to as hybrid dogs, are the results of controlled cross-breeding which takes place between two purebred dogs.

First, let’s define what the term purebred dog means. A purebred dog is bred from members of a recognized dog breed, strain, or kind without a mixture of other blood over many generations.

For example, a purebred Poodle puppy has a purebred mother Poodle and a purebred father Poodle. A purebred Yorkshire Terrier puppy has a purebred mother Yorkshire Terrier and a purebred father Yorkshire Terrier. A purebred French Bulldog puppy has a purebred French Bulldog mother and purebred French Bulldog father. Make sense?

When breeding a designer pup, the purebred mother of one dog breed is matched with a purebred father from a different dog breed. For example, a purebred Poodle mother is paired with a purebred father Labrador Retriever.

People who are looking for certain qualities in a dog breed tend to adopt designer dogs. For instance, the beloved Labrador Retriever has many outstanding qualities. From its very warm and loving temperament to its quick-witted and loyal personality, the Labrador Retriever is an all-around great dog. One downside to this breed, however, is that it tends to shed a lot. By breeding the purebred Labrador Retriever with the purebred Poodle, the end result is a litter of puppies who retain the great personality of their parent Labrador Retriever and the no to low shedding qualities of their Poodle parent. The puppy was “designed,” so to speak.

This type of dog breeding is very popular and produces very healthy and well-rounded puppies. The puppies generally inherit the best traits of their parents, which vary from breed to breed. Currently, there are more than five hundred dog breeds considered to be “designer” breeds. With all of these breeds to choose from, which breed is best for you and your family?

In part two of this blog, we will explore the top designer dog breeds that have become very popular in the US and review some of their best traits.

It’s a part of adopting a puppy… 

There’s nothing like walking through your living room and stepping on a wet spot. Before you get annoyed, know that all puppies do this. It is a stage that, with proper training and patience, will pass. 

Most puppies do not have full bladder control until their six-month mark. They are growing and learning. This does not mean that they will pee in your home every day for six months, but do expect accident mishaps within that time frame.

Here are some tips and tricks in helping to get your puppy properly potty trained and what to do after an accident takes place. 

Get Into A Routine 

Develop a routine and consistent potty schedule for your puppy. The schedule should begin first thing in the morning when he wakes. Open the door and encourage him to go outside and do his business. After each meal, your pup should also be allowed outside to do what he has to do. An evening potty session before bed is also a great established time for this. This does not mean that other times of the day are not needed, but three to four sets of times are a solid schedule foundation. 

Proper Cleanup 

After an accident takes place, deodorize the contaminated area and areas around it. Cleaning a several foot span around the area will help eliminate any spots that may have been affected. Remember, pups tend to “re-peet” on areas that they marked as their own. By removing the scents, they are less likely to consider that particular area theirs. Shop for special cleaning products that break down proteins in urine and neutralize odor for cleanup. These tend to work the best in the sanitizing process. 

Good Job!

When your fur-legged friend does pee outside, be sure to vocally praise him with an excited and happy voice! Your pup knows the difference between happy and unhappy, and by using positive reinforcement techniques, training will progress quickly. When your pup does have an accident inside, never yell at him or use any physical means of training. A stern face and a lower toned voice will help him understand that he should not have peed inside. Remember, he’s just a baby and is still learning. Be patient! 

Don’t Confuse Him

Avoid pee pads. Think about think. You are telling your puppy not to pee inside, right? Yet, you are enabling and encouraging him to use a pee pad and pee inside. This can confuse your puppy. If possible, always allow him to do his business outside in nature. Besides causing confusion, you are spending money on a product that is not necessary. Use that money and buy your pup a new toy after he completes his potty training. 

Your Pup Is Happy When You Are Happy

Never forget, your puppy wants to make you happy. He loves you as much as you love him. Treat him with kindness, love, and be patient. This stage is only temporary, and easier potty days are ahead. When you are happy, your puppy is happy! 

Don’t Hesitate To Contact Your Stores’ Puppy Care Specilist

Reputable puppy adoption stores have a team of trained and knowledgeable puppy care specialists. These staff members know a lot about puppies and are happy to help you. Never hesitate to contact them with any questions or concerns. They are professionals and can offer very good information which can be of great value.

Finding the right doggy daycare is important. Most puppy owners consider their pups one of their children and will not settle for anything but the best for them. Doggy daycare is a fantastic option for puppy owners who may not be home for extended periods of time during the day. It will allow for their pups to socialize with other dogs and people and will help to prevent puppy separation anxiety.  

Here are some tips to consider during your doggy daycare search. 

Take A Tour Of The Daycare

Take a physical tour of the facility before committing. Do not rely merely on pictures and videos from their website. Any daycare can post positive looking pictures of their facility. The last thing you want to do is drop your puppy off on his first day of daycare and observe things that concern you. Most if not all doggy daycares offer tours and will allow your pup to take the tour with you. 

During the tour, inspect areas of the facility for safety, cleanliness, and adequate amounts of staff. Things such as properly secured fencing in outdoor play areas are very important.

Who Plays Together?

Inquire with staff as to how they separate the dogs. Many will separate dogs based on size, temperament, and play style. Pups such as a Mini Goldendoodle, who enjoy a more physical style of play, will generally do better together with other pups like Mini Labradoodles. More reserved pups like a Shih Pooh may have more of an enjoyable experience with other similar pups, such as a Maltipom. 

Free-For-All Or Focused Routine?

Does the facility have guided play and an actual activity routine? This is important because it will help to ensure your puppy is getting quality one on one attention. Often this type of routine is useful for pups who are in the early phases of training. Having an activity routine that is monitored by staff will help to correct many unfavorable habits that your puppy may have. 

Snacks And Treats

What types of treats are being fed to your pup? Are the treats given as “snacks,” or are they offered as an award for playing nice and following commands? A positive reward-based treat will help your puppy understand that his good behavior did not go unnoticed. He will have earned it and want to earn more. This will help to build confidence within him and learn right from wrong. 

Licensed And Insured Are A Must

Is the facility properly licensed and insured? This is very important for many reasons. Licensed facilities must meet set health and safety standards. These standards are in place for the health and wellbeing of your puppy. You certainly would not send your child to a daycare that did not have the highest standards. The facility’s insurance is also important should something unexpected occur while your pup is in their care. 

Read, Research, And Ask Questions! 

Take the time to read online reviews before touring the facility. Although reading the favorable reviews is good peace of mind, the negative reviews will help prepare you to look for any noted unfavorable conditions. Don’t hesitate to have staff at the facility explain any of the negative reviews you read. If there was merit to the negative review, were any steps taken by the facility to correct the issue? 

Take Your Time In Your Selection Process

Taking the time to find the right doggy daycare will provide your puppy with a lot of happiness and joy. It will also allow you to know that your fur-ever friend is in good hands. Your puppy is a part of your family and deserves the best. 

They will fight like cats and dogs…

How many times have you heard that expression? Although some animal breeds instinctively may not get along, believe it or not, most cats and dogs get along just fine and at times are even inseparable!

If you have a cat and are considering adding a puppy to your household, there are certain breeds that do very well together. Cats can be finicky and become anxious around other animals. However, with proper introduction and by finding a dog breed with the right temperament and personality, this can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship!

Below is a list of puppy breeds that generally tend to coincide peacefully with cats.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This breed is a gentle, sweet, and loving small pup. They enjoy calm playing and are not known to be at all aggressive. They also do not bark in excess, which will prevent your cat from being startled, alarmed, annoyed, or overly excited. These pups like to snuggle with their owners (and other pets) and make a great fit in multi-pet households.

The French “Frenchie” Bulldog: A mellow, lowkey, and non-aggressive puppy with a high tolerance level. This breed is not disturbed easily and enjoys socializing with other animals. Since they are not high strung, they tend to do well with cats, who are generally independent and calm animals. They are stocky and robust pups but do not grow into giant dogs who may be overly playful with your cat.

The Pug: One of the oldest dog breeds, the Pug, over time, has grown to love mankind and animal kind. Although this adorable and playful breed of pup can be a little mischievous at times, he is generally a calm and pleasurable puppy to be around. He will keep your cat on his toes but in a loving sibling way. Don’t be surprised if you find your cat and Pug napping together on the couch.

The Maltese: A beautiful and peaceful breed who enjoys her family and other pets. We often think that the pup will be the “alpha dog” in a dog and cat relationship, but in this case, your kitty will run the show when it comes to playing! Known to fit in well with cats and other family pets, the Maltese is a puppy that needs to be considered. Her pleasant personality and gentle temperament will make a great fit in any multi-pet household.

The Boston Terrier: A great combination between an English Bulldog and a White English Terrier, comes the ever-adorable Boston Terrier. This pup loves to play and is known to be very tolerant of children and other pets. They also enjoy quiet time and will have no problem curling up next to your cat for a nap. They have excellent temperaments and tend to fit in well with households of all dynamics.

Before bringing home your fur-ever friend, request a meeting with a puppy care specialist. They will be able to provide you with even more quality information about which breeds they know are also great with cats and other pets. Another good source is to check a reputable puppy adoption store’s website for customer experiences, stories, and reviews written by cat owners who recently adopted a puppy.

It is estimated that ten percent of all people have a dog allergy of some sort. These allergies can cause a runny nose, coughing, and or watery eyes. Many people believe the solution for this is to simply adopt a “hypoallergenic” dog.

A hypoallergenic dog simply means the dog is “less likely” to cause an allergic reaction. If you suffer from a dog allergy, it is important to research which breeds are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction for you. 

While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, it is possible to find pups that are considered to be less-allergenic for allergy sufferers. Typically, these dogs have a non-shedding and very predictable coat that produces lower amounts of dander. Dander, which clings to your puppy’s hair, is what causes most pet allergies in people. 

Let us go over a few breeds that have hypoallergenic qualities and tend to be a good fit for those who suffer from dog allergies. Although many breeds hold this status, the list below is a combination of pups who are good for allergy sufferers and who also have a great temperament and are family-friendly. 

Portuguese Water Dog 

 A very fun, loving, and athletic breed of dog, the Portuguese Water Dog is great for active families. These pups do best with families that enjoy lots of playtime and physical activity. They will also bond quickly with children and have a great temperament. Their coats do have hypoallergenic qualities which make a good fit for those who suffer from dog allergies. 

The Poodle

Coming in three sizes, the Poodle not only makes an excellent pet for those who suffer from dog allergies but a great fit for households of all dynamics. Between their friendly and loving personality to their love for learning new tricks, the Poodle is a fantastic pup! Considered the smartest breed of dog in the world, the Poodle is sure to provide years of entertainment and enjoyment for you and your family. 

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an all-around fantastic puppy. These pups do well with families and are known to have very mild temperaments and friendly personalities. A big plus with this breed is that they don’t shed! This pup’s fur continually grows, which prevents clumps of it from dropping throughout your home. 

The Maltese

Maltese pups have been very popular in the US, especially for those who suffer from dog allergies. Their coats do have hypoallergenic qualities, which allows those with allergies to adopt them without many issues. Besides their coat qualities, these pups have a friendly and playful demeanor and make great family pets. 

The first step in your search for your puppy should be contacting a reputable puppy adoption store. A reputable store will stand behind their puppies and offer a solid health guarantee. This indicates that the store knows their puppies are healthy and have been well taken care of since birth. They also tend to provide their customers with professional puppy care specialists who can be contacted should you have any questions or concerns. There is a big difference between a “store employee” and a puppy care specialist. Buying your puppy should be an exciting and happy experience, and patronizing a quality puppy adoption store will help to assure you find the puppy of your dreams. 

Playing fetch, going for walks, and chuckling while new tricks are mastered are all reasons why we love our puppies. Undoubtedly though, the most enjoyable activity with a puppy is good old fashioned snuggle time! What beats the feeling of your fur-ever friend curled up next to you relaxing after a long day? Their love and affection are like no other.

If you are seeking a puppy that loves to snuggle and be a tremendous companion, here are three of America’s top-rated snuggle breeds.

The first breed on our list is the Cavalier King Charles. These pups are absolutely adorable, soft, and loving. They make it a point to rest their little face on your chest and look in your eyes as they rest. These pups have a very warm and loving temperament and will be waiting at the door for you when you get home. They are also the perfect size pup for couch snuggling!

Coming in a close second is the adored French Bulldog. These stocky and cute puppies love three things. A good meal, a warm blanket, and a loving owner who loves to snuggle. Frenchies are not overly energetic pups, and much prefer spending one on one movie and couch time with their owners. They are a low shedding pup, which is great for people who suffer from allergies. They make an ideal pet for people who are seeking a true best friend and who love to take naps!

And finally, the loyal Bichon Frise. This breed of puppies are not only lovable but have funny personalities and love to make you laugh. Their soft and fluffy fur feels great to pet while their warm bodies snuggle up to you. They adapt well to their environments and are equally happy in a custom home or apartment. Their temperament is very stable, which is why families with children also seek out this breed. The Bichon Frise is sure to be a companion who will provide years of love and happiness.

When shopping for a “snuggle pup,” consider puppy adoption stores that offer these specific breeds. Speak with the store’s puppy care specialists to learn more about them.

Cleanup In Aisle Living Room 

Puppies will have accidents. There is no way around it. The key is being patient, loving, and consistent with your puppy while he learns and grows. 

Puppy accidents can damage your carpet and flooring when not cleaned up quickly and correctly. The most important aspect of cleaning up a puppy accident is to remove the scent. Puppies tend to urinate on areas that they already marked as their own. When cleaning an area, start by blotting any liquid, followed by rinsing the area with warm water and clean water. After the area is rinsed, apply an enzymatic-based cleaning solution to the area in question. Allow this cleaning agent to sit on the soiled area for ten to twenty minutes, followed by blotting the area thoroughly. This will help to remove odors and stains. 

Why Is My Puppy Licking And Scratching Himself So Much?

Should you find your puppy licking and or scratching himself very frequently or compulsively, he may have an allergy. A good indicator of this is if your pup has red skin or is missing fur from scratching so much. 

Some allergies are caused by fleas, their food, or the shampoo being used while bathing them. It is important to keep an eye out for this and make changes in the products as needed. It is also a good idea to speak to your veterinarian for his or her professional opinion on this should the behavior continue after making these changes. 

How To Introduce Your New Puppy To Other Household Pets

Your current pet has already established his territory. He is most likely calm and settled, and out of nowhere comes a pint-sized ball of energy. It is important to make sure your senior pup does not feel like he is being replaced or second in command. After all, his space is now being shared with a complete stranger who thinks he owns the place! 

Begin the introduction by not allowing your new pup to startle your senior dog. Under your control, allow your puppy to see and smell your current dog. Sometimes we get lucky, and the two act as if they have known each other for years and begin playing. Other times it can take a few weeks for the two to get comfortable with one another. When feeding your dogs, start by feeding your senior dog first. Teach your puppy the boundaries and allow your senior pup to get used to his new friend before allowing them to mingle unsupervised. 

Generally, most dogs will get along well after the initial introduction stage. The Maltese, Cavalier King Charles, French Bulldog, and the Bichon Frise tend to especially get along well with other dogs whether they are the new puppy in town or your current dog. 

As you can see, there is a lot to know when bringing home your new puppy. It is a learning process for you and him. Make this process one that will allow for you and your puppy to bond. This is a great time to show your puppy the love you have for him. Some days may not be easy and at times frustrating, but do know that your efforts today will pay off greatly tomorrow.