It’s no secret that dogs love to get dirty. They roll around in the mud, chase after bugs, and swim in every body of water they can find. While this is all part of a dog’s natural behavior, it can also lead to a lot of extra work for its parents.

Not only do you have to clean your dog yourself, but you also have to bathe them regularly and keep its coat looking nice and neat. This is where a professional dog groomer comes in handy. A professional dog groomer is an invaluable asset to any dog owner. The importance of grooming goes beyond your pup looking good, it’s also important for their health and well-being.

Here are ten reasons why you should always use a professional dog groomer:

Professional Groomers Have Knowledge and Experience

Working as a professional dog groomer requires extensive, specialized training. It takes years to perfect the skills necessary for this demanding profession, which can include: caring for pups with sensitive skin and coat types, bathing dogs of all shapes and sizes, clipping nails without causing injury or discomfort, trimming whiskers and ear hair in just the right way so that they’ll be more comfortable during grooming sessions in the future.

Professional groomers have the knowledge and experience to groom your dog safely and effectively. They know how to clip nails without causing injury, trim hair around ears and paws, and bathe dogs of all shapes and sizes. They also know how to deal with sensitive skin and coat types. This experience and knowledge are invaluable when it comes to taking care of your pet.

Groomers Can Spot Health Problems

Dogs aren’t always the best at letting us know when something is wrong. Often, problems with their health will not show up until they’re in a more severe stage. That’s why it’s so essential for your dog to see a professional groomer regularly – they can spot any potential health issues.

Professional dog groomers also have access to the best equipment and tools designed specifically for cleaning, conditioning, and maintaining a healthy coat. They know how to work with clipper blades of all shapes and sizes to achieve your pup’s desired look – whether that means short hair or long!

Professional Groomers Know What’s Best for Your Breed

Dog groomers are skilled professionals who have mastered their trade over time to provide you with the best service possible.

They know what type of coat your dog has and what kind of products to use to achieve the best result. Different dogs have different types of coats – some are short, some are long, some are thick, and some are thin.

There are also different types of haircuts for different breeds – a poodle needs an entirely different haircut than a Shih Tzu.  A professional dog groomer will know what kind of haircut is best for your breed and can give them the perfect cut every time.

Groomers Know How to Deal With Anxious Dogs and Calm Them Down During Grooming Sessions

Dogs can be anxious and stressed during grooming sessions, especially if they’re not used to it. Professional dog groomers know how to deal with anxious dogs and calm them down during the grooming process.

They have a lot of experience working with all types of dogs – from those who love being pampered to those who would rather hide under the bed! – and can help make your pup’s grooming experience as stress-free as possible.

If your dog is particularly anxious, your groomer knows exactly what to do to make them feel comfortable and relaxed.

A Groomer Will Provide Valuable Tips

A professional dog groomer has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to taking care of your pup. They can provide valuable tips and recommendations, from what type of food to feed your dog to how often you should brush their fur.

They can also help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having with your dog – whether that’s excessive shedding or dry skin. If you’re ever unsure about something, just ask your groomer!

So there you have it – five reasons why a professional dog groomer is so important. From their extensive knowledge and experience to their ability to spot health concerns, there are many benefits to using a professional dog groomer.

We hope this article has convinced you to give your local dog groomer a try! Your pup will thank you for it. 🙂

Dog obesity is a common issue among dogs three years and older. Just like us humans, obesity can be caused by various factors such as bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and illness. Taking proactive measures to control your dog’s weight is essential to avoid more serious problems like high cholesterol and heart attacks.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2008, an estimated 60% of dogs in the United States were diagnosed as overweight or obese. 

We interact with many pet parents daily, and most pet parents stumble on this one question: 

How do I know if my dog is obese?

The simplest way to know is by body weight. If your dog weighs about 10 – 20% over their ideal body weight, they are considered overweight. When they surpass the 20% mark, they are considered obese and at high risk. Although obesity is a common issue amongst dogs, it is certainly preventable.

Here are some tips on how to tackle dog obesity: 

Choose the Right Diet 

The first mistake dog owners make when choosing the wrong diet for their pets. They often opt for commercialized food brands with high protein and by-products without researching or speaking to a professional.

We recommend our clients do a little research based on their dog’s breed, age, and activity levels at home before choosing their diet. A large part of this is understanding your pet’s needs and basing a diet around that. 

A common mistake is misreading the food guidelines and overfeeding or underfeeding your dog. It is essential to follow the recommended food guidelines.

Ex: If a dog food brand specifies 1 cup, dog owners will give their dogs 1 cup each meal instead of one per day. So technically, they feed their dog twice the required amount. Ensure you read the food guidelines to know if the portion is per serving or the entire day.

Get Them Moving

Many pet parents fail to give their dogs an adequate amount of exercise. Each type of dog has a unique level of stamina and metabolism and requires different levels of activity. Either they get busy with life, don’t know how to exercise their pets, or lack the knowledge of how long to exercise them for.

These are some easy ways to get your dog moving:

• Daily walks twice a day 
• Playing fetch
• Take your dog to a park or on a jog
• Take them to dog daycare to get exercise throughout the day

If you live in a state with harsh winters, you can train your dog to run on a treadmill and get their daily exercise and reduce the chances of gaining extra weight.

Stop feeding your dog table scraps 

Feeding your dog table scraps is a sure-fire way to get them overweight. They will not be getting the proper nutrition they need. They will more likely overeat because of it, leading to obesity. Not to mention the trouble you will have to get your pup to start eating their dog food again.

Feed your dog food that is appropriate so you can avoid this problem from happening in the first place!

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dog nutrition. Feed your dog food that is appropriate so you can potentially avoid any health issues in the future.

Limit the number of treats you give to them 

You’re the best owner ever! You love your dog and want to give them as much love and treats, but limiting the number of treats you give your pup will help your dog stay healthy and lean for a long time.

Focusing less energy on food consumption means more time is spent doing what your dog loves – playing!

Talk to a vet about any other health issues that may be contributing to obesity

It’s important to talk with your veterinarian about any other health issues contributing to your dog’s obesity.

For example, suppose you have an overweight dog and has an underlying condition such as diabetes or arthritis. In that case, your pup will need different care than an obese pup without these conditions! 

Consult with your vet, so the two of you can come up with the best plan to help your dog.

The Wrap-Up

Reducing dog weight is not an easy task. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to achieve great results. The process requires a lot of dedication and good habits. Make sure you give the right food, cut back on fatty doggie treats, and make sure your pup gets plenty of exercises.

Choosing the right accessory for your pup can be overwhelming. There is an abundance of choices and options out there with very little guidance to choose the safest and the most appropriate collar for your pup. Although the collar is a generalized term, the type of collar required for each dog varies based on its breed, size, and weight.

Here is a starter guide to choosing the right collar for your dog. 

The Right Collar

A good starter collar would be a nylon buckle collar. Nylon collars are made of woven nylon material with an adjustable clasp, which makes for the most comfortable and affordable beginner collar for your puppy. It has a vast selection of colors and sizes to meet every puppy’s need.

Choosing The Right Fit

The collar should fit snug behind the ears and beneath the jaw. There should be enough space for a vertical index finger to go all around. 

When to Introduce a Collar

Ideally, a puppy should be introduced to a collar at about 10 weeks as this allows your puppy to experiment with the concept of a collar safely. Most puppies are curious and rebellious, therefore they are sure to give you some pushback. Initially, they may attempt to scratch themselves in an effort to relieve the collar which may cause an infection if the puppy does not have the appropriate vaccinations. However, by 10 weeks your pup should be up to date with their vaccinations which eliminates the risk. They may also try to chew their way to liberation, so it is important to always keep them under supervision for the first few weeks to avoid any choking hazards. 

Additionally, from 10 weeks to four months, if you’re introducing a collar for the first time, it is important to introduce the collar at small intervals and use positive reinforcement such as treats to make your puppy feel excited about wearing a collar. 

When Not to Use Collars

Though collars are a great tool, there are some breeds like a Pekingese, pug, bulldog, and even french bulldogs that are not the ideal candidates for a collar due to their weak necks and genetic breathing problems. For such breeds, we recommend a harness that offers more support and reduces strain on their fragile necks. 

If the puppy is over six months and is a heavy puller or chokes themselves like a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Husky, Pitbull, etc, then we recommend using a Martingale training collar or a Sprenger Prong collar with the supervision of a trainer or behaviorist.

If your puppy demonstrates signs of any behavior problems such as resource guarding or lack of socialization, we highly recommend the Mini Educator from E-Collar Technologies. This collar should only be used under the supervision of a trainer who is familiar with and is experienced in working with such advanced technology. 

We hope these tips help you with choosing the most appropriate collar for your dog. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to chat.

Picture this, you’ve decided to enroll your fur baby into a dog daycare. You’ve summed up all the benefits; your dog gets to have fun and play all day, they socialize with other dogs, and you no longer have to go home and clean up the mess they made while you were gone. It’s a WIN-WIN right? 

You do some online research, and now have a handful of options and have to make the tough decision on choosing the best daycare to take your little one. (Bummer)

Well here’s an eye-opener, this is the reality many dog parents go through. Maybe you’re in this current situation.

If so, here are the most important things to consider when choosing the best doggie daycare for your four-legged baby.

Safety

The most important factor to consider when picking the right dog daycare is the safety of your dog. It is super important to choose a facility that has invested in implementing safety protocols and legal requirements to ensure the well-being of your dog.

Failing to choose a secure space for your doggy’s daycare has several negative consequences like behavior issues, long-term mental damage, and in the worst-case scenario, death. 

Some safety measures followed should include an initial evaluation to check your dog’s temperament, require updated vaccination records, making sure all male dogs are neutered and minimizing the presence of female dogs during their heat cycle.…… By incorporating these practices, the facility fosters a healthy, and safe environment for your dog.

If you come across a facility that doesn’t prioritize these things, run for the hills!

Reviews 

In today’s world reviews are everything. They shed light on the positives and negatives across businesses in all industries. This is no different for doggie daycares. 

Take the time to research the doggy daycare by reading online reviews, asking current clients about their experience, and visiting the company website. 

Also, take a tour of the facility, ask questions, and inquire about a free trial to really give it the true test.

Most of all, understanding what your pet needs from daycare will allow you to make the best decision for your dog. 

Credibility/Experience

A well-established daycare will pledge to the experience and openly discuss the training requirements of their staff. 

Understanding the years of field experience and qualifications of the staff involved in the daily interactions with your dog is important. 

Knowing there is an experienced and trained professional to watch your dog and attend to its need, should there be a mishap will certainly put your mind at ease. 

Cleanliness

Hygiene is an invaluable factor in any doggy daycare. It is difficult to control accidents in a daycare setting but ensuring the facility uses the proper sanitization products and methods to eliminate odor and bacteria will create a pleasant environment for your dog. 

Furthermore, proper sanitation prevents your dog from contracting diseases such as Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, kennel cough, and many more.

Activities

A daycare should be structured with various activities to keep your dog active and engaged throughout the day. 

It is important to have a structured schedule for playtime, potty time, feeding time, and nap time to build proper behavior and routine. 

A doggie daycare should provide a multitude of unique ventures to keep playtime interesting and meet the needs of all dogs. 

Don’t know if you found a bad option?

Choosing the best doggie daycare is a daunting task. Here are some signs that you’ve probably found a bad option:

Reluctant to Give Tours

If a business is uncomfortable with giving a full tour of the facility, it should be a concern as they may have something to hide or don’t have their facility set up adequately.

Lack of Requirements for the Dogs

Businesses that are truly passionate about animals will place the safety as their highest priority through requesting vaccination records and completing pre-assessments to determine behavior with other dogs. 

If a doggy daycare advertises they accept all dogs, or have no pre-screening guidelines it is not the right place for your dog.

Bad Odor

Upon entering, if you are greeted with an unpleasant odor such as urine, bleach, and/or feces, it should be an immediate red flag. This indicates the facility has not been properly sanitized and certainly not pet-friendly. Such toxic odors can impact the health of your dog in the long run.

Staff to Dog Ratio

If a daycare seems over-crowded and or not adequately staffed to handle the volume of dogs, you should reconsider your options. 

The rule of thumb is one staff member for every 10 – 12 dogs. If a business is not following this approach, it illustrates the lack of safety and concern for your pet as this can lead to uncontrollable situations such as dog fights and serious injuries.

We hope these tips help in finding the right place to take your fur baby for the day. If you have a good tip that’s not listed, please comment it below to help your fellow day campers!

Tis the season for presents and love, and puppies certainly make it on Santa’s list.

Bringing home a new puppy can be exciting, but can also be intimidating for first-time pet owners. If you’ve made the decision to welcome a new family member and are nervous, DON’T BE! 

Look no further, we have put together our top tips for getting a new puppy and welcoming them home.

Decide Where to Get Your Puppy

Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to add a new member to the family, but you’re wondering where to get your puppy from. We recommend to either adopt from a shelter or to get your puppy from a reputable breeder. Each one has its pros and cons, so we summed up some things to consider with each option.

Adopting from a Shelter

Many dogs end up in shelters all over the world. They end up there for several reasons, but it doesn’t mean they deserve to stay there forever. In fact, most of the time, dogs end up at a shelter is not their fault. 

We recommend adopting a dog as your first option. You would be saving a life and might save some money in the process. Visit your local shelter to visit the dogs and ask questions about the adoption process.   

Buying from a breeder

Adopting a dog may not always be the best option, especially if you are looking for a specific breed. Welcoming home a new puppy allows you to start from the beginning, and train them according to your lifestyle. Here are some tips if you choose to get your puppy from a breeder:

Research Reputable Breeders

When buying from a breeder, you must do your research before you pick a breeder. Look at the breeder’s history, reviews, and only buy from reputable breeders that demonstrate genuine love towards their puppies. 

Beware of Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are breeders or facilities that put profit above all. Dogs that come from puppy mills are usually kept in poor living conditions and are not given proper medical attention. Not to mention, dog moms are often over-bred. This could lead to puppies that are often sick, have birth defects, and potential behavioral issues.

Meet the Puppy’s Parents

Meeting the puppy’s parents is a crucial factor in choosing your puppy. Often time only the mother will be on site but always request to meet both parents if possible. This will allow you to evaluate their temperament and health concerns.

Prepare your family members

Bringing home a puppy is a lifelong commitment. Everyone in your family must have a mutual understanding of the responsibilities and care involved with adding a new member to the family. 

Dogs require time, love, and attention. Ensure you have a sit down with your family to create a plan to prepare and maintain the dog, discuss a schedule, financial aspects, etc. 

Topics to Discuss With Family

• What will be the feeding and walking schedule
• Who is responsible for feeding and walking the dog
• Who will be responsible for taking the dog to the vet

Puppy Proof Your Home

It is crucial for the safety of your dog to puppy proof your home BEFORE you bring home your new pup. 

Puppies are curious, energetic, and can sneak their tiny noses into everything. Especially during the holidays, a house full of treats, decorations, and presents. You want to be well prepared before you bring home the puppy so you can focus all your efforts on spending time with your new baby once you bring them home.

Puppy-proofing is very similar to baby proofing. Here are some things to consider:

• Cover any sharp edges and electrical outlets 
• Gate any unsupervised areas
• Secure any hazardous products
• Remove any items you don’t want to be chewed…..like shoes
• If you have a backyard, make sure there are no escape routes

These items are essential because it keeps your puppy from getting into unsupervised areas, getting injured, and eating something they’re not supposed to.

Go Shopping for Your Dog

To ease the introduction of your new family member, you should have the following essential items on hand:

Collar and Leash

Every breed is different, they all have their unique jobs in nature. For example, some are herding dogs, some are hunting dogs, and others are sledding dogs.

Choosing the right collar and leash is important because it can help train your dog to walk on a leash properly.

We don’t recommend extendable leashes as they’re a safety risk and can teach your new dog bad behavior.

If you need help picking the right collar, check our post How to Choose the Right Collar for Your Dog.

Food and Bowl

I think we can all agree that a full belly equals happiness. Well, the same goes for your dog! 

Find out what food your dog was eating at the shelter or with the breeder and purchase a small bag. You don’t want to change your dog’s diet immediately. Instead, ease it out by mixing it with the new food over two weeks. Every food brand has its own specifications to transition, make sure you read those guidelines on the package.

As for your bowl, any regular dish should do. If your dog is a fast eater, consider getting a slow feeder or puzzle bowl. It helps your dog eat slower by working around the puzzle to get food instead of gulping it all down.

Crate

A crate is one of the most essential items to house train your dog. It helps you to potty train and teaches your dog to be independent.

A crate should never be used to punish your dog. Instead, it should be a safe haven (dog den) where your dog feels comfortable.

Treats

Every little change is a stressful experience for puppies. 

It’s no mystery that dogs love treats. Having treats when you first welcome your puppy helps create a positive environment for them.  

It also allows for easier training through positive reinforcement.

Take your New Puppy to the Veterinarian

When you get a new puppy, you always want to make sure you take them to the veterinarian within the first 48 hours.

Whether you are adopting or buying from a breeder, you want to check your puppy’s overall health with a professional.

Here are some common topics to bring up and discuss during your first veterinarian appointment:

• Current vaccinations
• Full-body inspection
• Fecal exam
• If your puppy is not eating or looks nostalgic, ask for a good calorie booster
• Thoughts on neutering or spaying 

Start training your new dog ASAP

Having a well-mannered puppy is something that comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. The earlier you start training your puppy, the faster you will create a routine between yourselves. Here are some things to consider when you begin to train your puppy:

Establish a routine for your puppy

Dogs are creatures of habit. When you create a consistent schedule, they’ll have a better sense of their good behavior. 

Enroll your Dog in a Puppy Training Course

If you want to fast track your dog’s obedience, we recommend enrolling them in a group dog training program as soon as your puppy is 10 weeks old.

In a training program, you will learn from a professional how to teach your dog basic obedience and address behavior issues at an early stage.

Here are some things you can expect your puppy to learn in a basic obedience course:

• Potty training
• Basic hand commands
• Leash walking
• Safety commands
• Tricks

Training your dog is a long journey and requires a lot of patience. If done the right way, you will reap the rewards for many years to come, so make sure you start as soon as possible.

Socialize your Dog

Socializing your dog at an early age is important as it helps them become more friendly and build confidence in their adulthood. Ideally, a puppy’s socialization should begin immediately, the right time to socialize your dog is between 2 to 4 months of age.

Interaction and experiences in puppyhood are critical; you should aim to make each initial socialization a positive one.

Here are the top ways to socialize your dog:

Regular Walks

Walking allows your puppy to be introduced to new scents, environment, noise, and people. This exposure at a young age helps your dog to become more comfortable and avoids anxiety. Scheduled walks also help build good behavior and establish a routine.

Having People Over 

Your new fur baby is sure to attract some new visitors to the house, and that is alright. Interacting with new people is a great way to start the socialization process for your pup. But make sure to follow your dog’s lead, don’t overwhelm the dog.

Dog Parks

Dog parks are a great way to make new friends, exercise, and expand your pup’s curiosity. However, dog parks also pose a risk of interacting with unvaccinated dogs and not having professional supervision if a situation arises. 

Make sure always to be alert and mindful of rough players.

Enroll in a Dog Daycare

Enrolling your dog in a reputable dog daycare is one of the best ways to diversify your pup’s socialization skills. 

A doggie daycare allows your dog to interact and play with other dogs while under the supervision of a trained professional. It is a perfect solution to worry-free socialization, as all dogs in daycare have the appropriate vaccinations, and have been pre-assessed for any behavioral issues. 

Most daycares require up to date Bordetella, DAPP, and Rabies vaccinations. If your puppy is under four months old, you are only required the second round of vaccinations. These vaccinations include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and coronavirus given in a combination as one vaccine. 

Take Your Dog to the Groomer

Taking your puppy to a professional groomer at an early age helps to create a positive experience for your dog. Start off with a simple puppy trim, this helps your puppy to be familiarized with the concept of grooming without being overwhelmed.

Do not groom your dog at home. This can cause stress, possible infections, injuries, and a simple mistake that can traumatize your puppy. This will make it very difficult for your dog to be accepted into a professional groomer in the future. So don’t hesitate to contact your local dog grooming experts and schedule your appointment.

Overall, adding a four-legged member to your family is a wonderful decision and taking the necessary measures mentioned can really help ease the transition. 

If you live in the New Jersey area, make sure to check out  Puppy University for your dog’s grooming, training, and daycare needs.