As a pet owner, sometimes you just need your own space, especially when you have medium dog breeds.

They aren’t small enough to not be intrusive, but they’re large enough to feel their presence. Do you want to get your dog a bed of his own but not sure how? We’ve got a list for that! Continue reading to learn more.

No Floor No More

When selecting a special bed for your pup, you should know your dog’s personality. Some dogs don’t like sleeping on the floor…they’re kinda rare but they exist! For the elite royal group, there are raised dog beds to suit them just fine. Medium dog breeds will enjoy not being on a cold floor.

Wrapped in a Ball

Haven’t you seen popular memes of medium dog breeds squeezing into the bed of a small dog? They’re funny and quite frankly the dogs look comfortable. Sometimes they like to be in smaller spaces. If your pup fits this category, there are bagel/doughnut-shaped beds that will help to perfect their sleeping ball position.

Welcome Mat

Many dogs like to stretch out so, for those pups, they’d fancy mat beds. These are big square pads that sit directly on the floor. It allows your furry baby to get comfortable and rest in any position they’d like, as long as they’re not on a cold hard floor they’re happy.

Tent Time

There are some dogs who really love to have their own hidden spaces. There’s a bed for that. Check out beds that are made like tents or caves. They can get in there and get their rest and sleep on with no interruptions at all!

Cleaning Quarters

No matter the type of bed that you choose, we highly recommend each bed has something that is removable and washable. This is important and will allow you to take off the outer layer and seamlessly pop it in the washing machine to get rid of any dirt or hair that’s been collecting over time.

There’s is one thing for sure, a dog has a strong sense of smell.

It doesn’t matter if they are hybrid puppies or purebred, all dogs possess this strong sense. So basically they can hear better than us and they have an amazing sense of smell! How much do you know about a dog’s nose? To learn more, continue reading.

Their sense of smell is stronger than ours.

When it comes to the sensitivity of a dog’s nose, you should know that they beat humans in this category, hands down! There’s no getting around it. Sure there are variables that contribute to what they can smell, but facts are facts. There’s a cool analogy that sheds light on just how strong they are. When you walk into a doughnut shop, you smell the sweet glaze on doughnuts or coffee scents. If one of your hybrid puppies walked into the same shop, he’d smell the ingredients of the sweet glazed doughnut. Makes sense?

You stink…

…to dogs that is. Even though you’ve showered and sprayed your smell goods all around you, to a dog it’s putrid! We are stinky to them, but they love us regardless, as do we to them!

There’s no tricking a dog’s scent.

Research has shown that a dog’s sense of smell can easily pick up on and detect anxiety, fear, and sadness. An increased heart rate and blood flow are normally accompanied by fear or anxiety. When this happens our body chemicals rise more quickly to the surface of the skin and guess what…your dog smells that! So, if you’re feeling anxious and try to brush it off with a smile around your dog, don’t think for a second that they’re buying it. They’ve already sniffed you out!

Did you know a dog’s nose has two functions?

This is true! One function is for smell and the other is for respiration. If you’ve got hybrid puppies or purebred ones, it’s all the same. The dog’s nose has the ability to separate air. A portion goes directly to the olfactory sensing area (for scents), and the other portion is dedicated strictly to breathing.

They breathe in and out simultaneously.

Dogs also have the interesting ability to breathe in and let out air at the same time! When a dog is sniffing, it creates a circulation of air, unlike with humans. We can do one other the other but not at the same time.

For as long as you can remember, there’s always been a distinction between the age of a dog in “dog years” versus that of human years.

Are you ready to really learn how old is a dog in human years and if that really means anything? As always, we are going to shed light on another dog topic that has people talking. Keep reading to learn more.

The First Year

As much as there is an easy topic that compares the age of dogs to the age of humans, we know that it’s a controversial subject. What is commonly circulated is that for every human year, there are 7 dog years in comparison. The reality is that it doesn’t matter the breed, all dogs will develop and age very similar to 15 human years in their first year of life. You read that right. In the first 5 months, your pup will lose teeth and by seven months old, they will have all of their adult teeth.

The “Terrible Twos”

Once again, as in the first year, the second year of your pup’s life will be the same regardless of the breed or size. They will all age pretty much at the same rate, with little variants. During the “terrible twos” your dog will age a total of 9 human years. So how old is a dog in human years? This means that after only 2 years, your dog is already past the human legal drinking age and well into their mid-20s!

Puberty Time

Small dog breeds grow much faster out of the puppy stage than larger dogs but they will eventually catch up to them. Large dogs reach middle age faster than small dogs.

40 Fine

In your dog’s fifth year of living in the big world, this is when they start a little more rapidly. Small dogs weighing 20 pounds or less are approximately 40 in human years while they are only 6 in dog years. For larger dogs, add 2 more years.

Senior Dogs

If you can believe it, after only 6 years of living, your dog will technically be considered a senior dog. They will continue to age anywhere from 3 to 5 years over just 1 human year.

As pet parents, one of the most endearing things to do is watch your pup sleep.

They’re just so stinkin’ cute and at times, even in their sleep, they’re quite entertaining. Sometimes they look peaceful and other times they look like they’re putting up a fight, with no enemy in sight! We have spent time watching our Bichon Frise puppies for sale and we have to say that they equally adorable asleep as they are awake! Ever wonder what’s behind their sleeping positions and twitching? Read on to learn more about those sleeping beauties.

Tummy Time

This position is as obvious as its name, but sometimes referred to as the “Superman.” Your pup is lying flat on its tummy. Because they’re so young, puppies tend to need to nap often and this position puts them in, well…a position, where they can pop up at a moment’s notice to check out their surroundings. Dogs that sleep like this refuse to miss out on any action.

On The Side

When you see your Bichon Frise puppies sleeping on their side, this is a sign that they’re comfortable and feel pretty safe in their environment. Pups that sleep like this seems to be relaxed. They may switch positions if someone or someplace is unfamiliar with them. When they’re on their side, their limbs are free to move and you may see twitching and kicking commonly.

Back Down and Paws Up

This is a funny position. If you purchased something other than one of our Bichon Frise puppies for sale, you’ll still think the same thing. Though it may be comical, there’s some practicality to it. When dogs sleep on their backs it helps to keep them cool. When you see dogs resting like this, rest assured that they are beyond comfortable in their surroundings! They couldn’t be more relaxed or feel more secure. They haven’t a care in the world!

Balled Up

This is one of the more common positions that you’ll see while dogs are sleeping, especially in fall and winter months. Haven’t you seen pics of big dogs plopped down in doggy beds fit for small Bichon Frise puppies? They are literally curled up in a ball, nose-to-tail. It’s hilarious! Their movements are restricted so you’ll see less twitching and dancing in their sleep! Dogs in the wild sleep like this often to protect vital organs and conserve heat. This is also a favored position that allows them to get up quickly.

Snugglefest/Back-To-Back

Ahhh, if you’re one of those pet parents who allow your pups to nap in your bed then you’re surely accustomed to this position, albeit not every night. This is when you’ll feel your pup snuggled beside you with his back to your tummy. If you have other dogs, you may see them back-to-back to each other. This is one of the most comfortable positions for Bichon Frise puppies or any puppy for that matter. They are relaxed, comfortable, and feel loved, which is the ultimate goal!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog and learned a little more about how and why dogs sleep the way that they do. We have Bichon Frise puppies for sale waiting to snuggle with you! Take a look at all of our available puppies by clicking here and then come to pay us a visit!

We take excellent care of all the dogs in our care.

This is why when you become a new pet owner of one of our Newfoundland puppies for sale, we want you to be as prepared as possible. We have a list of essential things that you’ll need to make your house a home for your new furry friend.

Water and Food Bowls

You’re going to learn this fairly quickly. Puppies have a lot of energy. They play hard and sleep even harder! Because of said energy, you want to make sure that you have a consistent supply of water for them and that food is given at the appropriate times. For now, we are stressing the importance of having actual bowls that suit your animal. For instance, Newfoundland puppies for sale in our store are small, yes, but they are a little larger than most little puppies. We make sure that their bowls are of the proper height for their consumption and won’t tip over easily and accidentally.

Keep the bowls clean. Ideally, stainless steel bowls are recommended because of their weight and quite frankly they’re easy to clean, too. As your Newfoundland starts to grow, you’ll need to upgrade the bowl sizes accordingly.

Harness or Collar and Leash

All of our Newfoundland puppies for sale have been vaccinated and you’ll receive a rabies tag. You may choose to keep this on your pup or in your home for record keeping. For the former, having a harness or collar on your dog will allow you to hang it. You can also hang ID tags that contain your contact information and your pet’s name should you and your pup inadvertently become separated.

A leash is used for walking purposes and to keep control of your pup. We recommend having one, even if you’ve got a massive backyard. When you leave your home with your dog, you’ll need a leash.

Toys

Quite naturally your puppy is going to need toys. They will entertain them but also serve as a form of exercise and relief from boredom. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior and you don’t want that. Because you just recently bought one of our Newfoundland puppies for sale, you’ll need some strong but puppy-safe chew toys can help with teething too. Here are some dos and don’ts:

• DO buy nylon chews or hard rubber balls.
• DO not give your pup toys that fit in his mouth entirely. This is a choking hazard. As your pup grows, you may need to throw it out and get a larger size.
• DO not give your dog anything that’s hard, has sharp points, or any attachments.
• DO not allow your dog to play with shoes, socks, or any personal clothing. Lest you start, this can be a very bad habit to break and is also dangerous.
• DO puppy proof your house periodically to ensure things like plastic wrap, twist ties, string, etc. aren’t lying around and accessible for consumption.

Sleeping Quarters

We all love warm and comfy environments and your pup is no exception. Purchase a crate early on and line it with a dog-friendly pillow/bed and a toy or two. Make it nice and relaxing for your dog, creating a den-like environment. Dogs love to have their own personal space, so give it to them.

These are just a few of the things that we suggest purchasing at the same time, or soon after, getting one of the Newfoundland puppies for sale you found here. We have more suggestions and we are here to help you make the best choices of care and comfort for your new pup.

You love dogs.

You may have always wanted one…or two. You search “small dogs for sale near me,” online and you make the life-enriching choice of getting a dog. Your home life has changed and you’re all in with your new dog! You’re ready to let the fun begin and we’re gonna show how to amp it up a bit. Here are some fun games you can play with your new puppy while also teaching him some special skills.

Fetch

Fetch is a favorite and very common game. You see it all of the time, but just in case you haven’t, it’s the process of teaching your dog to retrieve an item. Your dog learns to come when called and to get the toy or item you ask. The goal is to get your puppy to come to you, sit and stay, while you throw a toy, and he is then encouraged to get it. Keep some treats handy and always praise him when he brings it back. Go all out and over-the-top with your praise so that he knows this is the intended goal. Once he’s back to you with the item, tell him “drop it” and then praise him all over again when he does! The two of you will have tons o’ fun doing this. (BTW, this is a good form of exercise for your dog, as well. We call this a win-win situation!)

Agility

Just as with fetching, agility games are ways to get your dog moving and thinking. Perhaps you didn’t think that searching “small dogs for sale near me” could potentially mean that you’d be teaching a dog agility tricks. The sky really is the limit, whether your dog is small or large. Puppies in general love jumping and navigating obstacles. They’ll do this on their own by sprinting around the house or in a particular room just for fun. Why not make it a little more challenging and rewarding?

Did you know that you don’t need a large yard to create an obstacle course? You can do this right in your home with blankets and chairs and treats. Use the treats to lure your pup as he follows the course. Reward him when he conquers the obstacles and, you’ve got it, start the praising! As he gets used to it, you can branch out and start making other obstacles, both inside and outside, if you have space. You’ll be surprised at how fast your pup picks up on this game and just how enjoyable it is.

Tug-of-War

Tug-of-War is another popular game and believe it or not, you can teach your puppy commands with this game as well. They’ll learn how to drop a toy and when to pull or not. Here’s how it goes. Hold on to your pup’s favorite toy and offer it to him until he grabs it. Start tugging it back and forth, pulling harder and harder (within reason). Every once in a while, let your pup “win” by letting it go. You know what’s next…praise! Only praise him when he “wins,” and you can also give him a treat. Be careful not to reward behavior that includes biting or grabbing on anything other than the toy that you’re using. You can incorporate the “drop it” command and give your puppy a treat if he listens to you. The next time you play the game and he “wins”, he’ll be anticipating a treat. But guess what, you’ve actually “won,” too because Googling “small dogs for sale near me” has proven to be rewarding.

Halloween is over. Thanksgiving has come and gone.

There are still a few more celebratory holidays before the year is over. Now is the perfect time to educate and reiterate the importance of holiday pet safety.

Edible Gift Baskets

As we mentioned Halloween is long gone, but that doesn’t mean that the sweet treats have taken refuge! Gift baskets of food, candy, and various other treats are exchanged and dogs can smell each and every ingredient in the basket. Be sure to keep this and other treats for humans out of their reach and sight. Small pieces of hard candies are choking hazards to pets, particularly if they don’t have strong teeth and jaws. To be safe, keep these treats out of your pet’s reach.

Christmas Trees

Are you an artificial tree buyer or do you prefer to sniff and pick yours out of a local nursery? If it’s the latter, you must be very careful to ensure holiday pet safety. To keep your tree beautiful and healthy, you need to keep it watered. When doing so, try to keep your pets out of the area while your tree is soaking up the water. Never leave standing tree water accessible to your pets, unless it’s covered securely around the base.

Tree Decorations

While we’re talking about Christmas trees let’s also delve into the hidden dangers of your beautifully decorated tree.

Strands of Lights

Keep strands of lights off of the bottom branches of your tree. Pets are very curious and they will sniff around, which is natural. The hazard lies in your pet getting tangled and or potentially shocked if they bite to free themselves. Tape extra strands to a wall or nearby furniture for security.

Ornaments

There are tons of tragic stories of pets biting into pretty ornaments that entice your pets’ curiosity. If consumed, they are choking hazards; furthermore shards of broken glass can potentially injure their paws and mouths. Strategically place your precious ornaments in areas that aren’t accessible to your pet.

We want your holiday season to be memorable, because of the time spent with your family, friends, and loved ones. Holiday pet safety is paramount. No ER visits are allowed! Follow these simple steps to assist you!

Just because you’re in between dog grooming appointments, doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to keep your dog’s coat healthy in the meantime. If you already use a dog grooming service, these tips will help your dog’s coat look shiny and healthy in between appointments. While our puppies for sale receive basic training in our store, it’ll be your responsibility to get them accustomed to regular grooming.

Tips For Grooming Purebred Puppies

Brush Coat

Does an unpleasant odor waft into the room whenever your puppy runs to greet you? Brushing your dog’s fur helps remove dirt, dead hair, and other debris that could be giving them this unpleasant odor. Brushing your purebred puppy also distributes natural oils that keep your dog’s coat looking healthy and shiny.

If your new puppy has long hair, you’ll need to brush more often to prevent matted fur. Use a metal comb after the initial brushing so you can get down to the skin. Brush gently with the metal comb to avoid irritating or hurting your dog’s sensitive skin. Brushing your dog regularly will help their next dog grooming appointment go smoothly.

Trim Nails

Trimming your dog’s nails not only saves your hardwood floors, but keeps your dog healthy. Nails that grow too long can make it difficult for your dog to walk and run properly. Once their nails grow long enough to curl under, your dog could snag or even break off a nail.Dog nail trimming prevents these types of injuries so your dog can run with joy, not pain.

Dog nails grow at different speeds, similar to humans. Depending on your dog, they may need their nails trimmed every 2 to 6 weeks. Their dog groomer can trim their nails during their next appointment.

Clean Ears

You should clean your dog’s ears at least once a month and more frequently if they have long floppy ears. While floppy puppy ears are adorable, they also increase your pet’s risk of ear infection. Purebred puppies may also have a higher risk for ear infections if they swim often. However, a healthy amount of wax in your dog’s ears actually helps lubricate and protect the dog’s ears from infection. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry will prevent ear infections by reducing bacteria and wax.

Wash Face

Some dog breeds (like bulldogs) have skin folds on their face that need to be kept clean and dry. Otherwise, you could be increasing your dog’s risk for dermatitis or infection caused by bacteria. Cleaning your dog’s face is as simple as using a baby wipe or warm washcloth. If you notice redness or bumps in between the skin folds, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Clean Around Eyes

Does your dog get goop around their eyes? While certain purebred puppies are more prone to eye goop, too much can be a sign of conjunctivitis. Call your vet immediately if your dog suddenly has more discharge than usual. Use a warm washcloth to soften hardened goop, before gently removing it with a flea comb.

Give Baths

You should bathe your new puppy at least once a month. Washing your dog too frequently can dry out their skin. If your purebred puppy loves playing outside, use dry shampoos or doggie towelettes in between baths. That way, you can keep your dog’s coat clean of allergens, dirt, and other debris. Dog cleaning will also help your pet smell better.

Thinking of scheduling a dog haircut? Your pet may benefit from a dog haircutif they have matted fur that can’t be brushed out. A dog grooming service should also include haircuts for show dogs so they fit the coat standards for their breed. Before bringing home a new puppy be sure to ask our staff what local groomers they recommend.

Our purebred puppies for sale are looking for loving homes. To learn more about what dog grooming your puppy will need, call The Barking Boutique at (616) 446-6766.

After getting your purebred puppy used to its new home, it’s time to introduce them to your neighborhood. As an adoption center for puppies, we get lots of questions about leash training. Continue reading to learn our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

On your first walk outside, follow our tips for leash training to help your puppy grow up confident and well-behaved. While we start basic puppy training at our store, you’ll need to continue these efforts on your own for your puppy to get used to walking on a leash without pulling or other negative behaviors. Puppies for adoption require plenty of love, understanding, and patience.

Tips for Leash Training

Why is leash training important?

Your puppy won’t like walking on a leash at first, but this will change once they get used to the feeling of the collar or harness. The first walk is crucial for helping your puppy feel confident outside. Keep the leash loose and let them explore at their own pace. During early puppyhood, you have the opportunity to make a good impression on your puppy so they look forward to being walked.

Why is my puppy afraid of being outside?

Don’t be concerned if your puppy is cautious (or skittish) on their first walk. Some purebred puppies have to get used to moving cars, pedestrians, and other distractions before they can build their confidence. In fact, some dogs just want to sit and watch the world go by before they feel comfortable moving forward. Be patient and give your puppy enough time to adjust to their new surroundings, which may take hours or days.

How do I avoid leash pulling?

Some puppies are confident enough to explore their outdoor surroundings right away. If your puppy tries to pull on the leash, we recommend getting a front-clip harness. A front clip-harness resists leash pulling so your puppy can learn better behaviors while on your walk.

It’s important to understand that how you and your puppy see the world is very different. For example, your puppy may see a cyclist as prey that’s fun to chase. You’ll have more success with leash training if you understand how your puppy views the world.

What if my puppy hates their leash?

Our puppies for adoption receive basic training in our store. However, it will be your responsibility to make sure they receive the rest of their training. If your puppy hates the feel of being on a leash, have them wear it indoors. While your puppy is wearing their collar or harness, get them to play with one of their favorite toys. The distraction will be enough to get them used to the feel of being on a leash.

While your puppy is at an impressionable age, it’s important to create positive experiences during leash training. Your puppy will be more receptive to wearing a leash if they associate it with having fun. Remember that leash training a puppy takes time.

How do puppy training classes help?

During puppy training, you’ll learn more tips for how to get your dog to be well-behaved on their next walk. Puppy training classes are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy so they’re used to being around other humans and animals.

When you visit our adoption center for puppies, you can have peace of mind knowing our dog breeders have already done a great deal of puppy socialization. The dog breeders we work with make puppy socialization a priority.

We are dedicated to helping purebred puppies find their forever homes with loving families. If you are interested in our puppies for sale, call The Barking Boutique at (616) 446-6766.