Posts Tagged ‘puppy’

• What’s the Deal with Doodles?

  

  It seemed like in 2015 everyone and their mother were considering getting goldendoodle puppies. Now, all over Google there are searches like “Why are Goldendoodles the worst?” and “What’s wrong with Goldendoodles?”.

  Two things are curious: how this trope got started, and what are the answers to these questions. Just keep reading to see the verdict!

  First, let’s unpack what a Goldendoodle is – a mix of a Golden Retriever and Poodle; which are both respectively considered to be “pure” breeds.

  What’s a Purebred Dog Again?

  A puppy in a litter from two dogs of the same breed, excluding any mixes in its entire lineage, is considered a purebred. Dogs of this nature are considered to look and act like all other dogs in that breed – which is why people tend to pay a pretty penny for them.

  Dogs were originally bred for specific purposes. While there are still many lines of unbroken lineage, there are more dogs that are considered to be “mixes”. Any doodle is considered a mixed breed because its parents are one Poodle and one other breed (often a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever but can be others as well).

  Best of Both Worlds?

  One reason people are baffled by the behavior of a Doodle is because of their lack of knowledge about the parent breeds and/or lack of how the mix is inherently different from them. There are similarities of course, but a Goldendoodle is a completely separate kind of dog than either Goldens or Poodles and combines some of the best and worst traits of both.

  I Think I’m Up to the Challenge – Is a Goldendoodle Right for Me?

  The Standard size can be quite large (65-80lbs), incredibly smart, and can be stubborn. Depending if they are raised around kids or not, getting them to be friendly with little ones could pose an issue. They have boundless energy and are very goofy. They are also not immune to some of the health issues that impact both parent breeds.

  It is a good idea to assume they will need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily as well as brain games to use that big noggin of theirs. If you can handle a long period of training in the beginning, commit to their exercise needs, and know they have the spirit of a puppy their whole lives, then they might be the right fit for you. For their high-strung so-called “faults”, we personally think they’re pretty great.

  So, Are They the Worst?

  Of course not! They are simply not for everyone. Their adorable looks and happy personality are enormous draws. However, they need tons (and we mean tons) of exercise and mental stimulation to expel all their energy.

  Some official dog breeders were disheartened to see the rise of a mixed breed because intentionally creating a mix negates the original reason for the breed. Hence why “overpaying for a mutt” is sometimes thrown into conversation as a way of talking down to Doodle owners. 

  The idea of clinging to the old reasons for dog breeds is silly to other people. Although working breeds still do tons of work. Most family dogs have the enormously important task of denting the couch from hours of napping in one spot.

  Final Thoughts

  Consider your lifestyle. If you pair an avid hiker with a bulldog, we wouldn’t consider that a match made in heaven. Overall, they are a great fit for tons of homes but it is crucial to know what their traits are before embarking on a new life journey with a curly-haired cutie like this.

• How to Make a Career Centered Around Your Dog

  

  It’s no secret that in recent years young adults have gravitated towards getting a furry friend before starting a family. Last year, with the surge of pandemic pooches, that continued to be true. So, how do you rise to stardom by posting pics of your pup? After all, they are the cutest in the entire world, right?

  Here are some tips if you are considering launching a side-hustle or full-on career with help from your fur baby.

  Assess Your Interests

  Like any fulfilling career, it will likely stem from something you already enjoy. Do you cook every day? Maybe starting a food blog with drool-worthy recipes for dogs would be your niche. A lot of hustle may be required at the start so it’s important that you like what you do.

  Address a Need

  It definitely takes some out of the box thinking but if you think every dog product under the sun has been made, think again. Many entrepreneurs of big brands (like Farmer’s Dog or Stella & Chewy’s) started from a lack of what they wanted for their own dogs in the industry.  Owners of WestPaw couldn’t find toys that were eco-conscious and entertained their dogs long enough all while staying sturdy, so they designed their own.

  Start Small

  Getting “known” in your local community can go a lot farther than you might think. You probably already engage in dog-friendly activities on the daily and those are great opportunities to let people know your dog is on social media. From receiving report cards at doggy daycare to learning about their favorite and least favorite foods, you never know what people will find hilarious and endearing about your pup. Plus, lots of accounts have risen to fame while traveling with their pet – after first bopping around their hometowns!

  Harness Your Social Media Skills

  Global reach has never been easier but breaking into the social media world clearly isn’t always easy. Instagram has recently shifted to rebrand as an entertainment-focused app. This means that uploading short videos to “Reels” can be super helpful to prompt the algorithm to share your content on others’ discover pages.

  Don’t Count Yourself Out

  The amount of Instagram accounts that allow for a peek into the lives of some fabulous K-9s lives is amazing, but don’t think because there are a lot out there that there isn’t a need for more. Many YouTube stars cited they thought they were ‘too late’ to start producing content when they joined the platform and may have gone on to be wildly successful.

  Howdy Pawtner

  Partnering with dog-centric brands can also be a huge plus because it can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship: your pup promotes their products, and they post about your page to an audience that you know is already interested in what you are producing. Collaborating with other growing social media dog accounts can be helpful as well.

  Cuteness Goes a Long Way

  The dog-loving community is pretty accepting of new fuzzy faces. Chances are if you think your pup is the cutest ever, other people will too. Sometimes consistent content is what the people want to see and that just takes time and dedication.

  Closing Rebarks

  If spearheading your own business sounds too extreme, you can always look for flexible work spaces that allow dogs. Many co-op offices that have outdoor areas will allow you to bring your dog – just call and ask! It can be a happy medium where your dog may not run the show, but can pop into a daily Zoom call or two.

• The Many Benefits of Pet Ownership

  

  There are lots of preconceived ideas about pet ownership. Whether you grew up with pets or not, you might have opinions and concerns about what it might be like to get a new four-legged family member and you’re not alone!

  We’re here to help you figure out what breed is right for you and go over some of the most common reservations so that you can feel confident in your decision.

  Let’s Start with the Basics

  A simple list of why owning a dog is the best.

  •       Companionship and comfort
  •       Encourages a daily routine
  •       A source of positivity
  •       Demands a certain amount of exercise
  •       Endless humor (I mean have you seen a Golden Retriever with its tongue lolling out? Come on.)
  •       Easily adaptable, dogs can adjust to moving homes or across states fairly easily
  •       Infectious energy
  •       Helps to fill out an aspect of life outside of work or family that isn’t easily replicated
  •       Long-standing commitment that fosters responsibility
  •       Boundless love

  What Breed Is Best for You?

  It’s imperative that you focus on the dog breed that aligns best with your lifestyle.

  There are so many to choose from but it can be difficult to not be swayed by adorable little fuzzy faces, we get it. The daily routine each dog requires is a big part of what you’re signing up for and eventually the cuteness will not outweigh their needs. If you are extremely active, then couch-potato breeds like French Bulldogs are perhaps not the right choice.

  Common Concerns

  Shedding is a big concern for new potential pet parents. “What will it be like when my house is covered in dog hair?” Depending on the size and breed of dog you choose it could be much less of an issue than you think. Dogs with hair instead of fur only shed a fraction of the amount of their furry cousins. Even for the worst shedders, it goes through seasonal cycles and after a year or so of getting a routine down, you will have it mastered.

  Behavior Issues are a potential worry, particularly for anyone who has had a less than friendly encounter with a dog before. Rest assured, there are lots of options for monitoring behavior and aggression in pets is usually easy to recognize and curb. There are options to adopt adult dogs whose temperaments are set and that will minimize any surprises along the way. You can also opt for a puppy of a notoriously friendly breed and take training classes so that you and your dog learn how to interact with other dogs of all backgrounds.

  Budget While you should ideally have a budget in mind for your pet’s initial cost, typical monthly expenses include food, waste bags, and toys, with things like vet bills, grooming, and boarding coming up various times through the year depending on your dog’s breed and the amount that you travel. If you’re concerned with establishing a realistic budget, definitely do your research and keep in mind that the AKC says the cost of dog ownership is roughly $121/month.

  Considerations

  Our main suggestion is that any barrier you may think stands between you and your furry friend is more easily dealt with than it might feel with proper research and training. The only reason to avoid dog ownership is not wanting one! It’s always better to go with your gut and wait until absolutely sure before jumping into this exciting chapter. We hope that if you’re considering adopting a pet to do your research and feel empowered to. And know that looking up how to be the best pet parent you can be is a great place to start!

• Best Practices for Four-legged Beach-goers!

  

  Is there any place more relaxing than the beach? The breeze in your hair, the sound of the waves…the piles of sand that somehow end up in the car even though you made everyone rinse their feet – twice. Okay, so there are pros and cons.

  One thing that indisputably makes a beach day even more magical than normal is bringing your whole family along; including the dog! For new dog parents it could be a big undertaking to bring your pup along but check out this list for what you need to know before you pack the car.

  Safety First

  Most beaches require you to keep your dog leashed but safety goes beyond that. It really boils down to your dog’s life away from the beach.

  If they’ve never gone swimming before, maybe invest in a doggy life jacket; but if they’re a shy kind of guy who’s likely to avoid the waves, skip the lifejacket and maybe opt for a beach stroller.

  Etiquette

  If your dog has trouble with recall commands, you’re not alone. However, to make sure they’re not running amuck make sure to keep them leashed and away from sunbathing strangers.

  There’s so much to see and do at the beach they’re likely to get distracted. So, bring some extra treats and  a clicker to quickly grab their attention.

  Plus, the normal rules apply – no potty breaks on the sand unless in a dog-specific zone, no taking snacks that aren’t yours, and no unsupervised swimming (or any unsupervised activity really).

  Beach Bag Essentials

  While there are a lot of products that you can double-dip with for you and your pup when it comes to the beach (towels, water bottles, etc.), but your snacks and other goodies may look a bit different.

  • Sunscreen – dogs can get sunburns too! Particularly those with short hair. Make sure to spray them just as you would a kid – after time in the water, and every few hours.
  • Snacks – your pup is burning a lot of energy at the beach between the sights, smells, sounds, and time running or digging in the sand. Encourage them to eat so they take a break from playing and replenish some of their lost calories. We like dog-friendly bars because they won’t melt on the sand or in your beach bag!
  • Shade – an umbrella works just fine, but if you’re so inclined, we love a puppy cabana; it allows for shelter from the rays and also a people-free zone where your dog can go to relax if it gets a little overwhelmed.
  • Pack your patience too; after all, if you bring a lab to the beach, you really can’t fault it for trying to make some new friends.

  Beaching – It’s a Breeze!

  Any new activity with your dog can seem overwhelming before you go but new adventures can quickly turn into weekend rituals.

  We hope these tips help you feel more confident bringing your furry baby to the beach this summer; and remember, a well-exercised dog is a happy dog and there’s no exercise like running on the beach.

• 4 Qualities of Great Pet Sitters (to Help You Find the Right One)

   

  Your pets are your family, your best friend, your companions. You want the best for them, even when you can’t be there yourself. You want someone you can trust to take care of your furry babies.  But finding a great pet sitter can be tough. You don’t want just anyone. You want a trusted sitter. You want someone who can work with your pet and treat them like you would. So what exactly makes a great pet sitter? Read on to find out what the qualities of great pet sitters are. 

  1. Flexibility Is One of the Qualities of Great Pet Sitters

  Great pet sitters are flexible. They should be willing to work around your schedule. At the same time, they shouldn’t be overworked. A pet sitter with a high workload may not be able to give your pet the best care. That requires good communication. Is your pet sitter easy to reach? Can you talk to them about any issues you may have had, either with them or previous pet sitters? If not, you need to find another sitter.

  2. Great Pet Sitters Care About Your Pet and Your Wishes

  A great pet sitter cares. They have a deep love for animals. This should extend to your pet too. Trusted pet sitters will respect whatever wishes you have. They have a strong desire to get to know you and your pet. This means following special instructions you may have, such as ensuring your pet adheres to a special diet or goes out for a walk every day at the same time. They should be willing to meet in advance. A quick, complimentary, meeting will go a long way with them familiarizing themselves with your pet. That way you can make sure that everyone gets along.  

  3. Pet Sitters Should Be Experienced 

  A great pet sitter should have some experience. Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, so not all pet sitters will have years of experience. However, they should have some professional experience and references, even if it’s not from pet sitting.

  4. Great Pet Sitters Are Consistently Dependable

  A great pet sitter is consistently dependable. You shouldn’t have to worry about your pet sitter not showing up on time, or not showing up at all. The whole point of a pet sitter is to make your life easier when you can’t be there with your pet. That’s why a great sitter should take their role seriously. They should treat your pet just as well as they would their own. If not, you need to find a different pet sitter.

  Looking for a Puppy of Your Own?

  Looking for a new puppy? We have puppies for sale in Lombard, Rockford and, Aurora, IL. Our professional breeders are licensed and adhere to both state and federal regulations. Each kennel is also overseen by a licensed veterinarian. We also offer financing options on all of our puppies. Let us help you find your next furry baby.

• Breed Profile: Miniature Australian Shepherd

  

  If you’re in the market for a new puppy, Furry Babies has a litter of adorable puppies, including a miniature Australian shepherd puppy, waiting to be taken home. With three locations throughout Illinois — Lombard, Rockford and Aurora — Furry Babies is taking appointments for visits with a puppy for sale and can answer your questions about becoming a dog parent.

  What to Know About Your Miniature Australian Shepherd Puppy

  It’s important to know what to expect when you bring your miniature Australian shepherd puppy home. Every dog is different, but there are certain common traits particular breeds have and having some prior knowledge can help make your lives, and your puppy’s life, much easier. 

  As the name implies, a miniature Australian shepherd is a smaller version of a regular Australian shepherd. The primary difference between a miniature and a regular Australian shepherd is size — regular Aussies can grow to be roughly 18-23 inches tall and 40-65 pounds, while miniatures typically max out at 14-18 inches tall and 20-40 pounds.

  Similar to their larger counterparts, miniature Aussies are intelligent, energetic dogs with strong herding instincts. Because of their high energy, these dogs require lots of exercise, so it’s probably best to have a backyard available to let them spend time outside. However, they enjoy learning new tricks and exercising their minds as well as their bodies.

  Aussies also have thick coats that require weekly brushing, but compared to other breeds, grooming is relatively low maintenance for these pups.

  Choose Furry Babies for Your Next Puppy

  When you’re looking for your own fur baby, Furry Babies should be your first call. Along with miniature Australian shepherd puppies for sale, Furry Babies has a broad selection of puppies for you to choose from and a Puppy Package available to help your puppy begin their new life.

  The Puppy Package is available with the purchase of any puppy for an additional charge, and includes the following perks:

  • Your puppy is microchipped.
  • Your puppy gets checked twice by a veterinarian.
  • All first-year routine vaccinations are given to your puppy.
  • Your puppy gets three health exams conducted by trusted veterinarian partners.
  • Fecal examinations are done to ensure your puppy is free of intestinal parasites.
  • Upon request, your puppy can be spayed or neutered.
  • For the first month, your puppy receives flea, tick and heartworm medicine.
  • Your puppy gets his or her first rabies vaccination.
  • Each puppy comes with a 30-day puppy purchase warranty.

  Check out Furry Babies online to browse the photo and video galleries of available puppies (including miniature Australian puppies) and to find the locations and phone numbers of each store. Call Furry Babies today to schedule your appointment!

• How to Find the Right Puppy for Your Family

  

  Getting a puppy can be a life-changing decision. These furry babies bring excitement and joy to every home. However, keeping them does involve commitment and discipline from the pet parents. It’s essential that everyone is ready to adopt a new puppy. Below are some tips to help you choose the best puppy for the family.

  Get the Right Breed

  There are factors to consider when choosing a puppy that is right for you. When finding the right puppy, take into consideration what your family needs. If there is a family member suffering from allergies, it’s best to get a dog breed that sheds less dander and hair. Families who live in a smaller home may do well with a smaller puppy. If you have a big outdoor space, it would be good to get a larger pet. Most importantly, take time to learn about the different characteristics and behavior of a puppy for sale you’re eyeing for. This would help you determine whether keeping them would fit your lifestyle. 

  Get Help from a Professional

  You can always talk to a dog breed professional if you can’t decide which puppy to acquire for your family. Our staff at Furry Babies are extremely knowledgeable about puppies. We do not only have puppies for sale, but we want to also educate soon-to-be pet parents on what they need to know about dogs. 

  Don’t Buy on Impulse

  When deciding to get a puppy for your family, do make sure that you take your time in selecting the best furry baby. Keep in mind there are responsibilities involved in keeping one. You need to care for your puppy as well as raise the pup into adulthood. This will take more time and money on your end. Get a puppy only when you are willing to take on the full responsibility. Also, choose a puppy from a puppy store like Furry Babies. They have over 30 dog breeds available. You can book an appointment to visit the available puppies for sale. Contact us today!

• Tasty Treats to Make Valentine’s Day Special for Your Dog

  

  On Valentine’s Day, the spotlight is usually pointed towards couples. However, this holiday is also the perfect opportunity to show your furry friend how much you care about them. One of the best ways to spoil your pup this February is to whip up some tasty Valentine’s Day treats for dogs. Here are some easy recipes to help you get started.

  Cranberry Hearts

  If your pup is on a grain-free diet, these treats are sure to please them. To begin, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups of almond flour
  • 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
  • 3-4 tbsp of coconut flour
  • 1 tbsp of coconut oil
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutters

  After preheating the oven to 330 degrees Fahrenheit, beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Combine the coconut oil, almond flour and dried cranberries and pour in the eggs. Once all the ingredients are fully mixed, add 3-4 tablespoons of coconut flour. Be sure to mix it all together after adding each tablespoon.

  After rolling out the dough, use your heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut your dough into tiny hearts. Line the treats up on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Let them cool and serve them to your pup.

  Frozen Strawberry Treats

  If you prefer Valentine’s Day treats for dogs that don’t require any baking, these frozen strawberry treats are for you. You only need 2 ingredients to get started: 3-4 finely diced strawberries and 1/4 cup of coconut oil.

  Take an ice cube tray and place a few pieces of strawberry into each compartment. Next, pour 1/4 cup of coconut oil into a measuring cup and melt it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Once the coconut oil is fully melted, pour it over the strawberries and place the ice cube tray into the freezer. Remove the strawberries from the tray once frozen and place them in a baggie before returning them to the freezer.

  Peanut Butter and Yogurt Hearts

  What dog doesn’t love peanut butter? If your furry friend can’t wait to get their paws on this delicious spread, they’ll go nuts for our peanut butter and yogurt hearts.

  Start by gathering these ingredients and supplies:

  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Peanut butter
  • Heart-shaped ice cube tray

  Take the ice cube tray and place a small dollop of peanut butter into the bottom of each compartment. Next, cover the peanut butter with large spoonfuls of Greek yogurt. Make sure each compartment is fully packed by pressing the yogurt down with a spoon. Place the ice tray in the freezer and let it sit for at least 4 hours. After removing the tray, pop out each heart treat and serve it to your dog.

  Whether you’re looking for puppies for sale or already have a precious pup waiting for you at home, your dog is sure to be the happiest pet on the block when you treat them to these mouthwatering Valentine’s Day treats for dogs. Stop by one of our Illinois locations in Lombard, Rockford, Aurora, or Chicago to bring home a new puppy for Valentine’s Day and embark on a meaningful journey with them.

• Puppy Do’s & Dont’s on Preparing Them for Cold Weather Season

  

  Depending on where you stay, the winter can be harsh on everyone, humans and animals alike. Fur babies cannot express how they feel and puppies need extra care than adult dogs, because depending on how little they are, they might or might not be able to regulate their body temperatures. Your puppy also needs some exercise, so while taking them out for walks, you need to be mindful about winter care. If you are a first-time pet parent with a puppy, here are some dos and don’ts to help you out.

  Dos:

  Know the Dog Breed

  When you brought your puppy home, you must have done some research about its breed. So you might have heard that long-haired dogs have a greater tolerance for cold weathers, like huskies or St. Bernard. However, as puppies, their full coat might not have grown out, and this is why you still need to warm them up with jackets when you take them for a walk.

  An extra layer of the blanket is a must. For smaller dogs or breeds with short hair, you must permanently have a warm bed at the corner for your puppies. Lombard, IL can be very cold, and knowing the breed will help you take good care.

  Consider Boots for Your Puppies

  Yes, just like our feet are sensitive to cold and we need socks to warm them up, doggy paws are sensitive too. They might be sturdy and strong for all that walking on hard ground in Rockford, IL, but puppies are very likely to feel colder around their feet.

  If you find them putting their paws under their bodies for warmth, you must get them boots for outside, and socks for indoor use. While making your purchase, measure your puppy’s toes as well as the nails, so that the boots fit snugly.

  Be Vigilant About Your Puppy’s Health

  When you have a puppy, you need to monitor them more compared to older ones. They are more likely to suffer from frostbite. If your puppy was outside and played in the snow, keep an eye out for ice melt poisoning. Restrict your puppy’s time outdoors during winter because even though they have a lovely time outside, you should keep a track of when they should come indoors and warm up. 

  Adjust Their Feeding Amounts

  Your puppy’s diet needs to undergo some change during the winter months. Almost every animal burns more energy during winters to stay warm. Increasing their food intake by a quarter will help make up for the loss of the extra calories. The water should not be very cold and they should have enough of it to keep them hydrated.

  You can also ask your vet in Aurora, IL about making smoothies for your pup with chicken broth. Puppies love them a lot and they relish the warmth. However, if your puppy stays indoors throughout the winter and does not get much exercise at all, then there is no need to increase their food intake.

  Keep Them Away From the Breeze

  Your puppy should sleep in a warm spot, away from cold drafts. Although they are indoors, at times puppy beds are set up by the doors or windows, which should be avoided during winters. They should not be sleeping on the floor either.

  You should also not let them sleep in the car in Joliet, IL during the cold months because cars often trap cold inside. While your pet may sleep outside at other times of the year because it is easier for them to answer nature’s call, bring them inside during winters and make that extra effort of getting up to unlock the door for them when they need to go out.

  Don’ts:

  Do Not Allow Snow Licking

   Do not let your puppy lick the snow, ground, or even their front paws. While giving them treats, make sure they do not fall on the snow as they might consume snow along with it. Puppies can develop throat infections from ice, just like human babies.

  Moreover, many communities use ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, around their neighborhood during winters to prevent snow from piling up. Be wary if your puppy approaches a blue-green puddle and take him away from it.

  Do Not Air Dry

   Do not simply let your puppy’s foot air dry after you are indoors. Give the paws a good wash, and rub some balm or lotion on it to prevent chafing from walking on the cold ground. Unlike older dogs, puppy paws are still soft and need extra care. It will also prevent them from accidentally licking any dirt or antifreeze residue. You can also rub coconut oil on their paws if your puppy is sensitive to balms or lotions.

  Do Not Neglect Grooming

  It is important to keep your puppy well-groomed during winter. Matted fur is more likely to trap dust and dirt, while soft and smooth fur is easier to clean. It also helps them keep warm because the fur is more evenly distributed across the body. However, reduce the number of showers they take during winters because too much of it can rob the skin of the natural oils.

  They tend to develop dry, flaky skin under their fur, even if you cannot see it. It will make them itchy and uncomfortable. A moisturizing shampoo and crème are best suited for winter grooming in a place like Chicago, IL, where it frequently snows in winter.

  Do Not Shave Your Puppy’s Coat

  This goes without saying, that puppy coats should not be shaved during winters. But many pet parents make the mistake of shaving their puppy in the winter because they feel the extra fur will trap more dirt from all that wind blowing. They make up for it by adding extra woolens.

  However, the fur will always be their first natural protection. If you must shave them, do so a couple of months before the winter sets in. The fur would have just grown back in enough time for the colder months. 

  With these tips, you will be winter-ready when it comes to grooming your beloved pups. Celebrate the season with all its festivities and your puppy will be right beside you, adding to your joys.

• What You Need to Know Before Bringing Your New Puppy Home

  

  Did you know that the sale of dog diapers increased to $24 million in August of 2020? To give context to the large scale of that number—that’s up 202% from the same time the year before. One of the main reasons for this growth is that more families are bringing a new puppy into the home. If you’ve landed on this guide, that means you’re one of them! Are you curious about what puppy-proofing entails? How can you prepare your home for one, and how can you prepare your transportation for a smooth and uneventful trip? We explain it all below.

  Here’s How to Puppy-Proof Your Home

  Puppy-proofing doesn’t have to be challenging. For the most part, it entails removing potential problem areas—cords on the floor, breakables in reach, food from the countertops . . . You’ll want to eliminate any issues before they happen (of course, you can expect one or two to sneak through the cracks; it’s only natural).

  Take a walk around your home and consider:

  • Hiding cords
  • Removing any food from within reach or placing it in puppy-proof containers
  • Placing any cleaning supplies or other chemicals out of the puppy’s vicinity
  • Putting away anything sharp or breakable
  • Putting away anything that could be considered a choking hazard, including the trashcan, which could contain hard-to-pass or even toxic items
  • Keeping all doors and windows securely locked
  • Installing gates, if needed, on areas that are “off-limits” to your new dog
  • Placing cameras, if applicable, in a spot that keeps an eye on your pup
  • Removing toxic houseplants, or putting them on a higher shelf or in an off-limits room

  Of course, this list only focuses on the inside of the home. The same care needs to be taken to the outdoors.

  Secure any gates or fences, remove anything toxic or dangerous, and keep chemicals, such as pesticides, out of their reach. While your dog is inside or outside, be sure to always keep an eye on them.

  These Are the Supplies Needed to Transport Your New Puppy Home

  If you don’t handle this initial stage well, it could set your new arrival off to a bad start. It could also be unsafe for you, the puppy, your passengers, and other drivers. 

  Once your home is prepped for the puppy, you can plan for its first trip home.

  If you’re going with another person, this can ease some of the struggles, as one person can drive while the other manages the puppy in a backseat. Have the passenger hold the puppy in their lap, perhaps even using a blanket to comfort them. Know that an anxious puppy is normal in this stage—stay calm and encouraging!

  If you’re alone, you can consider putting the puppy in a comfortable crate, fixed with a blanket, a treat, and maybe even a chew toy.

  For short trips, you can likely make it all the way home without needing to stop for a bathroom break. For longer trips, leash up your pup and let them get some release, and avoid a potty accident (and a clean-up situation for you).

  Get Puppy-Minded Before the Arrival of Fido

  Before bringing a new puppy into your home, it’s crucial to set the scene.

  To put it simply, a puppy is like a baby—puppies require supplies, homes need puppy-proofing, and it all takes care and dedication on your part. It’s not something you can do on a whim with no prior planning, but you’ll be so thankful you took the time. The better prepared you are before his or her arrival, the smoother the transition into puppy life.

  If you haven’t settled on the perfect furry friend yet, we can help!

  Click here to browse all available, adorable puppies currently for sale through Furry Babies Inc. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions as you’re looking.