How Much Should I Walk My Puppy?

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How Much Should I Walk My Puppy?

You’d think that walking your puppy was pretty self-explanatory, but there are a few puppy walking guidelines you need to follow to keep your puppy happy and healthy. Here are some tips, tricks, and facts to help your pup get the most of your daily strolls!

Puppy Walking Guidelines: How Often Should I Walk My Pup?

An easy trick to remember is to walk your puppy 5 minutes per every month old they are.

For example if they’re 4 months old, that’s 20 minutes. Do this until they hit a year old, up to two times per day.

There is a reason for this. It may seem like mans best friend is a bundle of energy, and often that is very true. Even if they are full of energy it is possible to walk them too much.

Doing so can lead to exhaustion and things such as joint damage. The physical effects on this are more damaging for larger breeds such as Rottweilers and Labs. Keep an eye on your puppy when you’re walking and keep out for signs of exhaustion.

There are other things to consider too, which include:

Terrain

Where you and your new friend are walking can make a big difference. For example, in the Summer, it’s smart to avoid things like the pavement, sidewalks, or concrete to keep their paw pads from getting burned.

You can check if it’s too hot by putting your hand down and feeling it, if it’s too hot to keep your hand there, it’s too hold for your dog’s foot. If you’re walking on a gravel road, mind any sharp objects you may come across such as rocks with sharp edges or any glass in the road. Their paw pads are strong but can also cut easily if they come across things like that.

Leads

Since your puppy is not only new to you, but to the world in general, they don’t exactly know the ropes yet. Unless you’re in a fenced in area or indoor space, it is smart to keep your dog on a lead.

This can be especially important if you live in the city. Dogs are really smart creatures but this won’t stop them from running in front of cars or just run off in general.

Switch Out For Other Exercise

If you have a big bundle of energy and you’ve reached your puppy walking requirement, switch it out for other exercises. Playing with a ball, a bit of tug-of-war, or even just interacting with training games can help burn off some of that excess energy.

These are just some of the puppy walking guidelines that a good for your puppy’s health! But don’t worry, you’ll be bonding on your strolls in no time!

8 Puppy Bathing Tips to Make Bath Time Easier

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8 Puppy Bathing Tips to Make Bath Time Easier

If you just got your first puppy, or you’re a puppy enthusiast, bathing can be an ‘experience’ the first few times. Some puppies take to it very quickly, others need more coercion. So, here are eight puppy bathing tips to make bath time a little less work and a little more fun. Let’s jump into it.

1. Ease In Gently

Some puppies will actually prefer a shower, particularly smaller dogs who may find being suddenly stood in water quite intimidating. Others will enjoy a warm bath and plonk straight down. Either way, don’t throw them in or just hit them straight with the shower, work up to it.

For more tips on how to do this check out our other post on introducing your puppy to the bath for the first time.

2. Get The Right Shampoo

Before your dog even gets wet, you want to make sure you have the right shampoo. Human shampoo, even baby shampoo, has a different pH for our skin versus a puppy. This can strip them of their essential natural oils and dry their skin out, especially in the colder months.

You can check out specific shampoos for your puppy breed, just make sure to follow the instructions. If your pup has sensitive skin, ask your vet about a therapeutic shampoo instead.

3. Check The Temperature

Probably one of the most self-explanatory puppy bathing tips, BUT we’re going to mention it anyway, always check the water temperature. Too cold and your dog won’t thank you for it, and too hot you can burn their skin or paw pads.

So, what’s the perfect temperature? Think of puppies as babies, so if you would put a baby in that temperature, it’s find for your puppy.

4. The Three Towel Rule

There is said to be a three-towel trick when it comes to washing our furry friends. You use the first towel on the floor of the tub to give your puppy more traction and less of a chance of slipping. The second towel is used for you to drape over the dog or hold up between you and the dog whenever you see that they’re about to shake off water between rinses. The third, of course, is to dry off your pup when they come out of the bath.

It might be worth buying a specific bath mat just for your puppy, because as they grow they’ll still have a little mud or dirt here and there, and you don’t want to be sharing your linen with them!

5. Use The Lead

Use a lead. In the beginning when you’re getting your pup used to the idea of a bath or shower, the lead can really help keep them in place. Trust us, they are slippery when wet!

6. Wet Dog

This tip has nothing to do with that oh-so-loved wet dog smell, but more on making sure your dog is completely wet. When you bathe your dog, you want every inch – down to their skin – wet, while also avoiding their face and ears. This makes sure your shampoo is reaching down and getting everywhere.

Note: For breeds with double coats, you’ll need to make sure you work it in!

7. Avoid Big Scents

Keep in mind that smells that are pleasant to us while bathing, such as mint, citrus, or an ocean smell (whatever that is), may not smell that great to your puppy. When choosing shampoos, soaps and even bathroom products, keep in mind their sensitive noses so that your puppy isn’t overwhelmed when coming into the bathroom.

8. Rewards

Bathing can be extremely stressful for a puppy. It’s not as normal to them as it is to us. Giving them a reward like a treat or a new toy after a bath is a good idea. If your puppy is noticeably anxious during the bath, consider bringing in treats or one of their favourite toys during bath time to calm their nerves.

You can also look at puppy bath toys to encourage play and fun as part of the process, just like you would a child!

Hopefully these puppy bathing tips will make your baths a much more enjoyable process for both you and your pup!

Introducing Your Puppy To The Bath

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Introducing Your Puppy To The Bath

Puppy bath training sounds silly, but the fact is, if you introduce the bath to your puppy incorrectly, you could give them a fear of water. That is hard to break long-term.

It’s very simple and all about having patience. So here’s the three steps to getting puppy bath training nailed immediately:

1. Play There First

Get in the bath with your puppy (without water in) with some treats, their favorite toy, or maybe even their comfort. Then just play for a bit.

Let them sniff around, figure it out for themselves and every time they show a positive reaction, reward them.

Then step out of the bath, leaving them in there and repeat.

Note: It might take several attempts and if they show signs of distress try to distract them with a toy or doing a trick in the bath.

2. Introduce Water

This should be done on a seperate day after practicing the first step a couple of times.

Just run the tap warm (at bath temperature) without the plug in and let your puppy explore. Continue to play games as in step 1, and every time they approach or interact with the water – reward them.

If you’re opting to shower your puppy, this is also the stage where you would turn the shower on. Ideally not on your puppy and repeat the step.

Try to incorporate a few splashes so your puppy gets used to getting water on them. That way it isn’t such a big shock when you fill it up!

3. Puppy’s First Bath

You should find your puppy bath training has meant your pup is excited to get in the bath for the first time.

Now you can start filling it up. Only a few inches at first and see how they respond.

To start with we would recommend using a cup to wash your puppy rather than a shower to get them used to it – then, when they are confident, you can introduce the shower slowly.

The earlier you start puppy bath training the better and it won’t be long before bathing just becomes part of their normal routine! Don’t avoid it if they don’t like the water, just go at a rate your puppy is comfortable with. It can take patience, particularly if there is a natural fear. It is important not to push them.

Now check out our 8 puppy bathing tips to make bath time easier post.

The REAL Reason Your Puppy is Chewing

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The REAL Reason Your Puppy is Chewing

Puppies chew, it’s a fact, but people are often confused by puppy chewing causes. Why do they do it? Why won’t they stop? Is it natural?

Prancing about, slipping and sliding across the floor, grabbing a hold of whatever they can and having a good gnaw. Although this behaviour may seem a bit foolish, it’s all completely natural! So, here are the main puppy chewing causes you need to be aware of and cater for.

There’s a huge difference between natural chewing and destructive chewing, so understanding puppy chewing causes can allow you to curb the bad behaviour, and encourage the right one!

An ever curious mind

Your puppy is chewing is because they are constantly learning. Since he or she doesn’t have those wonderful appendages we call “hands”, they use their mouths to experience the world around them.

Think of a human baby, as soon as they gain the ability to grasp, they will take hold of anything within their reach. Well, your puppies teeth and tongue are kind of like toddler hands. Touching and tasting everything, to learn what is undoubtedly delicious, and what feels good on those sore teething gums.

Your puppy is Teething

Just like people, puppies go through two sets of teeth. By the time you’ve adopted your little scamp, you’ll notice a tiny set of needle sharp (yet adorable) teeth. These 28 puppy teeth will eventually fall out as 42 new teeth push through to replace them. This is one of your puppies’ chewing causes, because chewing  relieves the pressure and discomfort of their adult teeth coming in.

Puppies will lose their first few teeth around 3-4 months old, finishing around the age of 6-8 months.

Boredom

Puppies need a lot of exercise, and mental stimulation. Depending on the breed of your pup, some may need more than others. If your puppy doesn’t have enough toys, with enough variety, they will chew on whatever they can find.

Without the mental distraction of challenging toys and games, puppies will chew destructively, as this releases their pent up energy and excitement.

Separation Anxiety / Loneliness

Another reason puppies chew and become destructive is due to anxiety and fear. This can happen when being left for short periods of time, such as going to the bathroom if you shut them out, or during longer periods, while you’re at work.

Puppies need constant supervision. Always make sure your pup is in a safe space when being left alone, and be sure to give them a couple choices of safe toys. Your pup has spent its entire life up until now, with its mother and siblings. Because dogs are pack animals, it’s normal for them to feel loneliness.

Medical Issues

If you’ve ruled out the above puppy chewing causes, its best to get a veterinarians’ opinion. Sometimes a puppy will chew due to mineral or vitamin deficiencies that are caused by intestinal parasites, or a poor diet.

Some dogs will even chew as a coping mechanism, because of uncomfortable pains or cramping. A few quick tests and a physical exam can rule out any medical problems, and you will feel much better knowing your pup is healthy and safe.

If your puppy is a chewer, and you want to know how to prevent destructive chewing behaviour, check out our article on “How to Stop Destructive Chewing”.

100+ Girly Puppy Names

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100+ Girly Puppy Names

Girly puppy names are an awesome way to make your new puppy even cuter. Girly names revolve around sugar, spice, and everything nice. They will showcase your girly puppies’ best qualities and cause a cuteness overload in seconds!

For all the pampered princesses out there, pick from our list of over a hundred girly puppy names (in alphabetical order to make it easier!).

  1. Abby
  2. Aisha
  3. Aja
  4. Amelie
  5. Amy
  6. Angel
  7. Angelina
  8. April
  9. Ariel
  10. Aura
  11. Aurora
  12. Bailey
  13. Bianca
  14. Bella
  15. Blossom
  16. Bluebell
  17. Buttercup
  18. Bubblegum
  19. Bonita
  20. Boo
  21. Bree
  22. Caroline
  23. Chi Chi
  24. Chloe
  25. Clover
  26. Cookie
  27. Cupcake
  28. Cutie
  29. Cuddles
  30. Daisy
  31. Dakota
  32. Darling
  33. Diana
  34. Della
  35. Dixie
  36. Ella
  37. Ellie
  38. Elsa
  39. Emma
  40. Eviee
  41. Faith
  42. Fiona
  43. Fiora
  44. Flower
  45. Freya
  46. Gia
  47. Gigi
  48. Giselle
  49. Goldie
  50. Grace
  51. Gwen
  52. Haze
  53. Heidi
  54. Holly
  55. Honey
  56. Hope
  57. Issa
  58. Isabella
  59. Iliana
  60. Ivette
  61. Ivy
  62. Jasmine
  63. Jessie
  64. Jolie
  65. Josie
  66. Joy
  67. Kaia
  68. Katelyn
  69. Katie
  70. Kiki
  71. Lady
  72. Layla
  73. Lexi
  74. Lilly
  75. Lola
  76. Lucy
  77. Lulu
  78. Luna
  79. Maddie
  80. Maggie
  81. Maya
  82. Mia
  83. Molly
  84. Nancy
  85. Nessa
  86. Nala
  87. Noelle
  88. Nora
  89. Nova
  90. Odelia
  91. Olivia
  92. Oona
  93. Orianna
  94. Pearl
  95. Penny
  96. Pippa
  97. Pixie
  98. Princess
  99. Priscilla
  100. Rhea
  101. Rita
  102. Rose
  103. Rosie
  104. Ruby
  105. Sabina
  106. Sabrina
  107. Sansa
  108. Savannah
  109. Sophie
  110. Starr
  111. Stella
  112. Sugar
  113. Taffy
  114. Talia
  115. Tessa
  116. Thea
  117. Tilly
  118. Tillie
  119. Valerie
  120. Violet
  121. Vicky
  122. Wanda
  123. Wendy
  124. Willow
  125. Winnie
  126. Zara
  127. Zelda
  128. Zia
  129. Zoe
  130. Zoey

Did you spot your favorite in our list of girly puppy names, or did you think of some that we have missed? Let us know in the comments.

How To Stop A Puppy Chewing The Wrong Things

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How To Stop A Puppy Chewing The Wrong Things

It’s a common misconception that you need to stop a puppy chewing, but the truth is, there is a difference between destructive chewing and natural chewing behaviour.

Chewing is natural, particularly for puppies who are teething, so they will need an outlet to stop a puppy chewing your furniture or other things they’re not supposed to. Here’s how to deal with it:

Positive Reinforcement To Stop A Puppy Chewing

Here are 5 ways you can reinforce good chewing behaviour:

  1. Teach your puppy how to “Drop”. Use treats to encourage them to let go of their toy. Each time your pup lets go, repeat several times “Drop”. With practice and proper puppy training, you will soon have the ability to ask them to drop unwanted objects.
  2. Reward your puppy with affection and treats whenever they play with their own toys. (Do not allow unsupervised play with anything that could break off, choke them, or be swallowed)
  3. Daily walks and play will work off any pent up energy. A tired puppy is not a destructive puppy!
  4. If you catch your pup with something inappropriate, stop your puppy from chewing by distracting them with their own toys, and reward them greatly.
  5. Write down the times of day you catch your little one chewing. Now you can get ahead of them, and offer a chewy treat or toy at these times.

Tips To Avoid Destructive Chewing

  1. Keep your home tidy. Never leave important objects within your puppies grasp or reach.
  2. Close doors to your bedrooms, or areas you don’t want your puppy to go.
  3. If you must leave your puppy, crate train them properly.
  4. Bitter tastes and smells can stop your puppy from chewing unwanted items. Most pet stores sell bitter apple spray, but you can also try natural lemon juice.
  5. Keep your puppy entertained. Boredom most often leads to chewing and destructive behaviour.
  6. Avoid negative training! It won’t stop a puppy from chewing, and can, in fact, make it much worse!

The Best Way To Stop A Puppy Chewing

Introduce safe and natural chew toys which can satisfy their chewing behaviour without it being your favourite shoes!

Try these natural options:

Pre-Treated Antlers

Deer, elk, and moose antlers harvested during the shedding season are not only good for your puppies teeth, but also a humane source of chewing pleasure!

Nylabone Power Chew Antler ...Shop on Amazon

Large Beef Marrow Bones

Raw bones remove plaque, contain calcium vitamins and minerals.

Frozen Carrots

Whole frozen carrots are great for a teething puppy. They have tons of vitamins and antioxidants, and are cost-effective too.

Bully Sticks

Bully sticks made purely from meat, NOT rawhide, are cooked and hardened to make safe chew sticks for your puppy.

Cadet Bully Sticks for Smal...Shop on Amazon

Coffee Wood Chew Sticks

Another natural chew toy is made from coffee wood. It is made from 100% natural coffee plants and nothing else. This product is free from caffeine, artificial additives, and ingredients. Which makes it non-toxic and safer than chewing on real sticks. Real coffee wood will not cause any allergy to your dogs as well. Coffee Wood’s soft and tiny fibers can be ingested without any harm to your dog. Plus, they don’t splinter.

Pet Full House WoofWood Dog...Shop on Amazon

Now that you have some ideas on how to keep your puppy busy and safe, you can stop worrying about your furniture getting destroyed!

Be sure to check out our other article on puppy chewing causes HERE for full info on why your puppy could be chewing!

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