Whimsy & Theory, Melbourne, Melbourne (2024)

24/12/2022

Merry Xmas and happy holidays from our family to yours! 🐾❤️

30/10/2022

Trick or treat! Every holiday with a new pup brings its own set of fun and challenges, especially that festival of ghosts and goblins, Halloween. What do you need to know about celebrating this spooktacular day with your pup? There's a couple of things you can do to maximise their fun and safety: If you'd like to dress up your pup to celebrate, avoid costumes that feature glitter, buttons, gemstones, and other choking hazard, or loose parts that might get caught or tangled while during playtime. Take care to avoid things that might be choking hazards or harmful to your pup inside and outside the home, including decorations and candy. Keep your pup safe when opening the door to trick or treaters and don't forget to have fun and let your pup celebrate with a tasty treat and some fun pics to celebrate their first Howloween with you!

26/09/2022

How spunky does look - all ready for their first playdate! Introducing your puppy to both new humans and new dogs is crucial to proper socialisation, and a puppy playdate is a great way to help with that process. Starting as early as seven days after the first set of vaccines and after the first round of deworming, puppies can start meeting other dogs in safe, healthy environments. As long as your puppy and their playmate are in a secured area, such as your fenced backyard, and not a public area where they can be exposed to germs (such as a local dog park), your pup can safely be socialised before being fully vaccinated. When first introducing two puppies on a play date, it’s important to be able to reward generously for healthy and fun interaction, and have treats to lure them away from each other when they need a break. Wish luck on their date! 💗

11/09/2022

It's nearly time for your pupster's first birthday, meaning they are perfectly well behaved and listen to every word you say, right? Nup! While it's true that at 9 months, your fur baby is on the tail end of their wild adolescence, they can still be described as rambunctious teenagers. Their hormones are shifting incredibly at this time, leaving some erratic and impulsive behaviors. Don’t be surprised if they “forget” commands that they once knew, or dig a big old hole in the back yard. Continue with the training, socialising, and exercise, and take comfort in knowing this phase is coming to an end! 😂

29/08/2022

Paws up if you have a house or yard strewn with much-loved toys! Toys provide mental and physical stimulation and enrichment for your pup, and can help reduce behavioural problems resulting from boredom or excess energy (like digging). Keep things interesting by rotating them weekly and making only a few available at a time (eg ones they can carry, “kill,” roll and “baby"). If your pup has a favorite comfort toy, like a soft “baby,” you can leave it out all the time. Have a variety of toys for interaction, distraction and comfort that are appropriate for your pup's size, activity level and play style, and get familiar with their chewing style before leaving them alone for too long. They will have the most fun playing with you so have plenty of toys that allow you to interact and have fun with your pup 🐶🐾🏐💗

22/08/2022

Rub-a-dub-dub there's a pup in your tub! When your pupper is about eight weeks old it's time for their first bath. Before then you can wipe them with a damp cloth if needed. While it's a pretty simple process there are a few things to be aware of to ensure baths are fun, safe and pleasurable for your pup (and hopefully avoid bath phobias down the line!). There's no need to use shampoo or conditioner for the first couple of baths. You can graduate to shampoo/condition at about three months old, by using a PH balanced formula specific to your pup's coat. Remember not to scrub - just use a very soft stream of water and gentle hand motions that move in the same direction of your pup's hair growth. Avoid using soap near their face and eyes, and rinse and dry thoroughly! Voila - a squeaky clean fur-ball! 🐶🛁💗

08/08/2022

Does your pup attentively watch your every move while ignoring everyone else? Do they greet you each time as though they haven’t seen you in weeks? Do they follow you everywhere —even into the bathroom? You might just be your pup's favourite person! Dogs develop favourite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialisation period. Lots of love, time, attention, affection and positive experiences and associations will help you forge a lifetime bond with your pup. Has your pup picked their favourite yet?

01/08/2022

is totally bringing the ! Most dogs absolutely love the beach, so make sure your fully-vaxxed pup's first trip to the beach is all about maximum fun and safety. Choose a dog-friendly beach, bring shade/sun protection and plenty of fresh water, keep a close watch on your furbubba near the water (not all dogs are natural swimmers!), and give your pup a good wash when you get home. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Whose pup is a ?

24/07/2022

Who loves to boop a snoot??!! If you've never heard the phrase, a boop is simply a gentle tap on the nose, and some folks like to say "boop" aloud when doing it to doggos. It can be a sweet way to connect with and greet your dog. There ae some seriously cute snoots out there, so let's see them! Get booping!

18/07/2022

I bet you can't believe your pup is six months old already - time is flying by! Your pup will continue to grow rapidly over the next few months as they reach their adolescence, or “teenage,” phase. During this time they will likely be energetic, playful, and much more independent. It's also common for puppies to get a bit rebellious and destructive during this stage of development, as this the most active period of their lives, and they may find less productive or desirable ways to alleviate any boredom. Be aware - a previously well-mannered puppy can turn into a terror, and they may start “forgetting” all the things you've previously taught them and regressing in their training. On the plus side, they should be sleeping solidly, making great strides in their toilet training and eager to participate in lots of fun and games as their agility increases. Now's the time to also think about spaying or neutering your pup which, in addition to health benefits, can also help to lessen the development of certain behavioural issues as your pup grows. Most of all, enjoy this incredibly special time in your pup's life!

11/07/2022

Time to 'fess up - who's got a pampered pooch? We all love our pups, but too much spoiling can confuse them and lead to increased anxiety and undesirable behaviour patterns. Examples include no rules being enforced, the pup always getting what it wants, getting treats for no reason, being overweight, coddled excessively, allowed to free roam, and demand barking when they want something. Sound familiar? What about nudging whenever they want to be pet or being up on the couch/bed whenever they please? Guilty! It can be tough not to spoil your pup when you love them so much, but there's definitely is a point at which you will need to stop and set boundaries for your dog and yourself. The older the dog, the more difficult it gets to correct their bad behaviours and habits, so start early and often. Reward your dog when they have done something right, but not just with treats. Consistency, boundaries, socialisation and a well-balanced mix of verbal praise, physical attention, and treats is the way to go here!

20/06/2022

When you get a puppy, you of course want to shower them with love, affection, and rewards 💗 Good quality treats can be good for your puppy, and are a strong tool for training your pup to grow into a well-behaved doggo — as long as they're used correctly! Remember that treats are adding calories and a chunky, overweight puppy is more likely to end up with health issues later in life. So fight the urge just to dispense treats for cuteness, as hard as it may be!

13/06/2022

Whose dog rules the roost?? thinks he does! It's tempting to give into their cute puppy faces and pleading eyes and letting them do or have something we know they shouldn't. Because....look at them....just this once! Sound familiar? It's tough, but taking the time to decide on and consistently apply a set of House Rules for your pup is crucial to them becoming a well-behaved member of the pack. It can be very confusing for your pup if everyone in your home has different rules for them. For example, if one person lets them on the furniture, and another person yells at them when they jump up on the couch to cuddle. Or if one person holds off on putting down meals until pup offers a "sit," but everyone else just puts down the bowl when it's feeding time. Remember, consistency is key and time will lead to a happier and better behaved doggo

06/06/2022

It's the 12-week mark! By the time your puppy is three months old, they are starting to thrive in their puppyhood - becoming more coordinated and confident, wiggling about and exploring everything in sight! Your pup’s brain is now at the stage where they’re ready to learn their name and the most basic of commands. They also need and want your attention more than ever during their third month as they’re continuing to bond with you and require lots of (longer) play sessions and exercise. At this stage they will need a visit with the vet to continue their shots and plenty of good food, sleep, and snuggling. Much to the joy of pup-owners everywhere, most puppies develop better control over their bladders at the three-month mark, alongside the ability to sleep through the night! Enjoy this very special time with your little one 💗

30/05/2022

has got the Monday zoomies! Zoomies are a period of frantic activity during which a dog runs around like crazy, and seems to be completely unaware of their
surroundings. You typically know it’s a zoomie when you see one – they are normal playful behaviour to release bottled up energy. Zoomies are more common in puppies but they can happen in dogs of all ages. It’s absolutely okay for pups to engage in zoomies as long as it’s in a safe environment where you’re sure your pup can’t harm themselves or others. Zoomies are a good sign, and it means your pup is happy!

23/05/2022

has been at it again! Puppies are joyful, messy and destructive especially when they have a partner-in-crime with whom to double the fun! Whose pup has been up to no good this weekend (partner-in-crime optional!)?

16/05/2022

Thought your pup was potty-trained? Don't celebrate too early! Puppies often regress while potty-training, partly due to their brains developing as they grow. While the brain is still developing, they might forget their training. As with all training, don't punish them or make a fuss if they have an accident - continue with the positive reinforcement when they again do what is expected. Don't worry - as long as you are consistent in your efforts, your pup should pick it up again quickly.

09/05/2022

Paws up if your fur-baby sleeps with you at night! While it's not for everyone, sleeping with your pet has psychological, social and cultural benefits, and low health and behavioural risks — most of which can be mitigated with care and training. Like most puppy-related things, make sure the choice is best for you and your pup, and start out as you mean to finish. Once you have opened that door, they will assume that for the rest of their lives, the bed will be their space, too! Oh well, that's what king size beds are for, right?? 😁💗

02/05/2022

Check out after their trip to the groomers - pretty funky 'do huh? The first experience your puppy has at the groomers (from about 12 weeks) sets the tone for how they feel about the grooming process for the rest of their life. You want it to be a calm, short and positive experience, and a good groomer will most likely want to warm your puppy up to grooming with abbreviated sessions. You can also help get you pup ready for the "big day" by handling their paws, ears, and brushing them as often and as early as possible, and work your way up to some more "creative" looks when they are a little older (mohawks optional)! 😁

25/04/2022

A different type of Milestone Monday today. On ANZAC Day we honour the men, women, dogs and other animals who have served and sacrificed. A beautiful post (which features these images) by highlights the story of two particular canine war heroes, one of whom, Paddy, was himself an ANZAC. We thank you all for your service and sacrifice. Lest we forget. https://puppytales.com.au/canine-heroes-dogs-in-war-dogs-of-hope/

18/04/2022

Tricks are not only fun but a great way to bond and improve communication with your pup. Basic commands like "sit" and "stay" can start at 7-8 weeks. By the time they are 3-4 months you can begin teaching them some fun tricks like shake or roll over! When training your pup, remember to be patient and to keep the sessions short and fun, while being consistent and rewarding good behaviour - they will learn better this way. What tricks can your clever pup do?

04/04/2022

Does your pup like to dig? Digging is as natural to pups as eating, playing, scratching and sleeping! It is important to remember that ‘digging’ is only a symptom, not a ‘problem’. The first step to stop digging is to understand the reason that your puppy has chosen to dig - Instinct, cooling, hiding treasure, anxiety, boredom or freedom? This will help you figure out different ways to redirect the behaviour in a positive way, stem the excavation and keep your pup safe and happy. Remember, this all takes time, patience and repetition so don't give up!

28/03/2022

Hands up who has lost hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars in chewed shoes/furniture/homewares/human toys to your puppy?? Aaaaaaargh - two hands up here! Firstly, it's normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration. The good news? It's almost never their fault or permanent - they will either outgrow the need to chew your favourite heel or there's things you can do to address the underlying cause or effect. First rookie tip - put all shoes out of puppy's reach while they learn!

23/03/2022

It's National Puppy Day! A special day to celebrate the joy and unconditional love that these fur-balls bring to our lives. Plus, most importantly, a day to raise awareness about puppy mills, backyard breeding practices and encourage adoption of pups of all ages. So, go on, grab the nearest pup and give it an extra big smooch today. While you're at it, why not donate to your local shelter and support the incredible and selfless work they do in giving homeless pups a second chance

21/03/2022

Hands up those who have some extra helping hands or paws as you work from home? It doesn’t matter how important the task you’re working on, doggos will always find a way to sneak onto your lap, snore loudly through a critical pitch, distract you from responding to emails, or find their loudest squeaky toy! We can’t complain too much though; they make for great cuddle companions when work gets stressful, and provide a great excuse to have a break and enjoy some time outdoors!

14/03/2022

Dogs are social creatures! Just like humans, it's not uncommon to see pups extend doggie friendship/ companionship to preferred playmates. They might show this by maintaining positive body language around a specific dog - play bows, loose tail wagging, ears perked up or relaxed are all signs your dog is comfortable. Does your pup have a bestie yet? 🐶🐶💗

07/03/2022

Parker Puppy just graduated from puppy school with flying colors and is so excited to show off their new skills! During the early months, positive socialisation, training and play is vital for the development of your puppy, teaching you both vital lifelong skills as well as being a fantastic bonding opportunity. Plus - a weekly dose of more puppies! Need we say more?

27/02/2022

Ewwwwww! Whether it's freshly mowed grass or a sun-baked dead something or other, dogs love to go belly up in all kinds of scents. There's many theories for this odour-rific behaviour, and it's most likely something deeply encoded in their canine DNA. Plus it's fun - our dogs certainly look pretty happy with themselves during the event. Not so happy with the bath afterwards 😄 What's your pup's favourite thing to roll in?

20/02/2022

has been at it again and is looking so proud of himself! You've probably been there too, right?! You come home from to find your favourite pair of shoes chewed, or the couch cushion ripped, or an unidentifiable mess in the corner. Every pup parent has to contend with their pup damaging something he or she shouldn’t have. Usually, it’s pretty easy to prevent and curb such behaviour by addressing the root cause - are they bored, stressed or anxious? Are you giving your pup too much freedom (more freedom = more destruction)? Just like people, when those baby teeth are falling out and grown-up teeth are coming in, it hurts! Chewing bones or your favourite chair makes your pup feel better, so help them out by giving them good choices to chew on: toys that are meant just for their sore gums 💗

14/02/2022

Nom nom nom! Puppaccinos or Pup Cups are a fun and yummy way to treat your pup while you enjoy your own favourite brew. There's no standard recipe so check with your local exactly what's in their mix then bring on the puppy milk moustaches!

Whimsy & Theory