Puppy Tales Pets

26/01/2025

Our top 5 favourite chews!

Your dog needs to try them 😋

Chewing is so beneficial for dogs - it redudes anxiety, keeps them occupied, helps with teething & each chew has many of its own benefits too! 🐶

25/01/2025

It’s Saturday yay!

Let’s see those pups!

These two haven’t quite woken up yet, it is the weekend after all 😴

24/01/2025

Why Every Dog Should Learn the Hand Touch 🐾

Teaching your dog to "touch" (target their nose to your hand) might seem like a simple trick, but it’s actually one of the most useful skills your pup can learn! 🐶

Here’s why:

1️⃣ A great focus exercise: A hand touch redirects your dog’s attention back to you in distracting situations. Teach a sustained hand touch too!

2️⃣ Reduces Fear: It can be a confidence-building exercise for nervous or reactive dogs.

3️⃣ Helpful for Training: Use it to guide your dog into different positions (like sit or heel) or to reinforce recall. Use a hand touch to get your dog focused on your hand and ready for training.

4️⃣ Safe Handling: It’s an stress-free way to move your dog without grabbing or pulling them.

5️⃣ Great for Fun Games: Turn it into a game to keep your dog mentally stimulated! They can touch your hand up high or low, chase it or just do it stationary.

💡Pro Tip: To teach it, hold your hand out with a treat hidden in your palm. When your dog touches your hand with their nose, mark it with a "yes!" and reward. Continue to practise this with your dog until they are comfortably doing it. Once they do, remove the treat and show your hand to your dog saying ‘touch’ as you put it down. When they touch it say ‘yes’ and reward. Keep practising and they’ll pick it up easily!

Have you taught your dog the hand touch? Share your training stories or ask questions below! 🐕

23/01/2025

22/01/2025

If your pet was to win 1st prize in a competition, what would it be for?

🏆 Most Likely to Nap All Day
🏆 Class Clown
🏆 Most Athletic

Let us know your pet's 'award' in the comments 👇👇

Nova would win most boopable nose 😂😂

21/01/2025

✨Choosing the right dog breed for you ✨

Adding a dog to your family is exciting, but it’s a decision that should be made with lots of consideration!

Choosing the right breed can mean the difference between a perfect match and a challenging situation. 🐶

Here are some key factors to consider:

1️⃣ Breed Types - what was that breed bred to do?

Although many of the original traits have been bred out making most breeds suitable companions, it’s important to consider what each breed of dog was bred to do. Most breeds were bred with a purpose in mind, even if this was just to be a companion.

For example a border collie was bred to herd and so they are typically known to have lots of energy and also if choosing a collie then be prepared for the potential of them wanting to herd/chase things.

Dogs bred for hunting or retrieving may enjoy activities like fetch, scent work, or long walks. Matching a breed’s instincts to your lifestyle is key to keeping them happy and fulfilled.

This is so important to consider as a husky although cute won’t want to just sit on the sofa all day but will need to expel the energy.

2️⃣ Living Situation:
Do you live in an apartment or a house with a garden? Breeds like Greyhounds and French Bulldogs adapt well to smaller spaces, while breeds like Labradors and Australian Shepherds thrive in larger homes with room to roam.

That’s not to say a large breed cannot fit in a small house but they may require more time outside.

Also it’s important note if you are choosing a puppy then they will need to be house trained.

3️⃣ Time Commitment:
All dogs require time. Some will require more training than others or time spent training specific things.
Some dogs will also require more exercise so be mindful of how much you can offer them.
Also, remember that all puppies, regardless of breed, will require training to learn good behavior, socialisation, and basic manners. Training takes patience, consistency, and daily effort, especially during the first year. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to raising and training a dog.

4️⃣ Coat Maintenance:
A dog’s coat requires care to keep it healthy and tangle-free. Breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus or other long haired breeds may need daily grooming or regular trips to the groomer, while short-haired breeds are much lower maintenance.

5️⃣ Family and Other Pets:
Do you have kids or other animals at home? It’s important that they will be comfortable with a new dog. Also, some breeds have a higher prey drive or are more suitable to be around other animals & children.
Always supervise interactions, especially with young children.

6️⃣ Temperament:
Every dog has its personality, but breed traits can offer insight. Do you want a protective guard dog like a Doberman, a loyal companion like a German Shepherd, or an independent thinker like a Basenji? Speaking to breeders can help give more of an insight into the temperament of that breed too.

7️⃣ Health Considerations:
Some breeds are prone to certain health issues. Research breed-specific conditions and ensure you’re prepared for the potential costs or care requirements.

9️⃣ Do Your Research:
Whatever breed you pick, it’s essential to dig deeper. Meet people who own the breed, talk to breeders, and ask lots of questions. This will give you valuable insight into the breed’s temperament, care needs, and whether they’re a good match for your lifestyle. Never rush this step—it’s a big decision!

What’s your dream breed, or do you already have a furry friend? Share your stories and photos below! 🐶💖

18/01/2025

Can we see some happy pups to start off the weekend? 😍

17/01/2025

❌ Rawhide ❌

Rawhide is still readily available in lots of supermarkets & pet shops but it can be super dangerous to our dogs. Here’s why you should avoid it & some better alternatives:

- Choking and Blockages:
Rawhide can break into large chunks that are hard to digest, leading to choking or dangerous blockages in the digestive tract.

- Chemical Processing:
Rawhide is essentially animal skin (normally cow) but it has been bleached to remove hair & glue is used during manufacturing to get it into specific shapes - both harmful to our dogs.

- Digestive Issues
Rawhide is not easily digestible and can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, or worse if ingested in large pieces.

✅ Natural Chews ✅
Instead of rawhide, try these natural alternatives that are safe, healthy, and just as satisfying for your pup:

- Camel Rolls - a tough long lasting chew perfect for bigger dogs. Camels a great novel protein to feed too.

- Hairy Rabbit ears - a tasty snack helping to clean teeth & keep worms at bay.

- Bully sticks - super popular, great for teeth cleaning

- Lamb braids - great chew for smaller mouths

Here’s some natural chews we’d recommend:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/puppytalespetservices/list/37OQWDLE1GV83?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_aipsflist_NQ35AP9AABMN6NXPFTW5_2&language=en_US

❗️Remember:
Always supervise your dog while they chew, regardless of the treat, and choose high-quality, natural options to keep your pup safe and healthy.

What’s your dogs favourite chew? Or do you need help finding some for your dog? Pop us a comment 👇

16/01/2025

Are you bringing home a puppy soon? Here’s a few tips to prepare for your new arrival! 🐶

Bringing a new puppy home is exciting, but it also requires preparation to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry friend.

Here’s a checklist to help you get ready:

✅ Make sure you have the essentials (here’s our puppy preparation list):

🐾 Food & Water Bowls - make sure they are non-slip & not too big for your puppy

🐾 Puppy Food - your breeder / rescue will advise on what food your puppy has been weaned on and ideally you should feed this at first with a gradual transition to a new food once puppy is settled.

🐾 Crate & Bedding - Create a cozy, safe space for your puppy to rest. This may be in a crate or pen. Think about where puppy will sleep - in a bed next to you or crate downstairs etc.

🐾 Collar, lead, harness & ID Tag: Ensure they’re appropriately sized for a growing pup. It’s important to have an ID tag attached to a collar or harness in case your puppy gets lost.

🐾 Toys - Provide a mix of chew toys, puzzle toys, and comfort toys. These are so important to help with keeping your puppy occupied, for teething & general training too. See our list of best chews for pups: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/puppytalespetservices/list/37OQWDLE1GV83?ref_=aipsflist

✅ Puppy Proof your home
- Remove toxic plants, electrical cords, and small items your puppy could swallow.
- Block off areas that are off-limits with baby gates or puppy pens.
- Ensure you create a safe space for puppy to acclimatise in.
- Remove plug ins, candles etc that are toxic to dogs and replace with pet friendly alternatives.
- Stock up on pet friendly cleaners (you’ll need these to clean up any accidents your puppy has too)

✅ Vets & Insurance:
- Research local veterinarians and schedule your puppy’s first check-up.
- Research insurance companies and get signed up!

✅ Training your puppy
- Research local training classes (your breeder can advise too) and get puppy booked in.
- You can also google basic puppy training like sit, down & stay (make sure they are positive reinforcement trainers)

✅ Prepare yourselves
- Puppies need patience, love, and consistency. Be ready for sleepless nights, but also endless joy and cuddles!
- If you work outside the home, put a plan in place for what will happen with your puppy - dog walker etc

Here’s a list of our favourite puppy items: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/puppytalespetservices/list/2TQVYZDZAJJCT?ref_=aipsflist

Are you ready to welcome your new bundle of joy? Let us know your puppy plans! 🐾

07/01/2025

Did you know that pets communicate with us in their own unique ways?

Learning to understand their “language” can strengthen the bond you share!

🐶 DOGS: A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness. A high, stiff wag might mean they’re alert, while a low, slow wag is a sign of relaxation.

🐱 CATS: Slow blinking is a cat’s way of saying, “I trust you.”

🐦 BIRDS: When a bird fluffs its feathers, it’s often trying to stay warm or showing contentment. But constant fluffing might mean they’re unwell.

🐰 RABBITS: A happy rabbit might “binky” (a little jump with a twist) to express pure joy!

Our pets are always trying to tell us something. 💬

What’s one funny or special way your pet communicates with you?

04/01/2025

If your pet could talk for one day, what’s the first thing you think they would say to you? 🐾

03/01/2025

Keeping your pets safe in the cold 🥶

🐾 Limit Outdoor Time:
Depending on how cold it is, keep walks & outdoor play time short.
Monitor your pets for signs of the cold like shivering or holding their paws off the ground.

🐾Dress for the Weather:
Use dog sweaters or jackets for breeds with short coats or low tolerance for cold.
You can purchase dog boots to protect paws de ice, snow & salt too.

🐾 Check the Paws:
After outings, wipe your dog’s paws to remove ice, snow, or salt that can irritate their pads.
You can apply a pet-safe paw balm to protect paw pads too.

🐾 Provide Warm Shelter:
Keep pets indoors during extreme weather.
For outdoor pets, ensure their shelter is insulated, elevated off the ground, and has dry bedding. If possible, bring them inside when the weather is very cold. Provide extra bedding materials for small pets like rabbits & guinea pigs.
Ensure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water.

🐾 Avoid Dangerous Substances:
Antifreeze is toxic but smells sweet to pets - keep a look out on roads in case of spillage and store it securely in your home too.
Rock salt and de-icers can be harmful; opt for pet-safe products.

🐾Stay Visible:
Use reflective gear or LED collars for pets during early morning or evening walks when it’s dark.
If needed, keep dogs on lead so you know where they are and can prevent them from going out of sight/digesting anything harmful.

🐾 Know the Signs of Hypothermia:
Symptoms include shivering, lethargy, and weakness. If you notice these, bring your pet inside and call your vet immediately.

Tip: Even thick-coated breeds like Huskies or Malamutes can be affected by extreme cold. Always monitor your pet in the cold weather!

Stay warm and keep your furry friends safe! 🐾

02/01/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉

New Years is a time for resolutions & I like to set some!

This year my New Year’s resolution is to play with each dog individually every day.

Having 2 babies in the space of just over 2 years, my poor dogs have had to sit back a bit and occupy themselves more.

So it’s time to change it and get some dedicated time in for them. This could be 2 minutes or 20 minutes but it’s just me and them! ❤️

So what’s your plans this year with your dogs? 🐶

29/12/2024

Me: ‘I’m just going to sit down for 5 minutes’

Them: ‘oooo we’ll join you for the next 3 hours, it’s cuddle time’

😂😂

28/12/2024

Did you know that owning a pet can actually improve your mental health? ❤️

Here’s how pets help us feel happier and healthier:

🐾 Stress Reduction: Spending time with pets lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone).

🐾 Increased Exercise: Dogs, in particular, encourage physical activity, which boosts mood and energy.

🐾 Companionship: Pets help combat loneliness. Their unconditional love and presence create a sense of connection.

🐾 Improved Social Life: Walking your dog or sharing pet stories online can help you connect with others. Plus you always have cute pictures to share!

🐾 Mental Health Support: Studies show that interacting with pets can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

💡 Fun Fact: Petting a cat or dog for just 10 minutes can lower your blood pressure!

What’s one way your pet has made your life better? 👇

21/12/2024

What’s your dogs favourite toy? ❤️

Nova would pick a frisbee (and chase it) 24/7 if she could!

18/12/2024

Does your dog pull on the lead?!

If yes, check out these tips to help you! 🦮


🐾 Start in a Controlled Environment
Begin training in a quiet space, like your home or garden, where your dog won’t be distracted. If your dog can’t loose lead walk here then they won’t be able to in busy environments so it’s important to perfect it in the house first.

🐾 Leads
Use a fixed-length lead instead of a flexi lead. Flexi leads encourage pulling as dogs learn they can gain more lead by tugging. A standard lead provides clear boundaries, helping your dog understand how much freedom they have.
Harnesses are perfectly fine for lead training. They don’t encourage pulling when used with the right techniques. The key is teaching your dog the behaviour you want, not relying solely on the gear.

🐾 Make Rewards Count
Use high-value treats that are only given during lead training—something extra special that grabs your dog’s attention e.g steak or chicken, cheese etc Generally the smellier the better!
Begin by rewarding your dog for being at the side of you and focusing. You can use a marker word such as ‘yes’ to communicate to your dog you like their behaviour and that a reward is coming.
Practise, practise, practise getting them into this position then slowly begin to step forward. With each step, mark & reward as your dog walks with you.
If they pull, stop immediately. Stand still and wait for the lead to slacken. This teaches your dog that pulling doesn’t work, but calm walking does. Then repeat the sequence of into position, mark, reward & then slowly add steps again. You can also change direction to help refocus their attention on to you again.

🐾 Stay Consistent and Patient
It’s okay if your dog walks slightly ahead, as long as they aren’t pulling. This is their chance to explore, but in a controlled way. If you want your dog to only walk by your side then only reward them for doing so.

🐾 The Key Is Consistency
Consistency is eve ning. If you lapse even once and allow your dog to pull, they’ll quickly revert to old habits. This can set you back and force you to retrain from a previous step.

Every dog learns at their own pace. Stick with it, stay consistent, and you’ll soon have a dog who walks happily and politely by your side.

🐾Seek Professional Help if Needed
Of course, there’s no substitute for professional training. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored advice and support to help you and your dog succeed.

16/12/2024

Dogs are more than just pets; they're family! 🐾

Whether they're wagging their tails in excitement, cuddling up for a nap, or simply giving you that loving look, they never fail to bring joy into our lives.

What’s the best thing your dog does to make you smile?

Share in the comments! 🐶