by Pam Ranheim | Oct 7, 2020 | cats, dogs, pet care, pets
The benefits of pet grooming go well beyond an emotional pick me up for our furry friends. Regular grooming is essential to avoid certain health risks for your pets. Think of grooming your pet like a primary care visit to the doctor rather than a lavish trip to the beauty parlor. It goes well beyond a nice haircut and boost to the old self-esteem. Grooming can protect your pet from irritating and potentially dangerous conditions such as skin irritation, nail complications, flea and tick diseases, and ear infections. Sounds important right? That’s because it is! When you have your precious pooch or fluffy feline groomed professionally you are not only giving them the gift of an improved appearance but increasing their day to day quality of life and making them happier at home. Think of all the time they spend scratching or licking themselves due to hair or skin irritation. Doesn’t your fur baby deserve the reward of vitality for all the love and joy they bring to your life?
Benefits of Grooming
- Improved hygiene & smell
- Reduced shedding
- Healthy coat
- Better quality of comfort day to day
- Full body flea and tick check
- Less chance of ear infections
- Enhanced appearance
- Early detection of skin issues/physical irregularities
- Nail Care: keeps pet comfortable and avoids bone deformities
Convinced to give professional grooming a try? Or maybe you have used a groomer in the past but need to find a new one because your location or type of pet has changed. We have compiled a list of local groomers for you right here in Plymouth. Developing a relationship with a groomer in your area is an investment for your pet that will pay great dividends, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Much like a hair salon or primary care doctor, each client has specific needs and preferences. If you give one or two groomers a try and the services you receive are not exactly what you are looking for don’t be afraid to give another groomer an opportunity to nail it for you and your fur baby. We have come up with this exhaustive list of Plymouth groomers to create options for you as a consumer. As always, do your due diligence, read reviews, talk to folks with experience at certain establishments and don’t be afraid to be upfront with your pets’ needs.
Pet Groomers in Plymouth
- The Barker House
- 4 Elm St., Plympton, MA
- 508-866-0605
- In Home Cat Grooming
- Rachael Palmer
- 609-774-7887
- Full cat grooming, plus dog nails, in your own home
- Nail trims for cats and dogs
- Mariah Callahan
- 508-776-7412
Whether you’re brand new to pet grooming or looking to give somewhere new a try there is a perfect groomer for you right here locally. What better way to support a local business and improve your pet’s vitality and overall wellbeing? Your pet will thank you. Remember to tell them JAC sent you!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
JAC Mascots Misha & Quinn say “Thanks for reading!”
by Pam Ranheim | Oct 1, 2020 | cats, pet care, pet health, pets
JAC Mascot Cat, Tobey posing with his favorite sunflowers.
Keeping our precious kitties healthy is essential to us cat owners but it is not always cut and dry on how to do it. No matter their age, how long you have had them, gender, or breed, you can have a positive influence on your cat’s health starting TODAY. There are many things you can begin implementing now that will have a big impact on your feline’s health. Follow these 7 simple tips to give your cat the health they deserve.
1. Cat Friendly Vet
When it comes to a veterinarian for your cat, you can’t go wrong with a vet who specializes in feline care such as, the Cat Clinic in Plymouth, MA. Some clinics can be quite canine dominant which can be a little daunting for our kitties. If your vet of choice is not a Cat (only) Clinic, ask if you and your cat can wait to be seen in a separate waiting room or wait in the car until they are ready to see you. Limiting the amount of time they spend in a waiting room with noisy dogs and other animals will leave your cat more relaxed for the vet. Choose a vet clinic that actively works to make your kitty feel at ease.
2. Brush Daily
Our kitties do much of the work themselves but help them out by giving them a nice brushing once a day. Brushing daily helps to cut down on hairballs! Want a trick for making your cat fall in love with the brush? Do it during a “happy” time of day, for example after mealtime, or give treats before and after so they begin to associate brushing with a yummy snack. They will be far more agreeable when they have something to look forward to.
3. Litter Box Etiquette
Luckily there have been cat owners who have gone before us and discovered a few rules of thumb when it comes to litter box etiquette. If you are having trouble getting your cat to consistently use the litter box you provide it is possible that one of these faithful rules is being missed even if only by a hair, literally. Proper litter box etiquette is as follows.
- One box per cat plus one. Ex. 1 cat = 2 boxes; 2 cats = 3 boxes; 3 cats = 4 boxes
- Each box should be 1.5 times the length of your largest cat.
- Scoop 2x/day and change litter fully once a week; clean the box thoroughly before adding the new litter.
In addition, just like you might have a preference in toilet paper, your cat may prefer one litter over another. For example, one of my cats will ONLY use a Breeze System litter box; my other three cats are very happy with their regular litter box with The World’s Best Cat Litter. Just like with a pet’s food, you can’t change a cat’s litter abruptly. Introduce any new litter slowly, mixing it in with their regular litter and slowly changing the ratio until they are comfortable with the new smell and feel. There are always exceptions to the rules but these three tips are an excellent starting point for any cat owner. Your kitty will thank you for the extra box, the spacious room, and clean litter.
4. Clean Dishes
Give your furry feline the gift of clean food and water dishes every day! Even if your cat bowls appear clean to the naked eye because kitty has licked everything up, bacteria is always growing. Wash with hot (150’F will kill 99% of bacteria) and soapy water at least once a day and preferably after every use. By keeping their dishes sparkling clean you can avoid the dreaded biofilm which can cause urinary tract infections, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases and more! Cleaning their dishes is one of the simplest ways to keep your kitty healthy and happy.
JAC client, Wade, ready to lap up his fresh water!
5. Regular Feeding Schedule & Limited Snacks
If you have had a cat for any amount of time you have probably noticed that they are creatures of habit. The number of times a day a cat should eat can vary but one thing you want to be sure of is that you are being consistent. A dependable feeding schedule will make your cat feel more comfortable and secure at home. Does your cat enjoy the occasional human food? Before giving your feline friend a table scrap snack double check that it is not a toxic food to cats. There are many human foods you may not expect that are extremely harmful to cats. Chocolate is a well-known one, but some not so obvious ones include dairy products (yes, that means cheese) and yeast dough (bread). Always double check toxic foods to cats.
6. ID Tags/Microchipping
Cats are excellent escape artists! Whether you have indoor or outdoor cats always keep a collar with an ID tag on them. If your cat will not wear a collar or you worry about it catching on something with their outgoing behavior a great alternative is having your cat micro chipped. A Microchip is a small electronic chip (about the size of a grain of rice) placed just under the skin of your pet. There is an ID number assigned to your cat/dog. If your pet goes missing the person checking the chip will have the animal’s name and owner’s contact information to get in touch and return your pet safely home. Of course, you can always use both an ID tag and a microchip to doubly ensure their safety.
7. Spay & Neuter
Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. Cats who are spayed/neutered also tend to avoid certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. After being “fixed” your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.
JAC Client, Sigmund, enjoying a nice stretch.
Next stop: healthy and happy!
A healthy cat makes a happy home. Take the time to find a vet that will make your cat feel at ease and purchase a collar with ID tags and/or get them microchipped. Each day lend a hand to minimize hairballs, clean their dishes, feed according to their schedule, and follow proper litter box etiquette. Don’t forget, always spay/neuter your pet. Do these things and your cat will undoubtedly be the healthy feline they deserve to be!
Just Around the Corner offers Cat Sitting as well as daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/fedding-times-and-fequency-for-cats
https://www.batcopetsitting.com/biofilm-bacteria-pet-dishes/
https://www.vets-now.com/2017/02/foods-poisonous-to-cats/
by Pam Ranheim | Sep 9, 2020 | cats, pet care, pet sitting, pets, Plymouth MA
A happy cat means a happy cat mom or cat dad, right?! Keeping our furry felines happy is the top priority for us cat lovers. No matter the personality type, if they are indoor or outdoor cats, rescues or purebred, all cats deserve to be genuinely happy. Making our kitties leap for joy on a regular basis is important but what does it mean to have a cat who is truly happy? Knowing what to look for in your cat when gauging their happiness is a key component to keeping them delighted. As we focus on happiness here, we are excited to reveal the top ways to keep our kitties healthy coming soon! Stay tuned right here. Check out our free Signs of a Happy Cat infographic to share with your fellow cat lovers!
Signs of a Happy Cat
- Vocal cues such as purring and talking.
- Being playful with you or other pets in the home. Bringing you toys or their hunt is also a particularly good thing, according to them.
- Grooming remains a top priority for happy cats giving them a healthy appearance.
- Having a good appetite and eating well at each meal.
- Snuggles, kneading, “making biscuits”, Star Paws, rubbing against your legs, and napping in your lap are all loving signs they are pleased.
- Sleeping socially with people and other pets in your home.
- Resting or sleeping with their paws tucked under their body is a relaxed posture for cats.
Are you seeing these signs in your cat? Maybe you are noticing only a few, or none at all. No matter where your cat falls on the happiness scale there is always room for improvement when it comes to our precious fur babies. These 6 tips will not only promote daily happiness in your kitty cat’s life but will also give you, their trusted servant, peace of mind knowing your cat is living a truly fulfilled life.
1. Spay and Neuter
Getting your cat spayed or neutered, even for those indoor-only kitties, is necessary. Have your cat “fixed” to help control the homeless cat population. You also avoid certain types of cancers in your kitty when you spay and neuter, such as breast cancer and testicular cancer, and even uterine infections decrease. Your cat will be less likely to escape/runaway as they will no longer go into heat after this procedure. Cats who have been spayed or neutered behave better overall than those who have not, which makes a happier and healthier kitty.
2. Tree Time (indoors)
Cats were made to climb. We don’t always love it when they climb our beautiful furniture so we must give them ways to exercise that part of their natural instinct. Cat trees give your cat an excellent way to scratch the invisible itch to climb, plus it doubles as an actual scratch pole. These trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can accommodate multiple cats. When possible place your tower near a window so they can enjoy the view and happenings of the great outdoors while getting their climb on.
3. Love & Play
Okay okay…if we must, right? Giving our cat love and positive attention is one of the simplest ways to keep your cat happy. Take time every day to play with them. Use toys that they can stalk, pounce and chase to really tucker them out. A tired cat is a happy cat. When you are not around, leave out safe toys for them to play with such as a cardboard box. Boy does this simple and free toy provide hours of entertainment for our feline friends! Switch up what you leave out every few days to keep it feeling fresh and new for your fur baby.
4. Catio
Yes, you read that right, catio. By definition, a catio is a safe outdoor enclosure for housecats. You can really get creative on this one and gear your catio design towards the things your kitty cat loves the most. For example, if your cat favors climbing you can create multiple levels and platforms within their catio to climb to their heart’s content. Being in the fresh air, with natural sights and sounds that they are intuitively drawn to is the highest form of positive stimulation our furry friends can have. A catio offers your feline the most closely related experience to their natural habitat while keeping them safe. Don’t have one? Get one!
5. Pets in Pairs
Consider getting more than one cat. Most cats are quite social and benefit greatly when they are not the only cat in the house. When introduced properly adding a second cat to the household can be a wonderful experience for everyone. Having a companion to play with, snuggle with, and enjoy the day to day festivities alongside provides a feeling of fulfillment for them. If you are considering getting a cat or already have one why not make it two?
6. Bird Viewing Station
Even well-fed domesticated cats have the natural attraction to small prey like birds. Indulge that attraction by creating a bird viewing station for them. Set up a birdfeeder or bird bath right outside the window of your choosing. Then sit back and relax while your ferocious kitty enjoys hours of tweety bird entertainment.
Increasing the happiness in your cat is simple. Get them spayed or neutered to set the tone for a happy life. Offer them your love, get creative with their window spaces and even the great outdoors. Consider a feline companion and always keep their natural instincts in mind when creating spaces for them. With these tips your cat’s happiness will be off the charts! Now that your cat will undoubtedly be living their happiest life stay tuned because you won’t want to miss our 5 Tips for a Healthy Cat.
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Resources:
www.humanesociety.org
www.catiospaces.com
www.chewy.com
www.amazon.com
by Pam Ranheim | Aug 27, 2020 | dog training, dogs, pet care, pet health, pets, Plymouth MA, puppy
It is time to Potty Train your puppy! You have your adorable new puppy home and settled in. She snuggles and licks your face – so sweet. But then, she also pees on your favorite rug, or poops in the corner of the kitchen. Ugh – Where to begin?! Time for Potty Training 101! What you do for potty training in the first few weeks of having a puppy will follow you through the life of your dog. Think of house-training your dog as the foundation of a happy life together. Keep it simple with a schedule, stay consistent and have a positive attitude, and your puppy will be a potty-trained pro in no time. You can do this!
Potty Training: First Things First
The goal of potty training is for your puppy to only poop and pee outdoors, in the spot you want them to. If they need to go out, you want them to let you know. You can begin potty-training your puppy as soon as they arrive (8 weeks). Usually pups start to gain control over their bladder around 12 weeks, but get them used to a regular potty routine as soon as they join your family as an important part of the potty-training process. For the first week or two…play inside, business outside other than short walks on leash. The reason for this is that, when you get your puppy, they will have been with their littermates and have been able to pee and poop as they play in their play area. Puppies are used to this. If you have them playing outside and they do their business while playing, then when you come inside and play they will do the same. They will not know the difference between playing outside or inside and being able to just stop and pee. So, make outside for business-only in the beginning. It will not take long before they understand, and you will be able to have lots of fun outside!
To prepare to house-train your pup there are a few things to do in advance.
- Choose where their “SPOT” will be outside. Decide on an area that is easily accessible for them, a decent size (min. 10’x10’), and that you can stay consistent with.
- Don’t keep your outside potty area spotless. Leave a little so your pup can have the necessary smells to know that is where you want them to go.
- Research the many Potty-Training methods out there to gain as much knowledge of the process as possible.
- Observe your puppy’s habits to assess how well/long your puppy can control their bladder before starting to train. This usually takes a week or two leading up to starting your training.
Potty-Training Schedule
As a general rule the number of hours a puppy can go without using the bathroom is the equivalent to how many months old they are. For example, a 2-month (8 week) old pup can usually go 2 hours between potty breaks, a 3-month old can go 3 hours, and so on. As your puppy grows the hours between relief will also grow and your schedule will vary depending on their house-training progress. For anyone beginning to potty train their dog this schedule is an excellent place to start. Download our free Potty Training 101 Schedule to use as your daily guide: 8-12 Week Schedule 12-16 Week Schedule
6:00 AM Wake up & right out to POTTY
6:15 AM Breakfast
6:30 AM Post breakfast POTTY
9:30 AM Mid-Morning POTTY & Walk
12:00 PM Post Nap/Pre-lunch POTTY
12:15 PM Lunch
12:30 PM Post Lunch POTTY
3:30 PM Afternoon POTTY & Walk
6:00 PM Post Nap/Pre-dinner POTTY
6:15 PM Dinner
6:30 PM After dinner POTTY
9:30 PM Last POTTY before bed (this time will adjust depending on your personal bedtime)
NOTE: Your puppy will not be able to make it through the night without an accident. Be prepared to get up during the night every 2-3hours to take your puppy out.
Remember to always take your pup out for relief following naps and playtime. In addition, a potty break is needed before and after all meals. This schedule is only a starting point. Do not forget to adjust with your growing puppy as needed. Get a FREE age appropriate schedule for your pup here: Potty Training 101 Schedule: 8-12 Weeks 12-16 Weeks
Consistency is KEY
Whatever your schedule looks like, keep it consistent for your dog. Constantly changing up their routine confuses them and can wind up setting back the progress you may have already made. The hours between potty breaks will increase as your pup grows but keep feeding times and walks on the same schedule whenever possible to maintain their regimen. If you are a working puppy mom or dad a regular schedule may seem impossible. Hiring a dog walker/pet sitter for times you are unavailable keeps up the consistency for your pet and expedites the house-training process. Typically, by 4-6 months you will be able to judge for your puppy what their best long-term routine is as every dog is different.
Stay Positive through the House-Training Process
Keep it PAWsitive for your pup! We know how frustrating it can be when our pet uses the bathroom inside, especially on our favorite rug. No matter how trying the times of training may be your pet will respond best to a positive attitude and constructive actions. Punishing your puppy for an accident in the house is not going to teach them what you want them to do. Instead of punishment try clapping loudly to get their attention if you catch them in the act. Verbalize NO or another word they are familiar with and take them outside immediately to teach them the correct way to use the bathroom. Let us not forget the successes; when your pup does their business outside praise them! Your dog wants to please you. Giving extra love and even a cookie will create positive association for your dog making them more eager to please you every time, thus becoming house-trained.
Signs your pup needs to potty
During the first few weeks of your potty-training quest it is important to keep a close eye on your pup. Look for the signs that they need to relieve themselves. Each pup will have his or her own sign, which you can learn by watching carefully. To get started, once they exhibit any of the signs listed below take them to their “potty spot” outside as quickly and gently as possible. Soon you will recognize their “I gotta go” behavior and be able to respond appropriately.
- Sniffing
- Whining
- Circling/Restlessness
- Licking the groin area
- Standing still and lifting the tail (That’s our mascot Quinn’s move)
- Going to a previously “used” in-house area
- Squatting (Catch them quick with this one!)
You can do it!
Potty training your precious pooch is a big responsibility that you can totally handle! When you keep a consistent schedule and stay positive with your pup in everything from the praise to the corrective actions you will have a house-trained fur baby in no time. Remember that puppies are not puppies forever and one day (soon!) the trials of potty training will be a distant memory. Soak it up while you can. Create a schedule that works for you and find ways to keep it up no matter what. Whether you hire a dog walker for additional help or recruit your mom or neighbor to avoid skipping potty breaks your pet will appreciate your hard work. When the day of no more accidents comes so will you!
Need help keeping your pup’s schedule?
Just Around the Corner offers a wide variety of dog walking and pet care options for you and your furry family member. We all know how difficult it can be to keep up a consistent schedule for our dog, especially while potty training. JAC is here to help! Avoid the setbacks of messing up your dog’s routine. Set up a Meet and Greet with a JAC pet care professional. Choose from a variety of visits, walks, and hiking options that best suit your dog and never worry if your pup’s schedule is “off” again! Call or text: 508-245-1389 to set up a meet and greet TODAY.
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Aug 19, 2020 | birds, cats, dogs, pet care, pet health, pet sitting, pets, Plymouth MA
Choosing a veterinarian for your pet’s health and wellness is one of the most important decisions you will make as a pet parent. After all, the goal is to keep our fur babies healthy, happy and on Earth for as long as possible, right? Finding the right health care provider for your precious pup or fluffy feline is a personal decision that will lay the foundation for your pets’ health. If you are like me, you want quality care that comes with ease and Peace of Mind for your precious pet. Contrary to popular belief, our pets are not born hating the vet! Find a place that makes them feel comfortable and (dare I say) one they look FORWARD to going to! While the responsibility of choosing your pets’ health care provider is HUGE, the process of finding the best fit for you and your pet can and should be FUN! So, take a deep breath and follow these 7 great ways to go about choosing the best vet for your pet.
Talk to your pet owner friends
Get recommendations about the best veterinarians from people you trust who also have pet owning experience. Start by building a list of possible vets based on these recommendations. This list may also include some fair warnings of less than stellar practices based on others’ experience. Consider what type of pet or breed your friends own(ed). A 15-year-old Maine-coon cat will have a vastly different veterinary experience than a brand-new yellow lab puppy. Friends who own pets are a wonderful place to start your vet choosing process.
Research
The best vet for your pet may not fall right into your lap but with focused research the right fit will come along in no time. After gathering a list of names/practices from your pet owning pals do some of your own research. Thoroughly review each candidate’s website and read their testimonials. If people are saying things that you are looking for in a vet like “personal attention” “timely and considerate service” “open evenings and weekends” “good value” or “very professional” they may be worth looking into further. In addition to the compiled list of recommendations from your friends, a Google search for veterinarians in your area is another fabulous resource. Always read reviews and look for people who describe what you hope to find in a vet. Live in Plymouth, MA? Click here for a list of local veterinarians!
Visit (or Call) to feel it out
The best way, hands down, to learn if a vet practice will work for you and your pet is to experience it firsthand. When possible, take a trip to your top choices for a visit. You can first do this without your pet to get a feel for cleanliness, day to day operations, and whether the staff meet your friendliness standards. If the visit goes well and you are pleased with your experience, set up a trial visit for your pet. Realize that right now, in a COVID world, scheduling “research visits” may not be an option. Rather than in person, make phone calls to your top choices to inquire about their practice and ask the staff and veterinarian your questions.
Hours of Operation
The best vet for your pet means they are available when you need them! The hours and days of operation vary from practice to practice. Think ahead to what days of the week you will be available to schedule your pet’s routine visits and ensure that your vet of choice is open. If you are only available on weekends and your vet is not open Saturday or Sunday that may be a deciding factor and time to look at other options. If you choose in-home veterinary care, ask for their “on-call hours”. Many times, traveling vets hold hours of operation like a brick and mortar clinic. If the vet, you choose is not open or available 24/7 you will want an emergency veterinarian for your pet as well. Once you have chosen your primary care vet ask them for their recommendation on an emergency vet.
Location Location Location
Choosing a vet who is close and convenient is beneficial and can be life changing when it comes to an emergency. Consider your travel time to each vet clinic and decide if that is a distance you feel comfortable traveling with your pet, particularly in the event of an emergency. Knowing the proximity of a clinic is to your home is an excellent way to narrow your search.
Fees and Money Matters
When it comes choosing the best vet for your pet financials matter! To choose a vet that foremost meets your financial needs, compare the pricing of multiple clinics. Always ask ahead of time the full costs of procedures to avoid any unexpected fees. Inquire about methods of payment, payment plans or financial assistance before committing.
Connect with the Vet on your Pet Care Philosophies
Get down to business by asking the veterinarians their beliefs on practices and treatments for things like cancer, spaying and neutering, and euthanasia. If you believe in holistic and alternative treatments is this something they practice and/or condone? Is the vet patient and understanding of your questions and inquiries? The quality of health care for your pet is not something to compromise on. If a vet does not feel like the “right fit” continue your quest until you feel 100% comfortable in your decision.
Gain Confidence in Your Choice
As a pet parent there is no greater choice to make than their health care provider. When embarking on this important quest consider others’ experiences and investigate their recommendations. Research thoroughly while getting answers to your important questions. Make the choice that works within your budget and time and choose a vet who aligns with your personal pet care philosophies. Following these guidelines will give you confidence and Peace of Mind in making your final decision of which vet to choose for your pet. Remember, choosing a vet is not like a marriage proposal. You are not looking for “the one”, you are making a choice that most closely aligns with your values and expectations of the health care provided to your pet. If your initial choice ends up not being the “right fit” you can always change!
References:
www.akc.org
www.pets.webmd.com
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
by Pam Ranheim | Jul 29, 2020 | dog walking, dogs, pet care, pet sitting, pets, Plymouth MA
What makes a family want a puppy? Is it the slobbery kisses? Or is it the chance to snuggle down on a cold night? Is it the way they look at you, and wait for you at the door with unconditional love? Puppies and even older dogs can be such a wonderful addition to a person or family. Choosing the right puppy or dog for you means asking yourself the right questions. Narrow down the breed, choose the adoption or purchase route you want to go, honestly evaluate the amount of time and money you can spend with your new fur baby. These are just a few especially important questions to address when in the process of making the decision to become a dog parent.
Okay, you have decided to get a dog, now what?
Now that you’ve made your decision that yes, we are ready for a dog it is time to learn which dog will be the best fit for you – the big You, which includes you, your family, and your lifestyle. You could just see a picture of a cute dog on the internet, find out its breed, and say THAT’S THE ONE!! However, that is NOT the best vetting process for adding a new family member. Instead, let’s start by imagining what a day with your dog will be like. Do you get up early for a 3-mile jog, followed by a trip to the local pet friendly farmer’s market, and then hit the beach in the afternoon? If so, an energetic breed like a Labrador might be a great option – one who enjoys exercise, and is also friendly and comfortable in public places. Or does your day run at a slower pace? Maybe you work from home, you enjoy a leisurely neighborhood stroll in the evening and typically you are not away from home other than a store errand here and there. If so, a friendly, home-loving St Bernard may be a nice fit for you. Whatever your lifestyle, know that there is a dog for you. Knowing how to find the right match is the key.
Questions to address when searching for your furry soul mate.
- How much are you away from home?
- Consider you and your family’s work and school hours, social life, and travel.
- Your answer will also impact the amount of outsourced help you will need to consider such as a dog walker or pet sitter.
- How much can you afford to care for a pet?
Check out this list of basic dog owner expenses.
- Routine Vet checks
- Year-round flea/tick/heartworm treatment
- Food/treats
- Leash/harness/collar
- Grooming
- Dog bed/Crate
- Toys
- Dog walker/pet sitter (if applicable)
Pugs and Beagles are two examples for lower maintenance breeds, while Poodles and King Charles Cavaliers tend to be on the higher maintenance side.
- Who lives in your home?
- If there are children in your home, choosing a dog with a playful disposition, one with the energy to keep up with the everyday happenings, and one who is of course friendly are important qualities. A golden retriever is one example of an excellent family friendly breed.
- Maybe you care for an elderly parent. You might consider a smaller breed with an easy-going temperament who can be a “lapdog”. A great idea would be a dog they can easily snuggle up with and give affection, such as a Shih Tzu.
- Do you keep a clean house? Or is your housekeeping more “relaxed and casual”?
- For the least amount of impact on the cleanliness of your home look into breeds that do not shed such as a Maltese or Irish Water Spaniel.
- For the more casual housekeeper a Newfoundland is a fabulously gentle giant that loves everyone with every ounce of drool they can muster.
- Looking for something in between? Breeds like the Leonberger or Borzoi are larger dogs with minimal drooling.
- Do you or anyone in your home have pet allergies?
- Consider a breed that does not shed or is hypoallergenic, for example: Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog or a Yorkshire Terrier.
- Are you active or more sedentary?
- Do you like the gym or outdoor activities? Ex hiking, walking, jogging
- Do you spend your nights/weekends watching Netflix and relaxing?
- Choose a breed or mix that most relates to your energy level and would be able to join in on your daily activities.
- Where do you see yourself in a year, five years, and 10 years?
- Are you currently single but hoping to settle down and start a family soon?
- Do you have a house full of teens who can help care for the dog but who will be flying the coop in a few short years?
Making the decision to bring a dog into your life is a lifelong commitment, no matter how much your life changes during their life span. Think about how this new addition will fit your life, and you theirs, for the long haul.
Finding THE ONE dog for you
Once you have answered the questions above it is time to start looking for THE ONE! From breeders to shelters and puppies to dogs, there are still many more questions to answer for yourself.
- Do I want a purebred or a mix?
- Do I want to purchase a dog from a breeder or adopt from a shelter?
- Based on your above answers, what breeds best fit your lifestyle?
- Are you able/willing to travel for the pickup?
- How quickly do you want to a new dog/puppy? Are you willing to wait for a new litter?
The number one rule when purchasing or adopting a pet is to do your due diligence. Not all breeders, and even some shelters, are reputable. Do your research, read reviews, talk to your fellow pet parents, educate yourself as much as possible. Even if an animal needs rescuing supporting an inhumane breeder or business enables them to keep doing what they are doing. Due diligence is a must!
No such thing as too much dog research
The more you consider your lifestyle, personality, and both present and future circumstances the better off you will be in finding the perfect furry addition to your life. Whether you purchase or adopt, when you bring a dog into your life you are making a lifelong commitment to them. All dogs deserve an owner(s) whose commitment is as unwavering as to their own family. For a complete list of dog breeds, their characteristics, history, and other facts visit the American Kennel Club website.
Download our Top 10 Dog Breeds of 2019 Guide
Have a new puppy or dog already?
Just Around the Corner offers a wide variety of dog walking and pet care options for you and your furry family member. We all know how difficult it can be to leave our dog home alone while we are at work; JAC is here to help. Set up a Meet and Greet with one of our pet care professionals. Choose from a variety of visits, walks, and hiking options that will best suit your dog and… VOILA! Instant peace of mind while you work, go out to dinner, or day trip to the Cape. Life is meant to be lived. Do not miss out on the fun while giving your pet the gift of JAC! It is a WIN-WIN! Call or text: 508-245-1389 to set up a Meet and Greet TODAY.
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
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