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Puppy Behavior: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

2/25/2025

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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure, full of cuddles, playtime, and those irresistible puppy kisses. But what happens when your adorable fluff ball turns into a full-blown land shark, biting everything in sight—including you? Let’s dive into what’s normal when it comes to puppy behavior and what’s a red flag.
Normal Puppy Biting vs. Problematic BitingBiting and nipping are completely normal puppy behaviors. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and gentle nipping is how they play and interact. However, when a puppy’s biting becomes excessive, painful, or aggressive, it’s time to investigate.
When Puppy Biting is Normal:✔️ Light nipping during playtime, especially with littermates ✔️ Biting that decreases when redirected with a toy ✔️ Exploring new textures by gently mouthing hands or objects ✔️ Temporary teething-related nibbling
When Puppy Biting is NOT Normal:🚩 Hard, persistent biting that breaks the skin 🚩 Puppy ignores redirection and becomes more aggressive 🚩 Growling, lunging, or stiff posture during biting episodes 🚩 Excessive biting beyond the teething phase (typically after 6 months)
Why Some Puppies Bite Too MuchOne of the biggest mistakes new puppy owners make is bringing home a puppy too early. Puppies need to stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks old. Studies show that puppies removed too soon miss out on critical socialization, particularly bite inhibition, which they learn from their siblings and mother.
🐶 The Science Speaks: Research has found that improperly socialized puppies may never fully recover. Early social experiences shape a puppy’s lifelong behavior, and missing out on this key window can lead to fear, anxiety, and excessive aggression.
How to Fix Excessive BitingIf your puppy is a little too enthusiastic with their teeth, don’t panic! Here’s what you can do:
🔹 Redirect – Redirection, done correctly, can really help your puppy to understand that nipping on you is not acceptable. However, giving a puppy a toy immediately after nipping you can also teach them to communicate their wants with a bit...so be careful! timing is everything here! And learn the art of the "No" and PAUSE. 🔹 Use a Yelp Sound – Puppies learn from their littermates! If they bite too hard, let out a sharp “Ouch!” and stop playtime briefly. 🔹 Encourage Gentle Play – Reward soft mouth behavior with treats and praise. (HUGE TIP: soft mouth can be encouraged with a little butter on your hands. YUM!)🔹 Avoid Rough Play – Tug-of-war or wrestling can encourage harder biting in some puppies. 🔹 Socialize, Socialize, Socialize! – Introduce your puppy to well-behaved dogs and people to teach them proper play manners. 🔹 Seek Professional Help – If biting persists, work with a professional trainer or behaviorist.
Final ThoughtsPuppies will bite—it’s part of being a puppy! But understanding the difference between normal play and problematic behavior is crucial. If your pup’s biting is out of control, it may be a sign they missed key early socialization. The good news? With patience, training, and proper social exposure, you can help them learn better habits and grow into a well-mannered dog.
Has your puppy ever gone through a biting phase? What worked best for you? Drop your stories in the comments!

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DIY Grooming: Can You Really Do It Yourself?

2/13/2025

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Ever wondered if you could groom your dog at home and save a trip to the groomer? The short answer: Yes, you absolutely can! But the real question is… will you want to once you know what’s involved? Let’s break it down step by step so you can decide if the DIY route is for you!
What You’ll NeedTo give your pup the full spa treatment at home, you’ll need the right tools. Investing in high-quality grooming supplies makes all the difference in keeping your dog’s coat mat-free and healthy. Here’s your essential checklist:
🛁 Bathing Supplies:
  • High-quality dog shampoo (avoid anything with sulfates or parabens)
  • Conditioner (some coats need extra moisture!)
  • Detangling spray
  • Large absorbent towel
  • Grooming loop (to keep your pup safely in place)
✂️ Brushing & Trimming:
  • Slicker brush (for detangling)
  • Metal comb (to check for hidden mats)
  • Clippers with different blade sizes
  • Safety scissors for trimming around the face, paws, and sanitary areas
  • Nail clippers or grinder
  • Ear cleaning solution and cotton pads
💨 Drying & Finishing:
  • High-velocity dryer (cuts drying time in half and prevents mats!)
  • Grooming table (not essential, but makes the job MUCH easier)
  • Fragrance-free finishing spray for that fresh salon scent
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?The frequency of grooming depends on your dog’s coat type and lifestyle, but here’s a general guide:
  • Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks, or as needed if your pup gets particularly dirty.
  • Brushing: Daily for long-haired breeds, 2-3 times a week for medium-haired, and once a week for short-haired dogs.
  • Nail Trimming: Every 2-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
  • Ear Cleaning: Once a week or as needed, especially for floppy-eared breeds.
  • Full Haircuts: Every 6-8 weeks for breeds that require trimming.
How Long Does It Take?If you’re including everything—bath, blowout, brush, and full trim—set aside a solid 3-4 hours. Yes, really. Some coats are high maintenance, and rushing can lead to painful mats or an uneven cut. If you’re just doing a bath and quick brush-out, plan for 1-2 hours.
Can You Do It? Absolutely! But… Will You Want To?Grooming your pup at home can be a rewarding bonding experience, but it’s also a workout. Expect to get soaked during bath time, covered in fur during blow-drying, and possibly end up with a pup that looks like it gave itself a DIY haircut. 😆
Many of our clients start off with DIY grooming, then decide it’s worth the investment to schedule professional grooming every 4-6 weeks while handling simple maintenance like brushing and nail trims at home. Others love the process and turn it into a regular self-care routine for their pup!
Final ThoughtsIf you’re up for the challenge, go for it! With patience and practice, you can absolutely master grooming at home. But if you’d rather sip your coffee while someone else does the hard work, professional grooming might be the way to go.
What do you think—DIY grooming or leave it to the pros? Let me know in the comments!

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Homemade Puppy Food: Healthy Choice or Risky Mistake?

2/5/2025

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Should You Make Your Own Puppy Food? The Pros, Cons, and Must-Know Tips
Have you ever looked at the back of a bag of dog food and thought, "I have no idea what half of these ingredients are"? You’re not alone! Many new puppy owners consider making their own dog food to ensure their furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible. But is homemade dog food really the best choice? Let’s dive into the benefits, risks, and common mistakes to help you make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Homemade Puppy Food
  1. Ingredient Control – You know exactly what’s going into your puppy’s meals—no mystery fillers or questionable preservatives.
  2. Freshness & Quality – Home-cooked meals can provide fresh, high-quality ingredients that commercial dog foods may lack.
  3. Customization for Your Puppy’s Needs – Whether your pup has allergies, sensitivities, or just needs extra support in certain areas (like joint health), homemade food allows for tailored nutrition.
  4. No Artificial Additives – Many commercial dog foods contain artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors that don’t belong in your puppy’s diet.
The Risks & Challenges of Homemade Puppy Food
  1. Nutritional Imbalance – Puppies have very specific dietary needs, and homemade food can lack key nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and essential fatty acids if not carefully formulated.
  2. Time-Consuming – Making your dog’s meals from scratch takes planning, prep time, and storage space.
  3. Potential for Harmful Ingredients – Some well-meaning owners accidentally include foods that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, grapes, or excessive amounts of certain fats.
  4. Cost Considerations – While homemade food can be healthier, buying high-quality ingredients can get pricey compared to commercial options.
Common Mistakes When Making Your Own Dog Food
  1. Not Consulting a Veterinarian or Canine Nutritionist – Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet, and working with a professional ensures your pup gets everything they need.
  2. Lack of Calcium & Phosphorus – Puppies need the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for healthy bone growth. A deficiency can lead to developmental issues.
  3. Too Much or Too Little Protein – While protein is essential, too much can strain a puppy’s kidneys, and too little can stunt their growth.
  4. Ignoring Omega Fatty Acids – Omega-3s and 6s are crucial for a puppy’s brain development and coat health but are often missing from homemade diets.
  5. Failing to Add Essential Vitamins & Minerals – Even fresh food needs supplementation. A good multivitamin or balance of organ meats, fruits, and vegetables is necessary.
What Should Be Included in a Balanced Homemade Puppy Diet?If you decide to go the homemade route, here are some essential components:
  • High-Quality Protein (chicken, beef, turkey, fish, eggs)
  • Healthy Fats (fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil)
  • Carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, rice, quinoa, pumpkin)
  • Fruits & Vegetables (blueberries, carrots, spinach—avoid toxic ones like grapes & onions)
  • Calcium & Phosphorus Sources (ground eggshells, bone meal, dairy in moderation)
  • Essential Supplements (canine multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3s)
Final Thoughts: Is Homemade Puppy Food Right for You?Making your own puppy food is a great way to ensure quality, but it requires careful planning and research. If you’re up for the challenge, consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to create a well-balanced meal plan. However, if time and precision aren’t on your side, high-quality commercial dog food might be the safer choice.
Have you ever tried making homemade food for your puppy? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!


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    .A Note from Heather "I am passionate about creating mental wellness for every client through responsible breeding and training practices. My goal is to provide clients with puppies that are not only a joy to have but also enhance their lives in meaningful ways. I am committed to ensuring that every dog I breed and train is a source of happiness and mental wellness for their owners." 

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