Posts Tagged ‘puppies’
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How to Help Pandemic Puppies When Work-from-Home is Over
The “Pandemic Puppy Boom of 2020” or the “Coronavirus Pet Boom” has helped fill a lot of homes with much-needed love and comfort over the past year. While we are certainly all looking forward to life getting closer to what it used to look like – the one exception might be returning to the office.
Leaving the pups at home can be anxiety-inducing for us, too! We know how it is, so we’ve curated a helpful list of things you can try for the pesky hours when you’re making a living.
For When You Have to Work Late
A great option for high-energy dogs is to enlist the help of a dog walking service. Depending on your area rates can range anywhere from $15-$35/30 minutes ($26 is the average for most urban areas in the U.S. per half hour).
A great medium to try if a professional service is out of your price range are apps that connect you with dog lovers in your area that have much more cost effective rates than the bigger companies.
For Calming Crated Pups
If your ideal plan is to crate your dog while you go to work – get started now! Nothing helps the learning curve like practice. While you do errands, hit the gym, or even take the trash out, practice crating your dog for a short period of time so when you return to work, they’re used to it.
We also love toys that involve ridges to lick while they get used to the crate. It helps them have something to smell and keeps them mentally engaged – plus licking is shown to release happy hormones for them to feel chill.
For a Brain Game While You’re Away
It’s not unlikely that your pet may get antsy while you’re gone. If you want to leave a stuffed toy out for them to have something to focus on, what about a snuffle ball stuffed with kibble or treats?
For Your Own Anxiety
We know you swore you would never do this, shhh..let go and join the rest of us. If there was ever a time to get a dog camera, it’s after a year of WFH when you finally have to leave your precious pooch.
There’s a wide variety to choose from; ones that allow you to talk to your dogs and throw them treats, ones that easily connect to an app on your phone, and ones that connect seamlessly to your other in-home smart devices.
They Will Be Okay, Really!
We know going back to work is a big adjustment for both you and your dog.
Plus, most dogs do sleep about 12-14 hours per every 24-hour cycle, according to the National Sleep Foundation; so, there’s a good chance he’s snoozing while you’re gone!
Keep in mind that dogs are adaptable creatures who are able to keep up with changes life brings whether that’s a new baby, a move, or even going back to work.
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What is The Best Place to Get Your Furry Friend in Illinois?
Getting a new member in your house can be a life-altering decision. Whether you already are a pet owner or someone eager to welcome a new puppy in your life, getting a new member requires a lot of thought and patience.
When in Illinois, consider buying your new puppy from Furry Babies that offers the best pure-breeds at affordable prices with financing options available for you and your family. You can choose from a variety of dog breeds to suit your lifestyle. Whether you want a small indoor dog or a big active dog to spend time outdoors, Furry Babies has many options for you.
There are plenty of suppliers with a puppy for sale sign hanging around their stores, but choosing the right supplier is essential for you and your puppy. Furry Babies is one of the leading puppy sellers in Illinois, with its stores across the state. Different varieties of puppies are available in various locations. You can select your FUR-Ever friend from any of the nearest Furry Babies locations.
You can choose your ideal puppy from different locations including Lombard, Rockford, Aurora. Before you select your best friend, be clear about the type of dog that suits you and your lifestyle.
The type of puppies currently available for sale in different locations are discussed below:
Lombard, IL
- Borio – Female
- Buggle – Female
- Cavachon – Female
- Cavapoo – Male
- Chihuahua – Male and Female
- Cockadoodle – Male
- Cocker Spaniel – Female
- French bulldog – Female
- IrishDoodle – Male
- Labrador Retriever – Male
- Maltichon – Male
- Mini Walrus – Female
- Miniature Australian Shepherd – Male
- Miniature Goldendoodle – Male
- Papillon – Male
- Pomeranian – Male
- Poochon – Female
- Puggle – Female
- Shih Tzu – Male
- Teddy Bear – Male and Female
- Walrus – Female
Rockford, IL
- Beagle – Female
- Buggle – Male
- Cava chon – Male
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Female
- Chihuahua – Male
- Chow Chow – Female
- Dachshund – Male
- F2 Mini Goldendoodle – Female
- French Bulldog – Female
- German Shepherd – Male
- Golden Retriever – Male
- Maltese – Female
- Morkie – Female
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi – Female
- Pom A Poo – Female
- Pug – Male
- Pomsky – Female
- Rottweiler – Male
- Shiba Inu – Female
- Shih Tzu – Male
- Siberian Husky – Female
- Yorkie Chon – Female
- Yorkshire Terrier – Male
Aurora, IL
- Borio – Female
- Chihuahua – Female
- Cocker Spaniel – Male
- French Bulldog – Male and Female
- Labrador retriever – Female
- Maltichon – Female
- Mini Walrus – Male
- Pomsky – Male and Female
- Pug – Male
- Rottweiler – Female
- Shiba Inu – Male
- Teddy Bear – Female
- Yorkshire Terrier – Male
*List above subject to change. Visit our available puppies page for up to date information.
The best place to get puppies in Illinois:
The appropriate place to buy your puppy must be a high-quality provider with a reputed image in the market. You can check the provider website and choose those which provide their customer reviews to ensure transparency. Transparency about the breeders is also essential to ensure the good health of the puppies for sale. Furry Babies is a leader in the puppy industry with satisfied customers and healthy puppies. You can read about the experiences of past customers of Furry Babies in the customer review section. Book an appointment now with Furry Babies and visit the nearest store to get your new best friend.
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4 Qualities of Great Pet Sitters (to Help You Find the Right One)
Your pets are your family, your best friend, your companions. You want the best for them, even when you can’t be there yourself. You want someone you can trust to take care of your furry babies. But finding a great pet sitter can be tough. You don’t want just anyone. You want a trusted sitter. You want someone who can work with your pet and treat them like you would. So what exactly makes a great pet sitter? Read on to find out what the qualities of great pet sitters are.
1. Flexibility Is One of the Qualities of Great Pet Sitters
Great pet sitters are flexible. They should be willing to work around your schedule. At the same time, they shouldn’t be overworked. A pet sitter with a high workload may not be able to give your pet the best care. That requires good communication. Is your pet sitter easy to reach? Can you talk to them about any issues you may have had, either with them or previous pet sitters? If not, you need to find another sitter.
2. Great Pet Sitters Care About Your Pet and Your Wishes
A great pet sitter cares. They have a deep love for animals. This should extend to your pet too. Trusted pet sitters will respect whatever wishes you have. They have a strong desire to get to know you and your pet. This means following special instructions you may have, such as ensuring your pet adheres to a special diet or goes out for a walk every day at the same time. They should be willing to meet in advance. A quick, complimentary, meeting will go a long way with them familiarizing themselves with your pet. That way you can make sure that everyone gets along.
3. Pet Sitters Should Be Experienced
A great pet sitter should have some experience. Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, so not all pet sitters will have years of experience. However, they should have some professional experience and references, even if it’s not from pet sitting.
4. Great Pet Sitters Are Consistently Dependable
A great pet sitter is consistently dependable. You shouldn’t have to worry about your pet sitter not showing up on time, or not showing up at all. The whole point of a pet sitter is to make your life easier when you can’t be there with your pet. That’s why a great sitter should take their role seriously. They should treat your pet just as well as they would their own. If not, you need to find a different pet sitter.
Looking for a Puppy of Your Own?
Looking for a new puppy? We have puppies for sale in Lombard, Rockford and, Aurora, IL. Our professional breeders are licensed and adhere to both state and federal regulations. Each kennel is also overseen by a licensed veterinarian. We also offer financing options on all of our puppies. Let us help you find your next furry baby.
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Breed Profile: Miniature Australian Shepherd
If you’re in the market for a new puppy, Furry Babies has a litter of adorable puppies, including a miniature Australian shepherd puppy, waiting to be taken home. With three locations throughout Illinois — Lombard, Rockford and Aurora — Furry Babies is taking appointments for visits with a puppy for sale and can answer your questions about becoming a dog parent.
What to Know About Your Miniature Australian Shepherd Puppy
It’s important to know what to expect when you bring your miniature Australian shepherd puppy home. Every dog is different, but there are certain common traits particular breeds have and having some prior knowledge can help make your lives, and your puppy’s life, much easier.
As the name implies, a miniature Australian shepherd is a smaller version of a regular Australian shepherd. The primary difference between a miniature and a regular Australian shepherd is size — regular Aussies can grow to be roughly 18-23 inches tall and 40-65 pounds, while miniatures typically max out at 14-18 inches tall and 20-40 pounds.
Similar to their larger counterparts, miniature Aussies are intelligent, energetic dogs with strong herding instincts. Because of their high energy, these dogs require lots of exercise, so it’s probably best to have a backyard available to let them spend time outside. However, they enjoy learning new tricks and exercising their minds as well as their bodies.
Aussies also have thick coats that require weekly brushing, but compared to other breeds, grooming is relatively low maintenance for these pups.
Choose Furry Babies for Your Next Puppy
When you’re looking for your own fur baby, Furry Babies should be your first call. Along with miniature Australian shepherd puppies for sale, Furry Babies has a broad selection of puppies for you to choose from and a Puppy Package available to help your puppy begin their new life.
The Puppy Package is available with the purchase of any puppy for an additional charge, and includes the following perks:
- Your puppy is microchipped.
- Your puppy gets checked twice by a veterinarian.
- All first-year routine vaccinations are given to your puppy.
- Your puppy gets three health exams conducted by trusted veterinarian partners.
- Fecal examinations are done to ensure your puppy is free of intestinal parasites.
- Upon request, your puppy can be spayed or neutered.
- For the first month, your puppy receives flea, tick and heartworm medicine.
- Your puppy gets his or her first rabies vaccination.
- Each puppy comes with a 30-day puppy purchase warranty.
Check out Furry Babies online to browse the photo and video galleries of available puppies (including miniature Australian puppies) and to find the locations and phone numbers of each store. Call Furry Babies today to schedule your appointment!
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How to Find the Right Puppy for Your Family
Getting a puppy can be a life-changing decision. These furry babies bring excitement and joy to every home. However, keeping them does involve commitment and discipline from the pet parents. It’s essential that everyone is ready to adopt a new puppy. Below are some tips to help you choose the best puppy for the family.
Get the Right Breed
There are factors to consider when choosing a puppy that is right for you. When finding the right puppy, take into consideration what your family needs. If there is a family member suffering from allergies, it’s best to get a dog breed that sheds less dander and hair. Families who live in a smaller home may do well with a smaller puppy. If you have a big outdoor space, it would be good to get a larger pet. Most importantly, take time to learn about the different characteristics and behavior of a puppy for sale you’re eyeing for. This would help you determine whether keeping them would fit your lifestyle.
Get Help from a Professional
You can always talk to a dog breed professional if you can’t decide which puppy to acquire for your family. Our staff at Furry Babies are extremely knowledgeable about puppies. We do not only have puppies for sale, but we want to also educate soon-to-be pet parents on what they need to know about dogs.
Don’t Buy on Impulse
When deciding to get a puppy for your family, do make sure that you take your time in selecting the best furry baby. Keep in mind there are responsibilities involved in keeping one. You need to care for your puppy as well as raise the pup into adulthood. This will take more time and money on your end. Get a puppy only when you are willing to take on the full responsibility. Also, choose a puppy from a puppy store like Furry Babies. They have over 30 dog breeds available. You can book an appointment to visit the available puppies for sale. Contact us today!
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The Ultimate Puppy Buyer’s Checklist!
Pet owners know that life without a furry baby isn’t worth living. OK, that may be dramatic, but not by much. Pet ownership has been on a steady increase since the 1980s. Today, over half of all households in the United States include a pet. And 53% of those pets are doggos. Pet owners will also tell you that for all its joys, adding a pet to the family means work. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know before you check out puppies for sale as well as what to do once your furry babies find their way into your home.
Buying a Puppy Checklist
So you want to join the ranks of happy homes with furry babies. That’s wonderful! Pets can add so much joy and companionship to our lives. But, before you start looking at puppies for sale, have a run through this handy checklist.
Do Your Research
Puppies are a lot of work. And not all puppies are suited to all spaces.
For example, if you live in a small apartment, getting a big dog that likes to run would probably not be the best choice. Smaller spaces would be better for smaller pups. Some breeds are better than others with kiddos. So if you are bringing a pup into a family with little ones, you’ll want to consider that.
Meet and Greet
It’s always a good idea to meet any potential new family members before bringing them home. Most places with puppies for sale will have a play area where you can interact with the available puppies. This will allow you to gauge their temperament and see if they will be a good fit for your family. All Furry Babies locations have these, and we encourage our customers to set an appointment to come in at their convenience.
Purchase Puppy Supplies
The obvious things are food and food bowls, a few toys, a crate, and a bed. The not so obvious include shots, microchipping, and exams. There is a fair amount to budget for, so be prepared. We recommend all new puppy parents get our Puppy Package. We take extensive measures to make sure your new puppy is healthy and trackable should they get lost.
Where to Buy Puppies Near Me
Furry Babies has several locations across the great state of Illinois. Visit our puppies at any of the following locales!
- Lombard, IL
- Rockford, IL
- Aurora, IL
- Chicago, IL
All of our locations are open, and the playrooms are available by appointment. We also offer financing, making buying a new puppy accessible for all budgets.
Final Thoughts
Buying a puppy is a big commitment. Make sure you and your family have taken the time to research and budget for your new furry friend before you start to look at puppies for sale. If you have any questions or concerns or are ready to set your appointment, please reach out! Our friendly team is ready and waiting to help you find the perfect puppy.
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The Best Winter Coats For Small Adventure Dogs
Winter is the best time of the year to go for hikes. Even if you do not like snow, you can still enjoy the outdoors because it is bright and clear. You can dress up in jackets and boots and explore the landscapes, and things will be even better if you have your dog with you. However, just as you need to dress up against the cold, so does your dog, especially if your dog is a small dog breed.
You can opt for these amazing winter coats for your dog if you want to go hiking around Lombard IL.
1. Hurtta Summit Parka
This winter coat is great for dogs from small to medium sizes. It is equivalent to a high-end winter coat for humans. It provides full-body coverage for your dog and provides excellent protection if you go hiking in winters around Rockford, IL, where it could get very cold and windy.
It uses the dog’s natural thermal insulation and keeps body temperatures stable, even when it is cold outside. Made from a water-resistant material, it helps in keeping off snow and sleet from your dog’s back and yet allows breathability.
2. Ruffwear Powder Hound
This winter coat is more of a hybrid jacket. It has synthetic insulation with technical stretch fabric, making it very easy for your dog to move around. Some sleeves provide full coverage for warmth. It is great for powdery snow and keeps away cold with its enhanced insulation. It is also water-resistant to a great extent, though you should avoid too much moisture from melted snow or sleet, like found around Aurora, IL.
3. Ultra Paws SnoJam
This winter coat offers very good protection to your dog against the cold. The outer shell of the coat is waterproof and the insides are very comfy, making use of super-soft, fleece lining. It also comes with an adjustable turtleneck, that you can raise or lower according to the weather conditions.
The jacket comes with reflective piping for enhanced visibility at night or in low light conditions. It comes in seven sizes, so it will fit the really small dogs too who are still up for a hike.
4. Ruffwear Climate Changer Fleece Coat
This is a lightweight dog jacket, made from recyclable polyester, perfect for the colder months in Joliet, IL. It is designed to keep your dog super warm but is not bulky at all. Your dog will not be tied down by its weight during the long hikes. The jacket comes in a sleeved style, allowing maximum flexibility in limbs, perfect running, and climbing.
The jacket comes with a zippered closure, making it easy to put on and remove. It is made from quick-drying material. However, it might not be warm enough for very low temperatures and since it is made from fleece, it is not entirely water-resistant too. This jacket is meant mostly for dry and windy winter climes, like the ones in the onset of winter in Chicago, IL.
With these winter coats, you can be sure your small adventure dogs will be safe and comfortable on a hike. Investing in a good jacket is investing in their health and both of you could enjoy the outdoors during the winter without worrying about your pooch’s health.
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Let Us Give Thanks For… Puppies!: 5 Reasons We Are Thankful For Puppies
Thanksgiving is almost here! There is a nip in the air here in Aurora, Il, pumpkin spice everything is solidly in full season, and the ghosts and goblins have been put to rest for another year.
Without a doubt, this year has been a crazy adventure of the not-so-fun kind, but we are determined to celebrate the things that we are thankful for nonetheless. So, what tops the list of the things we are thankful for?
Puppies!
Seriously, who doesn’t love puppies? While there are probably hundreds of reasons to be thankful for them, here are our top 5.
1. They Give the Best Hugs
There is a legit reason why interacting with a dog makes you feel good. Looking into your dog’s eyes, petting, and hugging him all stimulate the production of oxytocin for both of you. This is the same hormone that we enjoy when touching and interacting with other humans, particularly with those whom we love. It has been dubbed “the love hormone” and you seriously can’t get enough of it so get a puppy you can pet all day long.
2. They Don’t Judge
A dog will never stare down their nose at you or berate you for your shortcomings (as long as that shortcoming isn’t an empty dog food bowl). What they will do is curl up by your side when you’re having a bad day or crawl into your lap and do their best to show you that everything will be okay.
3. They Help You Exercise
You’ve been shut-in for a long time in your Rockford, Il home (perhaps anxiously watching your expanding waistline) and the holidays are coming. Not a good combination!
However, one of the big benefits of a puppy is that they have tons of energy and will obligate you (in a good way, of course) to get up and get some exercise.
4. They Teach Us About Unconditional Love
We humans sometimes have a hard time letting things go when someone else has wronged us. Dogs will always love their owners no matter what happens. You can forget to feed them, leave them shut-in the house all day, or punish them for peeing on the rug — it doesn’t matter. They will always greet you with excitement and love, seeming to completely forget a bad moment. (Although always shower your puppy with love, there’s no reason not to!)
5. They Make Us Feel Safe
No one can ever sneak up on you when you have a dog in your house. Even the tiniest of pooches will sound the alarm as soon as anyone nears.
Ready to See Some Puppies?
There are so many reasons to be thankful for puppies that we could go on all day. We’ll stop there for now but if you love puppies and have been asking yourself “should I get a puppy?” now is the perfect time.
Come check out the best puppies in our stores in Joliet, IL, Lombard, IL, Rockford, IL, and Aurora, IL and get ready to start being thankful for your new puppy today!
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Celebrating Easter with Your Dog
Easter is the perfect chance to get together with family for fellowship and some springtime fun. If you’re like us, then you want to make sure that your furry babies are included in the celebration.
Here are some tips for helping your dog safely enjoy and take part in all of the Easter festivities.
Puppy-friendly Prize Eggs
Everyone loves an Easter egg hunt—including Fluffy! This favorite tradition was tailor-made for your inquisitive pup. To let your furry friend join the fun, stuff plastic eggs with small amounts of kibble and hide them in easy-to-access parts of the yard.
When choosing eggs, look for those made of thin plastic or consider making small holes in the eggs to help your pup catch the scent of the treats better.
Build an Easter Basket
Your best buddy will love waking up to a gift basket from the Easter bunny. In addition to pup-approved treats (avoid chocolate and sweets containing xylitol like chewing gum and hard candy), fill Fido’s basket with dog toys. Items with a fun Easter theme, like this burrow hide-and-seek toy, are a great way to make your dog’s basket even more festive.
When assembling your dog’s Easter basket, avoid fake, decorative grass. Accidental ingestion could be harmful to your dog’s digestive tract.
Easter Treats
While chocolate bunnies are definitely off the menu for your dog, they can still enjoy Easter-inspired treats. Check out these recipe healthy ideas, like pup-safe carrot cake and Easter nests, that your four-legged friend is sure to love.
Dress for the Occasion
Along with Easter baskets and egg hunts, clothes among this holiday’s hallmarks. Pastels colors and classic seersucker fabric. Pet stores have tons of options from ties to bandanas, collars, dresses, and even fun rabbit ears to help you get your best girl or boy ready to celebrate.
Looking for something a little more unique? How about an iconic Easter bonnet or hat for your dog. Find handmade options like this one on Etsy.
Plan an Easter Photo Shoot
With your dog, all dolled up and dapper, a picture is definitely in order. Easter is the perfect photo opp with mild temperatures and spring blooms making it easy to find an outdoor spot to capture a few snaps.
If a DIY photoshoot isn’t your thing, many pet stores and other pet-friendly businesses offer pictures with the Easter bunny.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Easter with your pup, take precautions to ensure that your dog’s health and safety comes first.
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7 Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog
Whether you’ve just brought your new puppy home or you’re looking for the right food to help your best buddy as he enters his golden years, dog food options are plentiful. As helpful as this can be, it can also be overwhelming. Fear not! Below are 7 tips to help you choose the best food for your furry baby.
Consider your dog’s life-stage and activity level
Two of the biggest factors in choosing your dog’s food are her age and level of activity. Puppies and active breeds need more calories than senior dogs or those who prefer to take it easy most of the day. Puppy formulas, nutrient blends for active dogs, low-calorie options, and more recipes are available to match your dog’s unique nutrient needs.
Check the packaging label for adequacy statements like “complete and balanced for all ages” or “complete and balanced for growth and reproduction.” This statement is more than a product description, it’s based on the high standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), ensuring that the food meets the diet needs addressed.
Size matters
Your tiny Chihuahua may have an appetite to rival your rottweiler, but that doesn’t mean they should get the same food. Choose a brand with kibble small enough for your dog to eat safely and comfortably.
What’s in a name?
“Beef entree” or “beef dinner” may sound more enticing than “beef dog food,” but they are lower in the actual protein. Food blends described as dinner, entree, or nuggets only need 25% of the protein, whereas the simpler “beef dog food” must contain 95% of the protein named.
Additionally, foods “with beef,” “with cheese,” or “with salmon,” are only required to have 3% of the named protein. Those labeled as “beef flavor,” “chicken flavor,” etc. only contain minimal traces of the protein—just enough for your dog to taste.
Look at the ingredients
Dogs are omnivores and get their nutrients from multiple food sources, including meat, vegetables, grains, and fruit. However, a good rule of thumb is to make sure that meat or meat-meal is the first ingredient listed. Avoid those with grains, tubers, or vegetables listed first. While these non-meat sources are good for dogs, meat should be the most prevalent ingredient.
Is grain-free right for your dog?
Grains are a great source of carbohydrates, and most dogs can easily digest them. Although rare, some dogs do have gluten allergies. If you notice that your dog is excessively licking his paws, scratching excessively, or experiencing diarrhea/vomiting, check with your veterinarian to figure out if the problem is a grain allergy or another issue before changing their diet.
Read the label
Much of the information covered in these tips can be found in the food label. Like food for human consumption, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dog (and cat) food. Under the Agency’s guidelines, dog food must contain labels with the following information:
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Although labels can be difficult to understand, reading them will help ensure that you’re choosing food that meets your pup’s needs and your expectations.
Talk to your veterinarian
If you’ve read the label researched manufacturers, and still can’t decide on the best food for your best boy. They’ll be able to make recommendations to meet your nutritional requirements and satisfy your dog’s belly.
