Tag: tips

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General Updates

Pawjourr: Pet Wellness Month

Woman playing with her cute cat and dog

October marks a significant month for pet owners all over the world. Why? Because it’s Pet Wellness Month of course! 

Our fur kids do not just deserve the best, they need it. We, humans, are able to communicate and express our emotions and well-being; when we’re sick. However, our pets can’t tell us when they’re under the weather. That’s why our goal as pet owners is to prioritize their well-being and it’s on us to ensure they stay healthy all year round — not just in October. 

Here’s a simple checklist of things to look out for to ensure your pet is the picture of health!

Exercise, exercise, exercise!

Like humans, the key to living a long and healthy life is exercise. All dogs should, at the minimum, go for a walk or two every day, keeping in mind the limits for puppies. Get your cats active by playing with them in short but frequent sessions.

You may also supplement with a jog, hike, swim, and even canine conditioning if your pup is ready for it. Keeping active will help develop muscles that support their joints!

Keep them occupied

It doesn’t take long for your pets to get bored, and boredom leads to different problems. Play with them, even if it’s just five minutes. Fight the boredom by giving them activities to partake in — and one healthy way is through toys.

Pets benefit from mentally stimulating activities, like chew-toys and puzzle toys with hidden treats. So, hide their toys and let them go on a treasure hunt. 

Dogs love tug of war. It is a great display of their predatory nature and it provides mental and physical exercise for them. Cats on the other hand get bored very easily. Hence, you need to understand your feline’s needs. You can get them a scratching post to help them ‘blow off some steam’ or release their excitement. Be sure to find the right one!

Keep an eye on your pet’s weight

Just like us, pets can face a number of health issues if they become too heavy. Obesity among pets has been on the rise with pet owners oblivious to the health threats that it poses to them. 

Here’s how you can keep your pet’s weight in a healthy range:

  • Feed them a diet with wholesome ingredients that meets the requirements of their size, breed, and age
  • Consider providing them with a prescription diet 
  • Schedule appointments to the vet regularly for check-up
  • Give them treats sparingly
  • Plenty of exercise

Schedule regular health appointments

Our pets age faster than we do, meaning changes in their health can occur quickly. Scheduling wellness check-ups often is the best way to keep them free from illnesses.

With a trip to the vet, you can seek medical advice regarding your pet’s health. This would often lead to certain changes in their routine, be it exercise or diet, which can prevent potential health problems. 

Additionally, a trip to the vet can also increase your pet’s chance of survival as early detection can lead to early treatment. Veterinarians would recommend a trip at least once a year.

Don’t forget about dental health

Often overlooked, dental health is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Periodontal disease can occur when plaque build-up on your pets’ teeth leads to infection in the gums and bone loss. This infection can cause pain, tooth loss, and internal organ damage if left untreated.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent it. Regular dental exams can help veterinarians detect and treat dental issues before they become irreversible. At-home dental care consists of daily brushing. You can also complement brushing with a special diet, water additives or sealants.

Prioritizing their health

There are many ways to show our pets that we care. By taking steps to promote their physical and mental health all year long, we can help keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. 

Pet Wellness Month may be celebrated in October, but always remember that it’s a lifelong commitment that should be promoted all year long!

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Creator's Academy

Pawjourr’s Creators: Allthatauss

Have you ever come across a mother-daughter pawdel duo? Uncommon, but not a rare sight. Let me introduce you to Scarlett and Penne!

The AUSSventures begins

Scarlett is a two and a half years old Red Merle Mini American Shepherd, also known as Mini Aussie. Penne, a Red Tri Mini American Shepherd, is her four-month-old daughter.

Their story began in May when Scarlett gave birth to a litter of eight puppies*; four boys and four girls. The entire litter of puppies was named after Pasta noodles — voted via Instagram polls — with Penne being the second pup to enter the world!

*Check out their Instagram Stories to watch Scarlett’s entire pregnancy journey.

The litter has since gone their separate ways, renamed, and taken into different families. However, the puppies would appear on their social media now and then for a mini-reunion, staying connected forever!

Zeus (left) spending time with his mom, Scarlett (right)

Thrill-seeking Aussies

Miniature Shepherds are active and athletic, and our two Aussies are no exception! Scarlett is the master of tricks — knowing 10 — Penne, on the other hand, is still a work in progress. But one day she will know just as many as her mom!

Their parents love making reels of all the crazy things they do, especially documenting all the AUSSventures they partake in on Instagram and TikTok. They can be frequently spotted taking boat rides, swimming, hiking, and playing tug of war with each other — what an adventure!

Scarlett becomes a #PawjourrPetCreator 

It’s a dog life

Our favorite Aussies appeared in many campaigns this year, which allows their hooman to put their skills to the test.

Since joining Pawjourr as a pet creator, Scarlett has been a part of two campaigns. As Scarlett tends to get anxious easily, it only makes sense that our creators worked with Finn and Tailspring. Scarlett has benefited a lot from Finn supplements and Tailspring goat milk toppers, these calming aids have helped Scarlett in more than one way; these calming aids do not just soothe Scarlett, they also serve as nutritious treats!

Daughter Penne was featured in her first campaign this past August – yay! Unlike her mom Scarlett, Penne isn’t suitable for all the campaigns available. However, Aroma Paws pet shampoo is perfect for young pups like her. This is because their coats are softer and more delicate, which requires more care.

Scarlett and Penne hoping to join their hoomans in Italy

Versatile creators 

The brands that Scarlett and Penne have worked with this year all share one thing in common: pet wellness and health.

Our creators do not just share the action-packed adventures they take on. They also use their experience and exposure to good use, showcasing brands that aim to improve the lives of pets.

As doggos of different ages, Scarlett and Penne would require different products that meet their different needs. This would come in handy as it allows our creators to showcase a variety of products to target a wide range of audiences — the perfect fit if you’re looking for creators that are versatile. 

Want to connect with creators like Scarlett and Penne? Reach out via hello@pawjourr.com now!

Categories
Community Stories

Preparing your nervous dog to be alone with a sitter or dog walker

Having a reactive or anxious attitude can be challenging, especially when a dog’s behavioral issues are a result of previous abuse. However, reactivity, nervousness, and issues like anxiety can be dealt with. While the thought can seem daunting, the services of an experienced dog walker or sitter can be helpful.

Of course, if you have to work long hours or you need to leave town for a day or two, these kinds of services can also be essential. Here’s how you can prepare your nervous dog to spend time with a sitter or dog walker.

Four ways to prepare an anxious dog for the sitter

While sending your anxious dog to a dog walker can seem like a bad idea, the truth is that an experienced dog walker who specializes in nervous or reactive dogs can improve their socialization skills and help deal with these issues. Of course, if your dog has aggression issues, you will need to seek help for this first. Assuming the main concerns are nervousness and reactivity, however, an experienced dog walker or sitter can help.

Taking these four preparatory steps can make their job a lot easier:

  1. Be upfront with the sitter or dog walker

When you first contact a potential sitter or dog walker, you should ask whether they feel comfortable and capable of dealing with your dog. This is true whether your dog is reactive or has underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes. Some dog sitters specialize in providing one-to-one care for nervous animals and other difficult-to-handle dogs.

  1. Arrange a supervised meeting

One of the most common triggers for nervous or reactive dogs is a feeling of being overwhelmed or frightened. New people, new places, new dogs, and busy environments can all cause flare-ups. By introducing your dog to the dog walker or sitter in a supervised environment where they feel safe and comforted by your presence, they will be more open to getting to know new people. If they gel well, you can proceed with planning.

  1. Provide all necessary information

When you find a dog walker or sitter who you feel is a good fit for your fur baby, you should provide them with all of the information that they will need to take care of your dog. This includes information on any medications they may need, allergies or health concerns that could cause issues, and emergency contact details for you, your vet, and a trusted third party. If you are leaving your dog with them for more than a day, you should also give them your insurance details in case of injury or illness.

  1. Schedule a practice run

Finally, let the dog walker or sitter take your dog for a shorter period of time as a kind of practice run. This will give you both peace of mind. It will also give the sitter a final chance to assess your dog and let you know if they need anything in particular to care for it.

These simple steps will help you to prepare your dog to be cared for by someone else. Once you know which kind of pet care service is right for your dog, you can take the necessary steps to ensure the transition is smooth for both your pet and their caregiver.

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Brand's Resources

All you need to know about ambassadorships

When it comes to generating awareness and encouraging conversions, brand ambassadors have assumed a central role in the marketing strategy of many brands.

Who are they? Brand ambassadors are individuals who represent a brand, in a positive light or what others may call, the “face” of the brand. With an established network, not only are they valuable as advocates of your brand, they’re also increasingly strategic if you’re hoping to cut through the noise in our crowded digital setting.

Ambassadorships 

Ambassadors can be anyone who aligns with your brand values and loves the work you do as a brand! Their trusted voices within their niche community have the power to influence decisions which can increase visibility and credibility.

Every brand has a group of advocates they can tap into so let’s take a look at why you should implement a brand ambassadorship program just like how YoDoggo did.

Why you need brand ambassadors 

If you’re looking to take your marketing campaign to the next level, you’re at the right place!

Increase trust and brand awareness

It can be a struggle trying to get your products and services out there, while facing stiff competition. One way to make your brand stand out among the crowd is through brand ambassadors that serves as a tool to legitimize your brand.

If you’re familiar with user-generated content (UGC), you’d know it’s true when they say it serves as a powerful addition to your marketing campaign. 

Audiences look at UGCs as trusted advice the same way they’d ask their family and friends. Such posts legitimize the product or service, acting as social proof that has the potential to turn viewers into consumers.

Cost effectiveness and efficiency

UGC is not just a great way to reach new audiences and gain trust, it also allows you to save costs by leveraging it for marketing outreach. It also allows you to save time to procure these assets. 

Sometimes it’s cheaper and faster to search through hundreds of UGCs, than to create content in-house. With UGC, consumers are creating these assets for you — use it!

Photo credit: @taco_and_milky

The YoDoggo Pack 

Earlier this May, we worked with YoDoggo to find the perfect influencers that fit their campaign. Let’s take a look at how they’ve increased and strengthened their presence in the community!

YoDoggo is a newly launched pet food brand in Singapore. They specialize in making completely balanced, 100% human-grade food for dogs — seeking to reimagine the quality of dog food — using 90% fresh meat and 10% vegetables, power seeds, and antioxidants. 

With this pathos, they targeted our local community of pet content creators for collaboration to help increase brand recognition in Singapore.

Photo credit: @hoshisheltie

Finding the perfect ambassadors

YoDoggo’s objective was to find committed brand ambassadors who share the same values of providing the best nutrition for their dogs. 

Through a collaborative social search, we organized an open call, to recruit passionate content creators who were keen to join the #yodoggopack. 

Here are some of the perks they could enjoy: 

  • Monthly meals delivered to their doorstep for 6 months
  • A personalized discount code for ambassadors’ followers 
  • Attractive referral commissions
  • Monthly cash reimbursement

Ambassadors were selected based on their ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently while building customer loyalty and commitment. Most importantly, they believed in what the brand stands for and are committed to advocating for the YoDoggo diet! 

As ambassadors for YoDoggo, the four creators would actively promote the brand through Instagram reels, images, and stories for a period of 6 months. 

Photo credit: @bubbles_thepompom

Building a successful ambassadorship program 

Implementing a successful ambassadorship program can be a daunting task which is why we’re here to share some must-follow steps: 

  1. Define the rules, scope and benefits of your ambassadorship program 
  2. Identify and reach out to your current/potential power users 
  3. Communicate the benefits of your brand ambassadorship in detail – give them a reason to become active advocates! 
  4. Establish proper contracts for long-term partnerships
  5. Create and share content with your ambassadors – supporting them with the latest events and promotions makes it easy for them to share content frequently
  6. Measure the impact of brand ambassadorship with proper tracking systems such as personalized discount codes
  7. Recognize and reward your brand advocates!

Need help getting started?

Making brand ambassadorships a part of your marketing strategy can go a long way in reaching a wider audience. 

Feel inspired by YoDoggo’s success but not sure where to start? Count on us to make your efforts more efficient! We help you take the hassle out of understanding the dos and don’ts of ambassadorships, saving you time on recruitment and management. 
Reach out to us at hello@pawjourr.com today!

Categories
Creator's Academy

Pawjourr’s Creators: Lillygirlthegolden

Meet SoCal’s fearless duo

Amanda and her one-year-old Golden Retriever pup, Lilly, are roaring for adventures as they spend most of their time in the Atlantic Ocean.

If Moana was a four-legged canine, she would be Lilly! When owner Amanda says the word “swimming”, electrified Lilly can be seen waiting by the door to jump straight in the car, ready to chase some ocean waves.

Golden Retrievers are said to be active by nature and playful by heart. At the beach, Lilly proves them right by frolicking around, making pit holes, getting all wet and muddy. Lilly can always be seen chasing after anything: seagulls, crows, pelicans — you name it!

@lillygirlthegolden soaking up the SoCal sun

A company of two

Amanda, with her flair for creative writing and video editing, loves to share their water adventures with their followers — originally an Instagram exclusive, they have since expanded to platforms like TikTok and their new blog, ‘The Golden Life of Lilly’!

By sharing their oceanic escapades online, it allows Amanda to showcase her skills in writing, composing and editing. From high-quality photos to product reviews, Amanda got it covered!

She immersed herself in the online community in hopes to inspire others, and also learn from creators like herself. This exposure introduced Amanda to a lot of fur-ever friends where she picked up numerous tips and tricks on pet ownership and content creation.

@lillygirlthegolden looking playful with her tennis ball

Always putting Lilly first

As a hooman working for Beach Patrol, Amanda and her pup would spend the entire day at the beach — a win for Lilly! But the long hours could take a toll on Lilly, causing Amanda to be more aware of her fur kid’s well-being.

With that, Amanda is always on the hunt for the best products that seeks to improve Lilly’s health through community recommendations or even branded collaborations. 

@lillygirlthegolden loving Oxyfresh’s water additive dental care

For instance, our golden duo has recently partnered with Oxyfresh, to showcase their Premium Pet Dental Water Additive on Instagram. Brands like Oxyfresh, who strives to improve the lives of pets, are exactly what Amanda looks out for! 

Experts of their craft 

Our golden duo incorporates products they love into their everyday lives and most of their content features brings a fresh ocean breeze to the niche community of pet-product reviews! 

@lillygirlthegolden winding down at the beach

Their potential is endless! Our California girls can certainly spice up your campaign with the right amount of sand and waves.   

Whether your objective is to raise brand awareness or creating curated content, their ability to feature authentic and engaging content can provide numerous opportunities to give your brand the edge you seek. 

Ready to work with creators like Amanda and Lilly? Reach out to us at hello@pawjourr.com today! 

Categories
Brand's Resources

A quick guide to compensating influencers!

Negotiating a mutually beneficial collaboration with content creators can be a daunting task – Must I really pay? How much should I pay? What if I’m on a limited budget?

Well, creators don’t work for free so it’s important to understand the different types of incentives that brands can offer — and how you can make use of a combination in order to make your partnerships work.

Read on to find out how you can keep your influencers engaged and excited about your brand with our handy guide to incentivizing your influencers the right way. 

Ways to incentivize influencers

1. #Gifted (Product Sponsorships)

Image Credit: @huckleberryandmiley_mncorgis

When we think about influencer marketing, the first thing that comes to mind is product sponsorships/gifting; providing free products or services in exchange for a shoutout.

Product sponsorships are one of the most budget-friendly ways to reach your target audience effectively, when approached with realistic expectations.


For small campaigns on a limited budget, this is definitely a good starting point to reach out to audiences through micro or nano influencers, who are more receptive to gifting partnerships. Albeit a smaller audience size, these influencers make it up with higher engagement rates. 

Pro tip: 

Top-level creators still seek out gift-only collaborations to build their portfolio and create long-term relationships. Hence, it’s important to establish a valuable partnership: Influencers these days may not get too excited to post about a free sample pack or work with brands that are not respectful towards the creators they’re working with. 

While product sponsorships are a great way to get your brand out there, they can only go so far and as with all marketing strategies, it does not guarantee returns. 

Nonetheless, when coupled with other incentivization methods, product sponsorships can help to build on your brand’s relationship with influencers — a crucial factor if you want to maximize your brand’s fullest potential when it comes to influencer marketing!

2. Paid Campaigns / Pay per post 

Image Credit: @maiathemeow

Like product sponsorships, paid campaigns are also a very common way of incentivizing influencers. While prices per post can be a wide range due to various factors such as follower count or type of content, the key to leveraging its impact lies in selecting the most relevant and effective creators that aligns with your brand and product. 

Some things to take into consideration can include: 

  • Engagement rate and reach 
  • Post-effectiveness in terms of sponsored vs organic posts 
  • Type of content and channel used 
  • Number of post you require 
  • Is usage rights to run ads required 

Pay per post also serves as a perfect opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into your influencer marketing strategy. Establishing attribution and tracking allows you to track your influencers’ contribution to your goals while analyzing the type of content your audience are compelled to. This data will definitely help you refine and strengthen your campaigns to improve your ROI overtime. 

3. Performance-based Payments

Image Credit: @taco_and_milky

Performance-based payments compensate influencers based on conversions and/or an action. This way of work has been popular due to trackability and ease of execution. 

Some possible actions include: 

  • Purchase of brand’s products/services 
  • Subscription of brand’s program 
  • Signups 
  • Account creation 

Such a form of incentivisation puts the responsibility on creators to convince their followers to convert — the more they influence, the more they earn! 

Brands can therefore enjoy the benefits of quality content that sells, and effectively track creator performance for campaign optimisation at the same time. Sounds like a win-win situation if you ask us!

While it may be a relatively cost-effective approach (pay per result), it’s prudent to keep into consideration that this may not be the most favorable method amongst creators. Brands would often have to offer something valuable such as free products or a base pay to kickstart the partnership.

However, it may be a worthwhile investment to build long-term relationships. Always remember, by giving your creators a good collaborative experience, they’d only have praises to sing!

Not all influencers want the same thing

Similar to the aspects of influencer marketing, incentivizing isn’t one size fits all. Make the effort — add a touch of personalization to show you care and provide value to your creators. 

While the ever-growing industry of influencer marketing urges brands to diversify the type of influencer they work with, marketers will also need to learn how to establish partnerships that are mutually beneficial yet cost-effective. 

A general rule of thumb is to always compensate creators fairly to foster a collaborative relationship with mutual respect and understanding. Work within your limits and focus on building relationships with influencers who can deliver results for you.

There! You’re all set and ready to explore the diverse world of influencer marketing.

Categories
Creator's Academy General Updates

What’s new on Pawjourr: September 2022

An experience designed with creators in mind.

We’re proud to finally introduce the brand new Pawjourr Creator Dashboard with key features that will help you make the most out of your content creator experience. Expect a full rundown of what it is, how it works, and what’s new!

Everything you need in one place

Say goodbye to forgotten applications. With the new dashboard, you can now manage your profile and track your campaign progress on your homepage – allowing you to keep track of your application status and earnings efficiently!

In addition, we made sure it’s easier than before to upload your drafts. Ongoing Jobs allows you to view your active campaigns in greater detail and upload your content with ease – isn’t that such a breeze?

Watch your funds fill up

That’s not all! You no longer have to worry about how much you’ve earned or how much you’re making from your campaigns. 

Your Treat Jar helps you to keep tabs on your earnings and you can be an expert navigator by following these steps:

Step 1: Choose your preferred payment method.

Step 2: Add and save your preferred payout method for easy withdrawals.

Step 3: Keep track of your earnings and withdrawals through your transaction history.

Level up your job search

Skip the endless scrollings! With our improved filters, your next opportunity is only a few clicks away.  Select specific requirements based on your campaign preferences using the search filter on the left. From countries to creator types, we got them all!

Have a question?

For new creators, fret not! With the Pawjourr Help Center, you can easily access FAQs and answers to your questions. You can even connect with our team directly via our chatbot and we’ll be there for you in a jiffy!

Now that everything you need is all in one place, we hope you are ready to navigate your way through the world of exciting and fun branded opportunities. 

Let us know what you think about our new release!

Categories
Creator's Academy

5 ways to become a great paw-fluencer

1. Having your own style

Image credit: @nikki.pompom

Every content creator has their own way of doing things. When you’re an influencer, your social media page is your brand – no matter if you’re a human or pawpal! Whether you’re just embarking on your journey in social media, or you’ve already established a good following and online presence, take time to reevaluate what your style is. It could be anything from the types of pictures you post, the tone your captions have or a whole concept that you and your pawpal are going for. Get creative and have fun. The most important thing is finding a style that represents you. Think authentic and real. We love it when creators get genuine and honest – it doesn’t hurt that your pawpal will look cute doing anything!

2. Engage your audience even when no one is looking

Image credit: @kopi.thedog

No one likes one-sided relationships. If your followers leave comments, questions, or even message you just to say hi, reply to them! When you step into the world of influencing, you aren’t doing it for the fame or popularity, you’re doing it to create a community of like-minded people (and pawpals) and form genuine connections. I created my dog’s Instagram a year ago, and I’ve made so many new friends from all walks of life. 

From learning about the best walking routes to sharing common struggles, it’s the community that eventually keeps you going when the going gets tough. Don’t stress about statistics or clinching partnerships with reputable brands, engaging your audience and finding out why they care about the content you create will get you there in due time.

3. Be reliable

Image credit: @goldengirlbellagomes

When you’re working with brands and sponsorships, it’s a major red flag if you aren’t keeping up with communication. Running an Instagram account is no different from running a ‘brand’ of your own – your pawpals! Having a good channel of healthy communication builds a good relationship between you and your sponsors, ensuring that the content creation gets done successfully. 

It also doesn’t reflect well if you ignore briefs or take more than one working day to respond to emails or messages. Let companies know what you and your furry friend are struggling with. Is your pet under the weather? Does he have mixed reactions to the sponsored products? Communicate that. This ensures that the needs of both you and your pet are taken seriously.

4. Sincerity goes a long way

Image credit: @goldengirlbellagomes

Authenticity matters. It shouldn’t matter how many followers you have, how many campaigns you’ve done or how successful you’ve been. Every job matters. Go the extra mile to understand what the company’s vision is for content curation, what exactly they need from your page and how you can best achieve that. Trust me, brands will remember your sincerity and earnest interest in the campaign. In fact, they’ll probably want to work with you again or even recommend you to other brands for different projects.

5. Make everyday moments magical

Image credit: @ziggy.thepomsky

It’s a common misconception that an influencer’s life needs to be luxurious or fashionable. Go with real. I’ve seen many accounts of pets in private planes, eating the best foods and wearing customised fits. You don’t need all of that. Your followers on your page very likely don’t have access to such things and making relatable content goes a long way. A walk in the park? A scuffle in the mud with your dog? A little scratch on your arm from your kitten? Share it! Chances are, everyone will love it.

Being a pawfluencer isn’t meant to be stressful or challenging. It’s about having fun with your furkid and creating a community where you can be yourself!  Pawjourr exists to help you and your furkid have the best time creating content you both love. From taking your pick of the jobs (you never need to take on something you don’t like), to getting help throughout the whole process – it’s as easy as getting your dog to come over when you have food in your hands. Plus, it’s extra sweet when all compensation from every job is yours to keep. All we ask for is that you have fun and stay true to what you’re creating. Do all that and you’re already the best kind of pawfluencer you can be.

Categories
Community Stories

How To Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Family

Many different breeds of dogs on the grass

Dogs are man’s best friend and part of the family. If you’re a pet owner and thinking about adopting a new dog but don’t know what dog breed to get, this article is for you.  

It’s crucial that you carefully choose the right fur baby, especially if you live with your family, as not everyone might appreciate the dog breed. 

Also, you need to be sure about getting a dog. Don’t discard them when you get bored. Dogs are not toys that you can just toss around. They have feelings like human beings. 

Continue reading for factors to consider in choosing a dog.

Size Matters   

Before getting a dog, you should consider how much space you have in your home or apartment. Size is a significant factor that you and your family need to consider before selecting any breed. 

If you have a spacious house with a backyard, you can go for medium or large dog breeds. It should give your fur baby enough space to play, roam around, and poop in the backyard. 

On the other hand, a small dog breed is suitable if you live in an apartment or a condo unit. These rarely need to go outdoors. Keep in mind that although tiny dogs don’t require a lot of room, most of them are prone to accidents around the house. Perhaps they’re too little, and you didn’t notice that you’re already stepping on their tail or paw.   

Large canines may also cause damage to your furniture. They’re not ideal for tiny homes because being confined to a tight space doesn’t give them enough room to release their pent-up energy, making them prone to behavioral problems.  

Here are examples of dog breeds in different sizes: 

  • Small-Sized Dogs: Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Maltese, Pomeranian, and Pug. 
  • Medium-Sized Dogs: American Foxhound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, and English Springer Spaniel 
  • Large-Sized Dogs: Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Mastiff, and Siberian Husky. 

Grooming Needs

Every dog needs to be groomed. It’s advisable to start getting your puppy groomed when they’re around 10 weeks old. Some dog breeds require a little more based on their coat type. If you have hairy dogs, you’ll need to groom them regularly.

Furthermore, most short-haired and smooth-coated dogs shed a lot. Hence, you’ll have to vacuum or sweep the floor and other parts of the house frequently.  

Additionally, some breeds are more susceptible to diseases than others. And dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections and require regular ear cleaning.

Life Stages 

The dog’s personality evolves with every life stage: puppy, adolescent, adult, and senior.  

During the first six months, puppies require a lot of training and attention. Hence, they’re best for families that can devote more time and patience. The entire process won’t be easy, and there will be a lot of damaged furniture and other items in the house. 

But on the bright side, they’ll eventually mature as they age. It’s like watching a kid grow up right before your very eyes. 

Now, adult dogs are already house-trained and a lot calmer than puppies. Additionally, you know what to expect with older dogs, and you’re familiar with their medical history.

Fits Your Lifestyle 

Look for a dog that matches your stamina. If your family lives an active lifestyle, high-spirited dogs are suitable. They will complement your energy, and you can do many outdoor activities together.  

But if you’re more of a laid-back household and prefer taking strolls around the block or park, go for low-energy dogs.  

If you randomly choose a dog, you may get frustrated or bored. 

Here are several dog breeds classified according to energy level: 

  • Active Dogs: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner, Belgian Malinois, and Boxer. 
  • Couch Potatoes: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Saint Bernard, Basset Hound, Pekingese, or a Neapolitan Mastiff. 

Distinguishing Traits  

Dogs have distinct characteristics. Thus, choosing the right breed suitable for the entire family is crucial.  

If you’re sensitive to animal fur, consider hypoallergenic breeds such as Affenpinscher, Bolognese, Chinese Crested, Löwchen, and Yorkshire Terrier.  

Families with infants or small children should get kid-friendly dogs like Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel.  

If you live in an apartment with elderly neighbors, select from dog breeds that fit a quiet neighborhood, such as French Bulldog, Australian Cattle Dog, Shar-Pei, Greyhound, Shiba Inu, and Shih Tzu. 

Suppose you need guard dogs to watch over your house and the entire property. In that case, it’s ideal to get three from the following dog breeds: Appenzeller Sennenhunde, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, German Shepherd, or Rottweiler can help secure your home.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dog breed for you and your family can make all the difference. You’re not only adding a new member to the family but also giving the dog a home. 

Many dogs have been abandoned, ending up in shelters. By adopting one or two, you’re giving them a chance at a better life.  Buying a dog will do just as well, but be sure to take good care of them.

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5 signs your dog is a happy pup!

Image Credits: https://www.thedailytail.com/signs-your-dog-is-happy/

Keeping your furbaby happy and healthy is every pawrent’s biggest responsibility when it comes to pet ownership, and there’s no better feeling than knowing that your pet is in the pink of health!

With that, here are some signs for you to take note in case you want to know whether they’re jumping for joy! 

Sign 1: They roll on their backs

To garner love and affection from you, happy dogs will roll on their back and expose their belly to you. Not only does this mean that they absolutely adore you, it also means that they trust you enough to make themselves vulnerable in front of you!

Sign 2: They will initiate physical contact

When dogs are happy, they will initiate more physical contact such as coming to you for rubs and pets or pawing at you. This is their way of expressing their happiness and their desire to be with you! 

Sometimes, your dog might not want to be touched. This could be due to a multitude of reasons so be sure to do your research if that ever happens!

Sign 3: Zoomies!

Zoomies are short bursts of energy that dogs just can’t control! If you’re dog is in the pink of health or are extremely happy, you can often see them doing zoomies up and down your hallway, or at the parks when you bring them.

Over time though, your dog will grow out of zoomies, so make sure to capture the moments they do so you can treasure them next time!

Sign 4: LOTS and lots of sleep!

On average, a happy and healthy dog sleeps for around 16 hours a DAY! So if you notice your dog sleeping a lot, don’t worry it’s perfectly normal. If your dog is older or is a senior dog, they could require even more sleep too!

However, if you notice that your dogs sleeping pattern is distorted, or if they’re lethargic or unable to eat after their sleep time, then it might be time to start paying more attention to it. While it might not be severe, taking note of your pups sleep routine helps to make sure you nip any possible problems in the bud.

Sign 5: Soft eyes 

Their eyes will tell! When a dog has eyes that are soft and relaxed, and a body that isn’t tense, it means that they’re in a state of calmness and happiness. They also tend to blink often!

Look out for “whale eyes”, which is when the whites of a dog’s eyes can be seen, or if their body seems tense or on edge. If they show signs of whale eyes or are tense, it means that they could possibly be worried or stressed.