@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram These days, increasing numbers of pet owners are employing dog DNA testing to help them avoid unforeseen genetic abnormalities. It’s a pretty simple process: just take a swab from your dog’s cheek and send it to a lab, and you’ll know which ailments your dog is genetically predisposed to acquiring, hopefully even before anything…
When your dog is about to whelp a litter of puppies, you should be prepared beforehand. Some signs will let you know that she is ready. She will start producing milk up to a week before. She will start breathing heavier and digging to create a safe space to deliver her puppies. Check out some of our…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram One of the first steps you can take for a long, happy life with your pooch is learning how to house train it. House soiling is one of the most common reasons that dogs are kicked out of their homes or wind up in shelters. Few individuals are prepared to put up with a…
Mavis from Rocky River Retrievers Teaching a puppy to swim can be a challenge. When you start, your puppy may be nervous, this is perfectly natural. However, swimming is a skill that can keep your puppy safe and if taught well, can benefit them in the long run. Easing Them In Ease…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram As dogs are classified under den animals, they appreciate the option of being in a closed and confined space. Housetraining becomes more hassle-free when you use the right crate that keeps your dog safe. Also, crates can greatly help during an emergency. Let’s take a look at the types of crates. The four…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram Puppies have around 28 teeny-tiny teeth in their jaws that seem to be drawn to furniture, fingers, and toes. Professional dog trainers refer to it as “play biting.” However, it’s annoying and uncomfortable when your cute puppy won’t stop nipping at your heels. Biting is, however, quite typical for puppy teething and important for…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram When a dog comes into your life, the first thought you may have is how to house train it. As the dog will be in the house for a long time and ready for all kinds of situations, you must be prepared beforehand. A dog that isn’t house trained will do…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram When a puppy has matured enough, it comes time to wean them off their mother’s milk. The mother dog instinctively looks after her puppies after giving birth; they are completely reliant on her for food and protection. After a few weeks, the pups must learn to consume solid food and become less reliant…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram Why is it crucial to purchase from a responsible breeder? How can one differentiate between backyard breeders and responsible breeders? Unfortunately, not every dog breeder is taking the necessary measures to ensure that health is the top priority. Backyard breeders are those who breed without having prior knowledge or experience and don’t…
@rockyriverretrievers on Instagram The “Stay” command is helpful to teach your dog. The process includes teaching stay in phases and teaching the behavior in reverse, beginning at the end and moving backward for longer, more dependable stays. Establish a Beginning & End ‘Stay’ is a two-part command; after commanding your dog to ‘stay’, it’s…