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August/2010
Greetings!
 
Brent and Skylla
Brent and Skylla
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that participated in our Stampede Food Drive in Support of ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation). With your help, and with the help of our sponsors Petcurean and Natura, we were able to provide ARF with a large supply of premium dog and cat food!

To honour all the rescue puppies that have found homes, and are still looking for homes, we'd like to call this issue "ALL ABOUT PUPPIES"!

Please remember on these hot days that Tail Blazers offers many products to cool down your pet including frozen bones and pet ice cream! Visit your nearest location for availability.

With Sincere Thanks,

Brent Hauberg,
President of Tail Blazers

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Visit our website at www.tailblazerspets.com.

Please take special note of the pets featured in our photos - these animals are all available for adoption!

Congrats on your new Puppy! Now what?
By Holly Montgomery
Omar - Available for adoption in Calgary from www.arf.ab.ca
Omar
This time of year we have had a lot of new fur-babies in our Tail Blazers stores! So, what a better time to address some of the most common questions we get asked about puppies.

What can I give my puppy to chew?
Puppies and chewing go hand in hand. However, most products advise against giving them to a puppy under the age of six months! So, what do you do?

Definitely ask your vet first. It is likely that most of these product's manufacturers are likely worried about your puppy choking since some young puppies can be a bit silly about chewing things properly.

The problem that comes with avoiding chew treats is if your pup has nothing to chew on, they will FIND something on their own. It will likely be something inappropriate like their leash or your shoes! These things are just as much of a chocking hazard as a chew toy - and worse they are not as digestible and can cause internal problems too. It's a catch 22. Always ensure you are there to supervise them when chewing even when they are adults. So, if they are getting a little too short on that bully stick, you can take it away. If they are breaking and swallowing large chunks of bone you can take the bone away. Always choose something a little over-sized rather than something too small. Every dog is different, so we need to treat them as individuals when it comes to chewing and be responsible puppy parents.

Some examples of healthy chew treats available at Tail Blazers include: Elk antler chews, bully sticks, tendons, zukes dental bones, or raw - uncooked bones. Avoid rawhide chews as they can swell internally and create deadly blockages. They may also contain artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.

Chewing releases endorphins that help relax your pup; it is also great for their teeth and it helps make their teething stage more tolerable. Giving healthy chew treats inside of a crate is a great way to create a positive association with their crate and "fun and relaxing" times. It also gives you a chance to relax and kick back!

My puppy freaks out and cries when I leave him.
It is not uncommon for puppies to go through a stage of separation anxiety with you. Usually your dog figures out your routine when leaving the house and can start to pant and pace before you are even out the door. What do you do?

Ideally, have a professional come in and help you with it. If you take a few easy steps you can overcome this problem sometimes very quickly and easily! Your dog has your routine figured out so mix it up! Pick up the car keys, put on your coat, do these things when you are not planning on leaving. Then, put them down and go watch TV. Change the order in which you do things - keep your dog guessing! Another great point from dog trainers is to not make a big deal of your "comings and goings". Have a "matter-of-fact" attitude about it. Don't re-enforce their whining by telling them it's OK. Don't jump up and down with excitement when you get home. It just "is".

What do I feed my puppy?
Oh boy, this is a fun one! Your vet tells you one thing, your breeder tells you another, your neighbor's dog is on a great food, and the gal at the pet food store (ME!) has yet another opinion. YOU ARE GOING TO BE CONFLICTED!

Educate yourself and take the opinions from all these people and then form your own based on what works for YOUR dog. There are no "one size fits all" solutions (That is the main reason Tail Blazers carries so many varieties of food) and NO ONE has all the answers; it is a fact that most people giving advice about dog diets are not very well educated about them. So, take it into your own hands. Then, find a vet that supports your decision!

You can also try this link: http://www.tailblazerspets.com/tailblazers_ingredients_index.html With this
dictionary you can analyze your own food label, ingredient by ingredient and make up your own mind!

You can rest assured that at Tail Blazers you will find only wholesome, clean, nutritious foods and treats for your puppy. And, if you do have questions, there are always knowledgeable staff to help you answer them!

How long can my puppy be left alone?
Colleen McCarvill of "Diamond in the Ruff" dog training (www.diamondintheruffcanada.com) suggests:
"During the daytime (waking hours), 1 hour per month of age up to 4-5 hours maximum confinement.
Providing an enclosed, safe area with water and a potty space for longer times alone during the day. Night time is longer of course given that puppies are happy, healthy and "empty" when they're put to bed. Many pups, especially larger breeds, will sleep throughout the night from 3-4 months of age."

If you cannot get home to your puppy mid-day, find a reliable pet sitter that can provide a let out
service for your pup.

When should my puppy start a grooming regime?
The earlier the better! If you have chosen a breed that needs a lot of grooming it's going to be a fact of life for your critter and best start him off on the right paw from a young age.

In most salons, they usually recommend starting after their second set of shots. Find groomers that use lots of positive reinforcement to make grooming as tolerable for your puppy as they can. What this means is don't expect miracles at the first session. Often times the first session is just a bath and trim to not overwhelm your pup. It's good to end things on a good note and don't push them too hard the first time! Puppies are very impressionable.

There are so many opinions and so much to learn about your new puppy! This article has just touched the surface! Keep asking the pet pros in your life questions, do your research, buy a great book! Never stop learning. As long as you try your best, you will be a perfect puppy parent!!

*The information in this article should not replace regular care from a qualified Veterinarian.

Product Features
Puppy Essentials!

Earthbath Especially for Puppies - Puppy Shampoo, Puppy Spritz, and Grooming Wipes. These products are tear free and ultra mild for the most sensitive of puppies. Blended wtih a dash of cherry essence to leave your little guy or girl smelly puppy fresh!


Wellness "Just for Puppy" Treats - These soft, perfectly-sized treats are irresistible little real-food bites
Just For Puppy Treats
Just for Puppy Treats
made from a unique blend of healthy ingredients like lamb, salmon, carrots, blueberries, and flaxseed!


Acana Puppy Food - Made in Alberta by Champion Pet Foods, Acana foods are made using world-class ingredients raised or fished within our region by people we know and trust, and that are delivered to Champion's door FRESH EACH DAY. Available in Small Breed Puppy, Medium Breed Puppy (Puppy and Junior), and Large Breed Puppy there is a food to suite each and every puppy out there!

 

Nature's Miracle Stain and Odour Remover - Guaranteed to permanently eliminate all stains and odours - even urine odours that other products fail to remove. Removes all organic stains and odours, including foods, blood, vomit, feces, grease, dirt, grass, smoke, and perspiration. 

 

DGS Rectangular Bed
Dog Gone Smart bed
Dog Gone Smart Beds - Without altering the fabric texture and feel, this nanotechnology is impregnated producing a surface that repels liquids, dirt, coat oil, and puppy accidents! These beds are also bacteriostatic which reduces the spread of bacteria that can cause "doggie" odour and minimizes bacterial infections and allergies. The NanoSphere finishing technology does not contain carcinogenic byproducts and lasts longer and looks like new for up to 50 washings! Visit their website for product demos. 


Simply Fido Bamboo Bunny
SF Bamboo Bunny

Simply Fido Organic Pet Toys Collection - These eco-friendly toys meet the
highest product safety standards. Simply Fido organic cotton toys are made with safety and sustainability in mind. Coloured by nature and 100% certified non-toxic, these toys help make your home a safe and chemical free environment for you, your puppy, and your child! (did we mention they are TOTALLY ADORABLE??)

*Please note - not all products are available at all Tail Blazers' locations. Please call your location to be sure!
Store News
What's Happening at your Location?
Arthur - available for adoption in Edmonton at www.scarscare.org
Arthur
14th Street - Calgary Store:
Look for Doggie Boot Camps coming this summer at 14th Street location. Call for details.

Copperfield - Calgary Store:

Little Mutts Rescue Society will be by on August 28th from 11am - 3pm for an adopt-a-thon. Come by and find a new pint sized friend!

Mondays from 6pm-8pm to we are now offering walk-in nail trims. Cash only please. Holidays excluded. Click here for more details.

Macleod Trail - Calgary Store:
Visit Pawsitive Match Rescue on Saturdays from 1pm - 3pm. Come and meet some of their wonderful available dogs!

Ranchlands - Calgary Store:
Visit Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue in store the 1st Saturday of every month starting Oct 2nd.

Little Mutts Rescue Society will be by on October 16th for an adopt-a-thon. Come by and find a new pint sized friend!

Red Deer Store:
Visit Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue in store the 1st Saturday of every month from 1pm - 3pm. Come by and check out all the kind and friendly greys!

United Center - Edmonton Store:
West Edmonton location is now under new ownership!!

On the 1st Saturday of the month SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) will be by from 10am - 2pm, and on the 2nd Saturday of the month SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society) will be at the store from 12pm - 3pm - both showcasing their available pets.
Calgary ~ Edmonton ~ Kelowna ~ Lethbridge ~ Red Deer ~ Sherwood Park
www.tailblazerspets.com

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