Category Archives: Living
How to Choose a Reputable Dachshund Breeder
If you are looking to buy a Dachshund puppy, there are several ways to choose a reputable Dachshund breeder. The first step is to visit the breeder’s premises to see the conditions the puppies are raised in. This will give you an idea of how they’ll be raised and how the environment can affect their temperament.
Breeder Reputation
There are several factors to consider when choosing reputable Dachshund breeders. First, you want to select a breeder that follows the Code of Ethics of the Kennel Club. This scheme ensures a breeder follows good breeding practices, and you’ll never have to worry about the quality of Dachshund puppies for sale in Florida from trusted breeders. Secondly, you want to check online reviews. Many breeders may claim their dogs are well-loved, but these reviews could be fabricated.
Lastly, you should contact reputable Dachshund breeders and develop a relationship with them. Make sure you ask for a contract and look at specific pictures and videos. Look out for any red flags indicating a breeder is a scam.
Another critical factor is to visit the breeder’s home. This way, you’ll be able to ask questions directly and decide if they’re the right breeder for you. Ask to see their living conditions and how the puppies interact with their owners. A good breeder should be willing to answer all your questions and answer any concerns you might have. For example, ask about their health care and vaccination policies and how they socialize their puppies.
Health Screenings
If you want to ensure the health of your new puppy, you should choose a breeder that offers health screenings. Health screenings are vital to a Dachshund’s well-being. Responsible breeders will spot-test their dogs for health issues and vaccinations before they breed. Puppies should be given at least one immunization and two dewormings before they leave the breeding facility. In addition, breeders will ensure that the puppies undergo routine grooming. For example, dachshunds can hate nail clipping, but breeders will work with you to make puppies accept clippers.
Reputable breeders should only breed Dachshunds, not multiple commercial breeds. A breeder that specializes in Dachshunds will produce only a few litters per year, not more. If they have more than this, likely, they’re only breeding for profit.
Dachshunds are generally very healthy, and choosing a breeder who focuses on breeding healthy dogs is essential. It’s also crucial to research the pedigree of the dogs and conduct appropriate health screenings.
Vaccinations
If you’re considering buying a Dachshund puppy, it’s essential to understand its vaccination history. This is because your puppy may need to get a series of shots early. These shots help your dog fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. Without these shots, your dog could become infected with diseases that are fatal to humans and dogs.
If you’re unsure whether your Dachshund should get these vaccinations, start talking to your breeder. They should be familiar with the risks involved in each vaccine. Some dogs can have very adverse reactions to vaccines. For example, leptospirosis vaccines can cause severe reactions in some dogs.
Another critical aspect of Dachshund vaccinations is the frequency of the shots. The recommended frequency of each shot depends on your lifestyle and location.
Genetic testing
Genetic testing is necessary for purebred pets and breeding purebred animals. This is because certain diseases are inherited in a specific breed, and a reputable breeder will know which puppies will likely pass these conditions to their offspring. In addition, genetic health testing can be performed on dogs at any age.
While the results of genetic testing may seem confusing for buyers, it is essential to look at the effects of each parent. The tests’ results may reveal the puppy’s exact lifestyle needs. They may also indicate possible health issues in the future. A reputable breeder will share the results of all parents with prospective buyers.
Genetic testing can help identify specific health risks in dachshunds. For example, some dachshunds are susceptible to diseases like alopecia and mutated bloodlines. While most breeds are not affected by these diseases, the results of a genetic test can help you decide if your puppy is at risk for any of them.
5 Things You Must Do Before You Move Out of Your Old Home
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of moving from an old home to a new home. Moving to a new place offers a whole wide world of opportunities. If you’re upgrading to a larger, newer, and/or a more luxurious home, the excitement can be palpable.
However, before you get carried away, you need to make sure you’ve tied off all your loose ends. Is there anything you’ve forgotten to do or take care of at your old home? Are you sure?
We’re here to give you some peace of mind. Keep reading for a quick list of some of the most commonly forgotten details when leaving an old house behind.
1. Schedule Movers in Advance
First, and perhaps most importantly, make sure you schedule your movers a few weeks in advance. Depending on where you live and the time of year, you may have trouble booking a moving service the day of.
For some of the best movers, check out Moving Ahead Services. They are local and long-distance movers that also provide temporary storage. Remember, hiring movers is not something you should leave until the last minute.
2. Turn Off the Utilities to Your Old Home
Next, before moving out of your old home, schedule to have your power, gas, and water turned off. We recommend scheduling the cancellation a day after moving day. Canceling these services before you get everything out could lead to problems, such as not having a working toilet while you’re trying to finish packing.
Additionally, don’t forget to cancel your waste removal service, unless you want to keep paying for it after you leave. Finally, if you’re currently paying HOA fees, make sure you notify the HOA that you’re moving.
3. Change Your Address
One of the most important moving tips is to remember to redirect your mail. You can temporarily redirect it through the post office until you get settled into your new location. Then, you can officially change your address.
Additionally, make sure you notify the appropriate companies and people of your new address. Otherwise, they’ll continue to send you mail to your old home.
4. Double-Check Each Room
Before embarking on your local or cross-country move, go through the house one more time to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. If there is any furniture or built-ins, go through each drawer or cubby.
Check each room and the attached closets or bathrooms. Lastly, look through your storage areas, garage, and basement.
5. Cancel Your Existing Home Services
Finally, make sure you take care of your other recurring services specific to your old home. By this point, your utilities should be taken care of. However, don’t forget about:
- Internet
- Cable
- Phone lines
- Mailing subscriptions
- Etc.
Additionally, remember to contact your insurance company to change your homeowner’s insurance policy. They’ll need to update your address and all the other important information. Failing to update this information will void your policy.
Are You Looking for More Lifestyle Advice?
Are you leaving your old home behind and looking forward to the future? If so, we couldn’t’ be more excited for you. We know how exciting it is to move to a new house.
Just remember to follow our quick checklist before you leave. And for more lifestyle tips, read through some of our other articles while you’re here. We have tons of valuable advice and information for homeowners like you.
Our Favorite Outdoor Toys To Get You Ready For Spring!
Spring is just around the corner. Do you know what that means?
It means spending more time outside, in the yard, on the trail, and at the lake. After staying cooped up and cozy all winter long, our legs are ready to stretch.
Our kids, especially, are ready to run, to roam, to climb, and to stay outside as long as possible. And with the right outdoor toys, you can ensure a long and happy spring, summer, and even autumn ahead.
So what are the best outdoor toys for kids to keep them out in nature longer? And what are the best outdoor activities for the whole family? We’ve compiled the list of things you need this season below.
Rock Climbing Holds With Tree Straps
Most people aren’t looking to build a proper rock climbing wall but would love to give their kids an opportunity to climb. You can get rock climbing holds that strap directly to large trees.
This keeps them physically active and engaged in their natural environment.
Climbing Dome
Kids are over basic playsets in the backyard. They want something more interesting and that allows for more climbing.
A climbing dome is made entirely of climbing bars and will provide your kids and their friends endless fun.
Portable Hammock Stand
After all of that climbing, kids will need a nice place to rest while still enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. A portable hammock stand is a perfect way to use hammocks in treeless yards.
Plus, you can take them anywhere. Now you can nap in a hammock on the beach or at the park to enjoy a restful time outside.
Cornhole
Year after year, cornhole boards are one of the most popular outdoor toys for adults. They work so perfectly at parties and BBQs, allowing you to compete without even putting your drink down.
Spikeball
Have you tried Spikeball yet? If not, get ready to put your cornhole boards in storage, because this game has been exploding in popularity lately.
Remember playing foursquare in elementary school? It’s kind of like that, mixed with volleyball, and way more fun than both.
A small trampoline is in the middle of a large circle (painted or drawn on the ground). Your goal is to hit a ball onto the net in such a way that the opposing team can’t get it. It’s a bit more physically active than cornhole, but a lot more fun for the whole family.
Slackline
When you see a slackline, it’s hard not to give it a try. Once you try and fail immediately, it’s hard not to try again. And again. And again.
Slacklining is difficult to get the hang of, even though it looks easy. You balance on a thin, flat band secured to 2 large trees.
The problem is that once you start, it’s hard to stop. You won’t be able to live with yourself until you can walk from tree to tree; an incredibly impressive feat.
Enjoy Your Yard Like Never Before With the Best Outdoor Toys
It doesn’t take a week-long trip into the backcountry to enjoy the outdoors. All you need is a yard and a few outdoor toys to make your spring and summer memorable.
Sure, camping trips are fun. But your kids will be much happier if they have something they can enjoy daily.
Need some more parenting and home tips and tricks? Be sure to visit the rest of our blog today.
8 Uncommon Items for Your Next Backyard Summer Party
Wherever you are in the world, you need to make sure that when the time comes, you are ready to throw the best backyard summer party ever. Make it memorable by injecting some personality into it with some unique, quirky party pieces!
Here’s a list of 8 uncommon items for throwing great summer parties!
1. Dog-Friendly Hamburger Patties
Let’s not forget that our pets need to eat too! Now you can buy pet-safe barbecue food, so your favorite fluffy friend doesn’t need to feel left out anymore!
2. Pirate Den Making Kit
Check out this arrr’some pirate den kit! Kids have always loved tearing up the sofa to create their own mini houses, and kids love new things, so why not satisfy both with a pirate den kit!
This is a great way to keep kids entertained while you set up some of the other gadgets and quirky party pieces we’ve suggested below.
3. Retro Slush Puppie Machine
A retro Slush Puppie machine will go down a treat with adults and kids alike!
When it’s too hot, and you want to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a sweet, refreshing throwback to those times you got brain freeze for the first time.
4. Rent a Waterslide and Get Wet
Yes, you can really do this!
There’s no better way to keep cool while having fun than a waterslide. Unleash your inner child and see how far you can slide. Waterslide rentals for next summer are expected to book up quickly, so it’s worth looking into to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun!
5. Novelty Aprons
Show your guests who’s cooking! Novelty aprons are a great way to make your nominated chefs stand out with pride as they toss meat over the barbecue to their heart’s content.
6. Flamingo Toss Ring Game
Ever felt like tossing a ring over a flamingo?
We don’t think a real flamingo would enjoy it, but now you can satisfy those desires with this ultimate party game. Quick set up, and great fun for everyone to enjoy!
7. Food That Doesn’t Look Like Food
Here’s one you can try and make yourself, but it might end up looking inedible either way.
If you’re a great chef, baker, or sculptor, see if you can make some delicious treats that look like something completely different. Maybe you want to create a cake that looks like a sombrero or a remote-control shaped burger?
This may be the golden ticket to Rememberville you’ve been looking for!
8. Giant Inflatable Iceberg
If you happen to own a small ocean (don’t we all), the giant inflatable iceberg will make your party stand out way more than the 10% a real iceberg stands out.
Don’t forget to purchase some lifejackets too! Otherwise, your party will end up sinking like the Titanic.
A Backyard Summer Party to Remember
Whatever it is that life throws at you, whether that’s viruses or a poor work-life balance, it’s more important to share quality time with friends and family than ever. Bring on the backyard Summer party!
Keep clicking for more top tips!
Should You Worry About Your Neighborhood?
Whether you have resided in your neighborhood for years or are new to the area, do you have any concerns?
From your physical safety to the safety of your property and more, there may be reasons for you to be fearful.
So, any steps you can take to lower such concerns sooner than later?
Feel Safe Where You Call Home
In taking a serious look at the safety of your neighborhood, here are some areas to focus in on:
1. Know the area layout – Even if you have lived in your neighborhood for a while now, the layout can change over time. That said it is always good to stay up to speed on the area and its layout. If there are any notable changes, be sure you are aware of them. This is especially important should you ever need something in an emergency situation. Getting emergency help could well depend on how fast people can get to you in and around where you live.
2. Know where help is at – How far are you from things like the nearest fire and ambulance rescue? Are you close to a nearby police station? These are but a few of the things you want to know. Having such services nearby can be a blessing. That would be especially if you need any of them be it something minor or something major. It is also good to know the location of the nearest hospital or other such medical facilities.
3. Know the neighbors – It can be difficult at times to know all your neighbors. Depending on the size of your neighborhood, you may have many around you or only a handful. With that in mind, do your best to be vigilant about the neighbors closest to you. If there are any concerns you might have, do a little digging. In the event you know a neighbor’s full name and any other details, you could use the Internet for a little research. What if you found out someone near you has a warrant out for their arrest? Would such a thing leave you sleepless at night? In the event you live in Florida, you could go online and proceed with a Florida warrant search. That search could provide you with key details on the individual. The more you may know the better position you are in to decide if there is a threat there or not.
4. Know if there are pets around – How well do you know the most immediate of neighbors? Do any of them have dogs that are outside? If so, are those dogs typically on a leash or running around on their own? In the event you have a young child or children out playing often, you want them to be safe. Make sure you know about any dogs that could be out when your child or children are out. While many dogs are friendly, the last thing you want is your kid being scared or even bitten.
5. Know how to protect each other – Finally, do you have a neighborhood watch program where you live? If not, now may well be the time to organize with neighbors and local law enforcement to put one in place.
In worrying less about your neighborhood, you will live a more enjoyable life around home.
