Ron and Wendy's journey with Petland Iowa City began in 2006 with a vision that extended far beyond running a pet store. They didn’t just want to sell puppies—they wanted to make a difference in the pet industry, particularly in Iowa, where concerns about unethical breeding practices and puppy mills were rampant. For them, the issue was not just about pointing fingers or complaining about the problem; it was about taking action and being part of the solution.

When Ron and Wendy took ownership of Petland Iowa City, they saw an opportunity to reshape the narrative around pet retail. They were determined to combat the negative stigma associated with puppy mills by ensuring every puppy in their store came from USDA-licensed breeders who adhered to the highest standards of care. They work with breeders who go above and beyond, who achieve the prestigious Canine Care Certification through Purdue University—a program designed to promote ethical breeding practices and prioritize the well-being of animals.

For Ron and Wendy, it isn’t just about selling puppies; it is about educating their community. They want customers to understand the importance of responsible pet ownership and the difference between ethical breeders and puppy mills. Through transparency, they share the stories of their breeders, offering insights into the care and love these animals receive before finding their forever homes.

But their mission didn’t stop there. Ron and Wendy knew that simply providing healthy, happy puppies isn’t enough. They want to create a comprehensive support system for pet owners to ensure long-term success. This led to the implementation of robust programs like health warranties, lifetime training, microchip registration, and nutrition kits. Their goal is to set both the puppies and their new families up for a lifetime of happiness.

Beyond the walls of their store, Ron and Wendy are advocates for change in the industry. They work tirelessly to improve breeder standards in Iowa, engaging in conversations and initiatives that push for better regulations and ethical practices. They believe that real change could only happen from within the industry, and they are committed to leading by example.

Over the years, their efforts have paid off. Petland Iowa City has become a trusted name in the community, known not only for its adorable puppies but also for its unwavering commitment to animal welfare. Ron and Wendy’s store, Petland Iowa City, stands as a beacon of hope, proving that it’s possible to run a successful pet retail business, while prioritizing the well-being of animals and promoting responsible ownership.

Their journey is a testament to the power of action over complaint. Instead of merely criticizing the system, Ron and Wendy chose to be the change they wanted to see. And in doing so, they’ve not only transformed their business but also made a lasting impact on the lives of countless pets and their owners.

Join host Doug Wagner as he sits down with Ron Solsrud, the owner of Petland Iowa City, to debunk popular Christmas pet myths in this festive episode. Discover the truth behind common misconceptions, such as whether dogs help Santa deliver presents, the dangers of feeding pets holiday treats, and the reality of pets interacting with Christmas trees. Learn how to keep your furry friends safe during the holidays with tips on pet-proofing your Christmas tree and understanding the impact of loud noises on pets. The episode also highlights Petland Iowa City's special offers, including a buy-10-get-1-free deal on dog food and free nail trims for pets purchased from their store. Tune in for a fun and informative discussion that will keep your pets happy and healthy this holiday season.

Petland Iowa City

Call 📞 (319) 313-5190

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Or just come in & play📍 1851 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240

Looking for a way to make Valentine's Day fun for your pet?  Petland Iowa City has some fantastic ideas on how to make Valentine's Day or any other special day of the year for that matter, extra special.  Listen on or read the description below for more great tips!

For more great tips visit Petland Iowa City's website here.

To visit our amazing pets or play with our paw-some pals, visit us today!

1851 Lower Muscatine Rd.

Do you have a new puppy or even an older dog that likes to chew on things in your household?  If you do, you're not alone!  Petland Iowa City is back with great tips and this time we're talking about pups that like to chew!  

There are a number of reasons your puppy or dog might be chewing.  Most commonly it will fall into one of these two categories:  

1.  Puppy Teething - Yep, puppies experience discomfort when they are losing their puppy teeth just like children.  

2.  Anxiety Teething - Boredom is a big part factor when it comes to anxiety teething.  

So, what can you do?  You want toys in your house that they can chew rather than the furniture or the rug.  These chews need to be really attractive and you'll want some soft & plush toys, different texture toys, and then you can get into the harder categories for stronger chewers like Nylabone or other Natural options for instance.  

Let's say your dog is going through a particular-sized chew really fast, you will want to go up to the next size.  Check out this podcast for more tips on how to beat that battle of K9 "chewing" habits.  

For more pet ownership tips, subscribe to our podcast channel for more valuable tips and tricks.  

Check out our website for available pets, pet supplies & more:  https://www.petlandiowacity.com

Visit Petland Iowa City for all your pet needs. Our pets can't wait to meet you!  

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Looking for some helpful tips on how to properly potty train your puppy?  Petland Iowa City has three important tips to successfully potty train your pup.  Listen to this podcast for more details on each and check out some of our potty training tips below:  

Step 1.  Puppies are denning animals, be sure to use a crate/kennel for your puppy.  Puppies will learn to keep their kennels nice and clean.  False walls can do the trick within the kennel to allow proper space for your pet depending on size.  Once you are ready to take your puppy out of the crate in the morning, lift them up out of the crate and take them directly outside.  

Step 2.  While you're outside with your pet, make sure you are rewarding your pup for any business they do outside.  The key is to reward them immediately after they do their business.  Don't wait until they get back inside.  Incentivize the behavior you want to see from your pet instantly and your pet will quickly learn what they are doing correctly which ends with a yummy treat.  There are lots of pet treats out there you can choose from, or select a Lickety Stik liquid dog treat that pets go CRAZY for.  

Step 3.  Use a stain and odor removal with an enzyme that decomposes the smell of any urine spots in carpet, furniture, tile, wood, etc to remove the marking your puppy makes    

Step 4:  Patience!  While in the potty training process, ask yourself, "Is it better now than it was 2 weeks ago or a month ago?".

**  Fun Fact: If you can keep your pet from having an accident in the house for three months (without incident), veterinarians say they've forgotten all about going to the bathroom in the house.

Check out our newest selection of puppy arrivals here:  https://www.petlandiowacity.com/dogs-and-puppies-for-sale/  

Visit Petland Iowa City for all your pet needs. Our pets can't wait to meet you!

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The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized super cuddly dog breed that contrary to its name was developed in the western part of the United States. ‘Aussie’ as commonly called came to be in the 19th century as a ranch dog bred to herd farm animals and livestock as a whole. Discover more about our Australian Shepherd puppies for sale below!  

This dog breed is a natural hard worker and has the energy level to maneuver fleeing animals, however within the household, its energy has to deviate to activities like exercises and games, else they prove to be destructive.   

History  

This breed came to be around the Goldrush era as a herding dog for ranchers within the western US. The exact ancestral heritage of this breed isn’t precise per se. There are a lot of possible theories however, the Australian Shepherd likely has a collie as one of its ancestors.   

This breed became popular after World War II. There were horse shows, rodeos and Disney movies that had one Australian Shepherd or the other. The crowd loved seeing athletic dogs and so the media promoted the Australian Shepherd.   However, it wasn’t until 1993 before this dog breed was AKC recognized. This is a dog breed that belongs to the herding category. Some modern-day Australian Shepherds are still used to herd livestock but they can be great companions as house pets.   

Temperament  

This breed plays the dominant role pretty beautifully as they were developed to be assertive and firm when dealing with livestock. If a strong hand isn’t available at home, they will regain their dominant persona. This is one of the reasons why they aren’t so much of a recommended choice for first-time dog owners.   Just like other herding dogs in their niche, the Australian Shepherd is loyal to a fault. Their loyalty, however, doesn’t transcend to strangers as it only plays out with its owners. However, all of these qualities can be tweaked and adjusted during training especially when they’re still young. They are really loving dogs and are great for large families.

Environment  

The Australian Shepherd is a herding dog breed, meaning that it’s in their genetic disposition to run, play and live in open lands. This is why they don’t particularly thrive in apartment buildings. These dogs are very sensitive to their owners and they can survive diverse weather conditions, either hot, warm or cold.

Exercise  

As expected, the Australian Shepherd has high exercise needs. You may need to take him walking, jogging or to the park every day as they can get destructive when they still have the energy to dispense. The intensity of their exercise is somewhat high and they’re very playful making them the perfect breed for kids and toddlers.   Dog sports like Frisbee or flyball will be their forte as they will excel without a doubt because it involves running and jumping. The Australian Shepherd is a very agile dog breed with a lot of energy too. Feel free to enroll your Aussie in dog competitions just for the fun of it, who knows you may just be taking home a trophy on their behalf. This breed is very smart and easy to train.

Grooming  

The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog breed that has a medium-length coating. This coating so happens to be water-resistant and ensures that your furry friend is warm and comfortable during rainstorms and snow days.   Their fur could either be straight or wavy and it lengthens around the neck and chest regions. This breed sheds all year round but heavily during the spring season. In terms of grooming, the Australian Shepherd’s coat needs to be brushed weekly to prevent matting.

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Petland Iowa City is back with great tips for grooming your dog at home.  We discuss some of the best brushes on the market (Furminator) along with some of the best dog shampoo and conditioners on the market (BIO-GROOM & Bobbi Panter).  Listen for more information on Petland Iowa City's favorite puppy perfumes/colognes in this clip and so much more!  

Additional Tips For Bathing Your Pup:  

If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”  

Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. Petland Iowa City will give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.  

1.  Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.  

2.  Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper, and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet if the water running from the tap scares him.)  

3.  Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.  

4.  Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!   

Petland Iowa City 

https://www.petlandiowacity.com/dogs-and-puppies-for-sale/

1851 Lower Muscatine Rd. Iowa City, IA 52240  

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Brief History

This dog breed originated from Germany and back then they were referred to as the badger dog. In essence, the ‘Dachs’ in Dachshund stands for badger while the ‘hund’ means dog. This dog breed can be traced to the 15th century and they came in different sizes.

However, in the 18th and 19th centuries ‘Teckel’ as called in Germany was refined and elongated. The purpose of this was to create a dog that could fit into the burrows of a badger and lure him out or kill him.

A lot of years went into this development and in the 1800s people started keeping Dachshunds as pets rather than hunting dogs.

Temperament

This dog breed is clever no doubt. It has a fearless trait as part of its hunting heritage, it is courageous, driven and can display traits of stubbornness. Dachshunds of this generation can be as cute and cuddly with their owners as they’re allowed to be.

This dog breed is very entertaining especially when it chases its tail. However, with the diversity in the color of the coat, the personality of the dachshund differs. The wirehead breed has the terrier in its lineage which could be the source of its mischief.

The longhairs are calmer than the Smooths which have a mix in personality. Dachshunds are naturally bold and fearless hence when getting a puppy, neglect any that displays timidity.

Environment

This petite dog can thrive in an apartment setting. However, they have a low tolerance for cold weather as their fur is thin, but they can handle the heat. Any loving environment where the dachshund will have a good amount of exercise or walks is fine with this breed.

They’re very sensitive breeds and love pleasing its owners. This dog breed is known to develop better in an environment with kids around as they’re very kid-friendly.

Exercise

This dog breed has an average need for exercise. They can be very playful especially around kids and their exercise needs are fair. Any exercise the dachshund partakes in needs to be of average intensity to avoid fatigue.

They are natural hunters, hence they have a great potential for wanderlust and they will follow trails till they probably get missing. In essence, in terms of exercise, walks in the park, playing fetch or testing his perseverance could be great for the dog.

When dachshunds get bored or are left unattended for hours at a stretch, they can eat and destroy anything within their reach.

Grooming

Maintaining this dog breed costs little to nothing. Yes, they do shed but no, not often and not in abundance. Their fur is short and shiny hence it requires regular brushing to keep their appearance. Bathing dachshunds should be done ceremoniously or when they reek of something.

This breed doesn’t have the accompanying doggie smell and their oral hygiene is important as brushing should be done thrice weekly. When winter approaches, your dachshund will need a sweater when outdoors as they don’t do so well when exposed to cold.

Contact Petland Iowa City today to learn more about the availability of our Dachshund puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Dachshund puppies.

Petland Iowa City

https://www.petlandiowacity.com/ 

1851 Lower Muscatine Rd. 

Iowa City, IA 52240  

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Petland Iowa City shares helpful tips to keep your pet warm in cooler temps & seasons:  

1.  Monitor Nutrition - When Your Dog Is Shivering, They're Burning Calories 

2.  Fight Off Dry Skin - Use A Dog Conditioner 

3.  Add Extra Layers - Sweaters, Jackets & Paw Guard are Excellent Options.  

If You Are Cold, Your Puppy Is Cold Too!  

Your pup is a part of the family, and although he enjoys the beauty of nature and spending time outside, it is never recommended that a puppy “lives” outside. If you’re cold, your pup is too, and regardless of your pup’s breed, spending extended periods of time in frigid weather is not healthy or safe. Even if you were wearing a fur coat, you would not want to spend several hours outside in the cold, and your pup does not want to either.   

Everything In Moderation  

Let your fur-ever friend “enjoy” being outside. He loves to burn off extra energy and dash through the snow. And although this is healthy and safe for your pup, it needs to be allowed in moderation. Monitor him while outside, especially in frigid weather. Younger and healthy pups tend to handle these conditions much better than senior pups or pups who have medical issues. Certain breeds with thicker and or double-layered coats, such as Akitas, Bichon Frises, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, tend to better handle cold weather than breeds with thinner coats French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and Pugs. Regardless of the breed, all dogs will eventually get cold and need a warm shelter. Remember, the purpose of letting your puppy outside is so he can enjoy himself, have fun, and feel good!   

Known Effects On Pups That Are Left Outside In The Cold  

Like people, dogs can experience pain and severe medical conditions if left outside in cold weather. These conditions can begin as minor shivering and discomfort and extend all the way to death. It is very important to understand that your pup is a living being, and like a human, can only sustain freezing temperatures for a certain period of time. Below are known issues and symptoms that dogs experience when left outside in freezing weather. Knowing what to look for can save your pup’s life.   

Shivering is a common initial symptom that takes place when a dog is too cold. His body naturally begins to shiver in an effort to stay warm. Although shivering will temporarily help him maintain his body temperature, it is not effective for more than a few minutes.   Moaning and howling take place due to discomfort. Essentially, your puppy is in pain from the cold weather, which is affecting his body. 

Moaning and howling is his way of expressing it and asking for help. Never ignore these early signs as they can quickly lead to very serious issues.   Frostbite is a condition/injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold. This typically affects your dog’s nose, paws, and or ears and creates a painful burning sensation. If the affected area is not tended to, the condition can quickly escalate to much more severe health issues.   

Hypothermia sets in upon the dog’s internal body temperature dropping below safe levels. This condition slows your dog’s heart rate and breathing down to very unsafe levels, which can lead to neurological problems. Your puppy’s kidney functions also rapidly begin to decrease during this health emergency. Essentially, your puppy is beginning to freeze to death. If not immediately treated, your dog can fall into a coma, which often leads to permanent health issues and even death.

Help Your Pup Stay Warm!

Puppy coats, jackets, and boots add an extra layer of insulation for your dog. Look for coats that offer a water-resistant outer layer and several layers of insulated inner material.

https://www.petlandiowacity.com/

Poodles are very proud dogs. They are impressive as well. This breed is famous for its participation in many dog shows. They are the fashionistas of the dog world because of their iconic coats which come in different colors. This breed has won many best-in-show awards. However, behind the glam and spotlights, he is a very affectionate dog that loves to be around family, has an ancient history, and is very talented. They are not just beautiful and pleasing to the eyes, they are very intelligent, highly trainable, and impressively complete tasks assigned to them. Miniature poodles are petite and ooze luxury. They have all the qualities of a standard poodle but in a smaller form. They are however bigger than a toy poodle. Discover more about our Miniature Poodle puppies for sale below!

Breed History

Looking at the life of a miniature poodle today, the jewelry, the bright-colored coats, and the luxury they live in, one may be shocked that these pooches used to accompany hunters many years ago. They were developed in Germany but developed into their own distinct breed in the country of France.

They were developed especially for waterfowl hunting. They are believed to be a hybrid of different water dogs from Europe. They are believed to be a result of crosses between Spanish, Russian, Hungarian, Portuguese, French, and German water dogs.

There are also different theories that link its ancestry to different parts of the world like Africa and Asia. One thing however clear is that the Miniature Poodle is a very old breed. There are illustrations of this breed on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs. Many believe Miniature Poodles came hundreds of years later after the Standard Poodles.

Temperament

They are intelligent, loyal, loving, and mischievous. Poodle enthusiasts describe them as having an air of distinction. Miniature Poodles have a daffy streak and love to play.

They can however often get leery with strangers. They are shy and if not socialized with new people and animals at an early age, will grow up a little laid back.

The Miniature Poodle is very protective of his family and is quick to bark whenever strangers approach your home. They are highly trainable and have high energy.

Environment

Miniature Poodles require an environment of care and discipline. If they are spoilt and untrained, they’ll believe they are the alpha dog of the family and can get away with anything.

They can be raised in apartment homes because of their small stature. You don’t need to build high fences fearing a Miniature Poodle might wander off. They love to be with their family so they don’t have the tendency of wandering off.

Exercise

Early socialization is critical to their development. Without this, they will get scared easily and be aggressive at strangers. Take your Miniature Poodle for walks of about an hour.

Play games of fetch with them, they love tasks that challenge them mentally. They were working dogs historically, so it is no wonder that they want something to occupy their bodies and minds.

Grooming

The Miniature Poodle is a safe choice for people with allergies. They are a non-shedding breed and they have been found to give allergic people no reaction at all. Their coat comes in several colors. Their colors include blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, cream, etc.

They are high-maintenance dogs. Their beautiful coat can be trimmed, clipped, curled, and generally manipulated into different lovely shapes.  They require grooming every three to six weeks to keep their coat in good condition.

They need to be bathed every three to six weeks. You can invite a professional groomer to help beautify your poodle but they’ll still need to be brushed daily.

View our Available Puppies Today!