All About German Shepherds

German Shepeherds are some of the most iconic dogs on the planet. You probably already recognize them for their many heroics, their law enforcement work, or their movie roles like Rin Tin Tin, but you might not know everything about this popular breed.

Whether you’re considering adopting a German, or just want to know more about them, here is some background on the fascinating and obedient dogs.

German Shepherd sitting in a field
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Do Pit Bulls Make Good Pets?

As popular as they are, Pit Bull Terriers are a controversial dog breed. Their reputation as pets is shrouded in myths, misconceptions, and even fear. But there’s a reason Pit Bulls are so common, and becoming more popular every day in America. Here, we’ll explore the truth about Pits, and attempt to dismantle some of the more harmful illusions about their personalities, so you’ll know if a Pit Bull is right for you!

pit bull terrier
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A New Look!

As the All For Dogs business has grown, we thought it was time to freshen up our look. We have updated our website to make it more user friendly and updated our logo as well. The new All For Dogs official logo features a charismatic labrador wearing a bright scarf.

All For Dogs Logo

Don’t worry, We will still be offering the same great service in the Chicago suburbs. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Should You Board Your Dog or Hire a Pet Sitter?

In the past, there weren’t many options outside of a kennel for dog care when out of town. These days, with apps and websites and online classifieds, many at home dog-sitting options have opened up to pet owners.

But which option is better for dogs and their owners?

Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between boarding your dog and hiring a sitter.

dog in a kennel

Consider Your Dog’s Comfort

While some dogs take new environments in stride, many struggle when moving from home to a kennel. Additionally, some kennels place dogs in the company of other animals. If your pet has difficulty finding comfort in new environments or meeting new dogs, an at-home caregiver may be the best option! Nothing will make your pup more comfortable than staying in the at-home environment that they are used to.

You Should Consider Security in Your Pet Care Options

Reputable dog sitting apps and businesses may offer dog owners more access and security than traditional kennels. With photo, video, and live stream options, owners can check in on their animal more directly than ever, making dog sitting preferable for some pet owners. With many pet sitting services, owners cab evaluate, and sometimes meet a prospective caregiver beforehand, adding to trust and comfort level of the owner.

In home Pet Sitting Allows For Flexibility

Depending on specific needs, a long and potentially expensive kennel stay may not be necessary. In cases where owners are gone for short periods of time, or out of town every other day, a flexible dog sitting schedule may be preferred! Not only can you schedule pet sitters to come to your home only as often as needed, you can also avoid a trip to the kennel with your pup. One less errand to run is a welcome thing for all of us with busy schedules these days.


While it’s never easy leaving your dog with a new face, but if you weigh these options carefully, you can be sure that your dog will be happy and cared for during your time away!

How Long Can You Leave a Pet Alone?

Uncertain about how long your pet can be left alone? While each pet has unique needs, there are some general guidelines for different animals. Here’s some pet-specific advice to get you started!

A Vet with a Cat and a Dog

Dogs

There’s no reliable rule for how long your dog can be left alone. Factors such as health, age, breed, and training all influence a dog’s comfort when alone. Most healthy adult dogs can be left alone for 4-6 hours at a time. Any longer than that, and you’ll want to hire a sitter or dog walker.

Cats

Barring special circumstances, cats can be left alone for around 24 hours. Before leaving them, make sure they have a clean litterbox, plenty of fresh water, and a full belly.

Hamsters

Hamsters should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. With enough food and water, they should be comfortable and safe alone.

Snakes

Snakes are often solitary pets, and do well being left to their own devices for days at a time. That said, the amount of time that you can leave your snake unattended depends on its feeding schedule, the reliability of its terrarium temp/humidity, and its access to fresh water. If you are confident in the sustainability of terrarium conditions, you’ll only need to return home to replenish water or feed your pet.

Birds

Birds should not be left without a check-in for more than 24 hours.

Reptiles

While every reptile is slightly different, most (like bearded dragons and geckos) can be left alone for a day or two, so long as they have a fresh supply of food and water.

Ferrets

Ferrets require a lot of playtime and attention. If a few hours of out-of-cage playing/roaming time are not possible each day, you’ll want to consider hiring a sitter.

Fish

While you’ll want to consider your fish’s specific feeding schedule, almost any fish can be left alone for 2-3 days.

Turtles

Most turtles will be fine without food for a few days, but if you are leaving your turtle for more than two weeks, make sure to arrange for someone to feed them periodically, and monitor the cleanliness of their aquarium’s water.