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A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming! To hold that distinction for 29 years in a row is not surprising since Labs are affectionate, intelligent, and fun-loving family dogs. They are also known for their trainability and versatility, so that you see members of the breed in various endeavors such as search-and-rescue missions, drug and weapons detection, and guide dogs for the visually impaired. For individuals who have Labs as loyal companions, it can be very distressing when they see their beloved dog suddenly limping or, worse, collapsing because of problems with their hind legs. Signs of Back Leg Problems Despite being a sturdy breed, Labrador Retrievers are prone to problems in their hind legs. This is due to a genetic predisposition to certain diseases, their size and body frame, and weight distribution. Please note that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after a complete physical examination and diagnostic procedures. Among the most common injuries that younger aged Labs sustain are bone and toe fractures and avulsions or tearing of leg parts below the knee. In middle-aged and elderly Labs, they may develop a partial or complete tearing in the ligament of the knee, a condition known as Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL injury. The reason for this improper fit is because the socket is shallow and not deep enough to accommodate the femur head. Because of this, the joint wear out faster, causing pain when the head and socket surfaces grind together. There is a genetic predisposition for CHD. If a puppy has CHD, the signs will start to manifest at the age of two years old. In some cases, CHD may develop as a result of nutritional and environmental factors, or you may have these factors aggravating the existing genetic condition. Unfortunately, osteoarthritis in dogs is also accompanied by degenerative joint disease. You may find your Lab unable to walk because of weakness or pain in the legs. First is Canine Diabetes , which presents signs and symptoms that are similar to humans, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, appetite changes, and hind leg weakness. This is frequently seen in senior dogs that are overweight. This is a deceptive condition because it mimics the signs of aging in dogs, including increased drinking and urination, and increased appetite. However, it also manifests with weakness and muscle wasting in the hind legs. A common condition in the breed is slipped discs as a result of their active behavior. Your Lab may also suffer from Fibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy FCE , which develops when a piece of cartilage travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel in the spine. On the other hand, Degenerative Myelopathy is a painless, but gradually progressing disease wherein the dog exhibits hind leg weakness. Leg weakness occurs gradually over a long period of time until the dog collapses, unable to hold its weight any longer. Treatment When you notice back leg problems in Labradors, they must be brought to the veterinarian immediately for an assessment. Aside from a physical exam, the vet may have x-rays and MRI scans done to determine the cause. Once the cause is determined, the vet may advise surgery, such as in the cases of CHD, tumors, and myelopathies. Dogs with hormonal problems may require regular injections of insulin and other medications. Conservative treatment includes putting the Lab on a weight loss program, reducing their physical and play activity, making changes in the home putting ramps on stairs and couches for ease of access to the dog, and wearing braces or other supportive devices for the hind legs. Many back leg problems in Labradors can be treated. It is vital that they be detected early so that treatment can be done immediately before they become serious. Further reading. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, if you had a veterinarian watching this plump pup play in the grass, they would have a much more sobering outlook. This puppy is suffering from the early stages of Canine Hip Dysplasia. What is Canine Hip Dysplasia? This results in the separation of the joint and the resulting wear and tear on the cartilage and bones. What Dogs Get Hip Dysplasia? No one knows for sure why some dogs develop this painful joint condition. However the severity of the illness seems to be linked to both the nature genetic component and the nurture environmental and nutritional elements that the dogs experience as they grow. However, it seems to be less prevalent in puppies with parents passing rigorous hip testing through the OFA Orthopedic Foundation of Animals. This is why it is vital to only buy puppies from breeders who have tested the parents for both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , which is the same joint deformity in the elbow socket. For example, if puppies grow too quickly, are lacking specific nutrients or have electrolyte imbalances, they are more likely to get CHD when they get older. Again, this issue is more often seen in larger breeds since they undergo more growth and skeletal changes than smaller breeds. The main two things you want to avoid are rapid weight gain and over supplementing too much calcium into the diet. You will also need to follow the feeding schedule set out by your veterinarian and not feed your puppy too much food. All dogs have a genetic code of how big they will get as adults. Your job, to reduce their risk of hip dysplasia, is to make sure they grow at a steady growth rate over time and not shoot up too quickly by feeding them a balanced diet specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. Environmental Factors Puppies are not usually born with hip dysplasia; it develops as the dog matures. You can take your pup out for a low-impact game of fetch in a park or a swim in a pool. However, doing activities such as forced running, stairs, jumping or agility courses when joints have not fully matured is thought to increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia later in life. The easiest way to tell if you pup has CHD is to do an x-ray of their hips while they are sedated. This allows the veterinarian to see if the joint fits together as it should. However, barring an x-ray diagnosis, there are a few symptoms to look for in more advanced cases. Signs of CHD include: Sitting in a frog position with one hip splayed out. Exercise intolerance. Swaying gait where the back end moves back and forth in a pronounced fashion. Reluctance to run, jump or climb stairs. Bunny hopping , especially up stairs. Difficulty getting up. Back legs or hips are painful when touched. Hind leg lameness, which worsens with exercise. Back legs are more close together when the dog stands than the front legs. In more severe cases, you may see muscle wasting in the back legs and hindquarters. Arthritis may develop as the disease progresses. Your dog may start to show unexplained aggressive behavior as the pain increases. Again, the best way to diagnose CHD is with an x-ray. These test rank the hips as Excellent, Good and Fair. You should not buy a puppy without ensuring the parents have at least a Fair rating, and preferably a Good or Excellent hip score. Obviously, dogs exhibiting these scores should not be bred. Yet, even if both parents have great hips, this is not a guarantee that the puppy will be free from hip issues. Refrain from making your puppy your jogging or jumping partner until they are grown. Even if you do everything right, if your dog carries the genetic predisposition for CHD, you may still encounter it when your pup reaches adulthood. If your dog develops CHD, there are several ways to treat it. The best course of action should be determined with your veterinarian. You can also add in exercises such as swimming and leash walking to keep the muscles toned around the joints. Physical therapy and massages have also been known to help. Some dogs undergo total hip replacement surgery , just like humans, and have good success with this approach. There are other preventative surgeries, such as juvenile pubic symphysiodesis JPS that vets give puppies with a high likelihood of developing CHD as a preventative measure. Conclusion While CHD is certainly a frustrating diagnosis, there are many treatment options to help your dog live a long, satisfying life. If you take a proactive approach to their treatment, you can still have an energetic, happy companion that will keep you company on walks, swim with you at the beach and lay by your feet when you relax. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Why is My Labrador limping takeaways 1. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint becomes misaligned. It causes pain and lameness in the affected leg. The symptoms usually appear between 6 months and 2 years old. Dog inherit the predisposition to hip dysplasia from their parents. Labradors and hybrid Labradoodles are prone to this preventable disease through improper breeding. Your puppy will have trouble walking if it has hip dysplasia. You need to get an X-ray done on both hips at least once before they reach 1 year old. There are no known non surgical cures for this disease so make sure you keep up with regular checkups. This disorder results from abnormal development of the pelvis and legs. The bones of the pelvic region do not form correctly and instead fuse together prematurely. This creates problems with weight bearing and movement. Arthritis in dogs can also cause limping Dog arthritis the joints of a dog become inflamed, swollen or painful. The most common type of arthritis that affects dogs are osteoarthritis which causes inflammation in one or more of their joints. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis and crystal-induced arthritis. Genetics plays a role in whether a dog develops arthritis. Age also contributes to its development. Older dogs are more prone to develop arthritis than younger ones. Weight also affects arthritis; heavier dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than lighter dogs. Activity levels play a part in the progression of arthritis. High activity levels increase wear on joints, while low activity levels decrease wear on joints. Diet can influence joint health Dogs who have had an injury such as surgery, trauma or infection will be predisposed to developing these conditions. A Labrador as a guard dog 3. Infections can make a dog limp — especially ones involving bones Infections of the foot or paw are commonly caused by bacterial infections. This includes bacterial infections like staphylococcus bacteria, streptococcus bacteria and yeast infections. These infections tend to affect the skin around the paw pads and sometimes spread into other areas of the body causing fever and lethargic behavior. In addition to causing pain and swelling, these infections can lead to lameness if not treated properly. Infectious diseases like parvovirus and Lyme disease can affect joints and muscles causing pain and inflammation. Your vet will know what tests to order to diagnose these conditions and treat accordingly. Trauma to the foot or paw A traumatic event can lead to swelling and bruising in the area where the injury occurred. In addition, the muscles surrounding the site of the injury may tighten up due to fear or stress. As a result, the leg becomes stiff and sore. Common trauma to dog feet include Abrasions — A small wound caused by a sharp object such as a nail or splinter. Bruises — A bruise is an injury to the soft tissue under the skin. It may be caused by a blow, fall, or other impact. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are broken and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. Contusions — Contusions are bruises that are larger than a bruise. They are caused by a blunt force, such as a blow from a fist or another object. Sun burn in dogs or heat burn from hot asphalt 5. Dog Toenail Injuries can make a Labrador limp The nails of dogs grow continuously throughout their lives. However, there are times when the nails begin to look longer than normal. These changes happen naturally over time. If the change happens suddenly, however, then it could indicate something wrong. Toenails should never be trimmed too short because there is a blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. Trimming them too long or not trimming them can result in broken nails. Happy Labrador! Patella Luxation Patellar luxation is a common condition affecting many breeds including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Dobermans and of course — Labs Labs are times more likely to have this than other breeds It involves the kneecap becoming dislocated out of place. This can cause severe discomfort and lameness. Dogs can sprain a muscle and this can make them limp Muscles can become strained through exercise or playing rough with your pet. The most common places for strains to occur are at the elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Strains usually heal themselves within three weeks — but if it is not improving or becomes exacerbated you will need to consult your Vet. Over exertion can make a dog limp Exercise causes our bodies to work harder which leads to increased heart rate and breathing. Our legs also get tired quickly so we must take breaks often during physical activity. The exact same is true for dogs! An over fatigued Lab can limp for a while due to muscle exhaustion. Give them a few days of rest and your Labrador will be back in tip top shape soon. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 9. Insect Bites can make a dog walk funny or limp It is common for dogs to run into nature and the creep crawly insects that populate it. Through no fault of their own Labradors LOVE to explore grass and nature — which runs the risk of being bitten by ants, bees or wasps. Most of the time a dog insect bite is not a huge concern BUT sometimes they do leave behind nasty infections on the bite site if the dog licks or chews it. You should always seek veterinary care if you see any signs of infection after having been stung by an ant or bee. FAQ — My Lab has had surgery recently and is now limping? Luckily your Vet is only a phone call away So please contact us today if you think your puppy is limping. An older Labrador limps A reader Sara emailed in to tell us about her elderly Labrador dog just turned 10! As a result, she walks differently than before. Her stride length is shorter and her steps are wider apart. She loves the outdoors — but we know not to push her too far. Labradors are prone to a variety of conditions that can cause pain, including hip dysplasia, arthritic pain, and infections. Make sure you get regular checkups to ensure that your dog is healthy. Dog arthritis is a very common condition that can affect any breed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More. A stone or thorn stuck in the pads Nerve damage Genetic disorders. This is a genetic condition that causes the joint to become malformed. This causes lameness and pain from a relatively young age. Some dogs require surgery such as a hip replacement and some dogs may have to take medicine for the rest of their lives. Most reputable breeders now do screening for the conditions to help reduce the chance of it being inherited. Lameness in older dogs Lameness in older dogs is often due to arthritis setting in. This is a very common condition in older dogs and affects the joints, mainly the knee, shoulder and hips. Elderly dogs may benefit from nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatories and complimentary therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture. Lameness in younger dogs Lameness in younger dogs and puppies can be due to several reasons. Weight management Weight management is very important when it comes to preventing your dog becoming lame and if you think your dog may be overweight you could call the vet nursing team at Vetfone for advice on this or contact your local vet practice and enquire about their weight clinic. Diagnosis of lameness by your vet Your vet will give your dog a thorough examination and take a full history from you. The vet will determine where your dog is most painful and check for any abnormalities of the bones or joints. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including x-rays or even a blood test. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect puppies and young dogs and older dogs. If the vet recommends an x-ray, then this will be performed under General Anaesthetic. This will allow the vet to move the limb about to get a good view without causing pain or discomfort. The dog will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. When your vet has looked at the x-rays they will decide on the next course of action. Sometimes they may need to refer your dog onto a specialist vet such as an Orthopaedic vet or a Neurologist. If the exact cause is not known, a period of exercise reduction together with anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be required to see if the lameness improves. Weight management if your dog is overweight and contributing to the lameness. For more serious causes broken bones, slipped discs orthopaedic or neurological surgery is required. Prevention of lameness Lameness can arise during normal everyday activity. Serious injuries such as being hit by a car or falling from a height can be avoided by keeping your dog on a lead until it is safe to let them off. Be aware of genetic issues that affect some pedigree breeds. Inspect their paws and pads regularly and remove any debris. Use foot covers or a barrier ointment on the pads during the winter months to stop the salt and grit hurting them. Limit how much you exercise a dog that is still growing to prevent joint problems. Elderly dogs need less exercise and if you notice them slowing down seek veterinary advice in the first instance. You may want to consider using nutritional supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help support the joints as the animal ages. Frequently asked questions about dog limping How can I tell if my dog is lame? Your dog may be slowing down a bit on walks and may start struggling when walking up the stairs. You may notice him walking on three legs or doing a little skip when he walks. How can I tell if my dog has pulled a muscle? If your dog has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. You may also hear him whine or cry and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my dog has cut its paw? You may notice that your dog is bleeding or he could be licking his paw excessively. He might not want to put weight on it and he may whine or cry if he is in pain. How can I tell if my dog has broken a bone? Your dog may be whining or crying as a break or fracture of a bone is usually quite painful. They will probably be holding the leg up but may attempt to put a little weight on it. The leg may become swollen and will probably be sore to touch, if your dog can tolerate your touch then gently check for any heat coming from the leg. The leg may also appear floppy. How can I tell if my dog has hip problems? You might notice your dog limping or slowing down on walks. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait the way his back legs move when he walks , or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different. Some dogs develop a swaying motion when walking if they have hip problems. How do I tell which leg my dog is lame on? It is sometimes difficult to tell which leg is causing your dog to be lame. The most obvious way is if the dog is not weight bearing or holding the affected limb up when he walks, sits or stands. If he can put weight on it then watch his whole body when he walks — sometimes a dog will lift his head slightly when he uses the sore leg and put his head down when he uses the leg that is fine. Can I walk my dog if it has a limp? You should rest your dog for at least two days if you notice a limp. Rest means lead exercise only and short 5 minute walks at a time. Stay with them in the garden and even put a lead on to restrict their exercise and help them if they need to go upstairs, downstairs or jump up anywhere car, sofa, bed etc. Is my dog in pain? Signs of pain in a dog can vary greatly. Some dogs are very stoical and brave while others are more delicate. You may hear your dog whining, crying or whimpering. You may notice the dog is licking the affected area or sometimes an area nearby. Some dogs go off their food and may be more clingy and attentive than normal. On the other hand, some dogs will become more distant and want to be on their own if they are in pain. Sometimes the subtlest changes in behaviour or demeanour are enough to tell a vigilant owner that their dog is in pain. If you notice a limp after exercising it may be that the dog is doing too much at once. You could try shorter walks more often, rather than one long walk and if there is no improvement then you could call us at Vetfone to help assess the lameness. My dog is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little hop or skip when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it. It could be a simple strain so try resting your dog for a day or so but if you think your dog is in pain then you should contact a vet. My dog is limping on its foreleg. You might have noticed your dog is reluctant to go on walks or is favouring one side more than the other. If there is nothing to see, try resting him for a day or calling us at Vetfone One of our nurses could help assess the lameness to see if you need to contact a vet. My dog is limping when it gets up after resting. In older dogs this can be a sign of arthritis. The joints become stiffer as the dog gets older. You may notice that after a few minutes of walking about the lameness improves. In dogs that are still growing it can be the sign of other joint problems. At Vetfone we can help assess the animal over the phone and let you know if we think you need to contact a vet. Finding the cause of lameness in your dog As noted above, the causes of lameness in dogs can be wide ranging. This process will hopefully rule out the more serious cases which must be dealt with by a vet and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess triage the condition You will need to be with the dog as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us We will ask if you how long the dog has been lame for and if you know how the injury happened We will ask you to touch the affected leg and feel for any swelling, heat or pain and to look at the leg and paw in case there are any cuts or abnormalities to see. Call us at Vetfone or visit Vetfone if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the lameness is caused by a simple sprain or strain, then 48 hours of rest and restricted exercise may be enough to improve the situation drastically. Your dog may have a small cut on his pad which, if not bleeding or infected, may be fine to treat at home with some rest and a clean with saline solution. If the situation is more serious we will advise that you contact your vet. Limping in dogs is quite common. Limping occurs when your dog cannot walk normally due to pain or weakness. He may walk slowly or with difficulty and will usually favor one leg. There are two types of limping that your Lab may experience. Some types occur gradually over time, whereas sudden lameness happens quickly, usually after an injury. Some cases are minor and can be treated at home, whereas others will require professional medical help. Overexertion Too much of a good thing, such as fetch, intense running, or rough play with other dogs, can leave your Labrador sore and hobbling with a muscle strain. However, most dogs will recover quickly after a couple of rest days. Look out for your Lab incessantly licking his paw. Burns caused by scorching sidewalks or frostbite can also cause your Labrador to limp. Get your dog some booties or paw protectors in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Toenail Injuries Examine your Labrador for ingrowing or overgrown toenails, as these can cause discomfort and pain when they dig into the skin. My dog once had a dewclaw injury, so make sure you also keep these trim. Insect Sting or Animal Bite Stings and bites can cause limping. Your Lab may raise its paw if stung by a wasp or bee. Bites from other animals can cause injury and also lead to infections. Fracture A broken leg should be suspected if the limping occurred suddenly. Broken bones may not always be visible. Sprain A sprain is the result of a stretched or torn ligament or tendon. It can be caused by something as simple as jumping off the couch and landing awkwardly. Your Labrador will be reluctant to put any weight on his paw or leg. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Dysplasia is a common hereditary condition causing hip and elbow joints to become loose and move out of position. According to the OFA, .Osteoarthritis Older and larger dogs are more at risk of this chronic painful disease. It results in joint inflammation caused by cartilage deterioration. Signs include lameness, stiffness, or difficulty in getting up. My dog Willow has osteoarthritis of her lower spine. Her initial symptoms were lameness of the rear leg and difficulty getting up from a lying position. However, she manages it pretty well along with her hip dysplasia with prescribed medication, and exercise adjustments. My vet recommended these, they get excellent reviews online, and they seem to work for her. She has the Big Barker , which is the only dog bed clinically proven to reduce joint stiffness and pain. You can read my comprehensive review here. Cruciate Ligament Injury or Disease This is where damage is caused to one or both cruciate ligaments that hold the knee together. Limping is usually the first sign of a cruciate problem and can be caused by turning awkwardly, jumping, or twisting. It can occur suddenly or be progressive. It is common in dogs, but Labrador retrievers are three times as likely as other breeds to have patellar luxation. Infection An infection of the paw or leg can cause your Labrador to Limp. He may lick and chew the site and may need to take antibiotics. Lyme Disease This bacterial illness transmitted by certain ticks can cause intermittent lameness. Degenerative Myelopathy Older dogs are at risk of this inherited disorder that affects the spinal cord causing a gradual paralysis of the back end. Symptoms are weakness, lameness in the hind legs, and incontinence. Panosteitis Wandering Lameness or Growing Pains This condition affects the long bones of the legs due to painful inflammation. Panosteitis tends to affect growing large breed pups, aged months, including the Labrador. A shifting lameness from one bone to another is caused and can occur over several weeks or months. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy HOD This is a bone disease occurring in fast-growing large dogs, usually between 3 and 5 months old. The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds predisposed to Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Signs will be a slight limp and pain in the affected bone. The shoulder is most commonly affected, but it can also appear in the elbow, hip, and knee. It occurs when large puppies grow too quickly. Limping, lameness, and pain are symptoms. Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to Osteochondritis Dissecans , but the genes involved have not been identified. Dwarf dog breeds having a short, stout appearance are most commonly affected. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis This disorder of the immune system causes inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Your Lab will be reluctant to walk — or he will hobble on one or more legs due to the pain. Diabetic Neuropathy If diabetes is left untreated, excessive glucose can cause progressive weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage. However, this condition is rare in dogs. Congenital Limb Deformities Abnormally developed limbs can cause limping in your dog. These are pretty rare, and this study on the congenital deformities of the distal extremities in three dogs highlighted that little is known about the causes. Osteosarcoma bone cancer Bone tumors can rapidly grow, causing limping and pain, particularly in leg bones. Limping can vary from mild to severe. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Labs were bred as hunting dogs. Hunters in Atlantic Canada and Britain used labs to retrieve waterfowl from marshes and lakes. As a result, your Lab is strong, intelligent, and an adept swimmer and runner. However, your Lab, like all dogs, is more vulnerable to certain diseases than other breeds due to its genetic makeup. Degenerative Myelopathy in Labs Degenerative myelopathy DM , a spinal nerve disease, is more likely to affect your Lab than other dogs. A Lab with degenerative myelopathy will gradually start to lose movement in their legs and lower body. Dogs with severe degenerative myelopathy can actually become paralyzed. Yet it can hold your Lab back. As you know, your Lab loves to run, swim, and socialize. If your Lab has DM, give it a comfortable bed. Keep the bed and the dog clean—a dog that lies around for long periods can develop bed sores, just like a person might. Dogs with DM can get some circulation and sensation back with the help of kinesiology tape. A wheelchair is another helpful tool. A custom-built dog wheel chair can help an animal with DM get around comfortably. Hip Dysplasia in Labs Some Labs are born with hip dysplasia HD , a genetic condition that causes the bones to form a bad fit in the joint. A dog with HD will experience some combination of pain, damage to the cartilage in the joint that connects the bones, and arthritis. Breeders should screen their dogs for this condition. After all, hip dysplasia may not be obvious right away. A Lab with HD might favor one of its legs instead of the other. A dog with HD will be reluctant to exercise due to the pain. HD has a range of severity. Low-impact cases are easy to manage with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Moderate cases can be mitigated or repaired with surgery. In extreme, inoperable cases, a Lab with HD might require a wheelchair. Obesity in Labs Labs are more likely to be overweight than other dogs. Since they were bred to be an energetic, hardworking dog, contemporary Labs with busy caretakers might not get the exercise they need. A Lab can run around for hours and want to keep going long after their human is ready to take a break. To help your Lab cut their weight, and avoid problems weight gain can cause, like arthritis and diabetes, you should adjust their diet and activity level. Take your dog out for plenty of exercise. Vets recommend these exercise guidelines: weigh your dog, then multiply the weight by two. A pound dog, for example, should get at least minutes of exercise per day. And cut back on the table scraps. If your dog displays any of the symptoms above, take them to the vet as soon as you can. The frequent misconception is this condition is only prominent in labs or large breed dogs over 50 lbs. Therefore, if we know the symptoms and causes of the condition, we can do everything in our power, as pet owners, to stop it from happening in our pooch. These are just a few signs your lab might be experiencing some Labrador joint issues. This causes the ball and socket to painfully rub each other instead of sliding smoothly. Much like joint issues with humans, this rubbing causes a loss of cartilage, thus resulting in chronic pain and long-term joint disease. Because this disease is so severe, early detection is key to the most successful treatment. The severity differs based on each lab, but overall muscle mass will decrease because of their reduced mobility due to the pain. Exercise will dwindle but the time frame depends on each lab. Look for these symptoms in your lab that signify canine hip dysplasia: Decreased activity Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs Favoring a back leg Trouble standing up to greet you Enlargement of shoulders to compensate for hind leg If you see any of these signs in your lab, be sure to contact a vet immediately. X-rays and a full exam are needed to properly diagnose your four-legged friend and if they need a puppy hip dysplasia treatment. Ever wonder which dog breeds are the most expensive in the world? We got you covered. The leading cause of joint issues is genetics. Hip dysplasia is hereditary in specific dog breeds, particularly with Labrador retrievers , German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards. Unfortunately, simply being one of these breeds increases their chances of contracting the disease tenfold. Diet is the most important aspect other than genetics for joint issues. Lab puppies should be kept at a lean weight during their growing years, instead of being overfed to grow big and strong. Not only can overfeeding lead to pet obesity , it can also cause puppy hip dysplasia. Since this normally occurs during the first year of their lives, the puppy stages are the most critical for their health. Overexercise is another cause of hip dysplasia. This added weight can put extra stress on their bodies, especially their hip joints which is largely connected to the condition. How to Prevent Canine Hip Dysplasia Nutrition A lot of the joint issues begin with poor nutrition, which is extremely important for your little lab. Make sure to feed your pooch specially formulated foods that prevent excessive growth. By using this special food, it allows their joints to develop without putting too much strain on their body to carry their weight, thus maintaining their growth and weight. Without this specialized dog food, large breeds can grow too quickly for their joints to maintain their weight. This exacerbates the condition with too much stress being put on their overweight bodies. Exercise Dog food is important to hip dysplasia prevention, but exercise is just as crucial to the health of your lab. We know that not enough physical activity can cause joint issues, but surprisingly, too much movement can have the same effects. Overworking your doggo can cause the joints to rub too frequently and fast thus creating irritation and loss of cartilage, which causes hip dysplasia. The appropriate amount of exercise is up to your pup, but be sure to find the right line to keep them in peak physical condition. Treatment for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia The type of treatment depends on the discomfort of each lab. While some may require surgery, others can be fixed with simple lifestyle choices. The non-surgical approach involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs that decrease the pain levels for your pooch. Thankfully, alternatives therapies used to treat hip dysplasia are often covered by dog insurance. Vets also commonly recommend weight reduction to take stress off the hips, which can be done through a steady diet. This process is more difficult because exercise must also be limited to keep the weight off the hips. However, if your pup is beyond the pain level of NSAIDs or weight reduction, they might be a candidate for surgery. The pelvic bone is cut and rotated to fall in place with the ball and socket hip joint. The ball of the hip joint is cut off, creating a false joint that increases comfort. It eliminates all discomfort and is the most invasive. While the cost of surgery may be higher than you expected, you can get reimbursed for the vet bills if you purchase a dog insurance policy from Prudent Pet.
Sabo is a fun and energetic puppy. He was born on Halloween from a litter of .We got him when he was only 6 weeks old. He loves to play with other dogs at the dog park and is really great with kids. He is the perfect mix of a Boxer and an Akita because of his great loyalty to his owners and his colourings and size. Sabo has been a great dog, always entertaining and keeping me on my toes. He is almost a year old and it feels like only yesterday he was a cute, cuddly puppy. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Akita. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We chose him 1 of 8 immediately.Aldo rode the whole minute drive in my lap. My grandma had an Akita mix, the price and breed did my research before purchasing a dog was right. This dog fit right in!!! He is VERY sweet, protective, and he loves our son best friends! We couldn't be happier with our Aldo dog, big lug! Lifespan Sociability We know that Boxita puppies are incredibly cute, so you might find your willpower severely tested if you go to meet a litter of pups. But waiting a little longer to do your research and find out if you can provide everything that a Boxita will need is the right decision. Boxitas are powerful dogs, with a strong protective instinct that their owner needs to know how to channel positively. This breed is best suited to dog owners with experience socializing and training large breeds. These dogs will also sometimes try to assert themselves with other dogs, especially ones of the same sex. A Boxita owner needs to know that they can handle these situations and monitor their dog closely. Bored Boxitas will often make their own fun, and a dog this size can cause major issues! This extreme loyalty was perfectly demonstrated by an Akita called Hachiko. Hachiko used to walk his owner to and from the train station every day. While his owner was at work, Hachiko would patiently wait at the train station for him to return, and then they would walk home together. One day, when Hachiko was 1. When he did not arrive home on the train, Hachiko continued to wait loyally at the train station. He waited there for his owner to return for 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days. Hachiko died at the age of 11, from old age. His remains were cremated and buried next to those of his owner whom he had waited so long to be reunited with. Boxers are an ancient breed. Along with the ancestors of the Bulldog and the Mastiff, they were used as war dogs and protectors. More recently, we know that the Boxer is descended from the larger Bullenbeisser breed that was used for hunting for bear, wild boar, and deer. By the late s, the Bullenbeisser had been bred into a smaller type, the breed that we now know as the Boxer. Over the years, the breed has excelled at working as service dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other working categories. Boxitas are like a box of chocolates. Generally, where characteristics overlap between both breeds, the puppies are highly likely to inherit the same characteristics. So, like their parents, Boxita puppies are going to be large, intelligent, and energetic and have a strong instinct for protecting their families. Your pup could end up with the coloring of a Boxer and the thick double coat of the Akita, or vice versa. They could also end up with a mixture of the two. Boxitas need an above-average amount of exercise to keep them feeling content. Remember that a Boxita has the potential to become aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This is something that you as an owner need to take seriously and be fully prepared for. While your puppy may end up being good-natured, Boxita owners still need to be confident enough to handle a large dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They make a great choice for families with older kids who would love playing games with them in the backyard, although these dogs may be a bit too strong for young teens to walk on their own. You might need to enlist all family members to help make sure these dogs get enough exercise! Take your time to keep introductions short to start with, and make sure each animal has a safe spot in the house that they can retreat to if they need it. Never leave your Boxita unattended with smaller pets. Introducing a Boxita puppy to an older dog of a different sex will often work, but you may encounter problems as your Boxita matures. So, before you make your decision, there are a few more things to know. You might want to speak to your veterinarian about whether this is something you should consider for your Boxita as well. The Boxita can escape from insecurely fenced areas, especially if they spot local wildlife that they feel like chasing. They can be aggressive toward other dogs, so you need to stay alert to that possibility. They need correct training from the start, and an experienced breeder will begin the process of training and socializing the puppies before they even leave for new homes. Signing up for puppy classes is a good way to make sure you keep this training up, as well as helping you work out the best techniques for these large and somewhat headstrong dogs. They may also inherit a thicker double coat from their Akita parent, which will also need a weekly brush but will shed twice a year. At this point, prepare for your house to be full of clumps of hair. Daily brushing will be needed until the coat is fully shed. Certain conditions can still affect this breed. Minor Conditions. The Akita Boxer Mix is loyal and lovable, and his bravery will make it defend your family at all costs. The Boxer mixed with Akita is a loving dog and a true bird dog. It has a cheerful disposition and is happy snuggling on the couch with the kids. On average, the Akita mixed with Boxer may be as tall as 27 inches for males and 25 inches for females. The problem is that this particular mixed breed may be prone to the diseases of both its parent Boxer and Akita. Always get your dog checked for entropion, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Huskita would normally have an average lifespan of up to 13 years, would weigh 75 pounds on the average. Their height would also reach 25 inches. The Husky mixed with Akita has been bred since the late 20th century when both Akita and Siberian Husky parent breeds were relatively common in the United States. The Akita mixed with Husky is generally tall and muscular. They usually have a wide chest, powerful hind legs and forequarters, and an arched neck. Make sure that you get your Corgi Akita Mix puppies from a responsible breeder who knows about the parent breeds very well in order to guarantee the puppies safe from diseases. There is not much information online regarding the Corgi mixed with Akita so it would be best to look at the characteristics of both parent breeds. The Akita Corgi Mix is a very powerful breed because both parent breeds are equally powerful and have a strong instinct to attack their prey. The Corgi mixed with Akita is particularly affectionate and will enjoy spending a lot of time with its owners. Thus, do not leave it for a long time as it might get depressed. The Akita mixed with Corgi is an active dog because of the very active parents. However, you should try to get them to exercise in order to get their energy level balanced. If they become hyperactive, they may run around and destroy things. This hybrid dog is also called Aki-poo. The Akita Poodle Mix grows up to 25 inches in height, lbs in weight, and lives up to 15 years. The Poodle mixed with Akita is a very good watchdog and is very good for families with older children. It could be rough with smaller children if untrained. The Akita mixed with poodle is naturally intelligent, loyal, protective, and affectionate just like its parent breeds. This unique designer dog does not have enough information online, and so it would be wise to check out the characteristics of these two ancient breeds. The Akita was a guardian of the noble lords in feudal Japan. It is an extremely loyal dog that is not very fond of strangers. The German Shepherd has been a good guardian of a flock of sheep in the US since and has been used in several countries for police and military operations. The Akita German Shepherd Mix is, therefore, a very strong and loyal dog owing to the qualities of the parent breeds. However, make sure that your German Shepherd mixed with Akita does not suffer from separation anxiety , as this is a problem with its German Shepherd parent. There is not much information online about the Akita Beagle Mix. Thus it would be good to look into the characteristics of its parent breeds. This unique hybrid dog can be unusually aggressive as it has a parent Akita that is aggressive with other dogs and a parent Beagle that can be difficult to train for many beginners. Take care not to let very young children get near an untrained Beagle mixed with Akita, or they might get injured. The Beagle is an excellent companion dog once it is trained while the Akita is a dog that once guarded the Japanese noble lords. Thus the Akita Beagle mix is a perfect guard dog. The Bull Mastiff Akita mix breed does not have much information about it online. Thus the best thing to do is to study its parent breeds. The Bull Mastiff is a deep and loud barker and has a fearsome appearance. They are excellent at guarding the house. The Akita is an excellent watchdog and can be extremely aggressive around dogs of the same sex. However, they are extremely loyal to their owners. The Bull Mastiff Akita mix has a tendency to be destructive when it gets bored owing to the fact that its Bull Mastiff parent is no different. There is not much information online about the Akita Labrador Mix. The Akita can be quite aggressive without training, but it can be trained by a tough master. The Labrador is a sociable dog that follows its master very well and has a more or less stable temper. Just be careful not to let the Akita Labrador mix get near rabbits or squirrels, or the dog might get irritated and might chase them. This is a natural reaction from a hunting dog such as the Labrador. The Akita Chow Chow Mix is a rare cross. Thus there is not much information regarding its characteristics. It is, therefore, necessary that one should check out the qualities and behavior of the parent breed. Both the Akita and the Chow Chow may be aloof to strangers and may not make friends easily with an unfamiliar face. Thus, you should train your Akita Chow Chow mix so that it can get along with people and other animals. Take your Chow Chow Akita mix to the vet regularly for a regular eye checkup. Its Chow Chow parent is prone to eyelid diseases. At the same time, it could be as smart as its Border Collie parent. The Border Collie Akita mix has a nice temperament, but you need to train it so that it can be better socialized with other dogs and with people too. Keep it away from cats or fast-moving things because it might just chase it due to its high prey drive. The Akita Australian Shepherd Mix is basically very aggressive and extremely protective of its owners owing to the natural aggressiveness of its parent breeds. The Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is affectionate toward children and their families, but you should train them to socialize first. Do not let them near very young children if they are not trained. It is also best not to leave them alone for a long time, or they might become destructive. The Akita Pug mix does not have much information on the Internet. Thus, it is a good thing to check out the characteristics of its parent breeds. The Pug has a tendency to overeat, so you should try to regulate the food of your Akita Pug mix because it might take after its Pug parent when it comes to eating. It is better to keep the Pug mixed with Akita as a house dog and not to bring it out often except if you have trained it to stay outdoors. Make sure to buy your Akita mixed with Pug from an experienced breeder because this rare dog might have diseases of both parent breeds in it. Akita The St. Bernard Akita Mix is a dog that is considered a very powerful and strong cross between two dogs that have strong prey drive instincts. The Akita St. Bernard mix is affectionate to the family, but it hates being left alone for a long time as it might destroy its surroundings. The Akita mixed with St. Bernard loves playing around because of its seemingly unlimited energy, so it is your job to take them for long walks in order to tire them out which is a good thing for their health and keep their energy levels down. The American Bulldog was once an extremely loyal family dog and a loving farm dog, while the Akita was extremely loyal to Japanese nobles in the feudal age. Thus, the Akita American Bulldog mix is a symbol of loyalty. Both parent dogs are naturally aggressive so the American Bulldog Akita mix needs to be trained when they are puppies. The Cane Corso Akita mix has extremely strong prey drive instincts, thus do not let it near fast-moving small objects or unfamiliar faces especially very young children, especially if you have not trained your dog yet. You should brush your Akita Cane Corso mix a few times a week because they may shed a lot. Use a firm, strong hand when training your Akita Cane Corso mix, or let an experienced trainer train them to be obedient to you first. The resulting Akita Shar-Pei mix is a dog that is extremely committed to protecting its owner and keeping him safe. The Akita Shar-Pei mix maybe a little bit challenging when it comes to training, so make sure that you do it with firmness. Keep young children away from the Shar-Pei Akita mix breed until you have fully trained the dog. The Blue Heeler Akita hybrid dog is a rare breed. Thus there is not much information about it online, and so it is necessary to look more into the characteristics of both parent breeds. The Akita Blue Heeler mix may look like a medium-sized cattle dog but with the toughness of the Akita. You need to constantly groom your Blue Heeler Akita mix and to regularly clip around the tail, ears, and head approximately two times a month. Your Akita Blue Heeler mix is a moderate shredder, and so regular grooming is a must. This hybrid dog combines the traits of the efficient and intelligent Golden Retriever and the loyal and tough Akita. Akita Golden Retriever puppies are a loving mix of the aggressive Akita and the mellow Golden Retriever, so expect a mild temperament from this hybrid dog. The Akita Golden Retriever mix needs a regular medical checkup for possible health concerns like hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis, and bloat. There may also be an occurrence of glaucoma, skin allergies and cataracts, so you should ask the vet for some preventive medicine for this. Train your Akita Great Pyrenees mix well before you let it near people especially very young children. This intelligent hybrid dog might prove to be difficult to train, so you need to use a firm and tough approach to it. Avoid leaving your Great Pyrenees Akita mix alone for a long time, or it might destroy your things. Keep your Great Pyrenees Akita mix breed from fast-moving objects. Its strong prey drive instinct might cause unnecessary trouble. It is a rare cross. Thus one needs to check on the distinguishing traits of the parent breeds. The Akita Rhodesian Ridgeback is a little bit challenging to train, so you need a firm hand and a strong approach in order to do it. Never leave your Rhodesian Ridgeback Akita mix breed alone for too long. Otherwise, it will destroy the furniture and other things in the house. Build a high fence in your yard to keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback Akita mix from escaping. Thus it is important to study the characteristics of the parent breeds. Take your dog to the vet regularly because it might have elbow and hip dysplasia just like both its parents. Train your Pitbull Akita mix consistently or find an expert to do it for you. The Pitbull Akita is good with very young children, but it needs to be trained for the sake of safety. The Pitbull Akita Mix is a family-oriented dog, but its Pitbull DNA may make it extra aggressive towards other dogs, even the large ones. Thus, you need to keep it on a leash. The Pitbull Akita Mix may have allergies just like both its parents. Thus, you need to consult your vet regularly for anything that can prevent it. The Akita French Bulldog Mix is an intelligent dog that is loyal and easy to please. However, its Akita DNA will make it extra aggressive, so it needs tough training. The French Bulldog Akita Mix needs regular medical checkups as it tends to have a propensity to deafness, skin problems, hip dysplasia, and many more diseases from both its parent breeds. The French Bulldog Akita Mix can be extremely stubborn and may injure young children so be firm when giving it a command. Thus, never let any fast-moving object get near the dog or else it will try to chase and catch it. The Catahoula Akita mix is rather affectionate towards children and their families, but make sure the dog is properly trained and its prey drive properly tamed. Feed your Catahoula Akita mix with fish oil and glucosamine as well as chondroitin supplements in order to lessen the occurrence of hip and elbow dysplasia. Both the Catahoula and the Akita parent breeds are expected to have energetic offspring, thus take your Catahoula Akita mix for long walks in order to keep its energy levels down. The Doberman Akita Mix is interesting between the tough royal guard Akita and the smooth-coated Doberman. The Doberman Akita Mix may have dominant Doberman DNA, so it basically needs adequate attention, and you should make it participate in the activities of the human family. Make sure that your vet can help you with all these health challenges that your Doberman Akita may suffer from. It is a rare breed, so this hybrid dog does not have much information about it online. One should, therefore, look more closely into its parents. The Newfoundland Akita Mix is a medium- to the large-sized dog because of its large Akita parent and its medium-sized Newfoundland parent. Take out your Newfoundland Akita Mix to long walks in order to give it plenty of exercises and to keep its energy at regular levels. More Blog Articles You May Enjoy… If you enjoyed reading this article, head over to our blog section where more stories can be found. Tricolor, brindle, fawn, sesame, white Suitable for: Temperament: Protective, aloof, affectionate, adventurous A Boxer is a brachycephalic large dog with protective yet goofy temperaments. When you combine the two, you can get a myriad of different physical and temperamental possibilities. It is important to stress that both breeds are very different and can create various outcomes in a single litter. Getting to know both of the parent breeds will help you decipher what you can expect. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. These dogs are not regulated, meaning that most litters are likely accidental. If the litter is intentional, and the breeder continues to breed these two pups together, you might be dealing with a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders breed dogs together without acknowledging the welfare of the parents or puppies. They aim to turn out as many puppies as possible for the most financial gain. They might also not offer necessary vetting or make you put down a deposit or sign any contract. Many seem very eager just to get rid of the pups. We highly recommend that you use your own judgment. In this case, they are probably looking for the most suitable owners possible to take the puppies off their hands. Both the Boxer and Akita are similarly priced when they are purebred. The ultimate cost would depend on the quality, particular breeder rates, and the area you live. However, a Boxita should be significantly less expensive, especially if it came from an accidental litter. You might also find the Boxer Akita mix in a rescue or shelter nearby. Often, these dogs are fully grown, though sometimes you can get juveniles and puppies. To adopt a dog, you likely have to go through an application process and extensive steps to see if both the Boxita and your family are compatible. If you get a pup from a rescue or shelter, all vet costs, including a span neuter, are included in the total adoption fee. So make sure you are keeping up with routine, regular training, such as basic commands and potty training. They will be terrific candidates for advanced learning, too, but require experienced and patient owners. The Boxita will impress you with their intelligence and sometimes frustrate you. The Akita is notorious for being very dominant and stubborn. Boxers can also carry a few of these characteristics but tend to be the more agreeable of the pair. So keep in mind that you will have to keep a firm hand and have a strong understanding of both breeds to raise your Boxita correctly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Both the Boxer and Akita are incredibly affectionate and connected with their owners. While they can be social with others, it does take early exposure, constantly introducing them to various faces and situations. Boxitas are known for being slightly aloof with strangers. When you put these two together, you could create a suspicious dog who might not enjoy the company of others. You may have to put them in another room when company visits. Granted, many personality traits come from their lifestyle. So if you acclimate a puppy very early in life, the chances of them rising to the occasion are pretty high. But naturally, you need to know the incompatibility factors as well. Some people want nothing more than to have a guard dog that is loyal only to the family. Since these are very large dogs with high energy levels, they might not do as well in homes with very young or old household members. The Boxita can get along with other dogs. However, you want to make sure that you raise them together to ensure ultimate compatibility. Both parent breeds can be a little territorially aggressive sometimes, so if you plan on welcoming new dogs into your home in the future, well-socialize them right up front. Due to the prey drive of this potential parent, these dogs might not make the best candidates for homes with chickens and other barnyard life. While they can generally get along with cats if they are raised with them, they might still want to chase or play too rough. As the pet parent, you can discern the difference and respond accordingly. Here are some general care guidelines for the breed mix. The type of diet you choose is at the discretion of you and your veterinarian. Dry kibble is still one of the most prevalent options on the market. Wet canned food makes a fantastic topper for many meals and some use it for a standalone diet. Although, it can lead to weight gain and not be suitable for larger breeds since it does get expensive. Some families are relying on subscription-based food brands that deliver fresh food right to your door. These options are generally hassle-free and specially tailored to match the needs of your particular pooch. However, the service tends to be more expensive than traditional feeding. It is imperative to feed your Boxita according to their life stage. In the puppy stage, your dog needs a diet that fully supports their growing muscles, bones, tendons, and organs. When they are seniors, they also need some additional support to avoid potential health issues. Both parent breeds require an extensive amount of exercise per day. Your Boxita will require approximately 60 to 90 minutes of intense exercise per day. You can make the exercise fun and try out various interactive games. They will certainly need walks or a huge fenced-in backyard to burn off all of their steam. Due to their inclination to wander thanks to the Akita parent, they might never be suitable for open spaces with no secure borders. So if you live in the country, you might always find a runoff, and you might have a little trouble locating them. On the contrary, this is an incredibly intelligent combination. However, Akitas are notorious for their stubborn nature. Boxers might have a little bit of this tendency as well. When you combine the two, you might find that training is a challenge. That is why these dogs are often best for homes with a lot of canine experience. First-time dog owners might need to learn how to handle the unique challenges of this pairing. The Akita and Boxer have very different coats that require varying maintenance levels. Boxers might need a few passes of a brush per week to make sure their fur stays shiny and reduces shedding. On the other hand, Akitas are heavy shedders with long, bulky hair. They also have double coats, which means they have blowouts twice a year. As the seasons change, they will ultimately lose their old coats to make way for new growth. During these times, household maintenance and grooming your pup are very important. However, mixed breeds tend to be a little healthier than their purebred parents. However, they are just as capable of carrying any genetic disorders that plague the breed or genetic line. Regularly taking your pup in for vet visits is a great way to avoid problems. They will get to know their vet well in their first year of life. Since there is no true way to know for sure what ailments your Boxita might have, here are some health issues that can crop up in both parent breeds. Minor Conditions. It all boils down to the personalities of both the Akita Boxer Mix and the other pets in the family. For instance, the Akita parent breed has a very high prey drive. This means they tend to pursue prey and this trait may extend to your cats and others pets too, so a Boxita owner should take proper care to manage and control the mix to keep other pets safe. Make each socialization session short in the beginning, and make sure all the pets have their own safe place where they can find refuge if need be. Avoid leaving your Akita Boxer Mix alone with cats and other animals. Raising a Boxita with other dogs in the home can be a challenging process since they might not get along well with them, particularly if they are of the same sex. Socializing a Boxer Akita puppy with older dogs of the other sex might work, but you can expect some issues as your mixed breed dog grows. However, both parent breeds can be stubborn , so the Boxita is not the best choice for first time owners. With their stubbornness, housetraining may also be a challenge. The good news is that it is still possible to successfully train your Boxita puppy, especially if you start early. Start training your puppy immediately using positive reinforcements like treats, praise and other rewards. Besides housetraining, you want to teach your Boxer Akita to be an obedient dog. Start with teaching your puppy to see you as the pack leader. That way, your puppy will learn to feel safe and secure knowing that you are in charge. If your pup shows aggressive behavior towards cats and other dogs, try and keep him inside a secure, fenced-in yard from puppyhood. Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, and situations early in their life. Give them treats and other rewards for displaying good behavior. That way, your Boxita will learn to be friendly and calm around people and other dogs. Exercise Needs The Boxita is a high-energy dog who enjoys playtime and requires at least one hour of exercise each day. Daily walks, playtime and regular trips to the dog park can help meet the exercise needs of an Akita Boxer Mix. Other recommended activities include swimming, obstacle courses and agility training. If you do not give these lively dogs enough exercise to burn any excess energy, they might develop behavioral issues. Intelligent dogs like the Boxita also need interactive dog toy s to kill boredom and keep them mentally stimulated. Since this dog has a fine, short coat, he does not require much maintenance. Brushing their coat at least twice per week should be enough to minimize the shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. Bathing can be done with a mild doggie shampoo only when necessary and not too frequently because it removes the protective oils that keeps their skin healthy. When not bathing your pup, wipe them clean using quality deodorizing wipes for dogs. Since their floppy ears are vulnerable to ear infections, you need to check them regularly and clean them as needed. If you notice redness, excessive moisture or wax, or anything else that looks strange, make sure to consult your vet. Practicing proper dental hygiene for dogs will help prevent harmful dental diseases in the future. Brushing their teeth regularly is recommended. You can also buy quality dental chews for your dog or ask your vet to help you create a custom dental care program for your puppy. Nail trimming can be done monthly to prevent the nails from getting too long.
Australian Labradoodles come in a variety of colours. Which is your favourite? Black Australian Labradoodles have black noses and are renowned for keeping their lovely strong dark colour and not fading. Red Australian Labradoodles have black noses and can stay dark or lighten with age. Chocolate Australian Labradoodles have brown noses and often light human eyes in colour. Chocolate is considered a colour that can stay chocolate or lighten with age. Caramel Australian Labradoodles have brown noses and often light human eyes in colour. Caramel is considered a colour that will stay caramel. Caramel shades can vary from light to dark. Caramel red Australian Labradoodles have brown noses and often light human eyes in colour. Caramel red is considered a colour that will stay dark red caramel. Phone calls are by appointment only. You can arrange a phone call by sending us an email or text message. Our office hours are: Tuesday - Friday 9am - 12pm Email - willowslabradoodles gmail. We will send you a password or a link to the camera. You and your family will be able to watch our puppies grow from just born to 8 weeks old. They change so much every day and it is important to us that you can watch our puppies grow, how happy they are, and how content the mums are. Black Brown A red-colored Labradoodle is the rarest of them all. Much darker than a gold or apricot-colored Labradoodle, they are a similar color to an Irish Red Setter. To be a real red, their nose must be black, not brown. His entire coat should be red, and the hair needs to be the same shade from base to tip. So finding a Red Labradoodle is even more extraordinary. As such, his pricing will reflect this. Labradoodle Colors Explained Although we all have our favorite colors, there are a few things that you need to consider. Firstly, the color should not be your entire basis for choice. Just because there is a pup in the litter that matches your best outfit does not necessarily make it the best match for you and your family. So, it is essential to look beyond the coat color. A reputable breeder will pair you with the pup they think is the best fit for your lifestyle. Even if that is the only color that you want in the litter. For example, a recent study has shown that chocolate-colored Labradors have a significantly lower lifespan compared to their black and golden siblings. They also have a higher rate of skin and ear problems too. White-colored and dilute colors in dogs are also believed to be linked to health concerns. For example, white dogs have an increased chance of deafness and blindness compared to non-white dogs. Diluted colors are also linked to a condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia, which is known to affect standard-sized Poodles. The majority of Labradoodles in these colors, if bred under a reputable breeder, will not be affected or unhealthy. But, if you do get a pup with these colors , make sure you are aware of the symptoms associated with their potential pigment-related conditions. Final Thoughts No matter what color Labradoodle you choose, or whatever shade your Labradoodle pooch grows into, know that you will have a beautiful and bouncy pup. They will brighten up your day for sure. Always work with a reputable breeder, and no matter what color you choose, you should be the recipient of a healthy and happy pooch. See also:. The most common Labradoodle colors are black, cream and gold. Black Labradoodles are common finding generally one per litter. These Labradoodles represent the base price for a dog within this breed. The color of a cream Labradoodle can vary between different shades with some having red tinges through their coat. Although the color cream may vary the whole coat should be one consistent color. Apricot Labradoodles are often born with lighter colored coats that darken over time while others that are born apricot in color develop to have a light cream coat. The entire strand of fur on a golden Labradoodle should be the same color. Golden Labradoodles often fade as they grow. These dogs are neither common or rare. These Labradoodles should hold their color until adulthood. The chocolate colored Labradoodles tend to be a popular choice. Their coloring should be even. Chocolate Labradoodles often appear almost black at birth. A parchment should not have other colors mixed into the fur. Large blotches of any color on white make for an acceptable Parti colored Labradoodle. The hardest to breed and come by is the red Labradoodle. Any combination of two colors is acceptable as long as they have the distinctive markings. A black and gold phantom is among the most common. These dogs are on the rarer spectrum. These Dogs are on the rarer spectrum. While gold is a common color, the birth of a Labradoodle with a deep red coloring is as rare as they come. A red Poodle is unusual making a red Labradoodle even harder to come by. The roots of a red Labradoodle should match the tips. Red Labradoodles are hard to breed and even harder to come by. Red Labradoodle Puppy and Adult The range of Labradoodle coat colors is extensive although no matter which puppy you pick, Labradoodles make loving life long friends. Related posts:. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? Due to their genetic makeup, their coat color may change once the adult coat comes up. The most common Labradoodle coat shades are chocolate, caramel, red, cream, and parti. Coat Shades of the Labradoodle Chocolate: Born in a black shade, these Labradoodles turn a chocolate brown color when they grow up. The nose pigment is a rose shade with amber or brown eyes. Sometimes, the color of their skin may also be blue. Cafe: Born a chocolate brown color, these Labradoodle coats lightens over time. Nose pigment is a rose or chocolate color with a tint of hazel. The eyes are generally a brown shade. Parchment: Born a milky chocolate color and turning a smoky cream color when grown up. The nose pigment color is rose or brown. Caramel: Slightly darker than a cream Labradoodle, close to the color of caramel candy. These pups have rose colored nose pigment with a hint of honey along with hazel or amber eyes. Apricot: Born with a lighter color coat, similar to the caramel colored Labradoodle, that darkens over time. Their nose pigment color is typically black. Apricot Cream: With apricot colored ears, these Labradoodles have a lightly shaded coat. The color is usually warm cream with black nose pigment. Red: The rarest color of Labradoodle coat shades, these pups have a black nose pigment. They are also the hardest to breed. Cream: When born, these Labradoodles are slightly darker. Later they turn to a warm cream color. The nose pigment is black or rose colored. Raven Black: Born in a black coat, these Labradoodles have black nose pigment with shiny eyes. Sometimes their coat color can turn more of a silvery color over time. Light Blue: These Labradoodles are like black. When these pups mature, their fur color lightens and turns to a light blue or grey color. Parti Color: Often known as Parti Labradoodles, these pups have large swatches of white color. Red, black, or chocolate spots on a white coat are the most common. Phantom: These pups have secondary color markings near their eyes, chest, and chin. The Phantom Labradoodle has a combination of two colors, ideally black with a gold phantom. Temperament and Soundness are the two KEY elements in a good family companion; they must not be sacrificed for any reason. General Appearance: The Australian Labradoodle should be athletic and graceful, yet compact with substance and medium boning. Joyful and energetic when free, soft and quiet when handled. They should approach people in a happy friendly manner with eye to eye contact. Keen to learn and easy to train. They have a free flowing wavy or curly coat that does not shed and is possibly non-allergenic. Size: Sizes are still somewhat inconsistent with no definition between male and female at this time. Accurate prediction of size, even by an experienced breeder, is not expected at this time. Size is measured to the top of the shoulder blades withers while standing squarely on a level surface. Much care is needed when breeding both the large and small dogs. Large dogs can suffer from rapid growth that can lead to structural problems. Soundness is of utmost importance. Over size is a major fault. Care must be taken to keep the miniature Australian Labradoodle a solid athletic robust dog. The dwarfing of dogs can lead to many genetic and temperament disorders. Minimum size attention is of the utmost importance to maintain a healthy little dog. Most Australian Labradoodles will weigh more than their height reflects. Weight range tends to be 50 to 65 pounds. Weight range tends to be 30 to 40 pounds. Weight range tends to be 16 to 25 pounds. Body: Height to length ratio should be 10 to 12 being slightly longer in leg than body but still appearing square and compact. Shoulders should have good angulation with firm elbows held close to the rib cage. Hindquarters should be of medium angulation with short strong hocks. Top line should remain level with strong loin and level croup. Flanks should rise up from a brisket set just below the elbows, but should not be excessively deep. Ribs should be well sprung but not barreled. Overall, the dog should appear square, be balanced, athletic and with good muscling. Movement: When trotting should be purposeful, strong and elastic, with good reach and drive, giving the appearance of going somewhere. When happy, relaxed or at play will prance and skim the ground lightly. Excessive tightness in the hips will produce a stilted action and is considered a fault. Tail: Set relatively high and preferred to be carried in a saber, can be carried below the top line or gaily above. Curled possum type tails are undesirable. Head: Sculptured, broad, well defined eyebrows, medium stop, eyes set well apart, nose to eye slightly longer than eye to occiput. The head should be clean and chiseled and fully coated as on the body, legs and tail. Ears: Set moderately flat against the head, base should be level with the eye. Leather should be of medium thickness and when gently drawn forward should reach the top canine tooth. Ear leather reaching beyond the tip of nose is considered a severe fault. Ear canals should be free of excessive hair, and not thick and bulbous. When inquisitive and alert the ear set should rise to the top of the head. Eyes: Slightly round, large and expressive, always offering eye to eye contact when engaged in activity with a human. Protruding or sunken eyes are a fault. Watery or tearful eyes are a fault. Wide round or narrow almond shaped eyes are considered a fault. Eye Color: Eye color should complement and blend with the face color. Caramel and dogs with rose pigment may have either dark eyes or ghost eyes. Ghost is a hazel color range much the same as it is in humans. Ghost eyes must always remain soft in appearance. Cold staring expressionless appearance in all eye colors is a severe fault. Teeth: Scissor bite only is acceptable, being neither undershot nor overshot. Miniatures must not have crowding teeth. Nose: Large square and fleshy. Pigment: Black or Rose. Pigment should be strong. Black pigment dogs must have dark brown eyes. Pink spots or patches on nose, lips, eye rims or pads are a fault. Dogs with rose pigment can have dark hazel, brown or ghost eyes. Eye rims should be rose as should nose, lips and pads. Pink spots or patches are a severe fault. Rose should be a rich liver color. Neck: The firm, well muscled neck should be moderately long, slightly arched and flow into the well angled shoulders with no appearance of abruptness. The neck should not be coarse nor stumpy and should lend an air of elegance to the dog. A short thick neck is a fault. Color: Any solid color including Cafe and Silver is preferred. Minimal white on the chest and toes is acceptable. Light chalky coarse hairs kemp sprinkled through a dark coat is permissible but very undesirable. Parti patched and Phantoms, though undesirable, are considered an acceptable color. Phantoms are any shading or two tone coloration such as a Black dog with lower legs showing a soft toning of silver or gold or a dog born dark with a golden shading at the roots or a slight brindling effect. True pure solid colors with the exception of Silver and Cafe are highly prized and are the ideal for the Australian Labradoodle. It is normal that all colors may show bleaching and discoloration over the top coat. This is called sunning and is quite expected and acceptable, as the Australian Labradoodle is an active dog and often a service dog that enjoys the outdoors. Weather bleaching or sunning must not be penalized. Red: A solid, even, rich red color which should have no sprinkling of other colored fibers throughout the coat. A true Red must not be lighter at the roots than at the tips of the coat. Red can fade somewhat with age, and senior dogs showing paling of coat should not be penalized. A true Apricot must not be lighter at the roots than at the tips of the coat. It can come in varying shades and may fade as the dog grows older. Senior dogs should not be penalized for paling of coat color. Blue: A dark to medium smoky Blue. Blue also belongs to the Rare Color Group. Blue dogs are born Black but will have Blue skin and undertonings at a young age. Any other color throughout the Blue is undesirable. Silver: Born Black but will have more of a grey skin and will develop individual silver fibers at a young age. Silver dogs can take up to 3 years to color out and become a beautiful smoky grey through to a light iridescent platinum and varying shades in between at adulthood. Uneven layering of color in the silver is normal. Chocolate: Dark and rich, born almost Black, they maintain a dark chocolate throughout their lifetime. Color should be even. Any other color throughout the Chocolate is highly undesirable. Chocolate belongs to the Rare Color Group. Cafe: Born Milk Chocolate of varying shades, and have the same gene as the silver dogs, often taking up to 3 years to fully color out to multi shades of chocolate, silvery chocolate and silver throughout. When given plenty of time in the sunshine, they develop stunning highlights. Lavender dogs are born Chocolate and can be difficult to distinguish at a young age. Any other color throughout the Lavender is highly undesirable. True Lavender belongs to the Rare Color Group. Parchment: Born Milk Chocolate, will pale to a smoky creamy beige. Palingbusually starts from an early age often as early as 6 weeks. As adults they can be mistaken for dark smoky Cream from a distance. Parchment belongs to the Rare Color Group. Located in Beautiful Southern Oregon, we deliver our puppies nationwide.
German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Final Thoughts A 3 month old German Shepherd is still fluffy and cute, but it has changed a lot in comparison to its early days. It has become pretty tall, about one foot in height, with long paws and an extreme desire to chew something. Put away all your shoes, socks, or clothes because they may suffer badly from its teeth. Instead, buy entertaining chew toys and collect all your patience. You need to take proper care of your pup and keep its immense energy under control. So, you need to know how to train your German Shepherd for a happy and healthy future. This guide will help you learn more and let your ideal doggy live a long life full of positive experiences and adventures. If you have a boy, its height will be about inches cm. Girls are a bit lower at this age — they are about inches cm tall. You can also notice the increase in weight. The 3 month old German Shepherd weight can differ depending on several factors. Males can weigh pounds kg , while females weigh pounds kg. However, they can be even smaller if they belong to a working line. The gender difference becomes apparent at this age. The weight can also depend on the diet you feed your pup. The changes in appearance also include the teething stage. At this time, your pup has all its milk teeth, so adult teeth growth starts. It will last for a few months until all the puppy teeth will be replaced. You will notice one more dramatic change. It concerns the coat. Its fluffy and fuzzy nature will disappear because the adult fur starts growing. You will see a racing stripe on the back to show that the puppy coat has started to be replaced. Your pup still has floppy ears that can stand straight from time to time. Though, you need to understand that during this period, the ears will not stand up steadily because teething needs a lot of calcium, and the ear cartilage cannot harden properly. You will see a lot of improvements and a steadier ear position in a month or so. Remember not to pat your little one on the ears or head, or you may damage the cartilage. It will last until your puppy is 6 months old and is characterized by immense energy, curiosity, and getting into trouble here and there. That is why socialization and training are so important in this period. German Shepherd puppies at this age are very energetic. Though they look more grown-up than ever, their puppy nature always gets them into trouble, so you need to remain as patient as you can to train your little one the proper behavior. Your pup may jump at people and bite them. Praise it with a treat if it can abstain from doing that. Since your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy is full of energy, it needs a lot of exercise. Keep it busy all the time, but not make it do something heavy for a long time because it may have severe negative consequences on its health. Take it for walks as often as you can. A minute walk is enough. The distance your pup can walk is up to 6 miles 9. Moreover, your doggy needs a lot of other exercises. It can be a combination of playing fetch, running, and aerobic activities. You can make it play with a rubber toy or do some strength training. Once again, one-time sessions should not be very long. If you cannot take your pup outside for a walk because it is very cold, play with it inside. It can be playing with a puzzle toy or hiding something in the house and asking your dog to find it. If you have a car, you can take your puppy on a ride to provide it with more experience. Overexercising can lead to problems with joints, so you need to be very careful. The sleeping schedule of your puppy also changes a little at this age. It is approximately hours per day. It can also wake you up at night and require playing or going potty. It is normal at this age. The fastest sleep for it is before dawn. If you hesitate about how much your German Shepherd should sleep now, or whether it needs some sleep during the daytime, you can consult your vet. Health and Care Your 12 week old German Shepherd grows fast, and it looks healthy. However, you need to be aware of possible health issues at this age to be careful about. The first thing you have to keep in mind is weighing and measuring your doggy regularly. At this point, you should also provide it with the second set of vaccinations. It includes parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, and distemper. Keep to a healthy and nutritious diet. If you have any doubts about the possibility of hereditary health conditions, get a DNA test. It is especially important if you want to prevent degenerative myelopathy. Even if your pup is healthy and merry, you need to take care of it regularly. Healthy diets, frequent walks, and enough exercise are all indisputable components of good puppy care. Remember to groom and brush your doggy just twice per week. Changing the coat to an adult one will lead to excessive shedding. Try to help your pet get rid of the fur that is not needed anymore. You can even develop a specific schedule for grooming or make an appointment with a professional if you are not sure how to do it properly. That can be a regular playdate with your dog-loving friends and their pets. Or you can help your pup meet new friends when you are walking with it in the park. Potty walks are an essential part of care. A 3 month old GSD can hold its bladder for an hour or so. That is why you need to keep an eye on it and let it eliminate whenever it is needed without unnecessary inside accidents. Your little one needs only healthy nutrition to grow strong and intelligent. Be attentive about treats. Obesity can cause other health problems with the heart, kidneys, and joints. Develop a feeding schedule and try to stick to it. If the puppy leaves some food in the bowl, take it away. Never leave the leftovers in the bowl, or your puppy will come back to them later, and it will be impossible to establish a feeding schedule. That will lead to potty accidents and digestion issues. The diet has to be rich in protein, but be sure that it does not contain too much fat. The food should also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins. You can use vitamin supplements meant for German Shepherd puppies, but never opt for those that are for humans or adult dogs. The schedule is very important for your pet. If you establish it at three feeding times per day, try to keep to it. Distribute the amount of food evenly throughout all meals. Never feed your doggy immediately before going to bed. Provide it with enough water. Fresh water is essential for puppies, so the bowl full has to be around all the time. You do not need to take it away. It starts understanding what is going on around it. So, it needs proper training at this age. It should also learn how to interact with other animals and people. Obedience training is essential at this time. Your puppy may not master all of them at once because its attention span is rather short, so be patient enough to repeat them again and again. Only after you see that your pet is confident about these commands, you may continue with more complicated ones. Never punish or beat your puppy if something does not go well. Positive reinforcement is always your priority. Never forget to praise your little dog and give it treats if it has done something well. Your doggy should also know how to deal with other dogs. If you have a friend with a dog, invite them to your place or pay a visit to them with your pup. Your doggy will feel more confident if it knows how to build trust and socialize with other living beings. Training is very important during this period. So, if you have not started doing it yet, begin your training sessions immediately. Your doggy should see a leader of the pack in you, so be as persistent and confident as possible. If you have some difficulties, it is better to seek the help of an expert. You should be prepared to spend a lot of time training your pup. It may not be so easy at first, but it is certain to be rewarding. The height of your puppy changes very quickly because its intensive growth continues. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd weight? There may be an apparent increase in weight at this age. It depends on several factors, such as hereditary options, type of line, feeding schedule, etc. On average, boys weigh pounds .Puppies from the working line can weigh less. How much should a 3 month old German Shepherd eat? Your pup should eat 2 cups of dry kibble or homemade food per day. How much does a 3 month old German Shepherd sleep? You will notice some changes in the sleep schedule of your pup. It needs less sleep, but the overall sleeping time is about hours per day, including day naps. The puppy can still wake you up at night for playing or potty. Though, this will happen more rarely. How far can a 3 month old German Shepherd walk? How much exercise should a 3 month old GSD get? The puppy needs a lot of exercise at this age. At least 30 minutes per session can help it grow smart, alert, and strong. Walking and running for about 15 minutes can be a part of this exercise. However, you can include playing games into the sessions. Final Thoughts The first thing you need to remember when you have decided that a German Shepherd is a good breed for you is to be ready for taking a huge responsibility. Be patient and positive. Never punish, shout at it, or beat it. However, you have to be consistent and demanding to let your 3 month old German Shepherd puppy feel that you are its leader, and it should follow and trust you. German Shepherds, if properly trained, socialized, and cared for, are great family dogs. That is why you need to keep the advice from this article in mind and always contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Reliable training German Shepherd puppy training: socialization! The first item in your German Shepherd puppy training list is Socialization. It means that you must provide your baby German Shepherd with interesting and positive interactions. If you ensure that your pup interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with as many people, dogs, animals, sounds, objects, sights and experiences, you will raise a confident and reliable dog. Every new activity or interaction must be followed with a yummy treat! This will ensure your puppy will have a positive association with every new experience, object, person, animal, etc. You can use your dog's kibble or something better like chicken, beef or cheese. Commercial treats are also a good and easy to use option, but make sure you buy healthy, all natural dog treats to keep your German shepherd puppy healthy and strong! German Shepherd dogs are loyal and may have a tendency to be apprehensive with strangers. Socialization will ensure that your puppy grows a strong bond with you without developing a problematic over-protectiveness. German Shepherd puppy training socialization tips: Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies. Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult. Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization , even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup. Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things. Back to top of German shepherd puppy training article. German Shepherd puppy training: stop the biting! Socialization is hard work, bite-inhibition is even harder! But it is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Dogs have really strong jaws and can learn to apply just the right amount of pressure with it. Adult dogs that have had this kind of training can get into fights and defend themselves without drawing blood. This is so important to avoid any type of dog-human or dog-dog bite accidents. German Shepherd puppy dogs have sharp teeth for a reason: to learn how to use their mouth properly. Teach your puppy to bite without hurting! To teach your pooch not to hurt human skin you will need to yelp like a puppy every time you feel teeth in contact with your skin. Engage in puppy play and Yelp Yes! Loud, sharp, high pitched and clear when you feel teeth. Your pup will most likely stop in surprise. As soon as he has stopped, wait seconds and resume play. Repeat as many times as needed. Start with those bites that really hurt or scratch. If you yelp every time you feel teeth, your puppy will think it is how you play. It may take a few weeks for you to notice that your pup is not hurting as much.Progressively teach your pup to play without hurting you. This make take a couple of months! Do not let your puppy play with your clothes, shoes, face or hair. If your puppy bites any of these, the game is over. Wait for him to calm down and start playing again. If you are tired of playing and getting bitten, grab a tug-toy or a ball and play those games instead. After a while, settle your puppy with a stuffed Kong toy on his bed or crate. Never punish your puppy for play-biting, this can lead to aggression or your puppy fearing "hands" near his face. Even though German shepherd puppy dogs are really smart, bite-inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. Most of the time you will feel he is not learning anything at all, keep at it. You can add second time outs on top of yelping if needed. It is definitely worth your time. If bite-inhibition is slow, this article has more tips to help you! Another aspect of training your German shepherd puppy bite inhibition are toys! Your pup needs to learn to bite only his toys, not furniture, not the walls, not your shoes. For this reason you need to load your house with puppy toys and TEACH your puppy how to play with them. The best dog toys are interactive, this means that you can put food inside the toy and your puppy has to think how to get it out. This toys are the best because they add enrichment to your dog's life. Interactive dog toy recommendations: Feed EVERY meal inside an interactive dog toy Use interactive toys with your German shepherd when he is left alone in the house. Make sure he has plenty of toys interactive and others so he won't get bored when you leave. Use interactive toys when you need some quiet time because you need to work, or you have guests. Kong dog toy's are the best , you can fill them with something soft like cheese or peanut butter and let your puppy lick it for a while. Even better.Below you will see some of my favorite interactive dog toys durable and fun! German Shepherd puppy training: potty outside! Another important item on your German shepherd puppy training list is House training. It can be a bit stressful, but if done correctly, you can accomplish it very quickly. Just keep in mind that depending on your puppy in can take anywhere from 1 week to several months to complete potty training. The following info-graphic has some simple rules to follow and make german shepher potty training easy and effective: Take your puppy out for a potty break every hours. Take your puppy out for a potty the break after every meal. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a nap. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a play session. The main idea when potty training a German shepherd puppy, is to take him out or to the correct place as often as he needs to and reward him after he is done. The infographic above gives you an idea of how often a puppy needs to go out. However, you need to know your own puppy. This way you will know how often he is relieving himself. You may also notice if he does it after every meal or nap. Reward with a treat after he is done! Repeat steps 2 and 3, you should start noticing that after a couple of days or weeks your puppy chooses the correct place more often than other places. NEVER punish your dog for accidents, this can stress him and even make him do his business hidden from you which will make potty training very hard because you won't be able to reward him. You can crate train your German shepherd puppy so he learns to have quiet times in between active times. Crate training also prevents your puppy from having accidents. For more information and a puppy crate-training schedule check this article! German shepherd potty training aids The are several commercial items available to help you potty train your German shepherd dog. Regular cleaning products may take away the urine scent -you- smell but they will not remove the scent your dog smells. Enzymatic cleaners do that, they break down urine molecules to make them easy to remove. This will prevent your pet from returning to the same, incorrect, spot. Puppy pads are very popular because they are less messy than news paper. However, if you put a puppy pad and leave you puppy alone with it, you will find it in shreds! You must teach your puppy to use the puppy pads, not to chew on them. To do this, put the puppy pad on the floor and interrupt your puppy if he tries to play with it. Exchange for another toy and reward with treats for not grabbing the pad with his mouth he can however, stand or sit on it. Repeat until he learns this! If you have a backyard, a doggy-door is an excellent way to give your pup access to the outdoors without your help. You must teach him how to use it! Use a treat to lure him through the door many times until he can do it on his own! Then, every-time you take him outside, make him go though the door on his own. You can also teach your puppy to let you know when he needs to go outside! Use a doggy doorbells for this purpose. You must teach your dog how to use them! First, teach your dog to touch the bells. Then, ask your dog to touch the bells every time before you open the door to let him go outside. Finally, be alert for when he does it on his own! I do not recommend any "Not Here" or "Yes Here" type sprays. They don't work very well, specially without any training.German Shepherd puppy training: basic commands! Some dog trainers won't start until the dog is 6 months old, at which time he is past the socialization and bite inhibition period and he is probably doing all sorts of naughty things. You can start training your German shepherd puppy from the first day you bring him home. From weeks you can start teaching your canine many commands, however I strongly advice you keep your focus on socialization, bite-inhibition and potty training. If you have time to train basic commands…. Your pooch will love it! Step-by-step obedience training tutorials for your German shepherd German Shepherd puppy training "SIT": You will use this command all the time. Ask your pup to sit when a stranger wants to pet him, for attention, for the ball to be thrown, etc. To start use food to lure your pooch into the sit position. Only give him the treat once his bottom is on the ground. Repeat many times! Follow this link for detail instructions.This is useful at the vet as well as to mix and match commands. From a sit or down position lure your baby german shepherd into a stand. This link will take you to the step by step guide.Start your pooch from a sitting position and lure him into a down. Only give your dog a treat after he is completely down on the ground. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.Why train your pooch sit, down and stand? You need three commands to mix up when you ask your dog to do something. If you have at least three options, then your smart German Shepherd won't be able to predict what you will ask. Practice Puppy Push-Ups! Sit-down-stand, Down-sit-stand, and ask you German Shepherd puppy to do one, two, or more commands to earn treats, toys and attention! Other useful cues include: Speak and Quiet , settle and ask for permission before rushing into something potentially dangerous. You can see a full list of commands on this link. Enjoy German Shepherd puppy training time and leave us your questions and comments in the box below.
The passion to raise dogs is our families pleasure and we have been raising dogs our whole life. We care for each dog as a family member of our own and love sharing our puppies with other families. In our experience, we have found these to be the most desirable breed to raise in a family setting, especially around children. Their meek manner and mild temperament make them easy to love! We are located near the Georgia Tennessee state line 35 minutes from the scenic city of Chattanooga Tennessee on a beautiful farm in the countryside. Bailey and Snow Who's the real mountain goat? Their favorite activity is going on long walks through the hayfields and down to the creek in the woods. Along with being exuberant and friendly, they are strong dogs and hard workers. Goldens are good at whatever they do, be it hunting, serving as guide dogs, working search-and-rescue, or being devoted companions. Though they are serious about their work, they also enjoy being downright silly! Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted. Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise. Good with Children: Yes. Hugh Mongous, a super friendly two-year-old Goldendoodle looking for his forever family. Though he tips the scale at sixty-seven pounds, Hugh thinks he is a lapdog and loves to be petted. He also is quite playful and enjoys getting out of the house for outdoor fun. So, if you have a lake or pond this is your dog. Road trips are no problem with this well behaved traveler. Well socialized, he does well around other dogs too. We are not sure about kitties but can easily test that for you. Hugh is already housebroken and would enjoy having his own fenced-in backyard. This pup is looking for an adult only family that will give him the attention and love that he craves. His luxurious locks will need daily brushing and frequent grooming. Hugh is a fantastic dog for anyone that can devote time, training and persistence to his care. Are you ready to meet him? To adopt this pet, please go to hsnwga. Due to the high volume of applications received, our Adoption Coordinator will only contact the applicant that best meets the needs of the pet.
The Purity of Breed The purity of the breed is one of the most important factors that determine the price of a Golden Retriever in India. Purebred Golden Retrievers are more expensive than those that are not. This is because purebreds conform to certain breed standards and are less likely to have health problems. Also, breeders who are selling purebred dogs usually have higher standards for their puppies and charge more for them. Generally, puppies that are younger will be priced higher than those that are older. This is because puppies that are younger are perceived as being more valuable due to their potential for future growth. Older dogs, on the other hand, may have already reached their full adult size and may not be as desirable to some buyers. Genuine, responsible breeders will charge more for their puppies because they offer good health guarantees, high-quality breeding stock, and proper socialization and training. These breeders also care about their puppies and want to make sure they go to good homes. Health of the Dog One of the most important factors that determine the price of a golden retriever is the health of the dog. Generally, dogs that are in good health and have no major health concerns will be more expensive than those that do. Breeders will also charge more for puppies that come from healthy and well-bred parents. So, before you buy a golden retriever, be sure to ask the breeder about the health history of both the parents and the puppy. Golden Retrievers have Energy Golden Retrievers are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise. One of them is that they are prone to waxy ears. What does this mean for you as a potential owner of your pet? They Love Food Golden Retrievers are notorious for being food-obsessed. They love to eat and they love to beg for food. Make sure to have plenty of healthy snacks and treats on hand, too, so that you can reward your pup for being good! They Are Intelligent Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds for a reason: they make great companions. If you have a green thumb, a Golden Retriever may not be the best pet for you. They also need a lot of exercise, so make sure you have enough space and time! In fact, they are one of the worst breeds for this purpose. They are bred as companions and service dogs, not as protectors. They are known for their loving behaviour. They Love Water One thing you should definitely consider before purchasing a Golden Retriever is their love of water. Goldens love swimming and will take every opportunity to jump in a body of water. They will also need plenty of access to fresh water and shade in the summertime. Their gentle temperament and easygoing nature have made them a favourite choice for families with children. The Golden Retriever is a friendly and lovable dog that has become a popular pet in many countries around the world. But where did this all-around good guy come from? The Golden Retriever was originally bred to retrieve game in Glen Affric, Scotland in the early s. The breed was first recognized in by the United Kingdom Kennel Club. The Golden Retriever rapidly became popular as a pet and was introduced to the United States in .Golden Retriever Appearance The Golden Retriever is a medium to a large-sized dog that is typically golden in colour. They have a soft, thick coat that is often feathery on the tail. They stand between 51 and 61 cm tall and weigh between 29 and 34 kgs, obviously, females are a little bit shorter. As with most Retrievers, they are an extremely friendly and popular breed with a reputation for being good with children. Golden Retriever Characteristics The Golden Retriever is a friendly and reliable breed that is also kind and intelligent. They are perfect for families with children and make wonderful pets. Goldens are eager to please their owners and are always up for a game of fetch or a run in the park. They are also great with other animals, making them the perfect choice for households with pets. Golden Retriever Health Concerns Golden Retrievers in India are susceptible to the same health concerns as their counterparts in other parts of the world. Because of this, there are many Golden Retriever feeding guides out there. However, the general consensus is that they should be fed 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day. This should be split between two meals, with occasional treats in between. Consult with your vet to find the right diet for your furry friend! Golden Retriever Coat Color and Grooming The Golden Retriever is a medium- to a large-sized dog with a dense, water-repellent outer coat and a thick undercoat. Their coat can be straight or wavy, and some coats are even curly. They also need a bath at least once a month, and you should brush their teeth two or three times a week. To trim their nails, use a clipper made for dogs and cut them just after the curve—never cut into the quick the dead part of the nail. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are both active, friendly sporting dogs full of adoration, energy, and good humor. They make excellent family pets and are great with children. However, there are a few key differences between the two breeds. For starters, Labradors are better swimmers and retrievers due to their muscular build and webbed paws, while Goldens are better at agility tasks and as therapy dogs. Goldens also tend to be slightly less active than Labradors, so they may be a better choice for those who live in smaller homes or apartments. Ultimately, the best way to decide which breed is right for you is to meet both dogs and see which one you click with the most! They Are Eager to Please Golden retrievers are known as one of the most friendly and obedient dog breeds. They love pleasing their owners and make great companions. They Are Gentle and Good with Children Golden Retrievers make great pets because they are gentle and good with children. They are also very patient, which is important when you have little ones who like to pull on their fur or give them hugs and kisses. Goldens are always happy to see you, and they love spending time with their families. They Define Loyalty Golden Retrievers are some of the most loyal dogs out there. You can always count on them to be happy and wagging their tails—they truly make the perfect pets! They are beautiful dogs with great personalities and wonderful health. They are also very easy to care for, making them a great choice for busy families. We hope this post has given you a little more insight into the wonderful world of this popular dog breed. Goldens make great companions and are always eager to please, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Yes, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world for a reason: they make great pets. Are Golden Retrievers the Friendliest? The answer is yes, Golden Retrievers love being petted and will often solicit attention from their owners and strangers alike. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a Lot? Golden Retrievers are known for being one of the most vocal dog breeds. They have a wide range of barking sounds and are known to be quite loud. However, this can be easily trained out of them, and with a little patience, your Golden Retriever can learn to be a quiet dog. Yes, Golden Retrievers can be left alone. They are a great breed for those who work long hours or are out of the house a lot, as they are content to laze around and nap when their owners are away. Do Golden Retrievers Stink? No, contrary to popular belief, Golden Retrievers do not stink! They are a very clean breed and, as a result, do not typically have any sort of body odor. Of course, like any other dog breed, they will need occasional baths and grooming to keep them looking and smelling their best. Is a Golden Retriever a Loyal Dog? Golden Retrievers are considered some of the most loyal dog breeds. They are known for being gentle, friendly, and good with children. They are also very active, so they need plenty of exercises. Do Goldens Like to Cuddle? Golden Retrievers are an extremely affectionate breed that loves to cuddle. Goldens are relatively large dogs and will require plenty of space to run around and exercise. They are not suited for apartments or small homes. If you live in a small space, a Golden Retriever is not the right dog for you. They need plenty of room to roam and a backyard is ideal. These dogs need a good 90 minutes of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. In general, males are larger than females and they tend to be a little more dominant. Females, on the other hand, are often more submissive and maternal. It really boils down to personal preference, so choose the gender that you think will fit best into your lifestyle. Regular home breeders Puppy mill Golden Retriever — Avoid at all costs Puppy mills are horrible places that are run by people whose sole purpose is to make money. Their dogs are badly maintained, poorly fed, and kept alive only to produce puppies. You want to avoid buying your Golden Retriever puppy from such places. These people buy genetically weak and crossbred dogs for a low price and use them as their breeding stock. You can easily spot a puppy mill seller; his price is generally low, and they will never allow you to see the puppy with its mother. They use terms such as heavy bone, double coat, show quality, and show-winner to lure people. Buying a large dog like the Golden Retriever from places like these can result in severe problems down the road. Your puppy can have genetic issues or, worse, can turn out to be an aggressive dog. We recommend that you never rush into buying a puppy. Golden Retrievers are large dogs that will soon become part of your family. Not all pet shops are bad. Some pet shops belong to reputable breeders, but pet shops, in general, are not the place to get your Golden Retriever puppy. Never pay for a puppy if you cannot see it along with its mother. To verify if the pet shop is an authentic breeder of Golden Retrievers, ensure the following. Insist on meeting the Golden Retriever breeder and speaking to them about their dogs Meet the puppy along with its mother. Insist on KCI certification for both the puppy and the parents Read our post on questions to ask your breeder to learn more about your breeder. Buying a Golden from a Broker Getting connected with a dog breeder through a broker is a great idea. Talking to the broker will help you understand its background. Did you know, most Golden Retriever sales in India are through brokers. They play a vital role in bringing buyers to sellers. A good broker will directly take you to the dog breeder and be happy to answer all your queries. These are serious Golden fanciers who love their dogs and breed them at their homes. If you are looking to buy a Golden Retriever, you can consider buying from regular breeders. We recommend that you get in touch with them directly or through a broker and speak to them about their dogs. Ask for KCI certificates to verify the lineage. Once you make up your mind to buy a puppy, visit their home, and meet their dogs. If you are lucky, you can get a top-quality dog at a low price. The best place to start your search for a reputable breeder is dogsindia. This website has a list of top breeders in the country. Remember, the quality of a pup dictates its price. Buying from a top breeder will be expensive. However, it will guarantee the quality of your puppy. Buying a Golden Retriever from a reputable Breeder The best place to buy a Golden Retriever in India today is from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders and top Golden Retriever kennels in India are home to some of the top Goldens in the world. While the price of the Golden might be higher, you can rest assured of its quality and health. Remember, the additional money that you pay will guarantee a worry-free ownership experience for you. How do I find a reputable Golden Retriever breeder? There are several reputable breeders in India. You can start your search at dogsindia. Most of the top kennels have a listing on dogsindia. The dog food factor Dog food for your Golden Retriever will be your highest recurring expense. For an exotic dog such as the Golden Retriever, high-quality dog food is vital. Dogs on low-quality dog food never reach their full potential no matter from whom you buy the puppy. We recommend that you choose a brand that offers breed-specific dog food. Your dog food cost will vary depending on the brand. We recommend that you read our review of the top dog food in India to choose the right dog food for your dog. The vet factor Before you buy a puppy, it is good to visit a veterinarian near your home. Speaking with the vet will give you a good idea of all the medical expenses you can incur for a Golden Retriever. The following are some of your recurring vet costs. Vaccination cost. To adopt the Golden Retriever puppy, there are lots of pet shop in your cities and website where you will find lots of Golden Retriever puppy for sale in Chennai. But the most important questions while adopting Golden Retriever puppies are 1. Is Golden Retriever puppy is of original breed? What would be the Golden Retriever puppy price in Chennai? The price quoted for Golden Retriever puppy is best or not? Are you buying the Golden Retriever puppy from registered pet shops or breeders. Golden Retriever puppies are vaccinated as required or not? Are available Golden Retriever puppy for sale in Chennai are from different blood line? We solve all your problems in a single go because we ensure all above mention point and help dog lovers to adopt original breed healthier and loving Golden Retriever puppy or Golden Retriever Dog. The only thing you have to do is to only click below and contact us. Benefits to adopt Golden Retriever puppy from us: 1. We ensure the purity and originality of dog breed. We will not demand for any money transaction until you see the puppy, check the purity and quality, dog papers, vaccination card, dog health. We will provide our services even after you adopt the Golden Retriever puppy from us. Services such as advise need for training, food, accessories, any health issue, pet hostel etc. Things you should take care while buying a Golden Retriever puppy either from us or from any pet shop or breeder. Dog should be vaccinated as required and vaccination card should be given by the seller. Golden Retriever puppy or Golden Retriever dog health should be good and he should not be aggressive and most important puppy should be happy. Government guidelines has been followed while Golden Retriever puppy purchase or Golden Retriever puppy sale Golden Retriever puppy price can vary when you ask it in different pet shops, breeders etc. Price Variation Factors are: 1. Breed Mix or Pure Pure breed Golden Retriever puppy is always high in cost because quality and purity always matter when things come to getting a new family member. There are lots of fake or irresponsible breeders those who only bred Golden Retriever for money not for quality or not for purity. So, because of there are chances to get mix breed so if you are planning to adopt then go for genuine and trust able breeders only. Pure or original breed Golden Retriever puppies will only have the good temperament and the quality which this breed should have due to better genetics. There are lots of chances that mix breed puppies develop hereditary diseases or any other problem. Pure bred puppies always have good health, longer life span and they lesser get sick in in comparison to mix bred. There are lots of good YouTube video available which will help you to understand that how to identify that Golden Retriever is of original breed or not. Age Right age to adopt the Golden Retriever puppy is around 45 days to 60 days because it is easy to training puppy who of this similar age. Peoples like to adopt puppies rather than dogs until and unless if they are looking for kennels or for breeding propose. Puppies are must costlier than of dogs because of increased demands. If you find someone is selling puppies of lesser age please do not buy and report the same to concerned authorities. Puppies should be of required age because then only you will get healthier and active puppies which has been take care by her mother. If KCI registered puppy parents are from champions line i. When you ask breeders to adopt the puppies in India then they most the time says that this puppy is from champion line and many other things. But do remember please verify all the papers and facts before adopting the puppies from them. Location Delivery charges as per the location will also get included in the dog price. Colour In India Golden Retriever are available mainly in three colours such as golden white, black and chocolate. Very Basic Information of Golden Retriever Dog Breed: Golden Retriever Dogs are Affectionate, easygoing and lovable companion dogs and they are having a very playful personality, they are large dogs. Golden Retriever happily lives with the family and he is an excellent and perfect family dog. He is not a watch dog and might barks when he see strangers around him. Golden retriever dogs are very intelligent and have very beautiful feathery coat. Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train dogs because of their intelligence. Golden retriever dogs are very active, playful, gentle and they are best suited for everyone either someone is single, couple or family. Golden Retriever enjoy spending time with family, his eyes is so kind and he is so affectionate that no one will miss to love him. Golden retriever have thick, double and long length coat looks like creamy golden teddy bear. The life span of Golden Retriever dogs is around 10 years. The height of Golden Retriever adult dog can reach up-to inches and their weight can be up-to kilograms. There are lots of places where you find Golden Retriever puppy for sale in Chennai but we believe above information will help you to adopt or buy the Golden Retriever puppy which you want to have with you. Love your pet and you and your pet will love like you are the only one for him in this world. Temperament The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described in the standard as "kindly, friendly and confident". Golden Retrievers make good family pets, particularly as they are patient with children. They are not "one-man dogs" and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. Their trusting, gentle disposition makes them a poor guard dog. Any form of unprovoked aggression or hostility towards either people, dogs or other animals, whether in the show ring or community, is considered unacceptable in a Golden Retriever and is not in keeping with the character of the breed, nor should a Golden Retriever be unduly timid or nervous. The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, and with an exceptional eagerness to please. Golden Retrievers are also noted for their intelligence. The breed ranks fourth in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs — following the Border Collie, Poodle, and German Shepherd — as one of the brightest dogs ranked by obedience-command trainability. Typical Golden Retrievers are active and fun-loving animals with the exceptionally patient demeanour befitting a dog bred to sit quietly for hours in a hunting blind. Adult Goldens love to work, and have a keen ability to focus on a given task. They will work until they collapse, so care should be taken to avoid overworking them. Health The average lifespan for a Golden Retriever is about 11 to 12 years. They are susceptible to specific ailments, so should be taken to a veterinarian for yearly checkups. Golden Retrievers are known to have genetic disorders and other diseases. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed; when buying a puppy, the pedigree should be known and be examined by the OFA or by PennHIP for hip disease. Obesity is also common in the breed because Golden Retrievers love to eat. Puppies should eat about three cups of food a day and adults three to five cups, depending on the food and how active the dog is. GV Kennel one of the magnificient pet kennel in chennai, Tamilnadu with a wide range of pets. We deal with all kinds of dog sale in Chennai with uncompromising quality. Contact Us.
Well its likely everyone reading this has experienced it and if you are reading this now then you are probably currently dealing with some soreness from a Goldendoodle that pulls on the leash. So why not train your dog to walk along side you without pulling and enjoy every walk without any pain or pulling! The great thing is its not as complicated as you might think! Sometimes it can be a 5 minute turnaround as expert dog trainer, Doggy Dan, demonstrates in his video below. But let me first walk you through some of the key mistakes that people make when walking their dog. We mentioned earlier there are several tricks to walking your dog on the leash correctly so that they walk along side you. And if you have a determined dog you may well need to know all of them before you can master the walk. Generally speaking, the tips I am about to give you now will really help. So lets get into the training. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog calm. If your dog is charged up like a raging bull as you head out of the door, like the one in the video then getting them to walk calmly on the leash is going to be a lot harder than if they were calm. So how do we calm them down? Think about your build up to leaving the house. You bring out the leash and BOOM! Your calm beauty becomes a chaotic tornado. They jump up, tail wagging, racing around wanting you to put the leash on them. The reason is simple. You are reinforcing their excited behavior with a reward, the leash. This behavior gets more and more troublesome as you continue to reward them with what they want. They become more excited not less excited as they get to go on more walks. Now think about what happens as you go out the front door. Your Goldendoodle drags you to the door and right out of it and down the street. The same thing is happening here as when you first put the leash on. They are being rewarded for what they are doing so it becomes habit. So for the next walk you plan to take try this. Pick up the dog leash and instead of just putting it on when they get all excited, wait. As long as they remain crazy just simply continue doing what you were and ignore your Doodles antics. Once they do calm down then put the leash on and if they do not then simply put the leash away. This can take some time and may take several attempts and in some cases a longer period. However, your dog will eventually calm down. Once they are calm you can try again and repeat the process until they are relaxed as you put the leash on. You can use the same process and repeat it through getting your dog down to the sidewalk. You can wait calmly with your dog on the leash until they do calm down before continuing or can go back and take the leash off and hold off a few minutes. You may feel like you are making no progress here. But you need to take some time and work on this. It is better to work it out now than continue to let your dog lead you and drag you around the streets of your neighborhood for the next 10 years or so. You cannot just ignore it, it will not fix itself. The next step is a basic exercise that involves you turning around whenever your Goldendoodle pulls ahead on the leash. If they try to go right then go left. Just turn the direction you wish to go. Take a step in that direction. Do this again and repeat till they take notice of what you are doing. On a larger scale you could change direction and go the other way whenever your dog starts to pull on the leash. When you do this do it quickly. Do not let your dog pull you or get far out in front. This exercise puts your dog behind you every time. This can take time and lots of practice but in the end would you rather walk your dog or be walked by your dog? In the video you can see Doggy Dan uses a special harness where the attachment is under the dogs chin, a leader leash. This is different from the traditional harness where the attachment is on the back and the dog ends up pulling like a sled dog. If you are not the pack leader in your dogs eyes then they will fight for the spot at the front. Its just their nature. Knowing when and where to let your dog have time and freedom to sniff and pee is another great tip to know. Related Posts. Place your pup on a loose dog leash. Use a treat to lure it into position at your side. Let it sniff the treat in your hand and then lift it to your shoulder and step forward. Repeat steps 4 and 5, but add another step or two before providing the treat each time. If the dog pulls the leash or moves away from your side, stand still and lure it back to you using the treat. Once your dog masters walking alongside you nicely indoors, take the training outside. This will keep them safe and protect other dogs and passersby. Stopping Unwanted Behaviors Dogs have terrible behavior when walking. The most common is when a dog starts pulling. Does your puppy want to keep loose leashes? The more leads that he gets the more permissions he thinks he should run and wander. If a dog pulls, stop immediately and respond using verbal cues or a clicker. Wait until the leash is tight and then start to move forward. It has traditionally been a practice for leash trained dogs to walk nicely alongside on your left. You can achieve this with your puppy through consistent puppy leash training or a help from a professional trainer. Positive Reinforcement Is the Key Dogs respond best to consistent positive reinforcement. Yelling, using fear tactics or pulling on the leash will result in confusion from the dog. Additionally, it will respond more to fear than to the promise of a reward or praise — which can lead to bad behavior. Give them treats or favorite toys if they followed your commands and behaved nicely. It may also be helpful for dogs to have clicker training for better walking behavior. Whichever route you take, few things are more rewarding than nurturing a pup into a happy and well-trained adult dog. Goldendoodles have a great desire to please. Teaching them what it takes to please you sets them up for happiness. In this blog, we are going to cover how to train your Goldendoodle puppy. Having a well-trained dog around is appreciated by all other humans that encounter your dog as well. The training you administer to your puppy will pay off in spades as he continues to use the skills you have taught to please you and your guests throughout life. Being isolated and not included in family activities will cause stress, anxiety, and overactive behavior to become the norm for the untrained dog. Are you a pushover? Do you give in and reward inappropriate behavior? Do you scold without giving direction on what you want to see in place of that behavior? Without giving consistent queues, you will easily confuse a young puppy or even an adult dog. You must dedicate yourself to always rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted behavior. While it is easy to forgive a puppy for exhibiting their love in a rambunctious way, you are doing the little fellow a disservice by not expecting good behavior always. Once he is an adult, you will look back and wish you had curbed that undesirable behavior when he was a small puppy. You also need to help the children in the home to understand how and why they should not promote undesirable behaviors as well. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? A hybrid with Golden Retriever and Poodle genes, Goldendoodles are always fast learners and easy to train. Golden Retrievers are, by nature, extremely loyal dogs and are always eager to make their owners happy. They tend to have a happy demeanor whereas Poodles tend to have a more sophisticated air about them. While all dogs can learn, some dogs have shorter attention spans than others. Training in a busy home with loud and active children can affect the attention span too. Make sure in the beginning to work on commands with no distractions like other dogs, traffic, children, or wildlife. Setting expectations is vital in establishing the groundwork before you begin your dog training. It is always best to start with a clean slate vs. Set boundaries such as no jumping from day one. Take advantage of this innocent period where you have no bad habits that have been set. Obedience training is essential to living a harmonious life with your dog and the amount of time it takes to train a good behavior will take less than half the time it will take to change a bad behavior. Because puppies have a short attention span, training sessions should be only minutes in length but can be repeated once an hour. Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement convinces your puppy that behaving accordingly or following instructions will merit them a reward in the form of food, verbal praise, or petting. While it is easier to instill fear in your puppy or punish them for inappropriate behavior, this method will never result in consistent positive behavior. A dog that behaves out of fear will eventually retaliate. Positive reinforcement training provides your puppy with an incentive to behave correctly. A treat will keep them seated quietly even when they are overly excited to meet your guests. Once a command is mastered, the food rewards can be rotated with pets or positive words each time the command is successfully followed. Over time, they will need fewer and fewer food rewards and be happy to oblige for a simple pat on the head or verbal praise. The timing is critical so that the puppy associates not only the click but also the reward as a positive reaction to their behavior. A clicker helps your puppy identify the very instant that they are doing what you want them to do making their learning process quicker. On the other hand, shock training is one of the most detrimental training methods you can utilize on your Goldendoodle puppy. This is a training method that makes use of punishment through the use of shock collars which subjects your puppy to pain as a result of unwanted behavior. This method may result in aggression or fear-based behavior. We advise you to give them positive reinforcements and train them with love and care. It is always best for your puppy to want to please you rather than to be afraid to displease you. Training Basics We love dogs who can perform a fun trick, but learning the basics of obedience first is important. Before we ask them to roll over, sit up on their haunches, or heal without a leash, it is crucial that they first learn the basics. You have to ensure they have already mastered the basic commands of sit, down, stay, and place as they will be the building blocks for all other commands. Some people choose to send their puppy to board and training, to get a jump start from a professional. Dog Socialization Dogs are very sociable and Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest breeds. Taking them out to dog parks or the mall or just letting them interact with your family members or other dogs helps them learn how to handle themselves around unfamiliar people or pets. Little by little, through guided socialization, they will learn not to be rattled by unexpected circumstances or guests. Keep in mind that until a puppy is fully vaccinated, he needs to avoid exposure to areas of high traffic of other dogs. Therefore, until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age the age of full vaccination , he needs to play only with other fully vaccinated dogs in areas such as your backyard. Carrying them in public places such as Home Depot and Tractor Supply will allow safe exposure. Your Goldendoodle puppy must meet as many as new people a week. Be consistent, and tolerant, and offer positive reinforcement when necessary. The time and effort you put in now will pay off in the long run. It is beneficial to purchase a crate for your puppy and use it when you are not able to directly observe him. Doing so will give him a safe and secure place to stay and will also help in the housetraining process, as dogs have an instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The crate will teach your pup to control their urge to eliminate until the appropriate time. It is important to ensure that everyone in the family follows the same rules for potty training a pup. Find an area in the yard that the pup can use as their designated elimination spot and take them there on a leash when it is time to go. The smell of this spot will act as a reminder to the pup that this is where they should go to do their business. Developing a consistent verbal cue during the toileting process will help to create a language between you and your canine companion. Have patience as your dog may need multiple attempts to go and may not always do so immediately. Focus on the task at hand, not on socialization. Reward them with positive reinforcement when they have completed the job. Once your puppy has completed their business, bring them inside to enjoy some quality time. Dogs are creatures of habit; they like to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves on a regular schedule. Creating a consistent routine for your puppy can be a simple process and it will become more straightforward as they age. Take note of when your pup usually does their business, such as in the morning, evening, or after meals, and then adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate these needs. In case you miss it, just tidy up the area and acknowledge your unavailability. Avoid reprimanding the puppy. As soon as you notice him behaving restlessly, sniffing around, circling, or attempting to leave unnoticed, immediately pick him up and take him outside, as these are clear indications that he needs to eliminate. Crate Training Your Goldendoodle puppy should be placed in the crate during any unsupervised time. When your puppy is 8 weeks old, it should be treated like a one-year-old human toddler. To ensure their safety, they should not be allowed to roam freely around the house or be left unsupervised for any length of time. If an accident does occur, avoid scolding the pup and instead reprimand yourself, as the puppy only learns if the reprimand is given at the time of the accident. Each accident is a setback in the training process and should be avoided. A puppy should not be allowed access to the floor unless it has gone potty outside within the last 45 minutes. This will help to avoid accidents. If the playtime reaches an hour, the puppy should be taken outside to potty again. In the crate, the limit is 3 hours, but outside the crate, the limit is one hour. Every month, the crate time limit can be increased by one hour. Food is an easy motivation for our furry friends to follow commands and instructions and works wonders when associated with a command or routine you want them to remember. Rich treats like liver or hotdog bits can cause stomach issues and should be used only in very small quantities. A properly carried-out routine is the most consistent form of puppy training you can provide. From meal times, bathroom breaks, and playtime to naps and bedtime, a structured list of activities will give your Goldendoodle a rhythm that they will grow to expect. Feeding your puppy around the same time daily also gives you consistent potty time. Professional Trainers Are Always an Option Not all dog owners have the time to train their puppies personally. Although this could be a rewarding experience, some of us may be too busy with work or other matters that may not allow consistency which is very important for retention and behavior formation. Some trainers will do board and train which means they keep your puppy for a designated amount of time to work one on one with your puppy to teach housebreaking and basic commands. Others will work with you and your puppy together which involves you in the process and this is typically a one-a-day-a-week lesson. In summary, Goldendoodles are great dogs, but they are the best when they are properly trained. If you emphasize their training from puppyhood on, you will be assured a polite, mannerly adult dog that is enjoyed by the family members and all others that come in contact with your Goldendoodle. But having a best friend means enjoying all activities together without being pulled all over the place. Activities on a leash include potty walks, exercise for both the dog and the human! Fox Creek Farms specializes in breeding and training Goldendoodles. While these tips and tricks work great on our Goldendoodles, they are universal for all pups. We encourage dog owners to begin all types of training including leash and potty training when your new puppy comes home. Training your puppy to be comfortable and consistent in walking on a loose leash can take time and patience, but with consistency and dedication, you can teach your puppy to be a good leash walker. Here are a few steps to follow: Gather the right materials Before you can start training your puppy to walk on a leash, you need the right leash. This is the most important piece to getting started. While you may have a leash at home, you need to ensure that it is the right fit and length for your dog. If you have a larger dog, a longer leash may be more appropriate, and vice versa for smaller dogs. Additionally, invest in a leash that is a comfortable and suitable material for you and your dog. Some leashes have rubber handles while others are made of rope. Be sure to purchase a leash with a handle that you can grip easily and plan to use throughout training. Retractable leashes are not recommended during training and should never be used within 30 feet of any roadway. It would help if you also had a properly fitting harness that remains on your puppy to which to attach the leash. This should fit securely on your dog but not cause discomfort. It is common for a puppy to scratch a bit at a harness until they become used to wearing one. Be sure the harness or collar is the right size and that its material is not bothersome. Having a certain type of treat and clicker is also crucial in this process. As you will learn, positive reinforcement is a huge part of the process of leash training. A toy can be substituted here if your puppy prefers to play with a toy. Keep in mind that overfeeding treats is not a good practice, so limit your training time and the number of treats during each session. Introduce your pup to a leash First, you have to get your puppy comfortable with the leash. Allow them to sniff and explore the leash. Then, attach it to the harness and allow them to drag it around for a few minutes. This allows your puppy to become more accustomed to how it feels, how heavy it is, and having something attached to its harness. Following you Beginning inside, practice walking around and encourage your puppy to follow you. This is best done in a quiet and closed space. Open space may have too many distractions and could delay the training process. The best way to do this is to reward your puppy with treats dispensing from the hand that will eventually hold the leash as they begin to follow you. You should continue the leash walking around the house with little to no distractions. This serves as a gradual way to get your puppy accustomed to walking with you while attached to a leash. Continue to reward your puppy with a treat or toy as they calmly follow you. You can also use a clicker to praise your puppy when it behaves well if you are utilizing a clicker for all your behavior training. This will allow your puppy to begin associating good behavior with positive rewards. They will learn to continue this good behavior in hopes of receiving treats, clicks, or toys. Walking on a loose leash It is time to head outside! This next step may cause some frustration as it is likely the most difficult step for you and your puppy. Using positive reinforcements is crucial to being successful as you teach your puppy to walk alongside you and practice walking on a leash without pulling. You should begin your walk calmly and continue to reward your puppy when they walk beside you. When they begin to pull and not obey your pace, do not punish them. Instead, pause where you are and wait for them to calm down or return to your side before continuing. This is one of the most important steps in training dogs to follow your lead. You can say their name to regain their focus back to you and reward them for doing so. You may also introduce hand signals or begin teaching your puppy verbal commands. In the same way that treats emphasize good behavior, repeating certain commands and directing them to act after you speak will begin to train your dog to associate those commands with certain actions. You may also adapt hand signals in place of words, but it is recommended that you stick with one or the other so as not to confuse the puppy. Several important commands are important for every dog owner to teach their dog. They make it easier to communicate with your dog and ensure that they are well-behaved while walking on a leash, interacting with other people, or simply playing around. This can be used when a new person is introduced or you need them to remain still. Fox Creek Farm puppies have learned this command before they leave us, but reinforcement will be needed to ensure consistency. This is a great way to teach a dog to remain still when approaching a road crossing. If he ever slips his collar, you will be grateful you worked on this command! This should be used when requesting your dog to come back to walk at your side. Repeated use of this term is beneficial in leash training. Of course, while on a leash, you have control of your puppy to avoid this behavior. This can be important on walks if they begin to excessively bark. It is also a useful command to get your puppy to be quiet when you are on the phone or when answering the door. Increase distractions After training in a quieter, less distracting environment, begin practicing in new and different environments. This may include venturing further than your previous route, walking in the opposite direction, or practicing in dog-friendly places like Home Depot. Introducing your puppy to these new areas is a great way to gradually increase the level of distractions. For example, a dog park will include other dogs and people that may serve as roadblocks and cause dog pulling. This is where you should continue to practice the behaviors as explained in step five. Remember to be patient Leash training a puppy takes time and every puppy learns at their own pace. It is important to stay positive, and patient, and remain consistent throughout the process. Remember that punishing your puppy or becoming upset may delay the process significantly. Your puppy will eventually learn to walk on the leash if you are diligent in your practice. Professional Dog Trainers Should all else fail, you may consider hiring a dog trainer to complete a training class or a session of classes. Trainers can offer great guidance with additional tips. They can demonstrate proper leash training and correct behavior that needs addressing. Many times, they will be able to point out actions the human is doing that is detrimental to successful training. Most reputable dog trainers will have a certification or training license from a certification council. Here at Fox Creek Farm, we offer several different types of boarding and puppy training. We have two, four, six, eight, ten, and twelve-week training options. We also have a list of online resources for at-home training! Leash training a puppy may be a little tedious but having this skill makes walking your puppy a much more enjoyable experience and ensures your puppy is under control and safe. Training your puppy to loose leash walking is so freeing. While it is challenging at first, it is worth the effort. Being able to leisurely walk with your dog without being pulled will no doubt become a favorite activity for both the dog and the human. This list of tips and steps are a great place to start on your journey to walking with control. We go out of our way to offer high-quality health warrantied Goldendoodle puppies for sale to anyone that is within a 5-hour radius of our Goldendoodle nursery. Walks will help to tire out your Doodle, but it must be done right — otherwise, they end up tiring you! Doodles will bounce off your energy. If you find them being too rambunctious before a walk, try to keep the atmosphere calm. Even if they are being super cute! Spend plenty of time with your young Doodle, as dogs need to trust their owners before they begin listening. Then, remember to start off with the basic commands before you research how to leash train a dog. Doodles are very friendly, meaning you can expect them to want to approach and interact with other dogs and people. The Best Type of Leashes Before you get started walking, you have to make sure you have the right equipment to begin. Talking a walk down the leash aisle at the pet store can be very overwhelming. There are a ton of options and many leashes have different uses for different temperaments. Before buying a leash, consider its purpose, material, length, and attachment style. For leash training your Doodle, there are some leashes that work better than others. A standard leash like this one is good for training your dog. While training, you want a leash that is on the shorter side, from feet. Avoid retractable leashes as they actually train your dog to pull on the leash. Instead, use a harness — it will give you more control over a dog while it still needs guidance. See Also: Click the image You can also consider using a leader leash like this one. This helps you assert control by keeping the dog at your side rather than letting them push ahead. As your dog learns and is getting better trained, consider a leash that attaches to you around your waist. This lets you have two free hands and offers more balance. Your hands can be used to dispense treats or help to direct the dog if needed. This is also great for runners who like to bring their dog along with them. Begin with these steps to get started and after practicing, you will find doggy success. Tire Them Out There is more to walking a Doodle than simply grabbing the leash and heading out the door. Having an untrained dog full of energy on a leash is just begging for trouble. Exercise your puppy with play out in the backyard beforehand. Toss a ball back and forth and practice fetch. Before throwing the ball, have your dog sit — this allows them to play and get their minds rolling. They know they are rewarded by good behavior when you toss the ball. Before the Walk Now, you want to wait for your puppy to be calm. You want your dog to be completely calm before you leave the house. Once you grab the leash, wait for them to calm down — this may take a while, so be patient. Feel free to put the leash back, wait until they are calm, and then try grabbing it again. If they get amped up again the second they are outdoors, only take them as far as the sidewalk. Then, bring them back inside again. Your puppy needs to learn that calm energy is the right walking energy. Master the Loose Leash The ultimate goal is to have your walking buddy at your side with a loose leash. Yanking and pulling is the main thing you are trying to prevent. You are the pack leader and it is important to establish yourself as such while walking. The first step to training is to always keep a short leash. A leash should be short enough that your arm, wrist, and elbow are relaxed. If your dog begins to stray or starts to sniff, first try sending signals through the leash with gentle taps. This is you reminding them that straying is not allowed. Never yank or pull the dog. Do not move until they come back and the leash loosens up a bit. Once they are waiting and calm, start walking again. Soon they will learn that they can only walk when the parent is walking in their direction of choice. Praise works just as well most of the time! Start your training off in familiar areas like your home or yard. Practice walking through the lawn on a leash. Then head to the front yard, up and down the street or a short loop. Then, graduate them to a larger walk — baby steps are important. Doodle with a training prong collar. Practice Turning Dogs need to learn that they can only go in the direction their doggy parent is taking them in. A good way to instill this in your dog is by practicing turns. Do this activity in a familiar area to get them started. To practice your turns, you want to walk normally with your dog at your side on a short leash. Next, gently step in front of the dog by turning, blocking them with your leg. Practice turning in front of your dog up and down the sidewalk. You will soon notice that your dog will follow your lead no matter which direction you go. Remember, all kinds of obedience training will take a while, even for a smart breed such as a Doodle. Having a controlled walk lets them work both mentally and physically. However, there need to be moments where the dog is allowed to roam a bit. Leash training will help the owner maintain overall control. But, you also need to make sure you give your pup time to do their doggy stuff. This means letting them go to the bathroom and sniffing around. Difficult Dogs Sometimes, no matter how much you try, there are always going to be some difficult dogs. The best advice here is perseverance. Training your dog will definitely test your patience, but the worst thing you can do is give up. Start off small. The fewer distractions the better, so avoid walking during busy parts of the day if possible. Most importantly, be consistent. Ensure that you are following and teaching the same rules and your dog will eventually catch on. Of course, any food-motivated dog can benefit greatly from some treats. Be picky when giving out treats and reward them only when they are calm and looking at you. This is especially important if your dog gets too excited by an approaching dog or person. Related Content. Like most good skills, practice makes perfect - but leash training your 'Doodle is really not difficult! We've broken it down into 4 simple steps - read on to learn how you can teach your 'Doodle to walk on a leash! If your Doodle is still a puppy we recommend buying one that's adjustable as he grows. Find healthy treats your dog loves! Our dogs love these treats from Life's Abundance. Need more treat ideas? Here is a list of healthy snacks you can give your puppy! That's right! Patience is key! Leash Training Step 1: Build Positive Association Before you go off on adventures with your 'Doodle, he should be completely comfortable wearing walking equipment. Introduce the collar and leash, have him wear them for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats. If you plan to use a body harness, introduce it slowly. The goal here is to build positive association, where you you dog thinks that leash-time is fun and exciting! Leash Training Step 2: Practice Recall Besides practicing to have your 'Doodle to come on command, teaching your dog to "come" while on leash is a great way to help prevent pulling or other problems. Practice inside first, where there's fewer distractions. If he comes, back up a few paces, and offer treats or praise when he reaches you. Once your puppy understands, practice the progression until your puppy readily comes and walks with you a few steps. After your 'Doodle seems to have a good grasp on what "come" means indoors, take the practice sessions outside. With more distractions, coming on cue might prove to be a challenge for your pup. But don't give up! A little patience goes far, and any baby step is a success! Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and sweet. Puppies in particular have a short attention spans, and they tire easily, despite their seemingly boundless energy. Practicing throughout the day in short minute intervals will get you much further than one long training session. Leash Training Step 3: Positive reinforcement This step goes hand-in-hand with step 2. Dogs repeat behaviors that earn them rewards, so positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach him to walk nicely on a leash. Positive reinforcement reward-based training is teaching your pup a cue that means, "reward is coming. Whichever one you choose, the method is the same - pick one and stick to it. Make the sound, and wait for your pup to offer you even a tiny second of eye contact or attention—then immediately mark and reward. The more accurate and quick your mark is, the more effective your teaching becomes. Once your 'Doodle has grasped the concept of positive reinforcement training, this method is extremely useful while he's on the leash walking beside you. Practice walking a few steps and stopping and asking for attention. Mark and reinforce for moments of nice leash walking and anytime you stop. This is the first step to a well-behaved dog while out and about. Consistency is the key here! Keep the first walks short. Gradually move from your home to the neighborhood, as your 'Doodle masters the skill. If you are walking, and your puppy starts pulling or getting distracted, make your cue sound and ask for his attention. Be sure to mark and reward when he obeys! Your 'Doodle should be walking steady at your side with a loose leash and no pulling. The method of loose-leash walking is to stop or turn the other way as soon as pup begins to pull. Wait until the leash is slack before continuing, and reward him when he walks next to you. This teaches your dog that pulling is not the way to get anywhere, and walking nicely is the only way to make forward progress. You can also gradually decrease the number of treats you give your puppy during a walk, but do keep some on hand at all times, for rewarding good behavior. Training should be fun for you both! Keep in mind walks are for your 'Doodle's benefit as much as yours! Allow your dog the freedom to do doggy things too such as sniffing, potty breaks, and greeting other dogs. Walking should always be a fun adventure, never a chore! We hope you enjoyed this article! Properly leash training your 'Doodle will set you both up for years of enjoyment plus helps to keep your dog safe when out and about! Love This Post? Share It! Can you buy a pre-trained puppy? Always keep an eye on your pup if he is wearing his leash and never leave him crated with a leash on to avoid him becoming dangerously tangled. This practice of wearing his leash around the home ensures the leash is not some exciting trigger that gets the dog in an excited and distractible headspace before the walk even starts! Once your puppy is used to his harness and leash, you can start with short walks less than 5 minutes outside. Puppies have short attention spans, so once he begins to lose focus, it is time to take a break. Give him the treat every few steps and very slowly lengthen the time he is able to heel without a treat. Once your puppy understands the command to heel, you can practice longer walks. If he begins to pull, simply stop the walk and correct him to heel, sit, or otherwise redirect him in some way. Do not begin walking again until the pup has regained his composure and his focus is on you. It can be slow and tedious, but the consistent training will pay off. Allowing your pup to pull, even if it seems harmless, is reinforcing this behavior. He feels he is pulling to get to whatever interesting thing he wants to see or sniff. You can linger at the fire hydrant for an extra minute or two. Allowing your dog some freedom to sniff and explore will help him enjoy walks and overall build a positive bond between the two of you. He will learn that listening to you and respecting the boundaries of the leash leads to fun exploration, extra sniffs, and the occasional treat! Correcting your dog during leash training and other training activities We have spent some time discussing how to get your dog to do various good behaviors such as going potty outside or heeling on the leash. But how do you appropriately discourage your puppy from unwanted behaviors such as jumping or nipping? It is important to let your dog know when you are displeased with something he is doing so that he can learn proper manners and be a positive addition to your family. First of all, you need to get to know your particular dog. Many doodles are sensitive and intuitive by nature thanks to their Poodle heritage so would be overwhelmed by harsh correction. For example, if your dog jumps to get your attention, simply turn the other way and completely ignore your pup. Another example is nipping, puppies often use this behavior to get your attention and try to instigate play. Giving him something to do to replace these negative behaviors is key to helping him understand what you expect from him. We always recommend starting with the most gentle form of correction. Returning to the case of unwanted jumping, a more stubborn or even more zealous dog may continue jumping over and over again despite being ignored. In this case you may need to up the ante by moving your dog to a different room or otherwise physically separating yourself from him until he settles, and you can try again. It will also likely take more than one try! But be consistent. If you firmly separate your dog each and every time he jumps on you, even the most stubborn pup will learn that he can only be with you when he has all four paws on the ground! The very second he starts going for the pile of shoes, is the moment to correct. Yelling or screaming at your dog is unnecessary. As mentioned previously, some more sensitive dogs will respond to any type of negative verbal command. But if your doodle is a little more resistant, then a louder correction may be helpful. If your dog cowers, then the correction was too strong. In conclusion, it is up to you to teach your puppy what you expect from him. Many doodles respond well to simply ignoring negative behaviors and rewarding positive ones. And finally, redirect your dog by giving him a positive behavior he can perform to replace the misbehavior.
If you are looking for a healthy, home-raised, well socialized Pug Puppy you have come to the right place! We occasionally have home-raised Pug Puppies with Champion Bloodlines and from health tested parents available to approved homes. We strive to produce beautiful, healthy pugs with plenty of wrinkles, that are very well socialized, and have gentle temperaments! Most of the families that have adopted a puppy from us are either return buyers or referrals! We believe this says a lot about us and the puppies that we produce! Even if you are looking to adopt your first pug please contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have! But beware, once you have experienced the pleasure of owning a pug you will want another!!! A little about us: Our family consists of my husband and I, and our two young adult boys. We are located on a beautifully wooded 40 acres in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, just 20 minutes east of Green Bay. We have been breeding PUGS for almost 20 years now and could not imagine our life without them! We share our home with each one of our wonderful puggies! We do not consider them our pets, but members of our family! Thank you for visiting our website and please contact us with any questions you may have. Research your breeder of choice thoroughly. Take part in conversations online about the breeder. A reputable and ethical breeder will have health records for their dogs. Reputable breeders have the pedigree certificates from the AKC proudly listed. If they breed and raise their dogs in a healthy environment, they are bound to be happy and well-tempered. Be prepared to wait a while. For this purpose, they have waiting lists. Sometimes, you may have to pay a premium to be higher on the priority. The breeding schedules of the breeders may govern the availability of the puppies. It would be a wise idea to contact them and enquire about their breeding practice before you list yourself on the waitlist. Remember, the right breeder will prioritize the health and happiness of their dogs and be committed to producing only the best quality puppies. Pugs are prone to several health problems. Some common health issues in Pugs include: Breathing difficulties: Pugs have historically had breathing difficulties. This comes from their short snouts and flat faces. An ethical Pug breeder should prioritize health over this vanity-based malpractice. Eye problems: Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including corneal ulcers and inward-turning eyelids. A good breeder should not breed a dog that already has more of these problems. Skin allergies: Pugs are also known to be prone to skin allergies, which can cause hair loss and infections. A responsible breeder will be happy to share this information. Above all else, they should prioritize the health of their dogs. More Information About Pugs in Wisconsin Pugs are small dogs known for their distinctive wrinkly face and playful personality. They were originally bred in China. They are lovable and very affectionate and love human companionship. They are big people pleasers, so they are a very easy breed to train. But their little hearts are easily broken, so they love to be handled with care and sensitivity. They come in many colors—all black, fawn and black, or silver. They can make a range of expressions; perhaps this makes them so popular amongst dog lovers. They are a small but stocky breed, squared off in the body and full of muscle. With proper care and attention, pugs can live long and happy lives, making them doting family members. Frequently Asked Questions How can you tell if a pug puppy is good quality? Generally if they look skinny, they are not fullbred Pugs. What did pugs used to be called? The Chinese who bred Pugs called them the lo-chiang-sze or the foo dog. Are pugs hard to potty train? These dogs are intelligent but stubborn. Have many breeders to choose from, all of whom have a different breeding program. Some like to produce family dogs, while others focus on show dogs. Choose a breeder with a paper trail of all health tests and screenings performed on your future Pug. The breeder should also be able to provide a guarantee. Remember, Pugs are susceptible to many health problems, particularly breeding issues, due to short snouts. Thus, have meaningful conversations about the breeding program with your prospective breeder before taking the plunge. Take the time to research and find a breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs and maintains ethical breeding practices. Email: sheila kensheipugs. Kenshei Pugs mainly breed for the purposes of producing show dogs, but they do on occasion have puppies available to go to new loving homes. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.
My body is yelling at me and I am now paying attention. New shoulder, new knee, new wrist thumb joint, and a few others. What this means is that I will be reducing the prices on ALL of the puppies that are here after they turn 8 weeks of age and can go home. Every few days I will randomly pick one or more puppies and take several hundred dollars off the price of those puppies. Cast or no, surgery or no, sling, whatever. So, check back often to see the new price on YOUR puppy. Only ONE left! Ritzy is not for sale at this time. Check back soon! Richard Wheeler, has examined each puppy and found them to be very healthy. Ritzy is a very sweet, shy and non-brave at all puppy. She is not outgoing as were her siblings and therefore — still here. I have discouraged many people from taking this puppy because they liked the color of the puppy a lot — and who can blame them? Ritzy needs a quieter home with or without children if children present they would need to be very gentle, quieter, kids. Another, sweet. There are too many things going on here and too many dogs for to focus on instead of people so being in a less chaotic environment should help us unlock the needs and interests of this very beautiful and sweet dog. So — Ritzy is not for sale at this time but I will keep her up here until she is sold. They will make wonderful low-key and undemanding companions to any family wanting a less-active, quiet and easy family dog. Kids, especially quieter kids, will be just fine. All of these puppies present as being very tolerant and toddler-friendly. They have all turned 8 weeks-old on August 1st. Maturing up to 70 pounds or so for the largest puppies, these are big, sturdy companions that will be easy to live with and train because of their super-chill personalities. Let Terry know if you are interested in bringing one of these very sweet puppies into your life. You will not be sorry! Puppy Born April 8th. She is dark apricot with white markings. Call Terry at if interested in one of these beautiful and willing standard poodle puppies. They can go home now as they turned 8 weeks old on Sunday, June 4th. Read their Personality Profiles, below. Jelly Bean Female. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article. High About the Breed Originating in Germany, the Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Also known as Pudelin, Water dog, and Canische in some places, this adorable, curly dog breed is renowned worldwide. The Toy Poodle became part of English history during the 18th century as a miniature to its counterpart the Standard Poodle. These charming and naturally hypoallergenic pooches were created by breeding a petite-sized Poodle with the smallest of the small puppies from new litters. Toy Poodles may be small in size, but they are proud animals. They have a graceful posture and lots of love to give. Appearance and Grooming With dark oval eyes, ears that hang close to their heads, and long straight muzzles these tiny pooches are well-proportioned. Though you never know what color your furry friend will be based on the litter, you can be guaranteed a mix of gorgeous colors including apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige and white. Temperament These sweet and cheerful pooches, though shy at first, love to be around people. It is uncommon for these dogs to exhibit aggressive or protective behaviors, however, if not properly trained or socialized at an early age they may become vocal and anxious. They are sure to adapt well to their new environments and into their owners' hearts quickly. Family and Companionship In general, due to their kind and gentle nature, Mini and Toy Poodle puppies are great family dogs. They are protective and loving when it comes to their family. However, due to their tiny frame, Toy Poodles are not the best Poodle for children, since they are small and fragile. These companion dogs adapt quickly to their environment and do well in large family homes or in small apartment settings. Exercise Though they are small, Miniature poodles and Toy Poodles are active dogs that require a daily walk and indoor play. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. Training and Socialization These toy-size pups are highly intelligent and highly responsive making them one of the most trainable breeds. With patience and practice, these dogs will become well-trained and well-behaved dogs. Plenty of socialization is vital to the Toy Poodle puppy starting at a young age as it fills them with the confidence they need around people and other pets. Our Mini and Toy Poodle puppies for sale receive a start in early socialization. Our Puppy Agents and Poodle breeders interact with the puppies daily to ensure their transition to your home is smooth. The puppies and their parents also go through regular genetics health tests to ensure they are healthy and happy. Our reputable breeders are held to the highest standards. Frequently Asked Questions How big do Poodles get? Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The Standard measures over 15 inches at the shoulder and most are in the ? The Miniature measures between 10 and 15 inches at the shoulder and most are in the ? The Toy measures 10 inches and under at the shoulder. How much grooming do Poodles require? Poodles should be brushed a minimum of once per week with regular scheduled grooming appointments have 5 to 6 weeks. What is the lifespan of a Poodle? The average lifespan of a healthy Poodle is between 12 to 14 years. Are Poodles intelligent? In fact, they are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds ever. My Poodle is a color that I have never seen before. Does this mean it is mixed? Not necessarily. There are many different color poodles and some even with pattern. Multicolor Poodles are just as purebred as a solid color Poodle. Are Poodles hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic and the Poodle is no exception. Although Poodles shed very little they can still trigger an allergic reaction in some people from the fur, dander or even the saliva. What is the difference between Moyen and Standard Poodles? The term Moyen is the French word for medium or intermediary. It just means that these Poodles are small sized standards. In other countries, this size is considered the forth size of poodles but, in here in the United States, these dogs are recognized as standards that are simply smaller, usually between 16" and 20" tall and up to 40 lbs. Does the Poodle have a lot of health problems? Like any breed of dog, Poodles can experience certain health issues, however this breed is known for living long and healthy lives. Common health concerns arise as a dog begins to age, and common ailments for a Poodle include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Keep in mind that their size can make a big difference in health issues. Toys and Miniatures are at greater risk for joint-related issues. Standard poodles, however, are more likely to experience bloat, or GDV, a big-dog health concern. What is the temperament of a Poodle? Poodles are highly recognized for their intelligence and ease of training. They are active, energetic and fun-loving dogs that thrive on attention and are always eager to play. They will live long happy lives as long as they are given plenty of exercise and stimulation. They get along great with children and other pets and make excellent companions and family dogs. They are also great sportsman dogs that excel in hunting and love to swim. Where did the Poodle originate? The Poodle is often recognized as being a descendant of France, but they actually are of German origin. The Poodle breed became "set" in type in the s, and is named from the German "pudel" meaning puddle or splash. What color coat do Poodles have? Many people think that the Poodle only comes in neutral tones like white, black or brown, but they actually can also come in apricot, blue, cream, gray, red, silver, and beige. They can even come in bicolor patterns. What does it mean to have a purebred Poodle? An individual animal, bred from parents of the same breed or variety is called a purebred. This means that your purebred Poodle was bred by parents that are also both purebred Poodles. Is there a reason Poodles get groomed with strange haircuts? Today it is just a style. Years ago when these dog were bred and used for working dogs, they would cut the hair on the Poodle's hindquarters, making it easier for them to swim. The Poodle's hair around its lungs and heart remained long to provide protection from cold weather. Are Poodles sociable animals? Yes, very much so. Poodles love to be in the company of others and they prefer the company of people over other dogs. Poodle Reviews. This website was updated except Newsletter — which is whenever I have time… on September 6th. We ALREADY practice the cleaning protocols necessary to stay virus-free and to keep our puppies, clients and family members safe — not only from COVID, but from any other virus that may be brought unintentionally onto the premises. Virus prevention is a way of life here. It always has been and it always will be. Bringing certain fairly common viruses onto the property can kill every puppy on the premises. It is something that is always forefront in our minds. And, more importantly — we have been using them. Please Read. Powder Valley Poodles wants to protect you against fraudulent scam artists preying on innocent consumers. Please be aware that not all websites you will find that sell puppies are real. There are many websites out there — some on the first pages of your search — that are complete scams. The people have stolen pictures, text and testimonials from reputable breeders such as Powder Valley Poodles and put them together to form web sites that entice people to place deposits on puppies. They call themselves by the first names of the reputable breeders whose websites they are stealing. My Testimonials from my very happy poodle puppy and doodle puppy buyers appear ALL OVER the internet as testimonials within scam websites in order to convince people that they are dealing with a reputable breeder. But, there are no poodles. There are no puppies. They take your credit card information or money order and that is the end of their involvement with the client. These are not breeders. These are Cyber scam artists. How do you tell the difference between a real breeder and the con artists? The real breeders will have a physical address. An address that you can contact the post office in their town to see if the address is real and if the names they provide go with that address. Con artists typically have only a post office box. Con artists also typically will communicate only by texting or email. A genuine, reputable breeder wants to TALK to the people potentially buying a puppy. Most reputable breeders are the same way. I want to make sure these people will provide a good home for my puppy. Also, con artists are frequently operating out of foreign countries. They may have a foreign email address and if you do speak with one they may have a foreign accent. Know that we do have the authorities working on stopping these criminals but it is difficult and for law enforcement a fairly low priority. Since I was first made aware of this problem over a year ago when one of my clients saw her testimonial to me on another web site there has been no progress in stopping the scams. Make sure the breeder you are contemplating has a REAL physical address and will speak to you by telephone. Ask MANY questions. Be a savvy consumer. Be safe. Be aware and insure that you are dealing with a reputable, and real, dog breeder. We also offer all sizes of goldendoodles, from the tiny 6 pound micro goldendoodle to our much bigger 65 to 75 lb. The quieter, non-shedding perfect lap dog. No matter what the breed — Powder Valley Poodles puppies are the very best dogs available. We guarantee it! Although you can pay a whole lot more for a puppy somewhere else, you simply will not find a better dog for your family. Our dogs are loyal, long-lived and people-oriented. They are playful, affectionate, and healthy. They are the perfect family dog, companion and Service Dog. We are not a large multi-dog kennel. Our dogs live in the house with us and our puppies are born in the house and generally are not outside unless we are outside with them. They are raised with other dogs, large and small, cats, and children. Please enjoy these photos of some of our dogs and puppies over the years!
akc golden retriever puppies pa - This is a training method whereby good behavior is rewarded and so the dog wishes to repeat it to get a treat. Bad behavior, on the other hand, is either ignored or acknowledged with a brief verbal rebuke or other non-violent means of showing your displeasure. The idea behind this is to provide your dog with information that it chose the wrong action. This might be food, a special toy, or just praising it. Even fussy eaters have something they love to eat that is a special treat for them. The trick is to find this treat. Try morsels of different foods, such as cheese, hotdog sausage, steak, chicken, or a commercial training treat, until you find one the dog really loves. You are going to use this treat as your pup's reward. Pippa Mattinson. This way you will be ready to reward the dog's good behavior throughout the day. Be careful not to overfeed the dog however. When using treats, cut back on your pup's daily food ration at mealtimes so as to compensate for the extra calories represented by the treats. Another factor to be aware of is that giving treats every time the dog does good can make it lazy, as the dog assumes it will get a treat. Once it learns to work for treats, make the reward intermittent, such as every fourth or fifth rewardable action, so that the dog stays on his or her best behavior to earn that reward. Training your dog to be a good canine citizen means helping it to be confident in different places, and with different people and other animals. This will help make your pet well-adjusted and able to adapt to various situations without displaying anxiety. Puppies have a socialization period where they learn more rapidly, so take advantage of this by taking your puppy to visit other people and carry the puppy alongside roads so she can get used to the sound of traffic and the such like. This window of opportunity closes at 18 weeks, after which the dog continues to learn but more slowly. Bonnie Beaver. Saunders Though adult toy poodles are trainable, it is much easier to teach younger dogs before bad behavior issues arise. Maintain this schedule for at least three weeks before decreasing the number of potty breaks. Establishing good habits takes time, but consistency will teach your pup to trust and depend on you. Use a Leash Using a leash during potty training kills two birds with one stone. But, you can also use these short sessions to reinforce leash training by giving treats for staying close, not pulling, and for walking in a straight line. Pro tip: Even if you have a fenced-in backyard, teach your dog to go potty along the fence line or near bushes. Pooping in low-foot traffic areas will save you and houseguests from stepping in poop in the future. While praise is a reward in itself your dog just wants to make you happy, after all , treats are an excellent motivator. Take your pup to a dog-friendly indoor place. Common dog-friendly locales include: Pet stores Farm supply and feed stores Breweries and wineries Make sure to bring clean-up supplies in the event of an accident poop bags, paper towels, and Clorox wipes. Let your pup relieve themselves outside before you go inside, walk your pup around the store while reinforcing and rewarding good leash behavior , and take them back outside just in time for another potty break. Plus, you can get in some valuable leash training and socialization time. A chocolate Toy Poodle eating from a ceramic bowl Potty Pads are Your Friend During the first few weeks of puppy parenthood, accidents are inevitable. In the meantime, place potty pads in strategic locations around the house. Regular treats can be high-calorie, and even cut into small pieces, they can still be pretty calorie-dense. Create and Maintain a Safe Space Before you bring your pup home for the first time, make sure they have a safe space to sleep, get comfortable, eat, and play with their toys in peace. Provide treats for going inside, and begin closing the door for short periods to acclimate them to the space. This early reinforcement is critical for: Reinforcing that their crate is a safe space That being alone is okay Start small: Leave your pup in their safe space for five minutes three times per day and at bedtime on the first day. Repeat this for a second day, and increase the sessions by five minutes every other day until your dog can calmly and without accidents stay in its crate for an hour. But, the time spent is worth every minute: After a few weeks of intensive training, your pup will be a seasoned master of outside potty breaks! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean These two objectives require that your pet or toy poodle be house-trained. It may take a little time, but you can potty train your dog so that your home remains healthy and clean all the time. To learn how to achieve this goal, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about so you can effectively train your pet and keep your house nice and clean. Tips to Potty Train Your Poodle 1. Create a Potty Schedule— Make sure to have this schedule reach at least four times and keep strictly to the schedule so your dog will learn what it is supposed to do. These 4 sessions should last between 15 and 20 minutes. Since a dog can hold their bladder one hour for each month of life approx. You should expect some accidents to happen from time to time. Try a Litter Box— This method is not that hard, and you can put the litter box in a small room so that your pup does not have a lot of options available other than that box. Make sure to praise and reward your pet when they successfully use the litter box. Use a Bell— Because the poodle species is very intelligent, you can teach them to ring a bell every time they need to go outside. That way you can hear the bell and respond quicker than if they just whined or sat by the door. Just be ready to hear that bell ring often as your poodle may use it to tell you they want to go outside and play or go for a walk. Use the Same Command- This is essential to potty train your pet. They will associate that command with the exact spot they are to go to the bathroom. Use the command when you take them to the same spot every training session. Make sure to reward him or her when they obey and do this task right. Go Potty is a Good Command to Use— Keep the command simple and one your pet can understand and learn quickly. Then when he or she responds correctly, praise and reward them with a nice treat and a few good boys or good girl words. Just be patient as potty training is not an overnight task or something that will be done in a day or two. Use Praise and Rewards— This is vital when you are training your pet to go outside or in a litter box. Rewarding them reinforces positive behavior and lets them know they did it right. The key here is not to give him or her lots of rewards at one time. You want them to remain slim and healthy. Walk Your Dog— This is to be done after they have had their meal or have taken a drink. They will get used to this activity and learn where they are to go to the bathroom and when. You may have to wait about 20 or 30 minutes afterwards as it does take your toy poodle some time to process their food and water. Use a Crate— This is a trick used by many dog owners and it seems to be very effective in training your dog to go potty where they are supposed to. Dogs, especially poodles, do not like going to the bathroom near their beds so this is a handy tool too. Make sure to take them to their designated bathroom area for them to relieve themselves. Stay Consistent— You do not want to do random training, use random commands, or random bathroom areas. You need to remain consistent, use the same commands, the same spot, and the same time frames to effectively train your pet. If a mistake is made in the house, show him or her where they are supposed to go. Be gentle but firm in your punishment. You need to kill those odors so that your puppy does not return to the same spot and use it again. Use odor-killing products to eliminate those smells and teach your pet to go in the right spot. Some Final Words Like anything else worth doing, you will need to take your time, be patient and reinforce your training. Do not overly punish when mistakes happen but teach them that those areas are not to be used. Then remind them where they are supposed to go. Be consistent and use the same technique every training session until your pet learns what they are to do. Once they learn, your efforts will be rewarded. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more » Bringing home a new poodle, whether an adult or a puppy, is an exciting and life-changing adventure. Potty training is a long process that requires patience and commitment. The key to successfully housebreaking your new puppy is positive reinforcement and consistency. With a little help from your friends here at Hepper, your poodle can be fully potty trained in just a few months. Keep reading to find our tips on how to make the potty training process as easy as possible for both you and your pooch. Before 12 weeks, puppies are still developing the muscles they need to hold their urine and feces. After your poodle reaches 3 months of age, you can increase the intervals to the same number of hours as their age in months. Your goal for potty training should be to go above and beyond by instilling in them the importance of eliminating in a designated area. Choose somewhere in your yard where your pup can feel safe and somewhere that will be accessible in all seasons. The corner of your lot by the fence might be okay in the summer, but will your poodle want to wade through the snow to get there in the winter? Take them to the same spot every time you take them outside to go potty. Put your dog on a leash whenever you take them outside to the bathroom. Reward, Never Punish Praise and rewards go a long way with any animal. While praise and words of encouragement are rewards themselves, treats are one of the best training tools you should have in your potty training arsenal. When your poodle eliminates in the appropriate place, offer praise and a reward immediately. You can also begin implementing clicker training at this point by marking the positive action urination or defecation with a click and then a treat. Punishment is never an acceptable training method. Outdated techniques recommend hitting your dog with a newspaper, raising your voice at them and telling them how bad they are, or rubbing their face in their own urine or defecation. Dogs do not associate these harmful behaviors with doing something wrong. All punishment does is teach your puppy to be afraid of you. You may not be able to smell the remains with your human nose, but you can best bet your pup can. These can be purchased from any pet store and will be your best friend as you wade through the challenges that potty training a puppy can present. You can even try creating your own at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand, like white vinegar and baking soda. Not only does it permanently remove the very worst smells and stains yes, everything you can imagine! Click here to get yourself a bottle. Approach Potty Pads Carefully Potty pads can be a useful potty training tool in some situations. Allowing your puppy to use a potty pad inside your home can cause confusion about where it is appropriate to eliminate, dragging out the potty training process. If you must use potty pads, designate one area of your home where your puppy can relieve itself and put the pads there. You might put down several pads at first but then begin to reduce the number you lie down as your puppy gets used to this area being their spot to eliminate. Make sure you take them to the potty pads often to help them connect the dots that they are to be used for peeing and pooping. Constant Supervision Constant supervision is one of the essential parts of successful potty training. Some dogs will be able to hold it longer than others, and some will need to go to the bathroom whenever they play or get too excited. The most common signs your dog needs to pee or poop include: Sniffing around. Poodle Puppy House Training Overview While housebreaking a puppy may feel like a huge obstacle that is time-consuming at best and an undertaking that may fail at worst, there are definitely things that you can do to set your Poodle puppy up for success for potty training. There are 2 main elements: Having a clear plan in mind that will encourage a pup to learn quickly Having reasonable expectations based on the age of your Poodle In this section, we will go over all of the important steps for effective and fast training. Age to House Train This is most certainly not something that you will want to put off. Whether you have a brand-new Poodle puppy or an older, adopted dog that needs to learn, it is best to begin right away. Every day that this is not taught, is another day that the dog has wrong information about what to do and this just in and of itself will make housebreaking harder. Keep in mind that new puppies should not be brought outside to public areas or even your yard if there is a chance that other dogs have been there until the full rounds of puppy vaccinations are complete. Each vet schedule is slightly different; however, in general this is done by about the 4 month mark. If you are not sure, check with your vet. Having a Housebreaking Plan It's not uncommon for a puppy to pee or have a bowel movement with very little warning. And without a plan in place, this is when you'll see owners scrambling and picking up the pup while he dribbles urine as he's being carried out the door. While you will not catch every accident, you really will have much better success when you and all members of the family have a clear potty training plan in place. We would suggest reviewing what is needed, obtaining all of the necessities to be properly prepped, and then beginning. What is Needed Before You Begin There are a few things that you will need in order for housebreaking to be successful: 1 A supervision method. This is vital. Puppies or dog that have free rein in the house will be exceptionally hard to train. When you are home and are able to have your Poodle right by your side, use the tethering method. This means that your Poodle will be wearing a harness not a collar, since this can cause neck injury and will be on leash. The leash should be short and it should have a soft-looped handle, so that you can weave this through your belt loop or slip it over your wrist. When you are not home, or if you are home but cannot keep your Poodle near you, you'll need to keep your puppy or dog in a defined, secure area. Crates are not recommended; these are terribly confining and can cause a dog to feel both physically and emotionally stressed. Furthermore, they do not help with housebreaking; a dog will pee and poo when they need to. Gating off an entire room is also not recommended. This is too large of an area to do really do anything, and therefore there will still be pee and poo everywhere. One of the best methods is to use an indoor canine playpen. These are sturdy, open-top pens that allow a Poodle to move around, play, have all his favorite belongings food, water, toys, bed , but also keep messes contained. As a side note, these are great for separation anxiety, as they offer a secure 'den' that keeps all of a Poodle's aids right by them. And, these are perfect for the teething phase to keep a Poodle puppy from chewing apart the house. Recommended playpens to help with house training are below. These can be found with or without doors, and range from 24" ideal for toy and miniature Poodles to 48" better for standards, especially if continued to be used as the puppy grows. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Giving a Poodle incentive to do something applies to potty training, perhaps, more than it does with any other single action. Once something is a learned behavior, it become automatic though it is still nice to reinforce good behavior now and again. For housebreaking to happen quickly, you need to 1 give super-happy praise and simultaneously 2 offer the right type of reward. The training treat should be: New - It should not be something that you give to your Poodle for regular snacks. If you've found a great, all-natural and healthy snack that you'd like to keep giving, see if it comes in a different flavor. Small - House training treats need to be small. A puppy needs immediate satisfaction, and you cannot achieve this with something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Extra flavorful - It should be appealing to a Poodle sense of smell and sense of taste, offering a burst of flavor that will encourage the desire for more. And 'more' can only happen when the Poodle goes to the bathroom in the right area. Below are our top recommended training treats. And on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. Dogs that are simply brought 'outside' for bathroom needs rarely have a good, clear understanding of what is expected. If they are out there long enough, they may very well go to the bathroom. However, your goal should be going above this and instilling the full concept of having one area for urination and elimination needs. Choose the area wisely; what may seem like a great spot in the summer may not work well in the winter. The bathroom area should be close to the home, not a spot that is used for anything else play area, gardening, etc. Within the chosen area, allow your Poodle to choose the exact spot that he prefers. Dogs that have a choice learn much faster and are more eager to follow the rules. It is best to stand in the middle of the area with your puppy on a 6 to 8 foot leash. Allow him to circle around and, sniff. Some will then need time for the bladder to relax or for the bowel muscles to push out stool. Since young puppies have weak bladder and bowel muscles, they can often pee or poo with very little warning. Whatever you need in order to bring your Poodle outside should be ready at the exit door. This will include a pair of shoes, an appropriate coat or jacket depending on the weather, clothing for your Poodle - should there be a need, an umbrella in case it is raining, a leash and even a book or magazine to thumb though while you wait. For the times that you are home, you will want to bring your Poodle to the designated area at the following times: First thing in the morning Any time right after the puppy wakes up from a nap Every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old, every 4 hours for a 4 month old, etc. It would certainly make things easier if dogs understood what we were saying when we spoke full sentences after they did something that we didn't approve of. However, puppies that are rewarded for good deeds and quietly forgiven for accidents are able to pick up what the owner wishes for without any scolding. Please remember that you want your Poodle to respect you, not fear you. And while it may feel good to release a bit of steam if you find a puddle of pee, yelling or acting frustrated will only confused and stress a puppy that really has no idea why you are upset. Dogs learn best when they can associate a word with an action. So, you'll want everyone in the house to be in agreement as to which word s will be used for housebreaking. It's best to keep it short, and have it be something that you do not feel uncomfortable saying in public. You will use this as you head outside 'Do you need to go potty? While some puppies will instantly pee or poo, others need time. Owners that only give the pup only a few minutes may have trouble with the training. Since 5 minutes can feel like 20 if you are bored, cold or otherwise uncomfortable or antsy, plan ahead. Have an outdoor chair located right in the middle of the bathroom area and plan ahead to check your mail or email during these times. It is recommended to give the puppy a good 15 minutes and if you just know that a bowel movement is due, give it .While on this note, one of the biggest problems that owners encounter is when a puppy won't pee in his spot no matter how long there, but will pee as soon as being brought back inside. A good tip to fix this, should it happen often, is hold him after you come back inside he won't pee on you ; then head back out in about 10 minutes. While young Poodles need to be taken out often see above , if they are kept on that schedule as they mature, they will not have an opportunity to learn to hold their needs and bladder and bowel muscles will not strengthen as they otherwise would. As you puppy grows older, stretch out the periods of time in between taking him out. While the carpet may look clean after you scrub it with dish soap and a sturdy brush, soap does not eliminate enzymes that are in urine. And those lingering enzymes you won't smell these, but your Poodle will essentially scream 'This is the bathroom area! So, all areas that have been pee'd or poo'd on need to be cleaned with an enzyme cleanser. Puppies are terrific at making whining noises and barking in the middle of the night, without letting us know if they need to go to the bathroom or are just bored and wanting some attention. If a puppy pees and poos before bedtime, it is far more likely that he wants your company as opposed to having a real need. However, it is always best to be safe than sorry. The important element is that this be done in a very serious manner without any play or other interaction. Keep lights low, bring your Poodle puppy directly to his spot, wait the allotted time without speaking other than praise if the deed is done and then bring him right back. A puppy will soon learn that barking for attention at night does not bring about any interaction that would seem worthy of making a fuss but that alerting you in regard to bathroom needs does result in praise and a quick treat. It's a common occurrence for owners to bring their Poodle for a walk in the neighborhood and just let the puppy go to the bathroom along the way. However, this is a missed opportunity for a house training lesson. Bring your Poodle to his spot first and then bring him for his exercise. Housebreaking Exact Steps This is exactly how to bring your Poodle out, what to say, and what to do: 1. Head outside with your Poodle on leash and harness, saying your chosen phrase Let's go potty , and with the training treats in a small zipped plastic bag, kept in your pocket. Lead your Poodle directly to the designated bathroom area, repeating the phrase. Stand in the middle of the designated area, allowing your Poodle to roam within the diameter and sniff around. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. If your Poodle pees or poos, without completely distracting your pup, mark the action with your chosen word said in a happy tone, You're going potty. During this time, be reaching for the training treat. As soon as your Poodle is done, bend to his level, give great praise in a super-enthusiastic voice Good potty, oh, you are such a good dog! If your Poodle had a bowel movement, and you believe that there may be a urination need, remain outside for an additional 5 minutes. A Final Word While you will need a bit of patience during this time, with a good plan and lots of enthusiasm from you, your Poodle puppy should be completely house trained with a few months. After you feel that he is fully trained, be sure to still bring him out often enough, and continue to offer praise to reinforce the lessons that have been learned. How to Stop a Poodle From Marking - Both males and females may display territorial marking, and this is a separate issue than housebreaking. Learn why dogs do this, and exactly how to stop it. The Best Type of Toys for a Poodle - If you think of toys as tools, you'll see that certain ones can help with a range of issues. See the top toys for teething, treat-release, chewing, boredom, and as aids when home alone. Giving a Poodle a Bath - Great tips and advice for successful baths that are beneficial to skin and coat. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Related posts: 1. Start by putting the toy poodle on a strict potty schedule: A schedule is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to training your toy poodle. You want to go for at least 4 training sessions per day, with each session lasting about minutes. Give your toy poodle some time in between each session to rest and eat, but make sure that he will be able to hold his bladder during all 4 training sessions. On average, a toy poodle can hold its bladder for up to one hour depending on its age and health condition. However, you have to be prepared for accidents at any time while your dog is still young and learning. Toy Poodle Litter Box Training: The easiest way to teach your toy poodle where to potty is by using a litter box in the beginning. You can teach your toy poodle to use the litter box by taking him to the same spot in your garden or backyard every time before you let him out. Use a bell system for toy poodle potty training: Toy poodles are very smart and will quickly learn to ring a bell when they want to go outside. You can put a bell on your door so that your toy poodle knows where to go when he wants to get out of the house. You can buy an actual dog doorbell that attaches to your front door for this purpose. Once your toy poodle learns how to ring the bell, he will most likely start doing it on his own when he needs to go outside and potty. Start by taking your toy poodle to the same spot in the garden every time before you allow him to potty. Each time, take one of his toys or a treat and present it to your dog when he finishes his business. Slowly, over the course of several weeks, increase the distance between yourself and your toy poodle. This will teach him that when you have a treat or a toy and go to the same spot, he is expected to eliminate it. When he finally decides to eliminate, praise him loudly so that he associates the command with the appropriate action. By establishing a strict schedule, using a bell system, and gradually training your toy poodle to understand the go-potty command, you can effectively teach your dog where to potty. Give your dog plenty of praise and treats for going outside to go potty: When your toy poodle finally makes the right decision, remember to reward him with praise and tasty treats. Make sure you are praising your dog every time he eliminates in the correct spot so that he associates this behavior with receiving attention. Reward your toy poodle regardless and he will learn to make the right decision on his own instead of waiting for punishments. Always take your dog out for a walk after eating or drinking: Once your toy poodle has learned where to go potty, you should still take him out for a walk after he has either eaten or drank water. This helps your dog eliminate a little more and can speed up the process. Use a crate for toy poodle potty training: Some toy poodles will do better if they have their own space to go potty in, even before you teach them where exactly that spot should be. A crate is a good way to quickly teach your dog that this is his potty space. After you have accumulated enough positive experience going outside with your puppy, try giving him a small treat before you let him out of the crate and take him to the same spot in your garden or backyard. Most toy poodles will quickly learn where to go potty and will stop making mistakes. If your dog makes a mistake in the house, immediately take him outside and show him where he should eliminate. Clean up accidents as soon as possible: Toy poodles are clean animals and will do their best to avoid going potty in the same spot twice. If your dog does make a mistake, immediately clean up the area with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any traces of odor that might encourage your dog to go again in this spot. Conclusion: Toy poodles are naturally clean and will not soil their living space. For this reason, they can be litter box trained relatively easily with a few strategies to help them learn where to go potty outside the house. Our experts at Dog Training and Behavior have compiled tips from professional trainers in order for you to successfully teach your pup all about going outside instead of inside! Related posts:.
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akc golden retriever puppies pa - Hello Welcome Our mission is simple: To love and care for each and every lab puppy just like we would want someone to take care of ours and to produce healthy lab puppies for sale. We only have healthy and happy lab puppies. If you have been searching for that perfect lab puppy. We would like for your search to be over and welcome home a Mabry Lab for your next puppy. Come to beautiful Southern Illinois and pick out your new best friend. All puppies are raised in a large area, no small cages. They are housed in a large climate controlled home built for them. This is not in a garage or back room of a home. This is made just for them so they can be raised safely. This also keeps our mothers calm and relaxed to help make wonderful calm puppies. We introduce them to other puppies and adults. Highly socialized with people. Someone is always here with them. They have toys and blankets. There is an onsite laundry area so that every thing is cleaned multiple times a time. Introduced to loud noises. Raised with puppy culture to promote happy and well secure babies. We always will be improving to remain the best labrador retriever breeder of yellow, black and chocolate lab puppies. Our labradors are health tested. Please, visit our page on genetic testing to find out more information on what genetically we can prevent in our lab puppies for. About Us Experienced Breeders If you have been searching for that perfect lab puppy. Our adults are provided with an inside area with toys, beds and excellent vet care. A radio plays for them as well. Most prefer to lay up on their Kuranda beds most of the time with their toys or play with a friend. They get their areas cleaned at a minimum of four times a day and disinfectant is used twice a day. Adults get treats, vitamins and are fed daily with a probiotic added for health. We have natural and artificial lighting as well. The dogs even have their own washing machine to clean blankets, toys and towels daily. Dogs are walked, given access to the pond when weather allows for swimming, let out to run in the open yard, play fetching and work on obedience training. Favorite thing of most is to find a human and crawl into their laps. Yes, our labs even come into our home and crawl into our chairs and onto the couch. Adults are treated monthly for worms, and provided vaccines as recommended by the vet. Once you see a dog with EIC or CNM you will understand why we test our labs to make sure our puppies will never be affected by these diseases that can be prevented by selective breeding. A Furever Friend If you want a Labrador retriever with brains and beauty then look no longer as you have found the right place. We breed healthy and happy puppies. A lab puppy can be your best friend and even a hunting buddy. We hope to see you in the future when you pick out your Furever Friend. Thank you for looking at our labrador puppies for sale. We treat all our animals humanely and ethically. Our animals are part of our family, they are treated very well. You won't find another breeder that does what we do here. Some have been trying to replicate how we raise our labs, but none have come close to doing it yet. Someone is always here with the puppies making sure they are doing well. Training and play time is an everyday thing, so when you call you may have to leave a message. We keep up with our puppies in their new homes. We have places on the internet just for our owners to access information and ask questions about our lab puppies for sale. There is over acres with a large lake for the puppies and adults to get out on. We study our genetics very closely and strive to send home excellent puppies. Learn More You won't find another breeder out there that cares more about the puppies then Mabry Labs. We work hard on socialization and health. Raising black, yellow and chocolate lab puppies. Lab puppies available for deposit. Click on photos to learn about the litter. Contact Us. So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. They make great family dogs, which is why they are often adopted as companion animals. Due to their increasing popularity, there are many Labrador Retriever breeders throughout the United States, including in Missouri. PetKeen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. The 9 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Missouri 1. Labradors is an experienced breeder. They used to offer training and boarding but have recently retired. Now, they only offer breeding in a limited capacity. They focus mostly on producing show dogs, though many of their dogs are hunting champions too. All their puppies have their first set of shots before being sent to their new homes. They have also been dewormed. They do take deposits to hold your spot in line. They encourage their customers to come and meet their puppies multiple times before picking one out. Their puppies receive all the necessary shots and deworming before being sent home. They are also microchipped and health cleared by a vet. All their puppies come with a 1-year health guarantee. They are also a part of the Missouri Pet Association. All their dogs are tested for various medical conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, and centronuclear myopathy. Plus, all breeding dogs have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA hip clearances, which lowers the chance that their puppies will end up with hip dysplasia later. They also breed Labrador puppies in some of the rarer colorations, such as silver, charcoal, and champagne. They are not the most active breeder, generally only having a litter or two a year. Their puppies are a bit expensive. However, they do provide all the necessary DNA testing for their breeding dogs and provide the necessary vaccinations and health care for their puppies. They only produce about one litter a year. However, they have been breeding for over 3 decades. Their dogs are primarily working animals, with strong retrieving and pointing lineage. They primarily specialize in chocolate labs. Typically, they do not have other colors available. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University .Visit our Facebook page for more pics! Louis, and Indianapolis to name just a few. All of our lab puppies in Chicago and St. Louis for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our Labrador retrievers in St. Louis to ensure that we are only producing healthy Labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well-loved, and well-cared-for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We operate quite a bit differently than the majority of other breeders. We hold a VERY high standard here in regards to health, conformation and temperament. We always have a goal in mind when we perform a breeding. Those breeders are not breeding to better the Labrador breed or produce quality, well-bred lab puppies, they are simply producing puppies to sell and make a profit from. We own mostly females here and we use outside males stud service to cover our females. This gives us a huge advantage when choosing the perfect male for a particular female. Each female will need something different in a mate and using one male will not be sufficient for every female if a breeder is true to themselves and is breeding for a purpose. For example, you have a chocolate female but she is lacking in something whether it be coat, bone, length of leg, too long of loin, carries her tail too high, eye color is too light, etc. She is going to need a specific male to help improve those imperfections. If you have one or even a couple of males on your property and none of them have what your female needs, you are not doing the breed any justice by mating two dogs together that do not compliment each other correctly. Breeding correctly and responsibly can be very complicated, stressful and very expensive. Another important thing to consider is health testing. Do you know the genetics of your female and your male? Is one or the other or maybe both of them carriers of a certain genetic disease? Will you be producing affected lab puppies by mating these two dogs together? Genetic testing is extremely important and necessary! We specialize in producing lab puppies from high quality show lines which are commonly known as the English Labrador Retrievers. We have also been blessed with some exceptionally well bred American Labrador Retrievers which can be referred to as field labs. All of our lab puppies for sale are loved unconditionally from the minute they are born up until the day they join their new families. As a responsible and reputable lab breeder in Illinois, we genetically health test all of our labrador retrievers to ensure that we are only producing healthy labrador puppies for sale. If you are looking to add a happy, healthy, well loved and well cared for lab puppy to your family, you have come to the right place! We would love for you to join our lab puppy family and see for yourself why we are one of the best Labrador breeders in Illinois. We have chocolate, black and yellow puppies available now as well as some older pups! We only produce lab puppies in the 3 recognized colors by the american kennel club and labrador retriever club. We are dedicated to improving and protecting the labrador retriever breed. If you love labrador retrievers and would like to bring one into your family, you have come to the right place! Louis and Chicago are a popular choice for individuals who need companionship, active families, hunters and also for the serious competitor.