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Be wary of significantly low prices, as this usually indicates a puppy mill or backyard breeder. We recommend asking around for local breeders that can prove their experience and credibility, including being able to see the facilities and records of the dogs being bred. The bear coat is the coarsest and shortest coat, which can surprisingly cause hives due to its sandy texture. The brush coat is longer and softer than the horse coat, while the bear coat is the longest and fluffiest. Although not proven as a fact, there is a theory about their coats: some believe that the shorter the coat, the more dominant the temperament. In , a German Shepherd named Buddy was officially recognized as a service dog for the blind. Buddy was trained at a school in Switzerland. The service dog training school become so successful that another one was opened in the United States, still training blind service dogs to this day. Some German Shar-Pei dogs are suspicious of strangers, so introducing them to people while young is important. They require a dog owner who either has dealt with big dogs in the past or has experience with Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. The best way to get an idea is to look at the German Shepherd and the Chinese Shar-Pei temperaments: German Shepherd comes from herding and guarding backgrounds, mentally sharp dogs with a working dog temperament. They are obedient dogs that enjoy work and training but will only follow a handler that is relaxed and confident. GSDs can be animal aggressive and same-sex dog aggressive, depending on the bloodlines and socialization. Requiring hours of exercise, German Shepherds can be great dogs for active families that have lots of space in the home. Chinese Shar-Pei dogs prefer the company of their families, bonding closely with them and being affectionate with them. Sometimes a challenge to train, Chinese Shar-Pei are quick to shut down if pushed too far. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While they can be playful and enjoy some rough-housing, Shar-Pei dogs like to have their quiet time and may get moody with rambunctious children. Also, younger children may not understand how to be gentle, which could lead to a German Shar-Pei snarling or even snapping if pushed too far. On the flip side, German Shar-Pei dogs are protective of their families and will usually watch over the household. They may be protective of the children if unfamiliar people and children are around, especially in larger crowds. German Shar-Pei dogs may not be the best choice for your household if you plan on having lots of social gatherings in your house, but it depends on the individual dog in the end. Shar-Pei dogs were once pit-fighting dogs, while German Shepherds are herding dogs that tend to have animal aggressive tendencies. Also, German Shepherds have high prey drives, so smaller pets could be a possible trigger. A Shepherd Pei usually has a short coat with a distinct amount of skin folds on the head and shoulders. This hybrid is confident, brave, intelligent, curious, and loyal. A German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix makes a very good household companion. A Shepherd Pei is highly curious and intelligent; thus, it may be difficult for first-time owners of this hybrid to tame this breed. However, sufficient training and mental stimulation can keep a Shepherd Pei occupied. The personality, physical characteristics, social behavior, and temperament of a German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix may vary a lot. However, it can be expected that a Shepherd Pei will be a source of great joy for everyone. It is believed, though, that the idea of crossing these two canines emerged from the demand for designer dogs. German Shepherd dogs were particularly bred as working dogs in Germany in the late 19th century. They were excellent shepherding dogs, gathering and guarding livestock. Today, they are also well known for their service to perform K9 functions due to their natural abilities that fit the role. Shar-Peis , on the other hand, have been in existence in China since BC, making them an ancient Chinese dog breed. They came close to extinction in the s but were eventually revived and recognized by the AKC in .Today, the hybrid of these two, the Shepherd Pei, is getting more attention, and more breeders are beginning to show interest in this unique canine hybrid because of its appealing looks and lovable personality. The stance is strong, athletic, and sturdy. German Shepherd dogs have double-coated fur, while Shar-Peis have short and smooth fur. These distinct differences in the coating can result in an unpredictable coating in their cross. Most Shepherd Peis take on the short and smooth coat of the Shar-Pei. In terms of color, Shar-Peis have 18 standard colors , while German Shepherds have around .As a result, Shepherd Peis have a wide variety of coat variants. The eyes of a Shar-Pei and German Shepherd mix may also vary based on the eye colors of the parents. Shar-Peis have small, almond-shaped, brown eyes, while German Shepherd dogs commonly have brown eyes. While the skin folds will not be very dominant in the face, Shepherd Peis may have folds on their shoulders and heads. As a result, the average height of a Shepherd Pei ranges from 18 to 26 inches, and its weight can be anywhere between 45 and 60 pounds. A Shepherd Pei adapts a strong and powerful physique from its parents. As with many other physical traits of a Shepherd Pei hybrid, it is difficult to predict the actual size and weight of the dog. Even puppies within the same litter may differ based on which parent they take after. Additionally, this hybrid is smart, confident, alert, resilient, very energetic, highly inquisitive, and brave, especially if it takes after its German Shepherd parent. However, it may also be cautious towards strangers in this case. Given some notable differences in the traits of a German Shepherd and Shar-Pei, expect the Shepherd Pei mix offspring to exhibit the right balance of the traits and qualities of the parents. Hence, it is best to know some of these issues early on. Below are some of the common health issues that are common in Shepherd Peis: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are conditions where the elbow and hip joints and bones do not fit perfectly, resulting in pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis in dogs. Dysplasia is a hereditary health issue that is much more common among larger breeds like the German Shar-Pei. In this condition, gas in the stomach causes it to twist, blocking both the entry and exit ways of the organ. Urgent surgery is needed to correct this condition. Due to these health vulnerabilities exhibited by German Shepherd Shar-Pei mixes, it is best to have scheduled visits to your local vet to prevent these from developing. Further, it is best to get pet insurance coverage for your dog, as it may come in handy in the event of a medical emergency. Further, grooming, training, and exercise are also critical considerations that owners of a German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix should be aware of. Food and Diet Large dog breeds have unique metabolic requirements for them to maintain their healthy state for their size. A Shepherd Pei must be given food with a high protein concentration, followed by fats and fiber. There are commercially available dry and wet dog foods formulated for large dog breeds, but owners are advised to check the ingredients to make sure they are complete and balanced. Home-made meals using fresh ingredients such as lean meat and small portions of animal organs, vegetables, and select herbs are also recommended. This is best done with the help of a pet nutritionist or a veterinarian. Cleaning and Grooming Owners of a Shepherd Pei mix should first consider the type of coat of their dog. However, expect a Shepherd Pei mix to shed heavily at least once or twice a year. During this period, more frequent brushing may be necessary to keep the coat managed. Further, Occasional baths must be given to rid the dog of dust, pollen, and other irritants that can cause skin allergies. Nails must be trimmed as needed, too, to prevent injuries or nails from separating from the quick. Also, observe for possible irritation on the skin surrounding the toes. Owners must always check for possible signs of skin irritation as both German Shepherds and Shar-Peis are genetically prone to skin allergies. The face of a Shepherd Pei mix must likewise be cleaned regularly, focusing on the folds of the skin to avoid the accumulation of dirt and small particles between the folds. The ears of a Shepherd Pei mix must also be cleaned regularly with a mild cleanser. Training and Exercise A Shepherd Pei mix must be given sufficient physical activity. German Shepherds are inherently active dogs. Similarly, Shar-Peis are curious and playful. Hence, keeping Shepherd Peis active is vital for its well-being. Daily exercise helps prevent Shepherd Peis from getting bored and stressed. This will provide them with the necessary mental stimulation while also keeping them preoccupied. Obedience training is highly recommended to be included in the daily exercise and activity of a Shepherd Pei. This must begin while a Shepherd Pei is still young to prevent it from being stubborn as they grow. A Shepherd Pei is a good outdoor adventure companion too. Going on a nature tour can provide the opportunity for this dog to get acquainted with a variety of environmental conditions. As with other dogs, the pricing for these dogs may be influenced by the pedigree of the parent dogs, location, and reputation of the breeder. Apart from the cost of the puppy, there are also recurring costs that owners need to allocate. The table below summarizes the initial expenses associated with owning a German Shar-Pei mix: Type of Expense. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. When you bring home a Shar Pei mix for sale from a reputable breeder, always check over the dogs during the entire mating process. German Shepherd Shar-Pei Mix For Sale The German shepherd, known as simply the Schipperke, is a medium-sized dog with a well-built muscular body and a long strong skeletal frame. German Shepherd star peis are often characterized as strong dogs due to their short legs. However, the dog also has a very soft underbelly which can cause discomfort in some owners. German Shepherd star pies are also very sociable dogs, making them ideal companions for families or groups. The German Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a well-built muscular body. The average Schipperke weighs approximately forty pounds in standard breeding and reaches up to fifty pounds in a large breed. They have a long strong chest, a lower chest, and an easy to identify, almost arched, stand. Despite their strong and muscular frame, the Schipperke is not an overly powerful dog, but rather more delicate and needs plenty of attention from both the owner and other members of the family. German Shepherd Sharpe mix for sale are usually bred by amateur breeders, so there is always the potential that you will find a high-quality dog in this category. As with any breed though, if you do not take care of your dog properly they will eventually outgrow it and become overweight. There are several things you should keep in mind before purchasing a dog of this type. These include the age of your dog, whether you plan to breed him, and where he will be raised. There is always a possibility that he may be aggressive towards people and animals. You need to consider this before buying your pet and make sure that you know what your dog will be like before you even get started. German Shepherd Sharpe mixes for sale are great pets for those who love dogs and want to be part of a family and socialize with other dogs and people. If you choose to breed your dog, remember that there is still a chance that he could turn into an aggressive dog which can be quite harmful to other members of the family. If you plan to use a shepherd for protection, you will need to choose a breed that is temperamentally suitable for this type of activity. As with all dogs, you should look at how the dog will react to a new environment. A good German Shepherd is likely to be intelligent and friendly. If you choose to use a shepherd for protection, he will be one that you can trust and not a dog that you have to constantly reprimand for bad behavior. You should also consider the health of your dog before making a purchase and do a little research on the subject of whether the dog has had any problems or medical issues in the past. If you choose to buy a shepherd that is not good for protection, you may find yourself in a lot of trouble when you decide to leave your dog alone. It will give you years of loyal and energetic enjoyment of your dog. It will also save you plenty of money because a puppy is a lot cheaper than a full-grown dog. The Shar-Pei mix is a very intelligent dog that is eager to please its owner. Because of this, it is used as a performing dog in dog shows all over the world. When you adopt a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, the breeder will assess to determine if the puppy is a good fit for you. If the breeder has the time and patience to devote to getting to know you and your family, then he should be able to help you make the right choice. This is great if your goal is to have a purebred German Shepherd with no faults or temperament problems. But if you want a dog that is prone to develop behavior issues because it has been abused or bred improperly, then a purebred Shar-Pei might not be right for you. A reputable breeder will work closely with their human owners to match the personality of the puppies to those of their customers. They will have the intelligence to understand that human families differ, so they will customize the German Shepherd puppy mix for sale to better suit the needs of each family. A good breeder will also be prepared to go out of his way to find you a German Shepherd that is a little bit different. When a German Shepherd puppy is born, he is all white. But as he grows up, his color will change and he will turn one of several colors including dark silver or steel blue and the standard gray color. This is normal and should never cause any alarm, but you may be concerned about the color and whether it is a healthy color. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will have the puppies tested and give you information on the color that is common for the dog and the temperament characteristics of each. When you start looking for a German Shepherd puppy for sale, you will notice that many are sold in packs. If you are unfamiliar with German Shepherd breeding, these dogs are usually separated before breeding. Because of their size, they are usually less likely to mix if they are bred together. When you go to purchase your German Shepherd puppy for sale, you must get to know the breeder very well. The breeder should have a history that shows the family has maintained a good breeding program for many years. If the parents have both passed the American Kennel Club AKC and are registered with the state as purebred German Shepherd pups, you know you are in good hands. You will find that breeding one German Shepherd with another to create a German Shepherd Shar-Pei mix for sale is not unheard of, but it is not the best practice. There is a tendency for one Shar Pei to put on some pounds fairly quickly, so it may be necessary to breed the pups in pairs. If there is not a proper diet available, the puppy will be prone to several medical conditions, such as severe obesity. A Shar Pei is often wary of human contact, so you must establish the best relationship possible with your new dog. If you are not comfortable with other people, it is always advisable to have someone friendly watch your puppy while you and your dog socialize. A responsible breeder will give you the information you need to ensure that you are getting a healthy, happy adult dog. If you are considering adding a Shar Pei to your family, research the breeding methods used by professional Shar Pei breeders to ensure that your puppy will grow into a healthy adult. Share this:.
Check Price 3. They are popular among Frenchie parents due to their ease of use and the fact that French Bulldogs usually adjust to them easily. French Bulldogs can wear a variety of harnesses to ensure their comfort and safety Features to Consider When Choosing a French Bulldog Harness Keeping your Frenchie safe and comfortable during walks and other activities is easy with the right French Bulldog harness. Get the wrong one, and you risk your dog slipping out or not wanting to wear it. Here are things to look out for when shopping for French Bulldog harnesses to get one that is perfect for your dog: 1. Materials The material used in making a harness determines how comfortable your dog will feel when wearing it. Therefore, you should only consider French Bulldog harnesses made with high-quality materials like cotton, nylon, and leather. You may need to try different materials to find the most comfortable one for your dog. Breathability Due to the structure of their flat face, Frenchies are more susceptible to breathing problems and, by extension, overheating than other dog breeds. When choosing the best harness for your French Bulldog, ensure that you opt for one that allows plenty of ventilation. This eliminates the risk of your dog suffering a heatstroke. Therefore, consider getting a harness with plenty of padding, especially around the chest and belly, to provide your dog extra comfort and safety. Adequate padding helps prevent rubbing or digging into the skin, reducing the risk of injuries and discomfort while wearing the harness. Attachment points Harnesses come with the leash attachment point on the front, back, or both. When choosing the best French Bulldog harness, you should note where its leash attachment points are, as that determines how much control you will have over your dog when walking them. Harnesses with front leash attachment offer more control than harnesses with back leash attachment. Reflective features This is optional but highly recommended if you intend to walk your Frenchie at night. Harnesses with reflective features, such as reflective strips or stitching, help to make your dog visible to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in low-light conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. Finding the Right Fit for Your French Bulldog Before purchasing a French Bulldog harness, it is important to measure them first to ensure you get one that fits them correctly. Use a measuring tape Weight-based sizing can be misleading when shopping for the perfectly fitted French Bulldog harness. Although it can provide a general indication, it is not always accurate. Be sure to note the width of the chest at its widest point, typically an inch or two away from the armpits. If your Frenchie is a puppy, you can add an extra 3 inches to the recorded chest dimensions to allow room for growth. Weigh them Weighing your Frenchie is another step in selecting the perfect harness size. While it can be challenging to make them stand still, an easier way to do it is by carrying your dog and stepping onto the scales to obtain your combined weight. After taking note of the combined weight, place the dog back down and weigh yourself alone. Selecting the perfect harness for your Frenchie becomes much easier if you accurately measure their chest, neck, and weight. The tutorial video above provides a good visual guide on how to measure your pup for a harness. For the neck, measure around the widest part, usually right below where the collar sits. For the chest, measure around the broadest part, which is typically right behind the front legs. Always remember to check the fit regularly as your French Bulldog puppy grows, adjusting the harness or upgrading to a larger size when needed. Thus, a harness with a secure buckle system is a must to prevent any possible escape attempts. However, it is an essential part of their overall training and care. For this process to be as smooth as possible, there are a few tips that you can follow: 1. Gradual introduction Some French Bulldogs might find harnesses scary and may not want to have anything to do with them. If your Frenchie is one such dog, you can help them get comfortable by slowly introducing them to the harness. Allow them to sniff and inspect the harness before putting it on them. Positive reinforcement Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective tools to teach French Bulldogs acceptable behaviors. Be sure to reward your Frenchie with treats, praise, and attention when they show interest or interact with the harness. Gradually work towards putting the harness on them and reward them for wearing it without fuss. Patience and persistence Your Frenchie may not be excited about wearing a harness and could even throw a fit. However, this should not make you frustrated or cause you to give up on their training. Instead, take small steps each day and continue to reinforce positive behavior. This is important because if your dog experiences pain whenever they wear it, they would naturally resist wearing harnesses. You must also inspect the harness for damages and replace it if necessary. Finding the ideal harness for a French Bulldog puppy is slightly different than choosing one for an adult Frenchie. Given their smaller size and growing nature, harnesses for French Bulldog puppies should have some key attributes. First, opt for a harness that has a fully adjustable chest and neck area. This adaptability not only ensures that the harness fits your pup perfectly but also accommodates their rapid growth. Second, a good puppy harness should be lightweight and soft on the skin to avoid any unnecessary discomfort or chafing. For French Bulldog puppies, a harness with a broad chest piece is beneficial. How to Find the Best Walking Harness for Your French Bulldog December 14, Frenchies are bright, playful, and adaptable, so it is not surprising they are America's second favorite dog breed. With a barrel chest, square-shaped head, large bat ears, and a flat face, many dog harnesses are too tight around the neck or chest. Others are too loose and allow your Frenchie to slip free. We also examine what features to look for when buying a harness for your Frenchie. How long you should exercise your French bulldog depends on age and activity level. Short walks and daily outdoor play are typically all Frenchies need to stay in shape. They should not be forced to walk for any longer than they want," says Dr. Paula Simons, a veterinary consultant at K9 of Mine. All brachycephalic dog breeds are sensitive to humid weather and midday heat. They can have difficulty breathing in very hot and humid environments. Walk your French bulldog at sunrise or in the cooler evenings. The best outdoor temperatures for French bulldogs are in the 50s and 60s. Even short walks can be lethal," says Dr. Dogs who live in colder climates can exercise more freely. Simons says. While Frenchies can indeed wear a comfortable dog collar with an ID tag , harnesses put less pressure on their back and airway and are the best choice for leash attachment. To find the best French bulldog harness, look for comfortable yet durable materials that are easy to clean. The fabric should never stretch out during use or over time. Melissa M. Brock, a board-certified veterinarian. DJANGO dog harnesses are made with premium neoprene, the water-slicking and lightweight fabric used to make wet suits, and have a soft and breathable polyester sports mesh lining. The chest and neck straps are made with a super soft custom poly webbing that sits gently and comfortably against the dog's body. Harness weight is also an important factor. When moisture or bacteria gets trapped in their folds, it causes redness, hair loss, and puss-filled pimples. To prevent this, look for a breathable dog harness and one designed to withstand water play, snow days, and rainy weather. The harness should not absorb water but repel it and quickly dry in wet conditions, like this neoprene dog harness by DJANGO. This unique design was intentional and prevents the risk of rubbing or chafing under the front legs. Frenchies with joint problems and arthritis If your Frenchie is a senior dog and suffers from joint problems like arthritis , look for an adjustable dog harness that can be put on and off without needing to lift your dog's paws. DJANGO dog harnesses feature quick release buckles on each side of the chest strap, so you never need to lift your dog's front legs. The design also allows for easy on and off. For Frenchies that pull during walks Does your Frenchie have a tendency to pull when excited? If yes, consider a no pull harness. These harnesses feature a front D-ring for leash attachment. Using the front D-ring will deter pulling. How so? Every time your Frenchie pulls like a sled dog, with his front clip in use, his body will turn to the side—not the desired outcome! Over time, your pup will be conditioned to stop pulling since he is no longer getting the desired outcome from pulling. We design high quality outdoor gear for small and medium sized adventure dogs and their humans. Our mission is to inspire you and your Frenchie to enjoy the great outdoors together more often. Double cuteness! Both Frenchies are wearing a size medium dog harness. Padded Harnesses Types of French Bulldog Harnesses The market is full of different types of dog harnesses, each with its unique features, benefits, and limitations. Finding french bulldog harnesses can be tricky. Frenchie owners may find it tricky to pick the right harness. Here are some options! However, they might not be the best option for dogs with short snouts or those prone to tracheal issues. No Pull Harness Back Clip Harnesses Back clip harnesses have the ring leash attachment on the back and offer comfortable movement for the dog, reducing the chances of getting tangled. Back Clip French bulldog Harnesses Step In Harness Dual Clip Harnesses These offer the flexibility of both front and back ring leash attachment points, suitable for dogs at different stages of their training. Again, the Ruffwear front range harness is a dual clip harness. Most french bulldog harnesses made these days are dual clip harnesses. They are ideal for dogs that are nervous about things going over their head. Also Ideal for breeds prone to ivdd, focusing pressure more on the chest than the neck. Frenchie Friends Brand Step In Harness Padded Harnesses Padded harnesses provide additional comfort, especially for dogs with short hair or sensitive skin. Again with the Ruffwear! They really do tick all the boxes in terms of quality and features. Ruffwear Front Range Harness Introduction to French Bulldog Harnesses Dog harnesses are an essential item for dog owners worldwide, improving control and safety during walks while reducing the risk of injury to your furry friend. But with a plethora of options available, choosing the right harness can be a challenging task. A great french bulldog harness is necessary for Adult Frenchie to avoid damaging the spine, causing ivdd. Frenchie Brand Dog Harness Factors to Consider when Choosing a French Bulldog Harness Several factors play a crucial role in choosing the perfect french bulldog harness for your canine companion. Reflective strips for visibility can also be a valuable addition. Pros and Cons of Harnesses Front Clip Harnesses These days all french bulldog harnesses have both front and back clips. This feature is particularly beneficial for dogs that tend to pull on the leash. Reduces pulling: When a dog pulls, the front clip will cause them to turn around towards you, discouraging the pulling behavior. Not suitable for short-snouted dog breeds: Dog Breeds such as pugs and french bulldogs can have issues with front clip harnesses as the pressure may be too close to their throat, causing breathing difficulties. Back Clip Harnesses Again, now most french bulldog harnesses have both front and back clips. Easy to clip your French bulldogs into car seats, upping the safety factor Cons: Less control: If your french bulldogs are pullers, a back-clip harness might not be the best option as it provides less control than a front-clip one. Can encourage pulling: Some dogs might feel like pulling more when the leash is attached to their back, triggering their instinct to oppose the pulling pressure. You can attach the leash at the front for training or behavior correction, and at the back when just casually walking. Cons: Complexity: These harnesses can be a bit more complex to fit and adjust correctly. Step-In Harnesses Pros: Easy to wear: Your dog only needs to step into the harness, making it a good choice for dogs that are uncomfortable with harnesses sliding over their head. Cons: Less secure: Some step-in harnesses may not provide the same level of security and may come off more easily than other types. Padded Harnesses Pros: Extra comfort: The additional padding can provide more comfort for dogs, especially those with short hair or sensitive skin. Cons: Heat retention: The extra material might make your french bulldogs warmer, which may not be ideal in hot climates or for breeds prone to overheating. Try a cooling vest in summer when using this style! Remember, every french bulldog is unique, and their comfort is paramount. French Bulldog Harness Material Dog harnesses come in a variety of materials — nylon, polyester, and leather, to name a few. Each material has its own pros and cons. Nylon French Bulldog Harnesses: Durability: Nylon is known for its strength and can withstand rough use. Variety: They come in various colors and designs. Easy to Clean: Most nylon harnesses are machine washable. Cons: Can cause rubbing: In some dogs, particularly those with short hair or sensitive skin, nylon harnesses can cause chafing. Leather Harnesses: Durability: Leather harnesses are robust and long-lasting. Aesthetic appeal: They have a luxurious and classic look. Cons: Cost: Leather harnesses tend to be more expensive. Maintenance: They require regular cleaning and conditioning to keep the leather from drying out and cracking. A harness that is too tight can cause discomfort and restricted movement, while one that is too loose may not provide adequate control and can even be a safety hazard if your dog manages to slip out of it. Pros of a Well-Fitted French Bulldog Harness: Comfort: A well-fitted french bulldog harness ensures that your french bulldogs are comfortable during walks. May irritate skin. Risk of Escaping: A loose french bulldog harness might not provide adequate control, and your french bulldogs could potentially slip out. When buying a harness, look for one with adjustable straps that can be altered to get a perfect fit. Harness Training Tips for Your French Bulldogs Training your new French Bulldog Puppy to use a harness might require some time and patience, but the benefits are worth the effort. Getting your new French bulldog puppy accustomed to a new harness might take some time and patience. Start slow, let your bulldog puppy wear the harness for short periods initially. Reward them for their cooperation with treats and positive reinforcement. Collars are not recommended for regular use until at least 7 months of age. The trachea of the french bulldog puppy is still forming. Improper use of collars and putting pressure on the french bulldogs neck and throat can cause serious damage. However a breakaway collar with a bell is smart, allowing you to hear the puppy, for the puppy to get used to the feeling of a collar, and it still allows you the ability to show a sense of style. Never leave french bulldog puppies unattended with collars and harnesses on. Starting with the French Bulldog Harness: Introduction: Let your french bulldog dog sniff and explore the new harness. Reward their curiosity with treats. Adjustment: Place the harness on your french bulldog without fastening it. Give treats and praise during this process to create positive associations. Short Sessions: Begin with short sessions of having the harness on. Gradually increase the duration as your french bulldog dog gets comfortable. Walks: Start going for short walks. Use treats and praises as reinforcement. Remember, every french bulldog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to successful harness training. I know of a few companies that do! Red Dingo and Ruffwear. We prefer the over the head harness versus the step in harness. When looking at over the head harnesses, make sure to look for one with adjustable straps. French Bulldog heads can be huge and hard to get over, but once over the head, the harness can be extremely loose. Adjustable straps will make it easy to put on but securable for proper fitting. These can also be adjusted as the new french bulldog puppy grows! You will want to measure your frenchie puppy before going shopping for a puppy harness. You can find these at your local drug store or Walmart. Whether your french bulldog is small, medium, or large, you should use the same methods to measure them. To fit your french bulldog dog for a harness, you need two measurements: the neck and the chest. When measuring the neck, wrap the tape measure just below the narrow part where she normally wears a collar. The correct spot to measure will be right above them. When measuring the chest, take care to fit the tape measure around the widest part. Weight can also be a factor in finding the correct size. In addition to measurements, there are other factors that should also influence your purchase. Some harnesses are styled to fit certain body types better than others. The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a great option for french bulldogs of all ages. Our lb french bulldogs fit in XS, lb french bulldogs fit in Small, and french bulldog pups easily fit in xxs. These french bulldog harnesses are all machine washable. The Red Dingo and Ruffwear have adjustment points, front clip, and padding. These two are my favorite. The Gooby harness is a mesh harness with an adjustable belly strap. This one is great for tiny french bulldog puppies. Kitten Collars Bells are helpful so you can hear your new french bulldog puppy beneath your feet. They come with bells and break away if the puppy should become stuck or strangled. If you are purchasing a new collar because your dog has out-grown its current collar, simply select the next size up from your measurement findings. Measure twice, buy once. But not every home has a soft tape measure. Or just take your string with you to the store! Add 1 — 2 inches to the initial measurement to give extra breathing room and comfort if the dog grows or gains weight. There are a bunch of companies that make fashionable Bulldog specific products. Check out Etsy and Facebook! Conclusion Selecting the right type of harness for your dog is crucial for their comfort, safety, and your peace of mind. As Frenchie owners, you can now feel confident during your shopping experience! FAQs How do I know the right size of the harness for my dog? Can a harness stop my dog from pulling? Training is the most effective way to stop pulling. Can my new french bulldog puppy wear a harness? Yes, but ensure it is the correct size and is adjusted properly to not impede their growth. Is a harness better than a collar? A harness provides better control and evenly distributes pressure, reducing the risk of injury. However, some well-behaved dogs may be comfortable with a collar. Pet parents often have a hard time picking out a new french bulldog puppy harness and collar for their puppy. Dont forget to subscribe and follow on socials! French Bulldog puppies require special harnesses due to their unique body structure and specific needs. Here are a few reasons why French Bulldog puppies benefit from harnesses explicitly designed for them: Brachycephalic Anatomy : French Bulldogs have a brachycephalic short-nosed anatomy, which can make traditional collars uncomfortable and potentially harmful. Collars can pressure their sensitive neck and throat area, leading to breathing difficulties or neck strain. Harnesses distribute the pressure more evenly across the chest, reducing the risk of injury and allowing for better control. Using a harness helps minimize strain on the neck and spine during walks or when restraining them. It offers better support and prevents unnecessary pressure on these vulnerable areas. Control and Safety: French Bulldog puppies can be quite strong-willed and energetic, making it essential to have reasonable control during walks. A well-fitting harness provides better control over their movements, reducing the risk of them slipping out of the collar or leash. Harnesses often feature sturdy D-rings for leash attachment, ensuring a secure connection. Comfort and Mobility: French Bulldog puppies have a unique body shape characterized by a stocky build and broad chest. Harnesses designed specifically for French Bulldogs take into account their proportions, providing a snug fit without restricting their movements. The suitable harness allows them to walk, run, and play comfortably, enhancing their enjoyment and well-being. Training and Behavior: Harnesses can be valuable tools for training and managing behavior in French Bulldog puppies. They offer better control for leash training, discourage pulling, and make it easier to redirect their attention. A properly fitted harness ensures that training sessions are positive and comfortable, promoting a positive association with walks and outdoor activities. Owners can prioritize their comfort, safety, and well-being by using a harness designed specifically for French Bulldog puppies. It allows them to enjoy walks and outdoor adventures while minimizing potential health risks and providing better control over their energetic and spirited nature. When selecting a harness, consider the following factors: Size and Fit: French Bulldogs have a distinct and unique body structure that sets them apart from other breeds. Their stocky build requires a specially designed harness to accommodate their shape. When selecting a harness for a French Bulldog, opting for adjustable options that can provide a snug fit without compromising their movement is crucial. This ensures both comfort and functionality during walks and adventures. By choosing a harness tailored to their specific body type, French Bulldogs can enjoy the freedom to move comfortably while still being securely and comfortably harnessed. Material and Durability: Look for harnesses made from high-quality materials such as nylon or neoprene, which are durable and comfortable for your furry friend. Avoid harnesses with rough edges or uncomfortable seams that could irritate. Ease of Use: Choose a harness that is easy to put on and take off. Buckles or snap closures are preferable, ensuring a secure fit and hassle-free handling. Safety Features: Look for harnesses with reflective strips or patches to enhance visibility during low-light walks. Additionally, a sturdy D-ring for leash attachment is vital to prevent accidental escapes. It offers both front- and back-leash attachment options, ensuring versatility for different walking styles and training needs. The durable construction and enhanced safety features make it a standout choice. Its adjustable chest belt offers a snug fit without restricting movement. With vibrant color options and excellent durability, this harness combines style and functionality. It features four adjustment points for a secure fit and includes a sturdy front clip for leash attachment, discouraging pulling and promoting better leash manners. Its reflective elements enhance visibility, making it ideal for nighttime adventures. It offers a comfortable and secure fit, making it an excellent choice for French Bulldogs who tend to be escape artists. It features adjustable straps for a customized fit and a sturdy back attachment point, providing better control during walks. It features an easy-to-use one-click buckle and an adjustable strap system for a secure fit. The reflective stitching enhances visibility during low-light conditions. It boasts durable materials, a comfortable fit, and a versatile front and back leash attachment system. It also has a handle on the back for extra control and support. It features adjustable straps, soft padding, and a sturdy handle on the back for better control. The high-visibility reflectors ensure safety during nighttime walks. It features high-quality materials, adjustable straps, and many stylish designs. These harnesses have gained popularity among French Bulldog owners for their quality construction, comfort, adjustability, and safety features. This well-crafted harness offers a combination of style, comfort, and safety. Its padded chest plate and five adjustment points ensure an impeccable fit, accommodating the unique body shape of French Bulldogs. The Tru-Fit Smart Harness features a front and back leash attachment, allowing you to choose the optimal position for training or casual walks. Its durable construction, easy-to-use design, and enhanced safety features make it the standout choice for French Bulldog puppy owners. Best Harness for French Bulldogs That Pull When it comes to choosing the best harness for French Bulldogs that pull, there are a few options that can help discourage pulling behavior and provide better control. Here are a couple of harnesses known for their effectiveness in managing pulling: Freedom No-Pull Harness: The Freedom No-Pull Harness is designed to discourage pulling by utilizing a dual-clip system. It also features a back attachment point for regular walking. The harness has adjustable straps for a customized fit and is known for its durability and comfort. The harness is designed to discourage pulling without causing discomfort, utilizing a unique front chest strap. It has adjustable shoulder and belly straps to ensure a snug fit. Remember that while a harness can help manage pulling, it is essential to pair it with positive reinforcement training techniques to address the root cause of the pulling behavior. Patience, consistency, and reward-based training methods can be effective in teaching your French Bulldog to walk politely on a leash. This harness provides support for both the front and rear end of the dog. It features adjustable straps and soft padding, making it comfortable for your French Bulldog while providing assistance with mobility. The harness is designed to minimize pressure on the spine and offers handles for easy lifting and support. It is specifically designed to aid dogs with mobility issues, including those with IVDD. Conclusion When selecting the best harness for your French Bulldog puppy, consider its unique body structure, comfort, safety, and ease of use. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. Advanced technology for secure fit Made from high-quality, durable material Easy to put on and take off Comfortable design does not restrict movement Reflective strips for visibility in low light Comes with a handle for additional control Customizable name plate area 4. It features a unique triangular structure and is made from high-density oxford fabric. The harness is equipped with 2 metal leash rings and a chest attachment clip to prevent your dog from pulling. It also has 3 snap buckles, making it easy to put on and take off. The harness also features 4 easy adjusting straps around the body and reflective material for safety during night walks. Best No Pull Frenchie Harness Robust and adjustable design Made from high-density oxford fabric Features 2 metal leash rings and a chest attachment clip Easy to put on and take off with 3 snap buckles Comes with 4 easy adjusting straps Reflective material for night safety Unique triangular structure for comfort and safety Soft Padded Handle for ease of handling Check Price on Amazon The Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness by Best Pet Supplies is a lightweight, all-weather harness perfect for walks all year round. It is made with a soft, breathable air mesh and features reflective bands for enhanced visibility during early morning and late evening strolls. The harness is designed with three safety features: a hook and loop fastener, buckle, and double D-rings, providing three layers of security for your pet. It is easy to put on and take off, making it perfect for everyday use. Material The material the harness is made of is one of the most important features to consider. It needs to be made of a material that your pup finds soft and comfortable. A handle on top of the harness is great for Frenchies who are just getting used to being on a harness. The handle will give you control if your pooch starts misbehaving. Some of the harnesses on our list include clips for safer car rides. They allow your pup to stay tethered in your vehicle so they will be safer in the event of an accident. If you go on a lot of car rides with your Frenchie, look for harnesses with seat belt tethers to get more bang for your buck. Another thing to be on the lookout for is secure connectors. Manufacturers use a wide variety of connector types in the construction of their harnesses. Keep an eye out for options with durable and secure connection points. You might need to sacrifice a bit of convenience as durable connectors can be a bit harder to take off and put on, but if your Frenchie is an escape artist, you need that extra strength for his safety. Harnesses with back clips are better than ones with front clips when Frenchies are concerned. French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed and front-clip style harnesses tend to put a lot of pressure on the throat region especially if the dog is a puller when leashed. The harnesses on our list are all fairly simple to put on. Most either have a step-in design or an over-the-head design. The one that you ultimately choose will depend on your dog and his comfort level. Here are some general guidelines for measuring your Frenchie for his new harness. This should be a few inches behind his front legs. Take this number and add a few inches to allow for growth and movement. Step Two—Measure the Neck: While measuring his neck, wrap the tape measure just below the narrowest part of his neck. This should be the same spot his collar sits if he wears one. Step Three—Read the Size Chart: Each company that sells dog harnesses will have its own sizing chart. Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock How to Get Your Frenchie Used to His Harness If your pup has never worn a harness before, it will take some getting used to before you can go out of the house together. Start small by allowing him to smell the harness when you bring it home. Put one of his favorite treats on top of the harness and let him eat it off it. Touch his body with the harness and use his favorite praise words and phrases while doing so to help him create positive associations with the harness. If the harness you choose has a buckle, the sound can be loud and frightening at first. Practice opening and closing the buckle in his presence and offer him a treat when it clicks. Once he feels comfortable with the smell and sounds of the harness, you can try putting it on him. Never force it onto him; instead let him lead the way. Let him wear the harness around the house. Once he is comfortable, add a leash. For example, allowing your dog to sleep in his harness is risky because it can get caught on something and choke your dog. Your dog would be very uncomfortable in his harness day-in, day-out. You also should never leave a wet harness on your dog for an extended period as it could trap water and bacteria and cause an infection. Conclusion The best overall dog harness for Frenchies is the Best Pet Supplies Voyager with its comfortable, secure fit and high-quality construction. For the best value, the Frisco Back Clip takes the prize thanks to its affordable price and easy-to-use design. If money is no object, the Julius K9 Harness is the clear winner with its highly adjustable design and numerous safety features. She grew up on the prairies in Canada surrounded by animals and as an adult, she chooses to share her home with five cats, two guinea pigs, and a bearded dragon. Chantelle, her husband, and their child take great pride in being great animal parents - the ones who spend a thousand dollars on wall-mounted cat shelves so that their cats can have an indoor jungle gym all year round. Read more Advertisement.
One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Read the full disclosure here. Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States! Whether you are looking to purchase a golden retriever puppy or adopt an adult or senior golden retriever, money is often one of the first things that come to mind. Due to the huge demand for this particular breed, golden retrievers tend to cost a pretty penny. Truth be told, goldens are expensive, but they are also worth every penny! If you are looking to purchase a purebred golden retriever, you should know what to expect when it comes to the price of one of these dogs. Read on to learn more! At the lower end of this price range, you can find goldens from a home breeder without AKC documentation or health certificates. Read on for the full breakdown of golden retriever puppy prices! When buying a golden retriever, like when buying just about anything else, you get what you pay for. All of these missing costs will end up being your responsibility once you bring the puppy home and will soon add to the initial cost of buying a puppy. On the other hand, breeders who charge more for their golden puppies will likely have a higher breeding standard. This brings me to… Adopting From A Shelter Or Rescue Adopting a golden retriever from a shelter or rescue organization costs significantly less than buying a puppy from a breeder. Besides being much cheaper, adopting a golden retriever is also a more humane thing to do! These dogs too make wonderful pets and companions and are no less deserving of a loving, forever home. Another factor worth mentioning is if you adopt an adult golden retriever, you can save a lot of money on various supplies only puppies need when going into their new homes, like house training pee pads and teething toys. First-Year Average Cost Of A Golden Retriever Puppy Now that you have a better idea of the average price of a purebred golden retriever puppy, you will then need to factor in all the major supplies your new pup will need during their first year of life. Basic Puppy Supplies If you previously owned a golden retriever or a similarly sized dog, you may be able to reuse some of their supplies, such as food and water bowls, a leash, or toys. This can save you some money early on. If you have never owned a dog before, though, be prepared to shell out some serious cash! Basic puppy supplies include:.
Pin 0 Shares My family and I were recently playing outside on a hot sunny day with our Frenchie. He got really hot as they tend to do , so we brought him into the shade for a while. We gave him some water, but also wanted to know if it was safe for our French Bulldog to eat watermelon to cool down. Can my French Bulldog eat watermelon or cantaloupe? Yes, French Bulldogs can eat watermelon, and it is safe for them to eat. However, be careful with the seeds and rind as they can cause digestive blockages and problems. Make sure you prepare the watermelon properly for them to eat first. Is watermelon good and safe for a French Bulldog? Watermelon and cantaloupe are one of those super foods that all dieticians recommend we eat as part of a healthy diet. But what about our beloved Frenchies? Is it good for them, can we feed them watermelon, and more importantly; is it safe? Watermelon and cantaloupe are safe for a French Bulldog to eat as long as you take out the rind and seeds. Watermelon includes essential nutrition, calcium, potassium, plus vitamins A, C, B6, and B1 but in small doses. Strawberries are also a great idea — read more here. In fact, in the video below you can see my son and Claude playing with a water pistol out in the sun. Claude was really worn out and hot afterwards, so we gave him a small amount of watermelon to help cool him down. Watermelon contains no fat or cholesterol Watermelon also contains zero cholesterol or fat, so is safe for a French Bulldog to eat, with no concerns for the owner over long-term health issues. However, the rinds, skin, and seeds can present a problem. Are watermelon seeds dangerous for a French Bulldog? Can French Bulldog eat watermelon seeds? French Bulldogs can eat watermelon seeds, but it is not advisable that you let them do so. Seeds can cause gastrointestinal problems, are hard for them to digest, and can lead to blocks in their intestines, diarrhoea and upset stomachs. If you are going to prepare watermelon for your dog, you can read how to do so lower down the page. The bottom line is; remove the seeds before letting your Frenchie eat it. Can dogs eat watermelon rind and is it poisonous? Just like the seeds, the skin and rind can also cause gastrointestinal upsets. Just like any food, too much of one thing can be a bad idea. I have written extensively about this before for example, eggs are good for a Frenchie, but not in excess. So, can too much watermelon harm your Frenchie? This is good, but only in small amounts as a hydrating and cooling snack. View it as a treat, not a staple food. But what does that actually mean in reality? If you consider that the average French Bulldog weighs around 25 pounds, then his daily calorie intake should be no more than 25 to 30 calories per pound in body weight. There are 30 calories in grams of watermelon it should not exceed 75 to calories daily. That will equate to a watermelon intake of grams at a maximum — but not every day like our vet said. Handy Hint: Want to know what other fruits are okay for a French Bulldog to eat? Click here and download the list with 39 fruits ranked and rated for safety. Which part of the watermelon is safe for a Frenchie? Watermelon seeds: this should not be fed to your Frenchie as they can create obstructions in the intestines, particular in small breeds such as this. Frozen watermelon: yes, this is safe, and will retain the goodness from leaking out when they eat it. Cut the watermelon in two halves. Cut away the skin and rind. Remove the fleshy part with any seeds in. Chop the remaining watermelon flesh into small 3-centimetre squared cubes. You also might want to consider making your Frenchie some refreshingly frozen watermelon for a really hot day. Frenchie are prone to overheating, so this can be a great way to help bring their temperature down with a tasty and relatively healthy snack. All you do is freeze the small cube blocks you prepared earlier and bring them out of the freezer when required. I know I do, as do my whole family, Claude the Frenchie included! Not long after this photo was taken, Claude ate a refreshing portion of frozen watermelon to help cool him down. However, the watermelon cubes have the rind and seeds completely removed beforehand. It will make a healthy in small doses , refreshing, and hydrating treat that he will absolutely love! Share shares He grunts throughout the video, which was posted to the dog's profile page on Instagram , much to the delight of people who have liked and commented on the video since. And more than 11, people seem to agree. Super popular: Already a hit on Instagram, Rolex boasts thousands of followers on the social media Smiley face: He grunts throughout the video, which was posted to the dog's profile page on Instagram, before finally falling out pictured at the end of the clip The video, since it was posted on Tuesday, has racked up .This isn't the only viral post from Rolex, though. The super-cute canine regularly uploads snapshots from various places and situations: 'I didn't choose this life.This life chose me,' he posted from the beach in Florida on Thursday. Life's a beach: The super-cute canine regularly uploads snapshots from various places and situations, such as the beach pictured 'I'm the man of yo dreamz [sic].Admit it! Other particularly popular Instagram shots show Rolex nestled in novelty hats, but even the photos of just the dog on the grass prove popular. Whatever your stance is on Frenchies, puppies nibbling on watermelon while sat inside the fruit might just be the sweetest thing. Tom Thumb: The little dog looks delighted to be sat inside the giant watermelon Happy camper: He happily wears novelty hats, which attract many likes on Instagram Read more:. Can French Bulldogs Eat Watermelon? But Frenchies have their little drawbacks too. Another thing that you can offer to your Frenchie is watermelon. In this blog, you will get the answer to whether your Frenchie can eat watermelon or not. French bulldog puppies can eat watermelon without worrying about them falling ill as a result! This helps to ensure that French bulldogs remain well hydrated and are better equipped to regulate their body temperature during warm weather or heavy exercise. Another benefit of watermelon for French Bulldogs is that it offers an important source of key vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, C, B1, C, B6, and Niacin plus Calcium which help in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth as well as helping to fight infections. Watermelon can be a very healthy treat for your pet, but they should not consider it the main source of food or nutrition. Watermelon is considered a fruit and can contain a lot of sugar and calories. French bulldogs should never eat more than 10 percent of their daily calories from treats or snacks, so always remember to consider watermelon as one of those things when deciding how much to feed them. Benefits of feeding watermelon to your French bulldog There are many advantages of feeding watermelon to your French bulldog. Most of the benefits are similar to those of humans. Here are some major benefits of feeding watermelon to your Frenchie. It contains two very important vitamins, including vitamin A and C, which are known to be essential for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C helps build healthy skin as it can promote collagen production by keeping joints strong, thus helping them retain their shape and elastic texture. Vitamin A also contributes to skin health as it helps repair damaged tissues in the body. They have trouble regulating their body temperatures, often becoming overheated and dehydrated. It Protects Them from Cancer Watermelon contains several compounds that may reduce the risk of cancer, including cucurbitacin E and lycopene. These compounds help to lower insulin-like growth factor IGF , a protein created at high levels in tumor cells. If the level of IGF is increased it will increase the risk of cancer. A natural compound cucurbitacin present in the watermelon has the great ability to decrease the chances of tumors in French bulldogs. It can help protect dogs from being damaged by reactive oxygen species. This can be something as simple as damaged cells caused by too much exposure to the sun. Other environmental elements day after day through repeated bouts of stress that could eventually lead to health problems. Lycopene is something that may not just help French bulldogs avoid such damage to their bodies. But it could also prevent them from getting heart disease and cancer. It also a host of other implications associated with free radical damage. It Improves Digestion Watermelons may help your dog with digestion because of the large amounts of water contained within them. Watermelons are also high in fiber, which will cause your dog to defecate more regularly. It can also provide relief from constipation suffered from. It Helps In Relieving Muscle Soreness Watermelon juice is effective at relieving muscle fatigue and soreness after excessive activity such as training. The citrulline contained in it is a likely key factor. After a hard workout, we recommend giving your French bulldog watermelon juice to rehydrate your furry best friend and revive him or her with some much-needed energy in order for them to feel good again. Some parts of watermelons are certainly poisonous to French Bulldogs. The toxicity of watermelon comes from its rind and skin. Fortunately, if a French bulldog has eaten only the outside layer of watermelon. They are likely not in any danger unless they have consumed a large amount. As there is a risk of blockage in this case. Seeds have been known to cause digestive tract problems and would most certainly be unpleasant to eat. Conclusion With the hot weather upon us, there are a lot of people wondering if dogs can eat watermelon. While watermelon is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to feed your dog watermelon. Try not to feed the skin and seeds of watermelon to your French bulldogs.
Well, the short answer is that while the English Cream has a lighter coat, it is still simply a Golden Retriever. However, held to slightly different standards in most ways they are exactly the same. Most people ask me if the English Golden is blockier or bigger and the answer is no! But lets go over the European history and breed standard of the English Cream Golden and what the differences are. When different Golden Retriever Clubs across the world describe the breed using words like 'rich' and 'lustrous' in the U. While in Europe, lighter colors are specifically mentioned. So breeders hoping to achieve the best match to the standard and win show titles would err towards light-colored puppies. European Golden Retriever Size Another point of difference in the breed standards is size. There has been no known difference in temperament. The Golden is known across the world as the ultimate people dog. The Golden Retriever can trace its roots back to the 19th century. But, differences in opinion about the ideal Golden Retriever has meant that in each country, breeders have typically tried to achieve slightly different looks. Around the same time, fans of the breed started taking them to America and Canada. Different breed standards This recognition by three separate breed registries is the crux of why European Goldens are sometimes described as being distinct from American Goldens. Each breed registry has drafted and agreed its own description of the ideal Golden Retriever. This is known as a breed standard. Fill out the Puppy Application to get started and we will be in touch with you soon. English cream golden retrievers for sale Dog Training English creme golden retrievers golden retrievers for sale golden retriever puppies for sale golden retriever for sale english cream golden retriever puppies english golden retriever english creme golden retrievers. 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In-Kind Donation Form International Rescue Want to learn more about our international efforts and how you can help golden retrievers in need? Click the button below. Here you can interact with our available dogs, complete foster training, and learn how you can become involved with supporting NRGRR. See the calendar below for details. Please click on the event to see the list of dogs attending. Event Calendar Make a donation. Our volunteers give their time, their homes and their hearts to every dog who comes to us for help. Unfortunately, warm homes and loving hearts alone do not pay for the medical care and supplies our dogs need. Sadly, the number of golden retrievers who have entered our program, and the costs related to their medical care, have dramatically increased over the past several years. When you make a tax-deductible gift to the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, you can be assured that your donation is directly supporting golden retrievers rescued through our program, and allowing us to continue to provide help to others in the years to come. Thank you for your support. Box , Raleigh, NC Phone: .Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Raleigh Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Raleigh? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Raleigh? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. All open houses are pm — pm weather permitting At Golden Creek Kennels, located in Durham, North Carolina, our goldens have been the passion of our lives for over 20 years. With so many families, so many memories and so many beautiful golden puppies. Golden Creek Kennels began soon after we built our first home. I had asked my husband, Crawford for a golden puppy for Christmas, that was our girl Kelsey back in .Twenty years later we are as happy as our goldens are. Our beautiful goldens will always greet your as a true golden should, with a wagging tail, and that marvelous golden smile that they are so well known for. All of our puppy owners are families that come back time and time again, showing up for Open Houses to let their golden run with the others, and of course to show off their golden. We also do boarding for our customers who would not leave them with just anyone. Many of our families near and far are repeat customers seeking their 2nd and 3rd golden pup. We pride ourselves as breeders, that provide families with goldens that are top quality, healthy, intelligent, and temperament tested. Family members for years to come. All our goldens come from top ranking championship lines, and every puppy goes home with a 26 mo guarantee against such genetic disorders as hip dysplasia, heart murmurs or cataracts. Golden Creek Kennels is here for our families before and after the pup goes home. But the wonderful character is the same for both the American and English goldens. Friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. At Golden Creek Kennels, we offer the best of both worlds. The American and the English Golden Retriever. The American Golden.
When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy About the Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever originated in Canada in the 19th century and is now a world-wide beloved dog breed. These dogs are medium-sized dogs, females have a height of .Their average weight as an adult is pounds for females and pounds for males. They have a life expectancy of years. When it comes to their temperament, Labrador retrievers are very loyal, friendly and affectionate companion dogs. They are known for being very social towards strangers and other dogs. Labrador retrievers also come in three colours : black, brown or yellow. These dogs are very active as they need plenty of walks, play time and affection. They are great with children and make a great companion dog. If you're thinking of adopting a Labrador retriever puppy, keep reading as we go through how to care for them! Learn more about the Labrador Retriever in our breed sheet. When to collect your Labrador puppy You can adopt and collect your Labrador puppy once they are 8 weeks old. This way, you make sure that they have had enough time to socialize with their family, mother and siblings. It also makes sure that they have developed good bite moderation before being adopted to their new family. Other advantages are that they have had time to drink their mother's milk and properly wean off. They will also feel more independent and will transition better to their new home after being 8 weeks old. We also encourage you to check out your local animal shelter before buying from a breeder. Where your puppy should sleep the first night When it comes to sleeping at night, your puppy will have some difficulties. This may be due to the new environment and new people. They may feel unprotected and disoriented. For this reason, it's normal to hear them cry as they may be calling their mother for guidance and company. Now that you've adopted this puppy, this is your job as their human companion. When they call out, try to be there for them as they are scared and lonely. Be understanding as your puppy learns to adapt to their new home. As a puppy is very dependent and on their first night they will feel scared and disoriented, it's best they sleep near you on their first night. Remember that puppies tend to sleep with their siblings and their mother. Being alone in a new place for the first time will be difficult for them. The best option for your new puppy is to sleep in their own bed inside your room, near you. So that if they feel scared or lost and cry, you can let them know that you are there with them. Once they feel more oriented and safe in their new home, you can move their bed to another location where they can sleep. Learn more in our article where we elaborate on how to prepare for your puppy's first night in their new home. What to feed your Labrador retriever puppy When feeding your Labrador retriever puppy, you will need to provide them with a rich and balanced diet. Keep in mind that puppies begin weaning when they are around weeks old. This means that they will slowly transition from their mother's milk to a solid food canine diet. A natural canine diet mainly consists in essential fatty acids and meat-based protein. The protein should have two or three types of protein from meat. For example: whole chicken, lamb, beef and fish. For fat sources, you can opt for chicken fat. Good fat sources can solute some of the most important vitamins a dog needs. When it comes to carbs, it should be kept in a low amount as dogs thrive on meat. If you are cooking for your dog, then we recommend to include low amounts of whole carbs, such as sweet potatoes. Lastly, you can offer some fruits and vegetables that provide good vitamins and minerals to help your dog's over-all health. Training your Labrador retriever puppy Labrador Retrievers are very active and intelligent dogs. Other than daily exercise, they will need basic dog training. Yes, even as a puppy! You can begin training your dog with paper training. Learn more about that in our article about paper training for puppies. You can then begin to teach them basic commands, such as to sit, stay, or even to play fetch. Remember to always train them for short amounts of time each day, not exceeding 15min, and always through positive reinforcement. This way, training will be enjoyable for them and will help you create a greater bond with them. To learn more, read our article about when to start training your puppy. Exercising your Labrador retriever puppy Your Labrador retriever puppy will needs plenty of exercise. Due to their small size as a puppy, this will mostly be at home. They will begin by playing with their siblings and walking or running around the house. Then, after their first round of vaccinations, usually around the age of 7 weeks old, puppies will begin to go outside. This is a very important part of their puppyhood as they will learn to go out on walks with their caregivers and will begin their socialization period. During this period, they will meet and interact with new people and other dogs. They will also explore new places. It's very important that during this period they have good interactions and don't get traumatized. When a puppy is well socialized from a young age, they will have a balanced temperament as adult dogs. Learn more in our article about socializing puppies. Hygiene care Next, we're going to talk about maintaining our puppy's hygiene. As Labrador puppies haven't grown their full coat, they won't need to be brushed regularly just yet. A bath is only necessary when they get very dirty on their outdoor walks. Dental hygiene is also important when it comes to caring for a puppy. You can opt for a dog tooth paste or a dental canine treat. Talk to your veterinarian to see which would be best for you puppy, and learn more in our article about dental hygiene for dogs. Other than that, we must make sure that their everyday environment is also clean and that we refresh their water bowl everyday. This way, our puppy will have great personal hygiene and we can help them prevent certain health issues from a young age. Health care Lastly, we're going to talk about your Labrador retriever's health. The Labrador Retriever is a relatively healthy and long-living dog, especially if they stay in shape. However, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from breeding programs makes them prone to certain hereditary diseases and conditions , which are usually manifested as the dog grows old. For instance, Labradors tend to suffer from hip dysplasia. When your Lab is a puppy, you must ensure they get the necessary vaccines, and you must follow their vaccination schedule during the rest of their lives. This will prevent them from suffering very serious diseases that tend to affect dogs. If you want your dog to stay as healthy as possible, go to the vet for check-ups every 6 months. You can prevent the development of common diseases by watching your Lab for symptoms and caring for them as best as you can. Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity - they love treats, and if they don't get enough exercise they will soon become overweight, with the related muscular and joint problems. Helpful tips for caring for your puppy We hope that this article has given you great insight when it comes to caring for a Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some other helpful articles for caregivers that are adopting puppies:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. 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. Owning a Labrador can be lots of fun An introduction to Labradors If you are considering buying or adopting this popular dog breed, our guide to owning a Labrador is just for you! We will answer all the most frequently asked questions below, to help you determine if living with a Labrador would be ideal for your family. Originally bred to retrieve nets for fishermen and later to retrieve fowl and game for hunters, the Labrador Retriever is now one of the most popular pets in the UK. The breed benefits from the positive character traits of being reliable, trustworthy, good natured and dependable, leading to their reputation as great family pets. Labradors are very sociable by nature, forming strong bonds with their owners. They do however, need lots of exercise and mental stimulation and can be inclined to being over enthusiastic and bouncy. They are renowned for their huge appetite for food and tendency to chew as puppies. What size are Labradors? Labradors are a strongly built medium — large breed of dog. When purchasing one as a puppy, it is important to consider this. You should ensure that your home and garden have plenty of space to accommodate a large and lively doggy resident. Fully grown males typically weigh KG and measure around cm to the withers. Females weigh KG and measure around cm to the withers. Do Labradors make good family pets? Labradors generally have an easy going temperament with playful and intelligent character traits. Their affectionate and loyal nature means that they can be ideally suited to becoming a family pet, with the vast majority enjoying the company of children. Labradors are known to thrive in a family home environment with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, attention and training. However, please note that young children should always be supervised around any breed of dogs and appropriate care should be taken. What colours are Labradors? Labradors come in three colour varieties, which are black, chocolate and yellow. Yellows range from light cream to red fox. What is the average life span of a Labrador? Labradors live for approximately years on average, when cared for correctly and fed appropriately. How much does owning a Labrador cost? This is just the purchase price of course, there are also ongoing costs. These include equipment such as collar, lead, toys, bedding and a dog guard or car harness. You should also budget for the cost of food, pet insurance and regular vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. There may also be additional costs, such as training classes. Are Labradors easy to train? Labradors are generally always very eager to please, with kind and willing natures. This means that they are relatively easy to train. They also have a very high food drive meaning that they learn very quickly when there is a food reward at the end of a training session. They are particularly suited to training for assistance dog roles, genuinely enjoying this kind of activity. At Barking Mad Dog Care, we are proud to be official charity partners of Dogs for Good , a life-transforming charity, which creates partnerships between people living with disability and specially trained assistance dogs. We are proud to sponsor Prince, pictured below. He is just about to be matched with a family after completing initial training. Labradors like Prince are often selected to be assistance dogs 7. How much exercise do Labradors need? Labradors need to be given the right amount of exercise to stay fit and healthy. An ideal amount of exercise for this active breed is roughly two hours a day. This relates to fully grown adult Labradors. Puppies should be walked following the rule of five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. It is important to include activities other than just walking, as Labradors require lots of mental stimulation. They love to retrieve, as their name suggests, and are generally sociable when playing with other dogs, if well socialised. If Labradors become bored, they are far more likely to become destructive and display unwanted behaviour. How much grooming do Labradors need? Labradors are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Like all breeds though, regular grooming on a weekly basis will keep their coats and skin in good condition. Frequent grooming can also help with their tendency to excessively shed fur. Feeding a Labrador 9. Feeding a Labrador Labradors are notorious for their love of food and are prone to putting on weight if fed an inappropriate diet or quantity. It is important to feed your Labrador a good quality food with all the right nutrients, right through from puppyhood to old age. Do Labradors like water? Labradors were originally bred for retrieving objects from the water. They generally love swimming and splashing around in water courses and lakes. Remember to take care when walking them near to water which is unsafe for them to swim in. Many Labradors will decide to jump in of their own accord. Conclusion: owning a Labrador should be determined by your lifestyle When making the decision to own any kind of dog or puppy, it is important to give real consideration to whether or not they are suitable for your lifestyle. However, it is natural to worry about what will happen if you have to leave your new best friend to go away on holiday, for work or for a non dog-friendly occasion such as a family wedding. Established in , we have many years of experience of offering home-from-home care for Labradors and the many other breeds of dog. Why not find your local branch today and get in contact to discuss care for your Labrador? Please note, our information about Labradors is a brief description for the benefit of our website visitors. The points we make are a generalisation of breed characteristics. Every dog is an individual and will have different needs. We would advise carrying out lots of research, both online and in person such as with your local vet before making a decision to purchase or adopt a Labrador puppy or adult dog. Share This Article:. They help you find the information you need right now. You might also want to check out our sections on Labrador Puppy Training. Do let us know what you would like to see added to the site. We are always happy to have your comments and suggestions. When To Collect Your Puppy We highly recommend that puppies are not removed from their breeder until they are 8 weeks old. There are lots of good reasons for this. It helps puppies develop good bite moderation skills before they are adopted into a family, ensures that they are ready to adapt quickly to their new life. And it helps to reduce the sad numbers of puppies bred for a quick profit. Puppies sold under seven weeks old often have health problems and need special care, and extra veterinary attention. Check out the following articles for further information: When can puppies leave their mother Your first puppy Your first puppy is a huge adventure. You have so much fun ahead. Labradors are generally very friendly dogs, but they can also be very distractible. So do start daily training games, using plenty of food. You can get regular training tips from Pippa by email, using the box below. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You turn your attention back to your computer screen and suddenly feel little teeth grabbing at your sock! You look down. Your once-angelic puppy is now having a full on game of tug-of-war with your pant leg! This cute baby is now more like a furry little monster. You get up and try to walk away, but the fur alligator is still attached, munching away at your trousers and having the best time! If this sounds like your life, read on to learn how to stop a puppy from biting. Why Do Puppies Bite? Believe it or not, this scenario is actually very common! Biting is one of the most natural things in the world to a young pup; and they do it for many reasons. You would be left with your feet and mouth to interact, taste and feel your environment. Now, what if you had puppy paws — incapable of grasping anything? That leaves you with one final way to interact — your mouth. For good measure, add in the incredible curiosity of a child. How many times do you see a baby grab things with their hands and pop them into the mouth? Puppies have that same mindset. Your mouth strength and play bite helped you communicate and determine your rank in society. Your mouthy mojo gave you respect in canine culture. Puppies interact with their surroundings largely through their mouths. Labradors, like most sporting breeds, have the drive to chase after prey, put it in their mouths, and bring it back to you. This translates into a strong need to chew. They will try this same tactic with their human pack members. If ignored, one bite on the toe is often enough to get the focus back on them. Remember, to a puppy even negative attention is still attention. Terrible Teething When you add teething into the mix, you have the recipe for a furry gator. Most pups will have an increased need to chew while teething , which can begin at 6 weeks and last to 8 months of age. Unlike teething, there is no magical age that puppies grow out of a learned mouthing behavior. Thankfully, with positive training, most dogs eventually lose interest in chewing on their owners. Types of Biting: Aggression or Play? Puppies use their teeth in many ways. However, this is actually just very intense play. Play biting can be accompanied with growling and snarling. This is just part of the fun to a young pup. Instead, we will look into how we can prevent playful mouthing. However, it is important to recognize the signs of aggression. Pay attention to the timing of the biting as well. If so, the motive behind the bite may be more aggressive. Could it be Resource Guarding? Some dogs also aggressively bite when they are guarding a toy or food item, commonly called resource guarding. With resource guarding, you will see the same behavior as aggressive biting, but they will also stand over an object and defend it from any perceived threat. If you think your puppy is behaving aggressively, seek professional help to learn how to actively manage this issue. In contrast to this, playing puppies will be relaxed and have a wiggly body. They will be bouncy, easily roll onto their backs and often be panting with open mouths. Even if they are growling, a relaxed face and body mean a happy puppy. What Can Trigger Biting? Do you really want your pound Labrador to target your hands as a toy later? Children Little kids tend to excite puppies more than adults. Children move erratically, run around, make strange sounds and have a lot more energy. Puppies can easily associate them with toys. Ankle Biters Puppies target fast moving objects that excite their prey drive. Your feet moving by at their eye level can be irresistible. After all, what self-respecting puppy would snub shoes with those floppy laces that are perfect for playing tug? How do we do this? Redirection with Hands When training your puppy, always have a toy to offer. Remember, puppies are like babies. Your job is to redirect them to fun toys instead of human skin. You must do everything possible to make toys extremely attractive so the puppy chooses them over your clothing, hands or feet. Redirection with Kids You can also use redirection around children. First, teach your puppy to use interactive toys and then show your child how to play with the puppy correctly. In the event that your dog forgets, teach your kids to be a tree when their puppy begins to bite them or their clothes. This position makes them less interactive to the puppy. They look boring and the puppy will lose interest. Most bites occur because the child is running or moving erratically. Remember, dogs have the same prey triggers as wolves. If something is running away, it looks like prey. Your job, therefore, is to have an even more amazing toy than your feet. You can take a toy, tie it to a rope, and then tie the rope to your belt so that you are dragging the toy whenever your pup is out. If your puppy is coming for your feet, stop moving them and wave the toy around excitedly instead. Once the pup is attached to the toy, you can start walking again. This way, they will pounce on the toy instead of you! Bite inhibition simply means that the puppy learns not to apply too much force behind their teeth. They apply gentle, but firm, pressure to their greeting. Puppies also learn to limit this pressure with their mouths by feedback from pack members. When puppies are little, they learn bite inhibition through play with their siblings. If two pups are tussling, and one bites down too hard, the other puppy yelps loudly. This startling sound usually causes the offending party to let go. The play stops for a few minutes, as the first pup nurses his wounded ego. Play then resumes, but with less brutality. Instead, let the puppy release your hand and then simply get up and and move away from your pup while ignoring them. Your job is to teach them when they bite down on you, the fun stops. Ignore them for about a minute, then return and resume the play and praise them when they focus on the toy. If they bite you too hard again, repeat this process. You can either step over a puppy barrier or go into another room and shut the door. Just make sure they are in a puppy-proof area, as they may take out their frustration on inappropriate household items. You can also keep the puppy on a leash while playing with them. If they bite you, you can calmly tether them to something and then walk out of their reach. Your goal is to correct the puppy only by taking away your fun presence. You should not be threatening or angry. Give them the appropriate time out from the fun interaction to settle down, and then come back with a toy to redirect their energy. Once they understand they have to be gentle, you can then start to ask more of them by ending the game with lighter and lighter pressure on your skin. Finally, you can take the game to the highest standard — no teeth on human skin at all. If you slowly progress to this over weeks, you teach your pup to have a soft mouth. If they do feel the need to put their teeth on a human, they know not to put much pressure into their bite. You need to teach your puppy that human skin is fragile and requires a softer touch than a canine interaction. Your goal for this exercise should be to help your puppy understand that the play and fun things continue as long as they keep their teeth on their toy and not on you! More Ways to Stop Your Puppy Biting While the yelp and time-out method works for most pups, there are additional ways to reinforce good behavior. When your puppy bites your hand, they get a terrible taste. You can use anti-chewing sprays like Bitter Apple to make your hands less appealing. When your puppy bites you, be still and wait for them to react to the bitter taste. When they let go, praise them and redirect them onto a treat or toy. You want the crate to always be associated with only good things. Crates also should be in the middle of the household, with the rest of the pack — not isolated. This is the same way other canine pack members would isolate them. A laundry room or puppy pen works well for this exercise. Make sure the room is comfortable and safe for your puppy. When the puppy is too stimulated, calmly put him in the room with some teething toys and leave. Teaching them interactive games like fetch or bringing you a toy to tug helps show them that they can have even more fun when they play by your rules. Positive play helps develop a bond with your dog. You never want to avoid it, you just want to show them how to play without biting you. Teaching puppies to retrieve objects helps to tire them out, gives them something positive to chase, and focuses their bite on an appropriate item. Plus, most Labradors are pretty good at retrieving! Remember, anytime we ask a puppy to stop a behavior, it should be because they are rewarded in an even more exciting and positive way for doing something else and things our way. The following video shows how. Video: How to Stop a Puppy from Biting This video shows how to use clicker training to stimulate a puppy in situations where they normally would bite; and then reward them when they choose a closed mouth and calm interaction. Dominant Puppies Dogs are individuals. However, as puppies mature, there may be the rare pup that uses biting as a way to take charge. Dominant puppies may bite to show you that they want to be the boss as they mature. This happens naturally among littermates, as all packs have a pecking order. This reinforces to them that you are backing down and that they are the leader in the relationship. Always remain calm and assertive with your puppy, but end the game as soon as they begin vying for leadership instead of playing. Remember, the alternative to not training your dog is a large animal putting his mouth on people. Be patient with your puppy. Remember, mouthing and biting are normal parts of canine culture. If you stay patiently positive, train consistently, and redirect and reward good behavior, you will soon see a puppy that learns to bring you a tug toy instead of shredding your trousers. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to 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. Calm puppy behavior. Conflicting advice on how to stop your pup biting Many articles will tell you to ignore a puppy when he bites and to offer him a toy instead. Some people will tell you to punish your biting puppy. Others will tell you that you must not stop your puppy biting too suddenly, or punish him for biting, for fear of drastic consequences later. So who is right, and who is wrong? Does ignoring stop your puppy biting? Many new puppy owners try to ignore the biting puppy initially. This failure tends to be for one or more of the following reasons. Does noise stop puppy biting? There is no doubt that a sufficiently loud squeal, followed by immediate withdrawal of attention, will cause many Labrador puppies to break off from biting. Sometimes long enough for a skilled owner to then redirect the puppy into a more appropriate activity. There is also no doubt that for some puppies, this has the reverse effect, and causes them to bite harder and more fiercely. A puppy that has spent sufficient time with his Mum, may be more likely to take heed of this verbal warning, as he will expect it to be followed by a sharp click of her teeth and a fiercer rebuke if he ignores her. But there are no guarantees here. And the fact is, squealing simply does not work as an effective anti-biting strategy, for some puppies. Punishing the puppy to stop biting I have heard, even quite experienced, breeders tell new puppy owners to punish their puppy if he bites. Either by intimidating the puppy with an angry growling voice, or even with physical punishment such as a scruff shake or slap. But there are problems with this approach. This process is called bite inhibition. And the use of punishment may curtail all biting rather than just the hardest, most painful, bites. Nowadays many people like to train dogs without punishment. And there are strong reasons for joining them — check out this article — the downside of punishing dogs. Teaching puppy to stop biting Why would we want to teach dogs to bite humans gently? Why is it not best to teach them not to bite at all, right from the start? The idea of reducing biting gradually was popularised by Ian Dunbar. The theory is that a dog which learns to inhibit his bite i. You can read more about bite inhibition here: Labrador Puppies Biting. The concept is a sound one, and most canine behaviorists agree that teaching gradual bite inhibition is a good thing. The problem for many new puppy owners, is stopping those painful bites in the first place! The first step is not a technique at all, but an adjustment in the expectations that we have of a small puppy How much do Lab puppies bite? New puppy owners tend to have false expectations of puppies. They also anticipate that stopping a puppy from biting will be a fairly quick and simple matter. None of these expectations is true. Most puppies bite hard, frequently and growl fiercely whilst they are doing it. This noise is not a sign of aggression see Help my puppy is aggressive. Stopping a puppy from biting is a process, a journey. And it can be temporarily an uncomfortable one! It is important to accept that there is no guaranteed way of stopping biting immediately. Indeed, as we have seen, bite prevention rather than inhibition may be a bad thing in any case. Supervise your puppy around children Once you have got your head around the fact that this process will take some time, that it will be a gradual thing, you need to think about how you are going to protect any children that might come into contact with the puppy. This is important because small children can, both hurt and, be hurt by small biting puppies. Calm your puppy to stop him biting The next priority is to keep your puppy calm. Overexcited puppies bite harder and more frequently than less excited puppies. This will merely start the biting up all over again. There are lots of ways to interact with puppies without physically playing with them. Check out our article on playing safely with your dog. What to do when a puppy bites When your puppy bites you really hard, take immediate action. Stand up, move away from him and completely withdraw your attention. You can try the squeal thing if you want to. This works well with some puppies. Be ready for it, and repeat your actions. If the puppy chases after you, biting at your legs and feet, step over a baby gate, or pop him in his crate for a few minutes. You can read up on this process in more detail in this article: How to cope with biting. Remember, puppies enjoy chewing , and teething puppies need to chew on something. Whilst you and your clothing are not suitable chew toys, you need to provide your puppy with alternatives, like Kong toys. How to stop your puppy biting Biting is normal Biting should be inhibited in stages Training takes time The key points to take away from this are that biting is normal, and that training a puppy not to bite takes time. Stop the painful bites first, then work on putting a stop to mouthing. If what you are doing is not working, you probably just need to be more patient and persistent. If your children are suffering, you need to separate and supervise. Work hard on keeping your puppy calm — it makes the biggest difference. It is common for puppies to bite or "mouth" hands and clothes during play or when looking for attention. As annoying and sometimes painful as this behavior may be, it is normal and an important developmental behavior. When a dog bites another dog or a human, the amount of damage that is inflicted is determined by the amount of pressure the dog exudes with his mouth. As a puppy owner, you want to teach your puppy to inhibit his bite, so when he put his teeth on humans he exudes very soft or no pressure. Most of the work of bite inhibition should have been taught in the litter, however, you may have some training do do as well. The first place to begin is by teaching your puppy how to take treats appropriately. If he attempts to take the treat and you can feel pressure from his teeth or if he puts your whole hand in his mouth, remove your hand — not allowing him to have the treat. Wait 5 seconds and try again. When your dog stops biting and mouthing and offers a lick or stops adding pressure so that you can barely feel his teeth, reward his behavior and offer him the treat. Repeat these steps several times per day. These steps should be taken anytime your puppy is given food from your hand. Treats are only given when the dog takes them nicely. If you have a family member such as a young child who can not gauge how much pressure is too much, always have them offer food from an open palm. The more times your dog gets to take treats inappropriately the longer it will take for your dog to learn and take treats gently. Discourage Unacceptable Behavior You must also teach your puppy to be gentle with hands, and that nipping results in unpleasant consequences for her. Teach your puppy that nipping "turns off" any attention and social interaction with you. Do not return to playing if the puppy has not settled down. If your puppy is grabbing and nipping clothes, stop! Wait for him to let go of your pants, and then continue on your way. If you continue to walk, your puppy gets to play tug with your pant leg - a very fun game! After he sits, count to three and offer him an alternative reward such as a favorite toy. This technique can be especially effective when children want to pet her. As you or the child reach out to scratch her behind the ears not over the head with one hand, offer the chew bone with the other. Alternate which hand does the petting and which one has the chew bone. What Not To Do Attempts to tap, slap or hit your puppy in the face for nipping are almost guaranteed to backfire. Several things may happen, depending on your puppy's temperament and the severity of the correction: He could become "hand-shy" and cringe or cower whenever a hand comes toward his face. He could become afraid of you and refuse to come to you or approach you at all. He could respond in a defensive manner and attempt to bite you to defend himself. He could interpret a mild slap as an invitation to play, causing him to become more excited and even more likely to nip. These types of games encourage out-of-control behavior, grabbing, lunging and competition with you. Training Tip! If you puppy is ripping clothes clothes or leaving wounds on your hands, consider seeking professional help such as the Certification Council for Professional Trainers. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You envisioned that your new puppy, Max, would walk calmly next to you in heel position. So you wonder what you should do to preserve your wardrobe and how to stop a puppy from tugging on clothing. Why Puppies Tug on Clothing Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Anything is fair game. Pulling on our clothing is very enticing to them and fun. And it may be cute in the beginning. And, as a puppy grows stronger and has adult teeth, this behavior can become dangerous. It can turn into biting as he gets his adult teeth. And he may even knock or pull someone down when he tugs. The following are some reasons why your puppy may be pulling on your clothes: 1. They are little land sharks with needle-like teeth. So the cloth on your new jeans is fair game as far as your puppy is concerned. He may chew on the furniture, have potty accidents, and even see you as a living chew toy and tug on your clothing. And he will probably pull on your clothes. Your puppy may be bored Your puppy may just be looking for something to do. Unfortunately, you and your clothes can be what he literally latches onto. Shelties, Aussies, and corgis will engage in these behaviors. They want to control your motion just as they would a flock of sheep. This is especially true when someone walks by quickly or noisily. When my many shelties were puppies, they would try to grab the bottom of my pants leg and tug. So I worked with the issue using some of the techniques I describe below. A retriever sometimes has a need to have something in his mouth. And that something could be the clothes you wear if nothing else is handy. My rescued golden retriever Spencer always had to have something in his mouth. So, instead of it being the shirt on my arm or my pant leg, I made sure that he had an assortment of toys he liked to carry around with him. Your puppy may want to play It may be as simple as your puppy needs to play. Puppies are usually very playful and will grab whatever—or whoever—is nearby. Play biting is a common puppy behavior. So the pup turns tugging on our clothing into a fun for him game. Your puppy may want attention You may be busy working on your computer. All of a sudden, you feel a tug on your clothes. So he explores the world with his mouth. And your clothing is easy to reach. This can also occur while on walks, where a puppy may see many things that excite him such as squirrels, dogs passing by, or someone mowing the lawn. You may have unintentionally encouraged him to tug on clothes You may have inadvertently rewarded the behavior. Your puppy may have the zoomies Sometimes puppies tug our clothing because they need to release energy. And you can also use certain methods to break the pattern. Play biting is a normal puppy behavior. Luckily, most puppies outgrow it. But, in the meantime, you need to work through the issue. He starts ferociously tugging with all his might instead of grabbing the rope toy in your hand. Afterward, redirect him to another activity or obedience cue. Then, use some of the other techniques below. Make sure that your puppy has enough physical and mental exercise The amount of physical exercise your puppy needs for his physical and mental well-being will vary depending on his age and breed s. Generally, working, herding, and sporting breeds and terriers require more exercise than toy breeds do. And young puppies often require more naps than older puppies and adult dogs do. So have puzzle toys ready. A flirt pole can exercise and redirect your pup to another activity. And teach your puppy obedience commands and tricks. Teach obedience commands Certain training cues are especially important to help stop a puppy from tugging at your clothes. Of course, teach your puppy to pay attention and look up at your face when you say his name. Then, you can tell him to leave anything and not pick it up or put it in his mouth—including you and your clothing. Teach your puppy to heel alongside you. Of course your puppy should also learn to come to you and sit and lay down on cue. Teach impulse control exercises The more that your puppy can control his own behaviors, all of his actions will be better regulated. Teach him to go a place and settle there. But by the time a pup reaches five or six months old, he should be able to sit and down on your verbal cue and hand signal. This training lesson teaches a puppy to control his natural impulses and drives. Place a small treat in your hand, palm up, and close your fist. Have another reward treat ready in your other hand. If your pup mouths or paws at your hand, ignore it. Do this exercise a few times. End on a successful note. Put your fist behind your back and walk away. Next time you train him, set him up to succeed. You can give a small tidbit of a treat. Or you can give him a safe chew or frozen stuffed Kong so that he will remain lying down and calm. Licking the stuffing out of a Kong is actually calming to a dog. Use an interrupter This can help teach your puppy to remove his teeth from your clothes. Or, if he knows how to sit on cue, have him sit, then release him and reward with a favorite toy. Have a favorite toy of his ready and have him fetch it. Or have a safe chew or stuffed frozen Kong ready. Give him a nap If your puppy is overly tired, he may act out much as a small toddler would. So what he needs is a nap. So you can first have him perform an obedience cue and reward him. Then have him enter his crate with a safe reward such as an appropriately-sized stuffed frozen Kong. Give your puppy a time-out Sometimes when a puppy is overstimulated, he needs a place to chill out. So when I give a puppy a short minute maximum time-out, I use a different, safe, puppy-proofed area. It can be a laundry room or bathroom. If this method is to work, you must just leave the puppy for a short time until he calms down minutes at most. Then, release him from the place and have him perform an obedience cue or redirect him to an acceptable game. Puppies and children can be a great combination. But all interactions should be monitored and directed. And teach your puppy to ignore such distractions and redirect him to other acceptable activities. But also instruct children and rambunctious adults to be calm around the pup. No rough-housing or wrestling with the pup. Clothing, especially those with our scent, are very inviting to most puppies. Place a chew deterrent on your clothes If your puppy goes after the bottom of your pants leg, you can spray a chew deterrent such as Bitter Yuck there before your pup approaches. You can then spray the bottoms with Bitter Yuck immediately prior to wearing them. Use calming aids If you need additional help calming your puppy down, there are many things that you can use. You can get your puppy used to wearing a ThunderShirt. It comes in a plug-in, collar, and spray. Get professional help if needed If all else fails, get professional help if you need it. A positive reinforcement trainer who has experience with puppy behaviors can set you and your puppy on the right track. And save your wardrobe. I know that this is easier said than done. But try the above-listed methods instead. And they can be abusive. Doing so may even teach him to fear you and become hand shy. And he may even become aggressive when you attempt to handle him. But, if you get too excited and scream at him, your puppy will probably become over-stimulated and his behavior of yanking on your clothes will escalate. Or some puppies will even become afraid of you. And you may even create other behavior problems. This includes no wrestling games or waving arms round. And no tug of war for now. So use other safe toys made for dogs instead. FAQs My puppy tugs on my clothes and has already ruined a few pairs of pants. Should I push him away? And teach him obedience commands such as paying attention, leave it, sit, heel, and down. And have something ready such as a favorite to or chew to redirect him before his teeth are on your clothes. My family gives my puppy old socks as toys and now he always wants to pull the socks off my feet. What should I do? First of all, stop giving your puppy clothing as toys. Instead, have safe toys and chews available for him to play with. My puppy gets very excited when my two toddlers are playing. He grabs their clothes and pulls them over, which scares them. And he gets even more excited when they cry. Never leave your puppy alone with your children. Accidents can happen. Have them interact only when supervised and after your puppy has a sufficient amount of exercise for his age and breed. Teach your toddlers to be calm around your puppy. Reward them for being calm. Positive reinforcement works for people too! And teach your puppy obedience commands and impulse control exercises. Final Thoughts Puppies explore the world with their mouths. There are many reasons why they love to tug at our clothes. Then you can take the measures necessary to avoid and correct that behavior. Have you had a puppy who tugs on your clothes? What have you done about it? Did it work? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.
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? 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. Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training.
There are four Bernedoodle sizes—tiny, mini, medium, and standard. Read on to find out how big do Bernedoodles get, what impacts the height and weight of a Bernedoodle, and when do Bernedoodles stop growing! The Toy Poodle stands around 10 inches in height and weighs between 6 and 9 pounds. The Mini Bernedoodle size varies between inches in height and pounds. Although you should always be careful about selecting a responsible doodle breeder , you should be even more wary when considering a toy or teacup size. Unfortunately, there are some unethical breeders out there who prioritize tiny stature over healthy puppies and those dogs often have major health problems throughout their life. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! How big do Tiny Bernedoodles get? On average, the full grown Tiny Bernedoodle size is around 17 inches tall 50 cm and weighs between 10 pounds and 24 pounds. Cody the Tiny Bernedoodle is 18 pounds. Photo courtesy of Caryn Zeman on Facebook. The Mini Poodle is around 15 inches in height, and pounds in weight. The Bernese Mountain Dog, on the other hand, is inches in height and pounds. How big do Mini Bernedoodles get? The full grown Mini Bernedoodle size varies between inches at the shoulder cm and they weigh around 25 pounds to 50 pounds. Luna the Mini Bernedoodle is 28 pounds. Photo courtesy of Christa Szczepanski Savage on Facebook. It is often used to describe larger Miniature Bermedoodles or smaller Standard Bernedoodles. How big do Medium Bernedoodles get? The Medium Bernedoodle size is generally between inches tall at the shoulder. Lucy Belle the Medium Bernedoodle is 40 pounds. Photo courtesy of Skinny Kidplaying on Facebook. The Standard Poodle is inches in height at the shoulder and weighs pounds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is usually slightly larger at inches in height, and pounds in weight. How big do Standard Bernedoodles get? A Standard Bernedoodle is generally between inches tall at the shoulder centimeters. While the weight of a Standard Bernedoodle starts at 50 pounds, they typically are between 70 and 90 pounds and can even go above pounds! Calvin the Standard Bernedoodle is 95 pounds. Photo courtesy of Lisa M. Harkins on Facebook. What Impacts the Height and Weight of a Bernedoodle? Some of these include their gender, the height and weight of the parents, and which generation of Bernedoodle your dog is. The combination of all of these factors make it somewhat difficult to predict exactly how big your dog will be, but it helps us come up with a general estimate. First, their gender plays a role in answering the question of how big do Bernedoodles get. Should you choose a male vs female Bernedoodle? In most cases, the height and weight of a male Bernedoodle will be slightly larger than a female Bernedoodle. In the smaller Tiny Bernedoodle size and Mini Bernedoodle size, the height and weight difference between males and females may not be as noticeable as with the larger Medium Bernedoodle size and Standard Bernedoodle size. Another important aspect to consider is the size of the parents. The genetics that are passed from the parents to their offspring play a role in how large a Bernedoodle will get. However, keep in mind that genetics are tough to predict. Finally, which generation of Bernedoodle your dog is will be a big part of how big they will get! Check out our article on Bernedoodle generations to learn more! Put simply, a Bernedoodle that has more Poodle than Bernese Mountain dog could be slightly smaller than a Bernedoodle that has more Bernese Mountain dog than Poodle. Simply, the higher percentage of the larger dog, the larger the dog is likely to be. When Do Bernedoodles Stop Growing? Savor these puppy days— time will fly by before you know it! Bernedoodles usually reach full size anywhere from 1. Just like other factors, this relies significantly on genetics. Bernese Mountain Dogs, like other large breeds, tend to grow over a longer period of time. Poodles, on the other hand, are a smaller breed and are generally done growing by 18 months of age. Due to differences in stature, in general, a Tiny Bernedoodle will be fully grown sooner than a Mini Bernedoodle, which will be fully grown before a Medium Bernedoodle or a Standard Bernedoodle. Related Articles:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Sherry Rupke is widely credited for breeding the first Mini Bernedoodles in when the Ontario-based Swissridge Kennel breeder intentionally bred two of her Bernedoodles. Mini Bernedoodle Appearance Mini Bernedoodles can come in a wide variety of different colors. Their appearance mirrors that of their Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. They resemble a cuddly, hair small bear cub. These shaggy dogs can have the broad build of the Bernese Mountain Dog or the slender build of the Poodle. Every Mini Bernedoodle has a different coat but there does tend to be some common themes. In terms of size, Mini Bernedoodles can range from 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 45 pounds. However, you can get some members of the cross breed who are a little taller, smaller, heavier or lighter than these ranges. After all, they tend to be happy, goofy, loving and loyal dogs who relish the chance to interact with their fellow family members. Their energy levels can vary depending on whether they take after their Poodle parent or Bernese Mountain Dog parent. This is both a blessing and a curse, but does require persistence when training them because they can regress in training quickly if you do not maintain consistency. Rasa highlighted that every Mini Bernedoodle is going to differ slightly, but they usually have some traits in common. Every [Mini] Bernedoodle is a little bit different. In my experience, though, [Mini] Bernedoodles are total velcro dogs and often a product of their environment — so whatever training you do and routines you establish will help your [Mini] Bernedoodle in developing their personality. For instance, a Mini Bernedoodle who is more alike the Miniature Poodle will have quite high energy levels but a Mini Bernedoodle who is more akin to a Bernese Mountain Dog could be more relaxed. She plays with neighbors dog about 30min every day. High energy. Rasa highlighted the importance of mental stimulation when taking care of a Mini Bernedoodle. Treat puzzles and snuffle mats are truly life changing and will often exhaust your puppy more than any physical exercise you can give, but [Mini] Bernedoodles love being social and active so you should definitely incorporate both. Booker gets at least two walks a day as well as some playtime with other dogs. His favorite form of exercise is play time with other dogs so we try to set up play dates once a week with other dogs in our neighborhood — either by going to our local dog park or playing in the backyard. Poodles are the second smartest dogs in the world behind the Border Collie. Rasa found training Bernie a breeze seeing as her Mini Bernedoodle was highly food motivated. Be warned, however, that sometimes bernedoodles will try to outsmart you to get treats without a task! Mehnoosh believes Mini Bernedoodles do benefit from consistent and regular training. Having said that, each member of the cross breed could shed to varying degrees, from virtually no shedding to moderate shedding. Mehnoosh provided a brilliant explanation of why Mini Bernedoodles tend to be low shedders. However, the shedding is minimal and is reduced when you breed Bernedoodles with other Bernedoodles. In my experience, not at all but you do have to keep up with grooming religiously. While most [Mini] Bernedoodles have the non-shedding Poodle coat, without daily brushing and regular professional grooming it can get quite matted. SwissRidge Bernedoodles founder Rupke wrote on her website that Bernedoodles and Mini Bernedoodles are completely dedicated to their families with a special fondness for children. In general, [Mini] Bernedoodles love being part of a family unit, inclusive of humans, dogs, cats, whatever! Mehnoosh recommended early socialisation for Mini Bernedoodles to help develop their social skills. Mini Bernedoodles are very affectionate and friendly dogs, particularly to other pets within the household! Separation anxiety is a chronic canine condition that occurs when dog owners are about to leave the home or have left the home. The symptoms include barking, howling, whining, chewing, digging, urinating and defecating. But yes they want to be with you alllllll the time. Mini Bernedoodles are absolutely velcro dogs and would rather be with their people than without, so to an extent, yes. However, if you do your best to make sure they are well exercised physically and mentally, this should not be a problem. If you leave them comfortable, they should be able to stay comfortable! However, Mehnoosh revealed that Booker does suffer with separation anxiety. This is a tough question, as i can only speak to my experience with Mini Bernedoodles. But i know that to be true with many different breeds that were also adopted or purchased during the pandemic. Are Mini Bernedoodle Fussy Eaters? However, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a breed that can have sensitive to certain types of food. Mehnoosh admitted that Booker is a voracious eater. Absolutely not — Mini Bernedoodles are hungry all the time and will eat just about anything if you were to allow them! Booker eats a diet that is inclusive of kibble and freeze fried food. One thing to be mindful of though is that poodle breeds often have allergies with chicken so we like to avoid including any chicken within his diet. However, as a relatively new hybrid dog, your best bet may be a breeder. You should be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle and home as well as ask the breeder lots of questions. You should ask to see your potential pup with their mother as well as ask the breeder for proof of health screening and veterinarian checks. Breeds The link has been copied! The Bernedoodle is a hybrid dog that combines the intelligence and of the Poodle with the robust and loyal personality of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are also known for having low-shedding coats, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies or who prefer a breed that doesn't shed excessively. If you are curious about the size of a full grown Bernedoodle, read on as we break them all down. Size Categories of a Full Grown Bernedoodles 1. Standard Bernedoodle Size Standard Bernedoodles vary in size, with some being larger or smaller than others. However, on average, a full-grown standard Bernedoodle weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 29 inches. This size range is considered to be a standard or medium Bernedoodle. It's crucial to note that the size of a standard Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents used in the crossbreeding process. For example, suppose a toy poodle is used as one of the parents. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be smaller than a standard Poodle. Similarly, suppose a standard Bernese Mountain Dog is used as one of the parents. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may be larger than if a smaller Poodle was used. Features of a Full Grown Standard Bernedoodle These are energetic and active dogs that need frequent training and psychological stimulation. This dog is highly intelligent and can be coached to execute several tasks, such as discipline and swiftness courses. A standard full grown Bernedoodle can live a long time with its owner with appropriate monitoring and training. Mini Bernedoodle Size The mini Bernedoodle size is a smaller version of the standard Bernedoodle breed. Similar to standard Bernedoodles, mini Bernedoodles are hybrid dogs that carry the characteristics of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, a full grown mini Bernedoodle size is smaller than their bigger sized kinds. On average, the mini Bernedoodle size will often be between 20 and 50 pounds and stand 14 to 22 inches high. This can be considered a medium sized dog. Additionally, the full size mini Bernedoodle size depends on the parents involved in the breeding process. Mini Bernedoodles are routinely created by breeding a moyan poodle or a mini poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog. This crossbreeding procedure results in smaller Bernedoodle puppies that are more active and easily managed in tinier living spaces or for owners with less time for exercise. Features of a mini Bernedoodle Despite their relatively smaller size, mini Bernedoodles are still energetic and active dogs that require frequent training and mental stimulation. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs and can be coached to perform various duties, such as obedience training and agility courses. Similar to their full-grown kinds, mini Bernedoodles can make good therapy dogs and provide great companions for families with children. With proper care and training, mini Bernedoodles can live long, healthy lives with their owners. Similar to full-grown and mini Bernedoodles, toy Bernedoodles are crossbred dogs that combine the traits of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, toy Bernedoodles are smaller than their full-grown and mini counterparts. On average, a toy Bernedoodle weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and stands 10 to 14 inches tall. Additionally, the toy Bernedoodle size will depend on the size of the parents used in the breeding process. Toy Bernedoodles are often created by crossbreeding a tiny or toy Poodle with a small Bernese Mountain Dog. This process results in even smaller Bernedoodle puppies that are more compact and easier to manage by busy masters living in smaller spaces. Characteristics of Toy Bernedoodles Toy Bernedoodles appear to be the smallest of their kind but are still strong dogs and require steady coaching and psychological stimulation. Comparing them to their other kinds, these dogs are sharp intellectually. They can be instructed to carry out several duties, such as obedience monitoring and agility teachings. Toy Bernedoodles are also regarded to be exemplary therapy dogs and can live longer under good care and training. Limitations of Toy Bernedoodles It is important to remember that toy Bernedoodles are more prone to particular health issues due to their small size. These issues may include dental problems, respiratory issues, and joint problems. Toy Bernedoodle owners should note these potential health issues and work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog receives appropriate care and medical attention. However, these dogs need regular grooming to maintain their healthy coat. This routine may include frequent brushing, baths, nail trimmings, and ear cleanings. Additionally, the Bernedoodles breed is often used as service and therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle nature. The Bernadoodle dog breed is among the most juvenile, dating back to the early s. This calm and easy-going dog goes by other names, such as Bernesedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog, or the Bernepoo mix. This breed of dog comes in various sizes, including standard Bernedoodles, mini Bernedoodles, and toy Bernedoodles, and can have a wide range of colors in their coat. They were originally used as farm dogs, where they performed tasks such as pulling carts and guarding livestock. The breed gets its name from the canton of Bern, where they were originally developed. It was recognized as a breed by the Swiss Kennel Club in , and the breed was first imported to the United States in .Today, they are still used for work on farms in some parts of the world, but they are also popular as family pets. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and versatility, and they are often used in search and rescue, therapy, and as guide dogs. They are also shown in conformation shows and participate in other canine sports such as obedience and agility. The Poodle The Purebred Poodle is a breed of dog that is believed to have originated in Germany, although the exact origins of the breed are unclear. The breed was originally developed as a water retriever, and the name "Poodle" is thought to be derived from the German word "pudel," which means "to splash in the water. The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three sizes and was originally used as a working dog, while the Miniature Poodle and Toy Poodle were bred to be companion dogs. Poodles became popular in France in the 18th century, and they were often kept by aristocrats as lapdogs. The breed became popular in the United States in the 19th century, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Poodle as a breed in .Today, Poodles are known for their intelligence, trainability, and versatility, and they are often used in canine sports such as obedience, agility, and tracking. They are also popular as family pets and are often shown in conformation shows. Understanding What "Designer Breeds" Means A designer breed is a type of dog that is created by intentionally breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds. The intention is to create a new breed that combines the characteristics of both parent breeds. Designer breeds are also sometimes called "hybrid" or "crossbred" dogs. This is exactly what a Bernedoodle is, regardless of the size you are interested in. Designer breeds are created for a variety of reasons. Some people breed designer dogs in an effort to create a breed that has the desirable qualities of both parent breeds, such as the intelligence and trainability of a Poodle with the low-shedding coat of a Bichon Frise. Others breed designer dogs simply because they find the combination of two specific breeds to be aesthetically pleasing. It's important to keep in mind that designer breeds are not recognized as official breeds by major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club AKC. This means that they are not eligible to participate in AKC-sanctioned conformation shows or other events. Coat Colors for Bernedoodles Bernedoodles come in several coat colors: white, black, cream, and brown. These colors can appear in solid form or mixed with others. For example, a Bernedoodle may have a black and white coat, a cream and brown coat, or any other combination of these colors. However, it is important to know that the coat color of a Bernedoodle depends on the coat colors of the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parents involved in the breeding process. For example, suppose a Bernese Mountain Dog with a black and white coat is bred with a Poodle with a cream and brown coat. In that case, the resulting Bernedoodle puppies may have a variety of coat colors, including black, white, cream, and brown. The coat colors of a Bernedoodle are primarily soft and fluffy, with a wavy or curly texture. The Bernedoodle breed is known for its intelligence and low-shedding coat, as well as its loyal and friendly personality. It is the perfect breed for anyone looking for a little playmate; furthermore, you can have eyes on your little dog at all times with the Fi collar. With a long-lasting battery and an in-built GPS, you can track your pup's movements wherever, whenever. Here are some things that a Bernedoodle may enjoy regardless of size : Playing fetch with a ball or other toy Going for walks or runs in the park Swimming in a pool or lake Going on hikes or exploring new trails Playing with other dogs or children Learning new tricks or commands Participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility, or tracking Snuggling on the couch or in bed with their owner Chewing on bones or other appropriate toys Going on car rides and exploring new places. It's important to keep in mind that every dog is unique and may have different interests and preferences. It's important to get to know your Bernedoodle and find activities that they enjoy and that are appropriate for their age and abilities. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Bernedoodle is a unique and wonderful breed that combines the best qualities of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. With their intelligence, affectionate nature, and hypoallergenic coat, Bernedoodles make great companions for families and individuals of all ages. Whether you're looking for a playful and energetic dog to join your family or a calm and loving companion to keep you company, the Bernedoodle is definitely worth considering. As with any breed, it's important to do your research and understand the specific needs and characteristics of the Bernedoodle before adding one to your household. With proper training, socialization, and care, a Bernedoodle can bring joy and love to your life for many years to come. Visit the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Would you like to learn more about TryFi. The Fi Dog Collar is a GPS tracking collar that not only tracks your dog's location, activity level, and sleep pattern, but also alerts you if your dog escapes. If your dog escapes, this is the fastest way to find him. Give the Fi Dog Collar a try today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Bernedoodle Temperament The Bernedoodle combines the intelligence of a poodle with the loyalty and easygoing temperament of a Bernese mountain dog, resulting in a cross that has all the best qualities of the two breeds. One of the most important characteristics to consider is Bernedoodle size, which varies based on whether the parent dogs are small, medium or large. Bernese Mountain Dog Size According to the American Kennel Club, a female Bernese mountain dog usually stands 23 to 26 inches high and weighs an average of 70 to 95 pounds , while a male Bernese mountain dog averages 25 to .The standard poodle is typically over 15 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 50 pounds for a female or 60 to 70 pounds for a male. Toy poodles are much smaller, with a standard height of no more than 10 inches and an average weight of 4 to 6 pounds. Bernedoodle Size Options Bernedoodle dogs come in four different sizes: micro, mini, medium and standard. The size of a Bernedoodle puppy depends on the size of its parents. Micro Bernedoodle Size The micro bernedoodle is a cross between a mini bernedoodle and a mini poodle. Also referred to as a toy bernedoodle, the micro version of this breed tends to be more excitable than larger bernedoodles due to the heavy influence of the toy poodle in its breeding line. Full-grown micro bernedoodles typically weigh 10 to 30 pounds. Mini Bernedoodle Size Mini bernedoodles are the result of breeding between Bernese mountain dogs and mini or toy poodles. Average mini bernedoodle size ranges from 25 to 55 pounds. Medium Bernedoodle Size The next largest bernedoodle size is the medium bernedoodle, which results from a cross between two smaller standard bernedoodle dogs or a smaller standard poodle with a smaller Bernese mountain dog. Average medium bernedoodle size ranges from 45 to 70 pounds. These dogs typically have a shoulder height of 20 to 26 inches. Standard Bernedoodle Size A standard-size bernedoodle is the largest of the bernedoodle size options, usually weighing 70 pounds or more and measuring 23 to 29 inches high at the shoulder. There are two ways to produce a bernedoodle puppy: cross two standard bernedoodles or breed one poodle with one Bernese mountain dog. Allowing a poodle to mate with a Bernese mountain dog usually produces a healthier bernedoodle puppy because it pulls from a larger gene pool, reducing the risk that undesirable characteristics will be passed from the parents to the puppy. No matter what size it is, a Bernedoodle puppy has a wonderful temperament. The influence of the poodle makes bernedoodles intelligent and easy to train, while the influence of the Bernese mountain dog makes a Bernedoodle puppy loyal and a bit goofy. Trained properly, a Bernedoodle makes a wonderful companion for children and adults alike. Size is an important consideration, however, as it affects how well a Bernedoodle fits into your home. You may also want to consider a micro or mini bernedoodle if you have arthritis or another medical condition that would make it challenging to control a large dog on a leash. Micro and mini bernedoodles also make excellent companions for young children. Larger bernedoodles are an option if you have a larger home with plenty of room for exercise. Bernedoodle Size and Temperament Remember that the size of a Bernedoodle also affects its temperament. Smaller versions have more poodle characteristics, meaning they may have more energy than medium or standard bernedoodles. Micro and mini bernedoodles also tend to bark more than their larger counterparts. If you live in an apartment building or condominium, you may want to get a medium or standard bernedoodle to keep your neighbors happy. All four Bernedoodle sizes have positive qualities, but be sure to consider your living situation and personal needs when determining which one is right for you. Thinking carefully before you choose your Bernedoodle puppy can help you avoid some of the most common challenges of dog ownership. To learn more about our breeding standards or reserve a bernedoodle of your very own, contact us at or visit our website. The F.These pups are from the reproducing of an F1 Bernedoodle and a Poodle. Despite the fact that they are less inclined to shed, these F1B Standard Bernedoodle puppies lose a portion of the uncommon Bernese attributes most individuals are searching for and are certainly more likely to inherit a congenital health defect due to breeding a poodle gene back to another poodle gene. F2 Standard Bernedoodle - This is a mix between two Standard F1 Bernedoodles and is certainly not recommended by HC Bernedoodles, due to possibly having very bad conformation and being much more likely to have congenital health defects. Standard Bernedoodle Coat Bernedoodles come in lots of different colors, a solid color Bernedoodle may be black, sable, blue,silver, or possibly many more colors. Solid colors gerally have a white foot or 2 and sometimes a white snip on there nose that will disappear by the time they mature. A bi color Bernedoodle is classified as any bernedoodle that has any separate two colors. Colors you may see in bi-color Bernedoodles may be black and white, sable and white, silver and white , Black and Tan and many more colors. A Tri color Bernedoodle is a bernedoodle that has 3 different colors which may consist of black,white and tan and considered the traditional Tri color Bernedoodle, sable, white, and tan and considered a sable Tri bernedoodle. Any of these colors that carry for the fading gene which is carried by many poodles may fade into much lighter colors as they mature. The sable colors , sometimes fade to the extent that your sable bernedoodle may actually be mistaken for there cousin, the goldendoodle. You will also see a curly coat which will generally be minimal to nonshedding coat. When comparing the two coats the curly coat will almost certainly shed less than the wavy coat and may be more suitable for allergy sufferers. Standard Bernedoodle Temperament With the bernedoodle being a combination of two different breeds, it is common to see traits from both sides of the breeds. You will certainly see the intelligence and ease of training from the poodle side and the affectionate, loving Bernese Mountain Dog trait. Bernedoodles, like Bernese Mountain Dogs, can be a little wary around strangers, so early socialization is important. Something to keep in mind about this breed is that they need a lot of human attention and do not fair well with being alone for very long periods at a time. Standard Bernedoodle Training It is certainly recommended to start with training while your bernedoodle puppy is still young. A bernedoodle can be a bit headstrong like the Bernese Mountain dog. Consistency, patience, and a gentle hand are the key to a well trained bernedoodle puppy. Health Bernedoodles, being a hybrid mix breed are very healthy. A hybrid mix breed is less likely to develop congenital health defects than a purebred due to the gene pool being much larger. That is not to say that is is not possible for a bernedoodle to develop a health problem, all breeds have the possibility to have health defects. A few of the health defects that a bernedoodle may develop, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, skins problems, Von Willebrand's Disease and Degenerative Myelopathy. Exercise It is typical for a bernedoodle to be a moderately active breed and daily exercise should be sufficient to satisfy their needs. If you would like to be notified, please contact us and we will notify you when our Standard Bernedoodle become available. Standard Bernedoodle Past Litters. A full size Bernedoodle size is 23 to 29 inches .Embark Vet offers a health test which will give you a predicted adult weight for your puppy. As they are the largest size of the breed they live for a slightly shorter time period than the smaller sizes. Unfortunately, larger dogs die younger because they have accelerated growth and age faster. Larger size Bernedoodles generally cost less more than smaller sizes as they are more common and easier to breed. Coat color can also affect the cost of a Bernedoodle. Specifically, tri-colored, parti, phantom or merle Bernedoodles cost much more as they are rare coat colours. Check out the adorable Bernedoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! Standard Bernedoodle Male vs Female Bernedoodle Size As with most dog breeds, female Bernedoodles are smaller than males no matter their classification as a tiny, miniature, medium or standard size. Male Bernedoodles are slightly larger than Female Bernedoodles growing to a height of 25 to 29 inches .A Female Bernedoodle is smaller than a male. Females grow to a height of 23 to 27 inches .Bernedoodle walking in the snow How Generation Impacts Upon Bernedoodle Size Generation has a small impact upon Bernedoodle size, in most cases it is negligible. What is a better determiner of size is averaging the size of the parents of your Bernedoodle puppy. The size of a F1 Bernedoodle is the same as the Standard Size Bernedoodle size at 23 to 29 inches .F1b Bernedoodles are generally smaller than the F1 generation. This is because they are a backcross generation where they breed a F1 Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle. Standard size Poodles are smaller than Bernese Mountain Dogs so when there is a higher percentage of Poodle genes in a Bernedoodle, the dog is more likely to be smaller. An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products How Big Do F2 Bernedoodles Get? As they are half-half, their size is the same as the Standard Size Bernedoodle at 23 to 29 inches .A F2b is a backcross generation where a F1 Bernedoodle is bred with a F1b Bernedoodle resulting in a dog that is .There is a range for weights as each dog is different. Some Bernedoodles may have fast growth early on and slow down later or vice versa. Additionally, the size of their respective Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog parent effect the adult size of your Bernedoodle. Sunset Bernedoodle 4 Months At 4 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 25 and 49 pounds 11kg to .Fully grown Bernedoodle 7 Months At 7 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 40 and 78 pounds .Bernedoodle 10 Months At 10 months old, a Bernedoodle weighs between 55 and 82 pounds 25kg to .An adult sized dog raincoat to keep them dry during wet weather An adult sized dog life jacket to help with swimming in lakes and oceans An adult sized dog jacket for cold winter weather A dog cooling vest if you live in a hot climate High quality no-pull dog harness to reduce stress on their neck while walking And other similar products.
black and white labrador puppies - View our accreditations descriptions Good morning Bryce and Gina, I want to let you know how the chocolate chunk has been doing and send an updated picture! Moose is also excellent at sitting on command. Hope all is well with you and your family! Emily T. From the start you all were very caring and informative. You have prepared us well for our long journey ahead with our baby boy Oakley A. A Tucker. I want to thank you for always being there to answer all my questions and the pictures you would send our way, it always brought a smile to my face. It has been 3 days since my children A. It was worth a million to see there reactions and smiles, Oakley greeted them all happy and with so much love. On our drive back we actually were afraid we left him in San Antonio lol not once did he make a sound. He gives us so much love that its so easy to give it back. He only has had 2 accidents since arriving both our faults, and he has slept through out the whole night after the first day. The first day he just woke us up twice to go potty but went back to sleep. At the vet he got checked and they said he was perfect and amazing. They were so in love with him. The vet said he was so well taken care of and it showed, we did credit it all to welcome home labs. Today he started his obedience training lessons at home and the trainer was amazed to see such a well tempered labrador. She was actually speechless as she saw how well he obeyed commands already. So thank you again for giving us our newest family addition and we only hope we can give him as much love as you have given him and that he deserves. We will keep in touch. Thank you, Angel, Jolyn, A. This is a dream come true. I have always loved labs. I have done my research on the breed and I knew what I wanted. Welcome Home Labs has fulfilled that and then some. From the first day, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You took the time to match me with a puppy that would fit with what I was looking for. You gave me an option. I promise to take good care of Monroe. She is already loved. I know she will be an awesome addition to my family. She will have a big fall with a few planned hunting trips for grouse at the shack, then Iowa for a pheasant hunt, and ending the fall with a duck hunt. These will be short trips, just to get her started. Aside from hunting, she is going to join Karney in being a family pet. I have a feeling my bed is going to get very crowded this year. I will send pictures to update you on her progress. I would recommend your kennel to anyone looking for a good experience and a beautiful Lab. Please, enjoy these cookies. A big thank you to your kids for loving on my little girl. I will let you know when we get back to International Falls. 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. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Of course, the price will vary with these options. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Minnesota 1. Smith has over 30 years of experience as a breeder and seller. The facility has pups in all three of the popular lab colors. If you want a hunting dog , you can even enroll your pup in training to learn the ropes. She also includes a month hip guarantee. The puppies get a lot of attention to give them the best start in life. He is an avid hunter and trainer. The facility raises pups of all three lab colors. Many of their past dogs have competed successfully. The Ballys also offer puppy and hunting training. The facility offers puppies for sale for conformation and field trials. They are born and raised in Tennessee before coming to the state. Their dogs come from championship bloodlines. Charpentier only sells a few litters a year. However, the puppies receive the best care with an introduction to the sounds of hunting to get them used to being in the field. All pups come with a written health guarantee. The facility also offers puppy training packages. Glidden does the full slate of recommended health screenings. Many of her dogs have received several hunt test titles. All are special members of the family for social bonding at an early age. All puppies undergo the recommended health screenings with a month guarantee. The pups receive plenty of daily attention, including litter training. She is no stranger to the show ring, with several championship dogs. She specializes in both black and chocolate labs. The kennel also offers custom embroidery with personalized collars and towels available for your new pet. Geurts is active in the show ring with her championship dogs. The puppies start early with housebreaking and socialization. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by crossing the Labrador retriever and the standard poodle. The term first appeared in , but was not popularized until , when the mix began to be used as an allergy friendly guide dog. Labradoodles often display an affinity for water and strong swimming ability from their parent breeds. Like most Labrador retrievers and poodles, Labradoodles are friendly, energetic, and good with families and children. Call right away to see one of these wonderful pups! Get in touch today! Please call to reserve your puppy! Out of Taffy and Archer. These are wonderful fox red lab puppies for sale mn. Black Male 8 months old. Has been well socialized with children and started with basic commands. Very docile and sweet personality! Will make a fantastic family dog! Out of Tucker and Red. Super sweet personalities and will make excellent family dogs or retrievers! Black Female 8 weeks old. Now available! Bella is going to be a great family dog with athletic ability to hunt or just play fetch! Super fun, sweet personality!! This beautiful black lab puppy is ready for sale. Give us a call today! Feel free to call us with any questions! You can see us on Facebook, explore past puppies, or read our testimonials. These black lab puppies are ready for sale. See our current Labrador puppies for sale. Our new litter of fox red puppies out of Red x Tucker! Red Rose is the mother Tucker is the father. Learn More! We are a British Labrador breeder that proudly serves residents throughout Minnesota and beyond. Whether you are looking for an amazing pet for your family, a skilled hunting partner, or both, we know you will be nothing but impressed by our puppies. When you purchase one of our puppies for sale in Minnesota, you can expect the best of the best. We are breeding Premium British lines of Labrador Retrievers, and we have been doing so for two decades. In addition, we have more than 30 years of experience training dogs. At KT British Labs, we firmly believe that there are three things that make a dog: genetics, genetics, and genetics. Through our training, we teach our dogs to be both perfect companions and hunting partners. They can go from hunting waterfowl to playing with your children in no time at all, making them ideal for hunters who are also looking for a new family pet. We invite you to browse our website to learn more about our available dogs, if you have any questions, and thank you for choosing KT British Labs! Carolyn Hall. Both my husband and I grew up with dogs and our families are all dog lovers. Our favorite has always been the Labrador Retriever. When we moved to the country in , we had 2 black Labradors. One was a stray and the other my husband found while hunting in the woods, cold and alone. They lived to be 13 and 15 years old but sadly died only 6 months apart. We were heartbroken but knew we had to fill our lives again with another Labrador. This time we decided, since we had a choice, to bring home a Yellow Labrador. We wanted to keep the memories of our black Labs, and start with a new, different color. After doing much research, we found the perfect dog. We were fortunate to meet Charlie Tolkien from Goldberry Labradors. His knowledge and mentorship has been invaluable over the years. He is retired now but our Goldberry lines will go on for many years to come! The blocky head and muscular build of the English style Labrador is a very desirable look. Our clients always tell us, they get compliments everywhere they go. This combination made for an amazingly calm and mellow pet. We breed for health, temperament, and looks. Carefully choosing our pairings to ensure all 3 qualities. Also, specializing in the lightest color of English, Yellow Labrador. We are a very small hobby breeder, only 1 or 2 litters per year. We have no outside or inside kennels for our Labradors. Our Labs have a very large corral when they want to go outside to run and play safely, and a lake for additional exercise and fun. Though they spend most of their time on the furniture, lounging! The whelping box is literally in the middle of our living room, and someone is there to watch them every minute. From the whelping box, they move to a large playpen after a couple of weeks to give mom and pups more room until they are old enough to ween, walk, and play. They are weighed daily and closely watched to be sure every little one is eating well and growing every day. Their temperature is taken daily and monitored to be sure they are properly digesting their milk. When the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, they are moved to the kitchen where they get full exposure to the sounds and smells of family life and have room to play. During this time, we teach them to go outside after meals and when they wake from slumber. Our Labrador puppies are almost fully potty trained when they are 8 weeks old and ready to go to their forever homes. Our Labradors, every single one of them, are members of our family. They are loved and spoiled until the day they go to Heaven. We do not breed before doing OFA health testing after 2 years of age and stop when our reproductive Vet recommends that we do so. Remember, we are a very small hobby breeder, so you may have to wait up to a year for your Labrador puppy. You MUST look at our gallery page, puppy videos, and information on our site. You too will fall in love with our Yellow Labrador Retrievers! You may learn why so many of our clients have 2 of our dogs in their family and will always come back to us for their next family member. All Rights Reserved.
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black and white labrador puppies - How to accept discipline and more besides So taking a puppy any earlier is wrong and detrimental to their development. We follow many of the guidelines set forth by a program called Puppy Culture. Know that once you have your puppy, everything you do, everything they see, every good experience, bad experience, taste, smell, sight, reward and punishment trains them in some way. All of these experiences are granted to them by you and they will be looking to you for guidance through these experiences. Puppies are exactly like children. They take their cues from you to learn where they can go, where they should not, what they should be scared of, what they should not, what they can play with, what they can not…and on and on. You may as well take advantage of this innocence, when they have no idea of what life is with no preconceived ideas, no habits formed or needing to be broken, to start training them to fit into the life that they will lead with the skills that they will need. I believe you should start to train your Labrador puppy as soon as you get them home, from 8 weeks of age. But I stress this important point, to make it fun! You have to think of a puppy as a very young child. A puppy is just as impulsive, has just as little self-control and just as short an attention span. You need to think the same with a puppy. They are just like a child. A puppy will eat what they like, when they like. Go where they can, when they can. And they will not be able to listen to and act on your every word. They will have a very short attention span and no self-control. It would be totally unfair. While watching TV train your puppy during the commercial breaks. Commercial breaks are usually about minutes long perfect time for training your pup! This means going very slowly and not expecting too much. Having many small wins is very encouraging. Just do very gentle training exercises for short periods of time. Most people with a Labrador as a family pet will think of training as obedience commands and performing tricks. But you can train them basic things such as: Sit Stay for mere seconds…with no distractions! Keep it easy! Roll over. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. And yet, many new owners get so caught up in the cuteness of these bundles of fur that they disregard any training until the dog is much older. Sometimes new owners are just overwhelmed with taking care of their new puppy. Others lack the information needed to make good decisions regarding training for their new family member. Unfortunately, though, some bad behaviors or missed socialization and exposure opportunities are difficult to address with an older dog. So, if your goal is for you new retriever to eventually grow into an excellent duck dog, here is a guide to raising your Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Picking up the puppy The journey with your new retriever pup starts the day you pick him or her up from the breeder. Hopefully you have done your homework and selected a litter of puppies with parents who have proven trainability. If you have a pick from the litter, you will want to take some time to observe the puppies. Even so, most trainers will tell you that picking a puppy is a complete crapshoot, meaning there really is no way to know how good the dog will be while looking at them as a puppy. Genetics and a proven pedigree are the best way to stack the odds in your favor from the start. Beyond that, if you have a good breeder, they are the next best source for information regarding the pups. A good breeder will give you a recommendation based on what you plan to use the pup for and your family situation. Check out this post on searching for a great retriever puppy and what to look for in breeders. If possible, bring someone with you to pick up the puppy. While you can put a puppy in a crate to transport them home, leaving the litter is a traumatic time for most puppies. Being held on the way home is a good way to start bonding with the puppy. Learn what to buy for your new Lab puppy. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. The first week raising your Labrador Retriever puppy There is very little training needed the first week you have your puppy home. Use this time to hold, pet and play with your new puppy. Bonding with the puppy is important and this is a good time to do that. You will likely be exhausted this week from getting up multiple times each night to let your puppy outside. Learn more in What should I do the first week with my new Lab puppy? Socialization is key for retriever gun dog puppies While socialization is important for all dogs, it is essential for retriever puppies destined to hunt. Socialization is the act of putting your retriever puppy in new situations and allowing the puppy to figure it out. Your puppy may handle new situations well, or she might show timid or frightened behaviors. This is not the time to coddle your future gun dog. Dogs are very aware of their owners and if you act or acknowledge your puppies fear, they will likely think you are scared too. This is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve with socialization. We want puppies to learn to adjust quickly to new situations. We want them to learn how to figure out new conditions and handle them without fear or hesitation. Puppies need to be socialized to people also. Let your puppy interact with people of all ages, including children. In addition, it can be helpful if they are also socialized to other dogs and cats. And yet we see too many retrievers with little to no retrieving desire. Sometimes this is just the result of bad breeding, but it can also be the result of poor introduction to retrieving or using the wrong items for retrieving. Many people like to play fetch with their puppy using a ball or Frisbee. But if your puppy is destined to be a hunting partner, this is going to make some retrieving problems down the line. We may use a ball to encourage a very young week old puppy to retrieve, IF, and only IF, the puppy is struggling with retrieving desire. Otherwise, we strongly discourage ongoing use of these items. Gun dogs and duck dogs are working dogs and they need to retrieve birds that fall to the ground. The rolling action of the ball or frisbee will create an excitement and energy that will make retrieving birds seem boring. We have found that dogs that have only retrieved balls or Frisbee often struggle when they need to retrieve a bumper or bird. We have an entire post on this subject, see How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Expose your Labrador puppy to common hunting elements A retriever that is going to be expected to hunt, should be introduced to hunting equipment and elements at an early age. Hills and mounds, flat areas and shallow divots are terrain that a hunting retriever should learn to traverse with ease. In addition to land, different water is also an important factor. Lakes are good, but you should also try to expose your puppy to dirty water. Water with lily pads, cat tails and algae are all things a duck dog will need to handle to work. Hunting equipment Labrador retriever puppies need to learn all about the equipment you use when hunting. Doing this when they are young and continuing the exposure as they grow, will make this second nature to them. Boats and blinds If you hunt out of a boat or blind, introduce your puppy to it. For boats, start on land. Get your puppy comfortable getting in and out of the boat. Throw retrieves from the boat. Similarly, introduce your dog to the blind as a good thing. If you are using a dog blind or hut, make sure your spend lots of time getting your pup comfortable going into and out of it. Make it a fun place to go to get retrieves. Duck or goose decoys If you will use decoys when hunting, take time to expose your puppy to them. Many times over the next few months, put some out on your lawn and let your puppy learn what they are. Eventually, move them to water and again allow your pup to explore them. Throw retrieves through them and teach the dog that he can ignore the decoys. Guns This is one of the most important things that you need to exposure your new puppy to. And it really needs to be done right. The last thing you want to do is create a gun-shy dog. That is very difficult to fix and the dog may never be able to hunt if the damage is too deep. Learn more about how to do this correctly in Introduction to gunfire. Basic obedience for your gun dog puppy Your puppy is ready to learn obedience early on, and you will find that if you start when they are only a couple months old, they will learn quicker and be more obedient as they age. This will make a huge difference as they get older. Teaching HERE to young pups will require a long lead. Squat down a few feet from your puppy and say HERE as you gently pull them to you. Praise is essential with young pups, but the praise should be given when the puppy does something right. For instance, you say SIT and push his bottom down. You can use treats to teach your puppy obedience and reward him or her for obeying commands. But treats should only be used for very young puppies under 4 months. Many Labs will soon learn to only obey when given a treat, that is not the lesson you want your dog to learn. It can be difficult to discipline a cute little puppy, but it is essential. Here at Otter Tail Kennels, we get more than our share of calls from people whose puppies are out of control and causing problems in the home. The pups are causing friction in the family relationships. Small issues often become much larger issues if they remain uncorrected. If you see your puppy doing something wrong, you need to take action to let him know that the behavior is not acceptable. Final thoughts on raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog The time to start training your Labrador puppy to be a duck or gun dog is now. Right away. Even if you plan to send your retriever puppy to a professional trainer in the future, you still want to take the time to socialize, expose, teach and discipline your dog now. Each week your puppy is growing and learning, and those first five months are the perfect time to get him or her off on the right foot. The socialization, exposure, and obedience are all steppingstones they need to advance in their role as a hunting partner. Do not skimp or disregard this time. You can give your ultimate duck dog some essential skills — the ability to adjust to every and all situations with ease. Nothing could be more important. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Raising a lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. What is the best age to start training a Lab puppy to work? This guide will answer all of your questions regarding when to start training a Lab puppy. It will combine my personal experience with that of other experts in the field, along with information from behavioral research, to guide you with your decision of when to start training a Labrador puppy of your own. Congratulations on your fluffy new bundle of joy. Labs gained their well-deserved place among favorite breeds for so many reasons. Enthusiastic companions, fast learners, loyal and brave, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets. How Puppies Learn In the natural canine world, mother dogs teach their pups everything they need to know about their world, survival and living together happily in various stages of development. Most professional trainers try to mimic the natural canine learning process in their puppy training phases. In fact, we only recommend positive training techniques. Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc. Basic Training Concepts Every Puppy Should Learn The first two components of your puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training. Here are a few tips with each of those early behaviors. Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals. This goes for being around lots of different people, including children. While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors and strangers. Introduce her to children with careful instructions to stay quiet, move slowly and pet gently. They could end up grabbing her tightly, and scaring or hurting her. Being handled by other people will be very key in socializing your puppy. Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail. This will make trips to the vet and groomer easier. Make sure to also check out our guide to taking puppies outside for more help with socialization. Crate Training for Dogs Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to love spending time secure in their cosy den. Some puppies basically crate train themselves, loving their crate from day one. Others need a more gradual introduction to this safe space. The trick is to not turn crating into a punishment , but instead make it a wonderful place to have a short undisturbed rest. Most puppies will go through a play biting phase, so if you need help training your lab not to nip, you can follow this guide. It will be important for your dog to sit quietly in the field or duck stand. Self-control should be incorporated throughout daily routines and all training phases. Finally, learning how to walk politely on a leash in public is important. In addition to the behaviors listed above, there are a few extra considerations for training a gundog. As early as 8 weeks old, professional gundog trainers begin introducing lab puppies to various scenarios. The core behavioral requirements for a gundog that can be started in puppies this young are: Thorough socialization and desensitization to various environments and sounds. Be sure to start with quieter sounds and build to louder sounds, especially when introducing the sound of gunfire, to avoid creating a frantic dog. Calmness and steadiness amidst distraction. The earliest introduction to this is teaching your pup to sit for his meals, which can be captured as early as six weeks. There are, however, two important considerations to your Lab puppy training. Before their leg bones are fully developed, Labs can develop joint issues if they run too hard and long. Second, resist the urge to play fetch and retrieve every day with your Lab puppy. They overdo it with tossing a ball or dummy to try to encourage the pup to retrieve. The retrieving instinct typically kicks in quite strong around puberty between five to 10 months. Instead, we suggest focusing on sit, stay and waiting quietly with self control. Those are the more difficult behaviors for a lab to learn once adolescent hormones kick in. Start with socialization and household manners as early as 8 weeks old. Then move to sit, stay, steadiness training, and walking on a leash between 12 and 18 weeks. Training is an ongoing life skill, rather than something you do once and consider done. For a hunting Lab, adding various distractions and practicing perfect recall in different environments will be the two biggest training techniques to work on throughout life. Enjoy your training! January 21, 0 comment Training Labrador of different ages and stages: Do you have questions about how to train your Labrador puppy or when to begin training your puppy? This article will provide you with an overview of what your Lab puppy is capable of learning at certain months. Many tricks are easily learned by Labrador retrievers, which are well known for being smart dogs. Labrador owners may find themselves getting carried away with puppy training because they are generally so eager to please. However, make sure you know what your Lab can and cannot handle learning at specific ages and stages of their lives to ensure you do not overwhelm or underwhelm them. While no two trainers will ever agree exactly on what the stages of training these little Labradors are, an approximate Labrador puppy training schedule will give you a general idea of what to expect from the pup at each stage. From sleeping and drinking milk to opening their eyes and learning how to walk, they will be occupied with learning the basics of life at this stage. As a result, you do not have to worry too much about puppy training since they are still learning about the world. Instead, just enjoy spending time with them. Pet them or give them a treat when they reach you, and then repeat. When there is a distraction, your dog can be taught to come to you even when he is distracted. Offer them treats and rewards to encourage them to ignore other distractions. Moreover, your Labrador needs to learn how to socialize with other people and dogs every day. You can do this inside and outside the house. During this stage, your puppy may want to bite everything in sight, so you have to discourage this behavior. Additionally, you can teach them how to take food from your hand without biting you or snatching it from your hand. Labrador retriever puppies are like young children in that they are impulsive, have little self-control, and have a short attention span. As a result, you must be patient and let them be sometimes during this stage of their puppyhood. Clickers are a great tool for teaching him this. You should also continue to train him to remember things. The socialization skills of children should be maintained at an early age. You need to discourage puppies from biting for a while, as they are still learning to control their urges. It is also possible to teach your Lab pup to use their nose to touch your hand. This training cue is important because it teaches your Lab that an outstretched hand is not a threat. It is important to train your Labrador pup at an early age to do to prevent behavioral problems from escalating. In addition to retrieving, you can also begin teaching your Labrador retriever this skill at this stage. Give them an item that they can chase and retrieve for you. If you walk your Labrador retriever more often, and if they understand when their bathroom schedules are, you may notice fewer accidents at home. During this time, your Labrador retriever may also be at the peak of wanting to bite everything, so be firm and consistent when training. Your Lab can also be trained to enter their basket or bed. Once they enter the basket, you can reward their obedience by giving them the treat. The simple act of patting your Labrador on the head will be enough to reward him once he has mastered the trick. Additionally, you can start teaching them some of the classic tricks. Introduce them to three different positions, such as sitting, standing, and lying down. You should only teach one trick at a time to your Lab pup, however. Make sure they master one before progressing to another. It is important to repeat each newly learned trick each day and to take a day off before teaching the next one. By doing so, you can reinforce the lesson you were trying to teach them. Do not forget to remind them about the basic tricks that they learned e. Your 4-month-old Labrador puppy should also be potty trained by now. However, you should still be patient with your pup since accidents may still happen, especially if your Lab has been cooped up indoors for too long. You can also teach your Labrador puppy how to heel for a short duration. Once you feel confident that they are good at heeling on command, try to add a few distractions to challenge them. Make sure the distractions are mild. If necessary, you can also incorporate some distractions into the training. Ensure that your dog listens to you and does not pay attention to the distractions around them, so be careful not to shock them with distractions. Introducing distractions gradually will help. For example, if you are teaching them to sit and stay, you can use mealtime as a practice time. Tell them to sit and stay while you slowly place their food bowl down. When your Labrador retriever is six or seven months old, it is too big, so it should begin learning the basics of training and manners. It should also learn more complex behaviors over time. You can teach your Labrador puppy to heel for longer distances past all sorts of distractions, for instance. Besides teaching them to sit and stay, you can also teach them to do it while other dogs are playing nearby. Your Own Labrador Puppy Training Labrador puppy owners and trainers hold differing opinions about when to begin training a Labrador puppy. Bear in mind, however, that there is no right or wrong answer here since it ultimately depends on you and your little Labrador. Train both you and your puppy at a pace that your Lab is comfortable with, and keep the training fun. In summary Patience and consistency are the keys to training your Labrador puppy. As you follow the guide above, you should understand that your puppy is like a child. It will take them some time to get used to it, but once they do, it will be worth the wait! What is the best age to train a Labrador? Puppy training should start very early—as early as 8 weeks old. If you wait until your dog is older, say 6 months old, you might regret it. What age are Lab puppies the naughtiest? The chances are your dog has a few naughty behaviors. Most dogs pick up a few bad habits along the way, especially if their owners are inexperienced. The last two tend to feature most strongly in the first eighteen months. But the first two can occur in Labradors of any age.