caring for a bulldog puppy

Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, 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. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! By Tom Massey Jan 26, With their earnest eyes, friendly faces, and sleek coats, Labrador Retrievers have an irresistible charm. But beyond their picture-perfect appearance, are Labrador Retrievers good for first-time dog owners? The answer to this question may not be the same for everyone. Get to know more about this iconic breed to discover if a Labrador could be the right choice for your first foray into the world of dog ownership. From their personality and behavior to their health issues and exercise needs, first time owners can learn a lot by doing upfront research about Labrador Retrievers and their breed-specific needs. They tend to be protective of children, and they are eager to please their human family members. As pack animals, dogs want to be with their social circle throughout the day — that is, you and your family. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most sociable dog breeds. If you work full-time outside the home, your Lab will need a visit about every four hours. They grow into medium-large dogs, with sturdy frames, who weigh between 60 and 80 pounds for males and 55 and 75 pounds for females. Most adult Labs need a daily cardio workout, and many Labradors can exercise for two or more hours every day. In addition to playing endless games of fetch, these water-loving dogs enjoy swimming. Interactive puzzle toys provide both physical and mental stimulation for your curious, lively Lab. Look for toys that are dishwasher safe, since Labrador Retrievers tend to explore with their mouths. If you consistently give your Labrador better options, though, you can avoid chewing disasters that will make you gnash your own teeth in frustration. Fortunately, Labrador puppies are easy to train — and the sooner, the better. Training classes, even virtual ones , are widely available. If you decide to get an untrained pup, be prepared to consistently attend training sessions and follow-up with daily reinforcement activities at home. It can make welcoming a new Lab into your home a calmer experience, saving you unnecessary behavioral issues. Regular check-ups with a trusted veterinarian can help you spot warning signs, so your Lab can get any needed treatments to live a healthier life. Bloat Labradors bring their zest for life to the food bowl. As a result, they tend to wolf down their food too quickly. These inexpensive devices often look like puzzles or feature spiral patterns. When you pour food into a slow feeder, it falls into small compartments or channels. In order to enjoy the food, your Lab must slow down and carefully remove the food from the maze-like interior of the bowl. Make sure your lab rests for an hour after a meal or after drinking a lot of water to reduce the chance of bloating. Obesity Like people, Labrador Retrievers are not immune to weight gain. Follow a regular feeding schedule and be careful how much food you offer. Obesity in dogs can worsen conditions such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and heart disease. Cancer and Heart Disease Most Labradors live about years. As your Lab ages, they might face serious health issues, such as heart disease or cancer. These two issues are prevalent in many breeds of dogs, with canine cancer rates about triple those of humans. Labrador cancers usually manifest as masses or growths, such as mast cell tumors. Labradors are prone to a type of heart disease called Triscupid Valve Dysplasia. This disease, which is present at birth, can cause fluid buildup and gradually enlarge the right side of the heart. While there is currently no cure for TVD, it can be managed with medication and some exercise restrictions. In milder cases, Labs with the disease are expected to live a fairly normal lifespan. Joint Problems Even younger Labrador Retrievers can sometimes have joint issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia. If left untreated, this can cause pain and loss of full mobility. Regular checkups with your vet can help screen for this issue, so it can be treated early and the progression slowed. Aside from surgery, a common treatment for these Labrador joint dysplasias includes special orthopedic braces. Another treatment option is hydrotherapy, which is simply exercise done in a heated pool — sometimes, incorporating an underwater treadmill. Eye Issues Labradors can also be susceptible to retinal dysplasia, an eye disorder that causes blind spots and sometimes, complete blindness. Labs are also more likely than other dogs to experience progressive rod-cone degeneration, which is caused by a genetic mutation and leads to blindness. Neither of these conditions is painful, and most Labradors adapt well to vision impairment or loss. Arthritis While not much can be done for genetic conditions, problems like arthritis — which affects about one-fifth of adult dogs, regardless of breed — can be avoided or minimized simply by keeping your Lab from becoming obese. There are also certain nutritional supplements that can help Labradors repair torn cartilage from osteoarthritis and reduce the pain your dog might feel. The downside of this adaptation is that Labrador Retrievers shed much more than some other dogs. Labs need to be groomed at least once a week. This may include cleaning their floppy ears, which can be prone to irritations. A variety of brushes help keep shedding under control. However, if you have any concerns or are pressed for time to groom your dog, always consult a professional groomer to help you along the way. In addition to a grooming routine to reduce shedding, you may need to vacuum more frequently. A robot vacuum, available in a wide range of prices, can reduce the effort needed to maintain a tidy home. Experienced breeders and trainers, like the staff at Snowy Pines White Labs , can answer your questions and guide you through the process of choosing your perfect pup. Share on. 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.

Pugs are lap dogs originally bred for companionship. They require a lot of attention and, therefore, love to cuddle and are happy following you everywhere or sitting on your lap when you are home. Since they love being around you, Pugs will suffer when left home alone. This is one reason they will tend to whine and cry a lot. But your Pug crying could also communicate anxiety, frustration, or pain. Their need for attention also makes them prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone. Pugs are tiny and easy to bring around. Besides, they will follow you faithfully. Consider A Substitute Companion If you have to go to work daily and your Pug will be home alone, consider hiring someone to be with your dog when you are away. Ensure that a connection has been created between your Pug and the substitute before proceeding to leave your puppy with them. You can also consider using technology that allows you to monitor, give treats, and stay connected with your Pug when you are away. The Furbo Dog Camera is a perfect option for the job. Other Ways Avoid ritualizing departures and re-entries and make separation part of socialization training when your Pug is still a puppy. The Pug is also known to be stubborn, and this could make training more difficult and require plenty of patience. Consider training your dog in the morning hours when his energy is still high and focus is obtained more easily. As friendly companions, Pugs can be overly sensitive to punitive treatment. So, never shout at your Pug during training as this will make them frightened of you and no learning will be achieved. Giving in to their whim will only make them more difficult to train and heed commands. Involve persons who interact with your Pug in the training process so your dog learns to also take commands from them. This could be family members or a substitute caregiver. Besides, they are heavy shedders and require consistent grooming. Focus on these aspects when grooming your Pug. Monthly Baths A bath a month is a good schedule for your Pugs heavy coat. Baths will control shedding and get rid of loose fur. This may be caused by sweat or dirt in their skin folds or yeast between their paws , so a bath is a good care routine. Since your Pug has sensitive skin, use a mild shampoo with a pH of 6. This should also check body odor. Also, clean their eyes off the salty fluids and their face folds daily with safe medicated grooming wipes. Your Pug is an adult by the age of 1 but may still show puppy tendencies at this age. Its growth can still occur between 1. This may also be accentuated by their need to keep warm, which they are not always able to achieve naturally by themselves. Whether letting your Pug sleep with you is right or not is all up to your decision. Down syndrome is a congenital defect caused by partial or complete duplication of chromosome 21 in humans. Dogs have different chromosomal makeup. Your dog may have a canine-chromosomal defect with symptoms similar to Down syndrome in humans. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Introduction Discovering the average size of an 8 week old Pug can help you understand how your pup is growing and ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition and care they need. As the proud new owner of a Pug puppy, you may be wondering what their size should be at this age. By understanding the average size of a 8 week old Pug, you can make sure your pup is on track for healthy growth. What is a Pug? Pug is a breed of dog with a wrinkled, short-muzzled face and curled tail. Originally from China, they were brought to Europe in the 16th century and have grown in popularity since then. Pugs are cheerful, loving and loyal dogs and are good with children. They are also easy to train and are content being lapdogs or going on adventures. When it comes to size, 8 week old pugs usually weigh between pounds. This is a good size for them, and it is important to keep them within this range to maintain their health. In terms of growth, 8 week old pugs have to be fed the right kind of food and in the right amounts to ensure optimal growth. It is also important to provide plenty of exercise and interaction to ensure that their energy levels are balanced. Pugs require regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care to stay healthy. As with any other puppy, 8 week old Pugs require lots of love, patience and consistency to help them grow into happy and healthy dogs. Average Size of 8 Week Old Pugs Pug puppies at eight weeks old typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. To support healthy growth, puppies this age should be fed a high quality puppy food with optimal levels of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Make sure you are feeding your pup the right amount; puppies should consume calories per pound of body weight. Make sure to break up their daily food allowance into small, frequent meals throughout the day. Be sure to introduce plenty of playtime to ensure that they are getting enough exercise. Include activities such as fetch and walks, as this helps to keep your pug healthy and develops their motor skills. Super Effective Tips It can be very tempting to overfeed your pug, especially when they look so adorable! Overfeeding can lead to health problems later in life. Watch for signs of obesity, such as being less active and having a rounder body shape. If you notice these signs, reduce their food intake and be sure to take them for regular check-ups with a veterinarian. With the right levels of nutrition and exercise, your pug should be healthy and grow to their full potential. What is the Average Weight? An 8-week-old Pug typically weighs between pounds, which is considered to be the average size. Supplementing their diet with vitamins and minerals is also important, as this can help support their development. Growth Over Time Pugs are known for their steady growth. At 8 weeks, your pup should already weigh between pounds. You should be feeding your pup a diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. This will help your pup build strong and healthy bones. Exercise is also important, as it helps build strong muscles and encourages healthy weight gain. You can encourage your pup to exercise by taking them outdoors or playing fetch. This will ensure your pug is growing into a healthy, happy adult. What is the Average Growth Rate? Pugs grow quickly and steadily, with the average 8-week-old pug weighing pounds. The food should contain protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to provide the nutrients needed for optimal growth. Aim for three meals a day, or a total of one cup of food per day. Walking is a great way to keep them active and give them much needed mental stimulation. They need a good quality high-calorie diet with plenty of protein. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is best for promoting healthy skin and coat, as well as providing other health benefits. Feed your pup three or four times a day and make sure each meal is balanced in terms of nutrients. Be sure to provide your pup with fresh, clean water. Take your pup on walks each day and provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy. Also be sure to keep up with regular vet check-ups and vaccinations to ensure your pup stays healthy and strong. Providing your 8 week old Pug with the proper nutrition and care is essential for healthy growth. Feeding your pup a high-quality, balanced diet is a great first step. Servings of protein and carbohydrates should make up a good portion of their diet, such as lean meats, eggs, and grains. Puppies need ample exercise to help their bones and muscles develop properly. Though 8 week old Pugs may not be able to handle strenuous activities, they can enjoy regular walks and playtime with other friendly dogs. Monitor their activity level and keep it at a moderate intensity to prevent them from becoming over-exerted. Conclusion Taking care of an 8-week-old Pug is an exciting time for any pet owner. Knowing the average size of an 8-week-old Pug can help you prepare for the journey ahead. The average weight of an 8-week-old Pug is pounds, but growth rates will vary from pup to pup. You can support healthy growth in your pup by providing a balanced diet that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Take the time to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you are giving your pup the best nutrition possible. Regular exercise is also important in helping your pup reach a healthy weight. Taking care of an 8-week-old Pug is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and care, you can help your pup grow up healthy and strong. Post Views: .They will want to be with you. Have a crate or bed next to your bed for at least the first few weeks while you get them into a Puppy night-time routine. Here is how to get a puppy to sleep through the night. Alone Training Teaching your Pug puppy that they can be totally fine being left alone can be done with stuffed chew toys, time and patience. Remember to do it slowly to avoid any stress! Toilet Training Training Practically every website you read may tell you that Toilet training your Pug puppy can be a challenge. As with alone training, start sooner rather than later. Of course, if they run into any birds, butterflies and hear planes flying over, it will be great for them to get acquainted already. Have fun gathering surfaces with different textures for them to explore, like synthetic grass, tiles, and soil. Use treats! Remember to use lots of treats and praise when training. They love making your tail wag! Repeat their name to them a lot in the first week, so it really starts to click. Recall — How to teach your Pug puppy to come back when called — This is important for safety. Pugs generally stay close, but they can be very friendly and want to run up to people and other dogs for a bit of a cuddle, so a good recall will always help. But they can enjoy fetch games on a smaller scale, get on the floor and interact and play with your Pug puppy to learn what they enjoy. This will help to avoid resource guarding. Husbandry Tasks Pugs love affection but should be handled with care. Be mindful to not treat them like toys. Not going to blame children to think they are toys though — the resemblance is uncanny. To do this we want to teach them that hands will do nice things to them so use plenty of treats when handling your puppy. Week 2 — Training your Pug puppy Week 2 already! Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact.

My emphasis is on mini and petite size puppies, but I also breed medium and standards. Deciding which puppy and which breeder is the right choice for you and your family is a huge undertaking as owning a dog is a commitment based on years. Congratulations, these two breeds are exceptional and worthy of high praise as the years of increased popularity have proven. I have bred Goldendoodles for twenty years and have earned the reputation of being honest and caring. Health and temperament are the two most important qualities for a dog. I ensure the health of my litters by having DNA testing done on all my parent dogs. All parents are chosen for their calm yet confident personalities therefore ensuring their offspring will also be calm, loving, and confident. Doodles are all about love, being loved and giving love. They are very much family dogs and want to be around family members, but they are happy around other furry friends too. Loyalty is their middle name! Most doodles are non-shedding and can be hypoallergenic, meaning they produce little to no dander that is the main cause of allergies for people. Therefore, they are an excellent choice for families with known dog allergies. People with doodle puppies feel happier, have improved cognitive function, and increased positive health outcomes. Goldendoodle puppies are a great fit for first time dog-owners since they are easy to train. Plus, singles and couples often connect with these affectionate, fun-loving Goldendoodles or Bernedoodles that grow up to become a calm and comforting member of the family. I love working with families to help them find their perfect Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle. Each of my puppies needs a loving home and I am happy to help you find your puppy match! Competitive Pricing My pricing is generally lower than the local competition. I firmly believe my puppies are bred with exceptional vigor and years of clear health histories from past generations. Goldendoodle Breeding Experience Nineteen years ago when I started breeding F1 goldendoodles no one was familiar with the breed. My Passion For Goldendoodles I fell in love with doodles long before I started breeding and knew that somewhere down the road I wanted to be part of the process. It is my goal to share with anyone who wants a dog to know what an awesome breed are goldendoodles and bernedoodles. All dog breeds are wonderful but my love, devotion, and my passion are for doodles which is why I breed no others. Meet The Breeder I began breeding with my two precious golden retrievers, Bella, and Piper and spent two years watching them grow up before I became a full time breeder of Goldendoodles. Very recently I decided to add Bernedoodles to my program. I did a lot of research before deciding on Bernedoodles. Why did I decide on Bernedoodles? I believe the key to a great litter is a happy and healthy mom and dad raised in loving homes. Doodles make awesome family dogs, especially loved by children! You are getting a mix of two very special breeds and it is like the best of each breed comes out in the Goldendoodle. Deborah was great in preparing the pups for their future. She treats them like they are part of the family so that when you get your dog it is adjusted to family life which is a real plus. These Goldendoodles want to be with you all of the time which is fine by me. Thought this photo would bring a smile to your face. Someone stopped me yesterday while we were on our walk and asked all kinds of questions about golden doodles. He said he wants to get one, but not right away. They were helpful from beginning to end and answered any questions we had. Parker is absolutely the best pup in the world. Angela F. Good communication was kept and our puppy is perfect. Coley D. December We are more and more in love with our Gracie Mae as each day goes by. She has been such a good girl from day one. She has slept in her crate from the first night with not so much as a whimper. She eats well and pees and poops on demand. She is so smart, loves to play and is very cuddly. The Dr said that Gracie is very healthy. Everyone there commented on how beautiful she is. She has been pure Joy for us. Thank you so much!! Lisette G. January Milo has been a tremendous blessing to our family and we love him fiercely! He is calm, sweet, eager to please and super quick to learn. Our experience with Copper Oaks was amazing. Becky was more than willing to answer any and all questions I had before purchasing Milo. Highly recommend!!! Adel R. He has brought our family such joy and is an amazing and fun loving little guy. He was super easy to train and is great with people and other dogs. Our experience with Copper Oaks was excellent: Duncan is our first dog, and we would definitely choose them again in the future. Daniel S. We love Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles so much. We received a girl puppy from one of their fall litters and she is the best dog. Bea was spunky and loving right from the start. She bonded with us so quickly! She loves walks, meeting new furry friends and people, and playing fetch! Bea is super smart too and excelled in her puppy classes. She got a clean bill of health at all her puppy visits and the vets just love her. Everywhere we go people stop us to ask what kind of dog Bea is and where we got her from. I tell everyone she is from Copperoaks! From beginning to end Becky was informative and very helpful with the transition from her home to ours! She has continued to stay in contact and check on sweet Bea! I want to get Bea a sister soon! We love her so much! Amber G. April Wonderful breeder! They provided great information and resources and they truly care about the pups! Penny is the sweetest dog and is so smart! I already want to get my sweet Penny and sibling Aimee J. July Barkley is a wonderful addition to our family! He is energetic, smart, playful and cuddly! He picked up potty training quickly and loves to go camping and play on the beach! Big thanks to Copper Oaks and the amazing job they do! Our sweet Barkley is perfect! Krystle S. August Our little mini goldendoodle from Copper Oaks is the best little dog! She has been super easy to crate train, and is so sweet. You can tell these puppies are loved as family when you pick your pup up in person. I kind of want another one already!!!! Jada B. May Choosing Copper Oaks mini Goldendoodles for our puppy was the best decision. Stoli is such an amazing puppy - he loves people, playing fetch, he is super smart, fun, and all around great. Becky was amazingly patient and kind through the entire process. There is no doubt Becky and her entire family love the doodles, every one of them - the kind nurturing nature of the family continues to shine through via the follow ups since we brought our puppy home. To top it off, the puppy parents have a wonderful demeanor and are so kind and well behaved. Highly recommend Copper Oaks - we are thrilled to be a part of the family. Lisa R. March Payton is the sweetest little dog! Payton was one of Ivey's puppies and we picked him up from Copper Oaks at the end of September. Becky was so wonderful in responding to all of my questions. When we met Becky, her husband and their adorable children, I knew that Payton was coming from a loving place! Payton is now 4. He always wants to be around people and other dogs and is great with children too. He is kind, playful, smart and looks like a little teddy bear. He loves to play fetch, go on walks and go to day care with his dog friends. We can't thank Copper Oaks enough for helping us find the perfect addition to our family! Kate F. December Santa delivered a mini golden doodle this year! Becky was very helpful in answering all my questions regarding the purchase of a puppy and so many more questions about the breed. Willow and Tucker are super sweet puppy parents! I also loved that our puppy was surrounded by children. Dasher has been a playful and cuddly puppy! Our vet has been pleased with his puppy well checks: I have an allergy to dogs and Dasher has joined our family with no problem. I highly recommend Copper Oaks! Marianne N. February We got our sweet Teddy Bear a couple of days before Christmas, and we are so in love with him already! Amanda D. December My precious little mini golden doodle Savannah loves to go on rides in our pick up truck- she has her own little seat- the best one in the house! She is the smartest puppy we have ever had. She has learned so many tricks since bringing her home 3 months ago! She loves playing with the grandkids- played on the slip and slide- funny sight - loves Pwnn State football with her own little tee shirt, and loves going out and about meeting new people every day! We are hoping to be able to take her into nursing homes to meet the residents and cheer them up. We are so happy we found Copper Oaks mini Golden Doodles! Julie A. September We had a very good experience purchasing from Copper Oaks. Our puppy, Ginger, is a wonderful addition to our family. She is very smart and sweet. Her veterinarian commented on her confidence, how comfortable she was being handled, and the documentation we brought with us and said they were all signs of a good breeder. Tracey R. March Princess Hazel has adjusted very well into our family which is not a surprise because she came from a loving home to begin with. She is super sweet and doing fabulous in her obedience classes. I am so happy I was able to meet Becky and my husband and I were able to bring Hazel into this family. We would like to thank Becky and her family for raising such sweet dogs and being so loving and helpful. We cannot wait to see what Hazel has in store for us in the future. We will be sure to keep you updated. Elizabeth B. December Maple is turning 8 months and has been great from crate training to playing fetch. Would definitely recommend Copper Oaks. Some of her favorite things.Matt M. July We love our mini golden doodle, Bear! We highly recommend Copper Oaks! Sama G. March Our little Coco just had her half birthday and is now 6 months. We just love every moment we have with her; she brings so much joy into our lives. Copper Oaks is a great place to find a furry family member. Their whole family shows so much love to each and every puppy. This breeder is very knowledgeable and has lots of advice to share when it comes to the breed. When we are ready to add a little boy to our mix, we will definitely go through this breeder again! Helaine H. June Becky and her family provide so much love and attention to their pups.She is a responsible loving breeder who treats each litter like family. Our sweet boy Rowan is just perfect in everyway.If you've done your homework on Doodles and breeders.Jennifer M. We loved the experience with Copper Oaks from start to finish. Becky was always so warm and helpful. She always responded to my emails right away. I highly recommend purchasing your mini golden-doodle from Copper Oaks Mimi M. February Absolutely the best experience. Our puppy is perfect! Becky is so knowledgeable and great at answering our questions very quickly. Our pup flew across country and Becky made the transition very smooth. We were always informed. His personality is adorable. We can tell that he came from a warm loving environment. He is very social and paper trained. If you are considering a mini golden doodle copper oaks is a must to check out! Ramona B. He quickly adapted to our family and has been happy and cuddly since we brought him home. He is so smart and has even learned to ring a bell when he needs to go potty. Thank you Becky for making the transition so smooth for us. I highly recommend Copper Oaks!! Kimberly G.

Replacement costs of these types of goodies will range based on how quickly your Bulldog destroys their current supply. You can also order subscription packs from many reputable companies that give your dog new exploratory items every month. Since these dogs are at risk for many health complications, save as much as you can—erring on the side of caution. The best time for obedience lessons is between 6 months to a year, but every trainer varies in preference. Depending on the treatment, you could spend thousands of dollars in one swoop. Pet sitting is more personalized care but can rack up extra fees. If you want to save as much as possible while still giving your Bulldog the care they need, look at these money-saving tips. They mainly offer spay and neuter surgeries at reduced costs, but they can also provide basic care. You can make anything from dog toys to intricate beds. Many things you can make may not even require going to the store for materials—you can simply make them from existing items at home. Auto-Ship Dog Food If you buy your dog food from certain websites, many companies offer discounted prices if you place an automatic, recurring order. Of course, you can always save on English Bulldog costs by using low-cost services and making tons of at-home projects and toys for your pooch. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. They were initially looking for a schnauzer, but then his daughter discovered an exotic, mystical creature online: a French bulldog with hair that was long and fluffy and coloring that was a mottled pattern, known as merle, in soft pink-tan and blue-gray shades. Roman Wexler purchased Nora, a fluffy merle-colored French bulldog, after his daughter spotted the puppy online. In , they were the second most popular dog breed in the United States — knocking German shepherds down a notch — and the top dog in New York City, according to the American Kennel Club. The breed standard is a short coat in brindle a streaky brown that can appear black , cream, white or fawn, with the possibility of white marking. Menczel estimated that demand has increased tenfold in the past few years. But some say the new iteration could be bad for the breed. Bulldogs are already notorious for a range of health issues , including breathing complications and hip problems. Trying to produce dogs with a unique coat texture linked to a rare recessive gene could encourage irresponsible breeding and exacerbate health issues. Instead of just finding these dogs, unscrupulous breeders [could] start mixing them and making fake fluffies by crossing a Frenchie with a Pekingese. Soon, a Kardashian will be walking around with one. They named her Nora, and she has become a valuable, playful member of the family. All of our English Bulldog puppies have champion bloodlines. My grand-daughter Jackie and I have small kennels at our homes with 10 females each. Breeding these puppies is a joy to us and we try to find the best homes possible for them. We welcome you to call and schedule a visit. We keep our prices reasonable so anyone who loves this breed and has always wanted to own one of these loveable little guys can see that dream come true. They are wormed every 2 wks beginning at 2 wks of age. Shipping Information We will meet you half way with your puppy for a delivery fee depending on the mileage and if we have to stay overnight. We encourage you to come and pick up your new puppy, if possible. Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to make an appointment. We will have all the documents ready for you to sign and take with you Contract, Health Guarantee, Health Records… and some food for your puppy. Or your puppy will be shipped or flown to you at 8 weeks of age. Health Guarantee Our puppies come with a one year health guarantee that covers all congenital defects. They also come with a certificate of health from a veterinarian. We accept PayPal, Venmo, Cash app, personal check or money order.

To help you out with your search for this hybrid pooch, we have gathered the best resources to find breeders and rescues in the United States. Here are some of the places where you can find a Saint Shepherd puppy available for sale: Greenfield Puppies — This is a website that can help you look for a Saint Shepherd puppy within your area. Lancaster Puppies — This is another pet advertising website that offers mixes such as the Saint Bernard German Shepherd mix for sale. All puppies sold within Pennsylvania are entitled to a day health guarantee covered by the Dog Purchaser Protection Act. Keystone Puppies — Another trusted source of mixed puppies is Keystone Puppies. They work with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their pups. When you buy a Saint Shepherd from this platform, you can enjoy the benefits of a health and socialization guarantee. Some breeders also offer this mix for sale along with their purebred puppies. Check out our list of Saint Bernard breeders and best German Shepherd breeders for more options. Rescued dogs go through vet examinations before being available for adoption, so you can be sure that you can find a healthy pup. After their careful screening process is done, dogs are matched with the families that best suit them. They have a list of available dogs that you can check out to see if they have any Saint Shepherd mixes. Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue — This is a rescue based in Southern California that provides the needed medical care and affection to abandoned and neglected Saint Bernards and its mixes. All of their adoptable dogs are placed in foster homes. Adopt-a-Pet — There are thousands of dogs waiting for a forever home in this online pet database. With this, you can easily find a Saint Shepherd to take home. To help you out in choosing a puppy safely, feel free to check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. This will help you learn the common guidelines and requirements of rescue shelters. There are also some tips to pass the adoption application. They are especially gentle with children and are also known to be tolerant of other pets. Great guard dogs: Thanks to its German Shepherd genes, the St. Bernard German Shepherd mix possesses the protective instincts that make it suitable as a guard dog. As a giant breed, this designer dog can easily intimidate intruders. They work especially well with training that uses positive reinforcement. This is a trait that they can inherit from their St. Bernard parent. Therefore, early training and socialization should be prioritized. Shedding is especially a difficult problem for people with dog allergies. Unmanageable size: Due to its large size, owning a Saint Shepherd will cost you more compared to owning a small or medium-sized dog. Not everyone has the budget to cover the annual costs of a St. Bernard German Shepherd mix. This might lead to behavioral issues and can also make the dog physically difficult to handle. With this list, you can weigh the pros and cons of owning a St. Bernard German Shepherd mix and decide if it is the right dog for you. The idea behind the breed was to take the mass that St. The result is a physically imposing dog who may hide behind you in times of trouble. Bernard German Shepherd Mixes are big, though, and that extends to their personalities. If you have the room for them, Saint Shepherds will quickly steal your heart. The St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix relies mostly on their size to intimidate evildoers, as they generally prefer cuddling family members to disemboweling strangers. Still, it would take a brave thief indeed to continue breaking into your house after they saw one of these lumber out of the bedroom. Bernard is… not. However, those big pups make up for lack of intelligence by doubling down on stubbornness. Luckily, Saint Shepherds are smarter than they are bull-headed, but you still need to be firm and consistent while training. This can become a problem if they do bark for no reason , though, which is another reason why being diligent about their training is a must. Their brains allow them to pick up new commands quickly, and they love to please, so frequent training sessions are highly recommended. Bernard German Shepherd Mix listens to your instructions, because this is not a breed that you can simply overpower. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Bernards are known to be loving toward most animals, though. Luckily, early reports indicate that Saint Shepherds tend to take after St. Bernards rather than German Shepherds. They seem to be accepting of other animals and see them as potential playmates rather than rivals. A post shared by Waylon the Saint Shepherd wagging. Expect to spend a small fortune feeding these animals, as they have equally big appetites. These pooches are prone to obesity, so you need to be careful to offer them a healthy diet and not to overfeed them. We recommend a high-protein diet with minimal treats or scraps. You should vary how much you feed them depending on how active they are, as there tends to be a wide disparity between individual energy levels in this breed. These dogs are happy lounging around on the couch watching TV, but they also love to get out and run around at the park. We urge you not to be complacent with your dog, though, because these animals need a great deal of exercise to stave off obesity. Plus, their super-sharp minds long for mental stimulation, so a long walk, vigorous training regimen, agility training, or all of the above would be welcomed. Bernard German Shepherd Mix enough stimulation, they can become destructive, and you can only imagine the kind of damage they can do. Friendly, sociable, active, loyal, obedient, get along with children Shedding Moderate to high; requires moderate grooming Common coat colors Black, brown, sable, pied, black and tan, red and black Activity level Moderate; requires minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes but needs regular exercise and grooming Dietary needs High-protein diet; adult dogs require approximately to calories per day Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, Bloating, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Entropion, Pannus Saint Shepherd Breed History German Shepherds were used for herding purposes in the beginning. They used to protect cattle and safeguard them. However, that changed when Max Von Stephanitz bred the dog for other purposes. St Bernard has been rescuing people for a long time. They are named after Saint Bernard de Menthon who is credited as their founder. According to the legend, Swiss hospitals used St Bernards to rescue people from avalanches and other disasters. These giant dogs have an amazing ability to smell someone buried under the snow. They used to work in pairs. One dog will stay with the victim and warm it while the other dog calls for help. St Bernard has helped a lot of people in the Alpine areas between Italy and Switzerland. Notably, Barry, a Saint Bernard dog is credited with saving 40 human lives between and .In , they were accepted in the United States and slowly gained popularity. These giant dogs are bigger than German Shepherds but smaller than St Bernards. Some people are taken aback by Saint Bernard size. Male St Shepherds are usually 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh over lbs. Female St Shepherds are usually 25 to 28 inches tall and weigh lbs. Coat German Shepherd St Bernard mix is a heavy shedder. Their coat could be brown, black, or pied. The St Shepherd puppy will have medium-long length hair. They also have thick undercoats. You will need to brush them every other day to prevent matting. Brush your dog frequently so the fur is kept at a minimum. We suggest using a bristle brush to comb their coat. Also, bathe them every month to prevent their coats from drying out. Take good care of their teeth as well and brush them at least twice a week. Trim their nails regularly and clean their ears if they have floppy ears like a Saint Bernard dog. One thing you should note is that St Shepherds bark very loud. They like to sit around at the house idly. St Shepherds need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. Give them toys and puzzles to keep their brains healthy. Training German Shepherd is one of the easiest dogs to train as they are very intelligent. However, St Bernards are exact opposites. They are not very smart hence you may have a difficult time training them. It is necessary to get them trained from an early age. Controlling the loud barking is one of the most important aspects which you should train. Feeding St Bernard German Shepherd mix are giant dogs. They will need 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dog food daily. However, be wary of the food you provide them as St Shepherds can easily become overweight. Lifespan A German Shepherd usually lives for years while a St Bernard lives between 8 to 10 years. The German Shepherd St Bernard mix can live for years. The lifespan of a dog depends on the environment, nutrition, and health. Take good care of your dog and surely, it will live for a long time and can exceed the average lifespan of the breed. Temperament A GSD is a very excited and active dog. On the other hand, St Bernard is a calm and gentle dog. It is also a more sociable dog than the GSD. The St Bernard German Shepherd mix is an intelligent, loyal, and smart dog. It is a great dog for children but do not leave them alone with small children. St Shepherd is a giant dog so you should be present when they are with kids. St Shepherd is a very sociable dog. They can live easily with other dogs. They are also great as guard dogs as their size alone is enough to discourage trespassing. Are St Bernards smart? No, they are not very smart. However, the German Shepherd is one of the most smartest and intelligent dogs in the world. The German Shepherd St Bernard mix can suffer from many serious diseases. You should get them checked by a veterinarian if you notice any health concerns. As St Shepherds are large dogs, they are vulnerable to bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach expands due to excessive food, gas, or fluids. It makes the stomach twist and causes the dog a great deal of pain. Big dogs like German Shepherds and St Bernard are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. The latter is at greater risk than an average dog. Another disease common in St Bernard is Entropion which causes the eyelids to droop away from the eyes. Pannus is another disease that troubles the GSD. It infects the cornea of the eye. It can affect kidneys and can cause cancer and tumors. A St Shepherd can live up to years. Make sure to take good care of your dog and get it checked regularly. German Shepherd St Bernard mix is a very lovely and social dog. It loves to play with people and other dogs. St Shepherd is a perfect dog for your family. They love to cuddle. They are very affectionate. You can show your love by stroking them. Some people are intimidated by their large size but they are very loving dogs. German Shepherds are aggressive dogs. However, St Bernards are very gentle dogs. They have a calm manner and personality. Usually, the St Bernard GSD mix puppy takes after its St Bernard parent which means that the dog will be happy to socialize with other animals. St Shepherds are more likely to get along with dogs and even cats. According to various sources, the German Shepherd is one of the top three smartest dog breeds. Saint Bernard ranks in the mids out of all the dog breeds which are .This shows that St Bernards are not the smartest of the bunch. However, they are obedient and like to please their owners. You may have some difficulty training them. With some patience and persistence, you can train St Shepherds well. You should start their training from their puppyhood because as they will grow in size, they will be difficult to control. St Shepherds have a great work ethic and they are eager to please. You can also enroll in dog training classes. How Much Exercise is needed for St Shepherd? GSDs are very agile and athletic dogs. They like to play and run a lot. On the other hand, St Bernards are calm dogs. However, exercise is necessary for every dog. Without it, they can get overweight which will ultimately lead to health problems. Please note that St Bernards are more heat-sensitive than German Shepherds. A St Shepherd dog needs around 45 to 75 minutes of exercise daily. Some of the recommended activities for Saint Shepherds are swimming, playing fetch, hiking, and agility training. The St Bernard Shepherd mix is not very popular. They are also difficult to find. However, due to some accidental mating between GSD and St Bernard, you can come across many of these dogs. You can still buy them from some breeders but the price can be high. As Saint Bernard Shepherd mix is a rare breed, you can expect to pay a high amount of money. Where to find Saint Bernard German Shepherd mix puppies for sale? You can buy a Saint Bernard German Shepherd mix puppy from a legit breeder. You can also check your local shelters to adopt a full grown Saint Shepherd. However, spend some time with the dog to check its temperament before you adopt one. They are large dogs that can work great as guard dogs. However, there are some problems associated with this breed. St Bernard cross GSD is not a very intelligent dog and training it could be a difficult task. Also, they bark very loud. They are prone to obesity so watch out for their diet. St Shepherds can also inherit many genetic diseases. German Shepherd St Bernard mix is a very caring and active dog. If you want the perfect blend of charm, personality, and strength, then St Shepherd is perfect for you. Conclusion German Shepherd St Bernard mix dog is a very loving and charming dog. Although it is not a very common dog, due to accidental mating , you may have seen many of these types of dogs. St Bernard Shepherd is a big dog that can result in people being afraid of this dog but it is not an aggressive dog. On the contrary, it is a gentle and warm dog. They are also excellent guard dogs. Due to their big size and loud bark, they can scare away intruders easily. If you are looking for a good-looking and active dog, then the St Bernard German Shepherd mix is a great choice. However, you need to take care of them regularly. A well-maintained and loving St Shepherd will be a great companion to you. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Bernard German Shepherd mix can be anywhere from 22 to 30 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 65 to pounds. Very likely, these mutts will be at the larger end of the average GSD or the smaller end of the typical Saint Bernard. The color and markings of their cross could go both ways. Often, they will be black, brown, pied, or sable. No matter the appearance, the pups will surely have medium-to-long straight and dense hair. They are also expected to have thick undercoats. Grooming The St. Bernard German Shepherd mix will require frequent brushing —at least once a week—if you want to keep the fur around your home at a minimum. Additionally, these dogs will blow off their coats twice a year, which will require even more frequent brushing with tools especially made for heavy shedders. Ideally, that would involve daily brushing using a de-shedding tool and a slicker brush. As with any other dog, this mixed breed should have their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly. Although they are not typically prone to ear infections, it helps to keep their ears clean and dry, especially if they have floppy ears like their St. Bernard parent. Strength The German Shepherd is known as a strong breed with a remarkable bite force and impressive pulling strength. As for the Saint Bernard, their large size and thickset bodies are a clue to their power. The St. Bernard German Shepherd mix is expected to be a tough dog with the strength required to fulfill a wide variety of roles as a working breed. Speed GSDs can run pretty fast at speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour. In contrast, the large and heavy bodies of St. Bernards keep them from being fast and agile dogs. Nevertheless, the German Shepherd-St. Bernard mix is expected to have the energy levels, stamina, and athletic ability of both their parents. Since they are working breeds, they need both physical and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors. Bernard German Shepherd mix will likely need a one-hour walk or 30 minutes of intensive play per day, at the minimum. They will also need to be mentally stimulated with activities like training and brain and puzzle toys games. Trainability The German Shepherd is known as the third most intelligent working dog breeds in the world. It belongs to the top tier in the canine intelligence ranking. At this level, it takes only 5 exposures for them to learn something new. At this level, it takes up to 80 repetitions for them to learn a new command. The GSD-St. Nevertheless, they are expected to have an excellent work ethic when properly trained for a specific function and will be very easy to train. These dogs are also more sociable than German Shepherd, who tend to prefer the sole company of their own family. However, GSDs are much more trainable and have superior protective instincts. Given the temperaments of both parents, the Saint Shepherd will ideally have a good balance of intelligence, drive, and playfulness. They are also expected to be loyal, protective of their home and family, and incredibly affectionate. These dogs can be incredibly good family dogs as long as their humans invest time and effort in their training. They need to be trained in obedience and also socialized in different settings at a young age. With proper socialization, they coexist peacefully with other animals and even young kids. Health As large, deep-chested dogs, both the German Shepherd and the St. Bernard are prone to bloat. This painful condition occurs when the stomach expands dangerously due to excessive gas, fluids, or food. Since both parents are predisposed to this condition, it is something that owners of Saint Shepherds should watch out for. Bernard-German Shepherd cross might also be prone to bone and joint conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, as are most large dogs. Both parents should also be screened for degenerative myelopathy , which is a condition that causes the progressive deterioration of the spinal cord. Bernard cross, however. All breeds have genetic predispositions. Being aware of them enables you to avoid them and also know when to seek medical help. Lifespan The average Saint Bernard lives between 8 and 10 years while German Shepherds commonly live from 12 to 14 years old. Knowing this, it is reasonable to believe that the GSD-Saint Bernard cross could live for approximately 10 to 12 years. Recorded average lifespans per breed give you a good idea of how long your own pup might live. A lot depends on their environment, nutrition, and health maintenance. Bernard Mix. Through the AKC Canine Partners program, hybrids and crosses are able to participate in various dog sports. This program includes some of the most popular canine sports like Rally, Agility , and Scent Work. How Popular is the St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix? Saint Bernard-German Shepherd crosses are not very popular. They are difficult to find because their parents have more value as purebreds, so breeders are not motivated to mix them together or even with other breeds. Nevertheless, you might still find breeders that cross GSDs and Saints on purpose. Such puppies will definitely be more expensive than those from unplanned litters, especially because the parents would have been selected for specific traits. Bernard cross can be a delight to own. Although their size and grooming requirements might be challenging, its likely affectionate nature and eagerness to please should be incredibly rewarding. German Shepherd St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a combination of two large breeds of dogs, the loving giant St. Bernard and German Shepherds. This means they are strong but not too aggressive to intimidate any stranger while being cuddly companions with you and your family. They also need plenty of time for grooming so prepare accordingly because these guys have lots of fur in their home country from where we got them. They are naturally fur-ocious so expect them everywhere in your home including on furniture or clothing. Make sure to give these big personalities all day attention while setting aside plenty of time each week to dedicate just as much care to grooming. This dog needs lots of love and cuddles to make them feel safe and secure. This huge breed will intimidate any unknown person while being cuddly with you and your family. But be prepared for some fur rolls around though: between all those energetic play sessions outside where he gets plenty of space. This large, white canine can weigh up to pounds more than the standard breed and come equipped with unmatched energy that translates into years of companionship for its human counterpart. The St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a large-sized, friendly dog with thick fur and big paws that can be found in all sorts of climates. The Saint Shepherd is a great choice for parents with children. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are sweet and trustworthy around kids, so you can feel confident knowing them near your little ones. When humans are home and one of their pets is outside, it can be hard for them to come back in without worrying that something might happen. The adorable pups might not leave your heart once they get a hold of it. Dress information: Large Sized. Color: Brown, Sable and Black. Names: St. Suitable for Family: Yes, but also an eye should be kept on them as they are large sized so that there could be no problem in any aspect. Best Use: An experienced owner is recommended to pet this breed, who is well trained to keep massive size dogs. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are a rare find breed and offer you the best of both worlds with their mixed characteristics. With this pet, no one can match its uniqueness. They are great for those who want something uncommon in life. Bernard GSD mix dog is not just a bigger version of your average house pet. A lot goes into making up their personality and size can play an important part in how they behave. For example while smaller breeds may be more laid back due to living spaces being less overwhelming — one downside could also come from having such a limited room where you need everything close at hand so when it comes down. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is an unusual looking dog with a long coat and straight ears, which makes them stand out from other dogs. Their head has large wrinkles on it that make the eye seem to be smiling or laughing; this also gives their face some white in between brown fur for contrast. The Saint Shepherd is a unique dog with an unusual combination of colors. They have long, thick fur that covers most areas on their body except for the face and tail which are usually white or mostly brown in coloration patterns while black hairs can also be found throughout these parts too. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a medium to large, muscular dog with an acute sense of smell. It may get up to pounds and has oval shaped eyes that are typically brown in coloration but can also be any other shade from blue-eyed white blondes all the way down through darker shades like chocolate or green-hazelnut buttercream frosting. They have thick muscles in their body as well as strong legs for standing on two feet or four paws all day long—and toes that are arched when running due to their sharp heel spur marks on each foot. Coat: The St. Be prepared to pick up lots of hair when walking through an area filled with these dogs—the more proactive you are about maintenance, then better your chances will be at keeping things under control? It would help too if people were cautious around warm temperatures during summertime because not only does it seem like those shorter months make them grumpier than usual but heat radiates off their bodies easily Strength: St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are one of the most loving and loyal dogs you can find. Speed: St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are the perfect family dog. History Of St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix has a long and interesting history. The first known example of this breed was in the early s when it originated from Germany, Switzerland with roots that date back to World War I. These gentle dogs have been paired together by nature — their intelligent minds plus protective instincts makes them a perfect pet to take on any adventure life may dish out at you. Legend has it that their name comes from founder, St. Bernard de Menthon and they were used as messenger dogs for travelers through dangerous mountain regions near Italy or Switzerland during medieval times because these pups could travel great distances with little food or water while being treated like royalty by those who saw them pass by on the road. The most amazing thing about these dogs was their ability to smell a person buried underneath the snow. The team of these dogs worked in tandem, with one dog staying by their side while another went off for help if needed — or just rested up during these tough times. Bernard German Shepherd Mix mountain dog is a gentle giant who was bred as both an agricultural and herding breed. They were developed in Switzerland, where they still keep watch over travelers from cold withstanding temperatures. Characteristics Of Saint Bernard German Shepherd Mix: The German shepherd St bernard mix is a breed that has been known for its brilliance, fast learning capabilities and great caretaker dog instincts. Adaption Qualities. Can weigh up to pounds with a large head, floppy ears, dark brown eyes, and a short to medium muzzle with a black nose. They have thick muscular bodies, straighter backs than GSDs, big feet, and arched toes. Thick double coat that insulates well for cold weather, but can cause overheating in warmer climates. Prone to shedding so regular brushing will be needed. Lifespan: years on average. Saint Shepherds can be great family dogs, guard dogs, and can get along well with children. Friendly, outgoing, laid back personality. Very obedient so they should be easily trainable. Relatively high exercise requirements. One hour of daily exercise at minimum is ideal to limit destructive behaviors. Should ideally be socialized from a young age, although ongoing training is recommended. German Shepherds began as bands of herding dogs across the plains of Germany in the s. Max von Stephanitz , once a captain of the cavalry, was interested in developing an ideal working dog who could do more than herd sheep. St Bernard German Shepherd Mix Stephanitz invested years of work into generations of inbreeding, linebreeding, and culling. This produced a dog that still has a specific and recognizable form, versatility, and beauty. Saint Bernard, named for the Augustine monk St. Bernard of Menthon, according to Smithsonian Magazine , originated in the Alps around .Forbearers of St. Bernard included Asiatic mastiff types that the early Romans brought with them. Since the areas where the dogs lived were at elevations of 8, feet, the St. Bernards found use in helping trekkers navigate the passes. The dogs accompanied marronniers, or special servants, assigned the task of guiding foot travelers across the mountains. Saint Bernards would later realize their true calling, rescuing victims buried under snow. Saint Bernards are as recognizable as German Shepherds although not as popular. Saint Shepherds joined the designer dog ranks in the s among dog lovers who wanted to create an ideal companion who would also have moderate guard potential. Size German Shepherd females are 22 to 24 inches tall, while males are 24 to 26 inches in height. Saint Bernards are giant dogs. Females stand 26 to 31 inches tall at the shoulders, and males can be up to 35 inches. Saint Bernards weigh anywhere from pounds to a staggering pounds. German Shepherd Saint Bernard mix females are 25 to 28 inches tall and weigh 90 to pounds. Males can range from 28 to 31 inches tall and can weigh over pounds. What is the general body type? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs with lean frames. They have a long snout with some squaring of the muzzle, a dome-shaped forehead, brown medium eyes with a slight slant, muscular lengthy limbs, and a rectangular back that slopes downward towards the bushy tail. The Saint Bernard is a mastiff-type with a massive head and large-boned body. The muzzle tends to be deeper than it is long, and their eyes are brown, set forward, and deep. They give an impression of power. Shepherd has the large head of a Saint Bernard, with a moderation of the jowls, and lengthening of the muzzle. Their legs and body are strong and their backs are straight or slightly sloping. Occasionally, the German Shepherd St Bernard mix will have relatively large ears that stand up. Will your Saint Shepherd have unusual colors? Not all Shepherds are black and tan, and not every Saint Bernard is the stereotypical tricolor brown and white with black. The German Shepherd can be red and tan or blue and tan. They can also be solid red, black, tan, blue, or white. The AKC specifies that all Saint Bernards must have white on the chest, feet, the tip of the tail, and neck. Colored patches can be brindle or any shade of red. Show judges and the public alike prefer dogs with dark masks on their faces. A black facial mask is a very common trait among German Shepherd Saint Bernard offspring. Most of the hybrids are white and brown, red, fawn, or sable. Saint Shepherds can also be tricolor, like a Saint Bernard, or black and white pied. German Shepherds have three possible coat types and Saint Bernards two. The Shepherd can have long or medium-short straight hair with a thick undercoat. The third coat type is long outer fur without an undercoat. Saint Bernards come in a long or short-haired variety. Both coat types have a thick undercoat, and the outer guard hairs are usually straight to wavy. Your Saint Shepherd will have a dense undercoat with medium-long straight outer hairs. You should also plan on monthly bathing. Clip nails as with any dog every four to six weeks. However, as with the Saint Bernard, the Shepherd hybrid is susceptible to overheating in the summer when temperatures head north of 85 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Measures you can take to help with the heat are setting up a mini pool or running a misting system or sprinklers. Fresh water should always be available, regardless of the weather. Although the coat is water-resistant, additional precautions are needed to avoid sudden drops in their core temperature. However, the combination of their independent working style and a brief history of dogfighting, makes it prudent to exercise caution when introducing German Shepherds to new dogs. According to Dogtemperament. The Shepherd-Saint Bernard often inherits their social make-up from the Saint Bernard side, and as such they love to play. Three components used to gauge canine intelligence are obedience, the job for which they were bred, and finding solutions to problems or solving puzzles. An example of a job ranked high for intelligence is herding, which requires dogs to think. Your Saint Shepherd will be a very intelligent and obedient dog. Their size alone is enough to deter trespassing, let alone break-ins or home invasions. Saint Shepherds have a loud bellowing bark as well. Shepherd Saint Bernard hybrids tend to live longer than their parents, but they can inherit several serious health problems. In parentheses is which breed can pass the problem to the mixed puppies. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus — GDV, not necessarily heritable, is a life-threatening problem that threatens any large dog with a deep chest as well as Dachshunds. The stomach becomes bloated with gas and can rotate degrees or more. Sometimes the spleen also twists. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia St. German Shepherds have a higher-than-average occurrence of elbow dysplasia as well. Bernards are vulnerable to heart failure. Dilatative cardiomyopathy is usually left-sided and leads to enlargement of the heart and thinning of the cardiac walls. Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular Dermatofibrosis GSD — A hereditary condition that causes skin tumors, uterine cancer, and changes in the kidneys. Pannus GSD — Pannus is a disease that affects the cornea of the eye. Rarely, your dog may become diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy a progressive neurological and muscular disorder , perianal fistulas draining tracts around the anus , hemophilia blood clotting disorder , and decreased pancreatic enzymes — all diseases affecting the German Shepherd. Saint Bernards only live for about 7 to 10 years, while German Shepherds can live 10 to 12 years. Perhaps exhibiting slight hybrid vigor, Saint Shepherd can live 10 to 14 years, according to dogbreeds.How much exercise does the German Shepherd Saint Bernard need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs with abundant energy and exceptional stamina levels. With the mental stimulation they also require to remain emotionally balanced, Shepherds require 90 to minutes of exercise and training per day. On the contrary, sources like Dogtime recommend only moderate exercise for Saint Bernards. The Saint Bernard puppy is prone to bone developmental disorders from rapid growth. Over exercise can exacerbate abnormal growth, pain, and discomfort. Saint Bernard puppies still need to exercise to prevent problems associated with becoming overweight. An exercise regimen should accommodate St. Ultimately, a Saint Bernard needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Saint Shepherds are between their two parents in exercise requirements and activity levels. You must always take into account the weather because your Saint Shepherd will be more heat-sensitive than a GSD. This video illustrates the vast difference in size and appearance between Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, as well as a few of the color variations you can see in black and tan GSDs. Note the reddish-brown color with a black mask. Notice how friendly and comfortable he is. This is most likely due to proper socialization and having loving owners. He is a large Saint Shepherd with medium hair. His feet and the tip of his tail are white like a Saint Bernard. Many hybrids of this particular mix are taller and leaner than you might expect. In general, no, St. Bernards are not typically aggressive dogs. They are a well natured dog that is great in a family setting. They are known for their tolerance and patience, which is especially important if you have younger children. However, while they are not typically aggressive in their nature, a non-aggressive dog is never a guarantee when purchasing. This is why training a dog is so important because it will help to ensure that your dog has the correct manners and temperament. While a lot of people may be put off by the size of a St. Bernard, their size does not reflect their personality. They are often known as gentle giants because they are well natured. When it comes to other animals in the household, again, St. They may potentially have some issues with dogs if they have experienced any negative interactions, but for the most part, they are not aggressive dogs. Yes, for the most part, St. Bernard loves to cuddle. While many people can be put off by their size, which can be understandable, they are very loving. They love to be around family members and enjoy receiving a fuss and cuddles. While they are not a big attention seeking breed, they do enjoy being stroked. However, as with all dogs, St. Given this, while many do enjoy being cuddled, not all will. If your dog prefers a belly rub or a head scratch, then you should do this instead of forcing your dog to cuddle. All dogs will show affection in their own individual way, which you should be aware of. The more you get to know your dog, the more you will understand what affection they prefer. Are St Bernards easy to train? This is because they are a dog that wants to please its owner. As a result of this, they do respond well to commands and instructions. Training is such an important aspect to owning a dog, especially if you are a new dog owner. However, while they are an easy breed to train, you will need to ensure that you are putting in the time and effort required to train the dog correctly. The more effort you put into training your dog, the better behaved, and obedient they will be on the whole. Given that they are calm dogs, they do have a lot of patience when they are being trained, which is positive. They are not as easily distracted in comparison to other breeds of dog. As a result, they may not do what is asked of them straight away. Stubbornness can make training slightly more difficult, and this will require patience and persistence from you, the owner. Do shepherd mixes bark a lot? While this will depend on the individual dog, typically shepherd mixes will bark a lot. This is because German shepherds are a breed that can be quite vocal. While this is not necessarily a negative thing, it can be off-putting for some people. While they are more likely to bark in comparison to other mixes of dogs, it is possible to stop this from occurring. Though it will require more patience and persistence, you can train a German shepherd mix not to bark. With mixed breeds, it is difficult to determine how a dog will act. This is because they have traits of two separate dog breeds. While German shepherds are a more vocal breed, if they are mixed with a breed that is not overly vocal, this can mean that their litter will be less vocal on the whole. How big do German shepherd Saint Bernard mix get? The size of a German Shepherd and Saint Bernard mix will vary depending on the size of both parents. While you can guesstimate, ultimately their size is down to the characteristics of both parents. However, typically this mix will reach around 28 inches tall, though they can be smaller than this. This is fairly large, but not as large as a Saint Bernard. When looking at their weight, they will typically weigh anywhere from 85 to pounds. While this is an estimate, you may find that your mix will be slightly taller or smaller than this, due to its genetics.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! 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. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas 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 Texas? 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 Texas? 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

For the complete list please see our Pug Breeders List page. A few other factors that might influence the price are: whether the pup is male or female, whether it is a show-quality dog or not, and whether it has been spayed or neutered. Purebred bloodlines will often command a higher price than those without. There are also a few rescue organizations that specialize in pugs, so you may be able to find a puppy through one of these groups. The best way to find a free pug is to network with other pug owners in your area. Chances are, someone will know of a breeder who has puppies available for adoption. There are many reasons why someone might want to breed pugs. Some people believe that breeding provides an opportunity to improve the health and temperament of the breed as a whole. Others may simply enjoy owning pugs and want to share their joy by providing puppies to other families. How to Find A Responsible Pug Breeder in Massachusetts When looking for a Pug breeder in Massachusetts, it is important to find one who is responsible and cares about the puppies they produce. You should ask the breeder lots of questions, including: How long have you been breeding Pugs? Do you have any health guarantees for your puppies? What tests have your dogs been screened for? How many litters do you have per year? Do you keep in touch with your puppy buyers after the sale? Are your puppies raised in a healthy environment? Responsible breeders will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be able to provide documentation of health screenings for their dogs. They should also be willing to provide references from previous buyers. Visit Your Massachusetts Pug Breeder in Person It is also important to visit the breeder in person before you buy a puppy. You can see their temperament and how they interact with their parents. Responsible breeders will want you to visit and will be happy to answer any questions you have. If you are looking for a Pug breeder in Massachusetts, be sure to do your research and ask plenty of questions. Responsible breeders will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and provide documentation of health screenings for their dogs. If for some reason the breeder refuses to let you visit, it is best to move on. There are plenty of other breeders that will gladly help you. A good Pug breeder will have happy, healthy dogs and plenty of happy customers. Ask to see pictures of the puppies and their parents as well. References can also tell you if the breeder is reputable and responsible. This will help you to get a good idea of what to expect from your Pug puppy and whether or not the breeder is taking good care of their dogs. They can also tell you if the breeder is always available to help with questions or problems and if they have ever had any problems with their puppy. Buying a Pug from a reputable breeder in Massachusetts is important for many reasons. A good Pug breeder will have a good veterinarian they use and they will be happy to give you the name of their veterinarian. Good veterinarians are important for two reasons. First, they will help keep your Pug healthy. Second, if something goes wrong with your Pug, your breeder will want to work with the veterinarian to get your dog the best possible care. Make sure that you visit the veterinarian before you buy a puppy from a breeder. This will help you to make sure that the breeder is using a good veterinarian and that you are comfortable with the veterinary care your Pug will receive. Some unethical breeders may seem like they are reputable and may even have websites or kennels. However, there are some telltale signs that can help you spot an unethical Pug breeder. There are many good breeders out there, and by being aware of the signs of an unethical one, you can avoid getting scammed. Be Wary of Scammers When Buying A Pug As with any breed of dog, there are scammers out there who are trying to make a quick buck by selling sick, malnourished puppies. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research and only buy a Pug from a reputable breeder. Some common health problems that can occur in pugs include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Health problems are common in most breeds of dogs, and the pug is no exception. By doing so, you can be sure that you are aware of any potential health issues that may occur in the future. Here is a checklist of things to do before your Pug arrives: Get a crate and puppy bed. Your Pug will need a place to sleep and feel safe. Buy food and water dishes and a food bowl stand. Pugs like to eat, so make sure you have enough food for them. Set up a potty area. You can also use puppy pads or training mats in your home until your Pug is house-trained. Choose a name for your Pug and start teaching them commands. Pugs are smart dogs and they will learn commands quickly if you start training them early. Pugs love playing with toys and eating snacks, so make sure you have plenty on hand. Toys can keep your Pug entertained and help them burn off energy, while treats can be used as rewards for good behavior. Schedule a visit to the vet. Your Pug will need to get a check-up and some vaccinations when they first arrive, so make sure you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Prepare yourself for lots of love. Pugs are adorable dogs that love spending time with their families. They will quickly become a part of your family and will bring you lots of happiness. Welcome to the world of pugs. Potty Training Your New Pug Puppy One of the most important things you will need to do when you get a new Pug puppy is train them to go to the bathroom outside. Here are a few tips on how to potty train your Pug: Start off by taking your puppy outside every time they eat, drink, or play. This will help them associate going outside with doing their business. Make sure you praise your puppy when they go to the bathroom outside. Positive reinforcement is key in training your dog. This will only make it harder for them to learn where they are supposed to go to the bathroom. Clean up the mess and move on. Be patient and consistent with training your Pug. It may take a little time, but they will eventually learn where to go. By following these tips, you can successfully potty train your new Pug puppy. The breeder will have screened the puppies for genetic health problems and will only sell those that are healthy. The breeder will have given the puppies socialization and training, which will help them adjust better to their new home. The breeder will offer support after you take your puppy home. By choosing a reputable breeder, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized Pug puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Website: pug-puppy. At pug-puppy. This is a family of Pug lovers who are about the advancement of the Pug breed as well as the health and wellbeing of each and every one of their pups. The family lives and raises their Pugs on a one-acre plot with plenty of room for running and playing. They even teach their Pugs to swim! All of their Pugs are fed a healthy diet of quality food and vitamins and have the freedom to play with lots of toys. When you purchase a pup from pug-puppy. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If all goes well, we will have the most exciting pairs and pups for our families just in time for Christmas! If the holidays are hectic, plan ahead and be sure to save a spot in our training program! Our puppy curriculum and enrichment activities are second to none. At CWB our focus is creating confident pups with a head start on training and socialization. We're thrilled to announce the ability to offer additional support and training beyond our extensive 8 week curriculum. We have limited space and availability, so be sure to ask about this when you commit to a specific litter. We have more litters on the way and will fill those off of our waitlist first. With a variety of litters planned, we can offer many different color and size combinations! Our first Berner, Tillie, is the most loving dog we have ever known. We live in Vesper WI on a 60 acre cranberry marsh with our 6 young children and growing dog family! We fell in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog BMD breed after having a heartbreaking experience with our first family dog. When our son was bit by our malamute, we vowed to never again bring a dog into our family that we thought might hurt someone. After years of healing and countless hours of research, we knew we'd found the right breed for our family: the Bernese Mountain Dog. Our first Berner, Tillie, makes anyone who meets her fall in love with the breed. We knew we wanted to add a Standard Poodle to our family after we learned how intelligent, playful, and sweet they are. Our first Poodle, Willow got us completely hooked on the breed! These breeds compliment each other very nicely! Since deciding to expand our small program, we have had the joy of adding additional Berners to our family and love each as much as the last. We have found bernedoodles to be the BEST combination of all the wonderful traits in both our Berneses and our Poodles. Their hypoallergenic nature, slightly smaller and more agile frame is a delightful "middle ground" and makes a truly incredible family pet. Litter News Our Summer Litters have all gone home, with the exception of a couple remaining pups. The updates as they are coming in have been positive and it sounds like they are all adjusting perfectly. We have updated out Litter Plans section on the Adoptions Page , so be sure to check out who has been bred and all their litter details! These pairs are going to be absolute perfection for Alice and Coco, while Sofia's repeat of her earlier litters with King we KNOW will be a dream come true. Be sure to submit your application and reserve your spot on the master list for a chance in these litters. We are really excited to share MORE fun apparel and the ease of ordering directly online! More announcements will be coming as we finalize our online store, so be sure to follow us on Facebook for announcements regarding puppies and clothing if you are interested. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It is our great honor to be given the opportunity to raise your best friend! I have almost ten years of experience raising, grooming, and training puppies. This means that your puppy will receive the best care, including tons of hugs and kisses, until the very moment that they reach your family's loving arms! We truly believe that an amazing dog can make a lifelong impact on their family's life. That's why it's so important to us to give our puppies the best start possible! The first step to this process, is our careful selection of the parent's of our Bernedoodle puppies. Each parent dog is specifically chosen for their outstanding temperaments and receives health testing. This helps to ensure that each and every puppy has a wonderful personality and will have excellent health. All of our puppies and dogs live in our home with us so that we can give them the proper love that they deserve. This also means that our puppies are exposed to many different sounds and textures before going home. Giving puppies a wide range of exposure to different things helps them to feel more comfortable and confident when confronted with new situations throughout their life. Another step we take to raise the most outstanding puppies, is to give each puppy Early Neurologic Stimulation ENS every day from three days old to sixteen days old. ENS is a series of gentle stimuli that was developed by the US military to improve the performance of military working dogs. It has been shown to enhance a puppy's disease resistance, stress tolerance, adrenal glands, and cardiovascular performance. In addition to giving our puppies the best care possible, taking care of our customers is so important to us! Before you bring home your puppy, and even years after, we will always be here to answer any questions you may have and offer our support. We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring the sweet love of a Bernedoodle puppy into your life! Please have a look around our website and contact us if you have any questions. I agree to recieve email communications from Bernedoodle Boutique Our joy is breeding yours. Our mission is to match you with the perfect puppy for your family and lifestyle. Through our adoption process we find out your specific needs and wants and then pair you with a puppy to match. We want to understand what life will look like for a dog in your life so we can recommend a puppy that instinctually will be a great fit for you and the puppy. We love all breeds but most of all we love sharing our passion of producing the healthiest, cutest, best family pets for you! We firmly believe that breed diversification produces the healthiest puppies, and the science supports this. Breed diversification is a very important step in the process to ensuring you have a healthy happy puppy. Plus, we get to love on many types of breeds in the process! All of our breeding dogs are health tested and genetic tested as soon as possible and not bred until we know for sure we are working with healthy dogs. Pairings are selected based on health testing, genetics, size, temperament, and color. Poodles are fun, energetic, smart, and easy to train. Their intelligence can not be overstated: We often say all other dogs are playing checkers and Poodles are playing chess. With their great agility, quick intelligence, and desire to please they were originally bred to be hunting dogs. Poodles are fun-loving dogs and make great family pets. We have absolutely fallen in love with this breed over the years. Bernedoodles are friendly, intelligent, playful, and outgoing. They truly combine the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. They tend to be gentle and loyal like the Bernese Mountain Dog and intelligent and playful like the Poodle. They look like teddy bears and are easy to train. Bernedoodles benefit from the longer lifespan of Poodles compared to a standard Bernese Mountain Dog. Cavapoos, also known as a Cavadoodle, make the perfect cuddly couch partner. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their cute and sweet personality. Cavapoos are affectionate and love humans. They have the intelligence of the Poodle, making them easy to train, with all the cuteness of a cuddly little teddy bear. We have frequently have puppies available and would love the opportunity to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are majestic gentle giants and make excellent family dogs. They are gorgeous and attract attention everywhere they go. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as an all purpose farm dog used to herd cattle, protect the farm, and pull milk carts. Their ancestors must have worked too hard because the modern Bernese Mountain dog seems happiest laying around and getting love from their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs love people and thrive on human companionship. Our love for the Bernese Mountain Dog is what got us into breeding in the first place. We believe in providing the best life possible for our breeding dogs. Many of them live with us in our home as family pets being loved on by our family. The Guardian Family receives a puppy to love as their own. During breeding and whelping the dog stays with us; and then goes back home afterwards. To learn more about becoming a Guardian Home click here. We hand-pick only the best-purebred dogs with exemplary physical and cognitive attributes to ensure we can maintain the high standard of Bernedoodles that owners want in a future house pet. In addition, all our dogs undergo a rigorous genetic testing process to screen for any inherited health issues that could affect the litter. You can be sure that our Bernedoodles will live long, healthy lives as your new companion. All dogs must adhere to both qualifications before we consider them as potential dog parents of our future Bernedoodle pups. Two-Year Health Guarantee While many breeders in Wisconsin offer a standard one-year guarantee with their Bernedoodle puppies , Central Illinois Doodles extends this for a full two-year health guarantee on all our doodle puppies. When you adopt one of our Bernedoodles, you can rest easy knowing that your puppy will: be up-to-date on vaccinations have received a head-to-toe physical exam be properly socialized in a family environment with children and other dogs Optimal Home-Raised Environment At Central Illinois Doodles, we are not your average breeder. We believe in hand-raising all our puppies surrounded by our family. The puppies will have exposure to family life and all the sounds and smell that come from living with human companions. These natural stimuli ensure that your puppy is ready for your home while making the transition less stressful for you and the dog. From the beginning, we start socializing our puppies as part of their development training while in our care. Although your new puppy will have contact with its littermates and their Bernese Mountain dog mother during their time at Central Illinois Doodles, we encourage you to maintain consistent socialization once your pet is fully vaccinated. We also understand that the puppy of your dreams may not be local to your area. Therefore, we make it simple to adopt one of our Bernedoodles even if you are not a resident of the state of Wisconsin. Therefore, we offer puppy transportation alternatives so you can still receive one of our exceptional Bernedoodles. If driving to us is unreasonable, our family home is close to several major airports, so you can fly in and minimize the time it takes to reach us. Many new pet owners will rent a car from the airport to come and pick up their new best friend. For those who cannot make the trip themselves, we also offer a Pet Nanny service to bring your Bernedoodle puppy to your local airport. We use a responsible and highly-reputable dog lover to hand-deliver your new puppy directly to you. They will remain with your dog throughout the entire trip, ensuring they are comfortable and receive everything they need. This way, the transition to you is less stressful for your pet and convenient for your schedule. Contact us today about securing your new puppy from our available litters. Doodle Breeder Near Me. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Kaukauna Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!