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So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. 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. They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University .Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy.

More than other breeds, the bulldog mother may need your help with nursing, feeding and weaning pups. Bulldog Pregnancy and Birth A typical bulldog pregnancy lasts around 63 days. The bulldog's physical shape means that many dogs are unable to give birth to their puppies without assistance -- the female bulldog's pelvis is very narrow and each puppy's head is very large. When puppies are born by caesarean section, the mother dog does not get the full physical and hormonal cues telling her body that the puppies have been born. After a caesarean section, you will need to milk the mother dog's colostrum to feed the newborn pups. This special milk, produced only for a short time after birth, contains antibodies that are important to the health of the newborn pups. If the mother's colostrum is unavailable, you can substitute a commercial colostrum formula. Twenty-four hours after being born, the puppies can drink commercial puppy milk formula if the mother is unable to nurse. Ideally, the puppies will nurse from their mother as soon as possible after being born. Those puppies nursing within the first 12 hours after being born have the best survival chances. Nursing Schedule In the first four to five days, newborn bulldog puppies need to nurse every two hours. It may look as though the pups are feeding more often -- or even constantly -- because not all the mother dog's teats will carry milk at the same time. As they get older, they will need to feed less frequently. Make sure that all the puppies get their turn at the teat during feeding time -- sometimes the larger or stronger pups will push aside smaller or weaker puppies. Bottle Feeding If you are bottle-feeding the puppies, you'll need to do so every two hours, day and night, until they are 6 days old. After that, the puppies can go to a feeding schedule of six to eight feedings every day until they are 3 weeks old, and four feedings daily beyond that point. At each feeding, a puppy should receive 1cc of prepared formula milk for every ounce of its body weight. Transition to Food Around 1 month after birth, puppies typically start eating some soft foods, although they will continue to nurse from the mother until they reach 8 weeks old. As puppies start eating soft foods, you will need to clean out each puppy's facial wrinkles -- the puppies and the mother may be unable to clean their wrinkles completely. If soft food gets stuck in a puppy's wrinkles, it may develop infection or sores. Typically, the mother dog will start to wean the dogs between 5 weeks and 7 weeks after birth. At this point, you can start introducing hard foods such as puppy kibble. More Articles. Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. The body wrinkles may be visible on their legs, and the skin may seem a bit baggy on their body, but it is still challenging to determine the actual build of the puppy. Their builds become a bit more apparent as they begin to stand and walk, giving you a glimpse of their stance. The nervous system is rapidly developing at this time, and vision is also beginning to grow. Interaction matters, even at this young age. This sets the stage for how well they will bond. Their builds become more apparent, and the skin and wrinkles really begin to develop. Baby teeth are usually all in around weeks. This is when many pups will go through the finger-chewing puppy stage. They eat more every day as they go through various stages of digestion in preparation for the first solid food introduction around this time. They begin to fill out as they transition from milk to dry food and complete the weaning process. At about 8 weeks, your puppy has just started getting used to sleeping through the night. You may notice that their legs look a bit long and thin. This is because their legs are generally the first area of growth in preparation for the weight they will maintain throughout their lives. Your puppy is ready for adventure and has a great passion for exploring and playing with toys and their littermates. You can begin training your puppy at the latter part of this age. With this, their heads may appear too small for their bodies, which is perfectly normal and usually only lasts a few months. As a 16 week old English Bulldog, your pup is entering adolescence. Hold on for this. You might see chewing, not listening, and barking. You will see a resurgence of teething as the puppy teeth fall out and the adult set comes in. Much like humans, this can cause pain and irritation as the teeth push through the gums. Here again, you may see that their legs appear long and skinny for a month or two, and the entire process starts again. Adolescence is at its peak, around seven months. You may see an increase in rebelliousness, stubbornness, and not listening. For the most part, puppyhood has completed its course. The stages of growth for your English bulldog above are all estimates. There are certain ailments that are common in the English Bulldog. In fact, because of drastic changes in appearance over the years, they are susceptible to a large number of diseases and more than many other dog breeds. Feeding them nutritious food will help keep them within the target weight appropriate for their age. This plays a part when it comes to maintaining that healthy weight range. Getting your dog out for a walk also gets you out and active as well! Spaying And Neutering Weight gain and lethargy are common worries following either surgery, but a causal link has not been found between the two. Many times the surgery takes place when the puppy is in the midst of rapid development and growth, so the weight gain could simply be caused by normal development. However, consider consulting your veterinarian about any worries or questions you might have. A male English Bulldog typically weighs more than a female English Bulldog so expect this discrepancy. Having your Bulldog get overweight can lead to hip dysplasia, cancer, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, liver disease, diabetes, or even heatstroke. By the time they turn one, most English bulldogs will stop growing. However, most of their growth and development has taken place during their first year of life. Are English Bulldogs good pets? English Bulldogs are wonderful pets to have as they are loyal and a great conversation starter. At what age do English Bulldogs start walking? Around week 4, English Bulldogs start to walk. The early care and environment of the English Bulldog newborn puppy are very important. Reasons a English Bulldog puppy might die early on are usually due to difficult whelping, congenital or genetic defects, environmental factors i. Things to have handy in case of an emergency: a box of Amoxi-Drops anti-diarrhea medication like Biosol, Kaolin-Pectin, or Neo-Pectilin thermometer Karo syrup or honey tube feeding kit 10 feeding tube and 10cc feeding syringe several cans of puppy formula like Esbilac; however, it is very important that a English Bulldog puppy get its mother's milk if at all possible during the first 5 days to protect it from infection and give it antibodies from the mother's milk You can purchase pre-made formula from your vet and outside of the mother's milk, it is best. However, the following formula is cheaper and provides all the nutrition. It's been used by many people and gives good results: l can Carnation evaporated milk some prefer canned goat's milk. Many use it instead of evaporated milk - both can be found in the bakery section of your grocery store. If this seems to be, change to bottled water to make the formula. Keeping the litter box tempature between degrees with no drafts for the first few days is usually adequate. Other sources of warmth can be heating pads or heat lamps. If using a heating pad, monitor the intensity of heat, as pups have been known to cook on pads set on high settings! There are many excellent heat lamps on the market, but remember that caution is needed. Heat lamps have been known to start fires! The temperature on the English Bulldog puppies 1 inch above the bottom of the box should be about degrees with a corner that is slightly cooler and allow them to scoot to wherever they like best. There should also be plenty of clean blankets, as this will allow for regulation of temperature. If a English Bulldog puppy has its mouth open, it's too hot. If a English Bulldog puppy is too cool, it often won't show anything - but it can be deadly. Hydration is one of the most important things to monitor in new bulldog pups, as it can be one of the first signs of problems. Check hydration by by pinching the skin on the back of the neck or on the top of the back. If the pinched skin stays creased, the English Bulldog puppy is dehydrated and needs fluid replacement. Also, a dehydrated bulldog pup's coat will sometimes have a ruffled or scruffy appearance. Dehydration can either be a result of inadequate nourishment, too much heat, or sickness. It is strongly suggested that you use regular newborn or infant bottles and nipples. The ones available for purchase for cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. Bottle feeding is far more preferable. The sucking on a nipple, the handling and holding of the English Bulldog puppy is so very important to their overall development. The English Bulldog puppy should be held with his head upwards and his body and tail down in a 45 to 90 degreee angle when bottle feeding. If English Bulldog puppies and their blankets are not kept clean, it is very easy to come down with a staph infection and diarrhea - which is serious, as bulldog puppies can go downhill quickly. As mentioned before, it is equally serious if the English Bulldog puppies get chilled so avoid drafts. Even if you have them in a basket with a heating pad, you need to cover the basket with a towel to keep out drafts. A chilled English Bulldog puppy must be warmed up. Put it in a pocket so that it's warm and jiggled as you walk around, or if you are a woman put it in your bra for your body heat. There are lots of little ways to accomplish it. Don't worry about feeding formula to a chilled English Bulldog puppy because it will have the opposite effect: their body cannot handle the food and makes it all the worse for the English Bulldog puppy. Priority should be to get the bulldog puppy warmed up slowly. Newborn English Bulldog puppies cannot regulate their body temperature or body functions like urinating and stools. It is important that they are pottied at each feeding. They might not have a stool each time, but they will urinate. This is what the mother does when she licks them. But some mothers don't want to be bothered, especially the first few days. After that, she will become a good mommy. Some might start off being good, then after a few days, or even a couple of weeks, not want to be bothered and might even be nasty to the puppies such as snapping and biting them. Always be careful and watch. Don't leave her alone until the bulldog pups are big enough not to be laid on, or big enough that you know that the bitch is a good mother. If the mother will not clean the babies, you must be sure to do it. Using a kleenex, gently rub the area to stimulate their potty. Then be sure to clean them well. Make sure to check them even if the mother cleans them. Often the stool will get stuck to the tail and be dry. If that happens, or if the English Bulldog puppy seems to be straining and constipated, try the following: Run warm water in the sink slowly. Put a drop of soap on their behinds, and wash and massage their behinds; it will get the tail and poop unstuck, clean them up, and cause them to potty very well. Make sure they are well rinsed, and dried thoroughly so they don't get chilled. If the little bottoms are red and sore, use some Desitin ointment. You may see green puppy stools and stools that have an appearance of bunches of tiny seeds. If all else seems normal, this seems to be harmless and short-lived. However, watery diarrhea can be very serious if left unchecked. There can be many causes, like the mother's diet, or infection. Diarrhea together with vomiting usually means infection. For the first 3- 5 days an average English Bulldog puppy ouncer will take about 10 cc's every hours. It should be broken into feedings every 2 hours 5cc per feeding. If it is a good sized bulldog puppy 1 lb. Towards the end of a week, you should increase the food needed to about cc or more. For the first week they should eat every two hours. If they are good size bulldog babies, you can sometimes go longer. By the second week, as long as you don't have any problems and they are of good size, you can usually go hours between feedings. An average weight for newborn English Bulldog puppies is around ounces. Good size puppies are oz.

Are chocolate French Bulldogs prettier in person? Their popularity as companion dogs grew in France. According to some, breeders saw the bat-like upright ears as a defect in bulldogs. According to others, the ears came from French bulldogs crossed with local rottweilers. In either case, these tiny bulldogs evolved into a distinct breed called the French Bulldog. Coco French bulldog and French bulldog tan make a great combo because chocolate coats are rare and recessive. And it has also held breeders from having more of these lovely dogs. With the rage of Chocolate Frenchies on the rise, more breeders are trying to produce them. However, it is important to note that a Chocolate French Bulldog does not just look brown but also has the right genes. These lovely dogs are highly sought-after thanks to their unique chocolaty brown colour. But keep in mind not every brown-looking French Bulldog is chocolate. In some cases, brindle and fawn can make a Frenchie look that way. The only criterion for nailing whether a Frenchie is chocolate or not was this. However, recent studies have shown that the Chocolate gene can also be found elsewhere. Hence it is vital to do deep research before buying a testable chocolate French bulldog. French Bulldog colours Blue pied merle French bulldog Pied describes a mixture of colours and patterns found in the French Bulldog Breed. Both pied and piebald are used interchangeably to define the Pied colour. A blue pied merle French bulldog has a predominantly white coat with shadier patches encircling the head, body or both of the French Bulldog. However, the pattern of pied can vary from dog to dog, and it is not primarily the same. It is impossible to generalise about pied French bulldogs. To breed a pup with good and distinct markings, French bulldog breeders will pay a lot of attention to this colour. It is desirable to have a pied French bulldog in a fawn or brindle colour. Chocolate sable French bulldog A chocolate sable French bulldog is a lovely and rare colour variation of the famous French Bulldog. However, most French Bulldogs are either brindle or fawn in colour. Furthermore, a chocolate sable has a mostly black coat with brown or red highlights. A genetic mutation causes this unique coat colour. It is not uncommon in different breeds, such as Rottweilers or Labrador Retrievers. Despite their loveliness and friendliness, chocolate sable French bulldog are often sought after by people looking for a truly unique dog. Platinum merle french bulldog The platinum merle french bulldog is a very exotic and rare-looking type of the French Bulldog breed. They are lovely to look at and have a very affectionate and sweet nature. The platinum merle french bulldog coat differs them from other french bulldogs. There are patches of black throughout the silver-grey colour. There is a silky feel to the coat, and it is very soft. The Platinum Merle French Bulldog is a relatively new dog breed in the world of dog breeding. Their introduction to the United States dates back to the early s. As a result of their unique build and personality, they have gained favour among dog lovers. It is wise to buy a tan point French bulldog as it is a lovely dog. Different colours of chocolate and tan French Bulldog In addition to solid chocolate colours and patterns, coco French bulldog are also available in other colours and patterns. Since the AKC does not recognise any combination of chocolate, the organisation recognises none of the following colours. Many chocolate merle Frenchies, chocolate and tan merle French Bulldogs, and chocolate tri merle French bulldogs are available for tens of thousands of dollars. Hence you must learn more about French bulldog tan before buying it. Chocolate fawn is a fairly uncommon colour combination on a French bulldog. Some breeders have even been able to produce a French Bulldog in the colour chocolate blue fawn. Thus, you must get more info about black masked French Bulldog if you seek a family dog. Chocolate brindle French Bulldog Chocolate brindle Frenchies have black tiger-like stripes on their chocolate base coat. It is a well-known fact that chocolate brindle is one of the most coveted coat colours for French Bulldogs. Beige French Bulldog are lovely and unique dogs, and you can buy them to make your permanent companion. Our Other Articles :. Chocolate is also part of the new Isabella program and is responsible now for some beautiful new colors. These new colors, also known as new shade, or new shades are based on carrying either 1 or 2 copies of the Chocolate gene allele. We do work with some chocolate carrier females within our program, usually for purpose of producing Isabella. If you are searching for a chocolate french bulldog puppy for sale, check our available waiting list spots for Chocolate. Most of our French Bulldog Puppies for sale can be found on our website. Chocolate French bulldog puppies for sale While not always available, we do work with Chocolate carrying females and have beautiful chocolate pups from time to time. The shade of chocolate being a milk chocolate color rather than dark more often than not. From time to time we have brown shade and brown shade tan babies available as well. The chocolate color gene offers quiet a variety of differently shaded French bulldog puppies for sale. If you are interested in further exploring French bulldog genetics or French bulldog colors for rare French bulldog colors , feel free to check out the pages we have put together for educational purposes. We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. Sometimes just looking at pics online do not do them justice. See Chocolate Puppies! In order for your Frenchie to express chocolate on their coat they must inherit two copies of the gene. Chocolate is not a testable gene as of right now and the only way to know if your dog carries chocolate is to breed to chocolate frenchie or one who carries chocolate. Just as with the other color variations you can have brindling in the coat or solid. The gene that determines this is on the K-locus. If they inherit one or two copies of the brindle Kbr gene they will express brindling in their coat. If not copies of the brindling gene , then they will be solid. Chocolates may also have tan points which has to do with the A locus. If they inherit one or two copies of the tan points gene, At, they will express tan points. You can also have chocolate pied Frenchies which is located on the S-locus. The Frenchie must inherit two copies of the gene for the pied expression. We have not had a little chocolate Frenchie. Previous Chocolate French Bulldogs Oceana is chocolate brindle. One of our retired females. Beau Chocolate Male. Just look at that cute little white strip down his face! Fiona Chocolate Female! Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Read More Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. These lovely canines are highly sought-after, thanks to their unique chocolaty brown color. However, not every brown-looking French Bulldog is a Chocolate. Sometimes, fawn and brindle can make a Frenchie look that way. It was the only criterion to determine if a Frenchie is Chocolate or not. But recent studies have shown the Chocolate gene can occur elsewhere too. In France, they became pretty popular as companion dogs. Some say the bat-like upright ears were a natural characteristic in bulldogs that breeders saw as defective. Others say the ears came after the French crossed bulldogs with local ratter dogs. Either way, these tiny bulldogs became their own breed called the French Bulldog. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Chocolate French Bulldog appearance Chocolate Frenchies have a rare and gorgeous coat color, which is like a chocolaty shade of brown. Some have a dark chocolate coat, while some appear more like milk chocolate. These dogs also have light-colored eyes, and you can find them with green, brown, golden, and even yellow eyes! Chocolate Frenchies are unique because the gene responsible for the chocolate coat is recessive and rare. The recent surge in popularity has compelled more breeders to try and produce Chocolate Frenchies. Testable Chocolate French Bulldog vs. But fret not! To test if your Frenchie is a non-testable Chocolate, you can perform a Chocolate French Bulldog red eye glow test. Do this by taking your Frenchie in a dark room and shining a light from a distance—their eyes should glow bright red. You may also be interested in: Do Bulldogs Have Tails? Chocolate French Bulldog with other coat colors Chocolate chip French Bulldog Chocolate Frenchies are rare, but you can find them in colors and patterns other than solid chocolate. You can find the Chocolate Merle Frenchie, the Chocolate and tan merle French Bulldog, or the Chocolate tri merle French bulldog going for tens of thousands of dollars. Chocolate fawn French Bulldog A Chocolate fawn Frenchie carries the light brown color with chocolate. For a French bulldog, chocolate fawn is a pretty rare color combo. Some breeders have even been able to produce the chocolate blue fawn French Bulldog. Chocolate and tan French Bulldog Black and tan is a sought-after color combo for Frenchies, but a Chocolate tan French Bulldog is even rarer and pricier. A Chocolate and tan French bulldog price can be more or less than a pure Chocolate French Bulldog; it depends on how the breeder markets it. Chocolate brindle French Bulldog Chocolate brindle French Bulldog A Chocolate brindle Frenchie has a chocolate base coat with black tiger-like stripes. For the French Bulldog, Chocolate brindle has become a coveted coat color. Chocolate tri French Bulldog A Chocolate tri Frenchie carries two rare color genes along with chocolate. A Chocolate tri color French bulldog or Chocolate tri merle French bulldog will have two other colors in its coat, plus chocolate. Sable is fawn with black tips and is a striking coat color. You can get a puppy in this color if one parent is blue and the other is Chocolate.

Lifespan Sociability As the French Bull Jack can take after either parent, it can be a little difficult to determine the exact temperament of your new puppy. You should look to see how both the parent dogs interact with strangers i. Their activity levels are also useful to consider. As if both parents are active and energetic, it is far more likely that your new puppy will be too. Russell adopted the dog and named her Trump. After graduating, Mr. Russell decided to breed Trump with his foxhounds. He aimed to create a dog that was big enough to hunt with his foxhounds, but small enough to get into the foxholes and rout of the foxes. The resulting breed became the modern-day Jack Russell Terrier. It is quite surprising that the French Bull Jack exists at all The French Bulldog, the other ancestor of the French Bull Jack, is incapable of breeding naturally and require both artificial insemination and delivery by caesarean section. This is because French Bulldogs have very slim hips, making it impossible for a male Frenchie to mount and mate a female. And also exceedingly difficult for the female to give birth naturally. Consequently, the chances of a Frenchie mating with a Jack Russell or any dog for that matter are quite low, which means that breeding first-generation French Bull Jacks is quite a deliberate and challenging task. They make loving companions and are affectionate towards and adore being with their family. Of course, as you can get French Bull Jacks at either end of the activity scale, you need to keep in mind that you may end up with one that loves nothing more than curling up on the couch all day. But, equally, you may also have a pocket dynamo on your hands that needs to run about and play all day. Regardless of which parent your French Bull Jack takes after, their temperament will be such that they will not only tolerate, but likely adore children. They can, however, be a little mischievous. A trait that when coupled with boundless energy and a need for constant play, can become a bit of an issue with older, grumpy dogs or cats. If you have an extremely energetic dog that is always on the go, you will need a commercial food formulated for small active dogs. On the other hand, a more general small-dog formula will be best for a more docile dog. A highly active dog that takes after its Jack Russell lineage will require considerably more daily exercise than one who favors the French Bulldog. Frenchies only require a couple of short walks and perhaps a play in the yard every day. In contrast, those aligned more with the Jack Russell will need a long walk every day and a yard that they can bound around in as often as they like. Because of this considerable difference in exercise requirements, it is not a good idea to get a French Bull Jack puppy if you live in an apartment. It may be okay to adopt a slightly older dog, provided you know that they are not one of those active dogs that need lots of space. A post shared by Jeannette creative. While typically easy to train, their mischievous side can come out if they are not mentally stimulated. Making training an excellent activity for keeping their brains active. However, the best way to train a French Bull Jack is by rewarding good behavior, either with a food treat or play depending upon which they respond best. Incessant barking can also be an issue with this breed, and the problem should be dealt with early before it becomes a habit. They typically have straight, medium-length coats that will need brushing every days. They will, however, shed seasonally, and during these times will benefit from more regular brushing or a visit to a commercial dog groomer. As with all dogs, you should check your Jack Russell French Bulldog Mix over frequently for ticks and other parasites and brush their teeth about once a week. There are a few conditions that they are prone to, and we have listed these below. If you have any concerns about any of these conditions, or in fact about any health issues with your pet, you should seek the advice of your veterinarian. Minor Conditions. It is the Rev. John Russell that is credited with developing the breed. Their purpose was to be a bold hunting dog that would sniff out foxes and chase them to ground, whilst alerting their handler by barking. The breed originated from a mixed bag of terrier breeds with the dog as we recognise them today putting in an appearance in the s. They became the consummate farm dog, ideal for keeping down vermin. Indeed, they were bred to attack in the face of danger, rather than back down, which may make their behaviour unpredictable when outside their comfort zone. Despite their name, they originated from England, bred as a pint-sized version of the English Bulldog. In the 19th century, they were especially popular with the Nottingham lace workers, and when the latter emigrated to France for better work prospects, they took their little dog with them. Understandably, the French fell in love with this bat-eared fellow, and soon claimed ownership of the breed. These dogs will be small but sturdy, with a deep ribcage and tucked up waist. When viewed from above some dogs will be broader across the chest then the hips, giving their silhouette a wedge or pear-shape. The French Bull Jack has a longer snout than the snub-nosed Frenchie, but larger, more bat-like ears than a Jack Russell. They have wide-set eyes and a quizzical expression that hints at their playful nature. The French Bull Jack has a short coat that comes in a range of colours from fawn with a black mask, brindle, black, or bi-colour. But, on the other hand, the dog may be a pocket dynamo that needs constant activity and outlets for their energy in order to be content. However, what can be said is that a well-adjusted French Bull Jack is going to be a loving companion that adores being with their owner and is as equally prepared for snuggles as activity. But either way, if the dog lacks exercise or companionship this may bring out their naughty side, as they make their own amusement with barking, digging, or chewing. Trainability A French Bull Jack is something of a training challenge. The wise owner uses reward-based training methods and makes training into a game. Health As yet, there are no recognised studies into the health problems prevalent in the French Bull Jack. However, some conditions are strongly linked to the parent breeds, which place their off-spring at risk of perhaps acquiring these problems. The kneecap or patella is an anchor on which the thigh muscles pull to straighten the leg. To work successfully, the kneecap must sit dead-centre in a special groove at the bottom of the thigh bone. Those dogs that are mildly affected may only need occasional pain relief, however, the worst affected animals require corrective surgery to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of arthritis. Typically the femoral head becomes misshapen and the bone is crumbly. This leads to hip pain and lameness. Surgical removal of the affected femoral head will prevent pain and give the dog excellent mobility, albeit that leg will always be slightly shorter than the other side. Symptoms include excessive licking and scratching of the legs and belly, along with recurrent ear infections. Unfortunately, these issues characteristically get worse with age, and can lead to severe damage to the skin. Allergies cannot be cured but they can be controlled. In addition, medications are available that suppress the allergic reaction to keep the dog comfortable. For severe flare-ups, antibiotics may be necessary to control secondary infections. This could mean a dog that would happily run all day long, to a sleepy fellow who prefers to snooze. Even the docile Frenchie requires plenty of human contact during the day even if this is just a warm lap to snuggle next to and not to provide this will cause distress. Grooming Happily, the French Bull Jack is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. That short coat will polish up a treat with a regular slick over with a grooming mitt, but requires little else by way of maintenance. If they get particularly muddy, then washing with a mild, dog shampoo is recommended, but ideally limit this to once a month to prevent over drying. Another tip is to brush their teeth daily. This removes plaque before it can harden into tartar and will reduce the need for dental treatment in later life. User reviews There are no user reviews for this listing. Popular Dog Breeds. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article.

German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Miami Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. Website: appleridgegsd. They have been deeply committed to the breed for over a couple of years, and they are one of the only breeders in the state to have both AKC and SV German Shepherd Dog Club of America breeding permits. They are a small, family-run kennel that breeds German Shepherds for companionship or working purposes. They breed German Shepherd dogs that are versatile, stable, loving, loyal, extremely smart, and trainable from the best West German lines in the world. Their breeding stock is all OFA certified for hips, elbows, heart, and diabetes. Their breeding stock is also VWD-free, so their puppies will not contract the disease. They strive to breed German Shepherds that are healthy, happy and have good temperaments. They also have a small number of retired adults who are looking for loving homes! Please contact them if you are interested in adopting one of these pets. You are guaranteed lifetime support and coaching! Provided at no additional cost. Emial: mechezarreta yahoo. They breed German Shepherds and provide a stud service, drawing on the best genetics acquired from Germany to achieve their success. Their puppies come with a health guarantee, which makes them one of the few breeders who do so. If you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from them, they can assist you with the full process of bringing your new pet into the country in order to make it as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones. A hereditary hip and elbow guarantee, current vaccinations and deworming, a microchip, and AKC registration papers are all included with every puppy purchased from Puppy Heaven. The puppies are available in two sizes: small and medium. According to their owners, a number of championships, including Best In Show, have been won by their Shepherds at both the regional and national levels. If you are looking for a reputable and reliable breeder of German Shepherds in Florida, then these 11 breeders should be at the top of your list. Each of them has a long history of breeding healthy, happy, and beautiful puppies that make excellent family pets or working dogs. We hope this list will help you decide which of these kennels are best for your family and pets. Do any of them sound like a good fit? What other factors do you think should be considered before making this decision? Remember, this is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, so take some time to research these breeders before contacting them. The German Shepherd makes a wonderful companion dog, as well as a guard dog if trained properly. The breed has been used in many roles throughout history, including therapy and search-and-rescue. If you have any questions about the breed or their temperament then feel free to contact your local German Shepherd rescue for more information on how this amazing dog can enrich your life. Are there any other Florida German shepherd breeders that should be on this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts. We have answers. Even puppies that look virtually identical could have radically different price tags, often with little explanation why. Will I be matched with local German Shepherd breeders? All German Shepherd breeders and companies who enter the Uptown network pledge to uphold our standards by signing our Breeder Pledge, protecting your family from ever needing to do business with an unethical puppy mill. For many families, Uptown Puppies is one of the quickest and most fun ways to find a puppy—and not just any puppy, but the right puppy. Sadly, dogs bred at mills and sold at pet stores tend to suffer from genetic diseases more often, develop temperament issues, cost owners thousands in extra vet bills, and even die young. Do you have German Shepherd puppies Miami Florida available right now? Odds are pretty good that your new best friend is already out there! To start your search, all you need to do is complete your MatchMaker process below. MatchMaker is pretty darn amazing. Can I trust any German Shepherd in Miami being sold online? Truth be told, there are many puppy scams out there.

Glucosamine and chondroitin Folic acid Remember that all of these nutrients must be given in proper amounts. This way, your dog will think of the vitamin as a treat instead of a medication. This will make feeding much easier, especially if you have a picky dog. With that, a supplement with a lot number means it has undergone quality control procedures. This also means that the manufacturer is monitoring the movement of the product, so it can be pulled out of the market even before it reaches the end of its shelf life. If canine supplement sellers make too-good-to-be-true promises, you should consider looking for another product. These claims are often unfounded and can potentially pose harm to some dogs. Big brands often have a network of laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities, and experts that guarantee the efficacy of the vitamins. As much as possible, look for canine vitamins made by pet brands. These brands are also tried and tested by thousands of dog owners around the world. Second, the fact that the brand is willing to refund your purchase says a lot about their confidence in their products. Tips in giving vitamins to your Golden Retriever Is your Goldie picky when it comes to vitamins? If the vet recommended a tablet or pill form, the following hacks would help trick your dog into taking the supplement: Mix it with food. Slather it with peanut butter. Another trick pet owners recommend is covering the vitamins with peanut butter. This will mask the undesirable taste of the pill or tablet. Place it inside a strawberry. Conceal it in a piece of cheese. Bait and switch. You can trick your dog into taking the supplement by giving it a few treats in a row then tossing the pill at a constant speed. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What vitamins are bad for dogs? A: While vitamins and minerals are often regarded as beneficial for canines, there are some that you have to be careful with. You should always watch out for the iron, calcium, and Vitamin D consumption of your Golden Retriever as too much can become poisonous. Q: What causes a weak immune system in dogs? Many pet owners also swear by a vitamin supplement to give their pets an added dose of nutrition. Q: Is Vitamin D good for dogs? A: Both dogs and humans need Vitamin D for good health. Excessive Vitamin D consumption can lead to joint issues, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive drooling, and poisoning. Q: Can I give my dog human fish oil as a supplement? A: Most human-grade fish oils are safe for dogs, but you should always mind the serving. If your dog starts to vomit or have diarrhea, you should stop giving fish oil right away. Final words The best vitamins for Golden Retrievers will help keep your dog safe from infections and various illnesses. Always listen to the vet instead of purchasing a supplement without professional advice. In the rare case that your Golden Retriever is a finicky eater, Glycoflex 3 is one of the tastiest chew treats available. It contains highly effective ingredients to help with arthritis pain. Product features: Highly palatable supplement chews that are small and easy to administer Combines GAG ingredients with green-lipped mussel Comes in bags of chews Glucosamine and MSM are the two main glycosaminoglycans contained within Glycoflex 3. It also contains an ingredient known as green-lipped mussel GLM. GLM is a kind of shellfish that is native to New Zealand and has many uses in human medicine because it is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It also is a rich source of omega 3s and also some GAGs such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies show that GLM can help dogs with pain due to osteoarthritis. This can be expensive, especially for large breed dogs! Each of the three are provided in high doses for maximum joint support. It also contains manganese, which is an antioxidant. While it does not contain some of the herbal ingredients or omega 3s found in other supplements, Cosequin is still highly bioavailable which means that your Golden may start to show results a little sooner than the four to six-week mark. Also, fewer ingredients mean a lower overall cost. Pros: Contains high amounts of glycosaminoglycan ingredients Available in larger quantities and is very cost effective Can be purchased online through Amazon. Typically, they are not meant to treat a particular illness, but can help lessen the severity of certain clinical signs. Because commercial diets provide the right amounts of vitamins and minerals, owners must be cautious giving certain supplements to their dogs. This is because certain vitamins like A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins, meaning that your dog can develop health problems if he is overdosed. Over the past few decades, joint supplements have been very popular for dogs, and fiber supplements and probiotics have recently played an important role in various gastrointestinal ailments. Each stage has specific nutritional needs, and supplements can play a crucial role in supporting their health and well-being. Here is what you need to know about each stage and which supplements may be needed for a puppy, adult, or senior dog. Puppy Stage During the puppy stage, Golden Retrievers grow and develop rapidly. They require a diet that is high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients. Supplements that can benefit Golden Retriever puppies include probiotics, which can help promote healthy digestion and support their immune system. Joint support supplements can also help support the development of strong bones and joints, which is important for large breeds like Golden Retrievers. Adult Stage During the adult stage, Golden Retrievers need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Supplements that can benefit adult Golden Retrievers include probiotics, which can promote healthy digestion and support their immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain healthy skin and coat, while joint support supplements can help prevent joint problems later in life. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can also be beneficial for adult Golden Retrievers, as they help to support a healthy immune system and prevent oxidative damage. Senior Stage As Golden Retrievers enter their senior years, they may require different supplements to support their health. Joint support supplements become even more important as they age, as they may be prone to arthritis and other joint problems. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help support cognitive function in senior Golden Retrievers, as well as maintain healthy skin and coat. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can also be beneficial for senior dogs, as they help to support their immune system and prevent oxidative damage. Conclusion From probiotics to fiber and joint supplements, there are simply too many products available to remember them all. Be sure to check that you are feeding your Golden the right amount of food as well. Read our Golden Retriever Feeding Chart to learn more. Do you want to make sure they are getting the supplements they need for a healthy life? It can sometimes be difficult to know what is best for them. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best supplements on the market today that will help keep your Golden Retriever at their best! Things to Consider When Buying Supplements for Your Golden Retrievers There are certain things that you need to be careful about when you are buying supplements for your dog. Always Read the Labels Carefully The most important thing that you need to do when buying supplements for your dog is to read the labels carefully. This will ensure that you are getting the right dosage and that the supplement is safe for your pet. Some Supplements Can Interact With Other Medications Another thing to keep in mind when buying a supplement for your dog is that some of them can interact with other medications they may be taking. If you are unsure if a supplement will interact with another medication, it is best to talk to your veterinarian before giving it to your pet. Some dogs have allergies and can have adverse reactions to certain supplements. A Word about Reviews and Ratings Online Reviews and ratings online are something else you should be weary of when buying supplements for your pet. It is important that you read through them all carefully before making a final decision on the supplement in question, especially if it has a high rating or too many reviews claiming how great it is. This could mean there are not enough negative reviews out there because they were left by people who had issues with the product and did not want to post their review. Always take this into consideration as well! Take a Vet's Advice The best advice that we can give you when it comes to buying supplements for your Golden Retriever is to take a vet's advice. They will be able to tell you what the dog needs and what specific supplement would be best for them. So, if you are unsure about anything, always go to the vet! Not only will they be able to tell you about some good supplements but they will also guide you regarding the amount of supplements you should give your dog. Choose a Product That Has Variety of Ingredients Another thing to keep in mind is that you want a supplement with variety of ingredients. This will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need for optimal health. It will also help to prevent any allergic reactions your dog may have. This company is known for their high quality supplements and they also have a variety of products to choose from. So, whether you are looking for a joint supplement or something to help with skin allergies, US Producers likely has what you need. Choose a Supplement Specifically Tailored For Your Dog's Needs In addition to choosing a supplement with variety of ingredients, you should also choose one that is specifically tailored for your dog's needs. For example, if your dog has joint pain, you will want to find a joint supplement that contains chondroitin and glucosamine. This will help to reduce the inflammation in the joints and help your Golden Retriever feel better. Make sure they actually need the respective supplement because you start giving it to them. This will reduce their chances of having an adverse reaction to it. There are several medical issues that Golden Retriever's face. The most common of these, is cancer. This can be in the form of lymphoma, tumors or cancer of the blood. If your Golden Retriever is diagnosed with cancer, you will likely have to start them on chemotherapy treatments. So, it is important that you keep this in mind when choosing a supplement for them. This will greatly increase your dog's chances of fighting off diseases and illnesses, including cancer! If you have ever heard about omega-rich fishes like tuna or salmon helping to reduce depression in humans, well this is basically the same principle. The fish oils found within these types of fishes are extremely beneficial for us because they contain essential fatty acids which our bodies cannot produce themselves but we still need them nonetheless. These fatty acids are then converted into prostaglandins. These may not sound like much but they play a critical role in the inflammation response and our body's general immunity to infection which is why they have been shown to help prevent cancer! One of the best on the market and one that has been shown to be highly effective at improving digestion in dogs, is Purina FortiFlora. This product will help keep their stomach healthy and improve how they digest food. In addition to using this for your Golden Retriever if it develops an upset stomach from eating something non-edible such as grass , you can also use this for prevention purposes. By doing so, it may actually reduce these symptoms before they occur! If your Golden Retriever already suffers from chronic constipation or gastric issues, this probiotic supplement can also be used to help improve their digestion. This is because it contains live active cultures which will colonize your dog's gut and actually reduce the harmful bacteria causing these digestive problems! Glucosamine are natural compounds that help build cartilage but they can upset the stomach of some dogs, causing vomiting. So if your Golden Retriever already has digestive issues it may be better off with these joint chews instead! These soft chews contain CMO chrondoitrin which is an ingredient known as "The New Glucosamine" due to how effective it is at improving mobility in older pets! This product also contains MSM, another excellent compound when it comes relieving joint pain, especially stiffness caused by arthritis. Plus, these joint chews are also a great way to promote healthy hips in your Golden Retriever. They contain antioxidants which help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints as well as Omega- fatty acids which can help lubricate the joints and improve overall mobility. If your dog is starting to slow down or has trouble getting up, it may be time to start him on a supplement like this! If your dog suffers from a heart condition or kidney problems, you should consider supplementing their diet with triglyceride omega fatty acids. These capsules are an excellent source of Omega- fatty acids which have been shown to improve heart health and help reduce the risk for kidney disease. They also contain antioxidants which can help protect the cells in the kidneys from damage. In addition to helping improve heart health and protecting the kidneys, these supplements can also help improve cognitive function in older dogs. This is because they contain DHA docosahexaenoic acid - an Omega-fatty acid that is known to support cognitive health. So if you're noticing your Golden Retriever isn't as sharp as they used to be, consider adding these capsules to their diet! Plus, since they are in capsule form, it's easy to add them into your dog's food without any fuss. Just give them one or two capsules a day and you'll be helping keep their heart and kidneys functioning properly! It contains cranberry extract which has been shown to be effective at preventing and treating UTIs. In fact, it's so effective that it's often prescribed by veterinarians to dogs with recurring UTIs! In addition to cranberry extract, this supplement also contains D-mannose. This is another compound that has been shown to be helpful in preventing and treating UTIs. D-mannose helps flush out the bacteria causing the infection, making it an excellent choice for quickly clearing up a UTI. This supplement also comes in chewable form, making it easy for your dog to take. Just give them one of these daily and they'll be on their way to a UTI-free life! These supplements come in the form of chews, and they are packed full of nutrients that are essential for healthy skin and coat. Some of the key ingredients in these chews include Omega- fatty acids and biotin. Both of these ingredients are known for their ability to promote healthy skin and coat, making them an excellent choice for keeping your dog's fur looking its best. Plus, these chews also contain antioxidants which can help protect your dog's skin from damage caused by free radicals. This can be especially helpful if you live in a dry climate or your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Greenies supplements are also chock-full of nutrients that can help improve the health of your Golden Retriever's teeth and gums. We are fortunate enough to be living in a time where we can get supplements for almost all types of issues that our canine friends can suffer from. So if your golden retriever is suffering from any one of the above mentioned issues then you can get the supplements delivered right to your doorstep. You can also find supplements for other problems that your dog might face. All you have to do is go online and do some research and you are bound to find a good supplement that will work for your dog and help in relieving your dog of that that respective medical issue. More Health.

It will be at Ghoststone Farms, Aurora, Oregon. This fun match offers a great opportunity to socialize your dog and practice as a team in conformation, obedience, and rally. Note: Club meetings are tentatively scheduled for the third Friday of each month. For more details, contact Udo Stark. Bring your dog out for a fun afternoon, Saturday, May 6. It's now FULL! Appointments will be confirmed two weeks prior. Before judging starts, the club offers practice and an equipment lesson to those interested. Paul, Oregon. Labradors only come in three colors! The purpose is to educate buyers that recognized coat colors for purebred Labrador Retrievers are only black, yellow, and chocolate. Buyers are led to believe that dogs with silver or dilute coat color are desirable, purebred, and rare, and justify a premium purchase price. Let's help get the message out that these dogs are not! Genetics Committee. Thanks to all those who participated and made for a memorable show! Congratulations to every wonderful achiever in Rally, Obedience, and Conformation! The AKC Breed Standard is essentially a set of criteria for a dog to be considered of the highest breed quality possible. In brief the, the criteria include, but is not limited to: General Appearance The AKC breed standard for Labrador retrievers describes a dog that has a strong, athletic build, allowing the dog to be utilized in a hunt, win as a show dog, or act as a family companion. Its undercoat, meanwhile, should have weather-resistant characteristics, so the dog can withstand water damage. With coat color , the AKC recognizes black, yellow, and chocolate. Anything other than those three colors, such as silver, champagne, and charcoal, is disqualified. White spots are not necessarily encouraged but are permissible. Temperament The AKC certifies dogs of sounds temperament; eager to please, kind and intelligent. Ideally, a Labrador retriever will be non-aggressive towards people or other animals, but instead very friendly to whoever they meet. The AKC also evaluates the build of every dog looking for sound structure, proportionate sizes and substance, and several other distinguishing features of the breed. See the full list of criteria here , and then meet the puppies born from our championship bloodlines here! Call Hidden Pond Labradors at with any questions you may have. The Issue of the Silver Lab Does the puppy appear healthy? A good healthy puppy will have clear, shiny eyes that are free from discharge. Its coat will be glossy with a minimum of flaking skin. It should be alert and playful. How about its littermates and the dam? Look around at others in the litter, all should appear healthy and well fed. Look around for any fecal matter that may not have been removed yet. Is the stool well-formed or sloppy? A clean environment and robust family of dogs are very good signs! If the sire and dam are present, how do they behave? A surprising amount of behavior is inherited. The parents may be one of the best indications of the future temperament of your new puppy. Hip and elbow dysplasias are potentially crippling abnormalities of joint formation that, unfortunately, do occur in this breed. While there are several factors involved in joint dysplasias, it is well known that these are at least partly inherited. It may take several years for the painful arthritis associated with hip and elbow dysplasia to become apparent, but the joints can be checked by x-ray examination before breeding. Making sure that both parents, and as many of their relatives as possible, are radiographically free of hip and elbow dysplasia will help you to avoid this sad condition. Have the parents had their eyes examined? Unfortunately, again, some Labradors may have inherited eye defects that could lead to vision loss. Subtle changes in the appearance of the retina part of the inside of the eye can indicate that tendency. Retinal Dysplasia is generally a non-progressive eye disease that causes varying degrees of poor eye-sight, but rarely total blindness. Juvenile Cataracts are spots of abnormal coloration deep within the lens. They generally do not affect vision and are non-progressive. If interested, does this puppy have show, field, hunting, or obedience potential? Even with outstanding pedigrees, not every puppy will have the qualities sought after in the show ring, field or obedience ring. Check the pedigrees for the blending of lines that will produce the best possible animal. Ask the breeder for a certificate of vaccination stating what vaccines it has already received and when, and by whom. For adequate protection, puppies need a series of vaccinations. Check with your own veterinarian for advice. If the puppy was dewormed, what was the drug used and when was it given. If the puppy was not dewormed, was a fecal exam done? The breeder can answer whether or not the dam or other litters have had problems with worms. What type and brand of food, how much, and how often? The breeder will usually recommend a food and feeding program. It is important not to over-feed nor under-feed a growing puppy! Heartworm is spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. The puppy should be placed on heartworm preventative at an early age, and maintained on this medicine each year throughout mosquito season. What are the terms of the guarantee if any? Have your new puppy examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible after you pick it up to assure its good health. Christmas Puppies Puppies are not good holiday gifts… Each year ads bombard us with images of adorable puppies wrapped in red bows waiting under the tree for excited children who will shower them with love and attention. But during the hectic holidays, this may not be reality. Santa knows better! A puppy may not be the perfect holiday gift. Each year ads bombard us with images of adorable puppies wrapped in red bows waiting under the tree for excited children who will shower them with love and attention. If you are considering giving a puppy this holiday season, please reconsider. Experts give the following reasons for waiting until after the holidays to bring a new dog into your life. Puppies are not something you should decide to get on an impulse. They are a lifetime responsibility that generally live anywhere from eight to fourteen years, depending upon the breed. Adult size, appetite, disposition and amount of grooming required must be carefully considered. Puppies require constant attention. During the holidays, many people are too busy to keep an eye on the new puppy to ensure that it does not get in harms way with holiday decorations, plants, and other hazards that may injure them or make them sick. It is hard to find moments in an already full schedule for training, comforting and loving an insecure puppy who needs reassurances in his new surroundings away from siblings and birth home for the first time. Overexcited children may scare the puppy or neglect it, especially if it chews new presents or has an accident on the rug. Once the holidays are over, give the owner-to-be the opportunity to research the breed of dog that best suits their preferences and lifestyle. Then together you can bring the puppy home. The pet-owning public is being duped into believing that animals with this dilute coat color are desirable, purebred and rare and, therefore, warrant special notoriety or a premium purchase price. Silver Labs.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. I've photographed many families along with their beloved dog, often a Golden. I've had numerous Golden Retrievers in my training classes over the years, whether they be reds, English Cremes or the beautiful blonde that we so typically think of when we think of a Golden Retriever. Goldens hail from Scotland originally and are known as a hard-working breed, often employed as service animals and therapy dogs. They're also known for their voracious appetites, young-at-heart personalities and their penchant for carrying things in their mouths particularly when excited. Goldens are intelligent, athletic dogs, and are exceptional competitors in dog sports like obedience, agility, dock diving and more. Golden Retrievers gorgeous coats and perennially smiling face make them a dream to photograph, especially during their little butterball puppy stage. When Moana's that's "mow-ah-nah" dog mom contacted me for cute little puppy pics, of course I said "Yes" right after I squealed with delight and we quickly secured a session on the calendar before she got any bigger! The sun was shining, the flowers were in bloom and Moana romped and played and we caught it all. At the viewing and ordering appointment, Brenda had a hard time narrowing down her favorites because Moana's just that cute, but we eventually got there. She decided on ordering two plush blankets one for her and one for Moana's bed along with a digital negative package which is presented in a handmade reclaimed barn wood box with a metal print on the cover and a 5x7 print of each image inside along with a USB drive with all the high resolution digital image files. Doggy Daddy: Tucker I was recently contacted by the Creed family to take their family portraits and they requested that I take a few pet portraits of their very special family member, Tucker. It was only later when Moana's mom shared her Christmas mini session photo of Moana with them see below , that the Creeds asked if those were taken by Penny Whistle Photography. Brenda contacted me afterward to say "You just photographed Moana's daddy". Small world indeed and now I know where Moana gets her good looks! Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2, photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. Tracy offers special services to local Dallas - Fort Worth dog and cat breeders, creating unique images for their websites, social media and marketing purposes. Contact her to find out more about this offering. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Some Final Words It is highly doubtful that there is a fast way to do this training. Every dog, no matter the method, takes its own time to learn. For Yorkies, some dogs get the idea in 2 months, while others of their breed take longer to learn. It is really up to the dog and how you treat them during this training. Positive reinforcement is always the fastest way to success. Negative reinforcement may set the training back while your dog adjusts to the treatment. Praising and rewarding your Yorkie will make them want to use the litter box over other options. The key to this process is to make sure you have the right size box for your Yorkie, use the right litter, and place the box in the best spot possible. You do not want it close to their food at any time. When you use consistency, patience, and persistence, your Yorkie should learn to go to the litter box on their own and without prompting from you. Click here to find out. Yes, it is possible to train any small dog to use a litter box. This is an advantageous method to use for your pet. It means that they do not have to wait till you get home or get up to go to the bathroom. They can just saunter on over to the litter box and do their duty without delay. That makes bathroom time more relaxing for your pet. Plus, it helps put your dog at ease as they know they will have no hassle when they go to the bathroom. The key to litter box training your small dog is to make sure the box is the right size. No dog will feel comfortable or will want to use the litter box if it is too small for them. Fortunately, litter boxes come in different sizes since cats come in different sizes. That means you can find a good-sized litter box for your Yorkie or other small dog breeds. Another key will be to let your dog become familiar with the box. Let them sniff and explore to make sure they know it is a safe place for them. Make sure the sides are not too high, or they may not be able to get in or out very easily. This will be up to you as there are several options. The content you use will depend on how much cleaning up you want to do. You can use newspapers if your dog is newspaper trained already. But that would be a short-term option once your dog gets the idea that the litter box is their bathroom. Another option would be pee pads. These are easy to clean up and can help keep the litter box clean and smelling fresh. If you can afford to buy these pee pads, then you can use them all the time. The best option would be actual kitty litter. But you do not want to buy low-quality litter as they do not absorb very well. These low-level options would be like using a newspaper. To make the time more enjoyable for your pet, make sure to get high-quality kitty litter. It should smell nice, absorb well, and make it easier to clean up when your dog is done. Some Final Words When you have a small dog and live in a small place, training your puppy to go in a litter box is a good idea. This allows your pet to go to the bathroom when you are at work or asleep, making it easier for your pet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. House Training a Yorkie Overview This breed is actually more easy to house train than some other types of breeds. In general, the Yorkie aims to please. However, in order to have quick success, you'll need to be prepared. This involves having the right things in place in order for housebreaking to work. In addition, you'll want to have a clear understanding of all of the guidelines. If you are not following the rules, neither can your Yorkshire Terrier. This section will show you exactly how to house train a Yorkie with step-by-step tips and advice. Overview of What Will be Needed Before we dive into all of the details, it may help you to have a general understanding of what will need to be in place and be done for housebreaking to work. Then, we'll get into specifics. Realistic expectations. Yorkie puppies do not have full control over bladder and bowel muscles. These will develop as the pup grows. So, needs can only be held for so long. In general, a 2-month old can go about 2 hours, a 3-month old for 3 hours, and so on. This does not mean that your 3-month old puppy will pee and then not pee again for another 3 hours. It just means that this is the maximum time that should lapse between taking the pup out. A supervision method. If your Yorkie is let outside alone, there will be zero opportunities to learn. And if you are not keeping a very close eye on your Yorkie while inside, there will be pee and poo just about everywhere. Exact adherence to housebreaking rules. Every element that is listed is here for a reason. If you halfheartedly follow these, if just some of the household members do the steps, or if some steps are done but not others, success will be limited. Proper reaction to accidents. If you follow all of these steps to potty train your Yorkie, there will be very few accidents. However, some will occur, and it'll be important that you react the right way. Indoor Vs Outdoor House Training For the best and fastest results, we highly recommend housebreaking a Yorkie to eliminate outdoors. It is canine instinct to sniff around outside and choose 'just the right spot'. And, going to the bathroom outside is much easier for a dog than trying to hit the mark on pee pads set up indoors. This said, if you do choose the indoor method of setting up pee pads, do follow all of the same advice here. The main difference will be that the 'designated area' will be the pee pads instead of a bathroom area outside. Step 1 Choose the Bathroom Area One area should be chosen as the designated bathroom area. Here are some important elements about this: A huge part of housebreaking a Yorkie is that the pup will be brought to this area by you. This means that you will not just open the door and let your Yorkie outside. Not only is this very dangerous, but it brings the learning opportunities down to zero. The area should be easily accessible in all seasons and in all weather. What seems to work well in the summer may be hard to reach in the winter. We will also cover some things you can do to make heading outside more tolerable. This should be at least 10 feet away from any family areas, such as the barbecue, outdoor eating spot, etc. Not doing this is the downfall of many housebreaking attempts. An owner sees that their Yorkie is rather close by, they turn to tidy up the room.Or, the puppy is playing with his toys, so the owner looks through the mail and makes a call, and the puppy leaves a poo behind the sofa. So, unless you have your eyes directly on your Yorkie with no distractions, one of two things must be happening: 1 Tethered supervision. If you cannot give your Yorkie your undivided attention but can keep him by your side as you are doing other things, keep your Yorkie tethered to you via a harness and a short 6-foot leash. Note that the harness is vital; do not use a collar as this can cause neck injury. In addition, the leash should be short; 6 feet 9 at the most and lightweight those made of climbing rope are incredibly durable but light, and work well. Any time that your Yorkie makes a motion to pee or poo, you will immediately pick him up and bring him to the designated area. And you will carry him if you must a great benefit of having such a tiny toy breed. For any times that you cannot keep your Yorkie right by your side or for any times that you are not home, you'll need to keep your Yorkie in one specific spot. It is not recommended to use a crate. Crates are terribly confining, and can cause both physical and emotional stress. Since a dog will pee or poo regardless of the size of his area when he simply cannot hold his needs any longer, there is no benefit to keeping a dog in such a small cage. It is also not recommend to use a gate to give a Yorkie an entire room. This not only is potentially dangerous unless the room is fully puppy-proofed, but it also opens up a huge problem with destructive chewing many pups being housebroken are also in the teething phase. And, the pup will end up peeing and pooing all over the room. What is recommended is a properly sized indoor canine playpen also referred to as exercise pens. These offer just the right amount of space, and are often used to help cure separation anxiety it offers a secure feeling of a 'den', while ensuring that all of a Yorkie's necessities are right there with him. Let's take a pause to show our recommended supervision and containment items. Below you will see a harness that comes in extra-extra small, a 6-foot leash made of climbing rope which makes it very lightweight, and two great playpen options. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. How to set up the playpen: Choose a spot in a room that is used by the family; dogs do not like to feel isolated. If you'll be putting this over carpeting, you may want to obtain a small piece of linoleum from your local home supply store to serve as the base. Within the pen will be a quality bed, a few helpful toys for teething or engagement, food if you'll be gone , water, and a spot for pee-pads. Dogs very rarely soil their own belongings, so any housebreaking accidents will most likely end up on the pads. Note, that if your Yorkie tends to move the pee pads or chews at them, using a canine litter box minus the sand, because that rarely works to hold the pads can work well to keep them in place. Below are some recommended items you may want to have inside the playpen. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. This combination is how dogs learn best, and what will motivate them to keep working at something. Emmy, photo courtesy of Terry DeMeyer Once a dog carries out a particular action enough times, it becomes automatic; at that time, reward will not be a 'must'; however, it does help to reinforce good behavior. The praise. Choose a certain word or phrase that you will always use. This should be something that you do not mind calling out in public. Just saying 'bathroom' is perfectly fine; though, 'pitty-potty' or another like term will work as well. You will say this each time you bring your Yorkie to the designated bathroom area Let's go pitty-potty and immediately after your dog has done the deed Good pitty potty, good dog! The reward. Special treats should be at the ready, in a zipped sandwich bag, and placed near the exit door that leads to the bathroom area. You'll want to be able to grab and pocket these as you are taking your Yorkie out. As you offer praise, palm a treat and allow your Yorkie to mouth it. The type of treat that you choose as reward for housebreaking plays a big role. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind: This should not be a snack that would be given out regardless. It should be be highly tasty, giving a quick burst of flavor that offers immediate signal of a job well done. It should be small the idea is to offer instantaneous satisfaction and not something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Since you'll also want to take care that the treats are high-quality no chemical additives, no by-products, no artificial coloring, and made in the US , one great option is one of the flavors of Fruitables; these come in many flavors, so if your Yorkie is already being given these, try a new flavor like Crispy Bacon and Apple or Mango Blueberry. Below are our recommended treats to reward for housebreaking. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Step 4 The Actual House Training Rules Now that you have prepared and have things in place to allow your efforts to be successful, it is time to implement the training. Here are 8 rules to follow: 1. Take your Yorkie to the same designated area every single time. Stand in the center of that area, and allow your Yorkie to choose the exact spot within the diameter. Do not hesitate with praise and reward as soon as your Yorkie urinates or has a bowel movement. Say, 'Good, pee-poo! Bring your Yorkie there before each walk. Allowing a dog to pee or poo while out for his daily walks is a missed opportunity for teaching housebreaking. Be patient. Dogs can take anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes to relax bowel muscles. Bring a chair if you must, but do give your Yorkie enough time. Bring your Yorkie outside often enough. This should be: Right after your pup wakes up About 20 minutes after each meal Right after you arrive back home, if you've been out Every so-many hours depending on age 3 hours for a 3-month-old, 4 hours for a 4-month old, etc. Right before bed 6. Your Yorkie should right in your sights, be tethered to you, or in his playpen. As soon as you see a leg lift or a squat, give a loud hand clap to interrupt and bring your pup right out, even if you must carry him. Time meals. Most Yorkshire Terriers do well with 3 meals per day, 2 to 3 snacks, and with the last meal or snack about 2 hours before bedtime. But, if your Yorkie is waking up and having a bowel movement super early, you may want to try adjusting dinnertime. This may lead to a bowel movement later in the evening before bed, as opposed to 4 or 5 AM. React appropriately at night. Most young puppies will bark intermittently throughout the night and it will be important to try and ascertain if the barking at night is for attention or because there is a bathroom need. Most very young puppies do not yet know to alert you to needs, so the majority of vocalization will be to gain your attention. Since you do not want to your puppy to learn that he's allowed to wake you up times, unless you highly suspect that he needs to poo or pee, barking should be ignored and the pup will learn to self-sooth. If you do bring him out, you will want to strongly convey that this is a serious time and not one for play. Keep lights low and do not speak at all unless it is to offer praise for urinating or eliminating in the designated area. Step 5 Reacting to Accidents If you are home and always have your Yorkie directly within your line of sight, tethered to you, or in his playpen, there should be essentially no times of accidents. And, if when you are not home you have your Yorkie in a playpen, since this is a defined space, pee and poo will be kept to one small area, and hopefully on the pee pads. This said, if your Yorkie does pee and poo in the house, you'll want to react the right way and clean it in the right way. Reacting: If you see your Yorkie starting to pee or poo, interrupt him via a loud hand clap and a firm 'No. If you come across a puddle of pee or a little pile of poo but did not witness it happening, reassess what lead to this in the first place. Were you following the supervision and confinement methods? Also, do not bother reprimanding; it will do little good and being scolded or yelled at may only serve to make your Yorkie afraid of you. Cleaning: Both urine and feces leave strong, lingering scents. The enzymes in this waste matter are not washed away with soap and water. So, while you may not smell anything at all, and the spot may look clean once you've taken care of it, it may still be sending out an almost impossible-to-ignore message to your Yorkie that says 'This is the bathroom area'. For this reason, thoroughly clean any accidents with a quality enzyme cleanser. In most cases, this is a matter of the pup not being outside long enough. Unless a Yorkie urgently needs to go, it can take upward of 15 minutes for the pup to relax bladder and bowel muscles and focus on eliminating. It's a common occurrence for owners to rush back inside too early, particularly if the weather is unpleasant. So, if it is cold, be sure that you're dressed warm enough, and have a warm coat or vest for your Yorkie. If it is raining, why not try a pet umbrella? These work very well for tiny toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier not such a great idea for larger dogs. Another trick to try is to hold your Yorkie on your lap after coming back inside. Very few dogs will pee on their owner. Wait 10 minutes, and head out again. If your Yorkie eats grass, noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. So, if a few of the trips are uneventful, that is fine. Remember, you are in charge. My Yorkie does everything outside other than pee. If your Yorkie eats grass , noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. My Yorkie is out of control, and pees and poops everywhere in the house, even on my bed. And sleeping up on an owner's bed should not be allowed. See Step 2 in regard to setting things up for success by choosing supervision and confinement methods. A Word About Marking This is not actually a matter of house training; marking is a behavioral issue. Some tips to know if this is a marking issue include: The dog is not fixed. Marking is much more common with un-neutered males and un-spayed females. The dog only urinates inside; bowel movements are done outside. The dog does not release their full bladder; typically urine is sprayed. For this, you'll want to follow guidelines to help a Yorkie stop marking in the house. See Also: Spaying and Neutering a Yorkie - The age this is done, what is involved, expected recovery time, pro and cons. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Contact Us. Small dogs can be trained to use a litter box. My personal experience shows that small dogs, once trained, actually benefit from using a litter box. Small dogs have small bladders, and the opportunity to "go whenever" is a big plus! It's also possible to train a dog to use a litter box that previously used papers or went outside. Dogs can also travel using the litterbox in other locations, and are able to use the litterbox during the day, as well as "go outside" at other times. How Do I Start? What do I Need? You'll need several items to get started. Of course, a litter box is required. I suggest a Purina dog litter box -- or get the largest cat litter box available, and cut the top off the hood. Removing the top makes it much easier for the dog to use, and for you to clean. Use very rough sandpaper or a smoothing tool i. Dogs tend to "go" more frequently than cats, and they don't bury their waste in the same way cats do. People use a variety of "filler" for litter pans. Some folks like to use newspapers or absorbent "pee pads". Others prefer commercial dog litter or cat litter, so they can scoop out and dispose of the waste easily. A few folks have voiced concern over clumping litter in the event the dog ingests it. Personally, I've used all types of filler and haven't experienced a problem with any of it. If you use dog or cat litter, buy a large size litter scoop, it will work best! A 3 to 5 gallon size can works perfectly. I also use a standard diaper pail lined with a plastic bag in my dog room. Whenever the "step-on" pail is full, I empty the can into the diaper pail. This saves a lot of time, and my trips to empty waste are infrequent. Best of all, the diaper pail is designed to contain odors! Cleaning Supplies Are Essential! Most importantly, be sure to have plenty of cleaning supplies. Brooms and easy-to-use mops should be nearby. Lots of paper towels especially at the beginning should be kept on hand. I also find a Dust Buster hand vacuum makes it easy to clean up the sand and litter that inevitably gets kicked around. Bleach is a great odor mask, and putting some in a small container make sure it is completely out of the reach of the dogs goes a long way in odor control. Other odor controls such as candles, sprays and plug-ins can also work well. In general, if you just keep the area clean, odor won't be a big problem. Accidents Can and Do Happen.Be prepared for accidents when house and litterbox training. If you do not completely clean urine stains, they will become a reoccurring spot the dog will use. I've had great success with a product called Simple Solution. During the early stages, I purchased it by the gallon jug. I found no other product that worked as well -- even on my near-white carpet! I also purchased a small home carpet cleaning machine, but the "blot and dry" method described in the product directions will work as well it just takes longer. As with most tasks, there's more than one method to accomplish your goal. I have successfully trained dogs to use a litter box by using two methods: The first method is a gradual paper to litter box method. This method works well with dogs who are already solidly paper trained, and who tend to catch on quickly. The second method is a variation of the common "crate training" used to house train dogs. From experience, I think the latter crate style training is best. Some people find crate training to be drastic -- but it does work, and if done properly with lots of attention, care and praise for the dog -- it isn't harmful. If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to work with the dog very closely, and have your cleaning supplies even closer! The best method for housetraining is to design the environment so that it is difficult for the dog to fail. Your dog wants to please you, and you can help him or her succeed! Obviously, a tiled or easy to clean floor area is best. During the first few days, you will need to constantly monitor the dog when it is not in its bathroom area. In this initial period, the dog should have only two location options: either with you, or a direct path to his bathroom area. You can accomplish this by shutting doors, and using simple gating materials such as latex lattice, child gates, or even pieces of cardboard. In any event, make sure that the dog can ONLY go to his designated area when "caught in the act". Make sure there is a direct path between you and his bathroom only no open side rooms at all times. During the first few days the dog should either be with you, or in his area. If you are unable to watch the dog carefully, put the dog in his bathroom or crate area. If you notice actions such as circling or sniffing usually indicating the dog has "to go" , then encourage the dog to go to his area to do his business on papers. Develop a key word or key phrase for this action. It can be anything you want such as: "go pee", "get busy", "use the box", etc. Repeat the word or phrase often at the spot where the dog should do his business. All the World is a Stage.If you catch the dog in the act of going in wrong place, you need to "shock" the dog. A loud "NO! In any event, his direct path, his destination must be his bathroom area. Once there, start praising the dog and using the keyword. Soak a small bit of the dog's urine in a paper towel or newspaper and put in his bathroom area. If your dog smells his feces or urine in his bathroom area, he will be more likely to use that area. Clean any "accident" areas to an extreme degree. A dog's sense of smell is incredible. I "over-treat" using Simple Solution cleaner. After all the smells and stains are gone to my nose and eyes , I reapply the solution. It works! Of course my mother doesn't agree -- she swears by Woolite Carpet Cleaner apparently a special version for "pet accidents". In any case, get a product that works for you! When the dog goes to the right place to use the bathroom, you need to lavish praise and treats on him, all the time repeating the key word. Frankly, it works best if you overact when expressing your pleasure or displeasure. If by chance you see the dog in the act going on the papers or later in the litterbox , you simply have to be beside yourself with joy and happiness! Believe me, the dog will catch on when you are dancing, praising, and kissing his little head when he goes in the right place! Help the Dog Become Accustomed to the Litter box With either method "paper to litter box" or "crate style training" you'll need to get the dog accustomed to the litter box. It should be in his area from the beginning, with a tiny bit of litter in the bottom and some newspaper inside of it. Newspaper should also be put right next to the litter box if paper training. Some folks have reported better results by adding a one of the commercial "potty aid" liquids in the litter box during the early stages of training. At the outset, you'll need to get the dog used to simply getting in and out of the box. This can made into a fun experience for the dog. Simply lift and place the dog in the litter box and use the key phrase like "use the box". Praise him and be happy. He'll likely get out of the box. Repeat the "praise and happy" routine and even give a little treat. If the dog stresses or tires of the game, just stop. Repeat it another time or day. Soon, you'll be able to repeat the keyword, while gently guiding the dog in the box from outside the box. After a few sessions, you should be able to have dog go in the box on his own when the keyword is used. Placement of the box is also important. It must be next to the newspapers, and the open side should minimize "fallout". Dogs have a digging instinct. I haven't met a dog yet that won't try at least once to dig his way under the litter box! Notice the top picture on this page. See how the litter boxes face toward each other and a wall? This minimizes clean up in the event of digging episode! It looks like a tight spot, but honestly, the small dogs don't have any problem getting in and out. A well-arranged litter box will minimize the "fallout" from a digging episode or normal tracking. Progressing from Paper to Litter box If your dog is solidly paper-trained, you can make a gentle progression from paper to litter box. As I said before, the "crate style" training works best, but some people prefer a more gentle approach. I've used both of these methods successfully. The key for the "paper to litter box" method is to make it very gradual. You'll need a supply of cardboard boxes in various sizes. You can sometimes get these from grocery stores, a moving company or U-Haul store. Moving boxes work particularly well because they come in a variety of sizes. Some masking and duct tape is also useful as you change the sides and shapes. The first step is to make a flat "pan" area with the papers. You can cut out the bottom of a cardboard box and line it with papers, or get something like the washing machine pan pictured here and line it with papers. It should be a minimal "box" -- that is, simply enough side to it that it is not completely flat. This should be an easy transition for the dog. If not, start with the papers on a flat piece of cardboard, then move to a slight "pan shape" box. As time progresses, you need to change the cardboard "pan" to a "box" by gradually changing to boxes with higher sides. This needs to be done slowly, over a period of weeks. At some point, you should have a cardboard version of a VERY large cat litter box the "step up" or "step over" edge should never be higher than your real cat litter box. Next, slowly decrease the size of your "cardboard cat litter box" to be just slightly larger than your real cat litter box. At this point, put the cat litter bottom, or tray, into your cardboard box and line the bottom and sides with newspaper. Once the dog is comfortable with using that, you can clip on the plastic hood remember the top should be cut off. The key is for changes to be so gradual the dog doesn't notice. Next, slowly remove all the cardboard so the dog is using papers in the litter box. Finally, you'll need to slowly move from paper to litter. Start with a thin layer of litter in the front of the box, and paper covering almost all of the bottom of the box. Over a period of days, move to less paper and more litter covering more of the box, and slightly deeper with litter. At some point, you'll be putting a tiny piece of newspaper in the back of the box. It looks really weird, but it works! At some point, you'll be able to get rid of the paper altogether. Crate Style Training Crate style training is, in my opinion, the quickest and most effective means of litter box training. The concept is simple. Every creature has a natural aversion to soiling where it eats or sleeps. The crate style method for litter box training is similar, except than eventually, the dog will have greater freedom, even while you're away from the house. Prior to starting crate style training, you should already have the dog comfortable with the litter box, and able to hop in and out of it without fear see earlier section. The dog should also be accustomed to, or know that he is expected to use "his area" for the bathroom. Instead of just a travel kennel or cage, you make an area with a bed, food, water and the litter box. The area must be large enough for the dog to get up, turn around and lay down comfortably -- but there must be no open space for the dog to use the bathroom except the litter box. The cage material should be sturdy, and something the dog cannot jump over or hurt himself trying to escape from. Use bungee type strapping hooks to easily lash and hook your cage. It's also possible to use playpens or commercial cages. If using a pen or cage, be sure to fill any open space with plastic buckets or some other safe material that will prevent the dog from using open space in the pen or cage as a bathroom area. Once you have constructed your "crate area", place the dog in this "crate" at typical bathroom times after eating, after sleeping, etc. The dog should stay in this crate area until he uses the bathroom. Try to be nearby so you can catch the dog in the act and praise him right after he uses the box. Remember to use your key word or phrase! The crate area should also be the where the dog stays when you leave the house. When you are with the dog in the house, this crate area should be open, and part of his "direct path" to his bathroom area. If the dog uses the bedding material as his bathroom spot, change it immediately! Replace the bedding, and sprinkle bits of food on the new bedding. If there are treats frequently found on the bedding, the dog will not use it as a bathroom area! The crate training routine should continue until you see the dog use the litter box on his own. You should occasionally stay in the room with the dog at times you know he needs to go. With the crate area open, encourage him to use the litter box, repeating with the key word frequently, and praise him whenever he uses the box. Soon, you'll be walk with the dog into the room, use the keyword, and the dog will go in the litter box to do his business. Eventually, he will go there on his own. My dogs sleep in my bedroom. In the middle of the night, they will get up, go across the house to the litter box to use the bathroom -- and then come back to bed! When I leave the house, I can leave them in a small area of the house, and they use litter box! At home, they come and go as they please. Bad weather, cold weather -- it doesn't matter! Everyone is happier! What Can I Do? I've never seen the crate style method not work. Properly laid out, it simply doesn't give the dog any other choice. Check to make sure you have the area as small as possible, limiting his choices. If the dog won't go unless crated, then you'll need to spend more time teaching him to use the box -- simply reinforcing the command to get in the box, and staying with him in the room and gently guiding him in the box, repeating the keyword, and using lots of praise. Use treats as a reward for going in the box along with praise! You can eventually wean the dog away from treats and more towards praise. Remember, this process even crate training takes several weeks before the dog will reliably go in the box by itself, and several months of checking and monitoring before the dog will be fully "on his own". With every dog, there's frustration and you'll say "He just doesn't get it. He will never do this". Then, suddenly, he'll catch on! Another common problem is for some dogs to use the litter box to pee, but they'll poop outside this box or even worse, reversed. There are two factors here: First, dogs typically don't do all their business in one spot. Second, some dogs especially hound breeds sometimes need to "walk it out". That's impossible to do in a litter box. I have one dog who would happily do all his business in the box. My other dog finds it very difficult to poop in the box. Our compromise is that ALL peeing is done in the box. No exceptions. They are allowed to poop near the box, but always in "their room", on the tile, and preferably on the paper next to the box. This works well because I pick up and flush the waste with tissue, and dispose of the litter waste in pails and plastic trash bags. Also, I'll mention that I find that since converting to the Purina dog litter and box system, I've discovered not to use as much litter as the Purina folks would lead you to believe. It's actually easier and more effective to use a thin layer of pellets in the bottom of the litter box rather than the 1" to 3" deep they claim. Using that much wastes a lot of litter, plus it makes it more difficult to scoop out the "used" litter. The Big Mistakes From my own experience and in talking to others, there are some common mistakes to avoid: Be consistent. Pick the dog's area or spot and stick with it. Use the same keyword or phrase. Stay with one brand of litter. Keep a routine as much as possible. Any change must be very gradual. Watch the dog constantly during the first two weeks. If the dog is not beside you with you watching him, he should be in his crate area. There must be a direct path between you and the dog's bathroom area at all times. A single "uncaught" act of peeing or pooping in the wrong place will set you back nearly to the beginning. Never hit, beat or "grind" the dog's nose into the "accident". It will be a mistake your dog will never forget, and you will always regret. Keep the litter box clean. Regularly go into the litter box or boxes and dispose of all the waste. At least once a month, empty out the box and wash it out with soap and water. The dog won't want to use a nasty box. Always deal with relapses or accidents. Once the dog begins to use the litter box, you'll provide more freedom. Then, he or she will have an accident -- or simply decide to start using a different spot. NEVER let this go without dealing with situation. Immediately start the routine again, including crating, if necessary. If you don't deal with a relapse, the dog will revert to going anywhere and everywhere in the house. I disagree with the "experts" in one area: Every book and article I've read says that if the dog has an "accident", he can't make an association between the accident and a rebuke after the fact. In my experience, this isn't entirely true. If my dog has "an accident", I let him come to the spot and I quietly stand slightly away. When the dog inevitably starts to sniff the spot, I give him a sharp "NO! It makes a difference. They do make a connection. Understand, it's not a matter of yelling, screaming, or punishing the dog. Use common sense. If your dog acts confused and bewildered at this type of correction -- don't do it. Alternative Boxes There are also additional alternatives for litter boxes. You can use large plastic bins or the top of travel crates if you need a larger space. There are companies that build and sell self-contained litterboxes to which hoses can be hooked up to flush and exit waste water. You can also build your own custom Ultimate Litter Box! Click here to see one including photos, specifications, and parts required. The End Result What can you expect? After several weeks of work, and a month or two of monitoring and frequent checking, you'll be able to let the dogs roam freely and have confidence they will use the box. You'll be able to put them in their room and go work -- knowing they're not "holding it" or worse, walking in it. You'll be able to go dinner or a movie and not have to cut short just because you know he or she has to go. This isn't an excuse to abandon the dogs -- there are few places I'd rather be than with my little buddies! It gives me freedom, and it gives them freedom. Oh, and on those cold, wet days -- we just look out the window and smile