french bulldog puppies for adoption in pa

french bulldog puppies for adoption in pa

A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but would like to be! The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald. Breed Profile Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. They tend to be gentle and protective. The breed requires minimal grooming and exercise. Their short nose makes them prone to overheating in warm weather, so make sure to provide a shady place to rest. Source: American Kennel Club - www. This kind yet courageous dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle. With this smooth coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat. Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding. Once you have selected the best products for your Bulldog, it is bath time! One area to pay particular attention to detail is the facial area. A facial cleanser allows you to focus on the entire facial surface as well as any facial wrinkles. Any wrinkles, however minor they may be, can hold bacteria. It is imperative to pay particular attention to those areas. The facial scrub can be used in between baths in order maintain freshness and good hygiene while helping to lift fresh stains. Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming This kind, courageous, yet dignified dog should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis. In order to keep the short, smooth coat in prime condition, it is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray following the bath and drying process. This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture in order to maintain perfect hydration. As a finishing touch, before using a hydrating spray, use a grooming mitt and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any excess loose hairs. Then finish with a hydrating spray. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing a Bulldog. This smooth, short haired bundle of joy requires minimal grooming. However, weekly brushing is recommended. It is important to wash their face and pay particular attention to the wrinkles at least weekly if not twice a week. What is a common problem in bulldogs? The Bulldog is a member of the brachycephalic breed class, meaning that is has a short head and snout. This physical characteristic can lead to a number of possible health challenges, including those of the nose, eyes, teeth, and respiratory system. The nostrils are narrower, and the soft palate longer in the Bulldog, creating the potential for severe breathing problems, especially when the dog is overheated or over excited. Heat is a special concern with this breed, since it is not able to cool itself efficiently through panting, as other breeds do. Some of the major health problems the Bulldog is susceptible to are keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS , ventricular septal defect, canine hip dysplasia CHD , shoulder luxation, internalized tail, stenotic nares, and elongated soft palate. The Bulldog has also been known to suffer from urethral prolapse or vaginal hyperplasia occasionally. Some minor problems affecting Bulldogs include entropion, cherry eye, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, distichiasis, ectropion, and demodicosis. Do Bulldogs shed or cause allergies? Bulldogs do shed, but not as much as other breeds. There are breeds that produce less dander than other breeds. However, Bulldogs are not one of those breeds that produce less dander. Are Bulldogs good with children? Bulldogs are dependable and predictable. Because of this, the make a wonderful family pet and actively solicit human attention. Like any breed, you should never leave your Bulldog unattended with small children. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Bulldog of America, www. May we suggest.Neat and fresh appearance Do Bulldogs Shed Bulldogs actually do shed, even with a shorter coat of hair. Regular grooming will help you control their shedding. This will reduce the rate at which you will have to clean up your carpet, furnishings, clothes, etc. The use of a furminator to reduce loose hairs instead of a conventional brush is also recommended in order to make the activity effective. If you want to know if bulldogs are hypoallergenic read HERE. Prevention of Potential Infection A culture of regularly grooming your bulldog is a preventive measure. Grooming provides added protection from potential infections. Stopping them before before they get the chance to hurt your beloved pet. As a word of caution, some infections that can onset due to a lack of proper grooming can make your bulldog very ill and even pose as a fatal risk to your bulldogs life. Proper grooming will minimize the chances of infectious occurrence. Good Oversight There will barely be anything that happens to your bulldog that will catch you by surprise when you are dutiful about your approach to the grooming. You can catch early symptoms of infections, potential allergic reactions, and other ailments. Regular grooming is a wonderful preventative measure when it comes to a healthy bully. Prolonged Life for the Bulldog Another benefit to regular grooming and having good oversight on your dogs health is its lifespan. A bulldog will have a higher chance of a longer and healthier life through this consistent care. A Sense of Belonging A culture of regular grooming shows to your dog that you care about it. This appreciation when recognized, will lead to a happier, tail wagging bulldog. You want that for your dog, right? I know what your answer is — yes, of course. Demonstrating Responsible Ownership No one can be termed as being responsible without having responsibilities. Well owning a bulldog carries a heavy weight of responsibility. Demonstrate that care through a regular commitment of proper grooming, neighbors and family will recognize this. Neat and Fresh Appearance Last but not least, A well-groomed bulldog will appear neat and attractive, making you a proud owner. Everyone will see and admire your beautiful bully, making it a highlight when going for walks or traveling around town. On the flip-side, When you have not invested quality time and energy into the grooming of your dog, this will not shine as your proudest moment. You and your bulldog may want to hide in shame. Having been convinced of the numerous benefits that come with the regular grooming of your dog, you may want to know how to properly clean your bulldog. It may also help you be able to reach all around their body easily. Bathing You may be tempted to bath your bulldog daily to have a clean coat of fur and eradicate bad odor. However, this might not be as good as your think. Daily bathing can actually remove oils that are often present on the coat of the dog. These natural oils are essential to keeping smooth skin and a shiny coat of fur. You can watch our full video on bathing bulldogs on our YouTube channel. Hence, it is recommended you bathe your bulldog every two weeks or whenever you notice excessive filth. Avoid Excessive use of Shampoo Excessive use of shampoo can also make the fur coat of your dog appear jaded. Hence, you should be moderate with the use of shampoo when grooming your dog. Anything done in excess will become harmful. Just the same way excessive use of cosmetics affects humans adversely, it is also the same for bulldogs. The issue with this is that the skin and the hair will dry out. Dry skin and hair can create an irritation, which may cause bodily scratching, and possibly sores or cut skin. Every tangle in the hair will also be effectively dealt with through this activity. Loose hairs are also removed through this process. This will help you avoid the stress of having to clean off such hairs from your carpet later on. Regular Wiping of Face and Ears The face and ears of your bully should be wiped regularly. You should have pet wipes in order to achieve this. This will also help your dog stay healthy and maintain a good appearance. You should regularly check the ears to minimize the buildup of excessive wax. Read this great article on cleaning bulldog tear stains. Trimming of the Nails Both you and your bulldog are endangered when the nails grow too long. Accidental scratching, ripping stuffed toys or furnishings, and even the possibility of breaking a nail. Such potential injuries can be avoided through regular grooming as nails are trimmed to an acceptable length. Never cut the nail all the way back to the paw. If the dog breath becomes unbearable it may be time to brush its teeth. Dog teeth can rot, become infected, and yellow when not routinely cleaned. If you are not using the tips provided, begin doing so today! You can prevent several infections just by the simple task of regularly grooming your bully. Your bulldog deserves your care and love. Your commitment to the regular grooming of your four-legged friend is a great way to demonstrate this. Post Views: 1, Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. In addition to the typical concerns like his nails and his coat, bulldogs have squishy, wrinkly faces that need daily attention. Giving them a good wipe keeps your pooch happy, healthy and good-smelling. Brushing Don't be fooled by the short-haired coat. Your bulldog needs to be brushed every single day to facilitate shedding and prevent matted, lumpy fur. Your best bet is to take him outside for a brushing session, as he can lose a surprising amount of hair in a short time. Be gentle when brushing him, as bulldogs have sensitive skin. For that same reason, use a soft-bristled brush instead of a hard metal one. Bathing Your bulldog doesn't need a bath every day. In fact, he shouldn't have one every day, as bathing your dog too often can strip his hair and skin of essential oils. Instead, bathe your dog on an "as-needed" basis, such as when he is visibly dirty or starts to smell. Always use a shampoo formulated for dogs, as these are different from human shampoos. You may need to pay special attention to his rear end. Because of his stocky build, he can't always reach his backside to clean up after eliminating. If he has any lingering mess, wipe it off with a damp towel. Face and Ears Adorable as those face wrinkles are, your bulldog's face can hide a dirty secret—literally. Bacteria and grime builds up between those big, floppy folds, so you have to clean them out every day to prevent infection and odor. Your pet store sells medicated pads that you can use to gently wipe out the facial folds, but you can also use a cotton ball dipped in baby oil. The skin between the folds is even more sensitive than the rest of your dog, so he may resist a little bit. Making this part of your daily routine will help him get used to it, and both of you will be happier for it. Nails and Teeth If doggy breath gets you down, incorporate daily dental hygiene into his routine. Using toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs, give his teeth a cursory scrub every day. Keep an eye on his nails, too. While no dog needs his nails trimmed every single day, they do need periodic attention. If you don't feel confident clipping them yourself, a professional groomer will take care of it. When your pooch starts to chew his nails, it's time for a trim. More Articles. As early as the 13th century, the dogs were bred for the now-illegal sport of bull-baiting. The English Bulldog is a short-haired, medium-sized dog 40 to 50 pounds with a low, sturdy stance, a large, short-faced head with an underbite, wide shoulders, and short tail. They have drooping lips with many loose skin wrinkles and folds throughout their face and neck. Caring for an English Bulldog The English Bulldog typically displays a friendly, yet stubborn, temperament and can make a great family dog. As a brachycephalic, or short-nosed, breed, English Bulldogs are not well-adapted to hot climates. Owners will need to be cautious if they live in warmer climates or during spring and summer seasons. Their wrinkly skin will also require frequent maintenance to prevent skin infections. The unique physical traits of the English Bulldog make it predisposed to an array of medical concerns. The short face, sensitivity to temperature extremes, excessive skin folds, and elevated hip position above the shoulder line can lead to medical issues. Some of these issues may require lifelong treatment or surgical correction, so this dog breed can become very expensive. Pet insurance is a great option for any pet parent considering adding an English Bulldog to their family. English Bulldog Health Issues English Bulldogs have some unique features that have made them into the popular and identifiable breed they are today, but many of those characteristics come with potential health risks. The combination of these abnormalities leads to difficulty breathing in air and getting enough oxygen. The short-faced, brachycephalic nature to the English Bulldog means they already have, or have a high potential to develop, some or all of the anatomical issues associated with BOAS. The brachycephalic nature of the English Bulldog also makes them sensitive to temperature extremes, and especially prone to overheating. The characteristic snorting and snoring noises from the English Bulldog are also caused by their brachycephalic face. Skin Fold Pyoderma and Allergies All of the excessive skin wrinkles throughout the face and neck can cause skin issues for the English Bulldog. Any time an English Bulldog gets wet, their wrinkles can trap moisture if they are not properly dried. This keeps bacteria and yeast from building up and prevents moisture from becoming trapped and turning into a breeding ground. Depending on the allergy, your dog may require a special diet, medication, or medicated wipes to help manage and alleviate symptoms. Hip Dysplasia The English Bulldog is very prone to developing hip dysplasia , a condition in which the hip joint does not function properly and can cause pain. This abnormal position creates an unstable hip joint, which can lead to arthritis and possible bone fractures over time. There is testing available—PennHIP screening—to detect the likelihood that a dog will develop hip dysplasia in their lifetime. If your dog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, there are a few options for treatment and long-term management including medications , joint supplements , and surgical intervention. Weight management will also be important, because any excess weight will exacerbate the issue and increase discomfort for the dog. Entropion The English Bulldog can develop entropion , which is the inward rolling-in of the eyelids usually the lower eyelids. This condition causes the outer hair of the eyelid to make contact with the surface of the eyeball cornea. Entropion can irritate the eyeball and soft tissues around the eyeball, causing redness, pain, swelling, and discharge. While eye products like artificial tears and pain medication can help these symptoms, surgical intervention to correct the entropion may be necessary for permanent relief. Obesity The English Bulldog is prone to obesity , and the extra weight can exacerbate other health concerns. To help prevent unnecessary weight gain, pet parents need to be diligent about the type and amount of food given daily. Since English Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and prone to breathing difficulties, weight management through food is even more important because exercise can be difficult. There are some dog foods on the market that are specifically formulated for the English Bulldog. These breed-specific diets offer a special dry kibble shape for easier eating and certain ingredients to promote gastrointestinal, joint, and skin health. The English Bulldog can be very food-motivated, so overfeeding or offering excessive amounts of treats during the day should be avoided. There are also puzzle toys, which require your dog to think and interact with the feeder to get to their kibble. How Much to Feed an English Bulldog In general, the amount of dog food offered should be based on the ideal weight of the adult English Bulldog, which is typically between 40 to 50 pounds. Your veterinarian can work with you to find the appropriate amount of food per day for your English Bulldog. For English Bulldog puppies, the amount of puppy food offered is based on their current puppy weight. Nutritional Tips for the English Bulldog Multiple supplements can help maintain the overall health of the English Bulldog. Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, and glucosamine supplements can improve and maintain healthy skin and joints. Probiotic supplements promote healthy gastrointestinal bacteria, which can alleviate flatulence and promote good digestion. Talk with your veterinarian to learn which supplements make the most sense for your English Bulldog. Behavior and Training Tips for the English Bulldog English Bulldog Personality and Temperament The English Bulldog is typically friendly, loyal but stubborn, good with children and other pets, and likes to make its presence known without being aggressive. The stubborn nature can often be observed as laziness. Despite the stubborn temperament, the English Bulldog does enjoy and benefit from daily moderate exercise. English Bulldog Behavior Although the English Bulldog is quite docile, they can be curious in new situations and act protective of their family. The English Bulldog is not shy to make an entrance and may muscle their way to their pet parent and often to other people to get affection. English Bulldog Training As with most dogs, the English Bulldog responds best to training and socialization early in their puppy life. Because the English Bulldog is devoted to their pet parent, they can respond well to training, especially with a toy or food reward. Basic training commands sit, stay, leave it, etc. Their coats can come in a wide range of colors and combinations: red, white, fawn, fallow, piebald, or brindle, to name just a few. Their wrinkly skin will mean that their grooming needs are more frequent and time-consuming than for other dogs. To help keep their skin healthy, pet parents need to be diligent and thorough about their skin and coat care. A soft, dry cloth can be used to gently wipe out debris and dry the skin wrinkles. Coat Care The hair should be brushed about twice a week. Be sure that skin wrinkles are clear of debris and gently dried with a soft cloth after bathing or splashing in water to prevent skin infection. Eye Care Since the English Bulldog can be prone to eye issues or allergies that cause eye discharge, you may need to clean around their eyes routinely. This can be done using pet-safe wipes—but again, make sure that you always fully dry the skin after cleaning. Ear Care After every bath or splashing in water, the English Bulldog should have their ears cleaned with a dog-specific ear cleaner. Considerations for Pet Parents Some of the major considerations for pet parents of an English Bulldog include brachycephalic syndrome, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, skin fold pyoderma, allergies, hip dysplasia, and entropion. These considerations are important because they can greatly affect the overall lifestyle of the English Bulldog. They may require lifelong medical care and may ultimately need surgical intervention or a referral to a specialist veterinarian to fully alleviate these medical issues. Pet parents considering the English Bulldog breed should consider getting pet insurance to help handle the medical costs of the breed. Most English Bulldogs make excellent family companions, especially with children and other pets. However, some English Bulldogs, especially ones that have had difficult developmental years, may display fearful or aggressive behavior that is not characteristic of the breed. Are English Bulldogs smart dogs? What are the drawbacks of an English Bulldog? By far, one of the biggest drawbacks of making an English Bulldog part of the family is coping with their medical issues. A great deal of emotional and financial stress can be mitigated by investing in pet insurance for the English Bulldog right after adoption. How much does an English Bulldog cost? When purchased through a breeder, English Bulldog puppies can cost as much as several thousand dollars. However, there are English Bulldog rescue organizations that have young to older adults and sometimes puppies available for adoption at lower costs. Likewise, some animal shelters may have English Bulldog puppies and adults available for adoption. Is an English Bulldog an aggressive breed? While historically the English Bulldog was bred for the sport of bull-baiting and displayed quite an aggressive behavior, this characteristic has largely been bred out of the breed over time. In general, the English Bulldog breed of today is known for being friendly and docile. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, while you can bathe your child whenever they get dirty, you will need to be more careful with your puppy. Bathtime should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your puppy, so you need to get it right from the start. Puppies have trouble self-regulating their body temperature and can easily get chilled if bathed at a very young age. Besides being easily chilled, young puppies can also accidentally get water in their lungs during the first bath. Not only will this traumatize the puppy and make them afraid of bath-times, but it can be lethal. Before your pup is eight weeks old, you can wipe them down with a warm and damp cloth for a quick clean. Moisten the cloth only with warm water and use it to gently rub your puppy in the direction their hair grows. Depending on how dirty your puppy is, you may need to wipe them down several times to get all the dirt and grime out of their coat. Wiping your puppy with a cloth will keep dirt and bad doggy odor at bay, at least until the puppy is old enough for a proper bath. Also, depending on how damp the cloth is, you may want to dry your puppy after each quick clean. The most important thing is to keep your puppy safe during the entire bathing process. Some puppies naturally love water and will enjoy being soaked and lathered. Others, however, may get anxious from the start and do everything in their power to escape. The way your puppy is going to react depends a lot on their personality, but it also comes down to their age. Generally, the younger the puppy is introduced to bathing, the quicker it will learn to enjoy the routine. Older puppies, however, are often more challenging to bathe than younger puppies and need a lot of reassurance and praise to calm them down. Brush Your Puppy First Before you attempt to give your puppy a bath, you will have to brush them first. Brushing will remove excess dirt, grime, and any loose hair. Furthermore, you will be able to take out any tangles or knots that can become matted once wet. Be gentle and brush your puppy in the same direction their hair grows. Make sure that your puppy is having an enjoyable grooming experience. In the end, the sooner you start brushing your puppy, the faster they will get accustomed to a regular grooming routine. Gather Your Supplies Gather everything you will need to bathe your puppy before you get them wet. Having all the supplies close at hand will make the entire bathing process much easier for both you and your puppy. Just imagine how stressful it would be if you had to run out of the bathroom in the middle of the bath because you forgot the shampoo. When it comes to supplies, you will need a puppy shampoo and conditioner, lots of treats, cotton balls, a rubber mat, and several towels. You should also consider wearing some old clothes, since you will most likely get wet and in need of a bath yourself later on. Depending on what you have available, you can bathe your puppy in a bathtub or in a sink. Filling the bucket beforehand can help a lot if your pup is afraid of the sound of running water. When everything is settled and you have the bathroom door firmly closed, gently pick up and place your puppy in the tub. Furthermore, make sure that your puppy is standing on a rubber mat that will ensure sure good footing and prevent slipping accidents. Start bathing your puppy with warm water using the faucet on a low setting or a pitcher. Please note, you should always bathe your puppy with lukewarm water! Keep the faucet or sprayer on a low setting the entire time and place it close to the coat to soak the entire fur evenly. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specially made for puppies. Therefore, rinse your puppy thoroughly and then rinse a little bit longer. Use one hand to hold the sprayer and the other to gently scrub your pup until all the suds are out of their coat. Even if you think that you rinsed thoroughly enough, continue rinsing some more until the water is completely suds-free. Rinsing is one of the most important parts of the entire bathing process and you have to do it right. But be warned: puppies like to shake dry, so be prepared for water droplets flying everywhere! To avoid water stains on your walls, throw a towel over your puppy and start toweling off the excess water. Continue toweling until most of the water is out of their coat and then give them a gentle blow-dry. Bear in mind, though, that some puppies are afraid of blow dryers, so you may need to use treats and praise to get your puppy to tolerate one. How Often To Bathe A Puppy After bathing your puppy for the first time, you can continue to bathe them whenever they get smelly and dirty. Frequent baths can strip the skin of its protective layer, resulting in dry skin and a dull-looking coat. If your puppy has dry and sensitive skin, you should wait longer between baths and only use a natural puppy shampoo with moisturizing properties. On the other hand, if your puppy has skin infections or parasites you may need to bathe them more often with a medicated dog shampoo. Depending on the type of skin condition, you will probably have to bathe your puppy once a week at least, for treatment to be effective. If your puppy has a skin condition like dermatitis, you should consult your veterinarian and follow their advice. And if you have any concerns about how often and when can you give a puppy a bath, talk with your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer. They will be able to tell you how often to bathe a puppy based on their coat type, age, and potential skin problems. You can bathe your puppy for the first time when they are at least eight weeks old. If your puppy is very dirty but too young for a proper bath, you can use a damp cloth to wipe their coat for a quick clean. You can safely bathe an eight-week-old puppy, and this is the right time to get your pup familiar with bathing. If your puppy really needs a bath, be gentle and make bath-time enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Generally speaking, puppies older than two months should be bathed once a month. However, how often you should bathe your puppy depends on a lot of factors, such as their coat type, lifestyle, age, and any skin problems. On the other hand, puppies that spend a lot of time outside are bound to get dirty faster and will have to be bathed often to stay clean and fresh-smelling. You should only bathe your pup with a pH-balanced puppy shampoo. Never use human shampoo, dish soap, or baby shampoo to wash your puppy. Shampoo and conditioner can be used on puppies that have medium or long coat and will make brushing much easier. Use a towel to quickly towel dry your puppy immediately after a bath. You may need to use more than one towel, especially if your pup has a medium or long double coat. Using a towel, gently squeeze and rub their fur to get as much water out of it as possible. If your puppy is afraid of blow dryers, you can wrap them in a clean towel and leave them to dry. Another option is to leave your puppy to air dry at room temperature after toweling but only do this during warmer months to avoid chills and colds. Your pup may enjoy getting wet, or they may try to escape as fast as their legs can carry them. Whatever happens, stay positive, give your puppy lots of praise and treats, and practice until you both find bath-time enjoyable. 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. These dogs have a distinct look with their wrinkly faces, short snouts, and stocky build. English Bulldogs are also known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. As an English bulldog owner, one of the biggest concerns you might have is how often to bathe your furry friend. After all, they are notorious for their wrinkles, drool, and all-around messiness. Generally, you should aim to bathe your bulldog once every month or so. Over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Stick to a monthly bathing regimen unless your vet advises otherwise. Start by giving them a thorough brush to remove any loose fur or debris. Next, use lukewarm water and a gentle dog shampoo to lather up their coat. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry them off with a towel. Bulldogs are notorious for their adorable wrinkly faces, but those wrinkles can also trap dirt and moisture. You can also use a specialized bulldog face wash to keep their wrinkles clean and fresh. Puppies are delicate creatures, and bathing them too early can actually harm their skin. Always use a gentle puppy shampoo, and be sure to keep the water warm and comfortable. Gather all the necessary supplies before starting the bath. This includes dog shampoo, towels, a non-slip mat, a brush, and a cup or sprayer for rinsing. The water level should be about inches high. Place the non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub or sink to prevent the puppy from slipping. Gently place the puppy into the water, starting from the back end and working your way up to the head. Use a cup or sprayer to rinse the puppy thoroughly, making sure to remove all the soap suds. Gently lift the puppy out of the water and wrap them in a towel to remove excess water. Dry the puppy with a clean towel, making sure to pat them dry instead of rubbing. Give the puppy plenty of praise and treats for being a good boy or girl during their bath. What Shampoo is Best for English Bulldogs? Bulldogs have sensitive skin, and using a harsh shampoo can cause dryness and itching. Look for a shampoo with natural ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera to soothe their skin and keep their coat healthy. Sorry, no way Jose. Regular brushing and wiping down with a damp cloth can help remove dirt and debris from their coat, but they will not clean your dog properly. You can also use dry shampoo or grooming wipes in between baths to keep them smelling great. But ultimately, baths are the best way to keep your bulldog clean and fresh. To make bath time more enjoyable for your pooch, try using treats or toys as a distraction, or consider a professional grooming service. Bulldogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and shiny. But how much grooming do they really need? Here are some grooming tasks that should be performed on a regular basis: Brushing: English Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal brushing. However, weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb can help remove loose hair and prevent matting. Bathing: Bulldogs should be bathed every months or as needed. Bathing too frequently can strip their coat of natural oils and cause skin irritation. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Wrinkle care: Bulldogs have many wrinkles and folds on their face, which can collect dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Use a soft cloth or baby wipe to clean the wrinkles, and a dry cloth to ensure they are completely dry. Here are some tools you may need to groom an English Bulldog: Soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb: Bulldogs have short, smooth coats that require minimal brushing, so a soft bristle brush or rubber curry comb can help remove loose hair and dirt. Dog-specific shampoo: Bulldogs should be bathed every months or as needed using a mild, dog-specific shampoo. Dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush or dental wipes: Regular dental care is important to prevent dental issues. Can I give my English bulldog a haircut? Bulldogs have a unique coat that serves as insulation, and cutting it too short can make them vulnerable to extreme temperatures. General Health Care In addition to grooming, Bulldogs require regular vet checkups to ensure their health and wellbeing. This includes vaccinations, dental care, and parasite prevention. Shedding and Allergies in Bulldogs One common concern among Bulldog owners is shedding and allergies, hot spots and even skin infections due to their wrinkles trapping moisture and bacteria. Yes, bulldogs are adaptable to apartment living. They have low exercise requirements and are known for being calm and relaxed. Can I use human shampoo on my English bulldog? No, you should avoid using human shampoo on your English bulldog. Human shampoo can strip their skin of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. How often should I brush my English bulldog? You shouldCan I groom my English bulldog at home? Are English bulldogs prone to skin issues? Yes, English bulldogs are prone to a variety of skin issues, including allergies, dermatitis, and pyoderma. Keeping their skin clean and dry, using a high-quality dog shampoo. Can I groom my English bulldog at home? What should I do if my English bulldog has a skin issue? If you suspect your English bulldog has a skin issue, such as excessive itching, redness, or hair loss, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Taking care of an English bulldog can be a rewarding experience. They are loyal, affectionate, and have a unique personality that sets them apart from other breeds. By following a regular bathing routine, such as once every month or any routine of your choice, using gentle products, and staying on top of any health concerns, you can keep your bulldog happy and healthy for years to come! Read other dog care articles here:. If you start the appropriate brushing, bathing, trimming and cleaning methods early, it will result in an older dog that is accustomed to the activities and the lessened likelihood of high drama in the future. Most veterinarians advise against bathing a puppy until he is six-to-eight weeks old due to the difficulties pups have regulating body temperature. Be prepared for squirming, wriggling and attempts to flee during the first few times because bathing a puppy can be an adventure! A sink or a plastic tub may work for the first few puppy baths for most breeds but it might be wise to use a bathtub right from the start to get him acclimated to the location in the future. Clean his inner ears with gauze or a soft washcloth soaked in warm water, mineral oil or witch hazel before starting the actual bath, remaining cautious not to insert anything into the ear canal. Place a non-slip, rubber mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping and fill to his knee level with lukewarm water. Use a faucet-attached sprayer or an unbreakable cup or ladle to thoroughly wet his coat, taking caution to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears or mouth. Once the coat is wet, lather in shampoo, handling the head last. Immediately rinse with lukewarm water, beginning with the head. Leaving shampoo on too long can lead to dry skin and potential irritation, while causing scratch-requiring itching and discomfort that will last long after the bath is over. Doing a double-rinse is always advisable. Start with towels and, if he allows, use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting preferably entirely cool air. If the cotton balls in the ears are wet, take them out and dry the inner ears with fresh cotton balls or a dry cloth. The first couple of attempts at bathing a puppy are likely to be adventure —— so, have some patience because your work will pay off with more serene dog bathing sessions as he grows into an adult dog.

Brindle 2. She needs plenty of exercise and lots of play! Given that both the Boxer and the Pitbull were bred for use as working dogs, these breeds are very energetic, so your Boxer Pitbull Mix requires a lot of exercise. This is what a well-exercised Boxer Pitbull Mix should look like: The Boxer Pitbull Mix is very playful and will need lots of toys at home. Careful, though! With her strong jaw and love of chewing, this dogs can destroy a chew toy within minutes. When you take her out, take a ball or a Frisbee to play fetch. She will love it! You should take her out for a brisk one-hour walktwice a day. If you are running, twenty minutes to half an hour should be enough. If your dog tires you will notice her slowing or beginning to pant excessively you should stop for a five-minute break and hydrate her. I recommend taking out a collapsible doggie bowl in which you can give her water. A note on exercising your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy This advice on exercise applies to the adult dog only, as when large-breed puppies do too much running and ball-chasing this can cause long-term injuries. With your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy, it is best to do lots of short walks and indoor play until she matures, at about 1 year — 16 months. Watch this 11 week old Pitbull Boxer Mix. She is curious, playful, active, and absolutely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Whatever the weather — not with this dog! In rainy weather, she will need a doggie coat to keep her warm. During summer months, it is best to take her out in the early morning or the evening when the sun is less intense. She may still need sunscreen, but make sure you purchase one without zinc oxide, as it is toxic for dogs. The Pitbull is also a very affectionate dog when well-socialized, who will lick you all over if you give her an inch. She was in fact bred for both work and companionship , and due to her gentle nature, is beginning to be used more and more as a therapy dog. Both Boxer and Pitbull are also great with children , which makes them excellent family dogs. The Boxer is very patient and protective, while the Pitbull is solid, a people-pleaser and highly trainable. So mix them together and what have you got? A companionable, affectionate dog who fits in perfectly with a family, wants a lot of attention and gives in return. It is, of course, worth noting that as puppies they are going to be more hyper, and so their contact with children must be supervised. Also, your dog must be well-exercised to be around children, as if not she will be incredibly excitable and could knock over a small child. Her guard dog instinct is strong, which can be useful if there is an intruder or attacker. These are courageous dogs who used to risk their lives baiting bulls, so have no doubt that she will defend you and yours if necessary. If this instinct gets out of hand, however, it can become a problem. You must make sure that you socialize your Boxer Pitbull Mix from a young age with as many people as you can. Invite friends and neighbors to your home and provide her with a positive association by having the person give her a treat when they arrive. As long as you train her well and stay consistent, this dog will be the friendliest dog around. She might be too hands-on for older pets Providing they are both socialized properly, both breeds can get on well with other animals, particularly Boxers. As for play style, Pitbulls can be rough and Boxers like to use their front paws when playing much like a boxer… oh, that makes sense! People are also beginning to look past the negative stigma around Pitbulls and realize their high intelligence and trainability, too. Director of Operations at Universal K9 claims that out of the hundreds of dogs he has trained for police work, the Pitbull, Kiah, is one of the top three he has ever placed. These dogs can be stubborn, though, meaning that you need to be firm and consistent with them. As long as you are in charge, your Boxer Pitbull Mix should pick up basic commands quickly. Make sure you do enough repetition and provide rewards and lots of praise. As puppies, they are boisterous and energetic little characters. You will need to be assertive in order to get their focus. She is a moderate shedder Though these dogs have a short coat, they are moderate shedders and will require a good grooming session once a week. They will probably lose more fur in the Spring, from April through May, so it may be a good idea to brush her twice a week during these periods. She will also need her ears checked monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. She is usually healthy but has some potential health concerns The Pitbull Boxer Mix is generally a healthy breed, as both pure breeds are as long as she gets sufficient exercise, of course and as I mentioned in the intro it can live for up to 13 years. Having said that, it is always worth being informed on any potential health issues this breed can develop, so here are the main ones your dog could be prone to: Cancer While the majority of Boxers are healthy , they are at risk of an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma , which occurs in the blood vessel cells. It can be difficult to detect, but signs can include weakness, a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this cancer can spread rapidly. Hip dysplasia This condition consists of a malformation of the hip joint, where it is unstable or loose in the socket. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows that this condition occurs in both breeds , although Pitbulls are more susceptible. Severe cases can lead to arthritic joints and lameness. Signs can include walking or running with an altered gait and reluctance to fully extend their rear legs or jump. Weight control helps enormously with this condition; keep her slim, as any excess weight will put stress on her joints. Heart disease The Boxer is prone to a heart problem called aortic stenosis , which in most cases of the disease the dog is born with. This disease causes narrowing of the aortic valve, which puts pressure on the heart. Symptoms can include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, and congestive heart failure. If your vet picks up a heart murmur, the diagnosis can be confirmed with an X-ray and a cardiac ultrasound. Allergies Pitbulls can have various allergies , so your Pitbull Boxer Mix may be susceptible. They can be treated with antihistamines, and in the case of skin irritation, you should use shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin. Conclusion Are you a family with children without any older pets? Are you ready to dedicate your days to plenty of exercise and play with your new lively companion? Can you give her the consistent training she needs? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you are more than ready to own a Pitbull Boxer Mix, and she will be more than happy to have you. Have you got a Pitbull Boxer Mix and a story to share? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Had her posted on the local shelter site but no takers. We have a year-old Chihuahua and 8-year-old Yorkie so keeping the new dog inside is not possible. For a temporary measure we put a cardboard box with lots of pillows and blankets warmed in the dryer on the porch swing. It has since warmed up into the range. She appears to be happy running around outside and sleeping on the porch swing near the now chewed up box. We have ordered a dog house for her and are having her spayed tomorrow. We are a late middle-aged couple but I hope to be able to walk with her at least once a day. I hope you can wish us well for rescuing her. The recipe features real meat, garden veggies, and fruit plus whole grains and LifeSource Bits rich in antioxidants. It also features ingredients that support healthy growth and development for a growing pup. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine are the building blocks of healthy joints and cartilages ideal for mobility. It is packed in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant benefits for lifelong health and happiness. This kibble made for large breed adult dogs also features Iams DHA Gold to promote mental sharpness and alertness and also to encourage healthy cognitive ability. It is crafted with prebiotics for healthy digestion and strong defenses. Puppies and adult pooches have diametrically different nutritional needs, and senior canines require kibble that is gentle on their aged teeth and stomachs. We suggest you pick one of our recommendations for the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food and see how your pup responds. Who knows? Given that your Pitbull Boxer is neither big nor small, they may like the taste of the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food alike, so you might want to offer them both kinds! Pitbull Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements The general advice for most dogs would be to train them while they are young. But in the case of your Pitbull Boxer cross, you have to very cautious. Puppies of large-breed origin that exerts too much energy from running or playing can cause injuries that may last his lifetime. For puppies, activities may be limited to regular short walks or play until it has reached a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months. As it gets old, the daily exercise requirement will also change. For an adult Pitbull boxer, minutes of exercise should be adequate to maintain good health. It is a very energetic hybrid so they will thrive in a lively environment. An ideal home would mean lots of space to move around, inside or in the backyard. Some states enforce restrictions with regards to Pitbull mixes like your pitbull boxer, so you have to keep it on a leash while out exercising. Using a leash will also prevent them from running into or jumping into everyone they encounter. They are most happy walking around in the city or the Dog Park or even trudging in the mountains. Another essential thing to consider is the weather. During the rainy season, your dog will need a raincoat to protect her from the rain and also to keep her warm. Sunscreen can be used but avoid products with zinc oxide, as it is a poisonous substance. The jacket provides full chest coverage, and the solid print is stylishly chic. The elastic leg straps and adjustable fastener guarantees a snug band comfortable fit. It also features reflectorized stitching so you can see your dog even at night. It is guaranteed durable — it features a galvanized cable and coated with crack-resistant vinyl. It should be able to withstand up to 7x the weight of your dog. My Dog Nose It! Pitbull Boxer Cross Training The combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it is a suitable pet for someone with a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. And as always, your dog will react and respond best with positive reinforcement, rewards, and incentives. Punishment will never work, and more often than not, will only create or aggravate behavioral problems. It is essential to reward your pet to encourage positive behavior. Early socialization and training from puppyhood will form the foundation of a well-adjusted dog. Training your Pitbull Boxer should be a piece of cake because of their ability to pick up commands. To get their focus though, you would need to be tough and establish yourself as the master and make him obey you. We listed some training activities you can try out with your petpal: Behavior Training — How do you train him to stop barking mad? Constant practice will help you achieve the desired effect but never shout at him even if he continues to bark. Also, allow him to learn commands other than barking. Keep in mind that the goal is to reward your pup for being silent. Chores Training — Teach him to fetch your newspaper for you. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball should prep your dog for this activity. All you have to do is replace the toy with the newspaper and tech your Pitbull boxer how to get it, pick it up or bring it back to you. Fun Training — Rollover is one activity designed with your big Boxer Pitbull in mind. Start with getting your dog to lie down, and eventually how to roll over. Make sure you reward each action accordingly, and of course, practice makes perfect. Pitbull Boxer Combination And Families The Pitbull Boxer will become accustomed to any family dynamic most especially when trained well and socialized correctly. Their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids. There are specific training designed to help you manage this kind of behavior. Check with your local authorities with regards to the legal status of Pitbull mixes in your area. Find out if your Boxer pitbull mix is banned or restricted. Not only will they thrive in large spaces to allow lots of movement, but they will also want owners who will dedicate their time to train and socialize and to love and care for them.

Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! 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. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

Although there is only one Labrador breed, there are two widely recognized sub-types within the breed. Our breeding program focuses on the "English" type, also referred to as show or bench type. We feel that the English lines produce dogs better suited for family pets, which is the main focus of our program. Just let us know what you're planned purpose for a dog is and we can recommend the lines and breeding best suited to your needs. We have litters throughout the year and produce all three recognized colors.You are welcome to call anytime for more info! All puppies come with a written health guarantee against genetic defects. If you are just looking for a pet, your puppy will come with limited AKC registration papers, which you can fill out and send in to complete the registration process. Full AKC registration is available for puppies placed in breeding or show homes at additional cost. If you are seeking full registration, please let us know when you first inquire so that we can give you the appropriate information. Ground shipping is available at buyer's expense. I can provide info on shippers I've personally dealt with for you to contact. Most people prefer to fly in and take their puppy back home as a carry-on. Nanny service possibly available. Some of our puppies in Patriot Paws' service dog training program!! Why Choose our Lab Puppies in Texas? Health Guarantee Carefully bred to reduce the risk of health conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, and heart disorders. Ranch Raised All of our Labradors are free ranged on the farm with no restrictions other than to ensure their protection and safety. We raise our Labradors with love and care as if each one was our own. We started breeding for the love of the breed and have now been doing so for over 20 years. Lena and Patrick Hughes have experience in raising, breeding and caring for these adorable canines. The Hughes family understands the kind of attention that is needed for the success and development that comes from caring breeders, and not a puppy mill or pet stores. Our Labradors share a love of the water and are excellent retrievers. Their loyalty and their ability to learn makes them enjoyable to work with and easy to train for all levels of activity. Over the years, the Hughes Family has learned a great deal about breeding English Labs to improve the quality and conformation of our labradors. Our goal is to always ensure a beautiful and healthy ancestral lineage passed down to future generations. These strong, caring, and loving Labs are born naturals for use as Service Animals, Caring Companions, or loving families. Please be aware that we do not place puppies that are represented as show prospects, as those puppies go into our program. Your puppy will be current on shots; normally we will release them to new homes at approximately 8 weeks of age. Please call or email for more details. Visitors are always welcome. Please Contact Us for information. Contact for information on upcoming litters. We do not sell our Labs for breeding purposes. A puppy you find for less will most likely come from a backyard breeder. Most of these people who breed their pets together are not in the sport of purebred dogs and do not research the health and genetics behind their Labrador pedigrees. Many do not do the necessary hip, elbow and eye testing. Although x-rays and tests can get pricey, these tests give breeders a higher chance that their puppies will live long and healthy lives free of the genetic problems that affect so many Labradors around the world. Please call or email for pricing on current litters. Plus details about older puppies. Here is a link that will help you confirm the parents of a puppy you are interested in have their basic breeding clearances- www. All you have to do is type in the registered name or number of each parent in the search box and a page will appear with their hip and elbow scores. Hip scores will be rated as either Fair, Good, or Excellent. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have been breeding and raising dual purpose Labradors by breeding Show Bench English style and American lines since .We strive to produce healthy, good-looking Labs which make loyal family pets or hunting companions. We strive to produce quality Labradors with great temperaments, training ability, and sound physical condition. It is our goal to enhance the Labrador retriever breed one litter at a time. We have a passion and dedication to the Labrador Retriever breed and strive to produce only the best puppies. Our girls and boys, who are all AKC registered, have been carefully selected for their health, temperament and beauty, and are the heart and soul of our business. We take great pride in the puppies we produce, and strive to make sure each one is happy and healthy. By the time our puppies are ready for their new homes, they will have had their dew claws removed, 4 series of wormings, vaccinations, and beginning socializations. Micro chipping is included in purchase price. Our Labs are part of our family. They are each given exercise and "play time" daily, which is imperative to Labrador health. The puppies are well socialized and are hand picked for companionship, retrieving or both, with close evaluation on a daily basis. Please remember, a pet of any kind is a lifelong commitment and must be discussed and agreed upon by all members of your household. Labrador Retrievers are an amazing breed of dog. They love your attention and will gladly return the favor. Labs are retrieving machines, be it fetching a ball with your children or retrieving fowl while you're hunting. We believe at Texas Pride Labradors, that the Labrador is the most versatile dog for families. They are content lying on the couch or being a running companion for daily work-outs. Labs are brilliant with children and never aggressive. Give the magnificent Labrador a place in your family and you will not be disappointed. Contact me if you have any questions and thanks for visiting my website. They answer any and all questions you might have in a timely manner, before and after you leave with your puppy. The right breeder is everything and Angie will exceed your expectations when it comes to Labradors. We are absolutely in love with our yellow lab and will never go anywhere else!! We love Pilot!!! Jackie Klinski Longo We adore our pup Ruby! She has an amazing temperament and with three kiddos that was so important to us. She is a true companion. My parents have their puppy Finley from Alder Creek as well and we adore him so much too! Amy Forks I am beyond excited to meet my new yellow lab puppy this weekend! I already have a beautiful chocolate lab from AlderCreek, and I know that I will be getting the best in quality, beauty, and disposition with my 2nd lab from AlderCreek. Angie does a wonderful job of matching puppies to their new human families. I have no… Sallie Broaddus Angie is the best at what she does. Her preparation and organization for that change was a game changer for me as a new pup parent as well as for the young lab…. Matthew Dueser Where to begin?! Our family now has two incredible labs from Angie Brown. We began with Angie in December of .I have recommended her to people every chance I get! Angie is extraordinarily thorough. She has a vast array of experience in the world of Labradors. Angie loves hearing from us and seeing all of our many lab… Elizabeth Kuper Make A Puppy Inquiry We know finding a genetically sound puppy with the right temperament takes a lot of time and research.

We are a small kennel situated on 5 acres near Ipswich, Qld. Our Goldens have been a part of our family for 25yrs and continue to contribute to a large portion of our family life. Lisa had a long and successful show career, securing her Australian title in just five shows! Since then, we have bred and shown a number of Goldens who have maintained successful show careers in the ring and within obedience. Warnock Canada , who had been breeding Goldens for 32yrs. Breeding and Showing has become a big part of our lives and the biggest hobby we have had during our lives. We strongly believe that all the testing we do and our time in the game helps us to fully understand the breed and know what we want when producing puppies. It is very important that we consider all scores before breeding to ensure that we are providing high quality puppies. We are lifetime members of the Golden Retriever club of Qld and i am currently on the board managing the Puppy inquiries for the club. In our Daughter in law Jess started assisting us to ensure that all buyers have the best possible service. Jess predominantly helps with the paperwork and email side of the house ensuring we are able to bring all of our buyers along for the journey of their puppies lives from the time of birth with weekly updates and organised play dates from around 6 weeks of age. Since retiring and moving in with Jess and Dan we are fortunate enough to now have all our puppies raised in a family environment and introduced to children from day one thanks to our grandson Harvey. The bond between Children and Goldens is something magical. Imatriever Kennels Established .Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing the Best UK bloodlines to Australia. They are loyal best friends who love their families dearly, but Golden Retrievers are so much more than just amazing family dogs. There is no doubt that these dogs are highly intelligent. No matter whether they're training obedience dogs, therapy dogs, or just being loving, affectionate family pets, they excel at what they do and will amaze you on a daily basis. The Golden Retriever has the qualities of unconditional love, confidentiality, and nonjudgment as well as being great listeners. From giving cuddles to young children to alzheimer's patients, they can work with people in a wide variety of situations. Field Golden Retrievers are very similar to the original Scottish Golden Retriever bred by Lord Tweedmouth from the early 's, just improved in looks, disposition, and intelligence! We offer puppies that are bred for exceptional health and temperament, as well as beautiful and unique physical features, namely their smaller size and dark rich golden coats. The puppies we produce become wonderful, loyal and loving companions and family members. Field Golden retrievers are smaller in size, between kg, and have a shorter coat and the noted to be rich gold colour. They are a high intelligence, trainable, loyal dog has been the focus of breeding for the last years since its creation, making them incredible all-round dogs. More about Activ Goldens Click here our dogs The Scottish Imports, Scotland being the birth place of the Golden Retriever breed we find it very fitting we have imported our bloodlines from the birth place of this amazing breed, the field golden retrievers are incredible dogs their intelligence surprise us on a daily basis. Our goal is to breed very close to its original breed only to hopefully improve it by using only the best available sires in the world, I personally believe the Golden Retrievers in the UK are superior which is why we have focused on bloodlines from there. Auchencloch Fairy Tale Queen Nessy was chosen after much research with no less than six Field Champions in her first 5 generations. We could not have hoped for a better girl to start my stud, she is everything we hoped for and much more. We aim to breed the "perfect" dog, even though the perfect dog is an unrealistic dream, it should always be a goal we strive to achieve. At Activ Goldens we will always strive to improve everything we do, including importing the best bloodlines to constantly improve our bloodlines, improving our raising methods, and being critical in our evaluation of the dogs we intend to use in our breeding program. Our socialisation techniques are second to none, including toilet training our puppies before they leave our care. They are extensively exposed to noises like thunder, well traveled in cars, exposed to crates to assist in travel and assist in crate training. We go the extra mile to make sure you receive an amazing puppy with an amazing pedigree. Maybe you already own one and want to know about the common health problems or how to feed them. The Golden Retriever breed has always been popular among families and other dog owners, they are known to be smart, loyal, and are used in many different areas of work, such as service dogs, hunting dogs, etc. Adaptability Golden retrievers are used to having lots of space to run and play, Golden Retrievers used for hunting and as service dogs, this makes them unsuitable apartment living unless you're prepared to go for walks often and to play many rounds of fetch in the park. The Golden Retrievers are not high maintenance when it comes to caring, but they do take time to mature. Thankfully, because of their intelligence, they are easy to train but you should know that they are very social animals with a high sensitivity level and a low tolerance for being alone. This is why you will often find that many other Retriever owners have more than one dog to keep their Golden Retriever company. Over the years the Retrievers coats have adapted to suit most weather conditions. Their top coats act as a buffer and are slightly water-resistant, their undercoat provides insulation that keeps them warm in winter and helps them keep cool in summer. Temperaments Golden retrievers are known for their obedience, playfulness, intelligence, and being well mannered. They are a very active breed of dog who loves to be involved with whatever the family is doing and they hate to miss out on anything. Golden Retrievers are a very friendly breed and as such, they don't make very good guard dogs. You will find that if they do bark at strangers it would be to say hello and not as a warning. Whether you are a first-time owner or you've always had a Retriever in your life one thing never changes. They take longer to mature than most dog breeds. Many owners compare the first two years of having a Golden Retriever to having a very energetic large toddler in the house creating havoc. Health And Grooming Needs The golden retrievers have a lot of energy to burn and they are happy to take part in any and all outdoor activities whether it is going for walks joining on hikes, playing fetch, or going for a swim! A bored golden retriever is a naughty golden retriever without enough exercise or toys to play with and chew, Retrievers form bad habits- like chewing up your couch. Golden Retrievers are known for their long soft coats and to look and feel as silky as it does it will take some effort on your side to maintain it. Although you may be able to get away with a weekly brush, to keep the shedding down to a minimum, a daily brush is considered optimal. Thankfully because the Retriever is a very active breed, their nails tend to stay short, it was a strong good idea to trim nails once a month. A monthly bath helps to keep the ticks and fleas and other parasites under control, a good bath will help to soften their nails, making them a lot easier to trim. Golden retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs and as such have got a high metabolism, it's important to feed them the right balance of nutrients to make sure that they don't burn too much energy and end up being underweight, on the opposite end of the scale you also need to make sure that they are not getting too much food. Like with most dogs when they are fed too much and eat more than they should, they get overweight. Unfortunately, the Golden Retrievers are susceptible to obesity, luckily there are brands that cater to the Retrievers specific needs. Some of these top brands include the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Royal Canin and Merrick Grain-Free dry dog food each of these has been tailor-made to suit the Golden Retrievers nutrient needs, the table below will act as a guide to help you understand how much to feed your Golden Retriever, going by weight and how active they are during the day:. Appearance The Golden Retriever should be a balanced dog, with symmetrical and pleasing features. Known for its kindly expression, the breed has dark, alert eyes that are capable of expressing a range of emotions. It has a large, muscular tail that extends all the way to the hock. The coat of the Golden is also distinctive: any shade of gold or cream, neither red, nor mahogany. It is a devoted and loyal breed with a beautiful temperament and an aim to please. It wants to be around its family all the time and will not be happy if left outside for long periods. The Golden Retriever is intelligent and responds well to training. The breed thrives on structured training programs and is a top performer in Obedience and Agility trials. Because of its friendly nature towards strangers, as well as friends, it is not suitable as a watchdog. Maintenance Golden Retrievers are a low maintenance breed. A puppy free from hereditary disease, apart from unforeseen accidents, will grow into a hardy dog. It sheds throughout the year, with two heavy moulting stages during that time. Daily brushing can help reduce the amount it will shed and prevent matting, which can lead to skin irritations. The breed is happiest when it is accepted as a valuable member of the family. The active Golden Retriever needs regular exercise, such as a daily walk and, if possible, a run. The breed also loves swimming. If it does not receive regular mental and physical stimulation, particularly as a puppy, it can become destructive. The Golden Retriever makes a wonderful companion for the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children. However, like with any dog, supervision is important when around children. Consult your veterinarian on treatment options. Desexing and vaccination against diseases, such as the deadly parvo virus and highly infectious kennel cough, are also important to discuss with your vet. Common hereditary problems include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , elbow dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and sub aortic stenosis. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Golden Retriever and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. By 6 months, they are just about there. It takes a little longer for them to reach their mature weight. They are considered fully grown at 18 months. Mostly named for the breeders who created them, there are said to be four distinct varieties of American Bulldog today, and yes, they are slightly different sizes. Both taller 23 to 27 inches and more muscular up to pounds , they most closely resemble their cousin pups, the English Bulldog. They have longer muzzles and are more leanly built than the Johnson dogs. The Painter American Bulldog was unfortunately created exclusively for fighting purposes. These dogs are around the same height as the other two but much lighter 55 to 75 pounds. Their breeding was poorly done initially, but responsible facilities are now working on healthier dogs with better temperaments. They are said to be the true American Bulldogs. Again, they are a little smaller than the first two types at 21 to 26 inches and 60 to 97 pounds. Aside from these, there are various hybrid American Bulldogs that are a combination of two or more of the above. It can be tricky to predict the exact measurements of these dogs are genetics are complicated. Photo by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash There also tend to be gender differences with these dogs, as is the case with larger, more muscular breeds. Females weigh 60 to 80 pounds and stand between 20 and 23 inches high. Males weigh 75 to pounds and are around 22 to 25 inches in height. American Bulldog Growth Patterns By the time these dogs are six months old, they are already close to their adult height. They will often reach this somewhere between 9 and 12 months but will continue to put on weight significantly into their first year. As large dogs, ABs are said to be at their mature size at around 18 months. Still, realistically male dogs on the larger end of the spectrum could continue to gain muscle mass right up to their second birthday and even beyond this. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here. Depending on their gender, their parents, and the kind of lifestyle they have working dog, active companion, family dog , an adult American Bulldog will be around 20 to 27 inches to the shoulder and will weigh somewhere between 55 to pounds. They are categorized as a large breed. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. Large dogs are said to be fully grown at around 18 months of age. They will often achieve their mature height somewhat earlier than that at between 9 months to 12 months, depending on whether they are destined to be smaller or larger pups. However, they will continue to gain weight as their muscles develop for quite a while after this. This will especially be the case if they are getting plenty of exercise. Genetics provides the best understanding we have on this. American Bulldogs are gaining a better reputation these days as fun and friendly family dogs. They are especially beloved by particularly active individuals looking for a little company on their walks, hikes, runs, etc. Hopefully, this article has been able to address these, and you have a fair understanding of what to expect from your future puppy. Their senses of smell, touch, and taste are working but they cannot see or hear yet because their sense of sight and hearing are not developed. They depend on the mother for nutrition and warmth because the milk that the mother produces contains all the essential nutrients that the puppy needs and they cannot create their heat. Expect to see them sleeping and eating all day and they cannot walk as their muscles are not strong enough. The muscles will become strong, and they will start standing up, running, barking, and playing with their littermates. Their teeth will also start developing and will be ready to be fed solid foods. The puppy will gain control over the bladder and bowel movements and their coordination will also improve as they start exploring their surroundings. This is the stage to move them to their new home. Therefore, you should buy them chewing toys otherwise they will be inclined to use your shoes and furniture. This is also the stage when your puppy shows dominance and wants to be the leader of the pack. This is why proper training is needed so that they know you are the one in charge. For them to develop social skills, they should interact with other dogs at the park and other people. If you have not neutered or spayed your puppy, this is the right time to do so. Some puppies will reach their adult height and weight towards the month mark while others may still wait until the age of two years. Adult From the age of 18 months onwards, your American Bulldog will start filling out and reach their adult weight. They would have achieved most of their development but still need good nutrition for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. During their development into adulthood, your dog will go through emotional and mental stages of maturity and will soon develop a concrete personality. Continue feeding them a healthy diet and providing them with enough exercise for them to use their energy. There are ways that you can use to estimate how big your American Bulldog will get. First, if you bought your puppy from a breeder, ask them about their estimated adult size. Based on the information about the parents and previous litters, your breeder should be able to give you an estimate of the adult size of your American Bulldog. If you can visit the breeder and look at the parents, you will have a clear picture of what your puppy will look like when fully grown. Secondly, you can check the paws. If they seem oversized next to their body and legs, then they are still filling out and growing so that their whole body is proportional. Checking the American Bulldog weight chart will also give you an idea of their final weight as an adult. An American Bulldog stands at a height of between 20 and 27 inches with a weight of around 55 and pounds. American Bulldog Size Chart American Bulldogs are categorized as large breeds and weigh between 55 and pounds with a height of between 20 and 27 inches. Generally, females are smaller than males and they reach their adult size earlier. Locating the withers is the first step which is the highest point between the shoulder blades. Spaying or neutering is connected to growth because sex hormones are necessary for the growth of the American Bulldog. Neutering or spaying when young may be unnecessary, so you should wait until the puppy reaches the first heat cycle especially if you have no plans of breeding them. Speak to your vet on when specifically, to spay or neuter your American Bulldog. Pros Neutering or spaying prevents testicular and ovarian cancer respectively. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces UTIs. Neutering helps manage their behavior because they will not wander or develop aggressive behavior. Cons Neutering or spaying can affect growth if done too early. The American bulldogs are large and weigh about 55 to pounds. The male American Bulldog is larger and weighs between 66 and pounds and the female American Bulldog weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. The American Bulldogs grow tall about 20 to 27 inches at the shoulders. The male American Bulldogs are larger. The males weigh between 30 and 60 pounds while the female Pitbull weighs about 30 to 50 pounds. Pitbull is also shorter than the American Bulldogs. Their height is between 17 and 20 inches. Genetic traits greatly influence the development of the American Bulldog. The growth rate is regulated by these biological determinants and other important factors that help in their advancement. Females are smaller than their male counterparts. Nutrition As a responsible pet parent, your dog needs the most nutritious food available on the market. This is because there is a lot of low-quality food that does not have enough nutrients. The food the American Bulldog will get from you determines his ability to grow. If you provide him with low-quality food, he will have stunted growth. Low-quality food does not have sufficient vitamins as well as minerals needed for development. The diet you provide to your dog affects his growth and general life quality. They love physical activities. Allow them to exercise enough so that they grow enough muscles and strong bones. Exercise will help your puppy to grow naturally and meet its developmental milestones. American Bulldogs enjoy several activities. American Bulldogs enjoy these activities, and they require enough time for this. A high-quality meal is an important aspect for every puppy. Without good nutrition, the puppy cannot grow to be a strong and healthy adult. The growing American Bulldog has a big appetite and should be fed several meals per day: Puppies under four months need four meals a day adding to a total of 3 cups From 4 to 10 months give three meals a day and up to 5 cups. After 10 months give 2 meals a day around cups. Feeding the puppy large meals increases the risk of bloating, a fatal stomach condition seen in large dogs. Dogs who lead a very active lifestyle will burn more calories. The first way to determine if your American Bulldog is overweight or underweight is by weighing them. You may also observe their behavioral habits, feel their bodies, and see the vet. When you look at your American Bulldog, you should see the tuck behind the chest cavity. It should also have a visible waist when you view it from above. Your American Bulldog is overweight if you cannot feel the ribs and the spine. But if the ribs and the spine are visible, they are underweight. They may also have trouble breathing and get less active due to excess weight. When you are not familiar with this breed, you may be surprised to know that they are prone to certain health conditions. Understanding their health issues is crucial to get informed decisions about their health. The American Bulldogs have short snouts hence making them difficult to withstand hot weather, especially during physical activity. Ensure that there is enough water and monitor to ensure they are not having any breathing difficulty. The American Bulldogs undergo certain medical conditions: Hip Dysplasia is one of the most skeletal conditions in dogs. Panosteitis or Growing pan is a medical condition that causes lameness and pain in young dogs. The causes of this condition are found to be infectious agents and genetics as well as nutrition. The American Bulldog however can outgrow this disease as they get older. It also does not cause long-term effects. Every dog can get growing pains. The symptoms include shifting legs lameness, pain, lethargy, fever, depression, and loss of appetite. If the vet rules out any other underlying conditions, you may need to localize the pain to one of the long bones in the leg. Your vet may also recommend anti-inflammatory pain medication to give to your dog. You can tell if your American Bulldog is an ideal weight when you can see the ribs during breathing. An overweight American Bulldog is naturally weighing more than the indicated range. When in his calm state you should see his last two ribs. It also has a tuck where the stomach comes up higher than the ribcage. If the hip points show more of the vertebrae, then he is underweight. Reduce exercises. The American Bulldogs need puppy food when they are young and can be moved to grown-up food after one year to help in their weight control. When you stick to the feeding suggestion in the food, your dog will avoid avoiding obesity or other medical problems. It is good to avoid high-fat treats and provide a good choice of treats such as carrots. Treats made with proteins are also a good choice in helping them get in shape. When your American Bulldog is overweight change the diet to low calories ad high protein and has no carbs because they function as pointless fillers. Exercise your American Bulldog regularly but ensure you do not overdo it to prevent joint strains. You can determine your American Bulldog weight using two methods; The most accurate method to use is using a dog weighing scale. Using the scale is important in monitoring the growth of your American Bulldog regularly to detect any early abnormal growth. The scale will help you to weigh your dog without any hassle. The second method is using your bathroom scale. You weigh yourself when holding your American Bulldog and record the readings. Then weigh yourself using the same scale without your American Bulldog. Then you subtract your weight when not holding the dog from the weight with the dog, and the difference is the weight of your American Bulldog. American Bulldog Genetics and Common Health Problems Hip and elbow dysplasia is an inherited disease that leads to joints developing improperly causing arthritis. The dog may begin to show lameness in the legs or difficulty when getting up from lying. Surgery is a good option in extreme cases. Nerve disease is a progressive neurologic disease that can be found in the American Bulldog. The signs usually appear in younger dogs where there is a rear leg weakness and imbalance. This disease has no effective treatment, but you can perform a genetic test. Dogs with this genetic condition should not be used for breeding. A thyroid problem is a condition where the body does not make enough thyroid hormone. The signs of this condition include hair loss, dry coat, and skin, weight gain, susceptibility to other skin diseases, aggression, and fearfulness. Blood screening can help detect disease. Ichthyosis is a common problem where there is dry, itchy, and flaky skin. The American Bulls are prone to severe sin flaking conditions. It usually arises early in life with most affected puppies born with abnormal skin. A genetic test will help determine whether a puppy is clear of this condition. Other conditions include cataracts, mange, and bladder or kidney stones. Final Words Understanding the different factors that can impact the growth of your American Bulldog will ensure that you are well equipped on how you can help them achieve their growth and development. You should be aware of the different health conditions that this breed is susceptible to so that you can notice the early signs and provide them with the necessary treatment. Your American Bulldog should maintain a healthy weight throughout for them to have a happy and healthy life. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. So what is the normal size and weight for an American bulldog? The American bulldog is considered a large breed. The average American bulldog male weight falls between pounds, while an average female American bulldog weight is around 90 pounds. The American bulldog height ranges from 24 inches for a male and slightly shorter for a female American bulldog. Both genders have well-defined stop, a broad chest, a stocky athletic build, and a lovable personality. The American bulldog is a true icon of American culture. It is representative of a strong and athletic breed that originates from North America and is closely related to the similarly named Old English Bulldog. Although both dog breeds still share similar characteristics of being muscular and tough , the American Bulldog size is notably larger. How large are we talking about? On average, the typical range for the American Bulldog height is about 20 to 28 inches when fully grown. Although this is quite a vast range in height within the specific breed, landing somewhere in the mid 20 inches is a safe bet that your American bulldog is growing to be the proper size. How much should an American bulldog weigh exactly? In terms of ideal weight, a full-grown American Bulldog will weigh around pounds, give or take 10 to 15 pounds. But since all bullies will grow a little differently, there could be some variances in terms of the numbers. You can also visually assess if your bully is in shape or needs some dietary changes. Their abdomen is tucked up when viewed from the side. Your bully might be less energetic throughout the day. A dog has no or barely visible waist. American Bulldog Length Unlike the height, the length of your American Bulldog will have a smaller range than how tall your dog may or may not grow to. On average, an American Bulldog can grow to between 20 and 24 inches long once it hits full maturity. This typically happens after about two years. The average American bulldog length can definitely still vary due to several factors. For example, an American bulldog male might be slightly longer than an American bulldog female. There could also be a variation between genes and what types of dogs your American bulldog came from. See also How Tough is an Armadillos Shell? Most American bulldogs have a head size that ranges within a couple inches of another. The typical head size of a purebred American bulldog ranges from 22 to 26 inches. Though it may seem intimidating, a big bulldog head with a smushed face laying on your lap is hard to beat. It will take roughly 2 years before your American Bulldog puppy is fully grown and reaches its maximum weight and size. Although things might not be exactly on track, below is a rough growth chart of how much an American bulldog should weigh and measure as it grows and ages. As with most dogs, you will notice your American bulldog growing exponentially faster in the earlier stages of development. A few tips on the weight of the puppy American bulldog, during its growth: Growth of American bulldog female: According to its size, the weight of the American bulldog female at 3 months should be between .At 6 months, the American bulldog female weighs on average between .How much must a American bulldog Female at 1 year? Enter .The American bulldog female will end up growing between the age of 16 months for the smallest sizes and the age of 19 month for the bigger ones. Growth graph of American bulldog female: See all weighings of American bulldog - Female saved by users. Add your dog's weighings and compare them to other registered dogs Growth of American bulldog male: According to its size, the weight of the American bulldog male at 3 months should be between .At 6 months, the American bulldog male weighs on average between .How much must a American bulldog male at 1 year? Between 29 and .The American bulldog male will end up growing between the age of 16 months for the smallest sizes and the age of 19 month for the bigger ones. Growth graph of American bulldog male: See all weighings of American bulldog - Male saved by users. These charts show the average growth and weight gain rate of an American Bulldog. Please note this is not an exact science and you will see differences depending on bloodline and type of American Bulldog. Still this should be a helpful guide. We have been tracking the weight and growth of our American Bulldogs for a while now and have tracked it on this nice weight and growth chart. Is my American Bulldog growing at a normal rate? What size should my American Bulldog be? The average growth and weights for our american bulldogs and puppies Use these dog weight charts and growth charts as guidelines if you are trying to see how your puppy is growing. Below are a few dogs that we kept track of their stats. Since American Bulldogs are know to have a huge head we thought it would be fun to track the size and growth of head size. American Bulldog head size weight and growth chart How to Measure American Bulldog Weight To measure your dogs weight they should be at an ideal weight. A fat dog is naturally going to weigh more but that is not their natural size. To be at their ideal weight you should be able to see the ribs when they are breathing heavy. If the dog is in a clam state the last 2 ribs should be visible. Your American Bulldog should have a tuck where the stomach comes up higher than the rib cage. You dog is under weight if there are hip points and you can see most of the vertebrae. All our dogs weights were taken at ideal weight. How to Measure American Bulldog Head size Best way to measure the head size is with a mayo tape or a soft tape measure. Wrap the tape measure firmly around the widest part of the skull. Dog should be calm and not panting or you could get a false measurement. Also keep in mind if your American Bulldog is over weight their head is going to measure larger just like a humans face is bigger when over weight. It always best to keep your dog at optimal weight is best for the dogs health. Withers are the top of the dogs shoulder blades. If its hard to get your American Bulldog to stay still, have them stand next to a wall then place a pencil flat on top of their shoulders and draw a line. Then measure from the floor to your line. How to Measure American Bulldog Length To get your dogs length measure from the withers to the base of the tail. So length is not from tip of nose to tip of tail. Learn more about the American Bulldog and upcoming American Bulldog shows at www. Hip dysplasia Premature death You can make your American Bulldog look bigger and stronger by investing time into his fitness. Taking him running, doing weight pulling, trying out a sport such as agility training or taking him swimming will all increase his muscle mass. By feeding him a high-quality diet with a lot of protein, his body will change the quickest. At what age is an American Bulldog fully grown? This breed is full-grown around the age of 18 months. If you continue exercising your dog diligently, he will bulk up more. When a dog is spayed or neutered, this interrupts the hormone production. Male and female sexual hormones function in signaling the body when to stop growing. Dogs that are spayed or neutered early in life actually will become taller and grow longer than their intact littermates. This difference is less pronounced in females. How much food should my Bulldog puppy eat to become tall? Feeding growing puppies with high-quality food is extremely important — if you do not provide adequate nutrition, your dog cannot grow up to become a strong and healthy adult. Growing American Bulldog puppies will have a big appetite! You should feed your pup several meals a day. For puppies under 4 months: feed 4 meals a day For puppies from months: feed 3 meals a day After 10 months: feed 2 meals a day You should never switch to feeding just one large meal every day. On the one hand, this can lead to low blood sugar in your dog as the time interval between the feedings is too long. On the other hand, feeding very large meals and having your very hungry dog scarfe them down increases the risk for bloat, a potentially fatal stomach torsion seen in large dogs. As far as total feeding amounts, plan to feed your American Bulldog puppy: 3 cups per day until 4 months of age Up to 5 cups per day between months cups a day for adults over 12 months If you lead a very active lifestyle, your dog will burn more calories than if you have a more sedentary lifestyle. Any kind of dog sport or special activity you do with your dog is going to require him to take in additional calories. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Puppy selection will start when the litter is 6 weeks old. Puppies are selected in the order in which we receive the completed Reservation form with the deposit. Payment in full is due when puppies are 6 weeks old. Puppies will be ready to come home between weeks old. If you are not close enough to Monarch Labradoodles to come pick up your new family member, we can ship your puppy to you. We can ship puppies throughout the United States out of Detroit Metro Airport for an additional shipping fee. This fee includes a crate for your puppy for the flight, a health certification to fly from a licensed vet, transport to the airport, and a flight with minimum transfers and less wait time. Another option is that you can fly into Detroit DTW airport to bring your new puppy home as a carry on. This option has no additional fee. It is a fun experience for you and your puppy and great time to cuddle and bond. Another option is to have your puppy travel with a puppy nanny. This person will take your puppy on the plane with them and travel to your destination of choice where you will meet your new best friend at the airport. These puppies will be chosen first as we may be looking for certain confirmation, temperament, color, markings, size, etc. As your breeder, we are committed to being available for any questions or concerns you may have throughout the development of your amazing new puppy. We are also happy to help new breeders get their start. Are you ready to bring home a furry bundle of joy from Gleneden Labradoodles? Look no further than the small, medium verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles for sale! These adorable pups result from crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, creating a delightful hybrid breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. Our first litter from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles is now available! Labradoodles, a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, are incredibly cute and possess some amazing qualities. One notable feature of this dog breed is its hypoallergenic coat, making them an excellent choice for dog owners with allergies. Say goodbye to sneezing fits and itchy eyes — Labradoodles, with their gorgeous fleece coats, offer the perfect solution for allergy sufferers who long for canine companionship. Labradoodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them fantastic family pets. Labradoodles easily adapt and become cherished members of any household, whether you have children or other pets. Labradoodles are an appealing dog breed due to the wide range of sizes and colors they come in. Whether you prefer a miniature or standard size, you can find the perfect labradoodle to fit your lifestyle. Their coats can also be curly or wavy, adding a unique touch to each pup. Labradoodles also make great pets for families looking for their first litter of old puppies. The combination of different sizes, colors, and coat types makes Labradoodles popular among dog lovers. Finding reputable breeders specializing in authentic Australian Labradoodles is essential when searching for labradoodle puppies for sale. Trusted names like Gleneden Labradoodles and Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles ensure you bring home a healthy and well-bred pup from their first litter with gorgeous fleece coats. These Labradoodles have a non-shedding coat, making them perfect for those who are allergenic. These small, medium-verified multi-gen Australian Labradoodles are adorable furballs that will undoubtedly bring love, joy, and endless cuddles into your life! Labradoodle Colors: Black, Chocolate, and More Labradoodles, a popular dog breed, are known for their gorgeous fleece coats in various colors. Common Coat Colors Labradoodles, a popular dog breed, can have an array of coat colors that make each old puppy unique and special. The most common colors include black, chocolate, cream, apricot, and red. These caramel hues can vary in intensity and may even change as the puppy ages. Watching how their coats develop over time in each litter is fascinating! Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Maryland Black Labradoodles, including red caramel lab puppies from the Barksdale litter, are particularly striking with their deep ebony fur. They exude elegance and charm while having a playful nature characteristic of the Labradoodle breed. Like those of old puppies, their gorgeous fleece coats are soft to the touch and make them stand out from the crowd. Chocolate Labradoodles, also known as red caramel Labradoodles, have a rich brown color that is simply irresistible. Their curly or wavy coats add extra cuteness to their already adorable appearance. Cream Labradoodles, also known as Ald puppies, have a gentle hue ranging from pale ivory to creamy white. This light color gives them an angelic look that is hard to resist. They often have luscious fleece coats that are visually appealing and incredibly soft. These caramel-colored dogs are hypoallergenic and make for a beautiful litter. Apricot Labradoodles are a joy to be around, with warm golden tones similar to ripe apricots. These lovable companions often sport curly or wavy coats, adding an extra layer of charm. Their vibrant red caramel color is allergenic and often found in miniature sizes. Red Labradoodles, including male and female puppies from the Barksdale litter, showcase a fiery shade ranging from deep mahogany to vibrant copper-red hues. This eye-catching color makes them stand out in any crowd, while their curly or wavy coats give them a touch of elegance. Unique Markings and Patterns In addition to the solid coat colors mentioned above, Labradoodles can have gorgeous fleece coats with unique markings that make them even more special. Some Labradoodles may exhibit parti or phantom patterns, like red caramel or Barksdale, which add a touch of individuality to their appearance. Parti Labradoodles have a coat of two distinct colors, typically white combined with another color, such as black, chocolate, red, caramel, or apricot. These striking markings create a captivating contrast that turns heads wherever they go. The gorgeous fleece coats of these miniature Barksdale Labradoodles make them even more eye-catching. Phantom Labradoodles, known for their gorgeous fleece coats, have a base color that is usually one of the solid patterns mentioned earlier black, chocolate, red caramel. They then have specific body areas marked with another color like cream or apricot. This creates an intriguing and eye-catching look that differentiates them from other Labradoodles in the litter. Barksdale is a breeder that specializes in miniature phantom Labradoodles. Some Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles puppies are born with lighter shades and gradually develop into their final color over time. This adds an element of surprise and excitement for new owners who watch their furry friends with gorgeous fleece coats transform before their eyes. Different coat colors of Labradoodles, like the litter at Barksdale, may require specific grooming techniques. For example, a female miniature Labradoodle with a darker-colored coat may benefit from regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain shine. On the other hand, lighter-colored pups might need extra care to avoid staining from dirt or outdoor activities. Regular grooming sessions for your small, medium verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles help keep them looking fabulous and contribute to their overall health and well-being. Establishing a grooming routine early on is essential so your pup with gorgeous fleece coats becomes accustomed to it and enjoys the bonding experience between you both. These adorable furry companions with gorgeous fleece coats come in different sizes, allowing potential owners to choose the one that best fits their lifestyle and living arrangements. Miniature Labradoodles: Small but Mighty Miniature Labradoodles are the smaller version of this popular mixed breed. Weighing between 15 to 30 pounds, these pint-sized female pups bring much love into a compact package. Despite their small stature, they possess all the wonderful qualities of their larger counterparts. Barksdale is known for producing litters of these adorable pups with gorgeous fleece coats. Mini Labradoodles are known for being friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable. They make excellent family pets due to their gentle nature and ability to get along well with children and other animals. Their small size makes them suitable for apartments or homes with limited space. Additionally, Mini Labradoodles have gorgeous fleece coats that are both stylish and practical. Whether you have a litter of puppies or a single female dog, Barksdale Mini Labradoodles are a great choice for a loving and lovable companion. One advantage of choosing a mini Labradoodle is its lower exercise requirements than standard Labradoodles. This can be ideal for individuals or families who may not have the time or energy for extensive exercise routines. Additionally, mini Labradoodles have gorgeous fleece coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Standard Labradoodles: Big Hearts in Big Bodies On the other end of the spectrum, we have standard Labradoodles — larger versions of this lovable breed. Ranging from 45 to pounds in weight, these big-hearted dogs offer plenty of snuggles and companionship. These dogs are known for their fleece coats and are available in male and female varieties. Despite their size, standard Labradoodles, like the litter of female Labradoodles from the Barksdale line, share many similar traits with their miniature counterparts. They are known for being affectionate, friendly, and highly intelligent. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family pets, and their larger size can be an advantage for families with older children who enjoy rough-and-tumble play. They have higher energy levels and benefit from regular physical activity to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. Daily walks, runs, or engaging in activities like agility training can help meet their exercise needs. Choosing the Right Size for You Deciding between a small, medium, or standard Australian Labradoodle depends on your lifestyle and living arrangements. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing between Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles: the size of the litter, whether you prefer a male or female, and if you want a multi-gen or verified Labradoodle. Space: If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, a mini Labradoodle may be a better fit due to their smaller size. Family Dynamics: Consider the age of your children and whether they prefer a smaller or larger dog for playtime. Exercise Commitment: Assess how much time you can dedicate to exercising your furry friend daily. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Michigan By considering these factors, such as the size and generation of the Australian Labradoodle, you can determine whether a small, medium, or standard Labradoodle from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles is the right choice for you. Labradoodle Energy Levels and Temperament Labradoodles, including those from the Barksdale line, are known for their energetic nature and friendly temperament. They make great pets for families and are highly sought after. They have high energy levels and require regular exercise to prevent boredom. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, or engaging in interactive games like fetch can help keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. Labradoodles are known for their litter size and can be found at Barksdale. Labradoodles may become restless without adequate exercise and exhibit destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or excessive barking. Providing them with outlets for their energy is essential to ensure they lead a happy and well-balanced life. Litter and Barksdale are the keywords. Energetic but Adaptable to Different Activity Levels While Labradoodles are generally energetic dogs but also adaptable to different activity levels, this makes them suitable for various households with different lifestyles or physical limitations. Labradoodles are a great choice for families looking for an active dog and adaptable to different living situations. For families who enjoy an active lifestyle, Labradoodles can be excellent companions for outdoor activities such as hiking or running. They will happily join you on litter adventures and keep up with your pace at Barksdale. However, Labradoodles can also adjust well to less active households. As long as they receive regular exercise, they can adapt to a more relaxed routine without becoming restless or anxious. Additionally, Labradoodles are known for being low-litter dogs, making them a great choice for those with allergies. Generally Friendly Towards Children, Other Pets, and Strangers One of the most appealing traits of Labradoodles is their friendly nature towards children, other pets, strangers, and litter. Their friendly temperament makes them great family pets who get along well with everyone, including Barksdale. Labradoodles, including the Barksdale variety, are known for being patient and gentle with children. They make great playmates for kids of all ages. Labradoodles often form strong bonds with their human family members and show affectionate behavior towards them. Additionally, they are less likely to litter. Labradoodles, including those from Barksdale, are generally friendly and accepting. Proper socialization allows them to peacefully coexist with cats, other dogs, or smaller animals without litter issues. Labradoodles, a crossbreed of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, are known for their peaceful nature towards strangers. Although they may initially show caution, Labradoodles are not typically aggressive and can warm up to new people once properly introduced. This friendly temperament makes them popular for families with children and other pets. Additionally, Labradoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to dog hair. Labradoodles, a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, can exhibit various traits from both parent breeds. The Barksdale Labradoodle litter showcases the unique characteristics of these hybrid dogs. While most Labradoodles inherit the friendly and pleasant nature of their parent breeds, there can be variations in temperament within the same litter. The Barksdale Labradoodle is popular for families seeking a friendly and sociable companion. When choosing a Labradoodle puppy, it is advisable to spend time with the small, medium, verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles parents from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles to get an idea of their temperament. This can provide some insight into what you might expect from their offspring. With proper care and attention, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and a loving environment, these adorable puppies will be your loyal companions for many joyful years. Proper care for your small to medium-sized, multi-gen Australian Labradoodle includes keeping up with vaccinations, providing safe living space, and monitoring their overall health. Regular visits to the verified Australian Labradoodle breeder, Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles, will ensure that potential health issues are caught early on and treated promptly. By following these guidelines, you can help maximize the lifespan of your beloved black Labradoodle puppy from a trusted litter of Australian Labradoodles. Grooming keeps your Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodle looking their best and maintains the health of their fur. It is important to establish a grooming routine early on so that your pup becomes comfortable with the process and ensures the well-being of the litter. Brushing is one of the key aspects of grooming for Labradoodles. This breed has hair that grows continuously rather than shedding like other dogs. Brushing helps prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can lead to discomfort or even skin issues if left unattended. A slicker brush or comb designed for curly coats will keep their hair tangle-free. Grooming your Labradoodle to keep it litter-free and healthy regularly is important. Barksdale Labradoodles are known for their beautiful curly coats, so proper brushing is essential to maintain their appearance. Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles recommends this grooming routine for their labradoodle puppies. While regular at-home grooming is crucial for your small, medium verified multi-gen Australian Labradoodle puppy from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles, there may be times when professional grooming becomes necessary. The frequency of professional grooming will depend on factors such as the texture of their coat, their activity level, and your personal preferences. Professional groomers at Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles have the expertise to give your Labradoodle a thorough trim or haircut, ensuring their coat remains manageable and free from excessive matting. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Georgia Generally, it is recommended to take your Australian Labradoodle puppy from Barksdale for professional grooming every few months. However, this can vary depending on individual needs. Some owners of Australian Labradoodles may opt for more frequent visits to maintain a specific hairstyle or if their dog spends a lot of time outdoors and gets dirty easily. Remember that grooming is not just about aesthetics; it plays a vital role in keeping your Australian Labradoodles healthy and comfortable. So, whether you groom them at home or seek professional assistance, regular care is essential for your Australian Labradoodle litter to ensure they look and feel their best. Adaptability and Intelligence of Labradoodles Highly Adaptable Companions Labradoodle puppies for sale are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in various environments, including bustling cities like Barksdale or quiet countryside. These intelligent dogs can easily adjust to their surroundings, making them an excellent choice for families with varying lifestyles. Their versatile nature allows them to adapt to different living conditions, making them a great fit for any litter. One of the reasons Labradoodles are so adaptable is their mixed heritage. As a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles inherit desirable traits from both parent breeds, such as litter friendliness and Barksdale intelligence. Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, while Poodles bring intelligence and versatility. This combination results in Labradoodles being well-suited for different types of households. Whether you have an active lifestyle or prefer a more relaxed pace, Labradoodles can keep up with your needs. They enjoy going on long walks, playing fetch at the park, or simply cuddling on the couch with their owners. Labradoodles are also great travel companions and can easily adapt to new environments such as hotels or vacation rentals. Labradoodles are known for their low litter size, and the Barksdale line is particularly popular among dog enthusiasts. Intelligent Dogs with Trainable Minds Australian Labradoodle puppies for sale rank high among dog breeds. These intelligent Australian Labradoodles possess a remarkable ability to learn quickly and retain information. Their trainability makes them ideal candidates for obedience training, agility competitions, and other activities that require mental stimulation. Barksdale Australian Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. Labradoodles excel in obedience training, including litter training and Barksdale training. They thrive on positive reinforcement methods and respond well when rewarded for good behavior. With consistent training sessions and patience from their owners, Labradoodles can quickly pick up commands such as sit, stay, heel, and come. In addition to obedience training, Labradoodles also enjoy participating in agility courses. Their athleticism, combined with their intelligence, allows them to navigate through obstacle courses with ease. Whether jumping over hurdles, weaving through poles, or maneuvering tunnels, Labradoodles excel in agility training. Mental Stimulation for a Happy Labradoodle Labradoodles, like the ones from Barksdale, are quick learners who enjoy mental stimulation. Engaging their minds is essential to keep them happy and stimulated and prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. There are various ways to provide mental stimulation for your labradoodle litter. These toys challenge their problem-solving skills and often have hidden treats or compartments to access. Interactive Games: Play interactive games with your Australian Labradoodles, such as hide-and-seek or treasure hunts around the house or yard. This stimulates their mind and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Barksdale Labradoodles are especially known for their love of interactive games. Training Sessions: Continue training sessions with Australian Labradoodles beyond basic obedience commands. Teach your Australian Labradoodles new tricks or enroll them in advanced training classes at Barksdale, where they can learn complex tasks. Scent Work: Labradoodles, known for their excellent sense of smell, can be highly stimulated by litter scent work activities. Hide treats around the house or play scent-based games to tap into their natural abilities. Barksdale Labradoodles are particularly adept at scent work.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! German Shepherds for sale in Texas Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Texas with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Texas. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Texas There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Texas, from Houston to Dallas, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in TX! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in TX We like to think we've made a lot of people in Texas happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. Cindy was a huge help and their dog has now been so helpful in my life. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our large, black and red puppies are born into a loving family environment, and they are socialized around creatures of all sizes. Therefore, your puppy will have experience being exposed to cats, children and horses, for example. If you would like to bring home a World Sieger German Shepherd today, or if you have any questions about our breeding program or our puppies, please contact us at your convenience. Any puppy is considered available and can be sold at any time, unless we have a deposit in hand or agreed to wait the necessary amount of time for the deposit or full payment to arrive. Nobleheim German Shepherds has the right to refuse the sale of a puppy to any customer, at any time, at our sole discretion. All puppies are chosen by their new owners in the order deposits are received. Once selected, the final price of the puppy is that which the breeder and new owner agree upon. Nobleheim puppy prices are based on various factors. These beautiful Purebred German Shepherd Puppies are watched over closely being sold to their rightful owners. From a young age, German Shepherds are raised to respect and love. As puppies, the dogs are keen to training, while remaining adorable and perfect for any home. With Nobleheim German Shepherds, you can see this for yourself with our current litters below. For the past 30 years, we have matched countless numbers of German Shepherd pups with their soon-to-be best friends, and look to do the same with you. Check out the upcoming litters page for new upcoming litters! Have a Question? Our dogs are hand picked from top German breeders and are from world class West German bloodlines. We are conveniently located 40 miles from Ft. Worth and approximately one hour from Dallas TX. We are proud of our Kaiser facility and all of our outstanding dogs. Each of them is a special part of our family. It takes a great deal of experience, education, and knowledge about the breed to successfully produce world class German Shepherds. My husband Paul and I work together to ensure the highest breed standards are met. Our goal is to continue to not only meet those standards but to improve the breed. They are hand picked from top German breeders and are imported. They are from top West German bloodlines. Selective breeding program to produce superior offspring. We produce a limited number of litters each year in order to personally assure the very best care possible. Healthy puppies and adult dogs is a top priority to us. Our adult dogs have been DNA tested for degenerative myelopathy. Their hips and elbows have been certified as normal. We do a great amount of education with our new puppy owners regarding GSD growth and development, health maintenance, the importance of ongoing socialization and many other important topics about the GSD breed. We make it a practice to stay in touch with our puppy owners for ongoing education and support. We love to see our pups grow into amazing adult dogs as part of a loving family home! We also have a professional trainer available. She has worked with many of our puppies and their new families with outstanding results. She is warm, patient and loves what she does. She is careful and has a loving touch for her puppies; each one captures her heart. She has been extremely helpful to us when we have not been certain about next steps for our pup. Kaiser is not a puppy factory, but a caring, loving, thoughtful, and well read about the German Shepherd breed. So grateful for Terri and Kaiser pups!

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

french bulldog puppies for adoption in pa - This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment. Crate Training and Toilet Training Crate training Done right, crate training is possibly the best thing you will ever do for your dog. Crate training is a very popular way of keeping puppies safe and is a highly effective tool to fast track toilet training. The dog comes to see the crate as his own space, his den, his safe-haven, and his favourite place to sleep. Some puppies love their crates immediately, while others need a little time to acclimate. Our labradors are crate trained very early, and by the time you pick up your puppy from us, he will already be familiar with a crate. Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such a corner of a room, or under a table, or near a couch where they like to relax. Crate training techniques Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys. Encourage him to enter the crate of his own will, by tossing some treats inside the door of the crate. Provide a crate-mountable water bucket. For a puppy, the bucket should be shallow with only a small amount of water in the bottom. Once the puppy is comfortable inside the crate with you nearby, gradually move further away and out of sight, building up the duration. Feed him his meals inside the crate to continue a positive association with the crate. If the puppy whines or barks in his crate, wait until he is quiet before opening the door and letting him out. The process of crate-acclimatisation can be adapted to adult dogs too. The crate is a not a punishment tool. It is a safe and comfortable place to go, so do not punish him by confining him to his crate when he has done something wrong. The crate is not a long-term confinement means. Dogs should be allowed to exercise and freely move about in the yard, a secure area, or within the home. The puppy only goes into his crate for short periods of time, and to sleep at night. He may sleep in there for scheduled rest periods each day and of course during the night , when you have visitors or are cooking in the kitchen, or anytime he needs a nap or quiet time to relax. A young puppy has limited bladder control. If you leave him there too long, you are forcing him to soil his bed which dogs absolutely hate soiling their own bed. This will cause him to be very upset and is very unfair. Always toilet him before asking him to go to his crate. Keep reading below for toilet-training lessons. Whining and barking are fundamental aspects of puppyhood, especially in young puppies. Make sure to never reinforce the behaviour by letting him out of the crate while he is crying or whining. Wait a short time until he is quiet before letting him out. This way he learns that he is allowed out when he is quiet and calm, and that yelling does not get his way providing you have met all his physical needs such as toileting, feeding and watering. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy might find a corner to soil in. To make the crate more den-like and feel safe, put a blanket or crate cover over the crate, leaving one end or side open for movement of air. This has a calming effect for most dogs. Good places to keep the crate are near your kitchen or family room. A radio or television playing in the background or a clock ticking nearby, may help to calm the dog when you are out of his sight in the house, as this can mask environmental noises that can stimulate him to vocalize. Toileting training or house-training your puppy Probably the first thing puppy-owners wish for is a house-trained puppy. This achievable and only requires you understand your puppy and are consistent. Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it is the most natural thing in the world. If your puppy has run of the house unsupervised, you are setting him up to fail — toileting inside the house is inevitable and impedes house-training. Crate training helps fast track the process because a puppy never desires to soil his own bed he is the one who has to sleep there. Crate him for his meal, take him out the toilet on his leash about 10 minutes after his meal and stay with him to observe he has done his business. Puppies have very little control over their small bladder, and have no idea that there is a right and wrong place to toilet. If you can avoid accidents as much as possible from the start, you will make faster progress — this means the more effort you put in at the beginning the better things will be. Puppies will toilet where they have been before. So, if an accident occurs, be sure to clean up very well, as he will smell that is where he has been before and likely try to go there again. You have to teach your puppy where he needs to be before he takes a pee or poop. Times when your puppy is guaranteed to toilet: within 10 minutes of any food or water or play, and when he wakes. These are the times you especially need to take him to his toilet spot. Signs of an impending pee or poop include: circling and sniffing, a bulging anus, agitation and whimpering. A labrador puppy can be toilet-trained by the age of 4 months old if you are diligent and consistent in your toilet-training. Be aware that despite all your hard effort, the occasional accident might still occur. You missed the signs that he needed to go. Never punish a puppy for an accident. Toilet him sooner the next time and praise him. At night, carry him out quietly no talking to him , ask him to go to the toilet when you place him down in his toilet area, and quietly return him to his bed so he will resettle. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun.


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french bulldog puppies for adoption in pa - We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Plymouth Michigan and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history. They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Tootsie is a cuddly and very loving dog who adores children. She is very intelligent and has proved easy to train. Her gentle temperament means her puppies will be perfect for first time dog owners! She is an exceptionally pretty dog with a gorgeous thick and curly coat. Tootsie comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of both sets of puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups are now ready to go home! A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, please do get in touch for more details : - All of our dogs are extensively health checked, having passed all their hip, elbow and annual eye tests. As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Please check out my website which has links to all the popular social media!