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What is a Frenchie? They are very popular pets due to their playful and lively personalities and are often considered to be good family dogs. They also have a unique look, with their large ears, short skulls, and stocky bodies. Their small size makes them great for city living as well. Getting a Frenchie without papers can be a great way to save a few bucks, but there are a few things to consider before making your decision. What is a French Bulldog Without Papers? This means that the dog is not considered a purebred and therefore cannot be registered with the AKC. Despite not having papers, these dogs are still of the same breed and have all of the same traits that an AKC registered Frenchie would have. They just do not have the same pedigree and may not have the same level of health guarantees that an AKC registered Frenchie would. When it comes to buying a Frenchie without papers, there are some things to keep in mind. It is important to make sure that the pup is in good physical and mental condition and that they have been socialized properly. Taking the time to ask questions and do research can help to ensure that you find a healthy, happy pup and that you get the best deal possible. These dogs are just as lively and friendly as a Frenchie with papers, but they usually come with a much lower price tag. They tend to be healthier since they are not bred as frequently and are less prone to genetic diseases that can plague heavily-bred lines. There are many reputable breeders and rescue organizations that have Frenchies without papers available. Before making a purchase, make sure to do your research and look for breeders with positive reviews, who have a clear understanding of the breed and health requirements. The Cost of a Frenchie Without Papers When considering the cost of a French Bulldog without papers, one must first understand that it depends on several factors. In some cases, the pup may be cheaper due to health issues or other complications. When looking for a French Bulldog without papers, it is important to be wary of certain sellers who may be taking advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Research the seller thoroughly, and make sure they are reputable. Many unscrupulous sellers may be claiming to have a purebred Frenchie without papers, when in actuality they are selling a hybrid or a dog that is not the breed of their claim. Getting a French Bulldog without papers is not for everyone. Be sure to do your research and contact a reputable breeder in your area to discuss the cost and other important details. That way, you can be sure to get the perfect pup for you. Unveiling the Mystery! The younger the pup, the more expensive it will be. The location of the breeder, the availability of the pup, and their health history can also influence the cost. You also need to make sure that the pup has had all of their shots and has been properly taken care of. Taking these steps will ensure that you get a pup that is healthy and will be a good addition to your home. There are several factors that can affect the total cost. When buying a Frenchie without papers, it is important to consider all of these factors to ensure that you are getting the best deal. The first thing to consider is the bloodlines of the dog. Bloodlines can affect the cost significantly. The more prestigious the bloodlines, the more you will likely have to pay for the dog. Many breeders may also charge more for puppies with lighter or rarer colors or markings. The age of the dog is also a factor to consider when it comes to cost. Puppies are more expensive than adults, and puppies that are younger than 8 weeks old may be more expensive. The location of the breeder and the availability of the breed can also impact the cost, as French Bulldogs can be difficult to find in certain areas and thus may be more expensive. When shopping for a French Bulldog without papers, consider all of these factors before making a decision. Doing your research ahead of time can help ensure that you get the best deal and get the perfect pup for your family. Where to Find a Frenchie Without Papers If you are looking for a French Bulldog without papers, the best place to start is by asking around. Talk to friends and family who may know of a reputable breeder in your area who offers the breed. You can also search online for local breeders or rescue centers. Be sure to check the reputation of any breeder before making a purchase by researching reviews and interviewing the breeder to ask about their breeding practices and health guarantees. Many online Frenchie forums exist, where you can communicate with other owners to learn about their experiences with breeders and rescues. Another option for finding a Frenchie without papers is to attend local dog shows. Attendees often have puppies for sale that do not come with papers. Be sure to ask questions about what has been done to verify the health and temperament of the pup. Consider asking your vet or a local Frenchie club for recommendations. They may have inside knowledge of reliable breeders in your area. Considerations When Buying a Frenchie Without Papers When buying a Frenchie without papers, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account. First and foremost, it is important to ensure that the puppy comes from a trustworthy source. Reputable breeders ensure that the parents of the puppy are healthy and free from genetic diseases. It is also important to research the laws and regulations in the area where the puppy is being purchased, as some areas may require that puppies be registered. It is important to bring a vet with you when picking up the Frenchie without papers. A vet will be able to provide a thorough check-up to ensure that the puppy is healthy and free from any potential medical issues. Always ask the breeder plenty of questions. When buying a Frenchie without papers, it is essential to take the time to research and plan ahead. Doing so can ensure that the Frenchie is healthy and happy and that the purchase is a positive experience for all involved. Post Views: .They come with papers, shots, and health guarantees. I am a breeder not a store. The pups are raised in a loving home and are already well sociali.They comes with papers, shots, and health guarantees. I'm a breeder not a store. Mom and Dad on site. The puppies are raised in a loving home.Both parents are ge.Read More Female French bulldog Revere, Massachusetts French bulldog, has been raised in our home with lots of love and attention, there is nothing more important to us than a healthy happy puppy. Playful, loving and full of energy. Is Currently on all v.He has tick markings, may carry cream and fluffy, house broke and walks on leash. For Information on the Frenchie pup please call Chauncey at .Our website is www. Read More Friendly 1. Read More Lovable 15 Week Old French Bulldog-Ready to Go North Andover, Massachusetts All of our puppies leave us vet checked and are sent to their forever homes with a generous tote bag full of things needed to help transition them to their new families and life. We have a Blue Sable.Read More. Contact Registered v's Unregistered In recent years the popularity of the French Bulldog has, quite literally, exploded out of control. The unscrupulous began getting hold of whatever unsterilized dogs and bitches they could and breeding with them. With absolutely no regard to the quality of the animals, whether they could breath, whether they required corrective surgery for various faults, whether they even looked anything like a French Bulldog should look. So long as they could sell the puppies, they were happy. This has done nothing to help the French Bulldog as a breed, and their overall health has plummeted. Something unheard of ten years ago. Check they are doing all the testing necessary to produce pups of health and soundness. Go and meet the breeder, see for yourself that the adult dogs are fit, healthy, good looking, can breathe, and are kept in clean and appropriate conditions. At the minimum you would want to see DNA testing results and spine scoring for both parents of any litter. This is not a simple dog to breed. Every potential buyer should be able to meet the parents, see where the puppies have been raised, see where the parents live. This has always been the standard among registered breeders for time immemorial… yet lately this is changing among some French Bulldog breeders. As a puppy buyer, I would be very suspicious about any of those claims. There is very often a good reason why some French Bulldog puppies are a lot cheaper than others. And be doubly cautious about buying cheap pups online, interstate or overseas. Scammers are flocking to the internet, especially for Frenchies, and placing adverts for non-existent puppies. These frauds are difficult to trace and even harder to prosecute, as they often originate overseas where the laws are different or non-existent when it comes to internet fraud. A breeder they can go to if they have issues, someone they can call upon for advice and assistance with that puppy for years to come. Often these ethically bred pups will be more expensive than the cheapest options online, but in this instance you want quality, not a bargain. Tralinka French Bulldogs. Contact Kate or Linda on .Email: prideland aapt.

Lifespan Sociability Ahh, the Golden Akita. Where do we start? Not only do they look different, but their personalities are worlds apart. Because the majority of Golden Akita pups are first-generation, there is no guarantee that he will be an equal blend of his parents. His Golden Retriever parent is part of the sporting group because of his gundog heritage. The Akita is part of the working group because he was traditionally bred in packs to hunt deer, wild boar, and bears. Both of his parents are very energetic and intelligent, which means they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. The Golden Akita, despite his robust appearance and character, craves human companionship and hates to be alone. So much so that he suffers from separation anxiety — a mixture of missing you and feeling that he is unable to protect you. For this reason, he needs to live with a family that can spend most of their day with him. This is one of its distinct features that separate him from the canine crowd. The Golden Akita is not always Golden He can inherit any color of his parents. Although the golden color is the most desirable, he can inherit black, white, silver, brindle, fawn or red, or a combination of them. He can also inherit the black facial mask of his Akita parent too. The Golden Akita is Rare This guy is relatively rare, so you need to be prepared to travel to find a reputable breeder, and expect to be placed on a waiting list. He will likely be a first-generation pooch, also known as an F1 , which means there is a lot of appearance and personality variation in pups. To learn just how faithful he can be, read up on the story of Hachiko , the most famous Akita in the world. Extremely loyal dogs usually carry the guard dog gene, and you can be sure that this gene will shine through in the Golden Akita. The Golden Retriever is one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet, which is why he is one of the most common assistance dogs. His Akita parent is also quite a smart pup, but only if he is in the mood for training. This dog is also seriously loving and affectionate. This is great news considering how fluffy and cuddly he is. Nothing will keep you warmer than a Golden Akita on a cold winters eve. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Not only does his well-balanced personality make him a delight to be around, but his robust body can handle excitable children. He is very patient and knows how to be gentle with them. Just be sure to supervise them considering how big he is. He needs a family that can spend most of their time with him. This guy will not get along well with a family who is out all day working and socializing. He also needs a family who has not only time for his intense exercise needs, but also interactive playtime throughout the day. His intelligent brain needs a lot of stimulation and enrichment to keep him happy and chilled. It is more than likely that edible treats will drive this guy, so be sure to include these in games and think of plenty of brain games to entertain him with. He also needs an experienced dog-owning family who is aware of what the family dynamics should be. A firm pack leader who will not allow the Golden Akita to get away with unruly behavior is needed. His Akita parent is known to be overly protective and can display fear aggression with other dogs. He might chase the local cats or visiting squirrels in your yard, but this is purely for his entertainment more than anything else. Image Credit: Lollga, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Golden Akita Retriever: In addition to his personality and what kind of family he needs, here are a few other things that you need to know about his training and day-to-day needs. Being a large boy, you should always buy him kibble specially designed for large breed dogs. This is particularly important for his puppy life-stage. Feeding him a large breed kibble will help to control his rapid bone growth and help to lower the chances of him developing orthopedic disease. A high-quality dried kibble will provide him with vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, carbohydrates, and fiber. Anything more is just a bonus. Being a food-obsessed pooch, you should utilize treats in his training regime. If you notice that your Golden Akita is turning into a porky pooch, switch him to a weight management kibble and lower his treat intake. Being a big dog, this guy is prone to a condition called bloat. So make sure you do not feed him immediately before or after exercise. His stomach will twist, and it is a life-threatening condition , so make sure you are aware of the symptoms. You need to set aside 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. It needs to be intense and challenging for his body and mind to reap the benefits. A long leisurely walk around the block will not do. The Golden Akita is much happier in a home where there is room to roam and play all day long. Be sure to mix up his routine to keep him interested and to give his nose new surroundings to sniff. A great exercise activity for this guy is the local doggy park, and this will also keep his socialization skills and doggy etiquette up to scratch. They will need to invest a lot of time and effort into his puppy training schedule. Enrolling this guy into a puppy obedience class will set you up for a lifetime of well-behaved characteristics. It is essential to understand that his training is a lifelong commitment. He will need to be continually reminded of his doggy manners for him to remain polite. This is always the case with dogs that have the potential to be overprotective and challenging. But as long as you can commit to this, you will find that you have an adorable and lovely pooch. He needs early socialization to ensure that he becomes accustomed to and confident around other dogs, animals, humans, and unfamiliar situations. An unconfident or poorly socialized dog of his size can be a dangerous mix, and a handful to control. Considering how anxious he can become when left alone for too long, we suggest that you crate train him from an early age. Although many dog owners are put off by locking their dog in a cage, it is known to be useful in making him calmer and happier. His coat could take after either parent, but each has its demands. Be sure to wash him once every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how dirty he gets on his adventures in the local doggy park. Do not clean him any more than this because you risk damaging his natural skin oils. You should purchase a concentrated but gentle shampoo to penetrate his thick coat. His large ears will need cleaning because they are bound to catch a lot of dirt. A build-up of dirt will lead to bacterial infections, so you should do this once or twice a week. He is a relatively healthy dog who will enjoy a lifespan of 10 to 13 years on average. Minor Conditions. The Akita Golden is a mix between the Akita and the Golden Retriever, so they often inherit the best of both worlds. While the Golden Retriever is a calm dog, the Akita is known as an aggressive breed. Despite having different temperaments, both are devoted to their families. But there are a few things you need to know about this mixed breed before bringing them home because they are not a good fit for everyone or every family. Read on to find out! Their History The Akita originated in the northern Japanese mountains for hunting and guarding work. Compared to many breeds, the history of the Golden Retriever is relatively new. They originated in the Scottish Highlands and were mainly used as hunting dogs. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The Akita joined the working group in , while the Golden Retriever had already joined the sporting group in .Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh about 75 to pounds. Females are about 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh about 65 to 90 pounds. They have round, compact feet and their legs are often longer than the Golden Retriever. They can have a dense double coat like the Akita. However, if their coat resembles the Golden Retriever, it will be longer, flat, or wavy. The Akita mix Golden Retriever can inherit the curly tail of the Akita. When they are joyful, their tail will spin like a Catherine wheel. This is a distinct feature that separates them from the canine crowd. They can inherit any coat color from their parents. The most desirable color is golden, but it can also be white, black, silver, brindle, fawn, red, or a mix of those colors. Based on the health conditions of their parents, the Akita Golden is more likely to suffer from bloat, dermatitis, hip dysplasia, and certain forms of cancer. Related post: Average Akita Lifespan? As a result, you will have an intelligent, affectionate companion. The Akita mix Golden Retriever is also a good watchdog. You can expect them to bark at strangers and show bravery in defense. But they can become overprotective, so they require socialization to control their temperament. A local dog park is a terrific place for this pup to get some exercise. This will also help improve their etiquette and socialization skills. The Akita Golden is happier in a home with space to run around and play all day, so they are not suitable for living in an apartment or a small house without a yard. You will need to invest a lot of time and effort into this task. So enrolling your little puppy in an obedience class will set you up for a lifetime of joy, happiness, and peace of mind. Besides, these dogs need early socialization to help them get comfortable with people and other animals. The best results come from consistent training mixed with praise and rewards for a job well done. You should bathe them once every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on how dirty they get from their adventures in the local dog park. But do not overbathe them since it will damage their natural skin oils and lead to skin problems. Being a large breed, you should always feed them food specially designed for large breed dogs. Feeding them the right food will help control their rapid bone growth and reduce the risk of orthopedic diseases. However, this breed may not be suitable for living with young kids. Always teach your children how to approach and interact politely with dogs. The Akita Golden mix gets along well with other pets as long as they are socialized early. The Akita side can make them more aggressive towards other animals. Thankfully, their friendly Retriever genes make them much more mellow. Therefore, you will need to search far and wide to find a reputable breeder and expect to be added to a waiting list. Conclusion The Akita Golden Retriever mix is undoubtedly a big dog to handle, but as long as you can provide all they need, they will return the favor tenfold and become devoted and happy friends. For a list of all the supplies you need for your new puppies, check out our Minimal Puppy Checklist to get all the right things to ensure a successful adoption process. Readers Also Liked:. Can tolerate seasonal changes. Is easy to maintain dog breed. A Golden Retriever Akita Mix is suitable for families with kids. Will make a great companionship to its owner. Tends to shed a lot. Expect to brush your Akita Golden Retriever mix at least a few times a week to remove loose fur and prevent tangles. During shedding seasons, which can be quite heavy, daily brushing may be necessary. Regular maintenance of their ears, eyes, and nails is essential, as with any dog breed. Additionally, be prepared for seasonal shedding, especially with the Golden Retriever genes, which can result in more fur around the house during certain times of the year. Akita Golden Retriever Mix Dietary Requirements The dietary requirements of an Akita Golden Retriever mix, like any dog, depend on their age, size, activity level, and overall health. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when feeding this mixed breed. Quality Dog Food: Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their age and size. Look for brands that list a protein source like meat or fish as the first ingredient. Many dog owners opt for brands that do not contain artificial additives or fillers. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overfeeding, as both Akita and Golden Retrievers can be prone to obesity. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right portion size for your specific dog. Protein and Fat: A balanced diet for this mix should have a moderate protein content to support their muscle development and maintenance. Healthy fats are also essential for skin and coat health. Fruits and Vegetables: Some fresh fruits and vegetables can be added as occasional treats or supplements. However, avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. Avoid Overfeeding: Golden Retrievers, in particular, have a reputation for being enthusiastic eaters. Be cautious not to overindulge them with treats or table scraps, as this can lead to weight gain and related health issues. Water: Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. They can provide guidance on portion sizes, dietary restrictions, and any health concerns. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors all have different dietary requirements, so be sure to adapt their food accordingly. Additionally, if your dog has any allergies or sensitivities, your vet can recommend specialized diets to accommodate their needs. Basic obedience training is essential to establish boundaries and control, as Akitas can be strong-willed, and Golden Retrievers can be exuberant. Positive reinforcement techniques, using treats and praise, work well with this mix, as harsh or punitive methods can be counterproductive. Regular exercise is also vital to burn off their energy, as both breeds are active. Overall, consistent training and plenty of positive interactions will help your Akita Golden Retriever mix become a well-behaved and happy companion. Consider enrolling in puppy training classes or working with a professional dog trainer for more advanced training needs. Early socialization and consistent obedience training are key to ensuring a harmonious relationship between the dog and children. With the right upbringing and environment, this mixed breed can be a loving and dependable family pet, known for its loyalty and devotion to its human pack. Akita Golden Retriever Mix Compatibility With Other Animals The compatibility of an Akita Golden Retriever mix with other pets in the house largely depends on their individual temperament and early socialization. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly disposition and tend to get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats. Proper socialization from an early age and supervision during initial interactions are essential to ensure a harmonious coexistence. Firstly, this mix tends to be a medium to large-sized dog, which can be challenging in smaller living spaces. Secondly, both the Akita and Golden Retriever breeds have moderate to high energy levels, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Limited space in an apartment may make it difficult to provide them with the necessary physical activity they require. Akitas can be territorial and may not always adapt well to the close quarters and frequent encounters with neighbors and their pets that come with apartment living. They have a protective nature and may become wary of strangers or other dogs in shared spaces. Akita Golden Retriever mixes are better suited to homes with a yard or access to open spaces where they can expend their energy and maintain their mental and physical well-being. If a Golden Retriever Akita Mix has thick skin, they will not keep their body cool in the hot climate or weather. Akita Golden Retriever Mix Adaptability To Cold Weather An Akita Golden Retriever Mix adapts well to cold weather because it tends to have a double-layer coat on its body, protecting it from outer elements and helping it regulate its body temperature. Golden Retriever x Akita tends to be more active in cold weather compared to hot weather. Plus, Golden Retriever Akita Mix moods tend to be more positive in cold climates compared to other environments. Golden Retriever Akita Mix is a beautiful mix of two extremely loyal dogs. Check out the article below to get to know this breed more thoroughly. Akita Golden Retriever mix. Moreover, The Akita is often referred to as an aggressive dog and a calm dog. The Golden Retriever is mellow. Despite their distinct temperaments, both parents are affectionate and loyal to their families and loving towards children. Golden Akitas generally resemble Akita in appearance and appear larger than the Golden Retriever. However, the coat and certain characteristics may reach that of a Golden Retriever. The purpose of crossing the parents is to create an Akita-like hybrid. Akita also has features similar to that of the Golden Retriever. Information on the parent breed. Golden Retriever. Goldens are strong, athletic, and can carry the heavy game across water and land with a large, powerful head, an impressive neck, and well-developed fore and hindquarters. Goldens are slightly larger than tall and feature a smooth, powerful ground-covering gait and a thick, straight, or wavy exterior waterproof coat. The breed was appreciated because of its hunting capabilities; it was able to be produced through the precise blend of foundation stock, and then only later did it become sought-after as an animal. You may like: Dachshund golden retriever mix. The Akita breed is a strong add large dog breed with a powerful look with a powerful and noble appearance. They were initially used to guard the nobility and royalty within feudal Japan. They also hunted and tracked Black bears, wild boar, and occasionally deer. It is believed that the Akita is a large, strong dog with an impressive appearance. An enormous head, small triangular eyes, and a tough, confident posture. The mere fact of having a strong Akita can be an alarm to those people who might cause trouble. However, the divide remains broad and an issue of worry to Akita enthusiasts from both camps. Golden Retriever Akita mix breed appearance. The Akita Golden Retriever mix can look like any parent breeds based on the predominant appearance. It is a big hybrid dog, weighing between and 66 pounds, with a strong, muscular build. The ideal look is from the Akita with a big round head and an erect triangular ear. Also, the muzzle is large but proportional to the head. The bite is a scissor. The eyes of the Golden Akita are soft, expressive, and oval-shaped, with round to oval shapes with brown shades in every shade. The legs are more significant than the Golden Retriever, and this hybrid comes with competition, small feet. The tail typically resembles the Akita and can be curled at the back, but it could be straight when you choose. Golden Akita resembles the Golden Retriever. The coat also resembles the Akita with its double and dense. If the coat is similar to that of the Golden Retriever, it will also be longer but double and often wavy or flat. You may like: Border collie golden retriever mix. Akitas are incredibly loyal. Golden Akita is one of the most loyal breeds of mixed breed around. To find out how loyal to him, you can take a look at the tale of Hachiko Hachiko, the most well-known Akita around the globe. The most loyal dogs typically carry this guard dog gene, and you can rest assured that this trait will be evident with the Golden Akita. The Golden Akita will be suspicious of anyone who comes into the house and sits at a distance and watch on his children. The dog is also extremely loved and affectionate. This is a great thing because of how soft and cuddly the dog is. Grooming and coat. The Golden Akita requires regular brushing due to his huge fluffy jacket. His coat can be patterned in the form of either parent; however, each one has its requirements. Make sure you wash him at least every weeks, based on how filthy he gets during his excursions in the doggy park in the neighborhood. Do not wash him longer than this, as you could damage the natural oils of his skin. It is recommended to purchase a concentrated yet gentle shampoo that can go through the thick coat. You may like: Golden retriever husky mix. Are these dogs good for families? Without a doubt, the Golden Akita makes a wonderful family pet. His balanced personality makes him an absolute pleasure being around, but his sturdy body can take on agitated children. Make sure you keep an eye on them, given how big the guy is. He will need a family who can spend the majority of time with them. This person will not have a great time with a family in the office all day and not socializing. Does this breed get with other pets? The Akita parent is well-known for being overly cautious and exhibits fear and aggression towards other dogs. He may chase local squirrels or cats in your backyard, but this is for his enjoyment more than anything else. You may like: St bernard golden retriever mix. A Golden Akita will need around 3 cups of high-quality dry food that provides the dog with a balanced diet. As a big dog, You should purchase kibble specifically made for dogs of large breeds. This is especially important during his stage of puppyhood. Feeding him a large breed of kibble will help control his rapid bone growth and help to lower the chance of developing an orthopedic condition. Activity and exercise. It is a breed that has a high energy level. Golden Akita will need plenty of exercises and extremely high intensity. A yard and outdoor space are better suited to this Golden Akita. The Golden Akita is a fan of temperate conditions, and although it can tolerate cold and hot environments, it will not perform well in extreme conditions. You may like: Bulldog golden retriever mix. Life and health. Akita is a mixed breed. Golden Akita is a mixed dog that is likely to inherit a mix of health problems. The Golden Akita is a fairly healthy dog with a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, on average. Elbow dysplasia. Terms-Of-Service Golden Retriever Akita Mix Golden Akita Retriever -Cost, Lifespan and Temperament Imagine one of the most popular breeds of dogs being mixed with one of the most powerful breeds of dogs…well you no longer have to wonder, because this situation is already alive and barking! The mix between a Golden Retriever and an Akita is an interesting mash-up. Between their individual characteristics, and clashing demeanors, a Golden Akita Retriever turns out to be a strong and favored dog. Its size, skills, personality traits, and domestication tends to make it a well-balanced dog, and a potentially useful one as well. But what else is there to know about the Golden Akita Retriever…keep reading. Males tend to be 24 to 26 inches tall, with a weight of between 75 and pounds. Their female counterparts are a bit smaller, coming in with height of 23 to 25 inches, and a weight range of 65 to 90 pounds. Most of the dogs in this special breed tend to have brown eyes, with a fur color of either white, red, tan, brown, or black. This mix has a decent coat too; they are covered with medium length straight hair, which has the capacity to be a bit dense, but soft enough to get a brush through. Lifespan There are many influences that dictate the life expectancy of a Golden Akita Retriever; diet, exercise, level of health, and domestication are just a few of those factors. But, if everything goes well within the life of Golden Akita Retriever, it has the capacity to live for at least 10 years, with max of 12; or 13 with ultimate care and health. This may not seem like a long time, but with the activity level of the Golden Akita Retriever, it could feel like a lifetime. Simply take precautions to its physical personality, and be sure to care for it well. This type of connection also has the power to elongate the life of this special beed. Grooming Needs To help bring awareness, the Akita breed of dog is not a hypoallergenic one; and when mixed with a retriever, the Golden Akita Retriever does not make the cut as hypoallergenic either. Therefore, routine maintenance is needed for proper living with this breed of animal. The grooming needs of the Golden Akita Retriever include clipping their nails, and brushing their fur out on a routine basis. Their straight hair shed often, so using a pin brush or slicker brush is a must if you want to properly groom this dog. Brushing this breed should happen at least once a week too, which will help to distribute their skin oil, which could reduce dermatitis and pet dander. Temperament A Golden Akita Retriever has an even-tone temperament, and it uses its emotions, or calmness, during the right moment. They are usually a calm group of dogs, and quiet while in the house or taking a walk. For this reason, this breed would also make for an excellent guard or watch dog. They do well within the social setting as well. They can be highly energetic dogs — thanks to the Golden Retriever in them — which makes them fun while at the park, but may be a bit much for small children; which is why the dogs must be trained properly to control their impulsive urges. In essence, the Golden Akita Retriever has well-balanced demeanor, and can be trained effectively, and socialize with little-to-no harm or foul. Exercise Needs With the mix of energy from the Golden Retriever, and the solid build of the Akita, you can expect the Golden Akita Retriever to be an energetic dog; so exercise is a big deal. This breed of dog will require, on average, 1 to 2 hours of play per day. They enjoy running and chasing fun objects around, like a ball or frisbee, and a lot of room is needed for them to make this happen. If you are capable of keeping up with this type of movement, then a Golden Akita Retriever could be a good pick for you. They are no stranger to hard work, and their size allows them to handle being around dense land and heavy objects; while their strength grants them the power to help out with lifting sizable sticks, or guarding you as you do the heavy lifting. Their keen sense of sight, hearing, and smell are what makes them a great hunting partner. They use these sensitive senses to sniff out and locate various types of animals, including birds, hogs, rabbits, and small rodents. Health Risks Although cute, cuddly, and composed, there are health risks that are associated with the Golden Akita Retriever dog breed, and they should be taken into consideration when learning about this happy-go-lucky breed. Major health risks for this brand of dog include hip dysplasia, bloat and aortic stenosis, which is a heart condition. Other diagnosis that may come into play during their life is cataracts, glaucoma, skin allergies, hypothyroidism, or even sebaceous adenitis, which has a negative effect on the skin of the dog. There is also the threat of elbow dysplasia too, considering that most of these dogs are playful and moving for most of their lives. Because of these significant potential impairments, routine radiographs and physical examination should be enacted about once to twice a year to help keep this breed healthy and intact. They consume about 3 full cups of dry food per day; and when tallied up, that comes out to be a monthly food stipend of about 50 dollars, just to feed your dog. No matter the cost, they are to be fed nutritious food that keeps their muscles and bones healthy. These foods can include whole foods like potatoes, carrots, peas, or beans. Other proteins sources, like chicken or fish, may be a decent choice for your Golden Akita Retriever as well, considering that they are quite carnivorous. Are Golden Akita Retrievers Protective? As a matter of fact, yes, Golden Akita Retrievers are protective animals. They are naturally keen to notice small or big items that move pretty fast, which is an automatic self-defense mechanism of this breed. When this happens, they become adrenaline-pumped, and will begin to bark, and if allowed, even chase the threat that dares to approach its family. Caretakers are very happy about this feature because it grants them more of a feel of safety within their family dynamic, thanks to the assertiveness of the Akita, and the intelligence and forthright of the Golden Retriever. When trained properly, this special mix of breed can be very good watch dogs during camping or hunting trips, or even a domesticated guard dog within the home. Either way it goes, the Golden Akita Retriever will protect their companions without hesitation. The Golden Akita Retriever is a hot commodity in the dog world, and can become in high demand when the supply is ready. For this reason, you can expect to spend about to dollars for a Golden Akita Retriever. The price is rarely beneath , and has the ability to reach as high as 2, dollars, if the Retriever is in tip-top shape. Puppies and Akita Retrievers in their prime tend to range a bit higher on the price scale simply because of their optimal level of health. However, if a Golden Akita has any of the aforementioned health risk present within them, then the price could be negotiated down. Another way to get a better deal on a Golden Akita Retriever is to adopt one! Are you an outdoor type of person? Are you willing to move around for about an hour a day? Are you looking for a companion that could be a good friend and a useful entity? If you answered yes, then a Golden Akita Retriever could be right for you. The mix of the Golden Retriever makes them active and loyal dogs that will stick by your side in both the sun and rain; while the Akita side makes them useful during tips, while still transparent and connected to their owner. The dogs of this breed can be a good fit into most families, and are willing to be a functional part, with the proper care and domestication. Their Golden Retriever side enjoys the tropical temperatures that land between 73 and 82 degrees; while the Akita mix is quite fond of cooler temperatures between 69 and 75 degrees. Because of this blend, the Golden Akita Retriever does very well in the optimal tropical range of 72 to 80 degrees fahrenheit. Their coats are a top reason for why they prefer such even-tone weather. They tend to have straight hair, with an undercoat and overcoat layer. Although straight, the hair tends to still be quite thick, which is why they still feel like the fluffiness of the Akita. The Attention That A Golden Akita Retriever Needs Golden Akita Retrievers can come off with the demeanor of a friendly cat; they love to play with you and interact with their toys, or the outside world; but when they want to be alone, they are prone to going off into their own space and staying that way for a while. With that being said, Golden Akita Retrievers require an adequate amount of attention. They are pretty active dogs, and love to move about and have fun while being engaged; and it will be up to you to help them achieve this goal on a daily basis. The good thing about it is that when the adventure is complete, they tend to go off on their own and be alone for a while. This allows them to cool off their bodies properly, while giving you a break to regain your energy that you spent while giving some loving attention to the Golden Akita. Compatibility With Kids Golden Akita Retrievers can be some of the most loving dogs that you can ever come across. They tend to be honest dogs that express their emotions towards those that trigger them; and that stands true with children as well. Golden Akitas do well with children. They are keen to their senses, and have the capacity to become quite protective over the ones that take care of them and show them love and affection. However, Golden Akita Retrievers are a high-energy dog, and have a tendency to not be fully aware of their size in comparison to younger children. So, toddlers would probably have a more challenging time handling a full-size Golden Retriever, but overall, they do well with children, and can be labeled as fairly compatible with them. Compatibility With Other Animals Golden Akita Retrievers can be pretty easy dogs to socialize, if they start the process as a pup. If this is the case, they tend to do well with other animals, and have a cordial level of compatibility with both cats, dogs, and even birds. The Akita parent is known to show aggression towards other animals, which makes the Golden Akita initially skeptical of other animals. But the Golden Retriever parent has more of a docile demeanor; thus, making it easy for the Golden Akita to give friendship with another species a shot. I hope you found it helpful as you raise your pet. For dogs, flea and tick infestation is deadly and may cause severe diseases if not treated regularly. Free Shipping on all orders at discounted prices. Click here to join risk-free. Low cost plans, risk free guarantee. You Might Also Like:.

What is the White color? There are a total of 6 color variations with white that are recognized by the AKC. Frenchies with pure-white coats will cost more than those with spots of other colors such as black throughout their coat. What White Frenchies look like While you may think that all White Frenchies look the same— this is not the case. As mentioned earlier, there are a few different variations of White French Bulldogs, with some having colors such as Fawn or Black throughout their coat. The Role of Color in Hearing You may be wondering how the color of the coat could affect hearing. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a predominantly white French Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Test for Health Issues. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. When it comes to French Bulldog colors, numbers are like shades in a rainbow. What are the healthiest colors, or is there a certain color best to avoid? What colors are accepted as standard, and what French Bulldog coloring is considered rare or unique? Believe it or not, the wrong color combination such as the case of two Merle parents means a combination of two undesirable genes and can be disastrous for your litter. Health testing is and will always be key. White French Bulldog As the name implies, these dogs sport pale white coat coloring. Various genetic factors, such as brindle, leucism, albinism, and merle genes can all lead to this pale coat coloring. However, this Frenchie color can be just as dangerous as it might be attractive. Photo by Miguel Granero on Shutterstock Your White French Bulldog might face future skin problems, eye and ear issues, and many others. Albino French Bulldog coloring is as rare for them as it is for most other animal species humans included. Albinism is caused by a recessive trait, meaning both parents would need to pass it along to offspring, and statistically said offspring might still only have a 1 in 4 chance of being born albino. Cream French Bulldog Another favorite among the French Bulldog colors, cream presents as a sort of slightly duller shade of white. Cream-colored Frenchies owe thanks to a recessive trait inherited from the fawn coat color line. No distinct markings will mar a solid-colored coat, offering a very clean, pure appearance. Lighter cream edges on the ears are especially distinguished. A darker dusk color rims the eyes and no pinker ticking or pigment in the eye rims like white Frenchies. Colors like beige or tan-brown fall under acceptable limits, but can range from a golden tan to more reddish tan, or creamer to lighter tan. Photo by Ivonne Wierink on Shutterstock Coat is brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles. Coats other than short and smooth are a disqualification. Ticking is acceptable but not desired. Keep in mind that many of these colors will make you ineligible for conformation in many clubs and can come with health risks. Merle French Bulldog Photo by Ksenia Raykova on Shutterstock Being a dominant gene in dogs, Merle creates a beautiful and exotic sort of pale fur pattern with several patches. The Merle gene is considered dangerous, and not recommended for any breeder. You could describe the coat coloring as grayish brown with occasional patches of white. With a grey-blue or reddish-pink nose, this is an attractive yet costly breed for many. Many breeders utilize both a C-section and artificial insemination to produce this color. Some devoted buyers have been known to pay a much higher cost for a valuable bloodline. Is it really worth it though? The recent craze for these designer breeds has driven costs up and yet these dogs are not even allowed to participate in conformation in most clubs. Consider paying for a healthy dog, not a particular color. Blue French Bulldog Another very rare gene code for this blue coloring, similar to the Lilac coloring above. You might call this coat a diluted bluish-grey, caused by a dilute gene. The coat coloring can range from blue-grey to almost black. You might hear about several popular poor health-related issues. Health complications in the blue French Bulldog will usually arise as a result of poor breeding practices. Blue Pied French Bulldog A predominantly white coat sporting clearly marked patches of blue adorn parts of the body and head, or both. Puppies will usually have lighter coloring blanketing their cheeks, legs, and chest. Blue Sable French Bulldog Photo by cynoclub on Shutterstock Blue Sables sport fawn coloration on the lower legs and head with a blue mask and blue-tipped hairs. Like the others here with a blue combination, these Frenchies are also quite rare and costly because unjustified demand makes it attractive for breeders to create all kinds of color variations. These spotted markings are usually only slightly different in the normal coat color, but in some cases there can be a difference similar to a white coat with black stripes. This usually includes the neck, around the eyes and ears, and back. Since the gene is recessive, two genes need to be present for this French Bulldog coloring. Isabella French Bulldog Considered by many to be the absolute rarest of French Bulldog colors, boasting a greyish-blue, liver-colored coat. A dilution in the recessive color genes provides this breathtaking Isabella-blue coloration. Noses can range from a lighter brown to pink , while the eyes can range from light brown to blue. Price tags in this range are almost never justified exceptions being special breeding programs for guide dogs, protection work, etc. They can present with a white patch on his chest, and a darker mask. Black means black without a trace of brindle. The fawn hairs have black tipping this time. In fact, the Frenchies we know today were first bred in s Nottingham by lace makers of that period. When these craftsmen began moving to France in the s they brought their toy bulldogs with them. Though disorders might differ, they share that similarity with most breeds today: very few are completely free from genetic conditions. On the other hand, you can increase the chances your Frenchie will live a long and happy life by wisely selecting a reputable breeder. Make sure you ask questions about the health of the parents and ensure they are all well cared for. Swollen glands can produce an abnormal amount of wax, sometimes leading to increased inflammation. Diarrhea Stomach upset and GI issues are pretty common in the bread. Frenchies tend to be overly sensitive to bacteria like e-coli, parasites, or viruses, often leading to diarrhea as the body attempts to rid itself of these irritants. Dogs get sick and usually respond well, but extended diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Runny, tarry or bloody, wet or unusually foul-smelling droppings are signs there is a bigger problem at play that might need attention. Conjunctivitis Their particular genetics make French Bulldogs more prone to developing conjunctivitis pink eye than other breeds. Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes. Conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, normally in response to bacteria. Skin Problems Both environmental and food allergies commonly plague French Bulldogs. Things like autoimmune skin diseases or parasites can also pose a problem. Bacteria can sometimes collect around those skin folds, causing issues. Unlike humans, allergies will more often manifest in the form of skin rashes on dogs, causing them to want to bite and itch. Secondary infections from open wounds might be more of a problem than the allergy itself, which can almost always be managed through watchful care. Panting and regular breathing can be problematic, leading to shortness of breath or an increased chance of heat-related injuries. Because they can have difficulty breathing , along with the obvious posture-related issues, French Bulldogs should never be left unsupervised around any body of water. Vacationers should also think twice about any air travel. Discussing any possible breathing issues, and what to do if you notice any problems, with your veterinarian is recommended. Smoking around these dogs is frowned upon, risking their already fragile upper respiratory system. Out of all possible colors, only a select few top are accepted by the American Kennel Club and most others. Pin This: Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Cream Frenchies Cream Frenchies have a coat color that is pale or light-colored, which is often described as a shade of off-white or ivory. The Black Mask pattern gives the impression that the dog is wearing a mask, which is why it is called a black mask. Take a look for yourself! The white patches vary in size and shape, and they can be solid or have brindle spots on them. Usually, the white patches are on their chests, however, they can be present anywhere on their coat… their head, back, paws, chest, tail, etc. Not all black Frenchies look the same! While the black coat color is not recognized by the AKC, it is still a desirable and popular color for many French Bulldog lovers. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a predominantly white French Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Blue Frenchies This one always confused me at first… Blue Frenchies are not actually blue! They have a coat color that is often described as a light grey or silver-blue color, rather than a true blue color. The color is a result of a dilution gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, resulting in a lighter color. Blue Frenchies can vary in shade, ranging from a pale grey color to a darker shade of blue-grey. While there is testing available for Color Dilution Alopecia, there is no cure. The Blue color comes from a dilution gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, while the Fawn color is a result of a Tan or Cream base color. A picture can explain better than I can… just look at my Blue Fawn Frenchie! Merle Frenchies Merle Frenchies have a coat color that is characterized by a marbled or dappled pattern. Not AKC recognized Due to these health concerns, the Merle coat color is not recognized by the AKC for French Bulldogs, and reputable breeders typically avoid breeding Merle Frenchies to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. Chocolate Frenchies The brown chocolate-like Frenchie is one of the cutest colors out there in my opinion! The chocolate color can vary in shade, ranging from a lighter, milk chocolate color to a dark, almost black chocolate hue. The chocolate color is a result of a recessive gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, resulting in a brown color. As the name implies, Chocolate is a dark-brown coat color that is quite rare to see in Frenchies. Never seen a Chocolate Frenchie? French Bulldog Markings officially recognized by the AKC are… Piebald— A coat with large areas of white, mixed with patches of any other color. Black mask— A black mask around the face that covers the muzzle and eyes. The rest of the coat can be any color. Black markings— Any black patches on the coat, which may be small or large and can appear anywhere on the body. White markings— Any white patches on the coat, which may be small or large and can appear anywhere on the body. Brindle markings— A pattern of dark stripes on a lighter background color. The stripes can be any shade of black, brown, or gray, and may be thin or wide. However, as mentioned earlier, Frenchies can also have other markings that are not recognized by the AKC but can still be present in the breed. Other French Bulldog Markings You might see Frenchies with these markings, but the AKC would disqualify a Frenchie with these markings not important unless you want your dog to compete in AKC dog shows Ticked— this marking refers to small dots or flecks of color on a white or light-colored background. Spotted— this marking refers to small, evenly distributed spots of color on a white or light-colored background. Tan Points— this marking refers to tan or rust-colored markings on specific areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and under the tail. This coat pattern is not officially recognized by the AKC. What Ticked Frenchies look like A Frenchie with a Ticked Coat Pattern Piebald Frenchies The piebald pattern is when there are spots of unpigmented white fur on top of the pigmented colored fur. The truth about most of these fad colors is that they are made by breeding Frenchies with other dog breeds. Believe it or not, these Fluffy Frenchies are actually purebred Frenchies— the gene for fluffiness is just extremely rare. Breeding Frenchies is a lot of work! What makes breeding French Bulldogs and hence Frenchie puppies so expensive is that they require artificial insemination and c-sections to reproduce. Their very slim hips make it very difficult, if not nearly impossible for them to reproduce naturally. Not to mention, vet bills, high-quality foods for the puppies, and housing just add to the cost of breeding Frenchies. These colors are not officially recognized by the AKC. Blue Fawn — This is what color my Frenchie is. While Frenchies may come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, there are only a handful that are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC. Posted on. All other colors are deemed undesirable. Brindle French Bulldogs have a dark-colored coat with lighter strands mixed in. Fawn — This is usually a light, yellowish-tan color that can have several different shades. The coat is uniform and the head is typically a bit darker than the rest of the body. Pied — A French Bulldog with a pied or piebald coat is mostly white with prominent patches usually in brindle or fawn. To the eye, this color looks grey or gray. Some French Bulldog coat colors are linked with genetic health conditions. Blue is often avoided even though the bad health links are disputed by many. Health problems recorded in this color such as alopecia have also been found in dogs of other colors. A Fawn French Bulldog has a yellowish tan coat and the shade can vary from light fawn to red fawn. Fawn is present in many other Frenchie coats. A fawn French Bulldog typically has a black mask. Black and White As the name suggests, the black and white French Bulldog has black and white markings. This Frenchie coat can also be referred to as pied or piebald. White is the predominant color and there are no white markings breaking up the black patches. Beautiful as this pattern is, black and white French Bulldogs are not considered an official breed standard and are not eligible for shows. A French Bulldog of this color often has a dark mask and ears with some brindled areas. Brindle This is a French Bulldog with a predominant fawn-colored coat with dark brindle. The intensity can change but the nails, nose, eyelids, and lips should always be dark. Brindle and White Even with the Brindle and White Frenchie, the base color is still fawn — even though you may think that the coat seems mostly white. Cream The cream French Bulldog is similar to the white French Bulldog but with more of an eggshell color. Cream is dominant over the whole body with no other patches of color. You might also here this color referred to a platinum. White and Brindle White and Fawn With the white and fawn French Bulldog, the white dominates the fawn and where you see the fawn color, it should be even. Cream and White.

These rescues will be helpful in your quest to adopt a German Shepherd : 1. Their dogs come from local shelters or direct from owners. This German Shepherd rescue has a vital mission. They prefer potential adopters who previously owned a GSD and understand the breed. As part of the adoption process, applicants must believe in good dog training and care and be able to invest the time and resources necessary to train and socialize the dog properly. Their mission is plain and simple — to re-home, foster, and rehabilitate as many adult dogs or puppies from shelters or surrendered from owners as possible. The founder Nila Walden-Hughes was inspired to set up the rescue following the sudden passing of her beloved four-year-old German Shepherd Dog. She has given her life to dogs and has always loved GSDs since she was a young child as she was raised by her visually impaired Grandparents and grew up with guide dogs, mainly German Shepherds. She is a certified dog behavior consultant and canine trainer. All rescue dogs are thoroughly vetted and trained in obedience before new owners are matched and the dogs placed with their new families. They work out of the Daytona Beach and Jacksonville areas. They have a common goal to rescue as many homeless German Shepherds as they can by rehabilitating them and finding them approved families or individuals. They adopt German Shepherd Dogs where they can support their volunteers and rescue representatives. Augustine, Orlando, and Jacksonville areas. Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue is a foster home-based organization. They can only rescue a dog from a shelter or an individual once they have found a foster home where the dog can safely live while waiting for a permanent adoptive. The foster home is frequently a lifesaver for the rescue. You can apply to foster a German Shepherd Dog in need via their website. They are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and careful re-homing of lost, abandoned, homeless German Shepherd Dogs to loving homes in Florida. All rescues adults and puppies are adopted as indoor family pets, and Dreamcatcher German Shepherd Rescue will not allow dogs to be used as guard dogs or farm dogs. They aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place German Shepherds in loving homes throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. They work tirelessly to save these majestic dogs from high-kill shelters around South Florida. Many of the dogs they save are on their way to being euthanized or have medical conditions that require attention such as heartworm disease or orthopedic issues from traumatic injuries. This German Shepherd rescue relies entirely on volunteers who offer their time, money, and expertise to rescue German Shepherds. Their adoption process seeks to match the temperaments and needs of rescued dogs to those of potential adopters. They are always looking for foster homes to give rescued German Shepherd Dogs the love, understanding, care, socialization, and exercise they need to leave their past behind and look forward to a new life in a new loving home. They started as a fundraising company for other rescues in and a year later became their own rescue. Through Rescue Rebels, companion animals are rescued, provided the physical care needed, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance, socialization, and training where necessary. She had a host of issues, one being blind due to cataracts from untreated advanced diabetes, yet Rescue Rebels were able to gift her the gift of sight. You can read about her remarkable transformation here. Florida German Shepherd Clubs Keeping pace with local German Shepherd clubs could also be an excellent idea for you on your journey to adopt and raise a rescue German Shepherd. Here are 3 German Shepherd clubs in the state of Florida and their websites: Club. Our Rescue implemented its program in early .We operate the rescue with dogs received from shelters and from owner turn-ins. We post all info on the rescue there as well as on the site. Our Mission: To take in discarded or turned-in German Shepherd Dogs, give them a positive environment, healthy food, medical attention, socialization and lots of love and understanding in order to find them new forever homes in our local communities and throughout the State. We are breed specific but at times fall in love with a dog or two that are mixes of GSD's, but that require and are deserving of our help. We seek qualified families and individuals who wish to own German Shepherd dogs. If you wish to adopt, please send us an email to schedule a qualification interview in Punta Gorda FL. You can also download and fill out an application form set of 3 documents, on line and PDF it to us from the site, no printing necessary. The interviews and meeting and greets are held in Punta Gorda. Our ideal adopter is someone who has had a GSD in their past and knows the breed. We seek people who believe in training and the proper care of these great dogs. We especially want people who get dogs from us to dedicate the appropriate time and resources to train and socialize the dog. Adoption Process: Our adoption process begins with an application form set of 3 documents sent on the website and then an interview by phone based on the information we gather from your applications. We will ask you about your current pets, if any and we will ask you for evidence of their 'up to date' vaccinations, your vets name and number, your track record in keeping animal shots and registrations up to date, your training experience and about your commitment. We will ask to meet your entire family and anyone else that lives in the home with the dog. We will also ask that if you have pets, that you bring your dog here to meet his new friend. We will require that you sign an agreement regarding the care of the dog you may be given as well as a liability letter indemnifying The Hoffer Family Foundation and GSD Rescue from any liability or legal issue surrounding any dog received from us. Additionally we now require you to sign a Hold Harmless agreement before coming in for an interview or to evaluate your dog. We will ask that upon adoption that you provide your vets name and address and phone for verification purposes. At the point when dogs are surrendered to SWFLGSD Rescue we require all medical records be given to us along with any chip registration information and numbers, complete shot record and the contact detail on the vet who administered them. We do require a current heart worm test paid for by the owner prior to turning the dog over to us. When you receive a dog from us he or she will have all shots, be spayed or neutered and will have a chip. If any of these things is not done at the time of pick up we will arrange for that item to be done at Gulf Coast Humane in Ft Myers or at the Animal Welfare League in Port Charlotte; at our expense. Money we take in can be paid to us in cash or preferably check or Zelle. Those funds remaining after expenses are donated to the Ya Ya Girls Back Pack Kidz or one of our eight other local charities we support through the Hoffer Family Foundation. We will always take any of our rescue dogs back at any time, however we will only offer a refund in the animal is returned to us within 14 days from adoption. PLEASE NOTE we rarely have puppies but when and if we do the fee structure is quite a bit different from regular adult dog adoption in that we will require a bond to make sure the dog is neutered and a bond to make sure the puppy goes through the appropriate training. We will be responsible for the spay or neuter and all shots as part of the fee. The bond is forfeited if the sterilizing is not done as agreed and the dog can legally be recovered from the adopter by contract. We strongly recommend researching the breed before deciding on a GSD. We have many articles to ready on the breed and adopting a GSD posted on the web site. Once you have adopted a dog, we recommend a qualified socialized training program and not an individual trainer. This type of socialization training will insure a bond between you and your pet and it will give you the tools you will need to have the best experience with your pet possible. Remember nothing is more stressful than having an animal you love be out of control, unruly or unsocialized. You can read more about the breed and training on this site. It is important to note that we are not in the pet business, but rather a rescue. When we get dogs in we do our best to find them qualified adoptive families. We do not seek out dogs to rescue nor do we take every dog that comes to us. Each dog tendered to us by a person or shelter comes to our Punta Gorda location and is tested for sociability with people and dogs. If the dog demonstrates any aggression or if we deem that the animal is not suitable, we will reject it and not accept it into the rescue. This is done at the sole discretion of Erik Hoffer and all decisions are final. We are very dog choosy and take dogs in on temperament and not cosmetics or age. When we choose a family to adopt the dog we do not ever go in any particular order, but rather we try and match the family from info from the interview and application to the animal in so far as temperament, training ability, health of the family members and the dog, energy of the dog, family situations and other relative data. Clearly this is not to prejudice a renter, but rather to insure the animal has a consistent place to live. If a renter is displaced, finding another rental unit here in South FL, that will take a GSD is rare if not impossible to find, hence the position we take of not adopting to renters. If you are in a condo, you will have to have a certification from the Board of Directors of the home owners association specifically allowing a German Shepherd to be kept on the property. .We will never ask that you take any dog, but rather show you what we have in our system and allow you to decide after a family meeting if that dog is suitable for your family. We will always take any dog back, but refunds are only good for 14 days with notification of your desire to return the dog. One final note. My time and that of our foster volunteers is extremely valuable, as is yours and your families. If you make an appointment with any of us we expect that you will keep it. If you are going to be late, we expect a call at or at the number provided at least a few hours before your appointment. Even if you are just running a few minutes late, a call to tell me your ETA is expected. If you are a no show with no call, please understand that we will no longer keep your application as active nor adopt to you or accept a dog from you in the future. The way this rescue works is that we do our best not to place dogs we get in, in a kennel, but rather into a quality foster home where then can decompress before they are adopted, or before they are fixed or healed medically. So many kind people have worked with me over these past 15 years, but time moves on and people's lives and circumstances change making their ability to foster more of a problem than a pleasure. Now we are in , and remarkably nothing has changed! We still have a slew of dogs coming in weekly and I am still in need of fosters. I am in need of some new families who could help me with my mission of saving GSD's in and beyond. If you are one of those families, please call me so I can discuss what's entailed in this and then we can figure out how you and your family fit within this rescue platform. My number is and my phone is always on. If you can see yourself helping one of these fabulous animals, please call. Our biggest issue for was the ridiculous raising of rents that have forced many good families to rehome their dogs because they can't take them to their new rental homes.The reason we do not adopt to renters is simply for this fact that replacing a rental home who permits GSDS's is rare. We get so many dogs from situations like this that it is gut wrenching for the people giving the dog up and for me hearing these stories day in and day out. Call ERIK or email me at alphadog63 comcast. NEW Customers, sign up here! Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. We work tirelessly to save these regal dogs from high kill shelters throughout the South Florida region. Many of the dogs we rescue are scheduled to be euthanized or have special needs that require medical treatment such as heartworm disease or orthopedic issues from traumatic injuries. Support for S. See all the Dogs! Gia is a very sweet, approx. She may not be a pure-bred GSD, but what she lacks in breed distinction, she makes up for with her winning personality and unwavering l.When the owner was contacted by authorities, they didn't want her and surrendered her to us here at SHARE. She is d.Bear is a working line shepherd and needs an experienced handler. He will do best with a home that understands that he's not super social with s.The organizations charitable tax ID number is .A copy of the official registration CH and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state, HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in California: Golden Retrievers are a hugely popular breed worldwide, thanks to their reputation as loyal pets and good hunting dogs. However, with so many breeders to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is the best fit for you and your family. California is a great state to get a Golden Retriever, and there are plenty of reputable and ethical breeders to choose from. I have compiled a list of the top 14 Golden Retriever breeders in California, based on their breeding history, customer reviews, and service quality. Most of these breeders are hobbyists who breed for love, not money. With this list, you should be able to find the perfect Golden Retriever for your family. They are located in Southern California and they pride themselves on being an ethical breeder of quality Golden Retriever dogs. They source their breeding stock from all over the USA and Europe. This allows them to get the best genetics possible and produce healthy offspring. They want all of their puppies to go to good homes where they will be loved as family members. Additionally, all puppies are sold with limited registration. This means that the new family will not be able to breed their dog. The breeder only wants their puppies to go to homes where they will be treated as family dogs and not used for breeding purposes. The pups come microchipped, vets checked, dewormed, and doggy door trained. They also come with a 1-year health guarantee. Golden Retriever Breeder Info:. They take their breeding philosophy seriously, which calls for health testing and clearances to ensure the health and well-being of their puppies. They go the extra mile by providing spacious puppy yards and a custom-built puppy training center for potty breaks, nap time, and learning manners. Additionally, they pamper pooches with a certified dog groomer and offer programs like the Canine Good Citizen CGC Program, which emphasizes responsible pet ownership and etiquette. They use an ENS process to stimulate the nervous system. It also improves the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and increases stress tolerance. They also crate train all the puppies. All their pups are raised at home and are allowed to play and socialize with other animals on their 3-acre land. Best believe the pups enjoy prancing around the yard and swimming. Nicholbery Goldens have proudly produced top-notch therapy dogs and have a training academy for well-tempered and intelligent Goldens. The breeder is so famous that their waitlist is usually full 6 months to a year in advance, so make your way over to their website soon! They soon realized that the breed was neglected in development and socialization, and the rest is history. A member of the Golden Retriever Club of America, today, the breeder is known for producing some of the best Golden Retrievers. All their pups are raised and given basic training at home. They are also proudly AKC registered. Due to their successful breeding and training, they have begun a training program called Fluffy Buttz. The whole family enjoys taking care of the puppies and contributes in some way. As a result, they are well-socialized. On their acre land, they ensure each pup gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation for a well-rounded, healthy dog. The family goes above and beyond to ensure every home gets the Golden Retriever of their dreams. Always take the time to visit a facility and meet the puppies in person.

We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Why Dog Litter Box Training Could Be Good for You and Your Pup One of the biggest differences between owning a cat and a dog is the responsibility that comes along with your pet needing to use the bathroom. Most cats conveniently use an indoor litter box that you have to clean once or twice a day, whereas dogs require being taken outside to do their business. So, what options are you left with? Fortunately, given how intelligent dogs are, they are more than capable of learning how to use a litter box just like their feline friends. Dog litter box training is very similar to cat litter box training; as the concept is the same, but the execution is different. Cat litter boxes are pretty standard across the board, consisting of a small plastic box, sometimes with a roof, filled with litter. The litter soaks up urine and creates a clump, and covers feces, making litter boxes much more pleasant to have in a home. Dog litter boxes, on the other hand, are slightly different. Rather than a box filled with litter, a dog litter box is larger and consists of a flat area covered in artificial grass. The goal is to replicate an atmosphere similar to being outdoors. Instead of litter clumping together in the area where the animal has relieved themselves, a dog litter box is designed to make any liquid flow through holes in the patch of grass into a plastic base underneath. Many litter boxes design the plastic base to act as a funnel, directing any liquid to a hole at the bottom of the box. This hole can either have a hose attached to it, or it can lead to an empty basin, which gathers liquid that passes through the box. Shortly after your dog uses the litter box, you should thoroughly clean it. To clean the box, just wet the grass with a watering can or cup. The water flushes through the grass and flows through the basin and hose. Dog Training Tips for Using a Litter Box The following tips can be applied to all dogs, from puppies to senior pets, to effectively train them to use the litter box. Find an enclosed area within your home that you can cover in either pee pads or newspapers. Give your dog a normal serving of water. Place your dog in their crate for minutes, and then let them out in the covered area for five minutes to see if they go to the bathroom. If they do, reward them with treats and time outside of the crate. If not, repeat the process again beginning with minutes in the crate. Encouragement and rewarding your dog for pottying in the proper place is crucial, as this will reinforce their positive behavior and allow it to develop into a habit. Benefits of Dog Litter Box Training There are plenty of benefits for both dogs and their owners when it comes to dog litter box training. First and foremost, it allows puppies to become familiar with the process of relieving themselves in the comfort of their own home. For a young dog, being able to relieve themselves whenever they need to and not having to wait takes any anxiety away from the process. Not being able to go to the bathroom when they need to can result in the development of various health problems. A litter box gives dogs a safe area in which they can go to the bathroom in their home and not be punished, which makes for a happier dog. It also provides flexibility for owners who work long hours or are unable to stop home to let their dogs out on a consistent basis. For dog owners who live in big cities with limited access to grassy areas, it provides a place for pets to conveniently take care of business on their own. Proper management and supervision are crucial to successful house training. Until your puppy is fully house trained, make sure your puppy is always either managed or supervised. Management can mean several things. The Frisco Tie Out Cable is useful for this purpose—just make sure to set it up so the puppy can only access a puppy-proofed area while tethered. Confined To help prevent peeing on the floor, confine the puppy in an area with potty pads. The potty pads are especially important if the puppy will have to wait a long time between potty breaks. Tile is easier to clean in case of accidents. You can also set up a free-standing confinement area using an ex-pen such as the Frisco Dog Exercise Pen. Wondering how to train your dog to use dog pee pads? Find out more here. Crated If you are going to crate train your puppy, make sure the puppy is comfortable in the crate. It should be just big enough for your puppy to turn around and lie down, but not much larger. If your puppy keeps scaling barriers, another option is to tether the puppy to an object in a puppy-proofed area, using the foot Frisco Tie Out Cable. See the best-selling and top-rated dog crates tested and approved by dog parents, like you. Outdoors some of the time Pottying that happens outside is an opportunity for positive reinforcement for going in the right place, and the more often you reinforce appropriate pottying, the faster your puppy will be house trained. The person supervising should be actively looking at and interacting with the puppy at all times. That gives the person much better odds of noticing if the puppy seems to need to potty or is starting to squat. Important Note on Crate Training A young puppy should never be crated for more than a couple of hours, except overnight. Your puppy might not be able to hold it very long. Keep crate time to a couple of hours or less, except at night. Take your puppy out at least once every 30 minutes. Take your puppy out on leash. It also keeps the puppy from running around and getting distracted by all the interesting things around them. Give your puppy five minutes, watching the whole time to see if the puppy pees or poops. Quietly watch the puppy. By standing still, you keep the puppy in a small enough area that they will get bored with exploring fairly quickly and focus on pottying faster. By keeping quiet, you help your puppy stay focused on pottying, instead of interacting with you. Praise and offer a treat if the puppy pees or poops outside within five minutes. Wait until the puppy has finished pottying. Take puppy to a confinement area for 10 to 20 minutes. After 10 or 20 minutes, go back to Step 1. After the puppy pees or poops, give the puppy off-leash fun time. Giving your puppy off-leash fun time once the puppy pees or poops teaches the puppy that pottying leads to more fun. Most importantly, avoid the common mistake of confining the puppy right after they potty. If you bring the puppy back to their confinement area right after a successful mission, they learn that pottying ends the fun. Then they may start to wait longer and longer to potty, which is the opposite of what you want, right? Repeat these steps throughout the day. Give your puppy lots of chances to potty in an appropriate potty area. Then use positive reinforcement treats, play, praise to encourage your puppy to keep pottying in those areas. The more times your puppy gets it right and the fewer times your puppy has an accident , the faster your puppy will learn the routine. Download our Puppy Walking Schedule printable , to help you keep track. Cheat Sheet Take your puppy to a potty area outdoors or indoors on leash at least once every 30 minutes while you are home and awake. At night, one or two outings are enough for most puppies. Stand still and quietly watch to see if the puppy pees or poops. Praise and offer a treat as soon as the puppy pees or poops outside. After the puppy pees or poops, play with the puppy outdoors, or give puppy up to 15 minutes of carefully supervised time in the house whichever the puppy prefers. Expert Tip Create a house training chart or use a notepad to keep track of when and where the puppy pees and poops, so you can learn their patterns Download our Puppy Potty Training Chart printable , to help you keep track. In time, the chart will help you figure out what areas should be off-limits for now and if you can skip a minute potty break here and there. In addition to regular minute potty breaks, take your puppy to the potty area at these likely potty times: After eating After five to 10 minutes of play or other vigorous activity Immediately after waking up from a nap Get your puppy on a feeding schedule One good way to get pottying under control is to put your puppy on a feeding schedule. In addition to pottying right after eating, many puppies potty again some regular period of time after eating. If you note a when you feed your puppy and b when your puppy potties between meals, you can start to find patterns. Use your notes to make sure your puppy always goes out to a potty area at the right times after eating. With a feeding schedule , you give your puppy regular meals, at regular times, rather than leaving the food bowl out all the time. Fixed meal times make it easier to set up a schedule of potty breaks. The right feeding schedule depends on age, size and more, so ask your veterinarian to help you figure out a feeding schedule for your puppy. Download our Puppy Feeding Schedule printable. What if my puppy potties in the wrong place? If you see your puppy having an accident, calmly take the puppy outside and then praise and offer a treat for going in the right place. Fight the urge to yell or scold! This is because puppies often misinterpret punishment to mean they shouldn't potty in front of you. The nuance that the punishment was about pottying indoors may be totally lost on them. Identify the spot and use a cleaner designed for pet stains, such as Nature's Miracle or Skout's Honor. After you clean, get on your hands and knees and sniff the area to make sure the smell is gone. Related Articles. A corner of the living room, dining room or other area where family regularly gathers is an ideal location. Crate location is particularly important at night, especially for young puppies who often need to go out for a potty trip at least once before morning. Keep one in the common area where your pup will hang out during the day, and one where they sleep at night. How to Crate Train a Dog: Step by Step One of the secrets to kennel training success is giving your dog plenty of time to feel comfortable inside the crate before closing the door and leaving them alone for the first time. Spend as much time as you need on each step to ensure that your dog feels content and stress-free. Ready to dive into crate training? You can also entice your dog with a busy toy stuffed with treats—anything to make that crate as appealing as possible! Stay happy and upbeat as your puppy explores the crate, making sure to give lots of praise when they go inside. At this stage, keep the door open. Practice this step as many times as necessary for your dog to get comfortable in the crate. At this stage, the choice to go into the crate is up to your pup. If your dog is hesitant to go inside, you can give treats to reward baby steps in the right direction, like if they glance at it or take a step towards it. These small successes will encourage your pup to keep it up! Then, provide a lightly stuffed busy toy for them to enjoy inside the crate. Stay nearby as they enjoy the goodies, and experiment with closing the door while your pup is enjoying the toys and treats inside. Let your dog out right after they finish the treats, or at any barking, whimpering or pawing at the crate that might indicate they want to come out. Again, keep at this step until your dog seems relaxed and shows no signs of stress inside the crate. Listen at the door for whines or barks that tell you your pup is ready to come out. But at this stage, your dog may surprise you by settling into the crate easily. In fact, if you time your play session, potty break and crate time properly, you might just return to discover a napping pup in the crate! If your pup remains content inside, try leaving the house for a short period of time. This is especially important for puppies, whose "hold time" is still developing. Doing so might force them to soil inside. That means a 4-month-old puppy can hold it for about four hours. Remember, play and excitement can make your pup need to go out more frequently, too. For adult dogs, avoid crating them for more than four hours. That means that you should plan for a mid-day break if you'll be leaving your dog crated during the work day. Feeding your dog's meals in their crate with the door open can help to make it a positive spot. The crate should never be used for punishment. Check out our tips on dealing with dog separation anxiety and puppy separation anxiety in particular, and talk to your vet for advice tailored to your unique pup. Read More. Here at Parsons Place Stable, all our puppies are litter box trained. We start the puppies on newspaper around 3wks old, then by 4wks we offer a litter box or area with shavings or pellets, the puppies naturally figure out how to use it. In our whelping rooms the puppies have access to a doggy door, which goes out directly into a litter box. Dogs by natural instinct typically do not wish to eliminate themselves where they sleep, so the puppies go out the door and use the box. But, by the time the puppies are 8wks old, they have got it down almost perfectly! The main key to litter box training for puppies, is to keep their space very small. There should only be room for thier bed, food dishes and 1 or 2 litter boxes. As they get better their space is allowed to get larger. We recommend the puppies using a litter box after they go to their new homes. Puppies have no bladder control until after they are 16wks old. They typically need to go out to relieve themselves every hour. If you are like me.This is where the litter box training comes in really handy! If you can set up your puppies home space with a litter box, you will not have to worry as much about if they need to go potty. I have found no issues with housebreaking after using the litter boxes. We still take our puppies outside to potty as often as we can, this way they still get rewarded for using the bathroom outside. This is our whelping room. It is heated and cooled as needed. Each room has a doggy door that opens to the outside, for the mother to get a break from the puppies or as the puppies get older, a place for them to go potty. This is a view from the outside of the whelping room. These puppies are now old enough to go in and out and use the potty in their shavings. On many occasions, once the puppies are weaned we will move the puppies - to our new kennel. Here if the weather is bad outside, the puppies will learn to go only in thier litter box. This room is plenty large enough for the puppies to get lots of playtime outside of their kennel but not have to go outside in the cold. They also get TONS of visitors and attention from all our riding lesson families! Once you take your new puppy home, we recommend you set up something like this. In our home we use a 48" crate with a litter box and a dog bed. This way the puppy can still use the potty even if I can not get him outside. This not only keeps the bed clean, but gives your puppy something to lay on. As you see Pazley loves it up there! Keep the side height around or under 6 inches. If you have a very small puppy you may wish to cut a doorway into the box, as shown above in our crate. Please take your new puppy outside to potty as much as possible and reward them Greatly when they go!! Please feel free to call me with any questions!! The process of training a puppy or even an adult dog to learn the appropriate time and place to eliminate takes determination and patience. The key is to remember that successful potty training is based on repetition and positive reinforcement instead of punishment. So how do you potty train a puppy? And what if you have adopted an adult dog that is not potty trained? How to Potty Train a Puppy Potty training should begin with developing a schedule that both you and your dog can follow. Take Your Puppy Out Often New puppies, especially those under 12 weeks of age, should be taken outside every one to two hours. This high frequency is because puppies 12 weeks and younger are still developing their bladder control and are more likely to have accidents in the house. Feed your dog each meal at the same time each day. They will naturally eliminate shortly after eating, so developing a consistent feeding schedule can avoid confusion and accidents in the house. Use Crate Training as an Aid to Potty Training Crate training is a very effective tool to help not only with potty training your puppy, but also with creating a safe place for your puppy to call home. Dogs are naturally den animals, so their instincts will tell them to find a quiet place to eat and rest. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep or eat, so training your puppy to be comfortable in a crate is a great way to prevent them from having accidents inside. The crate should never be used as punishment, but it should be used whenever your puppy cannot be directly supervised, and for naptime and bedtime. Choosing the correct crate size is extremely important, especially for large-breed dogs that grow rapidly during puppyhood. Keep in mind that your puppy should only have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably—any more room will give your dog room to rest in one corner and pee or poop in the other. Many crates come with a divider that can be moved as your puppy grows. Each time your puppy eliminates outside, immediately reward them with verbal praise, treats, or a favorite toy. The reward should immediately follow the event so that your puppy makes a positive association with eliminating outside. Learning the clues or signals that indicate your puppy needs to eliminate will prevent unnecessary accidents in the house. Most dogs will sniff, make circles, wander off, whine, or sit by the door to indicate they need to go to the bathroom. Put Your Puppy on a Leash for Potty Breaks You should always put your puppy on a leash when you go outside for a potty break. This will not only help get them comfortable with being on a leash , but you will also be right there to reward the good behavior. After giving a positive reward, play with your puppy outside for a few minutes to avoid creating a negative connection with returning inside. Don'ts of Potty Training a Puppy You may have heard some conflicting advice on house training a puppy. Use Potty Pads Puppy pee pads should not be used as a substitute for going outside, unless you have a special situation such as living in a high-rise apartment or have limited mobility. This may slow down the potty-training process and should be avoided, if possible. Use Punishment Instead of Positive Reinforcement Punishment is never an acceptable or successful training method. Instead, punishment teaches your puppy to become fearful of their human parents or other people who try to punish them. Remember that potty training takes patience and kindness! Keep Inconsistent Schedules Failing to adhere to a consistent potty break and feeding schedule can create confusion for your puppy, therefore leading to more accidents in the house. The more frequent trips outside, the better! The more often your puppy is allowed to successfully eliminate outside, the more quickly they will become potty trained. How to Potty Train an Adult Dog Potty training an adult dog can be very similar to training a puppy, depending on the circumstances. Most adult dogs can be successfully potty trained in a month or less. If it has been over a month and you are still having trouble, you may need to speak to your veterinarian or a trainer for additional advice. Here are some more tips to potty train your adult dog successfully. Set a Schedule As with puppies, potty training an adult dog should begin with developing a schedule that both you and your dog can follow. This includes feeding your dog two meals daily at the same time each day. Adult dogs also naturally eliminate shortly after eating, so developing a consistent schedule of eating and potty breaks can avoid confusion and accidents in the house. This can be accomplished with baby gates or crate training. As your dog becomes potty-trained, you can gradually increase the amount of space that they have access to. Like puppies, they do not like to eliminate where they sleep or eat, so they will avoid eliminating in a crate they have come to call home. Again, the crate you use to train your dog should only have enough room for them to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down. While you are potty training, your dog should be crated during naptime, bedtime, and whenever they cannot be directly supervised. Adult dogs may take more time to adjust to a crate. If your dog is showing signs of stress or anxiety with crate training, contact your veterinarian. Each time your dog eliminates outside, reward them with verbal praise, treats, or a favorite toy. Just as with puppies, positive reinforcement will teach your adult dog that they get rewarded for going to the bathroom outside. Give the reward immediately after your dog eliminates outside so they make a positive association with that behavior. Just like puppies, adult dogs often sit by the door, whine, wander off, sniff, or make circles when they need to go to the bathroom. This ensures you will be close by to reward their good behavior. After giving a positive reward, remember to play with your dog outside for a few minutes to avoid creating a negative connection between eliminating and returning inside. This may slow down the potty-training process and should be avoided if possible. Never hit your dog with anything or rub their face in their excrement when they have an accident—these outdated tactics have been proven ineffective. Dogs that are punished will often become fearful of the people punishing them. Potty training can be frustrating, but remember to practice patience and kindness—no matter how old your dog is! Keep Inconsistent Schedules Failing to adhere to a regular routine can confuse your dog, leading to potty accidents in the house. The more opportunities your dog has for successful elimination outside, the faster potty training will go! She completed a certificate in.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Pin It Dogs have been living side by side with people since people were still nomadic. It seems equally unsurprising that studies have recently shown that dogs, on the whole, prefer women to men. Our modern lives have taken us out of caves, given us rabies vaccines, the 19th Amendment and introduced some new problems. Work hours are long. The night is dark. Weather can be inclement. Be that as it may, litter training works best for small breed dogs and puppies. The idea of a Great Dane using a litter box is comical but also a logistical nightmare if you think about it. The first option is the most obvious: a conventional litter box. A dog box is bigger than a cat box, has higher sides and no top. Most dog litter is made of recycled newspaper but there are also clay options. Next up is the pee pad holder. They have plastic undersides and are absorbent to soak up and contain any urine. They are designed for use during housebreaking and were meant to replace the tradition of puppies peeing on newspapers. The problem? Dogs love to shred them and scatter the bits through the house like gross confetti. I think my dog could figure it out. He loves puzzles. Plastic grate-style litter boxes will be the first one I try next time I have a puppy. When your puppy needs to use the loo they just hop up and do what they came to do. The solid waste stays on top of the grate so you can pick it up and do whatever you do with poop. Personally, I flush it. The urine goes down into the shallow box where it is absorbed by either a pee pad or litter, depending on the model. One of the more high-tech offerings is Fresh Patch, which made its debut on Shark Tank and is hydroponically grown grass in a box. Hydroponic means it was grown without dirt. No dirt means no digging. Your dog is supposed to pee and poop in it until the grass gives up the ghost and dies. Then you throw the whole biodegradable mess away. Dogs love it. It can get pricey depending on how often you replace the grass and the size of your dog. If you have one dog, the grass needs replaced every two to three weeks. The price is based on the size of the box, which is based on the size of your dog. Can you put a price on not stepping in a puddle? There are also synthetic grass options that you wash and reuse instead of tossing and replacing, which is more economical. Watch for signs the puppy needs to go, such as sniffing or beginning to squat. Puppies should be taken potty once an hour for the first week; then gradually increase the length of time between potty times. The puppy should also be taken potty 15 minutes after every meal until he starts taking himself. When this happens, praise your puppy like he just discovered gold in your backyard. A high-value treat helps, too. If your puppy has an accident, make sure you clean it with something designed to clean up pet urine, though, or this will be a recurring problem. Yelling at the puppy, rubbing his nose in the accident or hitting the puppy will do nothing but confuse him. The most important part is to be consistent and patient. Valid for any purchase, today! Set up an exercise pen and cover the floor inside the area with newspapers or potty pads. Give your dog dog broth to drink in order to get lots of repetitions and begin work on this over the weekend. Crate your dog, and then every 30 minutes place him in the pen for 5 minutes set a timer. If he "goes". If he doesn't "go", then back in the crate for another 30 minutes. Continue to feed your dog broth. Once he is pottying on the smaller area of papers or pads, transfer the papers or pads into the final potty area or "litter box". If your dog is comfortable now using the potty area, the next step is to leave the exercise pen door open and after you take him out of his crate, encourage him to go in by himself to potty. You are almost there! Now you can remove the exercise pen and take your dog out of the crate and watch carefully so that you can encourage pottying in the potty area. Now, move the potty area to it's final place and work on getting your dog to use it in that location. Once your dog is going to the potty area and "going" with your guidance, you can remove the crate and simply supervise of course rewarding any breakthroughs. A Male Wrap might be a helpful preventative for your boy dogs at this stage. You may need to encourage your dog to go to his potty area from areas in the house that are farther away. If there are any accidents, you will want to increase your supervision and decrease the amount of freedom your dog has. You can decrease freedom by keeping your dog in a small area such as a crate, pen or indoor tether.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Print Preparing for the teething stage If you have been following my puppy training program since the beginning, you will have some down time for the next month or so. This is not to mean that you will not be working with your puppy at all, but only means that you will not be adding any new training. For the next month or two, you should continue working on basic obedience. I will discuss this more later in the post but Here is the training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post eight of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for four-month-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we worked on during the past two weeks while training Bubba. Working on self-control and restraint If you have ever been pushed out of the way as your large dog rushes to get outside or inside ahead of you, you know how that feels. It can be downright dangerous, and there is no reason to allow it. You can start eliminating these future problems by spending time now, teaching your 4-month-old puppy to have self-control and restraint. There is a vast array of situations that you can use to teach your puppy self-control. The first and easiest one to teach is sitting before eating. Simply do not give your puppy their food until they SIT calmly. Here are some other opportunities. Sitting before getting a leash on and off Sitting by door, waiting to go outside or inside, until released from SIT Staying in crate or kennel until released, even with door open All these training opportunities work toward the same thing — self-control. There are probably many more situations that would also apply, use your imagination, and teach your puppy to listen and exert restraint in all situations. Bubba has learned all these lessons well. She understands that she must wait for a release command and that if she SITS very still the release comes sooner. Obedience training your 4-month-old puppy We continue to work on obedience training using a chain collar and heeling stick. Bubba has come a long way regarding heeling. She is not perfect, but she does understand the command. However, remote SIT is not going well. Bubba really struggles to SIT still, even for a few seconds. I had to be reminded that Bubba is a chocolate lab. Chocolate labs tend to mature much slower than blacks or yellows, and Bubba is proving that to be true. Given this, Bubba will probably need some more maturity before I can expect too much from her on obedience. Well, let me rephase. Bubba knows the HERE command but still struggles to respond to it consistently. This is a huge source of contention for me, but again, Bubba is a chocolate and is very immature. A halt on retrieving Up until now we have been doing retrieving daily with Bubba, but as she enters the fourth month, we are increasing aware that she will be teething very soon. Because of this, we will be stopping retrieving until we can confirm that all her adult teeth are in. This concerns a lot of owners; they are concerned that their puppy will forget how to retrieve or will stop wanting to retrieve. We have never had this happen. Final thoughts on training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy As your puppy approaches four months of age, it is good to take a moment to reflect on all the progress you have made in terms of training. These are important steps that will lead your puppy down a path of becoming a happy, healthy family dog and hunting companion. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 4-month-old Labrador puppy? When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. 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.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. He's a happy guy who loves hanging out with his human friends. He has met other dogs but he can bark when he sees another dog imagine he's saying ""hey, hi! How are you? I want to meet you really bad! He'll do best in a home with a yard for potty breaks, where he can go outside without a leash. Pluto likes to be a lap dog. He seeks attention, and loves to cuddle and give kisses. He likes to play with toys, and knows basic commands such as ""sit. If you would like to meet him, please email Debbie AzFriends. Please go to our website www. Once you have filled out the online Adoption Consultation Form, just come in and see us or come and see us and fill out the consultation form upon arrival! Please note that ALL dogs and cats are available to the first home that meets the dog or cat that we feel is a good match. In order to help make the best match, we do want all family members dogs and humans to meet any potential new family member. We are located at W Melody Avenue in Gilbert zip code .All animals are altered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, licensed dogs. Dogs tested for Heartworm. All animals are available to the first family that is a good match, and if we have more than one animal who is a good match, there will be a lottery for all matches. Note that families must have come in to our adoption center and spoken with an adoption counselor prior to any lottery when we have lotteries, they usually occur on Saturday mornings.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Aside from forcing you to get more active, having a canine friend can reduce stress for people of all ages. For starters, vaccinations start at weeks old and should be spaced out every two weeks. Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best dog breeds for families. Are you looking to bring home a golden retriever puppy? Read on for an in-depth golden retriever guide to prepare you for your new best friend for life. Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs? Of course, all dogs are the best boys and girls and deserve all the belly rubs in the world! However, when people ask if a golden retriever is a good dog, they want to know if the breed is a good fit for them. Some dogs also require extensive maintenance and can be too much for a beginner dog handler. For people wanting to make sure a golden is good for their lifestyle, the quick answer is yes. Golden retrievers are an all-around versatile breed for all kinds of people and are the best dogs you could ask for. Golden retrievers are amazing with kids and make for great family dogs. Goldens are a gentle bunch, and their intelligence and patience are often under-appreciated. They can handle household noise and curious toddlers with the patience of a saint. As a breed, they are well known for their loving, patient, gentle, and fun-loving nature. This is largely a result of upbringing and conditioning, as any dog can become aggressive if mistreated. If you want a friendly golden retriever, do your part and give them the love and care they need. Golden Retrievers Are Affectionate Goldens are affectionate and are sure to get along with any dog or person they meet. This is why you often see them excelling as therapy, comfort, and emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers Have Wonderful Personalities There is nothing to not like about the personalities of this breed. They love to have fun, but they also like going with the flow. Given their history as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are curious and will go often go exploring if you let them. They also have plenty of courage and work ethic, making them great working dogs. Golden retrievers will always want to greet strangers and sneak a chance at some playtime. This makes them a poor choice to defend your home, as they might befriend the intruder instead. If you want a guard dog, a golden retriever may fall short of its responsibilities. They Can Be Mischievous This one should be obvious for anyone scrolling social media. Goldens have a penchant for tomfoolery and mischief, which can often be hilarious. Golden retriever puppies are particularly notorious for this. Part of this stems from their natural curiosity but also their relaxed and loving nature. While temperament is often a genetic arch-type and can differ from dog to dog, most of it is solid. This is a huge factor for families with multiple dogs or a cat. They May Have Trouble Behaving in Public Because goldens are so friendly, they sometimes have trouble behaving in public. Their temperament naturally pulls them toward new potential friends. You can work on these through socialization and by going slow. Take them to less crowded or busy places first, and work your way up until they get the hang of it. Keep an eye out for body language and physical contact. As we said, some of this comes built in, but you also have to work on it. There are two major things you need to do. If you want to ensure your golden has that loveable personality, start socializing them at a young age. Training is a must, and golden retrievers are usually eager to please. It also helps to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, not from any pet store or puppy mill. At My Golden Retriever Puppies , we breed and raise our puppies with the love and attention they deserve. Golden Retriever Traits Aside from personality and temperament, goldens have great traits. These include their trainability, intelligence, and energy levels. It also includes behaviors to watch out for, like chewing. For a quick dive, keep reading. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Golden retrievers are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. A great example is how the police love using them as sniffers and tracking dogs. As long as you put in the work, your golden will be able to flex its stuff. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and obedient and loving personality. Golden Retrievers Need Exercise Despite being pretty flexible with their energy levels, Goldens still need to exercise. Examples of this include frequent zoomies around the house or getting into messes. They Can Be Chewers Goldens can be chewers, and this stems from adolescence. Teething golden puppies will chew anything they can get their hands on. A great way to handle this is training and exercise. Goldens need stimulation. Playing tug of war or fetch is a great way to address that bad chewing habit. They are cute and smart, easy to train and grow up to be fantastic family dogs. Visit us today to bring the newest addition to your family home. A golden retriever is happy, loyal, affectionate, non-aggressive, and almost always friendly. They get along with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, and other animals. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a lot? For example, your puppy may boop things with their nose or use their paws to communicate. Are Golden Retrievers Well Behaved? Golden retrievers are some of the most well-behaved dogs out there. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped!