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There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:.

Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Watch Us In Action! About BRLA Boxer Rescue Los Angeles, a c 3 non-profit founded in , is funded by donations, driven by volunteers and committed to helping Boxers in need find loving homes and to help people looking to provide homes, find the Boxer that fits them best. Our mission for every adoption is a responsible lifetime match. All Boxers available for adoption are cared for in one location. Adoptions are scheduled by appointment. When you see a candidate posted on our Available Dogs page that has profile information that matches you, an adoption application should then be submitted. If your profile is a potential match to the Boxer candidate we then set up a virtual face to face interview to discuss in more detail. If we have a good pre-match an appointment will be made to come to BRLA and meet your candidate. Our adoption team will do introductions and test for compatibility to hopefully make a responsible lifetime match. You can adopt to save a life. You can donate to help us save lives. We are funded solely by private donations which are desperately need to house, feed, take care of routine medical and to be able to take on any medical needed to give a Boxer the second chance they deserve. You can save a life. All visits to our kennel for adoption or volunteering are by appointment only. A Few of our Featured Boxers. At only a year old we cannot figure out how this healthy hunk ended up there. Wallace is already neutered, vaccinated and almost 50lbs! Welcome Wallace! A good samaritan saved them before they were hit by speeding cars and took them to the local shelter. Their microchips were not registered and no one came to claim them. We thought someone must be missing these beauties but it appears they are another case of abandonment. They do not need to be adopted together. Could you be the person to offer this boy the loving environment he deserves? Meet Constantine! This supremely handsome fella is searching for a home where he can feel safe and loved. Constantine has shown some curiosity towards cats, and he might indulge in a playful chase, so a slow introduction would be best. His care team also believes he may have been beaten up or picked on by other dogs. Constantine has received all necessary veterinary care, but the wounds on his leg are still visible and healing. Do you have the patience, time and commitment a young, energetic boxer needs? Link below to apply to adopt Constantine! Same sex bully breed aggression is a real thing, and all too often an owner having to surrender a dog they love dearly is the unfortunate outcome, but the only solution. Brown is an absolute joy of a dog! He knows his basic commands, will give paw and lives to be close to his people. He is 4. He is kind to humans and kids, but has never been exposed to cats or dogs other than his k-9 sibling with whom he is fighting. At this time we feel a home with no other pets would be best for Brown, but will consider an experienced home with a docile female dog. We are in the process of bringing Cosmo into rescue and will have more information shortly. He is only 3 years old and sweet as sugar. Can you help Cosmo get his life back by opening your home to foster or adopt? This 2-year-old female boxer is the embodiment of affection and warmth. A natural with kids and other dogs, she effortlessly spreads happiness wherever she goes. Could you be the one to offer her the love and home she deserves? Here comes Diesel! After a bumpy start, Diesel has the green flag to find a furever home at Mach speed He hit the track when a breeder without space for multiple energetic boxers released him. We are happy to have him join our CH Boxer Rescue crew. Diesel is a year old, dog friendly and still a novice at being a cherished indoor pet. Rex is 11 months old and up to date on his vet care. This bright star is a mere 11 months old and admired by canine as well as human fans. He is only 9 months old and more of a jester than a dictator. He loves to romp around at court boarding with other dogs. He would enjoy a fur sister and a yard to rule over! His eyes are a little far apart so he looks absolutely ridiculous and completely adorable at the same time. He is super skinny, a 2. However, he sits on command and waits patiently for treats! He met another female dog through the fence and kept a wagging tail then went about sniffing absolutely everything he could get his nose on. He catches treats in the air and never misses. They need a foster or adopter as well as long overdue vet care. She is sweetheart with people, kids and other dogs. She is currently living with her mother Chata and 3 other dogs. They both need a foster or adopter and to be brought up to date on vet care. Born on June 6th, we have 2 handsome males and 2 darling females ready for their forever homes. Daddy was a boxer, while Mommy, a brave boxer mix, trots around beautifully on just three legs. This litter was larger, but they were split up. As of now, our little furballs have been vaccinated with DHPP and are just a tad too young for their rabies shots. Get ready for the adventure of puppyhood and consider adding one of these charmers to your family. For more information or to make one of them a part of your story, contact us! Empty bowls, evidence of her lack of food and water, painted a dire picture. Thanks to the unyielding spirit of our volunteers and the invaluable support from each one of you, Gypsy is no longer in that forsaken place. Tonight, she is safe, surrounded by love and care, and starting her journey to a better life. Gypsy is an incredibly sweet, young boxer despite being chained outside most of her life. She would love a family to call her own including children and possibly a fur brother. On behalf of Gypsy and all of us at CHBR, thank you for standing with us, for transforming despair into hope. We estimate they were a few weeks old at the time. An employee brought the box of babies inside to keep them safe after a few were taken by passersby. The puppies were moved to a foster home where they are receiving regular meals and vet care. There are 6 females and 2 males. Please contact us for more information or to adopt. Super calm but happy. The tail is always going. She is a huge mush and loves to snuggle and cuddle right in your arms. He plays hard, and would benefit greatly from a home ready to help shape his untamed energy into polished behavior. Greetings from the ever-charming Ben, a 2-year-old Cockapoo who is as fluffy as he is sweet. His playful nature and affectionate demeanor make him a perfect companion! She is very sweet with people including children. Maia is blind but navigates familiar spaces smoothly. She loves to lay in the grass while her foster mom works in the garden. Maia can be an only dog or possibly go with a calm male dog. First, we thank you for all the generous donations we received on behalf of Maia! We started her treatment plan which is paid for by your generosity. She is also visually impaired. She walks well outside on leash but inside bumps into walls and doors. When dogs bark, she freezes but with encouragement from her foster she remains calm. Please continue helping us with Maia! If you can provide a safe place for her arrival, please contact your coordinator or apply here: Link below Adoption CASTIEL Meet Castiel, At 70 lbs of pure playfulness, this two-year-old is ready to leap into his forever home! Link below.

Coming in at number three this year is our fluffy friend, the Golden Retriever! Golden Retriever Breed Basics Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly dispositions. They were originally developed to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, but they also make amazing companions. The Golden Retriever is eager to please and fun to train, which helps them excel at almost anything. They enjoy people of all ages and generally get along well with other dogs. Colors range from almost white to red-gold, and anything in between. They have long, feathery tails and floppy ears. Golden Retrievers stand anywhere from .Goldens have a soft, fluffy coat that needs daily care in order to minimize shedding and keep them looking their best. Pay special attention to any feathering around the hindquarters, tail, and ears because mats can easily develop in those areas. If dog hair is a problem for your household, this breed may not be a good fit. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs with many fine qualities, but the breed is prone to a number of health problems. At the top of the list is cancer. Goldens are susceptible to a number of different kinds, all of which can be difficult to treat and emotionally challenging to owners. No one really understands the reason for high cancer rates in the breed, but inheritance is suspected to play a role. As with almost all popular purebred dogs, Goldens can also be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, so be sure your breeder screens their dogs for these disorders. This breed can gain weight easily, so be sure to monitor calory intake and keep table scraps to a minimum. Keeping your Golden at his ideal body weight can help keep him healthy and happy throughout his life. They get along with kids and do well with other dogs. These are happy, active dogs who are willing to try almost anything, which is part of their charm! These dogs do best in active households where someone is available to exercise them regularly. They bond strongly with their families, which makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often. Crate-training your Golden will help prevent this from becoming a problem. Goldens are energetic, active dogs who love doing stuff and need daily exercise. Long walks are great, but Goldens really love games of fetch, and will often carry around toys for their humans to throw. They generally adore anything involving water, hiking, or jogging. Goldens are fun dogs that want to make their people happy. They love training and excel at almost every canine activity. They are often top competitors in obedience competitions, agility, and field trials. Also, their excellent temperament has made them very popular as service dogs for people with disabilities. The breed was developed by Scottish noblemen who wanted to create a versatile hunting dog for their upland estates. The AKC recognized the Golden in , and today, they are the 3rd most popular breed in the country! Today, Goldens are still used for hunting, but they have been trained for a number of other jobs as well. They serve as service and therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even drug detection dogs! The Golden has also been popular for starring roles in a number of movies and TV shows, most notably the Homeward Bound films. British Christmas Traditions British people have a lot of the same Christmas traditions that we do here in the U. Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and bacon-wrapped sausages are typical side dishes. Picture a flakey biscuit-type pastry. Then, picture filling it with gravy. Sound delicious? Trifle is another popular, and delicious, dessert. Be sure to try one if you ever get the chance! Christmas trees are popular in England too, as are stockings, with a twist. Instead of hanging them over the fireplace, most British children hang their stockings at the foot of their beds. That would be boring. Instead, British children burn them in the fireplace, in hopes that the ashes will float up the chimney and reach Santa as quickly as possible! Please check back soon to learn about our runner-up, the German Shepherd! This entry was posted in TevraPet. Bookmark the permalink. Cody Tromler. Christmas Eve morning and my four-year-old daughter, Hailey, was in the hospital again, this time in a brand-new wing of Swedish Issaquah Medical Center. She was the only pediatric patient. The doctor was with Hailey, waiting to talk to my husband, Gary, and me, but I paused for a moment in the hallway, bracing myself. An artificial tree, festooned with lights and ornaments, stood in the corner. Carols played over the PA. The staff had tried to give the place a festive air, but it felt grim and sterile to me. Hailey had battled chronic lung disease and epilepsy since birth. Even when she was home, she was mostly bedridden. A surgically inserted feeding tube kept her alive. Her big brother, Logan, and sister, Harmony, were wonderful to her, but when they went off to school or to play with friends, Hailey was left on her own. What kind of lonely life is this for a child? I just wanted my little girl to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. Gary and I had scrimped for months and managed to save enough for our family to celebrate. Then Hailey caught some kind of respiratory virus. In the middle of the night on December 23, she had such trouble breathing that her lips turned blue. I called .The diagnosis was acute pneumonia. If she comes home, I thought. Hailey lay in bed, her face as pale as the sheets, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. The doctor spoke in a low voice to Gary and me, telling us Hailey needed immediate surgery to move the feeding tube from her stomach to her small intestine because she was aspirating fluid into her lungs. Hailey had been incredibly brave through all of her treatments over the years. How could I encourage her to keep fighting? Suddenly it hit me. The perfect solution, the thing she wanted most. I brought it up with Gary that evening when we went to the cafeteria to grab a bite. When I throw the ball, he brings it back. Simply having him lie next to her comforted her. And it was just goldens she responded to. A golden retriever. Way beyond our budget. We were living paycheck to paycheck. And we lived in an apartment with no yard—not the kind of place for a big, active dog. Besides the initial cost, there would be food and vet bills. He wanted Hailey to be healthy and happy as much as I did. But he was practical. I already worked full-time taking care of a child with disabilities, an ideal job because I could watch Hailey at the same time. Hailey kept talking the whole time about her dog: what she would name it, how much she would love it. At one point, the anesthesiologist had to tell her to slow down and take a breath. The surgery went smoothly, and three days later Hailey came home. But the journey to get her dog was only just beginning. I picked up odd jobs. I walked dogs, cleaned houses, worked for an on-call nanny agency at night while Gary watched the kids. Every Sunday night, we would empty the jar and count the money so we could see our progress. It took eight months, but by the following August we finally had enough money saved. We found a golden retriever breeder and made plans to pick a puppy from his next litter. New worries sprang up in my mind: What if the dog was too rough for Hailey? We met the breeder in the parking lot of a grocery store on a Saturday morning. It was a chaotic scene, with other families clamoring to play with the 15 adorable puppies waiting for homes. But soon she was taking him on walks. The first time was just to our mailbox. Gary went with her, and they would add a block or so with every walk until Hailey could walk for 20 minutes without losing her breath. She took over the responsibility of feeding Hunter. By December, she was eating small portions. Most important, Hunter was her best friend, her constant companion. Hailey still spent much of the day resting in bed. Hunter lay right next to her. One day, Hailey overheard me sharing my biggest worry with Gary, that she would never be able to lead a normal life. If God can get Hunter for me, surely God can take care of me! We had Hunter trained to alert to her seizures, and her health and confidence grew. At age 9, she was eating so well, the doctors removed her feeding tube. Our lives have grown as well. Hailey now has three younger siblings. Our next dream is launching a center to train service dogs for other families. Like Hailey, I have faith that God will help us get there. For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine. Share this story.

Good French Bulldog breeders are expected to be responsible and help you with the process of selecting the right puppy for you. Harley French Bulldogs is a family business, and its main goal is to deliver high-quality AKC French Bulldogs that are healthy and happy before anything else. From the day they are born, puppies are raised indoors, where they start getting used to people, loud sounds, and the environment around them. This also includes socialization and fun daily activities that will make them the ideal companions for you. Their business started eleven years ago, but at that time they were raising Boxers, and then after three years they switched to breeding quality French Bulldogs. All their puppies come fully vaccinated and dewormed, with a microchip, a puppy pack, and a five-year genetic health guarantee. If you have any questions or struggles with your new pup, you can always count on support from the breeders. As you can see, this family enjoys every aspect of their job, and there is no doubt that you will be satisfied if you choose to buy one of their lovable Frenchies. Harleyville French Bulldogs Details. These puppies have a one-year health guarantee against genetic defects and are given specific nutrition information to ensure that they remain healthy. All of their Frenchies are AKC-registered and have a good temperament to ensure your puppies will also take after them. It is safe to say that all of their puppies are socialized and have a good temperament to fit a family at home. Cardin French Bulldogs Cardin French Bulldogs have been breeding Frenchies since , and all of them are brought up around the rest of the animals and family. Each litter is produced yearly and bred on a twenty-acre property with horses, hens, dogs, and children, so the Frenchies are guaranteed to be socialized. Harleyville French Bulldogs The puppies bred by Harvey French Bulldogs are raised and socialized by a loving family in Minnesota, where they are handled daily. All of their puppies are raised with the intention of making them great companions for anyone looking for company. Previously, they raised Boxers but switched to Frenchies over eight years ago. Harleyville French Bulldogs are happy to answer any questions about their puppies and will always endeavor to respond within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. They have a thorough application process to obtain a puppy from them to ensure that their puppies go to the right forever home. They have a health guarantee in place and are microchipped to ensure that the puppies can be found if lost. Along with these elements, they offer breeder support and a puppy pack with a few more additions to ensure your puppy is comfortable in their new home. All their puppies are home raised and are exposed to children and households from a young age to ensure they are socialized. All of their puppies are examined and given shots by a licensed and certified veterinarian, who will also provide health checks to ensure they are completely healthy. They have been working with Frenchies since , and have also worked with show homes and have been breeding since then. They will conduct OFA health testing on their Frenchies to ensure they are as healthy as possible. Overall, their desire is to ensure that everyone has a Frenchie as a pet that is healthy, so that they can live a long life with you and your family. Their main goal is to breed their Frenchies with good health, temperament, and color. All of the puppies born to them are treated like part of the family and are socialized from a young age. Each litter has a waiting list, and all puppies have a health guarantee. However, this is also a great way to meet the adult Frenchies and understand their temperaments, especially to gauge what your pup is like when they reach maturity. All of their Frenchies are health tested and are checked for over conditions that may affect them, and they have access to four generations of pedigree. All of their dogs are socialized from a young age, and they encourage you to pick them up as they do not ship them. They will not breed a litter unless it is guaranteed that they have families waiting for them, so recommend that you put in a deposit to guarantee a puppy from the litter. SweetHeart Frenchies All Frenchies from SweetHeart Frenchies are bred for their health, size, and standard, and all have a good temperament. This contains health info, instructions on raising your puppy, AKC limited registration, their pedigree, a one-year health guarantee, the veterinary record, puppy food, toys, a leash, a collar, and lifetime support from them. They also ensure that all of their Frenchies are microchipped and dewormed and have all of their shots done. Sweetheart Frenchies will also ensure that they socialize the puppies so that they have the right environments, and they will interview prospective homes to find the right forever homes for their Frenchies. All of these puppies are health checked and are up to date with any vaccinations that they need. Other articles of interest:. We now live in Becker MN. I am a True Color Breeder. No fad color or designer mix breeds. I take great pride in being a Preservation Breeder and do not breed Designer color or Hair coat Frenchies. We breed occasionally for our own show dogs. Our goal is to produce dogs that are both healthy and pleasing to the eye, meeting and exceeding the AKC French Bulldog standards. Our home raised, Minnesota French Bulldog puppies are exposed to children and a lot of household commotion so they are well socialized before leaving to live with a new family. Our puppies are examined and vaccinated by a Licensed and Certified Veterinarian to verify their health prior to adoption to a new family. Those not chosen to be show dogs are available as companion dogs. We welcome inquires about pet and show prospect puppies. We can also offer referrals to reputable AKC breeders with French Bulldog puppies for sale in our area. Please feel free to browse through our website for a sneak peak at our French Bulldogs and French Bulldog puppies for sale. All of our AKC French Bulldogs are accustomed to family life and will be a loving member of your family. We strive to produce top quality MN French Bulldogs. Many questions can be answered on this site. Check out the buttons and links to find out if a French Bulldog is the right new family pet for you. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota work? The price tags for each pup can be influenced by factors like breeder experience and location, along with coat color and pedigree. Our network is designed to help you find the perfect French Bulldog for sale in Minnesota for you, including one that fits your budget. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The typical French Bulldog Minnesota is a short dog with pointed ears and an adorable little face. They're descended from English Bulldogs, designed to be a little smaller and more portable than their ancestors. These days, Minnesota French Bulldogs for sale are hugely popular family pets due to their loyal and loving nature. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? One thing you might notice when browsing through Minnesota French Bulldog breeders is that these pups can be a little pricey. This is all down to their genetics. Due to the narrow hips of Frenchies, breeding them can be very difficult, leading to higher costs for breeders and higher prices on the pups as well. So if you want a healthy Minnesota French Bulldog puppy for sale, you'll need to pay a little extra when compared to other breeds. Do you only connect me with French Bulldog breeders nearby? Not at all! You can use Uptown to connect with breeders and businesses all over the US, and most of the featured breeders in the Uptown network are highly experienced in transporting puppies. They'll be able to arrange travel for your French Bulldog for sale Minnesota to any major airport in your area. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders? Uptown upholds the highest standards of animal welfare, breeding experience, facility cleanliness, and much more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with French Bulldogs? The internet is a great tool for finding French Bulldog puppies for sale in Minnesota. Unfortunately, it's an equally useful tool for scammers, bad breeders, and puppy mills to sell sick dogs too! At Uptown, we aim to eliminate the risk of buying an unhealthy pup from a bad seller, putting you in touch with only the very best breeders. What is a puppy mill like? An honest breeding facility is a wonderful place for French Bulldog puppies in Minnesota, but a puppy mill is the exact opposite! At mills, dogs are forced to produce litter after litter of unhealthy puppies, many of which develop severe health issues that can cost thousands of dollars to fix. A lot of puppy mill dogs also die sooner than usual due to their mistreatment. Are there any French Bulldog litters available right now? These pups are super popular, so there are always plenty of new and upcoming litters to check out. We'll help to put you in touch with leading breeders and businesses and make your search for the perfect pup a simple and stress-free experience from start to finish. Are French Bulldogs suitable for apartments? A lot of apartment owners are opting for a Minnesota French Bulldog for sale these days, as these little, stubby dogs are just right for small home life. They don't have high energy levels or exercise requirements, so they can get on just fine in a little place, as long as they get plenty of cuddles, walks, and mental stimulation. Are French Bulldogs low-shedding? If you're looking for a low-shedding dog, French Bulldogs for sale in Minnesota aren't exactly the best choice, but they're not as bad as some other breeds. They're classed as moderate shedders and actually don't shed much for large parts of the year, but each spring and winter, they'll go through a couple of weeks of heavy shedding. You can minimize this by grooming them regularly.

Breeds The link has been copied! However, the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix has a lot to offer as a pet. It can always be a little interesting to see what you get when mixing two dog breeds. Border Collies are mostly black and white, though there can be other colors. Goldens vary in color from light yellow to deep gold or red. The cross, sometimes called the Coltriever can be any color ranging from black and white to yellow, golden, brown, deep chocolate, or red. The best way to understand a designer dog breed a mix of two purebreds is to take a closer look at its parent breeds. As you might expect, they were used extensively for herding sheep over generations in this area. Eventually, they developed into excellent working dogs known for their intelligence, energy, and obedience. In fact, Border Collies have topped the list when it comes to ranking the smartest dog breeds. Border Collies are medium to large size dogs standing inches at the shoulder and weighing about pounds. They were made to work and require a job or at least lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be calm and happy. The Loving Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever has long been popular as a family dog in addition to being used for various jobs. Their affectionate personalities and loving attitude toward everyone they encounter are downright endearing. Interestingly, Golden Retrievers were originally developed for work. They are also from Scotland and are the result of the work of Lord Dudley Marjorbanks. He worked to produce an intelligent, hard-working dog from the extinct Tweed Water Spaniel and the Yellow Retriever. Golden Retrievers are pretty big, usually standing between inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds. They are typically golden in color, but the shade can range from quite pale to a deep gold or red hue. However, the Golden Collie tends to be a larger dog, standing between inches and weighing pounds. Surprisingly for such a large dog, Coltrievers can handle living in small homes or even apartments — with proper exercise, of course. As descendants of the highly energetic Border Collie, these guys will go nuts if they are cooped up for too long! Goldens are famous for their easy-going, loving personalities. They are loyal, develop strong bonds with their families, and make wonderful playmates for children. As with any dog, it is important to meet their needs for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Because of their smarts, they may need more mental stimulation than other breeds but there are a lot of activities that count. Playing with the kids, puzzle games , fetch, swimming, jogging, hiking , and so much more make these pups super happy! The last section gives you a big hint — yes, Golden Border Retrievers make excellent family dogs. Because they need so much attention, it can be hard for a single person or even a couple who work outside the home to provide enough interaction for the dog. But you put a whole family in the house and that Golden Border Retriever is in heaven! They will happily play with your kids and will be gentle and loving. They will always let you know when a stranger is coming to visit! Everybody wants a well-behaved dog and it takes time and patience to achieve that. However, some dogs are easier to train than others. For busy families that may not have tons of time to dedicate to dog training, easy trainability is a big plus. Well, the Golden Border Retriever is a great choice. They can get themselves into trouble if they are bored, so plenty of mental stimulation and exercise is a must — or your furniture could pay the price. If you like the idea of a dog that can learn lots of cool and unusual tricks, this is a great dog to pick. They are also great dogs for competing in agility and other canine sports. Outside the home, Golden Border Retrievers are fantastic for use in a variety of jobs. Their smarts and obedience make them easy to use for herding, retrieving, and everything in between. But one thing is certain, they have a lot of hair and will shed frequently. Because these dogs are certainly not it. To keep their coats somewhat under control, expect to brush their hair at least once a week. Baths only need to happen about once or twice a month. Be careful not to bathe too frequently or their skin can dry out. And make sure to keep those floppy ears clean and dry to help avoid ear infections. Just as with humans, it depends on their age, size, activity level, and other factors. Adjust accordingly if you notice they are getting thinner or putting on more weight. For exercise, remember these guys are quite the energetic pups! It is best to provide your pup with at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Though if your schedule allows, these pups will happily go strong for minutes a day and still race you to the front door! Health Concerns for the Golden Retriever and Border Collie Unfortunately, all dogs can get sick, regardless of their breed. That may be somewhat true for the breed as a whole, but individual dogs could also be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. For Coltrievers, this means they can be plagued by the health problems of both the Border Collie and the Golden Retriever. Both dog breeds are susceptible to bloat and allergies. Elbow and hip dysplasia are also common and may be passed on to their designer dog offspring. Border Collies can pass on progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly. Both of these conditions can cause loss of eyesight if not treated. Deafness and epilepsy are also common issues. Golden Retrievers contribute heart problems, other eye conditions like pigmentary uveitis, and, unfortunately, cancer. All in all, Golden Border Retrievers are generally healthy dogs and can be expected to live a long life with proper care. The average life expectancy of the crossbreed is around years. Breeders love the idea of mixing their intelligence and obedience with the looks or other characteristics of different dog breeds. Thus, there are quite a few options for Border Collie crossbreeds to choose from. The Border Aussie is very similar to the Border Collie in smarts and personality. Plus, this dog is smarter than the average toddler, so watch out and get ready to teach him lots of tricks! The Border Collie Chihuahua mix is a designer dog breed that has become quite famous in the last few years. That's because these dogs are smart, playful, and active. They also make great pets for people who live in small apartments or homes. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix , also known as the Shollie, is a unique and intelligent breed that combines the workaholic nature of the Border Collie with the protective instincts of the German Shepherd. These dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility, and they excel in a wide range of activities, from herding to search and rescue. A Bordoodle is a great option. With the right mix, the Poodle contributes a slightly curly, low-shed coat. The Golden Border Collie makes a fabulous companion for the right family. They can be content in an apartment or small home, but only if you have the time and energy to exercise them daily. They need to run at the local dog park, go on a hike, explore new areas, or participate in agility or other canine sports to get enough exercise. For this reason, they can be a better option if you have a house with a sizeable yard or live on a farm. If you have kids, these are great dogs to consider. They make loving and playful companions and your dog and the kids will help tire each other out. They may try to herd people around, which can be intimating for small children, but gentle correction usually takes care of that quite easily. These guys crave attention and love companionship so they will get lonely and anxious on their own for more than 6 hours every day. They are friendly and loving, even with strangers, so you can have guests over without worrying about your dog being suspicious or aloof. All in all, the Golden Border Retriever is a wonderful companion dog for active families. Find more helpful articles on pet-parenting at the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Also, be sure to check out TryFi's Fi Dog Collar , a cutting-edge GPS tracking collar that keeps you updated on your dog's location, activity, sleep, and alerts you if they escape the backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Since they are known to shed frequently, they can cause allergies and other irritations. The basic grooming processes needed are: Brushing their furs weekly with a solid bristle brush to prevent them from shedding their coats too much; Cleaning their ears weekly to prevent ear infections; Bathing of one to two times a month; and Having their nails trimmed once they get too long. For first time owners who do not have experience with grooming dogs, this can be difficult because this breed requires high-maintenance grooming. You should see a veterinarian first to ask the grooming practices necessary for your dog. You need to follow the practices always. Excessive shedding is possible, so bath should be given at most twice a month. Their skins can also dry out if bathing is done irregularly. When bathing your dog, use a shampoo specialized for their furs to keep the quality. This mix is also prone to ear infections. Prevention is better than cure, so every week cleaning of the ear should be done. Their ears are one of the essential parts of their body. They cannot carry out their daily activities if their ears are in bad condition. Also, you must also trim their nails if they got too long to avoid future injuries from scratches. There are times that they even scratch their skins, so you must always monitor their nails. Golden Border Retriever Health Problems If the parents of the mixes have disorders, the chances are high that the offspring can inherit the disorder. However, there are cases in which the puppies are healthy even if one of the parents is diagnosed with a disease. It is better to check the pedigree of the crossbreed to verify if it is free from a severe illness. In biology, there is an incident known as hybrid vigor; it means that the offspring is better than its parents in several aspects such as physical characteristics and health. When you adopt a Golden Retriever Border Collie crossbreed, these are the following disorders that can attack your puppy: Skin Allergies Heart Diseases Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Because this breed shed too much, they are vulnerable to skin allergies. Once grooming is not taken care of, allergies can follow. Aside from the allergies that the shedding will bring you, your dog can also be affected by excessive removals of coats. Even though they are medium-sized dogs, bloating is also common to them. When the food matrix is not followed correctly, obesity can happen; it is a prerequisite to severe disorders. The excess weight of your dog can result in heart problems. As mentioned, this breed is highly intelligent, one of the mental diseases that this breed can develop is the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD which can be similar to humans. It will be a nuisance not just for your dog, but to you also. If they have their check-ups regularly, most of these mixes live up to 15 years. Make sure to prioritize their health. Border Collie Mixed with Golden Retriever Food Requirements Researches have proven that the amount of food intake in an individual dog is varying. The nutritional requirement of each dog is dependent on factors like weight, height, and the activities done by your dog. In the case of Border Collie mixed with Golden Retriever puppies, there is also no suggested food servings. For this breed, table foods or the foods consumed by humans cannot be fed to them. They are sensitive regarding the food they are eating. The dog food that you must give to the puppies should contain the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals for their growth. Puppies can be fed thrice in a day. As they grow, their needs for food is decreasing. To prevent obesity in dogs, a meal given twice in a day is recommended. Make a schedule on when to feed them so that they will be used to it; make sure to follow it regularly. In feeding your dogs, make sure to check the suggested amount of servings in the pack of the dog food that you bought. Monitoring the feeding habit of your dogs is essential. Their optimum performance will be achieved if they are given the right amount of food. There are also diets designed for highly skilled dogs. You should consult a veterinarian if you are planning a diet for your dog. Make sure to match their food matrix with their activities. If you want to give your pooch a happy and healthy life, start with nutrition. Avoid food that could be harmful to their health, such as the worst dry dog food. In case you brought a puppy to your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to regular food, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Older dogs should also eat healthy food which is suggested in the best senior dry dog list. Your puppies come from two different parents, which makes them more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. They require long hours of exercise. An average of 90 minutes a day is recommended. The hours needed for their exercise is comparably longer to the number of minutes required by some breeds. The reason for this is their highly active lifestyle. Without exercise, the level of their energy can be difficult to match. Even if you are not supervising them, they can exercise on their own. Allocate a place in your home where they can play around. They will eventually stop exercising once they get tired because these dogs know their limits. If you have a backyard at your home, it is the perfect spot for your dog to exercise. Let it run around your yard. With that simple activity, risks of developing serious heart conditions can be reduced. Besides, extra calories can also be burned; therefore, they can be less prone to obesity. As discussed, Golden Collie can make a great exercise companion. You can have them join you in your exercise routines such as: Jogging. Lifespan Sociability Given how well-known its parent breeds are, you may think that you already understand everything about Golden Border Retrievers—and you might be right. If you value your lawn or garden, this dog may not be right for you. They love everyone and everything, although they may be a bit shy around strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, you may need to enlist the entire family in tuckering these dogs out, as meeting their exercise requirements may be overwhelming for a single person. Having multiple family members who can take turns throwing a ball or a stick definitely comes in handy. Golden Border Retrievers are generally welcoming to strangers, although socialization helps in this regard. Also, they have strong herding instincts, so while they may not chase or attack your cat or other small pet, they may try to push it around a little bit. Here are a few things you should know about the breed before you bring one home. That usually means kibble with plenty of protein in it, preferably from a variety of lean meats. Protein burns more slowly than carbs do, so your pup will have plenty of energy to stay active all day long. The primary ingredients to watch out for in a kibble are cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These are packed with empty calories and can cause digestive issues in some dogs. Instead, look for high-quality fruits and veggies. These dogs fail to see the appeal of an afternoon spent in front of the television. They need exercise—a great deal of it. These brainy pups love to be challenged, so obedience training, agility work, and puzzles are all likely to go over well with one of these pooches. Their big brains can quickly figure out what you want them to do, and they love to make you happy. As noted above, these dogs have destructive tendencies that need to be curbed, and they need proper socialization if you expect them to have good manners in public. You can teach these dogs to do just about anything. They respond well to positive reinforcement while punishing them is likely to backfire. Praise and affection are generally all you need to use as rewards, so be careful about handing out treats. You can quickly overload these dogs with cookies if you give them one every time they do something right. Their other grooming needs are fairly typical. They need their teeth brushed several times a week, their nails trimmed as needed, and their body bathed a couple of times a year. Be careful not to bathe them too often, though, as that can strip their coats of essential oils and dry out their skin. Below are a few of the issues that may come up if you bring one of these dogs home. Minor Conditions. Both working breeds may do different tasks, but combining them makes an intelligent, loving, obedient, and agile offspring. Getting to know the Border Collie and Golden Retriever will already give a hint of what your Coltriever would be like in terms of looks and behavior. Through generations, this sheepdog which is the definition of the term Collie in Scottish became popular. Nowadays, Border Collies are touted as the smartest and the most excellent herding dog. They have a height of 18 to 22 inches 46 to 56 cm and a weight of 30 to 45 pounds 14 to 20 kg , where the females are a tad smaller. Black and white are the most common combination seen in the breed, though. They have high energy levels that would require lots of physical and mental stimulation. The popular and affectionate Golden Retriever A lord named Dudley Marjorbanks of the Scottish Highlands wanted to create a gundog that can adjust well to rugged grounds and rainy climates. After long years of breeding, he finally got the hardworking and smart Golden Retriever. Goldens are beautiful, large dogs that can stand between 21 to 24 inches 53 to 6 cm and can weigh up to 75 pounds 34 kg. They can either have wavy or straight hair, and feathering on their chest, underbody, legs, and tail. It can be light or dark gold, and some have a paler shade that gives a cream hue. Goldens are bright and are often used in different kinds of jobs, such as search and rescue missions. What does a Border Collie Golden Retriever mix look like? The Golden Border Collie will either inherit features from both its parents or more on one parent. Since both of the parent breeds have a fairly dense, double-layered coat, so will this hybrid. Some may get the rough and corded fur of the Border Collie, while others get the wavy and silky look of the Golden Retriever. The colors of the Border Golden Retriever can vary from black, black and white, yellow or golden, light or dark brown, chocolate, and red. Most of them have markings on their face and chest. Both the Borders and Goldens range from moderate to heavy shedders, so expect the Coltriever to do so as well. How big do Border Collie-Golden Retriever mixes get? When full-grown, this mixed breed can weigh 45 to 75 pounds 20 to 34 kg , with a height of 24 to 25 inches 61 to 64 cm. With the easy-going, happy, and kind personality of the Golden Retriever, and the eager to please, hardworking, and intelligent Border Collie, this crossbreed seems to be quite a perfect canine. Are Border Collie Golden Retrievers good family dogs? Border Golden Retrievers may not be an excellent guard dog or watchdog, but you can rely on them to be top-notch alarms! If you keep a pretty garden, it may be an issue because this pooch loves digging and getting dirty in the mud. Once she sees a muddy area, distract her away from it. Is the Golden Retriever Border Collie mix easy to train? This crossbreed is very trainable as it inherited the intelligence of the Border Collie and Golden Retriever. You can start training from puppyhood to help avoid behavioral issues from developing, too. Agile dogs will do excellent at agility rings, but with this mixed breed, they can do so much more! Their high energy levels would require them to be active as much as they can. As a pet, a lot of walking, running, hiking, and swimming would be great. For mental stimulation, there are a lot of puzzle toys where you can hide treats, and the dog has to figure out how to get it. Kick it up a notch because the Golden Border Retriever is considered as a sporting and working dog, too. They can be trained and used for herding, retrieving, and other canine sports. This designer pooch has a coat that helps it adjust in all weather conditions. Bathing should only be done once or twice a month, or when necessary, to avoid drying out her skin. Weekly brushing is needed to keep her hair from taking over your house. It should depend on factors such as their size, age, daily activities, and their current health condition. A Border Collie would generally require to 1, calories a day, while a Golden Retriever needs to 1, calories. For their mixed-breed offspring, it can be anywhere between those numbers. There are also dog foods that are best for working or sporting dogs. The Coltriever requires at least 90 minutes of exercise a day. With their high activity level, you can give your fur baby up to minutes, if your time and energy allow it. A technique you can do is start slow, then increase the time of exercise gradually as you go. Health problems the Golden Retriever and Border Collie cross may inherit No matter if the dog is pure or a crossbreed, all canines are susceptible to particular ailments. The breed parents may pass health conditions to their litter, especially the illnesses that they both have. Golden Retrievers are prone to heart problems like subvalvular aortic stenosis, eye conditions such as pigmentary uveitis, as well as cancer. Other diseases that the Border Collie and Golden Retriever mix may have are allergies, bloating, and elbow and hip dysplasia. With proper care combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, your Golden Border Retriever can enjoy their average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Border Collie Golden Retriever mix breeders Reputable breeders test their dogs used in breeding for genetic conditions that are common in each breed. They are going to provide medical certificates as proof that the Border Collie and Golden Retriever parents are free of ailments before breeding. Get the chance to observe if the puppies were born and raised in a clean place.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Final Thoughts You should be pretty patient and persistent in potty training your German Shepherd puppy. The process should not be stressful for your pet. Potty training of a German Shepherd puppy may turn out even simpler and more straightforward than you expect it to be. How to properly organize the process of potty training so that the pet understands as quickly as possible what the owner wants from it? This article may give you some helpful tips. The Main Factors to Consider for Potty Training a German Shepherd Puppy Needs The essential thing your puppy has to understand is that relieving itself inside the house is inappropriate. These are the factors you need to consider making the entire process go smoothly: Nature Newborn puppies pee and poop in their den. These are the first steps that teach a puppy to maintain order in their living quarters. That is why, when you take your pup at the age of 6- 8 weeks , it has nowhere to learn about cleanliness and that it has to do its business outside the den. You have to substitute its natural lessons and become a mother-dog for your puppy. Conditions German Shepherds remember well what they are taught to do and under what conditions they should do that. It means that, as soon as they have learned a habit, they will never forget it under certain circumstances. For instance, if your puppy knows that it should relieve itself on the lawn, you will never see it pooping on the paved driveway. Gastrointestinal Tract Your puppy will need a toilet just minutes after you feed it. That is why, think about feeding your baby dog at the same time and always follow the established routine. Bladder Starting from the age of 20 days, a German Shepherd can control its bodily functions. When it is 8- 16 weeks old , it can restrain from peeing for about 2 hours. So, take it outside for the toilet each hour to be on the safe side. When it is about a year and 4 months old, you can expect it to hold its pee for about 4 hours. Then, this time will increase. Attitudes Your attitude to the puppy matters a lot. German Shepherds understand commands, of course, but they can also get a lot of information from our body language or pitch of voice. When you distract a little one or rush it, it will get too nervous to do its business properly. Verbal encouragement and calmness are very important here. For example, it needs to be relieved after sleep , after feeding, and when it wakes from a daytime nap. It can also want a toilet after playing. The routine will help your baby dog to learn the rules very quickly. Rewarding Every time your puppy goes to the toilet correctly, you have to praise and reward it with some treats. Express your affection, too. A combination of praise and treats will have the best effect. It may even start finding sneaky places to do its business, despite your reaction to it. However, you should do it every time you catch your puppy in the act. Then, you can hold it in your arms and bring to the place that you want to be its potty. Paper of Pee Pads Remember that paper or pee pads are useless or even harmful. Your puppy may get confused, so more accidents may happen. Start with teaching your little pet to go to the toilet outside, and you will never miss the aim. It will not be able to wait until the morning. An accident may happen at night, so try to take your baby dog outside more frequently. Reduced Availability of New Places Inside The more places your puppy has access to inside your house, the more opportunities it will find to go to the toilet there. Reduce access and start more extensive German Shepherd potty training outside at once. Potty runs are not pretty comfortable at this time of the year. What can you do if the temperature is below zero, and it is bitterly cold outside? Your dog may avoid staying longer for doing its business when it is freezing, or just decline your invitation to go outside for a toilet. It may prefer to hold its pee. However, it can lead to bacteria growth and a UTI as a result. In the cold season, dogs as much as humans do not like to drink big amounts of water. However, they need it to prevent a UTI. So, you have to encourage the dog to drink by warming the water and adding some broth, or organic honey to it. Give your dog food rich in moisture. It is canned, raw, or home-cooked food. You may even soak its kibble in the broth. First of all, protect its paws when it stands on the freezing ground. You can use wood shavings or straws, or even pieces of old clothing or turf. They will help your pet step onto the icy cold ground. You will also protect its paws against anti-ice chemicals that are widely used in urban areas in winter. Put on warm clothes when you walk your dog. When you feel cold and uncomfortable, you will not willingly wait until your puppy does its business. You will be eager to rush home, so there is a chance that your puppy will not relieve itself or do it halfway. Offer your doggy a reward for running out in the cold. Show it that you are happy and delighted with its behavior. Some delicious treats will be a perfect sign of it. Avoid Mistakes in Potty Training In any case, you need to know how to avoid the common mistakes in potty training your German Shepherd puppy. Prohibited Methods The prohibited methods for weaning a German Shepherd dog to use places that are not intended for this as a toilet include these things you should never do with your puppy in any case. Never poke its nose into what it has done. It is no use because nothing is disgusting for an animal in its waste products. The dog perceives them solely as a source of information. Physical punishment, for example, beating with a leash, should be completely prohibited. Such actions cannot lead to anything other than anger. Therefore, no canine expert would ever recommend them to you. For example, the dog pooped in the room while its owner was at work. If you punish your pup upon your return in the evening when it has completely forgotten about its misconduct, the dog will not understand what has happened. The unrighteous methods of punishment will evoke aggression and psycho problems in your little doggy, but will not improve the situation. If your baby dog knows that it should not relieve itself inside at once, it will never develop into a bad habit difficult to get rid of. Here are a few simple tips on how to potty train German Shepherd puppies more effectively. Take your puppy out for a potty run via one specific door in the house. When your puppy chooses the same designated point for doing its business, give it a treat. Invite your doggy outside and inside by using a leash. Your puppy needs to learn the rules for your happy relationships and comfort. Moreover, it is learning to trust you as its owner and friend. So you have to build up this trust with consistent and natural tips and commands. Shepherd dogs learn fast, but you have to take good care of them , reward them, and be patient. Be accurate about mistakes that can spoil your training process. Remember that severe punishment is inappropriate. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough.

The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. First born in England, they soon ended up in Newfoundland — a part of North America, and later came back to England. Labrador litters were naturally comprised of three colors, namely: Yellow, Black, and Brown. However, a change in the shade of brown can be seen throughout the Chocolate Labrador lifespan. Depending on the age of the coat, if a brown Lab is new, its coat has a darker shade of brown. On the other hand, an older dog will have a lighter shade of brown. Labs initially were used by the fishermen of Newfoundland. When they were taken back to England, they observed the brown color Labs appearing in black Lab litters. This was because the black dogs carried the genetic information necessary to give birth to brown color Labs in the same way as some black dogs also carried genetic information to give rise to yellow colored Labs. In the second and third decades of the twentieth century, liver Labradors increasingly started to appear. Back then, they were used in shooting sports. Those who liked the brown Labradors named them Liver Labradors and this name remained prevalent until the late twentieth century. The breeders considered it as a defect and the brown Lab puppies were slaughtered, which was a common occurrence. Since the s, the brown Labradors started gaining wider popularity. Today, the Chocolate Labs are much desired by dog owners all around the globe. The Genetics of a Chocolate Labrador A gene is a factor that decides what a dog will look like, and what color he will have after birth. Genes always come in pairs. A Labrador has a possibility of having any one of these three pairs of genes, namely: BB — two genes for a black, Bb — one for black and the other for brown, and bb — two genes for a brown. Black dogs are predominantly seen because even if a Lab possesses one gene of brown and one gene of black, the resultant Lab will be of black color. You would ask: How does a Chocolate Labrador puppy come into being? Well, when a Labrador has two genes of brown bb , then there is the Chocolate Labrador for you. Only when there are two brown genes in a pair, does a brown gene dominate and a chocolate Lab is formed. In the upcoming decades, the Labs became popular as show dogs as well as pets. The working Lab field bred Lab , also known as an American Lab, has been a big part of the working community and is rare to find. Show Labs are heavier than other Labs, and are also less agile and slower than field-bred Labs. The English Labs sometimes reach a weight of 80 to 90 lbs. On the contrary, American Labs are much lighter. A brown Lab inherits almost all of these size traits because of their origin from the bloodline of show dogs. The Temperament and Intelligence of a Chocolate Labrador The Chocolate Labs are not just highly energetic and amicable, they do well with humans as well as other animals. Very good as companions, they are affectionate and cool. The American Labs are seen to have a more acute prey drive, or the desire to chase and catch than the English Labs. They are also faster in speed and are better suited to races. Not only that, they are more receptive to training and thus more sensitive. They will be craving to please the owner as Chocolate Labs rely heavily on their approval. Along with their expertise in hunting prey, they have this characteristic of obedience. The show dogs may possess an uncompromising temperament as opposed to English Chocolate Labradors, who appear to be always cool. English Labs are somewhat known to be playful. The American Chocolate Labs being more serious, does not mean that they are cleverer than English Labs. The show Labs are certainly less inattentive and more focused, meaning that they are easier to train. English Labs too are very intelligent and possess high trainability. The obedience training remains the same for both American Labs and English Labs. The personality of Chocolate Labs depends on both its environment and genetics. The Bloodlines of Chocolate Labradors The variation in trainability is due to the difference in the bloodlines of show-bred dogs and field bred dogs. Because many black Labs are American in type and many Chocolate Labradors are English in type, the traits of the show-bred dogs are more inclined towards brown Labradors. The Labradors reproduced for the field were quicker and could focus better. The show-bred Labradors turned out bulkier and slower. Still, both the bloodlines have more similarities than differences. So how much does a chocolate lab cost exactly? When they reach the age of eight weeks, they get in a ready state to shift to a permanent home. No Chocolate Lab should be sold prior to this age. Ensure that you choose a reputable breeder to buy your dog from. Avoid buying puppies from pet stores and puppy mills at any cost. If you are looking for a hunting-specific dog, go to a breeder who breeds field-bred dogs. If you are looking for a show dog, go to a breeder who breeds specifically for show rings. The adult chocolate Labs have a height of 21 to .Labrador Retrievers are prone to obesity problems and related illnesses. The liver Labrador can suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia just like other Labs. These diseases affect the joints. They are more susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a vision impairment. Lymphoma, a form of cancer can also affect Labradors. Other hereditary conditions are also likely to affect Labs. Some inherited conditions include idiopathic epilepsy, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse, and atopic dermatitis. Training and Exercise for the Chocolate Lab Choose the exercise and training for your dog that is based on the bloodline from which your dog comes. Next, undertake a positive reinforcement training program. Not only his body, but exercise his mind too. To keep his energy going, he needs to be always kept at some work, such as a fetch game, finding toys, crossing streams, and so on. You will experience fun in training him. If the chocolate Lab is from a show bloodline, he requires plenty of play along with exercise. Caring for an old Chocolate Lab The brown Labs, just like other Labs, are susceptible to problems that come with old age. These problems include hearing loss, inflexibility in joints, and worsening eyesight. Still, these age-related problems can be kept at bay if you make sure to keep your dog slim. If your Lab is fat, then you should be more careful about his weight. If your Chocolate Lab has a high body weight, it can result in more stress and strain on joints. This can further lead to problems such as arthritis. Even though the Chocolate Labrador will become more fragile in his senior age, his beauty will likely be maintained throughout his lifetime. Why were Chocolate Labs considered to be Stupid? Some people say that they are unwilling to be trained, obstinate, or simply a bit stupid. It is worth noting that the brown Labs were majorly popular for their unique color in dog shows. A theory says that these Labs were specifically bred for their adherence to the standard, for their appearance, with little attention given to breeding them as working dogs. Another theory says that because the chocolate color had an abrupt rise in interest many years ago, some breeders focused on producing litters that contained brown Lab puppies for sale as pets. With major focus on color, other attributes such as biddability and temperament were ignored and allowed to go unnoticed. This selective breeding was most likely done by irresponsible breeders. It is possible that Chocolate Labs, in general, possess a weak group of working genes, with temperament not well-suited to training and work, and probably lower skill in problem-solving than the yellow and black Labs. Chocolate Retrievers Facts It was thought that the Labrador Retrievers were a hybrid breed originating from the mating of Newfoundland dog and St. Johns dog. The St. Johns dog has now long been extinct. Retrievers went in a chase and retrieved the prey, hence their masters gave this name. Labradors have the energy and stamina to be an apt hunting dog. Labs possess a dense water resistant coat that safeguards them from severe winters and helps keep their fur dry in the rain. Their eye color can either be hazel or brown. Their eyes say a lot about their feelings and the state of their mind. Surprisingly, Labs are not aggressive and territorial at all. They cannot be left alone for a long time as they always crave human companionship. If left alone, they will howl severely and will disturb everybody. They are known to be good watchdogs. Velvety Chocolate colored Labradors who are sleek, are the most famous colors among retrievers. We hope you enjoyed this fact-filled article on the sweet Chocolate Labs. Happy Petting to You Guys! Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. We are 5-month-old Standard Poodles weighing about lbs. While I love to play with my foster siblings, I really just want calm space to hang out with my humans and other fur friends. I wake and jump into bed to give my foster parents good morning snuggles! I enjoy a light morning snack and spend the rest of the day napping and hanging out with the humans while they work. After work, all bets are off, and I make sure to get all the puppy zoomies out. My leash training is going well, but I often try to chase the leaves and get distracted by unfamiliar sights and smells. I love to go outside to play, chew on a stick or take a walk. I also enjoy down time with humans to cuddle and get lots of belly rubs. I start my day at am, go potty, then breakfast. After I like going outside to chase squirrels and play. I then have dinner around pm and in my crate by 10pm for bed. I love learning tricks and am very food motivated! I also like to try and outsmart my foster parents when they hide my treats or sticks, I bring inside. I am very curious and love to explore, play, eat, and cuddle. Now that I am older, I can make it through the night without any potty accidents but I need to go outside as soon as I am up, usually around 7am. I eat breakfast then it's right back outside for my next potty break! I like to have a chew bone and play for a while, then naps. I like to sit on the couch next to my foster mom, or lay on my back sprawled out on the floor. I love going for walks and am learning to not pull. I bark a little at other dogs but I am very dog and people friendly. Nights are pretty low key, I may play a little before bed time, where I prefer to sleep next to my foster parent's bed. I love to cuddle if you'll allow me up too! Since I am still a puppy, I need reinforcements with potty training, proper leash walking, and learning what and what not to chew on. I am just a super sweet girl and can't wait to share my love with you! Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX. You will notice when looking for a Poodle that there are many prices available. This is due to the fact that Poodles come in so many varieties, big and small, as well as many different colors. Price also depends on pedigree and breeder experience. Do your breeders arrange travel for Dallas Poodles out of state? Uptown only works with professionals and due to this, they have a lot of experience with organized travel and transport of their puppies. They even make sure their pups are sent by plane in certain instances. But, as Uptown grows and grows by the day, there may even be a Poodle pup around the corner for you to pick up! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Dallas? Breeders, businesses and companies that desire to be part of the Uptown network constantly contact us with calls and messages. Very few of them will actually make it through our vetting process and eventually take the Breeder Pledge. We only have the strictest of standards when it comes to the wellbeing of your pup. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Dallas? Uptown exists because of care, rather than profit. We truly care about connecting honest breeders, companies and businesses with lovely families, such as yours, looking to bring home a new best friend, to take care of and love for life. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Dallas? To say it simply, puppy mills are actual prisons for dogs. A whole lot of dogs are grouped together in small cages. The only reason for their sad existence is to give birth to multiple litters until the mother dogs pass away from infections and other health reasons. Puppies that come out of here will cost you thousands in vet bills and often die young. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Dallas for sale now? Because Poodles are so popular, you will always be able to find a puppy through Uptown. Just begin your search underneath and fill in a few details about yourself and what exactly you are looking for in your perfect pooch. Soon enough, you will have your new best friend by your side. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Dallas? They originate from both Germany and France and were originally bred to hunt ducks in the water. They are easily trainable as they are so intelligent and have many skills - including herding. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Dallas? Uptown is fully aware of all the scams that occur regarding the selling of puppies. We are currently raising gorgeous multi colored Parti Poodles and solid colored in miniature and soon, toy sizes. We started in standards but have made the move to smaller sizes. We feel very passionate about health testing, showing, and titling our poodles for our Poodle breeder program though we do give preference to pet puppy homes. More Than Amazing Color While we understand color is part of what makes Parti Poodles so popular, we want you to know that we place high emphasis on temperament and type or build, in our partis and well as solids, so your puppy will grow into a eye catching and distinguished adult that is as sweet and intelligent as any poodle should be. Conformation Show Titles We are proud of our show titles! We understand families searching for a pet do not need a show dog, we do this so families know that what they have purchased from us represents a great amount of knowledge and hard work. We test our Poodles against other great dogs so that we can know our breeding dogs are worthy of your family both in soundness of temperament and that they truly are representations of their breed. We do give preference to pet homes for our puppies. Testament to Temperament We have donated to date five puppies for service dog training and so far, all of our candidates have graduated and gone on to service work! We feel this is a real testament to what we strive to produce for families that want to purchase a puppy from MnJ- a great, stable, sweet and social family member. We are currently raising gorgeous multi colored Parti Poodles and solid colored in small standard and miniature sizes. While many will think we have Moyen Poodles, in truth the FCI breed standard for this size is very misunderstood so we avoid using a marketing term. Past Puppies Just a few of our past puppies so you can get an idea of what we offer!

Grants adorable looks will melt your heart the moment you meet him. His puppy charm is irresistible. Grants true joy comes from playing with other dogs. He thrives in the company of his four-legged friends, and they help him gain confidence and navigate the world around him. Grant has had a few transitions in his young life, and he needs time to decompress and adjust to his new surroundings. During this period, his world should be small and predictable, free from the pressure of meeting many new people or dogs. Youll need to establish a strong foundation of trust with Grant before introducing new experiences. Grant is easily overwhelmed by changes in his environment. Hes had a few stressful transitions, so hell need your patience and understanding as he settles into his new life. Avoid busy places and big gatherings during this period. Grant should be the one to initiate interactions, and always be ready to give him space if hes uncomfortable. Grant might have missed out on proper socialization as a puppy. He can be uncomfortable around new people, places, or things. Its essential to ensure that any socialization experiences are positive and allow Grant to opt out if he feels uncomfortable. Understanding Grants body language is crucial. If he cowers, tucks his tail, or growls, it means hes uncomfortable, and you should respect his boundaries. Grant communicates through his actions, and its our responsibility to listen and give him space when needed. Grant might initially avoid or shy away from touch. Its essential to wait for him to approach and initiate interactions. Practice petting consent, allowing Grant to guide the interaction. Look for signs of discomfort, like freezing or turning his head away, and respect his need for space. Grant is still a puppy at heart and will need typical puppy care. Puppy-proof your home, provide appropriate chew toys, mental and physical stimulation, and maintain a consistent routine. Be prepared for extra supervision and management, given Grants fearfulness. Grant thrives with canine companions. The best chance for his success is to go home with a confident, established helper dog who can guide him and be his playmate. Any potential dog roommates should meet Grant before going home to ensure compatibility. While Grant hasnt been around cats, he might be okay with a quiet, dog-savvy cat. Careful introductions will be essential to ensure a harmonious living arrangement. Grants suitability with children will depend on their ability to follow instructions, help with training, and read his body language. Grant needs a family that can provide the patience and understanding he requires. Grant is not just any dog: hes a special soul looking for a loving home that can offer him the time, patience, and understanding he needs to blossom into the confident and happy dog he has the potential to be. Are you ready to be his trusted partner on this incredible journey of trust and love? Adopt Grant today and watch him transform into the wonderful companion youve been waiting for. Please read about our adoption process before submitting an application. Can you adopt out of state? With our new online adoption survey, you can complete the adoption process remotely wherever you are. However, we do need you or someone on your behalf to come in person to our Pet Adoption Center in Raleigh, NC to pick up your pet. Generally, pets must be picked up the same day that you submit your adoption survey. Or, if you submit your survey at the very end of the day, their hold may be extended to the following day. For adult pets, we highly recommend that you personally come to meet the pet yourself prior to finalizing adoption to be sure they are the right fit. We recommend that you still submit an adoption survey for that pet in order to be a backup adopter. If the first adopter falls through which does happen , then the next adopter will be notified that the pet is on hold for them. But this is the perfect time to consider some of the other adoptable pets, including overlooked pets, who are patiently waiting for loving homes! How long can you keep the pet on hold for me? In order to be fair to the pet and other potential adopters, we are only able to hold the pet until you have completed your adoption appointment. Once you have submitted your survey and come in for your scheduled adoption appointment, please be prepared to bring the pet home with you right afterward. Your Adoption Specialist will discuss any applicable exceptions with you during the adoption process. Will the pet be there when I arrive for my appointment? Your appointment is to complete the adoption process with an Adoption Specialist. Your Specialist will not call the pet over from another location until this conversation is complete. To save you from potentially having to make multiple trips, we would recommend doing the adoption process by phone; then we can arrange for a time for you to meet the pet. In order to have enough time for adopters to complete the adoption process, meet their desired pet, and finalize paperwork before closing, our team cannot start the adoption process after this time. We may be able to squeeze you in, but that is dependent on staffing as well as what meetings and pick-ups are already scheduled. Submitting an Adoption Survey automatically places that pet on hold for you. But in order to be as fair as possible to the pets in our care and to other potential adopters, we aren't able to keep a pet on hold for you for an extended period of time. Because of this, we only offer adoption appointments within a certain window from when you first put that pet on hold. How many pets can I place on hold? In order to be fair to all adopters, we are only able to place one pet on hold for you at a time or two, in the case of a bonded pair. If you need help deciding which pet is the best fit for you, our Dog Butler and Cat Butler volunteers can talk with you about what you're looking for and recommend pets that would fit your family. Or come visit them in person at our Pet Adoption Center any day of the week from 11am to 6pm! If you visit in person, our Dog Butler and Cat Butler volunteers can talk with you about what you're looking for and recommend pets that would fit your family. To help you find a great match, each pet's bio includes information about any known or observed history, demographics such as age and weight, and other considerations like medical conditions. Once you have chosen a pet, you can put them on hold right away by submitting an Adoption Survey. We are glad to accommodate dog-to-dog introductions and even guinea pig-to-guinea pig, or bunny-to-bunny! But first, you will need to submit an Adoption Survey to put the pet on hold. Then, let an Adoption Specialist know you would like to do a pet introduction, and we will arrange this at the time of your scheduled adoption appointment. Please note: we are not able to do cat-to-cat meetings or intros for pets of different species such as a dog and a cat. Instead, consider trying a Pet Sleepover. Can I bring the pet home for a few days as a trial before finalizing adoption? Adult dogs and cats 1 year and older are eligible for a program called Pet Sleepovers where you can bring the pet home as a temporary foster to try them out in your home prior to finalizing adoption. Read more about Pet Sleepovers here. Can I foster an adoptable pet? Thank you for your interest in fostering! The pets at the Pet Adoption Center are ready for adoption, so they do not need the help of foster homes. But we always need fosters for sick, injured, nursing, or neonatal pets to help them get healthy and ready for adoption. Read more about our Foster program here. You will need to bring your government issued photo ID. The Retail Store accepts cash or cards for payment of adoption fees and other purchases no checks. What if I submit an adoption survey and then change my mind? You are under no obligations by submitting a survey. If you meet the pet and change your mind or decide that now is not the best time to adopt, we understand. Please inform an Adoption Specialist as soon as possible so they can cancel the hold on that pet and make them available to other adopters.