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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? A dog that is well trained is a pleasure to live with and also safer in your home and while out in the community. Along with helping your dog be more manageable, and teaching them how to behave in all environments, dog training is also fun and provides hours of mental stimulation for intelligent dogs, like German shepherds. How many commands you teach your German shepherd is up to you but most of them can easily learn all 29 on this list: 1. Sit Teaching your dog to sit on command is useful throughout their life. Teaching your dog to sit is also very helpful when trying to calm an excited dog or when meeting new people. Come Teaching the come or recall command is a very basic, potentially lifesaving, must do. All dogs need to learn that the word come means that they stop what they are doing and come back to you. Before taking your dog off leash, or into areas with lots of distractions, they should master the come command. Wait Wait is a useful command to teach because it teaches your dog to pause and wait for directions and get permission from you. Use wait before walking out the door, getting in or out of the car, greeting guests, at mealtimes, the list is endless. Stay Teaching a dog to stay is one of the most important commands they can learn. This command should be reinforced throughout their lifetime, in case you ever need it in an emergency. Dogs should also learn to be released from all commands and this will help reinforce that when practicing their training. Break or release This command is used to release your dog from their sit, stay, down, or other commands. Down Teaching the down or belly on the floor command is another go-to and should be started in puppyhood. This command is very useful in many situations but one important place is at the vet, during an exam or nail trimming. The down command is also great for getting control over an overly stimulated dog. Stand Use this command when you want your dog to stand up on all four paws from a down or a sit. This command is helpful when you want your dog to hold still to be handled, groomed, or for an exam at the vet. Off The off command is used to teach a dog to remove their paws off something, such as a person or furniture. No Just like kids, dogs need to be taught that no means no for their own safety and your sanity. No is used to stop them from taking unwanted action. Leave it Similar and often interchanged with no, the leave it command is used to teach your dog to leave something alone. Taught in conjunction with the leave it command, the command helps teach impulse control and also teaches them to look to you for permission to take something. Drop it Next comes the drop it command. By teaching your dog to drop something, you will help protect their health and your valuables. Heel Teaching your dog to heel, or properly walk on a leash, is a vital command for all German shepherds to learn. They need to learn how to walk anywhere politely. Here Here means come and stand in front of me or at my side. This is a great obedience command to use to begin an off-leash heel, when putting on a leash, or to get your dog next to you. Take care of business You can use whatever command you choose for going outside to take care of business go pee and pooh , just be consistent with the word you choose. Place Teaching your dog to place, or go to a designated place in the house such as their bed, is very important and a lifesaver when you need them out of the way so that you can easily get them out of the kitchen, away from a mess, to calm them down, or remove them from a situation. It is also useful in teaching them how you want them to get physically get into the car. Back up Teaching your dog to back up is fun and also helpful when you need them to move out of the way by backing up. Stop Teaching your dog to stop teaches them to immediately stop what they are doing and stand still. This is a great command to improve impulse control but is also useful in many situations, including emergencies and when playing games. Kennel up If your dog is crate trained, use this command to send them to their crate. Roll over Roll over can be used for more than a cute trick. It can be useful when grooming, looking your dog over, or at the vet. Go eat By giving your dog permission to go eat, you help prevent them from going after their food before the bowl is on the floor, and they also learn to wait for permission to eat so it helps improve impulse control. It communicates exactly what you expect from your dog and is especially handy when traveling or staying at new places. Go out Teaching the opposite, go out from a room is also great for setting expectations and communicating exactly what you want your dog to do. Quiet Teaching the quiet command teaches your dog that they need to be quiet and stop barking. This command is great for many reasons but especially when traveling or when they are barking and you need them to hush. Speak The opposite of quiet, teaching your dog to speak actually reinforces the quiet command because the dog learns both. Teaching your dog to bark on command is fun and also can be useful, for example if you want to warn someone that a dog is nearby. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. Some may find it expensive. Hence, Victor Select offers you high protein and low carbohydrate food to feed your pugs. Pugs might find it difficult to digest. It comes with DHA to promote bone development and prebiotics to support the digestive tract of pugs, but with reliably low protein content. A balanced diet is what pugs need to fulfill their dietary needs. Serving the pugs chicken, lamb, beef and vegetables, and grains play a vital role in balanced nutrition for the pugs. What you should do to offer a taste to your pugs is: Variety Wet foods in the best puppy food for pugs, offer a taste and aroma that lures pugs to eat consistently. Moreover, wet foods offer flavors and textures which provide an experience for pugs while eating. Chewing is easy Wet dog food is easy to chew; however not every pet parent favors wet foods. Most pet parents claim that it affects the teeth in the long run. But good quality wet canned foods offer the pugs a balanced and nutritious diet. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Where dry foods are concerned, for best puppy food for pugs, these also provide a certain diet and energy to pugs. Manufacturers also claim that the formulas are tailored according to the needs of pugs. Moreover, dry food offers convenience for the owners. Dry food can also be done as treats for positive behavior by the pugs. To help you with a better idea of the best puppy food for pugs, a link to a youtube video is attached below. Go through the video and learn more. Things you should know about pugs! Do you intend to provide the best puppy food for pugs? You can also feed them with homemade foods. The benefit of homemade dog food is that it is easy on the pockets, free of preservatives and additives, and you can control the ingredients. Therefore, if your pug is allergic to any ingredients, you can easily feed them the best dog foods for pugs with allergies. Proteins The best puppy food for pugs includes chicken meat, fish, lean beef, turkey, and lamb. Moreover, kidney beans, butter beans, and lima beans also offer large protein. Corn gluten meal is an excellent source of protein and amino acids for your dog, so ensure to add it too. Vegetables Carrots, peas, green beans, bell peppers, and spinach are some vegetables your pug might love to eat. Pumpkin is also a great vegetable, but serving it during an upset stomach is recommended. Fruits Fruits also fall in the category of best puppy food for pugs. Raspberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwi, apples, and pineapple are some fruits that pugs love to treat. However, remember to serve them fruits after extracting the seeds from within the fruits. However, more than protein may be needed to be on cloud nine. Carbohydrates, fats, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins are essential bodily requirements. DHA is also essential to support the vision. Antioxidants wash out harmful substances to boost the immune system, while vitamins and minerals keep the muscles and bones kicking. All in all, to have a clean bill of health, all these nutrients should be balanced in daily diet.

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

Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. We are also Life's Abundance Field Representatives, and we have links to our Life's Abundance website where you can purchase the amazing food that we have been using for so many years. Don't forget to save us in your favorites! Like us on facebook, and you will get weekly updates, and behind the scenes pictures! Cincinnati Bengal's Jake Fisher! However, we do not do cash refunds for any reason at all. Thank you for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions. During that time, we have never received a single complaint about their breeding program, only compliments. Great job! Keep it up! Every time we take them in public every person is drooling at just how adorable they are. I told Melissa what kind of dog I wanted and she delivered! They are very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I was worried about my dog when I brought him home, but they helped by giving me suggestions to acclimate Toby to his new environment. I would definitely refer other people to go visit their farm in Ohio! They were very helpful in helping us find our first bully. We love her. Thank you! It was a wonderfully smooth transaction, she was shipped Oregon within the week and Daisy Duke aka butterscotch is a beautiful healthy puppy! Melissa was great to work with, answered all my new mommy questions very promptly.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New Hampshire Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New Hampshire? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New Hampshire? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Welcome to Crane Hollow Goldens. About Our Dogs All of our dogs come from excellent pedigrees with champion lines, sweet, gentle, very friendly temperaments, with great looks. Our dogs and puppies are surrounded by attention and love from day one, and we socialize our pups from birth to help ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. Most of our breeding dogs have OFA hip, elbow, eye and heart clearances. In the United Kingdom and most countries around the world, they are recognized by this name because of their attractive coats and gentle temperament. Our dogs are all AKC credentialed, have been trained and have gentle and well mannered temperaments. We use call names for our dogs and not their given names for the simple reason it makes them easier to train. For more information on their given names, feel free to contact us. Because of our own personal preferences, we made the decision long ago to focus our breeding efforts on the Light Golden category of the breed. Our Caring Approach We treat our mom and dad dogs and puppies as they are part of our family, and we look for adoptive families that will do the same. We specialize in matching the right puppy to your home, and we recommend the pup for you based on your family, lifestyle and activities. Offering a beautiful country setting great for raising dogs, where located in Oakville, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. We are about a 30 minute drive southeast from where the Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York state lines meet, and about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Hartford. Contact us today for your golden retriever puppy or stud service needs. Share this:. Please scroll and read all the way down to learn about our process before sending us an application. Interested in obtaining a puppy from us? Do you live in the New England area? No exceptions. Golden Retrievers are not couch potatoes! They are active sporting dogs. Do you have plenty of time to play, train, socialize and groom your athletic Butternut Golden? Can you hold off on neutering your male pup until 3 years old? Or allow your female pup to have 1 heat before spaying? Have you seen the videos of our dogs on YouTube? Are you are interested in sending your Butternut Golden to Camp Butternut? Have you read this page in its entirety? Please do not email us asking us to put you on a list for a future litter. About us and our process: What is Butternut Hill Goldens? We have been breeding since .We are proud members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We have litters a year. Our dogs are vital members of our family and all live with us in our home, not in kennels. We participate in different venues depending on each dog's needs and talents -- including obedience, tracking, rally, hunting, showing and therapy work. Butternut Hill seemed to be a fitting name for us. We live on a hill at the base of Butternut Mountain, with our butternut colored Golden Retrievers, who love to eat butternut squash. This is not a profit business for us. It is hobby of passion and labor of love for the Golden Retriever breed. Through our breeding program we strive to promote the health, temperament, workability and the beauty of the breed by adhering to the Golden Retriever Breed Standard as defined by the Golden Retriever Club of America. We feel it is important to retain the ability of the Golden Retriever to be multi-purpose. Each breeding involves in-depth research into the parent's pedigree, genetics, health history, longevity, structure, work ability and temperament. We adhere to breeding practices as recommended by the Golden Retriever Club of America. Our Puppy Raising Philosophy Our puppies are born and raised in our home. We pride ourselves on providing a wholesome enriching environment with an strong emphasis on socialization to get puppies off to the best possible start. Carmen Battaglia. Besides the important interaction with their mother and littermates, daily handling by us, additional enrichment activities begin at a very early age. Our socialization include exposing them to a variety sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches, which we feel allows them to better cope as an adult dog. Our puppies get to experience a variety of footing such as blankets, sheets, wood floors, tile floors, decking, carpeting, short grass, long grass, concrete, gravel, puppy agility equipment and sometimes snow. They are exposed to toys of all shapes and textures. They get to experience a variety of sounds from our household on a daily basis -- humans conversing, big dogs playing, television or radio playing, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, clothes dryer, dishwasher, front door slamming, etc. We believe in providing a variety of challenges such as climbing steps, going through a tunnel, playing follow the leader, learning to come to a whistle. We trim the puppies nails weekly. When the puppies are old enough, we begin the foundation for house training by taking the puppies outside as soon they wake to relieve themselves. All of our puppies are nurtured as part of our family pack. As they mature they interact with our adult dogs and household cat. The pups are exposed to car rides and short field trips to new safe experiences. And if the season and weather allows -- an opportunity is given to the puppies to go for a swim in a clean, quiet Vermont pond. These activities will help give the puppy a chance to experience new things and meet new people. Care should be taken that these controlled experiences are positive, and do not the put the puppy in a risky situation with unknown dogs. We recommend staying away from dog parks, especially until your puppy has become fully vaccinated. Waiting to Spay or Neuter your Golden Retriever In our puppy contract you agree to allow your female Golden Retriever to have one heat or to wait to neuter your male Golden Retriever until after years old. Before deciding on acquiring a Golden Retriever it is important to become knowledgeable about the strengths and weaknesses of the breed. Goldens require a good amount of daily exercise, personal time, training and grooming. This breed is happiest when they are at your side or when they are working with you. As a breeder and owner, there are several health issues with the breed that concerns us. Still interested? These two are serious cuddlers!! We love them BIG! Thanks again for the amazing quality pups! Have a great week! He is truly the most wonderful boy and has been a godsend during the pandemic. He brings us so much happiness. He has an amazing personality.Thanks again. I attached a couple of pictures. My good friend and neighbor Jennifer is planning to contact you.He is absolutely the best!! I just wanted to let you know how well Bella is doing!! So sweet and doing very well and healthy!! Best dog ever!! Thanks again!! He is 3 now and such a love with the biggest personality! I am also writing as we have a few friends who love him so much that they are looking to inquire about getting their own golden like Huey! One of the names is Maggie Moriarty. I have passed along your information! I hope all is well! Stay Healthy! I would like to talk to you about getting a puppy. We have a dog from that we got from you 5 years ago, and we think he is a beauty! You can judge for yourself. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you. She is such a sweet, smart loving girl! We love her so much! Thank you! Our family feels whole again! Annie, the pup we got from you late last March has turned out to be absolutely everything we had hoped and lots more. Having had goldens for every one of my sixty-six years, my standards are high, and I have had several world-class bird dogs. She is as mellow and easy going as a dog can be but given the scent of a bird and she is ALL business. She is smart and biddable; I just could not hope for a better dog. Grateful in Chelsea, VT. Chelsea, VT .I would add that it is quite unusual to find a Golden from show stock, regardless of how good that stock may be, and have the dog be as good as Annie is. I am not new to this game. She is as fine a dog as I have had for a first-season dog. Watching her learning curve has been astonishing. These are profoundly serious level dogs. Annie is not overshadowed by these dogs at all. All the best, - mm Madison is doing great!!!!!! Everyone had to hug and kiss her. She really is quite adorable. Our Daughter, Son-in-law and 14 month old granddaughter are coming in tonight for the weekend to meet her. I am anxious to see how the babies get along. Our granddaughter loves dogs. They also bring their sweet 4 yr old cat, too. I'll keep you posted, maybe even some pictures. I see all the puppies are spoken for. They are truly special. She is such a sweetie!!! You did such a great job crate training her. Our Nikki loves her. I just bought a new camera today and am charging the batteries now. I will send you a couple of pictures of them together when it is finished charging. She is loving our home and her new Mommy Sophie! We lucked out last night and found a big bag of Royal Canine at Pet Smart, along with many new accessories last night. Many thanks. He is growing so fast and gets smarter everyday. We have so much fun with him. My husband was so surprised and happy I gave him Odie for his birthday. I wanted to update you on Brandy. She's doing really well! She's actually sleeping and snoring on the couch right now - she's claimed her corner of it. She's very smart and friendly. She had completed Puppy Basic and we're in Intermediate Class now. She's very good with children and with my grandparents. My grandfather absolutely adores her, and she walks very slowly with him while he hobbles along on his cane. I sent some photos so you could see how she's grown! She is wonderful - thank you so much. We adopted Abigail from you the end of last February and I contacted you during the summer about a male puppy, well we are now ready. We are looking for a light, big and blocky male. We were interested in the males you just had, but were not quick enough! So, we were wondering if there might be any puppies fitting that description that might be up and coming. We are certainly willing to wait for the puppy. Please let me know if you might have anything available in the near future. Thank you so much! I always enjoy checking out your web site - your Christmas puppies were beautiful. I don't know how you manage to get them in such great poses - your photography is superb. Our Oliver is a very calm and affectionate Golden - we are enjoying him so much. He was a little upset on the ride home, which is understandable, but as soon as he arrived and met his two year old sister, Mitzi Maltese who likes to play every bit as much as he does, all else was forgotten. They have a ball together and wear each other out. He goes to the door whenever he has to go, which is every twenty minutes, and comes when he is called without hesitation. His training starts in earnest this weekend since he is a very smart dog. Instincts run deep. This morning he met our 16 year old cat for the first time, and his reaction was to freeze and point. He held the point for a good two minutes as the cat sized him up and then retreated to a safe loft to think it over. He is a great dog! Below is the announcement to family and friends with pictures. But it's a start. We already have about fifty pictures of him. Thanks for the picture of his mother. I have just moved it into the hard drive and will incorporate it into Montana's CD album. If you ever have a chance to get a picture of his father, we would love to have that as well. It was a pleasure meeting you, and we will stay in touch with pictures as he grows which is by the minute. Hope all is well with you, and quietly hope that you do not get out of the business. You do a great service. Stay in touch. What a wonderful dogso gregarious and affectionate. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me how handsome he is. As you may recall, this is my first dog ever and I am completely happy I made the decision. Coby was house trained in two weeks, so he is both smart and good-looking!! Keep up the good work. Frank Happened to visit your site last night and saw that you have a litter of puppies from the same parents that had Gem she was Caroline and I decided to send you some photos so you can see how well she is doing. We have had Gem for nearly 2 years now and, as you can see from the photos, she is a huge part of our family and my children love her so much. She is a very sweet natured dog and has never shown any signs of aggression to people or other dogs. She is so beautiful, people stop me to compliment her all the time. I was interested to see the photos of her parents again, now that she is an adult. I can definitely see a strong resemblance to her father, and from what I recall you telling me about his personality, it seems that she has a good share of that too. Thanks for helping us get such a wonderful dog. She is such a love. She wants to be wherever her people are. We ask where is Gracie? Thank you for a wonderful dog! She is an absolutely wonderful dog and we are loving her to pieces! We live on The Cape and she goes to the ocean to play on the beach every morning and goes walking on the dog trail every afternoon with her best friends Gracie GR and Ella Australian Shepherd and swims in the pond after. The family behind us recently got a puppy about Madison's age, a cross between a beagle and border collie. They play every chance they get. Madison weighs about 66 lbs. She jumps on everyone and licks faces; we are working on that. I have been following your website and all the pups are adorable! Thought you would like this picture. He's a great dog. Very lovable and very smart. Thank You. Shes doing great. Fully house trained, obeys commands sit, paw, stay, etc and is absolutely adorable! She loves people, especially little kids and is gentle and good natured. We love her! Thanks for getting us together! Sonny is doing great! He is such a perfect puppy, he is well on his way as far as potty training and is an angel in his crate at night, we don't hear one peep out of him. We are having so much fun with him and he seems really happy. Thanks again, I will send you a couple of pictures in a separate email. Thank you for our wonderful doggie! She seems to love her new big yard in Austerlitz and is having a ball following us around the house. Today we drove back to Brooklyn and Lily was promptly greeted with a friendly hello from the neighborhood dogs. One was a Goldendoodle and the other a Labradoodle, and together all three were a gorgeous golden color, what a beautiful sight! Lily is also enjoying her Brooklyn backyard and for now seems to have enough room to run around. She likes exploring the different floors of the house as well. Our cat seems to be taking her presence in stride and we anticipate that they will get along well after they become accustom to one another. Thank you for sharing your abundance of knowledge and providing us with an amazingly beautiful, calm and sweet puppy. He is a great dog and very social. I will keep you in the loop and send you some pictures as he grows. We took him out on the ocean yesterday to start to get him use to being on the water as our family spends allot of time there. He loved it and actually slept on the ride back!! Thanks again Dave and Amy, We will keep you updated with pics. These pictures are on his first birthday June 23, .People around watching me with him were just amazed how beautiful and smart he was for his age. We have him in agility and he is amazing. Odie is very smart, has a sweet personality and always has love and kisses for everyone he meets. Oh, he loves to watch golf on television with his daddy. If anyone is looking for a great Golden Retriever puppy they need to think about getting one of your puppies. A few accidents but we're working with him! He's been so much fun and we're looking forward to him being part of our family! Thanks again for everything. Love to see more, we are loving Cooper so much. Let me know. .Warm Regards, Denise. He has been such a joy and it has only been two days. I have been meaning to email you and give an update on our life with Stanley we renamed him Odie after seeing that name on your website before we bought Stanley, we loved the name. I know you remember us, so heartbroken over the death of our Jack. We still are, of course, but Odie had come into our lives and brought so much joy. He is the best behaved puppy, so mild mannered, never EVER barks, so loving and happy. He is very smart and learns so quickly. He has brought us so much joy already we cannot imagine life without him! I wanted to thank you for your patience with us, and thank you for providing us with such a perfect beautiful Golden, we love him so much. I have attached a photo of him, he is adorable, and a photo of him with his brother Max, our 10 year old Cocker Spaniel. Odie loves his brother very much!! We are dog lovers and entrepreneurs that specialize in quality Golden Retriever puppies. We are located in beautiful New England; in Hampden, Maine. We like to consider ourselves collectors, if you will! Our British Cream aka Euro Cream retrievers are almost pure white, with some light shades of tan. We do invite you to compare, and ask any questions you may have as well. Our Golden Retrievers are happy, healthy, obedient animals of only the highest quality! Our program concentrates on the traits of the family dog first; health, trustworthiness, gentleness, loyalty, beauty and longevity. Then, we incorporate the correct and proven genetics, imported and genetic lines that are proven through generations, not by just a few individuals, to pass on the history of the breed to their offspring. Show champions along with champions of the field events. These bloodlines are gathered from around the world! This results is an European bred Golden Retriever that is very beautiful, strong, athletic and extraordinarily capable and willing to please. These are wonderful animals with the history of the breed embedded in their very soul. They come from genetic lines that formed the foundation of the Golden Retriever breed! They are truly loving dogs that live to be loved, and will be a pleasure for you to work with. Over the years, we have developed many friendships with happy owners and quite a following on Facebook. We have many repeat customers and referral customers. We also breed dogs which become service dogs. NEADS places a high premium on these qualities because our assistance dogs need to be structurally and psychologically sound in order to assist someone with a physical disability. Our program places dogs with those who can benefit from both the functional and emotional support the companions provide: picking up a dropped article, opening a door and holding it open as the client passes through in their wheelchair, retrieving a bottle of water from the refrigerator, and many other tasks. Many of these tasks help people who have limited dexterity or mobility. Our rigorous standards are based on 35 years of experience training assistance dogs for those with a physical disability, autism or hearing loss. These qualities begin with a breeder who pays attention to quality breeding and early development practices. Director of Programs and Communications PO Box West Boylston, MA — You will find lots of pictures of Goldens to enjoy, and important questions and discussions about food, health, play, and events. Please visit us on facebook at:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

The socket is where the femoral head fits and also articulates. In unaffected dogs, the femoral head fits tightly into properly formed sockets. In severe cases of hip dysplasia in golden retrievers, there can be partial dislocation and bone spurs present on the rims of the sockets and the femoral heads themselves. So are all golden retrievers likely to get hip dysplasia? This survey has been tracking the prevalence of hip dysplasia since and allows you to examine the severity and frequency of hip abnormalities over time. We do know that golden retrievers are among other large breeds like Great Danes, German Shepherds , and Saint Bernards as being dogs that are primarily affected by hip dysplasia due to their size and breed characteristics. But there are some environmental factors that contribute to the likelihood of a golden retriever with hip dysplasia as well. Excessive, quick growth, too much exercise, the wrong nutrition, and injuries to their joints are all factors that will determine if and how much golden retriever hip dysplasia could affect your pup. Golden Retriever Hip Dysplasia Prevention Tips Your golden retriever is your family, and no one wants to see someone they love in pain. Prevents further breakdown in the joints. Reduce pain and inflammation in their hips. Improve the lubrication of the hip joints. Adding a joint supplement also helps your golden retriever with hip dysplasia to avoid further pain, so even if your golden has already developed this condition, supplements can offer tremendous benefits. But making sure you know how to read a supplement label is important so you can pick the right joint supplement for your beloved pet. Low Strain Exercises via GIPHY That means they love to get outside when possible and are just a little extra prone to excited zoomies around the house. But you have to be careful with your pup — getting the right amount and type of exercise is important if you are looking to prevent golden retriever hip dysplasia. Giving your puppy too much hard exercise like jogging, bike riding, agility, or hiking can further increase their risk of hip dysplasia. Plus, young and clumsy puppies are more prone to injuries, and more injury to the joints may mean an increased likelihood of developing golden retriever hip dysplasia. Instead of sporadic, intense exercise, your pup needs exercise that is: Consistent and low-impact Allows them to stay on a leash Promotes the stretching of hip joints Not sure where to start? Type of Exercise. This breed of dog is as loyal and as loving as they come. So, in order to ensure that your new, faithful companion lives a long and healthy life, there are some common medical issues Goldens face which you should be aware of. Unfortunately, Goldens, amongst a few other dog breeds, are predisposed towards joint problems a. Should it go untreated, it could severely impact both their overall health and well-being along with the length of their life. That said, if you know the common signs of hip problems and catch it early on, there are steps you can take to manage the issue, mitigate symptoms, or all together treat the problem. Below, we will discuss golden retriever hip problems, the signs, and treatment options at your disposal. The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare had this to say in response: The primary reason for this abnormal development is hip joint laxity if the joint is too loose; leading to the two articulating parts of the joint of the pelvis — the femoral head and the acetabulum which form the ball-and-socket of the joint - moving abnormally relative to one another; the femoral head in subluxation partly dislocating from the acetabulum. This leads to abnormal stresses and strains on the joint and leads to inflammation and degeneration of the joint tissues. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. Joint laxity the looseness of the joint, allowing abnormal movements of the parts relative to one another can lead on to joint subluxation partial dislocation of the joint on movement that in turn causes flattening of the acetabular cup and femoral head Shell and Harasen .The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hind legs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many Golden retrievers with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is a major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently Golden retrievers are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for different populations of the same breed Brass .Sturaro et al. Previous studies in the USA, using the OFA Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database, have given lower figures, but, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some vets and owners pre-screened them and only sent apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. Earlier studies in Europe and Canada suggested frequencies of hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers of between .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are golden retrievers Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around , Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Currently, none of these genes have been identified. Wilson et al .Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the Golden retriever is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints e. Greyhounds would score 0, as hip dysplasia is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed median score e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E- severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Dogs are ranked within their breed. Vets from the PennHIP scheme recommend breeding dogs with overall scores and DIs that are better than the breed average, to continue to try to improve the hips in the breed whilst not excessively narrowing the gene pool. If only dogs with normal DI were used ie those below 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. .Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating e. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of Golden retrievers , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9. What You Need to Know Know the signs of hip dysplasia and whether or not your dog is prone to the condition so you can treat it early on. By Sarah Mouton Dowdy Sarah Mouton Dowdy writes for both pet parents and veterinary professionals and is passionate about meeting the needs of both to the benefit of all involved—especially the pets. With a master's degree in human health communication, she's particularly interested in the ways in which human and animal health overlap. Sarah's own health has been positively impacted by adopting a dog named Agnes whose tricks include sitting, staying, and stealing pizza from the kitchen counter. Updated on April 15, Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Jenna Stregowski, RVT Jenna is a registered veterinary technician with a range of veterinary experience that includes small animal internal medicine, oncology, neurology, emergency, alternative medicine, and practice management. As the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for Daily Paws, Jenna is living the dream as she combines her veterinary knowledge and passion for animals with her love of writing and education. Learn More Hip dysplasia in dogs is a common developmental condition in large and giant breed dogs. It's caused by a hip deformity that results in joint laxity, or looseness, and can lead to pain, mobility issues, and osteoarthritis. Though the condition is present from a young age, many dogs won't show clinical signs until they're older. However, screening your pet for hip dysplasia early on can give you an opportunity to treat the deformed joint before it causes problems. What is Hip Dysplasia? Canine hip dysplasia occurs when a dog's hip joint doesn't develop as it should. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, and if the two components don't grow properly and at the same rate, it can result in a very loose, unstable joint. This may not sound like a big deal, but according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons , hip dysplasia in dogs can cause serious problems. When a dog moves around with a loose hip joint, it can cause permanent damage to the joint's anatomy. If left untreated, dogs may develop osteoarthritis also called degenerative joint disease in the hip because the abnormal movement wears away cartilage and leads to the formation of scar tissue and bone spurs. Dogs can pass the condition to their offspring and large breed dogs are more prone to the disease. Commonly affected breeds include German shepherds , Rottweilers , golden retrievers , Saint Bernards , Labrador retrievers , and Newfoundlands. However, any breed or mixed-breed can develop hip dysplasia, and breed isn't the only risk factor. Puppies with a genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia are more at risk of developing the condition if they're given more food than they need, resulting in faster than normal weight gain and growth. Heavy exercise is another risk factor in puppies. Canine hip dysplasia can affect both young and old dogs, but not always in the same way. The Morris Animal Foundation divides the signs according to age of onset: Juvenile dogs younger than 18 months of age lameness limping in one or both of back legs bunny-like hopping dog holds its back legs together and hops instead of running normally difficulty getting up clicking sound from hips when moving or getting up shifting of weight to front legs unable to exercise for long periods Mature dogs older than 18 months of age history of lameness limping in back legs limping after exercising loss of muscle mass in one or both of back legs difficulty jumping or climbing It's important to note that while dogs can develop clinical signs as puppies, many don't show any outward symptoms until they've lived with the condition for multiple years. How is Hip Dysplasia Diagnosed? Your veterinarian may also use their hands to examine the hip and check for looseness. What is the Treatment for Hip Dysplasia? There are two common surgical options for dogs with hip dysplasia: total hip replacement, which involves implantation of an artificial hip joint, and femoral head ostectomy, in which the head and neck of the femur are removed and scar tissue forms to create a "false joint. Hip dysplasia home treatment is also often recommended for dogs with mild to moderate disease. However, it's important to note that NSAIDs like carprofen can have significant side effects and must be closely monitored. Other potential treatments include cold laser therapy, acupuncture , and physical therapy. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best options for you and your pet. Bear in mind that treatments often need to be adjusted over time, so be sure to follow your vet's recommendations for follow-up visits. These radiographs can help you determine how likely it is your dog will have problems in the future and whether you want to consider early surgical intervention. A veterinarian who knows your pet and can examine him in person is in the best position to offer information and advice. Was this page helpful? Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition, which can affect any dog. Although the causes may vary, the effects are always the same: loss of mobility, increasing pain, impaired gait, and even behavioral and mood changes in your dog including snappishness and depression. Dysplasia is simply the dislocation of a bone from its proper place. Hip dysplasia or displacement is one of the best-known types of dysplasia in dogs. The degenerative process of hip dysplasia is gradual. The onset of symptoms, specifically pain, is also somewhat gradual taking place over the course of years. In simple terms, the two bones of the hip joint shift out of alignment. Perhaps because they are such hand-working structures, the ball and socket joints are prone to disease, and simple mechanical wear and damage over time. The muscles and joints become lax, and the joint capsule, a strong band of connective tissue which circled the bones for added stability, loses its elastic strength. As this happens, the articular working surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. The bones slowly separate as the soft tissues around the joint degenerate. The disease may affect one or both right and left hips. With the loss of protective scaffolding between the bone surfaces, the nerves in the bone endings themselves become exposed. When bone touches bone, there is acute pain. In addition, the loss of tensile strength of the supporting tendons, muscle, and cartilage means that other structures in the hip and leg must compensate in terms of weight-bearing and movement. This unnatural compensation may cause fatigue and pain. It may even cause the dog to injure itself—running to catch a Frisbee, or climbing stairs, for instance. What Causes Hip Dysplasia? Experts disagree as to the source of hip dysplasia in dogs. Too much food One theory is that feeding a young, growing dog too many calories early in its development contributes to the disorder. Too much exercise Another theory is that too much exercise, or the wrong kind of exercise, or simply too much high-impact exercise, such as fetching, jumping, and catching a ball or Frisbee on concrete, contributes to hip dysplasia. A factual observation about this condition is that hip dysplasia tends to affect large breeds more so than smaller dogs. This, too, is relative—it is possible for small dogs to become affected by hip dysplasia, too. However, we correctly associate the condition most frequently with big breeds. These breeds do carry a genetic predisposition toward the condition. It is also true that purebreds, especially large dogs, are most likely to become vulnerable to hip dysplasia, therefore calling upon informed and responsible breeding practices. Sometimes our decision-making process is clouded by emotion—guilt, fear, even panic when we see our beloved canine companion suffering. These are also common in dogs, attacking the cartilage, muscles, and membrane linings of cartilage and joints. These may offer your dog safe alternatives: calming inflammation as an immediate solution and helping to rebuild joint integrity as a long-range treatment. These trusted products can slow or even stop the degeneration of the hip joint. In many cases, hip replacement surgery which is the last resort may be prevented altogether. An X-ray examination will be recommended as a first step. If your dog becomes less active, weight gain may become a challenge. Eliminate treats, and if possible, offer your dog low-impact exercises like stretching and swimming. We Can Help. Does your dog have trouble walking, standing, or getting up? There is an excellent chance we can help your dog. According to the American Kennel Club AKC , Golden Retrievers were the third most popular breed in the United States in and have consistently been in the top 10 for the past decade. The total number of Goldens in households is difficult to assess, but approximately 50, are newly registered with the AKC each year. Based on their average lifespan of 10 years, the number of registered Goldens is , This number is estimated to represent less than 10 percent of the total breed population, as many are unregistered. In addition to their friendly, energetic, and likable dispositions, Goldens also are known for something else—hip dysplasia. Less desirable than their personality attributes, hip dysplasia is a complex, multifactorial condition that involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. This includes restricting juvenile animals from repetitive, high-impact activities. Per the statistics collected by the OFA, , radiographs for hip dysplasia have been evaluated since .Of those, the incidence of abnormal hip joints is approximately 20 percent. Again, this estimation is low, as many affected dogs do not have their radiographs submitted through the OFA. It was discovered that she has hip dysplasia through a proactive radiograph taken prior to her first visit to the Rehabilitation Service. Her owners are working closely with Dr. As her primary care veterinarian, Dr. What is hip dysplasia? Per Dr. The first is during skeletal immaturity when canines are between 6 and 14 months of age; these signs are predominantly due to loose hips. The second is when canines reach skeletal maturity 4- and years-old ; these signs are primarily due to osteoarthritis OA. Hip dysplasia diagnosis is made through a pelvic radiograph where veterinarians look at the hip socket acetabulum in relation to the head of the femur to determine if there is a proper fit or if there are any secondary arthritic changes. Once OA is present on a radiograph, dysplastic changes are irreversible and usually continue to progress over time. Kiszka leads Summer as she does figure-eights. Studies have shown that up to 76 percent of dysplastic dogs with osteoarthritic changes on radiographs are able to function and live comfortable, quality lives with conservative management. Conservative management includes exercise modification, physical rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications. For the cases in which canines do not respond to this method of management, surgery, such as a total hip replacement or femoral head and neck excision FHNE , may be recommended. Even with a prosthesis total hip replacement in place, or an FHNE, OA may still develop in the opposite hip joint and cause ongoing problems that require constant conservative or surgical management. With appropriate treatment, however, the prognosis for long-term comfort and function is good to excellent. Exercise modifications are typically tailored to avoid activities that cause limping and decrease high-impact type forces. If the dog is overweight, a weight-loss plan would be recommended as excess fat promotes OA. At-home exercises and rehabilitation help maintain muscle tone and strength while stabilizing the joint. The goals of the exercises are to help to maintain range of motion in the joint and prevent compensation, and promote body awareness, sense of proprioception, and core strength to avoid injury. Medical management involves anti-inflammatories, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and chronic pain medications. Additional medications may include injections that protect the joints. Treating the pain and inflammation in hip dysplasia patients is extremely important, as pain limits mobility, joint range of motion, and decreases quality and quantity of life. Kiszka helps Summer practice how to shift her weight on an uneven surface. Summer takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and eats egg whites as a protein additive to her food. She starts her day with a 23—minute walk on the underwater-treadmill at 1. This speed and time equates to her walking approximately yards. The water allows Summer to bear only 70—80 percent of her body-weight, which lessens the impact on her hips, while she is walking. The water contact also increases sensation and the moving treadmill belt increases multiple-joint range of motion. After her water exercise, Summer rests before she begins therapeutic exercises. There are seven different exercises prescribed to Summer; based on her strength and mobility, her exercises vary each rehabilitation session. While exercising, she is monitored for signs of fatigue, pain, and poor posture, as the Rehab team pushes her to maximum potential to achieve the greatest therapeutic benefit. After she completes the exercises, she receives a therapeutic laser treatment of her hip and lower back region. The laser has factory presets for her weight, body type, and hair coat length and color. This type of laser therapy has proposed benefits of increased circulation and improved tissue repair with decreased pain and inflammation. How is Summer doing now? Summer walking on the underwater treadmill. Through the relationship among Dr. The early intervention allowed her to maintain mobility and quality of life for both her and her owners. Related Stories.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Pongo is a 1. While his parents are unknown, Pongo resembles a Boston Terrier on stilts and he has the most hilarious ears that stand up and then flop over to the side. They are too cute! Pongo is a higher energy guy that loves to play! While he does well with his furry foster siblings, he does tend to participate in high energy play, which might be off putting to some dogs. He would do very well in a home with another dog that likes to play and isn't intimidated by Pongo being in their face. While Pongo is very sweet to the humans in his foster home as well, he had never been around kids before, so it did take him a moment to adjust to their quick movements and loud play. He would likely do best in a home with older children! Pongo is well behaved in his crate and is working hard to perfect potty training. His foster family is convinced that he will perfect the potty training with a good schedule! This young guy is looking for his perfect forever family, filled with love, play and lots of walks! If that sounds like you - apply today! The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible. We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal. Exercise Grooming The pug has origins majorly from China and Netherland. The Modern pugs are imported from China; the earliest breeds have also been known to originate from there. However, the pugs have a history with royal families in the Netherlands and England. The Modern style pugs were brought in to Britain in from China. The pugs were tended by the ruling families in China. The imperial court kept pugs because they were treasured by the Emperors who assigned guards to protect them while they the pugs lived in extravagance. Keeping pugs in Europe started at the House of Orange in the Netherlands. The pug became the official pug of the house after it saved the Prince of Orange from Assassins. Although these pugs were said to have been brought from China, the pugs from Europe at that time, as seen in pictures depict longer legs and nose. The pugs became prominent in the United States in the nineteenth century. They easily became family companions and show dogs. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This occurred in , it was the first time a pug would be winning the show since it began. The pug would do anything to please its owners this is what makes them suitable to keep in many homes. Their loyalty is unwavering, they do well with children their calmness and sturdy physique allows them to tolerate children easily. Their Alertness makes them good security dogs but they are not predominantly used for security purposes. Pugs are stubborn, but this does not transform into aggressive manners. The pug thrives indoors. It is usually kept close to families that own it. It is classified by most Kennel Clubs as a toy dog. Despite their adaptation to heat, pugs cannot thrive well outdoors in hot and humid regions Pugs do not require high-intensity exercises; however moderate exercising will be sufficient. A reserved and reasonable amount of space for the dog to move around is ideal. The pugs have a fine coat that is sufficient to protect them from heat and cold. Maintaining a pug has low requirements. However, wrinkles and eyes have to be cleaned daily. Our Pugs puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Do Pugs eyes fall out? Yes, pugs have a shallow eye socket. Therefore, excess force around the eyes can lead to the eyes falling out. This condition is called ocular proptosis. It is also common to other dogs that have shallow eyes sockets and big bulging eyes; Bulldogs, Pekingese and Chihuahuas. Do Pugs snore? The pug is a brachycephalic dog breed; having a short muzzle and a flat face. This makes breathing difficult and leads to the pug snoring. The pug is more likely to develop eyesight problems that could cause blindness. Their bulging eyes also make them susceptible to eye injuries. What are the foods I should avoid feeding my Pug with? Avoid mushrooms, onions, garlic, and avocados. Green tomatoes and Raw potatoes are also harmful. Do not give any alcohol and caffeine-containing food. Is the Pug good with family? Yes, the pug regardless of its physical outlook is very friendly and playful. Its history of intimacy with humans makes it suitable for the family. Can Pugs be left alone? However, it is okay to leave your dog alone for about 8 hours. Note that pugs are companion dogs and want to be with their owners all the time. Why are Pugs hyperactive? Pugs have been bred for a very long time as companion dogs. They naturally get excited about seeing their owners and this leads to a series of hyperactive displays. Would a Pug ever calm down? Pugs generally become less hyperactive as they grow older. A pug might reach about 2 years of age before showing signs of calmness. However, a calmer adult pug will occasionally go into a hyperactive mode when exited. Keep your dog from situations that will result in a fight. Maintain healthy conditions for your pug and yourself; avoid smoking, it can be harmful to your dog Do Pugs drool? All dogs drool to a certain extent. However, your pug might drool more given the architecture of its mouth. Its loose and large lips contribute to some drooling, especially when engaged in any physical activity. The pug Is a very playful dog, alert and even-tempered dog. Good with family and children especially. Clingy and popular dubbed as a shadow, this loving dog will follow you everywhere you go. Are you interested in purchasing a Pug? 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Not good for apartment living May nip at kids' heels as "play" Must be trained extremely early Not for inexperienced dog owners Constant socialization is essential Must be quickly weaned off mouth play Will roam far and wide if not constrained Bullboxer Staffy Bull Breed Description The Bullboxer Staffy Bull is a large dog whose desire to be your pal will be obvious from the start and all the time. These dogs are playful, protective, and eager to please the right person. Both parent breeds are known for their intelligence, and you'll find that these hybrid dogs are smart too. Obedience training should come easily, and these dogs will also enjoy learning tricks and agility play. They can be a bit headstrong because they know what they want, and sometimes it's something other than to please their master. They make great guardians and will be aloof to strangers. They are very loyal, and they will play well with kids — so long as kids understand to not try to ride them or let them nip or chew on their feet and hands. These dogs are energetic, and they'll need a lot of daily exercise. Left to be lazy, however, they may be seduced to lie around and become obese, so be sure to get out for long walks and visits to the dog park. If you have a huge, secure yard, they should be allowed out a couple hours daily to run and play, but walks are still good as they help with socialization and training. Bullboxer Staffy Bull Temperament The Boxer Staffy cross temperament is one that is sure to surprise a lot of people, especially those who believe that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier parent is a dangerous dog. Both the purebred Staffy and their hybrid offspring only look mean. Any aggression they may exhibit will be due to a person's intentions and not from the dog's natural Staffy x Boxer temperament. Properly socialized, these dogs are very loyal, are wonderful with kids, and have a huge heart. They may have a tendency to nip and mouth play, and this should be gently trained out so that when they are older, accidents don't happen. Training tends to be easy for the right person. These dogs can be stubborn, and they are aware of their strength — although they won't use it unless actually threatened. They should be socialized as very young puppies, and training must be firm yet patient and gentle. Just keep in mind that the habits they are allowed to have as puppies may not be as adorable when they are fully mature and weigh more than pounds! The best thing is to understand the health profiles of the two parent breeds. Like all dogs, however, these purebreds and their hybrid puppies can develop typical dog problems. You should be sure that the breeder provides proper health papers and vet certificates as well as keep your dog updated with shots and regular vet visits. Some of the things that may affect your Bullboxer Staffy Bull are: Obesity. Health and breeding information What diseases can occur in Boxer and American Staffordshire Terrier mix. These dogs are known for being loyal, loving and protective of their family and home. They are also known for being strong and muscular dogs with lots of energy. This mixed breed can inherit some health problems from both parent breeds. Health problems that have been observed in this mixed breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eyelid deformities, and heart problems. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. This can lead to pain, lameness and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Eyelid deformities can cause the eyelids to roll in or out, which can cause irritation and damage to the eye. Heart problems can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening. If you are considering getting a Boxer-American Staffordshire Terrier mix, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the potential health issues that could affect your dog. What does this mixed breed look like? The coat of a Boxer American Staffordshire Terrier mix is usually short and smooth, with a typical brindle or fawn coat color. The coat can also be black, white or even blue or liver. The coat is easy to groom and only requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair. What are breed characteristics of this mix dog? The average Boxer-American Staffordshire Terrier mix is about 60 cm tall and weighs about 25 kg. They have a short coat that is usually brown or brindle with white markings. They have a broad head and a square jaw with a strong muzzle. Their eyes are almond shaped and their ears are floppy. They have a muscular body with a deep chest and strong hindquarters. Fur length. Some pups might inherit and even split, or they could lean more towards each parent. An experienced breeder that has bred the parents previously might have a better idea of the puppies that a particular coupling produces. However, the puppies will have short, dense coats that shed pretty heavily. The Staffy is generally regarded as a pretty healthy dog breed, except for a few conditions; the Boxer half of the mix is a different story. Boxers suffer from a host of genetic diseases. Ensure the breeder can provide you with relevant health clearance certificates for the parents, especially the Boxer. Staffy Boxer Temperament Both parent breeds are loyal and affectionate, and they thrive in a home where owners provide the time, love and care they need. The Staffy, in contrast to the Boxer, is known for its calm demeanour and lack of hyperactivity. However, training and socialisation are crucial and start from a young age. Neither dog does well, left alone for long periods. Staffy X Boxers do fine with other dogs providing they grow up with them. Neither the Staffy nor the Boxer is particularly territorial, although the Staffy seems to have picked up a reputation for aggression towards other dogs. Not wanting to sound like a broken record, but it does depend on the parents. The Boxer is the larger of the two dogs, and if the puppies favour the Boxer parent, they will be taller and have longer legs. However, as a rough guide, expect to see your puppy reach a height of between 17 to 23 inches. Final Thoughts A Bullboxer Staff cross will be a loving, loyal and protective family companion. You will need to show patience when training and only use reward-based training methods. Brad Davenport Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training. Although it is tempting to try and pay the lowest price possible, this may not be your best option. You should ensure that you use a reputable breeder that cares for their animals, as well as their new owners. Check that the breeder has had relevant health checks and screening done on the parents. In the case of the two parent breeds, this will include hip and elbow dysplasia screening, as well as eye checks. Some of the screening cannot be done until a dog is two or three years old, so you should avoid puppies from parents that are younger than this. Meet the puppies before you agree to purchase. Ideally, the puppy should approach you and be happy to be picked up. This is a good sign that they are developing to become sociable and friendly dogs. This will also give you a chance to meet one of the parents. It is usually the mother that is available to meet. Her puppies will learn a lot from her during their first months, so if mom is happy, lively, and energetic, and she is happy to meet you, then there is a good chance that her puppies will develop a similar attitude as they age. The cross between Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Boxer can be very lively and energetic. They can also be a bit daft, and this combination means that some owners may get more than they bargained for when taking on this breed. As such, you may find some examples in shelters and local pounds. Do ensure that you get to meet the puppy, and if you have dogs, cats, or children, arrange a meeting between them and the dog before you adopt. This will help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible when you do get to take your new dog home. The giant breed, which was related to the Mastiff as well as Bulldogs, was used to hunt tough animals like wild boar. When boar hunting lost its popularity, the Bullenbeiser was bred to be smaller and was used as a butcher dog and cattle dog. Butcher dogs were used for a range of tasks including pulling large carts that were heavily laden with meat. As such, while the modern Boxer is smaller than the original, it is still a strong and hardy breed. The Bullboxer Staff combines the strength of the Boxer with the equally formidable strength of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Boxers Get Their Name From the Boxing Sport Although there are no records to confirm or deny this, it is believed that the Boxer got its name from the way it fights. The Boxer stands on its hind legs and effectively boxes with its front legs. Playing with a Boxer means that you should get used to this kind of tussling and be prepared to take a few right hooks. This was due, in part, to its physical similarity to the Pit Bull. It was also due to being bred for fighting and baiting. Disreputable breeders and owners still fight the breed today, which makes choosing an honest breeder even more important. However, as well as being a loyal dog, the Staffie is known for having a calm demeanor. He will take most things, including new sights and sounds, in his stride and is rarely aggressive. He can be protective of his owner, but this is rarely exhibited as aggression. As such, we can assume a lot of characteristics will be similar to those of the parent breeds. Both breeds are loving and loyal, and they will flourish when given attention and love from their family. Although the Boxer has a reputation for being a bit daft and very energetic, the Staffie is calmer and less goofy. Both breeds require plenty of exercises, however, and they will require training, although they can be difficult to train, but for different reasons. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Staffie will give unconditional love to children, and because he is calmer, he would be considered the better choice for families with children. The Boxer also tends to adore children, but he can be quite accident-prone because of his pent up energy. This can lead to accidents and injuries, with small children being especially prone to these accidents. Whether your Bullboxer Staff is lively or calm will depend on which parent breed he takes after, but he will not intentionally harm the children in his family. He will usually get along with other dogs, and he can be introduced to other dogs readily in any location. He is not prone to protecting his territory, either, so he should be relatively safe to introduce to other canine family members. However, no breed is the perfect choice for all potential owners, and before buying or adopting a Bullboxer Staff you should consider the following factors to determine whether he is right for you. Expect to feed up to three cups of food per day. The actual amount you feed will depend on the quality of the food and its calorific content. It will also depend on the dog itself. If your dog is lively and active, and he gets a lot of daily exercises, you are likely to have to feed the full amount to ensure that he has the energy. If he is more sedentary and does not get out for long runs, feed less. Do ensure that you measure and track the amount of food you give, otherwise your dog could become overweight or even obese, and this can have serious consequences for your canine. Expect to provide your dog with minutes of exercise a day. This can take the shape of a brisk walk, although you can also try the hybrid breed at agility and other athletic courses. The breed will prefer a home with a yard, although may adapt well to living in an apartment if he gets enough time on the leash. You will also be expected to play with toys at various intervals over the day and night with your pup. Alternatively, you could end up with the stubbornness of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. On the other hand, you could get the calmness of the Staffy and the eagerness of the Boxer. Be consistent with your training, and ensure that you start at a young age to ensure that your dog does not develop bad habits. You can also enroll in puppy classes when he is young. Not only does this help teach you how to train your dog, and gives him an understanding of how he is supposed to behave, but it allows you to socialize him with other dogs and people in new surroundings. This socialization will help ensure that your dog is well behaved around other people and dogs. Agility and training classes are also a good method of providing mental stimulation for your dog. This is just as important as physical exercise. A bored dog full of energy can become a destructive and even an anti-social dog, whereas a tired dog is a good dog. You should still give him an occasional brushing because this will help remove dead hair. Weekly brushing helps prevent his hair from becoming knotted and matted. This is not only uncomfortable for your dog, but it can lead to hair and skin complaints that last for years. Your Bullboxer Staff will not require any hair cutting or trimming and you will not need to visit a professional groomer. You should not bathe your dog, except when it is necessary. If you bathe your dog too often, it removes the natural oil from their hair. This oil keeps their hair in good condition. It also protects the skin. Dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for people, and your dog will not be able to brush his own teeth. Start brushing when he is a puppy and do it three times a week. Sharp nails also tend to be more painful for owners, especially with a dog that is as bouncy and athletic as a Boxer. You will usually need to trim nails every month or two. If your dog walks on abrasive surfaces like concrete, every two months should be fine because his nails will be kept short naturally. He is prone to a number of genetic health conditions and illnesses. Feed your dog a good diet with the right concentration of protein, carbs, and fat, and ensure that they eat the right amount. This is the best way to ensure that your dog leads as healthy and long a life as possible. No matter how careful you are, though, there are certain conditions that this hybrid is predisposed to. Look for signs of the following conditions and seek veterinary assistance if any signs do show. Minor Conditions. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Boxer is known for being intelligent, friendly, and devoted. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Boxer or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boxer Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix puppy. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Boxer History Boxers are large, muscular, square-headed dogs that are extremely playful and have a lot of energy. The typical Boxer is intelligent, alert, and fearless, yet friendly. He's loyal to his family and loves to play with them, but he's also headstrong, especially if you try to use harsh training methods with him. They are extremely patient and gentle, especially with children. They are high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. Because of their strength and courage, Boxers have a wide use in the military and the police, as well as search-and-rescue work. When specifically trained for guard work, Boxers are excellent watchdogs and will restrain an intruder in the same manner as a Mastiff. Boxers also excel in obedience, agility, and schutzhund a demanding three-phase competition event that tests the dog's tracking, obedience, and protection abilities. Boxers should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Their short nose doesn't cool hot air efficiently in the summer, and their short coat doesn't keep them warm in the winter. The Bullenbeisser had been used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. They were trained to catch the prey and hold onto it until the hunters arrived. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century. Lehman of New York. Unfortunately, there weren't many female Boxers in the U. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs, and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. This dog was originally bred to fight bulls for blood sport. With the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act in , this stopped that activity and slowed the breeding of the Staffy. They were also used to control vermin. Given its name it is not hard to see that it comes from Staffordshire England, which is in the northern part of Birmingham. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in .They are often times classified as a pit bull type of dog. Due to this classification they are sometimes outlawed in certain municipalities, etc. They are a tough, strong, and muscular dog.