goldendoodle puppies under $1000

Our area has wide open spaces with majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. We are devoted to raising beautiful, healthy, well-balanced and socialized golden and labrador retrievers, goldendoodles, goldadors, bichon frises, cavaliers and cavachons. All of our foundation adults are free from hereditary problems and are backed by a health guarantee. Whether you are looking for a Golden Retriever puppy, Labrador Retriever puppy, Goldendoodle puppy, Goldador puppy, Bichon Frises puppy, Cavalier puppy or Cavachon puppy, we' would love to help you find the perfect dog. We combine excellent confirmation, exceptional good looks, intelligence and athleticism for the perfectly balanced dog. In order to achieve this goal, we begin with wonderful foundation bitches and sires that possess several generations of healthy dogs. Many of our dogs have several generations of clearances. Our puppies are bred for wonderful dispositions and temperaments to provide great companionship and use as family pets, service dogs, therapy dogs, conformation and hunting companions. You will not find more loyal, affectionate, and trustworthy companions. We look forward to hearing from you to tell you more about these wonderful pets and show dogs. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located on a 40 acre farm east of Denver, Colorado we have plenty of space for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Unlike typical breeders we do not confine our golden retrievers to small kennels, but instead let them run and play as much as their hearts desire. Health Guarantee To ensure the health of our golden retrievers we make sure they are always up-to-date on: Health Checkups Shots Health Screenings - OFA certification for hips, elbows, and thyroids We also focus on the mental health of our dogs by keeping them happy interacting with people and other dogs on a daily basis. This ensures excellent temperaments, great dispositions, and that they are extremely well mannered. Before they are sent to their new homes each puppy gets a health checkup from the vet and their first round of shots. We also offer to microchip your puppy when you pick them up to keep them safe. In addition to all of this, we offer a health guarantee protecting against many hereditary problems. At birth: We help the mama clean the puppies so they are introduced to human scent from birth. Birth - 4 weeks old: We bottle feed the puppies in supplement to their mother's milk to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Handled from birth to get used to human scent Free time outside their kennel so they can explore their surroundings. Introduced to our pet cat and other dogs to become comfortable around all kinds of animals. All of the things mentioned above are part of how we ensure that our puppies are happy, healthy, and playful when they are ready to go to their forever homes. To see information about available golden retriever puppies and to see pictures from past litters click the links below. Cottage Garden Goldador puppies are a fantastic choice to adopt, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. The Goldador dog breed is an incredible mix of two beloved breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Search hundreds of Golden. We can ship nationwide including Alaska, and Hawaii. List your kennel with us and advertise that you are a breeder, I currently have yellow Labrador Retriever puppies available, both male and female. Father is a golden retriever ideal family pets contact .Find Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Whether you are looking for a Golden Retriever puppy, Labrador Retriever puppy, Goldendoodle puppy, Goldador puppy, Bichon Frises puppy, Cavalier puppy or Cavachon puppy, we' would love to help you find the perfect dog. List your kennel with us and advertise that you are a breeder, trainer or handler. Cresthill Kennels is a small, family owned and operated all breed boarding kennel and Labrador Retriever breeding facility. Yellow Labrador Retriever Puppies .All of our labs are on site and have been DNA certifiled. Goldens are merry companions that act like puppies well into adulthood. The breed's broad head and strong jaws enabled the dog to carry the largest game birds, such as Canada geese. It originates from the mids, when it became popular for people to combine different dog. Both parents are with the pups. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale. Golden Labrador Puppies for Sale in Florida. These loyal, trusting, obedient and affectionate pooches embody all the values we look for in a companion and lifelong friend. The kennel is ideally situated on 46 rolling country acres in beautiful Caroline County VA. Labrador retriever Puppies for sale. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium-to-large dog. Devoted, smart, and friendly, these eager-to-please double-coated gundogs excel in hunting, obedience, field trials, and guiding the blind. Good Dog helps you find the Labrador Retriever puppy of your dreams by making it easy to discover Labrador Retriever puppies for sale near you. They have the perfect blend of the best characteristics of their parents. Golden Retrievers are among America's most popular breeds. Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale. We combine excellent confirmation, exceptional good looks, intelligence and athleticism for the perfectly balanced dog. A heavy body and strong legs enable the dog to swim and run powerfully. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. If you are unable to find your Golden. The puppies will come with their dewclaws removed between 3 and 5 days old. Labrador Retrievers are America's most popular companion. Our precious Goldador puppies are cream in color with short and soft luxurious coats that resemble a Labrador. We will also ship to Canada if requested. Silver Labrador Retriever Puppies. Golden Labrador Puppies for Sale in Massachusetts. Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Info. Mini Labradoodle Puppies For Sale. With us, you get the healthiest, happiest, best-behaved golden retriever and white lab puppies with the most potent bloodlines. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Labrador Retriever. Find puppies for sale, started dogs for sale and finished dogs from all sorts of different pointing breeds, retrieving breeds and flushing breeds. Labrador di Hewan Peliharaan. Mother and father are both AKC registered yellow. Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara 5 hari yang lalu. Puppies are microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated, regularly wormed and come with a puppy pack. Labs need daily exercise like swimming; their water-repellant coat and "otter tail" keep ice at bay as they paddle through the water. Labrador Puppies for sale. Labrador Retrievers are outstanding dogs that get along really well with both kids and other animals. We strive for gentle, laid back temperaments and also a quick ability to learn. Golden Labrador. The sturdy, well-balanced Labrador. Location: Charlotte, North Carolina. We offer beautiful, quality, purebred labrador Retriever puppies. Have both male and female pups available. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Labrador Retriever puppies and dogs. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in California. Golden Labrador Puppies For Sale. We raise socialized golden and labrador retrievers, goldendoodles, goldadors, bichon frises, cavaliers and. Friendly, eager-to-please, affectionate, Labradors are energetic sporting dogs with soft mouths. Breed: Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. Labrador Retrievers for Sale in Colorado Springs. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale from trusted …. The breed's broad head and strong jaws enabled the dog to. Good Dog helps you find the Golden Retriever puppy of your dreams by making it easy to discover Golden Retriever puppies for sale near you. Labrador Retriever Dog Breed Information. Goldens are very loyal, and need a whole lot of time to run around and play. We sell with the first vaccination, a microchip and several dewormings. Modern Labs work as retrievers for hunters, assistance dogs, show competitors, and search and rescue dogs, among other canine jobs. Our Goldens range from light cream to dark golden in color. These parents are AKC registered of. You can adopt an Labrador Retriever at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. They began as a mix of Retrievers, Spaniels, and Red Setter. Labrador Retriever Puppies in North Carolina. Beautiful, strong Golden Labrador puppies for sale. So if you want to add white golden. Colorado's Finest Kennels and Ranch. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. It is square or slightly longer than tall, of fairly large bone and substance. Jual Anjing Golden Retriever. Labrador Retriever Mix Puppies for Sale. Beautiful yellow lab puppies born June eleventh of two thousand nine. They were born on January 27, and will be ready to go Read More. GoldenMeadows Golden Retriever Puppies. These parents are AKC registered of course as well as Hip and elbow certified. Pups have been to vets for full health check and vaccinations up to date. Search hundreds of Labrador. We are conveniently located 20 minutes south of Fredericksburg, VA and 45 minutes north of Richmond just off of I.At Millstone Kennel we believe that our Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever puppies should be raised in a loving family environment, therefore all of our puppies are born and raised in our home and are socialized with our family from day one. It originates from the mids, when it became popular for people to combine different dog breeds to create a perfect companion. Labrador Retriever Puppies and Dogs for sale near you. Golden Aussie Labradoodle puppies for sale. Both parents are kc registered but mother is only kc registered in ukraine. Contact us for details about upcoming litters. An iconic American dog, the Golden Retriever is playful and hard-working. Golden Labrador Puppies for Sale. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in Colorado. Our dogs live with us on a five acre ranch. Golden Retrievers for sale in Colorado Springs are big loving balls of energy that adore children and run on pure happiness. They come vaccinated and examined by a veterinarian. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. We are Golden Retriever lovers, and enthusiasts. Golden Retriever puppies Trinity.Like you, we also have a love for all dogs including Golden Retrievers, and they are a part of our family. Colorado Springs, CO. In Colorado Springs, Colorado At Ocotilla, we specialize in breeding, raising, training, and placing healthy and beautiful AKC registered Golden Retriever puppies with their forever families. For those in Colorado Springs, the Ocotilla Goldens is one of the reputable breeders to consider. We are located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Find the perfect golden retriever puppy for sale in colorado, co at puppyfind. Golden Retrievers for Sale in Colorado Springs. Our puppies are guaranteed to never suffer from many diseases the breeds have a predisposition to. Gallery Rosie is entering into retirement. Search for a Golden Retriever puppy or dog. Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Colorado. We enjoy the puppies like a hobby, but we take it seriously as if. The Golden Retriever puppies from Ocotilla Goldens are great family pets. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. They are super play. Makukulit na puppies shihtzu puppy puppylove fbreels. They are loyal, loving companions. Females Available 15 weeks old. Golden Retriever Puppies Puppies. Beautiful Golden Retriever Puppies. It was good to reminisce regarding past. Medium to dark Golden colors. All our moms are Embark genetic health test. Even though my husband has employment outside of dog breeding, we do not consider ourselves to be hobby breeders. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Golden Retriever near you. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. They are all raised in the house as part of the family. George is his name and he is a cute little red with a white chest toy poodle. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their. Cream colored Golden Retriever Puppies. With years of hands-on experience, we can help you select the right puppy to share your life. These doggos are constantly smiling and their overtly social disposition makes them perfect for family-oriented neighborhoods and households with children or other pets. These pups come from a strong and healthy pedigree with AKC registration. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Golden Retriever Puppies Colorado Springs. We believe strongly that puppies born in the home and well socialized make the best family dogs. The sire is our 6 year old loving golden retriever, and the dam is our sweet tempered poodle. Slater Creek has been providing loving. If you are looking for a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle puppy near Colorado Springs then, you have come to the right place. New litter born is a English Cream Golden Retriever puppy for. One male and 3 females remaining. Nichole Larson Peyton, CO .New litter just born. Karen Lamb is the breeder here, who's in charge of training, raising, and placing healthy Golden pups to aspiring owners. These doggos are constantly smiling and their. Great hunting and family dogs. Golden Retrievers at Peach Valley Kennels. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. Puppies will be ready for adoption the first week of June. Our ultimate goal is to offer a quality, family raised, HEALTHY puppy that is well-adapted, superior tempered, and an impressive addition to their forever families that will make ideal family pets, working hunting companions, as well as therapy and service dogs without over pricing our pups! Purebred Golden Retriever puppies. Golden Retriever. Find golden retrievers for sale in colorado springs on oodle classifieds. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Golden Retriever puppies and adult Golden Retriever in Glenwood. The puppy will be ready to go to their furever homes on July 6th. Sign in to your account to message breeders and set alerts for your searches! Puppies are here newest. We offer free delivery in the Colorado Springs area. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better. Puppies For Sale in Colorado Springs .Colorado, like the land itself, has a lot of highs and lows when it comes to dog-friendliness. All of the puppies have been adopted into wonderful new homes many to families and extended families who have adopted from us in the past. Pictures of our litters can be found on Facebook- Graceful Golden Paws. Please reach out for more information. Colorado Springs, CO .Health Guarantee You can have peace of mind when you choose a puppy from us with our 2-year genetic health guarantee. I'll climb it. The puppies are handled from birth with our loving touch to help them feel safe and secure until they go home with their new loving family. The typical lifespan for a Golden Retriever is 10 to 12 years. Hunter's Goldstrike Golden Retrievers is a small family-oriented licensed breeder of Golden Retrievers located in beautiful, colorful Colorado about 50 miles north of Denver. A canal runs through it and they enjoy running and swimming for plenty of exercise. Puppies will come with full AKC registration, first set of shots and worming med. F1 Goldendoodle puppy is a Goldendoodle puppy for sale in Colorado. We estimate our Mini Goldendoodle puppies to reach 15 lb. We raise all colors of Labradors and "English Cream". Our Toy Poodle would be the dad to our Goldendoodle puppies. Ocotilla Goldens :: Goldens. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Puppies are here newest litter born on May 5th Please fill out Puppy Inquiry if interested. They are regularly de-wormed and pre-screened to ensure their overall health. Lady Golden Retriever Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are a large breed and grow to weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. F1 Goldendoodle puppy is a Goldendoodle puppy for sale in …. F1 Goldendoodle puppy is a Goldendoodle puppy for sale in. Be assured that we are always available for help with training, health and competition issues. If you are wanting to reserve a mini Goldendoodle. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. We want you to experience the devotion, beauty and intelligence that the Golden Retriever has given to us! I am very busy and don't have time to care View. New litter born is a English Cream Golden Retriever puppy for sale …. Both parents are AKC registered and on site. I am with Carly and Naami in one picture. Peach Valley Kennels is registered with the State of.

Download our guide! We offer standard and fluffy Award- winning Award-winning bloodline, guaranteed health Every TomKings parent dog has passed a rigorous selection and examination process before we started our elite breeding program to build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings Frenchies. All of our adult dogs and puppies get the highest quality food and supplements to ensure immaculate health, and they are checked by our vet on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee, that is valid against all genetic illnesses. Instead, we treat all of our Frenchies as family members , let them roam freely in our vast green garden and rest with us in our house. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want and we raise them by teaching all the good manners among dogs and people, including children. Maternal love 12 weeks of maternal love and professional care Spending 3 whole months after birth with their caring mother and siblings ensures that TomKings puppies develop a healthy dog-personality and a well-balanced nature. Before joining their new families in the USA and elsewhere, our Frenchies get all the puppy vaccinations, are dewormed and treated against parasites. They travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized room not stacked on top of suitcases , and they are watched all along the flight. During layovers, the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a pet hotel, where they are given fresh food, water and lots of pampering. They are sweeter than any airport scenes in romantic movies. Feel free to reach out to us any time with your questions or to share your joy: we answer you immediately 16 hours a day. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article. Very attentive and particular with their dogs and the puppies that they place. Collin Shafer One of the best breeders in town! Fantastic experience and breeder! They truly care about the well being of their pups and placing them in the best homes possible. Always available for questions and great communicators. Augustus Morgan Smith We absolutely are in love with our beautiful boy!! The owners of hells canyon bullies are so nice! Always text back right away! We have had a great experience with them and recommend them to everyone!!! Beside absoutely beautiful girl we brought into our family, our experience with the breeders has been great. They are always available for questions, professional and make you feel like family. They truly care and take amazing care of the dogs. I would highly reccomend. I have bought several AKC breeds in the past and this kennel is the real deal. These fur babies are bread to have the best temperament and undergo extensive testing for health and quality. The puppies are hand raised, tendered and cared for since birth. Socialized in a family environment and very well loved. The owners of the kennel are very responsive and knowledgeable. Bullies of this caliber are very desirable and the owners take pride in their life's work.

Adoption Form Think Before You Adopt Before you adopt a Boxer or any other animals, we would like to request that you consider few things: Boxers may live for 15 years. Please consider that your lifestyle may change. You may not have the same job where you are able to come home at lunch, you may not have the same roommate, you may graduate from school or move to a smaller house. You may have a baby, get married or get a divorce. If you think that you may not be able to make a lifetime commitment to one of our Boxers, then we kindly request you reconsider adoption. No dog is ever perfect, just like people are not perfect. It requires work to make things work. Your expectations needs to be realistic. Do you have small children or a baby? Boxers are similar. They need love, attention and an opportunity to learn too. Are you familiar with the breed? If not, you may want to look into fostering with us before making a decision to adopt. Boxers are a highly affectionate breed and very energetic. Do you have the financial means to care for the dog? Annual food and medical cost can add up. Are you older and wanting to adopt a young energetic dog? Please think about more mature dogs that need homes. Everyone wants a young dog … if you are a mature human being, please consider more mature dogs that have been waiting for their forever homes for a while. Before you fill out this application, please read our Adoption Criteria. This is required reading, and it will answer many questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read our guidelines and becoming familiar with our process. Here are most, but we reserve the right to refuse adoption to any home which we deem unsuitable. Dog must be an inside dog. It is OK to have an outside dog run with inside access. This is because Boxers must be protected from heat and cold. Dogs are family members and do not sleep in a garage or outside. If you expect that the new dog will not react when a child hits them, throw toys at them, takes away their toy or food, etc, then please do not adopt from us. You are not required to have a fenced yard. However, if you do not, you will need to take the dog out for a potty break at least 4 times a day, more if they do not feel well. Same goes for a home with a low fence. If you are looking to adopt a puppy, please be realistic. Any home where no one is home for more than six hours a day times a week will be rejected for puppies. We do not do female to female placements of bully breeds. That means Boxer, Bulldog, Pit bulls, etc. We will consider female to female adoption of dogs with extreme age and size difference. Here are basics you will need: Flat Leash — Nylon, cotton or leather, 6 ft long Good quality food with no corn additive Food and water dish. If not, here is the form! Get a bite of what is happening at WCBR, our dogs, our amazing adopters and all the incredible people that keep this rescue going! Email Address Woot Woo! We will never keep you chained or leashed to our list. You can run free at anytime, unsubscribe at the bottom of any emails you receive. We are so excited to have you in the fun! His love and compassion for Boxers was felt by those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Ken loved sports and spending time with friends. He also collected sports memorabilia and other collectibles like Hot Wheels. He truly loved Milo, featured in the the photo with him. Every time we received a message from him he included a picture of him and Milo. He never gave up hope that some treatment would be the ultimate cure. He worked as long as he could and made his journey to the light in late June. His weakened system just couldn't fight any longer. He will be deeply missed by WCBR, and we wish his family peace with his loss. Thank you to so many who have donated to WCBR in his memory. Ken will forever be in our hearts. We need your help. The number of Boxers being surrendered by families and in the shelters is overwhelming. We continue to receive owner surrenders a week, along with multiple pleas from surrounding shelters for Boxers in need. So many Boxer are coming from families that are no longer able to financially care for them, just don't want them, many are dealing with illness or the Boxer's pet parent has passed away, and many just are moving. Without the funding or foster homes, sadly we have to turn away these surrenders. Please Foster, Fund or be a Forever Home. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Be sure the application is filled out in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Fights are happening, resulting in injuries to both dogs. Bailey is very sweet, current on vaccines, and spayed. She has been ok with male boxers so we will consider placing her with a sweet boy, who loves to play. Bailey has no history with young children. She is currently taking Prozac and Trazadone at the advice of a trainer who claimed it would help to keep her from panting in her crate. Shame on this vet who willy nilly dished out these drugs to a 13 month old dog, without asking why!! Bailey needs a committed home, with an understanding of the needs of an adolescent boxer. She should attend positive based training with her new humans. Bailey would love a fenced in yard, in addition to lots of walks and continued socialization. If you are interested in this girl, please apply! Where do your boxers come from? Many of our boxers are owner surrenders. Perhaps the owner purchased the dog on impulse, not understanding the needs of a boxer. Sometimes, financial situations change, and families are not able to care for the dog anymore. We also take dogs that have been brought to shelters around New England. If a shelter reaches out for help, we do our best to find placement for the boxer in need. Lastly, we have a wonderful relationship with boxer rescue in Puerto Rico, and we work closely with them to bring boxers in need, from the island, to New England. All of our boxers are temperament tested and evaluated before coming into rescue. It should be noted that ALL dogs require a decompression period when going to a new home. Can I adopt a female dog if I already have a female dog? The short answer is no. Our experience in placing dogs, has shown us that placing two females together is oftentimes not the best long term situation. We receive many calls from owners needing to surrender their female boxers because there is fighting with another female dog in the house. Either way, the fighting is often brutal and bloody. We have adopted a policy to never place two female dogs in the same house. Are your boxers healthy? They are brought up to date on vaccines, tested for heartworm, and spayed or neutered unless too young or not medically able to be. Their vet records are provided upon adoption. Do I need to have a fenced in yard to adopt a boxer? We do not require a fenced in yard for all of our boxers. We look at each dog, individually, and based on the needs of that dog, we may require fencing. Please note that we do not consider an electric fence to be a proper method of containment and are not able place a dog in a home that uses electric fencing. Do you have a shelter where I can come meet the boxers? We are not a shelter and do not have a physical location where you can meet our adoptees. Most boxers will stay with their owners or shelter until we can secure a foster or adoptive home for them. What Are Your Adoption Fees?

This team of volunteers rescues Frenchies from puppy mills and even local animal shelters. They can also be contacted in cases where a family can no longer care for their dog for whatever reason. Families who want to bring home a French Bulldog are methodically evaluated. This is in place to ensure that the dogs are placed in suitable homes. With the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue managed by volunteers, this organization is always on the lookout for volunteers that can help in the fostering process, evaluation, training, and assist in the various fundraisers for the benefit of the rescues. This is a non-profit group that has been operating since , and its main objective is to care, love, and place French Bulldogs with their forever families and homes. A sad French Bulldog is lying on the floor. Rescue French Bulldogs aims to rehabilitate their rescues, but being a non-profit association, they mainly rely on donations to run their operations. Note that all the French Bulldogs that go under the care of Rescue French Bulldogs are surrendered to the organization anonymously. After confirming that the Frenchie is in a healthy state or existing medical conditions are treated, Rescue French Bulldogs initiate the re-family process. French Bulldog standing in the street with a woman. And they believe that a significant element in their mission is to invest in awareness about the breed and what responsible ownership entails. True to this commitment, other rescue groups contact them for additional resources to give rescued French Bulldogs a better second chance in life. As long as the dog needs a new home and another opportunity to belong to a family, the Village, without questions, accepts it into its fold. Any Frenchie is welcome, regardless of whether the dog is healthy or has behavioral problems or medical conditions requiring assistance and attention. The Village is committed to accepting all French Bulldogs and eventually finding them new homes. After a thorough screening and home visits, the Board and the coordinators decide which home a rescue will go home to. And the impressive fact about this group is they do what they do excellently with the help of volunteers alone. French Bulldogs feel dry and sleepy after taking a bath. They are responsible for the entire state of Texas and even help out nearby states of Louisiana and Oklahoma. And like all rescue groups, they also aim to rehome French Bulldogs after rescue and rehabilitation. Their rescues come from different sources. This includes Frenchies that owners surrender personally, those brought to the local pound and shelters, stray dogs, import brokers, commercial breeding kennels, and other private rescue groups. In particular circumstances, Short Mugs can get rescues from Louisiana and Oklahoma but only from these areas. The reason behind this is all the volunteers of Short Mugs are situated in Texas. Dogs up for adoption are also posted on their website, but these are not the entirety of the rescues as some are still being treated and rehabilitated. The adoption process varies based on the number of dogs for release and the number of interested individuals. Short Mugs Rescue communicates with all possible fosterers and adopters so they are aware of their application status. Short Mugs Rescue Contact Details:. Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. All dogs are spayed or neutered. Read each bio very carefully, as not every rescue Frenchie is suited to every home. Our adoption fees offset only a portion of the veterinary expenses for the dogs in FBRN. As these costs rise we have had to increase the adoption fees as one measure to try to keep up with expenses. Our Available Dogs page is updated weekly, so check back often! We are currently reviewing the applications that the dog has already received. Please do not attempt to apply for a dog with a Pending Adoption banner. Your application will not be processed without the fee. If you experience any problems completing the application or you do not receive an auto confirmation for your application, please contact FBRN at [email protected] Thank you. Fees have recently risen. You may see some dogs of the same age have different fees. We elected not to raise the fees on dogs that were posted before the increase. Our fees can be found on the Adoption Info page. Any communication will come through email. Please never share any personal information with anyone who indicates they are a volunteer unless it is coming through the correct channels. If you have received a FB messenger message, please send it to [email protected] so we are aware. In the meantime, check out our Foster Page to see if we might be a good match! Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The French Bulldog is a clown in a lapdog. They enjoy playing and entertaining their family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with their favorite person. They are amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs. Frenchie snores and may wheeze and drool. Require minimal coat care Facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned. Brachycephalic syndrome stenotic nares, elongated soft palate Intervertebral disk disease CHD seldom causes symptoms or problems Allergies History Where are French Bulldogs from? In the nineteenth century, the Bulldog was fairly popular in England, especially around Nottingham. The French women, especially, were attracted to these little Bulldogs, especially those with erect ears a common but disliked feature in England. Dog dealers brought more of the clownish little dogs to France, where they soon became the rage of Paris. The dogs were dubbed Bouledogue Francais. How big do French Bulldogs get? Some Bulldogs are quite small weighing less than 25 lbs, however, dogs in this breed on average, weigh 28 lbs. What are some French Bulldog facts and information? Facts French Bulldogs are best known for: Bat ears.

Description: German Shepherds were developed in Germany from traditional herding and farm dogs. Until the s the breed was known as the Alsatian in the United Kingdom. The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, well-balanced, muscular dogs, slightly longer than tall. Most shepherds are often used as working dogs for the police and armed forces. They are confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. They come with a medium-length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. Grooming The German Shepherd Dog has a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense, harsh, and close-lying outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their outline is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. A brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy. You can bathe your dog once a week. Training Early socialization and puppy training classes are vital. They need plenty of exercises to keep them happy and occupied and continuing obedience training will help ensure that the pup will grow to be an adaptable and well-mannered adult. Food and Nutrition splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training. A high-quality dog food appropriate for the dog's age puppy, adult, or senior will have all the nutrients the breed needs. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, they are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. The German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. They are is the perfect dog for any family and will like to get some energy out every day but then lay down for a nap as well. Importance of dogs in Ghana Dogs are treasured pets, valued for their loyalty, companionship, and security benefits. Dogs are often used as guard dogs to protect homes, businesses, and communities. Dogs have been used for hunting in Ghana for centuries, and this tradition continues to this day. Some dogs in Ghana are trained as therapy dogs to provide support to patients in hospitals and care homes. Dogs are also used in search and rescue operations, where they help to locate missing persons and survivors of natural disasters. The price of a dog is determined by several factors, including the breed, age, gender, and location. One of the most popular dog breeds in Ghana is the German Shepherd. Another popular breed is the Rottweiler. Labrador Retrievers are also a popular breed in Ghana. Not all dog breeds in Ghana are expensive. Some local breeds are much more affordable. They are often found on the streets or in local markets. They are usually mixed breeds and can cost as low as GHS .Here is a table of the top 10 popular dog breeds in Ghana and their current price ranges. Waiting list already started. You can follow us on fb at BnM Shepherds, please contact directly via my email address for more details and photos at suzifarrell13 gmail. They will be ready to leave for there forever home. Five German Shepard straight back,long coat, KC registered puppies. Two girls available. Can be seen now, ready for new home from 27 August. These puppies will be brought up within the family home and are socialised to people and household noises. They will be kennel club registered. Last white beautiful big boy waiting for new home. Breed for health, type and temperament. Dam is our beloved family pet Savannah. Sire is quality handsome boy Kc Registered stud boy. Mum Rosey and dad Alfie are two beautiful white German Shepherds. We are pleased to offer for sale a beautiful litter of white German Shepherd puppies. Both parants are very loving, loyal and affectionate. The puppies will make very loving and affectionate family members. The puppies will be flea treated and wormed regularly. They will Techiman white german shepherd puppies Ghana. Too often, unsuspecting people buy puppies from puppy mills, or sometimes neighbors who breed their dog to make a little money or simply because they have a dog "with papers. A German Shepherd Dog who has genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices or who develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization can cost thousands of dollars to treat—and result in grief and heartache as well. The last place on earth that I would look for a German Shepherd Puppy is in a pet store. Any breeder that is forced to sell his puppies to a pet store has no credibility. This only indicates he has no reputation as a breeder and nowhere else to sell his dogs. The majority of the dogs that end up in pet stores come from puppy mills. Puppy mills are a legitimate despicable business in many states and countries. You are definitely at the right site to begin with. Always do your Homework! Use the contact form below the Breeders Ad that interests you and ask questions. Make sure that they offer a dog health guarantee. Bookmark and share this category: Classified Ads Top Tags.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. How much exercise should a Lab puppy receive? Socializing Your Labrador Puppy Socialization is quite simply the act of introducing your puppy to as many different animals, people, places, sights and sounds as possible, in a safe and fun way that results in positive experiences for your lab. Do you know why this is so important? Or how and when you should go about this? Caring for and training a Labrador puppy requires a particular set of skills and knowledge that then leads into training and care for the more mature Lab. So I separated out just those few articles you can see above and moved them into this Labrador puppies section. For more detailed knowledge on the ongoing care and training of your Labrador, please see the Labrador training and Labrador health and care sections of the site. I hope you enjoy it! Recommended watching. For a good overall resource on puppy training, not specific to Labradors, but almost all of it still applies: The Pup Smart category at www. 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. Should I Worry? Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. A Labrador retriever puppy's friendly demeanor, high energy, and intelligence form a dynamic combination that greatly influences training and care strategies. Their innate friendliness fosters a strong bond with humans, making them eager to please and responsive to positive reinforcement during training. Their abundant energy levels necessitate regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors. Their remarkable intelligence allows for swift learning and adaptability to various commands and tasks, enabling trainers to employ engaging and challenging training routines. To effectively nurture these traits, a balanced approach involving socialization, consistent training, ample exercise, and mental enrichment is pivotal in raising a well-rounded and happy Labrador retriever companion. Building a Strong Foundation Patience is crucial throughout the training process. Each puppy is unique, and it might take time for them to learn and adapt. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and love will help you build a strong foundation for a well-behaved and happy Labrador retriever. Socialization Early socialization and positive experiences are crucial for Labrador retriever puppies as they lay the foundation for their future behavior, temperament, and overall well-being. During the critical developmental period in their early weeks, exposing them to a wide range of people, animals, environments, and stimuli helps them build confidence and adaptability. Positive interactions and experiences promote the development of a friendly and outgoing demeanor, reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression later in life. Socialization also aids in curbing potential behavioral issues like anxiety and excessive barking. Labrador retrievers' innate friendliness can be honed through positive encounters, fostering a strong bond with humans and other animals, making them well-adjusted companions in various situations. By providing a nurturing environment full of positive interactions, puppy owners can ensure that their Labrador retriever grows up to be a well-adjusted, confident, and sociable adult dog. Crate Training Crate training is an effective way to provide your puppy with a safe and secure space while also aiding in housebreaking and teaching them to be comfortable alone. Choose a crate that's appropriately sized — it should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Introduce the crate gradually, making it a positive experience by placing treats, toys, and a comfy bed inside. Feed your puppy near the crate and gradually encourage them to enter on their own. Begin with short periods of crate time, gradually extending them as your puppy becomes more comfortable. Avoid using the crate for punishment. Potty Training Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after eating, drinking, napping, and before bedtime. Choose a designated potty spot and use a consistent command. When your puppy eliminates outdoors, praise and reward them. If accidents happen indoors, clean them up without scolding — punishment can create fear and confusion. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go, like circling or sniffing. Over time, your puppy will associate the outdoors with potty time. Establishing Routines Establishing routines helps your Labrador retriever puppy understand what's expected and provides stability. Create a consistent daily schedule for feeding, potty breaks, exercise, training, playtime, and rest. Predictable routines reduce anxiety and make training more effective. Gradually introduce your puppy to different experiences, people, and environments to foster confidence. Incorporate mental stimulation through puzzle toys, obedience training, and interactive play to keep your puppy engaged and prevent boredom-related behaviors. A Labrador retriever puppy runs and leaps outside. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement training methods offer numerous benefits when training Labrador retrievers due to their friendly and eager-to-please nature. These methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones, creating a positive and effective learning experience for the dog. Strong Bond and Trust: Labrador retrievers thrive on human interaction and affection. Positive reinforcement builds a strong bond between you and your dog, fostering trust and a desire to work together. Motivation: Labradors are often food-motivated, making treats a powerful tool for rewarding good behavior. Using treats, toys, or praise as rewards motivates them to repeat desired actions. Quick Learning: Labradors are intelligent and quick learners. Positive reinforcement capitalizes on their intelligence by encouraging them to associate commands with rewards, leading to faster and more effective learning. Prevention of Fear and Aggression: Labradors' friendly nature makes them particularly sensitive to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement avoids creating fear or aggression, promoting a happy and confident dog. Consistency: Positive reinforcement focuses on what your dog does right rather than punishing mistakes. This creates a consistent and clear communication channel between you and your Labrador, making training easier to understand. Encourages Problem Solving: Positive reinforcement encourages your Labrador to think and make choices. As they discover what behaviors earn rewards, they become more engaged and creative in finding ways to please you. Reduced Stress: Labradors can become stressed if subjected to punitive methods. Positive reinforcement training creates a stress-free environment, contributing to a healthier mental state for your dog. Long-lasting Results: Since positive reinforcement is based on building a positive association with desired behaviors, the learned behaviors tend to stick around longer. This ensures that your Labrador continues to exhibit good behavior even after initial training. Versatility: Positive reinforcement can be applied to various training situations, from basic obedience commands to more complex tasks or tricks. This versatility allows you to continuously engage and challenge your Labrador. Mutual Enjoyment: Positive reinforcement methods make training enjoyable for both you and your dog. It's a way to strengthen your relationship while achieving training goals. Positive reinforcement training methods align perfectly with the Labrador retriever's temperament, enhancing their willingness to learn and respond to commands. By using rewards, praise, and positive interactions, you create a positive training experience that nurtures your Labrador's natural potential and leads to a well-behaved and happy companion. Two young chocolate Labrador retriever puppies run and play in a dirty and muddy field. Examples of Positive Reinforcement for Labrador Retrievers Labrador retriever puppies are often motivated by treats, praise, and positive attention. Here are some practical examples of rewards that resonate well with them Treats High-quality dog treats that are small, soft, and easily chewable are usually preferred. You can use commercial treats or make your own using ingredients like chicken, turkey, cheese, or peanut butter. Break treats into small pieces to avoid overfeeding during training sessions. Use a variety of treats to keep your puppy engaged and interested. Praise Labrador retrievers thrive on verbal praise. Use an upbeat and happy tone when giving praise to convey your satisfaction. Words like "Good job," "Well done," and "Yes" can be effective markers of success. Combine praise with physical affection, such as petting, scratching, and gentle hugs. Playtime Many Labrador puppies adore playtime as a reward. Engage in games like fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive toys. Incorporate play breaks into training sessions to keep your puppy's energy and interest levels high. Life Rewards Allow your puppy access to positive experiences as rewards, such as going for a walk, meeting a friendly dog, or exploring a new environment. Opening the door to the yard or taking a short car ride can also be exciting rewards. Verbal Encouragement Use an enthusiastic and cheerful voice to provide encouragement and let your puppy know they're doing a great job. Food Puzzle Toys Labradors love to use their intelligence to solve problems. Food puzzle toys that dispense treats can engage their minds while rewarding them. Short Training Breaks During training sessions, incorporate short breaks where your puppy can play, explore, or simply relax. Combination Rewards Combine different rewards for maximum impact. For example, after a successful training session, you could offer a treat along with verbal praise and a quick game of fetch. It's essential to observe your Labrador retriever puppy's individual preferences and adjust your rewards accordingly. Keep training sessions fun, upbeat, and positive to maintain your puppy's enthusiasm for learning and to strengthen your bond. Energetic Play and Exercise Labrador retrievers are known for their high energy levels and enthusiasm, making regular exercise and playtime crucial for their overall well-being and behavior. Engaging them in both physical and mental activities helps channel their energy positively and prevents boredom-related behaviors. Regular Exercise Labradors require a significant amount of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Aim for at least minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. Activities like brisk walks, jogging, hiking, and swimming are excellent choices. Labradors often enjoy water-based activities due to their natural love for swimming. Interactive games of fetch, frisbee, and agility training can provide intense physical workouts. Playtime Engage in interactive play sessions to stimulate their minds and strengthen your bond. Tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, and playing with toys that challenge their problem-solving abilities are all great options. Social play with other dogs, if your Labrador is friendly and well-socialized, can be incredibly enriching. Mental Stimulation Activities Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys make your Labrador work for their treats, providing mental exercise and preventing boredom. Nose work activities involve hiding treats or toys around the house or yard, encouraging your Labrador to use their sense of smell to find them. Basic obedience training and teaching new tricks engage their minds and teach them to focus and follow commands. Agility and Obstacle Courses Set up a mini agility course in your backyard using items like cones, tunnels, and jumps. This engages their physical and mental capabilities, and it's a lot of fun for both you and your Labrador. Scent Work Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your Labrador to use their nose to find them. This taps into their natural scenting abilities and provides mental stimulation. Playdates and Dog Parks Social interaction with other dogs is not only physically stimulating but also mentally enriching. Supervised playdates or trips to a dog park can provide a positive outlet for their energy. Rotate Toys Keep a variety of toys and rotate them regularly to prevent your Labrador from getting bored with the same items. Learning Activities Teach them new commands, tricks, or even basic problem-solving tasks like fetching specific items by name. Remember, a tired Labrador is a happy Labrador. Balancing physical exercise with mental stimulation is key to preventing destructive behaviors that can arise from boredom. By incorporating a mix of these activities into your Labrador's daily routine, you'll provide them with a fulfilling and enriched life while fostering a strong bond between you and your furry friend. Nine Labrador retriever puppies lie down in a red wagon. Behavioral Challenges and Solutions Labrador retrievers are wonderful companions, but like any breed, they can exhibit certain behavioral challenges. Here are effective strategies to address common issues such as jumping, chewing, and leash pulling: Jumping Labradors are often enthusiastic greeters, but jumping can become a nuisance. To address this behavior: Consistent Training: Teach your Labrador a command like "Off" or "Down" and use it consistently. Reward them when they greet people calmly with all four paws on the ground. Ignore and Reward: Ignore jumping behavior and only offer attention when your dog is calm. Reward them with praise or treats for sitting politely. Ask for an Alternative Behavior: Teach your dog to sit or offer a toy when they want attention. This redirects their energy in a positive way. Use Leash Management: When expecting visitors, leash your dog and guide them into a sit before people enter. This helps control their excitement and prevents jumping. Chewing Chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, but it can become destructive if not managed properly: Provide Appropriate Chewing Items: Offer a variety of safe and durable chew toys. Rotate toys to keep your Labrador engaged. Supervision: Supervise your Labrador when they're not crated, so you can redirect them to appropriate items if they start chewing on something they shouldn't. Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog when they chew on appropriate items. This encourages them to choose those items over furniture or other forbidden objects. Leash Pulling Labradors' enthusiasm can lead to leash pulling, but with consistent training, this behavior can be improved: Basic Training: Teach your dog loose leash walking using positive reinforcement. Reward them when the leash is slack and gently stop when they pull. Change Direction: If your dog pulls, quickly change direction. This teaches them that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go. Use Proper Equipment: Consider using a front-clip harness to discourage pulling. This redirects their forward motion when they pull. Reward Calm Behavior: When your Labrador walks beside you without pulling, reward them with treats, praise, and verbal encouragement. Remember that addressing behavioral challenges takes time and patience. Consistency is key in training. If you find that you're struggling to manage these challenges on your own, consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide tailored guidance to suit your Labrador's individual needs. Nutrition and Health Care Labrador-Specific Dietary Needs: Labradors are prone to obesity due to their love for food and tendency to overeat. To meet their dietary needs: Choose a high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level. Follow feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging and adjust portions based on your Labrador's individual metabolism and activity level. Monitor treats — use them sparingly and factor them into their daily calorie intake. Importance of Regular Veterinary Check-Ups Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Labrador's health: Puppies need frequent visits for vaccinations, deworming, and general health monitoring. Adult Labradors should have annual check-ups to catch any health issues early. Senior Labradors may need more frequent visits to address age-related concerns. Regular check-ups allow your vet to detect and treat potential health problems before they become serious. Managing Weight and Promoting Overall Health Managing weight is vital for Labradors to prevent obesity-related health issues: Measure food portions and avoid free-feeding. Split their daily intake into multiple meals. Use treats for training and rewards, but choose low-calorie options. Incorporate regular exercise — daily walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating activities help burn calories and keep your Labrador healthy and happy. Monitor their weight regularly and consult your vet if you notice any significant changes. Additional Tips for Overall Health Provide fresh and clean water at all times. Brush your Labrador's teeth regularly to prevent dental issues. Groom their coat to keep it clean and healthy. Be mindful of allergies — some Labradors may have sensitivities to certain foods. Mental stimulation is important — provide puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play to engage their minds. Remember, every Labrador is unique, so consult your veterinarian for personalized advice on their dietary and health needs. With proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention, you can ensure your Labrador enjoys a long, healthy, and joyful life. FAQs How can Labrador retriever puppy owners strike a balance between providing enough exercise and preventing overexertion? Striking a balance between providing enough exercise and preventing overexertion for Labrador retriever puppies involves tailoring activity levels to their age, energy level, and physical capabilities. Incorporating multiple short play sessions throughout the day, including interactive games, short walks, and supervised social interactions with other dogs, allows for sufficient exercise without overwhelming their growing bodies. Paying attention to signs of fatigue, such as excessive panting, slowing down, or reluctance to play, and offering ample rest and water breaks helps prevent overexertion. Gradually increasing exercise intensity as the puppy grows and consulting with a veterinarian can ensure a balanced exercise regimen that promotes healthy development and avoids strain. What role does socialization play in shaping a Labrador puppy's behavior, and how can owners ensure a positive socialization experience? Socialization plays a pivotal role in shaping a Labrador puppy's behavior by exposing them to various people, animals, environments, and stimuli, helping them develop confidence, adaptability, and appropriate social skills. Positive socialization experiences during the critical developmental phase can prevent fear, aggression, and anxiety later in life, resulting in a well-adjusted adult dog. Owners can ensure a positive socialization experience by gradually introducing the puppy to new situations, people, and animals in a controlled and positive manner. Using treats, praise, and a calm demeanor during introductions, allowing the puppy to approach at their own pace, and avoiding overwhelming situations are essential in building a foundation of trust and comfort. How can positive reinforcement training be adapted to address the breed's potential stubbornness or distractibility? Positive reinforcement training for Labrador retrievers can be adapted to address their potential stubbornness or distractibility by employing techniques that enhance focus and engagement. Incorporating shorter training sessions with clear cues and consistent rewards helps maintain their attention span. Utilizing high-value treats or rewards that match their level of distractibility, along with using interactive toys as rewards, can sustain their interest. Breaking down commands into smaller steps and progressively increasing difficulty helps prevent frustration. Additionally, incorporating mental enrichment activities and varying training environments keeps their minds stimulated, making the training process more engaging and effective despite any tendencies towards stubbornness or distractibility. Are there Labrador-specific health concerns that owners should be aware of, and how can these impact training and care? Labrador retrievers are prone to certain breed-specific health concerns such as hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These health issues can impact training and care by necessitating modified exercise routines to protect joints, maintaining a healthy weight to prevent strain, and considering visual impairments when teaching cues. Understanding these vulnerabilities allows owners to tailor training methods to accommodate potential discomfort and adjust care practices to promote overall well-being, ensuring a happier and healthier life for their Labrador companions. What are some creative ways to keep a Labrador retriever puppy mentally stimulated and engaged beyond physical exercise? Beyond physical exercise, keeping a Labrador retriever puppy mentally stimulated and engaged involves various creative approaches. Utilizing puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving can challenge their minds. Incorporating scent work by hiding treats or toys around the house taps into their natural hunting instincts. Teaching new tricks and commands encourages cognitive engagement, while interactive play sessions that involve obedience commands or simple agility exercises enhance their focus. Engaging in positive social interactions with other dogs and people also provides mental enrichment. Regularly rotating toys and introducing novel objects, textures, and environments prevent boredom and promote mental curiosity, ensuring a well-rounded and content Labrador retriever. For more information about training a puppy, check out these articles:. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

King Shepherds will worm their way into your heart with their winning ways. They are extremely loving and steadfastly loyal, as we mentioned earlier. King Shepherds are hard workers which comes from their shepherd instinct. They are eager to please and are quick to grasp what you want them to do. Are King Shepherds child-friendly? Do you want your kids to have memorable experiences with a cherished family pet? King Shepherds are playful and exuberant, yet they are still incredibly gentle with kids. They are also loyal and protective of their little buddies. King Shepherds have a playful, social side around other household pets. They are gentle even though they are large. Cats and other dogs are treated kindly by this giant. What more could you ask for as a guardian of the family? This is not an apartment or condo-sized pet. King Shepherds tend to fill even modest house space. So having a big backyard or a nearby park is a must. They will keep you on your toes, as they get bored quickly and thrive on a genuine challenge. If you look forward to coming home after a busy workday and just chilling out, then forget owning a King Shepherd. These dogs love strenuous exercise and movement. Get ready for long fast walks, jogs or bicycle rides where your King Shepherd can run alongside you. This dog possesses boundless energy. They will run about, jump up, leave muddy paw prints and knock things off shelves and tables with their tails. Under-exercised King Shepherds become bored and look for ways to burn off that energy. If they are not kept busy and exercised, their health and your well-ordered home will suffer the consequences. King Shepherds demand a fair amount of grooming. The bonding that takes place during grooming is an excellent experience for both of you. Daily vacuuming of shed and brushed hair and frequent mopping of paw prints is a reality — but worth the effort in my mind. There are some essential things you should know about feeding your King Shepherd. The dog food you buy for him should not contain artificial ingredients so ask your breeder or your vet for a good brand that they recommend or refer to our feeding guide for German Shepherd A typical serving for your adult dog is three or four cups of dry dog food per day. Divide this into at least two meals. Check with your veterinarian during regular check-ups to see if your King Shepherd in a good weight. We know by now that this is a super smart canine, but despite this, initial training will require a lot of patience, consistency, and persistence, as is with any other dog. However, as King Shepherds are so eager to please you, training will be really fun and your new canine companion will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Once trained, your King Shepherd retains the lessons taught. As long as you also remember and implement what you learned in obedience classes, then you are in for years of loyal companionship. Follow the training progress of this five-and-a-half-month-old King Shepherd 11 Need a Watchdog? This is one of the primary reasons dog owners cite for buying a King Shepherd. They are outstanding watchdogs. He can be counted on to bark if an intruder or a stranger tries to enter your home or accosts you. King Shepherds are courageous and formidable in appearance. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents. The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia. In the market for a King Shepherd puppy? King Shepherd litters are usually between six and ten King Shepherd puppies. Backyard breeders are people with one or two dogs who breed as a sideline. Their dogs may be well treated but not necessarily looked after medically. On the other hand, puppy mill owners have one thing in mind — making money at all costs. They breed as many dogs as fast as they can and often under abysmal conditions. Inbreeding is rampant, and puppies often have genetic disorders. The American Kennel Club has suggestions for puppy shopping Find a knowledgeable breeder. Make sure you like the way he raises his dogs. Meet at least one of the puppy parents. This is a good indicator of appearance, size, and temperament of your future dog. Check to see if the kennel is clean. Does it look and smell nice? The puppies should look clean, well fed, well groomed, healthy and energetic. How does the breeder interact with the puppies? Does he care about his dogs and their future owners? Find out what has been done to protect your puppy from diseases. Ask for proof of health screenings and certificates. Get to know the breeder. He can be an excellent mentor and resource for you in the future. Good breeders care about the future of their puppies and are happy to provide support. If a breeder is rushing puppies out the door to make way for a new litter, you should beware. They need forever homes. Why not check out the All Shepherd Rescue website. Some of these rescue dogs may have abandonment issues. Some may have health problems due to lack of exercise, improper diet, or lack of medical care. You can turn his life around by offering him a forever home. If a King Shepherd is your wish, be patient and let local shelters know what you want. The next cost is making sure your new family member is healthy. You need to do an initial medical exam which is a brilliant investment. You want to prevent health problems down the road, and you want to ensure your puppy is in excellent health. Some breeders and most animal shelters do this as part of the adoption process. A post shared by Joey Senft jsenftphotography There are varying reports about the exact history of the King Shepherd. According to the International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance , the King Shepherd began as a Shiloh Shepherd and splintered away when a breeder had a different vision for her dogs. The American King Shepherd Club is less specific. They do not mention the Shiloh as part of their breeding program, nor do they specifically mention the Great Pyrenees or Akitas. They report that the King Shepherd was founded by mixing German Shepherds with flock guardians and then breeding them back to Old German Shepherds from Europe. Either way, it seems evident that the origins of the King Shepherd are entwined with the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd began as a breed by Tina Barber, who had grown frustrated with the health and temperament issues in some German Shepherd lines. The King Shepherd split from the Shiloh Shepherd lines when David Turkheimer and Shelly Watts-Cross developed their own vision for the breed and wanted more of a working dog. So today, both breeds have their own association and breed standard. The King Shepherd is significantly larger than the German Shepherd. It also only has two coat types, straight and rough, or long and silky. On the other hand, the German Shepherd can have plush, double, or long-haired. There is also a difference in temperament. King Shepherds are bred to be stable and reliable dogs, but they may also be more independent and have a stubborn streak. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd is generally a highly trainable dog, provided it comes from good lines. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. What are the Physical Features of the King Shepherd? Originating in the United States in the s, these dogs were originally bred to create a German shepherd mix that had fewer health issues than a purebred German shepherd. American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross first bred a German shepherd with a shiloh shepherd a hybrid of German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes to elevate the best qualities of the German shepherd. In order to achieve the long-haired look they wanted, the breeders also incorporated long-haired German shepherds from European lineages. These European lines didn't just give king shepherds their distinctive coats, but they also boosted genetic variation. This was essential to reduce the risk of genetic issues that have become common in longstanding lineages because of inbreeding. Because king shepherds are a relatively new breed—and still fairly rare among American families—they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Between their grooming and exercise requirements, king shepherds need lots of time, energy, and attention in order to thrive. Exercise King shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs extensive exercise. Strenuous activity for at least one hour per day is a must. These dogs thrive in active, single-family homes with lots of space to run, walk, explore, and play. Because they're also very intelligent, king shepherds benefit from exercise routines that incorporate mental stimulation. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are great ways for owners to keep this breed entertained. These dogs also excel in canine sports like agility training. King shepherds can become bored very easily, so it's vital to keep them engaged—and exercised—to prevent them from becoming destructive. Grooming King shepherds have thick, double coats that shed heavily. Brushing your dog several times per week or even daily can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free. It is very important to have a dog vacuum when owning a king shepherd. When it comes to baths, the king shepherd only requires standard bathing every three to four months. Check your dog's ears and clean its teeth regularly to prevent infections. If your king shepherd is especially active, running and walking can help keep their nails worn down, but trimmings should be performed as necessary. Training King shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making training relatively simple for owners that are consistent and engaging. Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, while more involved training should continue through the dog's life. Because king shepherds are so eager to please their family members, they can learn simple commands fairly quickly. Begin socializing your dog when you first bring him or her home to ensure they stay friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals. Pixabay Common Health Problems While king shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they're still prone to certain health issues like most breeds. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies; however, this breed's genetic variation does offer additional protection against genetic disorders. The following are common conditions that king shepherds may experience: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia : This condition causes a malformation in your dog's joints as they grow, which can lead to pain, instability, or weakness. Dysplasia is especially common in large-breed dogs. Von Willebrand Disease : This genetic disorder affects the blood's ability to clot after injury. Hypothyroidism : Affecting the thyroid, this endocrine disease reduces your dog's metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in the future. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down. Eye issues : Specific to the breed issues include pannus, glaucoma, and corneal dystroph. Allergies : King Shepherds are at risk for skin allergies like canine atopic dermatitis. Bloat : Since this breed has a large gastrointestinal tract, they are at risk for gastric dilatation volvulus GDV , which is a life-threatening condition. Diet and Nutrition Feed your king shepherd a high-quality diet with plenty of protein. This breed typically eats between three and four cups of dry food per day, and it's important to split these portions into several smaller meals to help prevent bloat. Since king shepherds are also prone to joint problems, owners should be especially mindful of their dog's weight. Canine obesity or excessive weight gain can put added stress on your dog's joints. To create a meal plan with the proper nutrients and portions, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet based on your specific dog's age, weight, and activity level. Where to Adopt or Buy a King Shepherd Before adding a king shepherd to your family, ensure that your home, schedule, and lifestyle can accommodate this large, energetic breed. These dogs require considerable grooming and daily strenuous exercise. Since king shepherds are still a new dog breed, they're not as likely to be found in shelters as their German shepherd cousins. Visit your local shelter to meet similar dogs in need of forever homes. If you plan to purchase a king s puppy, it's essential to research responsible breeders that readily provide the litter's family medical history. Your breeder should also allow you to meet the litter's parents and see the conditions in which their dogs are kept. To start your search, check out these breeding clubs dedicated to King Shepherds:. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. King Shepherds are prone to weight gain. Choose a high quality food and stick to a feeding schedule. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 to 90 minutes of walking or hiking per day, which will help keep them fit. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times per week. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with one-inch jumps. King Shepherd Feeding An ideal King Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with moderate energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main coat colors are fawn, red, black, brown, and sable. Their coats are usually a combination of two or more colors. They usually have medium-length, normal density coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing three times a week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended only as needed with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. See if a RoboVac is right for you! That double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. A gentle giant, they are patient and sweet with kids. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. King Shepherds are nice to strangers and can get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats. Early socialization is an important factor for developing a social dog. King Shepherd Rescue Groups Because the King Shepherd is a somewhat rare hybrid dog breed, it may be difficult to find a breed specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:. King Shepherd vs. Many believe the German shepherd dog or GSD is the most majestic of all dog breeds, but his majesty may need to move over — the king shepherd is trying to claim that crown. With a name as regal as its appearance, the king shepherd shares part of its ancestry with the German shepherd. The two dogs look alike and have a lot in common, but they have distinct differences, too. German shepherd — for a head-to-head comparison. Instead, king shepherds are considered hybrid dogs. Because German shepherd and king shepherd breeds were created during different time periods, they were also bred for different reasons. German Shepherds Bred in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz, German shepherds were created from a mixture of the best local herding dogs. Rather than being bred for looks, they were bred for their intelligence and excellence in the field. A few generations of breeding eventually lead to a breed standard for both looks and temperament. Plus, their desire to protect their flock and family made this dog a good choice as a family dog, watchdog, or guard dog. They even made it big in Hollywood where Rin Tin Tin became the most famous dog in America in the s. This breed became and remains one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Their popularity led to high demand for German shepherd puppies, which led to overbreeding and a variety of health issues. King Shepherds King shepherds were first bred in the early s. Shiloh shepherds are a mix of American German shepherds, old European lines of German shepherds, and Alaskan malamutes. King shepherds are still suited for a wide variety of jobs, and they can make good police dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue workers. Because of their malamute genes, they also sometimes work in cart pulling. However, the king shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association and the American King Shepherd Club , which has set a breed standard for its looks and temperament. German Shepherd: Looks The king shepherd looks like a larger German shepherd the opposite of a Belgian Malinois , which looks like a smaller German shepherd. King shepherds have a wider, more square frame, without the sloping back often seen in purebred GSDs. Both king and German shepherds have dense double coats with a rough, weather resistant top coat and a soft, insulating undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year. Both breeds come in a variety of coat colors, including black, black and tan, sable, and bicolor coats. To care for their coats, both breeds will need to be brushed times a week to remove loose hair and distribute their natural oils throughout their coats. And to keep their coat healthy, both breeds benefit from a daily fish oil supplement. German Shepherd: Personality The German shepherd is a high-energy working dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. King shepherds were bred to be companion dogs as much as working dogs. They move a little slower than GSDs and are gentle giants that make great family pets. When it comes to German shepherds, different breeders specialize in different traits. Some breeders focus on breeding highly motivated working dogs for police and military operations. Others specifically breed companion dogs. Because of their large sizes, both breeds will be easier to manage with early socialization and obedience training. Their high intelligence makes them quick learners that respond well to consistent training. German Shepherd: Health The king shepherd was bred with health in mind — breeders hoped to create a healthier version of the GSD. Mixed breed dogs are less prone to health issues than purebred dogs. However, king shepherds are also larger, and larger dogs tend to have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. Still, in spite of their large size, king shepherds do have longer lifespans years than German shepherds years. So, to an extent, breeders succeeded in their goal. However, because they have such a long line of German shepherd ancestry, King shepherds can still inherit the same genetic health issues that are common in GSDs. These issues include:. The head is in good proportion to the body and moderately wide between the eyes. The forehead, seen from in front and in profile, is only slightly rounded, with or without a medial furrow which is moderately well defined. The cheeks are not too full, are moderately curved, when viewed from the top should be much in the form of a "V," and are well filled in under the eyes. The thick, firm ears are of medium size, moderately wide at the base, set on high and pointed; they are carried erect and slightly forward puppies up to the age of months, and sometimes older, do not carry their ears completely erect. The eyes are medium size and almond-shaped, set somewhat aslant and not protuberant, as nearly as possible matching the surrounding coat in shades of brown, and from very light to dark are acceptable. The chest is deep and broad. Thickly feathered, the tail reaches at least to the hocks. The tail is carried down and slightly curved; when excited or in movement, the dog raises the tail, which becomes more curved, without however, going beyond the vertical. It must not, moreover, lie on or curl up on the back. Docked tails are inadmissible. The paws are round and short with a well-closed, arched. The pads are very hard. The nails are short and strong, generally dark in color. Dewclaws are usually removed. The King Shepherd comes in a wide range of acceptable colors. These are as follows: sable brownish tan with brown or black markings, or grayish silver with black markings ; black saddle with tan, gold, cream, tan or silver markings. Strong, rich colors and pigments are highly preferred. Small white spots on the chest are acceptable. Pale, washed-out colors are serious faults. The undercoat is invariably little colored, except in black dogs. White, blue or liver-colored dogs or a dog with a nose that is not black are not accepted in the show ring. Puppies change color from birth until they get their final coat. There are two coat varieties: coarse-haired, which is straight and longhaired, which is light and wavy. Temperament The King Shepherd is self-confident with a well-balanced nervous system and should not be shy. Extremely intelligent and easy to train. Faithful and eager to please its owner, this breed makes a fine working dog and sheep-herder. A courageous watch and guard dog showing courage and hardiness in his role of protector, it makes a very nice companion. The King Shepherd is full of strength and vigor. Friendly toward strangers, children and other animals. A docile, obedient breed with an easy gait and plenty of stamina. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. It does best with at least a large yard. Exercise The King Shepherd love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for this dog is very intelligent and craves a good challenge. It needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Life Expectancy. Routine care can stop some of these issues in their tracks, and offer the longest life possible for your canine friend. Training King Shepherds are intelligent pups that thrive off of positive reinforcement. Their quick wits make them a highly trainable canine, while their love of positive reinforcement makes them eager to please. King Shepherds are considered easy to guide, and can be extremely successful in many training endeavors. The most important aspect of King Shepherd training is proper socialization. While these pups may easily abide by their owners, it means nothing if they are uncontrollable in unfamiliar settings. A well rounded King Shepherd requires proper socialization and obedience training from the moment they step into your home. King Shepherds have an imposing appearance and are often used as guard dogs. Outfitted with a tactical collar , your King Shepherd will scare off any intruders! Of course, you should never leave your dog — regardless of breed — unsupervised with small children! Not only are these pups kind natured and patient with children and pets they are raised with, but they tend to be open to meeting new friends as well. As long as you offer proper socialization from the start, the King Shepherd is a wonderful canine friend. Owners should be very careful and vigilant when introducing their King Shepherd to a cat. The size difference means that you should always supervise the two together. It goes without saying that a dog and cat should never be allowed to fight. So is is this the right breed for you and your family? Choosing the best breed for your family can be challenging, leading you to wonder if you are making the right choice. A King Shepherd is not the right dog for you if: You're not home often, or you work long hours You live in a small space without a yard You don't want to brush your dog or take him to the groomer regularly You want a social butterfly dog You do not want to invest time in training or socialization A King Shepherd is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal dog that is protective of their family You want an energetic dog that loves to play You live an active lifestyle that you want to include your dog in You have a home with a yard and plenty of room for a large dog You have plenty of time dedicated to expelling their energy You are willing to brush your dog several times a week Finding a King Shepherd Breeder With the search function of the internet you should be able to locate King Shepherd breeders in your area. The breed clubs mentioned further up can also assist you in finding a breeder who breeds responsibly and produces puppies with great health ad temperament. Once you find a King Shepherd breeder that you are interested in, there are a few important questions that you should be ready to ask. Be sure that any medical claims are backed up with actual documentation and medical paperwork. If a breeder has indeed cleared the puppies and parents of any medical conditions, there will be documentation proving so. Have the puppies had a medical screening? Have the puppies been dewormed and vaccinated? Do you have any references? We wanted a loyal watchdog who would alert us if anything was amiss. We could not have gotten a more perfect dog for the job. Hero patrols "his yard" several times a day and makes sure to let us know if anyone approaches! In the house he is a really calm dog. We were surprised by how much he sheds even though we were warned! Hero's parents One of my coworkers breeds King Shepherds. I have always been amazed by their looks and gentle-giant temperament. When she had a litter in spring my husband finally said yes and we got Juniper! After her first birthday she really settled down and is a wonderful companion now. I enjoy going on long walks with her and she is snuggles up to me when I watch TV at night - especially in the winter such a warm big fluffy dog is wonderful! Lisa E. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

The Cocker Spaniel may also experience hip and elbow dysplasia like the Golden Retriever. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Keep in mind that the following information is based on its parent breeds. These are all predictions that vary from case to case depending on genetic makeup. In terms of physical appearance, the Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of coat colors, so the forever puppy may not always be golden. It could be a mix of blue, black, brown, and white. The ideal attributes a Golden Cocker Retriever should have is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than the Golden Retriever. We can predict the height of the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix will range from 20 to 24 inches 51 — 61 cm. As we mentioned above its weight will range from 30 to 45 pounds 13 — 20 kg. The health concerns of a Golden Cocker Retriever are also based on its parents. Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are capable of experiencing seizures associated with epilepsy and hip and elbow dysplasia. On the Cocker Spaniel side, however, you have more serious illnesses to worry about like glaucoma and cancerous tumors. On the bright side, both parent breeds have a good life expectancy, so your Golden Cocker Retriever will live a long and happy life of at least 10 years! Want to see how this mix grows up? For owners who really want a teacup-sized Golden Cocker Retriever, there are some toy ones on the market. And then you mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel to get an even smaller dog. A dog with dwarfism may look cute and small but it causes them a lot of pain throughout their entire lives. The height of a standard Goldendoodle reaches 20 inches 50 cm. The weight ranges from 50 — 90 pounds 22 — 40 kg. Additionally, the coat of a Goldendoodle will be much curlier than the Golden Cocker Retriever thanks to its Poodle parent breed. Before buying one, consider if a Golden Cocker Retriever is your best match in the long run. How will this dog fit into your daily schedule and hobbies? Does This Mix Shed? Both parent breeds have long-haired coats that invite moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year. Do I Need A Backyard? Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Purebred Golden Retrievers sometimes need two sessions. A fenced backyard or a playpen is also essential to keep your Golden Cocker Retriever from wandering off. Both parent breeds have a long history of being hunting dogs with a strong prey-drive. If your Golden Cocker Retriever sees or smells a small animal in the distance, it will run as quickly as it can to track it down. Dogs are just fine. For example, any sign of stubbornness or independence can lead to harder training. Start training as early as possible as puppies are easier to handle than adults. The temperament of a Golden Cocker Retriever should be: Happy. One of the distinct characteristics of the hunting Golden Retriever is having a darker and shorter coat. The average size of full-grown Goldens has a height of 21 to 24 inches 53 to 61 cm and a weight of 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kg. Golden Retrievers are not only friendly but also intelligent. The doll-eyed Cocker Spaniel Cockers are often seen in dog shows with their luscious hair and big doggy eyes giving everyone a taste of their sweet expression. With a height of only .Aside from being mischievous and using their dreamy eyes to get away with anything, Cocker Spaniels are active, alert, and intelligent. Just like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels have two distinct lines: the show line and the field line. The first Comfort Retriever the original name of this mix originated in .And not one puppy is the same as its littermates. Ideally, the aim attributes of the Cocker Spaniel-Golden Retriever cross is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than Goldies. They have deep-set eyes that are slightly almond-shaped that can either be shades of brown, green, blue, or particolored. Their ears are quite longer than Goldens, and they touch the cheeks. Some of them can have tufts of hair between their toes. Unpredictability is a package deal when you get a crossbreed as a canine friend. So, if you prefer knowing what your pup will exactly turn out, this may not be the breed for you. While this is true for some of them, not every dog will grow or stay the same. Source: honey. For weight, it can be as low as 25 pounds 11 kg or as heavy as 70 pounds 32 kg. Most of them will fall in the middle of those numbers, which is around 30 to 45 pounds 14 to 20 kg. They may be little, but the exercise requirement of the Golden Cocker makes them suitable for homes with a big yard or somewhere in the country. They can be okay with apartments, too. How about a toy or mini version of the Golden Cocker Retriever? We mentioned the miniature Golden Retriever, right? Another way to produce a smaller Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel crossbreed is unnatural and unacceptable. Did you know that some fidos that look so small and really cute are lab-made? They suffer from a skeletal defect called dwarfism. Coat and colors of the Cocker Spaniel-Golden Retriever cross Your four-legged friend can have a very long fur like the Cocker, or quite short like the Goldie. They have a water-resistant hair, with the undercoat helping them keep warm. This one parent is seen in black, white, tan and white, black and tan, red, blue, chocolate, parti-color, roan, and merle. This designer dog is not hypoallergenic. Cocker Retriever Spaniels are moderate to heavy shedders throughout the year. So, with all that variation, the appeal with this crossbreed is a unique mystery pup. And you got it right! These are traits that will make them a great family pet, even those with children! Not only that, but they also interact well with other fellow dogs and can serve as an excellent watchdog. And just like its folks, this fido is not known for being aggressive. Other than that, socialization and training is the answer. During training, always keep in mind that this pooch is sensitive, so be assertive without doing anything negative as your dog will get hurt easily. Just be prepared for an energetic pup and train her as early as possible. The one thing that would probably need your time is grooming, as this fido is high maintenance when it comes to their hair. Get ready for grooming With long, luscious coats, you might have been ready for this. They have ears, chest hair, and trousers that can easily become tangled and matted. Do they have special dietary needs? Dry kibbles, wet food, and raw diet — each type of dog food have their own advantage and disadvantages. The factors that you have to consider when figuring out how much to feed your dog is her age, size, activity level, and on some occasion, health. What most owners do is look at the back of the dog food bag for the serving suggestion. There is a better way than feeding your canine friend based on the number of cups. Some may say that the Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel cross need about 2 cups of kibbles. That is not enough, though. Make sure you set aside 45 to 60 minutes of your day to take your Cocker Retriever out for a walk, a jog, or a hike. There are times that they would need two sessions of exercise to avoid pent up energy. Once the sun is out, treat your doggo for undertaking activities such as trekking that will make her satisfied. Not just because of the change of scenery and new scents, but also you took the time to bond with her. As they say, a tired dog is a happy dog. You also have to consider the generations of inbreeding that makes crossbreeds vulnerable to a few illnesses. Both parent breeds can suffer from seizures that are associated with hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as epilepsy. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to hypothyroidism and mast cell tumors. Cocker Spaniels have more health concerns like glaucoma, cataracts, seborrhea skin disease , liver disease, and congestive heart failure. These are for precautions as your Dakota Sport Retriever may or may not inherit these conditions. Not the females, though! You should also only purchase puppies from breeders who always prioritize the health welfare of their breeding stock and their litters. This can be challenging, but with proper documentation and medical records of the dogs, plus a good pedigree line, you can take those as good signs. For life expectancy, both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel live good and long lives. So, we can expect the same thing for their mixed-breed descendant with a general lifespan of at least ten years. He or she should also allow you to visit the dogs and their home, as well as encourage you to observe and get to know the parents and their puppies. Responsible breeders also have a history of vet visits, genetic tests, and health guarantee. Dakota Sport Retrievers for adoption or rescue Choosing to adopt a dog is a noble act. You might be interested in giving an older fur angel, and other Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel mix another chance to be loved and have a new home. Comparing their size, the Cogol can be a little taller, as Goldendoodles have a maximum height of 20 inches 50 cm and can weigh 50 to 90 pounds 22 to 40 kg. If there are more Cocker genes in the Cogol mix, then they can be smaller than a Goldendoodle. This Poodle mix has a curlier coat and has a better chance of being hypoallergenic. It makes the Goldie-Poodle cross a better option for those who have allergies or would prefer minimal fur around their house. If you have no problem with dander and enjoy being on the move, the Cogol is an excellent family dog that is trainable, loving, happy, and polite. Share with us your opinion about the Golden Cocker Retriever. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Read 7 comments Sometimes we wish our big dogs could go back to being puppies again because of how adorable they were not that being big changes that! Golden Cocker Retriever This bundle of adorableness is called a Golden Cocker Retriever and it will absolutely forever stay a puppy! Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu is the only dog breed that somehow manages to look very wise yet very young and adorable! They may be small, but they are very feisty and playful! Pomeranians Pomeranians are quite possibly the sweetest little dogs ever! And a good dog groomer can turn them into mini teddy bears. According to the AKC , they are very outgoing and can comfortably live both in the city and the suburbs. These goofy cuties have been bringing joy to people for centuries. Their big sparkly eyes and wrinkles are what makes them different than the other dogs but in a good way! Beagles Beagles are yet another dog breed that stays little forever, except for their ears. French Bulldog French Bulldogs are the mini-version of regular bulldogs, except they still have big ears which is their trademark feature! Maltese Maltese doggies are the epitome of elegance and charm, mostly thanks to their long white fur coat! Of course, they stay small forever and are an excellent companion for anyone. Chihuahua Chihuahuas may look small and harmless, but they definitely possess a big-dog attitude and feistiness that more than makes up for their small size! Their biggest asset, however, is that beautiful, irresistible smile! Toy Fox Terrier Toy Fox Terriers have all the best dog qualities: lovability, charisma, friendliness, and tenacity. These little dogs will never let you have a boring day again! Pomsky Pomskys are our favorite mixed breed! This mix between a pomeranian and a husky is a guaranteed recipe for beauty! Do you have any pups that stay that way forever? We encourage you to share them with us because we all need them in our lives! We have no litters planned at this time, however we have puppies available! Available We occasionally have retired adults or older puppies available to performance or companion homes. We we have no older puppies or adults available at this time, check back regularly! Contact us for more info on our available dogs! Looking towards the future. Scroll down to learn more about our screening process, what to expect when bringing home your puppy, and how Forever puppies are raised. What we strive for at Forever. Here at Forever, we plan a litter when we are ready for our next generation, and to further advance the future of the breed. We breed for health and temperament first and foremost, and strive to keep our distinct breed type in e very litter while doing so. We also keep in mind that the majority of our puppies will be placed in loving family homes, wether that be from the young age of 8 weeks, or when they are ready to retire. With that said, we take every step possible to ensure our dogs are mentally and physically prepared for that next step in their life, being well socialized from birth, and their health and happiness firmly in mind. Puppy Care at Forever What to expect when taking home your Forever puppy. We will provide you with a detailed vaccination recommendation to share with your veterinarian. We follow Dr. Veterinarian Health Check Every one of our puppies is examined by an experienced small animal veterinarian and the great team at Veterinary Village, before they go to their new home. This exam includes a full physical and cardiac exam. We strive to send home, happy, healthy puppies! Deworming Protocol Our puppies receive regular preventative deworming to avoid any parasitic issues. This ensures your puppy comes with no dormant issues that will surprise you just after your puppy gets home. We use Ivermectin and Panacur to protect against heartworm and other internal parasites in our older puppies and adults. Once you take your puppy home, your veterinarian can advise you on a recommended program for your dog. When you enroll your dog's microchip with AKC Reunite, their ID is linked to your name, phone numbers, emergency contacts and other vital information in the database. Socialization This is the key to ensuring that your puppy will quickly become a happy, well-adjusted family member. Our puppies are introduced to various noises, experiences, surfaces, toys, car rides, other pets, children and more so that the day they leave us, they are ready to be well rounded members of your family! Housebreaking We get our puppies on a potty schedule early and that foundational training makes housebreaking a breeze. We are obsessive about cleanliness and sanitation. This is the stepping stone to teaching clean living. Get In Touch.

Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. The thought of grain free diets has become popular in recent years, as many people believe that grains are not healthy for dogs. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, most veterinarians agree that grains are not only safe for dogs, but they can actually be beneficial. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a dog's overall health. They also contain fiber, which can help with digestion. So, if you're wondering whether or not you should feed your Golden Retriever grain-free food, the answer is no. Grains are not only safe for Goldens, but they can actually be beneficial. Stick to a high-quality food that contains grains, and your pup will be just fine. What is the best grain free dog food for Golden Retrievers? There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. First, make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients. Second, choose a food that is designed for active dogs. Third, make sure that the food contains all of the nutrients that your Golden needs. What foods are Golden Retrievers allergic to? Golden Retrievers are typically not allergic to any particular food. However, some Goldens may be allergic to certain ingredients, such as corn or wheat. If you think your Golden is allergic to a specific ingredient, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your pup. What is the best way to transition my Golden Retriever to a new food? If you're looking to transition your Golden to a new food, it's important to do so slowly. Start by mixing the new food with the old food, and gradually increase the amount of new food over time. This will help your Golden get used to the new food and minimize any stomach upset. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog's diet. They will be able to recommend the best dog food for golden retrievers and help you make a smooth transition. How to choose the best dog food for golden retrievers? There are many factors to consider when selecting the best dog food for your golden retriever. Here are some of the more important factors to evaluate before buying one of the 20 best dog foods we've featured here today: Quality of ingredients Look for a food that has high-quality, easily digestible proteins like chicken, turkey, or lamb. Avoid foods with low-quality proteins like by-products or meal. The best dog foods will also have vegetables and fruits for antioxidants and fiber as well as omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Choose a food that is specifically formulated for golden retrievers. While there are many high-quality all-purpose dog foods on the market, feeding your golden retriever a food that is designed specifically for their breed can help ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Consider your dog's age Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs, so be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for your dog's age. Puppy foods will have higher levels of protein and fat to support growth, while adult foods will be lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight. Senior golden retrievers may need a food that is easy to digest and has added joint support. Think about your dog's activity level Active dogs will need more calories than less active dogs, so be sure to choose a food that matches your dog's activity level. If you are not sure how many calories your dog needs, talk to your veterinarian. Now that you know what to look for in a food, here are our picks for the 20 best dog food for golden retrievers: 1. Pupper Toppers Image courtesy Pupper Dogs are susceptible to the same health problems as humans when their diet is poor. Carbohydrate imbalances, unbalanced meals rich in carbohydrates and other macronutrients, and other factors can all increase a dog's risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. A poor diet not only puts your dog's health at risk, but it can also result in the same symptoms of hunger and lethargy as a human eating poorly. As a consequence, your dog may have low energy levels, which might encourage them to eat more—leading to an unhappy and unhealthy pet. Fuel is made with all-natural, grain-free ingredients for optimum health and peak performance. Pupper uses grass-fed beef and real vegetables, which are loaded with nutrients. It is made with deboned chicken, peas, and sweet potatoes. This food is grain-free and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. The first ingredient in this food is deboned chicken, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. The second ingredient is peas, which are a source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. The third ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. This food also contains flaxseed, which is a source of omega-three fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for the health of your dog's skin and coat. This food is also enriched with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc. These nutrients are also essential for the health of your dog's immune system, skin, and coat. They think that feeding dogs properly is the best method to avoid chronic illness. To give dogs with all stages of life the essential nutrients they require, they combine high-quality proteins and vegetables with particular vitamins and minerals. There are no fillers or nonsense in this formula. It is made with real salmon, which is a source of high-quality protein. This food also contains sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The first ingredient in this food is salmon, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. This is a necessary part of your golden retriever's diet to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients that they need. A unique combination of probiotics, nutritious fiber, and digestive enzymes can help your dog's gastrointestinal health. The delectable tastes are complemented with joint-supporting elements as well as other vitamins and minerals for a delicious, healthy meal that will keep your pet occupied all day long. Each Diamond Naturals dry formula is complemented with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics to aid in the development of your canine's physical, mental, and emotional health. Your dog will enjoy the taste of this high-quality food. It's made with fresh cage-free chicken, whole grain brown rice, and real fruit and vegetables including kale, blueberries, and coconut to provide your canine with protein, minerals, omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat health. Assist your buddy in obtaining a comprehensive and balanced holistic diet with Diamond! It is made with real chicken, which is a source of high-quality protein. The first ingredient in this food is chicken, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. It is made with real duck, which is a source of high-quality protein. The first ingredient in this food is duck, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. Duck is a great source of protein for your dog and it is also a very tasty food. Your dog will love the taste of this food and you will be able to see a difference in their energy level and overall health. This food is made with real chicken, which is a great source of protein for your dog. This food also contains sweet potatoes and carrots, which are both excellent sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The first ingredient in this food is chicken, which provides your golden retriever with high-quality protein. This is an essential part of their diet to ensure that they're getting all of the nutrients that they need. The other natural ingredients in this best dog food are both great sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help to keep your dog's energy level up and their digestive system healthy. This adult dog food has been developed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of your large-breed pooch. The first ingredient is real farm-raised chicken, which aids in muscular strength. It's also designed to help your pal stay active by supporting bone and joint health. It nourishes with a unique combination of whole fibers and prebiotics, which promotes proper digestion and a healthy immune system. It's the nutritional boost your strong buddy needs to help him live bigger than life! The other ingredients in this food are all natural and are great sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help to keep your dog's energy level up and their digestive system healthy. This natural dry food is designed to give your big breed pup with complete-body nutritional support. It's made with high-quality proteins and healthy grains, as well as omega fatty acids—including DHA—vital vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. The following balanced, nutritious dry dog food is created to support teeth and bone development, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle growth. It's made without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives, so Rover will always get the right nutrients. It also includes rice and oatmeal for easy digestion, DHA for brain and vision development, and calcium for strong bones. This formula is designed to support your pup's large frame and rapid growth, as well as his immune system, skin, and coat. The kibble is also extra-large and easy to eat, so your big guy can chow down at mealtime. It also includes DHA for brain and vision development, calcium for strong bones, and whole grains for easy digestion. The kibble is also extra-large and easy to eat. This recipe includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support your pup's joints as he grows, calcium for strong bones, and a clinically proven antioxidant blend for a healthy immune system. Plus, it's made with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Salmon is the 1 component in this high-protein dry dog food, which also has specific nutrition designed to meet your pup's needs. An easily digested combination of oatmeal and rice is included in this dog food for sensitive stomachs. Zinc, selenium, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids fish oil , plus glucosamine and EPA to aid with joint health and mobility. A biologically active prebiotic fiber is also included to nourish good intestinal flora. We add antioxidants to this dry dog food for dogs for immune support. This salmon and rice dog food also includes omega-6 fatty acid-rich sunflower oil for skin health to help soothe your dog's sensitive skin. There are no eggs, corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, or any other additional colors or tastes in this Purina Pro Plan adult dog food recipe. Every bag of this dry dog food is made in Purina-owned U. Made with real chicken and turkey, this grain free wet food also includes potatoes, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Plus, it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's overall health. This dog food is also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. Protein aids in the maintenance of your dog's bounding energy levels. Veterinarians develop their recipes, which contain the greatest balance of protein and fat without including any grains. For quality control and each batch being tested to verify that it meets high standards, the best ingredients are sourced in the United States. This grain-free recipe, which is formulated with novel proteins like wild boar, includes nutrient-dense legumes such as peas and garbanzo beans that provide highly digestible energy to your active dog, as well as natural antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion. For complete and balanced nutrition with a taste of the wild your furry companion will constantly desire, essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to improve absorption and assure optimum benefit! Do Golden Retrievers need special food? No, Golden Retrievers do not need special food. However, they may benefit from a diet that is higher in protein and fat than the average dog food. This is because Golden Retrievers are active dogs who need the extra energy to maintain their activity level. The best dog food for Golden Retrievers will contain high-quality ingredients that are easily digestible. The food should also be formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of Golden Retrievers. How do I keep my golden retrievers coat shiny? The most important thing you can do to keep your golden retriever's coat shiny is to feed them a high-quality diet. Golden retrievers are prone to allergies, so it's important to find a food that doesn't contain any fillers or artificial ingredients. You should also make sure that the best dog food for golden retrievers that you're feeding them has plenty of omega-fatty acids, as these will help to keep their coat healthy and lustrous. Finally, regular brushing will also help to remove any dead hair and promote new growth. How will I know if my golden retriever likes their food? There are a few ways to tell if your golden retriever likes their food. The first is to simply observe their eating habits. If they seem to be gulping their food down without chewing, this could be a sign that they're not getting the nutrients they need. If you're looking for a food that will help your golden retriever maintain a healthy weight, you should look for one that is high in protein and low in calories. You should also make sure that the food you choose has plenty of omega-fatty acids, as these will help to keep your dog's coat healthy and lustrous. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. Final Thoughts on 20 Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers When it comes to choosing the best dog food for golden retrievers, there are a lot of options out there. However, not all of them are created equal. It's important to do your research and to choose a food that is high in protein and low in calories. We hope that our list of the best dog food for golden retrievers has helped you see just how many options your furry friend has available. Evaluate our list and information above before selecting your favorite brand to try today. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. Sizes Dog Food Protein Content The pet food label usually expresses its content as a percentage instead of an amount. Animal-based proteins are complete and contain all the essential amino acids. Grains are another excellent protein source, albeit they may not have all these building blocks. The important thing is that the puppy food meets this minimum standard to ensure healthy development. Dog Food Fat Content Fat is a vital macronutrient that offers an excellent source of energy and the raw materials for the synthesis of good cholesterol. The recommended amounts differ radically in puppies and dogs, making a solid case for giving your pet food appropriate for its life stage. Of course, they also need it for growth and development. Dog Food Ingredients Pet food is regulated with required labeling to help you choose the best food for your Golden Retriever puppy. One of these requirements is a nutritional adequacy statement. That informs you about the life stage of the product. Manufacturers must identify the ingredients in their products, starting with the one that makes up the most weight. We can also say something similar about so-called human-grade pet foods. No formal definition exists for the term. The other concern lies with what manufacturers substitute for the grains. Some evidence suggests a potential link between the substituted ingredients and this disorder. Golden Retrievers have shown a higher rate of DCM and low taurine levels, which can cause it too. These dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies. However, this breed has a propensity for not producing enough. That makes taurine in the ingredient list something we always check. Dog Food Sizes Most manufacturers produce several sizes of dog food. However, bear in mind that larger ones are usually a better value. Also, your puppy will grow quickly—along with its appetite. We suggest keeping both factors in mind when choosing a product. Final Verdict Ollie Fresh dog food came out on top in our series of reviews. We were impressed with the natural ingredient list and focus on nutrition. Read more Advertisement.