how much is an english bulldog puppy worth

View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. The most common Labradoodle colors are black, cream and gold. Black Labradoodles are common finding generally one per litter. These Labradoodles represent the base price for a dog within this breed. The color of a cream Labradoodle can vary between different shades with some having red tinges through their coat. Although the color cream may vary the whole coat should be one consistent color. Apricot Labradoodles are often born with lighter colored coats that darken over time while others that are born apricot in color develop to have a light cream coat. The entire strand of fur on a golden Labradoodle should be the same color. Golden Labradoodles often fade as they grow. These dogs are neither common or rare. These Labradoodles should hold their color until adulthood. The chocolate colored Labradoodles tend to be a popular choice. Their coloring should be even. Chocolate Labradoodles often appear almost black at birth. A parchment should not have other colors mixed into the fur. Large blotches of any color on white make for an acceptable Parti colored Labradoodle. The hardest to breed and come by is the red Labradoodle. Any combination of two colors is acceptable as long as they have the distinctive markings. A black and gold phantom is among the most common. These dogs are on the rarer spectrum. These Dogs are on the rarer spectrum. While gold is a common color, the birth of a Labradoodle with a deep red coloring is as rare as they come. A red Poodle is unusual making a red Labradoodle even harder to come by. The roots of a red Labradoodle should match the tips. Red Labradoodles are hard to breed and even harder to come by. Red Labradoodle Puppy and Adult The range of Labradoodle coat colors is extensive although no matter which puppy you pick, Labradoodles make loving life long friends. Related posts:. One of the unique features of Australian Labradoodles is the wide variety of coat colors and patterns. While Labradoodle colours are interesting, we maintain that you are buying a living creature and not a coat colour. It is essential to retain the appearance of an Australian Labradoodle within the breed standard, but we feel charging for colour is not a fair practice. Van Isle Doodles looks for families whose focus is on adding a labradoodle puppy as a family member to their home. Depending on the intensity of the pigment, a red dog may appear to be a deep red color all the way to a light brown color. Cream Cream labradoodles range from almost white through to latte depending on the intensity of the pigment. This is our Bruno Mars who is a light cream color with black leathers. Black Black Labradoodles range from jet black to silver. This is Cinder Ella an example of a jet black Labradoodle. Chocolate Chocolate Australian Labradoodles range from a milk chocolate color when pigment is diluted to deep, dark chocolate when pigment is intensified. Oceana middle is a dark chocolate Labradoodle with brown leathers. Caramel Caramel ranges from a creamy color to a darker red. The brown leathers make the dog caramel rather than red. Here are some examples of our caramel dogs. Parti Labradoodless can come in any color. This is our caramel and white parti girl, Bernadette. Phantom A phantom is a solid color with tan points. The markings are similar to those found on Yorkies, Rottweilers and Dobermans. Tan points for the phantom pattern are pips above the eyes, along the side of the jaw, a band across the chest, run halfway up all four legs, on the vent and sometimes on the underside of the tail. Phantoms may be either black Labradoodles or Chocolate Labradoodles. Dexter is a chocolate phantom Labradoodle. Tri A tri colored Labradoodle is a phantom plus white. A tri Labradoodle may be black or chocolate. This is Tawnee who is a black tri. Sable A sable Labradoodle has each single hair in their coat banded by color. Each strand of hair has two colors. The tip of the strand will be either black or brown and the color at the root may be red, tan or apricot. Because the top inch or so of the strands of hair are either black or chocolate, at birth a sable Labradoodle will appear to be a black or chocolate dog. Once the strands start to grow out, the change color becomes visible. The amount of time it takes to see the second color varies from birth through to about six weeks of age. Since Labradoodles do not shed, at least as little as any dog is capable of not shedding, they do not generally grow new strands of hair. Once a sable Labradoodle has been groomed, the dark chocolate or black tips are lost and the dog then becomes red or tan in color. This is Ripple our chocolate sable parti girl. Brindle Labradoodles are not common. This puppy is a brindle Labradoodle. If you look at his feet, you will notice the stiped pattern of his color. Van Isle Labradoodles. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? They usually combine a Standard Poodle with a Lab, and have a dark wavy coat. Most chocolate Labradoodles weigh around 50 — 65 lbs. You can expect them to have the same temperament as other colors of Labradoodle. Could a chocolate Labradoodle dog be the right choice for your family? Keep reading. What is a Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other type of Labradoodle. Except for the fact that they sport a luxurious dark brown coat. These dogs can be the standard or miniature in size. Standard Labradoodles weighs up to 65 lbs. Whereas the miniature version usually only weighs around 20 lbs. Chocolate Labradoodles are popular dogs for families. Particularly those with older children. Best Environment for Them This breed prefers an active environment so they can run about and socialize with others often. But they can also be quite boisterous. So, they may not be suitable for families with pets or very small children. The main difference is indeed the coat color of the coat. But, some evidence suggests the chocolate color might be linked to specific personality traits too. But otherwise, chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other Labradoodle. For example, the Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever-Poodle mix with similar traits to the Labradoodle. With obvious differences in appearance, of course. Typical characteristics of the Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are are water dogs native to Newfoundland, Canada. They stand up to .Labradors are prized for their companionship and outgoing nature. They love to swim and run, and make excellent service dogs, too. These agile natural athletes have a waterproof coat that helps them excel at hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Labrador Retriever Coat Colors Although there are many types of Labrador Retrievers, people generally break them down into types by color. The three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers are black and, of course, chocolate. Poodle Characteristics Poodles, on the other hand, have fluffy coats that can be multicolored, solid, or bi-colored. Chocolate brown is a popular coat color in Poodles, too. Genetics Behind the Labradoodle Two pairs of genes that determine the basic coat colors in dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and of course, Labradoodles. While chocolate is not as genetically common as black, dogs of many colors can carry the genetic instructions for chocolate fur. And you might be surprised to hear that even two black dogs, can create chocolate Labradoodle puppies! Or a black dog and a yellow dog. Chocolate Labradoodle Temperament Chocolate Labradoodles behave just like any other kind of Labradoodles. But with one small exception. Does Color Matter? The chocolate coat color in Labs might be correlated to higher excitability. At least, one study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science seems to provide some evidence of this. Scientists discovered a greater tendency to become agitated when ignored. And in addition, lower trainability but also lower fear of noise. These trends are based on owner-observed differences between Labrador colors. Labradoodle Temperament Of course, the temperament of the individual Labrador parent will be a large influence. Chocolate Labradoodles are usually also quite friendly, playful, and energetic. Although they can be somewhat reserved around strangers. This particular trait is common in Poodles. But it can be dampened down by regular socialization. Labradoodles are strong and active. They are often chosen for hunting and farm work as well as for public service. In addition, Labradoodles make excellent seeing-eye dogs, guide dogs, and other types of service dogs. Training Requirements of the Labradoodle Labradoodles are easy to train and they respond best to positive reinforcement training. Plus, Labradoodles require frequent interaction and positive reinforcement training. This is something recommended for all breeds. They also benefit from lots of activity. This can help reduce behaviors like jumping around small children and other guests. Chocolate Labradoodle Health There is little detailed evidence to suggest the chocolate color has any link to overall health. But, a limited amount of research shows that chocolate Labrador Retrievers are becoming less healthy as a breed. And therefore, dying much younger sooner than black or yellow Labradors. Genes The gene that creates a chocolate coat is recessive. So, breeders that want to guarantee a high proportion of chocolate-colored puppies in their litters must mate two chocolate-colored Labs. As a result, the gene pool is much narrower and the risk of inheriting health conditions is higher. This includes problems like obesity, ear infections, and skin problems As a result, it is possible that your chocolate Labradoodle may suffer from the same health conditions as its Labrador parent. Inherited Health Conditions Ultimately, any health issues your dog inherits will depend on the genetics of the parents. And how purebred the parents are. If your dog was bred from a purebred Labrador and a purebred Poodle, it can be tough to determine what kind of health problems your dog might have. After breeding further generations of chocolate Labradoodles together, it may be easier to determine which health conditions are genetic. Health Testing Always select a breeder who has tested the chocolate Labradoodles for known genetic health problems. According to the Canine Health Information Center, you may want to test your chocolate Labradoodle for problems such as: hip and elbow dysplasia. Silver beige White The Poodle breed also includes 18 potential color combinations! On top of this, the genes necessary for brown coats are recessive. So, a more dominant gene, like the one for a black coat, will often overpower it if it is present. With such a wide range of possible coat color combinations and patterns in the Poodle breed line, breeders often find it hard to breed for a true chocolate Labradoodle coat color that remains consistent throughout life. Chocolate Puppies Can Change Color Unique among the other possible Labradoodle coat colors, the chocolate coat color has a tendency to fade over time. Sometimes the coat color will stay a deep, rich, dark chocolate tone. But more often than not, the dark chocolate will start to fade. Even the most color-knowledgeable Labradoodle breeders are generally hard-pressed to determine what the chocolate coat will do over time. This is the reason the chocolate coat color is considered to be rare in doodles. Later in life you might find your gorgeous brown doodle starts to change color again. Breeding a true chocolate Labradoodle that stays a true chocolate all through life can be as much of a surprise to the breeder as to the dog owners. Does Labradoodle Coat Color Matter? It is true the Labrador Retriever dog parent contributes simpler coat color genetics to the Labradoodle breed. But Labrador Retriever enthusiasts are known to have their own opinions about the three classic coat colors and which one is best for what roles. For example, yellow Labradors are the top pick for service dogs and guide dogs. Black Labradors are prized for hunting, retrieving and hunting roles. Chocolate Labradors are considered ideally suited for show dog competitions and family pets. Is this factual? Or is it just so much personal opinion codified into fact? Here, the answer really depends on what types of activities you want to pursue with your pup. For most owners, as long as their Labradoodle puppy is sound and healthy, coat color is incidental. There is nothing wrong with wanting a Labradoodle dog with a specific coat color. We all have our preferences, which is what makes our world so colorful and fascinating. Often, this is just a method that less reputable breeders will use to try to inflate puppy prices. And, remember that Labradoodle puppies are just as likely to inherit one of the many Poodle colors, rather than the three standard Labrador shades. Their temperament will be very similar. However, there will still be variations between puppies, as mixed breeds can inherit any traits from either parent, and how they are raised plays a large part. As long as you train and socialize your chocolate doodle dog well from a young age, they will most likely be very friendly, energetic, and intelligent. Most Labradoodles, chocolate ones included, are eager to please and love spending time with people, particularly their closest family members. These large dogs are energetic, too. They do best in active families that have plenty of time to spend with them. Chocolate Doodle Health A few year ago, a research study made waves by announcing that chocolate Labrador Retrievers might be less healthy. They reported that they are more likely to become obese, suffer from ear infections and joint disorders and die earlier than yellow or black Labrador Retrievers. But is this a concern for Labradoodle dogs, who have one Labrador Retriever parent dog and one Poodle parent dog? It is hard to say. So if you want a brown Labradoodle, just be sure you work with a responsible, health-focused breeder. One who has deep knowledge of the canine genome and keeps careful health records for her breeding dogs and their puppies. When the breeder invests the time and expense to pre-screen parent dogs for all known heritable genetically transmissible health conditions before allowing a mating, there will always be less risk that the puppies will grow up to develop serious health issues. Health Issues to Watch Out For There are some health problems that all Labradoodles, including chocolate ones, are prone to. These are just a few of the major problems that can affect Labradoodles. This will decrease the risk of an unhealthy puppy. They may be willing to contact you if they get a chocolate colored puppy in their future litters. Always avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, even if their chocolate Labradoodles are cheaper. These places usually give their puppies worse care and are less interested in their health. Some dogs are given up to rescue centers because of behavioral issues, but there are lots of reasons for dogs to end up there. Many go on to make wonderful, loving family pets. Work closely with rescue center staff to make sure you find a dog that will suit your family. Let them know your situation, including if you have other pets and children. As the Labradoodle breed gains popularity, breed-specific rescue centers are becoming more common. But, if there are still none near you, check rescue centers dedicated to the parent breeds. They may accept mixed breeds, too. Rescue Labradoodles will often be cheaper than puppies from breeders, and they may have some basic training. Do You Love the Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles can make great canine companions. These high-energy dogs love to run and romp and play — and their favorite playmate will always be you! If you love the idea of making your new dog the center of your family and world, a dark brown Labradoodle might be your perfect new family pet. References and Resources Lewis .Labradoodle Coat Colors. Australian Labradoodle Association. Coopshaw .Two Different Types of Pigment. Dog Coat Color Genetics. Mattinson .Which Labrador Color is Best? The Labrador Site. Attaway .McGreevy et al. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Post navigation. This color can do some interesting things! It can fade into at least three distinct, official Labradoodle colors! Go figure!! I have had one of my chocolate girls turn completely Lavender on her body but not the head, then within a year, go completely back to dark chocolate. So, like a good Boy Scout, when you purchase a chocolate Labradoodle, be prepared for anything! All are lovely, but they are almost impossible to predict with any significant degree of accuracy. Once again, be prepared for anything! Chocolate Colors Now we get to the fun part; the color combinations! This is where things get interesting. Partis can come in any color, with either color nose. Some are mostly white, while some have lots of color and less white. The ones that are mostly white are called "Extreme" Partis. The variations are endless and unique, like a snowflake. The colors, such as chocolate, on a parti can change in the same ways that they would on a solid dog. Often confused with "Parti" is a dog with heavy white mismarks or a Tuxedo. White mismarks can be very small or very heavy, or anywhere in-between. The puppy is born either Black or Chocolate and immediately begins to lose the dark color, revealing anything from a cream to a red underneath! The tips of the fur may retain their dark cast, but the dog will present as somewhere on the cream-red spectrum. I have included her picture below showing her in the middle of the changing process. The genetics of color are absolutely fascinating! Dark Chocolate Labradoodle Dark Chocolate Labradoodle via pearlygirl Dark Chocolate Labradoodles feature a rich, dark brown coat that sometimes so dark that appears to be black unless under sunlight. Dark Chocolate Labradoodles have dark brown noses and dark brown or black eyes. These locations include the chin, throat, chest, legs, beneath their tail, above their eyes or on the sides of their muzzle. Phantom Chocolate Labradoodles are different from Chocolate Parti Labradoodle as Parti Labradoodles can have patches anywhere on their body and their base color is white instead of brown. Specifically, Chocolate Merle Labradoodles feature a chocolate, copper, beige and white coat in a mottled pattern. Most of their coat is a beige-grey and they feature chocolate, white and copper patches throughout it. Chocolate Merle Labradoodles have light or dark brown noses. In most cases they have light brown eyes however they can sometimes have blue or greenish eyes. Chocolate Labradoodle via lizzee. Wavy and curly coats are the most common while straight or flat coats are seen in Labradoodle generations that have a higher percentage of Labrador Retriever genes than Poodle genes. Wavy Coat Wavy coats are very common for Chocolate Labradoodles. Their coats are quite light, loose and shaggy looking and usually ripple when they move. Wavy hair is classified as a fleece type coat. Curly Coat Another common coat type for Chocolate Labradoodles is a curly coat. These coats are much denser and thicker than wavy coats and more closely resemble the coat of a Poodle. Curly hair Chocolate Labradoodles are usually more hypoallergenic than other coat types as they shed less and therefore release less dander into their immediate environment. Curly hair is classified as a wool type coat. There can be variation in what straight coats look like for Labradoodles. Chocolate Labradoodles with straight hair can feature: Medium long fur that grows consistently over the face and body Scruffy fur with tufts of hair sprouting out randomly over the body Straight tufts of hair with a short wavy undercoat Feathering along the tail, legs and face Slick and glossy coat.

This allows you to get a pet with all the traits you want from two pure-blooded parents. The life spans of the Great Dane and the Beagle are very different. This makes it a great option for developers who want to invest in them for many years. You can expect the Boxane to be very large so make sure you have a large roof over their heads. They can also be expected to be heavy. Each one of them focuses on their joints so make sure to get multiple exams. The boar hunters were able to take down excellent Danes because of their size. The Great Dane is a searchable breed. However, they were found to be extra gentle and are commonly called large teddy bears. They were imported to the United States in the late s and also have actually come to be rather prominent over that years. By , they were formally identified by the American Kennel Club. Excellent Danes top the checklist as the globes biggest canines, with Zeus being 44 inches. Although they are large, Great Danes can be playful and easy to train. They are tolerant of people from all walks of life and love attention. They are gentle giants and are easy to train for new pet owners. Finding a place large enough to house them is the key! The sweetest of friends will give you the most love possible, but they are short-lived. You can likewise wager they will certainly be hefty, at around to extra pounds and also high, at 28 to 34 inches. Developer canines are more popular than Danes. One of the most prominent mixes is the Lab Great Dane Mix. .Boxer Overview A Boxer descends from the bullenbaiser. This is an extinct type of pet. This type is most likely a mixture of the bulldog and the mastiff. Some believe that a Great Dane might have been introduced to the Boxer type. They are excellent guards and extremely dedicated to their families. Boxer is a name that derives from the fact that this type likes to climb on its back legs and use their paws just like a fighter would. Boxers are considered a functioning breed and have been used for various tasks, including police and armed forces jobs. They are intelligent and have been used as canines for seeing eyes. However, they now primarily serve the German Shepherd purpose. Boxers have shorter layers and have lower-level noses. These dogs love their families and are great with children. They require little exercise and have similar needs to the Mastiff as well as other large dogs. They have a life-span of years. Fighters are likewise a prominent developer pet moms and dad type, and also a few other typical blends consist of the Boxer Mastiff mix , or the Boaxador designer dog. The Boxane most likely happened due to the best mix both types make. Both the Great Dance as well as Boxer are very similar, which makes them both even more valuable. Although the Boxane is an unusual type, it has not been tested in size like their pure-blooded parents. However, this mix could be different and differ depending on their moms or dads. This is especially true when two different sized pets mate. As both the Great Dane as well as Boxer are large pets, this will make it clear that the Boxane is going to be massive. The Great Dane as well as Boxer are great with children. They enjoy being around them. However, their large stature can cause them to become too excited. The Boxane is a very people-friendly breed and it would be difficult to find another one. Although Boxanes are not a good watchdog, their large size will scare away any trespassers. The Boxane, despite their size, is easy to train, but can be difficult to care for if they are small. However, it is not necessary to recognize the moms or dads in order to determine what they will look like. The size of boxanes is huge. I know this sounds like a bad document. They will have long legs and a muscular upper body. It all depends on which moms or dads they are following. Great Danes are known for their dalmatian-like areas. However, they can also be fawns, blues, blacks, or even black and white. Fighters have dark brown hair that has black flecks. Be planned for the Boxane to be over extra pounds, due to the fact that they will likely be also larger than that! They are likewise mosting likely to be high and also can stand as high as 30 inches. It is important to cut nails frequently, especially for larger dogs. Their nails can be quite damaging. To keep your home and furnishings intact, you will need to be careful with nail grinding and also cutting. Training Boxanes are intelligent and easy to teach. It is difficult to manage them if they get out of control. They are not known for their ability to be destructive, but they do like everyone they meet. They are often unaware of their size and will get along with children. You should socialize them with other puppies as they are still young to avoid any potential conflicts. Positive support is the best approach for any pet. Your dog will grow to dislike you and be more difficult to teach. You can help your dog learn quickly by giving them toys or making deals for good work. Training obedience should be started as soon as possible for puppies. This will allow them to distinguish between what is appropriate and incorrect. Dogs will respect their alphas and be more likely to obey if they perceive you as an authority. Larger Boxanes are larger than normal and have a large bladder. They also mature quickly and can be fully expanded in months. Potty training them can be done immediately outside or while on walks. You need to run those long legs! These legs require the most exercise of all types. They should be exercised daily for at least 2 hours per day. It is recommended that they be taken out twice daily. Some websites recommend that they be out for 3 hours, as larger Boxanes need to run outside more often. Boxanes require lots of space, and should have a lot of room to stretch their legs. This would be a great match if you have the money for a queen-sized cushion. They are known for their tendency to bark when they are worried and can also be trained to manage stress and anxiety. Although it might seem unlikely, Boxanes require a lot of love and focus in spite of their intimidating appearances. Health The Boxane, like many other developer types, is less likely to develop health issues due to their hereditary mix. The ability to have genetics from two different types of canines helps expand the genetics pool and offers better health and wellbeing outcomes. Boxers are at risk for many health issues. These include epilepsy and intervertebral disc disease, eye problems, hypothyroidism , cardiomyopathy, degenerative meelopathy, patellar dysfunction, hip dysplasia and allergic reactions. Great Danes can also be at risk for health and well-being concerns. They resemble the Boxer. The Great Dane could experience a unsteady walk due to back compression. Nutrition Boxanes need a balanced diet that includes a lot of healthy protein, as well as fat and low carbs. It is also recommended to feed your Boxane whole meats such as fish, beef, and poultry. It is difficult to give a calorie amount for any pet. A common food intake can cause your dog to become overweight. These dogs may become overweight if they are not given the right diet. As Family Pets If you are considering taking on one of these gentle giants, there are many things you need to think about. Although boxanes can be large dogs with a big heart, are they the right dog for you and your family? The Boxane has a gentle, caring nature and enjoys doing business with people. These require a lot of focus and also need a lot of space. Your grooming requirements are less, but they should still be brushed once a week. Boxanes have lost a lot and can also burn their layers based on the periods. The exercise needs of are substantial at 2 to 3 hours per day. They are a peaceful individuality but they do bark often. There are many health issues. As they age, pay more attention to their joints. Locate a dog breeder who can tell you about the health and well-being of your parents. A developer animal, which you will most likely need to find a breeder for as a puppy. However, you might also be able to find one at a local rescue or sanctuary. Are you sure that the Boxane is your best friend? Keep reviewing to find out where you can find one! Numerous clubs recognize them, including the Designer Dogs Kennel Club. It is important to do thorough research before you purchase a puppy. Boxanes have health and wellness issues, especially with their joints. For regional Great Dane or Boxer clubs, and for saves, please call. They will have problems with their habits due to their ineptness and poor handling by their previous owners. These dogs require care, but they do not need to be abused. It is always wonderful to rescue pets. It is also more affordable. Final Thoughts Boxanes would make great friends to anyone who has room in their homes and hearts for them. They are a mix of mixed types, but they have many health issues, which is one reason they are so short. Boxane personalities are what set them apart from other canines. They are gentle giants who love to be with their loved ones. They also require significant exercise at approximately 2 to 3 humans per day. Becky Roberts One of Becky's favourite things to do every morning is to browse the top pet-related forums, looking for issues and questions that people have. She then shortlists the most common ones, and turns them into blog posts for Fuzzy Rescue. She's the only one on our team that doesn't like coffee, but it seems to us she really doesn't need more energy :. We're very fortunate to have her on board as she does most of the heavy listing for the site, outputting an insane amount of content each month. Read More Related Posts. This dog has an exuberant and fun personality click here for more details A lively and energetic dog that will suit those with an active lifestyle click here for more details This dog is suited to a feline friendly house as they get along with cats click here for more details An intensely loyal, devoted and loving dog click here for more details This dog requires only minimal grooming click here for more details The Boxane is a gentle giant and rarely aggressive click here for more details What are the reasons not to get a Boxer Great Dane Mix? Overview The Boxane is an exuberant and goofy hybrid breed that is an absolute joy as a family pet. This spirited and cheerful mixed breed will play tirelessly and strive to be at the center of everthing As a parent breed the Great Dane brings an unwavering desire to be very close to their owners if not on their laps if they can manage it. While the Boxer brings levels of incredible canine energy and a real zest for life. But, as with any hybrid breeds, it is always important to research the parent breeds in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the personality of the Boxane. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog. For more information regarding the Boxer, Great Dane and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide. To understand dogs fully requires an understanding of where they have come from. So here follows a history of both parent breeds. The Boxer adds even more liveliness and exuberance to the character of the Boxane What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Boxer Mix? In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development. So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the Boxer. These dogs had the role of holding down large prey, such as boars and deer, once the sight-hounds had identified and slowed their victim down. Boxers are intelligent, loyal and devoted companions. Many Boxer owners claim that once you own a Boxer you will be smitten with the breed and never think about owning another dog. They are particularly celebrated for their clownish antics and sense of fun during a very prolonged puppy-hood. But that is not to say that this dog does not also have a serious side. Added into the mix is the tenacity and drive of the Terrier influence. The Boxer is a very energetic and athletic dog with a high prey drive. This means that you can expect this dynamic dog to boisterously chase and run around. Some of the breed will go after small animals on a walk and this combined with an inquisitive nature means that they love to explore. This means recall should be an important feature of the training regime. This is also a very active breed who need a good outdoor space to play in and once they have fully grown thrive on long walks and plenty of exercise. Like the Boxer , when fully grown, they are able to walk for many miles tirelessly. So the Great Dane Boxer mix will require plenty of exercise, but will offer an excellent companion to any hikers or long distance walkers out there. The Great Dane could suitably be described as the biggest lapdog on the planet and have been known to follow their humans absolutely everywhere. The Boxer is another dog who absolutely thrives on human company and will want to constantly play with his human family. The Great Dane tends to have a mellow temperament making them an excellent founding dog when combined with more excitable breeds. This tends to lead to a hybrid dog still full of vivacity and playfulness but easier to manage and less excitable and his is certainly true of the Boxer Great Dane Mix. These colossal canines will constantly be out for a good time, remaining puppy-like play-mates for most of their adulthood. They will also offer an excellent guardian of the family and the home. Other linked hybrid breeds: Cane Corso Boxer Mix. Although both loyal dogs with a great sense of fun, the Boxer is a very busy, inquisitive and high energy dog who never tires of playing, exploring and performing various clownish antics. The Great Dane has a more mellow temperament than the Boxer , although they are still playful and also have a cheeky sense of humor. The Boxer also has the reputation for being a little more alert than the Great Dane as well as being quicker to train. But if it is fun and excitement you are looking for then look no further than the wonderful combination of breeds neatly packaged in the adorable Boxane. What is an interesting fact about the Boxane? The Boxane is a hybrid whose parent breeds have a lot in common. Both the Great Dane and the Boxer also share common heritage in that the Mastiff is thought to have influenced both breeds. As with all mixed breeds, the Boxane could favor either parent breed in a number of ways. This dog, like both parent breeds, will have a lean muscularity as well as an athletic build with a well defined, tucked up stomach and flanks. The back will be straight and the tapering tail carried high. The bluntness of the short muzzle of Boxer is likely to be softened by the influence of the Great Dane which is deeper and more squared. There is a possibility of some slight furrowing or wrinkles on the forehead through the Boxer influence. The Boxane is a very physically impressive dog with a kind inquisitive expression. The Great Dane not only casts a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as it follows its owners around. The Boxer influence will do little to mitigate this as they are also a people-oriented breed and extremely loyal. Nevertheless this hybrid breed is going to need a very active and experienced owner willing to spend time ensuring this dog is socialized and fully entertained with extensive walking and lots of interactive play. So you can certainly expect a Boxer Great Dane Mix to be an exuberant and spirited. In addition both parent breeds absolutely dote on their owners and are intensely loyal as well as being extremely protective. But it must be conceded that the Boxer has inherited some of the stubbornness of the Bulldog. Added to this, the Boxer , like the Great Dane, is a sensitive dog. This means it will require consistent , patient training which is firm but gentle and based around positive reinforcement. With socialization and training the Boxane will be a confident and obedient dog who is both a good companion in the home, and a well-behaved canine citizen outside of the home. But the Great Dane influence is likely to temper this stubbornness, and both dog breeds thrive on praise and are very eager to please. You can therefore expect a Boxer Great Dane Mix to be a devoted companion who will generally be biddable. It is important, however, to make sure any training is governed by an approach based around positive reinforcement to ensure the dog is happy, confident and a joy outside of the house. But this dog will want to play with everything that moves including children and any other pets. This makes early socialization absolutely imperative to avoid accidents and maintain relaxed and problem-free relationships between this huge hound and other canine, human and even feline members of the family. The Boxer is people-oriented but will still be protective of its family when strangers are in close proximity of its human pack. It will also bark an alarm if anyone approaches the house adding an edge to the more mellow and accepting temperament of the Great Dane. Also both of these dogs are powerful and swift, so the deep resounding bark of the this dog will quickly followed by this lithe and muscular guardian. But you can be certain that with socialization in place any welcome visitors will have absolutely nothing to fear. The Boxane is likely to be gregarious and willing to play with other dogs, although due to the Boxer influence there may be the occasional episode of dominant behaviour or aggression with a few dogs. Nevertheless early socialization will generally ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident. This dog will be able to live with smaller animals and other dogs but if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog. The Boxer Great Dane Mix, when fully grown, also provides the ideal dog for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits as both parent breeds are known to enjoy very long walks with ample opportunity to run around off the leash. If there is one thing that you can absolutely guarantee with the Great Dane Boxer Mix is that it is certainly going to require plenty of exercise including at least one long walk a day of around 2 hours. This dog will also make a good jogging companion for the more active owners. This could also include around 20 minutes of obedience training each day. The Boxane is a dog who will benefit from a good run of the leash each day. But ensure that the Great Dane Boxer Mix is trained in recall from as early age as possible to ensure that they are consistently manageable and obedient outside. Remember also that any Great Dane hybrid dog requires special consideration in terms of the planning of exercise for puppies and young dogs that are still growing. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog. This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially also in this dog. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet alongside feeding and other aspects of fundamental care for this huge hybrid. For an experienced owner who is also very active the Great Dane Boxer Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. Although it must be in a household which has the time to invest in training and exercise. This dog will be intensely playful and will demand lots of interactive play. But they are very likely to have a fantastic personally as fun-loving dogs who are adorably clownish. The Boxane will be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. This will be good and patient with children, although all play must be carefully supervised. Also with the correct socialization this dog will most likely get on with any smaller pets in the household. The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. Also any experience with large and powerful breeds would be hugely beneficial. Due to its size, power and high energy levels this dog is best suited to a home environment where they have human company for most of the day. If it is essential to leave this dog for any period of time regularly then it is absolutely imperative to offer training for separation anxiety at an early stage. Like all Great Dane hybrids, this dog will suffer without strong canine leadership. Any less experienced dog owners should prioritize attendance at puppy training classes in order to support their dog feeling happy and secure. The Great Dane Boxer Mix has very minimal grooming requirements. The short and sleek coat is only likely to require a weekly brushing. But remember that this should be done daily in periods of hot weather to remove dead hair in order to keep this dog comfortably cool. This will be particularly true if the hybrid breed favors the Boxer as the muzzle will be shorter which will slightly impair natural cooling. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather. Ensure that as part of any grooming routine the ears are carefully cleaned in order to avoid infection and nails are clipped. Some Boxanes may inherit furrows on the face from the Boxer. If so, be be sure to clean around the face carefully particularly after eating as dogs may find food particles lingering in the jowls and any wrinkling on the face. This combination of breeds means a dog that is both physically large, and also absolutely full of play and energy. This is therefore a dog that is going to need space both inside and outside the house. It is ideally suited to a rural area or a home which has a good-sized, secure area outside in which to burn off its almost inexhaustible supplies of energy and willingness to play. In terms of size and activity levels this dog is not recommended for apartment living. What is the lifespan of the Boxane? The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While Boxers have a healthy lifespan of around years. This means that the probable lifespan for a Great Dane Boxer Mix is between years. What are the potential health problems for a Boxer Great Dane Mix? Mixed breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the Great Dane Boxer Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet. Potential health problems for the Boxer Great Dane Mix include: cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions bone and other cancers, Is this Boxane dog right for you? What does a Great Dane Boxer mix look like? The size and height of the Great Dane means that there are plenty of expectations about a large, muscular Boxane. This is not as large as a pure Great Dane, with a Great Dane Boxer mix weight of anywhere between 60 and pounds. Even so, it is still an imposing dog. It have the muscular, defined build that is much like the Boxer. The ears are generally turned down, but can be erect. There are lots of pictures of Great Dane Boxer mix puppies online that highlight the beautiful shape and look of this interesting cross breed. These pictures also highlight the different colors. Image Source The Boxer Great Dane mix coat and grooming This dog has a short, dense coat with moderate to heavy shedding. It has a glossy look when maintained well, but this does require regular brushing and grooming. This regular brushing also means that owners can deal with the frequent shedding more easily. The coat color is generally brown because of color of most Boxers and the brown Great Danes. Still, there are some that are lighter like the white Great Dane Boxer mix. This could occur with a cross such as a pale Dane and white Boxer. Then there are others that are much darker, as well as the chance of brindling and white patches. The energy levels and exercise requirements with a Boxer and Great Dane mix The Boxer mixed with Great Dane is an energetic dog that is playful and mischievous. There are some that mention a charming naughty streak, but this will often depend on their activity levels and training. They like attention and the chance to run around and play. This means that they need lots of time outside to walk, run and play. This is essential if they are to burn off the energy and stay fit. This dog also needs a large home with plenty of space in the yard. Apartment living is a terrible idea for this cross. On the subject of that yard, make sure that there are tall, secure boundaries in place. Image Source The general health of a Boxer Dane mix This Boxer x Great Dane needs plenty of exercise and a good diet to stay fit, but this not the only health consideration. The interesting thing with this dog is that can be a surprisingly long-lived dog for their size. There is the potential of a Great Dane Boxer mix life expectancy between 12 to 15 years. However, this is not a guarantee with all pups as illness and other conditions can shorten the lifespan significantly. Many will be quite healthy with the right care and diet. There are some mixed ideas on potential of this Boxane within a family unit. Some believe that they will do well with the right family, while others say that they are better off with experienced couples. There is no doubt that this is a friendly playful and loving dog, but some say that they are not great with kids. Some also struggle with other animals. New owners have to remember that this is a large, bouncy pup that may be too much for small children to handle. Socialization training is essential for this pup, whatever the situation. This leads to our next consideration. This is not the smartest dog around, but not the dumbest either. It will get there with time and patience and the experience will be rewarding. Those that struggle with any aspect of training here should turn to Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer for advice. This great online guide provides step-by-step approaches to all kinds of issues. It also helps users adapt their process to the dog, which is perfect with these Boxane puppies. There will be owners that know how to breed and care for these animals for the best pups. They will also allow buyers to take the time to get to know all the animals and ask questions. The cost of this dog may be high because of the work that goes into the process. It is expensive to raise these pups and feed their parents, as well provide all the right health checks. Options may also be limited due to a lack of local breeders. Research carefully before committing to a puppy. The alternative approach for those keen on this cross breed is to look for a Great Dane Boxer mix for adoption. This is a great way to find an adult Great Dane and Boxer mix in need of a second chance. Image Source Is this Boxane dog right for you? In the end, this Great Dane Boxer mix is a rewarding dog for the right owner. This large creature will love owners that give it the time and care it needs. Experienced couple with time to spare, and a big home, could do well here. Families and busy professionals may struggle. Patience is required with all the training and activity requirements, but this handsome Boxane is still a great cross. Lifespan Sociability Buying any dog requires commitment. But when that dog is as big as a Boxane, there are a few extra things you need to consider. For starters, these dogs need a great deal of outdoor space. Ideally, that should be in the form of a large and secure yard in which they can run about freely. From a financial perspective, you should also consider whether you can afford to keep a dog this size. Boxanes eat a large amount of food, and not only does the cost of their food add up, but everything they need, including things like vaccinations and holiday boarding, will cost more than it would be for a smaller dog. As is typical with hybrid breeds, particularly those with parent dogs that have significant physical differences, the appearance of your puppy can vary substantially, depending upon which genes are most dominant. This means that fully grown Boxanes from the same litter may have a weight range of between 60 and pounds. Neither the Great Dane nor the Boxer has a reputation for being an excessive barker, a trait that they have passed on to the Boxane. This is not to say that they are not vocal dogs, just that they will usually vocalize with a range of grumbles, growls, and whines. Aggression toward other dogs is a trait that the Boxane can sometimes inherit from their Great Dane parent and is an issue that if left unchecked, can be particularly problematic given their size. Fortunately, this aggressive behavior can be prevented or at least greatly reduced through early socialization, ongoing regular exposure to other dogs, and training. To start with, due to their size, they need a family that lives in a house with a large yard. The Boxane is not at all suitable for life in an apartment. They are typically quite good with children. However, they are excitable dogs, and when they start running and jumping about the place, they can unintentionally knock a small child over and injure them. For this reason, the Boxane is not the best dog to get when you have toddlers and young children. They require a great deal of exercise each day, and you need to be prepared to spend several hours a day taking them out for a long walk or run. You should also be prepared for them to take over and destroy your yard. As any owner of a big dog will tell you, it is next to impossible to maintain a nicely manicured lawn when you have a large dog romping around on it every day. We recommend that a Boxane should be fed high-quality, size-specific dog food, such as Royal Canin Large Adult Dry Dog Food , which will meet all their daily nutritional requirements. Being large dogs, Boxanes can be susceptible to joint problems later in their life, and these can be more of a problem when a dog is overweight. On average, your Boxane will require at least 60—90 minutes of vigorous exercise each day. In addition to taking them for a walk or run around the neighborhood, you may want to consider activities such as hiking or trail running , as exploring new areas and different routes is a great way to prevent boredom from setting in. They do, however, have a bit of a stubborn streak. So, unless you find a way to keep their training fun and interesting, you may have trouble getting your dog to go along with the program. As mentioned earlier, it is imperative that in addition to obedience training, you take the time to socialize your Boxane while they are young. It is particularly important that your dog gets comfortable meeting and playing with new dogs while still a puppy, to prevent them from showing aggression toward other dogs later in life. They have short straight hair that will not knot or tangle, so they can typically get away with being brushed once every couple of weeks. Regular bathing is not required either, which given the size of the Boxane, is fortunate. As with all dogs, your Boxane will need to have their nails clipped every four to six weeks and will also benefit from having their teeth brushed with canine toothpaste regularly. A post shared by Mack and Cheese mack. But apart from this, they are generally quite healthy dogs. Of course, there are a few conditions to which Boxanes are susceptible. Some can be avoided with health screening and careful breeding. Diseases to watch out for include: Minor Conditions. Brown, Brindle Solid or a mixture of the two Temperament: Loving, affectionate, energetic, gentle, highly active Most Suitable For: Active families, or active single individuals. Photo: Instagram The Boxer Great Dane mix will likely be quite a large dog, standing almost definitely over 2 feet tall! You can expect your Boxer Great Dane to adopt the facial features of the Boxer, with almond-shaped eyes and ears that are triangular and set back atop its head. Your Boxer Great Dane could be any combination or solid color combinations. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. When they were brought to the United States in the early 20th century, they were mostly kept as companion pets, but have also been used in police and military functions. Boxers were the 14th most-popular dog in , according to statistics from the American Kennel Club. Boxers have a fair bit of energy, and can be quite stout and sizeable animals. This makes them great fits for active families, couples or single individuals. How Did Boxers Come About? They remained as cattle dog herders before assuming their contemporary role as companion pets. Crossbreeding dogs became popular in the United States in the s and peaked during the s and early s. This German breed of dog has been around for over years, descending from Mastiff-type dogs that once roamed with the Romans in England. The Great Dane was originally used as a guard dog of German estates and the carriages that carried German aristocrats around in the 17th and 18th centuries. Later, the Great Dane came to the United States and aside from being a companion pet, has also been used as a policing dog. Despite their gigantic size, the Great Dane is a very popular American family dog, ranking 17th in the overall rankings of most-popular dogs in — a statistic gathered every year by the American Kennel Club. The Great Dane is a fantastic option for families looking for a guardian pet — but you must have a large enough house and area for the Great Dane to run or be walked in. The Great Dane is a large dog of German origin — one of the largest dog breeds known to man — it came about from the crossbreeding of various types of Mastiff-type dogs, though no one is exactly sure why or how it came to be. However, they were routinely used as guardian animals for the estates of German aristocracy and travelling coaches. The history of the Great Dane stretches back centuries and while they are a product of crossbreeding, no one is entirely sure when the Great Dane was first crossed with another dog. However, crossbreeding of the Great Dane tends to take place with larger dogs for obvious physiological reasons. One of the most important things that you do before owning a dog is to research their temperamental differences and what potential temperaments of your adopted dog might be. Failure to do your research could mean that you are forced to return your dog to the animal shelter or veterinary clinic from whence they came, causing unnecessary pain and trauma to you and the dog. The Boxer Great Dane mix is a very even-tempered dog. The slight excitability of a Boxer, particularly as a puppy, is tempered by the calm demeanour of the Great Dane. The Boxer Great Dane mix tends to be a very friendly dog towards other animals and pets, though due to its large size and protective nature, can be quite intimidating. As both animals are used to following commands, you can expect the Boxer Great Dane mix to be easy to train. The Boxer Great Dane is a huge animal, weighing anywhere from 85 — pounds. Owing to its Great Dane genes, the Boxer Great Dane will most likely be moderately tall, between 23 and 29 inches in height. Given that both of their ancestors come from a long line of very active dogs, expect your Boxer Great Dane mix to require plenty of exercise. The typical lifespan of a Boxer Great Dane mix is between 9 and 11 years.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the primary three colors of Labradors yellow, black, and chocolate. Finding a reputable breeder that sells chocolate Labs can be difficult, especially if the Labs look different from your expectations. Many dogs have different fur colors when they're born, so do these rules apply to chocolate Labs? Chocolate Labs don't look black when they're born, but they can be such a dark shade of brown that they appear black. They often lighten as they age due to natural discoloration, sunlight exposure, and diet. Some of them have unique markings, but none that would make their coats black. In this article, I'll show you why your chocolate Lab might look dark brown or almost black, whether or not their coat color will change, and what color they are when they're born. In this article Chocolate Lab Puppies Are Chocolate, Not Black Before you go after the breeder asking why you have a different dog, I want to explain a handful of reasons why your Lab might look like it has a black coat. Young pups often have darker coats, regardless of their breed. Here's what you should know about a chocolate lab's dark fur: Chocolate Labs Are Never Born Black First and foremost, you should know your chocolate Lab shouldn't be born black. If a breeder tries to convince you that it's possible, they're either incorrect or explaining why their coat can be extremely dark. It's often difficult for our eyes to process the difference between dark brown and black, which could be the issue. They Can Look Black for Many Reasons Just like any other color, a chocolate Lab can be born a slightly different shade that will change over time. Puppies of all breeds usually have the darkest coat they'll get because they have all of the nutrition they need and haven't been affected by aging problems. If your chocolate Lab has a dark coat, it'll be even darker when they're born. I covered the popular Embark dog genetic test , which is more than worth reading. There's only one gene between a yellow and chocolate Lab, so why not get an official verification? This rare coat color often costs more than other Labradors. You should get what you paid for! Your chocolate Lab should never be solid black at any time in their life. However, it's easy to see why some people think they might be black when they're born. Their coat's darkness can be deceiving. The good news is you'll quickly be able to tell what color their coat will be as they get older. I'll cover the stages of a chocolate Lab's color below. You might've noticed many Labradors grow into their coat's shade as they get older. For example, a champagne Lab can look yellow or gray when they're born, but their shimmer becomes more noticeable when they're a few weeks or months old. The same process can happen with chocolate Labs, but they won't necessarily darken. So, how does aging affect a chocolate Labs coat? All dogs have lighter fur as they get older. Every animal has lighter fur when they get old because it turns white, gray, or a softer shade of their original color—a chocolate Lab experiences similar natural processes. Not only will their coat not darken, but it'll also do quite the opposite! Sunlight exposure can make your chocolate Lab's coat look light brown. UV rays are prone to lightening hair and fur. Your chocolate Lab could have a softer or lighter topcoat if they're always lying in the sun. This process typically takes many years to become evident, though. Their ancestors have a significant impact on how your chocolate Lab's hair looks when they age. If your dog comes from a family of dark black or chocolate Labs, they'll likely look might darker throughout their life. Their diet, exercise, stress, and many other factors influence the shade of their fur. If a dog isn't getting the proper nutrition or they're anxious, depressed, and experiencing other negative emotional issues for a long time, their fur color can change. They might develop dark or light spots, but it's not something you want to happen. It's highly unlikely that your chocolate Labrador's fur will get darker when they're older. All of these factors contribute to your chocolate Labrador's topcoat getting lighter, which is why you'll rarely see their fur darken over time. They might get darker for a couple of weeks or months after birth, but their coat will lighten eventually. Chocolate Labs typically don't get darker, but you still might believe they look black from time to time. How can a dog get darker or appear black if they're a purebred chocolate Labrador? For more information, read on. Your chocolate Lab might look black when they're born for a number of reasons. Perhaps the most common explanation is they have a darker coat than most chocolate Labs you're used to seeing. It'd be best to avoid adopting a chocolate Lab before they're born because they could come out black. Try this list of four reasons your chocolate Lab might look black: They might actually be a black Lab. Adopting a dog before they're born usually isn't an issue. This common practice can result in getting a shade you didn't expect, which might be a bummer if you're set on a specific color. Yellow, black, and chocolate Labs can all have puppies of any color, depending on genetic variables. Many chocolate Labs are incredibly dark when they're born. Jane Lefler , a professional dog trainer, explains some chocolate Labs can look black in different lighting. Take the pup on a walk or bring them outside to see their true color. It's important to check their coat color in all lighting conditions to know if they're chocolate or black. If your chocolate Lab has wet fur, it can appear black. Water makes every hair or fur color appear darker than it is. If your chocolate Lab has a dark coat, they might look black when they're swimming or running through the sprinklers. This issue isn't a cause for concern because they'll look like chocolate again once they dry off. Some chocolate Labs are much darker than others. At the end of the day, your chocolate Lab simply might be one of the dark variants of the same coat color. Some chocolate Labs are dark, some are light, and most are in between. As long as they're verified to be a purebred chocolate Labrador, you're good to go. Chocolate Labs might look black, but they'll never be darker than dark brown. Your Lab will likely lighten with age, but it'll always have the stunning sought-after chocolate color! If you're interested in learning more about chocolate Labs, I have a complete guide about them. Conclusion Chocolate Labs should never look completely black, but they can be quite dark. Since human eyes can only see a handful of colors, it's understandable that they might look black to some pet owners when they're young. Remember to get genetic confirmation when buying a purebred Lab to ensure you're getting what you paid for. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies! Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Old chocolate Labs I have been writing about Labradors for many years now, and there is no doubt in my mind that they are all wonderful dogs. But the chocolate Labrador is special. Meet Rachael, my Beautiful Brown Lab All Labradors are beautiful, of course, but brown Labradors will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I am unashamedly biased! You see, I am lucky enough to share my life with Rachael. A female chocolate retriever from a mixture of American and English Lab lines. This is Rachael as a puppy. This page is a celebration of what is for me, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Rachael has been a huge source of inspiration for this website, so this is a little tribute to her and a thank you for all she has taught me. Where do Chocolate Labs come from? But they had been around for some years before that. The Labrador breed was developed mainly by a couple of English aristocrats in the s, from dogs they had imported from North America. Although our early Labrador Retrievers were predominantly black, some of these original dogs carried the genetic information required to produce chocolate puppies. Just as some also carried the information required to produce yellow puppies. If mainly black dogs were bred from, you may wonder how a brown puppy was ever born! To understand that, we need to take a peep at the genes that carry the code for coat color in the Labrador retriever. How is the Chocolate Color Inherited in Labradors? The instructions that tell your dog what to look like, and what color to be, come packed in genes. And genes come in pairs. This is true for the gene that determines whether or not the Labrador will be brown this gene is called b or black B. Every Labrador has either two genes for a black coat BB or two genes for a brown coat bb or one of each Bb. The color black in Labradors is dominant. That means that if a Labrador has one gene for the color brown, and one gene for the color black, the dog will be black. This is because his black gene switches off the brown one. The brown gene just sits hidden inside him doing nothing in particular, while the black gene takes control of his coat. What about Chocolate Labs? So for a chocolate Lab puppy to be born, he needs to have those two chocolate genes, one is not enough. However, a black Labrador can sneakily carry a brown gene Bb and pass it along to his children. This is how the color brown can and did remain hidden in generation after generation of black Labradors. Shedding chocolate Labs can appear paler as the undercoat shows through more when deep in shed. In old age their coat can also fade, especially around their face. Why were Chocolate Labs not Wanted? So if there were always brown genes in our Labrador population, there have always been occasional brown puppies. All that was required to produce some chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies was for someone to mate a black dog carrying brown Bb with another black dog carrying brown. And hey presto, some of this litter of puppies are brown! And of course in the days long before DNA tests,, there was no way of knowing for sure that a black dog was carrying brown, until he had made some brown puppies. By which time it was too late! It seems bizarre to us now, in a world where chocolate is such a popular color in dogs. But in the early s only black would do. When did Chocolate Labs become Popular? By the s and 30s a few brown or liver Labradors as they were then called were making an appearance on the shooting field. But for some years more, brown was not widely acceptable to Labrador enthusiasts. Chocolate Labs are loving dogs, full of warmth and enthusiasm That preference continues today, and we still often name our brown Labs after favorite snack bars and chocolate flavored drinks! The s was a turning point in the popularity of the chocolate Lab, but interest grew slowly at first. Gradually, the public began to demand more chocolate Lab puppies, and gradually breeders began to produce them. Over the next few decades, Chocolate Labradors became increasingly popular both in the show ring and as pets. In the shooting community, where Labradors were expected to do a job of work, the preference for black continued. This continued throughout the late s, and into the present day, particularly in the UK. American Chocolate Lab American chocolate Labradors were bred to work, and are also known as field Labradors. The chocolate Lab has now become more established in the working community, but they are harder to find. There is a rumour going around that this is because brown Labradors are a bit stupid! But is it true? You might also have noticed that chocolate Labs are rarely seen as seeing eye dogs. Chocolate Lab Characteristics Just like you and me, every dog is a product of both his environment. As well as the genes he is born with. We have seen that many chocolate Labradors come from show Labrador lines, and these bloodlines tend to have certain characteristics in common. Characteristics that are passed along from parent to puppy. Chocolate Lab size varies quite a bit. Show Labradors English are often more heavily built, and somewhat slower and physically less agile than their field bred counterparts. Some English brown Labs may reach 80 or 90lbs without being fat or overweight. Whereas American chocolate Labs are often lighter. My Rachael, for example, weighs less than 60lbs. Most males of her build will weigh five or ten pounds more. English chocolate Labs are also more likely to have a chunky Labrador head and thick otter tail. And while some feel that the chunkiness of the skull has been taken too far in show lines, there is no denying the beauty of a classic Labrador head. A brown Labrador is more likely to be from these show types of bloodline and are therefore more likely to share these general characteristics. But there is more. Chocolate Lab Temperament American Labs may have a more intense retrieve drive, or urge to chase and retrieve things than their show bred cousins. In short, they are desperate to please. Over many generations this biddable quality has been bred into our working Labs alongside their retrieving and hunting prowess. This has given working dogs a rather different temperament from our show stock. Chocolate Lab Intelligence In show dogs you may see a more robust temperament. An English chocolate Lab is often less concerned over the little ups and downs of life. Nothing is taken too seriously. Many English chocolate Lab owners report that their dogs are especially playful. And I have certainly found that to be the case with Rachael. She adores soft toys and spends hours playing with her Flat Squirrel! However, they may less distractible, more focused and therefore easier to train. This can certainly give the impression of a dog that is pretty smart. These dogs may also be more likely to be black. English Labs are still highly intelligent, highly trainable dogs. The differences between field and show might give you the edge in competition. They are also becoming increasingly irrelevant as we switch to more modern methods of training which are much better at motivating dogs to engage in the training process. We mentioned earlier that the color black has long been favoured by the working retriever community. Experienced, working gundog enthusiasts are less likely to buy a puppy that is not from working lines, and when they do, they are more likely to choose a black dog. Unsurprisingly this means that most working lines of Labs are predominantly black. Black is also a great color for a hunting companion. A yellow dog really stands out in the countryside, even in poor light, so even when yellow dogs became more common, they were not so popular with the hunter. Brown dogs are better camouflaged but became more numerous much later and were embraced first by the pet and show communities. Are Chocolate Labs Stupid? To my knowledge, no study has ever been carried out on the differing intellectual abilities of Labrador of different colors. Everything you hear is based on personal anecdotal stories, often passed along in fun. At least to begin with! She has very intense retrieve drive, but is less naturally keen to share the outcome with anyone. She is also easily distracted and because of this she has taken me a little longer to train than my working line Labs. But it is most unlikely that there is any distinct difference in intelligence between dogs of the same breed that happen to be a different color. Being chocolate does not make a dog stupid Even if there were a difference in learning ability between different colored dogs, it does not mean that one caused the other. The answer lies in the behavior and temperament of dogs from different bloodlines. Types of chocolate Labs The difference in trainability is in short a feature of the difference between the field bred dog and the show bred dog. Not a feature of the color of the dog. It is a coincidence that many chocolate Labradors are English in type, and many black Labs are American in type. Because of this coincidence the characteristics of the show bred Lab tend to be attributed to our brown friends. While the characteristics of the field bred Lab tend to be attributed to our black dogs. So you can see how the myth got started. The fact is, that chocolate Labs from working lines are just as easy to train as black Labs from working lines. But you are less likely to meet a chocolate Lab from working lines at the moment. But rest assured, your chocolate friend is not stupid. With modern training methods you can easily teach him to be a well behaved and obedient dog. Chocolate Labrador Shades Unlike our yellow Labradors — which come in a wide range of shades, the color chocolate is pretty consistent in puppyhood. Most chocolate Labs are quite similar in color. As the old hair dies it starts to lose some of its color, and the dead hair is much paler than the glossy new coat that will soon appear. And though some chocolate Labs are darker than others, even when taking the stage of moult into account, variations between individuals are fairly small, with one very contentious exception. The Silver Labrador. Silver Labs Are Chocolate Labs Silver Labradors have a gene which dilutes the color chocolate and makes it a pale, silvery shade. Some people find this very attractive, while others regard it as an abomination. There is no doubt that a hundred years ago, there was no coat dilution gene in our Labrador Retrievers. We know for sure that this gene has appeared quite recently. The strongest theory is that the gene arrived through cross breeding a Labrador with a dog that carries the dilute coat color gene. A breed such as the Weimaraner for example. This seems rather less likely. Not as silver itself. A bright Future for the Chocolate Lab Throughout history, there have been a number of famous black Labradors, and we tend to associate yellow Labs with the all important role of working as assistance dogs. This is not because chocolate Lab dogs lack the qualities or abilities of black and yellow dogs, but simply because the popularity of the color is a relatively recent phenomenon. There are as we speak, plenty of chocolate Labradors serving in the military, working as assistance dogs and in the shooting field. Maybe you have a story to tell about your own chocolate friend, or maybe you are just starting out on your journey to finding a chocolate Lab to share your life. We have some tips for searching in the right places. The other way, is to buy a chocolate Lab puppy and raise him yourself. There are pros and cons to both rescuing an older dog and raising your own puppy, I go into these in some detail in The Labrador Handbook. It may well depend on what stage of life your family is at and on how experienced you are with dogs in general, and with Labradors in particular. You can buy both books from Amazon by following links above. If rescuing appeals to you, and you are ready for the challenges and the many benefits of giving a dog a new lease of life, there are plenty of rescue societies that specialise in Labradors. Rescuing can be a wonderful and fulfilling way of bringing a lovely brown retriever into your life, so do consider it thoroughly. You can find lots more information here: Is a rescue Labrador right for you and here The right dog for you- Puppy or Rescue? If now is not the right time for you to rescue an older dog. Or if you are getting a Labrador for a special purpose — as a hunting companion for example — you may be better off with a new puppy. If someone wants to sell you a puppy much younger than that, alarm bells should be ringing. You also need to make sure you buy your puppy from the right place. This means choosing the right breeder. And avoiding puppy mills and pet stores. If you want a puppy for hunting, you need to go to a breeder that specialises in field-bred dogs. If you want to get involved in the world of showing, you need to go to a breeder that breeds Labradors for the show ring. It is possible to train a show dog for work, though he or she is unlikely to get far in high level field competitions. It is not normally possible to succeed in the show ring with a field bred dog. Keep this in mind. Chocolate Labrador Puppy Health Labradors of all colors suffer from inherited disorders. Please, please make sure your puppy is from health tested parents — it may all end in tears if you omit this important step. Their parents should have good hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests and be PRA clear too. But does picking a chocolate Lab puppy set you off on the wrong foot in terms of health from the start? Are Chocolate Labs Unhealthy? In a study hit the headlines hard, and had a lot of chocolate Lab owners in a panic. Their research suggested that there is a link between Lab color and not just health, but lifespan too. Over 33, Labs were studies, with .Giving a good sample size. Chocolate Labs in the study were more likely to have dermatitis, which matches with some colloquial findings of owners of silver Labs with skin problems. Ear problems are also more common, and this is in fact something Rachael has even suffered with in the past. Gastrointestinal issues were more common with chocolate Labradors too. Chocolate Labradors live on average for just .At least according to this study. Interestingly, they were least likely to have degenerative joint disease or dental problems. It reduces the chances of your pup becoming ill. But it is also important to look at the coefficient of inbreeding. Chocolate Labs get their color from a recessive gene. This means that to ensure you have a litter of chocolate puppies you need to breed from two chocolate parents. Reducing gene pools will always increase health problems. Finding a puppy with a very low coefficient of inbreeding will help you to avoid some of these problems. In addition to health testing, of course. It would also be sensible to avoid a chocolate Lab puppy with parents with a history of ear or skin problems. You can find out more about health issues in Labradors in this article: Health screening for Labrador Diseases. And there is lots of information on finding a good breeder here: Labrador breeders — how to find a good one Training and Exercising your Chocolate Labrador My advice for training and exercising your chocolate Labrador is to figure out what type of lines your dog is from and adjust your expectations accordingly. Then to follow a good positive reinforcement training programme. Make sure you exercise his mind as well as his body. Even if you never intend to take him hunting, he still needs a job to do, retrieves to complete, toys to find, streams to cross and so on. If your dog is from show lines, he too needs training and plenty of exercise, but he may also need plenty of play. Toys and games, and other dogs to interact with. Training my Chocolate Lab Even at seven years old, Rachael still loves to play with other dogs and with people. She is hugely enthusiastic about meeting people and dogs and prone to be over-friendly. And I have to make a special effort to ensure that she is not allowed to interact with visitors until she is sitting calmly. On the plus side, I have had to spend less time socialising Rachael than I would with a field bred lab. As she takes everything in her stride. Too friendly! You may find she is intensely friendly and rather distractible, so this aspect of his education is important. Above all, treat your chocolate labrador like an individual. He is far more than just a product of his breeding and environment. He is a unique character, there will never be another quite like him Caring for an old Chocolate Lab As the years pass by, we leave behind one set of challenges and they are replaced by new ones. Failing eyesight, stiff joints, and declining hearing. However, these senior years can still be happy and fun filled for many dogs, especially if you keep your dog slim. If your chocolate friend is quite heavily built as many chocolates are, you need to be extra careful to keep an eye on his weight as he ages. More body weight means more stress and strain on joints, this can aggravate problems like arthritis in older dogs. I personally think that elderly chocolate Labradors are particularly beautiful, with their greying muzzles and kind eyes. Of course, you will want to make your old friend as comfortable as you can. Tell us what is so special about your chocolate Labrador and why you think they are the best. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article.

The average price will also depend on the conditions in which the puppies are being raised — a reputable breeder will only sell his or her puppies in a clean and healthy environment. It should be noted that it is not ALWAYS more expensive to purchase a puppy from one of these areas — especially if you locate an excellent breeder. Some breeders may charge more because of the high demand for German Shepherds in these areas. Virginia has many cities that fall into the cheapest category for purchasing a German shepherd puppy. Generally, however, you will find that smaller towns charge less than larger metropolitan areas. You can find German Shepherds in most parts of Virginia — so keep looking. If you go see the puppies and they appear unkempt or ill-treated, this should also be a cause for concern. Your breeder should provide you with a clean and healthy environment for your new puppy. When you find a breeder that you feel comfortable with, be sure to ask lots of questions. Breeders are usually more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge about the breed. There are a few key questions you should ask your breeder before purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from them. Some questions you may want to ask include: Are the puppies kept in a clean environment? What kind of food are they eating? How far along in age are the puppies when they leave for their new homes? Do they offer any kind of medical care or guarantee? These questions should give you an idea about how much effort and care goes into raising German Shepherd puppies. A good breeder will have no problem giving you the contact information of happy customers who have purchased puppies from them in the past. When speaking to references, be sure to ask about the quality of the puppy, how well the transition went and if there were any problems after taking the puppy home. References can be a great way to get an idea about whether or not a breeder is reputable. They should be on site when you visit your potential puppy. Make sure that both parents are healthy, friendly and well-tempered. Healthy German Shepherds typically live between years; so be sure to inquire about their health history. An honest breeder will tell you about any potential health problems that may arise due to genetics or environment. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, strength and obedience. They are often used as working dogs in law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy and other service-related roles. German Shepherds are known as a very loving and devoted breed. Not only do they bond strongly with their owners, but they also fully accept family members and children as part of their pack. They can be somewhat wary around strangers until they get to know them. They are relatively active dogs that need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. You can also ask for letters of reference from veterinarians who have treated the puppies in the past. Meeting past customers will give you a good idea about the quality of the puppies the breeder is producing, and it will also help you to determine if the breeder has a good reputation. Remember, we are looking for breeders who offer healthy, well-socialized puppies at an affordable price. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian they use. A good breeder will take their puppies to the vet for check-ups and will also have their vaccinations records up-to-date. If the breeder cannot provide you with the name of a good veterinarian, this might be cause for concern. It is also important to ask how often the breeder takes their puppies to the vet for check-ups. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. If you come across an ad for German Shepherd puppies that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be on the lookout for the following signs of an unethical breeder: The puppies are being sold at a very low price The puppies are being sold online or through classified ads The puppies are very young and have not been fully vaccinated There is no contact information listed for the breeder The breeder does not have a good reputation If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a reputable breeder. You can also report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. German Shepherds are a breed that is known to be susceptible to a number of health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat and cancer. It is important to ask the breeder if your puppy has any health problems. A good breeder will be honest about any health concerns the puppy might have and will also provide you with a guarantee that the puppy is healthy. If the breeder does not offer a guarantee, this is another sign that you should walk away. A reputable breeder will always stand behind their puppies. Many new owners choose to buy a crate so that their puppy has a safe and secure place to sleep and relax, but others prefer to use baby gates or exercise pens instead. Before bringing your German Shepherd home be sure to puppy-proof your home. This means removing any items that the puppy might be tempted to chew on, like electrical cords or furniture legs. You will also want to make sure that there are no poisonous plants in your yard. It is also important to have a designated area for the puppy to potty. Puppies should be taken outside regularly to eliminate, and you will want to make sure that there is always a spot in your yard where they can go. If you have other pets in your home, it is important to socialize them with the new puppy as soon as possible. German Shepherds can be dominant dogs, so it is important to make sure that they know who is boss. Also, be sure to set a good example because they will look to you for guidance. Be prepared for a lot of love, kisses and muddy paws. Potty training a puppy can seem impossible at first, but with dedication, it is completely achievable. Before bringing your German Shepherd home, make sure that you have everything you need for potty training. This includes everything from food and water dishes to pee pads and poop bags. When you start this process, it is important to choose a designated area where the puppy will eliminate in your yard or in the house. Pee pads are also an option if your dog does not want to go outside in cold weather. You should always take your German Shepherd Puppy outside when they wake up, thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything, before bedtime and about minutes after playing. If the puppy eliminates in the designated spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to be patient and consistent when potty training a German Shepherd Puppy. With a little bit of time and effort, your puppy will be successfully potty trained in no time. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Contribute to Sara 's Dogecoin Stash! Contribute Now Adopt Sara and Receive Dogecoin Adopting a pet can be expensive, and we're trying to help by fundraising for each individual in need of adoption. After verifying the adoption, Sara 's new family will receive the funds that their pet has raised. Dogecoin is digital currency that can be exchanged for cash, traded, or held as an investment see the "What is Dogecoin" section below. The adopting family is the only party eligible to receive the Dogecoin. If you adopted the Sara , thank you for providing a home and a loving family! Please begin the process of claiming Sara 's Dogecoin here. For adoptions in which nokillnetwork. For adoptions that were not facilitated by nokillnetwork. The adopting family will be required to provide proof of adoption between weeks after adoption. This is to ensure that the home is a good match and Sara was not returned. Our staff provides instructions and help throughout this process. What is Dogecoin? Dogecoin is a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency that enables you to easily send money online. Learn more about it on youtube or at dogecoin. What happens to unclaimed funds? This fund may be used to match contributions made to other adoptable pets, incentify other adoption-related actions, promote our mission, or support the operating expenses of nokillnetwork. If you would like to make a direct contribution to nokillnetwork. We appreciate your generosity and help! They all came to Virginia after the puppies were weaned in early March. Now that her mom duties are done, Sara is looking forward to enjoying the carefree, comfortable life she deserves! Here's what we know about her so far: SUPER sweet to every living being Runs fast and leaps like a deer, and loves to be chased Loves catching tennis balls and chewing elk antlers Totally ignores cats! Sara is anxious if she's totally alone. Sara is so enthusiastic with her affection that she likes to jump and climb on people for hugs and pets, but that will improve with training. Sara is full of love and can't wait to share it with her forever family. Please consider opening your home and your heart to this beautiful young girl! Did you adopt Sara ? Contact us to claim Sara 's current Dogecoin balance of 0. Our staff will provide help throughout this process. Before submitting this form, please wait 4 weeks after the adoption date so that you can provide proof of adoption and Sara 's current status. Please check the box below if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you do not currently meet the requirements, please put a reminder on your calendar to revisit this page when you qualify. I can provide proof of adoption from a date at least 4 weeks prior to today and proof of current ownership.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. On top of this breeders have to attend and display their dogs at shows which can costs thousands per year as well as going through sacrificing sleep whenever a new litter is born hourly checkups are not uncommon for the first few days after birth. The Costs Of Owning A German Shepherd per year: German Shepherds are a big breed of dog that are expensive to properly look after and care for as they grow. When you first buy a German Shepherd there are high initial costs including the cost of the dog itself, a crate, dog bed, leash and collar, high quality puppy food, grooming brushes and much more. An unexpected illness or injury that requires an emergency trip to the veterinarian can also easily add thousands of dollars to the cost of owning a German Shepherd. A dog with too much energy often results in chewing, digging, barking or over excitement which can be too much for some people to handle. I would be willing to bet that if you checked several pounds in your area you would find a young German Shepherd who is desperate for a home provided the new owners can give it the exercise and mental stimulation it needs for such an energetic and smart breed of dog. I can tell you from personal experience over the last 10 years I have only taken dogs from the pound not always a German Shepherd but a majority of the time and have welcomed into my home some of the most lovely and caring dogs I have ever met in my life. I strongly recommend you look into this option if you are looking for a dog. The cost to adopt a German Shepherd from a shelter depends on a number of different factors. The following are common services done by the local pound and the more they do the more that they need to charge to cover the cost. Veterinary Check: As far as I know this is done by all rescue centers. A veterinary looks over the dog and makes sure they are in a clean bill of health. Microchipping: A microchip with owner identification information is inserted into the dog to make finding the owner easier. De-sexed: Most rescue centers de-sex their dogs to reduce the number of accidental pregnancies and home breeding. Flea and tick medication: Many stray dogs come in with a variety of skin conditions so flea and tick medication is used to make the dogs as healthy as possible. Often a rescue center will provide a few days worth of food so you can ween your dog onto its new diet. Training: Some dogs show aggression towards people or other dogs when they are brought in. Before re-homing they train the dog to better react in situations where they might react aggressively. As you can see all of these things cost money as well as the time of trained professionals. Similar to breeders I would recommend using a reputable rescue center who do as much of the above list as possible. Why shouldn't I just buy one of those? The problem with these puppies is that they have not been bred to the same standard as from a reputable breeder. The parents assuming they are both pureblood GSD's have not had health checks, have not been cleared of common bone problems hip dysplasia etc. All of these factors can contribute to a puppy that is more likely to show genetic or health defects later in life. The cost of surgeries and unexpected trips to the veterinarian can add up very quickly. If by choosing a reputable breeder you avoid just one or 2 health conditions prevalent in poorly bred German Shepherds then in the long run you will save a lot of money. Pay the extra upfront and it will likely save you thousands down the line. Show Dogs And Working Lines If you are looking to buy a puppy that wise sired by show dogs and you wish to train and compete with your dog in the future than you can expect to pay a premium for your puppy. If you are looking at investing in something like this and want to make some money back in the future then it is essential that you train your dog to perform in competition. The best in class dogs can be used to charge stud fee's if it is a male or can produce puppies with desirable traits that people would pay a premium for. Unless you are an expert in GSD's I would strongly recommend against looking into this. Several bloodlines of very successful working GSD's are not even for sale to the public. Cost of GSD mixes Like in most dogs a German Shepherd cross is worth a lot less than a purebred and there are sometimes benefits. Crossbreeds in general have fewer health issues than purebred dogs. There are a few designer mixes which include GSD's most notably crosses between huskies and Labradors. These crossbreeds can still cost similar prices to a purebred GSD. Firstly, these dogs need regular grooming and playtime. You will need to groom your dog weekly, administer monthly heartworm treatments, exercise your dog daily, work on training daily, and spend time cuddling, petting, and playing. Another factor to remember is that you are getting a German Shepherd Dog for the right reasons. Here are a few things to keep in mind: You should not just get a dog to be a guard. While German Shepherds are protective, they do need love and affection too. You should not get a German Shepherd Dog just as a companion to your children. These are large and powerful dogs. They may be loving and gentle, but you are responsible for your dog, not your children. You should not get a German Shepherd Dog if you are a weak leader. They are strong-minded dogs and they need a leader who is strong minded too. German Shepherds do have strong heads and hunting instincts. Without proper training, they can be difficult. They will shed a lot and they blow their coat we will talk about that later which means dog hair everywhere. These big dogs do need room and they have a large bark that could annoy close neighbors. Bringing Home A Puppy Checklist We have discussed everything you need to know about bringing home your new puppy, but the following checklist will make things much, much easier since you could literally mark things off from it when you prepare for your German Shepherd puppy, and when you bring it home too. These supplies can add up in price, so you may wish to purchase some of them after you have the puppy, but this is a good, thorough list of everything you will need for dog ownership. A Proper Sized Crate. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, 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. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog 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. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

Read on for detailed tips on when you should expect your Labradoodle to be trained and milestone ages. Did you know that back in , Labradoodles were bred by an Australian breeder Wally Conron for a blind woman whose husband had a dog allergy? Since then, Labradoodles have only grown in popularity. The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is around 10 to 14 years , and they come in three different sizes — miniature or toy, medium, and standard. Their sizes can also affect how they behave. Your Labradoodle will undergo various changes through every stage in their lives. Their five different life stages include: Puppyhood — 1 to 5 months Adolescence — 6 to 18 months Adulthood — until three years of age Middle Age — until seven years of age Old Age — the last stage; until 12 to 14 years of age. At every stage, your Labradoodle will depict different behaviors, and you will have to modify how you train them accordingly. Can Labradoodles smile? The correct training approach is to start coaching your Labradoodles from the first day when you bring them home. Compared to adult dogs, puppies are easier to train. You will have a much easier and fun time training them when and where to pee, how to socialize, how not to put everything in their mouth, how to stay away from chewing the new sofa set, etc. First 30 Days with a Labradoodle The first 30 days are an exciting time with new Labradoodles. With a crossbreed, you often have no idea what surprises are about to unfold. Your furry friend will obviously go on to explore every nook and cranny of your house. While you might feel like spending every second cuddling and playing around with them, this is the time when you should start training your dog. The sooner you begin, the more adaptable the routine becomes to the dog. When they are young, it is recommended that you initiate the process of Early Scent Introduction to amplify their senses. This will allow them to quickly identify and react to particular smells. A helpful activity is putting a leash on your Labradoodle while it walks around the house and sniffs different household objects. You can also include a few more games and habits into their routine to make them put their senses to good use. You will often find them jumping around the house and licking everyone. All their sensory organs will be heightened, so behaviors like wagging their tails and play-biting people will be common. If their erratic behavior changes are not kept in check, you might even find them baring teeth at anyone who attempts to touch their belongings or fiddle with the safe environment they are used to. Potty Training This is the age to establish a potty schedule for your puppy. Include multiple potty breaks throughout the day so that the dog knows where to go to release themselves. Train them to hold their pee in until they reach their designated point. Every time they successfully pee outside , make sure to reward them with a treat. Leash Training Leashes are going to be a life-long friend of your dogs. Make sure you introduce them to the concept of a leash right from the very beginning. It will help your Labradoodle get accustomed to the feeling of having a leash around them every time they are taken for a walk. When at home, put the leash on the dog, and let them walk around freely without pulling on it. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. The puppyhood phase is about to end, and the new adulthood chapter is about to commence. By this time, they should have mastered most of the training commands and techniques so you can move on to teaching them more advanced training options. Loose leash training, clicker, and positive reinforcement training all become possible now. We must keep a strict eye on reinforcing positive behavior and obedience and redirect unwanted behavior with just as much consistency as when they were a young puppy. By this time, your dog should also be vaccinated, so they can go to a nearby park and play with other dogs. Command Training This is the stage when you start teaching your Labradoodle some basic commands. The best way to introduce it is during their mealtime. You can hold the food in your hands and use it to lure them. Identify a definite marker that you can use to communicate to your Labradoodle if they perform a particular command correctly or incorrectly. Sit with your Labradoodle on the floor and play around to try to communicate with them. Make them comfortable with your touch and sound. Find other puppies that your Labradoodle can spend time with. It is a good idea to begin socializing your puppy to help them become more comfortable with humans as well as other dogs. This will also reduce the risk of anxiety and fear, help them listen to others better, and ensure that they live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless of what training routine you establish for your dog, make sure you only do it through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a reward-based training option. So, if your dog successfully performs a task or follows a command, you praise them or reward them with treats. You can use a favorite treat or a toy to encourage them to follow the command again. Avoid punishing your dog at all costs as it would instill life-long fear in them. Use puzzle toys and different mentally stimulating exercises to improve their physical and mental capabilities even simple food toys like frozen Kongs or slow feeder bowls do the trick. Our best Labradoodle name ideas. I am sure you have been planning the arrival of your Labradoodle and are excited for all the joy and happiness they are about to bring into your life. I got a puppy a few months back too, and there are a few tips I wish someone had told me about before: Have two separate bowls ready for your Labradoodle — one for food and one for water. Feed them with food specific to their breed, and make sure to replace their bowl with fresh water every day. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are part and parcel of a good puppy training routine. You can also treat them with a toy every time they follow the commands you teach them. Invest in a comfortable dog bed. Although bedding can be expensive, your Labradoodle needs a decent place to relax. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate, neither too big nor too small. Puppy-proof your house before the new member settles in. Keeping the electrical cords out of reach, properly latching the doors and windows to avoid risking your puppy wandering off, and designating a specific bathroom area for the puppy are some of the vital precautions you must take. It not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh but also eliminates the risk of illnesses and diseases in your dog. But they still need to be regularly groomed to avoid matting. To do this, however, you need to train your Labradoodles to be comfortable with the different grooming tools and sit still for some time. Here are a few tips on how you can do that successfully: Sensitize your Labradoodle to the sounds of different grooming equipment like nail trimmers, scissors, combs, brushes, etc. Play with their paws and make them feel comfortable. You should massage their feet and touch their nails to make them feel at ease with your touch. The more you delay grooming your dog regularly, the more complex and painful the procedure will get. Brushing becomes easy, pain-free, and you will be surprised to see your Labradoodle eventually starting to look forward to it. While doing facial trims, your dog needs to remain calm and still. To do a facial trim, gently hold their head in one hand and rest their chin on another. There are high chances your dog will be placed in a crate when attending grooming sessions at a salon. So make them accustomed to being placed inside a crate at home. You can keep their favorite toys and treats inside to make them feel more comfortable. Most of the advanced Labradoodle training options and methods are built on basic training methods. If your Labradoodle has successfully mastered basic training skills, the advanced training period will be relatively easy. If you want your dog to behave even better and learn new tricks, or get them registered as a service dog or a guide dog, or make them participate in an upcoming dog event, you can consider enrolling them in professional advanced training courses. Labradoodles, as the name suggests, are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, combining the best characteristics of both breeds. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and loving and they are very easy to train. In terms of background, if the breeder or adoption service you got your pup from did not start any training, then you will have to start slow and be patient. A Labradoodle that has been trained and brought up well can serve as the perfect service dog, guide dog, or therapy dog. Are Labradoodles Easy To Train? Labradoodles are great companions that can fit in as easily in a large family as they can in a small one. They are easy to train, friendly, social, and intelligent. If they are trained consistently, they develop a friendly temperament and bond well with their owners. Do Labradoodles Bark Excessively? As with any other breed of dog, Labradoodles are at high risk of barking excessively if they are not adequately trained or if their day-to-day requirements are not met. A Labradoodle has a lot of energy. If the energy is not channeled in the right place through coaching, exercising, and proper stimulation, they might get stressed and anxious and bark unreasonably. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Final Words The happiness that comes with having a Labradoodle as your companion and raising them is unmatched. However, as with any other dog, training them involves hard work and discipline. I hope this guide makes Labradoodle training easy for you. The biggest hurdle you may face when training your dog is a lack of motivation and consistency. Luckily, Labradoodles are inclined to learn from their owners quicker than other breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Challenge Their Mind Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs, so prevent boredom. Most dog owners know that a new puppy requires proper nutrition and daily exercise, but they often forget to challenge them mentally. This is a problem that can lead to a lot of behavior issues, from aggression and, biting to full-on destructive behavior. But perfect and precise practice is by far the best road to success. If you have to choose between making a specific exercise easier or lowering your expectations of the final result, always go for the first option. Always start at the point where your Labradoodle is able to do the exercise correctly, and then move ahead from there. Reactions towards humans, cars, other animals, and so on, aggressive behavior, growling being overly excited. The solution to all these problems starts with the ability to do nothing. Labradoodles, like humans, need to focus and use their attention to be able to learn new things. Small problems might seem just like that, small, but they have a tendency to grow larger over time. Most of the problems you might encounter during to daily walk or someplace else should be solved even before leaving your home. Perhaps your dog will eventually become tired and end up walking more slowly and what seems to be more well-mannered than you, but having a tired Labradoodle is not the same as a well-behaving Labradoodle. Have a Point of Restoration Labradoodles connect certain emotions with very specific areas. So if you are having problems with a specific behavior, and your dog ends up stressed or losing interest, try moving to a different area and training something that you know your dog is good at. This will give the Labradoodle a sense of accomplishment. Try finding a lower table or some other platform to exercise with instead. When your dog manages that, then you can return to the table that was too difficult, to begin with. It is then highly like that your dog will be able to jump onto the table, without even having to think much about it. You might have a dog that jumps onto visitors, or perhaps on your furniture. Now when opening the door, this will prevent your dog from jumping onto the visitor. Usually, it will quickly stop attempting to jump up, and then you tell it to sit down. Have your guest pet it for a short amount of time, and only as long as the dog keeps sitting. You can then start over and try this exercise several times. Labradoodles who jump on the furniture when told not to. Grab a hold on the end of the leash, and pull the dog down from the furniture. Again, start over and try multiple times until the message is clear to the dog. Put your dog on a long training leash and make sure that you have a firm grip on the other end before calling for your dog to return. When the dog returns, give it a treat or its favorite toy. Repeat this until you get a satisfactory outcome. This is also where most people start making mistakes with Labradoodle training. They are very enthusiastic about training and buying all the best products, but after the first week, they lose interest and end up letting the dog do pretty much what it wants. And if it takes you a month to get to the point where the dog returns to you even without you pulling on the leash, keep the leash on for the same amount of time before removing it, just to be sure. Make sure that you get the result you want every single time until it is certain your Labradoodle is done taking chances. Sometimes we end up training our Labradoodles for so long that they will eventually lose their motivation. And now your dog is tired and really in need of a good rest. Stop the exercise as soon as you know your dog understands the concept of what you are doing. In the Case of a Stressed Dog Go back to the point where your dog the last time felt perfectly comfortable. When a dog is stressed it will usually go back to instinctive and unwanted behavior, so it is not a good idea to only train your dog in surroundings where it is totally calm. You have to work with situations where your dog usually has a strong reaction. And then you have to work through those situations. The only way to train your Labradoodle to overcome these situations is by getting them to a point where they master it. Try doing that in a controlled environment, after you have thought your dog the most basic training. If you are hesitant at putting your dog in these situations because you fear what reaction it might show, work with it in less stressful surroundings before moving forward. Taking One Step Backwards To be able to take two steps forward. Try looking back at rule number 6. The rule applies to every single time you and your dog find yourself in a new situation. This is especially important when training your dog in that phase where it has learned something, but now it needs to be able to do it every single time without any hassle. So put the leash on until you are certain that your Labradoodle also has this new situation under control, before continuing with your exercises. As mentioned earlier your is most likely a gambler or at the very least an opportunist. Putting your dog on a leash makes it easier for you to follow through on your command, and think very carefully before commanding your Labradoodle to do anything. Never Test Your Dog Tests and exams are fine with kids going to school. But instead, be sure that you are there to lead and guide your dog as much as necessary. This is extremely important to remember. And that makes all the difference in the world to a Labradoodle just trying to find its place in this human world. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Remember that things like potty training will not be linear — mistakes are going to be made. How to Train Your Pup in the Correct Ways of Interacting with People One thing that can drive dog owners crazy is when their pet exhibits all kinds of bad behaviors around other people. Not everyone is used to dogs, and some people are even frightened by them, so having an unruly pup that jumps, barks, or even bites can be a really unpleasant experience for them. Just make sure to follow these tips and remain consistent with them! To avoid this behavior, you must be the example. Remain calm when your dog becomes excited to see you and do not acknowledge them until they have calmed down. Teaching them to sit and stay upon greeting someone can also be helpful. Barking at Guests To prevent your dog from barking when they greet a house guest, you should identify the stimulus such as doorbell or the opening door and train them to associate it with a command such as sit and stay and a reward. Biting Preventing your dog from biting begins with early socialization. Obedience training can also prove to be helpful, as can spaying or neutering them. If the problem persists, a professional trainer may be necessary. Playtime Training Basics Yes, even playtime requires a fair amount of training. It can also make playtime a bit more enjoyable for you. For instance, your labradoodle puppy might pick up the ball when you throw it to them and then run off and drop it far away from you. If you can train them to bring the ball right back to you, then playing fetch will go far more smoothly. Playtime can easily become an area where bad behaviors are picked up, so make sure to bring some extra treats and your clicker so that you can apply some commands while you and your pup are having fun. Any time there is a lot of stimulation and it may be easy for your dog to stop being obedient, those are the areas in which you should focus on dog training the most. Using the Leash Correctly Read carefully, because these are some of the most important labradoodle training tips on this whole list, maybe even more important than house training. Ensuring that your new puppy is properly leash trained will make your relationship with them a far more enjoyable one. Your dog needs plenty of exercise. They just needed you to give them the proper training! One of the earliest forms of puppy training is getting your labradoodle acclimated to wearing a harness and leash. If they do start to pull, stop and stand perfectly still until they come to you. In time, they will learn to walk at your pace, not theirs. A labradoodle puppy that receives attention at the correct time will eventually develop into a well-adjusted adult dog that you consider to be one of your family members. Summary These are the ten most important tips to follow when raising a labradoodle puppy. We hope you use them when the time comes to start obedience training with your new dog. As always, we encourage you to continue your research and gain all of the information on raising a great labradoodle that you can. The more you know about dog training, the more likely you are to have a truly incredible dog! Was this article helpful? Get Started Labradoodle Training We know how challenging it can be training your doodle puppy, and adjusting your new puppy's schedule and routine to yours. Below are some tips and suggestions on how to make your puppies first few weeks together with you and your family a stress free and exciting time for all involved! Bringing Your New Puppy Home The first few days home with you, can be overwhelming for your new puppy. Everything is a new experience to them. Try to bring the puppy into your home during a time that is slow for you. Once you arrive home with your puppy, you want to start a routine as quickly as possible. Try giving your puppy a few minutes of playtime before beginning any training. This is brought on by the stress of a big change, and as long as it is not excessive or bloody, it is nothing to be concerned about. High quality Puppy and Dog foods have all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. One ingredient to avoid in your puppy food is corn. Corn offers little nutritional value and is mostly a filler. You may feed your puppy whatever food you prefer. However, If you are changing foods, you want to do it slowly to give them a chance to adjust to the new food. Each day, gradually add more of the new food and less of the old food. If changed too quickly, the puppy may experience diarrhea. Once in the morning and once at night. We recommend the evening feeding to occur by - pm. It is recommended that you do this until they are around 6 months of age. Remember to offer water every 2 to 4 hours, not just when offering food. As with feeding we don't like to give water too close to bedtime when training a labradoodle puppy. House Training Your Labradoodle Puppy "The key to house training is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Such deterrence may seem impossible if you have a puppy that seems to eliminate every few minutes. But by following a few simple steps, you can teach your canine companion proper potty deportment. Pick A Potty Spot - Choose a grassy area that is close to your home and easy to clean up. Whenever your puppy needs to go, take him to this spot and use the same route to get there every time. Supervise Your Puppy - To prevent accidents, watch your puppy closely whenever he's not confined. Get Him A Den a crate, more on that below - When you can't watch your puppy, put him where accidents are less likely to occur: In a crate. The crate is a safe, enclosed area where your puppy will instinctively refrain from eliminating. Put your puppy in its crate any time you can't watch it every single second, but don't leave your pup there too long. No more than one hour longer than its age in months four hours for a 3-month-old dog. Keep A Schedule - Puppies need to eliminate after sleeping, eating, and playing, and before bedtime. By setting up a schedule for those activities, you can make your puppy's bathroom breaks more predictable and greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Stick With It - It may take awhile before your puppy becomes trained. If this process sounds like work ,it is, but the better you do it -or in other words, the fewer accidents you have while training-the more quickly your dog will succeed. Crate Training Your Labradoodle I have heard many people say that crate training is mean and only serves as a punishment to the dog. They couldn't be more wrong. These are some of the many benefits of crate training: Crates are perfect for the dog to sleep in. When a dog is coming into a home where other dogs already live, the crate is a safe place for the new dog. You should never confine your pet as a form of punishment. Make sure that you invest in a good sturdy crate made either of hard plastic or of heavy steel wire. Cages with rounded edges make it easier to clean them. Make sure the cage is big enough for the dog. Puppies need a cage that is appropriate for their size. They have crates that can be divided so that a large cage can work for a smaller puppy. This eliminates the need to buy several different cages as the puppy grows. We hope you have success training your doodle puppy and find it as rewarding as we have! Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. Over 6 Months Old 8 week old Labradoodle Puppy Training At 8 weeks old your puppy has only just arrived home, so your main focus will be on helping them to settle in, bonding and starting that all important potty training process. Potty Training Your brand new puppy will need to have the opportunity to pee as much as every twenty minutes for the first few days. They will also need to pee or poop after every meal, and every big drink. Socialization Have four different sets of visitors to the house, and go to at least four busy places with the puppy in your arms. Sweet Goodbyes Puppies find it hard to be left alone, so we like to sweeten up those goodbyes with treats! Every time you need to briefly leave the room, drop a handful of kibble behind you to make it seem like a good thing for your pup. Follow me Puppies are naturally inclined to follow you at 8 weeks old, and you want to encourage that instinct. When outdoors in the backyard change direction lots, and give lots of treats and cuddles in exchange for them coming after you. Recall Blow your recall whistle we use five short pips when your puppy is running full pelt towards you. They will have started to understand that outdoors is the place to pee, and have gained a tiny bit of bladder control. But they will still need a lot of help! Socialization should still be in full swing this week, and your increasingly confident puppy will need help remembering to keep her teeth to herself. Potty Training Your puppy will still need lots of opportunity to pee outdoors in order to reduce accidents. Socialization Meeting people is really important this week. Take your puppy to four new places, and have four sets of visitors. Carry them while you are outdoors. Rewarding Eye Contact Whenever your puppy looks up at your face, pop a treat in between her paws or into her mouth. This will start to encourage her to look up at you more often, in the hopes of something scrummy. We close our treat laden palm when the puppy approaches, open it again as they back oiff and feed the treats to them with the other hand. This helps them to start learning that staying calm and keeping a little distance will get you treats quicker than biting and snatching at them. This week you might start to see those teeth come into action. Remember to remove attention from the puppy when they bite hard on your skin. At just under 3 months old your puppy will have lots of confidence, and be accidentally getting themselves into all sorts of jams unless you are really careful. The window for socialization is closing soon, so make the most of those last couple of weeks to build up their knowledge of people and the world around them. Potty Training At 10 to 12 weeks your puppy will be able to hold its bladder for maybe as long as two and a half hours during the day. If you get an accident in the house, reduce that time down again. And make a note of when your puppy pees so as not to lose track. Over these weeks try to go to two new busy places and two new sets of visitors each week. Rewarding calm behavior Now is the time to help your dog learn to relax. Every time you catch your Labradoodle puppy relaxing, pop a treat between their paws. This will encourage her to chill out even more! Introduce off leash heel position You can start to teach your dog to walk nicely next to you at this point. We begin this process by reinforcing them for standing next to you with the clicker and treats. Recall To work on your recall, whistle your puppy for running towards you as you run away. Give them lots of treats as a reward when they arrive. You can also whistle when giving meals to build up strong positive associations with this cue. Bite inhibition Labradoodle puppy biting can really ramp up at this age. Remember to remove attention when your puppy bites hard. Either standing up, or even leaving the room or popping them in their crate or playpen temporarily while they calm down. This is your final chance for socialization, and it needs to be carried out in a more relaxed way. But at least you can pop your pup on the ground now! Recall Whistle your puppy for running towards you as you walk away, rewarding them with lots of treats when they arrive. Stand with your puppy on the leash, and carry them between locations so as not to upset future heelwork progress. Introduce sit We introduce the sit at this stage, but in a very relaxed informal way. We do so indoors only, when there are no distractions. This is begun without a cue or command, by capturing the position. Potty training should be pretty established. Your goal is to encourage your dog to focus on you and to become a well mannered member of the family. Your puppy should still be given the chance to pee at least every two to three hours. As well as after meals! Changing directions Puppies are more confident at this age, so you need to keep them keen to stay near you. When outdoors in the backyard or at the dog park, keep changing direction regularly. Be unpredictable, and when they follow you back it up with lots of fuss and treats. Off leash heelwork Off leash heelwork training moves from establishing the position to taking a few steps forwards at this stage. Make sure you use lots of praise, and only practice in a familiar, boring area. And one with no distractions! Go slowly, and make sure your pup stays focussed on you. Introduce down We also introduce the down position at this age. This is done without a cue like the sit was the previous month, by capturing the position. Advancing the sit The sit advances further at this stage. Once that is well established, you can begin to very slightly increase duration and distance one by one. Adding distance, duration or distractions to things they already know. Where you get your dog used to doing as you ask them, in different locations or with distractions. Or for longer! Adding distance, duration or distractions We do this step by step, only increasing one thing at a time. So if you want your dog to sit for longer, you will do it somewhere they already happily sit and with no one else around. And thinking of adding a distraction like another dog? Then do it somewhere they are familiar with, and with that dog a long way away to begin with. On leash heelwork We love teaching heelwork off leash. It helps your dog to walk nicely next to you, without ever having the opportunity to pull. A dog that has never wandered ahead is less likely to try to do so even with a leash. Training Methods I cannot recommend positive reinforcement training enough. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, by giving them something they like. Food is usually the best thing to motivate your dog with, but toys work well for some dogs too. When you use positive methods you can start training your puppy from the very first day they arrive in your home. And logical to know how far you expect a puppy to be able to have come at different developmental stages. Labradoodles are clever and focussed, but they also have a fairly high prey drive. Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and every dog takes their own time. Just remember to only move on to more challenging training situations for them when they have totally mastered the stage before. Related Articles.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. 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. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.

Sometimes called a Bull-Pug, the Miniature Bulldog is a cross between an English Bulldog and a Pug, Puggle, or French Bulldog to create a smaller size bulldog that will be perfect for your family. English Bulldogs were bred to bait, guard, and control bulls while Pugs have been companions to royals since about BC. They are peaceful and get along well with animals and people. You may find that some males are territorial or try to display dominance or aggression toward other male dogs. By nature, Bulldogs may occasionally display overprotective behaviors, but early training and socialization can help you manage it. They can be stubborn and slow during training, but they retain what they learn well. It frequently has a shortened muzzle like both parent breeds, which can sometimes lead to difficulty breathing especially in extreme temperatures. Eyes are dark, large, and round, and ears are thin and small and hang in a rose or button configuration. Mini Bulldogs have sleek and short, smooth and glossy coats that shed moderately but almost never tangle or mat. Black and fawn is the most common coloration, but you can also see brindle, red, and white. Typically this breed will be about 15 inches tall and weigh 15 to 45 pounds. They are not likely to ask for walks, and you may even find your pup to be lazy! But some daily exercise is crucial to keep these naturally thick-set dogs from becoming obese. Obesity runs in both parent breeds, so Mini Bulldogs are especially prone to putting on unhealthy weight. We recommend 30 minutes of activity per day and about 2 miles walking per week. Take care when exercising because their shortened muzzle makes them particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures. Pugs tend to be either fawn, silver or black. Bulldogs tend to be white, red, black, fawn or brindle. So your pooch can be any combination of these colours. As both parent breeds have a straight, dense and short coat, your Miniature will have this coat type. English Bulldog Temperament English Bulldogs are kind and loving dogs, they are renowned for their patience with children and their funny personalities. Although they are very energetic as puppies, when they grow up, they are very relaxed and calm dogs, content to potter about the house, eat food and sleep out their evenings on your couch. They are an intelligent dog, who love to cause mischief! What Does This Mean Then? Happy like the Pug and relaxed like the English Bulldog, this dog fits in perfectly with people from all walks of life. Miniature Bulldogs are known for their peaceful nature. While they are known to be clownlike as a puppy, they are very mellow as adults, and like nothing more than to kip on the couch. Neither Bulldogs, nor Pugs, like to bark and so it is unlikely that your dog will be a big barker. However: Pugs are known to bark when bored and so your pup may inherit this from their parents. Bulldogs have a protective nature and bark when they feel that they or their pack are threatened. If socialised properly, this dog will get on well with all members of the family, including other pets. Due to the protectiveness of the Bulldog they may react negatively to the presents of unknown of unfamiliar animals or people. With correct, frequent and early socialisation as a puppy this should not be an issue. They make wonderful family pets as they have a sweet and gentle disposition of the Bulldog and actively try and gain human attention. As a result, they are brilliant with children and make brilliant family pets. Both the Pug and the English Bulldog love to please their owners so this will help with training this eager little dog. Consistency is key with this dog as they are not the smartest. You should start training as early as possible to help train and build a strong bond with your puppy. Pick a training technique, method and schedule and try to stick to it, we would advise: Use only positive reinforcement dog training techniques, all forms of dominance based training have been de-bunked and will create health issues in your pooch. Adopt a consistent schedule of short daily training sessions lasting for a maximum of 10 minutes. Bulldogs respond very negatively to harsh tones and are very sensitive to your voice and so you should never shout at your dog. When training your dog, always focus on encouraging the correct behaviours, using dominance or force will dampen the trust created between you and your dog as they have an incredibly loyal nature, and any harshness will lead to strong feelings of betrayal. Caring for a Miniature Bulldogs These are fun and loving dogs and get on well with all people. Caring for one is easy, as they are rather low maintenance, except for their constant demand for cuddles and belly rubs. Due to their exercise needs, they get on very well in apartments and do not need access to large amounts of outdoor space to run wild in! Exercise Requirements Exercising a Mini Bulldog is uncomplicated and easy. They do not need to run for miles every day like other dogs, they are more than content for a short walk to the park and back. These dogs are not particularly energetic, so you may spend more time convincing them to go walkies than actually walking. This being said, it is important to make sure they go for a daily walk, as this will benefit both their physical and mental health. Try to get your Miniature Bulldog up and moving for about 30 minutes every day — this can be through going for walks or through play. It is important to note that both Bulldogs and Pugs are brachycephalic dogs i. This makes it harder for them to breathe when panting and they struggle to tolerate heat, so when playing is important to be careful as they may overheat. Yards can also be a place to play fun games with your dog, this dog loves a game of tug-of-war or hide and seek. These games will provide physical and psychological stimulation for your dog. Grooming and Shedding As their coat is very easily managed, Miniature Bulldogs do not need regular grooming. They may need bathing when they get into something particularly messy, but, beyond that they have a very low maintenance coat. There is a possibility they may develop a skin condition e. Both English Bulldogs and Pugs are low shedders, but, do shed seasonally, so this may be something to watch out for. Feeding and Diet If you choose to feed dry food to your dog, choose a high quality, grain free dry dog food that is formulated specifically for small dogs. Feed between 1 to 1. When choosing a food, look for the Nutritional Adequacy Statement on the packaging to ensure you are purchasing the best food for your pooch. There are some instances of Miniature Bulldogs having a sensitive stomach, so make sure you feed your dog the same food and use a consistent feeding time to avoid any stomach problems. General feeding guidelines suggest that you should feed 20 to 30 calories per pound of body weight. As this dog is prone towards obesity, it may be best to feed towards the lower end of 20 calories per pound. For specific feeding advice, it may be best to consult your veterinarian as this is just a general guide. Due to the phenomenon of Hybrid Vigour, results in less genetic health problems; this is very important with a Bulldog because of their limited breeding pool and recent overbreeding. As a result, these dogs relatively healthy lives. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Life Span Did You Know? Although these dogs are small, they are known to be full of love and affection, especially for their favorite humans. Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize them, they are recognized by other canine registries. They thrive on being with their favorite humans and enjoy nothing more than spending time with them. As long as they are properly socialized, their calm nature and sweet disposition mean they tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are likely to bark to alert you of strangers, they also tend to be open to meeting new people and warm up quickly once introduced. The Mini Bulldog is a highly adaptable dog. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with or without yards. They do best in moderate climates as they are very sensitive to heat and need some winter dog products to stay warm in the cold as well. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Miniature Bulldog include cherry eye, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and luxating patella. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Since both parents are brachycephalic, you can expect a Mini Bulldog to be a flat-faced, snub-nosed breed as well. This can contribute to difficulties breathing and regulating temperature, so you need to be careful about heat and overexertion with these dogs. The Miniature Bulldog is eager to please and will strive to get attention and praise from their families. Although they can have a little bit of a stubborn streak at times, they still tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only do they help reinforce training and keep it consistent, but they are also great opportunities to continue to socialize your puppy. Mini Bulldogs have short, dense coats that shed a low to moderate amount year-round. Brushing their coat weekly and the occasional bath is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. In addition to standard dog grooming brushes for this coat type, a rubber mitt can be a good tool to have on hand for easily removing excess fur. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks and carefully cleaning ears as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although their big, round eyes are adorable, they are also prone to damage from debris and can be sensitive. As a small dog breed, the Miniature Bulldog is more prone to developing dental disease. Daily brushing plus cleanings at the vet when needed are a good start. Although they will be energetic when they play, the Miniature Bulldog can also be one of the laziest dog breeds if you let them. Generally, they are happy to relax and cuddle with you, especially if there is food involved. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this dog. If they are interested in more activity or you need to encourage them to move more, there are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs that will let you give them the activity they need without overheating them. A fully-grown Mini Bulldog usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Miniature Bulldogs generally live for years on average. Featured Miniature Bulldog Article.

They are good-natured and even-tempered, which makes them a popular choice for families with young children. Labs are known for their enthusiastic tail-wagging and their boundless energy, and they will often approach strangers with a wagging tail and a friendly face. However, they can also be boisterous and excitable, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a calm and quiet dog. Since the Lab was bred as a hunting dog, this lovable giant will need lots of vigorous, outdoor exercise to keep him calm and centered. Yellow Labs are usually a big fan of fetching and chasing games, and enjoy a good romp in the yard with their family. Yellow Labradors also enjoy walks with their master, and are good swimmers that enjoy lakes, rivers, pools, and the beach. Overall, the Yellow Lab is a friendly, energetic breed that makes an ideal companion for those who are looking for an active lifestyle. Yellow Lab Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years — our Yellow Labs for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Yellow Lab puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. If your dog is constantly scratching or seems to have irritated skin, they may be allergic to something in their environment — like pollen or dust mites. Your vet can help you identify the source of the allergy and recommend the best course of treatment. Yellow Labs are also prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. And if you notice your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears more than usual, make an appointment with the vet right away. Finding a Yellow Lab puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat is typically yellow, but can also be ranging in color from light cream to fox red. When it comes to coat care, the Yellow Lab is relatively low-maintenance. The coat does not require trimming or special haircuts, although it does need to be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Labs also enjoy spending time outside, so regular baths are generally not necessary unless the dog gets particularly dirty. Meet Yellow Lab Puppies for Sale. It is their outgoing, affectionate, and eager-to-please demeanor that makes them so qualified to take on all of these jobs and still be the perfect family pet. When it comes to breed standards, the AKC recognizes three official colors for the Labrador: black, chocolate, and yellow. At Hidden Pond Labradors, we understand that everybody has a different preference in mind when they set out to bring one of these incredible dogs into their home. Yellow Labrador Retriever Breeder The yellow Lab is one of the most popular colors, in part due to its photogenic nature. This also makes them excellent show dogs, although any of the three recognized colors can easily achieve Grand Champion status. Coat shades that are classified as yellow range from white to fox red. Like chocolate, the yellow coat is a recessive color that requires both parents to carry and pass on the gene. Yellow Labrador Retrievers, just like every other color, have a stable, amiable temperament. Their trainability and discipline should not be mistaken for lethargy though. Labs are very active dogs that will bring a lot of fun energy to your household. Are you interested in the unconditional love, support, and joy a Lab can bring to your family? Get in touch with Hidden Pond Labradors! Your purchase of one of our yellow Labrador Retriever puppies includes a veterinarian health certificate , first set of vaccinations, one-year written health warranty, and a lifetime placement warranty should you need it. Contact us today to reserve a puppy from our next litter! Tweet on Twitter The yellow Lab is perhaps best known for its role as a guide dog for the blind. Perhaps more than any other color, the yellow Lab has become associated with companionship and families. And also with the show ring. These dogs are often referred to as English Labs. English Lab is simply the American name for the chunkier type of Lab favored in the show ring. Those Labs originally bred especially for hunting are called American Labradors. They are still the same breed, but vary quite a bit in weight and body shape. Their temperaments are also a little different. American Labs tend to be a little calmer and less playful. Travelling with the amazingly tough people who traveled from England and settled there. These early dogs were hunting and fishing companions that split into two different breeds—the large Newfoundland dog, and the St. Later, the St. You probably know that the early Labs were usually black. But there were other, more sinister reasons. Early Yellow Labrador Breeders To begin with, yellow Labs were not liked and many yellow puppies born were probably culled by their breeders. This meant that for a long time, the yellow color was rare. These range from a creamy white, through pale buttermilk yellow, to gold and even the most intense fox red. For many years, the paler dogs were the most sought after. Yellow Lab Temperament So we all agree that yellow Labs are cute. But what are they really like? Of course, just like with humans, Labs form their temperaments from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. It is wise then to pay keen attention to choosing a breeder. After bringing your Lab home, you also have a role to play. Bond with your dog. If they have caring families and well-treated, yellow Labs are more likely to be kind and gentle in return. Yellow Labs are also one of the easiest breeds to train. No wonder they serve as search and rescue, guide dogs, hunting buddies, and many more. Despite all the variety, all these colors are registered with the AKC under the one heading—yellow Lab. Do Yellow Labs Shed? Labradors are well known for their rather excessive shedding tendencies. Yellow Labs shed just like their chocolate or black cousins, although it does tend to show up less on my carpets as the hairs are pale instead of dark. They do however require just as much grooming and coat attention to keep their shedding under control. The furminator is one of our favorites. This video below shows how it can be used. That book planted a desire in me for a yellow Lab like Luath. There is no shortage of yellow Lab heroes in literature and on the screen. No one could forget Marley in the film Marley and Me. And in the UK, possibly the most famous dog of all time is Endal, the highly decorated yellow Lab service dog who died in .My own yellow Lab today is a fox-red girl. But her wonderful yellow lab temperament still shines through. Yellow Lab Rescue What better way to find the yellow Lab of your dreams than to rescue a beautiful yellow Lab from a shelter or Labrador Rescue Society. Rescuing an adult Lab gives a dog a second chance at love and family life. It also gives you a chance to have a dog of your own without going through the challenges of puppy raising. We have an extensive list of Labrador Rescue societies for you to browse linked at the bottom of this article. The good news is that many of these diseases can be avoided by picking puppies whose parents have been health tested clear of each disease. The bad news is that not all Labrador breeders of the purebred yellow Labrador Retriever use these tests. So, before you begin your search for the yellow Lab puppy of your dreams, do check out our important information on finding a good breeder. If you need some help deciding whether to choose a female yellow Lab or a boy puppy, we can help. In terms of temperaments they will be very alike. With more differences between American and English Labs than there are between males and females. Female yellow Labs might need spaying , or to be managed differently during their season. Male Labs can be neutered , but this procedure needs to be weighed up as there are some major downsides. But fundamentally, the choice is just down to personal preference. Our best bet then is to find a breed with as few major health issues as possible. The yellow Lab is an excellent choice in this case. There are, however, at least three main health issues you should be aware of. Yellow Labs are especially prone to the following: Ear troubles: Thanks to those cute floppy ears, ear infections abound with yellow Labs. Joint issues: Despite being pretty strong dogs, yellow Labs are genetically predisposed to joint problems including hip dysplasia. Obesity: Because of their excessively healthy appetite, yellow Labs and Labs generally can become overweight. Absolutely not. Their issues are few compared to other dog breeds. Do make sure you have read up on Labrador health problems before buying a puppy. Choose a breeder that health tests the parents and ask for proof of these checks. This is particularly important to improve the odds of your pup having good hips. If you want to find out more, you can also take a look at our guide to Labrador lifespan. Pictures of Yellow Labs We never get tired of looking at pictures of yellow labs. They come in so many beautiful shades—there is a color to suit everyone One of our most popular articles is a celebration of these beautiful dogs, full of yellow Lab photos in all the different varieties available. Our Labrador names page is packed with suggestions for wonderful puppy names for yellow, red, and golden dogs. You should be able to find what you need. Yellow Lab—a Perfect Companion In many ways, the yellow Lab is simply the perfect companion for any active family with the time and space to enjoy this wonderful breed. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.