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More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Standard poodle puppies for sale at standard poodle island, we as dog breeders have been raising outstanding standard poodle puppies for 16 years. Contact us by email spi40 yahoo. You can also us call or text us at .We are giving discount for families that give a deposit before pups are born. The pups will be with Rufus and Stella their pictures below also pictures of their last liter. Stella is an AKC standard poodle female in brown and white; she is 24 inches tall and 45 lbs. She is a very outgoing girl full of life and always ready to play Rufus is an AKC standard poodle male in black, red and white; he is 25 inches tall and weighs 50lbs. He is a very gentle guy and has never met a stranger. All of the pups below are from Stella and Rufus last liter and have gone to their forever homes. .Brown and white standard poodle male, he is a handsome puppy. Brown and white standard poodle puppy very outgoing puppy. Brown, white and black standard poodle puppy with great marking. Dark brown and white male a handsome puppy. Brown and white female standard poodle pup. She is a very sweet girl. Brown, white and black standard poodle female puppy with great marking. Dark brown and white standard poodle female a beautiful little girl. Rufas and Stella, they have outstanding pups that make great pets. As dog breeders of standard poodle puppies for sale, our puppies are of sound health, they possess good genetics, temperament and strong social skills. Our standard poodles for sale are born and raised in our great room. We keep a strict worming and immunization schedule during their stay with us. We would love to have you drop by for a poodle visit! Larry Long Riverdale Rd. Counce, TN. Applications are here on the web site. Our story began with one red standard poodle puppy named Sienna. Rob and I believe when we first held her, that the seed for Winters Wind was planted. It is fascinating how the human heart beat can connect with the heart of our canine family. Parents can understand, as it is similar to the bond that happens when you first hold your newborn. Often we hear from people who do not own a Standard Poodle, that they are fru fru dogs. Far from it! Here at Winters Wind we believe that the Standard Poodle has the capability to perform at any task. We see this in our poodles. We hope to add search and rescue work to this list in the future. It takes time; not just in chores and raising puppies, rather in researching for the right lines and checking for genetic issues within those lines. There is the cost of getting dogs and then they may not make the cut after investing in training, showing, genetic testing and vet bills. So then we start again with a new puppy and the investment begins again. I found one on Pet Finder for less. A puppy is in investment in your family. I remind folks you can invest in a healthy puppy or spend money on vet bills for a less expensive puppy. Winters Wind has health tested poodles because our mission is to improve this amazing and versatile breed. In your puppy packet you can request a copies of all the testing and results or they are available on the OFA site. Diversity is needed within the breed. Not all Poodles are created equal. Winters Wind strives to give each puppy born here an edge or a jump start. Beginning with Momma getting excellent nutrition, supplements, exercise and health checks. Puppies are born in a whelping room right off our bedroom video under the litters tab We have invested in a state of art neonatal unit which includes an special incubator Puppy Warmer , oxygen bubblier, uniquely designed whelping box and our vet makes house calls. You can google these training methods to learn more. On a side note that Dr. Jeannie mentioned in the article owns a Winters Wind Poodle. We also use Puppy Culture in raising these wonderful puppies. Our puppies are given toddler interactive toys for increased cognitive skills, we have a puppy play gym concept is similar to the play sets for infants and toddlers , we host puppy play days; we invite friends and families to come and socialize with our puppies. Puppies when older are exposed to kittens, cats, and other small dogs Yorkies. Puppies are beginning house training at 4 weeks special whelping box design and begin crate training before leaving our home. Puppies move from their whelping room around the age of 4 weeks to our living room. Here they are exposed to the tv, vacuum and other family noises; from here they can romp freely around our home. This is what we believe sets, a Winters Wind Poodle apart. Like children they say the most informative years are up to age 8. Our philosophy is the first 10 weeks of a puppies life are critical for cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. This is why we keep our pups until at least 10 weeks of age. Winters Wind is very proud to be working with serveral Service Dog Organizations, by not only breeding dogs they use but helping to establish through our lines their own Poodle service dog breeding programs! Service Dogs is our passion, however we are very proud of the other legacy we leave. Our dogs are beautiful and also very talented. I truly believe that our dogs are exceptional! They are exceptional! We believe this creates the overall picture of a poodle that glides down the sidewalk, makes heads turn in the show ring, leaps in the fields and creates the wonderful silhouette seen around the world in the Poodle. In breeding we have a high standard for temperament, performance and structure in every Poodle we breed. A poodle is a very active, intelligent and elegant-appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly. Life for Galavanting Poodles includes hiking, camping, lake and river adventures, as well as backcountry experiences. Outdoor experiences are very important to the growth and well-being of our poodles. Our goal is to raise well-rounded poodles that are equally at home on the sofa as they are in the mountains of Alaska. All of the poodles in our kennel compete in the conformation dog show ring and must earn the title of AKC Champion before being considered for breeding. We use the conformation ring to prove our stock by making certain the poodles we move forward in our Galavanting line are. All puppies at Galavanting Poodles are nurtured through the Puppy Culture program. Puppies are carefully evaluated, both by Melissa as well as outside experts, for temperment, structure and biddability before being placed in their forever homes. Bringing new puppy lives into this world is something we take very seriously. Every puppy is carefully and meticulously planned. The dam and sire of each litter is health tested according to the Poodle Club of America health standards. Puppies Well bred, well raised, well loved We breed poodles with the goal of bringing their natural qualities to perfection Breeding purebred standard poodles is a passion for us at Galavanting Poodles. We are fortunate enough to have access to lovely pedigree lines that date back more than years. Each new litter of poodle puppies that are born in our kennel, strives to improve on the previous generation. We breed to preserve the original standard poodle and its purpose as a companion and helpmate to humans. Our puppies possess the qualities poodles were originally bred to exhibit. They are versatile poodles who are equally at home, binging Netflix, as they are hiking in the backcountry of Alaska. Galavanting puppies are loved all over the world. They lead active lives as valuable family companions, and sporting competitors. They work as service dogs trained to meet the individual and specific needs of their people. They fly in bush planes in Alaska and lounge in brownstones in NYC. If you think you would be a good fit for a puppy from Galavanting Poodles, please fill out the form below to begin the vetting process. Our promise to you is that your Galavanting puppy will be worth it! Any photos that are not mine, I have permission from owners to post. I will also include facts about new testing for modifiers and intensity genes that have been found within the last year or so. Some very exciting things will be coming our way for color testing! There are three legitimate and ethical breed clubs that are the main registries in the US and Canada for solids and these are their breed standards. Please do not be fooled by breeders trying to sell you dogs registered with these clubs. On the flip side however, dogs registered or shown in the clubs above do not guarantee quality dogs or an ethical breeder. Any dog not owned by myself past or present, have been given to me with permission from their owners. Huge thanks to their owners for their permission and photos and their breeders for bringing these beautiful dogs into the world! Cream "e" E locus-photo Harper Alue Poodles Cream is a color that tends to fade into white as the dog ages. As puppies they can either have a cream coloring behind the ears or their whole body can be cream. As adults they can retain spots of cream behind the ears like Harper here. Some dogs do keep a cream tint into adulthood like the dog below. Creams should have dark eyes and dark inky black pigment in their points; their nose, eye rims, lips, and pads. If you have a cream born with liver points, they have incorrect pigment. Creams should have black or self colored ie clear nails. White "e" E locus We have the last in the E series, white! White is timeless, white is classic. White Poodles should have dark eyes, nice dark inky black pigment on their noses and eye rims. They should also have black or self colored nails. Whites can also get what is called "snow nose" across many breeds; in the winter, their dark pigment will fade into a liver color that will then return in the summer. This is not the same as poor pigment. You will see white Poodles with both dark, almost black looking skin when shaved in a Continental, and they can also have white skin. Dark pigment is preferred but there is nothing wrong with a dog with light skin. With whites, there are a number born with a slighty creamy tinge to their coat but grow out into a white coat. True whites, called "ice white" in the breed, are rather rare. Reds tend to fade to an apricot color or a light "washed out" red. There are of course reds who do not fade, but when purchasing a red be aware it's a possibility. There are breeders working towards breeding dark, holding reds, but that can also be a catch .Reds should have dark eyes and dark, inky black points; eye rims, lips, nose, and pads. If a red has liver pigment or spotty pigment, that is incorrect and is a major fault in the breed ring. Reds should have black or self colored ie "brown" nails. Apricot is a less intense version of red. Apricots tend to keep their color more, but they also can start out darker and fade to a shade of dark cream. Apricots should also have dark, inky black pigment on their points, however amber eyes and liver points are permitted but not desired. Apricots should have black or self colored nails as well. Apricots and reds are the "newest" color in the history of the breed, so unfortunately the history with these lines and how the popularity of them exploded, they were bred for color for a very long time before temperament, structure, and health were put first. Brown "b" b locus Firstly it needs to be said that Poodles are not chocolate, they are brown. Brown is recessive to black, which is why it is "b" instead of "B". Brown Poodles will always have lighter eyes, liver points, and self colored nails. Browns, like reds, are affected by fading. There are browns that are holding, but when purchasing a brown be aware fading will happen to a certain degree. There are breeders that are working towards breeding holding browns, and there is inherently nothing wrong with that as long as temperament, health, and breed type come first before coat color. Black "B" B locus Black Poodles. Timeless, classic, stunning!! Blacks should be born inky black and should stay inky black. However, you will hear the term "bad black" which is different from a blue dog. A bad black simply refers to a dog that does not hold it's coat pigment. A black dog who's coat has been sun damaged does not mean it is a bad black. Black dogs should have dark eyes, inky black pigment from top to bottom! Blues will look black when they are born, but there is an "old breeders tale" that blue and silver puppies will have white hairs in between their toes, but that is not a blanket truth. Blue Poodles will fade at varying speeds and degree. The two blues included are siblings but have not faded to the same degree. Most will fade into their 5th and 6th birthdays, but there are also some who hold onto a very slight blue tint for years. Blues will have dark eyes and dark pigment on their eye rims, noses, lips, and paw pads. Nails will also be black. One that is my personal favorite and one that has stumped us for quite some time! Silver is a recessive to black like blue. Silvers are born black and by their first face shave their face should start to be silvering. Silvers, like blues, do not fade on a set scale. It is thought there are modifiers in play that determine how blues and silvers clear and to what degree. You can see silvers from a darker color all the way to platinum silver. Silvers should have dark eyes and dark inky black eye rims, lips, nose, and paw pads. My favorite brownies! Silver beiges are brown based silvers, and like silvers, you will see by their first face shave a silver brown color. Silver beige Poodles are born brown and lighten with age, by two most are a beautiful silver color with a stunning brown hue, but all fade at different speeds and different shades. Silver beige Poodles will have light eyes, liver points, and self colored nails. Parti Standard Poodles - If you love spots, you may want a parti poodle. A parti poodle is a poodle of white and another color. There are several distinct patterns: the tuxedo, spotted, and abstract all refer to a poodle that is white and another color. That color can be black, brown, red, apricot, creme, silver, blue, grey, cafe-au-lait, or silver-beige. Parti poodles are usually more than half white with colored spots. They can range from almost a solid white with just a few spots of color to the more colorful tuxedos. Tuxedos look like a poodle dressed for a party. They have white on the legs and a white collar that may or may not go completely around the neck. Tuxedo-colored poodles also have white on the belly that should extend up to the chest. Some tuxedos have colored legs almost to the feet and others have white all the way up to their back. Abstract poodles have limited white markings and are almost a solid colored dog. The most common abstract poodle marking is a simple white mark on the chest. White splashes of color may also occur on the face, head, chest, and feet. Abstract poodles sometimes have a white chest and white feet that look like they have been dipped in paint. Ticking marks are the small spots found within the white parts of the dog. Dogs may have little to no ticking. Ticking on legs may look like small spots or be large enough to look like stripes. We have standard poodle puppies for sale in these parti color combinations: black and white parti, brown and white parti, red and white parti, apricot and white parti, blue and white parti and silver and white parti. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, abstracts, brindles and phantom poodles.

Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale? We have answers. What is a Goldendoodle, exactly? Goldendoodles are a hybrid breed created by crossing Poodles with Golden Retrievers. The aim of the breed is to create the ultimate companion dog—one who shares all the best traits of its parent breeds and none of the negatives. Breeders have been pretty successful in that regard—Goldendoodles are exploding in popularity as the ultimate family pet. How much do Goldendoodles puppies for sale cost? Goldendoodle price varies from breeder to breeder, and depends on numerous factors like coat type and color, size, breeder experience, and more. Breeders in our network price their Goldendoodles fairly and competitively, and part of the MatchMaker process means matching you with pups within your budget. Do Goldendoodle breeders ship puppies out of state? How do you screen Goldendoodle breeders? We have strict guidelines to protect the health or your puppy and the integrity of our breeders—head on over to our Breeder Pledge for more information on what you can expect from your breeder. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? In a time when dishonest breeders are an epidemic, we just want to help fill your home with the pitter-patter of soft puppy footsteps. To put it simply, we love dogs as much as you do. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mill dogs are more likely to have behavior issues, to develop genetic diseases costing you thousands in extra vet bills , and to die far too soon. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me? Looking for Goldendoodles for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? Simply put, MatchMaker is how we ensure that our customers live happy, fulfilling lives with their dogs with minimal headaches. MatchMaker takes into account your ideal puppy based on things like size, breed, temperament and more—saving you time on your puppy search and making sure you and your dog are a match made in heaven. Breeder Locations. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article.

Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners How to Stop a Labradoodle from Smelling Some dogs are only showered once or twice a year and every time you start filling the bathtub, the dog is suddenly nowhere to be seen. But if you manage to turn it into a habit, each bath time will be much easier. Bathing your dog approximately once a month is a good idea. Start by brushing it a bit. Mats will only get worse if they get in the water. I recommend using the FURminator Deshedding tool affiliate link Start by filling the bathtub so the water is about the knee-level of your dog. Having a non-slip mat is also helpful. Washing your dog. Now lift your dog into the tub all while praising and encouraging it a lot. Now hold the dog with one hand, and use the other hand to pour water over it. Use a sponge to wash the dog in its face. Be careful not to get shampoo in its eyes, as dogs hate that just as much as you and I. Now rinse your Labradoodle with clean, lukewarm water until all the shampoo is out of the fur. Drying your dog. Start by squeezing as much water out of the fur as possible using your hands, before you start using towels. One final thing is to check that the ears are totally dry, as bacteria thrive in moist dog ears. Fresh Food Diet Dogs are natural carnivores and they thrive on meat. But if the smell is more yeasty and heavy, it could be due to an ear infection. If your dog is scratching its ears, or shaking his head, or just appears to be in a state of general discomfort, take it to the vet, as they can quickly identify an ear infection, and provide the proper treatment. Of to roll in something smelly! Allergy Skin Problem The smell could also be because of the different types of skin problems. This is also something your vet will be quick to diagnose. You might notice they are swollen, and that could be an indication that you should take your dog to a vet and have the glands fully expressed. Another sign is that the dog will probably also be in a bit of pain when sitting or pooping. Or attempt to lick or even bite its rear end. So there you have it. Hopefully, this has given you some insight into the possible reasons, and means of how to fix the problem. 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. By Chris The last thing you want to hear is that the new Labradoodle you just brought into your life is going to be smelly. But why does my Labradoodle smell so bad? Can if be fixed yep! The truth of the matter is that all dogs stink, but some stink more than others. Labradoodles in particular can be more susceptible to certain odours for a variety of reasons. The primary reason why Labradoodles can be more prone to smelling like any Poodle mix is because they are very active, love the outdoors, and LOVE water. This already sounds like a recipe for disaster. It means that there is a greater chance of them getting dirty, which increases the likelihood of infections, allergies, and dragging who knows what throughout your house. Aside from their active lifestyle, there are a multitude of other reasons why your Labradoodle may smell. All of which we will cover below. Why Does My Labradoodle Stink? Labradoodles can carry a smelly odor for a variety of reasons. However, the most common reasons are typically; ear infections, a dirty coat, allergies, gas, dental issues, or anal glands. A Red Labradoodle puppy sits on the grass. Ear infections In general, all doodles are prone to ear infections due to their Poodle inheritance. Poodles inner ear hair can block the airflow, and cause bacteria, and moisture to build up inside their ears. Outside of the inner ear hair, Labradoodles also have long, droopy ears which can mean that they are more likely to trap dirt, grease, and other unwanted substances which can lead to infection. If you notice your dog scratching their ears, or shaking their head more than normal, or is in a general state of discomfort. They likely have an infection, which will have to be dealt with immediately by taking them to the vet. Both the Poodle and Labrador have garnered massive reputations for being spectacular hunters, and water dogs. This combination means your Labradoodle will also inherit much of the same traits. While this fun-loving nature is part of why we love Labradoodles, it can also mean more is being dragged through the house, and latching onto their coat. A beautiful black Labradoodle puppy! Photo by Bennilover CC-by-SA no modifications Allergies Another common problem many Labradoodle owners run into is their dog smelling due to an allergic reaction. This could be because of a new shampoo, new food, or even a reaction to fleas. Tying into the aforementioned point of doodles being very active, they may run into situations where they smear themselves in something unpleasant, which can result in a plethora of negative results. Fleas can easily latch onto dogs , and once their saliva gets into the dogs bloodstream, the dog can become infected, or develop an allergic reaction. Dogs much like humans can become allergic to just about anything, so be conscious of any new shampoos, diets, or materials in their environment, as they could be having an adverse effect to these products. Allergies may be present if you notice excessive itching, swelling, or irritation in any of these areas. Gas diet One of the biggest culprits when it comes to your Labradoodle stinking is due to gas, which can generally be linked directly to diet. While all dogs get gassy from time to time, if it persists, or if there is an unusually foul smell present. It could be a sign to change their diet. Dogs are natural carnivores, which means they need meat to live a healthy lifestyle. Look for a fresh food diet that helps eliminate bad smells, as they are far more natural due to the removal of additives, and ingredients found in typical dog food. This can be most commonly due to gum disease as bacteria gets trapped in the gums, or plaque build up. The good news is that plaque can be easily removed by you at home, however if the issue persists and turns into calculus, or tartar then this will have to be professionally cleaned. Labradoodle puppy eyes are remarkable. Anal glands The final option that could be present is your pup having issues with their anal glands. Also, if you notice a strong and rather fishy smell coming from your Labradoodle, this is typically not normal, and could be the result of anal gland issues. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should definitely take your dog to the vet, and have the glands looked at professionally. How to Stop a Labradoodle from Stinking? When it comes to removing the stink, a lot of it will depend entirely on what the exact issue is. If you fear that your dog breed may have an ear infection, dental problems, or anal sacs, then you are likely going to have to schedule an appointment with your local vet. However, if the issue can be narrowed down to something more simple such as an allergy, gas, or a dirty coat. These are things that you can change from home. Grooming Away the Smell This is without a doubt the most important step to take to removing the stink, and will go a long way in preventing it down the road as well. When it comes to Labradoodles specifically, they love water which can make the grooming routine even more paramount as mats only get worse with water. The next step you should seek to take is to regularly bathe your dog. A huge deterrent for owners is the reaction their dog has as soon as you turn the tap on. However, if you turn it into more of a habit once a month , the dog will become much more comfortable, and the entire process will become much easier. While washing your dog, make sure to take it slow, go through the entire coat, and make sure to shower the dog with loads of praise, and positive reinforcement treats. After the bath, the drying portion is also essential as any moisture leftover could just put you back at square one. Start by squeezing out as much water as possible before using the towel, and pay extra close attention to the ears! The best Labradoodle foods are nutritious and packed with protein Clean The House and Dog Areas Post grooming, the next most important factor for removing any unwanted stink is by staying on top of the house cleaning. Remember to sweep up, and vacuum any remaining hair left over after the grooming session, but even making it into a regular routine would be beneficial. Many people underestimate the importance of regular vacuuming and hair removal, but together with daily grooming will go a long way in preventing odor. There are also a variety of electric air filters, and purifiers that help to remove any unwanted dust, odour, and chemicals, leaving your room smelling good, and clean. Labradoodles are without a doubt one of the most adorable breeds in the world, however they also combine two breeds that can be very smelly for different reasons. While this can provide us with some much-needed entertainment, it also puts them at a greater risk to infections, dirt, and obtaining a smelly coat. Aside from their active lifestyle, they can be more prone to certain infections, allergies, and food sensitivities that can make them smell. To put it simply, there are a variety of potential factors, but as long as you are diligent in finding a solution, and open-minded to all of the possible outcomes. 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. All dogs have their own unique odor, and some Labradoodles inherit coat characteristics which make them more pungent than other dogs. Do Labradors smell? Unfortunately, Labradors are considered to be one of the smellier dog breeds. This is largely due to their double coat, which consists of a coarse top coat to protect against bumps and scratches, and a soft undercoat that acts as an insulator. Labs also produce more natural oils from their skin than most other breeds. These features combine to make their coat water repellent perfect for swimming in icy cold water to retrieve waterfowl but also rather pungent — especially when wet! The natural oils are one source of their decidedly doggie odor. And Labs that frequently swim in ponds or lakes also pick up smells from those places — especially if dirty water is allowed to soak into their undercoat, and not washed out before it dries. Do Poodles smell? On the other hand, Poodles smell less than most breeds. All dogs have their own unique scent, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, diet, etc. And it should also be noted that every dog releases distinctive smells from their ears, mouth, and feet caused by natural bacteria and fungi. Do Labradoodles smell? So Labradoodle is likely to have one parent that smells most than most, and one that smells very little. Whether or not your Labradoodle smells really comes down to the type of coat that your pup inherits. Labradoodles with a single coat smell less than those with a double coat. Why Does my Labradoodle Smell? From misadventure to diet, and from bad breath to infection or skin allergies, there are a number of reasons why your Labradoodle could be smellier than normal. Bad breath is a common complaint among dog owners. There are four main causes: 1. Bacteria in the mouth The most common cause is bacteria in the mouth which produce volatile sulfur compounds. It can make their drool seem stinky. Regular toothbrushing and professional cleaning can improve halitosis in many cases by removing plaque build up. Peridontal diseases Tooth decay, gum disease and abscesses in the mouth or jaw can also cause bad breath. These need attention from a properly qualified veterinary dentist. Disorders of the gut Digestive problems due to poor diet or an imbalance of bad gut bacteria can also produce foul-smelling gasses which travel back up the esophagus. When this happens, it can usually be remedied by a change of diet. Which is why, if your Doodle has persistent halitosis, you should always enlist a vet to help find out why. To protect against infection, dry their ears gently and thoroughly every time they go in water. Other signs that your Labradoodle has an ear infection include scratching his ears, rubbing his head, inflammation of the ear, and discharge from the ear canal. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, visit the vet. They may prescribe antibiotics to help them recover. When it comes to overpowering bad smells, a dog with excessive gas is one of the worst. It could be caused by the fiber source used in his kibble. Beans and other legumes, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and foods containing lactose such as cheese, are other common food causes. And make sure you leave a gap between exercise and eating. Participating in vigorous exercise right before or after meals can cause flatulence and put your Labradoodle at risk of the life-threatening condition known as bloat. Chronic gas is also a sign of some health problems, including parasites, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal disease. All dogs have two small anal sacs which secrete a lubricant to help them pass feces comfortably. If these glands are blocked or the dog has an anal gland infection, this secretion becomes extremely stinky and very painful for them. This could be caused by a poor diet, or by structural abnormalities in the anal glands. Labradoodles are particularly prone to skin allergies and infections, which can produce a pungent scent. Wet dog is a strong smell all on its own, but if their skin stays damp it can lead to skin infections. Bacterial and yeast infections have a strong smell and might also be related to allergies. Irregularities in the glands or thyroid problems can also be underlying causes of smelly skin infections. How to Prevent a Labradoodle from Smelling A smelly Labradoodle is not always caused by something ominous. It could be that your pup just needs a bath with doggy shampoo. Washing and especially drying, a dog with thick curly hair can be a bit daunting so do check out our guide to getting your dog dry after a bath. Regularly washing their bedding is also something that can reduce nasty smells that often gets overlooked. Do you have a smelly Labradoodle? Tell us about your experiences in the comments. Related Articles.

The top five breeders who have been chosen for our list are equally reliable and meet our three main criteria to be deemed as such. Doodledoos — Herefordshire. Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles are family-run, established, and well-respected licensed breeders with over twenty-five years of experience in breeding and raising pure Australian Labradoodle puppies. They are not a puppy kennel with outdoor facilities — every one of their Doodle pups is raised inside their family home where they receive ample attention, care, and love. Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles offers large, medium, and miniature Labradoodle puppies for sale. Their high-standard breeding program adheres to a strict Code of Ethics to ensure that all of their breeding dogs are raised with proper care in order to be able to grow into happy and healthy pups of superb conformation and sound temperament. They maintain strict visiting procedures and a rigorous hygiene standard to ensure that their pups do not come in contact with any potential infections or diseases from the outside. All of their Labradoodle puppies are health tested, dewormed, vaccinated, microchipped, and properly socialized well before they go to their new homes. If you decide to buy one of their adorable Labradoodle puppies, you will also receive a lifetime of support and advice from the breeders themselves. Since Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles are a family-run breeder, they only have a few litters per year, so make sure to contact them and get on their waiting list for their upcoming new litter that is expected in the spring of .DoodleDoos Australian Labradoodles details:. Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. F1 Labradoodle puppies. Today we share a complete introduction to the F1 Labradoodle. This Labradoodle puppy is playing in a way that only a puppy can. What does f1 Labradoodle mean? Labradoodles are a cultural phenomenon. The first intentional Lab and Poodle mix dogs were bred in the s as low shedding candidates for service work. At that time, mixed breed dogs were regarded with disdain by many people. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now almost everyone is familiar with what a Labradoodle is, and they have paved the way for dozens of other designer dogs too. But fewer people are acquainted with the filial numbering system for mixed breed dogs. Put simply, an f1 generation Labradoodle has one pedigree Labrador parent, and one pedigree Poodle parent. The number 1 describes how many generations removed a puppy is from their closest purebred ancestor. F1 Labradoodles are one generation apart from a purebred dog. F1 vs F2 Labradoodle Puppies? Breeders usually specify that their litter is an f1 generation in order to distinguish it from different filial generations. F2 Labradoodles have two F1 Labradoodle parents. Their most recent pedigree ancestors are now their grandparents — two generations away. The physical and behavioral traits of f2 dogs are harder to predict. This is because in the confines of a pedigree population, we usually have a good idea of what genes Labs and Poodles may be carrying but not expressing, and how those genes might affect F1 Labradoodles. But the unexpressed genes in an F1 Labradoodle are an unknown quantity. Did they come from the Lab or the Poodle parent? Will they be expressed in the F2 generation? Who knows? And finally, multigen Labradoodles are several generations removed from their most recent pedigree ancestor on one or both sides. What is a standard f1 Labradoodle? This describes the size of their Poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. What does an F1 Labradoodle look like? Their coat is usually kept at a single length all over, known as a puppy clip. Furthermore, lots of owners report f1 Labradoodle coat changes as their puppy grows up. Firstly, the length, softness, and texture can change when their adult coat replaces their puppy coat. This process starts at about 6 months old, and can take several weeks or even months. Secondly, their color can change over time if they inherit the progressive greying gene from their Poodle parent. Labrador Poodle mix dogs can have a tall and leggy silhouette like a Poodle. Or be more long and sturdy-looking like a Labrador. Labradoodle dogs have floppy, v-shaped ears because both of their parents do. But their muzzle can be wider or narrower depending on whether they take after a Labrador or a Poodle more. F1 Labradoodle Size? Th adult size of a Poodle Lab mix dog depends upon things like: whether their Poodle parent was standard or miniature sized whether their Labrador parent came from working or show lines their sex and individual variation. In both Labs and Standard Poodles, male dogs are frequently bigger than females, so the same is true of a standard f1 Labradoodle. Females typically reach between 40 and 70lbs, and males weigh 60 to 80lbs. Working type Labs are usually leaner and lighter, whilst show Labs are usually stockier and heavier — and they can pass this onto their puppies. Miniature f1 Labradoodle size is much harder to predict. Male and female Miniature Poodles both weigh 10 to 15lbs. So most mini f1 Labradoodles will weigh between 30 and 45lbs, but outliers can weigh much more or much less! Breeding f1b mini Labradoodle litters with one Miniature f1 Labradoodle parent and one Miniature Poodle parent is a popular way of producing Lab and Poodle mix dogs which are consistently small. Do f1 Labradoodles shed? This means most f1 Labradoodles shed significantly less than a purebred Lab. But, this is not guaranteed, and exactly how much less they shed does vary. Moreover, a non-shedding coat does not mean that a Labradoodle mix or even a purebred Poodle for that matter is hypoallergenic. Training and exercising f1 Labradoodles Labradors and Poodles are both lively, energetic and intelligent dogs. In fact, they both started out as working gundogs, bred to spend long and physically arduous days retrieving shot waterfowl and returning it to their handler. Since a lot of those unlucky birds fell in water, Labs and Poodles were also favored by duck hunters for their natural love of swimming. With this heritage, Labradoodles are likely to pick up new commands quickly and easily, especially if their Labrador parent came from working lines. They benefit from activities like gundog training, agility, or canine freestyle to stretch their mental muscles as well as their physical ones. Speaking of physical muscle, Labradoodle dogs need at least 2 hours of outdoor activity every day, which can including walking on or off leash, or swimming. F1 Labradoodle health Just like everything else, first generation Labradoodle health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parents. Labradors and Poodles share a genetic predisposition to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. But they also both carry some recessive genetic conditions that the other does not. This is significant to Labradoodles because recessive diseases only affect puppies who inherit the faulty genes that cause them from both parents. So mixed breed dogs tend to be protected, if only one parent breed carries the faulty gene. Examples of recessive genetic diseases in Labs and Poodles that f1 Labradoodles are usually protected from include exercise induced collapse, and sebaceous adenitis. F1 Labradoodles are also susceptible to the acquired i. You can protect your dog from these by making smart lifestyle choices, such as measuring food out accurately, and drying their ears after they go swimming. Labradors and Standard Poodles typically live for approximately 12 years, so a standard F1 Labradoodle will be about the same. On average, mixed breed dogs live for 2 years longer than pedigree dogs, thanks to factors like the protection from some hereditary diseases described above. Miniature Poodles live nearly 14 years on average. This extra life expectancy might also be seen in mini f1 and mini f1b Labradoodle dogs. Are f1 Labradoodles good pets? Labradoodles have taken the world by storm, because they have the potential to be fantastic pets in the right households. Labs and Poodles are both affectionate with their human family, and patient with younger family members. However, the Poodle tends to be less interested in unfamiliar people and dogs than the Labrador, and an f1 Labradoodle could go one way or the other. Good breeders will have lots of questions about you, your household, your lifestyle, and what you expect life with a Labradoodle to be like. Finally, good breeders also have a waiting list, so expect to wait a while for your puppy to be ready. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Larger Labradoodles will need more than a small breed. Walking the dog will be an everyday necessity for the next years. So, be realistic about how much time you have available. Before sharing it with another living being, you should make sure there is enough space. You all want to be able to live together comfortably. Thirdly, whilst your kids will grow, it might be easier if they are very young baby-toddlers to have a small dog. The dog won't tower over them, and it might be easier for you to look after both. That being said, maybe a more pressing issue would be the size of your vehicle. It might even be the deciding factor. Another factor is health. That includes DNA testing for hereditary diseases. The larger the dog, the increased risk of structural health problems. In particular, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patellas knees. So, before adopting a puppy, please make sure these checks are done. They significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing avoidable health conditions. A small factor to consider as well is gender. Male dogs are generally slightly larger and stockier than females. Regardless, boys and girls are likely to vary in adult size once fully grown. The points mentioned are areas to think about before bringing any animal into your home. Whilst we emphasised the concerns for larger dogs, all sizes of Labradoodles make fantastic pets. We wanted to highlight these points to make sure that you know how each size differs in terms of requirements. If it is, great! They can be a wonderful addition to your family! This is because the other infusion dog breeds influence the final height and coat type of the puppies. When you think about the height and weight of these breeds, it makes sense. It makes this breed much easier to size, compared to a British Labradoodle. Eight different breeds make up an Australian Cobberdog. Depending on the size of your Cobberdog, they will either have Standard Poodle or Minature Poodle genes. If you wanted a smaller dog, for example, a Spaniel would help bring down the sizing; a Standard Poodle would not. What about F1b Labradoodle sizes? F1b denotes a backcross to a pedigree breed, usually the Poodle breed. Backcrossing is when a hybrid e. Labradoodle is bred to a dog of similar genetics to one of its parents. If you're contacting Labradoodle breeders with F1b puppies available soon, ask for the parents and grandparents sizes. This is particularly important on the Poodle's side. Both generations of backcross Labradoodle breeding will influence their final size. It wouldn't matter that the direct parent is medium-sized. Mixed breeds, like all pedigree dog breeds, can vary in sizing. So all sizes are approximate and for illustration purposes only. Your dog could grow to be bigger or smaller than their parents. This variance is often a result of their ancestors' sizing genetics. It might also be from the breeds used during cross-breeding. Cobberdogs are the best if the height is important to you. Their sizing is much more predictable. This is especially true if you want a small Labradoodle. The other pedigree breeds offset the height of the Labradoodle Retriever and Standard Poodle. When filling out our application form , you can pick more than one size and state your preference. Our most popular request is an Australian Cobberdog in miniature medium size. It's a good size Labradoodle puppy for families with young children. UK Breeders since .We Export Worldwide. If they are a high generation, often breeders refer to their lines as multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. We suggest asking your breeder what generation the pups are. Some less reputable breeders may be referring to "multi" as merely more than 1! So do British and Australian Labradoodles appear or act differently to each other or other Labradoodles? The answer is yes, they do. It would be like comparing an Australian Shepherd Dog with a German Shepherd Dog - they are genetically different puppies! In our experience, there are many differences. We have two decades of experience in this area. Australian Labradoodle British or Early Generation Labradoodles British Labradoodles are two breed hybrids which are of low generation. Unfortunately, this means that there is low predictability in the puppies within the litter produced. On second or third generation, genetics becomes more complicated, not less since throw-backs start appearing. Especially true if breeders have been backcrossing to Labrador or Poodle. Commonly a second or third generation Labradoodle resembles a poorly bred Poodle or a Labrador, not a typical Labradoodle. Predictability becomes essential when considering an Australian Cobberdog or an Australian Labradoodle. With many generations of careful breeding, specific physical and temperament characteristics become consistent and predictable. Every puppy in an Australian Cobberdog litter should be recognised as such or at least to a layperson as an Australian Labradoodle, not a British Labradoodle. At the Australian Cobberdog stage, there should be less resemblance and throw-backs to the parent infusion breeds.

Our History Simply Shepherds Rescue is an all-volunteer non-profit companion animal rescue organization working in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Our primary focus is on rescuing abandoned, neglected and homeless German Shepherd dogs. We provide education to the public about responsible pet ownership in socializing, training, and caring for their family companion. We work hard in finding the perfect match for our dogs and their new permanent loving forever homes. We do not have a shelter so we depend on loving foster homes to provide a temporary sanctuary for our animals in need. We are comprised entirely of experienced volunteers united and inspired by a common compassion for all animals. We depend solely on donations and adoption fees to help us save the animals that come into our care. Each orphaned animal we help is provided proper veterinary attention and then is placed into our foster program. Our foster program is the key to helping a homeless animal become a loving pet. Some of our dogs need extra special care and attention to recuperate from medical, mental, or physical neglect and some just need to regain their confidence and trust in people. All of our dogs receive TLC and basic family member training. What is fostering? Fostering is a second chance. Sometimes it is the only chance. We have the knowledge, the tools, and many other resources to help these wonderful creatures. What we don't have are enough foster homes. Can you open your heart and your home and become a foster parent for a loving dog in need? Please contact us to find out what you can do to give a dog a chance. Separate Lifetimes We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully Irving Townsend Help Our Cause Your support and contributions will enable us to help these animals. Your generous donation will fund our mission. Donate Now. The adoption fee of German Shepherd in Illinois will range from two hundred fifty dollars up to four three hundred fifty dollars. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you would ask people like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that would confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of any trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd should you adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first met. If you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can also avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd in North Carolina because of its shyness. However, this is only a guide, and if the personality of the dog is not that of a big deal for you, you can pick any dog you want. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary In summary, you can pick any German Shepherd you want in Illinois, but you can pick one that is not suitable for you. If you wish to avoid that mistake, you can use the guides above in choosing the suitable German Shepherd rescue in Illinois for you. Other States. While shepherd dogs look as cuddly as a teddy bear with their beautiful fur and brown eyes, their muscular stature gives them a quiet strength. They were beat out of the 1 spot only by the affable Labrador Retriever. If you live in Chicago, IL, and are thinking about acquiring one of these big guys for you and your family, here is how you can adopt your own German Shepherd. Why Adopt a German Shepherd? Some of the more than dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club are more common than others, and the German Shepherd is one of the most popular. That aspect is not surprising as German Shepherds were first bred to be both capable working dogs and devoted family pets. Police departments and militaries choose German Shepherds because of their keen intelligence, fearlessness, trainability and remarkable physical capabilities. Families choose the breed because they know that a German Shepherd will love them dearly and keep them safe. However, Chicago residents that are thinking of buying or adopting a German Shepherd should bear in mind that doing so involves taking on a significant amount of responsibility. While German Shepherds may seem quite content to sleep or lie around the house for hours on end, they need their daily exercise to maintain optimum health. Dogs that do not get taken on walks or for exercise tend to become hyperactive or destructive, and this is especially true of active breeds like German Shepherds that were bred to work as well as play. This spike has raised concerns among animal rights advocacy groups worried about how these dogs will fare in the long term. Many of the people who adopted Huskies did not understand what they were getting into, which is why many of them wound up being surrendered to shelters or abandoned. If remaining in place has you climbing the walls and you think bringing a dog into your home will make things better, you should understand that you will be signing up for a 10 to year commitment. While a German Shepherd will fill your home with love and protect you with its life, adopting or buying one will change many parts of your day-to-day routine. Dogs need exercise and discipline as well as affection, and you may want to think twice about getting one if you are not able to care for it in the right way. Adopting a German Shepherd from a Center Can Be Risky People looking to add a dog to their life can either contact a breeder or visit an adoption center or shelter. While going this route does offer a far less expensive path to dog ownership, doing it is not without its risks. Others bring their pets to shelters because of aggressiveness or destructive behavior. A good shelter dog can be a loyal and loving member of the family for years to come, but a bad one can damage your home or even pose a threat to your safety. If you do decide to adopt a German Shepherd from a center or shelter, you should visit a vet for a thorough check-up as soon as possible. The Dog Adoption Process Most German Shepherd owners fondly remember the day they picked up their dogs, and they tend to forget about all of the hoops they had to jump through during the adoption process. The steps taken by breeders, shelters or adoption centers can seem intrusive or overly zealous at first, but they are needed to match dogs with suitable owners and ensure that pets are placed in loving homes. If you decide to buy or adopt a German Shepherd, this is what you can expect. You can expect to be asked about your home, schedule, the ages of your children and whether or not you have other pets. This interview serves to ensure that the breed you have chosen will thrive in its new environment and ensure that you understand what owning and caring for a dog involves. This visit serves two primary purposes. A home visit can prevent dogs from being placed in dangerous situations, and it also allows breeders or shelter representatives to give helpful advice. Common suggestions include fencing in back yards and moving tempting items out of reach. The money raised is usually used to provide care and medical treatment. The cost may be higher if the adoption center has spayed or neutered the dog. This visit is structured to address any adjustment problems and make sure that your dog is happy in its new home. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are great family companions in general. These large but adorable furry angels are impressive in so many ways. From their impressive athletic build to their high level of intelligence which in turn makes them super easy to train, to their beautiful energetic nature and overall impressive work ethic, it is no wonder the dog breed has been ranked one of the most sought-after and popular dog breeds in the United States by CNN. If you are reading this article, you probably are searching for a suitable German Shepherd dog to adopt and are living in the state of Illinois. It is worth stating that this article is simply a guide to help you in making the right pick and nothing more, so do your personal research on any of the rescues seen in the guide. We have provided access to their contact information and other valuable information to assist you in your search for the right German Shepherd dog for you and your family, so do read on till the end. This is a non-profit rescue organization that is licensed by the state and is located in the Chicago area of Illinois. It was founded by Marianne Perlman in and has since then been devoted to finding German Shepherds that are needy and saddened in high kill shelters, and on the streets of Chicago, providing sufficient or proper rehabilitation for them while looking for perfect homes and families to be adopted into. The German Shepherd Rescue Inc is totally foster-based. They are run by volunteers with a common love for the German Shepherd and with a common goal of taking proper action to ensure these dogs get the best care possible. They place the homeless German Shepherds in foster homes donated by their members all over the state, provide the appropriate medical care through evaluation by a licensed vet and possible treatment, and then find suitable homes willing to adopt these German Shepherd dogs. As a non-profit organization, the proceeds gotten through donations and through adoptions go into the care provided by the rescue for the German Shepherd dogs. Every dog is microchipped, and updated on their vaccinations and deworming, they are also placed on preventives for heartworms and fleas and given proper training and socialization opportunities.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:. Grooming Gear like Shampoo, Brush, and Nail Clippers Fun Toys You may hear or read about certain items that people find ever so important to their time with a puppy. However, how you raise your puppy is completely up to you. What are some of the top suggested items you might consider? Car harness Poop bags and sanitary equipment Walking Harness Items such as a walking harness, car harness, and a crate can help you during the training process. These allow you to have better control over your golden retriever puppy during situations such as travel, times away, and even socialization. If you do not have a backyard area for your puppy to play and go potty in, there are many different sanitary objects you might consider picking up. Apartments, parks, and public areas will require you to pick up after your little buddy when they use the restroom, so having these handy will make things easier on you! Puppy Proof Your Home Having a puppy is exactly like having a new baby in your home. Puppies love to chew on things, get into trouble, and all around be mess makers. They baby-proof it! In areas, they are allowed to roam in, try to investigate any unsecured cupboards, trash bins, or cabinets they may be able to get into. You can either clear the space or get baby-proof locks to keep the puppy out. Take the time to also secure any loose wiring they can nibble on! Pick a Vet You Trust The puppy stages are when the most crucial health checkups and vaccinations occur. Take the time to research vets in your area who have good ratings and are available on your schedule. Then, call them! Finding a vet you can trust and who is happy to help can be a huge relief to you and your puppy. Puppies are hard work! There are certain steps you should take to make training and care of your puppy as easy as possible for the early learning stages and future situations. Let Your Puppy Acclimate When you go to a new place, it is all at once exciting, overwhelming, and a little upsetting. People get homesick and need time to acclimate to a new place, so is it any surprise the same is true for your new puppy? This may be their first time away from their mom and siblings. Let them investigate their forever home, find all the new smells, and get their legs. Make a Plan and Stick to It Before your golden retriever puppy arrives, build a routine and make a game plan for how you will handle situations. Puppies need a lot of care as they are learning, and knowing how you expect to handle accidents or missteps, such as accidental potty indoors, can help you remain strict but loving as you train your puppy. On top of that, keeping a routine such as set food times, walk times, and play times can help your puppy get the ropes more quickly. They will learn approximately when it is time to do certain things and allow you to get work done as they make naps fit your schedule. Socializing and Training Golden retrievers are smart, but just like any dog, working on socialization and training early can help you and your puppy build a stronger relationship. Potty training and obedience training are big hits, of course, but also keep in mind distance training and manners. Training your dog to understand when you are away that you are coming back can prevent them from having anxiety issues or dealing with damaged belongings. Manners training and socialization nearly go hand in hand. Having them meet new people and animals ensures they will be able to handle newcomers to your home or in public. Take the time to make every socialization a thorough learning experience where you train them not to jump or pull. Give Them Love Not every session with your dog should be training non-stop. Golden retriever puppies need love and cuddle time too! Be sure to play with your puppy and snuggle him as much as possible. You can even take him or her on adventures to let them have new experiences! Be sure to also offer them some alone time. It may sound silly, but letting them go around on their own allows them to explore the home and learn it is theirs. They can also process lessons they learned during the day! Share this:.

To help them do this by sleeping during the night, make sure to establish a routine with the puppies so they learn when to sleep when to play, and when they can go potty. Tips to help your Labrador puppy sleep: Establish a nightly routine if you can establish a routine for the whole day as it will help the puppy adjust faster Keep the sleeping area dim and quiet Don't get the puppy energetic before bedtime avoid the temptation for a late evening playtime session Prepare for interruptions barking , howling , or potty breaks during the first few weeks of their life 10 Weeks Old At about 10 weeks old, the puppy is likely still adjusting to its new home and only just starting to get used to the nightly routine. They will sleep for about 16 to 20 hours each day. At this stage of their life, your puppy should start getting better control of its bowels, meaning you shouldn't have to take it out during the night as often as you have in the past few weeks. They may even be able to sleep through the night without a bathroom break. During this period, make sure to mainly focus on helping your puppy learn its nighttime schedule, as it is still difficult for it to learn at this stage. Trying to teach too many things to the pup at once can overwhelm it and rove to be unsuccessful. Your puppy should be getting around 11 to 15 hours of sleep every day. It is at this age that you are going to have to worry about the dog's temperament. However, if a good schedule was established for the puppy with time for naps throughout the day, you shouldn't have to worry about a rowdy or energetic pup during the night, as it knows when bedtime is. At about 6 months old your Labrador puppy will be sleeping for about 12 to 14 hours every day. By this stage in your Labrador puppy's life, it should no longer be barking, howling, or need to go to the bathroom during the night as you have established a routine and it has had plenty of time to learn it. With Labradors, make sure to give them plenty of exercise during the day so that they use up the stores of energy they have, or they can develop health problems and an irregular sleep schedule. Giving your Lab something to chew on before it goes to bed will also help it use up its excess energy and sleep better through the night. Now that it is an adult, it requires less sleep and will usually sleep for around 8 to 13 hours a day. This is a positive for Lab owners as they are monophasic sleepers , which means that they only have one sleep period. This means that if you have established a good routine for your Lab, you will be on the same sleep schedule. This is nice as most dogs are polyphasic sleepers , separating their periods of sleep into two or three chunks throughout the day. So, your Lab will still take naps during the day, but they will likely occur while you are at work or are out and about during the day. Example Routine For Labrador Puppies The following is likely what your Labrador's schedule will look like, including its naps. Morning Schedule: Wake up and take the puppy outside to relieve itself Feed it breakfast Give it another potty break it is typically that puppies need to relieve themselves after eating Socializing, playing with your puppy, or taking on a walk Ideally for 30 to 60 minutes Nap Time Expect about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on age Potty Break. Do Labradors Sleep Through the Night? There may be a lot of causes, though, if your dog sleeps more than 15 hours each day. Age, breed, amount of activity, and environmental circumstances are just a few of the multiple variables that affect how much sleep your dog needs. If your dog appears to be sleeping more than usual, analyze any environmental changes. Minor lifestyle adjustments for your dog might have a major impact on how they sleep. You might be curious as to why your Lab sleeps so much. If you have a smaller dog, it could seem like they are sleeping more or more than you are used to. The following are some reasons for changes in the sleeping pattern of your Labrador. Diet If your pooch has begun sleeping more since changing its food, nutritional variations could be the problem. Large dogs like Labradors typically sleep for 12 to 14 hours each day source. Your Labrador will probably sleep even longer if it is a puppy or an older dog. Weather It can be the case that the hot temperature has been making you feel exhausted if the weather has gotten hotter where you are. In this situation, providing it with access to shaded areas, water, and a cool room throughout the day would be beneficial. It would also be beneficial to walk it in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Aside from that, it would be beneficial to keep it out of the sun as much as possible to prevent heatstroke. Illness It may have been sleeping more recently due to a disease. That would be more likely if it had more recently started to sleep and had been displaying other symptoms of illness, such as weariness while up. It would be better to take it to the vet in this situation. Boredom Its tendency to sleep more might be because of boredom and lack of stimulation. A lot of daily activity is suggested for the breed of Labradors. It is often advised that they exercise for an hour each day. Click here to learn more. Activity Level Does your dog like frequent strolls across the park? Or does your dog prefer to sit on the couch? The American Kennel Club AKC estimates that a puppy that is highly active when awake may require up to 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Less active dogs, on the other hand, often sleep for just around 14 hours daily. No matter how active your dog is, the best strategy is to spread their exercise throughout the day. Dogs often want to snooze frequently to rejuvenate. Aging Puppies and senior dogs typically sleep even more. Puppies sleep more because they are quickly growing and because sleep is when their muscles are rebuilt. Older dogs sleep more because getting around takes more energy and they become weary more quickly. Click here to find out. Since they are young, being separated from their mother may make them feel lonely and afraid. Throughout the night, they could also need to feed or go outside a few times. Before assuming that the dog can sleep through the night, you will need to allow them some time to acclimate. They will eventually quit complaining and keeping you up at night so they can sleep through the night like everyone else. But you might be wondering when this is going to happen for those new pet owners who are sick of waking up in the middle of the night. When a Labrador Retriever reaches the age of around four months, pet owners may anticipate that they will begin to sleep through the night. They have reached an age where they can successfully sleep through the night and are less likely to need to get up in the middle of the night to obtain attention or for any other reason. The simpler it is to encourage the puppy to accomplish this milestone, the more of a foundation you provide for them early on. Each puppy may react differently to being in your house, and some may take a little longer to sleep through the night. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. It's happened to all of us. Your Labrador puppy sleeps on the floor instead of the cozy dog bed you just bought. But is it really a bad thing? Generally, it isn't bad for a Labrador puppy to sleep on the floor. This behavior might be triggered by the temperatures, the bed being uncomfortable, the wrong size, or being in the wrong spot. If none of those are true, then it is possible your Lab puppy simply prefers sleeping on the floor. Be conscious of the reasons your Lab puppy may prefer sleeping on the floor, what to do when he sleeps there, and the things to be wary of. In this article Reasons Your Lab Puppy Sleeps on the Floor It's pretty annoying spending time and money on getting the perfect dog bed, only for it to be abandoned for the floor! While you can't verbally ask your pup why he's abandoning his bed, there are a few triggers linked to this behavior, as outlined below. The Bed Is Uncomfortable One of the main reasons your Lab puppy may prefer sleeping on the floor is because his bed is uncomfortable. It may be too slippery, scratchy, something is poking him, or the padding isn't right for him. Or, your Lab might be running away from a wet, dirty, or smelly bed. So, if your dog normally sleeps on his bed but suddenly switches to the floor, first check his bed. You can place your palm on the bed and have a feel of it. If the bed is worn out, replace it. You can also try to lure your puppy back to the bed by adding extra padding or some soft blankets. For the longest time I struggled to find a bed for Molly that she wouldn't completely abandon or destroy. So, I finally spent just a little bit extra for a good quality Furhaven bed from Amazon. What a difference! Now, whenever we can't find her we know where she is. Some love big beds while others love small beds. Therefore, the size of the dog bed you got for your puppy might be the reason behind him sleeping on the floor. Inspect your Lab puppy as he sleeps and observe his sleeping posture. Take note of his stretches, turns, and the area where he sleeps. Note that most puppies are insecure in large beds, as they feel exposed to threats. Therefore, if your puppy's bed appears too big or overly small for him you should replace it. Even after placing beds in different spots in your house, you might still find him sleeping on the bare floor. Because he's already used to sleeping on the floor. It's a habit he has already been accustomed to. This is mainly the case if you adopt an older Lab puppy that has been raised sleeping on the floor. It might be a little too hot or too cold. For example, during summer, the cozy, comfy overstuffed bed may overheat, leaving your furry canine friend with no option than to lie on the floor to try to feel cooler and comfortable. On the other hand, during winter, the bed may not be warm enough for your pup. He may prefer sleeping on the floor next to the fireplace or heater. Your Lab puppy might also be looking for an ideal spot to bask by following the sun's rays during a sunny day. So, it's good to understand the prevailing temperatures. Furhaven has a bed on Amazon that has a cooling gel pad within it that can help if you live in a warmer climate. Note: I chose the egg carton foam because Molly had a history of chewing a corner of her bed and I didn't want to take any chances. Plus, we keep it pretty cold at night! Your Lab Puppy Wants To Stay Close to You Sometimes the bed may be a comfortable, clean, and perfect size, but its position leaves your dog sleeping on the floor. Generally, Labradors are highly affectionate and always crave the attention of their parents. As a result, you may find your young canine friend trying to be as close to you as possible. The bond you have with your Lab may drive him to sleep on the floor next to your bed as you sleep or in the kitchen as you prepare meals instead of his cozy bed. In such cases, you can get your puppy to stick to his bed by placing it in spots closer to you. You may find that among your litter of Lab puppies, some prefer sleeping on the bed while others always crave the floor. So, if your dog has a cozy, comfortable, and clean bed but still sleeps on the floor, it might be a matter of personal preference. Even if you force him to sleep on the bed, he'll still find his way to the floor, because it's what his heart wants. If you notice that your Lab's tendency of sleeping on the floor is associated with weird behaviors such as whining, panting, or abnormally excessive drooling, it might be an indication of an underlying condition. Although other reasons behind your puppy sleeping on the floor aren't causes of alarm, this reason is. So, keep a close eye on your pup as he lies on the floor. Immediately contact your vet if you notice any symptoms of pain. Here are a few tips you can try: Place the bed in an ideal spot. You'll know where to put the bed by observing where your puppy likes to sleep on the floor. This could be in your bedroom, kitchen or front door, or lounge. Make the bed comfortable. You can make the bed comfortable by replacing it if it's worn out. Or, you could clean it, or add a soft blanket. Make the bed accessible. Ensure the bed is in a location where your puppy can easily access it. It shouldn't be too far from you or placed in a secluded spot. Let your puppy sleep. If you try every means possible to lure your Lab puppy to his bed but still find him on the floor, leave him to enjoy his time. After all, if he's healthy and the floor is clean and not too hard on him, then it doesn't cause him any harm to let him sleep on the floor. Things To Be Concerned About Even though it isn't bad for your Lab puppy to sleep on the floor, there are certain things you should be concerned about. Before leaving your puppy to continue sleeping on the floor, here are a few things you should keep in mind: Your dog sleeping on hard floors for a long time may negatively affect his health. It may trigger structural ailments such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. As much as you strive to keep your floor spotless, it may not be the cleanest place for your puppy to nap. Your Lab puppy's dense coat may accumulate dirt, debris, and other strange materials that can affect his skin's health. If you let your puppy sleep on the floor, he might grow thinking it's a good thing to do. As a result, he might develop a lifelong habit of sleeping on floors which might be hard to correct in adulthood. Wrapping It Up Generally, it isn't bad for your Lab puppy to sleep on the floor. So, it shouldn't be a cause of alarm unless it's associated with signs of pain. However, you should remember that puppies sleep between hours a day. Choosing an ideal spot for your Lab puppy to sleep is vital for his general well-being. Try keeping the floor clean, and if possible, throw a soft blanket in your puppy's favorite spot to make it a little more comfortable. So, where should your Lab puppy sleep? A Labrador puppy should sleep in a crate or dog bed. The easiest option is a crate as you can control his environment better, and it also helps to toilet train your puppy quicker. If you choose a dog bed, partition off an area of the house using baby gates or a playpen. As a first-time dog owner, I took the sound advice of my breeder. He told me that a crate is the easiest way to train a pup to sleep well — and for faster potty training! Although I could hear my puppy cry once in a while during her first night, after that, she was fine. This is quite normal, and your dog will soon get to love his crate — he will recognize it as his special place where no one else is allowed! Here are some helpful tips to help your Labrador settle in his crate and sleep well, especially on his first night: Make sure you buy the correct size. Use a divider to partition the crate in half. As the crate will be too large at first, you can use a divider to adjust the size as your Labrador grows. I like the Midwest Homes for Pets iCrate from Amazon as it has everything you need and comes with an all-inclusive divider and wipe-clean removable tray. You can also choose either a single or double door that is handy. Cover half of the crate with a blanket. Situate the crate close to your bedroom. A quiet area for sleeping is best, not too far away from your bedroom, so you can hear your pup if he needs to go outside during the night. Or you can choose to put it right next to your bed if space allows. If you put the crate in your bedroom, you can transition to another part of the house after a few weeks. I chose to put the crate at the end of the landing as I am a light sleeper, and I hate having my sleep disturbed! Remember, dogs have different sleep cycles from humans! Check out this step-by-step guide to learn tons more on crate training, Easy Labrador Puppy Crate Training. Check out my recommendations for the Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens , including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. If your Labrador puppy is having a tough time sleeping through the night, you may wonder exactly when they might be able to master this new skill! Labrador puppies typically sleep through the night by 4 months old. At this age, they should sleep between hours. If you lay the foundations on the first night, your puppy may be able to achieve a night without waking up sooner. It can also help if you have a good routine and are an early riser. Here are some helpful tips to speed up the process of getting your pup to sleep through the night: Routine. Dogs thrive on routine, so ensure you establish a good bedtime routine. Potty breaks. Make sure you allow your pup to go potty right before bedtime. However, young puppies may need to go outside during the night while their tiny bladders develop. Interactive puzzle toys are also great for mental stimulation. Crate training. You can learn what to do instead in my article all about common Labrador behaviors. But are you wondering at what age your Labrador can sleep with you? This allows him to be fully potty trained and sleep through the night without having to go potty or cry for you. This interesting study compared human-canine sleeping with adult-child co-sleeping and evidenced that both shared similar benefits and drawbacks. Remember, dogs who are territorial or aggressive should not sleep in your bed. Some of the most common health benefits of sleeping with your Labrador include: An overall reduction in depression and anxiety. Increased feeling of security. Provide companionship and decrease loneliness. Reduced stress. Lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. A decrease in hypertension. Cons of Sleeping with Your Labrador Of course, there can be negatives to allowing your Labrador to sleep with you in your bed. Labs are also heavy shedders, and you may find pet dander uncomfortable. Your dog can sometimes carry harmful germs. It may affect your relationship! If you sleep with a partner, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can cause friction and disruption. Although you may suffer from disturbed sleep if you sleep with your dog, you are unlikely to be affected by his night-time antics if you are a deep sleeper. Indeed, this study from The Mayo Clinic looked at the sleep of 40 healthy humans and their dogs occupying the same bedroom to find out whether sleeping together was detrimental to sleep. Human sleep quality was lower if the dog slept on the bed rather than just in the room. Nonetheless, even if you allow your Labrador to sleep with you, only let him onto your bed when you say so. Your dog should not have free reign of your bed, which can hinder how he views the pecking order. But what about modern dogs? Do Labradors actually like sleeping with their owners? Most Labradors like to sleep with their owners as a sign of affection and closeness. Dogs are social animals and instinctively want to sleep with you as they like to be close to their pack, and you are the head of the pack! They also want to protect you and display their loyalty and trust. Some dogs might get too hot on your bed and may temporarily move onto the floor to cool down. Some might not want to sleep with you at all! Always have another place where your Labrador can sleep, such as a bed or crate nearby where he can get warm and cozy. Can a Labrador Puppy Sleep Outside? Labrador puppies grow very quickly, which leaves some pet owners wondering when would be the right time to transition their pooch to an outdoor sleeping area. But can a Labrador puppy sleep outside in the first instance? Labrador puppies can sleep outside, but not until they are between months of age. They also need to be socialized, trained, and spend time bonding with their family. The health risks around this become more precarious in extremely hot or cold temperatures. The same goes for the rarer long-haired Lab. Your Labrador is more at risk of diseases and parasites. Until your pup has received his vaccinations to keep him healthy, he is more vulnerable to illnesses and parasites. Immunizations are typically not completed until 16 weeks, so training him to sleep outside sooner than this may compromise his health. Your Lab needs to be socialized and trained. All puppies must be socialized, obedience trained, and allowed to bond with their family. Without proper socialization, you risk your Lab becoming fearful, reactive , nervous, or even aggressive. To ensure that your Labrador puppy is healthy and safe when sleeping outside, there are a few things you should always make sure he has. These items include: A doghouse. This provides your puppy with a safe space to feel safe and snuggle down. I would definitely have this Petmate Dog House from Amazon on my wish list! A bit pricey, though! Water bowl. Make sure your Lab has his favorite water bowl filled to the brink every night. Favorite toys. To make your puppy feel comfortable and relaxed, put his favorite toys wherever he sleeps outside. When all is said and done once your dog has matured, it is a matter of personal choice. Here are the key takeaways from the article: You may choose to let your new puppy sleep at your side. When he has grown, you can let him sleep on your bed. He needs to be fully house-trained and at least six months old. The benefits of sleeping with your Lab are security, bonding, and mental health. Negatives include disturbed sleep and an increase in your allergy symptoms. Most Labradors like sleeping with their owners. You can transition your dog to sleep outside between months of age. Related Posts You May Like:. Where do dogs sleep? Dog sleep patterns are fascinating things. They have what is called polyphasic sleep, where they have periods of wake and sleep that occur during both the day and the night. And help you to understand the changes that occur in different stages of their lives, including when they are unwell. How Long Do Dogs Sleep? Dogs have a sleep pattern known as polyphasic. This means that they have multiple periods of sleep scattered throughout the day and night. A feature that they share with many other mammals. Dogs have better night vision than we do. So their ancestors could hunt both by day and by night, if necessary. In fact, hunting at night may have given them some advantages. It is easier to creep up on your victim under the cover of darkness. Dog Sleep Patterns Sleeping all night had no advantage for dogs, so dogs did not evolve a natural tendency to sleep for a single long stretch of time like we do. Instead, they acquired the useful ability to get as much sleep as possible, often in short stretches, whenever there is nothing much going on. You may have noticed that your dog wakes up instantly and is ready for action right away. And living with humans means that most dogs do learn to sleep the night away without disturbing their human family. Though they may wake and move around briefly during this period of time. If your dog is not sleeping through the night and disturbing your sleep, consider whether he is getting enough daytime activity and stimulation. Dogs have retained their ability to sleep whenever life gets dull. Studies of guard dogs have shown that dogs are not disadvantaged by being woken up frequently or working in changing shifts. They simply sleep when they get the chance. But how many hours sleep does a dog need during each 24 hour period? Dogs naturally sleep for longer periods of time each day than people do. But just like humans, sleep needs vary among individual dogs. Sleep needs also vary among different dog breeds. Adult Labradors will sleep for well over half of every 24 hours, and puppies under four months old may sleep as much as 20 hours a day. The reason for all this sleeping may have to do with a special type of sleep called rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep during which dreaming takes place. Do Dogs Dream? Dogs certainly appear to dream in the same way that we do. And their brains behave in a similar way to ours during the sleep cycle. REM sleep is just one phase of the sleep cycle that both dogs and humans experience. A study published in showed that REM or dreaming sleep decreases as dogs get older. So it looks as though puppies dream more than adult dogs. Sometimes when fast asleep, your dog will make twitching and running movements with his paws, and some dogs will give little yips and barks. This is a normal part of deep REM or dreaming sleep. Studies have also shown that if the part of the brain that de-activates movement during sleep is removed from a dog, the sleeping dog will actually carry out the behaviors that he is dreaming about. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie! We know that in humans, REM sleep is important. Being deprived of REM sleep can cause unpleasant effects, and there is no reason to think that dogs are any different. It is important to allow your dog to sleep deeply when he wants to and to not interrupt his sleep when he starts dreaming. Some veterinary specialists speculate that dogs sleep more than humans because their REM sleep is often interrupted due to their ability to wake easily and quickly and be ready for action. Because of that wakefulness, dogs need more periods of sleep in which to get an adequate amount of REM sleep. If you are worried that your dog may be ill because he is sleeping so much, ask yourself what has changed. Is he sleeping a lot more than he was just last week? Or has he always slept this much? Is he bright and bouncy when he is awake? Does he have a good appetite? Or does he seem lethargic or uninterested in food? Excessive sleeping in a dog that is eating well and full of energy when awake is unlikely to have any significance. And some elderly dogs tend to sleep more than they did when they were young. Make a Special Sleeping Space Your Labrador, like all dogs, is able to awaken quickly from sleep and be ready for action, whenever an opportunity presents itself. However, constantly interrupting his sleep is not a good idea. While many confident dogs will sleep pretty much anywhere, it is important that every dog has his own sleeping space. A place where he can go and relax when he wants to. Even if your dog shares your bed at night, he should still have a bed somewhere in the house that he can call his own. It needs to be somewhere free of drafts and comfortable, preferably lined with a cozy mat or blanket. Elderly Labradors may need thicker padding to support their joints. Orthopedic dog beds can provide extra comfort. It is here, in his special space, that your dog can relax fully and sleep deeply. Dogs naturally sleep for long periods of time, and sleeping a lot is nothing to worry about in a dog that is active, enjoying his food and living life to the fullest. Just like people, dogs need deep REM sleep, and constantly interrupted sleep can be harmful. You can check out crate information here: The benefits of a dog crate.

Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Proven Ways to End The Nipping! February 24, by Susan Puppy biting is a part of the process of dog ownership, but it can also be frustrating and excruciatingly painful. If you have a pug puppy, you have most likely wondered how I get my Pug Puppy to stop biting? This breed is known to be stubborn. However, you can stop the painful nipping problems with the proper training knowledge without using any painful training collar like choke, prong, and electric collars. You want to address the symptom, not the cause. As mentioned above, puppies bite for several reasons, but the most common reasons are teething and interaction with the world. Other reasons your puppy keeps biting you could be: Fear: If you happen upon a puppy that is startled, their first reaction may be to bite or nip at you. During the exploration process, they learn how hard they can bite while interacting with humans and other dogs. Playtime: Young puppies and older Pugs if not appropriately trained will nip as they play. Both puppies and dogs use their mouths to interact with people and dogs. Puppy Biting vs. Puppy Nipping vs. The bite may break the skin and lead to infections that a medical doctor may need to treat. Biting Biting is when a puppy or full-grown dog bit down hard on someone or something. Instead, it is a sharp pinch. It is still painful and can cause injury to people who have thinner skin than dogs do. Nipping can also cause holes and tears in your expensive clothing. Small breed dogs are known to be ankle biters. If ignored, your dog will do this behavior to the mailman, neighbors, and other people, which will cause significant problems for you. Mouthing Mouthing is when a dog or puppy gnaws or puts its mouth around your hand, arm, or another part of your body. Both puppies and dogs will use their mouths to pull at your shoe, clothing, etc. When Do Pugs Stop Teething? Puppy nipping and biting can last until your puppy is five months old or until they have their full set of grown-up teeth. Do Pugs Bite? Instead, they use their teeth, barking, and body language to let us know their feelings. At some point in their life, your Pug will show signs of aggression or fear by barking as a way to let you know to stay away. The final stage will be your dog snapping and possibly even biting you. Unlike other breeds, Pugs are a gentle breed that loves being around people, even children. Is Pug Dog Bite Dangerous? Puppies are prone to biting, and while not life-threatening, it is still excruciating. You may need a bandaid or ice to soothe the cut. There are several humane ways to train your puppy to stop biting. With the proper training, time, and patience, you can train your Pug to stop sinking their teeth into you. How to train a Pug Puppy Not to Bite? Here are several steps you can use to stop your Pug puppy from biting. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Access to Chew Toys If your puppy is teething, make sure she has access to several types of chew toys with lots of different textures. Teething puppies will bite and chew on anything they can find, even your hands and fingers. A great way to keep your puppy occupied is to give them a chew toy instead. It puts their attention on the toy and teaches them what they can chew on. Say goodbye to painful bites.We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Get them used to you touching their face, paws, ears, tail, etc. While Pugs love to be pet especially belly rubs , not all dogs enjoy you touching certain parts of their body. Some dogs are sensitive to people touching their paws and will nip when touched. It could be because their feet hurt or are ticklish when they are touched? The more you get them used to let you touch them as a puppy, the easier it will be to cut their nails as they get older. A tired puppy means less biting! Just remember not to overdo it. Also, make sure not to exercise them in the heat of the day. For instance, if you know your pups about to bite, you can move your hand away and put a toy in its mouth. If your puppy bites all the time when you bend down to greet them, have their favorite toy in your hand. Your excited puppy will bite the toy instead of your flesh, which is what you want. Most people make the mistake of correcting unwanted behavior after they occur. After doing it hundreds of times, your Pug would sit before they greeted you, and the unwanted behavior would be gone. If this is your puppy, give them the treat with an open palm. When your puppy becomes overly excited, grab their favorite snack, and ask them to sit. It teaches your puppy to want to interact with you and helps you raise a well-behaved dog at the same time. Giving them the treat too early will only reinforce the biting and unwanted behavior. The treat training method teaches your dog to respond to you rather than merely behaving impulsively. The puppy backs away, even for a second before the fierce playing resumes. As a Pug owner, you can mimic this behavior! When your puppy bites too hard, make a high-pitched yelp or squeal sound. The key to this type of training is to ignore your puppy for a while. The training sounds harsh but does work very well, especially for this breed. Pugs are companion dogs, and they want to please you. Some people make the mistake of biting the puppy back to show them how it feels. One jumps and bites on the other dog, and eventually, the other dog gives and starts biting them. Before you know it, the two dogs are fighting, and the people have to break it up before it escalates and someone gets hurt. Teach Them Not to Bite Over Food Pugs love to eat, and one of the most common reasons a puppy will bite is when they feel you or other pets threaten their food. Start by petting your puppy while they are eating. Keep repeating the process every time at mealtime. Quitting too early will cause your puppy to revert to its old habits of biting. Puppy biting can take anywhere from a couple of days, weeks, or even months with extreme biters. Instead of losing your cool, take them for a walk to tire them up. Puppies enjoy being around people and will quickly learn to behave correctly. After all, the goal is to get them chewing and biting on toys, not your flesh. Check out some of the best crates for Pugs that are perfect for sleeping and training. When they calm down, you can let them out of the kennel. Your Pug will fear you and cringe or run away when you approach her. She may respond defensively and attempt to bite you because she sees you as someone who will hurt her. Your puppy may see your gentle tap or slap as an invitation to pay, which will set your training back. Training time will become playtime and will be more likely to bite or nip at you. Never play tug-of-war or wrestling games with your puppy. These types of games encourage biting, jumping, grabbing, chewing, etc. Also, avoid using choking, electric, and prong collars as they will be painful to your pup. Final Word? This guide will help you properly train your puppy, whether dealing with teething or nipping issues. It takes time to train your Pug puppy not to bite. Implementing proper training can help strengthen your bond, which will help your dog become a well-behaved adult. However, when they realize how much work goes into training them, many are surrendered to shelters. You now have the tools you need to teach your Pug puppy to stop biting. Good Luck! However, whilst Pugs tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Pug puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Pug biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do Pugs bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive Pug, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do Pugs bite a lot? When Pugs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why Pug puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your Pug puppy biting the most. Some Pugs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a Pug biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. Pug puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your Pug puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Pug thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your Pug suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your Pug puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Pug from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As Pug owners we can imitate this behavior! If your Pug puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your Pug to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Pug will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a Pug puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your Pug puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a Pug puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your Pug is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. What you do is put a bowl in front of your Pug then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Pug puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The Pug will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your Pug know you are in charge Older Pugs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your Pug to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your Pug puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your Pug on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A Pug that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Pugs. Something to consider though is how long your Pug could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult Pugs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a Pug If you get bitten by a Pug and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Pug from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Pug puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Pug, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. But when Pugs are puppies, biting and nipping is just part and parcel of growing up. Pups explore their new world with their mouths. And a few nips here and there is just part of the experience. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Pug puppy might be biting. They are afraid If your pup is afraid, startled, or stressed for any reason they might react by nipping or biting in defense. When your Pug is still very young, this is not a worrying act of aggression. Nipping is a perfectly normal reflex reaction when your pup is feeling anxious or vulnerable. They are asserting dominance Sometimes pups bite as a way to show dominance over you. Even though Pug puppies are tiny, they still have a big ego. They are exploring Pups explore their new surroundings with their mouths and noses. Mouthing behavior is part and parcel of being a pup. When your Pug is still a puppy, they will not understand that a nip or a bite is a bad thing. That way the nipping phase will be just that. A phase. They are teething Last but not least, just like human babies, Pug pups go through a teething stage. And, just like human babies, your pup will want to chew on everything in sight. What they are actually doing is trying to soothe the pain that they are feeling during the teething process. To help them out, offer your pup a teething toy to chew on or some cold ice cubes to soothe those sore gums. Canines use their mouths for a lot of activities and functions. But not all oral behavior constitutes biting. Biting, nipping, and mouthing are all slightly different. Biting describes when a dog clamps down hard on an object or person. Nipping is not an act of aggression but a play response, or a reaction to a moment of fear or anxiety. Mouthing is a natural explorative behavior — especially for puppies during the teething phase. When Should I Be Worried? As your pooch gets older, play biting can turn into real biting. But biting behavior is still not to be encouraged. DO squeal and yelp This might sound a bit odd, but letting out a squeal or yelp when your pup nips or bites is a bit like speaking puppy language. When puppies play together in the litter this is how they tell their brothers and sisters to back off. So we can do this too. DO use chew toys As your pup starts to mature, stop letting their mouth on your hands and introduce a chew toy instead. Plus you can incorporate the chew into tons of fun and games around the house and garden. Around this time we want to be teaching our pups to feel relaxed when we place our hands in or around their mouth area — without biting. Encourage your pup to stop biting by diverting their attention with a delicious treat and plenty of praise. Some pups will develop food aggression. They may become super protective of their dinner and nip or bite when anybody tries to come near. Only let your Pug eat when the biting behavior ceases. If your pup is a persistent biter try placing your thumb under their tongue and finger under the chin and hold for ten seconds. DO assert your dominance You are in charge. Not your Pug. Pugs can be stubborn and prone to jealousy. Be assertive and reward good behavior with any kind of positive reinforcement — love, cuddles, and treats are usually best. Providing plenty of contact opportunities with other dogs and people is really important. Expose your pup to a variety of situations — even those that might be stressful the first time around e. Just remember to always supervise when your puppy is playing with Children. Your Pug will think that you are dangerous and will most likely continue biting out of fear, as a way of protecting themselves from you. If you do then your Pug will think that nipping and biting are totally fun. So resist temptation and give them some cuddles once they have calmed down. Do not let your Pug bite in perpetuity. Eventually, they must learn that this is not okay. So start training and stop your Pug puppy biting as soon as possible. Your precious little pup has turned into a vampire. How do you stop it? What are the best tactics to prevent Pug biting, chewing, and gnawing on people and property? Why do Pugs bite in the first place, anyway? Do Pugs bite their owners? Pugs have been known to bite their owners. Here are some signs that you might have a biter: They nip at you during playtime. They try to lunge and bite people or animals. You come home to destroyed objects such as chewed-up shoes or remotes. Another sign of a biter or potential biter is if they use their mouth a lot in general. However, if you notice that your Pug puts everything in its mouth, it might have become a habit that you need to break. Why is my Pug biting? For example, do they bite things when they get angry or stressed? This is the equivalent of a toddler having a temper tantrum. It can also be compounded by things like separation anxiety where your Pug self-soothes by gnawing on objects with your scent. Do they have any medical issues? Last but not least, your Pug might simply have a habit of chewing on things. How do I get my Pug to stop biting? There are many tips and tricks to stop a Pug biting, and you can employ a little trial and error to figure out which ones work for you. Ignore them whenever they bite. If your Pug is biting to get attention, take the attention away. Buy them toys or teething objects. Get them used to your hands being around their mouth. Some dogs respond instinctively to the perceived threat of a hand near their face and mouth. You can re-condition this response by slowly and incrementally petting them closer to their snouts. You can also deliver more treats by hand or palm! Another option is enrolling in obedience courses such as the ones available at the Pupford Academy. They have a multitude of training modules that can help with biting, leash walking, crate training, and more. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, you can de-fang your vampire and turn them back into a sweet and snuggly pup. Good luck!

As their name suggests, they are Boxer dogs that simply have white coats. However, their coat color makes them slightly different. The Boxer breed we know today is from Germany and was originally bred for hunting and dog fights. However, these activities became unpopular as years passed, so Boxers found new roles as working dogs. Many White Boxers are now bred to help humans do day-to-day activities. Some of these Boxers are cattle dogs or police dogs, while others are guide dogs for the blind. Are White Boxers aggressive? All dogs have the tendency to be aggressive when they are not trained properly. Boxers got the bad reputation of being a vicious breed because they were originally bred for hunting and dog fights. But, as times changed, these dogs evolved as well. A White Boxer shares the same features as regular Boxers, only their coat is white. Considered a medium to large dog, as mentioned above a White Boxer can weigh 50 to 80 lbs 22 to 36kg and reach up to 21 to 25 inches 53 to 66 cm in height. Distinctly shaped heads and strong bodies A distinct physical feature of a Boxer is its head. Their jaws have an underbite and their muzzle is blunt. Their ears are erect and sometimes naturally fold over. Some White Boxers will also have cropped ears. Most White Boxers have a muscular body with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are carried high and often docked. How rare are White Boxer puppies? The quick answer is: not that rare. Contrary to popular belief, having a White Boxer does not involve elaborate breeding techniques. Twenty to twenty-five percent of Boxers will be born white, so these dogs are not really a rare occurrence. Are White Boxers healthy? As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a White Boxer is 10 to 12 years. This is due to the lack of pigment in the skin cells of their inner ear canal and consequently the loss of sensory hair cells. Skin problems — Skin issues are common in White Boxers because of their short coats. Many of these dogs suffer from skin rashes and irritation. Owners can use human sunscreen to protect their pets from the harmful sun, but dogs may end up licking the sunscreen off. Blindness — The link between blindness and the White Boxer needs to be studied further, but there are more blind White Boxers than any other Boxers of different coat colors. White Boxers are also said to be more prone to canine cancers than other breeds. How do you care for your White Boxer? Caring for a White Boxer is easy, especially since this is a low-shedding breed. However, you will have to devote some regular playtime for this active dog. Their short coats shed only a small amount of fur and require only a weekly brushing. However, they shed more than usual during springtime. The proper diet for White Boxers Due to several health issues Boxers can suffer from, it is very important for them to have nutrient-dense food to keep them healthy and at their best. This dog needs at least 30 to 45 minutes of active play and exercise in a day. Limiting sun exposure As we said before, this breed is prone to sunburn. Sun protection is a must when they are playing outside. You can buy them canine sunscreen for to protect their skin or have them wear a shirt when outside. How do you train a White Boxer? White Boxers are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to do what needs to be done. However, there are some Boxer behaviors that need to be addressed during training. Training sessions should be fun and short to keep White Boxers interested. They need to see you as the pack leader for them to follow your command. Socialization is important for White Boxers as they can get protective of their toys and their humans. Positive reinforcement yields better results with this breed. Praises and treats go a long way in making good behavior stick. Due to the number of White Boxers that are deaf, owners have found other ways to train their beloved canine. What makes the White Boxer controversial? White Boxers were originally part of the police force, but their coats made them easy to spot at night. This nighttime visibility rendered the pups useless in police operations. This ban aimed to take out the genes that make these Boxers white and led to breeders killing their White Boxer puppies and dogs. But that was just the start as the debate about this breed still goes on today. The American Kennel Club controversy According to the AKC breed standard, a Boxer should have two-thirds of its coat is colored either fawn or brindle. Because White Boxers do not meet this criterion, some breeders think that White Boxers are inferior and have more health issues compared to fawn or brindle Boxers. This thinking has caused some breeders to euthanize White Boxer puppies. White Boxer welfare groups There are several White Boxer welfare groups that advocate for these dogs and condemn White Boxer euthanasia. Some of these groups have put up shelters and rescue centers for White Boxers. They are also active in promoting the White Boxer as a good dog, regardless of the health issues it may have. Where can I find reputable White Boxer breeders? White Boxers have a number of health issues that they can suffer from, so you want to pick the healthiest White Boxer puppy among the pack. It may be challenging to intentionally seek out breeders who focus on breeding White Boxers, so you can check out the following Boxer breeders:. What Is a White Boxer? Are White Boxers Purebred? A white Boxer is a purebred Boxer dog with a white-colored coat. They have been the target of controversy in the breeding world for many years. Their white coats are associated with many health issues. However, they remain to be the sweetest and most loyal dogs. The neat coat of the white Boxer is truly an eye-catcher. They are not a separate breed of Boxers nor are they considered albino dogs. They are just a unique color variation with some slight differences from other colored Boxers. White Boxer vs. A common misconception about white Boxer dogs is that they are albino. However, there are a couple of differences between the two. They also develop blue eyes or any lighter eye color. Because of this, all albino Boxers need special care for sun protection. Are White Boxers Rare? Another popular belief about white Boxers is that they are rare. However, statistics show that around 20 to 25 percent of Boxers are born white. However, the sad fact remains that many of these white dogs are euthanized because of their color. Many breeders are convinced that Boxer puppies born with white coats are less competitive than fawn or brindle Boxers. All white Boxer dogs have the same physical attributes as a regular-colored Boxer. The only distinction they have is their white coat that can be pure white like the photo above or predominantly white with color patches around the eyes and ears. Their coat should also be short, shiny, and staying close to the skin. Despite their short fur, white Boxers are still moderate shedders. White Boxers are medium to large dogs that can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and grow around 21 to 25 inches in height. You can expect them to have muscular bodies with broad chests that become more developed as they become adult dogs. Another notable feature of white Boxers is their large heads. Their ears can either be erect or flopped down to the sides. Others have them cropped. All white Boxer dogs also have underbites and blunt muzzles. Color genetics can explain how a Boxer can produce white puppies. The combined genes of the mother dog dam and father dog sire determine what coat color their litter will have. The degree of white fur that a Boxer pup can have depends on the number of plain genes S or a white spotting gene Sw it inherits. If the puppy has two copies of the S gene, the amount of white color is limited to the chest and toes. When it inherits one copy of the S gene and one copy of the Sw gene, the dog will have more prominent white markings on the muzzle, neck, and legs. Boxers born with white coats usually remain white until they are old. However, if they have dark markings or patches on their face or body, these will likely fade out in adulthood. These include age, nutrition, skin diseases, medicine intake, and exposure to sunlight. Some may even change without prior conditions. If you notice signs of discomfort, hair loss, and irritation accompanied by color change, consult your veterinarian. However, they are not eligible to join the conformation show ring. They also do not allow the registration of puppies born to an already registered white Boxer. Fawn and brindle are the only recognized Boxer colors. Kennel clubs outside the United States also have their restrictions with the registration of white Boxers. Like the American Boxer Club, the German Boxer Club disqualifies dogs with white hair due to their reputation as war dogs. A white Boxer has the same temperament as its fawn and brindle counterparts. They are playful, sociable, alert, energetic, and fearless guard dogs. These traits combined make them perfect family pets. As puppies, you can expect high energy and extreme playfulness. As they grow up, they begin to calm down and become the loyal companions that they are. Since they are very friendly dogs, they easily get along with everybody, including other pets. This is a result of socialization that should be done during puppyhood. Frequent walks outside and interacting at a dog park can help them be familiarized with different dogs, humans, and other stimuli. White Boxers can also display stubbornness when handled too loosely. Since they are very sensitive, Boxers tend to sulk and shut down when commanded angrily. They should be led in an encouraging way instead of being bullied around. Like other Boxers, white Boxer dogs are expected to live between 10 and 12 years. However, some dogs have to deal with mild to life-threatening health problems over time. Age, nutrition, genetics, and environment directly affect the overall health of a white Boxer. Here are some of the health issues Boxers with white coats can have: Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic defect common to large dogs that causes the malformation of the hip joint as they grow up. A white Boxer puppy aged four months can already show signs of hip dysplasia which includes lameness, decreased mobility, and pain in the joint area. Deafness: White Boxers and all predominantly white dogs are also at risk of deafness caused by the lack of pigment cells in the inner ear. This also results in the loss of sensory hair cells. Due to having extremely diluted pigmentation, a white dog is inclined to be born deaf in one ear. If the ear canal stays closed after 10 to 12 days of being born, the dog will likely be deaf. Degenerative myelopathy is common to older white Boxers who can experience difficulty in movement, especially when walking. Physical therapy is recommended to preserve muscle mass. You may notice your dog drinking a lot of water and urinating more frequently. In severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression may occur. Sunburn: White pups are more prone to have sunburn than colored Boxers. Owners should apply a generous amount of canine sunscreen to prevent UV sun rays from penetrating the skin. Limiting sun exposure to 30 minutes a day can also help protect their skin. Cancer: White Boxers develop cancer more frequently than standard dogs. Like cancers in humans, it is treated by chemotherapy. If you want to have a healthy dog, you should ensure that your white Boxer puppy is not predisposed to the diseases mentioned in this section. Choose a breeder that offers genetic testing and health screening for all their Boxer dogs. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing from a breeder. The expenses begin to increase once you are scheduled to bring home your new pet. Essential items like dog food, cage, bed, toys, and grooming tools should be readily available for your pup. The table below shows the average cost of the initial expenses of a white Boxer: Type of Expense. They can easily sunburn — an owner should use dog friendly sunscreen on their dog if they plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .The whiteboxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. Deafness Facts Regarding deafness, the genetic basis of white in Boxers is the same as in Dalmatians, although without the ticking factor to give the spots. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Article re-published from www. White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. Lifespan Sociability A well-bred Boxer puppy can reach high prices depending on your locality and the breeder. When you bring a White Boxer home, be ready to have a loyal and friendly dog by your side. These are energetic dogs so they do well with active families who have lots of space for their dogs to run around in and burn off their energy. Boxers Are Among the Top 10 Most Popular Breeds Boxer dogs were brought to America in the early 20th century, but the breed only gained popularity after the s. At present, the Boxer dog is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. White Boxers Are Not Albino Albinism is a lack of skin pigmentation characterized by white hair, white skin, and pink eyes. White boxes have blue eyes and can develop black spots. In fact, more than one-quarter of the Boxer puppies born are considered white. Nothing could be further from the truth. These dogs are loyal and friendly towards family, but they can also be aggressive when being protective. While they can be wary of strangers, they tend to be playful and jovial when in the company of people they know. And their curiosity and high intelligence allow them to learn new things quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? For one, they are loyal to the core and are very protective of those they love. Moreover, they are very affectionate and will jump at you in greeting every chance they get. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, this dog will be too much for you. Additionally, families with small children should be cautious. The dog can easily knock the little fellas down while bouncing and leaping around. However, their high prey drive will put your cat and other vulnerable pets at risk, so be sure not to leave them unattended in the same room. The following is what you need to know before owning a white Boxer. This means that you must provide them with adequate nutrition to support their active lifestyle. White Boxers, in particular, need a high-quality diet rich in proteins, fiber, carbs, and fat. However, take care not to overfeed your pet because this can lead to obesity. Stick to the scheduled mealtime and keep treats at a minimum. An active adult Boxer should receive cups of dog food per day, depending on their weight, as well as other variables. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian always when not sure what to feed your pup. Otherwise, they will direct their high energy elsewhere and can be quite destructive, especially when they get bored. The dog will need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to maintain good behavior. You can split that into two sessions of 30 minutes each. Walking, hiking and playing games such as fetch are just some of the things you can do with your furry friend. You could even choose to enroll them in dog competitions. Games and puzzles are great here. Additionally, teach them new tricks from time to time. Since they are highly intelligent, they tend to learn things fast. Furthermore, this dog has no time for repetitive and boring routines. You will have to keep things fresh and fun if you hope to teach them anything. Moreover, the canines are generally clean. Just like cats, they are capable of grooming themselves. Therefore, you only need to brush their coat once a week to keep it looking neat. Regular baths may not be necessary, but you should not neglect to clip their nails once or twice a month. Trimming the nails will prevent them from scratching you whenever they jump to greet you. But their well-being can be threatened by various health conditions. Apart from the common health issues that affect Boxers in general, a white Boxer is susceptible to the following health problems. Minor Conditions. Much like a boxer might spar with an opponent. The Boxer is thought to be a modern descendant of larger mastiff-type fighting dogs that were bred to hunt large game like bison and bears. The white Boxer may be smaller than these ancestors, but this is still a very powerful dog. White Boxer Dog Appearance Contrary to popular belief about the white Boxer, this coat color is not actually rare in Boxers. These include the brown and white Boxer dog, the black and white Boxer dog, the brindle and the fawn. Here again, if the white portions of the coat equal 30 percent or more of the total coat, the Boxer will be considered to have a white Boxer coat color even if there are other colors or patterns present in the coat as well. One of the most enduring myths about white Boxer puppies with blue eyes is that they will be blind later in life. For white Boxers today, blue is considered just another possible eye color. Shedding and Grooming The white Boxer, like all Boxers, has a very short, neat, single layer coat. However, pale dogs can look mucky more quickly than darker haired dogs. Therefore you might need to brush your dog down slightly more often, and bath them more frequently too. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Boxer has a short coat that sheds throughout the year. They spread allergens through the proteins in their dander and saliva, and are not a good match for human allergy sufferers unfortunately. The white Boxer typically weighs 50 to 80 pounds, with adult males outweighing adult females by about 15 pounds. An adult Boxer may stand 21 to 25 inches tall paw to shoulder. Temperament and Personality The white Boxer has the same playful, friendly, and sociable temperament and personality that the Boxer dog breed is known for overall. In fact, the Boxer is often so exuberant that they need continual training and reinforcement not to bowl you over or leap up onto you just to say hello. Even if you just saw each other five minutes ago! Are Boxers Good With Kids? However, the Boxer is high energy and loves to jump up. Boxers tend to do well with other Boxers so long as they are opposite genders. Same-gender Boxers are known to be somewhat intolerant of each other. Guarding Tendencies Both the white male and white female Boxer dog can make a good family watchdog. For this reason, early and ongoing training and socialization is a vital part of helping your white Boxer learn how to welcome guests. And be a healthy and productive member of your family and the local community. A white Boxer will bark as necessary. For a Boxer, often this means barking to alert you when a stranger is present or if something seems amiss. Too much barking may indicate your Boxer is bored or lonely. In addition to strategic barking, you can expect your Boxer to drool more than a bit. Many owners also report that Boxers tend to snore, which may be due to having the shortened muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic dog breeds. Training and socialization The white Boxer, like all Boxers, can be stubborn during training. This is especially true during the short attention span puppyhood phase! Boxers can be independent thinkers, and this arises from their breed history as a hunting dog bred to hunt prey far ahead of their people. They do best in training when you keep each session fresh and interesting and avoid too much repetition. The Boxer is a flat-out amazing canine athlete and will enjoy and excel in canine sports like agility and search-and-rescue. These dogs are also top picks for K-9 and service dog roles. These dogs love to play, jump, run and chase and you should make sure your yard is escape-proof before letting your Boxer out. Are White Boxer Dogs Healthy? Most purebred dog breeds have certain health concerns that are associated with breed. Boxer dogs are no exception. Because white Boxer dogs can have a higher susceptibility to deafness, ethical breeders do not use white Boxer dogs in their breeding stock. However, this does not mean Boxer parent dogs with other coat colors will not produce white Boxer puppies. As long as all other health tests come back clear, white Boxer puppies can make wonderful pet dogs and have the same 10 to year average life expectancy as do all other Boxer dogs. Boxers can be particularly prone to developing heart disease, including aortic stenosis, which is often initially detectable during routine veterinary exams when the vet hears a heart murmur. Often murmurs related to aortic stenosis, which are different than puppy heart murmurs that resolve with age, are not detectable until the Boxer is an adult. Another all-too-common heart issue is cardiomyopathy, which is often detectable via heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Boxer dogs that exhibit signs of weakness, lethargy, or collapse may be suffering from early stage cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to: Canine cancer. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There's a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer doesn't automatically have health issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more study to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They're more likely to sunburn More information about white boxers and deaf dogs can be found at:.