pink chubby puppy poodle

About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. We are delighted to assist you in bringing home one of our puppies! Please email us for additional information at [email protected], thank you! Our sweet Secret is just so lovely. This girl will calm you with her presence, she is a joy to be around! Loving, gentle, and therapy-like temperament are just a few words we would use to describe her. Her beauty is her personality and her good looks. While this guy is one of our smallest studs, he has more than enough love to give! He will spoil you with affection. Beau is also highly intelligent, it almost gets him into trouble. He is just an all around great dog, from his smarts, playfulness, and love, we just cannot get enough of him! These sweet little ones will be about pounds at full maturity. They will have wonderfully sweet, mild-mannered temperaments. They are taking in the world around them. They have mastered the potty-pad using our training system! Their personalities are coming out each day, they are so smart and sweet! Thank you! Carolina has classic Australian Labradoodle good-looks. She has light dazzling eyes that are expressive and warm with the sweetest temperament to match! She is one of our smartest and brightest dogs. Carolina is kind, intuitive, and has a therapy-like temperament. Waffle is as handsome as they come! He has a stunning caramel-red coat with white markings that has proved to be quite the show-stopper. Waffle knows how to captivate a room! He is calm, affectionate, gentle and easy-going. He wears an unbeatable smile with the softest eyes. Carolina brought us nine stunning puppies! Five handsome boys and four beautiful girls. They boast beautiful cream, caramel, and parti coats that non-shedding, asthma and allergy friendly. These beautiful pups will be ready to go home end of September! We are expecting them to be between pounds at full maturity. They are exploring their surroundings and participating in lots of puppy play. They have quicly learned the right place to go potty using our potty pad training system! Their precious personalities are starting to show a little more each day. They are so, so sweet, loving, and inquisitive! Please submit your application and email us your interest at [email protected], thank you! The beautiful and ever so gentle and sweet Blue Bell Cookie Two Step, brought us seven delightful puppies! Blue is equal parts sweetness and loving as she is playful. Blue loves to play catch outside, no distance is too challenging for her! While she can run and fetch like none other, she also is the biggest cuddle bug! Jimmy is much like Blue in that regards as well. This boy has a therapy-like temperament that cannot be beat! He is affectionate and adoring and captures the heart of everyone lucky enough to meet him. Jimmy gives the sweeteset hugs and a beaming smile that captivates a room. These two are a match made in heaven! Her boy is pictured on the left-hand side of the picture collages. Her puppies boast beautiful parti, caramel, and apricot coats! Their coats are non-shedding, asthma and allergy friendly. We are anticipating them to be between pounds at full maturity. These beautiful babies will be ready to go home the beginning of October! They will begin taking in their surroundings and before too long they will be up walking around exploring and learning where to go potty. Please submit your application and email us your inquiries at [email protected], thank you!

It can be a minor issue or flat-out hazardous. So, we applaud you for trying to learn why you have a skinny German Shepherd. Excessive Exercise It could be likely that your skinny male German Shepherd is overly active and getting a lot of exercise. More work means more food, not just any food but those high in calories. Dental Issues We often let dental problems in our dogs go unnoticed. It can be a sore, abscess, ulcer, or even broken teeth and gum infections. It can cause weight loss over time or even spread to other areas in the body if not treated quickly. Health problems that affect their weight can range widely. Parasites and worms are common issues in many dogs, while more severe problems like cancer and heart disease also cause unusual weight loss. Look for other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness as they usually accompany weight loss when the dog suffers from a serious health issue. Your dog can get undesirable effects too. Not getting enough attention, training , exercise, or not socializing enough can lead to anxiety in your dog. Other causes include moving to a new home and bringing home a new pet. Think about what might be causing stress in your dog and consider how you can improve its overall living quality. Genetics Sometimes, the reason for a skinny German Shepherd can be as simple as its genetic factor. Most working German Shepherds are lean, so your dog will most probably be skinny because it is from this bloodline. Try to recollect how it looked when it was younger. Aging causes dental problems and appetite loss, which makes them skinny. However, it can also be because of deeper health problems brought about by aging, like cancer. Here are some effective options you can consider: Visit the Vet The foremost thing to do when your German Shepherd is suddenly losing weight is to see a vet. Consider Puppy Food Puppy food contains ingredients that help puppies grow rapidly and healthily. Try feeding puppy food to your older dog to let it gain weight. However, consult with the vet before implementing this step to ensure safety. Try Wet Food German Shepherds with dental problems will benefit tremendously from wet food. It is much easier to consume, making your pet want to eat more. Let Them Eat When They Want German Shepherd parents who cannot make time to give them multiple meals daily should consider leaving the food out for them to eat anytime. Leave dry food instead of wet food, as they will remain fresh for longer. Homemade Treats Might Help Making treats for your dog at home ensures a healthier diet. Cheese and peanut butter are great options. While buying them, make sure to look for those high in calories. Note: Steer clear of grapes and chocolates while preparing homemade treats for your GSD. It can also relieve you to know that your pooch is gaining weight, even if slowly. The Takeaway Whether you have a skinny female German Shepherd or a male one, seeing them lose weight can be disheartening. While some breeds are lean by nature, a variety of underlying health issues might be causing it. Take it to the vet to rule out all possibilities, or treat them ASAP. You can also help your dog gain back weight by following the above measures. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to know how to fatten up a German Shepherd to make them gain weight in a healthy way? Are you worried that your German Shepherd is thin and underweight and want to know how to bulk up a German Shepherd for safe weight-gain? Is Your German Shepherd Underweight? Your dog should have a trim, athletic appearance. They are large breed dogs with fast metabolisms that are active and energetic in their daily lives. Fit German Shepherds may at first seem slightly underweight. They are lean, athletic dogs with a strong, firm figure and you should avoid learning how to make a German Shepherd fat. Instead, you want to bulk-up your German Shepherd to make them fit. But if you see their ribs protruding or their hip bones raised and easily felt when petting, this is a sign of being underweight. You should first check with your vet for possible medical issues. You want to know if they are gaining weight, losing weight, or remaining the same. This helps you to decide if your weight gain plan is working — or if you need to adjust your plan. If your dog continues losing weight or if you see a lack of progress, take your dog back to your veterinarian. You need to see this as a long term plan and not an overnight fix to get your German Shepherd fat and by fat, I mean bulk-up not obese or overweight. Look for foods that have a higher percentage of fat and protein than your current food. Adults and seniors should eat about 20 to 25 percent of their daily calories from protein and 25 to 50 percent from fats. The rest of the calories should come from carbohydrates. This is anywhere from 8 months to a year or longer. Change to Puppy or High-Performance Food If you have an adult dog, switch them to a puppy or high-performance dog food to help them gain healthy weight. Both puppy and high-performance also known as a working breed food is higher in calories to support complex energy needs and sustained growth. Puppy foods generally have added nutrients to support puppy growth which can help your underweight German Shepherd gain weight and fatten up in a controlled manner — which is what you want. Mixing regular adult and puppy or high-performance food helps your GSD gain weight and fat in a regulated manner. For More Calories Feed Dry Kibble Dry kibble dog food generally has more calories if you want your dog to gain weight. Dry kibble is denser and contains more calories than wet food because the moisture has been removed from dry foods. Therefore, dry food has up to 4 times the number of calories as the same amount of wet food — dry kibble is a weight gaining powerhouse! If your dog is currently eating wet meals, then try mixing in some dry food with their wet food to help stimulate weight gain. Wet foods may taste better to your dog, so mixing in the dry foods with the wet still encourages your dog to eat in order to not lose more weight. Look for dry food with higher protein and fats to encourage weight gain in a healthy manner and go with one of the foods mentioned above for fat gain that is healthy. Begin by feeding your dog a bit more of their current food spread out over one more meal per day. Add a quarter to half a cup of extra food per meal. You can also take their regular feeding and the additional food and increase their feeding schedule to four times per day, splitting the food equally at each feeding. If your German Shepherd is picky about when they eat, then it may help to leave food out for them all the time. This is called free feeding. Dogs who can free feed tend to gain more weight than dogs fed on a schedule. Free feeding allows your dog the chance to eat a little whenever they are hungry or bored. This type of feeding may help them eat more overall. But only use free feeding with dry food, since wet foods spoil when left out for more than a couple hours. They may follow you around rather than eat when you offer their food bowl — this may be especially true of Shepherds since they tend to get fixated on their caretaker. But, just keeping your dog company while they eat may stimulate their appetite. Find a comfortable spot to sit and wait on your dog while they eat. Bring a book or do a quiet activity while they eat close to you. Simply sit with them and enjoy your time together while they eat. Keep the treats handy and offer them to help get extra calories into your dog. Adding these foods into their regular kibble may also entice them to eat more of their dry dog food, which can help an underweight puppy or adult. They also add extra calories which are healthy and nutritious. To get your dog more interested in their food, try sprinkling on a topping to their usual meals. You can even buy healthy toppers that are easy to add. Seniors, adults, and puppies all have various nutritional concerns. Most commercial and pre-made dog foods specify their intended age range on the packaging and state what groups the food is aimed at feeding. Underfeeding a German Shepherd puts your dog at a serious health risk. You need to make sure they get enough food for their age and energy needs. Puppies generally eat almost double the number of calories an adult dog needs, so be sure to check out this post on what amount to feed a German Shepherd puppy to keep them healthy. While a senior GSD may eat significantly fewer calories, if they are losing weight or underweight and a vet has been consulted, they may need extra feedings or food to help them gain the weight back. German Shepherds thrive on consistent physical activity. Walking and swimming are activities that build muscle and are lower impact and less intense on their joints and bones. They can be done every day to keep your dog active and help them to maintain their muscle mass. But these two exercises can be performed at a lower intensity so that even older dogs and puppies can enjoy their benefits make sure your puppy can swim first. Keeping muscle mass is important to prevent wasting and help maintain their health and mobility, as well as their athletic appearance. Try walking up hills to improve muscle growth or a gentle game of tug using a spring pole in which your dog can start and stop on their own. Some of the herbs used to increase human appetite are also safe for use in dogs. Dandelion is available in this for-1 multivitamin , along with other herbal supplements to make your GSD gain weight. B vitamins are natural appetite stimulants and are readily available over the counter and online. Visit Your Vet Regularly Always see your vet regularly. Regular vet appointments are especially important for your underweight German Shepherd. Your vet will use your notes to help make medical adjustments, as necessary, and to give you the right tips and advice. Helping Your German Shepherd Gain Weight Knowing how to fatten up a German Shepherd can help you and your dog achieve their ideal weight and maintain this healthy condition. There are many reasons why your dog or puppy may not be gaining weight. But there are also ways to help your dog at home to become healthier and have more energy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Other Causes Senior Dogs Older dogs tend to have smaller appetites and a general lack of interest in eating. This is often caused by underlying health problems, so the best course of action would be to consult with a veterinarian. This usually happens when a dog is used to being fed table scraps or treats and it loses interest in plain dog food. Check For Any Medical Conditions Should you verify that your German Shepherd is indeed unhealthily skinny, your first course of action should be to take the dog to a veterinarian. Again, you would have to feed your German Shepherd at least 1, calories to 2, calories daily depending on its activity level. Do note however, that the calories per cup may vary depending on the brand of dog food, and thus you would have to adjust the calculations based on the actual numbers provided on the packaging. Aside from the amount, be sure to also consider the quality of the food. While feeding your German Shepherd a high amount of low-quality dog food will prevent it from being skinny, it will eventually lead to other issues such as skin disorders and lethargy. Your vet will be able to recommend a diet plan to help get your dog back into healthy shape. To do that, you have to make your dog understand that there are no other food options. Meaning, you only set out food for a limited amount of time, and whether or not the food was eaten, you take it away after the time has passed. What this does is make it clear to your dog that there are no other options. In The Case Of Senior Dogs Opposite to the case of picky eaters, you may want to add more appetizing options for senior dogs. Old dogs tend to lose interest in dry food so your best option would be to add chicken broth or canned food to make meals more appealing. In some cases, you may also have to make your old dog home-cooked meals just so your dog would find mealtimes more enjoyable. If all else fails, you can get your dog medication and appetite stimulants to help it eat. You can do this in a variety of ways such as by providing your German Shepherd with enough physical and mental stimulation, providing a calm and relaxing environment free of loud noises, or by identifying and removing the stressor. To summarize. Your German Shepherd may be skinny due to following reasons: Poor diet and nutrition Stress Age The usual culprit though would be the first two. And so, if your German Shepherd is unnecessarily skinny, your best course of action would be to take it to the vet. Final Thoughts I wish that this article has helped you understand how to handle and help your skinny German Shepherd. I also hope that it serves as a guide to help you get your dog back into healthy shape. That said, if your German Shepherd ever does have issues, be it being underweight or any other medical condition, do consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. So too will a GSD that is consuming low-quality food in general. Getting the calories right! Moderately active German shepherds need around calories per day, whereas highly active German shepherds need around calories per day. Highly active working GSDs may even need upwards of calories. Either the quality of the food is fine, but the portion sizes are too small too few calories , or the quality of the kibble is lacking. Again, this ties into calorie consumption. If your GSD is super active over 3 hours of exercise a day , she will likely need calories per day. Health issues In most cases, health issues are the cause of sudden weight loss. Health issues that affect weight can range from harmless and treatable all the way to serious, even fatal issues rarer. Common problems like worms and parasites particularly in puppies can cause weight loss. Rarer and more serious things like heart disease and cancer can also cause weight loss. Health problems usually always come with multiple symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, or any noticeable change from her normal self. If this is the case, then it would be evident right from puppyhood. If you were lucky enough to see the mum and other puppies in the litter, they would have all been similarly skinny. Some GSDs are just smaller than others. Stress and anxiety Just as stress can have many undesirable effects on us, it can do the same with our furry friends, too, weight loss being one of them. Common reasons include spending too much time alone, not receiving enough exercise, attention, or training. Additionally, it could be down to a change in their environment like moving homes, new neighbors, or even the addition of a household pet. Consider your GSDs overall quality of life, basic needs and think about the possibility of them being stressed. Bad eating habits Fussy eating is something many owners have to deal with at some point. The issue is that this could be the cause of weight loss. Once again, it comes back down to the calories in versus the calories out. I have an entire article dedicated to why your GSD might be refusing their food. Dental issues If your GSD is suffering from any kind of dental complaint, this could cause them to refuse their food and lose out on calories. So I think it deserves its own section. In fact, this was actually what happened with my GSD when she was 7. After refusing her food and simultaneously losing weight, I checked her mouth to find some serious gum irritation thankfully not gum disease. We got that resolved with the help of our veterinarian, and her appetite came back right away. Aside from using the scales, one of the best ways to know if your GSD is underweight or not is to simply feel them and look at their waistline. Ribs Run your hand along their side with light pressure. You should be able to feel their ribs a little this is normal! Waistline Waistline abdominal tuck should be noticeable but not extreme. Check out this chart from Petcarerx source. If the weight loss has happened suddenly for no obvious reason, it is advised to see a vet. Important note: If you suspect your GSD is losing weight for an alternative reason like stress or dental issues, the best solution would be to address those issues instead of adjusting their diet. Always consider the cause first. Add wet dog food My all-time favorite way to stop fussy eating while adding a boost of nutrition and calories is to mix in a small amount of wet dog food to their kibble. This is a known and safe method that veterinarians recommend to help with weight gain. Mix in some wet dog food preferably the same brand , and your GSD will likely benefit from this greatly. Add it once a day or every other day. This will enhance the flavor and beat most cases of fussy eating. Just ensure the meat broth you use is a healthy option without a high salt content or artificial flavorings or additives. Increase portion size Assuming you are already using a high-quality kibble and your GSD is getting on well with it no digestive issues or diarrhea , then it could be a simple matter of increasing the portion size. Be sure to check the back of the bag and work out how many calories you are adding. This is a noticeable difference for a dog, so you should see some changes in weight over weeks. Avoid giving too many treats Although we are trying to add calories and encourage weight gain, treats are not the solution to this. Especially if your GSD is refusing the food anyway. These brands focus on high-quality ingredients that are fresh and close to their natural state. Brands like these also prioritize protein and fat over carbohydrates, which is an instant sign of higher quality. Inferior brands are known to use carbs to bulk out their food while keeping prices cheap. In addition to this, canines, in general, are better adapted to eating a wild diet. Wild diets are high in protein and fat while low on carbs. This results in better digestion and absorption of the food they are eating. Just remember to change foods gradually over the course of days, phasing out the old and incorporating more of the new. This should prevent stomach upset. Additional articles that may help:. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy. So as well as checking for a loss of weight you should also look for the following. Dull, Lifeless Coat A dull lifeless coat is also another sign of an underweight german shepherd. Once again without the proper nutrients in their diet, their body will begin to suffer. In a lot of cases, the quality of their fur will suffer first. On top of this, when the body gets too starved of energy it will begin to eat itself. And muscles are the first thing to go. This might show itself in a loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. And it can also be a sign of a serious health issue. Ribcage Showing In extreme cases, an underweight german shepherds ribcage will show. You should never allow your dog to get to this point, however, if you do then you need to take them to the vets immediately. Looking Down At Them When your german shepherd is standing up, stand over them and look down. They should look bulky and full. Slimming at the waist is to be expected as well. Feeling Their Ribs Another great test is to run your hands along their ribs. In a healthy dog, you should be able to feel their ribs ever so slightly under a small amount of fat and muscle. However, if your german shepherd is underweight his ribs will feel like skin and bone. And if it is, are you feeding them enough? On top of this food also has different calories. Check out the best food for german shepherd puppies. This is one of the reasons you need to take your dog for frequent check-ups at the vets! Dental Problems A lot of the times dogs have dental problems that you may not even be aware of. For example, one of my labradors had a tooth that chipped and went rotten. However, if it was, it would have only been spotted by accident. As well as having a broken tooth there are also other dental problems that may be causing your german shepherd to stop eating. Diabetes One symptom of diabetes in dogs is weight loss. However, as well as weight loss you may also notice symptoms such as excessive thirst, urination, and urinary tract infections. If you think this is the case then you can try changing their food and leaving them to eat by themselves. You Have An Old Pup! As your german shepherd enters their senior years they may begin to eat less and less. Things that seem small to you could be stressful to your german shepherd, and their weight loss could be caused by this. Find out more common reasons your german shepherd may not be eating or what to do if you have an overweight german shepherd! How To Fatten Up A German Shepherd When you notice your german shepherd is underweight then your best choice is to consult a vet and make sure nothing is wrong with them. However, if your vet has given them the all-clear, then here are some great ways you can help your german shepherd gain weight. If this is the case, then you should consider swapping to a different type of food. You should look for foods that are high in protein and fat. Check out the 5 best foods you can feed a skinny german shepherd. Try Puppy Food As well as using high-calorie dog food you could also give your german shepherd food made for puppies. This type of food is designed to sustain a puppy when their growing. If you do plan on feeding your german shepherd puppy food make sure you consult your vet first. Two big meals and one small meal have the added benefit of already being similar to the routine they have now. Secondly, if your German shepherd realizes they can eat whenever they want, they may end up eating even less than before. If you feed your german shepherd to many treats then they may end up being too full to eat their regular meals. Apples, bananas, peanut butter, eggs, and strawberries are all great choices! Giving them peanut butter and cheese is a great way to introduce excess calories in small amounts. However, when giving your german shepherd home-made treats remember there are some foods that are fine for humans but not for dogs. Stay away from chocolate and grapes and make sure you check before introducing anything new to their diet. Add Home-Made Food To Their Meals Chicken and rice is a staple for my dog whenever they have an upset stomach, however, it can also be used as an addition to their regular dog food. As well as chicken and rice you could also try adding egg and pumpkin. Wet food is going to be a lot easier for them to eat, and once they can eat easily they should start gaining weight again! FAQ Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions in relation to a skinny german shepherd! They grow at different rates and oftentimes they may end up being skinny and gangly. You should be able to feel your german shepherd spines, however, you should also be able to feel skin and muscle around it too. A male german shepherd should weigh between lbs and a female german shepherd should be between lbs. This should also be in proportion to their size though. So they do definitely tend to have sensitive stomachs. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Recap As you can see there are plenty of things you can do to help your german shepherd gain weight. There are also plenty of things that may be causing them to lose weight. Give them puppy food as it supports growth. Try feeding them more meals a day or letting them free feed. Give them more treats and try making homemade treats. Add homemade food to their meals such as rice and chicken, peanut butter and pumpkin. Lastly, journal their meals and weigh them regularly. If you liked this article or have any more questions leave them in the comments below, otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. Why your German Shepherd is skinny It is likely that each of the different reasons will come with some clues. Below, I will show you why it might be skinny and what would make each of the reasons more likely. Genes The reason why your German Shepherd is skinny could be that it is in its genes. This would be more likely if it was relatively skinny as a puppy and if you have been feeding it the right amount according to a vet. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause of it being skinny could be that it has not been getting the right diet. It could be that it is eating the right foods but it is not getting enough calories for its activity levels. German Shepherds require to calories per day but active ones require to source. On the other hand, it could be the case that it has been eating the wrong foods. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Exercise It could be the case that it is getting too much exercise. However, this is unlikely since German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and it was not unusual for them to spend entire days working alongside their owners. If your German Shepherd is very active then it would be more likely that it is not getting enough calories. It would help to discuss this with your vet the next time you see them. Illness If your German Shepherd has become skinny suddenly then it might be the case that it has gotten an illness. This would be more likely if it has been showing signs of being ill such as vomiting, being fatigued or a change in its behavior. If it does seem to be ill or it has become skinny suddenly and you have not changed anything in its lifestyle then it would be important to take it to a vet. Anxiety It might be the case that anxiety is causing it to be anxious. This would be more likely if it was not always skinny and it became more skinny since something happened that could be causing it to be anxious. Things that might have caused it to become anxious could include someone mistreating it, moving homes, another pet dying or an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny When trying to figure out what has been causing it to be skinny it would help to consider if it has always been skinny or if it has suddenly become skinny. If it has become skinny suddenly then it would be more likely that it is due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would be important to take it to a vet. If it has always been skinny then it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your German Shepherd to be less skinny The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop being skinny will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd is skinny, it has become skinny suddenly or it has been acting unusually then it would be the best option to take it to a vet. Make sure that it is getting the right diet As mentioned above it could be the case that its diet is the issue. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting to calories per day unless it is very active in which case it should get up to .You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your German Shepherd it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting an hour of exercise per day. If it is getting around an hour of exercise per day then it would be adequate to feed it a regular amount. Whereas, if it is spending most of the day doing exercise then it would be necessary to feed it more. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Breeder of Authentic Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles If dog breeds developed over hundreds of years to fulfill a specific needto hunt for prey, pick up birds, pull sleds, guard property, search and rescue, etc. In the Age of Anxiety, Australian labradoodles are what we need: a therapy dog. Sociable, huggable, intelligent, funny, and intuitive: this is modern-day man's best friend. We have the highest standards for the breeder dogs we add to our program, for the way we operate our business, and for the customers we select to become a family to our puppies. We are located in Westport, CT. Before adding a breeder to the program we test them thoroughly to ensure that they are free of genetic diseases; we have their hips and elbows certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals; and we have their eyes examined and certified every year. Our dogs live in our house or with carefully selected guardian families. The more puppies are exposed to different sensory experiences and socialization, the better companion dogs they will become. Puppies who have a positive experience when they hear the noise of vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and beeping cars for example, will not be afraid of these loud noises later on. Puppies who play with children and all kinds of different adults will be outgoing and friendly. During the 8 to 9 weeks that the puppies are here, we let them experience a variety of situations which will help them become trusting and confident adult dogs. We also familiarize our puppies with the crate and begin potty training. It gives us enormous satisfaction to know that a labradoodle will bring as much joy into your life as our dogs bring into ours. Thank you for visiting True North and please get in touch if you have any questions. We would love to hear from you. A magnetic compass almost never shows true north. In fact over millions of years, magnetic north wanders considerably and occasionally reverses so that the magnetic north pole has been near the geographic south pole at some periods in the earth's history. In the arctic region, a magnetic compass is not very useful. In life's journey we are often uncertain where we stand, where we are going and what is the right path for us personally. Searching for our true north enable us to follow the right path: as we go, we need to develop our own inner compass. Finding true north is essential for accurate navigation. Email: bluebaylabradoodles gmail. True North Labradoodles have been a family-run labradoodle breeder in business for over 10 years. They breed healthy Australian Labradoodle puppies with excellent temperaments and beautiful coats in various sizes. Their specialization is multigenerational Australian Labradoodles in the mini and small-medium size range. They also do live video chat to keep buyers updated on their Labradoodles and provide advice and support after receiving your puppy. Location: Westport, Connecticut Email: truenorthlabradoodles gmail. They are all color tested before they are bred, so you can be assured of getting a beautiful non-shedding puppy that will grow up to be part of your family. They breed medium-sized Australian Labradoodles with a lineage dating back to the fourth generation. They do live chat with their puppy owners to help them raise the puppies and provide advice on anything they need. They love all of their Labradoodles and have a large extended family that is an integral part of raising the puppies, including children. All of their dogs are health screened and have a genetic health guarantee for two years. This small in-home breeder serves the tri-state area and all of New England. Location: Southington, , Connecticut Email: tristatelabradoodles yahoo. So do your homework to ensure you obtain a healthy and happy Labradoodle puppy. The state of Connecticut is an excellent location to raise a Labradoodle. The Labradoodle flourishes in this climate, which has mild summers and comfortable winters. On a concluding note, we have given you the 5 best labradoodle breeders in Connecticut. We hope that this list and information were helpful to you and it will help you decide on the right breeder for your next adorable Labradoodle puppy. 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. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Wilton Connecticut and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. The Constitution State is an ideal environment for growing families and new puppies. Are you looking for Labradoodle puppies for sale in Connecticut? There are many Labradoodle breeders operating in this state, but which ones are legitimate and trustworthy? Preferable Pups has you covered. Preferable Pups unites puppies with their furever families! At Preferable Pups , we only do business with the top-tier and accredited Labradoodle puppy breeders. When you work with us, you can be assured that you will find a puppy who is healthy and highly socialized so that she will fit right in with your family. We understand that it can be overwhelming to decide what breeder to choose, but we can help you out. Fill out our application , and we will assist you in finding a credentialed Labradoodle breeder in Connecticut. Because of their deep love and experience with the breed, the owners of My Best Doodle want everyone to have a chance to know about this wonderful crossbreed. Plus, My Best Doodle Labradoodle puppies are bred to be non-shedding dogs with hypoallergenic coats. My Best Doodle is ranked as one of our top 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Connecticut because of its multi-generational ownership and extensive experience in breeding Labradoodle puppies. The breeders request that if you are interested in applying for one of their puppies, that you request an application via email. All My Best Doodle puppies head to their new homes, having been vaccinated and microchipped. There is also a two-year genetic health warranty and a clean bill of health from Awithnarian. Puppies also come with a gift bag that includes toys and a blanket that smells like their mother and littermates. Labradoodle Breeder Information.

We are a small, family owned breeder of imported English Cream Golden Retrievers in Lexington, SC, with a passion for dogs and a focus on providing the very best bred golden retrievers in the country. Puppies are delivered and whelped in the comfort of our home, with complete attention and gentle care. All of our beautiful english cream golden retrievers are imported directly from Europe, where breeding standards are premium. Each of our dogs were carefully chosen from direct lineage of highly prized champion parents to preserve breed standards and to promote better bloodlines here in the states. Each is health cleared by dna and excellent OFA certifications of hips and elbows. This ensures our our dogs will live an active and rewarding lifestyle with our family for years to come. Much of the summer months are filled with fun filled lake days. Camellia and Ivy find there is no better way to play in the heat than with the wind in their face and splashing around with the family. Not only do they enjoy this time with our human family, but their poodle family is in tow as well. When the lake is not an option, we frequently find our golden girls a little less golden. They seem to find every opportunity for a cooling mud spa. They enjoy the freedom of running on our family farm as well as exploring through the natural fern covered acreage high on Fern Ridge. Most recently, both Camellia and Ivy have earned themselves a well deserving title in the show ring. Each girl has outstanding conformation, as has followed in the direct paths of their champion parents and ancestry. Camellia and Ivy received the upmost praise by highly world re-known judges, and each brought home International Champion titles in .Our dogs are completely clear of genetic health mutations, and we only breed with studs of equally excellent dna health clearances. This means each litter will be health cleared by parentage, and we can guarantee your puppy of any genetic health abnormalities. They are known for their kind disposition and admired for being the most loyal companions. Most excell in the field, enjoying the natural urge to hunt and retrieve with their companions. Their tender, meek temperament makes them some of the easiest to train, and many golden retrievers are known to help the lives around them by becoming certified service dogs. Whatever your reason for adding a golden to your family, know you will be rewarded, as you and your companion dog exchange a lifetime of love. Frequently Asked Questions What is the process for puppy adoption? The process for puppy adoption starts with an inquiry for a puppy application. This is to ensure our Fern Ridge Golden Retriever puppies are being adopted by a loving and pet friendly family, who will take care and dedication for providing a safe and nurturing life for our goldens for yet to come. Do you take reservations on upcoming liters? Yes, we do take reservations for pups on litters once pregnancy is confirmed, and encourage doing so due to high demand of our puppies. Your place in line for selection is determined upon your place in making a deposit. You may choose to transfer your deposit to a future litter if you do not find a suitable puppy in the litter in which you reserve Will my puppy come with AKC registration? Will my puppy have its first shots? Yes, each puppy will have been dewormed and you will be given a record of their first shots on puppy pick up day. Do you offer puppy training? Yes, we offer a 4 week puppy academy. Your puppy stays with us during weeks of age, as we hold 3 short and simple training sessions daily, teaching basic obedience commands As well as crate training. By week 12, your puppy will have a firm foundation in understanding basic commands as sit, stay, and come. However, our training is only as good as the training you continue after taking your pup. We will fully train you on instructions for reinforcing the commands your puppy has learned, as well as a schedule for keeping her on track. Along with love and affection, puppies are happiest when structure and schedule are predictable. This helps them to learn control, learn what to expect from behaviors, and build trust with their new families. Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is a great companion for many active individuals out there, and they also tend to behave very well around children and other pets. This also makes the Golden Retriever a popular choice for many families. However, it is still always important that prospective Golden Retriever breeders do their research about the breeder before they bring a Golden Retriever puppy home. Looking up some basic facts about the Golden Retriever before obtaining one is always a good idea. There are some other things such as what gender and coat color you would like your Golden Retriever puppy to have. However, the most important thing to consider when getting a Golden Retriever puppy is whether or not a breeder is reputable. Here we have compiled a list of some of our favorite Golden Retriever breeders that are perfect for those who are looking for Golden Retriever puppies in South Carolina. Of course, it is still important that you look into these breeders yourself in order to ensure that they will make a good fit for you and your family. Trinity Golden Retrievers Trinity Golden Retrievers South Carolina These Golden Retriever breeders are dedicated to bettering the Golden Retriever breed by carefully breeding their dogs to ensure that they have great temperaments and genetic health. In order to prove their lines this breeder enters their dogs into AKC-run conformation events. All of their dogs also come from established pedigrees, many of them being championship-winning. Additionally, this breeder also gets their dogs OFA health testing for the hips, elbows, eyes, and heart as is recommended for the Golden Retriever breed. Many of their dogs have also received genetic testing for the conditions that can affect Golden Retrievers. This prevents harmful genetic conditions from being passed onto their puppies. Puppies are also kept in good health with up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. Name of Owner. Happy Customers Testimonials Bonnie is the sweetest and most gentle girl. She has been great with our two young kids and anyone she meets. Truly the BEST girl. I am so happy we found Henne Goldens and found our girl! Never had a single health problem with her unless you count eating everything in sight. He loves everyone and they love him. She just turned 4 and has so much energy! She is the fluffiest and prettiest girl around. She has my heart! She is always hungry for a treat and ready to snuggle whenever you need her. I would not trade this pup for the world! Thank you Henne Goldens for my best furry friend! Katelyn Rider Recently we were featured at a Charleston Riverdogs baseball game. We had a blast and the dogs sure soaked up all of the attention. What a great way to get some socialization in. Thank you everyone that came out!! Bag Give your puppy the nutritional building blocks they need for healthy growth and development with Purina Pro Plan puppy formulas. Each high-quality dry formula features outstanding, specially targeted puppy nutrition and real meat, poultry, or salmon as the 1 ingredient. Plus, a variety of wet formulas are also available with high-quality nutrition and great tastes and textures puppies love. So no matter which Pro Plan Development formula you choose, you can rest assured your puppy will have the specialized nutrition they need to be their best. Provides a wholesome, complete diet for adult dogs and puppies with hypoallergenic, highly-digestible formula. With superfoods Atlantic kelp, spinach, basil, astralagus, blue-green algae, gingko biloba, ginger and primrose oil. Source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from salmon and sunflower oils, probiotics, and CoQ10 to support heart health. They are all started in a training program which includes good puppy manners, listening, and following, crate and beginning house training. This method of training has been a proven success. Helpful Links.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good!

Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Table scraps and snacks There are so many different brands of Labrador food available! And so many different opinions on dog food generally. Not to mention the alternatives to commercial food. Labrador Feeding Guide The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes: 40 — 45 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 50 — 55 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 60 — 65 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 70 — 75 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 80 — 85 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day 90 — 95 pound Lab, feed: — grams per day However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Most experts agree that the best food for any dog is one that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. And choosing the best dog food for Labradors is not straightforward. We will look at the different styles of feeding first. How to feed a Labrador — different methods There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners. Both methods of feeding have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, only a small number of dog owners still feed this way. What about BARF? At one time, raw feeding or what you probably know as the BARF diet was considered to be a cranky and extremist fad. But as interest in raw feeding has grown and more dogs are fed this way, it is becoming clear that they are thriving too. The majority of dogs are now being fed kibble and a substantial and the growing minority are fed raw. Labrador dog food choices — dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Is kibble good for dogs? It is really only a very short time a couple of decades since almost all dogs were fed on canned meat. These are a lot less popular now. The effect that this shift away from wet food and onto dried food, has had if any on canine health remain the subject of intense speculation. Busy modern homes are pressed for time these days. So convenience is an important factor. Storage Not only is kibble convenient, it also stores well, even after opening. Provided that it is stored in an appropriate container and kept in a dry place. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. But what comes out of a kibble-fed dog smells very unpleasant. These are additional bulking agents that are not fully digested and that pass through straight through the dog. These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet. Should I feed my dog raw meat? Over the last ten years a more natural raw diet of meat and bones has become increasingly popular. Some people now believe that raw meat is the best food for Labrador Retrievers and many other breeds of dog. This is despite some websites giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones. Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet. The pros and cons Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. Just as with meat preparation for people. Small puppies are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance. It is very important you do your research before attempting to raw feed a small puppy. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing The important fact here is that there is no right way to feed a dog. Your family needs to be considered as a whole. The feeding method you choose needs to fit in to your lifestyle and current circumstances. I fed raw to my dogs for many years. But I did not do this and could not have done this, when my kids were little. Nowadays, I sometimes feed kibble, if circumstances demand it. But prefer to feed raw whenever I can. Remember, many dogs thrive on kibble, and many dogs thrive on raw. Choosing the best dog food for Labs may also depend on your own circumstances. If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw Now may be the right time to feed raw for you, or it may be the right time to feed kibble. Your circumstances are unique so only you can decide. For those of you the majority that will be feeding kibble. Choosing the lowest price Labrador food may not necessarily be the cheapest option. As very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Biologically appropriate kibble? It is usually a reasonable option to choose a mid-range in terms of cost food and see how your dog gets on with that. If your wallet can stretch to it, we especially like the Orijen brand. Orijen is what my dogs have as training food, and when I am not able to feed them raw. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day. How often to feed your Labrador Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age. We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening. How often to feed puppies The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking. From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is a two to three hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime. Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper. How much to feed a Labrador? Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think. How long should a dog take to eat his dinner? I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Plus, he will eat more enthusiastically at the next meal if he is a little hungry. How to feed a Labrador slowly A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl. Provided there is nothing in there which is unsuitable. Giving leftovers to puppies Puppies need a very well balanced diet to grow up strong and healthy. Unless you are a very experienced dog owner and knowledgable about nutrition and the dietary needs of a growing animal, it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps. And complete puppy foods contain all the nutrients your pup needs to develop a healthy body. Dog feeding equipment and storage There is a huge choice of feeding bowls available. You can get some very cheap and colorful plastic bowls. I like stainless steel. But I admit it is quite noisy to handle and use. And not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Think carefully before you buy raised bowls as some studies have associated these with bloat. Storing dog food Kibble is for the most part a convenient food source. To keep your food fresh, an airtight container is a better bet. We like the wheeled pet food storage bins and they enable you to move heavy quantities of food around without putting your back out! This slimline version fits nicely in a cupboard. Well worth thinking about, especially if you have several dogs to feed. There are also some gorgeous storage containers now that beg to be put out on display. Feeding Labrador puppies When you first bring your puppy home, your breeder should have provided you with a diet sheet, some food, and plenty of information on feeding Labrador puppies. It is really important to stick with his familiar food for the first few days. Moving home is traumatic enough for an eight week old pup without giving his tummy a shock too. If you have not been given any food or any information on how to feed a puppy then I suggest you call in to your local pet store and buy a small sack of kibble puppy food that is appropriate for his breed and age. Giving water to your Labrador Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. Provided that it is at least an hour since his last meal. Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs may drink very little. This is normal. When feeding problems need veterinary help All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally. All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that a dog is not well. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, the downside of Doodles being increasingly available is that there are a lot of people out there looking to take advantage of those not familiar with how it all works. This article will detail some things to be on the lookout for when checking out Goldendoodle breeders in Washington. We have also included some recommendations, based on research and reviews, for the best breeding facilities in the state. Hopefully, this information will help you with picking out the newest member of your family. Not only are there a whole host of tricksters out there waiting to take your money, but there are also multitudes of extremely low-quality breeding centers and puppy mills about. Here profit is prioritized over the health and wellbeing of the animals. Puppies are churned out as quickly as possible, meaning dogs are frequently overbred. They are rarely tested for the genetic conditions that could be passed along to their offspring. Moreover, these places cut costs at every corner, so the dogs and their puppies are fed the lowest quality food and generally just not given a very happy life. The result… sickly, poorly socialized, and miserable puppies. Luckily, organizations are popping up across the country committed to best practices for breeding these cuddly canines. If a breeder is certified with these guys, then you know they are good. Ensure Appropriate Health Checks Haphazard breeding can cause many problems for dogs — mainly because there are a lot of hereditary conditions that can be passed on from parent to pup. These days many breeding facilities provide their health check information right up front. Breeders who are reluctant to share details with you are unlikely to be on the up and up. After all, not all canine conditions are apparent from birth. For more on issues that can plague Goldendoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Look For a Health Guarantee A health guarantee should be given as a standard as part of the purchase contract. Most facilities now offer a month health guarantee. These ones are clearly very confident about their pups. Just make sure you read the fine print to see what is included. If in doubt, speak with a veterinarian. They will be able to help you cut through any jargon. While some websites may not be the most reliable, there are plenty of great ones out there such as this one offering up some really helpful stuff. So, make good use of them. Expert sites, review articles, and social media can all be great for helping you track down the best breeder in your area. Just make sure the information comes from a reputable source. For instance, if you get a tip from a Doodle forum, check out the reviews too. This brings us to our final point: Read Online Reviews These days reviews really do make the world go round. People check reviews before many key purchases. They often even place a high value on ones they find on the internet. You can find some really great information out there as long as you know what to look out for. You can start here at Doodle Doods to look for reviews. After all, these can be pretty easy to fabricate. The more comments you can find about a breeder, the better — it would take a lot of effort to make up masses of fake ones. For more in-depth coverage of what to look for when selecting a breeder, check out our dedicated article, How To Choose A Responsible Breeder. Their breeding dogs, who are valued members of the family, are thoroughly health tested. This includes genetic health testing, diversity testing, OFA hips, eyes, and heart testing. What Makes This Breeder Unique? The small, family-run operation is thoroughly invested in the health and wellbeing of their dogs and the puppies they breed. They are committed to raising awareness of the importance of using health-tested, well-adjusted dogs and continuously striving to improve their breeding operations. Location: Ferndale, Washington Choosing the Best Goldendoodle Breeder How do you find the best Goldendoodle breeders in Washington when the market is full of puppy mills? You assess the criteria they use to breed their puppies. Any humane and ethical animal breeding process starts with thorough genetic testing to protect puppies from inheriting known genetic conditions from their parents. They keep track of their breeders and offspring to prevent in-breeding and the problems that come with it. In addition, ethical breeders take care of their breeders and puppies. They keep them clean and safe and provide veterinary care and immunization as required. Ethical breeders also retire their breeders after they reach a certain age, usually around 7. At this point, the breeder is spayed or neutered to prevent further reproduction and keep them healthy. One key differentiating factor between ethical breeders and puppy mills is their focus on quality instead of quantity. Ethical breeders care about their dogs, therefore, treat them as members of their own families. 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. Yes, email me when puppies become available. Message sent. You are shopping for a puppy. It's our greatest pleasure to assist you through your puppy journey. Our Goldendoodle puppies are bred for health, temperament, non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and cute blocky builds. We are ethical, transparent and professional. We take pride in the quality of our puppy raising process, and whole health care for our adult dogs. Why buy from Idaho We sell a lot of our goldendoodle puppies to the Seattle area. Usually our prices are lower than Washington's. This is due totally to location and local demand. Idaho is still very small. The puppy featured in this photo lives in Seattle with a couple of his siblings! You can occasionally see their updates on our Facebook page. We are excited about Seattle because it is only a short plane trip for our puppies. Most of our Seattle prospect families are great situations for our puppies. As reputable goldendoodle breeders, we really care where our puppies go and how they will be treated. It takes thought and preparation to be ready for a new puppy and the commitment of their lifetime. We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with our Seattle goldendoodle puppy families, and we look forward to more. Please send us an application if you'd like more info on our cute puppies. We breed for health, temperament and blocky builds. Our goldendoodle puppies for sale usually have a long wait list, so please fill out our contact form so you get updates quickly when puppies are available. Welcome to a Professional Family Breeder When you are looking for quality, reach out to us! We live in beautiful Boise, Idaho. Did you know that your new puppy is less than an hour flight away from Seattle Washington? Choose us for our top quality, consistent litters, stunning looks, best health quality, high socialization and off to the best start possible. We are a real business with full-time commitment. We have a puppy nanny that can deliver, or my brother lives in Gig Harbor and I love to come see him for the day. The flight with puppy is in-cabin and only 1 hour long. The puppy goes to sleep in my arms as soon as the plane engine starts, and wakes up an hour later ready to come into your arms! It has worked so well that my daughter and I have flown 3 puppies together to Seattle with us in the cabin. It's one of the highlights of my job. Please reload. Not only are goldendoodles good with kids and easy to train, they thrive in both city and country environments. At Seattle Goldendoodles, we raise top quality goldendoodles for families who want to add a four legged member to their family. We are a small family who loves dogs. Each goldendoodle gets the love and attention they need to become well adjusted, happy pets. When you select your 8 week old goldendoodle, it will be crate trained, potty trained, and adjusted to in-home family living. We also guarantee your goldendoodle against hip dysplasia for 1 year. We are dog lovers, just like you. Read below to find out more about our beloved goldendoodles, and be sure to check out our numerous testimonials from happy, satisfied families. Keep in mind that we are not a puppy mill or a kennel — all of our goldendoodles are bred from F3 multi-generational dams and sires, so puppies are the ultimate F4 mini multigeneration goldendoodles. Seattle Goldendoodles We are not a kennel, but we are Doodle lover who specialize in raising red and apricot colored multi-generational goldendoodle puppies. We focus on quality and temperament, not quantity. Our puppies get daily exercise on our 1. Your Seattle goldendoodle will be affectionate, gentle, and easy to train. As a mix between a golden retriever and poodle, the goldendoodle is loving, highly intelligent, and makes an exceptional family dog. Selecting a goldendoodle breeder in Seattle can be difficult, so we offer the following information to help you make your decision. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. When you select your puppy at 8 weeks, they will be appropriate age potty and crate trained for easier transition into their new home. This one-on-one care is something that big kennels are simply unable to offer, and it makes a tremendous difference when you introduce your new goldendoodle into your family environment. What is daily life like for Seattle goldendoodle puppies? Top Quality Care — Every goldendoodle puppy is a part of our family, and they are treated as such. They live with us in our home environment where they can become fully socialized with other dogs, children, and adults. They are involved in our daily activities and are fed top-quality foods and supplements to help them grow healthy and strong. Started for potty and crate Training — As we raise our goldendoodle puppies they get started a crate and potty training, bolstered by positive reinforcement. By the time you pick your new puppy up at 8 weeks, they will already be capable of a seamless transition into your home. Life in a Clean Environment — All of our goldendoodle puppies are raised in a clean, in-home environment. Why does this matter? Our Seattle goldendoodle puppies are happy and well-adjusted because they understand the home environment and its sacred nature. Our puppies are constantly surrounded with normal, everyday household sounds and smells, making their transition far easier on both puppy and owner. Play and Exercise — Our home sits on more than an acre of land where our Seattle goldendoodle puppies get the exercise they need to be healthy and strong. This daily play time also helps them become comfortable around other dogs and humans, so that you can take them on walks and interact with other dog owners wherever your travels take you. When you pick up your new goldendoodle puppy, we provide you with all of the information and guidelines you need to ensure your new family member gets the care it needs to reward you with many years of unquestioned love. Sires and Dams — Your puppies health and temperament owe much to the health and agility of its parents. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies come from an F3 multi-generational line, which makes them F4 pups. Our dedication to raise of genetically different parents creates healthier, more vigorous goldendoodles. We guarantee all of our goldendoodle puppies against hip dysplasia for one year with puppy has to be spay and neutered within months of age. We raise our Seattle goldendoodle puppies on a diet of high-quality Canidae Life Stages kibble, which is a lamb and rice formula containing no corn or wheat. Both can cause health problems in dogs and puppies of all ages, but puppies are especially susceptible. Corn and wheat are used as nothing more than fillers in dog foods, and could cause your goldendoodle to have allergies, swelling, bloating, and other major health issues. We highly recommend that you continue to feed your goldendoodle top quality foods when you bring him or her into your home. Vet Care — Every goldendoodle puppy needs its shots to ensure its ongoing health and prevent worms from causing unnecessary health problems. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies go home with 4x de-worming and proper shot. Vet Certification fee and shipping fee, Is Responsibility of new owner. We do not ship puppies. Families are able to pick up their puppies. Your Goldendoodles health is our top priority We love animals, especially goldendoodles, and we want you to have the best dog possible Goldendoodles are amazing dogs with wonderful personalities. They get along with children and adults alike, and can be trained to take on a working role as a service or guide dog. Goldendoodles naturally get along with everyone and are highly social dogs. Seattle Goldendoodles Owner, Stephanie is a nurse who routinely brings her goldendoodles into Seattle hospitals to visit with patients. Stephanie and her husband absolutely adore Goldendoodles, which is why they started raising them in the first place. Our puppies are proven healthy, happy, and they are raised with endless amounts of love and affection. Contact us today for more information about our goldendoodle puppies Are you ready to bring one of these four legged bundles of joy into your Seattle home? Give us a call today and select the perfect goldendoodle puppy for your Seattle family. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Mount Vernon Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! She is such a doll and I can see that you raised her well during those first few weeks. She has kept her beautiful red color and is the hit in the neighborhood. Everyone loves her. Thank you! Susan Moxley The Sweetest Boy! Hi Norma! I just wanted to send you some pictures of Scout Stallone. We love him so much. He is the sweetest boy! Bryant M. Very Smart Little Guy Dutton is settling in. He is a very smart little guy. He is starting puppy training today. We Love Her So Much! First haircut! Hazel is such a sweetheart. So smart, kind and a bit of a clown. We love her so much!???? Just wanted to give you a pup-date on Dash, now known as Toby! We just love him so much. He has such a fun personality. He loves all his squeaker toys, and balls of all sizes. My family adores him. Norma was so helpful throughout the process and our new puppy is absolutely delightful. I was looking for a very specific dog and she was more than accommodating and helpful! My puppy is the greatest addition and he was well taken care of. I cannot thank Norma enough for everything or say enough about how much of an amazing breeder she is! Jade Parker Super Impressed I have purchased quite a few puppies in my 76 years but I have to say I am super impressed with the breeders of Mountain Meadow puppies. The entire facility was immaculate and you could tell the dogs are well loved and taken care of. I had lost my 14 year old Goldendoodle to cancer the week before contacting this facility and was worried. But our little Violette is brimming with personality, smart as a whip, healthy and she gets along great with our mastiff and 75 pound Goldendoodle as well as our 2 cats. I highly recommend Norma and her amazing operation. Norma was amazing and helped us find Murphy. .We will always recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to all. Your kindness and professionalism made it all possible. We made the epic trip up from Southern California all in one weekend. Our family made memories that we will never forget. She is so gentle and intelligent. She slept through the night from the first night. She loves toys that are a challenge and to play fetch. She struggles a bit with housetraining. We still have a foot of snow in our yard and she would rather play than do what needs to be done, but we are getting there. Patience, consistency, and kindness really pay off with these guys. Love this girl! He checks off all my desires in a new pup. Carol C. She was really a joy to work with! Helped me find my fur baby Nala Rose! A picture with my 1-year-old pup with long and short hair???? I hope you and your family are well! Kona is now 10 months old and we love her! I highly recommend Norma and her puppies. Very special! He loves to play, go on walks and cuddle???? We love our puppy! Very nice people, easy to get ahold of! Great experience all around! They are the best! We had a wonderful experience adopting our sweet mini Goldendoodle from Mountain Meadow Puppies! Norma was absolutely amazing! She was prompt in messaging me back and answering any questions that I had. We are beyond smitten over our sweet Benny???? Tara Ball Mason has been home for 1 week today. He is perfect! They made sure as first time puppy owner I was ready, keeping me updated on her health, as I waited for pickup date. I would recommend them to anyone interested in a goldendoodle, or bernedoodle. Emily Haaland A Beautiful, Caring Establishment Mountain Meadow Puppies we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this special girl that we were blessed to get from you. I have to say I have never seen such a clean, beautiful, and caring establishment. Norma I pray the Lord blesses you and your family, thank you for taking care of your puppies the way you do and your customers, making sure my questions were answered. Just to watch you with your puppies and how you love them and care where they are going is amazing. I would recommend everyone I know who wants a healthy gorgeous puppy to come to Mountain Meadow Puppies. The process was so easy and enjoyable. We would recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to everyone! Norma made the entire process seamless! Meeting her and her husband and seeing the hard work and love they put into these dogs was amazing. So thankful for all they do for these puppies and our new family member Mango! This is Mango smiling after a bath. Hogan and Gracie are now 2 yrs and 1 yr and thriving! Thank you again, Norma. Kelley Stamey Tsika Phenomenal in every way!!! Mountain Meadows is absolutely phenomenal in every way!!! We fell in love with Murphy on their website, spoke with Norma multiple times over the phone, and made the drive to Libby to pick him up. Norma is incredibly knowledgeable and kind, you can tell the puppies love her!!! Their home is beautiful and their facility is beautiful and very well kept. Amazing amazing amazing. She just got her bath and is still wet. She has settled down a lot these past few weeks, and is a joy in our lives. She loves to play and cuddle. We love to watch her play outside in the snow. She is very entertaining. Thanks again for everything. Donna M. Happy 1st. Birthday, Maya! You are such a blessing to our family! Yacelin P. An Exceptional Dog Bijou is an exceptional dog but maybe all owners think this. I LOVE her very much! Now that she is a year old, I can begin getting her ready to be a therapy dog. Requires a lot of discipline on my part! She always wants to be touching me — she is my girlie-girl!

We're here to help! We firmly believe that if you are going to do something in life, do it the right way and do it as best as you can. We view our puppies as extensions of our family. The adoption process is an opportunity to blend our family and yours, and we keep in touch with many of our puppies' families over the years. Our advanced health testing, cutting-edge socialization, and continual customer support provide the best experience possible for families who adopt our golden retrievers. We know purchasing a puppy is a huge decision in your life, and we invite you to join us. We believe in good health. Many breeders focus on a "show" quality dog or a certain look. At Summer's Goldens, we focus on life-long family companions. While we carry many Champion bloodlines, we use careful genetic selection to lower the COI Coefficient Of Inbreeding of our dogs and improve the breed. Lower COI contributes to better long-term health and benefits golden retrievers as a whole. We don't breed just for today; we breed with the future in mind to have healthy, happy golden retrievers for decades to come. We follow the health-testing guidelines of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America by examining our adult dogs' hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. We only want the finest goldens to become mothers and fathers. We also do genetic testing through Embark , one of the most reputable and thorough genetic companies. By pairing healthy, genetically diverse parents, we provide the best possible conditions for puppies to live long and healthy lives. This is especially important for purebred dogs like golden retrievers. Not only do we focus on health, but we also take extra care to socialize our puppies well. We strive to cultivate friendly personality traits in our Golden Retriever Puppies for sale. High-quality socialization during the first two months of a puppy's life is one of the most critical components of its lifelong development. Socialization provides a strong foundation for emotionally healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. This is easy to claim but hard to do. There simply is no replacement for quality time spent with puppies. We follow the lead of Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and start with early neurological stimulation ENS when the puppies are just three days old. We continue thorough socialization until the puppies leave us. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of different surfaces to walk on; human touch all over their bodies; temperature changes; different sounds like fireworks, doorbells, cats meowing, and car engines; children; baths and nail trims, and more. We want our puppies to be more than just physically healthy; we want them to be mentally and emotionally ready for their future families. You are welcome to read our reviews on Google and Facebook , as well as the Testimonials on our site. Our goal is to improve the breed of golden retrievers and provide outstanding companions for families. Contact us today and experience joy through our golden retrievers! What can you expect when you pick up your puppy? All of our puppies receive plenty of love and attention. We include a care package with every puppy to help you get started on the right paw. It includes the puppy's baby photos, a blanket with the mother's scent, toys, a bag of the puppy's current food, and more to help your puppy transition as smoothly as possible. We offer lifelong support for every puppy and welcome families' questions and updates. We feel responsible for our puppies and want them to have loving homes their entire lives. We ask potential families to complete the Puppy Application on our website. We allow families to choose their puppy based on the order of deposits received. All deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you. Please contact Marta with any questions! Where do our Golden Retrievers live? Check out the state pages devoted to each location where our Golden Retriever adopters live in the Midwest. They are extremely kind, affectionate and intelligent puppies. They are like teddy bears and love their cuddles like their mom Heidi and dad Duke. They are bred to a very high standard and their pedigree is available. This is the first litter from our gorgeous family dog, Heidi, who is an excellent family pet. We have one male and one female cream puppy available, they are in perfect health and displaying a friendly temperament, much like their mother. Our puppies have been raised and played with by my nine grandchildren since they were born, so they are well accustomed to being handled regularly. They were also born the same time our cat had kittens so they are well used to and quite affectionate with our cats and kittens. Each puppy is IKC registered, vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped. We would be more than happy for you to visit and meet the puppies before making any commitments. It is very important to us that the puppies go to suitable homes that will provide love and affection aswell as proper looking after. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. Showing 1 - 40 of resultsPage 1 - results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. They will be ready to go on September 19 Mom is an F1 goldendoodle half poodle and half golden retriever 45lbs and.Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy and endless love into your life? Look no further! We're thrilled to introduce our enchanting litter.Both parents live on site, and are well tempered, affectionate, easy to train dogs. The puppies are socialized with children, cats, These charming pups are ready to become cherished members of your.We have spent the time teaching and introducing to a wide variety of everyday activities. They are doing great with sleeping in their individual.Both blonde and white coat available. Damn is English Cream, fully health tested including DNA thyroid, hips and elbows, echo cardiogram and.Mother is a purebred Golden Retriever who is very friendly and love swimming. Father is a.Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.She is very active. Stratford Cute and playful golden doodle puppies for rehoming! They are ready to go! These adorable little guys will grow to be pounds. Mother is a golden retriever and father is a poodle. They come with.We have 9 beautiful puppies left 5 girls and 4 males ready for re-homing! Please contact for an in-person or virtual meet and greet! All puppy come with first vaccination and deworming, vet checked Vet certificate looking for their.Puppies will be ready to go home September 7th! We have amazing training and care for our pups. We have raised everything.We like to have a fun theme with our litters. Emma and Ch Jengars brave at heart have.Catharines Purebred golden retriever puppies for sale. They have been raised with other dogs around them and a cat! Your more than welcome to come meet them! We are located in welland. Pups have been vet.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Ready to go the end of November early December. Puppies will come with First shots Dewormed Microchipped 2 year congenital health guarantee Both.There are 3 boys and 5 girls Both parents are healthy purebred goldens These puppies will be ready for their new homes on.Catharines This adorable litter of well socialized puppies is ready to be picked for their forever homes. Will be dewormed, vet checked and have their first set of shots at 6 weeks and will.Catharines We have two beautiful male puppies looking for their forever homes! They are currently 7 weeks old, so contact me if you would like to reserve one today! Pups will be dewormed and vet checked. Puppies will come with health record. Mom and Dad are on-site. Well acclimated to children and other animals. They have been vet checked, had their first vaccinations and have.Ready to go with 1st shots and.Are you ready to add a bundle of joy to your family? Look no further than our exquisite litter of Golden Retriever puppies! These lovable.Please text is if your interested in meeting them 2 puppies left. They've been raised around.Puppies are 10 weeks old. Got first vaccine shot and dewormed 2 times. Very playful and well.Call or text only. Friendly playful well tempered and seriously good.Mom and Dad are both purebred golden retrievers. Puppies were born august 9th, Thank you for your understanding! Ready to go! These pups are F1b and will be roughly lbs full grown. They will be vet checked, dewormed, and have first shots before they are.We have a sweet litter of Pure Tiny Yorkies Born on July 15th, consisting of 4 healthy babies 2 girls and .Mom, Goldy and Dad, Buddy both on site. They are vet checked and 1st shots and dewormed!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.