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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. 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. 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! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

We work hard to maintain the highest standards of health and pedigrees to ensure that our puppies grow into healthy and happy adults. That is how we match french bulldog puppies with their families forever. We are dedicated to providing you with the best service and support throughout the entire process, from selecting your frenchton to bringing them home We certainly know how exciting it is to bring a new french bulldog puppie into the family. For this reason we bring to you the most frequently asked doubts: asked by our frenchies lovers before taking a new puppy home. Are french bulldog easy to train? French bulldog puppies are not the easiest to train, but not the most difficult either. It is important to stick to a routine patiently for 6 to 8 months to let your furry understand it. Please take into account that it is a puppy, from month 8 onwards you can do more strong activities such as jumping or running as it will be appropriately grown to do so. Is french bulldog smart? Tenderly called Frenchies, this breed is considered active, well-behaved and intelligent according to the American Kennel Club AKC , their owners and soon you will too! They are considered the most intelligent breed among bulldogs. French bulldogs puppies like to be the center of attention but are also eager to please their family members. Are french bulldog lazy? This is one of the most common myths about french bulldogs. Are they lazy? Having a proper exercise routine is important to control their weight. Playing with other dogs or with their parents is one of their favorite activities as well, They will be just as happy with you in the car or lying on the couch, but it will be up to you to create healthy and active habits for them. If you are in search of a high quality, superior, champion bred AKC registered blue French bulldog puppy from a trusted and highly reputable breeder, then you've landed on the right webpage. Please feel free to explore our website thoroughly to find out more about this amazing and majestic breed of dog we have come to love and admire. We have very useful information scattered about our website to give you a better understanding of what it is to own a french bulldog and how to care for a brand new puppy in training, like an exotic lilac and tan merle frenchie. We even have the very exotic big rope french bulldog puppies available. Our dogs are very well cared for as part of our canine family. We offer them the best quality health care that's available to us. They are fed quality premium dog food that is age specific and custom blended for their specific diets. They process very good health and are free of any genetic or hereditary diseases to prevent these genes from getting passed along to their offspring. As one of the top leading fluffy french bulldog breeders in the industry, we pride ourselves in the quality of our dogs and customer satisfaction we offer our customers. Our dogs and pups come from the finest bloodlines and have outstanding pedigrees from quality lines from around the world. The dogs we use are very high quality and thus produce puppies with excellent conformation , temperaments and always meet the breed standard. All of our puppies we produce here at Silverblood Frenchies come along with a state of Florida veterinary health certificate, all required vaccinations and a one full year health guarantee. We breed the finest french bulldog puppies of exotic colors and patterns such as merle french bulldogs. Our frenchies produced are blue, isabella, lilac, lilac and tan, chocolate, blue and tan and fluffy french bulldog puppies. For the finest frenchies for sale in the US feel free to contact us at or email us. To Apply or For more info Click Here! The blues looks gray to dark grayish in color and are the first and most popular of the rare colors. Their DNA apears as dd. Blue and Tan Frenchies: This is a blue dog with tan points in specific areas. Eyebrows, cheeks, legs and chest are the main area where these "points" appear. Merle French bulldog : This spotted look is a very fancy, unique and desirable currently. The merle gene is dominant and can come in any of the many colors in the french bulldog breed. Depending on their base color, they can come in many varieties such as lilac merle, blue merle, chocolate merle, blue fawn merle and isabella merle. Merle frenchies for sale. Chocolate French bulldog: Chocolate French bulldogs are also considered exotic. They are now more widely known as coco since the previously unidentified recessive gene has been identified. This coat will appear brownish and usually gives puppies beautiful golden to greenish eyes. Cream French bulldogs: Cream colored dogs are a light cream shade and eventually develop darker coloring around their lips, eyes, nose and paw pads as they mature. Platinum French bulldog: A platinum frenchie is any rare colored french bulldog covered in cream. These dogs will display an apparent dilution in their lips, eyes, nose and paw pads while still cream covered. These dogs are highly desirable for their exotic appearance and for their ability to produce many other rare and exotic colors. Lilac French bulldog : This lilac color is so unique and very attractive. This color occurs when a dog that either is or carrier both blue and chocolate coco is bred with a dog with similar DNA. This puppy will carry two copies of the blue dd dilute gene and two copies of chocolate coco. Lilac frenchies for sale. Isabella French bulldog: Isabella frenchies are stunning and extremely beautiful. This is arguably the most rare of all the french bulldog exotic colors and thus the most valuable. Currently we have isabella french bulldogs for sale. These frenchies will carry 2 copies of the exclusive "testable chocolate" gene better known as "isabella". Not only that but they will also carry two copies of the dd as the diluting agent to turn this "rojo" chocolate into the lighter "Isabella" color. The Rojo variety, which is an isabella dog that has bb but not dd or diluted will be a dark rich chocolate color. The most recognized Isabella variety is an isabella dog that has both bb and dd making it the typical, most recognized light champagne Isabella color. Finally the last is called the New Shade Isabella french bulldog or true lilac isabella. This dog looks very much like a typical isabella but carries all the diluted genes including testable chocolate bb , cocoa coco and blue or dilute dd. Fluffy French bulldogs: Fluffy french bulldog puppies are the most expensive and most amazing frenchies in the world. They are all the rage currently due to their highly exotic appearance and fancy, luxurious, fluffy coats. These long haired frenchies are identical to a standard short hair frenchie with one very obvious difference. These babies will get fluffier as they mature and will be head turners for sure! As far as the french bulldog breed is concerned, the most prevalent genes that offer this exotic look are the L1 and L4 long-haired genes. The dog must possess 2 copies of each or mixed and will produce the same results. Pied French bulldogs: Pied french bulldogs are not exactly a color but rather a color pattern. These dogs may be of any color and hair type. These dogs are typically mostly white with another base color such as blue, chocolate, lilac, isabella, merle or fluffy. Many dislike the pied look while others request them specifically. The pied look can sometimes give french bulldogs a flashy look and is a matter of preference. Big Rope French bulldogs: Big Rope french bulldogs or "Big-Rope Frenchies" are very unique looking french bulldogs with a distinct physical difference. The overall body and appearance between a standard french bulldog and a real Big-Rope french bulldog are practically identical. The only difference is that the Big-Rope frenchie has a beautiful thick, heavy "rope" over its nose. This gives them a very bold and impressive appearance that makes them very attractive and desirable. Since the "big-rope" trait is not specific to any color, then come in every french bulldog imaginable including big rope isabella frenchies. In fact, there are several fluffy big rope frenchies out there now. Their beautiful facial big rope in no way impedes their ability to breathe. We'll have big-rope french bulldog puppies available very soon! Isabella Fluffy French bulldogs: If you are lucky enough to own one of these extremely rare and exotic frenchies, then you must know how fortunate you are. By basically combining the best of both worlds in coat color isabella and coat type fluffy you will get the absolute most gorgeous, valuable and exotic dog in the world! A long haired visual fluffy Isabella frenchie is worth its weight in gold! The first thing you'll need to do is find a reputable and knowledgeable french bulldog breeder. Silverblood Frenchies is not new to "the game". We have been breeding and raising these gorgeous creatures for over 10 years now. We have acquired the experience and knowledge over the years that many new puppy parents wished their breeder had. Every single one of our puppies we sell come with lifetime 24 hour support for their Silverblood Frenchies Puppy for life! Feel free to check out our testimonials page to hear from just a handful of our previous happy customers. June 29, If you are looking to find the perfect French Bulldog puppy to buy and bring to your home this list of the best French Bulldog breeders in Florida will help you. Finding a quality French Bulldog breeder can be a challenge especially with all the scams out there. I personally researched this list to help you get started on your search for a Frenchie puppy of your very own. Even though I did some initial research for you, I highly encourage you still following my tips here on how to find a reputable French Bulldog breeder near you. Be sure to check out their websites, check out their social media, and be sure to have a phone conversation with the breeder to ensure you are getting a healthy and happy Frenchie puppy. Their goal is simple: to give their clients the most preferred, fit, brilliant puppies possible. The French Bulldog being the most popular dog in the world, they want to ensure that every Frenchie has the best life possible. They have specialized in breeding standard and non-standard breeding of Frenchies. Their dogs are AKC registered and fully health tested before leaving their facility. They have 16 years of experience breeding bulldogs and producing quality french bulldog puppies. They breed them in a way that ensures perfect health and a great disposition, so you can expect your puppy to grow into a beautiful adult with no health problems or behavioral issues. In poetic french bulldogs, you will find puppies with unique colors such as blue, chocolate, and lilac. They also offer one-year health assurance for the puppy. From their birth, they were astonished by their love, beauty, and character. Their passion led them to start Pure Devotion Frenchies, where they offer finite, great-bred litters. They are genuinely the best Frenchie you could ever find. They aim to create the best Frenchies possible by breeding them with the best quality dogs they can find. They take time with every puppy they produce and are committed to raising healthy pets with excellent temperaments. Their adults are healthy and have lovely character as well. They raise their puppies with lots of love and care—they feed them a balanced diet and provide proper socialization, exercise and stimulation to maintain their health. As a way of showing care to their dogs, these breeders make sure that the new families offer the same care and respect to the dogs. They breed one type of dog to focus on their needs and health. They aim to produce healthy, beautiful puppies that their new families will love. They select their dogs carefully, choosing only the healthiest dogs with excellent pedigrees to breed their puppies. All of their dogs and puppies are AKC registered. Their puppies go to their new homes with de-worming treatments and are vet-inspected. They are raised in a loving environment and adopted to approved homes only. They love their dogs, and they treat them like members of their own family. They only sell their puppies to pet homes, not kennels, where puppies will not be raised with the love and care they grew with. Phone: Location: Contact the breeder for their location in Florida. Best Friend Frenchies was founded by Brenda and Eric Schaller, who have been breeding dogs for the longest time. That means loving them from birth. Their goal is to provide exceptional service to their clients and French Bulldogs. They are the best French bulldog breeders Florida. They specialize in the rarest colors of the French Bulldog and offer AKC registration so that you can be certain that your puppy comes with both health and structure. Their dog comes with either full or limited registration. They are also able to provide stud services for their clients. Telephone: Website: South Florida Frenchies Bentley Bullies Bentley Bullies have over 20 years of experience breeding french bulldogs and know what it takes to produce healthy puppies with the right temperament. They only sell puppies from their breeding program, meaning every puppy is accompanied by a health certificate from a board-certified veterinarian and a one-year health guarantee. These breeders also provide their clients with references upon request. With their premier French Bulldog breeding program, they have made it their mission to produce quality, healthy, and gorgeous puppies. They do this by keeping in line with high standards for health and structure. They also use DNA testing to ensure each puppy is free from genetic disorders. To make sure that these standards are met, they hand select every dog for breeding. Their puppies are all AKC registered and show quality. They have health guarantees on all their puppies, and their lifetime support will ensure that your pup is taken care of even after it leaves you. Their puppies are given room to roam to be happy and healthy, not caged. Also, they do not breed them in captivity—they breed them with other dogs who are also happy and healthy. Their focus is on quality over quantity. This breeder takes their dogs on vacations, to the beach, bike riding, and every other place they visit. They want their Frenchie to be happy and healthy, so they take them wherever they go. They are very cautious about who wants to adopt their Frenchie. To receive the puppy, you must accept a background check before selling the Frenchie to you. One of the main reasons why they are referred to as the best french bulldog breeders in Florida is the fact that they offer face time calls for you to see how they raise their dogs. They even potty train their dogs. Their main aim is to give the best Frenchie Bulldog Pups possible. They want them to be healthy, happy dogs with the emotional and physical qualities that make the French Bulldog one of the most preferred dogs in America. They are committed to providing the highest quality Frenchie Bulldog Pups, so they only breed with AKC-approved color models and only use high-quality puppy food. They are always cute and love to play. An immaculately cuddly bulldog might just be the perfect family pet. I hope this list of French Bulldog Breeders in Florida gets you started on finding the perfect four-legged companion for your family. If you are looking for French Bulldog breeders in other states this list may be helpful for you:.

Intelligent, smart, loyal, easy to train, and friendly Shedding Moderate to high; requires moderate grooming Common coat colors Gray, brown, sable, golden, tan, black Activity level High; requires up to 60 minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for families that can provide ample space and attention Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require approximately 2 cups per day Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, epilepsy, pannus, and cataracts German Shepherd History Image Source: Messina Photo — pexels. The German Shepherd is a mix of several different breeds, including the English shepherd, the German short-haired pointer, and the wire-haired fox terrier. The German Shepherd was originally bred for herding sheep, but they quickly became popular as working dogs in a variety of other fields. German Shepherds are now used as police dogs, service dogs, and even therapy dogs. These dogs are not the best fit for every family. However, if you can provide them with the proper training and exercise, a German Shepherd can be a loyal and loving companion. These dogs were brought to the region by early Native Americans and they quickly became adapted to life in the wild. They are a mix of several different breeds, including the German Shepherd Dog. This breed was first developed in Germany in and it quickly became popular for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Today, the Carolina Dog remains a popular choice for dog owners looking for a versatile and protective companion. They have the long fur of a German Shepherd, but they also have the spots and colors of a Carolina Dog. This can make their appearance very unique and eye-catching. One thing to note about them is that they may not always be easy to groom. The long fur of the German Shepherd can be difficult to manage, and the spots of the Carolina Dog can be hard to keep clean. If you are considering this mix, be sure to talk to a groomer about the best way to care for their coat. Overall, the Carolina Dog mixed with German Shepherd is a beautiful and unique dog. If you are looking for a dog with an interesting appearance, this may be the right mix for you. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared to groom them regularly. Size When it comes to mixed breeds, the Carolina Dog Shepherd mix is a popular choice. Carolina Dogs are intelligent, loyal, and make great family pets. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are prized for their obedience, working ability, and loyalty. So, what can you expect when you mix these two breeds? Carolina Dog German Shepherd mixes typically range in size from 40 to 75 pounds, making them the perfect size for most families. Carolina Dog Temperament Carolina Dogs are gentle, loyal, smart, and reserved. The American Dingo is very good with children and other pets. Be sure to groom the puppy from a young age. They are also very easy to train and groom. They are also working dogs, so their diet should be high in protein to help them maintain their energy levels. They should be fed twice a day, with a mix of wet and dry food. Dry food is essential for keeping their teeth healthy, so make sure to give them plenty of it. Grooming When it comes to grooming, the Carolina Dog mixed with German Shepherd is a low-maintenance dog. They have a double coat, which means they will shed year-round. They only need to be bathed every few months unless they get dirty. The puppies should start getting used to being groomed at an early age. As with any dog, however, it is important to start early and be consistent in your training methods. Rewards-based training is generally most successful, as dogs love positive reinforcement. Be sure to praise your Carolina Shepherd when they do something you want them to, and offer a treat or toy as a reward. Start by putting them in time-out for a minute or two, then continue with your training regimen. German Shepherd Carolina Dog Mix are intelligent dogs and with a little patience and effort, you will be able to train them to behave appropriately in any situation Common diseases among Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix The Carolina Dog Shepherd mix is a popular crossbreed that is known for being smart, loyal, and obedient. However, like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common diseases among Carolina Dog mixed with German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, skin allergies, epilepsy, and pannus. While these health problems can be serious, the good news is that they are all treatable. If you suspect your dog has any of these diseases, be sure to take them to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper care, your mixe dog will enjoy a long and healthy life. The answer is yes, Carolina Shepherd are good guard dogs. They are very loyal to their family and will protect them from anything they perceive as a threat. They are also very intelligent and easily trained, so you can be sure that your dog will be able to follow any commands you give them. Overall, Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix makes excellent guard dogs and will definitely keep your family safe. These dogs are known for their loyalty, energy, and obedience. They make great family pets and are ideal with children. Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix puppies are not cheap. However, they are worth the investment. They are a healthy breed and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. If you are interested in adding a Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix puppy to your family, be sure to research reputable breeders in your area. You want to make sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Once you find a good breeder, be prepared to pay a premium price for your new pup. But, in the end, it will be worth it! The answer to this question really depends on the individual dog. Some Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mixes are great with children, while others may not be as tolerant. It is important to remember that each dog is an individual and should be treated as such. With that said, if you are looking for a Carolina Shepherd that is good with children, it is important to do your research and find a reputable breeder. A good breeder will be able to provide you with information on the temperament of the parents and grandparents of the puppy, which can give you a good idea of what to expect. Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix is a new designer hybrid breed that is gaining in popularity. This mix combines the athleticism and intelligence of the German Shepherd with the independent spirit and playful nature of the Carolina Dog. If you are looking for a versatile dog that can excel in many different activities, then this mix may be perfect for you. They are suitable for families with children as well as active singles and couples. German Shepherd Carolina Dog Mix are also relatively easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. If you think they might be the right breed for you, be sure to do your research before bringing them into your home. If you give Carolina GSD mix a lot of love, they will be your friend for a long time. You just need to take good care of them and train them right. In the end, all dogs need love and attention. Shower them with love and they will lead a happy and comfortable life. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Lifespan Sociability Before buying any puppy, it is important to know as much information as possible on the specific breed. This is why little is known of their true heritage. Currently, it is believed they are related to an Asian dog breed that came across the Bering Strait nearly 9, years ago. Work is still being done to trace their lineage and discover more about this amazing breed. This is mostly true today, but the first dog breed to step in and assist those with visual impairments were German Shepherds. Throughout the years, this crucial line of work began favoring Labradors and Retrievers due to the realization that German Shepherds were better suited in the line of duty serving beside police officers. When these two breeds are entwined, the puppy can show characteristics such as dainty feet and gold or yellow colorings. This is uncommon for the German Shepherd and is thanks mostly to the genetics of the Carolina Dog. This breed is highly intelligent and easy to train. Although energetic, these dogs are loyal and loving while being well-mannered and reserved when needed. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This is especially true if brought into the home as a puppy and raised around both adults and children in the household. The Carolina Dog is a pack-driven animal. When shown love and proper care by their families, they will make that family part of their pack. This means loyalty, affection, and love will be your reward by caring for these dogs. The German Shepherd is much the same. Protective and loyal, this dog breed has been known to protect and even save children making them ideal for the home. Their protective nature makes them great guard dogs and their love for their family will keep them at your side at all times. By mixing these two great breeds families can feel both safe and secure with their pets. Even children will have the opportunity to show affection and reap the rewards of growing up with such a well-mannered dog breed. Keep in mind, the Carolina Dog is originally a prey-driven animal but has a docile nature. If introducing these dogs, or mixes, into a home with cats or other small animals, do it with caution and at an early age. This will help you avoid any unwanted issues as the trainability of this crossbreed is great. This diet can consist of high-protein commercial dog food or foods you prepare at home for your pets. How much food you feed this breed depends on the sizing it takes from their parental lines. If your animal is smaller and more similar to the Carolina Dog, one cup of kibble a day may be sufficient. If you notice your mix is on the larger size, offering two feedings and one to two cups of kibble may be required. Two hours a day is a good starting point. You may find, if your particular pet is more energetic, that they need more time to burn off their energy. Walks, fetch, and trips to the dog park or open areas where running can take place are great examples of exercises well-suited to this breed. If not trained properly, this dog, like its German Shepherd lineage, can take over the role of pack leader. If this happens, training can become quite difficult. If you have trained dogs in the past, the intelligence of this breed will make things a non-issue. If you have never trained a dog, consider looking into an online course or other tips to help make this process go smoothly. Brushing and using an undercoat rake should be done at least twice a week. Routine baths with deshedding shampoo and conditioner will also help. Issues with dental health can be quite painful and should be looked at by a veterinarian if noticed. The Carolina Dog is considered one of the healthier dog breeds out there. Due to such a long life in the wild, they are not susceptible to many of the genetic disorders other dogs, who are overly bred, endure. The German Shepherd, however, is known for a few medical issues. When combining these two dog breeds, the Carolina Dog German Shepherd mix may be susceptible to problems the German Shepherd inherently faces. Minor Conditions. German shepherds were originally bred in Germany in the late s as working dogs. They quickly became popular for their intelligence, trainability, and strength, and they were soon adopted by police and military forces around the world. Today, German shepherds are still used as working dogs in various roles, but they also make excellent family pets. German shepherds are large dogs, standing between 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing around 50 to 95 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a long body, pointed ears, and a thick coat that can be either black-and-tan or all black. German shepherds are known for their courage, obedience, and protective nature. They are also highly intelligent dogs, ranking among the top ten breeds in terms of intelligence. German shepherds require plenty of exercise and socialization, but they make loving and devoted companions with proper care and training. However, they are healthy dogs but are prone to certain health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, allergies, and Cataracts. The head is somewhat triangular, with erect ears and almond-shaped eyes. They weigh around 30 to 55 pounds and stand about 17 to 20 inches tall. The Carolina Dog is also sometimes called the American Dingo and has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The body is muscular and agile, with long legs and a relatively long tail. The coat is typically yellow, light brown, or red, with white markings on the chest, belly, and feet. Carolina Dogs are believed to be descended from dogs brought to North America by Native Americans over 10, years ago. These dogs were versatile and hardy, able to survive in various climates and conditions. The Carolina Dog has become increasingly popular as a companion animal in recent years. Thanks to their friendly dispositions and loyalty, they make excellent pets for families with children. Carolina Dogs are also relatively easy to train, and they have a reputation for being exceptionally clean. They make a wonderful addition to any home with proper care and socialization. American Dingoes are healthy dogs but are sensitive to ivermectin. This is because they inherit different genes from their parents. In contrast, others may inherit more from their German Shepherd parents. Therefore, it is difficult to predict what a German Shepherd Dingo Mix will look like. A post shared by Emily emilyinthemountains However, suppose your pup inherits more genes from the German shepherd parent. In that case, he will have a wedge-shaped head, long snouts, and bushy tails. If he inherits more genes from his Carolina Dog parent, his head will be wedge-shaped, almond-shaped dark eyes, and long erect ears. You should expect your pooch to have erect ears because both parent breeds have this characteristic. The erect ears are one of the most distinguishing features of a German shepherd. The Size The size can vary as well, but they are typically in the medium to large range. They can grow as big as 40 to 75 pounds or more. They can stand anywhere from 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. This means they have a top coat of long hair and a softer undercoat. The top coat of a German Shepherd is thick and dense. It helps to protect the dog from weather and elements. The undercoat is softer and provides insulation. Carolina dogs, on the other hand, has short, dense coats. Carolina dogs are also double coated, but their coats are not as thick as German Shepherds. The coat type of a German Shepherd Dingo mix will depend on which parent they take more after. If they have a thicker coat, it is likely because they have taken after the German Shepherd parent more. A thinner coat would indicate that they have taken more after the Carolina Dog parent. As for coat color, German Shepherds can be one of many different colors. But they can also be all black. Carolina dogs typically are brown with white markings. They can come in red ginger, orange, tan, and yellow. So, your pup can come in any color or color combinations that their parents could be. German Shepherds have a life expectancy of around 7 to 10 years. Carolina dogs have a slightly longer lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. So, you can expect your American Dingo German Shepherd to live between 8 and 15 years. This is a pretty typical lifespan for a medium to large-sized dog. One of the biggest factors is diet. A high-quality diet will help your pup stay healthy and avoid some common health problems that can shorten their life expectancy. Getting enough exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for German Shepherds. German Shepherds are a high-energy breed and need to burn off excess energy. However, some traits are common in both the Carolina dog and German shepherd breeds. Both breeds are intelligent and have a strong need for mental stimulation. The Carolina dog is a little more reserved, while the German Shepherd is more alert and protective. Both breeds are adaptable, but the Carolina dog is more primitive than the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is a versatile breed that excels at many different things. However, German Shepherds can be stubborn and have a strong prey drive. They need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age to prevent aggression. Your pup will be a loving and loyal companion that will make a great addition to your family and acts as a good watchdog. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. You can supplement his food with fresh fruits, vegetables, cooked eggs, and yogurt, so your dog can benefit from a varied diet. Just make sure not to give him too much, as this can cause digestive problems. A good brushing will help to remove any dead hair and keep his coat healthy and looking its best. If your dog has a longer coat, you may need to brush him more often. It will be difficult to tell if your puppy will be a light or heavy shedder until full-grown. So, you might need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. Some Dingo Shepherds will shed seasonally, so you may find yourself doing more vacuuming during certain times of the year. Check his ears regularly and clean them if they look dirty. If you notice any redness or discharge, you should take him to the vet as this could indicate an infection. His nails will need to be trimmed regularly. You can do this yourself with a pair of dog nail clippers or take him to the groomer. This will help prevent gum disease and keep his teeth healthy. They need at least an hour of vigorous activity every day, and more is better. The dingo parent is also an active dog, but not quite to the same degree as the German Shepherd. A mix between these two parents will likely result in a pup who falls somewhere in the middle regarding exercise needs. They will still require a good amount of exercise, but probably not as much as a full-blooded German Shepherd. As with any dog, it is important to make sure your American Dingo German Shepherd mix gets the appropriate amount of exercise to avoid behavioral problems down the road. A tired dog is a happy dog. A short daily walk and play session is recommended for puppies and seniors. For young adults and adults, at least one hour of exercise is necessary, including a long walk, hide-and-seek, swimming, hiking, flying discs, or running, plus some interactive playtime with you or another dog companion. You can train your mixed-breeds in dog sports like herding, agility, rally, tracking, and obedience, which will allow them to use their minds as well as their bodies. If you live an active lifestyle, your German Shepherd American Dingo mix will likely be the perfect companion. They will enjoy being by your side, whether you are going for a run, hiking up a mountain, or swimming in a lake. Training requirements These are intelligent breeds that are easy to train. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Obedience training is also necessary to keep them under control as they can be willful and stubborn. Early socialization is key with this breed. They need to be introduced to different people, animals, and situations at an early age to avoid any potential aggression issues later on. Puppy training classes are also recommended to teach basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down, etc. And finally, obedience training is necessary to keep them under control. While they are not aggressive by nature, if not properly trained, the German shepherd genes in them can come out, and they can be willful and stubborn. A post shared by Emily emilyinthemountains This breed will do well with positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training. Avoid using negative reinforcement as it will only aggravate them. With the right training and Consistency, they will make an excellent companion for any family. Ensure you start training at the puppy age so he can grow with you into a great family companion. The price of a Carolina dog German Shepherd Mix puppy will vary depending on the breeder, location, and availability. You can find breeders online, through rescues, or local breed clubs. Ensure you ask questions and do your research to find a reputable source. When bringing home a German Shepherd Dingo Mix puppy, be prepared to have supplies such as food, a collar and leash, toys, and a crate. You will also need to budget for obedience training, veterinary care, and grooming. Health Problems The Carolina dog parents are relatively healthy dogs. However, some health conditions can be passed down to their puppies. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joints. It is a genetic condition that can be passed down from parent to puppy. Dingo Shepherds affected by hip dysplasia may have pain in their hips, lameness, or arthritis. Treatment for hip dysplasia often includes weight management, exercise, and joint supplements. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is another condition that can affect the elbow joints. It is also a genetic condition that can be passed down from parent to puppy. Symptoms may include lameness or arthritis. Treatment for elbow dysplasia often includes weight management, exercise, and joint supplements. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. It is similar to ALS in humans. The disease causes degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. This leads to loss of motor function and eventually paralysis. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for your dog. If you think your dog may have degenerative myelopathy, it is important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the course of the disease. Bloat This is caused by the stomach flipping and filling with gas. It is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency surgery. German Shepherds are more prone to bloat than any other breed, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms: restlessness, pacing, drooling, panting, abdominal pain, and distention. If you suspect your dog has bloat, take them to the vet immediately. This will ensure you have a healthy dingo shepherd mix. He is loyal, protective, and loving. He will make a great addition to any home. If you are interested in adding a Carolina Dog German Shepherd Mix to your family, ensure you do proper research to find a reputable breeder. Post navigation. What is a Carolina Dog? The Carolina Dog is a dog of many names. While their feral origins may give potential owners some pause, these dogs have the potential to be great pets. As for compatibility with other pets and the family in general, the Carolina Dog is usually a good fit. According to Saving Carolina Dogs , a rescue and advocacy group, these dogs are sighthounds with a significant prey drive. While not everyone is familiar with the Carolina Dog, most of us have heard of the German Shepherd. These intelligent and loyal dogs are often used as police dogs and service dogs, but they still make great pets. According to the American Kennel Club , even pet German Shepherds have been known to display the heroism of their working-dog counterparts. Even without training, some of these dogs have been known to save drowning children, take bullets for their owners, and run to get help if an owner is in distress. When a German Shepherd is well trained, this dog is loyal to its owners and generally good with children. However, these dogs do tend to shed a great deal. The most common color is black and tan, but you may also find these dogs with all black or sable coats. You may also see white German Shepherds, but these dogs are considered a different breed. But as you likely know, genetics are complex. In many cases, though, a mix of these two breeds will result in what looks like a scaled-down version of a German Shepherd. If you want a dog that looks like a German Shepherd but prefers a smaller dog, this breed cross might be good for you. Carolina dogs are usually pounds, while German Shepherds can get as big as 85 to 90 pounds. A mix is likely to be somewhere in the middle in terms of size. Temperament in a mixed breed can be hard to predict. If you have a strong preference when it comes to temperament, there are a few ways to test it. Usually, before you buy a puppy, most experts advise some form of temperament testing. Looking in a variety of spaces may help improve your chances of finding this unique and special dog. Here are some places to start your search: Rescues—We mentioned breed-specific rescues earlier. Try checking both Carolina Dog and German Shepherd rescues for puppies or adult dogs. Animal shelters—Look at adoptable dogs at local shelters, but remember that Carolina Dogs are often mistakenly called German Shepherd mixes. What do you get when you cross an independent dog with feral origins and a headstrong working dog? But because both breeds need the training to be at their best, make sure you plan to train yours. But many people, especially new dog owners, need a little help when it comes to training. This video is an example of some first-week puppy training basics. Group training—Often, pet stores and even local dog clubs will have classes for new owners and their puppies or older dogs. These classes are guided by a professional, but they let you work with your own dog. Hiring a private trainer—This is an option for advanced training, but it may also be helpful if your dog has a difficult temperament. A professional can help you develop strategies for working with your dog. This can be either commercial dog food or dog food you prepare yourself. But as you likely know, dog breeds differ in their need for activity. Both of these breeds are athletic dogs who thrive with plenty of physical activity. Walks on a leash are beneficial, but try incorporating off-lead exercise, too. You can teach your dog tricks, take them to the dog park, or even enlist your new friend as your running buddy.

Eyes sensitive eyes to light Dry, opaque, and dull cornea Constant pawing and scratching of the eyes Excessive blinking Keratoconjunctivitis primarily affects middle-aged and older Frenchies. Diagnosis and Treatment Thick eye discharge in your French Bulldog may be confusing and should not be automatically presumed to result from keratoconjunctivitis condition. An immediate visit to a veterinarian is recommended for an accurate diagnosis. Note that managing keratoconjunctivitis in a French Bulldog may be a lifetime commitment that involves ointments or eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian. The objective is to replace tear film and induce tear production to protect the cornea. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids. This is made possible by the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the eye through tear production. The Cherry Eye is seen through the prolapse of the nictitating membrane. Once it affects one eye, the chances are high that it may spread to the next eye. Once the fibrous attachments break after becoming weak, there is free movement of tear glands which then irritates the eyes. Be sure to check the next eye for a similar infection if your French Bulldog suffers a Cherry Eye condition. Signs of Cherry Eye infection include: Pawing or rubbing at the eye A bulge at the corner of the eye pink Eyes unable to close Excessive tearing Discharge from the eye The best thing about a Cherry Eye in a Frenchie is that it is a painless, non-life-threatening condition. That should, however, not be a reason to ignore the situation once noticed in your French Bulldog as it may lead to other serious eye problems. Diagnosis and Treatment A veterinarian can quickly treat a Cherry Eye through two options: Stitching the gland back to its position Surgically removing the entire gland The above two procedures are performed after examining the eye to diagnose the Cherry Eye condition by a vet. Some breeders reportedly try to correct the condition by massaging the swollen gland back to its place. However, you should not do this if you have no prior experience. Entropion Entropion is a painful eye infection that causes the eyelids to roll inwards, rubbing the eye surface, which can be very uncomfortable for a Frenchie. French Bulldogs suffer this condition more due to their droopy eyelids. Causes and Symptoms Trauma to the eye and old age can cause entropion, making the saggy eyelid susceptible to rolling inwards. Entropion may also be caused by an inflamed eye infection or inherited from parents. Birth abnormalities in puppies may also cause Entropion. Some of the symptoms to watch out for an Entropion infection include: Bloodshot eyes. Learn more » The even-tempered and charming bat-eared Frenchie has grown in popularity over the years. They make perfect pets, especially for city dwellers, due to their small size and affectionate nature. However, French Bulldogs do have their fair share of health conditions, which include eye problems. Here, we go over the eye problems that Frenchies are prone to and how these conditions are treated. The 6 Common Eye Problems in Frenchies: 1. All dogs have a nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, which is found in the inner corner of their eye. If your Frenchie has a swollen pink or red mass on the inside corner of their eye, they might have cherry eye. Conjunctivitis Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a common eye problem that can plague French Bulldogs. The tissue covering the eye is called the conjunctiva, which is a mucus membrane. This condition also affects the nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed, and the eyes become itchy and turn bright pink. This can occur from allergies or it can be bacterial or viral. When dogs have pink-eye, they will rub their faces and eyes on the floor and with their paws. The condition can be quite uncomfortable. There may also be a fair amount of discharge from their eyes. If your vet determines that your pup has conjunctivitis , they will attempt to treat the underlying cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotics — usually topically. Image Credit: Paska, Pixabay 3. Corneal Ulcer Corneal ulcers are also called eye ulcers. Sometimes the dent is shallow, but it can also run deeper, which will cause pain, discharge, and redness, and the dog blinks frequently or will keep the eye closed. It can be caused by injury, a foreign object, or a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on the severity and cause, corneal ulcers are treated through surgery or topical pain medication and antibiotics. Image Credit: Mylene, Pixabay 5. This is one of the most common eye problems that can affect dogs. The common signs of entropion are excessive tearing of the eyes, discharge pus or mucus , red eyes, and keeping the eyes closed. Juvenile Cataracts Juvenile cataracts can occur in puppies, and unfortunately, the French Bulldog is one of the breeds that are genetically predisposed to it. The lens of the eye is behind the pupil, and the cataract causes milky cloudiness on the lens. It can lead to vision impairment. Some cataracts progress quickly and others stay static. Dense cataracts might need surgery, and the vet will also try to determine the cause, which might also need treatment. First, when you give your French Bulldog a bath, try not to get soap in their eyes, as this could be quite irritating. Consider using puppy shampoo because these are made to be quite gentle and are perfectly safe for use on adult dogs. Try making this part of your grooming routine. Finally, use eye wash pads or an eye wash meant for dogs when cleaning any eye discharge. This can help prevent infection. This is quite common with this breed. But if you take care and preventative measures, you should be able to catch any issues before they become too serious. Featured Image Credit: speckfechta, Unsplash Contents. Pin 0 Shares French Bulldog puppies need a lot of care and attention. They will be very dependent on their mother, particularly in the first 4 weeks. In fact, for the first few days of their lives, they cannot even see as their eyes will still be closed. But when exactly do Frenchie puppy eyes open up? When do French Bulldog puppies open their eyes? French Bulldog puppies will open their eyes between 10 and 14 days of age. Their eyes will continue to open wider, with clear vision coming at around 8 weeks of age. Frenchie puppy ears will open around 2 weeks of age. French Bulldog puppy development timeline Below is a very general timeline showing the developmental stages of a French Bulldog puppy. Why are Frenchie puppies born with their eyes closed? According to the Psychology Today website view source , puppies are born blind due to evolutionary reasons relating to survival. Dogs evolved from the wild wolves and used to survive by hunting. The science believes that a pregnant dog carrying a large litter of puppies would become slow. That would mean the female was at risk of being prey for other animals and would also struggle to hunt for herself and unborn offspring. Did You Know? Go take a look at why. As a result, nature dictated that it would be better for puppies to be born earlier without being fully developed — for example with eyesight and hearing. By doing so, the female dog would not have to carry as much weight and for long. Just like other dogs, the gestation period of a French Bulldog evolved to be short. Frenchies are pregnant for between 58 and 68 days , meaning the puppies are born without the full senses being developed. In addition, between hunts which can be spaced days apart there is not much to do, so the female has time to care for helpless infants. When she is out pursuing food, the pups can be safely stored in a den. There is an exception to this rule, which is with Blue Fawn Frenchies whose eyes will remain blue for the remainder of their lives. When can Frenchies leave their mother Due to the lack of senses and dependence on their mothers, Frenchies should never leave their mother before they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will be completely deaf and blind for possibly up to 14 days, being completely dependent on mom. However, after that period, their development will speed up extremely rapidly, with many Frenchie puppies even starting to run around and do little barks at 5 weeks of age. At this point they will want to explore the wide world around them. With their eyes and ears open, and other senses coming to life, will start to become the French Bulldogs that we all know and love for their irresistible character. Handy Hint: Did you know that some Frenchies are more predisposed to hearing loss than others. Find out which colors of French Bulldog can suffer with genetic deafness. You might also like…. A short snout and other genetic predispositions may cause them to have frequent problems with their eyes. Any delay can cause a serious infection and even result in permanent blindness or the loss of an eye. Dry eye, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye are the most common eye problems your Frenchie may experience. More than half of these eye problems are caused by an injury to the cornea. Some other common French Bulldog eye problems you may come across are entropion a condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids causes the eyelid to roll inward and cause the eyelashes to scratch the eye , ectropion another condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids cause the lower eyelid to sag and expose the delicate tissues underneath , abnormal eyelashes, persistent pupillary membranes, and pink eye. Cherry Eye This condition is one of the most common eye problems that Frenchies experience. Cherry eye can be characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye. The protruding tissue is caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. If a Frenchie has this eye problem, they may also experience other symptoms like discharge and excessively watery eyes. Cherry eye is usually not painful, but if not treated in a timely manner it can lead to other serious eye problems. Treatment for this condition will involve suturing the gland back in place or completely removing the gland. The dryness will cause the cornea of the eye and the surrounding tissues to become inflamed. In response, the eyes will produce thick yellow or green discharge. Dry eye can be painful for your pup so if you notice them squinting or blinking a lot, they may need treatment as soon as possible. Treatment will involve the daily application of an ointment or eye drop. Corneal Ulcers Out of all the eye problems your Frenchie may experience, corneal ulcers can be the most serious. Corneal ulcers will cause your pup to be in extreme pain, and they will try to relieve the pain by rubbing their eyes. Ulcers are usually caused by some type of trauma, untreated dry eye, or a chemical burn due to soap or shampoo, and it will require urgent medical care. Treatment will involve the application of antibiotic ointment as well as medication for pain and swelling. If the ulcer is very severe it may require surgical intervention. If your Frenchie is rubbing his or her eye with their paw or on the carpet, is excessively blinking, has unusual drainage coming from one or both eyes, or if you can see spots or redness, your pup may need to be seen by a vet. Cloudiness, change in eye color, tear-stained fur, red or white eyelid lining, and a visible third eyelid is also common signs of an eye problem. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to get it checked out as soon as you can. Most issues can become serious and cause permanent damage if they are left untreated. If you suspect allergies may be causing the symptoms, you could purchase an over-the-counter saline wash. If the symptoms do not improve after two days, see your vet. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce this risk. When bathing your Frenchie make sure shampoo or soap does not get into their eye. Chemicals from shampoo can easily irritate their eyes. Also, examine their eyes regularly for dry eye or any unusual marks. This can be done with regular application of sterile eye wash with eye wash pads. Wrapping Things Up French Bulldog eye problems are very common , and any French Bulldog owner may be able to quickly confirm this. However, with the proper preventative care, small issues can be caught before anything gets too serious. Seeing a vet regularly who is experienced with bulldog care is the best way to keep your pup healthy. Pin2 8 Shares Last week we had we had a Frenchie puppy come over to play with our own Frenchie, Claude. She is a week old French Bulldog puppy with the bluest of eyes. They are stunningly beautiful as you can see in the photos lower down the page. I remarked to her owner how blue the eyes were and asked whether they would change color at all. Do French Bulldogs eyes change color? Yes, Frenchie eyes do change color. When they are born, their eyes will initially be blue. Around 10 weeks, their eyes will then start to change color to brown. The exception to the rule is Blue Fawn Frenchies who can have blue or green eyes in adulthood. You can see a still I took from an old video of Claude below. This photo shows how blue his eyes were when he was younger. Regular readers of French Bulldog Owner will know they are now very much brown! French Bulldog blue eyes: Our Frenchie Claude had blue eyes as a puppy which eventually changed color to brown. Are French Bulldogs born with blue eyes? So, what can you expect with your own Frenchie? Well, all French Bulldog puppies are born with blue eyes. They will either be completely blue, or slightly different shades including grey, green, and brown flecks. At about 10 weeks old, the Frenchie eyes will start to change color. It will be a gradual process, and most will go through some shades of blue, green-grey, and then to the standard brown color. In this shot they look more of a grey-green color which means they are going through the change to brown. However, in certain lights they do still appear to be very blue. In most cases they will eventually turn completely brown. However, there is an exception to this rule; blue fawn French Bulldogs. This particular breed of Frenchie is very rare, being renowned for their colorings. They have a dilute gene which accounts for their coat color as well as their eyes. Some blue Frenchies will keep the blue eye gene more than other dogs. What color are French Bulldog eyes? What color eyes do French Bulldogs have? French Bulldogs have brown eyes as adults but will be born with blueish eye color. The exceptions to the rule are blue Frenchies which can keep the blue and green eye tones into adulthood. Why do French Bulldogs have blue eyes? There are certain eye diseases, some which are more serious than others, including: Anterior uveitis: this is a painful condition due to an inflammation inside the eye. Signs include your dog squinting, scratching, redness, discharge, or a change in color to a cloudy appearance. It can be treated, but in some very rare cases the eye will to be surgically removed. Cataracts: these can be caused by diabetes, eye damage, pests, or diet. They can be inherited, can come on quickly, or be a slow to appear. However, what you will notice is that the eyes will have changed color to a blue cloudy appearance. If not treated, cataracts can lead to blindness. You will notice a change in color to a cloudy blue appearance. You might be able to spot it early if you see a change in color to cloudy blue. There are different treatments available which will reduce the pressure, with the possibility with a complete eye removal. Nuclear sclerosis: this tends to occur in dogs once they reach the age of six. As with the other diseases listed here, it can be noticed first when the eyes change color to a cloudy blue appearance. As an age-related disease, your vet might decide not to treat it. Read this guide to health issues and what to look out for. Why are my French Bulldogs eyes red? This is something you should also look out for, as it can be a sign of a health problem. Red eyes in a Frenchie could be:. Learn more » We all love our dogs and want what is best for them. When it comes to managing their health, it can feel like a daunting responsibility. To what conditions is your pup most susceptible, and how can those conditions be treated? This article will shed light on eight eye issues that French bulldogs commonly face, explaining their symptoms and treatment methods. If you want to brush up on your knowledge or if your dog is experiencing eye discomfort, this article will cover everything you need to know. Eye Infection Eye infections 1 , just like in humans, can cause significant discomfort. Some of the causes of eye infections are allergies, viruses, bacteria, foreign objects, or injuries. The cause of the infection will dictate the treatment used to combat it. For instance, if there is an object in the eye, the vet will need to remove it, which may require surgery. If the cause is viral, your vet may prescribe an ophthalmic antiviral medication. Cataracts Cataracts 2 refer to the hazy portions of the ocular lens caused by proteins clumping together to form the cloudiness. Cataracts are often inherited, but they can also be caused by outside factors, such as injuries or diabetes mellitus. They are often seen in older patients. How To Treat Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts since they cannot be reversed through medical means. They must instead be removed, and the lens will be taken out and replaced with an artificial lens. Distichiasis When an eyelash is rooted in an odd spot, often causing it to grow inward toward the eye, it is called distichiasis. Distichiasis 3 is most commonly a hereditary issue. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, the symptoms will vary. The severity is determined by the number of eyelashes growing abnormally, their size, and their stiffness. If there is a single eyelash that is small and soft, an affected dog may be asymptomatic. However, you may notice inflammation, discharge, and pain if there are several long, stiff eyelashes. If your dog blinks or paws at their eye often, it could be a sign that they are in pain. But if they are in pain, eye lubricant may be recommended to protect the eye. Sometimes various types of surgery to remove the eyelashes can be performed , but it is important not to note that the lashes can grow back stiffer than before if simply removed so the hair follicles need to be destroyed as well if surgery is pursued. Entropion Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward. It causes the eyelid and hair on the eyelid to scratch the cornea, leading to pain. It can lead to other serious complications, such as corneal ulcers. Symptoms of this condition include excessive blinking, watery eyes, and discharge. How To Treat Surgery is performed to correct the issue. Often, two surgeries will be performed: the initial, major surgery, and the second, corrective surgery. The first surgery will remove the impacted eyelid and reverse the inward rolling. The second surgery will review the work done in the first, making the necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of over-correction. Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS , also known as dry eye , is an inflammation of parts of the eyem, typically caused by a lack of tear production. An impaired tear film can be caused by several things like hypothyroidism and nervous system issues. Symptoms include irritation of the eyes, constant blinking, and discharge. Corneal ulcers and scarring may also occur. Image Credit: Mylene, Pixabay How To Treat To treat this condition, it is necessary to lubricate the eyes and replace the tear film. Usually, an immunosuppressive topical medication can be used to help restore tear production. Cherry Eye Cherry eye is essentially the prolapse of the third eyelid gland. Dogs have third eyelids as an added feature of protection. The swelling can be significant, covering a large portion of the eye, or it can be smaller and appear less frequently. Regardless, if your dog displays any signs of having cherry eye, reach out to your vet immediately. It is crucial to receive treatment as quickly as possible to limit damage to the eyelid and eye. How To Treat Surgery is essential to replace the third eyelid gland to its proper location. Depending on the severity of the case, various surgical procedures may be employed. Talk to your vet to determine which is suitable for your dog. Pink Eye Pink Eye , clinically known as conjunctivitis, is a condition in which the tissue coating the eye and inner eyelids is inflamed. It can be caused by allergies, viruses, and bacteria. Symptoms of pink eye are redness of the eye, swelling of the eyelid, watery eyes, discharge, excessive blinking or pawing, and eyelids that stick together. For instance, allergies may require antihistamines, while infection may require antimicrobial meds. Corneal Ulcers Corneal ulcers are erosions through several layers of the cornea, the transparent outermost layer of the eyeball. A corneal ulcer is a serious complication, and if you believe your dog may have one, reach out to your vet immediately. If the condition is left without treatment, your dog can lose their vision permanently. Signs of corneal ulcers include rubbing the eye or attempting to keep the eye closed. Discharge is another common symptom. How To Treat Treatment depends on the severity and depth of the ulcer and can range from medical management with drops and an E-collar to prevent further pawing at the eye to surgery. Damaged corneal tissues may need to be removed, or grafts may need to be implanted to help the eye heal. Conclusion As frightening as it can be to realize our dogs are suffering, it is important to recognize the signs before their condition becomes more serious. We hope this article has helped you become more informed on the eye complications your French bulldog may experience and allow you to get help for your dog as soon as it is needed. Home » Blog » 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems Frenchies and other bulldog breeds are more exposed to eye problems as their shorter snouts cannot protect them as much from scratches and things that can get into them. In this article, we address some of the most common French Bulldog eye problems. Watery eyes in French bulldogs Some dogs simply produce more tear than others. The constant tearing colors the fur, especially in between the wrinkles, which is even more noticeable in white or light-colored Frenchies. Apart from being an aesthetic issue, these stains may lead to health issues as well: since bacteria thrive in wet conditions, your puppy will be more likely to catch an eye infection. It is completely safe for the eyes and is the best way for a thorough sanitization of the area under them. Our TomKings Family members have also shared their experiences in our Facebook group, read their experiences here. Inflamed eyes in French bulldogs You can recognize inflamed eyes by being red, which may be due to a number of reasons. For example, if your Frenchie has a runny nose as well, and is also sneezing and coughing a lot, then they most probably caught a cold for which your vet will need to prescribe antibiotics. In such cases, you should put some eye drops into them which contain antibiotics, our recommendation is Tobradex which you can purchase at the vet and human pharmacy as well. The solution again is an eye drop with antibiotics, and a visit to the vet! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Cherry eye in French bulldogs French bulldogs have loose skin, which pulls down their face and makes their mucous membrane visible. The mucous membrane is red because it is full of blood vessels, so it is perfectly normal. There is a minor issue called cherry eye, which is very common in all bulldog breeds. You will just need to use some antibiotic eye drops afterwards and it will heal quickly. Ultimate Guide First name Email There are also surgeries where they cut and remove the cherry eye. This method is not recommended as the third eyelid plays an essential part in producing tears, and without it your Frenchie may have constant dry eyes. Dry eyes in French bulldogs When a Frenchie has dry eyes, they are not producing enough tears to keep their eye balls moist. There may be several reasons for that, like medications, removal of cherry eye, or even sleeping with their eyes open. You have to put drops in both eyes twice a day, or even more if you have the time at the weekends for example. Corneal ulcer in French bulldogs Corneal ulcers are probably the most serious and painful eye problems in Frenchies. They usually occur due to some kind of trauma or injury to the cornea, chemical burn from shampoo, but can also be caused by untreated dry eyes. The symptoms include your puppy rubbing their eye to relieve the pain, keeping it closed, or there may even be some discharge coming out of it. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.

I live in Acton with my husband and two daughters. I have been breeding German Shepherds since .Our German Shepherds are a working line dog. They strive to do thier job as well as protect and serve as a forever friend to your family. Our german shepherds are our pets. They live inside and are great with kids and other animals. Our German Shepherd puppies are well socialize and are always ready to play. Our German Shepherds are smart, friendly and have a good temperament. Health With a life-span of 10 to 12 years, German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed. Like all purebreds, German Shepherds may have health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia or eye disease. These issues can be minimized by working with a responsible breeder that knows the specific health concerns and diseases within the breed. We feed the puppies pedigree puppy chow 2x a day mixed with a half cup of milk. Care and Grooming: German Shepherds are energetic and require regular mental and physical exercise. German Shepherds also require regular grooming whether they are a long-haired German Shepherd or not. Expect to brush your German Shepherd's hair regularly, especially during shedding season. German Shepherds have strong, fast-growing nails that require regular trimming or grinding to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Teeth should be regularly brushed with a dog-specific toothpaste German Shepherd Training: Training your German Shepherd is important as they are incredibly smart. Basic obedience training will strengthen the bond between you and your puppy and make your dog a better companion. With more rigorous obedience training, a German Shepherd can be used for a number of special jobs, including serving as a police dog, service dog, or obedience dog. German shepherds require a lot of exercise. They are extremely active dogs. Toys: Small tennis balls are considered a choking hazard for your pup as they grow. They are easily swallowed. Thick rubber balls or dog puzzles to keep their minds engaged are the best toys along with frisbees and ropes. Email Sign up Mom is 3 yrs old. She is 65 lbs, good temperament. She is our pet and lives with us. Dad is 95lbs and 3 years old good health and good temperament. He is our family pet as well. Male Puppy 6 weeks old ready to go home april 20th Puppy 4 weeks old. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd near me page page. In some cases, you may be able to find a German Shepherd puppy for free. However, this is not something that you should count on and you should always be very careful about who you get your dog from. There are a lot of people out there who are trying to unload dogs that they can no longer care for, and many of these dogs may have health or behavior problems. This will ensure that you get a great dog who will be a wonderful addition to your family. Also, if the type of GSD being sold in Maine is from imported stock from Europe or Germany then there could be additional costs associated. The best way to start your search is by contacting the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club and asking for a list of breeders who are members of their organizations. These breeders have pledged to uphold certain standards, and you can be sure that they are reputable breeders who care about their dogs. Another great way to find a responsible breeder is by word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of any good German Shepherd breeders in Maine. Chances are, someone you know will have had some experience with a breeder and will be more than happy to recommend them to you. This will give you the chance to meet the dogs and see how they are being raised. You should also ask lots of questions, and make sure that you are comfortable with the breeder and their breeding program. This will at least give you a good idea of what your puppy will look like when they are fully grown. A good guarantee should cover things like genetic health problems, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. A reputable Maine German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to answer any of your questions, and they will be committed to finding you the perfect puppy for your family. These kinds of breeders are usually not reputable and will most likely sell you an unhealthy dog. If there are specific traits or behaviors that you expect your new German Shepherd pup to have, make sure to bring them up with your prospective breeder. For example, if you want a GSD who will be able to protect your home and family, let it be known. Most reputable breeders will only sell German Shepherd puppies who meet certain criteria. All of the puppies that they have for sale should be healthy, well-socialized, and have good temperaments. This is because breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going to good homes. Responsible breeders will also want to know about your ability to care for their puppies. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to let you meet any of their past customers, it may be a sign that they have something to hide. A reputable Maine Geman Shepherd Breeder will provide references from past clients who were happy with their purchase. Check with at least references before committing any money to your purchase. This not only helps ensure that the breeder is reputable, but it also gives you a good sense of the quality of the dog you may be purchasing. For example, you can ask how long they have been using them as a vet. You should also ask if any other breeders use this vet as well or if they are more commonly used for family pets. Do your research and find a reputable breeder instead. If they are unwilling to give this information or dodge the question entirely, then you should find another breeder. Your Maine Geman Shepherd Breeder should be willing to provide you with detailed information on any genetic diseases that have affected their bloodline in the past including hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Reputable breeders deal with these issues responsibly by only breeding dogs who are healthy and free of these otherwise common ailments. A reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder in Maine will provide a health certificate for your new puppy. This document should list all of the vaccinations and deworming treatments that the pup has had. Here are a few essentials that every German Shepherd owner should have: A Safe Fenced In Area: Ideally, your dog run should be at least 6 feet tall and fully secured against escape. You may also want to invest in one or two outdoor electric fences so that you can contain your pup safely when they are outside without having to worry about them escaping. Plenty of Toys and Chews: German Shepherds love to play and chew on toys. Make sure you have a variety of balls, plush toys, ropes and hard chews available for your dog to keep them busy throughout the day. Not only will this keep them entertained, but it will also help to keep their teeth healthy. A Comfy Bed: Your German Shepherd will want a place to call their own, and nothing is more comfortable than a soft bed. Make sure you provide your dog with a cozy place to rest their head whether it be in their designated dog run or inside the house. As for food, you should stick to a high-quality kibble that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. Avoid giving your dog table scraps as this can lead to digestive problems. You will need to take them outside to pee and poop at the same time every day and reward them with treats when they go in the right spot. Be Patient — it can take a while for some puppies to get the hang of things, but eventually they will learn what is expected of them. Potty training your German Shepherd is not a one-size-fits-all process. With a little bit of patience and some consistent training, your pup will be going potty like a pro in no time. The best way to keep your new German Shepherd puppy safe and happy is to make sure you do your research before purchasing them from a breeder in Maine. By following the advice in this article, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized pup that will bring years of happiness to your home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Maine? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Maine cost? The cost of a German Shepherd puppy can vary depending on several factors, such as breeder experience, location, and pedigree. Coat color can affect the price too, and German Shepherd puppies for sale Maine are available in a range of colors including black German Shepherds, white German Shepherds, Sable German Shepherds, and long haired German Shepherds. Do I have to choose a local German Shepherd breeder? How do you rate breeders and puppy businesses? We vet breeders on animal care skills, experience, puppy health, and legal compliance. Check out our Breeder Pledge for more info. What makes Uptown Puppies stand out from other breeder networks? Uptown Puppies is different - we only accept the best breeders and puppy businesses who meet the requirements of our binding Breeder Pledge. What happens at puppy mills? Puppy mills are a brutal and criminal breeding practice which is unfortunately all too common. Dogs are ruthlessly exploited, kept in appalling conditions and forced to produce endless litters of German Shepherds for sale in Maine. The resulting stress and health problems mean that puppy mill dogs tend to suffer serious health and behavioral problems which can land buyers with thousands in vet bills. How do I find a specific type of German Shepherd? Your perfect German Shepherd puppy is out there waiting for you. How does your site work? Get started by checking out our listings of Maine German Shepherd puppies for sale. Why should I trust you? Typical puppy sites and search engines are full of German Shepherds for sale Maine. Our commitment to working with only the best breeders is what sets us apart, and our Breeder Pledge is our promise to you and your pup. What are the origins of German Shepherds? German Shepherds came about in the s as a result of efforts to standardize European herding dogs. Should I choose a male or female German Shepherd? The truth is that both sexes of German Shepherd puppies in Maine will make wonderful family companions. However, female dogs are often quite a lot smaller and, anecdotally, may prove to be even friendlier than their male counterparts. Whichever sex pup you choose, with proper training and consistency your German Shepherd Maine will grow up to be a sweet, obedient, and loyal friend. Yes, we are extremely proud of our German Shepherds. They represent years of our careful planning and work as breeders to produce a German Shepherd that is physically sound, mentally stable, and has high trainability. The focus of our breeding program is to produce German Shepherds to work as service dogs for the physically disabled. Not all puppies, even puppies with the same parents, will be be born with the qualities necessary to become a service dog but all of our German Shepherd puppies have the qualities to become loyal and devoted family companions. We do not produce a large number of puppies each year so there are usually waiting lists for our pups. Visit our puppy page for information on how to acquire a Haven Kennels German Shepherd puppy. At Haven Kennels we love the the German Shepherd breed. There is no smarter, more trainable and more loyal a canine companion than a well bred German Shepherd but they are not the best dog for everyone. Be sure to visit our Should you own a German Shepherd page and read it thoroughly before you make a decision to purchase or adopt a German Shepherd. As amazing a breed as German Shepherds are, they require time and training. Make sure you thoroughly understand the breed before you make a decision to bring one into your home. Please understand that we have very few puppies available each year and our clients apply well in advance of their birth. If you want a puppy right away, it is best you move on to another breeder. The first step in the puppy acquisition is filling out a puppy application. After we carefully vet your application, we will notify you that you are approved for a puppy. We will then refer you to some clients that already have our puppies so you can talk with them candidly about their experience. Then you and I will have a phone interview to discuss the details of what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. At that time we expect a deposit on a future puppy. For more details on the puppy purchase process and for info on our upcoming breedings visit our puppy page — Haven Kennels German Shepherd Puppies Search for:.

As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. 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. View Larger Image How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Like many Doodle lovers, you might be asking yourself this question. First, a Goldendoodle is the most popular Doodle dog. Its parent breeds are the Golden Retriever and Poodle. A Goldendoodle comes in these sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Female Goldendoodle puppies go on the heat for the first time in six months. Even so, the best time to mate the dog is during the following one or two heat cycles. If you desire to raise Goldendoodle dogs, read the rest of this article to know about its pregnancies and litters. What are the various Goldendoodle generations? F1 Generations — The best hybrid Goldendoodle litter comes from the first generation, the F1 Goldendoodle. In the F1BB Goldendoodles category, puppies have .The next F2B Goldendoodle litter size is .The F2BB Goldendoodle litter consists of .How many puppies do Goldendoodles have after the first litter? The latter generations get more Poodle genes. Poodle is the dominant parent determining factors like size, intelligence, and coat. As Poodles can be miniature, medium, or standard-sized, they can bring forth puppies of varying heights and weights. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Now you understand a few facts about the Goldendoodle generations and backgrounds. Next, we will answer this: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? On average, a Goldendoodle female gives birth to three to eight puppies. This number is an estimate because several factors affect the litter size. The dog generations matter when estimating the litter size. Arriving at an accurate answer requires first answering these two questions. First, how many puppies do Golden retrievers usually have? Golden retrievers produce eight puppies on average. The next question to consider asking yourself is this: how many puppies do Poodles have? Poodle dogs tend to have more babies as their size increases. Hence, a toy Poodle produces three puppies, while a miniature one produces five. But what number of puppies do standard Poodles have? Standard Poodles are the biggest dogs in the lot. They produce about seven puppies in one litter. A Goldendoodle dog should produce a range of three to eight puppies. Litters can be bigger than eight or smaller than three. Nobody can accurately answer this, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is a matter of chance. When your dog gives birth, you can tell if your estimations are correct. What can increase or reduce the litter size? Goldendoodles are some of the loveliest Doodles. No person can mind having many puppies in a litter. Sadly, you might expect many puppies only to get three or fewer. A secret to having a larger litter size lies in the degree of care you offer the female dog. Although you cannot control some biological factors affecting fertility, you should play your part. Goldendoodle size Generally, the litter size depends on the Goldendoodle size. A poodle is the determinant of size. Earlier, we noted that Poodles have more babies as their sizes increase. Thus, larger Goldendoodles come from mating a standard-sized Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These hybrid dogs will produce more puppies than miniature and medium Goldendoodles. Here is the breakdown: How many puppies does a standard Goldendoodle have? How many dogs does a medium Goldendoodle produce? How many puppies does a mini Goldendoodle have? Goldendoodle generations We already told you how generations could affect the number of puppies a mother can have. The offspring can be big or small depending on the percentage of parent genes in a Goldendoodle. Where the gene ratio is , you might have fewer or many puppies. If a dog inherits more dominant fertility genes from its Golden Retriever parent, it might have a big litter. In most cases, though, puppies have more Poodle genes. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on this notion? If Poodle genes are dominant, the litter size will be three to eight puppies. We must also consider this: What number of puppies does a standard Poodle have? Standard Poodles have seven puppies on average. You will be at an advantage if mating Goldendoodles that came from a Standard Poodle parent. The odds are high that the litter will be big. Food A female Goldendoodle needs to eat enough calories each day. It also needs to eat a balanced diet to get fertile many times. Likewise, pregnant dogs require a healthy diet to deliver puppies with higher odds of survival. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have when eating a proper diet? First, a young female dog should always eat a healthy meal to better its chances of going into heat. Provide the best dog food for Goldendoodle during pregnancy time to get healthy puppies. Secondly, the dog should eat a more nutritious minerals and vitamin diet when pregnant and after giving birth. If you follow these easy rules, your Goldendoodle might sire more puppies. Unhealthy mothers deliver smaller litters and weak puppies that may not make it to adulthood. Current health status How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if their health status is good? Healthy Goldendoodles produce more puppies than unhealthy ones. For instance, your Goldendoodle boasts a lot of mental and physical energy. It needs proper physical and mental stimulation to get fit and feel happy. A Goldendoodle requires sixty minutes of exercise daily and some quiet time. Another determinant of good health is the number of medical checkups you offer your dog. Before mating your Goldendoodle, call a professional veterinarian for a thorough medical checkup. After breeding your pet successfully, keep taking it for pregnancy testing and evaluations. A veterinarian can guide you on how to care for a pregnant Goldendoodle pet. The pet does not need regular prenatal checkups like humans. Take the pet to a vet in the beginning and toward the end of a pregnancy. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have at birth? A health checkup done two to three weeks before birth ensures that the mother can deliver all puppies safely. If the mother and litter are healthy, wait for the birth date to deliver the puppies at home. As with humans, puppy deliveries are not always safe. As anything can happen, visit your veterinarian if an emergency crops up. Whether the dog delivers at home or not, it requires a thorough medical checkup about forty-eight hours after. The vet will verify if the mother and puppies are doing fine. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if the pregnancy ends well? The dog might not have stillbirths, which means all the puppies in the womb will come out. A younger woman has optimal fertility levels, unlike an older woman. Also, an older woman than thirty-five years has higher odds of carrying twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies. Hence, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on age? Younger Goldendoodles with smaller body sizes reach maturity earlier than their larger counterparts. Also, older Goldendoodles can have more puppies than younger mothers. Nonetheless, an older dog should be super healthy to avoid having weak puppies in one litter. Younger dogs produce fewer but stronger puppies and can come on heat faster than older dogs. Breeding conditions The environment in which you breed your dog can determine the litter size it would produce. If the female dog has stress, it will deliver fewer puppies. It might also deliver weak puppies with limited chances of reaching adulthood. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have in favorable breeding conditions? Your dog can have a bigger litter if it has no stress. Human mothers respond poorly to stress during pregnancy. Some suffer from miscarriages, hypertension, and more. Dog mothers are similar in that they can lose a pregnancy due to stress. To help your Goldendoodle get pregnant and not suffer a miscarriage, provide a nurturing environment. Inbreeding The choice of dogs to mate with is crucial when answering this part: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? If you keep mating the same related dogs, the chances of having smaller litters are high. Inbreeding leads to genetic defects in dogs and other animals. Additionally, the resulting offspring might inherit health issues from the family lineage. The more health problems the dogs have, the lower their survival chances. Even surviving puppies might later pass bad genes to their offspring. The solution to inbreeding is finding a male from another dog family. Artificial insemination can lead to higher or lower-quality puppies. It may also decrease the litter size. Dogs sire more puppies when they mate naturally. Besides, the professional conducting artificial insemination should use more than one dog to increase the litter size. When should you allow your dog to mate for the first time? A mating cycle can affect the puppies numbers. As we mentioned, a female can reach its first mating cycle at six months. Do not give your female to a male dog at this age. Its body is too young and might not have adequate eggs. Besides, a young dog can develop pregnancy complications and deliver in an emergency. These factors can lower their odds of having many puppies. It is better to have your Goldendoodle reproduce at twenty-four months or after. After the eighth to the tenth year, it is safer to forbid your Goldendoodle to have other litters. It can develop risky health issues and die before its fifteenth year. A Goldendoodle should get pregnant in its second or third cycle. Their gestation period is sixty-one to sixty-four days. As we earlier said, the type of Poodle used to breed your Goldendoodle can affect its future offspring. If the Poodle is of medium size, chances are that the mother would produce five to six puppies. Again, if the mother has stronger reproduction genes from its Golden Retriever parent, her chances of reaching six puppies go up. A Goldendoodle dog will deliver three to eight puppies in their first litter. The more Poodle genes the dogs have, the higher the odds of having a smaller litter. But when considering standard Poodles, the litter gets bigger. Three or eight puppies are not standard figures but estimates. Ever asked this: how many puppies do Labradoodles have? Labradoodles have twelve puppies per litter. They produce a larger litter than Goldendoodles. Miniature Goldendoodles can have three to 4 puppies per litter. They produce the least number of puppies on average. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? The correct age to mate your Goldendoodle dog is 24 months. Six to twelve months is usually the first cycle in most dogs. It is not the best age because the pet is too young to nurture puppies. The second or third cycle is the best time. Related Posts. Smaller breeds will usually have puppies in a litter, with a max of .Larger breeds will usually have 7 puppies in a litter, with a max of .A Norwegian study from revealed that the following factors have an influence on the amount of puppies a dog will have: Size of the breed. The bigger the breed, the more puppies in a litter. Age of the female. Younger and older dogs will have fewer puppies, that dogs in between these age groups. Method of breeding. Insemination will generally give fewer puppies than breeding done the old fashioned way. The most important factor when seeing the number of puppies was the size of the breed. The study was done on .Photo by Pixabay on Pexels. In the Norwegian study from , it was shown that a large dog breed such as Labradoodles will produce an average of 7. There have previously been claims of puppy litters with up to 20 puppies, but that has yet to be confirmed anywhere. More Info About The Amount Of Puppies The above-mentioned Norwegian study is the most comprehensive study done on litter sizes and mortality rates in puppies and is therefore the best source for any information on this subject. But there are other sources of information available, and we will try to summarize some of them below. Rule of thumb: There is an old rule of thumb that says that mammals, in general, will have half as many offspring as the number of teats the mom has. Other factors: Other factors mentioned include in-breeding, the age of the male dog, and diseases, and other health issues. Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels. A lot of us know that aunt in the family who claims to be able to tell the size of the litter just by looking at your pregnant dog from 30 feet away, but can you guess how many puppies your dog is having? People who work with dogs professionally such as vets, breeders, shelter owners, kennels, and so on, might be able to give a qualified guess. Mortality Rates In Puppies The same group of researchers who did the study above also made another study on the same .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. 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 Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. 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. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Factors that Affect Labradoodle Litter Size A black and brown Labradoodle up close Labradoodles, like all dogs, can have litters of varying sizes. The size of the litter depends on several factors, including: Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! The size of the mother The age of the mother The health of the mother The quality of the breeding The size of the mother is one of the most significant factors that affect litter size. Generally, larger dogs have larger litters. However, this is not always the case, as some smaller dogs can have larger litters than larger dogs. The age of the mother is another factor that can affect litter size. Younger dogs tend to have smaller litters, while older dogs may have larger litters but also have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and birth. The health of the mother is also a crucial factor in determining litter size. If the mother is not in good health, she may have a smaller litter or may not conceive at all. It is essential to ensure that the mother is up to date on all vaccinations and is free of any underlying health conditions that could affect her ability to conceive or carry a litter to term. Finally, the quality of the breeding can also affect litter size. If the breeding is done correctly, with healthy, genetically diverse parents, the litter is more likely to be larger and healthier. However, if the breeding is done poorly, the litter may be smaller and may have a higher risk of health problems. The fur is usually clipped to 2 inches or less, making brushing and upkeep between trims a snap. A red Labradoodle coat. Labradoodles are a hybrid breed that results from the crossbreeding of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. As with any other breed, the size of the litter depends on various factors such as the size, age, and health of the mother, as well as the quality of care she receives during pregnancy. On average, a Labradoodle can have a litter size of 6 puppies. However, it is not uncommon for the litter size to range from 4 to 8 puppies. Factors such as genetics, age, and size of the parents can also influence the litter size. It is important to note that the litter size of a Labradoodle can also be affected by the breeding method used. For instance, artificial insemination may result in smaller litter sizes compared to natural breeding. It is therefore essential to consult with a reputable breeder who uses ethical breeding practices to ensure healthy and happy puppies. When it comes to caring for a pregnant Labradoodle, it is important to provide her with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. Regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial to ensure the health of the mother and her puppies. Overall, the average litter size of a Labradoodle is around 6 puppies, but this can vary depending on various factors. By providing proper care and attention during pregnancy, breeders and pet owners can ensure healthy and happy puppies. Breeding Considerations for Labradoodles When it comes to breeding Labradoodles, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Another important consideration is the timing of breeding. Breeding too early can increase the risk of complications and health issues for both the mother and the puppies. When Breeding Can Start for Labradoodles When it comes to how many puppies a Labradoodle can potentially have, the answer will depend on when it first starts breeding. Before beginning a breeding program, one should consider the age of the potential parents. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, dogs should be at least two years old before being bred for the first time and this is especially true for Labradoodles, due to their health considerations. At two years of age, most Labradoodles have reached full physical and emotional maturity and can safely endure the stress of pregnancies and caring for puppies while they are still young themselves. Additionally, waiting until two years of age allows Labradoodles ample time to mature mentally and physically which leads to healthier offspring down the line. You should also be aware that pet insurance is often more expensive for a Labradoodle puppy that has not been neutered or desexed. Conclusion Labradoodles are a popular breed of dog, and many people are curious about how many puppies they can have. Based on the research, it appears that the average litter size for a Labradoodle is between five and six puppies. Breeders should always prioritize the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies, and should never breed a dog simply for the sake of producing more puppies. Overall, Labradoodles are a wonderful breed of dog that can make great pets for families and individuals alike. Similar Posts. Labradoodles can have varying litter sizes, typically 4 to 8 puppies. Miniature Labradoodles tend to have smaller litters of 3 to 5 puppies, while Standard Labradoodles have larger litters of 6 to 8 puppies. Multigenerational Labradoodles fall within the average range. Parent size, health, and care during pregnancy influence litter size. It is essential to have veterinary assistance during the birthing process. The joy of welcoming Labradoodle puppies lies in the surprise and uniqueness of each new arrival. Labradoodle Labradoodle Litter Size Variability Like any other dog breed, Labradoodles can exhibit variability in litter sizes. The number of puppies a Labradoodle will have is influenced by various factors contributing to the breeding process. Parent Size: The size of the parent dogs plays a significant role in determining the litter size of Labradoodles. Generally, larger dogs tend to have larger litters, while smaller dogs may have smaller litters. Suppose a Labradoodle is bred between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, typically medium to large-sized breeds. In that case, the litter size may be larger than when a Miniature Poodle is bred with a Labrador Retriever. Health and Fertility: The overall health and fertility of the parent dogs can influence the litter size. Healthy dogs with no reproductive issues are more likely to produce larger litters. Breeding dogs screened for any genetic disorders or health conditions can help ensure healthier offspring and potentially impact the litter size positively. Genetics : The genetics of the parent dogs are crucial in determining the litter size of Labradoodles. While genetics can be complex, certain genetic traits related to litter size can be inherited. If both parent dogs come from a lineage with larger litter sizes, it increases the likelihood of having a larger litter. Individual Characteristics: Each Labradoodle has unique genetic makeup and personal characteristics. This individuality can contribute to variations in litter sizes even when bred from the same parents. It is common to have different litter sizes among different litters from the same pair of Labradoodles. Occasionally, Labradoodles may have smaller or larger litters that deviate from the average range. Nature has its way of surprising us with the joy and unpredictability of puppy births. When considering breeding Labradoodles or welcoming a litter into your home, it is essential to consult with experienced and responsible breeders. They can guide on selecting healthy parent dogs, ensuring proper care and nutrition during pregnancy, and offering professional assistance during whelping to safeguard the well-being of both the mother and the puppies. Labradoodle Labradoodle Average Litter Size On average, Labradoodles tend to have litters ranging from 4 to 8 puppies. Some Labradoodles may have smaller litters, while others might surprise you with larger ones! Miniature Labradoodles typically have a smaller litter, ranging from 3 to 5 puppies, due to the smaller size of the parents. Labradoodle Standard Labradoodles Litter Size Standard Labradoodles, which result from breeding a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever, tend to have larger litters than their miniature counterparts. These litters usually consist of 6 to 8 puppies, though occasionally, there may be even more! The litter sizes of multigenerational Labradoodles can vary, but they typically fall within the average range of 4 to 8 puppies. Understanding these factors can shed light on how they impact the litter size. Dogs with good overall health, free from any reproductive disorders or genetic abnormalities, are likelier to produce larger litters. Regular veterinary check-ups, genetic screening, and appropriate breeding practices can help ensure the health and fertility of the parent dogs. Breeding Practices: Responsible breeding practices can also influence litter size. Experienced breeders carefully select compatible pairs based on their health, temperament, and genetic traits. Breeding dogs with a history of producing healthy litter can increase the chances of larger litter sizes. Conversely, breeding dogs with a history of smaller litters may result in consistently smaller litters. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals helps support optimal fetal growth. Adequate nutrition can contribute to healthier and more robust puppies. Breeders and owners should work closely with veterinarians to ensure that the pregnant Labradoodle receives appropriate nutrition. Overall Care of the Mother: The care provided to the mother during pregnancy and whelping can also impact the litter size. A stress-free and comfortable environment, regular exercise, and sufficient rest are critical for the well-being of the pregnant Labradoodle. Adequate prenatal care, including regular veterinary check-ups, monitoring, and support during whelping, can promote a successful and healthy litter. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy and successful breeding program. They follow best practices, seek veterinary guidance, and provide appropriate care throughout the reproductive process. Labradoodle How to Care for a Pregnant Labradoodle Caring for a pregnant Labradoodle requires attention, diligence, and care to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and her growing puppies. Here are some essential tips to help you care for a pregnant Labradoodle: Veterinary Care: Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in reproductive health to confirm the pregnancy and establish a prenatal care plan. Proper Nutrition: Provide a well-balanced, high-quality diet for pregnant and nursing dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate type of food and feeding schedule for your Labradoodle. Pregnant dogs have increased nutritional requirements, so ensure their diet includes essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid overfeeding, as excessive weight gain can lead to complications during delivery. Exercise and Rest: Encourage moderate exercise to keep your pregnant Labradoodle fit and healthy. Regular walks and gentle activities help maintain muscle tone and prevent excessive weight gain. However, avoid strenuous exercise or actions that may put undue stress on the mother. Provide a comfortable and quiet space for resting, ensuring she gets enough rest and relaxation. Environmental Comfort: Create a quiet, comfortable, and secure space for your pregnant Labradoodle. Provide a cozy whelping box or nesting area where she can give birth and nurse her puppies. Ensure the area is warm, clean, and well-ventilated. Consider using soft bedding to provide comfort and insulation. Keep the environment free from hazards and potential stressors. Monitoring and Observation: Monitor your Labradoodle closely during pregnancy. Watch for any signs of distress, discomfort, or abnormal behavior. Keep an eye on her appetite, water intake, and weight gain. Note any changes in behavior, as these could indicate potential complications that require veterinary attention. Socialization and Mental Stimulation: Continue to provide socialization and mental stimulation for your pregnant Labradoodle. Engage in gentle play, interactive toys, and positive interactions with family members and pets. This helps maintain their well-being and reduces stress levels. Preparing for Whelping: Educate yourself about the whelping process and signs of labor. Prepare the whelping area with clean towels, blankets, and necessary supplies. Familiarize yourself with the signs of potential complications, such as prolonged labor or difficulties in birthing. Postnatal Care: After the birth of the puppies, continue to provide attentive care. Ensure the mother is nursing correctly and that the puppies are gaining weight. Monitor their health and consult with your veterinarian if any concerns arise. Each dog is unique, and circumstances may require additional care or adjustments. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy for your Labradoodle and the arrival of adorable, thriving puppies. Labradoodle Vet Assistance During Whelping Whelping, the process of giving birth to puppies, is crucial for the mother and her litter. Regular check-ups and professional assistance can help mitigate any potential complications. Labradoodle The Joy of Puppy Surprise One of the exciting aspects of welcoming Labradoodle puppies is the element of surprise! Each new arrival brings its unique personality and charm. Labradoodle Conclusion Labradoodles are charming and affectionate companions who bring wonder and surprise during their journey into this world. While the average litter size of Labradoodles ranges from 4 to 8 puppies, remember that individual litter can deviate from these numbers. The best way to embark on this heartwarming adventure is to seek guidance from reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of both the parents and their precious offspring. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. From their friendly, playful personalities to their intelligent, eager-to-please natures, there are plenty of advantages to owning labradoodles. What Are Labradoodle Puppies? Not only was this new breed low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but it was also incredibly friendly and intelligent. Their sociable, affectionate natures make labradoodle puppies great for new owners and experienced pet parents alike. Most labradoodles require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can be easily fulfilled by walks or games. Intelligence: Thanks to their poodle parentage, labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent. Their natural curiosity and eagerness to please makes them fairly easy to train which is why labradoodles are common candidates for therapy dogs. Most mother dogs give birth to anywhere from one to 12 puppies at a time, with the average being just a few pups around five to six. It can be hard to single one puppy out — each one is adorable! Here are a few important factors you should look out for. Size Every new pet owner wants to go home with a healthy puppy. If a puppy is much smaller than its littermates, it may have a congenital or genetic issue that could affect its lifespan. On the flip side, if a puppy is the largest of the litter, it may be stealing food, which could mean it has trouble listening to commands. Personality The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its siblings and mother dog can be very indicative of its personality. When examining a litter, watch how the puppies interact with one another. A withdrawn, shy pup that keeps to itself may have aggression and biting issues in the future. An aggressive, independent pup that bullies other dogs may be reluctant to listen to commands. Meanwhile, a friendly, relaxed pup that gets along with its littermates will likely be easy to train. Playfulness The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its littermates can tell you a lot about its personality. But what about the way it acts around you? As you greet the puppies, observe how they behave. The puppies that rush forward and are interested in playing are more likely to be sociable and friendly. See if any puppies roll over on their backs — pets that exhibit this behavior tend to be more easygoing and trusting, which will come in handy while training. Gender For many prospective owners, the gender of their new puppy is probably inconsequential. However, if you already have a dog at home, gender may be an important factor to consider. According to many experts, male and female canines tend to get along better than two dogs of the same sex. Thus, if you have a female dog at home, you should consider getting a male pup and vice versa. Appearance Many prospective dog owners have a certain look in mind when searching for a new pet. For example, some people may want a puppy with a solid-colored coat, while others like multicolored pups. If you have any appearance preferences, look for a puppy that meets those expectations. Generally, you can expect labradoodle siblings to look pretty similar. However, there may be some slight differences — for example, one may have a traditional, golden curly coat, while another has a few spots of white. The only thing you can count on for sure is that all the labradoodles will share a distinguishable curly coat. Legs: Is your desired puppy walking and running normally? Any limping indicates a paw or leg injury. If this spot is larger than the size of a dime, the puppy may experience bone problems in the future. Stomach: Check to see if there are any protrusions or hernias around the belly area. Moreover, the puppy should not be scratching its eyes and ears excessively. Reputable breeders should answer your questions thoroughly and do everything they can to help you find your perfect match. Here are some good questions to ask. How Does the Puppy Behave in General? No puppy acts the same way throughout the entire day. The breeder will let you know if the puppy is a good match or if another puppy might be better for you. Before you take any puppies home, try to get some more specific information about them. For example, you could ask what activities a puppy enjoys. If you exercise frequently and want a labradoodle puppy that can keep up with your excursions, the breeder can direct you to an active puppy. On the flip side, if you prefer to stay in, the breeder can introduce you to a calmer, lower-energy puppy. For instance, if the breeder says a puppy likes spending time with people and learning new tricks, it suggests that the puppy will be more responsive to training. What Do the Parents Look Like? Generally, standard labradoodle puppies grow to be anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height. You can get a better idea of what your new labradoodle puppy is going to look like by observing the parents. For example, if the parents seem too large, you might want to try another litter. In some cases, you may be able to meet the parents of your new labradoodle puppy in person. Are the Puppies Health-Tested? For example, ear discharge could indicate an infection, while a dull coat suggests skin allergies. Make sure the breeder health-tests all their labradoodles for common puppy diseases. Get a Labradoodle Today! There are probably plenty of healthy, friendly puppies within a litter that would fit well in your home. The best way to find the right puppy is by observing the litter, asking the right questions and working with a high-quality breeder. All our trained labradoodle puppies go through health and coat testing, as well as obedience training and housebreaking that meets therapy dog standards. Learn more by contacting us today!

Some dog breeds are excessive barkers. They bark at almost anything, which can cause grounds for complaints. It can also be frustrating for you, as the fur-parent, to constantly deal with a dog that excessively barks. So do Labradoodles bark a lot? Labradoodles are very vocal and communicative canines. In fact, they fall under the mild-barkers category. They usually bark for a reason. This breed is gentle, kind, and is among the highly socialized dogs. All dog barks. It is part of being a dog. It is also one of their ways to tell you something. Asking your dog to not bark is like asking a person to stop talking. So within reason, it is perfectly fine for your Labradoodle to woof. You need to learn how to decipher what is causing the yapping. And identify whether it is within reason or something for you to worry about. And again, since Labradoodles are medium barkers, knowing the common reasons for their dog shouting can come in handy. Attention-Grabbing Yapping Like you and all the rest of the creatures here on the planet, if you feel like you are being ignored or neglected, you will do something about it. If you have not spent much time with your Labradoodle, you will observe some of its behaviors that are aimed to get your attention. It might become annoyingly playful where it starts stealing your shoes. Your furbaby might even chew on some furniture. Come notice me! For your dog, it is a fix for being ignored. The Case of Night Barking Labradoodles are not keen night barkers, which is good, but if they start becoming one, there might be some things triggering it. Medical condition: Sick Labradoodles and the older ones suffering age related degeneration can eventually turn into night barkers. Pair that with failing eyesight , and every shadow and rustle means Red Alert. With no people to interact with, out of boredom, your naughty Labradoodle might start barking for no reason at all. Are you walking and exercising your Labradoodle enough? Separation anxiety: This may be true for Labradoodles as well as any other kind of dog who is yet to become comfortable in your new home or Labradoodles who have been in an abusive home before. Labradoodles are very social and love a cuddle. This can be night critters, raccoons, or cats that are making a habit of visiting your home when night falls, or even some nefarious people outside. Fear of thunderstorms: Labradoodles are very sensitive to flashes and loud noises, and thunderstorms include both of these. Expect that during lightning and thunderstorms, your Labradoodle will feel scared and will have an unstoppable woofing episode. Dogs can also get nightmares. Excitement to the Highest Level This is barking for joy! Once your best friend calms down, the barking will also stop. Barking to Protect Your Labradoodle may protect you or it may be protecting itself from something that it feels is a threat. Additionally, this breed also has a penchant for barking at people walking by. The overwhelming number of unknown faces may cause your dog to give a loud warning of its presence. Hey, Unfamiliar Faces! New faces of family, friends, and guests may warrant some unnecessary woofing from a Labradoodle. Initially, the unfamiliar faces are seen as risks to their human family, but after settling down and having seen that they are welcomed, your Labradoodle will calm down but may still be on high-alert. A pure black Labradoodle chilling outside Dogs are supposed to bark, so let them be. But excessive and unreasonable barking is something that certainly needs to be corrected. Leave some sounds on like some music or the TV. Teach your dog to settle itself near the window so it can look around. Involve your Labradoodle in early socialization. Provide timely praises and even treats when your dog does something good. Gradually expose your Labradoodle to loud noises. Recordings of thunderstorms playing in the background can be a good starter. Never approach or surprise your Labradoodle when it is eating. Take the time to assure your doggo that there is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, with consistent effort, you can even have your Labradoodle bark only when necessary. There are many methods that Labradoodle trainers and owners use, but below is a 3-step method that is known to help with too much barking. This may not be the top favorite because it involves ignoring your Labradoodle, but the method is proven to be effective. Yes, even if you get frustrated and angry, turn a deaf ear and pretend that you do not hear anything. Continue ignoring your dog even if it takes hours at a time. Training Step 2 — Give Due Recognition After a yapping episode, your Labradoodle will also get tired and will stop on its own. When this happens, give your dog all your attention. As soon as it stops barking, it is time to give some treats and plenty of praise and cuddles. Training Step 3 — Do the Cycle Continuous reinforcement is essential. There should be no exemptions on your part to not do this religiously. You will notice that the woofing episodes will start getting shorter. A Black Labradoodle with brown furnishings facial hair Additional Tips and Tricks for a Barking Labradoodle Never show anger toward your dog for its barking. And never physically punish your doggo for any reason! Showing anger toward your dog can lead to fear and even aggression in them. Establish a routine for your Labradoodle. This will allow adequate enrichment and assurance to your furbaby when it is left alone. This needs to be a consistent practice. If your dog usually spends time in the yard facing the street where the unfamiliar passers-by can trigger a woofing episode, then try having your dog in the back of the house. Labradoodle bark collars — do they work? A: Non-shock bark collars are designed to provide a gentle deterrent to excessive barking without delivering an electric shock. Instead, they might use vibrations, sounds, or citronella sprays. When your dog stops barking, reward them with praise or a treat. Not as a First Resort: The collar should not be the first method tried. The best bark collar for most Labradoodles is this simple one. The no shock dog barking collar offers a highly effective, pain-free bark training.The dog barking collar provides.The anti barking collar for dogs has 5 sensitivity levels that can be.This makes the dog bark collar suitable for both indoor and.The wide dog collar is adjustable up to 22 inches. The dog bark collar for medium dogs, small dogs, and.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. If in doubt, consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for personalized advice. Do Australian Labradoodle dogs bark alot? There is a difference between a Labradoodle and the Australian Labradoodle breed. There is a whole extra type of genetics in there! The temperament and barking issues faced by both are similar though. So the simple steps to overcome a Labradoodle puppy that barks are the same for the Aussie Labradoodle. Both are highly social so be mindful of acting out behavior or barking caused by separation anxiety. This trait is true of many Doodle dogs. Q: My older Labradoodle has started barking more often without any apparent reason. Could this be senility, and how can I manage it? A: Yes, older dogs, including Labradoodles, can exhibit increased barking due to cognitive decline or senility, known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction CCD. This is somewhat akin to dementia in humans. Create a Routine: Dogs with CCD benefit from a structured routine, as predictability can help reduce anxiety and confusion. Provide Mental Stimulation: Engage your Labradoodle in gentle but mentally stimulating activities. Puzzle toys or simple training exercises can help. Medication: In some cases, veterinarians might prescribe medication to manage symptoms of CCD. Comfortable Environment: Ensure your dog has a comfortable resting place, and consider using calming products, like pheromone diffusers or calming wraps, to help reduce anxiety. Patience: Understand that your dog is not barking on purpose or to be defiant. Be patient, gentle, and consult with professionals for guidance. Addressing senile barking requires a blend of patience, understanding, and proactive care to ensure the well-being of your aging Labradoodle. Q: Do Labradoodles have a tendency to howl? Reasons can vary, from responding to certain noises like sirens , to seeking attention, to expressing discomfort or anxiety. Most of the time, they bark within reason as it is also a means of serving their purpose as dogs. But when you observe that they seem to be yapping to draw attention or are developing an unwanted behavior, then make sure that you take the necessary actions to correct it. Labradoodles are bright, so you can incorporate training to address their behavior. Brief History of the Labradoodle The story goes that the Labradoodle was first bred in Australia in to become a guide dog for a blind woman somewhere in Hawaii. Today, the Labradoodle doodle breed has made its mark with its adorable looks and reliable alertness. Used as companion animals and the occasional therapy dog — the Labradoodle temperament is famous. Known for being affectionate with humans as well as other pets, this playful breed prefers to be involved in all human activities. Not only do they love to play, but they are also good at handling responsibilities. Similar to their parents, Labradoodles are full of energy. From doodle puppy to senior dog — they crave your attention and love being around you. They do suffer from separation anxiety. As excellent swimmers, you can count on these furballs ready to join you in some playful water fun. Some puppies can be loud, while others are more reserved. The same can be said of the appearance of their coat. Some Labradoodles take more of their Poodle parent breed heritage while others their Labrador Retriever breed. Some Labradoodles require higher maintenance and are more prone to shedding. It all hangs on which side of the parent it is leaning toward. But overall, a Labradoodle is a kind and enthusiastic dog that can make your day better. They need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so this dog is best for people who have enough space where they can freely run around. Aside from always being enthusiastic, Labradoodles also love jumping around. So you need to be extra watchful if your kids and Labradoodle are playing in the same area. 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. If you really want to stop the barking, then you will have to find the main cause of the behavior. Communication The first thing you should know is that all breeds of dogs bark to some extent as a way of communicating. Your Labradoodle probably has numerous different kinds of barks and each one is used to convey a different message. I have told my family that it is not reasonable to expect a dog to never bark at all, as that would basically be like expecting your child to never speak a word either. If you really want to understand these differences, you will have to pay attention to the duration, frequency, and pitch of the barking. Where on the other hand, if your Doodle is barking with a slow, low pitch bark mixed with a sense of aggression, your furry friend is feeling threatened in some sort. If you are able to understand what your dog is saying with the barking, then you will be able to address the problem. If you manage to remove whatever is threatening your dog, he will almost certainly stop barking. So, the first step to stop a Labradoodle from barking is to understand what he is communicating and why he is barking. Labradoodles are pack animals and they understand that there are followers and leaders. And one of the primary goals for the pack leader is to protect the pack. They are just howling out for you to return back home. They are really just trying to do one of their primary jobs. All-day long, and all over your home, you know exactly where they are. They are always safe. But what if they suddenly walk out of the home and close the front door behind them locking you inside, how would you react? But what if you found that the door was locked and there was no way for you to it. Every single door and window in your home is locked tightly. Then how would you react? Would you find your phone and call for help? Shout and scream for help then? Well yes, you probably would, and that is exactly what your Labradoodle is doing in this situation. But for some reason, this is still one of the most common practices to get a Labradoodle to stop barking. I think that because these distractions temporarily manage to stop the barking is the reason why so many people think they seriously work. You must give your dog enough opportunities to associate the command with being quiet. There are several benefits to teaching your Doodle this command. It gives you a verbal cue that will quiet down your Labradoodle in any given situation. Train the Command Try and figure out what situations make your Labradoodle bark and attempt to recreate one of those. Your Doodle will usually start barking when you do this. Then you repeat this process several times. You can probably expect that your Labradoodle will test your resolve. Mental Stimulation If you have a Labradoodle that barks for no apparent reason, they might also simply be bored! Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation to avoid boredom from becoming an issue. Exercise: You should always exercise your dog before you leave as a tired dog is a lot more likely to relax. One of the most efficient ways to help your dog burn off some excess energy is to take them out for some playtime. Find the right area: Try leaving your dog in different sports. Some dogs will relax more when inside, others outside and some also prefer smaller spaces such as a bathroom. There are several things that can make a dog uncomfortable. So consider if your Labradoodle has enough shade, space, water and so on. Watered and Fed: You should always make sure to leave water down and that your Doodle is well-fed and warm before you leave. Pick up the Bones: You could also try and leave toys around for your dog but avoid using bones. Check out this link to see the current price on Amazon. Music and TV: You could also consider leaving the TV or music on for your dog as these distractions can also be of help. Dog Walkers: A break during the middle of the day can definitely help break up a monotonous day for a dog. I got him out walking twice a day, and he loved it and it was also highly beneficial for me. I was able to get out of the office twice a day, and the walk gave me a lot more energy for the rest of the day. Leave Quietly: You should leave your dog quietly. Say your goodbyes 5 minutes before leaving to help your dog stay relaxed when you finally leave. Anxiety Jackets: You can also find comfort and anxiety jackets online, that will help to keep your dog calm and relaxed. They are not guaranteed success though, as it depends on the dog. I would suggest if you are really serious about how to stop a Labradoodle from barking that you also take a look at something called The Dog Solution. And they offer many training methods for other issues you might have with a Labradoodle. If you provide your dog with confidence throughout the entire training process, they will be able to gain a sense of confidence if you are able to remain consistent with the expectations and commands. You will have to remain calm and patient. These are two personal traits that will inspire confidence in your Doodle. When you first introduce your Labradoodle to any new skill or behavior, it will typically take some time. Their initial response may seem like they are not ready to play along, but the reality is that they are just trying to figure things out. Final Words If everything else fails, you could consider getting a bark collar. Take a look at my article on the best bark collars for Labradoodles. 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. Although barking is a normal behavior for dogs, when it is excessive or uncontrolled it becomes unacceptable to the owners or neighbors. For example, if barking is an attempt to get a person or animal to retreat and the person retreats, then the barking was successful and the behavior has been reinforced. If barking is response to new sights or sounds, or is intended as a greeting behavior, then the Australian Labradoodle will become more anxious if it is not allowed to greet or if it leads to anxiety, yelling or punishment by the owners. You can reduce barking in your Australian Labradoodle puppy by socializing them to as many new people, dogs, places, sights, sounds and odors as possible. If there are no negative consequences and the puppy is not rewarded for barking, it should get used to these stimuli. For puppies that need more enrichment or companionship, a second dog may help reduce anxiety induced barking. Before trying to stop your dog barking, you need to understand several things: 1. The principle is to ignore barking and reward what you do want quiet. A favored dog treat or clicker saved for quiet training can be most effective. Do not reward any barking behavior by giving attention or by allowing the barking to be successful e. Do not punish barking as this can increase anxiety or may inadvertently serve as attention. Focus on teaching your dog that when it is quiet it will be rewarded. To reduce departure anxiety, establish a predictable routine that provides sufficient enrichment but also provides times when your dog learns to spend time alone. Dogs that bark to get attention should receive no attention until they are quiet or calm by waiting and ignoring, training quiet or by using a head collar. For example, dogs that bark in the yard or at people passing by should be left inside the house or in a place where they cannot see people through the fence. When you achieve good control over your Australian Labradoodle you can start managing the problem: 1. Teach your dog the quiet command. Your dog can be taught to quiet by teaching the bark command then reinforcing quiet. You can effectively stop barking by using a food or dog toy lure or a head collar and then reinforcing quiet behavior. A quiet command should be paired with each session where the dog can be successfully taught to quiet. Training should be done in areas where there are no distractions. Gradually shape the behavior so that your dog stays quiet for longer periods of time. Other devices that may help stop barking and achieve quiet include devices that are activated by owners shake can, ultrasonic trainer, noise devices and those activated by the barking itself e. While these products may work as a deterrent in the short term, they are most successful if the owner is present to train and reinforce the dog each time it is quiet. During training, it is important not to leave your dog alone in situations where it might bark. Identify the stimuli that initiate anxiety induced barking and gradually desensitize your dog. Share this:. Their high intelligence allows them to be trained easily, including training them not to bark. But there are specific things that will cause your Labradoodle to bark. Feeling Protective or Scared Being a mixture between the people-pleasing Labrador Retriever and the uber-affectionate Poodle, Labradoodles are not really known for being protective or aggressive. If a Labradoodle feels threatened, they are most likely to react by barking. Unfamiliar Places and Faces Labradoodles are friendly and love everyone and anything. They are the socialites of the Doodle world. They might be excitable and bark a lot at first, but they will calm down once they get used to their new friend. Ensure you introduce your guests to your pet properly and let them get to know your guests to minimize barking. I have one neighbor my dog adores. At first, every time she came around, you could hear my dog barking from a mile away out of pure excitement. So, thunderstorms are a major trigger for their barking. Although raising awareness about how fireworks affect animals, there are still so many used throughout the year that traumatizes dogs, causing them to hide away, run away, or bark a lot. Labradoodles are prone to separation anxiety. Because of such an incredible mix of two highly intelligent breeds, they need sufficient mental stimulation or get bored and bark. But as soon as it becomes constant or uncontrollable, you must do everything possible to get them to behave. Here are things you can do to prevent your Labradoodle from barking too much. Train Your Labradoodle The best way to prevent your Labradoodle from barking too much is by having them trained as soon as they are old enough. You can start training your Labradoodle from eight weeks old. The earlier you start this, the better, but this training method can be used at any age with these three easy steps. So instead of getting angry and shouting at them to stop, ignore them. Doing this will teach them that barking is not the way to get what they want. Step Two: Reward The Good Habit Once your Labradoodle has stopped barking, give them a treat or a cuddle to encourage your desired behavior. Positive reinforcement will get you a lot further than shouting. Step Three: Repeat To see results with your training, you need to be consistent. Your Labradoodle will learn a habit over time. The barking episodes will slowly decrease once they pick up on the pattern: barking gets you nothing, and behaving gets you treats. Provide Enough Exercise Be sure to give your Labradoodle enough exercise. Lack of exercise is one of the biggest reasons a dog will bark. You should count on providing your adult Labradoodle with around minutes of exercise throughout the day. While puppies and senior dogs will need less but still enough to tire them out. Early Socialization Labradoodle Puppy One thing you need to know about Labradoodles is they love to socialize. But your Labradoodle also needs early socialization to help them set boundaries with people and other dogs. If not, they could jump all over them and bark. So as soon as possible, introduce your little Labradoodle puppy to as many friends and family members including the furry ones as possible to ensure they know how to act around new people from a young age. A good way to prevent them from barking during thunderstorms and other loud noises is to play similar sounds around them gradually. Provide Enough Toys Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent, so you need to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated as much as possible. An excellent method is to have various toys and activities around your home. Puzzle Feeder — never has a challenge tasted so good. This will keep your Labradoodle mentally stimulated and satisfied when they finally get the treat. Related Reading:. There are two phases to getting barking in check. When barking occurs, you should try to ignore the barking and reward the silence. Before it occurs, try to determine what is triggering the unwanted barking. If you can identify the trigger, you can make efforts to prevent it or redirect your pup with a toy or game. Dogs bark. Seldom will dogs or puppies bark without a reason. They may also have a different bark for every situation. The first step towards stopping unwanted barking is to determine the cause. Fear or alarm — Puppies and dogs will often bark if they see an object or hear a noise that scares them or catches their attention in some way. A fear-induced bark can happen at home or away from home. Sounds that will often bring about this type of bark are sirens, thunderstorms, fireworks or similar loud noises. Protective or territorial — Dogs consider certain areas as their home or their territory even at a young age. When a person of an animal invades their territory, they may view it as a threat and, their first instinct is to bark. The closer the threat comes, the louder the dog may bark. This bark can generally be easily identified because the dog will look very alert and may even seem aggressive. Pain or discomfort — If a dog is in pain or discomfort, they may whine or bark. What is Excessive Barking? Excessive barking is probably the No. They usually encourage neighbors to work things out on their own. However, this is not always the case. There is, however, a difference between regular barking and excessive barking. In fact, the Dog and Cat Management Act of has a specific definition for excessive barking. Sometimes, the owner can be trying with every imaginable step to stop the barking, but it continues. There are several methods you can use to train your dog to stop barking. You can try one of two methods or a combination of both. Early Socialization: Socializing your Labradoodle puppy around as many people, places and things as possible at a very young age will make him more comfortable when he does see those things in the future. This will eliminate barking out of fear or anxiety or because he feels someone is invading his territory. Ignore the Barking — Reward the silence Try ignoring the barking. In most cases, the dog is barking to get attention regardless of the type of bark. The second the dog stops barking, give him praise and a treat. At the same time, do not punish the dog for barking or put him in his crate. In a controlled situation you can try and get him used to being around cats, especially early on if this will happen frequently. Teach her what will make you happy: A good way to teach your Labradoodle puppy to not bark excessively is to correct the problem at the first unnecessary bark. The second the dog stops barking, praise him and give him a treat. The earlier the training begins, the easier and quicker it will be. As annoying as excessive barking can be, sometimes it can be caused by a health issue. If he is in pain or discomfort, he really has no other way to communicate with you. Excessive barking can be caused by something as simple not so simple to your pup like a bee sting or toothache to something as complicated as a brain disease. If the dog has a health issue that causes ongoing pain, this could very easily make the dog bark. Older dogs often suffer from chronic pain and may bark when the pain becomes serious. Walking your dog on hot pavement in the summer can cause the feet to become very sore, which could also cause barking. Related Questions How do you teach your dog to bark on command? If you know that a certain thing, such as knocking on the door, makes your dog bark, knock on your door and give the dog a treat or a click and treat as soon as he barks. Do anti-bark devices work and are they humane? Summing Up! As annoying as barking may be to your neighbor, and even to you and your family, your Labradoodle pup is trying to get a point across. Related Posts:. Rough handling Yelling During these instinctually fearful stages, your Labradoodle puppy may bark more than usual as they begin to really notice new and strange things. The Seniority Classification Period: 12 to 16 Weeks The moment the first fear period ends, the seniority classification period launches. This is when your Labradoodle puppy will really begin soaking in the deeper dynamics of family life and their place in it. You can expect more barking as your pup starts to test the limits of their authority and, likely, your patience. As an extra incentive to be positive and very consistent in your training during this period. How well you navigate these five weeks will impact how much barking your Labradoodle does for the rest of your life together. Barking in Adult Labradoodles Puppy barking can be annoying at times, but it can also be very cute. A fully grown adult Labradoodle barking their head off is not going to be so cute. Whether your Labradoodle has the makings of a good watch dog or not, you can expect your pup to bark. This means your Labradoodle has the smarts to pick up on new commands and skills very quickly. TYour job will be to continue with consistent, positive training to teach your dog to temper their barking. How to Identify Problem Barking While your Labradoodle will go through some life stages where barking can become temporarily problematic. There is a big difference between developmental barking and problem barking. How can you determine if your Labradoodle barking is becoming a problem? See if you can identify with any of the following examples of problem barking: Barking continues despite all of your best efforts to stop it Barking only happens when you are leaving or returning Aggressive barking that only happens in response to certain triggers Barking is accompanied by snapping, growling, or lunging Many dogs can be trained out of barking, which we will look at in closer detail in a moment. Are Labradoodles Good Watch Dogs? Barking alone is not a determinant of watchdog ability. All dogs bark to some extent and many breeds still make very poor watchdogs. The Labradoodle is a newer breed developed by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a standard Poodle. This mix breed can inherit any blend of traits from its two parent breeds. The universally beloved and famously friendly Labrador Retriever does not make a good watch dog. Unless you think licking the burglar all over while wriggling with happy excitement is a mark of a good guard dog! The standard Poodle, however, typically makes an excellent watchdog. But if your Labradoodle inherits their personality from the Labrador Retriever parent dog, you will definitely need a Plan B for your home security needs. Labradoodles are generally eager to please and very food motivated. So, they will respond well to positive reward training. Try to reward your Labradoodle when he or she is quiet and calm — particularly in response to something that would often trigger barking! And, make sure they are getting enough mental and physical stimulation. Bored Labradoodles may bark for attention. And, rewarding barking with attention or shouting will most often just encourage your dog to bark more. Puppy or adult dog socialization and training classes can also help both you and your dog nip problem barking in the bud. Working with an experienced K9 trainer is another great way to help your Labradoodle learn other ways to effectively communicate with you. Do Labradoodles Bark a Lot? It can be almost impossible to predict exactly how much a Labradoodle will bark! Some will be a lot more vocal than others. A lot of it will depend on how they are raised, and the traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Are you coping with a Labradoodle that barks too much? Let us know in the comments! Related Articles. Labradoodles Labradoodles are a gentle, friendly breed that make for excellent family dogs. Labradoodles are half Labrador, and you can see it in their bark. After about 3 weeks, a Labradoodle may begin to try to bark, although it usually sounds like a soft howl. As the puppy grows, their bark will deepen. From the age of about half a year to a year old, young Labradoodles will often bark when they see strangers, or if anyone approaches the house. This bark is usually because of fear, as the puppy is scared of people. When your Labradoodle matures, they become more confident, and use their bark less out of fear and more as a way of showing their authority. This can lead to your dog barking when they see strangers approaching your home. However, some Labradoodles may have problems with excessive barking. They may bark constantly at people or animals outside, or when you have visitors. If your dog is showing signs of excessive barking, you should intervene as soon as possible. Often, barking can be corrected with training. However, this training is much easier if the dog is still young. But it can be done, provided you give your dog plenty of structure and are consistent. Labradoodles are quite smart , and they may bark if bored or not stimulated. In some cases, this may fix the problem. If your Labradoodle is still barking too much, they may have a more serious behavioral issue. Try to keep them busy when they bark by giving them commands , or asking them to fetch an item. Expose Your Labradoodle To Other Dogs Labradoodles are high energy , and they need plenty of company to keep them busy. When deprived of other people and animals, they may get anxious and stressed, leading to barking. Always keep your Labradoodle engaged by exposing them to plenty of other people and animals. This socialization makes them happy, and may stop them from begging for your attention. We connect you to a network of top companies and breeders so that you get the perfect Labradoodle puppy for sale —one raised with love.

Whether you're creating marketing materials, designing a website, or working on a personal project, incorporating black pug images can be a great way to communicate your message and connect with your audience. The Selection of Black Pug Images Available Our stock image library offers a wide variety of black pug images to choose from. We have high-quality photos and vector graphics that showcase black pugs in different poses, settings, and moods. Some of our images feature black pugs on their own, while others show the dogs in group settings with other animals or people. Our black pug images can be used for a range of purposes, including marketing and advertising, social media, web design, print media, and personal projects. Whether you need a cute and playful image for a children's book or a serious and professional image for a corporate website, we have the perfect black pug image for your needs. How to Choose the Right Black Pug Image for Your Project Choosing the right black pug image for your project can be a challenging task, but with a little guidance, you can make the process easier and more effective. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Consider your audience — Who are you trying to reach with your project? What kind of message do you want to convey? Make sure the black pug image you choose is appropriate and relevant to your target audience and fits with your branding and messaging goals. Think about the context — Where will your image be used? Consider the layout, colors, and style of your project and choose a black pug image that complements and enhances those elements. Focus on quality — Our black pug images are of the highest quality, but make sure the image you choose is clear, well-lit, and visually appealing. Avoid using low-resolution or poorly composed images that can distract or detract from your message. Benefits of Using Black Pug Images for Your Projects Using black pug images in your projects offers a range of benefits, including: Adding personality and character — Black pugs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. Using black pug images can help to inject those qualities into your project and make it more relatable and engaging for your audience. Enhancing emotional appeal — Black pug images can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and happiness to nostalgia and comfort. Using black pug images can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and create a more meaningful and memorable experience. Standing out from the competition — Incorporating black pug images into your project can help it stand out from the crowd and differentiate it from the competition. With many different black pug images to choose from, you can find the perfect image that sets your project apart and captures your audience's attention. With the wide variety of black pug images we offer, you're sure to find the perfect image for your project. From playful and whimsical to serious and professional, our black pug images can help you enhance the personality and emotional appeal of your project and connect with your audience on a deeper level. What Is a Black Pug? The black Pug is a purebred dog with black pigmentation. It is not a subtype of the Pug breed but rather one of the color variations. There are only two officially recognized coat colors for the Pug breed, and they are black and fawn. Black Pugs, although not considered rare, are less common than fawn Pugs. Black Pugs look identical to other Pugs except that they have overall black coloration. Their whole body is covered with black fur, although some may exhibit white markings. In terms of personality, black Pugs remain to be the adorable and playful Pug that we all know. They are friendly, and they get along well with children and other pets. Surprisingly, black Pugs have only gained popularity recently. Back then, they were disliked because many thought that their coloration was caused by a genetic anomaly. Are Black Pugs Rare? Black Pugs, although not rare compared to other dog breeds, are less common than other Pug varieties. There are fewer black Pug pups that are born compared to fawn Pug puppies. This does not mean, though, that black Pugs are unobtainable. You can still find black Pug pups for sale from reputable breeders through thorough research and an ample amount of patience. Black Pugs are rarer than fawn Pugs because of lower demand. Pugs with black coloration are often overlooked because of their supposed unhealthy conditions. This, in turn, affects the demand for black Pugs. Since black Pugs are less in demand than fawn Pugs, breeders tend to focus more on breeding fawn Pug pups. Nevertheless, the rarest coloration for the Pug breed is brindle. This coat color, though, is not officially recognized by any major kennel club. In terms of appearance, the black Pug looks identical to other Pug varieties except for the fact that it has a black coat color. A black Pug has a black, short, shiny, dense, double coat. The intensity of its dark coloration can either be jet black or obsidian black. Some have overall black pigmentation, while others may exhibit a few white markings. The black Pug also exhibits one of the defining features of the Pug breed — a round head with a flat face. This feature is common for brachycephalic dogs. It also has a wrinkly face and bulging globular eyes. Its ears are small and folded, while its muzzle is short, blunt, and square. Its legs are strong and straight. It should also have a short and cobby body with a wide chest. As for the tail, a curly appendage is desired. Black Pugs with double curled tails are adorned by Pug enthusiasts. As per the breed standard , the black Pug is a small-sized dog with a height ranging between 10 and 13 inches and a weight ranging between 14 and 18 pounds. It has a lean square body structure. You can expect it to become a fully grown dog after nine months. However, it can still gain a few pounds and centimeters depending on its diet and lifestyle. Canine coat color genetics can be quite puzzling for beginners. Fortunately, there is an easy way to understand the color genetics of black Pugs! Black Pugs and other dogs have two basic pigments in their bodies: black eumelanin and red pheomelanin. These pigments are produced by cells called melanocytes. Through the help of various genes, other colors such as fawn, blue, gray, brown, and coat markings exist. In the case of black Pugs, the K locus or the dominant black gene is responsible for the black pigmentation. Since the black gene is dominant, you only need to breed two black Pugs to produce black Pug puppies. Breeding a fawn Pug with a black Pug will also result in black Pug puppies since the gene for fawn color is recessive. It is normal for black Pug puppies to show changes in their color while they mature. The coat colors of black Pugs can either lighten up or darken as they grow old. This nuanced change in the intensity of their coloration is normal, and this usually occurs when their topcoats start to grow. Most black Pug puppies change color between 6 and 12 months old. However, others may change coat color later up until 18 months old. While coat color change is pretty normal, some color changes may be brought about by extreme sunlight, poor diet, skin disease, or medications. If your black Pug changes color abruptly and out of the blue, consult a vet immediately. There are only two recognized colors for the Pug dog breed: fawn and black. This means that you can register your black Pug in any of the mentioned kennel registries. Black Pugs are not one of the most popular household pets in the United States for no reason. They are adorned and sought after as companion dogs because of their befitting personalities. These dogs are highly affectionate to their owners. Although they are not as jolly as other toy breeds, they do love bonding with their family. Aside from these, black Pugs are also known to be calm and relaxed. In addition, these adorable small dogs are friendly. They get along well with children and other pets. They are also calm and gentle towards strangers, making them unfit to be guard dogs. They are also not loud dogs. You may only hear black Pugs bark on an occasional basis, like when there is a stranger in front of your door. However, black Pugs can also become anxious and stubborn sometimes, especially when they are left alone and bored. This is why early socialization is also important in raising a black Pug. Black Pugs are quite long-lived. They have lifespans that range between 12 and 15 years. Some can even live for more than 25 years with proper maintenance and care. Although they are generally healthy dogs, black Pugs can be predisposed to certain health issues, just like other dog breeds. Here are some of the common health issues for black Pugs: Respiratory Problems: Black Pugs are predisposed to a condition called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS , which is common for dog breeds with short noses or flat faces. Black Pugs with BOAS can develop multiple respiratory abnormalities, which could negatively impact the quality and length of their lives. Eye Problems: The skull structure of black Pugs can also lead to several eye problems. The eye sockets of most brachycephalic dogs are shallow. Hence, their eyeballs bulge out. Some of the common eye problems that black Pugs may develop include proptosis , distichiasis , and progressive retinal atrophy. Hip Dysplasia: This crippling joint-related condition is caused by the abnormal growth of the joints in the hip. Hip dysplasia is highly debilitating. Black Pugs with hip dysplasia may experience excruciating pain and show symptoms such as limping and weakness. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another common joint-related disease common for toy breeds such as the black Pug. This condition usually affects one of the hind legs. A black Pug with this condition may show limping when it walks. The dog may also put no weight on the affected legs when it moves. However, you should have known by now that black Pugs are moderate to heavy shedders. Hence, brushing and bathing are important parts of their grooming sessions. They shed throughout the year, although they heavily blow their loose hair during the shifts of seasons. Their short, smooth coats only need weekly brushing to remove the loose hair and danders and keep them healthy and clean. Bathing can be done once a month or when needed. In bathing your black Pug, make sure only to use pet-friendly soap and shampoo to avoid irritation. You should also be careful not to let the suds and residue drip on the bulging eyes of your Pug. The wrinkly folds of skin should also be cleaned thoroughly, including the ears, paw pads, and pits where dirt might accumulate. These spots are also the favorite hiding places for ticks and fleas. If you plan to take home a black Pug for a pet, you should also be mindful of the expenses associated with owning one. Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses of owning a black Pug puppy: Type of Expense. Black Pugs Overview Pugs are found in two basic colors, black and fawn, plus silver-fawn and apricot-fawn standard with clubs other than the AKC. Black is a very interesting coat color with the Pug; distinctive markings seen with fawns do not show on black Pugs, however, an all black Pug is extraordinarily beautiful. This article will dive into the details about black Pugs including popularity, variations, possible markings, photo examples, mistaking brindle for black, coat aspects, questions regarding behavior, and origin. Black Pugs in Kennel Club Breed Standards Though there are variances in regard to non-black Pugs with all major kennel clubs, there is agreement across the board regarding black Pugs. How Common Are Black Pugs If you've noticed that there are generally fewer photos of black Pugs than fawn Pugs or that you don't see black Pugs in person very often, this is because there really are fewer of them. To determine more precisely how many black Pugs there are, we presented the question of 'What color is your Pug? This polling suggests that a bit less than one-fourth of Pugs are black or in other words, 1 in 4 Pugs have black coats. Variations with Black Pugs In conformation show rings, all major kennel clubs expect black Pugs to be solid black. And, this is indeed what many black Pugs are, but there are some exceptions. Black Pugs can have small markings, sometimes referred to as a mismark, which can occasionally be seen with Pugs of all colors. If this occurs, it is often a small white or light patch on the chest. Aside from this, there can be larger markings, seen as faults in the show ring, which may include a larger area of white on the chest or a scattering of lighter hairs throughout the coat. This doesn't stop her from being active with her family, Jerry, Shelly and Taylor Koltz in Frisco, Texas Just like humans, dogs can develop gray hairs as they age. It does not happen to all Pugs, but to a majority of them to some extent. While this will not be very noticeable on fawn Pugs, gray hairs on black Pugs stand out quite a bit. In some cases, graying will only be seen around the face, but other seniors can grow gray hairs on any other areas of the body. The appearance of gray hairs with black Pugs may start as early as the 8-year mark, but is most commonly seen with those age 10 and up. Mistaking Brindle for Black Brindle is a pattern of interlocking striping colors and is not an accepted standard color for the Pug with any of the well-known kennel clubs. In fact, many wonder where this color came from or if it can even truly exist in the Pug bloodline. Other breeds were used to develop the Pug which is where the pattern most likely came from; however, since it is not a color called out for in breed standards, most breeders do not aim to produce this and it is only seen sporadically. As you can see with Luna here photo below who is a brindle, there is a lot of black in the coat. Yet, it is woven in with fawn as part of the brindle pattern. While she may have an overall appearance of a dark coat, this should not be confused with a true black coat. This may lead you to wonder why there are more fawn Pugs than black ones. The main reason is that breeders choose more often to produce fawns. If both colors were equally represented within all breeding programs, there would be many more litters of black Pug puppies than there currently are. Each pup's color is determined by a pair of color genes, one comes from the dam, the other from the sire. If both genes in the pair are black, the Pug will be black. If one gene is black and the other is fawn, the pup will be black since it is the dominant gene and overpowers the fawn. If both genes are fawn, the Pug will be fawn. Interestingly, despite their coloring, black Pugs carry the fawn gene, known as SS, though it is a recessive gene. The B gene produces the black coat color. Generally, it is not acceptable to breed a black Pug to a fawn. Crossing colors will not improve the coat or color of either type. Therefore, with no benefit to the pairing, most breeders will focus on one certain color. This said, due to recessive genes, a litter can consist of both fawn coats and black coats. In most cases, there will be more fawns, with a ratio. Size, body structure, ear set, bite set, tail shape , and eyes are all the same for all colors with this breed. While you may see black Pugs that are smaller than fawns, there are just as many that are larger. And while you may spot more fawns with double-curled tails, there are just as many black-coated Pugs with the double curl. Any physical differences that you may see are just a matter of those particular dogs. Non-black Pugs have black ears and a black mask black over the muzzle and around the eyes , and of course technically this is there with black Pugs but is part of the dog's overall coat. The toe nails on Pugs of all colors can be black or white, though black is preferred in conformation events. Differences - The one and only difference between the two colors is that some but not all black Pugs often have a single coat versus the double coat seen with most fawns. The double coat consists of both a soft and dense inner layer and a short, shiny outer layer. Black Pugs that have just the single layer will be missing the inner layer. While you may not notice much of a difference by eye, you can often feel the difference when petting a Pug and this does affect how much a Pug sheds. With double-coats, there will be more shedding since the inner layer rapidly cycles, especially in the fall and spring. There is generally more upkeep needed with grooming tools to remove the dead hairs. Personality Differences There is much debate on whether coat color determines a Pug's personality. Some may say that black Pugs are better behaved, are more relaxed, or are less vocal than fawns. Yet, just as many will say the opposite. The question of personality traits is one of nature versus nurture. Is behavior inbred or does a dog's environment and type of care received shape the personality? It has been our experience that while genetic traits regarding temperament can be passed down, it is how a Pug is raised, trained, and treated that will have the biggest impact on that dog's overall behavior. The Origin and Popularity Spread of Black Pugs Unlike many other breeds whose development was meticulously recorded and those documents are preserved as part of history, the Pug's early development is shrouded in mystery. General consensus is that the Pug originated in China thousands of year ago at least B. Chinese drawings, carvings, and statues depicted dogs that were, most likely, ancient ancestors of the Pug. But, unfortunately, documents covering the very early development of Pugs was essentially erased from history when some time around B. Yet, of course, moving further ahead in time, evidence and record-keeping started up again, including those connected to the appearance of black Pug dogs. Black Pugs are known to exist as early as the 's thanks to William Hogarth's painting of one in House of Cards .The artist was an owner of Pugs and portrayed many in his paintings so there is an exceptional visual record of this breed's appearance from over years ago. House of Cards, a painting by William Hogarth showing a small black Pug [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Note that this far back in the breed's development, the body was more slender and the face was not as flat. It was in that black Pugs first appeared in England which allowed them to eventually spread to other parts of the world including the United States. It is believed that Lady Annie Brassey, a Victorian author who traveled extensively, is responsible for this introduction. On one of her trips to China, she brought back a pair of black Pug puppies and decided to show them at the Maidstone Dog Show that was held that year. Due to her efforts, black Pugs where shown more and more and started gaining acceptance and popularity. Black Pugs actually became recognized as a separate variation of the Pug in by the Kennel Club in London. Do you have a Pug? This comprehensive care book guides you through every step of your Pug's life. Are you part of the PetPugDog family? Join us by becoming a free PetPugDog Member ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles and help you stay up-to-date with care tips and other information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.

Some Final Words It is highly doubtful that there is a fast way to do this training. Every dog, no matter the method, takes its own time to learn. For Yorkies, some dogs get the idea in 2 months, while others of their breed take longer to learn. It is really up to the dog and how you treat them during this training. Positive reinforcement is always the fastest way to success. Negative reinforcement may set the training back while your dog adjusts to the treatment. Praising and rewarding your Yorkie will make them want to use the litter box over other options. The key to this process is to make sure you have the right size box for your Yorkie, use the right litter, and place the box in the best spot possible. You do not want it close to their food at any time. When you use consistency, patience, and persistence, your Yorkie should learn to go to the litter box on their own and without prompting from you. Click here to find out. Yes, it is possible to train any small dog to use a litter box. This is an advantageous method to use for your pet. It means that they do not have to wait till you get home or get up to go to the bathroom. They can just saunter on over to the litter box and do their duty without delay. That makes bathroom time more relaxing for your pet. Plus, it helps put your dog at ease as they know they will have no hassle when they go to the bathroom. The key to litter box training your small dog is to make sure the box is the right size. No dog will feel comfortable or will want to use the litter box if it is too small for them. Fortunately, litter boxes come in different sizes since cats come in different sizes. That means you can find a good-sized litter box for your Yorkie or other small dog breeds. Another key will be to let your dog become familiar with the box. Let them sniff and explore to make sure they know it is a safe place for them. Make sure the sides are not too high, or they may not be able to get in or out very easily. This will be up to you as there are several options. The content you use will depend on how much cleaning up you want to do. You can use newspapers if your dog is newspaper trained already. But that would be a short-term option once your dog gets the idea that the litter box is their bathroom. Another option would be pee pads. These are easy to clean up and can help keep the litter box clean and smelling fresh. If you can afford to buy these pee pads, then you can use them all the time. The best option would be actual kitty litter. But you do not want to buy low-quality litter as they do not absorb very well. These low-level options would be like using a newspaper. To make the time more enjoyable for your pet, make sure to get high-quality kitty litter. It should smell nice, absorb well, and make it easier to clean up when your dog is done. Some Final Words When you have a small dog and live in a small place, training your puppy to go in a litter box is a good idea. This allows your pet to go to the bathroom when you are at work or asleep, making it easier for your pet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. House Training a Yorkie Overview This breed is actually more easy to house train than some other types of breeds. In general, the Yorkie aims to please. However, in order to have quick success, you'll need to be prepared. This involves having the right things in place in order for housebreaking to work. In addition, you'll want to have a clear understanding of all of the guidelines. If you are not following the rules, neither can your Yorkshire Terrier. This section will show you exactly how to house train a Yorkie with step-by-step tips and advice. Overview of What Will be Needed Before we dive into all of the details, it may help you to have a general understanding of what will need to be in place and be done for housebreaking to work. Then, we'll get into specifics. Realistic expectations. Yorkie puppies do not have full control over bladder and bowel muscles. These will develop as the pup grows. So, needs can only be held for so long. In general, a 2-month old can go about 2 hours, a 3-month old for 3 hours, and so on. This does not mean that your 3-month old puppy will pee and then not pee again for another 3 hours. It just means that this is the maximum time that should lapse between taking the pup out. A supervision method. If your Yorkie is let outside alone, there will be zero opportunities to learn. And if you are not keeping a very close eye on your Yorkie while inside, there will be pee and poo just about everywhere. Exact adherence to housebreaking rules. Every element that is listed is here for a reason. If you halfheartedly follow these, if just some of the household members do the steps, or if some steps are done but not others, success will be limited. Proper reaction to accidents. If you follow all of these steps to potty train your Yorkie, there will be very few accidents. However, some will occur, and it'll be important that you react the right way. Indoor Vs Outdoor House Training For the best and fastest results, we highly recommend housebreaking a Yorkie to eliminate outdoors. It is canine instinct to sniff around outside and choose 'just the right spot'. And, going to the bathroom outside is much easier for a dog than trying to hit the mark on pee pads set up indoors. This said, if you do choose the indoor method of setting up pee pads, do follow all of the same advice here. The main difference will be that the 'designated area' will be the pee pads instead of a bathroom area outside. Step 1 Choose the Bathroom Area One area should be chosen as the designated bathroom area. Here are some important elements about this: A huge part of housebreaking a Yorkie is that the pup will be brought to this area by you. This means that you will not just open the door and let your Yorkie outside. Not only is this very dangerous, but it brings the learning opportunities down to zero. The area should be easily accessible in all seasons and in all weather. What seems to work well in the summer may be hard to reach in the winter. We will also cover some things you can do to make heading outside more tolerable. This should be at least 10 feet away from any family areas, such as the barbecue, outdoor eating spot, etc. Not doing this is the downfall of many housebreaking attempts. An owner sees that their Yorkie is rather close by, they turn to tidy up the room.Or, the puppy is playing with his toys, so the owner looks through the mail and makes a call, and the puppy leaves a poo behind the sofa. So, unless you have your eyes directly on your Yorkie with no distractions, one of two things must be happening: 1 Tethered supervision. If you cannot give your Yorkie your undivided attention but can keep him by your side as you are doing other things, keep your Yorkie tethered to you via a harness and a short 6-foot leash. Note that the harness is vital; do not use a collar as this can cause neck injury. In addition, the leash should be short; 6 feet 9 at the most and lightweight those made of climbing rope are incredibly durable but light, and work well. Any time that your Yorkie makes a motion to pee or poo, you will immediately pick him up and bring him to the designated area. And you will carry him if you must a great benefit of having such a tiny toy breed. For any times that you cannot keep your Yorkie right by your side or for any times that you are not home, you'll need to keep your Yorkie in one specific spot. It is not recommended to use a crate. Crates are terribly confining, and can cause both physical and emotional stress. Since a dog will pee or poo regardless of the size of his area when he simply cannot hold his needs any longer, there is no benefit to keeping a dog in such a small cage. It is also not recommend to use a gate to give a Yorkie an entire room. This not only is potentially dangerous unless the room is fully puppy-proofed, but it also opens up a huge problem with destructive chewing many pups being housebroken are also in the teething phase. And, the pup will end up peeing and pooing all over the room. What is recommended is a properly sized indoor canine playpen also referred to as exercise pens. These offer just the right amount of space, and are often used to help cure separation anxiety it offers a secure feeling of a 'den', while ensuring that all of a Yorkie's necessities are right there with him. Let's take a pause to show our recommended supervision and containment items. Below you will see a harness that comes in extra-extra small, a 6-foot leash made of climbing rope which makes it very lightweight, and two great playpen options. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. How to set up the playpen: Choose a spot in a room that is used by the family; dogs do not like to feel isolated. If you'll be putting this over carpeting, you may want to obtain a small piece of linoleum from your local home supply store to serve as the base. Within the pen will be a quality bed, a few helpful toys for teething or engagement, food if you'll be gone , water, and a spot for pee-pads. Dogs very rarely soil their own belongings, so any housebreaking accidents will most likely end up on the pads. Note, that if your Yorkie tends to move the pee pads or chews at them, using a canine litter box minus the sand, because that rarely works to hold the pads can work well to keep them in place. Below are some recommended items you may want to have inside the playpen. If you do not see the images, try a refresh, and on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. This combination is how dogs learn best, and what will motivate them to keep working at something. Emmy, photo courtesy of Terry DeMeyer Once a dog carries out a particular action enough times, it becomes automatic; at that time, reward will not be a 'must'; however, it does help to reinforce good behavior. The praise. Choose a certain word or phrase that you will always use. This should be something that you do not mind calling out in public. Just saying 'bathroom' is perfectly fine; though, 'pitty-potty' or another like term will work as well. You will say this each time you bring your Yorkie to the designated bathroom area Let's go pitty-potty and immediately after your dog has done the deed Good pitty potty, good dog! The reward. Special treats should be at the ready, in a zipped sandwich bag, and placed near the exit door that leads to the bathroom area. You'll want to be able to grab and pocket these as you are taking your Yorkie out. As you offer praise, palm a treat and allow your Yorkie to mouth it. The type of treat that you choose as reward for housebreaking plays a big role. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind: This should not be a snack that would be given out regardless. It should be be highly tasty, giving a quick burst of flavor that offers immediate signal of a job well done. It should be small the idea is to offer instantaneous satisfaction and not something that a dog needs to sit down to chew on. Since you'll also want to take care that the treats are high-quality no chemical additives, no by-products, no artificial coloring, and made in the US , one great option is one of the flavors of Fruitables; these come in many flavors, so if your Yorkie is already being given these, try a new flavor like Crispy Bacon and Apple or Mango Blueberry. Below are our recommended treats to reward for housebreaking. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. And on mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. Step 4 The Actual House Training Rules Now that you have prepared and have things in place to allow your efforts to be successful, it is time to implement the training. Here are 8 rules to follow: 1. Take your Yorkie to the same designated area every single time. Stand in the center of that area, and allow your Yorkie to choose the exact spot within the diameter. Do not hesitate with praise and reward as soon as your Yorkie urinates or has a bowel movement. Say, 'Good, pee-poo! Bring your Yorkie there before each walk. Allowing a dog to pee or poo while out for his daily walks is a missed opportunity for teaching housebreaking. Be patient. Dogs can take anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes to relax bowel muscles. Bring a chair if you must, but do give your Yorkie enough time. Bring your Yorkie outside often enough. This should be: Right after your pup wakes up About 20 minutes after each meal Right after you arrive back home, if you've been out Every so-many hours depending on age 3 hours for a 3-month-old, 4 hours for a 4-month old, etc. Right before bed 6. Your Yorkie should right in your sights, be tethered to you, or in his playpen. As soon as you see a leg lift or a squat, give a loud hand clap to interrupt and bring your pup right out, even if you must carry him. Time meals. Most Yorkshire Terriers do well with 3 meals per day, 2 to 3 snacks, and with the last meal or snack about 2 hours before bedtime. But, if your Yorkie is waking up and having a bowel movement super early, you may want to try adjusting dinnertime. This may lead to a bowel movement later in the evening before bed, as opposed to 4 or 5 AM. React appropriately at night. Most young puppies will bark intermittently throughout the night and it will be important to try and ascertain if the barking at night is for attention or because there is a bathroom need. Most very young puppies do not yet know to alert you to needs, so the majority of vocalization will be to gain your attention. Since you do not want to your puppy to learn that he's allowed to wake you up times, unless you highly suspect that he needs to poo or pee, barking should be ignored and the pup will learn to self-sooth. If you do bring him out, you will want to strongly convey that this is a serious time and not one for play. Keep lights low and do not speak at all unless it is to offer praise for urinating or eliminating in the designated area. Step 5 Reacting to Accidents If you are home and always have your Yorkie directly within your line of sight, tethered to you, or in his playpen, there should be essentially no times of accidents. And, if when you are not home you have your Yorkie in a playpen, since this is a defined space, pee and poo will be kept to one small area, and hopefully on the pee pads. This said, if your Yorkie does pee and poo in the house, you'll want to react the right way and clean it in the right way. Reacting: If you see your Yorkie starting to pee or poo, interrupt him via a loud hand clap and a firm 'No. If you come across a puddle of pee or a little pile of poo but did not witness it happening, reassess what lead to this in the first place. Were you following the supervision and confinement methods? Also, do not bother reprimanding; it will do little good and being scolded or yelled at may only serve to make your Yorkie afraid of you. Cleaning: Both urine and feces leave strong, lingering scents. The enzymes in this waste matter are not washed away with soap and water. So, while you may not smell anything at all, and the spot may look clean once you've taken care of it, it may still be sending out an almost impossible-to-ignore message to your Yorkie that says 'This is the bathroom area'. For this reason, thoroughly clean any accidents with a quality enzyme cleanser. In most cases, this is a matter of the pup not being outside long enough. Unless a Yorkie urgently needs to go, it can take upward of 15 minutes for the pup to relax bladder and bowel muscles and focus on eliminating. It's a common occurrence for owners to rush back inside too early, particularly if the weather is unpleasant. So, if it is cold, be sure that you're dressed warm enough, and have a warm coat or vest for your Yorkie. If it is raining, why not try a pet umbrella? These work very well for tiny toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier not such a great idea for larger dogs. Another trick to try is to hold your Yorkie on your lap after coming back inside. Very few dogs will pee on their owner. Wait 10 minutes, and head out again. If your Yorkie eats grass, noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. So, if a few of the trips are uneventful, that is fine. Remember, you are in charge. My Yorkie does everything outside other than pee. If your Yorkie eats grass , noses pebbles, chases butterflies, barks at the dog next door, lies down to take a nap, or otherwise does everything other than going to the bathroom, there are two things to take note of: 1 - Each time that you bring your Yorkie out, the goal is to offer the opportunity to pee or poo, not to insist that it happen. My Yorkie is out of control, and pees and poops everywhere in the house, even on my bed. And sleeping up on an owner's bed should not be allowed. See Step 2 in regard to setting things up for success by choosing supervision and confinement methods. A Word About Marking This is not actually a matter of house training; marking is a behavioral issue. Some tips to know if this is a marking issue include: The dog is not fixed. Marking is much more common with un-neutered males and un-spayed females. The dog only urinates inside; bowel movements are done outside. The dog does not release their full bladder; typically urine is sprayed. For this, you'll want to follow guidelines to help a Yorkie stop marking in the house. See Also: Spaying and Neutering a Yorkie - The age this is done, what is involved, expected recovery time, pro and cons. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Contact Us. Small dogs can be trained to use a litter box. My personal experience shows that small dogs, once trained, actually benefit from using a litter box. Small dogs have small bladders, and the opportunity to "go whenever" is a big plus! It's also possible to train a dog to use a litter box that previously used papers or went outside. Dogs can also travel using the litterbox in other locations, and are able to use the litterbox during the day, as well as "go outside" at other times. How Do I Start? What do I Need? You'll need several items to get started. Of course, a litter box is required. I suggest a Purina dog litter box -- or get the largest cat litter box available, and cut the top off the hood. Removing the top makes it much easier for the dog to use, and for you to clean. Use very rough sandpaper or a smoothing tool i. Dogs tend to "go" more frequently than cats, and they don't bury their waste in the same way cats do. People use a variety of "filler" for litter pans. Some folks like to use newspapers or absorbent "pee pads". Others prefer commercial dog litter or cat litter, so they can scoop out and dispose of the waste easily. A few folks have voiced concern over clumping litter in the event the dog ingests it. Personally, I've used all types of filler and haven't experienced a problem with any of it. If you use dog or cat litter, buy a large size litter scoop, it will work best! A 3 to 5 gallon size can works perfectly. I also use a standard diaper pail lined with a plastic bag in my dog room. Whenever the "step-on" pail is full, I empty the can into the diaper pail. This saves a lot of time, and my trips to empty waste are infrequent. Best of all, the diaper pail is designed to contain odors! Cleaning Supplies Are Essential! Most importantly, be sure to have plenty of cleaning supplies. Brooms and easy-to-use mops should be nearby. Lots of paper towels especially at the beginning should be kept on hand. I also find a Dust Buster hand vacuum makes it easy to clean up the sand and litter that inevitably gets kicked around. Bleach is a great odor mask, and putting some in a small container make sure it is completely out of the reach of the dogs goes a long way in odor control. Other odor controls such as candles, sprays and plug-ins can also work well. In general, if you just keep the area clean, odor won't be a big problem. Accidents Can and Do Happen.Be prepared for accidents when house and litterbox training. If you do not completely clean urine stains, they will become a reoccurring spot the dog will use. I've had great success with a product called Simple Solution. During the early stages, I purchased it by the gallon jug. I found no other product that worked as well -- even on my near-white carpet! I also purchased a small home carpet cleaning machine, but the "blot and dry" method described in the product directions will work as well it just takes longer. As with most tasks, there's more than one method to accomplish your goal. I have successfully trained dogs to use a litter box by using two methods: The first method is a gradual paper to litter box method. This method works well with dogs who are already solidly paper trained, and who tend to catch on quickly. The second method is a variation of the common "crate training" used to house train dogs. From experience, I think the latter crate style training is best. Some people find crate training to be drastic -- but it does work, and if done properly with lots of attention, care and praise for the dog -- it isn't harmful. If you're starting from scratch, you'll need to work with the dog very closely, and have your cleaning supplies even closer! The best method for housetraining is to design the environment so that it is difficult for the dog to fail. Your dog wants to please you, and you can help him or her succeed! Obviously, a tiled or easy to clean floor area is best. During the first few days, you will need to constantly monitor the dog when it is not in its bathroom area. In this initial period, the dog should have only two location options: either with you, or a direct path to his bathroom area. You can accomplish this by shutting doors, and using simple gating materials such as latex lattice, child gates, or even pieces of cardboard. In any event, make sure that the dog can ONLY go to his designated area when "caught in the act". Make sure there is a direct path between you and his bathroom only no open side rooms at all times. During the first few days the dog should either be with you, or in his area. If you are unable to watch the dog carefully, put the dog in his bathroom or crate area. If you notice actions such as circling or sniffing usually indicating the dog has "to go" , then encourage the dog to go to his area to do his business on papers. Develop a key word or key phrase for this action. It can be anything you want such as: "go pee", "get busy", "use the box", etc. Repeat the word or phrase often at the spot where the dog should do his business. All the World is a Stage.If you catch the dog in the act of going in wrong place, you need to "shock" the dog. A loud "NO! In any event, his direct path, his destination must be his bathroom area. Once there, start praising the dog and using the keyword. Soak a small bit of the dog's urine in a paper towel or newspaper and put in his bathroom area. If your dog smells his feces or urine in his bathroom area, he will be more likely to use that area. Clean any "accident" areas to an extreme degree. A dog's sense of smell is incredible. I "over-treat" using Simple Solution cleaner. After all the smells and stains are gone to my nose and eyes , I reapply the solution. It works! Of course my mother doesn't agree -- she swears by Woolite Carpet Cleaner apparently a special version for "pet accidents". In any case, get a product that works for you! When the dog goes to the right place to use the bathroom, you need to lavish praise and treats on him, all the time repeating the key word. Frankly, it works best if you overact when expressing your pleasure or displeasure. If by chance you see the dog in the act going on the papers or later in the litterbox , you simply have to be beside yourself with joy and happiness! Believe me, the dog will catch on when you are dancing, praising, and kissing his little head when he goes in the right place! Help the Dog Become Accustomed to the Litter box With either method "paper to litter box" or "crate style training" you'll need to get the dog accustomed to the litter box. It should be in his area from the beginning, with a tiny bit of litter in the bottom and some newspaper inside of it. Newspaper should also be put right next to the litter box if paper training. Some folks have reported better results by adding a one of the commercial "potty aid" liquids in the litter box during the early stages of training. At the outset, you'll need to get the dog used to simply getting in and out of the box. This can made into a fun experience for the dog. Simply lift and place the dog in the litter box and use the key phrase like "use the box". Praise him and be happy. He'll likely get out of the box. Repeat the "praise and happy" routine and even give a little treat. If the dog stresses or tires of the game, just stop. Repeat it another time or day. Soon, you'll be able to repeat the keyword, while gently guiding the dog in the box from outside the box. After a few sessions, you should be able to have dog go in the box on his own when the keyword is used. Placement of the box is also important. It must be next to the newspapers, and the open side should minimize "fallout". Dogs have a digging instinct. I haven't met a dog yet that won't try at least once to dig his way under the litter box! Notice the top picture on this page. See how the litter boxes face toward each other and a wall? This minimizes clean up in the event of digging episode! It looks like a tight spot, but honestly, the small dogs don't have any problem getting in and out. A well-arranged litter box will minimize the "fallout" from a digging episode or normal tracking. Progressing from Paper to Litter box If your dog is solidly paper-trained, you can make a gentle progression from paper to litter box. As I said before, the "crate style" training works best, but some people prefer a more gentle approach. I've used both of these methods successfully. The key for the "paper to litter box" method is to make it very gradual. You'll need a supply of cardboard boxes in various sizes. You can sometimes get these from grocery stores, a moving company or U-Haul store. Moving boxes work particularly well because they come in a variety of sizes. Some masking and duct tape is also useful as you change the sides and shapes. The first step is to make a flat "pan" area with the papers. You can cut out the bottom of a cardboard box and line it with papers, or get something like the washing machine pan pictured here and line it with papers. It should be a minimal "box" -- that is, simply enough side to it that it is not completely flat. This should be an easy transition for the dog. If not, start with the papers on a flat piece of cardboard, then move to a slight "pan shape" box. As time progresses, you need to change the cardboard "pan" to a "box" by gradually changing to boxes with higher sides. This needs to be done slowly, over a period of weeks. At some point, you should have a cardboard version of a VERY large cat litter box the "step up" or "step over" edge should never be higher than your real cat litter box. Next, slowly decrease the size of your "cardboard cat litter box" to be just slightly larger than your real cat litter box. At this point, put the cat litter bottom, or tray, into your cardboard box and line the bottom and sides with newspaper. Once the dog is comfortable with using that, you can clip on the plastic hood remember the top should be cut off. The key is for changes to be so gradual the dog doesn't notice. Next, slowly remove all the cardboard so the dog is using papers in the litter box. Finally, you'll need to slowly move from paper to litter. Start with a thin layer of litter in the front of the box, and paper covering almost all of the bottom of the box. Over a period of days, move to less paper and more litter covering more of the box, and slightly deeper with litter. At some point, you'll be putting a tiny piece of newspaper in the back of the box. It looks really weird, but it works! At some point, you'll be able to get rid of the paper altogether. Crate Style Training Crate style training is, in my opinion, the quickest and most effective means of litter box training. The concept is simple. Every creature has a natural aversion to soiling where it eats or sleeps. The crate style method for litter box training is similar, except than eventually, the dog will have greater freedom, even while you're away from the house. Prior to starting crate style training, you should already have the dog comfortable with the litter box, and able to hop in and out of it without fear see earlier section. The dog should also be accustomed to, or know that he is expected to use "his area" for the bathroom. Instead of just a travel kennel or cage, you make an area with a bed, food, water and the litter box. The area must be large enough for the dog to get up, turn around and lay down comfortably -- but there must be no open space for the dog to use the bathroom except the litter box. The cage material should be sturdy, and something the dog cannot jump over or hurt himself trying to escape from. Use bungee type strapping hooks to easily lash and hook your cage. It's also possible to use playpens or commercial cages. If using a pen or cage, be sure to fill any open space with plastic buckets or some other safe material that will prevent the dog from using open space in the pen or cage as a bathroom area. Once you have constructed your "crate area", place the dog in this "crate" at typical bathroom times after eating, after sleeping, etc. The dog should stay in this crate area until he uses the bathroom. Try to be nearby so you can catch the dog in the act and praise him right after he uses the box. Remember to use your key word or phrase! The crate area should also be the where the dog stays when you leave the house. When you are with the dog in the house, this crate area should be open, and part of his "direct path" to his bathroom area. If the dog uses the bedding material as his bathroom spot, change it immediately! Replace the bedding, and sprinkle bits of food on the new bedding. If there are treats frequently found on the bedding, the dog will not use it as a bathroom area! The crate training routine should continue until you see the dog use the litter box on his own. You should occasionally stay in the room with the dog at times you know he needs to go. With the crate area open, encourage him to use the litter box, repeating with the key word frequently, and praise him whenever he uses the box. Soon, you'll be walk with the dog into the room, use the keyword, and the dog will go in the litter box to do his business. Eventually, he will go there on his own. My dogs sleep in my bedroom. In the middle of the night, they will get up, go across the house to the litter box to use the bathroom -- and then come back to bed! When I leave the house, I can leave them in a small area of the house, and they use litter box! At home, they come and go as they please. Bad weather, cold weather -- it doesn't matter! Everyone is happier! What Can I Do? I've never seen the crate style method not work. Properly laid out, it simply doesn't give the dog any other choice. Check to make sure you have the area as small as possible, limiting his choices. If the dog won't go unless crated, then you'll need to spend more time teaching him to use the box -- simply reinforcing the command to get in the box, and staying with him in the room and gently guiding him in the box, repeating the keyword, and using lots of praise. Use treats as a reward for going in the box along with praise! You can eventually wean the dog away from treats and more towards praise. Remember, this process even crate training takes several weeks before the dog will reliably go in the box by itself, and several months of checking and monitoring before the dog will be fully "on his own". With every dog, there's frustration and you'll say "He just doesn't get it. He will never do this". Then, suddenly, he'll catch on! Another common problem is for some dogs to use the litter box to pee, but they'll poop outside this box or even worse, reversed. There are two factors here: First, dogs typically don't do all their business in one spot. Second, some dogs especially hound breeds sometimes need to "walk it out". That's impossible to do in a litter box. I have one dog who would happily do all his business in the box. My other dog finds it very difficult to poop in the box. Our compromise is that ALL peeing is done in the box. No exceptions. They are allowed to poop near the box, but always in "their room", on the tile, and preferably on the paper next to the box. This works well because I pick up and flush the waste with tissue, and dispose of the litter waste in pails and plastic trash bags. Also, I'll mention that I find that since converting to the Purina dog litter and box system, I've discovered not to use as much litter as the Purina folks would lead you to believe. It's actually easier and more effective to use a thin layer of pellets in the bottom of the litter box rather than the 1" to 3" deep they claim. Using that much wastes a lot of litter, plus it makes it more difficult to scoop out the "used" litter. The Big Mistakes From my own experience and in talking to others, there are some common mistakes to avoid: Be consistent. Pick the dog's area or spot and stick with it. Use the same keyword or phrase. Stay with one brand of litter. Keep a routine as much as possible. Any change must be very gradual. Watch the dog constantly during the first two weeks. If the dog is not beside you with you watching him, he should be in his crate area. There must be a direct path between you and the dog's bathroom area at all times. A single "uncaught" act of peeing or pooping in the wrong place will set you back nearly to the beginning. Never hit, beat or "grind" the dog's nose into the "accident". It will be a mistake your dog will never forget, and you will always regret. Keep the litter box clean. Regularly go into the litter box or boxes and dispose of all the waste. At least once a month, empty out the box and wash it out with soap and water. The dog won't want to use a nasty box. Always deal with relapses or accidents. Once the dog begins to use the litter box, you'll provide more freedom. Then, he or she will have an accident -- or simply decide to start using a different spot. NEVER let this go without dealing with situation. Immediately start the routine again, including crating, if necessary. If you don't deal with a relapse, the dog will revert to going anywhere and everywhere in the house. I disagree with the "experts" in one area: Every book and article I've read says that if the dog has an "accident", he can't make an association between the accident and a rebuke after the fact. In my experience, this isn't entirely true. If my dog has "an accident", I let him come to the spot and I quietly stand slightly away. When the dog inevitably starts to sniff the spot, I give him a sharp "NO! It makes a difference. They do make a connection. Understand, it's not a matter of yelling, screaming, or punishing the dog. Use common sense. If your dog acts confused and bewildered at this type of correction -- don't do it. Alternative Boxes There are also additional alternatives for litter boxes. You can use large plastic bins or the top of travel crates if you need a larger space. There are companies that build and sell self-contained litterboxes to which hoses can be hooked up to flush and exit waste water. You can also build your own custom Ultimate Litter Box! Click here to see one including photos, specifications, and parts required. The End Result What can you expect? After several weeks of work, and a month or two of monitoring and frequent checking, you'll be able to let the dogs roam freely and have confidence they will use the box. You'll be able to put them in their room and go work -- knowing they're not "holding it" or worse, walking in it. You'll be able to go dinner or a movie and not have to cut short just because you know he or she has to go. This isn't an excuse to abandon the dogs -- there are few places I'd rather be than with my little buddies! It gives me freedom, and it gives them freedom. Oh, and on those cold, wet days -- we just look out the window and smile