red poodle mix puppies for sale

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

Keep reading to find out what is the best dog food for boxers with sensitive stomachs. Boxers are energetic and playful dogs that require a lot of food to support their active nature. And their unique blend of intellect, energy, and athleticism sets them aside from all the other breeds. However, just like all purebreds, Boxers are also prone to numerous health conditions that can affect different parts of their bodies. Your pooch can experience joint, eye, heart, and even digestive problems. Remember giving them the right food for sensitive stomachs will improve their health. So, here are some of the best foods for Boxers with sensitive stomachs. Best Dog Food for Boxers With Sensitive Stomachs Below in this post you will learn more about the best food for boxers with sensitive stomachs that are on the market today. This dog food comes packed with protein sources, which is more than enough for your energetic Boxer. And to deal with the stomach problems, Wellness added probiotics to their recipe. The probiotics made from fiber and prebiotics can ensure that your dog will never have stomach issues again. This grain-free recipe can keep the symptoms associated with sensitive stomachs away. The antioxidants, fatty acids, probiotics, and animal protein content make this meal a great choice for a Boxer. And to ensure that you will never have to worry about cardiac issues, Wellness added omega-3, glucosamine, and chondroitin to this recipe. Natural Balance L. And in the worst-case scenario, it can cause allergies and digestive problems. Remember, the best option for dogs with sensitive stomachs should have high-quality protein and limited carbohydrates. So you will never be disappointed with this food from Natural Balance. On top of all this, Natural Balance made sure that this meal is grain-free. Therefore, this recipe is ideal for Boxers with sensitive stomachs. And instead of chicken or turkey, they used salmon as the main source of protein. Wellness is known for utilizing natural ingredients when making their products, and this canned meal is no exception. So, your puppy is exposed to a unique balance of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the Wellness Complete quality food is one of the few products created to be both delicious and nutritious. Other than satisfying his taste buds, this meal also nourishes your pup. This canned dog food boosts his energy and immunity while improving his skin and coat. This is not chicken by product meal and you can provide a the basics for healthy digestion in your dog. But, one thing that makes this Taste of the Wild stand out is that it is delicious. This animal protein meal features buffalo, chicken, and prairie lamb as its primary source of protein. Instead of grains, this dry dog food exposes your dog to sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, and fresh fruits. To ensure that your dog will never have to worry about stomach issues again, this meal features probiotics and fiber. Therefore, your dog will enjoy a healthy and proper digestion every time it eats its meal. This wet food recipe is perfect for Boxers with sensitive skin and severe or mild stomachs. Purina Pro Plan Focus features a well-formulated formula that promotes easy digestion. This protein-rich recipe is perfect for picky eaters. Instead of artificial color, flavors, wheat, and soy, this formula features salmon. Another beneficial ingredient in this meal is Omega 6. Plus, it helps eliminate all the health problems caused by skin infections. These puppies have a stronger bone structure than other breeds. Therefore they need a unique recipe like Royal Canin boxer puppy food, which is specifically designed for their sensitive stomach and high energy levels. Remember, a healthy immunity can protect your pup from several other illnesses. The kibble shaped pieces of food makes it easy for your pup to grasp and chew. But, one thing that makes this meal stand out is the inclusion of L-carnitine. This meal offers a nutritionally balanced diet prepared using high-quality ingredients that make it relatively easy to digest. Plus, this highly digestible meal promotes nutritional absorption. It is a great fresh chicken meal for Boxer dogs with food allergy. Made in the United States, this chicken recipe is designed specifically for Boxers. This science diet recipe features chicken as the protein. Therefore, your active Boxer will thrive with this unique recipe. Eukanuba Adult Dog Food Boxer Check price and Availability The unique thing about Eukanuba adult dry food is that it is created for seven different breeds. This meal for Boxers has everything your pooch needs to thrive. Eukanuba created this recipe to meet all the needs of a Boxer. Therefore, you should expect this formula to alleviate allergies and digestive issues. This dog food can tackle numerous stomach and gastrointestinal issues. And to boost the health of your heart, this product features omega fatty acids and taurine. Eukanuba boxer-specific meals are relatively easy to chew and digest. But if the only thing that matters to your dog is the taste of the food, then your dog will enjoy this palatable meal. This meal features highly digestible carbohydrates and a single protein source with no fillers or additives. Wellness added potatoes to this meal as the source of carbohydrates. It also features probiotics and prebiotics that promote the health of your gastrointestinal tract. So this formula is designed to improve the gut health of your dog. Blue Basic Limited-Ingredient Formula Check price and Availability All Blue recipes contain fine natural ingredients, and the basic limited ingredient for adult dogs is no exception. These natural ingredients are further enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So you should expect this formula to promote the overall health of your adult Boxer. Blue Buffalo is known for preserving the potency of their foods and preventing degradation. Therefore, they usually process their ingredients at low processing temperatures. This recipe is perfect for senior Boxers as it includes DHA to help with cognitive development. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help with joint support and mobility. This meal features deboned turkey as the source of protein. So this meal is perfect for your senior Boxer with a sensitive stomach. Final Thoughts As pet owners, our main goal is to make life easier and fun for the furry members of our families. However, some breeds like Boxers are predisposed to numerous health problems, including sensitive stomachs. Any of the above dog food are a great choice for a boxer. And that is because some dog food, especially the ones containing grains , can affect them. Make sure you give your Boxer with a sensitive stomach the right type of food that will improve its health. Karen Snow Hi! As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly. My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends! Post navigation. Although Boxers may experience certain health issues that are congenital and beyond our control, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, can influence others. Some of the most common health issues faced by Boxers include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Boxers. Food allergies in Boxers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Boxers are predisposed to various types of cancer, such as brain tumors, mast cell tumors, and lymphoma. This is a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Boxers are genetically predisposed to this condition, which can result in arrhythmia, decreased oxygen delivery to the body, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological condition where the spinal cord deteriorates, resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. Boxers are one of the breeds that are predisposed to this condition. Aortic stenosis. A heart condition where the aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. Also known as gastric dilation, this is a condition where the stomach twists and traps air, making it difficult for the dog to breathe and leading to shock and death if not treated promptly. Boxers are prone to bloat, which can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or drinking large amounts of water after exercise. Feeding Boxers the right amount and type of food can give them the energy they need to stay active and healthy. Feeding Boxers too much food, especially those high in fat and simple carbohydrates, can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can decrease their activity level. This can also lead to health problems such as joint pain and heart disease, which can further limit their activity level. Boxers are high-energy dogs that require a balanced diet high in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, while fat provides energy for high-intensity activities. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are a great source of sustained energy for endurance activities. Additionally, providing Boxers with regular exercise and playtime can help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy activity level. Boxer Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Boxers. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Boxers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Boxer often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Boxer dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Boxers can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Boxers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Boxers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. High-quality protein. Boxers need high-quality protein sources to maintain muscle mass and support their immune system. Look for dog foods that list whole meat sources. Look for dog food containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, which can help support the immune system and may reduce cancer risk. Look for dog foods that contain fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. Amino acids. Taurine and L-carnitine can support heart function and may help reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy and other heart problems. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart health, reduce inflammation associated with hip dysplasia, and improve joint function. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed. Omegas may also support brain health, potentially reducing the risk of brain tumors and supporting neurological function in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help support joint health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited fat content. Boxers are prone to bloat, which high-fat diets can exacerbate. Look for dog foods that have moderate fat levels. Limited sodium content. Opt for dog food with lower sodium content to help manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart, which can benefit dogs with aortic stenosis. Small kibble size. Easy-to-digest ingredients, such as fresh food and high-quality protein sources, can also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues and bloat. Chapter 2: The Reviews. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. Looking for the best dog food for your boxer? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss the 25 best dog food for boxers in .We will cover a variety of different diets and price points to ensure that you can find the perfect food for your furry friend. Boxers are a unique breed of dog, and they require a special diet in order to stay healthy and happy. We hope that this blog post helps you find the perfect food for your boxer. Boxers are a high energy breed that needs a lot of exercise. They also have a higher than average metabolism which means they need a food that is high in calories and nutrients. The best food for boxers will be one that is designed for active dogs and contains all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and fit. When looking for the best dog food for boxers, you should look for a food that is high in protein and fat. Boxers need a lot of protein to maintain their muscle mass, and fat is essential for providing them with the energy they need. You should also look for a food that is low in carbs, as boxers can easily become overweight if they eat too many. The best dog food for boxers will also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants to keep their immune system healthy. Do Boxers dogs need Grain Free food? No, Boxers do not need grain free food, but they can benefit from the nutrients found in grains. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your dog healthy and fit. However, if your dog is allergic to grains, then you should avoid feeding them grain-based foods. How often should I feed my Boxer? You should feed your boxer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help to keep their energy levels up and prevent them from becoming overweight. What health issues are boxers prone to having? Boxers are prone to having a number of health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. The health issues that Boxers are prone to can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and poor diet. It is important to feed your Boxer a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise to help prevent these problems. How often should I exercise my boxer? You should exercise your boxer at least twice a day, but preferably three times a day. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Boxers because of their high energy levels. A good way to exercise your Boxer is to take them for a walk or run every day. You can also take them to the park to play fetch or Frisbee. Providing your boxer with plenty of exercise will help them stay healthy and fit, and it will also help to prevent some of the health problems that they are prone to. What is the best way to groom my Boxer? Boxers have short, smooth coats that do not require a lot of grooming. However, you should brush your dog's coat once a week to remove any dirt or debris. You should also trim your dog's nails every few weeks. Boxers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but it is still important to take care of their coats and nails. Regular brushing and nail trimming will help to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. What is the average lifespan of a Boxer? The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11 years. However, some boxers have been known to live for up to 15 years. The key to prolonging your dog's life is to provide them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Does a boxer need to eat special dog food? While there are many different types of dog food on the market, boxers do not need to eat a special diet. In fact, most boxers will do just fine on a quality dry food that is designed for active dogs. However, if your boxer is very active or working dog, you may want to consider feeding them a high-performance dog food that is higher in calories and nutrients. This type of food will help them maintain their energy levels and stay in top condition. No matter what type of food you choose, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it meets your boxer's needs. And always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog's diet. With so many different types of dog food available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your boxer. But by keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose a food that will help them stay healthy and fit. Now that you know more about what to feed your precious boxer, it's time to elaborate on each of the 25 best dog food for boxers in 1. Pupper Chicken Topper Image courtesy Pupper This chicken recipe from Pupper Fuel is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of boxers. It is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pupper Fuel's chicken recipe is our top pick for the best dog food for boxers in because it is made with high quality ingredients. This diet will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real venison and bison, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This diet is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This low-fat recipe is comprised of easy-to-digest all-natural, cage-free chicken, sweet potatoes and green beans that are designed for weight control. This diet is made with real lamb and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This easy-to-digest kibble includes nutrient-dense carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin, plus real chicken as the 1 ingredient. Nature's Recipe Puppy Whitening Food includes delicious, high-quality ingredients and is free of corn, wheat, soy protein, or poultry by-product meal! And you may rest confident that your dog won't be eating any artificial flavors or preservatives. This diet is made with real turkey and chicken, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This best dog food for boxers will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real chicken and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Your dog is a carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet that includes a variety of different whole animal ingredients. This delectable kibble includes fresh or raw ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, and grass-fed lamb. This dish is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients such as organs and bones, providing 85 percent quality animal ingredients. And this dog food features freeze-dried outer layer for wagworthy raw taste and nutrition. This diet is made with real salmon and sweet potatoes, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Chicken is the first ingredient in this big dog food aids in the supply of protein, an important nutritional component for your dog's body. This highly digestible dry dog food is designed to promote nutrient absorption and bioavailability. They produce this big dog kibble with certain live probiotics to assist your pet's digestive and immune health. Every portion includes glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to help support joint health and mobility. This food has been carefully developed to deliver the ideal combination of protein, fat, and nutritious ingredients for performance, training, and hunting dogs. It's brimming with energy to keep your dog on his toes. With no corn, wheat, soy, or vegetable protein among other things , this food is ideal for your furry companion. It promotes your dog's long-term health and performance, as well as his mental processes and vitality. Natural, US farmed chicken produced on a farm. There are no meat or by-product meals available. There are no preservatives used in these products. You can actually see the chicken and veggies in this dish! Dog food for adult dogs. Freshpet thinks that dogs and cats require actual, nutritious food similar to the fresh foods we enjoy. Every meal is freshly prepared in our kitchens, where the fun begins. They start with natural, nutritious ingredients that we softly steam until they retain their natural goodness and provide essential nutrients to dogs and cats in order to allow them to live their best lives. It contains all the necessary nutrients to keep your large breed dog healthy and active, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. The kibble is shaped and sized specifically for large breeds, and has a crunchy texture that helps clean your dog's teeth. Applaws dry dog food is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's designed for adult dogs of all breeds and life stages, and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or colors. Caliber Ultra is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal, brown rice, and oatmeal. It also contains omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It's high in protein, low in fat, and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Green tripe is an excellent source of nutrients for dogs, and is especially rich in probiotics, enzymes, and essential fatty acids. Bison is a lean, nutritious protein that's rich in vitamins and minerals. This food is perfect for dogs who are active and need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. It's also great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grain. PetKind Tripe Dry is a complete and balanced food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Final Thoughts on 25 Best Dog Food for Boxers in We hope our list of the 25 best dog foods for boxers in has helped you narrow down your options and find the right food for your boxer. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog's diet. When it comes to feeding your boxer, quality is important. But finding the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is key to keeping your boxer healthy and happy. We hope you found this list helpful. Related Content. Beef Potato Fiber can also be troublesome for some dogs. However, other dogs find fiber helpful, as it tends to slow down their digestion. The source of the fiber may matter to some dogs, as well. Fat tends to be harder to digest, which can cause stomach problems. However, your dog does need some fat and you cannot remove it from their food completely. Boxers are extra-sensitive to changes in their food—even necessary changes. We recommend introducing new foods as slowly as possible. Stop introducing a new food if your dog starts experiencing increased stomach problems. Specific allergies can also cause gas. If your dog is still gassy after cutting out common sensitivities, you may need to look into the possibility of food allergies. Many Boxers tend to be food-oriented, which can make them eat too fast or too much. In the short term, this can cause increased gas. However, this problem can also lead to obesity over a longer period of time. Less food on their stomach at a time may help with digestion. You may also want to try slow feeders and other methods of reducing the speed that they eat. In extreme cases, we recommend using an electronic slow feeder, which only releases a small amount of food at a time. Conclusion Boxers are prone to all sorts of gas, usually because of digestion sensitivities. Therefore, there are fewer ingredients for your dog to react to. Plus, it is grain-free, which may also help with gas problems. This formula utilizes quality ingredients and is much cheaper than other options on the market.

Crate Training and Toilet Training Crate training Done right, crate training is possibly the best thing you will ever do for your dog. Crate training is a very popular way of keeping puppies safe and is a highly effective tool to fast track toilet training. The dog comes to see the crate as his own space, his den, his safe-haven, and his favourite place to sleep. Some puppies love their crates immediately, while others need a little time to acclimate. Our labradors are crate trained very early, and by the time you pick up your puppy from us, he will already be familiar with a crate. Most dogs quickly choose a small area, such a corner of a room, or under a table, or near a couch where they like to relax. Crate training techniques Make the crate comfortable with bedding and safe toys. Encourage him to enter the crate of his own will, by tossing some treats inside the door of the crate. Provide a crate-mountable water bucket. For a puppy, the bucket should be shallow with only a small amount of water in the bottom. Once the puppy is comfortable inside the crate with you nearby, gradually move further away and out of sight, building up the duration. Feed him his meals inside the crate to continue a positive association with the crate. If the puppy whines or barks in his crate, wait until he is quiet before opening the door and letting him out. The process of crate-acclimatisation can be adapted to adult dogs too. The crate is a not a punishment tool. It is a safe and comfortable place to go, so do not punish him by confining him to his crate when he has done something wrong. The crate is not a long-term confinement means. Dogs should be allowed to exercise and freely move about in the yard, a secure area, or within the home. The puppy only goes into his crate for short periods of time, and to sleep at night. He may sleep in there for scheduled rest periods each day and of course during the night , when you have visitors or are cooking in the kitchen, or anytime he needs a nap or quiet time to relax. A young puppy has limited bladder control. If you leave him there too long, you are forcing him to soil his bed which dogs absolutely hate soiling their own bed. This will cause him to be very upset and is very unfair. Always toilet him before asking him to go to his crate. Keep reading below for toilet-training lessons. Whining and barking are fundamental aspects of puppyhood, especially in young puppies. Make sure to never reinforce the behaviour by letting him out of the crate while he is crying or whining. Wait a short time until he is quiet before letting him out. This way he learns that he is allowed out when he is quiet and calm, and that yelling does not get his way providing you have met all his physical needs such as toileting, feeding and watering. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around comfortably. If the crate is too big, your puppy might find a corner to soil in. To make the crate more den-like and feel safe, put a blanket or crate cover over the crate, leaving one end or side open for movement of air. This has a calming effect for most dogs. Good places to keep the crate are near your kitchen or family room. A radio or television playing in the background or a clock ticking nearby, may help to calm the dog when you are out of his sight in the house, as this can mask environmental noises that can stimulate him to vocalize. Toileting training or house-training your puppy Probably the first thing puppy-owners wish for is a house-trained puppy. This achievable and only requires you understand your puppy and are consistent. Your puppy has no choice about going to the toilet, it is the most natural thing in the world. If your puppy has run of the house unsupervised, you are setting him up to fail — toileting inside the house is inevitable and impedes house-training. Crate training helps fast track the process because a puppy never desires to soil his own bed he is the one who has to sleep there. Crate him for his meal, take him out the toilet on his leash about 10 minutes after his meal and stay with him to observe he has done his business. Puppies have very little control over their small bladder, and have no idea that there is a right and wrong place to toilet. If you can avoid accidents as much as possible from the start, you will make faster progress — this means the more effort you put in at the beginning the better things will be. Puppies will toilet where they have been before. So, if an accident occurs, be sure to clean up very well, as he will smell that is where he has been before and likely try to go there again. You have to teach your puppy where he needs to be before he takes a pee or poop. Times when your puppy is guaranteed to toilet: within 10 minutes of any food or water or play, and when he wakes. These are the times you especially need to take him to his toilet spot. Signs of an impending pee or poop include: circling and sniffing, a bulging anus, agitation and whimpering. A labrador puppy can be toilet-trained by the age of 4 months old if you are diligent and consistent in your toilet-training. Be aware that despite all your hard effort, the occasional accident might still occur. You missed the signs that he needed to go. Never punish a puppy for an accident. Toilet him sooner the next time and praise him. At night, carry him out quietly no talking to him , ask him to go to the toilet when you place him down in his toilet area, and quietly return him to his bed so he will resettle. Crate of the correct size for your dog Treats Blanket or dog bed According to the American Kennel Club, Labs are one of the most popular breeds in America , and for good reasons. Many love to play fetch, and others are glad to be your running buddy. You have a long fun life ahead of you with your Labrador retriever puppy. Should that life include crate training? Crate training a Lab puppy is actually a good idea. Image used with permission by copyright holder Are Labs easy to crate train? You may have some pet-parent guilt about putting your fur baby in a crate. The good news is that Labs often make crate training easy on their parents. They love making their humans happy, so they take to all kinds of training well, including crates. Every puppy is different, though. Your veterinarian or a trainer can help you through any troubles that may arise. Crate training a Lab puppy is one of the best ways you can help them thrive in their new home. Experts say your new pup will reap many benefits from having a crate, including: Easier potty training. Housebreaking can be one of the tallest tasks new pet parents have to work on with their Lab puppies. Crate training makes it a little easier and less messy. Reduced stress. Labs tend to be adaptable, but a new home can be stressful for anyone. Even social pets need to chill sometimes. Consider it a space for self-care, kind of like your bedroom may be for you. Safer car rides. A crate is one of the safest spots for a pet in the car. Image used with permission by copyright holder How to crate train a Lab puppy Though Labs tend to take to training quickly, they still need some guidance from you. Step 1: Select the correct crate size for your puppy. Labs will generally grow to weigh 55 to 80 pounds. You want a space your pet can move around in comfortably. They should be able to sit , lie down, stand, and turn. The puppy may soil the space if they have enough room. Most crates will have height and weight specifications on them, and once you have that information, you can purchase one. Step 2: Make the crate comfy. You probably made your bedroom into a comfortable spot for you to sleep at night. Make it a cozy hangout spot by putting some blankets or a bed in there. Toys keep it fun. This article gives guidance on how to crate train an older dog. A List Of Dog Crates Highly Recommended By Labrador Training HQ A high quality, durable crate of the correct size and type is essential to guarantee safety, comfort and to get the best out of the crate training experience. But with so many styles, types and sizes available, selecting a suitable crate is no easy task. So we at Labrador Training HQ have taken the hard work out of the hunt by putting together a hand picked selection of the best crates available that you can see by reading this article. Travel safety — A crate is a very useful tool to confine your dog safely during travel by car or by air and reduces the stress they feel due to being in a comfortable and familiar crate. Security — A dog learns to view their crate as a special place all of their own, where no human ventures and they can get away from it all to be alone when they desire. A crate is the one tool that can be used to dramatically speed up the time needed to train your lab to toilet outside and to improve their bladder and bowel control. Protecting your possessions — A crate is a useful tool in teaching your puppy to be fixated on chew toys and not your furniture and shoes. A quick note about boarding and kennels. When our Linus got sick he had to stay in the kennel at the vets office while he recovered. Thank goodness he was crate trained. When I came in to stay with him he was comfortable in his crate with an IV hanging out of his leg. These are just some of the benefits you and your Labrador can enjoy if you take the time and trouble to crate train your dog. Is Crate Training Always Successful? Sadly not. Dogs are individuals and come with their own likes and dislikes. So although a crate can be used to benefit the vast majority of dogs, there will always be a select few that just will not enjoy or accept being crated. It helped our last 3 puppies Charlie, Doni, and Downey get used to their crate in only a few nights. This is particularly true for the occasional adopted dog for which their background is unknown. Dogs up for adoption may have had bad and traumatic experiences with crates earlier on in their lives, where owners used a crate as a form of punishment or misused a crate amounting to imprisonment. Obviously in these cases, a crate should not be used. These cases though are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of dogs learn to love and enjoy spending time in their crate. I believe everybody should at least educate themselves on the subject and give it a go. By soaking up the knowledge in this guide and following the steps I outline for crate training, you and your Lab can enjoy the rewards that using a crate provides. Your Lab will be happier, safer, more secure, less likely to engage in destructive behavior and from these facts you can enjoy a greater peace of mind that you are doing the very best for your dog. One of our favorite features is the crate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of your crate as your puppy grows. I will always try my best to respond to every one of them. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Labs should be crate trained because it is associated with easier and faster housebreaking, and it facilitates safe and easy travel or evacuation during emergencies. Also, crating provides a safe and calm space for your dog during overwhelming moments and preempts destructive behavior. From a different perspective, canine experts like Stanley Coren consider the approach that crating your dog is animal cruelty to be misguided, lacking scientific backing. Of course, there is a limit to how long you can cage your dog and under what conditions. Even so, I like to give you a balanced view to forming your own opinion. My dog loved her crate as a puppy. In fact, she was around 3 years old when she finally migrated full-time to her bed, and some dogs like to keep them for life. Labradors are easy to crate train because they are naturally eager-to-please and highly adaptable dogs. In addition, Labradors love their food and will readily comply with crate training when you use treats in positive reward-based crate training. Nevertheless, crate training requires a bit of effort and patience for any dog. Your Labrador may take days or a few weeks to learn and get used to being in a cage. If you want to make crate training your Labrador even easier, consider training at a young age, as soon as you bring home your puppy at 8 weeks. There are also other behavioral and safety-related benefits of crate training your puppy. Here are 7 benefits for crate training your Labrador puppy: 1. They spend most of their time around or in the den until they are two months, then they can exit the cave. Like their progenitors, dog puppies have inherited the behavioral tendency to live in a den. They need a place of reference where they can find safety and a place to rest and relax. As such, the crate is an artificial den for dogs, and a Labrador growing up in a home needs his dog space. Crate Training Supports Housebreaking By instinct, dogs hate soiling their space and will not relieve themselves in their cage unless by accident. Crate training your Lab puppy helps your dog learn to hold it until the next potty break. Of course, this should not be more than hours for young Labs. Check out this article about housebreaking your pup, How to Potty Train a Lab. Crate training will keep your Labrador pup away from furniture and cushions while he is learning the house rules or while you are out for a while. Besides, crate training your dog is also a way of keeping him safe from injuries, accidental poisoning or escaping when you are not around in the house to supervise him. Crate Training Helps With Separation Anxiety A Labrador puppy that builds a positive association with a cage considers it safe and a place of comfort. This can help your Lab to stay calm when you are away from home and prevent separation anxiety. In other words, your absence is replaced by a cozy little space that gives a sense of safety and calm. Crate Training Makes Your Lab Puppy Safer for Children It is always recommended that you teach children to stay away from the family dog when he is in the crate seeking some calm or rest. This is not just useful for the dog, but it also keeps your children safe from possible dog aggression when your furry friend is tired or stressed out and needs some alone time. This ensures safety for your dog in the vehicle. It is also a requirement when traveling by air, in which case the crate should follow the IATA guidelines for pet travel. Crate training also prepares your Labrador puppy to be in a crate when in a hotel or a hosting home. Besides, a dog with a positive crate experience can feel less anxious spending time in an unfamiliar environment at the vets. Crate Training Can Save Your Dog Crate training could be the difference between losing your dog and saving his life during a natural emergency such as a tornado. Generally, Labradors that have learned to associate the crate with positive experiences will readily go into a cage when asked to and move to safety on time with the family. Of course, this size is too large for your 8-week old Lab puppy. So, the idea is to buy a crate that your pup can use as an adult Labrador together with a divider to reduce the size and increase it as your puppy grows. It has a durable dog tray and four roller feet to protect the floor. If you have the right size crate for your Labrador puppy, you are now ready to bring your pet home and start crate training. Associate the crate with feeding. Crate your Labrador puppy when you leave the house. Crate your Labrador puppy at night. Some people may go for the kitchen, but the family room is preferable. Prepare the crate for your pup. Placing a soft bed, blanket, or crate pad inside. You can also drape a dark colored blanket over the top making it more den-like. Leave the crate door open so your Lab puppy can explore the crate spontaneously. If your pup does not show interest in the crate, bring him over and encourage him to go in with a lively tone of voice. If that does not work, place some treats close to the door, so your pup tries to get them. Drop more treats inside the crate and encourage your pup. Do not force your puppy to go into the crate. Keep tossing treats or enticing toys into the crate. Pretty soon your Lab puppy will naturally walk into the crate to get his rewards. Introducing your Lab puppy to the crate may take a few minutes or even a couple of days. Associate the Crate With Feeding To help your Labrador puppy associate the crate with good experiences, feed your pup his meals near or inside the crate. If your Lab puppy is already going in and out of the cage with ease, you can place an interactive puzzle toy with food or some tasty treats inside the crate to entice your pup. This brightly-colored small treat-dispensing ball is a great fun way to introduce him to interactive toys. Once your Lab puppy is calmly eating his meals in the cage, begin to close the door while he eats. Open the door as soon as the pup is done eating for the first time, and gradually increase the amount of time you leave the door closed until your dog can comfortably stay in the closed crate for a while after eating. Make sure you use the same word and gesture cues always and say the word only once at a time. Praise your pup if he goes into the crate and reward him with a treat. Close the crate door and hang around quietly for minutes. If your pup is calm, go to another room for a few minutes, so your dog does not see you for a while. Then return and spend a few more quiet minutes around the crate. Then let out the pup. Repeat this process a few times in the day, each time increasing the number of minutes your dog stays in the cage until your pup can spend half an hour inside with a closed door and without whining. This may take a few days or even weeks. Once your Labrador puppy can calmly stay for longer periods in the cage without whining, you can begin leaving him crated when you go out of the house for short periods. Crate Your Labrador Puppy When You Leave the House When your Lab puppy begins to stay in the crate overnight or for minute sessions during the day while you are away, it is now time to cage your pup when you leave the house for longer periods. Note that your puppy should already be over 10 weeks before you begin to do this. You might want to leave an interactive toy with some treats or food in it. Ensure the toy is safe and cannot be ingested. It also doubles up as a great teething chew toy and fetch toy due to its unpredictable bounce. Reward your pup for getting into the crate and leave quietly without making the departure emotional, as your Lab puppy could pick this routine too. Five to ten minutes is a suitable interval between crating your pup and leaving home. Keep the arrivals calm and low-key when you return to avoid building anxiety in your dog over your return time. If your dog gets excited on your return, do not reward this behavior by talking to your dog in an excited tone. Give a few minutes before releasing your pup. Continue crating your pup for 30 minute periods when you are home. This prevents crating not being exclusively associated with your departure and absence from home. Crate Your Labrador Puppy at Night You might be wondering if you should let your Lab puppy sleep with you on your bed. This involves calling your dog to the crate and giving a treat when he gets inside. Then close the crate and wait a few minutes before leaving. If your Lab is just a puppy, you may need to place the crate in your bedroom or an adjacent hallway in the beginning. Puppies will need bathroom breaks during the night, and you have to hear them when they whine about being let out to relieve themselves. Once your Lab puppy can sleep through the night without needing a bathroom break, usually around 4 months of age, you can gradually move the cage to its usual location in the family room. Note, though, that crating your Labrador close to you during the night even in his adult age, can be a way of strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. You can find a summary of these in my crate training schedule chart below Stage 1 Introduction to crate training for puppies from 8 weeks old This stage covers the first week that you bring your puppy home. Your objective at stage 1 is simply to get the puppy used to being in and around the crate with the door open. Leave the door open Start by placing puppy in his crate frequently and each time you place him in there drop several little edible treats through the roof for him. Just let him come straight out again when he has finished his treats. This introduces the crate as a fun and enjoyable place to be. He will soon come to associate this phrase with going into his crate for a treat Closing the door briefly The next step is to close the crate door momentarily and then open it again. Leave it shut only long enough for the puppy to finish his treat and notice that the door is closed. Then let him out. Do not wait until he gets upset or cries. Repeat many, many times during the course of the next day or two. If he is left alone at night whilst he is still homesick he is likely to howl, and howling in his new crate is not a habit we want to establish. Tending to your puppy during the night If the box is right up against the side of your bed, you can put your hand in and comfort him if he cries. Moving your puppy downstairs at night After the first three or four nights, or by the end of the first week, your puppy can be placed in his crate in the kitchen before you go up to bed at night. So if you put him to bed at midnight, you will probably need to get up around 5am to let him out for a wee to begin with. If a puppy has fallen asleep in his crate and slept for more than a couple of hours then you will need to let him out if he wakes up crying. Getting more sleep! If all goes well, you can stretch this five hours out by 15 minutes or so a night until you are getting seven hours sleep. If he wets the bed you will need to get up earlier the next night. And some puppies will be 12 to 14 weeks before they can cope this long. You can find lot more information on teaching your puppy to be clean and dry in our potty training sections. Crate training during the day There is no immediate need to crate your new puppy during the day for more than a few minutes at a time. The main purpose of crating a puppy during the day is to Help the puppy learn to hold onto the contents of his bladder for a bit longer. To keep him safe when you are busy for short periods, or if you need to leave the house for a while. To give him chance to calm down or a break from small children. However, you do need to get the puppy used to spending longer periods in the crate in preparation for being left alone from time to time when he is older. So gradually, you will accustom the puppy to a few longer spells in his crate. These are tough hollow rubber toys that you fill with mushy food and freeze. You can freeze several Kongs at once by standing them on a baking tray in the freezer. Each time you put the puppy in his crate for more than a couple of minutes, you will leave a frozen food filled Kong in there to keep him company. Puppies love these and will soon grow to associate the crate with the pleasure of the frozen Kong. How to get the puppy used to longer crate times Once you have got to the end of the first week and the puppy has accepted the crate as a nice place to be, the next task is to get the puppy to accept the closed door for longer periods of time. This may take a day or two. Place him in the crate with his frozen kong and close the door for 30 seconds. The idea is to leave the door closed for a few seconds longer each time you crate the puppy. But it is very important only to open the door when the puppy has been silent for several seconds. What to do if the puppy cries in his crate If the puppy starts to whimper or howl you will need to turn away from the crate and ignore him. Wait for the silence as he stops crying and gets to work on his puppy kong. Tell him what a good dog he is. Let him out immediately and go back to much briefer periods of closed door for a while. Try ten seconds or five. Build up again gradually, but do not be tempted to avoid crating him because it upsets him. Once the puppy is happy in his crate, you can use it to help with his potty training. Until then, make sure that you crate him for very short periods when you know his bladder is empty. Otherwise he will wet himself when he gets upset. Puppies that cry need crating more often! If your puppy whines in the crate, you need to crate him more often not less, and for shorter periods. Check out our in-depth article on coping with a crying puppy for more information Just make sure that each time he is crated is very, very brief to begin with. That way he will learn that being crated is not a big deal Warning: if you open the crate door whilst your puppy is howling, he will howl longer and harder next time! Build up slowly to a minute, then two minutes, then three, five, seven, ten, fifteen minutes and so on. How long can a puppy be left in a crate People often ask how long a puppy can be left alone in his crate. For puppies three to six months old I think two hours is a maximum, and for puppies under three months, one hour. If you need to leave your puppy for longer than this, then you need to consider a puppy proof room or pen where water and puppy pads are always available, or even a weatherproof outdoor kennel and run. This involves putting puppy pads down in a large puppy pen or puppy proofed room so that your puppy always has access to a toilet area. You can find out much more about overcoming the problems of being a working puppy parent in this article: combining a puppy with full time work. Stage 3 Training your puppy to go into his crate on command! As your puppy grows bigger, picking him up and putting him in his crate becomes more of a physical event! Provided you are not leaving your puppy alone for too long, he should be happy to go willingly into his crate. This can be achieved through training. This will probably take a couple of weeks. Maybe more if your puppy really does not like his crate at the moment. Have several training sessions each day — at least three. And do 20 or 30 repetitions of the following exercise in each session. This will take you about five minutes. If you are have never used one before, check out this article before you begin: Charging your clicker. Imagine a zone around the crate. It should not be so small that the dog avoids it altogether. A couple of feet in each direction is fine. The object is to get your puppy to choose to enter this zone. You are teaching him to chose to approach the crate. EXERCISE 2 entering the crate doorway In this exercise, you are going to click and treat the dog for putting a nose, or a paw through the opening into a crate. For some dogs this is too big a jump and you will need to work on a smaller crate zone first. We are moving the goalposts and the dog will be surprised when you do not reward him for entering the zone. He will quickly try something different. Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog enters the crate zone Repeat five times Throw the treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he enters the zone, wait for him to go closer to the crate and put his nose in the opening What if he fails to do this? Repeat from step 3 until the dog repeatedly puts his nose through the crate door. Now you can stop rewarding him for simply entering the zone. It just takes longer with some dogs than others. Use his entire food ration if necessary. Remember, if you have to go out, scoop him up without a word, and place him in there bodily. Do not use the clicker or any other part of this process, or attempt to lure him in. You going out is a punishment in his mind. Behavior that is punished will diminish. When you click, he will come dashing out again for his treat. Again, we begin the exercise with something we know he can already do Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog puts his nose through the crate doorway Repeat five times Throw each treat outside the zone so that he has to re-enter to get the next reward. The next time he puts his nose through the doorway, withold the click. Wait for him to go further in Repeat and gradually raise the criteria you are setting so that more and more of the dog must be through the doorway to get a reward. The exercise is done when the dog repeatedly goes right inside his crate. With a dog that is not crate-shy, you can often work through these three Exercises in a day or two. EXERCISE 4 spending time in the crate Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate withold the click and treat for two seconds If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he can wait 2 seconds in the crate and then increase to 3 seconds Work your way up to ten seconds When the dog can cope with ten seconds waiting in the crate, you are ready to close the door. To begin with this will be momentary EXERCISE 5 closing the door Have the dog in the room with you Make sure the crate door is wide open Click and treat after 10 seconds, each time the dog goes inside the crate Repeat five times The next time he enters the crate close the door and immediately open it again Wait a few seconds then If he remains in the crate click and treat If he leaves the crate wait for him to re-enter Repeat from step five until he will go into the crate, watch you open and close the door, and remain in the crate for a few more seconds after you have opened the door. We are nearly there! Use the cue you have chosen. You know the procedure now. We want him to have absorbed the association between this cue and the act of entering the crate. Now it is time to use the cue in advance of the behavior. Once the dog is repeatedly racing into the crate on your cue, we need to make sure he can distinguish this command from other commands. In this case the dog is not discriminating between different cues, but rather making assumptions about what game you are going to play. So the next step in training is to mix in another cue. If he is confused, and he may be, show him what you want, just like before. You now have a dog that actually understands the meaning of In Your Crate and happily complies with your command. It is time for him to adapt to being confined after being told to go in there. Start slowly and build up EXERCISE 9 adding duration Place a Kong with food in it, or some treats on a slow feed bowl into the crate without your dog spotting you Cue the dog into the crate call him into the room first Shut the door and leave it closed for one minute Open the door again and ignore the dog. It is up to him if he stays in the crate or comes out Repeat from step 1 gradually increasing the time you wait before opening the door Vary the length of time you keep the door closed. Sometimes two minutes, sometimes as much as fifteen minutes. Now you can begin to send the dog into his crate for longer periods, such as when you go out for an hour or so. Maintenance tips Send the puppy into his crate often, not just when you need to. Make sure there is always a tasty treat or a Kong in there waiting for him Sometimes when you send him in, close the door If you know you are going to go out shut him in at least ten minutes before you start getting ready to leave If you know you are going to go out always leave him with a Kong full of frozen food When you are not going out, vary the times he is shut in from two to thirty minutes Send him in from time to time without closing the door Provided your dog is not left overly long in a crate on a regular basis, this should overcome any shyness he has about going in there. Dogs of any age can be trained to crate on cue using this system. For more information on using a clicker check out : Ten great reasons to start clicker training Stage 4 Growing up By twelve weeks or three months old, many puppies will be sleeping 7 hours or more at night and going happily into their crates on cue, if they have been taught to do this. When to let your puppy out of the crate at night If all goes well, by about six months of age, your Labrador puppy should be clean and dry in the house, and sleeping soundly through the night in his crate. At this point, many puppy owners breath a big sigh of relief and start to look forward to the prospect of removing this massive and annoying crate from their kitchen for good. So, at what age is it OK to start leaving a puppy loose in the kitchen overnight? And how do you get your dog used to a basket or dog bed, rather than sleeping in his crate? Age related crate training schedules Most people are reluctant to give out information on how long a puppy should be crated, or what to expect at different stages, because puppies are so different from one another. So, I have included a rough guide or puppy crate training chart above. It really is just a rough guide. Your best approach is to simply follow the four stages outlined above, from start to finish, and not worry too much about where your dog is at the moment.

Oklahoma City: .Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. Personality and Temperament These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. Appearance and Grooming English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Care and Feeding The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. Fact: The English Bulldog dates back hundreds of years. Fact: This breed is the most popular dog mascot. Fact: This breed loves the water but does not swim well. Petland is honored to offer first-class English Bulldog puppies, and our caring team of puppy specialists will help answer any questions you may have. The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. All of our English Bulldog puppies have champion bloodlines. My grand-daughter Jackie and I have small kennels at our homes with 10 females each. Breeding these puppies is a joy to us and we try to find the best homes possible for them. We welcome you to call and schedule a visit. We keep our prices reasonable so anyone who loves this breed and has always wanted to own one of these loveable little guys can see that dream come true. They are wormed every 2 wks beginning at 2 wks of age. Shipping Information We will meet you half way with your puppy for a delivery fee depending on the mileage and if we have to stay overnight. We encourage you to come and pick up your new puppy, if possible. Please call us at least 24 hours in advance to make an appointment. We will have all the documents ready for you to sign and take with you Contract, Health Guarantee, Health Records… and some food for your puppy. Or your puppy will be shipped or flown to you at 8 weeks of age. Health Guarantee Our puppies come with a one year health guarantee that covers all congenital defects. They also come with a certificate of health from a veterinarian. We accept PayPal, Venmo, Cash app, personal check or money order.

Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. We make your puppy adoption process easy! Just follow these three easy steps and you'll have your new puppy safe and sound in no time. Step 1 Find the perfect Golden Retriever puppy! Browse through the puppies on our website or contact us if you don't see what you're looking for. Step 2 Pick up your puppy or we'll bring it to you! We can arrange a convenient meeting place or we can hand deliver your new puppy right to your home. Step 3 Bond with your new puppy. We're here to help! If you have any health-related questions or tips on getting your new puppy used to his new home just let us know! Check out some of the feedback we've gotten from our adopting puppy parents below. Christina Ortiz August 22, At first I was skeptical due to so many scans out there. Also my puppy came from an Amish family in Ohio so requested cash only and landline communication only. I drove miles and took my chances and they were so communicative and really nice family. They answered all my concerns and so did Gold Star Pups and would respond within the hour. My puppy been check by the vet and is healthy and well and super loving and sweet. I ended up changing his name from Prince to Miles because it took Miles to get this little guy. Thank you so much and have already recommended this site to others. He has been such a joy and he even goes to work with me! Easy process for purchasing. I had no issues at all. Ashley Barns August 21, thank you soooo much gold star puppies! Karen Zeigler August 14, I was concerned about buying a dog on line, but I quickly learned that Lancaster puppies only use reputable stores, not puppy mills. Gold Star was helpful, trustworthy, and did everything they promised. My puppy is smart, and healthy. She is sound minded and I absolutely love her. Sharon Secrest August 14, Gold Star puppies is the best! They walked us through each step on purchasing our forever puppy We highly recommend them! Thank-you Gold Star! The process was very easy! I had him delivered to Arizona. The delivery service guys were great on updating me when they would be arriving. Leo is been great and is adjusting well! Thanks gold star pups! Madison Chrisman June 12, We love our sweet puppy we got! Gold Star pups is a "middle man" for the Amish breeder. However, our little puppy came from a very nice farm and super nice people. She was exactly what we thought she would be. These people were very nice and professional and worked with me on price and pick up. I would definitely buy another puppy from here. Here is our sweet Rue, a mini bernadoodle! He came to us healthy and happy and we are surprised at what he knows, from fetching a ball to potty training. .Highly recommend working with them if you are looking for an awesome puppy. Janette Mac February 21, She is so adorable. .I got my 2nd fur baby from gold star pups LLC and we are so happy with everything. .Looking forward to get our next fur baby's soon!!! They made everything so easy and took care of everything needed to get our puppy home. Thank you Gold Star Pups for this adorable addition to our family. We might have another breed of puppy that would also be a perfect fit for you! Check out all our gorgeous pups and give us a call if you need any help.

Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born. Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies. Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them. Provide A Warm Environment Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it. Ensure there are unheated areas, as the puppies will need to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Monitor the puppies' temperature. If puppies are too cold, they cannot process milk and it may curdle in their stomach. Do not use heating pads, as the puppies may be cold and stay on the heating pad too much. If it is too hot, it can cause burns. Start Socializing the Puppies If the mother dog allows it, you can get the puppies used to your presence. Socializing them early can help ensure that they fit nicely into a household. Puppies should initially be weighed twice a day for the first week or two, then daily. Puppies should never lose weight or even maintain weight—either of these is cause for supplementation and concern. If you notice that one of your puppies is smaller, not gaining weight, or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother and sent to their new homes too quickly, as they learn important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. Puppies should not be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old, and it may be illegal before this in many states. Waiting until they are 10 weeks old will give the maximum benefit of social interaction with their mother and littermates. Feeding and Weaning Newborn puppies should nurse at least every 2 hours for the first week or two of life. After this, they can stretch the feeding times to hours, as long as they are still gaining weight and doing well. Once the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to puppy food. You can mix a high-quality commercial puppy food with water or canned puppy food to make it easier for them to eat. It is important that the food is softened at first. They should still have constant access to the mother, as she will continue to nurse them. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on puppy food rather than nursing. Most dogs will wean their puppies by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies have sharp teeth at this point, so nursing may be painful to the mother dog. Continue to be vigilant and monitor her for signs of mastitis. Contact Your Vet Just After the Puppies Are Born Contact your veterinarian to ask for their recommendation regarding when the puppies should first be examined. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates , umbilical hernias , and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. Most veterinarians recommend deworming at regular 2-week intervals starting at 2 weeks old. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in , after receiving her bachelor's degree.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? By taking care of your pug when she is a baby, you can prevent health and behavioral issues later on, making both of your lives easier. Step 1 Take your pug to the vet for a checkup when you first get her, and arrange for the necessary vaccinations. She needs periodic vaccinations as a puppy to prevent health problems down the line. Step 2 Train your pug to behave as early as possible. Pugs are an especially stubborn breed, and whatever behavior you encourage as a puppy she will keep up long into adulthood. As a grown-up, she won't want to break the habits she developed as a baby, so don't let those sad eyes and that wrinkly face tempt you into going easy on her now. Step 3 Clean your pug's face regularly. She may resist this as a puppy, but starting while she's young helps her go along with it throughout the rest of her life. Each day, gently wipe out her facial folds with a soft medicated pad or a moist, warm cotton swab. This keeps out dirt, grime and bacteria that can cause infections or make your puppy sick. Step 4 Elevate her food and water dishes. Like a bobblehead, a baby pug is all noggin, and when she bends down to grab something, she's liable to tip over. Funny as that may seem, your pug could end up faceplanting in a dish of food or water, which is both uncomfortable and dangerous. Step 5 Monitor your pug's temperature. Pugs are temperature-sensitive at any age, but when they are puppies, extremes in temperature are a serious health risk. Puppies may have difficulty breathing in hot and cold temperatures, and they are susceptible to chills and pneumonia when they aren't protected from nippy weather. Make sure that your baby pug has a sweater he can wear when the temperature drops, and if it's hot or humid, keep him in a climate-controlled environment unless he has to do his business outside. Step 6 Portion your puppy's food carefully, always adhering to the directions on the package. Puppy food is formulated for the needs of a fast-growing baby, so provide that for your puppy according to the instructions. And never give your pug table scraps, as this breed is prone to obesity—not to mention that she'll start to expect it, and those bulging, begging eyes don't easily relent. Step 7 Walk your pug puppy in a harness instead of using a collar. Because of their flat faces and internal makeup, pugs can have a tough time with breathing properly, so traditional collars pose a mild threat to their health. Harnesses are preferable with this breed. More Articles. Shop All Cat Food Few things are more delightful than a litter of newborn puppies, but the prospect of caring for all of these brand new little lives can be daunting. But don't worry. Check out this guide to newborn puppy care to tell you what need to know to raise a healthy, happy litter. A Clean Environment Newborn puppies will spend their first few weeks in the box or pen in which they were born, so it's important to choose wisely when preparing for their arrival. The space should offer enough room for the mother to lie down and stretch out comfortably without crushing the puppies, and she should be able to come and go freely while keeping the puppies contained. It should also be easy to access so that you can change out the bedding each day. In these early days, Mom will clean up her pups' waste, but if it's a large litter she may need help keeping up. Around the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Once they start to toddle about, you can move them to a larger pen with room to play, and bathroom cleanup will require more of your attention. Although the puppies will snuggle up with their mom and each other for warmth, it's best to use a heat lamp during their first month of life. The lamp should be placed high enough above the box to prevent any risk of burning the mother or her pups, and there should also be a cooler corner that the pups can crawl to if they get too warm. For the first five days, the temperature inside the pen should be kept at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. From days five through ten, gradually dial back the heat to 80 degrees, and then continue to reduce the heat little by little until it reaches 75 degrees by the end of their fourth week, suggests PetPlace. Nursing and Nutrition During their first few weeks, puppies rely exclusively on their mother for their nutritional needs. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. To ensure both mother and puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout the nursing stage, the mother should be fed several servings of a quality puppy food throughout the day. Your veterinarian can recommend the type and amount of food to feed your nursing mother. It's important to keep an eye on the puppies' weight during this time. If you notice any of the puppies being underfed, you may need to keep an eye on them when it's time to nurse and make sure the smaller puppies latch onto the fullest nipples for feeding, says The Nest. Puppies who cry or whimper frequently may also be hungry and need more attention during feeding. If the smaller puppies still don't show signs of healthy growth or weight gain, talk to your vet. It might be necessary to take over and bottle-feed them. It's also important to watch the mother for signs of mastitis, says Wag! Signs of mastitis include red and swollen nipples and reluctance to nurse. The mother may even snap at the puppies when they try to eat. If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away. By the fourth or fifth week, the puppies will start getting their teeth and the weaning process will begin as the mother's milk production slows. Once you notice the puppies starting to sample Mom's food, it's time to provide them with their own dish of puppy food. Health Young puppies are susceptible to disease and infection, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them. Newborn puppy care should include regular inspections to watch for signs of infection or poor health. Report anything unusual such as vomiting, diarrhea or a puppy who won't stand or eat to your vet. Little puppies are also especially vulnerable to fleas and other parasites, says The Spruce Pets , so talk to your vet about appropriate parasite control. Although antibodies they receive from nursing will help protect them from illness in the early weeks, these antibodies wear off around six to eight weeks, which is when they will need to receive their first round of vaccinations. Make sure you and all family members thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with these puppies to help reduce the risk of getting them sick from any bacteria that might be lying in wait on your hands. Socialization By the fourth week the puppies are ready to begin socializing with humans and other dogs. Weeks four through twelve are a critical window during which puppies need to learn about the world they'll inhabit so they'll become well-adjusted, happy dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Poorly socialized puppies tend to grow into anxious dogs who may have behavioral problems, so whether you plan to keep the puppies or send them to good homes, it's important to cuddle and play with them, allow them to explore and play and expose them to as many new experiences as possible. Newborn puppy care entails a lot of work, but these first several weeks go by in a flash. If your puppies end up being adopted, you'll be saying goodbye to them in no time, an event that is often bittersweet. Enjoy the pups while you have them, and when it's time to let go, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave them the best possible beginning. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Pet Nutrition Raising orphaned puppies can be very rewarding. It is, however, a serious responsibility that requires some time, money and work on your part if you want to help the little ones grow up healthy and happy. Close observation and prompt attention if any problems develop are especially important. If you have not raised orphans before, you should have a veterinarian examine the pups before you get started. Learn more about puppy development Basic medical care for newborn puppies What are the medical concerns when raising orphaned puppies? A normal rectal temperature for a newborn puppy is 95 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and 97 to for the second week. Puppies under the age of about 38 days have a reduced ability to regulate their body temperature and will need a temperature-controlled environment. See the section on warmth below. Weighing the puppies daily to check for weight gain can reassure you that they are doing well. If a puppy is failing to gain weight or losing weight, you should consult with your veterinarian. Because their eyes are very sensitive to light, they should be kept out of direct sunlight until approximately four weeks of age. The ear canals of puppies open between five and eight days. A puppy burns far more body heat per pound of body weight than an adult dog. To stay warm, puppies depend on radiant heat from their mother. In her absence, they need constant temperature control. Heat lamps or hot water bottles can be used to keep the temperature controlled. During the first four or five days of life, puppies should be kept in an environment that is between 85 and 90 degrees. The temperature may gradually be decreased to 80 degrees by the seventh to tenth day, and may be reduced to degrees by the end of the fourth week. Provide necessary warmth or cooling to the puppies gradually. Take care not to overheat the puppies; newborns cannot move away from the heat on their own. Stimulation for elimination. For the first two weeks of life, puppies are stimulated by their mother to encourage urination and defecation. In the absence of their mother, you will have to provide the stimulation. After two weeks, puppies should urinate and defecate on their own. Watch them carefully to make sure that happens. Diarrhea is common in puppies and may be caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, food changes e. If the diarrhea is mild and the puppy is otherwise alert and vigorous, you can try giving less food more often and monitor the pup closely. This can be done by diluting the formula with extra water, or giving the puppy clean warm water in a bottle or syringe. If the diarrhea is severe, lasts more than three or four feedings, or contains blood or obvious parasites, you should call a veterinarian and also bring a sample of feces. The lack of normal parental care may mean that you receive puppies who are dehydrated. They may also become dehydrated from other causes, such as diarrhea, vomiting or by being chilled. One sign of dehydration is loss of elasticity in the skin. The gums should be moist and shiny; if you touch them, they should not be sticky. Hypoglycemia, an abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood, can also happen to orphaned puppies. The signs to look for are lack of strength, lethargy lack of movement , and muscle twitching sometimes with convulsions. If a puppy shows signs of hypoglycemia, place a few drops of corn syrup under his tongue and on the gums, and call your veterinarian immediately for further assistance. Internal parasites. If a puppy is developing very slowly, has an extremely large bloated belly or has blood in his stool, he may have internal parasites. A stool sample should be taken to your veterinarian for examination. Puppy living space, feeding, disease prevention Living space. If the puppies were being cared for by their mother, she would choose a place that is soft, warm and away from full sunlight. In the absence of their mother, you must provide this type of environment. A box may be large enough for a first home for the family. Put the box in a warm, sheltered space. See the section above on temperature. If the litter is a big one, you may need to buy a child-size plastic pool. As the puppies grow, watch to see whether they can climb out of the box or pool. Once puppies start to move, they can climb well within a surprisingly short period of time. Use clean packing paper newspaper without print or newspaper layered on top of a flat towel for the first week or so. After they are able to lift their heads and move around a bit, you can use a towel, sheet or blanket. Newborns will need food every two to three hours, around the clock. Six or eight meals, equally spaced over 24 hours, are sufficient for most puppies; small or weak puppies may need more feedings. You can give your orphans complete nutrition by buying a commercial puppy milk replacer such as Esbilac , which can be purchased through your veterinarian or a pet supply store. Commercial milk replacers have feeding directions on the label and should be given at the puppy's body temperature about degrees. Once the can is opened or the powder reconstituted, unused formula should be kept refrigerated and discarded after 24 hours. When the puppies are weeks old, you can start feeding them milk replacer at room temperature. The size of the hole in the nipple is crucial. If you turn the bottle upside down and the milk drips freely, the hole is too large. The bottle should require a light squeeze simulating a puppy suckling for milk to drip out. If you need to make the hole bigger, you can heat a needle with a lighter and use it to enlarge the hole. Adopt from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Here are the steps for feeding: Position the puppy on his stomach with his head level, as though he is nursing from mom. For this reason, do not feed the puppy on his back. Open the puppy's mouth gently with one finger and place the tip of the nipple on his tongue. If he won't eat, try stroking him. Tilt the bottle up slightly to prevent the puppy from inhaling too much air. Do not force the puppy to nurse, or allow him to nurse too fast. After each feeding, the puppy should be burped. Hold him against your shoulder and gently pat his back. Tube-feeding may be necessary if a puppy refuses to nurse well with the bottle method. You will need to work with your veterinarian to make certain that you understand the technique and can safely perform tube feeding. If done improperly, it can result in life-threatening aspiration pneumonia from formula accidentally entering the lungs. Disease prevention. Puppies are very vulnerable to disease, so disease prevention is really important. Always wash your hands before touching the puppies. If you work with other animals or visit shelters or dog parks anyplace where you come into contact with other dogs , always change your clothes and shoes before entering the area where the puppies are kept and before handling the puppies. Nail trimming. The puppies will need nail trims often, so if you have not trimmed toenails on dogs, ask someone to show you how to do it safely. Human nail clippers work well on small puppies. You should limit the number of visitors and the number of people who handle the pups until the puppies are a few weeks old. Hand-washing before handling the puppies is always recommended. Limit interaction if the visitors have been in contact with sick animals or have been to a shelter just before visiting. Use caution: Gentle handling and disease control will continue to be concerns for many weeks. Veterinary checkup and weaning Visits to the vet. Ask your veterinarian about diet, deworming and vaccinations. Puppies in a foster or sheltering situation should start receiving vaccinations at weeks of age and every two weeks thereafter until 18 weeks of age. The vet may want to evaluate each puppy and start individual records for their future human families. Weaning puppies to gruel. During the third week, begin offering the puppies a dish of water. Then, introduce the puppies to gruel. Make a gruel by blending a good-quality dry puppy food with commercial milk replacer. Put the gruel warmed up and not too thick in a low pan. As the puppies discover how to lap up the gruel, you can gradually thicken the mixture. Feed gruel four times a day. By week six, most puppies can eat a diet of dry puppy food. Socializing puppies In your role of dog parent, you will have the challenge of safely socializing the pups to other canines and the rest of the world. They have much to learn — things that mom would normally teach them. Invite fully vaccinated friendly dog guests over to visit, and introduce the puppies to dog-friendly cats as well. Be careful to protect the puppies from any harm, keeping in mind that not all other animals like puppies. When children visit, supervision is absolutely necessary. Puppies can scratch and bite; children sometimes get too rough in their handling of them. Both children and puppies can benefit from learning the proper manners required for human-animal relationships to be safe and harmonious. The puppies should also encounter a variety of people, objects, sounds and smells — anything you can think of that is commonplace out in the world. To prevent them from becoming fearful of noises, for instance, you can play thunderstorm sounds, run the vacuum and turn on the TV. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! 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. Still, Thinking of Buying a Pug? The birthing process Sadly, baby pug births are renowned for their complications. Like many other brachycephalic dogs, pugs are prone to difficult births. This is often referred to as Dystocia. Natural birth is difficult. For this reason, the number of newborn baby pugs born by cesarean section is greater than average. Make sure mum is eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercises Visit your veterinarian for a six-week ultrasound, pelvic exam, and blood sugar testing Put together a cosey whelping box in a quiet and comfortable location. A cardboard box with a thick layer of newspaper will suffice Be ready with everything you need for the birth- clean towels, scissors, rubbing alcohol, and heating pads are a great start As the birth approaches, mamma pug will start acting a bit differently. Look out for nesting behaviors and change in appetite. Heavy panting, straining, and whimpering are signs that birth is imminent. If your dog shows any of these signs you will require professional assistance and must call your vet immediately. Most litters consist of between one and eight puppies in total. Puppies come out head-first in the amniotic sac. This is a natural and healthy behavior. You can cut the cord with a sterilized thread or apply some rubbing alcohol to a pair of scissors. When the puppies start to cry this is a great sign. Clean them off gently with a soft towel and encourage them to start nursing from their mamma. Newborn pups will need a lot of sleep. So be patient. Newborn Pugs: The Early Days Image source: Pinterest Remember that newborn baby pugs are born deaf, blind, toothless, and relatively immobile. These tiny creatures are entirely dependent on others during their early life. Mum will help them go to the bathroom and they will need help staying warm and well-nourished. This will take some time. Your puppies will crawl at first. This is completely normal. Newborn pugs cannot support their body weight yet. With time their mobility will improve. Something to consider- pugs are prone to respiratory difficulties, so look out for breathing problems early on. Even after a week, newborn pug puppies are blind and deaf. With their limited mobility, they are most likely to stay close to the litter. Things to monitor include weight and breathing. You should expect to notice a gradual increase in weight. Most baby pug puppies will double their birth weight after one week. Remember to keep checking their breathing, even as they start to mature. This is always a special moment. Step by step, your pups will gradually start exploring. There will still be a lot of sleeping involved. This is normal. Pug puppies start their lives with blue eyes but as they get older their eye coloration changes. Once maturity is reached, most pups will have dark brown eyes. They can now support their weight and move around. This means your bundles of joy will start to come into their own. Your puppies can now hear, urinate, and defecate independently. As they grow in confidence, they will become fascinated by their new senses and surroundings. Look out for their reactions as they discover the world for the first time. At three weeks, eyesight is developing quickly. Three-week-old baby pug puppies can recognize their mother, siblings, and immediate surroundings. This is a social time and the perfect opportunity to get your pups used to human touch. But always be gentle and go slowly. Your pups will start to develop social skills and become more playful. Enjoy watching them interact with their littermates and get up to lots of mischiefs. The three-week mark is also teething time. This is when your puppies will be learning about their world. Enjoy watching your litter play and tumble. Prioritize socializing at this time and begin some basic training exercises. Glorious Food. Expect Hungry Pups by Week 5 Week five is for progress. Weaning is a slow and steady process. Let your pup experiment with solid foods and gradually reduce their milk consumption. This is a delicate developmental milestone for young dogs. They will need to stay with their litter a while longer before looking for a forever home. Nearly There. Pug Pups at 6 Weeks By 6 weeks, it can seem that your pups are seasoned professionals at, well, being a dog. Give them time to find their feet. Baby Pugs: Expect a Confidence Wobble in Week 7 After seven weeks, your pups will have gotten used to being more independent. At this stage, you must be cautious with even the most confident of puppies. Pushing a young pup too far, too soon is a recipe for disaster. If your pup seems to have lost some confidence, try using counter-conditioning to get them back on track. Here are my 5 top tips for healthy, happy pups: 1. Your pups will need vaccinations and health check-ups throughout their life. Start training early but gradually for happy pups and happy owners. Portion food according to food type and age. Remember that pugs are prone to obesity so resist those wide-eyed looks and keep treats to a minimum. FAQs 1. Where can I get a baby pug? You can source your baby pug pup from one of several locations. One option is to visit a certified breeder. Make sure that they are reputable and ensure you take a visit before picking up your pup, to check out the breeding conditions. Another way to source your pup is through a pet shop. Buying a puppy from a pet shop. Ask lots of questions and make the most of their expertise. With so many dogs out there needing homes, rehoming an abandoned or homeless animal, pug or not, is a truly amazing thing to do. How much does it cost to get a baby pug? Depending on where you live and how you choose to source your puppy, prices will vary. Take a look at this pricing roundup for clearer international price points. Pugs can make healthy, happy, friendly companions. Check out the video below for Pug puppies from the first day to day 33! Unfortunately, like French bulldogs and other brachycephalic dogs, pugs also have this same problem. This is frequently referred to as Dystocia, and means that the mother is likely to have significant difficulties birthing a puppy with a large head. As such, the birthing process can already be a lot more expensive than many other breeds, and recovery time is increased for the mother. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to improve the chances of a pregnant pug having a natural birth. There may be changes in her diet, and she will start nesting. Pay close attention for signs of straining, heavy panting, and whimpering — you will have puppies on your hands soon! Most pugs will have litters between 1—8, and they will emerge head first. They will be bright eyed troublemakers in no time. Early Days — What To Expect The first few days after being born, you should be keeping a watchful eye on the tiny pups. They are completely dependent on their mother, or even you, in order to survive. Their movement is incredibly limited, too, so they will crawl around even before they open their eyes. Their mother will help with going to the toilet, and she should be able to take good care of them. Stay on the lookout for any signs of breathing issues, as you will want to catch them early on. Up To Seven Days During this time, you should be watching their breathing and monitoring their weight. You should see a noticeable increase in their size in the first few days. In just a week, most pups should double in weight. Two Weeks Old Now things start to get exciting! They will not start to experience the world more, but stay calm — they will still be sleeping most of the day. You should notice them gradually becoming more curious and confident as their eyesight improves. Keep monitoring their weight and breathing. During this time, you should also start to look out for any ocular eye problems. Three Weeks Old At three weeks, your pug puppies should be able to hold up their weight and move around more easily. While this is so adorable, it also means that you are going to have to keep one eye on them at all times. They will be curious, and they can control their bodily functions to a degree. They will be able to recognise things around them, including their siblings, mother, and immediate surroundings. This means that they will be experiencing new things every day, and their reactions are adorable, so watch out for them. This is a good opportunity to get them used to humans, and the human touch. Be gentle and take things slow. They will soon become more playful and get into all kinds of trouble on their own. During this time, they will also start to teeth. It also means that they will begin to express more interest in solid food. Four Weeks Old Now the real work begins. At four weeks old, you need to start teaching the pups all the basics, such as potty training. Teach them to go to the toilet outside, and incorporate fun training exercises into their daily activities. They will be playful and adorable, but you need to remember that you have a responsibility. Learn what you should and should not do, and deal with behavioural issues like jumping up from an early age. This is something that you and everyone else will appreciate. Since their teeth are coming in, you can now start thinking about giving them solid food. But limit it, and always monitor them while they are eating! Five Weeks Old Weaning needs to be done slowly and carefully. They will continue to put on weight, and you will need to constantly monitor them to make sure they are healthy. Slow and steady wins the race, and it will make for the happiest and healthiest pug you could ask for. Six Weeks Old While a puppy is becoming a pro at being a dog and, well, living, at six weeks, they have a lot to learn. Allow them to explore and have fun, and keep doing all the basic training with them. It will make the transition easier, and their new parents will be so grateful to you for doing it. Seven Weeks Old You need to be careful around this time. At seven weeks old, most puppies will be brazen and have the confidence of a bull. Overstimulation will overwhelm them. If this happens, they can lose confidence, and become anxious or nervous. If you are worried that something has knocked them off balance, try counter-conditioning them. With some help, you can get them back on track and confident again, which is what we all want! Make sure that you are keeping up with basic training. You should also start preparing leaving kits for your pups! This will make the transition a little bit less scary. Eight Weeks Old At this stage, your energetic pups are ready to leave the nest. They should be fully weaned and on a diet of solid food. You could keep them on for another week or two, but by now they are developed enough to go to their forever homes. To make things as smooth as possible, you can add a few days worth of their puppy food for their new parents to take with them. This will ensure that they can slowly be weaned onto a new diet, or stay on the same one. It will be better for them, and their tummies. Taking Care Of A Pug Puppy — Useful Tips If you want to have a smooth experience with your pug puppies, we have a few tips and tricks for you to live by. Always Have A Good Vet On Hand You might not need a vet for the birthing process, but there will be a lot of trips in the weeks you spend with your puppies. Things like checkups and vaccines are crucial, and you need to have a good relationship with the local vet. As such, you need to make sure they are getting the right kind of food, and the right amounts. Since this breed often has issues with obesity, make sure you limit treats. Start early so that the pups can learn and have good habits. This will ensure that the new owners will be happy, and have an easier time on their hands. Things like potty training are crucial. However, you can also deal with behavioural things like chewing and jumping up on people easily with some minor work. Using a collar on a pug can inhibit their ability to breathe properly, so use a harness from early on. This will depend on where you are. However some popular options for getting pugs are as follows: Visit a certified breeder Stop by the pet shop Adopt from a shelter Are Pugs Expensive To Get? Pugs are expensive. No pug is going to come cheap if it is a purebred, so make sure you double-check paperwork. The primary health concerns for pugs are as follows: Respiratory issues. Small Pets Taking Care of a Pug Puppy Pugs are some of the most soulful looking animals on the planet, and are very expressive. You can easily recognize a pug as these small breed dogs have a wrinkly face and a curled tail. They first came to international prominence when mobile operator Vodafone used them to endorse their brand —the ad with the pug, named Hutch in the ad, was a stupendous success with the pug soon becoming a household name. But there are certain things that you must be aware of if you also want to adopt this cute pet. Unlike adult pugs, small pug dogs are most likely to suffer from a number of health issues ranging from obesity, overheating and pharyngeal reflex. So, you need to be the doubly careful when dealing with these vulnerable puppies. If you are worried, you can take heart from the fact that taking care of the pups is uncomplicated and easy as they have very few demands. Before bringing home the pug puppy Ensure that you have all the grooming items in place starting from brush, cotton swabs, and petroleum jelly to puppy shampoo and dog treats. Here are some guidelines that you can refer to when taking care of the pug puppy: Training the puppy to follow your commands: There is no substitute for a well-trained dog, so train the puppy from day one. The first six months are the most crucial as during this period, he will learn the most which will mold him. Every time he responds correctly to your commands, like sit, run, jump, and come, give him some treats and words of encouragement. But there is one caveat: keep the sessions short as being such a young dog, his power of concentration is limited. To start with, minute sessions would be ok. Also, when taking him for a walk, better use a harness which will provide protection to his windpipe. Potty training: This is a very important stage of puppy training. When he is young, he has very little control over his bladder, so you need to take him out for potty breaks more frequently than you would do to an adult. He may demand potty breaks every hours at this stage, but as he grows older and his control over the bladder imp roves, the frequency will gradually become normal. However, under no circumstances, you should overlook his tendency to soil corners of the home thinking that it is an isolated incident, because it is not. Deal with such incidents with a firm no, or else he will become a big nuisance and a lazy dog. Grooming routine: The pug has a double coat which keeps shedding continuously, so daily grooming is essential. Brush the pug at least twice every week and vacuum him extensively. In what is unusual, pug dogs are very fond of water, unlike other dogs. You can easily find soaps and other bath related items that are designed for puppies in the local outlet, use them. Try oatmeal based shampoos which not only keeps his skin soft, but protects his sensitive skin. Pugs have narrow ear canals, so chances of getting an ear infection if water gets into its ear are higher in pugs. What you can do is use soft tissues or a cotton ball to wipe the ear clean and dry. If your pug is shaking his head violently, then it may indicate an ear infection —and if there is an infection, get in touch with the vet immediately. Cleaning of Pug Wrinkles Pug wrinkles are called folds, which serve as a great place to accumulate all sorts of unwanted stuff like water, mucous, dirt, tear, food etc. Cleaning of pug wrinkles is an easy task and getting the Pug used to it at an early age is a good idea. Some owners use an Ear Bud or Q-Tip for this purpose, but we would not recommend this as the slightest struggle from your Pug could cause an eye injury. Instead, you can use baby wipes or medicated wipes. You can fill a cup with lukewarm water and dip the baby wipes or cotton swab in it. After that, run the moist tip of baby wipes through the wrinkles so that all dirt and grime particle come out. At the end, you should use a cotton swab to smear petroleum jelly inside the wrinkles to keep the internal skin protected. Tackling overheating issues: Pugs are adversely affected by warm conditions and may get dehydrated. So, ensure that the living condition of the pup is cool- special care needs to be taken during the summers when the pugs feel great discomfort. Regularly check the room temperature where the pug is kept, and if you feel that the room is too hot, you have to either move it to a cool room or else you have to provide him with lots of water. In extreme conditions, there are cold compresses that you can put on his belly till it cools down. Exercise: Pugs are actually overweight for their size, so unless they exercise a lot heath issues are a given. Take him for a daily walk and play different games with it which will help it maintain its health. Be careful not to take him out on a bright sunny day, as it can dehydrate him. Feeding the puppy: There are special diets that are designed for pugs. But you may be unsure which brand to select for your puppy as there are so many different brands in the market. The best thing to do in such a situation is to take the advice of a vet. Pugs would eat almost anything and in the process put on a lot of weight. So, make it a point not to overfeed it. Also, if your dog prefers a particular food and you want to wean it away from that food, do it gradually. Normally, puppies in the age group 3 to 6 months should be fed at least three times a day. And from 6 months to 1 year, change it to two times. To make the feeding process easier for the pet, try using bowls that has an elevated shape off the ground. For more guidance, please refer to this article : Puppy feeding tips for new dog owners Dealing with obesity: Overeating will not only make the pug overweight, but may pave the way for ailments like leg pain, eye disorders, and lung problems. About Rahul From Delhi, Rahul is an animal lover at heart. He is a writer and most of his writing revolves around making people aware of animal issues like health, training and grooming.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We're right outside of Austin. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, loving and devoted family companion who has a fantastic temperament and a low to non-shedding coat. Producing puppies with calm, sweet temperaments is a focus of our breeding program. We select our parent dogs with care to ensure that each litter born produces wonderful puppies that can be the pride and joy of those lucky enough to raise them. Bobbie is a certified BAB Puppy Evaluator and we temperament test our litters to help families find just the right puppy. We're also proud to have been accepted, with an Excellent rating, into the Good Breeder Program at gooddog. We learned about labradoodles several years ago. We were looking to add a dog to our family that had a great temperament and didn't shed much. We had previously owned a labrador that we loved to death, but we wanted to avoid fur covering every inch of our floor again. Our first labradoodle, Cooper, was so much more than we dared hope for and the reason we decided to go into breeding. He has a lab temperament. He's calm, sweet, devoted, patient, loving and loyal. And he doesn't shed at all. We were so in love with him, that we decided one labradoodle in our home was simply not enough. Why Australian Labradoodles? Because they are, in our view, the perfect dog. They are so sweet, love their humans so much, are so devoted and wonderful with children, and they are so smart. They are known for their beauty and looks, but the Australian Labradoodle's gorgeous coat is just the icing on a very delicious cake! We hope you take a few minutes to look around our site and get to know us and our dogs. We'd love to hear from you if you have any questions! Contact Us. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Hi and thanks for visiting North Austin Labradoodles! We are an Austin, Texas, labradoodle breeder of multigeneration Australian Labradoodles. All puppies are lovingly raised in our home with the goal of producing well socialized, brave puppies. Please use the top links above to find out all about us, our breeding dogs and our puppies. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! Please complete our contact form. We can also be reached at or by email at NorthAustinLabradoodles yahoo. If you email and do not get a response, please check your spam folder. Information on this, his litter and their parents can be found on the Next Generation page. Being a Guardian Owner means you are able to be the forever family to one of our beautiful breeding dogs, while being an ambassador of the Australian Labradoodle breed. If you think being a Guardian Owner might be a good option for you, please review all the information on our Guardians page. Once you've read through everything, if you decide you would like to become a guardian to one of our precious dogs, please complete and submit the Guardian Application. Contact Form Please fill out our Contact Form if you would like to be contacted by North Austin Labradoodles regarding current litters, upcoming litters or you have questions regarding out breeding program. If you would like to reserve a puppy, please go to our Application page , read the documentation, and complete the form. We are a small in-home breeder of authentic Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles. We prioritize health, temperament, and conformation. We only breed from the finest Australian Labradoodle lineage and are accredited breeders of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association and the Australian Labradoodle Association of America. Over the years, raising four kids two boys and two girls , dogs have always been an integral part of our lives. We have owned a variety of breeds including a lab and a standard poodle. When I first heard these two great breeds were being bred to each other to form the Labradoodle my research began into the history of the original "Labradoodle. Well, I know it took a while, but they got to Texas as fast as they could! I wanted to raise a family friendly, non-shedding dog that would be good with my grandchildren. Australian Labradoodles are amazingly gentle and protective with children and are very low to non-shedding. We do extensive testing on our breeding dogs. Testing is done through a Paw Prints panel of each of the suggested genetic diseases for Australian Labradoodles unless cleared by parents. This ensures you are receiving a very healthy pup from the beginning and should help save down the road on vet bills not to mention increasing the longevity of your pet. I am a very small breeder and have spent a great deal of time in research, training, and being hands on with the pups to ensure that each dog receives proper socialization from birth. We use Puppy Culture and Dr. We are not a kennel. The dogs we have on property live in our home and sleep inside as well. They are members of our family. We do place dogs in loving guardian homes on occasion. There are many family members children and adults here to give our dogs and any litters the love and attention they all deserve. The litters receive one-on-one attention to build confidence and trust. The puppies are handled daily and receive warm water baths and massages, occasional car rides and are exposed to typical household noises. We keep the nursery exceptionally clean to help the puppies learn to respect their play and sleeping areas. Studies have shown that crate trained dogs make well-adjusted adults. What You Receive Along With Your Puppy A puppy from HeartRock Labradoodles is seen by a trusted veterinarian, given age appropriate immunizations, de- wormed, and comes with a health certificate. You will receive a two year health guarantee that covers and any hereditary condition considered life threatening or severe. A life time of support on the care and nurturing of your Australian Labradoodle! I send out weekly emails for the first two-three months to my new puppy owners with valuable information on the care and nurturing of your new pet. You may email me at any time at sandy heartrocklabradoodles. I am also available to text at any time for questions, information on our breeding program, puppy availability and upcoming litters. I can be reached at .I am busy daily with the pups but will call or text you back as soon as possible. Health and safety reasons prevent us from allowing visitors to our home while attending to a new litter. Healthy Puppies Come First Here! We do keep you updated every step of the way with photos and information on the litters each week. The puppies are selected by order of deposit. Of course, people have preferences for a specific gender, color or coat. If you do not find the puppy you desire from the litter or if for any reason Mother Nature does not cooperate with the birth of this litter your deposit may be moved to an upcoming litter of that size, type and color variety. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Buda Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Austin TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Austin TX. An Australian Labradoodle is not just a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador. With the wish to produce an intelligent, hypoallergenic, friendly dog, bloodlines from English and American Cocker Spaniels, Wheaten Terriers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels were included in the mix--resulting into what is now called the Australian Labradoodle. How much are Labradoodles for sale Austin? Variety is a big selling point among Labradoodles--this also accounts for the difference in price among puppies. Will you only connect me with local Labradoodle breeders Austin? We work with puppy businesses and breeders from all over the continental US. You can choose among pups from within your state or outside of it--in the case of the latter, rest assured our partners have the means and experience to bring your future best friend to the closest airport to you safely and reliably. How do you screen Labradoodle breeders in Austin? We love dogs, and we only want to work with those who feel the same way. How would we know? Through our vetting process, we are able to check if those applying to join our network follow animal welfare laws, have complete legal documents, practice ethical breeding, among others. Check our Breeder Pledge page for more details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with Labradoodles Austin? Nowadays, you can pick up a puppy just about anywhere. This way, we can guarantee that the puppy that goes home with you will be a happy and healthy addition to your family. What is a puppy mill for Labradoodle puppies Austin? Puppy mills are run by those who care more about turning a profit that they do about the dogs in their care. The puppies they sell are likely to have medical and behavioral issues due to the poor treatment of their parents, unsanitary and crowded living conditions, and irresponsible breeding practices. Getting your pup from here just fuels this kind of disreputable business. Are there any Labradoodle puppies in Austin available now? What is the MatchMaker process like for Labradoodle Austin? This is the easiest and fastest way to get your dream dog! The Australian Labradoodle is a precious breed that makes the ideal enhancement to any type of household. Purposefully bred for their intelligence, friendly behavior, as well as low-shed coats, our Australian Labradoodle pups are guaranteed multigenerational ALAA registered as well as featured a month hereditary wellness guarantee. Contact us for info on adoptions and upcoming litters! Australian Labradoodle for Sale Dallas Labradoodles specialize in the breeding and also fostering of our cherished young puppies. Inspect our site for available pups. Get Australian Labradoodle Puppies Much of our litter sells out before the young puppies are born, which is why we motivate you to ask for a spot on our appointment list. Puppies are selected in the order in which the reservations are made, and bookings are made as part of a certain litter. Home Guardian Program Our pets of breeding age demand love as well as treatment in between litter, which is why we developed the Home Guardian Program. Intend you have actually always desired the love and pleasure of an Australian Labradoodle. In that case, this is an outstanding chance to bring among our older canines into your house to live with you while they remain part of our breeding program. Already have an Australian Labradoodle as well as need a stud service? Dallas Labradoodles offers breeding dogs available for sale in addition to stud services. The breed was developed in the s as an allergy-friendly breed. Is there a mini Australian Labradoodle? Yes, miniature Australian Labradoodles reach concerning inches in elevation and generally weigh under 30 extra pounds. The mini is the tiniest size of this breed, however no size expands to be greater than 65 extra pounds in weight. Exactly how big are Australian Labradoodles? Australian Labradoodles are considered a medium-to-large breed, with the majority getting to around 20 to 24 inches in height and evaluating 65 pounds or much less. The city has a strong music scene and is home to many festivals and events throughout the year. Austin is also known for its foodie culture, with some of the best restaurants in the country located within the city limits. Get in touch with us by contacting us today! Contact us today for information on upcoming litters and reservations! Contact Us We would love to talk with you about how you could become the proud owner of a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle!

One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. It is, in fact, the first choice of most first-time dog owners. This adorable dog breed has a lot of features that you should know. They can be used for a lot of purposes. You can keep them as guide dogs, sniffer dogs or family dogs. In this post, you are going to know more about this dog breed. History and Popularity The history of Golden Retrievers can be traced back to the 19th century. It was bred in Scotland. Since their origin, Golden Retrievers have become popular all over the world. One of the major reason for its popularity is its friendly nature and easy-going temperament. Appearance The Golden Retriever is a stong built medium-large sized dog breed. It has a beautiful golden colored soft coat. It has a thick and feathery tail. Its oval-shaped eyes are very cute. Its ears are short and remain hung down. Characteristics 1. Friendly Golden Retrievers are one of the friendliest dogs in the world. They are great companions and love to be around you. When you are looking for a family dog, the Golden Retriever has to be your first choice. Reliable They are one of the most reliable dogs to have. They are trustworthy and loyal. You will feel their trust and reliability when you have them around you. Dog Breeders Near Me 3. Kind Golden Retrievers are one of the kindest animals you can have as pets. They are good with kids. They can be the best companion for your kids. Intelligent Golden Retrievers are intelligent animals. They can learn fast. They are widely known for being the best guide dogs for visually impaired people. Who is it not for? While the Golden Retriever is certainly a great dog to have, it is not suitable for everyone. Your lifestyle is a primary factor when deciding whether or not you can have this dog breed as your pet. Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone. Why are Golden Retrievers so expensive? Golden Retriever are one of the most sought for dog breeds in India, hence, they are in lot of demand. Because of such high demand and low supply, they are naturally a bit expensive then the other breed of dogs that are readily available. How much do Golden Retrievers cost per month? Which type of Golden Retriever is best? There are three types of Golden Retrievers- the regular, the lowe and long hair type. Should I get a boy or girl Golden Retriever? The good news is that females are easier to obedience train. Are Black Golden Retrievers rare? Are Golden Retrievers easy to train? Is Golden Retriever smart? Golden Retrievers are one of the smartest breeds, ranking up there with German Shepherds and Beagles. Is Golden Retriever dangerous? A Golden Retriever is a large dog that has the potential for violence when it feels threatened or frightened. Do Golden Retrievers pick a favorite person? What is bad about Golden Retrievers? Golden Retrievers are a healthy breed of dogs, but they have their share of health problems. Is Golden Retriever good for India? Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are two breeds of dogs that have made quite the name for themselves in India. These intelligent canines make fantastic companion animals, as they love to engage with people from all walks of life. Can Golden Retriever protect you? Golden Retrievers are one of the most loyal and intelligent breeds around. These big boys can protect their owner with all that loyalty and intelligence behind them. Can Golden Retrievers drink milk? Dogs should have a balanced diet and drink water not milk. This is because they can get stomach aches, diarrhea or other health troubles if they consume too much milk or any other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream etc. Can Golden Retrievers aggressive? Training can help keep your dog from being aggressive and dominant! Are Golden Retrievers lazy? In fact, Goldens love exercise and playing with their owners — but it must never tire them out or overwhelm them because of how sensitive these dogs can be when it comes to stress. Can Golden Retriever be left alone? Golden Retriever will become destructive or anxious if left alone for extended periods of time. If you go out after work, socialize on weekends, the dog may pine and be hungry with all these needs to take care of! Can Golden Retrievers eat boiled eggs? Eggs can be a great source of protein and nutrients to keep your dog healthy inside and out. What foods are bad for Golden Retrievers? There are many ingredients that you should look out for in pet food, some of which might be carcinogenic. What fruits can Golden Retrievers eat? Is your pup one of those dogs who likes to snack on the occasional fruit? They can enjoy apples as well as bananas and mango. Are Golden Retrievers big barkers? However some Golden Retrievers will let you know when strangers approach in the vicinity. What are the disadvantages of owning a Golden Retriever? They shed so much fur! Inevitably this means more work cleaning up afterward. A Golden Retriever also can not be left alone for more than a few hours, which means you will have to spare constant attention, which might be difficult for most people! Do Golden Retrievers like to cuddle? Golden Retriever loves to cuddle. They are one of those breed of dogs that would come and sit in your lap and love to spend hours with you at strech. Are Golden Retrievers the nicest dogs? The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in India and for good reason. Goldens also need some basic obedience training so they know their place among humans! How long can Golden Retrievers hold their pee? They can hold their pee for up to hours if they need too. The average adult Golden Retriever should be allowed to relieve themselves at least times a day and no less than once every 8 hours or more often in hot weather when dogs are panting heavily due to summer heat. What to Know Before owning a Golden Retriever? The Golden Retriever is a sturdy and intelligent dog that requires careful consideration. They are not for couch potatoes, but require mental stimulation in order to be happy. Can Golden Retrievers live longer than 12 years? They are larger dogs, so their time with us is shorter than other breeds of dog. However, some goldies have lived as long as 19 years which is quite rare! Why are Golden Retrievers so loyal? Golden Retrievers were bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt birds, requiring them to be obedient and loyal. Their athleticism is also a result of their history as hunting dogs. Are Golden Retrievers jealous? Golden Retrievers are intelligent and loving dogs. What is the best age to get a Golden Retriever puppy? After 8 weeks, Golden Retriever puppies are ready to be taken away from their mother and littermates. The process of weaning the puppy is healthier for both you and your new pup! What is the best age to train a Golden Retriever? Are Golden Retrievers destructive? They may chew on your shoes or furniture as they explore the world around them. How do you know if your Golden Retriever loves you? The final sign that your dog loves you? Or bringing things to show how much he appreciates everything. Do Golden Retrievers like to sleep with their owners? Dogs of all breeds including a Golden Retriever will love nothing more than to share the same bed with their owners. Why are Golden Retrievers always hungry? Are Golden Retrievers indoor or outdoor dogs? Golden Retriever family members can experience many problems if left out all the time- Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, aggression; Behavioral problems such as digging holes even while indoors Look what I made! Are Golden Retrievers calmer than labs? The Golden Retriever and Labrador are few of the most popular breeds for a family with kids. They are great around children and love to play, but Golden Retriever also enjoy their downtime unlike most Labradors. Conclusion These were some of the things that you need to know before you decide to get this adorable dog breed. Do you think you have something more that can be added to this post? Please let us know down in the comment section. We might add it in the next update of this post. Hope you found this post helpful. Leave your questions and suggestions in the comment section below. A lot of factors come into play in deciding its price. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized retriever dog breed from Scotland. It has a gentle and loving personality and a beautiful golden coat. It is often kept as a pet, and in many Western countries, it is one of the most commonly registered breeds. It often competes in dog shows and obedience trials and is also used as a gundog. It can also be trained to be a guide dog. You can look up 'Golden Retriever puppy for sale in Chennai' on the internet and bring in a cute retriever home. Characteristics of Golden Retriever The golden retriever has a good temper, is brilliant, and loves people. Golden retrievers are friendly and outgoing, getting along well with youngsters, animals, and people. One reason why these dogs perform so well in obedience classes and as service animals is that they are so eager to please. They also like to work, hunt birds, or get their guardian's slippers. Golden retrievers don't usually bark and don't have the instinct to protect, so you can't count on them to be good watchdogs. But some golden retrievers will bark when they see a stranger coming. Regular Exercises They must exercise every day or get antsy, nervous, and overactive. This is a big problem if you keep your dog inside and there are other people in the house or if your home is small and has a lot of things that can break. Walk your Golden Retriever twice daily, ideally in the morning and evening. This should last between 45 minutes and an hour so they get enough exercise. If you are willing to obtain any more information about the breed before going ahead with the purchase, you can always get in touch with us and we would be more than happy to provide you with all necessary assistance, just Dial - Diet and Nutrition Golden Retrievers can eat a wide range of foods that are healthy and good for them. Foods high in protein include lean meats like cattle, chicken, lamb, hog, and fish, grains like rice, maize, and oats, and dairy products like plain yogurt and cheese. Vegetables, fruits, and grains can also give dogs the necessary nutrients. To stay healthy and live long, they need to consume enough protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The Golden Retriever puppy price in Chennai generally depends on age, height, health, and diet. Common Health Issues Hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, is frequent in Golden Retrievers. Skin and hair dryness, thinning, susceptibility to various skin disorders, increased body weight, anxiety, anger, and other personality changes are all possible symptoms. What is the Lifespan of a Golden Retriever? Some golden retrievers have been known to live significantly longer than the typical lifespan of 10—12 years. Temperament Golden Retrievers have pleasant personalities that are easy-going and calm. They are quick to learn and like the company of others. They like spending time with the family and can usually be seen dozing down at your feet. We hope this blog has helped you get Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Chennai.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. By Pups Central Team What to Look For When Buying a Labrador Puppy These past few months, you may have been drooling over adorable puppy photos over on Facebook and Instagram, even became a loyal follower of their social media accounts. With this cuteness overload, you are now thinking of buying a Labrador Retriever puppy. Remember that you are not buying a toy. You are buying a living being, whose growth, training, and care will be your responsibility for the length of its life. Have no clue on what to look for when buying a Labrador puppy? Let us enumerate the steps. Figuring out the Labrador puppy that you want is not as easy as it looks. You need to determine your reason for buying a pup in the first place. Do you want a gorgeous Labrador that you can flaunt in dog shows? Do you want a competitive dog that can participate in field trials? Or maybe you just want a loyal and dedicated pet for the whole family? Knowing the type of Labrador you want is important because it will give you an idea of its overall temperament and if it matches your lifestyle, and help you in finding the right breeder. Aside from type, you should also determine the color of the Lab puppy that you want to own. Labrador experts have observed that the three main colors of the breed also present with different levels of intelligence and temperament. STEP 2: Come up with a list of reputable Labrador breeders Now that you know the type of Labrador that you want, the next step is to look for reputable breeders in your area. The Club has a search directory for club-registered breeders. If you have no particular breeder in mind, scroll down to the bottom of the directory for the breeder listings by state, last name, and kennel name. This list helps you to further narrow down your choice for a Labrador type. STEP 3: Contact the breeder. Having come up with your list, the next step is to contact the breeder through email or phone. Make sure that you have your notes on the Labrador puppy you are interested in as well as the questions that you would want to ask the breeder. Some good initial questions that you can ask are the following: 1 Do you have a litter of puppies available? Most breeders would have all the puppies reserved for early buyers before they are even born. If there is a new litter on the way, you can book an early reservation for a puppy as well. STEP 4: Visit the breeder. Once you have determined the breeders that have puppies available, schedule an on-site visit with them. Check out the stud dog and bitch and verify their credentials. If the stud mated with a bitch outside the kennel, consider tracking them down. The reason why you need to see the parents is that their temperaments can be passed on to their puppies. STEP 5: Check credentials. Aside from knowing the credentials of the breeder, you also need to check out the credentials of the stud dog and bitch. The three main standards that you should keep in mind are temperament, ability, and especially health. When it comes to health, both parents should possess the following health certificates : A Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certificated dated within the past year that the dog is free from eye diseases An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA or PennHip certificate that the dog has normal hips An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA certificate that the dog has normal elbows An Optigen testing certificate that the dog is free from inherited progressive blindness. STEP 6: Prepare to be assessed by the breeder. Reputable and responsible breeders would like to be sure that their puppies will go to good homes. In most cases, they will also interview you, asking questions on why you have chosen to get a Lab, the type of Lab that you are interested in, and the readiness of your home and family to take in a puppy. Some breeders may choose to visit your home and talk with family members. They may also offer recommendations to ensure the best living environment for their puppies. However, if you are given free rein to choose a puppy, these are the things you should take note of: A healthy Lab should be solid and well-proportioned. Thin puppies with visible ribs may be signs of malnutrition or illness. Inspect the coat, which should be soft and luxurious. There should be no bald patches. It should be clean with no signs of diarrhea or white flaky matter which is indicative of tapeworms. Its gums should be a healthy bright pink. The ears should be clean with no signs of infection, inflammation, or discharge. Observe the puppy while moving. It should be walking or running around with no limping or lameness. These steps will help ensure that you will be buying the Labrador puppy that you are looking for.