2 month old black labrador puppy

We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Palm Springs California and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! But we got to live together for her last 5 years and I learned many lessons of love and forgiveness; I miss her dreadfully. We also lost several of our old dogs during this time multiplying our sadness. Then the pandemic hit and all dog shows in CA stopped, taking away the joy of showing our beautiful Goldens. Now we are counting the days until she comes in season to be bred see the Puppies page. August After a rough year we can finally celebrate a beautiful litter of 10! Mom and babies doing great!! December What an exciting month! JAVA is a Champion!! She finished at the Malibu KC show Dec. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! After a short stint at Camp Schultz she went to Arizona and won her first points in the form of a BOW major, just as her mom did! Then a couple weeks later she went to Primm, Nevada and went back-to-back WB for 2 more points! We are very excited about this pretty girl! But having grown their beautiful coats back we all travelled to fabulous Palm Springs Jan. So proud of our girls after being away from the show ring for months!! But the BIG news is times 2! This was her first show!! SO proud of her! She is owned by Cheyenne Kruse. Way to go!! So very proud of you guys!

They are eager and athletic. They are also very easy to train, which makes them a great family dog. But they do require a lot of grooming. Many poodle owners believe that because this breed is mostly low shedding, it is also low maintenance. But this could not be further from the truth. The truth is that poodles do require daily grooming. This includes brushing and combing everyday or at least 3 times a week. Creating a grooming routine with your poodle is vital to keeping their fluffy coat mat-free! Matting is the number one grooming problem that poodle owners encounter. Matted fur does not only look bad, but it is very painful for poodles. If not removed, it can also cause other health issues including discomfort, skin disorder, flea infestation, mites, worms, and other parasites. And severe matting usually leads to a shavedown, right to the skin. Shaving a fluffy poodle is actually very frustrating for an owner because they may not know what they are doing wrong. These are the top three tools that will make grooming so much easier. A High Quality Slicker Brush The slicker brush is the number one dog brush recommended by grooming professionals for poodles. It is actually the type of brush you want to start with when grooming your dog because it will help break up any knots and prevent matting. It is perfect for poodle coat maintenance at home. It is always important to keep the bristles of a slicker brush from bending or getting damaged as this can cause skin irritation, pain, and discomfort. What we love about this brush is that you can brush your poodle, and then just click and clean the brush. The bristles retract when you click so they are kept from being damaged. And your brush can be stored and ready for your next brushing session. The poodle slicker brush is great at working through dense and thick coats because of its larger than standard pins. This slicker brush is gentle and smoothly works its way through your poodle's coat. It is one of the best slicker brushes on the market for poodle owners because it makes coat maintenance much easier. It is great at removing tangles and mats. It's also perfect for achieving that fluffly look effortlessly. The Poodle slicker brush is extremely lightweight, the extra-long handle is ergonomic, and it is very comfortable and effective. A Dematting Tool A double-sided dematting tool is perfect for grooming your poodle when matting is the problem as it is specifically designed to remove mats. The dematting tool can come in very handy before having to take your pup to the groomer for a shavedown. This tool has a 9-rounded-teeth side specifically designed for dematting purposes. We love recommending the Freshly Bailey dematting brush because it has proven to be effective at removing mats while creating a positive grooming experience. The brush is terrific for getting deep into the dog's coat and for working through the stubborn tangles. A Metal Comb A metal comb should be used after you have brushed your poodle thoroughly with the slicker brush. The end result should be the ability to get the comb from the root to the tip of the hair. We like the Dual-length Dog Metal Comb. It has long and short stainless steel teeth to quickly and painlessly remove any remaining tangles or knots. And the anti-slip handle protects your dog from any slippery accidents. The hammock is also a great tool for grooming your poodle's face, legs, and tail. It really does save tons of time and frustration. If you bathe your dog, make sure you brush your dog's hair before the actual bath and use a high quality shampoo and conditioner. We love the 5-in-1 Pet Shampoo , it is great for poodle hair. If you bathe your dog's matted hair without detangling it, it will just get worse! Wait for the fur to dry after the bath, and then brush it again. Do not brush a wet coat. Do not just brush the top of the coat as this does not really do anything to prevent matting. Start at the bottom of the coat, grab a handful of hair, and brush a line of fur away. You should be able to see the skin. As you go, brush the hair down making sure that with each line you get right to the skin. If you have the self-cleaning slicker brush, just click, clean, and store when finished. Otherwise, make sure the bristles are thoroughly cleaned. If the comb gets stuck in any particular section, go back and brush out the tangle with the slicker brush. Use the 9-rounded-teeth side. Hold the matted fur closest to the skin with your fingers before brushing or pulling at the mat. Start at the end of the mat and work your way up. Always do small strokes when combing through a mat. The 10 Best Brushes for Poodles — Reviewed: 1. Hertzko is here to tell you that this is not the case. Made with a flexible head, this brush for Poodles is changing the game. The double-sided head serves several purposes, all of which result in your Poodle looking their best. Whether it be detangling, massaging, or removing loose hair and dirt, this brush serves not only as a styling device but also a cleaning agent. The lack of rigidity mean that it easily contours to the body of your pet. The bent bristles take this design idea one step further by getting deep into the fur, grooming and untangling the undercoat, making the top coat look that much more healthy. This is all done with the comfort of the animal in mind, as the bristles are bent to make sure that there is no scratching or poking. Your dog will also appreciate the massaging qualities of this brush. Nothing beats relaxing while updating your look, right? This brush is also designed to promote good blood flow, effectively making it both stylish and healthy. Some people seem to have issues with this brush in that it requires a great deal of patience. You have to slowly brush through the hair — and your pet will be thankful for you doing so. You have a full 30 days to send it back. Pin Brush Many owners opt for the pin brush due to being one of the best for Poodles. They are pretty gentle while keeping coats nice and glossy. The pin brush is mainly a topcoat brush and is one of the most common brushes for this bread. The wire pin brush also is excellent for static or Poodles with curly hair. It contains lengths for all coats with wider gaps. Since the bristles have a wider opening, the hair follicles are protected. Therefore, the overall damage is minor. The bristles also distribute oils evenly. The rubber bristles wear down over time as well. Despite the cons, there are a lot of positive qualities to the pin brush. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! The double sided brush ensures the right comb for any job regardless of if the pet has short, medium or long hair Comfortable grooming. The rounded ends on the pin brush make it easy and comfortable for dogs and cats while the non-slip handle conforms to hand no matter how it is held Easy fast grooming. Easily knock off loose hair and dirt with the bristle side, get a beautiful, groomed coat for dogs or cats with the pin brush side Get rid of mats and loose hairs. Groom the undercoat without scratching the pet's skin with soft yet firm nylon bristles while the rounded pins designed to penetrate deep into the coat Brushing has never been simpler. A double-sided brush will meet all your grooming needs and helps with finishing and combing. All these people can't be wrong about this comfortable and safe brush We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The pin side is convenient for longer coats, while the brush side is excellent for final touches and sensitive skin. This brush includes soft pins and rounded ends and provides flexibility. While the brush is for all coat lengths, it quickly takes off dirt and loose hair and provides a lifetime guarantee. A white Poodle puppy with a squishy plush toy in his mouth 2. Slicker Brush A slicker brush is a must have for Poodles due to the flat and fine bristles. In addition, slicker brushes work well with curlier coats. Now, get knots out quickly without the hassle. Slicker brushes are also extremely easy to use for owners too. Scratching and discomfort are also possible with the slicker brush. Like all brushes, they contain unique purposes. Next, I will break down one of the best slicker brushes. With the self-cleaning slicker brush, there are a lot of pros, and it is excellent for thicker coats. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. All you have to do is press a button to release the hair from the dog brush. The Hertzko removes tangles with ease and is gentle enough for your Poodle. There are also cons to consider, including the price. Another downside is that you have to hold down the button when brushing your Poodle. If not, the bristles retract. Brushing your Poodle every day is now easier than ever and is an excellent investment for your buck! Portrait of little parti Poodle dog with curly fur sitting at the park with her owner 3. Dematting Comb As I said before, matting is a significant issue for Poodles which is also a dangerous health hazard when your dog chews and scratches the area. Luckily, there are special de-matting brushes to help. However, choosing stainless steel is the way to go. The de-matting comb works excellent for poodles with longer hair—the blades massage without scratching to get through the tough tangles. Rakes remove not only unwanted tangles but also dead skin. Built to last through multiple grooming.It also promotes blood circulation and massages the skin for better pet health. It's suitable for all short- and long-haired dogs, cats, and other pets. It combs and massages the coat, preventing snagging and harm. The Poodle Pet Dematting Rake contains 2. The rubber grips are a plus, and the comb is safe for wet or dry hair. The comb works well for longer Poodle coats. However, be careful as it cuts easily, but overall it has many benefits to get rid of matting on your Poodle. The brush is also functional, as it contains a hole for hanging and is excellent for storage. What is the correct Poodle teething age? How many teeth do they lose? Detangling Comb Detangling combs is a necessity for your pup for many reasons. Reasons for tangling include: Low humidity in the air Lack of brushing Not using the right brush Having a skin infection Using certain chemicals, sprays, or chlorine from pools Following these guidelines will help. Frequent brushing with the right brush tool is essential. The comb contains a non-slip rubber handle, making the holding process easier. The detangling comb will take care of matting and, of course, detangle your Poodle. However, the comb may not suit more miniature Poodles. Also, depending on how bad the matting is on your pup, it may not work as well. Finishing Brush After you brush and comb the tangles, you can use a finishing brush to complete your at-home grooming. Use long strokes to remove additional loose hair, dust, and dirt. From top to bottom, you will perfect your Poodles coat effortlessly. The finishing brush is an affordable option that will make your friendly Poodle shine. Andis Pet Comb This finishing comb is a popular choice to double-check and remove leftover tangles or matting. Then, finally, get a fluffy result with the Andis comb! The brush comes in two sizes, suitable for big and small Poodles. In addition, the Andis comb is versatile since you can use it on different coats. The wide comb will detangle effortlessly, whether you need fine or coarse teeth. Work on tiny sections while taking your time. Enjoy this comb whether your Poodle has a very curly coat or is wavy. While using the Andis comb, your Poodle is show dog ready! Additional Brush Tips Every brush has a purpose, and all are great for brushing your Poodle. Fluff, detangle and style with one tool.White on White was a catalyst in the evolution of.Growing out your Poodles coat is vital for a curlier look. Brushing is essential every day, but luckily this article has you covered. Clipped Coat Poodles When it comes to a clipped Poodle, you can create this look in various ways. Typically, a trip to the groomer enhances this look, which a groomer easily achieves. In addition, a clipped coat is easier to maintain at home, which means less brushing. Corded Coat Poodles This style is different since brushing is very different for a corded Poodle. Hair divides into cords, similar to dreadlocks. However, maintenance is more complex. Although, brushing is more accessible and less frequent. Next, when searching for the perfect brush, the following items are great reminders: Look at the materials used, and the overall quality and durability Look for easy to grip handles Double-check, the size of the brush in comparison to your Poodle Overall, these three different coats are essential to picking out the best brush for your Poodle. Luckily, all Poodles contain just one coat layer. A new outlook on brushing with ease awaits you! Using a blunt comb to groom and style a Mini brown Poodle dog Remember, the best brush tool for your Poodle depends on the length, coat, size of your pup, and how often tangling and matting occur. A pin and bristle combination brush are excellent for all Poodles. For another daily option, perhaps the slicker brush suits your needs. The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush is a popular yet functional tool with great benefits. If your Poodle needs extra care due to deeper tangles, perhaps the detangling or matting combs are for you. As a result, I hope you feel confident preparing for your next steps. Similar Posts. Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock Size of the Brush The size of the brush that you purchase will depend on the size of your Poodle. The smaller the Poodle, the smaller the brush needs to be. Always double-check the listed measurements. You should also look at any photos that customers have posted, as those should give you a much better idea of the size. These are typically a slicker brush, pin brush, comb, and shedding brush. The slicker brush is probably the most common tool used on Poodles. Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada, Shutterstock The Handle Most brushes tend to have ergonomic rubber handles designed to be comfortable in your hands and prevent slipping. Finally, the Resco Wrap Comb for Dogs is expensive, but it is sturdy and well-made and is an excellent anti-static comb. Hopefully, these reviews of 10 of the best Poodle brushes have brought you closer to finding the perfect brush for your pup. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. There seems to be an endless supply of brushes and grooming products out there for dogs. How do you know which brushes are best for your Poodle? Just like with beauty and hygiene products in humans, there is a myriad of different hairbrush options available for dogs. The best types of hair brushes for poodles include: Slicker Brushes: The Slicker Brush is the most commonly recommended brush type for grooming a Poodle. These are the best choice for regular grooming and working out tough mats in the hair. Combs: A sturdy toothed comb is another valuable grooming tool for you and your poodle. A comb can be particularly beneficial when it comes to grooming more sensitive areas, like the face, so you avoid any poking with the wire bristles of the slicker brush. They work similarly to the slicker brush but can be more effective for cleaning out any dirt that may have been trapped in the coat. These are designed with fine metal teeth to collect any loose hair that would be shed. If you really want to eliminate pet hair altogether, then regular use of the shedding brush definitely helps. Grooming a Poodle is an involved and labor-intensive process. Here are some of our favorite brushes found on Amazon to keep a poodle beautiful and happy. Best of all, this brush features a self-cleaning mechanism. Anyone who has experience brushing a Poodle knows what a pain it can be to try and clean the brush so that it remains effective during use. Well, with just the push of a button, the pins retract, allowing the trapped hair to fall away so you can quickly wipe the pad clean. This brush comes in three different sizes, so be sure to pick one that is right for your size pet. Cleaning will require a little bit more effort, however, since you will have to pull all the hair out from between the bristles. This brush is best for large dogs with dense, coarse coats. Safari Dematting Dog Comb Matted hair is not only unsightly but also uncomfortable for your dog. Regular use of a slicker brush will help keep hair from getting severely matted. If you do notice some matted hair on your dog, you will want a large comb to work it out. I recommend the Safari Dematting Dog Comb to work out any tough area of matted hair. This wide-toothed comb is a great choice for working out those stubborn tufts of hair. Best of all, this comb is equipped with serrated edges to gently root out dead skin and tough tangles. This comb is pretty large though, maybe even too large for the facial area of your pet. However, if you are interested in really taming any shedding that may exist, consider the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs This specially designed grooming tool reaches deep into the coat to gently lift and remove any lingering hair. This FURminator brush was designed by a professional groomer to be effective and safe. Regular use of this brush will virtually eliminate shedding from your poodle altogether. Andis Pin Brush This pin brush very closely resembles a traditional human hairbrush. While it may not seem that your average hairbrush could tackle the dense curls of a Poodle, the Andis Pin Brush is a great addition to your grooming arsenal. There are no special gadgets or gimmicks to this brush, so you can trust it to perform simply and reliably for a long time. Plus, it is one of the cheapest brushes on our list! Millers Forge Unbreakable Style Slicker Brush A common and disheartening issue when using a slicker brush is that the brush may get stuck and as you try to remove it and the handle breaks. This highly affordable, simple slicker brush boasts an absolutely unbreakable handle. It features fine stainless steel bristles, like the other slicker brushes on this list. The handle construction is really the specialty here. You need a solid comb, that you can be precise with to avoid poking any sensitive areas. This comb is on the smaller side but features a side with narrow spaced stainless steel teeth on one side, and widely spaced teeth on the other. The small, ergonomic handle is easy to control in those more delicate spaces. The primary drawback is that the comb is maybe too small to really reach all needed areas in larger Poodles. The ball tip pins remove tangles deep down, and then the bristles on the other side are great for clearing away excess hair. The ergonomic grip is designed for comfort while you work out each and every tangle. I have experienced issues with the handle breaking with this product. This high-quality slicker brush features stainless steel bristles and a self cleaning retractable function to easily dislodge hair from the bristles. This is one of the slightly more expensive brushes on the list but is worth every penny! The bristles of this brush are slightly more flexible than some others that are a bit more rigid. Hertzko claims this helps the brush more effectively penetrate thick hair without scratching or irritating skin. How Do You Brush a Poodle? Choosing your grooming tools is just the beginning. But with all the curls, it can seem a little daunting. You may not even be sure where to start or what direction to brush in. If you find yourself hitting a lot of resistance, consider trying a different tool to see if you can work it out the tangle. Avoid applying too much pressure in response to resistance. You want to help work out knots and mats, not just tear through them. Otherwise, this could be incredibly painful for your dog. Be patient and take your time as your brush. Depending on the size of your Poodle, it will take a little while to really get all the way through. Rushing usually ends up being less effective and more painful. Poodles should be brushed between two and three times a week in order to maintain a healthy coat. Poodles have naturally curly hair which easily traps dust, dirt, and debris, resulting in tangles and matted hair. Setting aside time daily for brushing can prevent tough tangles and matted hair from appearing, Depending on how much outside playing your Poodle gets and the density of his coat, daily brushing may be the best bet. This sounds like a chore, but Poodles are a bit high-maintenance pets. While it may be labor-intensive to brush your Poodle daily, remember that regular everyday grooming will save you time and effort in the long run, saving you the work of getting tangles and mats out later. Regular short brushing sessions will also be more comfortable for your pet than irregular, very long grooming sessions where you have to work out all these knots and tangles. It is important to note that how regularly you brush your Poodle does not have anything to do with how regularly the coat is trimmed, and how the hair grows. This depends on what sort of grooming and trim style you prefer for your Poodle. Now you could consider grooming your Poodle yourself, but this is only something you should do with the right tools and practice. You would need a special grooming table, some clippers, scissors, and some additional combs and brushes. Check out this article I wrote on the best grooming tables for Poodles. Check out this video if you would like to learn more about grooming your Poodle at home: Professional groomers not only offer valuable experience, but also critical knowledge and care. Basic grooming maintenance, like brushing and baths, are fine at home, but unless you are experienced, leave the haircuts to the professionals. When brushing your Poodle, consider these tips: Try to make grooming fun for your dog. Grooming has the potential to be an unpleasant experience in more ways than one, so incentivize your pup to behave positively. Reward patience and good behavior with treats and affection. Provide positive reinforcement and high-value rewards to keep your dog engaged and calm during the entire grooming process. Toy Poodles and Standard Poodles will need slightly different attention and tools. Remember that your Poodle does not have an undercoat. Many dogs have a top coat and an undercoat. It just means that when you are brushing your dog, you will be reaching down into the hair that you can see, and then you will be reaching the skin. In fact, there are three different varieties of common poodle coats, and they should be treated a little bit differently. The three main types of poodle coats include: Curly Coats: A curly coat is a way to describe a poodle whose hair has been allowed to grow long naturally. These long, curly coats require a lot of regular brushing and attention to keep them from getting twisted and matted with dirt. Corded Coats: A corded coat when rather than brush mats out, they are separated into little sections that closely resemble cords. This is a pretty cool look, but it can be difficult to maintain. Clipped Coats: The clipped coat is likely what comes to mind when you imagine a poodle that recently got a haircut. The groomer trims down the length of the curls to a much more manageable length. Check out this article I wrote on different Poodle hair types to see even more in-depth information and pictures of these Poodle coats, as well as a few more not mentioned in this article. There are several options out there, and they all primarily achieve the same goal, which is helping to loosen knots and tangles. You basically just spritz a little bit of the spray in the desired area before brushing and then brush as normal. It should help to loosen the curls. The best detangling spays found on Amazon include: 1. The spray uses silk proteins and vitamins to detangle hair and loosen knots while leaving behind a healthy shine. The product is made in the USA without any parabens or sulfates. If you notice your dog is irritated in any way by the spray, then you should stop using it, but it is perfectly safe and effective to help you brush out those tangles. The eco-friendly formula is carefully crafted to be completely safe for your furry friend. It is pH balanced to soothe their skin, and there is no danger if they lick or ingest any of the product. Pet Head manufactures the product in the USA without the use of sulfates or parabens. Poodles are amazing companions but require considerably more upkeep and attention than some other breeds. All of the brushes described above are great for their specific purpose, but they work best when combined. A slicker brush is the best primary tool when brushing your poodle. Though unnecessary, a shedding brush may also be employed to remove any excess loose hair in Poodles. I recommend that you try out a slicker brush, a comb, and a pin brush, and see what works for you and your pet. Sometimes all you need is a quick spritz to loosen things up. Lastly, check in with your groomer next time you stop by for a trim about what they recommend. No matter what brush and style you go with, just remember that it is most important to keep your Poodle happy and healthy. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. We only recommend products we have tested and use on our own dogs. Poodles are intelligent and affectionate, but, boy do they take a lot of grooming! My sister had a Poodle for years, and they often appeared to share the same hairstyle — tangled and unruly! While my sister valiantly tried to tame her own hair with a tangle teaser, she battled to find a brush that could work the same magic on Daisy, her standard Poodle. My sister went through at least five combs, a couple of dematting rakes, and a handful of slicker brushes before she struck gold in the form of a Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush. Suddenly, Daisy was transformed into a big, beautiful ball of white fluff! The ergonomic handle makes it more comfortable for the groomer as well, taking the hand strain out of a long grooming session and making you more willing to commit to a daily pampering ritual. Not only will the Hertzko slicker brush remove dead hair and tangles, but it will also help prevent mats from developing, but boosting circulation, and improving the overall quality of your dog's coat. Check the current price! I think one of the things Daisy appreciated most about this slicker brush was that it massages your dog at the same time as removing tangles and matted hair. Simple, but highly effective. With its two-and-a-half inch blades, this durable brush looks like an instrument of torture - according to Daisy, anyway - but it proved quite pleasurable for her in the end. Top-grade rubber forms the body of the brush, making it perfect for high-maintenance hounds like the Poodle. You can even use it on long-haired rabbits and horses if necessary! Just run the comb through the damp curls and, voila, the individual strands of hair stay separated so the tangles can get a foothold. Two sets of teeth - one long, one short - give this comb its dual-action power that will get rid of the toughest tangles and impossible mats. Even skittish dogs with prior bad experiences at the groomer's seem to find it comfortable. Cheaper than either the rake comb or the slicker brush, this comb is comfortable to use, effective, and offers excellent value for money. At eight inches long and 2. It works well on both the Poodle's curly coat and the softer, wavier hair of the various Doodle breeds. It comes with coarse and fine teeth, both of which will stimulate the hair follicles while removing tangles and debris from the coat. The Andis pet steel comb glides through the coat thanks to its well-spaced teeth, making it comfortable for your Poodle. It is also small enough for you to concentrate on sections of the coat, rather than brushing the entire dog in one go, making it easier to use on dogs that squirm or fidget during the grooming process. How to Pick the Best Brush for a Poodle With so many different brushes and grooming products for Poodles, it can be tricky to figure out which is the best for you. Professional groomers tend to prefer slicker brushes, like the one from Hertzko, because they are easy to clean, versatile, and hard-wearing. They can also make the grooming process more comfortable for a skittish or fidgety dog. The only type of popular dog brush we have not mentioned is the shedding brush, and you will find out why in a minute. Poodles are known as hypoallergenic dogs as they do not shed like most breeds. Another thing about Poodles that sets them apart from other dog breeds is that they only have one coat, rather than two. This means that there is no undercoat to be removed, which is what shedding brushes like the Furminator are designed to do. Using a brush of this kind on your Poodle could result in you pulling her hair out by the roots, causing her discomfort, hair loss, and potential skin disorders. My sister used to brush Daisy daily but, once she started using the Hertzko slicker brush, found she could drop it down to every other day. A good bath once a month gives you the chance to help your dog reset. Bathing stimulates the skin and improves the quality of the coat. Using a detangling shampoo and conditioner can make it easier to brush or comb the coat afterward to ensure your dog is free from the irritation of matted hair. A hypoallergenic shampoo is also highly recommended for Poodles who are prone to skin sensitivities and allergies. You can shave a Poodle early on in their life! Conclusion Keeping your Poodle tangle-free and looking good requires a regular grooming regime and one of the best brushes for Poodles. Affordable yet durable, the Hertzko slicker brush removes mats without hurting your dog and cleans itself with the clip of a button. Poodles that spend a lot of time running through the undergrowth and splashing in the mud will inevitably develop a muddle of mats through their coats. The Poodle Pet dematting fur rake can take on the toughest of tangles with its two-and-a-half-inch blades. Affordable and effective it can be teamed with a finishing comb, like the one from Andis, to leave your Poodle looking ready to enter its first show. She spends all her waking hours with her Australian Cattle Dog, Koala, either walking, horse-riding, running, or just hanging out. Originally from the UK, Nicky been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a passionate dog-owner. With a Masters Degree from the University of London under her belt, Nicky has had a diverse career, training and riding horses, running safari lodges, and hosting volunteers. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof , and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia. Despite their name, Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador. Continue to 2 of 16 below. Continue to 3 of 16 below. Continue to 4 of 16 below. Continue to 5 of 16 below. Continue to 6 of 16 below. A little training will go a long way. Continue to 7 of 16 below. It may require some training, but their instincts will know how to handle soft items. Labrador retrievers go crazy for plush toys and are often found napping with their favorite ones. Continue to 8 of 16 below. Pinterest Email Dogs have more coat color variations than you can count on both hands and both feet. Brown alone goes by numerous names, depending on the breed of dog. First formally developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a distinct subset of the Lab family, today chocolate Lab puppies and their ilk are consistently named among the most popular dogs in America. These chocolate Lab puppy pictures will not trick your eyes, but treat them to the wonders and the joys of infancy! Just as coat colors have any number of names, many tied to specific dog breeds, chocolate Labs have countless ways to learn, have fun, and engage with the world. Of course, interactive play is beneficial to both our next chocolate Lab puppy and to his owner. They are highly trainable, patient, and obedient dogs. Enough play! Time for lounging! Time for a nice, leisurely sit in the grass; maybe you could get her something to eat? Chocolate Lab puppies are at home wherever they are cared for. You get the coolest trinkets and baubles to entertain them, and, after a wary sniff, they pick up something else entirely? Chocolate Lab puppies were once bred solely for the hunt, but the times keep changing, and these are adaptable dogs. We already know that the vigor of youth is difficult to contain; chocolate Lab puppies thrive by moving with the times. The puppy above perused the newspaper, but not all chocolate Lab puppies are such old-media traditionalists. This baby puppy is checking Twitter on a tablet. Chocolate Lab puppies in their element Let there be no doubt; while chocolate Lab puppies are content to stay inside for a while, they yearn to be outside. The more room a chocolate Lab puppy has to run and frolic, the better! What would a survey of such photogenic dogs be without landscapes of proper scale in which to appreciate their majesty? To beautiful and pastoral vistas we go! My business is cute puppy pictures, a business which is always good. I would be hard pressed to point to one that is more visually and emotionally evocative as this next chocolate Lab puppy. Perched on a bale of hay in the late afternoon, there is a bucolic poetry to this photo that cannot be denied. I saved it for last because I wanted to linger on it. Share your chocolate Lab photos and memories! Do you love chocolate Labs? Share your love and photos in the comments! Learn more about dogs with Dogster:. You can use these images for various projects such as website design, social media posts, promotional materials, and print materials. Quality and Authenticity of Our Images We understand the importance of quality images and ensure that all stock photos in our library are of high quality. The lab puppy images in our collection are taken by professional photographers, ensuring that each picture captures the adorable nature of lab puppies. We only select the most authentic images, which means your projects will look natural and organic. Tips on Using Lab Puppy Images When using lab puppy images, you want to ensure they support your message and complement your brand. Here are some tips for using lab puppy images effectively: 1. Consider the tone of your project and choose images that match it. Use images that are high quality and will look good on large or small screens. Be mindful of where and how you use the images. They should enhance the message and not distract from it. If you choose to add text to the images, be sure it is legible and complements the image. In conclusion, using lab puppy images in your project can create a warm, friendly, and irresistible atmosphere. With our high-quality stock photos, you're guaranteed to find the perfect image for your project. The tips provided will help ensure that your lab puppy images are used effectively to support your project's message. Updated June 15, 3. A list of the Cutest Chocolate Lab Pictures. Are you in the mood to see some adorable photos of Chocolate Labrador dogs? This is a list of some of the cutest Chocolate Lab photos. You can add your own special Chocolate Labrador Retriever photos to the list, and you can vote for your favorite pictures of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers to get them ranked higher on the list. The English Labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American Labs are from American bred stock and are tall and lanky. Their double coat is smooth and comes in solid black, yellow or chocolate. One of the more popular breeds in America, the Labrador Retriever is considered to be a loyal, affectionate and patient dog, and is a favorite among families. Labs love to play in water, and are very good-natured and eager to please. They are large dogs, some reaching to over pounds in size. They are also very energetic and need regular mental and physical exercise to keep them stimulated or they can become high-strung. Because of their willingness to please and their high intelligence, these Labrador Retrievers make excellent service dogs and are a top choice for service dog work. The nose and eye rims are brown on Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, and their coloring is brown. There is also a rare silver or gray shade of coat that is included in the Chocolate Labrador breed. Enjoy these cute pictures of adult and baby Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, and see what great dogs they can be! Post-Bath Cuteness.

It commonly occurs anywhere from eight weeks to six months. So, any German Shepherd parent would know that these adorable dogs have floppy ears when they are just puppies. However, stronger cartilage will be developed as you give them the proper nutrients. It might mostly occur as a response to your call or noise in the surrounding area. It can be a result of poor nutrition or slow development. Your German Shepherd needs abundant vitamin D, calcium, and protein. Lacking these nutrients in their diet will result in weak cartilage. Switch to better food or visit the vet for a checkup. They are still incredibly cute, anyway! If you want to ensure that you have a pooch with perky ears, make sure to look for parents with standing ears. Do all German Shepherd ears stand up? Even if you have already, you can know whether your pooch will have floppy or perky ears when it grows. It can compromise their health and adversely affect their growth, including strengthening the cartilage. Regular checkups and fecal exams can help prevent or abate that problem. Your vet can give your dog deworming medicines to see that your growing furry friend is free from parasites. Any traumatic injury to the ears can cause permanent damage and prevent the ears from growing strong enough to stand. It can be caused by a child pulling its ears and rough play among its littermates. Regularly monitor your pup and keep anyone from playing with its ears when they are in its developmental stage. But there are things you can do to help it get strong and healthy ears. These steps will also protect the ears from possible damage. Get high-quality food for your puppy to boost their development. Cheap foods usually have more fillers that contain negligible nutrients. Keep the puppy away and safe from other puppies that play bite with their ears. Educate your children and everyone else at home on how to handle the puppy carefully and gently. Giving your puppy chew toys will give their head, jaw, and surrounding muscles some exercise. It can lead to better ear development. Make sure to buy durable ones, as German Shepherd pups are stronger than you think! Clean their ears gently if you notice dirt. Keep your dog happy! A happy dog is a healthy dog. It will have fewer or no health problems if you keep the dog fit. Using the tape too early or during its growing stage can harm its natural development. However, the 7th to 8th month might be a little too late. But that may not be true for all, as some German Shepherds are just built differently. Their looks come second when you experience how good of a companion they can make. But the young ones carry cute floppy ears that eventually stand up. Some take longer. Remember that floppy ears do not affect their health negatively. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.

All Puppies Reserved at this time. Go to UniqueTreasuredPuppies. He enjoys running and playing. He is also happy to take a break from playing to be loved on. He is progressing very well with his potty box training. She loves to play with her littermates. She is using the potty box the majority of the time. She is eager to find her forever home. He looks forward to being held. He loves to play with her littermates. He is using the potty box the majority of the time. He is eager to find her forever home. He loves to show off and is eager to please. He is using the potty box most of the time. She is sweet and cuddly. Enjoys snuggling with his litter mates. He plays hard and sleeps hard. He enjoys snuggling with his littermates. He enjoys being held and snuggles right in. He and Avery seem to play together a lot. Please Contact Us to learn about future litters. Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies come from champion stock imported from Europe, and are ready for registration with the AKC, though on a limited basis. All puppies will be vet-checked before adoption. We have so much confidence in our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies that we provide each with a 5-year genetic health warranty. Note: Credit cards are processed by PayPal. Please call us with any questions. For more information, please Contact Us. Cheappuppiesforsale is your 1 source to find the perfect healthy AKC red, white and cream Golden Retriever for sale near you from healthy Golden parents. We understand that price can be a determining factor when searching for a new furry companion, and we are committed to providing options that fit within your budget without compromising on quality or the reputation of the breeders. Finding an affordable or cheap Golden Retriever puppy has never been easier. Our platform connects you with reputable breeders who offer budget-friendly options, allowing you to bring home a Golden Retriever companion without breaking the bank. Rest assured that the breeders featured on our site have met our strict criteria for responsible breeding practices and the ethical treatment of their dogs. Golden retriever puppies originated in Scotland during the s. It was primarily developed by one man: Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, who was later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many others during the time, was interested in breeding different types of dogs, with the goal of perfecting different breeds. With the Golden Retriever, Tweedmouth was aiming to develop a superior dog for hunting waterfowl with an even temper. To achieve this, he bred flat- and wavy-coated retrievers with Tweed Water Spaniels. The resulting breed quickly drew attention for its excellent hunting skills, and became officially known as the Golden Retriever in .Since then, the breed has established itself as a wonderful companion and working dog alike, making it one of the most popular breeds of all time. What is the Temperament of Golden Retrievers The Golden Retriever dog breed is one of the most popular dog breed in USA and there are special reasons for their popularity. Golden Retriever puppies are very affectionate, loyal and loyal to the point of breaking. Golden Retrievers are loved by all, extremely intelligent, well-mannered, adorable yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. They are a wonderful pet for families due to their ability to be flexible, patient and ability to adapt. A golden retriever puppy is extremely easy to train due to the way they are smart and dedicated it is towards its owners.

This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. Premolars, which are found in the back of the mouth, emerge. However, it may also be a difficult period for both puppies and their owners since it frequently brings with it a variety of common problems and worries. Excessive chewing Chewing is a natural habit in dogs, but teething can send that instinct into overdrive. Chewing can be a self-soothing action for teething puppies but can also endanger your belongings. Drooling Is a common problem that occurs during the development of puppy teeth. This is because teething can cause discomfort and irritation in the gums and teeth, resulting in increased saliva production and drooling. Drooling is a common and transitory side effect of teething; most puppies outgrow it when their adult teeth emerge. Discomfort Teething can be a painful and complicated procedure for puppies. Therefore discomfort is a common problem during puppy teeth development. Teething can be difficult for puppies and their owners, but there are ways to help your pet! Give your puppy appropriate chew toys , soft or moist foods, and a cold compress to relieve painful gums. Remember to shower them with love and care during this stressful period. You and your pet can work together to get through teething and emerge with healthy, happy adult teeth! It can be stressful for your dog, so ensuring they have a good and balanced diet is essential to their growth, immune system, and dental health. In addition, puppies require a lot of protein, calcium, and other nutrients to create strong bones and teeth. That is why it is essential to provide them with high-quality, nutrient-rich puppy food that fits their nutritional needs. If your dog struggles, try feeding them softer, wet foods and smaller meals more frequently. You can help set your puppy up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums by providing the proper nourishment and care during teething. Ensure to provide them with love and attention throughout this time as well! Feeding your golden retriever the right foods and treats is crucial for preserving oral health and supporting good tooth development. Yummy wet food: Wet food is a tasty option for dogs with a softer texture or difficulty chewing dry kibble. Search for high-quality products that are manufactured with natural ingredients and are designed specifically for pups. Raw bones: For puppies who enjoy chewing, raw bones can be a fun and healthful treat! They can help promote strong teeth and gums and are also a good source of nutrition. Tasty Dental Chews: These delicious treats promote good tooth care and fresh breath. Just break them into small pieces and keep an eye on your pup as they munch. Remember to brush your teeth regularly and schedule frequent dental check-ups with your veterinarian! Golden retrievers are a popular breed known for their extroverted and friendly personalities. They are devoted and intelligent and make excellent family pets. They are, nevertheless, prone to dental problems, just like any other breed, if their teeth and gums are not correctly cared for. Dental problems in Golden Retrievers can cause many issues, including poor breath, gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease in dogs, is caused by bacteria in the mouth forming a sticky film called plaque. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can cause gum irritation and infection, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from dental problems that cause discomfort and pain. Fortunately, there are solutions to avoid or manage these problems! Tartar buildup, gingivitis, and periodontal disease are common dental issues in dogs and can result in poor breath, tooth damage, and even tooth loss. Daily tooth brushing, regular vet check-ups, proper dental chews and toys, and eating healthy food are all part of maintaining good dental hygiene in dogs. Your veterinarian may offer treatments such as professional teeth cleaning, dental surgery, or medication to handle the problem. Is This Due To Genetics? Poor dental hygiene, sugary or carb diets and specific health conditions can all lead to dental issues in dogs. In addition, certain breeds, such as those with crowded teeth or a higher risk of certain dental conditions, may be more prone to dental difficulties due to genetics. Here are several ways to do it: Teeth Brushing Dogs, like humans, require regular dental hygiene. Brush their teeth once a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed exclusively for dogs. Search for solutions that promote dental health and aid in removing plaque and tartar. For example, sugary and starchy foods can contribute to plaque and tartar development. Therefore a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats is recommended. You can help your dog have healthy teeth and gums by being aware of the most common dental problems in dogs and taking steps to prevent or manage them. Regular dental checkups, daily tooth brushing, and the provision of appropriate dental chews and toys are all essential components of good oral hygiene in dogs. If their teeth and gums are not properly cared for, both male and female Golden Retrievers are equally vulnerable to dental problems. The good news is that regular dental care, daily tooth brushing, regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian, and providing proper dental chews and toys can help prevent or treat dental problems. If you own a golden retriever , you may wonder if teething affects their appetite or weight. Yes, that is doable. However, when a puppy is teething, it could experience pain and discomfort in its mouth, making them less interested in food. This could result in a decrease in their appetite and weight loss. Your golden retriever may experience discomfort as their new teeth develop during teething, which can trigger changes in its biting behaviour. To alleviate the pain, they may chew on objects more frequently or avoid specific types of food that are difficult to chew. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Redirect Your Puppy to Appropriate Options If you find your puppy using their teeth on something inappropriate, such as the leg of a chair or your foot, redirect them to something that they are allowed to chew. They persistently want to nip your hands and clothes no matter what amazing stuff you show them. Or they keep going back to chomp the same corner of the coffee table despite your attempts to distract them with something else. This is where having good puppy management strategies comes into play. Puppy management refers to changing the environment to make unwanted behavior unlikely or impossible. This might mean putting your puppy in a playpen where they can only put their teeth on approved toys and chews. Perhaps you can put your puppy behind a baby gate so your pant leg is safe from their sharp little teeth. Puppy management is simple, yet critical to surviving a teething Golden Retriever puppy. Giving a teething puppy too much freedom is a recipe for disaster, so utilize puppy management whenever you need to. Your home and sanity will thank you! Remove Yourself From the Situation Playing with a teething puppy can be tricky. They want to interact with you, but their mouths are sore and painful, and it can be hard for them to not nip or chomp on your skin, clothes or hair. You can try walking away, though some puppies will get up and follow you so they can chomp you some more. Going onto the other side of a baby gate is a great way to show the puppy that they lose access to you if they get mouthy. If your puppy is tethered by their leash to something heavy, you can also get up and walk away if the biting gets to be too much. The tether keeps them from following their human chew toy. Remember that nipping and chewing are normal parts of puppy development. Punishing a puppy can sometimes make the biting even more intense, and it can also damage the trust between you and your puppy. Golden Retrievers go through two main stages of their teeth development and growth. How long does it take to grow new teeth? Do Golden Retrievers ever stop chewing? The teething fun begins at around three weeks of age. Often called their milk or deciduous teeth, it is a very deceptive name for what turns out to be a set of 28 very sharp first teeth. You will know when the teething starts, as your puppy will constantly want to chew. They will chew anything they can get their gums into. Just as human baby gets fretful when they get their first teeth, so too does your Golden Retriever puppy. Not only that, but you will also notice that they start to bite and chew everything including you! And those little bites are painful. Chewing helps to relieve the pain in their gums and soothes the irritation of the new milk teeth coming through. Your young Golden Retriever explores the world through their mouth; they taste what an object is like, they destroy it to find out how strong it is, and chewing is a comfort if they are fretful or bored. The cycle of teeth. Nature determines when your puppy gets their first teeth. Day of birth Puppies are born without any teeth. Just to reiterate the process, the milk teeth appear when they reach weeks old, beginning with the incisors that number six on the top, and six on the bottom. After that, at around 4 weeks, they will get their four canines, which are sharp long teeth. Those sharp teeth encourage the mother dog to begin weaning! This is when a puppy can be introduced to a mushy mix of food which prepares the young dog for solids. Basically, a full set of teeth for your Golden Retriever consist of 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 12 pre-molars — a total set of 28 nice sharp teeth. They must also learn that biting people is not acceptable, so as the owner of your Golden Retriever, you must walk a tightrope to balance the acceptable with the unacceptable teething traits practiced by your little pooch. And you must watch them like a hawk because anything and everything is fair game to a young Golden Retriever who is teething. Many a puppy has been rushed to the vets because they chewed and swallowed something that was not good for their digestion such as chunks of plastic or rubber! As far as when they stop chewing … the Golden Retriever never really stops. They chew as an adult if they are bored, they chew for comfort, and they chew just because they can. But they will be more controlled and will be able to be trained as to what is appropriate for them to chew on. How many permanent teeth do they get? Can you train your young dog not to bite? Golden Retriever owners usually sigh with relief as their puppy starts the second stage of their dental growth and the development of their permanent teeth. Between 4- 6 months of age , the permanent teeth come up very quickly and push the milk teeth out so you will rarely notice any gaps in their teeth. The adult incisors should be in place by the time your Golden Retriever is 5 months of age. Once they are in place, the milk teeth and canine teeth will be replaced by adult canines, followed by premolars, and lastly the molars. The complete set of adult teeth should be complete by 7- 8 months. Or in other words, they should have 42 brand new teeth. Providing plenty of safe things for your Golden to chew on will help with the painful transition from milk teeth to adult teeth. And once the permanent teeth settle in, you will notice that your little chewing monster will bite, and chew less than they used to. They will also become easier to train to stop biting people. Make sure you supply your growing pup with plenty of chew toys, ropes, and special treats that are designed to help keep the new teeth sparkling white. Remember to regularly check your Goldens toys for any broken or torn bits. The Golden Retriever will continue to chew throughout their lives but by then they will know what the best things are to chew and what is out of bounds. It is strange to note that not many owners find the milk teeth lying around. What happens to those sharp little incisors? This may seem a bit alarming, but they are usually swallowed by your Golden Retriever while they are eating. When you note what your Golden manages to eat and trust me, they will try to eat or chew just about anything, a few tiny milk teeth are going to seem like nothing in comparison. Occasionally you may find them playing with something on the floor, and you may find a small pearly white tooth, but often your dog will just gobble it down intentionally or otherwise and you will never see them. The chewing helps to dislodge the baby teeth when the new permanent teeth are coming through. Chewing also massages the gums and offers relief to a suffering pup. Give your puppy toys that have a lot of ridges and bumps on the surface. The bumps help to massage the gums and give a measure of relief to your Golden puppy. If their gums are bleeding, and this is a natural thing, try freezing the toy so that it is cooling and will relieve the bleeding when they chew. Train your puppy to let you put your finger in their mouth and you can use small pieces of ice to massage their gums. Teaching them to allow your finger in their mouth without biting it is good training for later when you want to clean their teeth. Your Golden Retriever puppy may lose their appetite when they are teething. Try giving your puppy some dry food as opposed to wet food as it is good for the development of strong gums and teeth. Provide your teething puppy with plenty of ropes and strong resilient toys to chew on or your beloved dog will use your best shoes, your handbag, and anything else they can find. Specialty toys designed for a teething dog can also be frozen and provide relief on chewing. Old rags are ideal for a chew toy. Wet them down, tie them in knots in several places, and put them in the freezer. When your dog chews crazy, throw them a rag and they will chew on it for ages. When your dog is finished chewing on a rag, rinse it off and refreeze for later. This is a cheap easy teething aid for your Golden. Patience and time are required during this stage. If you stay alert, you can guide them gently through it all by quietly taking unacceptable things that they are chewing on and replacing them with a toy of theirs. If you provide plenty of exercise time, lots of toys to play with, and appropriate chew toys during this transition time, it will be easier for your puppy. Puppies bite and chew for many reasons: They explore the world through their mouth — taste and texture are important as they learn about their world. Part of the biting and chewing is part of how your Golden plays. A Golden Retriever has been bred to use their mouths to retrieve the game and return it unharmed to their master. They learn through play what an acceptable pressure is likely to be. During the developmental teething stage, chewing and biting help to relieve the pain in their gums. And when they are bored or lonely, chewing helps them to feel better. Teaching Your Golden Retriever Not to Bite Understanding that your lovely Golden Retriever is going through a painful development teething stage is important. But just as important is that they still need to be taught what is acceptable behavior and what is not. If you leave it too late such as after the teething stage, they will have some ingrained habits such as chewing the furniture and clothing which takes some training to overcome. Be realistic and put your best shoes away up high. It amazes me that people repeatedly leave them on the floor just where your Golden can find them. Have a small toy handy when you sit and play with them. Use a clicker to train a young dog. The noise of the clicker will get their attention and they should stop and look at you. When they do, give them a reward for stopping, and then lead them onto another activity. Keep them busy. If you can wear out your Golden Retriever, they will eventually collapse and go to sleep. There is nothing so sweet as your puppy twitching and woofing in their sleep. While it may seem a very long year to Golden Retrievers owner, it does pass, and life becomes less of a watchful state and becomes more fun both for your dog and as an owner. There is no doubt that cutting new teeth is a painful rite of passage, and it requires patience on behalf of all owners who have young dogs. Even though your little Golden is only trying to find relief from the pain and is not being intentionally naughty, they must be guided on what is acceptable behavior and what is not. If you can stay one step ahead of your Golden Retriever during their first year, so much the better. Being prepared and using distraction tactics will ease you both through this unsettled stage. An offering of a new toy, taking them for a walk to distract them, or giving them a frozen broth block to lick will keep them happy. If you provide what your Golden Retriever needs during the difficult teething and development stage, you will remain one step ahead of your puppy as they go through the difficult tooth development and growth stages. Golden Retriever Resources and Tips.

As we can see from the Australian Labradoodle size chart above, these Doodles come in three main size categories — Mini, Medium, and Standard. The smallest of the bunch is the Mini Australian Labradoodle. The Minis weigh around 15 to 30 pounds and stand about 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. The largest are the Standard Australian Labradoodles who weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand about 21 to 24 inches tall. The Medium Australian Labradoodle fits right between the Minis and Standard Australian Labradoodles, with a weight of 30 to 50 pounds, and a height of 17 to 20 inches. F1 vs F1b vs F2b Australian Labradoodle If you know a little bit about Doodles, you know that their generation can play a key role in determining their size. For example, Labradoodles have only Labrador Retriever and Poodle genes. They can be either F1, F1b, F2, F3, and so on. In contrast, the Australian Labradoodles are F5 or higher, and can have a total of up to six breeds in their lineage. As a result, the Australian Labradoodle generations are a lot more complicated. This usually translates to their first 6 months of life. After that, their growth will slow down, until it plateaus at their full adult weight roughly around 1 to 1. By their first birthday, the Australian Labradoodle has most likely reached their full adult height. But we can typically expect them to continue gaining some more weight and girth over the upcoming months. Generally, smaller dogs reach their full size earlier than larger pups. Between .Medium Australian Labradoodles typically reach half their adult weight between 3. They will then plateau at their full adult weight around 11 to 13 months old. Similarly, they will then plateau at their full adult weight between 11 and 13 months of age. However, Minis might reach their full adult size slightly earlier than the Medium Australian Labradoodles. Mini Australian Labradoodles weigh about 15 to 30 pounds and stand 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Medium Australian Labradoodles weigh about 30 to 50 pounds with a height of 17 to 20 inches. The Standard Labradoodle, the largest of them, weighs between 50 and 70 pounds and stands 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. For example, a high quality diet is crucial for proper growth, development, and overall health. Make sure to check out our guides on the best dog food for Doodle puppies , and learn exactly how much you should feed your dog to keep them healthy and happy. They get along well with children and other pets, and love to please their humans more than anything. Hopefully we managed to answer all of your questions about the Australian Labradoodle size and growth patterns so you can be fully-prepared for a long and happy life with this beautiful, fluffy creature. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. Is the weight you entered accurate or an estimation? Don't worry, you can opt out at any time. And in case you missed it, our interactive Doodle puppy weight calculator is just above, which predicts how much your Doodle will weigh when full-grown with an interactive growth chart, so be sure to scroll back up and give it a try! Our Doodle weight calculator is above, but you can also use Puppy Weight Calculator for over other dog breeds! This unpredictability might be leaving you feeling worried, anxious, or simply just curious. They generally reach their maximum height by one year old but can spend a little longer gaining girth and weight. They generally finish growing anywhere between years of age. Due to this rapid growth, it is extremely important for your Doodle to get the nourishment he needs through specially formulated food for puppies. Check out our Doodle puppy food review articles here. Our Doodle puppy growth chart calculator references data from this study. This weight range is typically associated with Toy Doodles. A Toy Doodle will then plateau at its full adult weight between 7. This weight range is typically associated with both Mini and Medium Doodles. This weight range is typically associated with Standard size Doodles. A Standard Doodle will then plateau at its full adult weight between .We hope this article gave you good insight into the different growth patterns for each size of Doodle and which formulas you can use to predict their adult weights. If you have a full-grown Doodle, let us know in the comments below if this calculator was accurate for you! Interactive Puppy Growth Chart for Doodles At the very top of this page, enter the type of Doodle, size, current age in weeks, and current weight in lb. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. July 25, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Typically, there are four main size categories for dogs: 1. X-Small or Toy Breeds: Toy breeds are typically smaller in size, often weighing less than 12 pounds. Examples are Chihuahua and Toy Poodles. Small Breeds: Small dog breeds generally weigh between 12 to 22 pounds. Examples include French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers. Medium Breeds: Medium dog breeds usually weigh between 22 to 57 pounds. Breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Siberian Huskies fall into this category. Large Breeds: Large dog breeds typically weigh between 57 to 99 pounds. Giant Breeds: Giant dogs can weigh over 99 pounds. These factors include: 1. Breed: Different dog breeds have specific size ranges. Smaller breeds tend to reach their full size earlier than larger breeds. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth. You can use our dog dood calculator to estimate the right serving size for your furry friend in order to avoid obesity or malnutrition. Regular exercise and check-ups with a vet ensure any health issues are addressed promptly. Gender: In some breeds, male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs. Spaying or Neutering: Spaying and neutering can increase the likelihood of puppy weight gain if their diet is not adjusted accordingly. The decrease in sex hormones makes way to reduced energy needs, often necessitating a decrease in food portions to avoid getting overweight. Some puppies may experience growth spurts, and their final size may differ slightly from the breed standard. Additionally, some dog breeds have longer growth periods and may continue to develop and fill out for a couple of years after reaching their full height. It starts from the neonatal stage as helpless puppies and progresses through crucial socialization, juvenile, adolescent, adult, and senior stages. Proper care, nutrition, and training during these phases are vital for their physical and behavioral well-being, ensuring they grow into happy and healthy companions. What will be the Weight of your Dog Knowing the body weight of your dog offers several benefits. Just follow these simple steps: 1. FAQs How big is a 33 lbs dog? Generally, a 33 lbs dog would be considered a medium-sized dog, but it can vary depending on its breed or mixed breeds. For example, some medium dog breeds that typically reach a maximum height of 25 inches to the shoulders include Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. The average brain-to-body ratio for dogs is about , indicating their intelligence and cognitive abilities. How big will my puppy grow if he is 8 lbs in 10 weeks? According to our dog size calculator, your 8 lb puppy might grow to approximately 41 lbs by 12 months, but actual adult weight and size can vary based on dog breed and several factors. At which age do puppies stop growing? Generally, a puppy stop growing and reach their full adult weight and size between 9 months to 1. However, the exact age at which a puppy stops growing can vary depending on the dog breed and environmental factors. Smaller dog breeds tend to mature earlier, often around months, while large dog breeds may continue growing and filling out until 18 months or even up to 2 years of age. Conclusion Knowing the future adult weight of your puppy with the puppy weight calculator allows for proper nutrition, space planning, and training. It helps make travel arrangements, monitor their health, and build a strong bond with your pet. Editorial-Team WAF editorial team is a passionate and diverse group that includes animal experts, researchers, writers, editors, and devoted pet owners. Our main goal is to share valuable insights about the animal kingdom and strengthen the special bond between humans and animals. Our eclectic and ever-growing team is committed to bringing you accurate and informative content to promote animal welfare and foster positive interactions with the wonderful world of animals. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore and celebrate the beauty and importance of our animal companions! Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. All puppies start out so small and cute that it can be difficult to imagine how big your puppy will be when he is fully grown. Thankfully there are ways for you to determine how large your dog will be as an adult. The first is to use a Labradoodle puppy growth chart. This works based on averages to see where your pup is now compared to where he will be fully grown. Another way to work out how big your puppy will be is to look at his parents, if you have access. Paws that look oversized on a small puppy means that you are going to have a large dog as they are going to have to grow a lot to fill out their paws. Finally, you can use a DNA test to see what the breed makeup of your pup is and get an idea of how big he can get. When a puppy is born, his eyes will be shut. He will open them within the first couple of weeks, but will stay by his mother the entire time. At 3 weeks, your Labradoodle will still be very small and rely on his mother for nutrition. Puppies tend to begin to move around at this point, gradually exploring their world. At 12 weeks, you will have a much bigger puppy looking for trouble. Your puppy will begin to lose his teeth. If you have a larger Labradoodle you will see a high rate of growth still at this point. If you have a smaller Labradoodle, you will see a slowdown in growth during this time period. Puppies get into a lot of trouble chewing at this age as well as they combat their teething. Most Labradoodles still have some growing to do, so will not be finished growing at this point, but the speed at which they are growing will definitely slow down. Food-wise, this is a good time to drop your dog down to only two meals a day but keep him on puppy food until his first birthday. Use the Labradoodle growth chart as a guide to see when your puppy will likely reach his final height. At 12 months old, you can transition your puppy from kibble to regular dog food. Even if there is still a little bit of growing to do, puppy food is much higher in calories. Adult Labradoodles should be done growing by their first birthday, regardless of the type of Labradoodle that they are. If you have a larger Labradoodle, you should not see any more gains in height, but you will continue to see some weight gain for a while yet. Some dogs are done gaining weight at 12 months, while others may take 18 or even 24 months. Factors That Affect Labradoodle Puppy Growth Genetics Genetics is the key factor in all breeds of dog as far as what affects their growth, but Labradoodles are especially affected by this. It is because the Poodle mix in their breed can come in so many different sizes. Labrador Retrievers are more consistent and predictable, but Poodles are not. Looking at what size of Poodle has been bred with the Lab will help you know how big your pup will get and how quickly that will happen. A Labradoodle is more likely to fall in between his parents in size, since he is a mixed breed, making genetics the biggest indicator you have. Most puppies will be well taken care of, naturally, but sadly that is not always the case. Puppies who live on the street or who are neglected by their owners will not receive the proper nutrients that they need to grow healthy and strong. In this case, the growth defects are likely internal and will not appear until your dog ages. Puppies need exercise to stay fit and healthy, but a puppy that is overexerted will have too much strain put on his body and he will not grow as well as a puppy who was allowed rest. Also, puppies that are sickly cannot grow as much as healthy dogs, because their bodies are working hard on their health, leaving growth on the backburner. It has long been the standard to spay or neuter your puppy as soon as possible. It usually happens at the 6-month mark, in order to ensure that they are large enough to withstand the anaesthesia and not so mature that they have reached sexual maturity. The purpose of this was to stop a female pup from going into heat and having an unwanted pregnancy or to stop a male from reproducing. Puppies that mate too young also have their growth at risk, so the idea was to save them in the long run. Unfortunately, there is new information that has come out in recent years. Studies have shown that dogs, especially larger breeds, which are spayed or neutered before they have finished growing are more likely to have joint issues when they are older. This is because altering their bodies during their growth will affect other parts of their bodies as well. The dogs do have a lot of similarities, but the Bernedoodle is a little bit larger than a Labradoodle is. Much of their size is based on the type of Poodle that has been mixed with the Labrador or the Bernese Mountain Dog, but in all of the cases, the Bernedoodles will be bigger, weighing as much as 90 pounds. What If My Labradoodle Is Not The Right Weight If you have been following your Labradoodle growth chart and you see that your pup is not growing at a consistent weight, you might be a little concerned. Since growth spurts can be unpredictable and you will not necessarily know when they happen, sometimes a puppy will stray off of his expected weight and size. The concern is when your puppy has completely fallen off of the growth curve, whether in being too large or too small. If it was a one-time occurrence, that is one thing, but if your puppy is simply not growing at the right pace, it is best to speak with your vet to make sure there is nothing else going on. You should be weighing your puppy routinely to get a good idea about how fast he has been going and these records will help your vet immensely. Feeding your Labradoodle puppy the right amount of food can be easy as long as you stick to a schedule. Given their curly fur, the regular visual check that you can do to monitor the size of other breeds is incredibly difficult. To know how much you need to feed your Labradoodle, you will need to focus on his age. Puppies between the age of 8 and 12 weeks need about 4 equal meals a day. Between 3 and 6 months, this can be reduced to 3 meals a day, dropping to 2 meals at 6 months. The quantity of food will depend on the type of food that it is as well as the type of Labradoodle that you have and his activity level. Take your pup in for regular weight checks with the vet and ask her what food recommendations she has. How To Choose A Labradoodle Size Since there are three different types of Labradoodles, you will need to choose which type of Labradoodle is right for you. The ultimate factor to help you decide is which size is right for you. A Standard Labradoodle is between 22 and 24 inches in height for males and between 21 and 23 inches for a female. Their weights range between 50 and 65 pounds. This is the biggest size. The medium Labradoodle is between 18 and 20 inches for a male and 17 and 19 inches for a female. They weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. The smallest Labradoodle is the mini Labradoodle that stands between 14 and 16 inches for either sex and weighs between 15 and 25 pounds. Weighing your Labradoodle puppy consistently is essential to his overall health. This can help you be certain that your puppy is growing as much and as quickly as he should be. Ideally, weighing your puppy twice a month will give you a good amount of data to go with. To weigh your puppy, you can weigh yourself while holding the puppy, note the weight. Then, weigh yourself again without the puppy. If your puppy is too large to hold, you should be able to take him into the vet to have a weight checkup. Labradoodle Genetics And Common Health Problems All dog breeds are more prone to certain genetic conditions than others. One of the most common genetic conditions that Labradoodles face is hip dysplasia. This happens as the dog ages and will result in mobility issues. Labradoodles can also suffer from epilepsy, but this can typically be controlled well with the right medicine. An eye condition that Labradoodles are at risk of is progressive retinal atrophy PRA , which can ultimately result in blindness. Your vet should be able to keep tabs on your pup and screen for these possibilities. If untreated, a dog can experience trouble with the kidneys and circulatory system. Even though a Labradoodle is a mixed breed, it runs the risk of genetic conditions of both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Some of these may be genetic, while others can be environmental. Here are some factors that affect labradoodle puppy growth. Genetics No matter what breed of dog it is, genetics plays a very important role in the growth of a puppy. Labradoodles are a mix between Labrador Retriever and Poodle. These dogs share genetic traits from both parents. The size of a labradoodle depends on its Poodle parent. For example, if the Poodle parent is a toy or miniature, you will get a mini and medium-sized labradoodle. However, if the Poodle parent is standard size, you will get a standard-sized labradoodle. Nutrition Selecting a nutritious diet for your Labradoodle puppy is essential to his well-being and development. Giving him all of the nutrients he needs to flourish and grow. Puppies are in a period of rapid growth, so they require more nutrients for bone and joint development than adult dogs. Puppies who receive adequate nutrition grows to their full potential. When feeding your pup, make sure the food contains all essential nutrients as well as the right levels of fat and protein. Your veterinarian can advise you on the ideal food to provide them with. Physical Activity Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. If not given enough exercise, they could develop health issues such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease. When your puppy is young, it is best to limit their exercise as excessive physical activity can cause joint damage that will impact their development later in life. Walking and jogging are two activities that puppies enjoy doing, but these should only be done in small amounts in order to protect their joints. Health The growth of Labradoodle puppies also depends on their overall health. Labradoodles may suffer from health conditions that hinder their growth, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions make it difficult for them to walk or lead an ordinary life. So, make sure you buy a Labradoodle puppy from a reputable breeder and screen them for any health issues. It is also advisable to take them for regular vet visits. Many new pet parents often wonder what size their Labradoodle will be when they grow up. For Labradoodle puppies, puppyhood lasts from birth until about five or six months old. During this stage, you will see a massive growth spurt in Labradoodles. They will keep growing until they reach adulthood. However, this may not always be the case; some may need additional pounds to gain before reaching this milestone. Conclusion A Labradoodle is a designer hybrid dog created by crossing two breeds — Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. As such, these dogs possess high energy levels, are friendly, and are highly affectionate. If you are planning to get a Labradoodle puppy or already have one, it is essential to monitor their growth, as their size can be drastically affected by certain factors. With some simple formulas, these charts may even allow you to predict their future weights. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. He is now 55 lbs full grown! Puppy weight estimates are most effectively understood by looking at both the dogs parents wherever possible. Ask your breeder about past puppies from the same parents if possible. Double Up: Generally, an adult dog will weigh about twice as much as he did when he was 4 months of age; giant breeds will double what they weighed at 5 months. Four Fold: The weight of your puppy at 8 weeks is a quarter of his adult weight. Divide the current weight, i. It gives 0. It means that your puppy will grow 0. Now, multiply the growth rate by 52, which is the number of weeks in one year. Gonna be best for medium size breeds. Most of you might not like to do math, which is where the Puppy Weight Calculator will come in handy. Our Standard size Labradoodle puppies range between lbs at 8 wks and as adult lbs depending on the parents and sex. Our males are almost always bigger then our females. Our Labraoodle puppies reach full grown by months old. Our Mini Aussiedoodles are usually lbs at 8 wks and are lbs full grown. So somewhere between teacup and small according to the chart above. Dogs of this kind of size and weight typically stop growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months of age, but the vast majority of their growth is complete by around six months of age. Small and medium dogs The chart given of a small dog is based on a Miniature Schnauzer. The medium dog is an English Springer Spaniel. Small to medium sized dogs tend to have completed their growth by around the end of the first year. With close to their adult height reached by around nine months. Again, this is not set in stone. Just a rough guide. Large Dog In this chart the growth rate of the large dog is based on the growth rate of a moderate sized German Shepherd Dog. Most larger breeds will finally complete their growth somewhere between 18 and 24 months, though they may be close to their adult height by their first birthday. Some giant breeds reach even greater weights than this and grow for even longer. Some giant breeds will continue growing for up to three years. Again, these are just general guidelines. But the general rule is this: the larger the dog, the longer they grows. Are you tempted to bring home the smallest puppy from a litter in the hope they stay petite into adulthood? For example, a Labrador might be a bit too big for your home, but a little Labrador would be a great fit? Very bad but common logic. If the Labrador is too big for you. .Size is based on genetics not puppy size. Indeed, online dog forums are awash with anecdotes from owners who brought home the smallest puppy in the litter, then watched in disbelief as they reached the highest weight ranges for their breed. You have been warned. One of my Smallest Labradoodle Puppies Runt in comparison to her littermate sister — She was actually adopted by one of my other Females who had a much smaller litter around the same time and she was able to catch up with her littermates by 4 wks old. Our puppy growth chart and calculator has your answer! Size is largely determined by genetics. Size is inherited in non-linear ways in dogs and other animals. Some puppies stay much smaller than both parents, some become much bigger, and some are in the middle. While size is already hard to predict in purebred dogs, it becomes even more erratic when two breeds are crossed such as in any Doodle mix litter. Labradors are large dogs. They can have a heavy build with deep chests and a wide rib cage. Poodles on the other hand are rather dainty, even though they are tall. Especially in the first generation of a Labradoodle litter that means a generation whose parents are a purebred Poodle and a purebred Labrador , there will be a greater variation of size. The smallest and the tallest puppy of the litter might be as much as 20 pounds apart in weight! That being said, most Labradoodles weigh somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds and are inches tall. Because they are a mixed breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and have no breed standard that requires a certain size. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? As a large dog breed, Labradoodles grow past their first birthday. The smaller a dog, the sooner he is finished growing. Some very small breeds can stop growing around months. Since the Labradoodle is tall, expect him to continue growing until about months of age. At 12 months, most tall dogs are lanky teenagers! By the time your Labradoodle is 2 years old, he will definitely be done growing. How big is a 6 month old Labradoodle? At 6 months old, your Labradoodle will weigh about pounds. He is definitely not fully grown yet — expect him to become quite a bit taller and heavier in the coming months. As your Labradoodle puppy is growing up, his coat will become longer and thicker as well! Make sure you bathe and brush him regularly. Trimming his coat regularly with a good set of clippers will be very important as well! Ensuring healthy growth Here is what you can do to set your Labradoodle up for a healthy growth and solid adult weight: Nutrition and feeding Without the right nutrition, your pup cannot grow well. You need to feed your Labradoodle a high-quality food with a lot of protein. Protein is what our bodies are built of — your growing pup needs a lot in order to grow tall and strong. You can choose from a variety of different foods, such as: Dry food.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Also, be sure to check the Pug Dog Breeder. Pug Breeders Elizabeth Cessac. Pug Breeders Slidell, Louisiana. Are playful and wonderful with kids and other d. Pugs for adoption in the Shreveport, Louisiana area come with a year health guarantee. Well socialized, and raised in a family home. Pug puppies for sale in Louisiana from trusted breeders. Welcome to the Louisiana Classifieds. Description: 4 male white Pug Puppies. Pugs for adoption in the Central, Louisiana area come with a year health guarantee. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Welcome to the virtual home of Pickwick Pugs, dedicated to the pug breed since .Puppy Price: Check with breeder. Pug, Louisiana » New Orleans. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Louisiana. We are located in southern Lou. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal. Louisiana: Pug Breeders Below is a sample search of our Pug breeders with puppies for sale. At Premier Pups, we take great pride in providing healthy and happy Pug puppies to families in the Lafayette, Louisiana area. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. He will be ready for Christmas. At Premier Pups, we take great pride in providing healthy and happy Pug puppies to families in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area. I have bred champion bloodline Pugs since insuring quality pugs for approved dog owners. Click on a number to view those needing rescue in that state. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving directions. See Pug Puppies. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. The Pug is a great dog breed to own. They are quite friendly, and nothing can stand in the way. Pug Breeders Servicing and Delivering Puppies to the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Area The Pug is a small, playful, and affectionate breed of dog that is known for its wrinkly face and curly tail. Adopt Pug Dogs in Louisiana. Our Pugs are excellent representations of their breed, and we are proud to offer our high-quality puppies to loving homes. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. The favourite dog breed among pet owners in Louisiana is the Labrador Retriever. Find Pug breeders with puppies for sale near Louisiana. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Louisiana Puppies. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. Pug puppies for sale in Louisiana with Price. Pug Puppies and Dogs for Sale in Louisiana. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Best Pug Breeders Lafayette, Louisiana. Find Pug puppies for sale Near Louisiana Smart and playful with a short muzzle and expressive eyes, the Pug's low-key lifestyle makes them perfect city dogs. Pug puppy for sale in Louisiana. Pugs for adoption in the Houma, Louisiana area come with a year health guarantee. View our Available Puppies. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Pug puppies in Louisiana who need a home. Pug Breeders in Louisiana with Puppies for Sale. The puppies and their parents receive the best. I breed for health and for. Pug puppies for sale in Mississippi from trusted breeders. Number of puppies available at time of publication: 0 puppies available. My name is Dr. Best Pug Breeders Pineville, Louisiana. I am located in Amite, LA on 65 acres of land. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Houma, Louisiana? This map shows how many Pug Dogs are posted in other states. Pug For Sale in Louisiana .The Pug is a small, playful, and affectionate breed of dog that is known for its wrinkly face and curly tail. Pug Puppies for Sale in Louisiana. Click to see our available litters. Pugs are true joy bringers from the moment they are born. Available puppies Certified breeders puppies who can be transported to you These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. At Premier Pups, we take great pride in providing healthy and happy Pug puppies to families in the Slidell, Louisiana area. If you are unable to find your Pug puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Pug Dogs for Adoption. Our puppies are carefully bred and raised to the highest standards, ensuring that they are well-adjusted and. Free classified ads for pets, products and items. For Serious inquiries please call or us at xxx Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Pug puppies ready for their new home in 3 weeks!!!! Full bred, first round of shots inclu. Our physical home is located in Alabama, USA where we live with a grumble of delightful pugs young and old. This will help puppies learn how to play with others appropriately and avoid behavioral problems later on. Pugs Everywhere in Louisiana See all the locations in Louisiana for this breed New Orleans Baton Rouge Shreveport Lafayette Find the perfect puppy Our adorable puppies are all from carefully vetted breeders and can't wait to join their new family. Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. Breed Frenchie Pug. Pug Breeders Servicing and Delivering Puppies to the Slidell, Louisiana Area The Pug is a small, playful, and affectionate breed of dog that is known for its wrinkly face and curly tail. Pug Puppies!!! At Premier Pups, we take great pride in providing healthy and happy Pug. Mary Rauschenbach is from Louisiana and breeds Pugs and Chihuahuas. Our beautiful Pugs are raised with the utmost care by our licensed and responsible breeders. Find teacup puppies and puppies from Louisiana breeders. Pug puppies ready. At Premier Pups, we take great pride in providing healthy and happy Pug puppies to families in the Pineville, Louisiana area. We take great pride in producing healthy, happy puppies for you to love! We breed standard colors as well as rare colors such as brindle, apricot, white, and merle! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. They would make perfect pets they come up to date on. Beware of "free pets" but you pay shipping , cashier's check scams and other fraud. Our puppies are carefully bred and raised to the highest standards, ensuring t. Adorable weeks old Teacup PUG males and females puppies are looking. Pug, Louisiana » G. Crescent City Pugs and Boston Terriers. Conclusion on Pug Breeders in Louisiana. Best Pug Breeders Slidell, Louisiana. We are Pug and Boston Terrier breeders because of the joy we can bring to each family we serve, the connections we create, and most. Pug Breeders Pineville, Louisiana. New Orleans, LA www. This pug rescue takes in over 8, homeless pets every year. Animal Rescue New Orleans is a non-profit organization that offers dog walking services if needed, as well as low cost veterinary services. They are mostly funded by donations and fundraisers, but there are volunteer opportunities available on their website if you are interested in helping out more directly. Their main location in Clairborn Avenue also takes in lost pugs. Their mission is to help them find a new family through foster families. Moreover, they offer low-cost veterinary services for those who have been rescued by the organization. The other location in Zachary also has adoptable pugs and a community pet wellness clinic. Appropriately named, Villalobos Pitbull Rescue Center is a non profit charity founded after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and many pit bulls were abandoned. Villalobos believes that needy pugs should be treated like any other breed of dog. They take in homeless pets that might otherwise end up on the streets or worse. There are also fostering programs available for those who want to help by providing the dogs with a home until they find their forever family! Some pugs that were saved from New Orleans were placed into foster homes during hurricane season just to be safe there were no problems so more pugs can be cared for in this way. Best Friends Animal Society also offers reduced cost veterinary services and donates time, supplies, and money to neuter programs. In addition, they are an organization dedicated to making sure that fewer animals go into shelters every year. The group aims to provide a forever home for the dogs they rescue. Monroe, LA www. All of the dogs that come into their care are spayed or neutered before being adopted out to the public. They also have a great foster program for pugs and other pets. The Monroe location is known as Bayou Dogs Adoption Center, so if you visit please consider bringing some pug or dog treats along with you- both are welcome. Their mission aims to provide loving homes in the Orleans area as well. For more information, contact them on their website. Conclusion When it comes to animal shelters for dogs and pugs, there are so many different options in the state of Louisiana! Be sure to contact each one directly if you want more information on their services or how you can get involved. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Or, are you just looking for a cheap pug? Either way, you need to read the rest of this post. First, you are incredibly unlikely to get a free pug. Like it or not, there are expenses involved in breeding healthy puppies. First, you must understand that all Pugs are not created equally. Getting a good price on a Pug is not the same thing as getting a better price on a new camera , TV , or new car. Different breeders are selling you different things — from one, you might get a Lexus and from another you might get a Yugo. What makes it a little bit more complicated is that price does not always indicate whether you are getting a good dog. You could find a disreputable breeder who sells their puppies for as much as possible. On the other hand, you may find a very good breeder who is only trying to cover her costs and would be willing to sell their dog for less than it is worth. You might also find a good breeder who charges a fee only to make sure that they give their dogs to good homes, on the theory that people who are interested in a free pug do not have the dedication or resources to take proper care of a dog. However, you are more likely to find a breeder who is selling you a cheap dog because the breeder is set up to produce a large number of puppies without regard for the health and quality of those puppies. Just as burger places serve cheap food that will cause you health problems, breeders selling large numbers of cheap pugs will sell you dogs with health problems. You will get very attached to your puppy, I promise you. Pugs, especially those from puppy mills, are prone to health problems, and it can be very painful to lose a pug early because of this. While it might save you a small amount of money now, getting a cheap pug will cost you a lot more if you end up with one that has serious health issues. Finally, in the long run, the difference in price between a pug from a reasonably priced reputable breeder and from a puppy mill will not be that much, relative to the cost of regular vet visits, heart worm pills, dog food, and dog toys you will buy. Also, you should definitely consider a rescue pug. They are definitely not free most of the time, but they are a good way to get a dog. I will talk more about rescue pugs in a future post. To learn how to tell a good from bad breeders and for more about why it is so important, you absolutely need to read my earlier article on pug breeders. We have just 1 black male left available! Gorgeous litter all around! Great selection, have fawn and black girls and boys. Pups go home 2nd week in oct. See pictures just posted. Will be ready in Sept. Expecting 2 females heat cycle Nov and Dec .Puppies will have required vaccinations and come with health guarantee. September has available puppies. Give us a call today to discuss our puppies. We have beautiful AKC registered pug puppies. We have been raising puppies for around 25 years and make every effort to raise healthy quality pets. Shots, and Vet checked. Adorable little girls full of energy and playful. Very sweet and love to be held. Dewclaws removed and first vaccine. Raised in the sunroom of our house where lots of spoiling and attention results in personable pups. To view photos of parents and their pups available check out our website, millerclanpugs. Puppies available most times. UTD on shots and dewormings. Raised in my home! I have fawns and blacks, all are AKC registered. Boys available at stud. We breed sweet, healthy companions and occasional show pups. One year health guarantee CD Pugs.

Are you starting to wonder if it's time to switch the teenage pooch to an adult food? While typically a pup should switch to adult dog food between 12 and 18 months of age, there are some things to consider. Growth and Size Puppies eat puppy food. Almost everyone knows that. The real question, though, is "why. Large-breed puppies in particular, such as your Labrador, have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. Large-breed puppies require specific balances of minerals to ensure that their joints develop properly and in the right time frame. As such, the decision to switch your Labrador to an adult food is not one to be taken lightly. Speak with your vet concerning your Labrador's growth and keep your big, goofy, teenage Lab on a large-breed puppy food until the vet says his growth plates are beginning to close. These foods often contain bone- and joint-fortifying supplements like MSM or glucosamine. Since Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, the extra joint support in large-breed foods can help keep your growing dog on the right track, developmentwise. Labradors are prone to excess weight gain; many large-breed dog foods have fewer calories, which allows your seemingly bottomless stomach of a dog can be satisfied at the end of a meal instead of endlessly seeking more to eat. What Brand? Labradors, with their double coats, are heavy shedders. Keeping a close eye on the brand of food you feed, and on the food's ingredients list, can help keep your Labrador's coat healthy, shiny and shedding less. Look for a food, preferably grain-free, with meat listed as the first ingredient. Make sure it's not a meat byproduct or a meal. For example, the first few ingredients in a top-of-the-line food may read, "Turkey, chicken, eggs, quinoa. Start to wean your Lab off the puppy food and onto the adult food bit by bit, no more than half a cup at a time. On the first day of the switch, you might feed a cup and a half of puppy food and a half-cup of adult food. On day seven, you might feed 1-and-a-half cups of adult food and half a cup of puppy food. If your puppy starts to have digestive difficulties, such as loose stool, take the switch a little slower. More Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. You need to know how to get them eating dry dog food before they leave mom. When should Labrador puppies be weaned? Labrador puppies should be weaned between 3 and 6 weeks. It is a process that begins with introducing puppies to a warm canine replacement milk and puppy mash at 3 weeks and then slowly reducing how much time they spend with mom to eat. Puppies should be eating dry puppy dog food by 6 weeks old. While this explanation makes the process seem rather straight forward which it is , there are some things happening with mom that you will also help wean the pups. Why wean puppies? Well, that just is not true. Truth be told, female dogs will nurse their pups for up to three months in some situations. If you are breeding puppies to sell, then you cannot wait that long. You need these puppies ready to go home by 8 weeks old. It is going to be really important to have puppies weaned by week 6 or 7. The trick is to do it is such a way that the puppy does not experience any drop off in nutrition during these early growth spurts. That might stunt growth in a way that will be difficult to make up later on. If this happens, your puppies may eat the food, but be unable to draw the nutritional benefit that they need to supply their crazy growth rate. In the worst cases, puppies can get fatally sick or malnourished. So, start weaning the puppies at 3 or 4 weeks. Follow the schedule below to make sure that you give your litter sufficient time to adjust to the new food source. When does mom stop producing milk? As long as the puppies are nursing, her body will produce. In the wild, males and females in the coyote and wolf packs bring food back to the den in their stomachs. When they get to the pups, the adults regurgitate the food in a mostly digested form. Your job is to start this process when the puppies are 3 or 4 weeks old. The puppy mash is the substitute for regurgitated, mostly digested rabbit or deer. Puppy mash There are lots of things you can use for the puppy mash. Some people I think it is sufficient to just use a high quality dry puppy food. Just use the puppy food you will be transitioning them to before they go home. When you are ready to use the soaked dog food, place it in a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it is the consistency of baby food no lumps. When you are ready to feed the puppies, you can mix it will some warm water or put it in the microwave for just a few seconds to take the frigid edge off. The weaning stages by age of the puppy The weaning process is better thought of in stages. While I am going to explain the process in terms of days or weeks. This approach can present a problem. Not all puppies take to the weaning process at the same rate. If it seems like one is not growing, you need to be aware so that you can step in and help with the weaning process. Do not move onto the next stage until the puppy has mastered the previous one. If you are wondering what puppy food is the best, then you should consider this dog food from Purina. I hear professional breeders and trainers rave about this food all the time. Your finger is not exactly what the puppy is looking for when he gets hungry. The same can be said about a dish or small bowl. So, you have to show them how good this can be. Repeat this until the puppy is greedily licking your finger to get the mash off. Now, move onto the rest of the litter. Once all of the puppies like licking the mash off of your fingers, try putting the mash into a bowl by a puppy. I still think it is a good idea to do this one puppy at a time. Leave puppies alone with soupy mash Okay, so now your puppies understand that they can eat from the bowl of mash. This next part gets a little or rather a lot messy. Remove mom from the whelping box and take her outside for a walk. When you and mom go for the walk, put enough of the mash in the whelping box with the puppies. I suggest you have your kids stay and watch the oncoming food disaster. Your puppies are going to step in the bowl and spill the mash all over each other. It will get on the floor and they will end up laying in it. Just accept the fact right now that you will have to clean your puppies multiple times a day during this stage of weaning. It is not going to take long before your puppies figure out that they like this stuff in the bowl. They are going to charge the bowl every time you set it down in the whelping box. Let your puppies stay here and get used to the mash for a week or 10 days. They need to get used to this new way of eating. This will make the mixture thicker. We still want baby food consistency, but now a little bit more firm than the liquidy mash you have been using. Think cold baby food rather than the watery variety. This should be a rather easy transition for your puppies because they still do not have to chew up anything. Skip the blender The next step is to skip the blender part of the process. Just add the milk replacement directly to the dry dog food and let it soak up for at least an hour. So make sure that you watch them the first time they give it a go. Go dry food only At least by week 6 or so, you need to have your puppies gobbling down straight dry food. I stop using the milk replacement at this stage of the game, but I still like to add a little water and let it soak for 5 or 10 minutes before feeding the puppies. I know that not everyone soaks the puppy food at this stage. It is not mandatory. Your puppies are completely capable of eating dry dog food with being soaked by 6 weeks. Make sure that you have your puppies at a place where they can eat straight dry dog food for at least a week before they go home. If you have a puppy that is still struggling with the transition to dry dog food, then just hold onto him for a couple extra days. He will get it. What about mom during this time? While you are working your puppies through the weaning process, you want to start controlling how much time mom spends with her litter during eating time. Make sure that your whelping box is tall enough that mom can get in and out as she wants, but keeps the puppies contained at the same time. If your whelping box is in your garage or some other enclosed space, then this will be easy. Just take mom for a walk and have someone else in the family feed them before you get back with mom. The rest will come from the mash. As the litter progresses through the weaning stages, you want to increase how much they get from the dry food and decrease how much they get from mom. How do you know when the Lab puppies are weaned? The reality is, mom may still feed puppies every now and then, and that is not a big deal. Occasional nursing does not mean that your puppies are not weaned. The tendency to look under mom for a quick snack might even continue after mom has stopped producing milk. In fact, when I brought Odin home, he looked for snacks under Lady, my 7-year-old female Labrador. She had not lactated in almost 4 years. His instincts just caused him to look. Think of it like stopping at your favorite corner store for a drink even when you might not necessarily be thirsty. If your puppy can eat dry dog food without having to mix it with any milk substitute, then you know that they are weaned and ready to go to a permanent home. When are Labrador puppies ready to take home? This is one of the reasons that you should not send puppies home until they are at least 7 weeks old. There are other reasons as well that your puppies need to stay together and with mom for 7 to 8 weeks, but weaning is a significant factor. What to do so that your Lab puppies succeed in their new home? This will give them a consistent diet and avoid stomach problems when they get home. In addition to giving the new owners a supply of puppy food and the brand name of the food they should buy when that runs out , you should also send them a small blanket that mom has slept on. You can also let the litter sleep on the blanket. The same principle applies if the puppy can smell his brothers and sisters while getting used to a new place. Transition to new brand of puppy food You should also tell the new family how to transition their new puppy to a different dog food. It will not be unheard of for a family not to spend as much on puppy food as you did as a breeder. Vaccine schedule Every new puppy owner should receive, along with AKC documentation, a schedule for the upcoming vaccines. You should have already given the puppies their first shots. Then, make sure that you put the date that the next series of shots should be administered. I usually only do the dates for the next shot. If they miss that next date by a week, then there is the chance that someone might give the final set of shots too soon. What about other puppy supplies I have never felt like I had to send food bowls, leashes, or collars home with new puppies. It seems like they should pick those things out for themselves. If you wait to get these things, then you will find yourself in a major pinch. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.