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Breeds The link has been copied! When considering the addition of a Goldendoodle to your family, one of the first questions that come to mind is, "How much does a Goldendoodle cost? This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects influencing a Goldendoodle's price. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of choosing reputable breeders and provide valuable information on protecting your pup with innovative technology like Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar. By learning about these factors beforehand, prospective Goldendoodle owners can confidently navigate this process while ensuring they bring home a healthy and happy companion. How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? If you're considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, it's essential to understand the costs associated with this popular and lovable breed. In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing or adopting a puppy, ongoing expenses like vet visits, vaccinations, grooming services, and pet food need to be considered. The cost of a Goldendoodle puppy can vary, depending on several elements, which will be discussed in further detail later. First, however, it's essential to focus on the purchase price and consider routine costs throughout your dog's life. These may include annual check-ups at the veterinarian's office including vaccinations , monthly heartworm prevention medication, grooming sessions every weeks, and high-quality pet food that meets their nutritional needs. How Much Is a Goldendoodle Puppy? The price of a Goldendoodle puppy can range widely depending on the breeder, its location, and any special features it may have. However, some breeders may charge even higher prices if their puppies come from an exceptional bloodline or have unique traits. Purchasing From Breeders Breeder reputation: Look for reviews online and ask around within local communities or social media groups dedicated to Goldendoodles. Health testing: Reputable breeders will conduct health tests on both parent dogs before breeding them together. Puppy contract: A responsible breeder should provide a written agreement outlining what they guarantee regarding your new pet's health status and other terms related to care after purchase. Finding Adoptable Dogs Through Rescues and Shelters Adopting a Goldendoodle from an animal rescue or refuge can be a great way to give a home to an abandoned pup while saving money. Many organizations specialize in rescuing specific breeds, like the IDOG Rescue , which focuses on finding homes for doodle dogs such as Goldendoodles. Keep in mind that adopting through shelters may require additional time and patience compared to purchasing from breeders since you might have to wait until your desired breed becomes available. However, this option is often more affordable than buying directly from breeders and helps support animal welfare efforts. Factors That Impact the Cost of a Goldendoodle When considering the purchase of a Goldendoodle, it's essential to understand that various factors can impact their cost. Colors The color of a Goldendoodle's coat can significantly influence its price. Rarer coat colors, such as reds and merle goldendoodles , are more expensive than common shades like cream or apricot. While this may not affect the dog's personality or health, many potential owners are willing to pay extra for unique appearances. Dogs with proven lineage from reputable breeders often come at higher prices due to their genetic quality assurance than those without documented ancestry. Breeder Reputation Reputable Breeders: Purchasing your puppy from reputable Goldendoodle breeders ensures you get a healthy dog raised in good conditions. Reputable breeders follow ethical breeding practices by testing parent dogs for genetic disorders and providing proper care during pregnancy and after birth. This level of care comes at a higher cost but provides peace of mind knowing your pup is coming from responsible hands. Puppy Mills and Pet Stores: It's crucial to avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these establishments prioritize profit over the welfare of their animals. Dogs bred in such conditions often suffer from health issues due to poor breeding practices and inadequate care. While puppies from these sources may have a lower initial cost, they can lead to higher expenses in vet bills later on. We do not recommend buying from a pet store or a puppy mill. Estimated Size The size of your Goldendoodle will also impact its price. Smaller Goldendoodles, like Mini Goldendoodle or Teacup varieties, typically cost more than Standard-sized dogs because they are in higher demand due to their convenient size for apartment living and easier handling by owners with limited space. On the other hand, larger adult Goldendoodles might be less expensive but could require more resources for grooming costs, food consumption, and exercise needs. The Prices of Different Size Goldendoodles Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which can significantly impact their cost. In this section, we will explore the prices of Mini, Teacup, and Standard Goldendoodles to help you understand how size affects the overall price. Mini Goldendoodle Price The Mini Goldendoodle is a popular choice for those who want a smaller dog with all the wonderful qualities of a standard-sized one. These dogs typically weigh between pounds and stand around inches tall at shoulder height. You may also find that some breeders charge more for rarer coat colors or patterns. Teacup Goldendoodle Price If you're looking for an even smaller version of the beloved doodle breed, then consider getting a Teacup Goldendoodle. Weighing only pounds and standing just under 12 inches tall at shoulder height when fully grown makes them perfect pets for people living in apartments or small homes. Keep in mind that caring for teacups might require extra attention compared to larger breeds, so be prepared for additional expenses in the long run. Standard Goldendoodle Price The Standard Goldendoodle is the largest of the three sizes, weighing between pounds and standing around inches tall at shoulder height. These dogs are known for their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats, making them great family pets. It's essential to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health testing and ethical breeding practices when purchasing your new furry friend. This innovative device allows you to keep tabs on your dog's location at all times, giving you peace of mind knowing that they are safe. The Fi Smart Collar offers several features that make it an excellent choice for Goldendoodle owners. These include: Real-time tracking: The collar uses advanced GPS technology to provide accurate location data so that you can find your pup quickly if they wander off or gets lost. Fence alerts: You can set up virtual fences around specific areas such as your home and receive notifications if your dog leaves these boundaries. This feature helps prevent them from venturing too far away or into dangerous situations. Durable design: The collar is built with high-quality materials designed to withstand rough play and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your pet. Battery life: Boasting a battery life of up to three months between charges, this collar ensures continuous monitoring without frequent interruptions for recharging. In addition to providing security and peace of mind, the Fi Smart Collar also tracks activity levels. It enables you to monitor how much exercise your Goldendoodle gets daily - crucial information, given their energetic nature. Now that you know the cost of owning one, let's look into what makes this breed so special with our next heading: Goldendoodle Breed Guide. Goldendoodle Breed Guide The Goldendoodle is a popular and versatile breed, known for its friendly personality, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. A blend of the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds, this hybrid pooch presents a great mix of attributes that make it appropriate for various ways of life. Personality Goldendoodles are typically affectionate, social dogs with a gentle temperament. They get along well with children and other pets in the household. Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train as they quickly pick up on commands and cues from their owners. Moreover, these dogs have an innate desire to please their humans, which further contributes to their trainability. Generally speaking: Miniature Goldendoodles: weigh between pounds kg and stand at about inches cm tall at shoulder height. Standard Goldendoodles: Standard Goldendoodles are larger, weighing between pounds kg and standing at inches cm. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a healthy Goldendoodle ranges from around 10 to 15 years when provided proper care, including regular vet check-ups , vaccinations, exercise routines, grooming sessions, and a balanced diet. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, swimming, or playing fetch. Providing them with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise is essential for keeping your Goldendoodle happy and healthy. Additionally, engaging in mental stimulation exercises, like puzzle toys or obedience training sessions, can help keep their minds sharp. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The lifetime care costs of owning a Goldendoodle include expenses related to food, grooming, veterinary care including vaccinations , pet insurance if opted for , and accessories like collars and leashes Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar recommended , among others. How Can I Lower the Cost of a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles can be quite expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost while still enjoying the companionship of this lovable breed. Adopting vs. Buying From a Breeder Pet adoption websites and local animal shelters often have Goldendoodles available for adoption at significantly lower costs compared to buying from breeders. By adopting, not only do you save money, but you also provide a loving home to an animal in need. Purchasing or Adopting an Older Dog Instead of a Puppy If your heart is set on owning a Goldendoodle, but the price tag seems too steep, consider adopting or purchasing an older dog instead of opting for puppies. Older dogs usually come with lower prices as they might not possess certain desirable traits like specific coat colors or pedigree lineage. Additionally, senior dogs tend to be calmer and require less training than their younger counterparts. Conclusion After considering all the factors that impact the cost of a Goldendoodle, it is safe to say that they can be quite expensive. The price of a Goldendoodle can vary significantly, depending on factors such as size, age, and the breeder's reputation. Additionally, grooming costs and potential health issues should also be taken into account when calculating the actual cost of owning a Goldendoodle. If you're interested in getting a Goldendoodle but want to lower the cost, consider adopting an adult dog or purchasing from reputable breeders with reasonable prices. Investing in pet insurance is essential to ensure that any unforeseen medical costs won't be a burden. If you're ready to welcome a new furry friend into your home and want peace of mind knowing their whereabouts at all times, try Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar today! Be sure to keep tabs on your pup with Fi's GPS collar, which gives you real-time location updates and activity tracking. The link has been copied! You might also like. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to your family is a big commitment…and it can come with an equally big price tag! Knowing what the average Goldendoodle price is and the factors that influence the cost can help you budget appropriately. It can also protect you from vastly overpaying or being the victim of a scam. So, how much does a Goldendoodle cost? What Determines the Price of a Goldendoodle Puppy? There are six main factors that will help us determine how much you should expect to spend on your future Goldendoodle. Size There are five sizes of Goldendoodles —standard, medium, mini, toy, and teacup. That rule is, the smaller the size, the higher the price. First and foremost, you want to pick the Goldendoodle size that will work best in your family. All else being equal, however, you may save significant money by choosing a larger dog. Generations are what describe the genetic makeup of Goldendoodles and how close in DNA they are to their Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors. Some Goldendoodles may even be hypoallergenic , though this can never be guaranteed. More Poodle DNA frequently results in a curlier coat. When it comes to Goldendoodle price, the closer in DNA your potential dog is to a Poodle, the higher the cost will usually be. This is because the demand for allergy-friendly and low-shedding dogs is very high. Location As the cost of living increases, so does the cost of a puppy. For example. Sometimes it can be helpful to drive a few hours to a Goldendoodle breeder further away. While less convenient, it could save you a little bit of money if you are from an area with a high cost of living. How did they seemingly get such a bargain? The answer is where they got their dog from. These owners likely adopted their Goldendoodle from a shelter or rescue organization. Quality, reputable breeders typically charge a premium for their puppies. On the other hand, puppy mills and backyard breeders will sometimes charge very low prices because their expenses are so much lower. Be careful, sometimes you get what you pay for. A cheap, unhealthy puppy will cost you more in the long-term than a more expensive, healthy dog. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! These stores thrive off of emotional, impulse purchases and receive strong criticism for obtaining their puppies from questionable breeders. Color There are so many colors of Goldendoodles, it may be impossible to choose your favorite! There is a wide spectrum of solid color options like cream, apricot, chocolate, or black. On top of that, there are unique, multi-color patterns like parti, merle, phantom , and sable. Many breeders base their pricing partially on color. Usually, the rule of thumb is that multi-color Goldendoodles, particularly those with rare or desirable patterns , are going to be significantly more expensive than their solid-color counterparts. For more budget-minded folks, a solid color Goldendoodle puppy will be just as cute for a fraction of the price. Usually, black. Black Goldendoodles are adorable, but are often overlooked and you can sometimes find them at a bit of a discount depending on the demand. The moral of the story when it comes to choosing a Goldendoodle color is to keep your options open. When there are lots of prospective buyers and not a lot of available puppies, prices will go up. When there are plenty of available puppies but not a lot of buyers, prices will go down. The best example of this when it comes to buying a puppy is around the holiday season. Goldendoodles, along with many other breeds, are often given as Christmas presents to children or spouses. For this reason, many breeders charge more for puppies that will be available to go home around the holidays. Why Are Goldendoodles So Expensive? Why are Goldendoodles so expensive? The simple answer is supply and demand. Poodle mixes are extremely popular due to their adorable, teddy-bear looks and also their likelihood to be allergy-friendly and low-shedding. On the other hand, reputable breeders struggle to keep up with demand and often have waitlists that extend months, or even years, down the road. All Goldendoodle puppies should come with at least their first round of vaccinations, deworming, up-to-date flea and tick prevention, and a vet check. Most reputable Goldendoodle breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies. This can range anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Usually, breeders will send your new puppy home with a few basic items like a blanket, toy, collar, and a small bag of food. In almost all cases, you will be required by a breeder to place a deposit to secure your selection from a particular litter. Be extremely careful sending money to any breeder who you have not personally visited. Do your due diligence to make sure they are legitimate. Many scammers are out there luring eager Goldendoodle buyers in with adorable, fake or stolen puppy pictures only to take their deposits and never be heard from again. Lifetime Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle If you thought the price of a Goldendoodle puppy was expensive, you might want to sit down for this. Here is the average lifetime cost of owning a dog according to a few, reliable sources which utilized major research studies to arrive at their conclusions:. You will need more toys for your dog during its puppy years, particularly for chewing and teething. As your dog ages, you may want to get more challenging toys for mental stimulation, such as interactive toys, robust chew toys, treat-dispensing toys, and more, all of which keep your dog entertained and well-adjusted. If you need professional services like dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, or training, your monthly costs will go up. Puppy obedience classes are recommended for your Goldendoodle puppy, but you can continue training into adulthood to teach your dog skills like advanced obedience, agility, or rally. The most important aspect of your pet budget is health care, including high-quality food. You may also need to treat a chronic health condition, which can add hundreds of dollars each month to your expenses. Other expenses may vary according to your lifestyle and schedule. Dog training is another possible expense if your dog develops behavioral problems that require professional help. You should also consider security deposits if you rent an apartment or home. As your dog ages, some of your expenses may change. Your dog may require special prescription diets, more frequent vet visits, and extra supplies like diapers, potty pads, or mobility aids like ramps. Preventative care is one of the best ways to avoid major expenses in the future. You can cut back on other areas, such as making your own toys instead of buying expensive toys and relying on friends or family to walk your dog during the day rather than a professional walker. Some pet insurance companies offer special coverage for preventative care, alternative treatments, pet boarding, behavioral training, and more. Conclusion Goldendoodles are a highly desirable dog breed, but they can be expensive. There are many optional expenses, such as pet sitting or boarding , training, and pet insurance , to consider before bringing your pup home. Before buying or adopting any dog, it pays to do your homework. Knowing where to search for your next dog, what to look for in a reputable breeder, and what you should expect to pay can improve your odds of bringing home a healthy dog at a reasonable cost. Purebred dogs have national breed clubs that provide information about the breed. Though the goldendoodle is a crossbreed, a national organization called the Goldendoodle Association of North America supports responsible breeding and pet ownership. Cost of Adopting a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles occasionally find themselves in need of rescue when people buy puppies from unscrupulous breeders who make unrealistic guarantees, or when new pup parents find themselves unprepared for caring for their goldendoodle. For instance, reputable goldendoodle breeders should never guarantee that a puppy will be 'hypoallergenic' or will not shed. When those adorable goldendoodle puppies start shedding, or when their human has an allergic reaction, the doodle may be in need of a new home. Rescuing an adult goldendoodle is not only a great way to save some money on the purchase price of the dog, but also provides other benefits. Goldendoodle puppies may also end up in rescue occasionally. This adoption fee generally includes the costs of updated vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery, and helps to ensure the organization can continue its lifesaving work. Cost of Buying a Goldendoodle Buying a goldendoodle puppy from a breeder is the most expensive way to acquire a goldendoodle. However, the cost of a puppy varies wildly. Breeders from different states may charge more, and the cost of a larger size goldendoodle may be different than a smaller goldendoodle. Some breeders also charge more for more desirable colors or coat types. Responsible goldendoodle breeders put a lot of money into their breeding programs, which is why their puppies cost a lot. Such breeders purchase or keep high-quality dogs for their breeding programs, perform genetic health screenings on the parents before breeding them, maintain pedigrees and pair dogs thoughtfully to better the breed. Reputable breeders also pursue thorough veterinary care for their adult dogs and puppies, feed high-quality diets, register their litters with the proper organization, and never overbreed their females or breed more puppies than they can responsibly care for. Due to the efforts they put in to produce healthy, high-quality dogs, good breeders usually offer a health guarantee on their puppies. Such breeders may simply breed together any male and female they happen to own and sell the resulting puppies. When a goldendoodle breeder tells you the price of buying a puppy, ask about their breeding program, genetic screening and health guarantees to find out what you are paying for. Additionally, be aware that some pets stores sell goldendoodle puppies along with many other breeds of puppies. It is very difficult to obtain accurate information on breeders who supply to pet stores, and in many cases, animal welfare experts worry about these puppies coming from puppy mills. A puppy mill is often described as a commercial dog breeding operation where the goal is to produce as many puppies as possible without regard for their health and the welfare of the breeding dogs. Both the adult dogs and puppies often have poor health, are exposed to more infectious diseases, and tend to have ongoing health problems in additional to coming from inhumane living conditions. For this reason, it is best to avoid purchasing a puppy if it has a questionable origin. One significant cost to consider for goldendoodles is the cost of professional grooming. Almost all goldendoodles need to have their hair trimmed by a groomer. Some goldendoodles may need grooming once a month; others can go about eight weeks in between haircuts. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. At their best, they are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is not a guarantee that the Goldendoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. The Goldendoodle is intelligent, friendly, and family oriented. It is a highly social dog. Goldendoodles tend to follow their nose wherever it leads, so a fenced-in yard is recommended. They are always ready for a game; most Goldendoodles retain the natural retrieving instincts of the Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles do not bark frequently. History Less - In the s, breeders in both North America and Australia began crossing golden retrievers with standard poodles. The original purpose of the cross was to attempt to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. The goldendoodle is sometimes called a designer dog. The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, when breeders began to cross purebred poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodle's non-shedding coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds.

Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. As the name implies, it has been scientifically formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals for puppies. Features Precisely balanced nutrition to help build immunity and mobility High-quality protein to promote ideal body weight Promotes gentle and healthy digestion with balanced and complete nutrition This delicious formula promotes gentle and healthy digestion and has a savory meaty taste your puppy will love Recommended for puppies up to 1-year-old and pregnant or nursing dogs Check price on Amazon. You want to be able to see visible chunks of meat in the food. It contains a large amount of deboned chicken meat and whole grains, making it a balanced option for your GSD puppy. However, larger companies generally have more resources for stringent quality control protocols. They can employ expert nutritionists and food scientists, and are more eager to enrich our collective nutrition knowledge through research. On the contrary, smaller manufacturers may have less control over ingredient quality, perform less laboratory testing, and are less likely to employ veterinary nutritionists. On top of that, there are still some basic rules you can follow. And we will walk you through things you will need to consider in this article. Every pet is unique and the goal is to find the best diet for the individual pet. Is real food good for German Shepherd puppies? Real food contains whole ingredients that are cooked to aid in digestion. Whole real foods are a great option for adult GSDs, it might be best to keep the puppy food dry or wet. The American College of Veterinary Nutrition does not recommend feeding dogs less than one year old a homemade diet as they can be lacking in calcium and phosphorous, which can have serious implications down the line for GSDs. Best homemade food for German Shepherd puppies If you insist on feeding your GSD puppy a homemade diet, the best way to go about it is to get recipes specifically formulated for them by a veterinary nutritionist. This will ensure all of their needs macro — and micronutrient needs are met, particularly their calcium and phosphorous requirements. This is very important to prevent issues like hip dysplasia and other joint and bone issues as an adult GSD. A typical homemade food recipe: Chicken. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. C is a group of breeders with the same vision. We consider each other a family. Officially established as a breed in the making in this tight-knit breeding program began before with Adam Parcelli and George Garibay teeming up with dogs who were brothers Pacific Blue's Kong and Pacific Blue's Heff, both produced by Adam Parcelli and their descendants. All dogs coming into the program are approved by Adam Parcelli, the founder of the Pacific Bulldogs. After 5 years in of being established many in the group had left and others had entered. George decided to go his own way. The family then made the necessary adjustments to continue with the original vision. Now in , the PBKC has a solid group including 31 official breeders and many in the approval process. When a person wants to enter the PBKC they 1st need to acquire a Pacific Bulldog or two and produce a litter and be accepted by displaying ethical business and breeding practices. It is easiest to enter the family by being mentored by an Official breeder. We only have up to go from here as the gene pool increases. This is a breed in development. English Bulldog Companion Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. After bull-baiting was banned by the English Parliament in , the English Bulldog eventually developed into a shorter-legged, thicker, companion version of its working predecessors. Bulldogs that are made to be massive, with excessive nose wrinkle, and muzzles of insufficient length, are unfit for an active, healthy lifestyle. For this reason, English Bulldogs of moderation are preferred. History The English Bulldog of today would not be recognized by fanciers of the earliest dogs of the breed. Those early dogs had a specific use, that of bull holding, which was a legitimate part of the butcher's business. Unfortunately, this also developed into the grisly sport of bull baiting, and they were also pitted against other animals, as well as their own kind. The Bulldog eventually developed into a shorter, squattier version of its progenitors, as that is what was preferred in the show ring. Regardless, the Bulldog has endeared itself to many because of its loving, gentle temperament. General Appearance The ideal English Bulldog is a medium size, short coated dog with a thick body that is wide and heavy in the shoulders and lighter in the hindquarters. When viewed from above, outline should be a pear shape. He is powerful and compact, with a head that is fairly large, short and broad in proportion to the size of the dog. General appearance, coupled with attitude, suggests great stability, vigor and strength. The dog appears fit and capable of great athleticism. When comparing both sexes, due consideration is to be given to females as they do not bear the breed characteristics to the same degree as the males. All points of the standard are well distributed and bear good relation one to the other. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Characteristics The English Bulldog has an equable and kind disposition; and is resolute and courageous. The characteristic demeanor is one of peace and dignity. These attributes are evident in the expression and behavior of the breed. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Head When viewed from the front, the head is broad and square. In profile, the head appears high and moderately short from the occiput to the point of the nose. The forehead is flat, never rounded or domed; and never too prominent nor overhanging the face. The well-defined temples frontal bones are broad, square and high, causing a deep furrow that extends from the stop to the middle of the skull. The stop is a deep, wide indentation between the eyes. The well-rounded cheeks protrude sideways and outward beyond the eyes. SKULL The skull is relatively large in circumference, and appears high from the corner of the lower jaw to the apex of the skull. The muzzle is turned slightly upward and is very deep from the corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth. The distance from the bottom of the stop between the eyes to the tip of the nose should not be less than the distance measured from the tip of the nose to the edge of the under lip. The jaws are broad and very square. Jaws should not be wry. The thick, broad, pendant flews, referred to as the "chops", are very deep. They completely overhang the lower jaw at each side. In front, they join the under lip, covering the teeth, which are not noticeable when the mouth is closed. Serious Fault: Wry mouth. The canines are wide apart; and the incisors are in an even, level row. Eliminating Faults: Teeth or tongue showing when the mouth is closed. EYES The very dark eyes are quite round and moderate in size; never being sunken nor bulging. When the dog is looking directly forward, the lids cover the white of the eyeball. There is no haw showing. Viewed from the front, the eyes are situated low down in the skull well away from the ears. They are set in the front of the head and are wide apart but with their outer corners within the outline of the cheek, when viewed from the front. The eyes and the stop are set in the same straight line. Eyes are free from entropinism, cherry eye, and excessive amounts of loose skin. No white is showing while the dog is looking straight ahead. Serious Faults: Visible haw. Whites of eyes showing while dog is looking straight ahead. Eliminating Fault: Excessive amounts of loose skin around eyes. NOSE The nose is large, broad and black in color. Its tip is set back deeply between the eyes. The wide, large nostrils are open. Nose roll does not protrude over the nostrils, constricting breathing. Very Serious Fault: Any nose color other than black in adult dogs. Eliminating Faults: Pinched nostrils. Over-nose roll, even if broken, that covers any part of the nose. EARS The small, thin, "rose" ears are set high on the head. The front inner edge of each ear joins the outline of the skull at the top back corner of the skull, placing them wide apart and well away from the eyes. Very Serious Faults: Erect ears; prick ears; button ears; cropped ears. Neck The short, thick neck is deep, strong, and well-arched. The skin is moderately loose, thick and wrinkled, forming a dewlap on each side from the lower jaw to the chest. Forequarters The shoulders are very broad and muscular. They are widespread providing stability and great power. They are set wide apart. The legs themselves are not curved or bandy. The low elbows allow free movement of front assembly. Pasterns are short, straight and strong. Body The body is moderately short and well knit, with stout limbs, well-muscled, and in hard condition, with no tendency toward obesity. The brisket and body are very capacious, and the chest is very deep and well let down between the front legs. Forechest is prominent. The body is well ribbed up behind the forelegs, and the ribs are well rounded. The back is short and strong, wide behind the shoulders and comparatively narrower at the loin. The topline is a distinguishing characteristic of this breed. There is a slight fall off behind the shoulders to the beginning of the back, which is the lowest part of the entire topline. It then rises to the loin, which is higher than the shoulders. The croup then curves downward to the set on of the tail, creating the arch that is distinctive to the breed. The belly is tucked up. Hindquarters The rear legs are strong and large, and they are slightly longer than the forelegs, which elevates the loin above the shoulders. The stifles are rounded and they turn very slightly outward, away from the body, which results in the hocks turning inward and the rear feet turning very slightly outward. Feet The compact, thick feet are moderate in size. The toes are well split up and have high knuckles. The front and rear feet may point straight ahead or slightly outward. Flat feet or splayed toes should be penalized. Serious Faults: Flat feet. Splayed toes. Tail The short tail is set low, and has a thick root, a decided downward carriage and a fine tip. It may be straight or "screwed," but never curved or curly. A straight tail is cylindrical and is tapered uniformly. A screw tail has well-defined bends or kinks that may be abrupt or even knotty, but no portion of the tail may be elevated above the base or root. Absent, inverted or extremely tight tails should be heavily penalized. Serious Faults: No tail. Inverted tail. Tight tail. Skin The skin is soft and fairly loose, especially at the head, neck and shoulders. There should be two folds forming the dewlap at the throat, from the lower jaw to the chest. Eliminating Faults: Nose roll overhanging or partially covering the nose. Coat The short, straight coat lies flat and close, and is smooth, glossy and of a fine texture. There are no fringes, feathers or curls. Color Coat color is uniform, pure, and brilliant. The various breed typical colors are to be preferred in the following order: 1 Red brindle; 2 All other brindles; Note: to be considered perfect, brindles are to have a fine, even, and equal distribution of the composite colors. Note: a perfect piebald is preferable to a muddy brindle or a defective solid color. Solid black and black and tan are very undesirable, but black is not so objectionable if occurring, to a moderate degree, in piebald patches. Note: A small white patch on the chest is acceptable in brindles and solid-colored dogs. Color patches on piebalds are expected to be well-defined, of pure color, and symmetrically distributed. Disqualification: Albinism. Weight Dogs are to be fit and without excess weight. The weight range for mature males is from 50 to 55 pounds. The weight range for mature females is from 45 to 50 pounds. Serious Faults: Males over 55 pounds; females over 50 pounds. Gait Movement and carriage are distinctive to the breed. There is a characteristic roll to the gait, which allows effortless movement without the pounding of the front assembly on the floor, or having the rear assembly so turned in or out as to cause cow-hocked or spread-hocked rear movement. Movement is somewhat constrained, moving with short, quick steps on the tips of the toes. The rear feet appear to skim the ground; they should not be lifted high. They always appear sound and efficient while in motion. Eliminating Faults A dog with an Eliminating Fault is not to be considered for placement in a conformation event, nor are they to be reported to UKC. Teeth or tongue showing when the mouth is closed. Pinched nostrils. Over-nose wrinkle, even if broken, that covers any part of the nose. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. Not only was bull-baiting considered entertaining, but many believed baiting the bull before killing made the meat tastier and more nutritious. The cruel sport of bull-baiting remained widely popular until it was outlawed in , nearly resulting in the breed's extinction. Those who admired Bulldogs rescued the breed by carefully choosing those with distinct physical characteristics, not those with ferocious tendencies. In fact, the characteristics that make the English Bulldog a breed apart have also resulted in an extremely unhealthy phenotype. The extreme brachycephalic skull type, heavy body, and wide chest and forequarters have resulted in breathing difficulties, heat intolerance, inability to whelp naturally, and a number of other debilitating ailments that plague this wonderful breed. Today, many organizations are out to save the English Bulldog breed by adjusting stringent breed standards that reward physical extremes such as a flat head profile to be less punishing and extreme. Allowing the English Bulldog to have a muzzle and less wide forequarters allows the dog to tolerate heat, whelp naturally, breathe better, and enjoy a better quality of life. No other breed is more deserving than the English Bulldog. Responsible breeders are on board with the newer conformation style, which, ironically, is more in line with how the Bulldog originally appeared. CKC encourages all who know and love the English Bulldog to read the English Bulldog standard and strive to apply it to their dogs and breeding stock. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, broad, square, and substantial. It should always be in proportion to the rest of the body, never so large as to hinder the natural whelping process. In profile, the head should never appear flat-faced. From the stop to the occiput, the head is high and well-muscled as opposed to elongated and narrow. From the front, the plane of the skull appears flat and not rounded. The cheeks and temporalis areas are well-muscled and filled, giving breadth and depth to the head. Extreme brachycephalic skull types lacking a discernible muzzle or exhibiting a completely flat profile are incorrect. Wrinkling on the head and face should not be excessive to allow for a neat and clean appearance, with the head appearing overall neat and rather clean-cut. The head may exhibit some minimal wrinkling, but never in excess or with exaggeration. A clean, minimally wrinkled head is preferred. Eyes: Eyes are medium in size and may be open almond, slightly rounded, or lemon-shaped. They are set well apart. The eyes exhibit a fair amount of skull above and between one another. They should appear far from the ears in profile and when viewed from the front. Eyelids should be sufficiently tight as to avoid exposing haw, inner membranes, third eyelids, or whites. The eyes should never appear sunken, bulged, or overly droopy. Ears: Set wide apart, yet high on the head. They are small in size, thin, and may be buttoned, tulip, or rose. The ears should appear to have sufficient distance from the eyes from any angle. Ears should never be carried erect or cropped. Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, deep, full, and short. The upper and lower jaws are broad and have good bone substance. There should be enough muzzle length to allow the nose to protrude for easy breathing and prevent the soft palate from extending into the airways of the throat. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper jaw and somewhat turned up, giving the English Bulldog a slight pouting appearance when viewed from the front and giving the muzzle a rounded profile; however, the lower jaw should never protrude beyond the break of the lips. The teeth and tongue must be completely concealed when the mouth is closed. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black or self-colored according to the coat in non-standard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. The nostrils should never be narrow or closed. Neck: Broad, of a moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, and powerfully muscled, with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut, but somewhat loose skin or a very slight dewlap may be present. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows preferred but may drop just below. Body: Compact, deep, solid, and of good substance and strong bone. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Front feet may be slightly toed-out. Tail: Set low on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. The tail may be short to medium in length and straight, pump-handled, or gently curved, or it may be curled over the back in a loose or tight single or double curl. Preference is given to straight, curved, and pump-handled tails. Inverted tails, corkscrew tails, and kinked tails are extremely undesirable and potentially unhealthy. Docked tails that can hide such faults are not preferred. Movement: The English Bulldog should demonstrate movement that is capable, powerful, effortless, and efficient; all of the characteristics that one would expect to see in a dog once used to apprehend livestock. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: A true English gentleman, the English Bulldog is renowned for their noble, calm, yet amiable character. Any fearful or unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The body is somewhat off-square to slightly rectangular in proportions, with the length of the body measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .The body is well-put-together, with sturdy substance and solid bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height. The English Bulldog recognized by the Continental Kennel Club is a capable and healthy dog without extremes in breed type. Head General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, broad, square, and substantial. Expression: Regal, capable, alert, and intelligent. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between and , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is convergent. Lips or Flews: The lips are wide and thick, yet rather clean and well-fit. They just conceal the lower jaw without extending well below the lower jawline. Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and well-filled. The protrusion of the cheeks should extend to or beyond the corner of the eyes. The cheeks should never appear chiseled or flat. Some minimal wrinkling around the cheek, extending from the outer corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth, may be present. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, reverse-scissor, or slightly undershot. Contact preferred between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work are not to be penalized. Body and Tail General Description: Compact, deep, solid, and of good substance and strong bone. Topline: Straight and level from slightly prominent withers to croup or may be just slightly arched at the loin. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, level, slightly arched, and yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached. Croup: May be flat and level with the topline or gently sloped preferred. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. NOTE: The shoulders and elbows should never be loose or so broad that they appear disproportionate or like a person's shoulders. Loose elbows detract from agility and stamina, causing the dog to work harder to move them properly. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the withers to the brisket may be equal to or greater than the distance from the elbows to the ground. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, strong bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of strong bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: Short, close, glossy, fine, and straight without feathering, fringing, or waves. Standard coat color variety: Solid white, solid colors in various shades of fallow to light tan to red, various brindles, fawn, and smut, all with or without white markings piebald. Non-standard coat color variety: Black, liver, blue, all with or without tan or brindle points, all with or without white markings piebald. Movement The English Bulldog should demonstrate movement that is capable, powerful, effortless, and efficient; all of the characteristics that one would expect to see in a dog once used to apprehend livestock. Temperament A true English gentleman, the English Bulldog is renowned for their noble, calm, yet amiable character. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Find a Puppy.

Names for your toys Playing the Name That Toy game: This game for German Shepherds begins with only one toy if your puppy or dog is new to the game. As you play with the toy and toss it for retrieval, begin to name the toy as your dog picks up the item. You can name the toy whatever you want, but remember to always use the same name. When your puppy learns the name of one toy reliably, give the next toy a name. You can even begin to introduce new toys that you bring home with their name almost immediately when your puppy catches onto the Name That Toy game! I like to use my laundry basket and a small pile of towels. Use your treats to lure your puppy through, around, over, and under your homemade obstacle course to burn off their energy. As your puppy learns the routine, you can increase the speed to use up even more of those puppy zoomies! Even adult German Shepherds love this game, especially on a rainy or snowy day. Over time, increase the number of obstacles you create on your course, always keeping in mind your environment and staying safe with your dog. Fun Games to Play With Your German Shepherd These fun activities are also considered brain games, also known as mind games, for your German Shepherd because they challenge him to think and make mental connections. Just enjoy playing games with your German Shepherd and see where the fun takes you! These games to play with a German Shepherd also have many benefits, like: reducing boredom decreasing unwanted behaviors and keeping them busy giving you a chance to bond with your best friend and are perfect for a rainy or snowy day Every German Shepherd owner should play a few of these brain games a week, preferably at least once daily! Some puppies can even strain their necks and backs with a vigorous game of Tug-of-War. And, even my adult German Shepherd who weighs almost 90 pounds has suffered a neck pull when someone played a rough game of tug with her. Playing these common games too frequently, especially with a puppy, could tear cartilage, damage their tendons, and cause microscopic tears in the muscle which take longer to heal. Furthermore, even if you have a full-grown adult German Shepherd, the quick starts and stops of chasing a toy to Fetch place immense strain on their joints and may damage them over time. Limit your games of Fetch and Tug-of-War games to a couple of times a week, preferably for no more than minutes. Besides… Who needs a regular game when you have these awesome games to keep your German Shepherd busy? What games can I play with my German Shepherd? And these fun German Shepherd games will leave your dog begging for more! Pick several activities off the list and try them a few times a week. Which one of these fun German Shepherd Dog games will give your pet a grin a mile wide? Start with the lowest stars, especially if your dog is new to brain games or you have a puppy. Game Level of Difficulty 1 — 5 Fun Factor 1- 5. Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. They are also very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Many German shepherds are involved in dog sports, work in law enforcement, for the military, and other agencies. However, many more are simply family pets of those that love the breed. Playing games also fulfills another requirement of German shepherd ownership, which is spending lots of time with the dog. German shepherds require lots of socialization and companionship. As a herding dog, they were bred for their loyalty and ability to protect a herd. This characteristic causes them to form a strong bond with their owner and they do best spending time with their family. Some games that German shepherds love, will burn off some energy, and as a bonus give their brain a zap of dopamine are: 1. Fetch Although basic, German shepherds have a high prey drive and most love to play fetch. Playing fetch is also great because it burns off a lot of pent up energy. You can kick up fetch a notch by alternating toys or only using favorite toys. Try throwing a treat stuffed toy, Frisbee, plastic stick, and toys that bounce and tumble like Westpaw Zogoflex and Kongs. Hide and Seek Like the name implies, you hide a toy and your dog finds it. German Shepherds have scent receptors so they are naturally adept at this game. It is especially good for dogs that can no longer engage in high impact activities. For those that can, reward the dog by throwing the toy then hide it again. Urban Agility Urban agility is a noncompetitive fun sport that can accommodate nearly all dogs. You simply set up an obstacle course and balancing equipment in the yard and train your dog to weave, jump, balance, and more. There are urban agility trainers, books, articles, and YouTube videos to give you ideas on what your dog might enjoy. Tug Teach your dog to tug which means, tugging enthusiastically, releasing the tug toy, and bringing the tug back after you release it. Tug should be fun and exciting for both owner and dog and it can be used as a training tool, to burn off energy, as a reward, or just for fun. There is a huge variety of tugs on the market so no doubt there is a tug for all dogs. Search and Rescue This game reinforces the stay command and also challenges your dog. This game works well with more than one person who can help restrain the dog or when multiple hide. Nosework Teach your dog to find objects, food, or scents using essential oils. As your dog gains more confidence, you hide the scents in more challenging locations. You can learn more at the National Association for Canine Scent Work and there are books and videos available on the subject. This game is super rewarding because it is very mentally challenging. Pick Up Time You can teach your dog to pick up nearly any toy and drop it into any basket or box. This game is also useful for teaching your dog to pick up their own toys or other objects on command. Relatively easy to learn, this game is immediately rewarding and can continuously switch up as you teach your dog to pick up and put away new things. Have fun with these game ideas and be sure to share with your family and friends. Playing Fetch Most German Shepherds love to play fetch. Trust me! The activities involved in this game are simple and effective. When you are playing fetch, you are throwing an object for your dog to chase and bring it back. GSDs naturally enjoy chasing! Playing this game allows your dog to satisfy its urge to hunt. You could use a tennis ball, light frisbee, stick, or toy to play fetch. Choose an object that travels farther to make it a great game. German Shepherds can do this for hours without getting bored! This keeps your GSD entertained and active. Reward your GSD whenever they come running to you with the object. This fun game causes your dog to spend a great amount of energy in a little time. Of Course, that means your GSD gets great physical exercise too. However, make sure to use a soft object because hard ones can damage their teeth and jaws. Furthermore, avoid quick starts and stops of chasing an object. It may cause strains on their joints. So limit playing this game daily. Learn more about the game by watching the following video: 2. Ring Stack Ahem! You must have patience to play this great game with your German Shepherd. Ring Stack is your best bet if you are looking for a game with a lot of mental stimulation. When your dog becomes bored, it is better to play a mind game. First, you must find a set of rings and a stick. Make sure to use a ring stacking toy safe for your GSD. A wooden and dye-free ring stacking toy is the best option. Your dog should know how to fetch and retrieve to play this game. It is better to start this game with only a few rings. You have to guide your dog to pick a ring first. Next, you direct them toward the ring stacker to put the ring onto it. Give your GSD a treat again. Moreover, ring stack is extra challenging, and you can play it indoors. Cool, right? Your German Shepherd will take a few weeks to understand this game. Check out the following video to find out more: 3. Agility Training Does your German Shepherd need some serious exercise to release its energy? If yes, agility training is one of the best games for GSDs to relieve their liveliness. Wait till you hear how awesome this game is! Cannot find an agility training course in your area? Do not worry! You can do this at home too. Set up your agility course by using tables, chairs, towels, poles, and a few toys. You must guide your GSD to walk through, jump over, or duck under these objects. So many exercises! After a while, you should change the agility course style and guide your dog again. This game has a variety of fun activities. It is a terrific way to keep your GSD entertained, happy, and healthy. Check out the following video to learn more about the game: 4. Alright, let the dog do obstacle training. It is an effective and fun way to make your GSD coordinate with you. Both you and your dog can enjoy this game. Now that you know about agility training, it is easier to understand how this works. You have to organize an obstacle course to play this game. The obstacles can be anything. For example, you can use chairs, wheelbarrows, pieces of wood, or piles of clothes. You can also create an indoor obstacle course if it is a bad weather day. Keep the obstacles between you and your German Shepherd. Call your dog toward you. Make sure to treat your dog to lure them through the obstacles. Make it more difficult when your dog succeeds in the first few rounds. Then, after a while, increase the number of obstacles. This game works well for both adult GSDs and puppies. Treasure Hunt If you are looking for the easiest games for German Shepherds, treasure hunt is the best choice. It is one of the mentally challenging and fun activities. Then, you have to hide them in some places. First of all, get your German Shepherd to sit and wait. Then let your dog watch the process. To begin with, hide the treats somewhere accessible for your dog to find. Next, give a command and encourage them to find it. This game is super easy for your GSD because they have a great nose. Remember to treat your dog once they have found the treat. Most dogs love this! Once your dog understands the game, keep the treats somewhere more difficult. Believe me! This game will entertain both you and your German Shepherd. Of course, your dog is going to love it! Well, your German shepherd is an intelligent dog. So they can bring you toys if you teach them. The name game is a fun way of teaching your dog about the names of the toys. It is also one of the great mind games for German Shepherds. Now give them the toy saying the name of it. Moreover, give them a treat whenever your dog takes the toy. Finally, when your dog learns the name of one toy, begin to name the next toy. Fun fact: After playing this game over a few days, your dog will be able to know the names of many toys. After a while, put the toy on the floor and ask your dog to pick it up. Your German Shepherd will do it. Now you can ask your dog to bring any toy in a single order! You are face to face with your dog throughout the game. To play Tug of War, you only need a rope with knots. First, let your dog grab one end of the rope with its teeth. Then you have to hold the other end. All you have to do is drag the rope. Of course, your dog will work harder to keep the string. When playing this game, you can give commands like take, stop, or release. Playing tug teaches your GSD to obey commands. However, this game does not involve treats. Remember, you should have great strength to play this game. Also, make sure to leave the rope and leave immediately if your dog starts biting or snapping. Watch the following video to learn about Tug of war: 8. Just like kids. You must ensure your dog obeys commands such as sit and wait before playing hide and seek. In the beginning, there should be two people to play this game. First, ask the other person to give your dog the sit and wait command. Then you can go and hide. Start by hiding in a place that is easier to find. Remember to praise your dog when they find you. After a while, make the game harder. Once your German Shepherd learns to obey the sit and wait commands. Then you can play the game with your dog alone. This game is entertaining and teaches your dog to use its senses. More importantly, it instructs your dog to be patient and obedient. Just the way you want your German Shepherd to be, right? Check out this excellent video of playing hide and seek: 9. This game is super easy and involves mental stimulation. All you need is three cups and yummy treats. To begin with, have your dog sit and wait near the cups. Place treats under one cup and leave the other two empty. First, let your dog know which cup the treats are in. After a while, shuffle the three cups. Then, let your German Shepherd try again. You have to ask your GSD to find what cup the treat is under. Give your dog a treat for each guess in the first few rounds. In the following rounds, stop giving treats if your dog guesses the wrong cup. But, it takes a few games for the dog to understand this. Your German Shepherd will learn soon. You can add more cups to make this brain game harder. This cup game will keep your dog entertained and mind excited! The following are some of the games Brain Training For Dogs includes. Target train. Aug 14, Share German Shepherd Dogs GSDs are highly intelligent and athletic dogs, and they need to be both mentally and physically stimulated to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through regular, directed interaction with your pooch through training and games or, even better, a combination of both. While training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved and healthy German Shepherd, games are also vital to their overall health. From physical, athletic activities to mind games for German Shepherds, there are so many to choose from to keep your GSD stimulated. Read on for 12 of our favorite games to play with your German Shepherd! The 12 Best Games for German Shepherds 1. Frisbee Image Credit: kscholl, Pixabay Another classic game for playing outdoors, frisbee takes fetch to another level. Begin by throwing the disc short distances at first and getting your GSD to bring it back to you, and then gradually increase the distance. You can also roll the frisbee vertically on the ground for them to chase. Fetch Fetch is a classic game to play with any dog, but there is a huge variety of ways to play it. Simply throwing a ball or stick and getting your GSD to bring it back is not as easy as it seems, so it is a great opportunity for training. For younger dogs, you may need to use a treat or reward to get your dog to release the ball, and this can take practice. For large and athletic dogs like GSDs, try to use a toy that travels farther for a more extreme version of this game. Puzzle Games German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals, so mind games are important for them too. There are a ton of puzzle toys on the market, most of which involve hiding treats in closed compartments for your pooch to find. Your GSD will need to figure out how to open the various compartments to access the treat, and you can increase the difficulty as they progress. Begin on the easiest level and move up from there. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, so it is great for any living situation or age of dog. Once they catch on to the game, you can make the hiding spots more widespread and difficult. Hide and Seek Hide and seek is not only fun for kids, but it can also be an exciting game to include your GSD in! In the beginning, you may need two people, but once your GSD learns the game, you can play it just with your pooch. Begin by hiding in easy places, and give your pooch plenty of praise when they find you. Gradually find harder places to hide. This game is not only fun but will also teach your pooch patience and obedience. Even though these classes are generally worth it, you can do it at home too. By simply using common items in your home like chairs, boxes, towels, and toys, you can set up your own agility course and teach your GSD to walk through it. However, if done properly, the game will not make your dog aggressive and can be a great method for training. The game should be initiated by you only, and the toy available to your dog only during the game. Also, any skin contact, biting, or nipping ends the game straight away, and you must walk away with the toy immediately. Ring Stacking For advanced, intelligent dogs that have mastered other puzzle games, ring stacking is a great new challenge. Your dog will need to have mastered basic commands in order for them to play, and even then, it may take a while to master. Magic Cups Magic cups is a fun game to play indoors when the weather is bad. All you need are three plastic cups and a treat or a small handful of kibble. While this game is not physical in any way, it is a great way to stimulate your GSD mentally. Place the three cups upside down with treats hidden underneath one. Let your dog see which one has the treats. Once they find the treat, shuffle the cups and let your dog try again. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, you can make the game harder by not letting your dog see you shuffle the cups or by simply adding more cups into the mix. You can train your GSD to bring you individual toys on command, providing great mental stimulation for your pooch. Begin with just one toy, and toss it for your dog to retrieve while vocalizing the name of the toy. Once your dog learns the name reliably, you can add other toys into the mix. Soccer All dogs love balls, and German Shepherds are no different. Soccer is great because it uses large balls that your pooch cannot run away with and stimulates their hunting and tracking skills. You can play the game with your pooch in mid-field trying to get the ball from you or put them in front of the goalposts and teach them to stop the ball without biting it! Soccer is great exercise and an excellent training method for your GSD. Once they get this basic routine down, you can make it more challenging by making them stop mid-run or throwing the toy and making them wait for your command before running to fetch it. Final Thoughts Some games are great for exercising your German Shepherd, while others are ideal for mental stimulation. Some are great for both! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Some owners have large yards and several family members that can help keep the dog busy, but it can be a struggle to keep finding something to do if there are only one or two people in your household. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading while we list several activities you can do with your German Shepherd to keep it happy and well behaved. Fetch Frisbee, ball, throwing toy Plenty of room Fetch is the most basic dog game that almost everyone knows. To play this game, all you need is a Frisbee, ball, or any toy that you can throw so your dog can chase it and bring it back. Balls and Frisbees work well because you can get a good distance with them, which will keep the dog more active. These toys can cause your dog to expend a large amount of energy in a short amount of time without you needing to put in a lot of effort. There are even accessories you can purchase to help you throw the ball further with less effort. The downside to this game is that you need a lot of room for the dog to run. To play this game, you only require a piece of rope with knots in it so you and the dog can get a grip. Many commercial ropes will work perfectly, and there are many varieties available, so you can find one that is comfortable to use. To play, let the dog grab one end with its teeth, and you take the other. It will also help your dog expend energy quickly, especially if you are in good health, and can make the dog work harder to keep the rope. It only requires a fraction of the space fetch does, but it does require considerable strength to play against a full-grown German Shepherd for more than a few minutes. Obstacle Training Obstacles Plenty of room Obstacle training can be a lot of fun for you and your dog. It will help your pet burn off excess energy quickly and sharpen your skills as a trainer. To play obstacle training, you will need plenty of room to set up obstacles. The obstacles can be anything, but we recommend starting with something simple like a piece of wood or a chair. Put the obstacle between you and the dog and call it toward you. If it jumps the barrier, give it a treat and try again. The downside to obstacle training is that it will go a lot easier for someone with experience training, and it can take up a lot of room in your yard if there are several obstacles. Wrestling Strength As strange as it may seem, wrestling is one of the best ways to bond with your German Shepherd because few other activities cause you to be in such close proximity with your attention focused on each other. The dog will climb all over you to try to get the ball, and you can flip your pup over gently to get the belly which will get it all riled up. It has a long pole that you hold. Attached to the pole is a long string that has a toy tied at the end. The toy usually squeaks, and you use it almost like a fishing pole to dangle the toy in front of the dog to get it to chase it. Our dogs get a lot of enjoyment from the Flirt Pole , and the only downside is that the dog chews them, so you will need to replace them every few weeks. Mind Games for German Shepherds 6. To get started, hide a treat in plain sight, then let your dog see you hide another behind a wall. Try a few more easy hides, and when your dog starts to catch on, you can make them a little more difficult. The easiest way to play this game is to wait until your dog is out of sight and then call them but quickly run and hide before they get there. When the dog arrives, they will be confused and begin to search for you and will usually continue looking until they find you. As the dog catches on, they will begin to check past hiding spots first, so you will need to be clever. Call your dog over and watch as they turn them over looking for the treat. As they get more skilled, they will find the treat faster, so you can add even more cups. Ring Stack Ring stacking toy If you have children or know someone that does, there is a good chance that you are familiar with the ring stacking toys for babies. You can also use these toys with your German Shepherd and learn to stack the rings in the right order with a little patience. The best way to play is to start with only a few rings and add more as your dog catches on. After some time, put the item on the floor and instruct your dog to fetch it. After several months, you will be amazed at how many items your dog knows by name. Some are extremely easy and only require the dog to step on a lever, while others are quite complex, requiring multiple steps to unlock the treat. It burns off excess energy extremely fast and helps keep your dog in top shape. The other games are all fun, but they take longer and require a bigger commitment of your time. Luckily, you can play as many games as you want, so you can play fetch every day and do some wrestling on your days off work. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found the answers you need. If we have helped you keep your dog entertained, please share these eleven best games to play with your German Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter. 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. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior. The following list combines some exciting and quite fun games to add to your routine. Flirt Pole German Shepherds love to chase, so give them plenty of opportunities to do that with one simple dog training tool — the flirt pole. The flirt pole offers an element of never-ending fun to German shepherd dogs, who naturally have a high prey drive. It gives your dog physical and mental exercise, teaches coordination and impulse control, and is the perfect way to burn off extra energy. Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog with healthy treats whenever they catch the toy. Allow them to use their energy to tug on the toy, but make sure they drop it as soon as you ask them to, or you might find yourself replacing the tool every few days. Allow your dog to calm down fully before starting the process again. Also, ensure you keep switching the direction you wave the flirt pole to offer enhanced mental stimulation. Luckily, you can enjoy this fun indoor cup game with your German shepherd. Magic cups help increase the brain activity of puppies and adult dogs by stimulating their hunting and seeking skills and also works their curious mind. How to play: Place three plastic cups upside down. When they nose the cup or paw it — or, in the case of the overexcited pups, knock it over — give them the treat as a reward. Repeat the process while having your dog sit nearby, but this time shuffle the cups. You can even make the game harder by having your dog wait outside the room or by increasing the number of cups to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation. Fetch German Shepherd dogs delight in fun and frolic. It does that by stimulating thinking, enhancing mood, and offering anxiety relief. It also reduces behavior problems. Another great thing? You can play fetch with a huge variety of toys , and most dogs absolutely adore a game of fetch. However, if you have a pup, you may want to roll the toy closer to the ground. Doing so will help avoid stressing their joints, preventing long-term damage to their bones and joints. How to play: Take a frisbee or a ball. Basically, any toy that can be tossed at a huge distance will work. If your dog is new to the concept, it may take some time and lots of treats! Reward your dog with a treat every time they come back with the toy, and increase the distance of the throw bit by bit. Take breaks when you think your dog is getting tired to allow it to relax and calm itself down. Muffin Tin Game Muffin tin games are one of the best canine enrichment games. They give your German shepherd dog a safe, fun way to use their excess energy and help improve their problem-solving skills. How to play: To get your dog acquainted with the game, allow them to eat their favorite treats from the muffin tins. Now, you can conceal treats in the holes of muffin tins, then cover each hole with a muffin wrap. Your dog must learn to remove the muffin wrapper to access the treat. Then, have your dog move the tennis balls to get the treats. It can also help your pet burn off excess energy, preventing obesity and keeping them fit. It also increases endurance and strengthens their bones and joints without special training! You can play obstacle training with puppies and can also use it to entertain your fully-grown German Shepherd on a rainy day. How to play: Place a few safe objects like a pile of clothes, curtain rod, or laundry basket around the floor in a small part of the room to form your obstacle course. Once your dog gets familiar with the routine, you can place more hurdles along the way. Ring Stack Got a wee babe at home? Then, chances are, you already have a ring-stacking toy on hand. Did you know you could use it to play with your friend too? How to play: Set up your ring stacker and direct your dog towards it with the ring. Now, command your dog to drop the ring near the ring stacker stick. Repeat a couple of times. Chances are, your dog will likely drop the ring on the ring stack stick, albeit unknowingly. Cheer it on and give it a big treat for positive reinforcement. Start with a single ring, then add more as you go till your dog gets the hang of it. With time and a little encouragement, your dog can stack the rings in the order of their size! Puzzle Games Puzzle games are a great alternative to muffin tin games. It entices German Shepherds of all shapes and sizes to use their minds and bodies! It comes in levels, so you can choose one that best complements your pooch. Start with level 1, and increase the difficulty levels as your dog learns the ins and outs of it. Now, instruct your dog to find the treats. Your dog will have to learn to open the various compartments in the food dispensing toys to access the goodies. It keeps your German shepherd dog active and mentally strong; it also strengthens the bond between humans and dogs and can be played with young puppies and full-grown adults. Start with one toy and add more as you go to keep your dog entertained for longer. As they go to fetch it, give the toy a name. Make sure the name is easy to understand, so your dog can easily pick up the concept. When your dog picks the right toy twice in a row, give them a treat. And, when it shows signs of learning its name, you can take things to the next level by introducing other toys to the game. Tug of War Tug of war is a great game to play with your four-legged friend. It promotes impulse control and taps into the natural drives of the German Shepherd. This indoor agility game requires lots of energy and can challenge your dog, especially when it comes to maintaining its grip on the rope. You can indulge in these fun activities with adult German shepherd dogs and puppies that have stopped teething. How to play: Get a rope and tie lots of knots on it for grip. You can choose whichever rope variety works for you. Make your dog grab one end of the knotted rope in between its teeth. Thus, you are advised to play this game for only a couple of sessions per week, ranging from minutes. It can help you train your dog — without the use of treats. Sherlock Bones German Shepherds are known for their tracking and sniffing abilities. With this game, you can put their sense of smell to the test and give them the mental stimulation to last an entire day. In this article, we presented some of the best games to play with your German Shepherd, giving you the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup. So, which German Shepherd dog game are you most excited to try with your pup? Let us know in the comments below. Our content does not provide veterinary advice and, thus, should not be substituted for expert veterinary guidance.

About Us For the Love of Golden Retrievers We are a family of 8, my husband and I have 6 children, 2 daughter-in-laws, 2 grandchildren, and 10 golden retrievers. Aside from being golden retriever dog breeders, my husband and I also have full-time occupations. My husband is a carpenter and runs his own business serving others in our community and I am a nurse. She immediately had us all loving her and her smile. Although Sammy passed in , she is the reason we fell in love with goldens and wanted others to experience the love and companionship that they have to share. Dog breeding has become so much more than a business to us. It is another opportunity for us to serve others; whether it be by creating a lasting memory for your family, developing friendships, or referring you to another breeder that would better meet your needs. Happy, Healthy Golden Retrievers Our golden retriever breeding business is built on integrity, quality breeding, friendship, and creating lasting memories. We value trust and understand that life happens. Therefore, we do not accept any money from our buyers until the puppy is delivered to them. We are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America and do health and genetic testing on all of our dogs to ensure ethical breeding and to ease the minds of our buyers. Following these standards and guidelines ensures that we are doing everything in our power to produce quality golden retriever puppies while providing the best care to our adult golden retrievers. Completing these health and genetic tests helps us reduce the chances of having golden retriever puppies with genetic diseases or disorders and allows us to facilitate the best health and qualities in our golden retriever puppies. We also believe everyone should experience the love of a golden retriever! If we are unable to meet your needs or timeline, we are not above referring you to another breeder. Our Philosophy At Hakman's Golden Retrievers--Illinois, we believe that breeding goldens is not just a business; it's a passion. We are dedicated to breeding dogs that are not only healthy and happy but also reflect the unique personality and character of the breed. Our commitment to our dogs and our customers is unwavering, and we strive to provide the best possible experience for everyone involved. There have become more and more breeders who do not follow the recommended or ethical guidelines when it comes to breeding dogs. We have even rescued a few dogs from breeders who do not follow these higher standards. We want to share the checklist below to help educate and assist others in their search for a healthy, quality golden retriever puppy. It is a great resource to use when vetting other breeders. Feel free to use the checklist in your own search for your "furever friend"! Our Dogs Our golden retrievers live in our home, run our grounds, swim in ponds, run in fields, and are pampered with professional grooming and veterinary care. In addition to regular veterinary exams and check-ups, our golden retrievers receive monthly Interceptor Plus and quarterly Bravecto per standard recommendations. While they live the life of a golden retriever, they also are pampered like a toy poodle. They sleep at the foot of our bed occasionally sneak on our bed and eat their meals in the house. Stud: Bubba. Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Illinois Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Illinois? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Illinois? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Our dogs and puppies are raised in our home as part of our family, no barns no cages, just a welcoming loving home. We take pride in our dogs and our puppies, and love every second of it! We are known for breeding a well rounded golden with excellent health and temperament. Our dogs and puppies are raised right in the midst of our family, often enjoying the playfulness of our two boys. We have been breeding for over 10 years ourselves, but have been raised with goldens and pups our entire lives. We love giving little pieces of our passion for this breed to each and every family that walks through our doors. Having the love we do for our dogs, it is absolutely amazing to have little parts of them all over the world. We adore watching and keeping in touch with our families, and we will always be there for the life of each and everyone one of our pups. Our puppies are raised in a loving and stimulating environment from day 1. We teach them house rules, potty training, and grooming manners. We also begin crate training so pups will have an easy time adjusting to there new environment with their new families. All of our puppies are vet checked, up to date on shots, and micro chipped before leaving our home. We supply you with toys, leash, collar, first week of food, and a 2-year health guarantee. Anything to start their new lives off the best they can. We do not ship our puppies. We do not have an application, but we do reserve the right to refuse a purchase if we do not feel one of our babies is the right fit for a family. We prefer to get to know each family by talking and meeting before pups go home.

Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever Poodle mix which is also known as the Goldendoodle is a special designer dog breed that comes in a wide variety of colors both solid and patterned. It is mostly known for its hypoallergenic coat which means most dog lovers with allergies to dog hair can be very comfortable with the Goldendoodle. Aside from its beautiful hypoallergenic coat, the Goldendoodle makes a fantastic family companion as it is both loyal and carries a gentle disposition. Its intelligence makes it an excellent dog to be used in service and work industries. For residents of Oklahoma interested in getting a Goldendoodle puppy, this article is for you. We prescribe a list of some of the most reputable breeders for the Goldendoodle living in the state. They are well-structured breeders that truly care for the breed, and they produce puppies that are definitely loyal, happy, and healthy. They are responsible breeders of mini Goldendoodles. They produce puppies with different coat colors, ranging from cream to gold to patterned coats. The breeding facility is owned by the Meffords Kim and Dane and they have done quite a good job in raising puppies that are intelligent, well-tempered, and healthy. Although their puppies are bred to be family pets, they do however make excellent show dogs, this is as a result of their beautiful coats. The breeding program is quite old, with over 10 years of solid breeding experience. As a result, They have been able to develop a solid breeding line filled with numerous AKC-registered sires and dams. Their dogs are from impressive bloodlines and they each come with impressive pedigrees, which are carefully looked at. Each breeding parent is health tested for DNA defects. There they get to be socialized and handled from day 1 of their births till they eventually leave for their new homes. The puppies are allowed enough exercise that is suitable for them and they are trained with basic housebreaking techniques. The Meffords ensure that each puppy is exposed to basic stimulating experiences to further boost socialization. You get a well-rounded puppy from Cow Creek Doodles. All their puppies are sent out with a well-written 2 years health guarantee. They also offer some support for new dog owners. The puppies are properly checked by a vet and each has their vaccination and deworming records fully given. Raising the Best Goldendoodle puppies around Raising the Best Goldendoodle puppies aroundRaising the Best Goldendoodle puppies around Almost all our dogs have been genetically tested and cleared Why buy a puppy from Providence Kennels? All our puppies: Genetically tested and cleared for all genetic health conditions tested. Genetically tested and cleared for all genetic health conditions tested. Almost all of our parent dogs have been genetically tested through Embark for over diseases or Animal Genetics and cleared of all those genetic health conditions. This will give you the peace of mind to know that the puppies will be as healthy as they can be.You can check the specific test results of each litter on their page. Carries a 1 year health guarantee. This gives you protection and peace of mind. Have hundreds of detailed testimonies from Providence Kennels families. This can help you to see what to expect and insure that your confidence is well placed. Come micro-chipped and with extra immunizations. Come with a wonderful experience! We have your puppy microchipped which saves you money, but primarily, it helps to get your best friend home in the unfortunate event they get lost. Most breeders send puppies home with 1 puppy shot. We spend the extra time, money and effort to give 2 vaccinations to save you a vet visit and give your puppy the extra immunity it needs going home. We normally answer the phone or call back within minutes Continual communication throughout the process. We try to update puppy pics about every 2 weeks on our site. This lets you watch your puppy grow up while you are waiting for him to come home with your family. Puppy Pick Day.You pick your puppy. We normally schedule puppy pick day at about 6 weeks of age and post pictures and videos so you can make sure and get just the right puppy for your family. Are gorgeous, happy, healthy puppies. Everyone wants a beautiful, socialized, fun, healthy puppy.See what others are saying about Providence Kennels Click here to see some of our client's past experiences, so you can know what to expect. Some of our past puppies All pics on the site are our puppies More of our puppies. 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 Oklahoma City Oklahoma 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! At Okie Doodle Kennels, you will find some of the cutest Doodles around! Our goal is to produce well-socialized, gentle, healthy puppies with loving temperaments. Our babies are known for their Teddy Bear image, and their soft and fluffy coats. Our designer puppies exhibit the very best of health, temperament, and beauty. We invest a tremendous amount of time, dedication, energy, hard work, extensive research, and TLC into our kennel program. Our goal is to provide the very best family companions and to place them in loving, responsible homes. Our puppies are born and raised in our home and are handled day and night. Our puppies are very well socialized and play with our two children daily. We love and cuddle them until you come to take them home to love and spoil for yourself. As a small, home breeding program, you will find our breeding dogs on site where they are apart of our family. They will receive their first shots and de-worming before going to their new families. New owners will also receive a complimentary puppy pack.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Taking fun trips to the beach or the lake with your dog is even better when your lab puppy can swim. Lab puppies can start learning how to swim as soon as they are old enough or at around 12 weeks of age. Lab puppies need to learn how to swim, so they need to start swimming early on. While they do have water instincts, they need to develop before they can build the strength to swim well. This guide will explain what age they can start swimming at and how to train them properly. We have helped many Labrador owners train their dogs to improve their obedience and water capabilities. They are a simple and loving breed with lots of intelligence, so that they can do just about anything. Lab puppies typically need time to develop these skills before they can be safely allowed into the water without supervision. Most labs should wait until about months old before going into the water for the first. It takes time for lab puppies to learn basic skills and gain the strength for swimming. It requires them to grow a bit more to a bigger size too. In general, Labradors love to swim and are renowned for being excellent swimmers. You can introduce your puppy to the water with careful supervision after weeks. The more time you spend with your lab puppy, the faster it will learn how to swim. It is also an excellent way for your lab puppy to trust you more. This is especially true if you bring them into the water younger. For example, your lab puppy will pick up swimming faster at six months compared to only weeks. Follow these steps to train your puppy to swim effectively. Teach Your Lab Puppy Basic Obedience Training your lab puppy to swim is a great idea, but it is not the most important thing you can do with your new dog. You should first teach your dog how to behave correctly with obedience training. This will help them understand what they are supposed to do in certain situations and provide a foundation for learning how to swim later on. After your puppy learns to obey basic commands, training it how to swim will be faster and easier. This will help them to be more comfortable in the water and build a positive association with it. When introducing your dog to the water, you should start by taking them on a short walk near the water's edge. If they are hesitant, try placing their paws in the water for a few seconds before moving on. Once they are comfortable, you can slowly increase their time in the water and eventually take them swimming with you. Gradually increase the depth of the water until they are swimming on their own, and then slowly lower it back down. Training your lab puppy on how to swim can be done through patience and perseverance. You should start slowly, giving your pup treats when paddling for a few seconds before gradually increasing the time they spend in the pool of water. Remain Patient When you first bring a new puppy home, it may not be comfortable in the water. They will likely want to avoid water as much as possible and wag their tail when they see you coming towards the pool or lake. It can take weeks to get used to swimming and even longer for them to stay afloat in deep water. Be patient as they grow and get more comfortable in the water. They have the instinct to use the doggy paddle but need to get comfy. Are Labradors Natural Swimmers? Dogs are not born with the ability to swim. They can only learn how to swim through extensive training. Labradors are no exception. However, Labradors were originally bred as working dogs for hunting and pulling carts, so it is not surprising that they are good at swimming. They have many traits that back up this reputation as well. Once dogs get comfortable in the water, they will know to use their strength to do the doggy paddle to stay afloat. This is something they understand naturally through instincts. Labradors also have a double coat of fur , which is better for the water because it keeps them warmer. This, along with a wide otter tail and webbed paws, makes them great at swimming. Labradors have thicker fur so they will remain warmer than other dogs in cold water. However, this does not mean they can handle freezing temperatures for a long time. We recommend exposing your dog to the water in the summer when it is not too cold. This will allow them to enjoy swimming more too. Lab puppies are susceptible to hypothermia and should never be left in freezing cold water. They might not show any signs of distress, but they can die if they stay in the cold for too long. Practice the same safety tips for your puppy as you would for yourself or a child. Extremely cold waters should be avoided. Here are some tips on taking care of your lab puppy and keeping them safe in the water. Always Supervise Your Puppy Lab puppies should never be left alone in a pool or near any body of water for any time, as they can easily drown if they accidentally fall into the pool. This is especially true for younger puppies that are new to swimming. You can change this approach as your lab gets older and more experienced. But for now, never let them into the water without other people around as a safety precaution. This is especially true if they are in the ocean or a lake, where the water could be more dangerous. Use A Canine Life Jacket Puppies need to be taught how to swim early so they can grow up with the ability to save themselves in the water. A canine life jacket is a great way to keep your lab puppy safe while learning how to swim. It will help them get used to the water experience without causing any harm. The best part about using a canine life jacket is that it will motivate your lab puppy to learn how to swim faster and more efficiently. How to Train Your Labrador Retriever Puppy to Love Water September 5, Labrador retrievers are great hunting and retrieving dogs that make exceptional companions and family pets. If you and your family like to hunt, fish, or play outdoor sports, a Labrador retriever may be the perfect dog for you. When outdoors, you and your Lab can often be around water. It is best not to introduce a dog to water all at once. Because Labs sometimes are hesitant around water, the following steps will help introduce and train a new Lab puppy to be comfortable and enthusiastic around water. Teach Your Lab Basic Commands As soon as you get a Labrador retriever puppy, teach him or her basic commands such as come, sit, stay, down, and leave it. These commands will teach your puppy that you are the pack leader. Keep your Lab puppy with you as much as possible so you can train throughout the day and always have dog treats with you for rewards. At six months of age, you can enroll your Lab in dog obedience school to learn more commands, get exercise and mental stimulation, and become acquainted with other dogs. This training is essential to make sure your dog will be safe when you bring him or her to water for the first time. Introduce Your Puppy to Water While your Labrador retriever puppy is young, you can play in your yard with a garden hose and a small child's pool. Splash water on your puppy's face and feet to acquaint your dog with the sensation of being wet. You can fill a small child's pool with enough water that it is chest deep for your Lab puppy. Toss a small ball or toy into the pool so that your puppy can jump in and fetch it. Walk on a Beach If you live near a lake or ocean, take your Labrador retriever for a walk on the shore or beach. Walk in the shallow water with your Lab so that both of you can get your feet wet. Attach a leash to your Lab's collar to keep him or her close to you as you walk in the water. You can also toss a waterproof toy into the shallow water to entice your Lab to chase and fetch it. The best toy for this activity is soft and in the shape of a small bird or fish so your Lab can easily grab it and hold it in their mouth. Each time you throw your Lab's toy into the shallow water, throw it a little farther away to entice your Lab to get familiar with deeper water. Swim in the Water You can teach your Labrador retriever to swim by getting in a pool, lake, river, or ocean and swimming with them. Dogs will naturally paddle when they are in water deep enough to swim in, but need to learn how to maneuver in the water. To teach your Lab puppy to maneuver and be confident in the water, hold your hand under their chest or belly to keep them afloat as they dog paddle. Speak to your Lab with a gentle voice to reassure and encourage them in the water. Dive In the Water Once you have taught your Labrador retriever to swim, you can teach him or her to dive into the water from a pier or diving board. The best way to do this is to hold your Lab in your arms, dive into the water, and release your Lab to swim out of the water. Once your Lab is familiar with diving, you can dive into the water and then call them to follow you. Socialize with Other Dogs One advantage of enrolling your Labrador retriever in dog obedience school is that they can meet and socialize with other dogs. Your Lab can then learn from watching and following their dog friends in many activities, including swimming. When your Labrador retriever plays outdoors in the water, it is best to use a waterproof polyurethane and nylon webbing collar as it is durable and dries almost instantly. To find items such as a collar, leash, toys, and treats for your Labrador retriever, contact Over Under Clothing online. We have a lifetime guarantee on all of our products and donate a portion of sales to help at-risk dogs. Tweet on Twitter Can Labradors swim naturally or do they need to be taught? But, if your Lab has positive experiences with water from a young age, they will likely love splashing about and swimming. Traits like their double coat, healthy facial conformation, and webbed paws help to make them great swimmers. Can Labradors Swim? If Labs are introduced to swimming gradually as a puppy , they are likely to be happy and confident swimmers. Labs swim, like most other dogs, using the doggy paddle technique! But some Labs might also enjoy diving into the water, and they may love to retrieve things from water. This can be very stressful for them, and can even lead to them avoiding water in the future. The best way to encourage your Lab to swim is to introduce the habit gradually and safely. And the truth is, they were! Originally, Labrador ancestors were bred to work alongside fishermen on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. From these dogs, and other ancestors after British breeders first tried to standardise the Labrador breed, Labs inherited some traits that make them great swimmers. They have a thick, double coat that is water resistant and protects them against the chill of swimming in natural rivers and ponds. They also have a wide otter tail to help them swim, and webbed paws! Do Labradors Like to Swim? The best way to help guarantee that your pup enjoys swimming is to introduce them to water very gradually. Make sure that all of their experiences with water are positive, and that they never feel unsafe in the water. Are All Labs Good Swimmers? Most Labs will be physically able to swim when given the opportunity, or if forced to do so. But, there are a few that may panic and struggle. So, as we said before, you should introduce your Lab to the water very gradually. Some pups will be more enthusiastic than others. All Labradors have traits that can help them be strong swimmers. But, the prominence of these traits varies depending on the type of Labrador you have. When Can Labradors Start Swimming? Firstly, you must wait until your Labrador puppy has all of its necessary vaccinations. This will keep them safe from health problems like parvovirus. This might take longer than you would first think, involving chasing a stick over a small puddle at first. Gradually increase the amount of water your Lab is happy to wade through until it is slightly deeper or slightly wider. When your Labrador is happy, you can increase it again. Never make your Lab jump straight in at the deep end — literally! It may take a few months before your Labrador is happily swimming in deeper water. Can Labradors Swim in Cold Water? There are still risks letting your Lab swim in very cold water. Letting your Lab swim in cold water for extended periods can cause hypothermia, which can be fatal. Waiting for those warmer summer months may be a better idea. Helping your Labrador Swim Safely As well as risks from cold water, there are a few other considerations to make before letting your Labrador swim. If your Lab is swimming in deep water, remember there could be strong undercurrents that could make them lose control. Plus, because lots of Labradors love to swim, they may not stop until they are completely exhausted. Not only does this leave them vulnerable in deep water, but it can cause problems like limber tail , which is very painful for them. This problem usually goes away after a few days, but is still stressful for your pup. Watch out for jellyfish, and worse! Do you have a Labrador at home that loves swimming? We would love to hear about them in the comments! References and Resources. Labradors have a great affinity with water and activities like swimming. So at what age can Lab puppies swim? Can Labradors swim naturally? Do Labs like to swim? We have covered all these questions for you in the below article. Have a look. At what age can Lab puppies swim? Some people say 8 weeks, some say 12 weeks and some say 3 months. There are a lot of conflicting opinions regarding the age when your Labrador puppies can start swimming. Anyone would think like this, as these Labradors are historically linked with the fisherman and icy waters of Newfoundland. Many people even think that Lab puppies can swim at any young age and they keep asking me whether their puppies can swim when they are one month old. There are various factors to consider before determining your Labrador puppy swimming age. Where is your puppy going to swim? Is it near a public pool, or a lake or a pond or a beach? For example, it is probably safe to allow a 3-month-old puppy into a small pond, but it is not safe to allow him in the beach waters. Look at the points below and you will understand the age and time to introduce your Lab puppy to swimming waters. Habituate swimming to your Labrador puppy slowly. Initially, it is always better to make the puppy acquainted with water either in your bathtub or your personal pool. You can start this when your puppy reaches 3 months old. You have to remember that your Lab needs certain physical strength in its legs in order to swim effortlessly. Allow your little Lab to grow until 3 months and then you can introduce him to swimming. Some people tell me that their Labrador puppies started swimming when they are just 8 weeks old. Do not take him into public pools until he is fully vaccinated as there is a risk of deadly diseases for your little puppy. Take him into public water bodies only after he finishes his set of vaccinations. Some puppies take time during the exploration of water, hence remember not to force him in any way to get into the water. Forcing your Lab puppy to get into water does not work and your puppy may develop fear and aversion towards the water. One of my dog Simba was very scared of water and he never preferred to play with water during its lifetime. You can take your puppy to larger water bodies like beach waters when it reaches 6 months of age. My little puppy went into the beach waters when he is around 6 months of age and he enjoyed its day fully. Taking him at a younger age might scare him of the waves and it is even difficult for the little puppy to balance himself in the beach water. Labrador swimming- Complete guide Labradors are perfect swimmers which used to retrieve fish and nets from the cold icy waters of the North Atlantic. Have you seen its thick, dense water-resistant coat? It makes them waterproof. Observe their webbed feet, which help them to swim. Let us consider some basic questions to understand Labrador swimming. Labradors have the innate ability to swim, but that does not mean they can swim like fish. This is especially true with respect to puppies. Their body structure and genetics assist them in paddling in the water. Labradors love swimming and are good swimmers but it does not mean they can swim for any duration of time and anywhere. Hence it is important to remember that they are dogs and they have their limitations. So, do Labs like to swim? But not every Labrador likes to swim. As i told you my dog Simba hates water and he is really scared of it. The reason why some Labs are scared of water is that they are introduced to water in an inappropriate way. Their first experience of water might have been scary and disturbing for them. How to teach a Lab to swim? Even though some Lab puppies begin to swim on their own, some Labs who cannot do it on their own, some Labs which are scared of water, and Labs which are small puppies need to be taught to swim. Firstly introduce your Lab puppy to water splashes and small house pools at a young age so that he gets acquainted with water. If your little pup is scared, do not force him. Give him sufficient time to get adjusted to the water. You can buy a mini Labrador swimming pool in your house to habituate swimming for your little one. You can Buy it here. Whenever you take him to a nearby pool for swimming, keep your palm under his belly or his chest and allow him to move its legs to swim. You can help him like this until he becomes a confident swimmer. Give your puppy a life vest if he is not very comfortable with water. It keeps your puppy buoyant and makes him less tense. Go into the water along with your pup. As your puppy feels safer with you, it feels even more comfortable while swimming. Go for a casual walk along the beach with a leash around your puppy and let him feel the waves. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving encouragement, treats and rewards while playing in the water. You can play fetch games in the water which your puppy may like. Labrador swimming safety precautions Looking at your Lab puppy swimming can be delightful and exciting, but there are some precautions you need to take while taking out your puppy for swimming. Never leave your dog alone. Even though Labs can swim sometimes it might be difficult to resist against currents in oceans and rivers. Always keep an eye on your dog as a precautionary measure. It is safe to buy him a good safety vest. We cannot expect when your dog might encounter a risky situation that makes him difficult to swim. Do not overexert your dog while swimming. Sometimes he can manage to go out far from the shore but could not come back as he gets tired. Be careful especially when your Labrador is in its puppy stage as puppies get tired more easily. Always get into a swimming pool that has a sloped ground or steps so that your dog can come out easily. Swimming pools without steps and sloped ground can be risky for dogs. Be careful while swimming in unknown waters. Unknown waters have a risk of dangerous snake bites. Attention: Lack of proper training in the initial stages can build up various anxiety issues and fears in your dog. This can make your dog afraid of any new activity including swimming too. When you want your Lab to enjoy swimming, it could be a phobia for him. Take proper steps of training your dog well to avoid these issues. By Tom Massey Jul 24, The doggy paddle: a staple swimming move for beginners in the water. But where does this name come from? Even Lab puppies will frolic in the water once they get used to it. The truth is that Labs are natural swimmers and have a strong inclination to hop into pretty much any body of water — but why do Labs like to swim? Understanding why Labrador Retrievers love the water can help you better understand your furry friend and his needs. This article will cover why Labs enjoy water sports and examine how you can help water-shy Labradors. Are Labs Naturally Good Swimmers? When raising dogs, many people assume they have an instinct for swimming. Things like webbed toes, long legs, and a water-repellent coat — all traits that Labs possess — make dogs excellent natural swimmers. But where do these characteristics come from? Labs are naturally good swimmers because of what they were bred to do. Toss a stick into the water, and your Lab pup will jump right in to fetch it. When you breed an animal with a clear purpose, specific desirable traits are drawn out over generations. Fishermen on the coast relied on these dogs to help them fish. They trained the dogs to retrieve fishing gear and fish that evaded the nets or traps. They had all the telltale signs of a natural swimmer that could handle cold water — short, oily coats that repelled water, long legs, webbed feet, and oar-like tails. These dogs were also known for their boundless energy, loyalty to their owners, and agility — traits that can certainly be useful in other canine working applications, such as hunting and hauling. In the s, a handful of English noblemen started breeding the now-extinct breed of St. Their goal was to develop the ideal hunting companion — a dog that could retrieve game instead of fish but could still swim to fetch waterfowl, pheasant, and other small game that the hunters would shoot down over ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Once early breeders started mating the St. These early Labs were excellent fishing and hunting pals with their unique ability to swim and retrieve fallen game. This breed has been using their skills to please their owners by retrieving game for centuries. Swimming is second nature for these dogs! Well, for most of them, at least. Do All Labradors Love Water? Labrador Retrievers were bred to swim, but not all Labradors enjoy swimming. While American and English Labs both enjoy warm or cold water and will retrieve fish, game, or sticks for their owners, not every dog is alike — even with a natural swimming ability in their genetics. If a Lab dislikes bath time or previously felt out of control in deep water at some point, they may steer clear of bodies of water because of a bad experience in the past. And sometimes, it comes down to personality. They might simply prefer the shore on family trips to the lake or the beach. So what can you do if your Lab dislikes water? For example, to help with bath time fears, spend some time getting him used to sitting in the tub with the door closed without turning on the water. Start small, and eventually, your pup will acclimate to water exposure. Once adjusted to bathtime, let your Lab observe you and other dogs enjoying a swim. So, how long should you let your dog swim? As long as your Lab is accustomed to swimming, minute blocks are okay. Then, as his stamina increases, you can let him swim for longer. Is Swimming Good for Labradors? When it comes to the free-spirited, energetic nature of Labrador Retrievers, swimming is an excellent activity to support their physical and mental health. They hit the pool. Being in water enables your limbs to move easily through their normal range of motion, so injured runners can exercise while supporting their joints. The same is true for dogs. When Labs swim, it decreases the pressure on their joints, making it an excellent alternative to walking on sidewalks. Additionally, as many dogs age, they develop joint problems. Daily swimming exercises can help keep your Labrador healthy and relieve joint pain. Instead of dealing with stressful feelings and passing them on to your pup, you can relieve stress by swimming together. Reason 3: Alleviates Pain If you have access to warm water, such as those beautiful Floridian beaches or a heated pool, swimming can also decrease pain. Swimming in warm water temperature is also known to help dogs recover faster after intense exercise. Larger dogs, like Labs, can be overweight but appear to be the right size. The ideal weight for adult female Labrador Retrievers is a little over 70 pounds, and males should weigh somewhere between the high 70s to low 80s. Whether your vet suggests helping your dog lose a few pounds, swimming will help your Lab reach and maintain a healthy weight. However, swimming is an excellent activity to help your dog stay in shape. Swimming for about one mile is the equivalent of running for four miles! Everybody needs time to let loose and have fun, and Labs are no different. Whether you swim with your Lab or toss a ball in the water for a round of fetch, playtime strengthens the human-dog bond, which encourages your dog to be loyal to his devoted best friend you! Playtime with owners will also help prevent destructive behaviors because your dog will be more relaxed and confident in his place in the pack. But there are a few things Labrador owners should know before putting a puppy into the water. While young, Labrador puppies might not have the physical strength to tread water. During their first swimming session, they should start in shallow water. You can fill up a kiddie pool in your backyard and run around on the shore so your puppy can get his paws wet. Another factor is vaccinations. So keep it positive, relaxing, and fun with low-key bathtime experiences, backyard shenanigans, and puppy-appropriate adventures in the shallows. Conclusion Do Labradors tend to like water? Early breeders wanted strong swimmers who could retrieve things from lakes, rivers, and the sea; thus, the Labrador breed was born. But not all Labradors know how to swim or run head over heels for the water. Eventually, most Labs will take to the water — after all, they are descended from true water dogs! The White Lab puppies at Snowy Pines grow up on acres of land in the Ozarks , where they play in the water, have fun with other puppies, and explore. Take a look at our available puppies and apply to adopt your new pure-bred White English Retriever swimming buddy! Share on. Then I threw a stick out to see what he would do. To my absolute joy, he walked out and got the stick. What is the best age to introduce a Labrador to water? At this early stage of the game, I do not think that every puppy has to be in the water. I think that some people may worry so much about getting a good water dog that they rush this step. While you may or may not get them swimming at this point, you should give them the opportunity to walk through puddles and shallow water. Get your Lab out in the rain and have fun with her. She will learn from you that rain is not something that will keep you inside. The last thing you want to do is get a water-dog scared of the water. The water needs to be fun-time and something they look forward to when they see the lake or river. It can be something your Retriever gets excited about if you will introduce them to it appropriately. Where should you introduce your Lab to water? I believe that one of the greatest places near my home to introduce Retrievers to water is Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border. Here are some of the characteristics of this lake that make it ideal: Open beach Firm base Very gradual drop off This setup allows you and your puppy to run and play without worry about depth or sharp rocks. How you should introduce your Retrievers to water. Take your puppy somewhere like that on a nice, warm day. Walk out into the water and see if your puppy follows you. If not, try and coax him into the water by calling his name and splashing a little bit. You run the risk of making the pup afraid of the water. Labradors are bred to love the water. Let the pup come into the water at his own speed. Your encouragement will help. Take your time and eventually, your puppy will be having a blast in the water. If things are moving slower than you want them to, it may help to introduce another, more experienced dog. Bring a dog that is crazy about the water in a good way. See if your puppy forgets about the water as it plays with the other dog. Start them out on the beach and slowly lead the experienced dog into the water. Your puppy will probably follow and start swimming without realizing what is going on. Before you know it, your pup will go from racing along the beach to the shallow water, and then move onto swimming with little reservation. All of this, and you have never had to put your puppy in a situation that will cause him to be nervous about water in the future. An important part of getting your pup accustomed to water, like everything else in raising a dog, is frequent repetition. Let him experience it over and over again. Another Option… Sometimes it can be difficult to get to a beach or pond. In those situations, you may want to purchase one of the cheap, plastic swimming pools like this one. I know that you can purchase cheaper versions at Walmart, but I like the option of folding this one up and putting it on a shelf. You can control the amount of water in the pool. While your dog is wading is shallow water, tease him with his favorite toys. Next time add a little more water and introduce the toys again. When your puppy is confident with water up to his belly, add just enough water so that your puppy can paddle around a little.

Pin on Pinterest Royal Canin knows what makes your Bulldog puppy magnificent is in the details. With their funny, squishy faces, wrinkled skin, and short, stocky bodies, Bulldog puppies bring a lot of love—and smells—to your home. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, bone and joint health, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed Bulldog puppy. Whether you call yours an English Bulldog or British Bulldog, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Bulldog puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune systems and keeps their body growing strong. High-quality proteins and prebiotics help promote optimal stool quality. And for healthy growth, this calcium- and phosphorus-fortified diet helps your Bulldog pup develop strong bones and healthy joints. Once your Bulldog puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Bulldog Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, oat groats, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, pea fiber, fish oil, vegetable oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.

They include: Birth to 4 weeks 6 weeks to 3 or 4 months old 3 to 6 months of age 8 months old and beyond Each stage requires different care and may be shorter or longer than the one before it. Knowing the details of your Labradoodles teething can help you navigate this time with them. Your Labradoodles teething stage can begin as early as three months of age and may last up to seven months. The first set of teeth take anywhere from three to four weeks to come in fully. Puppies do not need teeth at this time since they get all of the nutrition they need from nursing with their mom. This set contains only 28 teeth and does not include any molars since those teeth are permanent and come in later. As these teeth appear, it can be painful for the puppy, and they will look for anything to chew to help relieve the pressure of emerging teeth. This first set of teeth are quite pointy and can be painful if your pup bites you while playing. Thankfully, these sharp little teeth do not stick around for long. A puppy can begin losing the first set as early as a month after they emerge. As the next set of teeth start emerging, they will push these baby teeth out. So, typically, your dog will lose its incisors first, with the others quickly following. You may find puppy teeth around your home, but often a Labradoodle will swallow them while playing or eating. It is not harmful to a dog to eat its first set of teeth, and you may not even notice when your pet loses these teeth. Your Labradoodle will not have tooth gaps like human children do when their teeth fall out. They can still chew their food and treats without problems. Nearing six months of age, your dog should have their second set of teeth almost entirely. A veterinarian will typically check their teeth at each checkup appointment for any crooked ones, underbites, or other jaw issues that may be a concern. Your Labradoodle should have 42 adult teeth at this time. The entire teething process can take up to the age of 10 or 12 months to complete. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Signs of Teething in Your Labradoodle This teething guide uses approximate timelines as a reference. Each dog is individual, and its teeth may come in or fall out at different times than this outline. If you are unsure if your Labradoodle is teething, there are some tell-tale signs , including: Chewing on everything Spots of blood on toys or food Swollen or red gum tissue Change in appetite Excessive whining Finding teeth around your home One concern some dog owners have is when their puppy does not lose this first set on schedule. How To Help Your Teething Labradoodle You can help your puppy deal with this teething transition with various methods. By providing your Labradoodle with ways to curb tooth pain, there will be less damage to your belongings, and your pup will be happier. Try some of these methods with your teething Labradoodle: Use special puppy teething gel Provide durable chewing treats, like Bully Sticks Give them frozen treats to chew on Ensure they have numerous types of toys for chewing Puppy Teething Gel No products found. Some dog owners prefer to use a teething gel for added relief. Be sure to choose a product for your puppy that does not contain any unsafe ingredients. Durable Chewing Treats Finding durable chewing treats like Bully Sticks can be a terrific way for your pet to help relieve the pressure on its gum tissue. Many Labradoodles will prefer to chew on a tasty treat rather than your smelly shoes when given the option. Frozen Treats Many human foods are entirely safe for your puppy to have. Carrots are one of these items in your fridge that can help provide some relief to your Labradoodle while they are teething. You can offer a raw cold carrot to your pup straight from your fridge or freeze them for extra relief. Remember to monitor your Labradoodle during this time to make sure they do not choke on any large pieces that may break off. Toys For Chewing You can find dozens of special toys that can help your pup with any chewing habits. From durable Kong toys to braided rope toys , each material can provide a different benefit. It is always better to have several toys for them rather than your puppy looking for something in your home to chew on. You should be preparing a regular oral hygiene routine from the first time you bring your new Labradoodle puppy home. Once they are comfortable with the attention in their mouth, you can brush their teeth with a toothbrush without any paste. By doing this, your pup will become accustomed to having you put a brush in their mouth. Eventually, you can work towards using a special dog toothpaste to help keep their teeth clean and healthy throughout their lifetime. With proper oral care, you can minimize any issues your Labradoodle may have later on in life. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Teething In Labradoodle Puppies Will Not Last Forever Although it may seem like your Labradoodle puppy will be teething forever, they will have all of their adult teeth in before you know it. This challenging time can be hard on you and your dog as its first set of teeth fall out and the permanent ones come in. By remembering the many stages of a teething puppy, you will have a better idea of how to help your new pet. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment and learn about the world. The benefits of appropriate chewing The teething process typically starts when puppies are 3 months old. You can expect your Labradoodle puppy to be teething until the adult molars come in at 6 to 7 months of age. Chewing is a natural instinct that facilitates teething and soothes sore gums. Your puppy may also enjoy chewing for fun, or to alleviate boredom. Try different items and see what your puppy enjoys the most. Your puppy cannot tell the difference between old and new. You can also put a wet towel in the freezer and give it to your puppy to alleviate teething pain. You will need to teach your puppy to only chew on certain items. Pick up or secure any inappropriate items your puppy might chew on. This includes clothes, shoes, papers, trash, and electronic devices. Keep in mind that most spray deterrents have to be reapplied frequently to maintain effectiveness. Supervising your puppy Always keep an eye on your puppy in the house. Despite your best efforts, your puppy will probably find something inappropriate to chew on. If you see your puppy chewing on an inappropriate item, interrupt the behavior and give your puppy a chew toy. Praise your puppy for taking it. You can only correct the behavior if you catch your puppy in the act. Your puppy will not associate the punishment with the act. Never yell at or hit your puppy under any circumstances. Management and supervision is the key to success These simple tips can help you prevent destructive chewing. Always remember to be patient with your puppy. In time, your puppy will learn to understand the rules and grow into a well-behaved adult Labradoodle. Your puppies will not grow any teeth in the first 2 weeks. At this stage, puppies will start nursing. Their eyes will be open in the first two weeks. You should start socialization your puppy at this time for effective future training. The first vet visit should also be planned in this period. Weeks 2 to 4 In the second and third weeks, the first narrow-edged tooth incisors begin to appear. Dogs generally have 12 incisor teeth, six at the top and six at the bottom. In the third to the fifth week, canine teeth the pointy teeth begin to appear, which are four in total, two at the top and two at the bottom Weeks 5 to 8 Dogs generally have 6 premolars, three at the top and three at the bottom. Premolars begin to appear from the fifth to six weeks. At the age of 8 weeks, your beloved puppy should have a complete set of milk teeth. Puppies typically have 28 baby teeth in total. Around this time, the breeder will likely already be or will be in the process of weaning the puppies while they learn to eat soft, moist puppy food. Weeks 12 to 16 As your puppy grows after 8 weeks, adult teeth start to come out and baby teeth start to fall out. The sequence of the loss of baby teeth in puppies is as follows: First, the incisors fall out around 12 to 16 weeks Canine teeth will fall out around 16 weeks Pre-molars will fall out around 24 weeks The fall out process of baby teeth begins when the permanent teeth begin to appear because permanent teeth begin pushing out deciduous or milk teeth. This process is painful for your beloved puppies, so you should provide puppy safe chew toys. At the age of weeks, the adult incisors begin to appear. Adult canines also begin to appear this time. This is the best time to socialize your puppy. You should closely look and touch the inside and outside of his mouth, and prepare your puppy to brush his teeth. At the age of 8 months, the puppy must have a complete set of adult teeth that are 42 in number: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, and 10 molars. Below is the dental formula for the milk teeth and permanent teeth of the dog. Permanent teeth are the teeth that your dog will have for the rest of its life. It turns out that you may not find your lost puppy teeth at all. Often times, the puppy swallows his own teeth. How to Survive Puppy Teething? When your puppy starts teething and sheds his old teeth, this process is very painful and uncomfortable for your puppy. What you can do in this situation is a very important question. You can make this phase comfortable by following these simple steps. The first line of defense for a teething puppy is bully sticks, and they are pretty much the ultimate chew toy. You must also offer your puppy safe chewy toys made of rubber. For puppy teething, we love the West Paw Zogoflex that you can stuff with either food or a bully stick. If you want to make it even more interesting for your puppy, consider also getting a Large version as it will allow you to fasten them together and make a sealed container filled with treats. The puppy needs to get used to the dental care system. Gently touch his mouth and rub the gums and teeth. You can also use the specially designed dog toothpaste. Retained baby teeth must be extracted by a veterinarian so that permanent teeth have room to grow. Sometimes a crowded mouth with a double set of teeth misaligns them, resulting in difficulty eating or poor dental hygiene, which can lead to periodontal disease. Teething Problems You should regularly check your puppy mouth during the teething process and look for these signs such as swelling, rubbing of face and change in eating habits. There are several ways that dogs use their teeth: Incisors Teeth Dogs use incisors to tear and scrape flesh from bones. It is also used as a tool to care for nibbles or dirt from fur. Canine Teeth These pointy canine teeth can inflict puncture and sharp wounds. Premolar and Molar Teeth Premolars and molars are designed for crushing. These are used to process vegetable, dog food , and bone. Carnassial teeth are innovations for carnivores that require cutting action to process meat. You should properly care for your beloved dog in this process and schedule a visit with your vet for an initial dental exam. 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. And those sharp little puppy teeth of theirs sometimes find their way to your fingers, toes, and even your clothes. So, when do Labradoodle puppies start to lose their teeth? They typically begin losing their puppy teeth around 3 to 4 months old. As the teeth fall out, they will be replaced by your puppies permanent adult teeth. All of their puppy teeth should be gone by 6 months. If puppy teeth still remain at 6 months, be sure to consult with your Veterinarian. Puppy Teething Timeline 3 weeks old — Baby teeth start coming in. So sometimes they will actually eat their teeth unknowingly. There is a significant link between dental health and the overall health of your pup. So good dental care for your Labradoodle puppy should begin as early in his life as possible. This is not to say you should begin brushing his teeth at the first sign of baby teeth in his mouth. We recommend brushing your puppies teeth from the moment you bring them home; usually around 8 weeks. This is the puppy brushing kit I started with. Here are some basic dog brushing tips: Use a canine toothbrush with soft bristles. These are the ones I use. Replace the toothbrush when bristles are frayed or about every 3 months. Brush at least 3 times per week, daily is optimal. Always end the session with praise and a treat. Try putting a healthy treat like peanut butter on your finger. Allow him to lick it while you gently rub his gums and teeth. Get him used to having his muzzle and mouth touched. Put one hand on the top of this mouth and one on the bottom and leave them there for a few seconds. Their Teeth and Gums Once he gets used to that, gently separate his lips and open his mouth. Time To Brush Here are some tips to get the tooth brushing process going as easy as possible. When first starting, allow your puppy to smell and lick the toothbrush and toothpaste before you begin. Start with just the front teeth at first. Start by brushing only a couple of teeth at a time. When the puppy accepts that, increase the number of teeth. Reapply toothpaste when needed. If your puppy happens to like the flavor of the toothpaste, he may eat it rather quickly. Brush in a circular motion along the gum line where bacteria and food rests. When the puppy is OK with this, move on to the back teeth. I actually used this for the first month of brushing before switching to an actual dog toothbrush. When your pup is accepting of your fingers or the brush inside his mouth praise him and pet him so he feels your love and approval of his good behavior. Be patient and try again later or another day. Above all, you do not want your puppy to look at this activity in a negative light. Nothing makes dogs happier than when they know their master is happy with them. Humans are not the only ones who suffer from tooth decay, gum diseases, and toothaches. Dogs can get toothaches, too. The best way to eliminate these problems is to prevent them from developing. Good dental health is the best method of prevention. Periodontal disease can lead to infection, tooth loss and extreme pain for the dog. If a dog has teeth, gum or mouth problems, it can him cranky or have no desire to eat, which can lead to other health issues. Providing your Labradoodle puppy with good oral health can drastically decrease the chances of your pup having mouth problems and can lead to better overall health. Oral health problems are not always that easy to spot, which can result in them getting worse before they can better. Here are some signs your Labradoodle puppy may have oral health issues going on. Foul breath Build-up of bacteria, saliva and food on the teeth Excessive plaque A hard brown or yellow residue tartar on teeth Bleeding, swollen or irritated gums No desire to eat Shows signs of discomfort or pain when chewing If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, you should talk with your Veterinarian. Work with them to get a plan in place to reduce or eliminate the issues. The best solution, of course, is to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Related Questions How many teeth do dogs have? Puppies have 28 baby teeth, and adult dogs have 42 teeth. What kind of toothpaste should I use for my puppy? Can I use human toothpaste? You should use a canine toothbrush and canine toothpaste for your dog. DO NOT use human toothpaste. Unlike canine toothpaste, human toothpaste contains additives like fluoride, and should not be swallowed. What are the best chew toys for cleaning teeth? In addition, you may want to get him some healthy chew toys designed for cleaning teeth. Related Posts:. We have all heard horror stories of ruined slippers, destroyed books, and chewed-up table legs, but if you are armed with the knowledge of the teething process and some teething survival tips, your story can have a happy ending. So, for how long do Labradoodle puppies teethe? The entire teething process can take as long as 7 months. It typically begins at 3 weeks of age, when their puppy teeth first start to appear. During the third month, their gums begin to absorb the roots of puppy teeth, making them loose. The puppy teeth are soon pushed out as the adult teeth erupt. By 8 months, most Labradoodles have all of their permanent adult teeth. The term teething, when referring to human babies, usually refers to the time period when baby teeth are pushing up through the gums for the first time. However, when teething is used in reference to puppies, it usually refers to the process of losing the puppy teeth to make room for the permanent teeth. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! This allows the mother to nurse her litter comfortably. As is the case with people, this first set of teeth act as placeholders, permitting the puppies to eat solid food until the permanent teeth are ready to come in. Approximately one month later, the second stage of teething begins. Over the course of 5 — 6 months, one by one, the puppy teeth are pushed out by the emerging permanent teeth. This is the time when the strong urge to chew can become a problem for puppies and their owners. The second stage of teething is an ideal time to teach your puppy what is and what is not okay to put in his mouth. Instead, give them a chew toy and praise them for chewing that toy instead. Being diligent in this area now will establish good behavior in the future. This makes it much easier for the tooth to fall out at the right time and prevents the puppy from being in any pain. The actual loss of teeth begins with the incisors which tend to fall out when the puppy is between 12 — 16 weeks old. Next, are the canine teeth at around 16 weeks. Last, are the premolars at around week .Did you know that puppy teeth do not include any molars? Molars are only a part of the permanent set of teeth. You can read more about Labradoodles losing their puppy teeth, here. In fact, there is a chance you will not even be aware that one has fallen out until you notice that an adult tooth has already taken its place. Puppies have no control over where and when their little needles — I mean puppy teeth — fall out, so you might find them anywhere around your home. One might be found embedded in a favorite chew toy or left behind in his food bowl. Deciduous teeth can be lost while your puppy is chewing on toys or your new pair of shoes , chowing down on food, or while running around the backyard at playtime. Occasionally, if a tooth falls out while he is busy with one of these activities, the tooth might be swallowed. There is no cause for alarm as this is perfectly normal, and the tooth should pass through his system without any problems. It is the adult teeth that are responsible for literally pushing the puppy teeth out. By the time that a puppy tooth is lost, a new permanent tooth is already making its way to the surface of the gum. Labradoodle puppies should have permanent incisors in place between 3 — 5 months of age. Adult canine teeth and the premolars make their appearance sometime between months 4 — 6. The molars are typically last to erupt and are usually in place between months .Discovering that your sweet little dog has destroyed the legs of the kitchen table can certainly ruin your day and hurt your wallet. Disasters like this can be largely avoided by offering your puppy a variety of chewing options. Keeping your puppy in a crate when you are not around will give you some peace of mind, knowing that your puppy is safe and, therefore, so are your belongings. Here are some other ideas to help both you and your pup survive the chewing phase. Most pet supply stores offer some sort of teething gel that can provide your puppy some relief. A Kong Puppy Teething Stick can not only soothe sore gums but can also help clean teeth as well. An inexpensive option is to freeze a healthy treat like a carrot. You can also try freezing a rolled-up old wet washcloth. This can really help soothe their gums and can easily be re-frozen and reused. There are many chew toys, like a Puppy Chew Bone , that are designed specifically for teething puppies. Try to provide a variety for your puppy to choose from. One that is soft, one that is hard, and a crunchy one are good choices. Rope tug-of-war toys are great for puppies to chew on and provide lots of fun when you join in the game too. The sooner, the better. The ideal time is 8 — 12 weeks old. Accustoming your dog now can save you some trouble in the future. How many teeth do Labradoodles have? After all the puppy teeth have fully emerged, a Labradoodle puppy will have a total of 28 which is eight more than a human baby has. An adult dog will have 42 permanent teeth while an adult person can only boast 32 if the wisdom teeth have been removed. Things to Remember Having a teething puppy does not have to be a nightmare. The natural process of acquiring permanent teeth can go quite smoothly if you know what to expect when to expect it, and how to properly deal with all of that chewing. Be patient with your Labradoodle puppy, because before you know it, he will be all grown up. Related Posts:. The number of teeth that your Labradoodle has will depend on what stage of the teething process they are at. When they are puppies with a full set of milk teeth, Labradoodles will usually have around 28 teeth. Of course, as these shed and their adult teeth grow in, the number will vary massively. But, once they have a full set of adult teeth, your Labradoodle will have somewhere around 42 teeth in total. Your dog has four types of teeth. At the very front of their mouth are the incisors. As we know, most Labradoodles will start to lose their baby teeth somewhere around 3 — 4 months old. Their adult teeth will usually start growing in at around 4 months old. And your Labradoodle will have a full set of adult teeth at around 8 months old. But, did you know that the types of teeth we identified above will usually start growing in at slightly different times? Canines will usually start to come through somewhere between 4 and 6 months of age. Similarly, premolars will be somewhere between 4 and 5 months of age. And, latest to come through is the molars, which will usually start to show between 5 and 7 months of age. How to Cope With Labradoodle Teething Labradoodle teething periods can last for 4 or 5 months in some cases. Which is a long time to deal with an irritable puppy that wants to chew on everything it sees — including you. You might have heard that yelping like another puppy might when bitten or growling at your puppy will help. And, in some cases it might. But, in other cases, these loud noises can just excite your Doodle further, leading them to think their biting is a fun game with you. The attention they get could cause them to come back and gnaw at you again when they want to play. Set up a puppy safe zone that you can leave your puppy in alone if they bite you. Make sure this has plenty of great toys for chewing on, so they can redirect their behavior elsewhere. And, to encourage better behavior, make sure to reward your Labradoodle whenever they are sitting or playing calmly by themselves. There are plenty of puppy toys available designed to help teething puppies. So, it may be worth investing in some for your Doodle. Additionally, you can use things you have at home. For instance, many owners report the success of a frozen carrot for their teething puppies! Not only does this provide something firm to chew on, but the coldness also soothes their gums. Perhaps most importantly of all, make sure to give yourself plenty of breaks from your Labradoodle teeth and teething behavior. Being chewed on constantly is painful and stressful for any owner. Taking breaks will be vital for your mental health and patience around a teething puppy. Wear tight clothing when you do interact with your Labradoodle, and enlist the help of other household members! Many owners mistake teething behaviors for aggressive biting. But, every Labradoodle puppy is likely to nip and chew when they are teething. Likewise, you should never punish your puppy for biting or chewing. Doing so can increase the number of unwanted behaviors you witness, and can build a level of wariness and distrust from your dog towards you. Instead of punishing your Labradoodle when they bite during teething, ignore them completely and remove yourself from them, for instance by leaving their puppy zone, or placing them alone inside. By starting when your Labradoodle is a puppy, your dog will become familiar with the process. This way, your puppy will associate having their teeth brushed with great things! Gradually, build up the steps to brushing a single tooth and allowing your Labradoodle to get used to the sensation. Make sure you are using a dog-safe toothpaste, not one designed for humans. Labradoodle Teeth and Teething — A Summary Labradoodle teeth and teething are similar to many other breeds! Especially when it comes to having a puppy that has turned into a tiny shark. But, with patience, rewards, and plenty of breaks, you will get through the teething stage. Are you currently dealing with a teething Labradoodle puppy? Or are you just keen to learn more about Labradoodle teeth? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Teething What is Teething? Dogs go through developmental stages, like humans, as they grow. When they're young, a large part of their life is devoted to exploring and learning how to interact with their surroundings. Just like babies, they do this by teething. Or, in other words, by putting everything in their mouth. During this time, they learn and develop habits that are most likely going to stay with your puppy for life. Chewing an object gives the puppy lots of information - what it tastes like, what happens when they interact with it etc. If you encourage this behaviour, they will learn that it's okay to be rough with this particular item. Your puppy will remember to prefer that texture. In this period, they are continuously learning and developing. Therefore, when you see your puppy chewing something you don't want them to bite, it's important to take action immediately. Popular ways of deterring a puppy is using an anti-chew spray, or offering a more appealing alternative e. First weeks During the first few weeks of a puppy's life, they are completely dependent on their mum. Having no teeth makes feeding easier. Four weeks old Towards the beginning of their fourth week, milk teeth are budding. The puppies also begin to nip at their mum's teats. Usually, the first teeth to erupt are the canines from 3 weeks, followed by the incisors. Molars are permanent from their eruption and appear when your dog is five to seven months. In our house, the normal puppy kibble is Doodle Puppy, with warm water added to create a porridge consistency. There are initially 28 baby or 'milk' teeth coming in during this transition from nursing to soft food. They continue nursing. By this point, the budding teeth can hurt mum as they're sharp. Unsurprisingly, she becomes reluctant to nurse. Biting mum's teats and then being scolded for it is the earliest lesson of biting inhibition. It's important for puppies to learn so they know the same rules apply to mouthing human hands in the future. The first vet check is at four weeks old. The puppy receives the Parvo and Kennel Cough vaccines. The vet will also check the initial jaw alignment and teeth. However, minor abnormalities might not be visible yet. The vet will vaccinate and look for 28 baby teeth 12 incisors, four canines, 12 premolars. At eight weeks, you can adopt a puppy! The transition to dry food is complete, and they no longer need water mixed in. They spend less time with mum, learning further biting inhibition from their litter siblings instead. If your puppy arrives home at this age, they usually have 14 teeth in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower. We advise purchasing a teething kit as your puppy will be transitioning into adult teeth imminently. After 12 weeks of age, you can start training as they are fully vaccinated. We begin with clicker training and cues such as 'leave-it.