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best dog food for french bulldogs puppy - Will my dog get sick from eating poop? Poop eating can definitely be a concern to a pet owner since it can make your dog sick. If your dog is eating its own poop, itmay be OK, but there is still a chance of illness. Especially if your dog is eating the poop of another dog or animal, there is a large risk of infectious diseases or parasites. Some symptoms of poop eating include gastroenteritis, vomiting and diarrhea, decreased appetite, tiredness and intestinal parasites , according to Muenster Milling. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has eaten poop and is experiencing any behavioral changes or symptoms. How often should I take my dog to the vet? And how to know if your pet needs a checkup How can I keep my dog from eating poop? To curb your pup from eating poop, you may consider vitamin or enzyme supplements. These can help if your dog is eating poop due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, says the AKC. There are also various deterrents on the market, which make poop less appetizing to your dog. Other methods to stop your dog from eating poop include training, — using commands like "leave it,' — keeping a close eye during walks and cleaning up poop immediately. Understanding why your puppy eats stool and learning how to address this behavior appropriately will help prevent it from becoming a lifelong habit. So … why do puppies eat poop? If your puppy consistently ingests stool, talk with your veterinarian. There are many possible reasons for a puppy to eat poop, and knowing if the cause is medical, behavioral, or a combination of both can help you eradicate the behavior successfully. This is a primitive, evolutionary behavior that developed to keep the den clean and protect the puppies from disease, parasites, and predators. The smell from large amounts of stool accumulating in a den would certainly draw unwanted attention! This behavior can sometimes be thwarted by picking up any stool the puppies produce before they have the chance to snack on it. Puppies Eat Poop Because of Poor Digestion Another theory behind coprophagia is that some puppies develop the habit after not digesting their food well. If food is digested poorly, this might cause portions of the stool to have the same smell and taste as their puppy food. This similarity may inspire some puppies to eat the stool. Causes of poor digestion can be diet formulation, parasites, or abnormalities in the digestive tract. Boredom and Stress Can Cause Puppies To Eat Poop Puppies with inconsistent socialization and activity can develop many bad habits in an effort to entertain themselves or feel more in control of their environment. Though chewing on crates and furniture is more common, some puppies might eat their poop. Consistent, frequent playtime and interaction is important to help prevent this unwanted behavior. If your schedule requires your puppy to be alone for extended periods of time, talk to your veterinarian about age-safe dog toys that will keep them entertained and stress-free. Growing puppies require many more calories than adult dogs and should be fed a diet specifically designed for their needs. Young puppies should be fed three or four times a day on a consistent schedule. If you have questions about how much or how often you should feed your puppy, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can look for evidence of intestinal parasites through fecal testing. Puppies Eat Poop To Get Your Attention Getting upset and yelling at your puppy is a very common reaction when you see them doing something as gross as eating poop. Therefore, punishment tactics should never be used with puppies to help with house-training or stool-eating. Instead, put effort into praising good behaviors like when your puppy poops outside. When a puppy poops on the floor, ignore them and just clean it up well. When they potty outside, praise them. Your puppy will learn that they get attention for pooping outside, not for pooping inside and eating it. How To Stop a Puppy From Eating Poop If your puppy has already developed a poop-snacking habit and they have no physical abnormalities or illness, the following tips may help stop the yucky behavior. Watch for signs of digestive issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, and passing undigested food may be signs that your puppy is not digesting their food appropriately. Make Sure Your Puppy Gets Enough Exercise and Attention Exercise and play are essential for a happy puppy, and providing consistent opportunities to engage their mind and their muscles will make them less likely to develop undesirable habits. When you have to leave your puppy alone, consider age-appropriate and non-destructible chew toys or puzzle toys to entertain them. Cleaning up stool promptly can help them avoid temptation. After your puppy poops, distract them from their stool by calling them to you. A puppy who successfully comes when called and ignores their stool should be rewarded, either verbally or with training treats. Bring your puppy inside, if possible, before removing the stool to avoid drawing attention back to the location. Keep Your Puppy on a Leash For puppies that cannot be easily distracted from their stool, leashes can be an effective tool to keep them walking away after they have defecated. It can also keep them away from the stool of other dogs or other animals. While verbal commands and recall are always preferred, a gentle tug on the leash can help distract them from the stool initially. But, like in puppies, it may be a reaction to anxiety or boredom. If no medical cause for the coprophagy is found, use the same techniques described above for your adult dog. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. From eating that week old sandwich they found on the sidewalk to spending hours of their life licking their own butt, dogs do plenty of things that us humans find disgusting. No matter which way you look at it, the eating of feces is plain revolting. Many dogs, however, seem to consider it a fine delicacy! If your dog likes to chow down on poop at any opportunity, you might be concerned, and understandably so. Nobody seems to be percent sure exactly why they do it, but there are plenty of theories. The good news is there are ways to discourage your dog from eating poop. The bad news is it can be a tricky habit to break percent. If you live out in the country, you might find poop-eating more of a problem. This means more temptation for your dog and more likelihood that they make poop a regular snack. Why do Dogs Eat Poop? Are There Any Medical Reasons? Dogs Naturally suggests a number of medical reasons why dogs consume feces. Parasites Internal parasites, such as worms , leach the nutrients that your dog should be getting from their food. This could make them crave anything that might contain the nutrients they require. Or, more simply, it could make them more hungry and want to eat anything available. As such, if a dog eats their own feces, it could be because it contains lots of undigested nutrients. There are all kinds of medical reasons why a dog could have an increased appetite, from thyroid issues to being on prescribed steroids. Giving your dog a bit of extra breakfast or dinner could discourage your pup from their poop-eating ways. Malabsorption A number of malabsorption syndromes, such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency , have been known to cause dogs to eat feces. Deficiencies There are certain deficiencies some experts believe could lead to a propensity to eat stool. Roger DeHaan, DVM , says a hydrochloric acid deficiency could cause poor digestion and ultimately make dogs eat feces. Whereas Joseph Demers, DVM, suggests that a deficiency in trace minerals might lead to poop eating in dogs. This could be a result of underfeeding or feeding your dog a poor diet. Make sure your dog is getting sufficient calories for their age, weight and activity level, and feed a high-quality food containing sufficient nutrients. Why do Dogs Eat Poop: Possible Behavioral Reasons Along with the medical reasons listed above, there are all kinds of behavioral reasons why a dog might take a fancy to feces. Dogs are natural scavengers and they look for food wherever they go. In the wild, this would have been to keep their den clean and avoid attracting predators with the smell. Some dogs may pick up this desire to keep their area clean and eating poop out in the garden could be a form of housekeeping. Attention Seeking Much like children, dogs who are bored, lonely or just wanting some love will sometimes do things to get attention, even if the attention they get is negative. They may have the opposite of the desired effect or cause other behavior problems. If your dog has been punished in the past for defecating indoors, if they have an accident, they might eat their feces to hide the evidence, as it were. If they start doing this regularly, it could become a habit and they could start eating other poop at other times. Boredom Dogs who are home alone all day can, understandably, get bored. They might find that eating poop is just something to do, and they get a snack out of it, too. Learned Behaviors Dogs are pack animals and learn things from their canine companions. If they spend time with another dog that thinks dung is a delicacy, they may simply learn it from them. Dogs have very different ideas from us about what they think is tasty. You only have to take a big whiff of their favorite dog food to figure that one out. So, is eating poop dangerous for dogs? Other than the fact the idea of it is rather cringe-worthy, that is. However, she does go on to say there are risks your dog could contract a parasite from eating poo. In most cases, however, dogs who eat poop never develop any issues from doing so. If you think your dog has contracted a parasite or other medical issue from eating feces, contact your vet to get them checked out. How you get your dog to stop eating poop depends on why they do it in the first place. Change Their Diet As mentioned earlier in this post, a poor diet could cause your dog to want to supplement it with a little something extra. Make sure you always pick up after your dog as soon as they go. And, if you have cats, keep their litter tray clean at all times. The main issue comes if your dog likes to eat wild animal feces out on walks. You might do one stage per day or it might take several days for your dog to get the hang of each stage. Keep your training sessions to no more than ten minutes at a go, as your dog will lose focus and you might start getting frustrated. Using high-value treats can make the lesson sink in that much quicker. Extend your treat-holding hand toward your dog. At this point, your dog will probably try to get it from you in various ways; trying to grab it, licking it, nibbling it, trying to give you their paw, and so on. As soon as your dog either stops and move their nose back from the treat or turning their head away, give them the treat and some praise. Remember to give a treat and a good dose of praise every time. This way your pup will build an association between the action and the command. Repeat this a few times, continuing to give praise and treats. Place a treat in both hands. One in a closed hand, behind your back, and one in a palm opened upwards. Move the treat-holding palm toward your dog so they can see it and smell it. Because the treat is fully visible, it might be tougher for your dog to resist. From this point, you must always give them a reward from elsewhere, not the one that you asked them to leave. Repeat this until your dog gets it right the first time, every time. Have a treat ready in your hand as a reward. Just go back to the third stage and give them some more practice. Once again, practice this stage once your dog is getting it right. But you do have to be around to tell your dog to leave it. In the majority of cases, however, your dog eating poop is more disgusting than it is dangerous. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Reasons Dogs Eat Poop Nutritional Deficiencies A dog may eat poop because they are missing important nutrients in their own diet or they are not properly absorbing certain nutrients in their food during digestion called malabsorption. One study found that dogs whose diets were deficient in thiamine vitamin B1 developed coprophagia. If your veterinarian suspects deficiencies, they will run specific tests not included in a usual wellness blood panel. Nutritional deficiencies are not common for dogs fed commercial diets, and are instead more common in dogs fed raw or homemade diets. Underlying Medical Issues If a dog suddenly begins to eat feces, it may be a sign of health conditions that cause increased appetite, such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or any gastrointestinal disease that causes malabsorption. Diseases that can lead to pica eating inappropriate things , such as liver disease and anemia, can result in coprophagia. Canine cognitive dysfunction "doggie dementia" can also contribute to this behavior. Intestinal Parasites Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or whipworms, "steal" nutrients from your dog's diet, which can cause inflammation and malabsorption. That can then can lead to coprophagia. Anxiety Stool eating may be a symptom of underlying anxiety or stress in a dog. This may be separation anxiety or isolation distress, or a dog who is seeking to avoid punishment during potty training hiding the evidence! Hunger Eating stool may be a sign that a dog is simply hungry and seeking more calories. Dogs who are taking steroidal treatments, such as prednisone, often have a larger appetite and may begin to eat poop. Cleaning the "Den" When raising a litter of puppies, for the first few weeks after birth, a mother dog will lick the puppies' rears to stimulate bowel movements and then eat the puppies' feces. This is completely normal and expected behavior and is believed to happen due to their desire to keep the den area clean and protect against predators who may smell the poop and therefore find the den location. It Just Tastes Good! While we may automatically wrinkle our noses at the idea that our dogs just find poop tasty, it just may be that they like the taste. Feces is simply digested food. And if your dog is eating other dog or cat feces, to them, it's just another protein source! If they prefer horse or rabbit poop, perhaps they like the taste of digested plants. Inappropriate Association with Food This is related to the prior point about dogs liking the taste of feces. In some cases, a dog may associate poop with food because their eating area was located too close to their potty area during critical development phases. This can happen with dogs who spent a lot of time in confinement without a separate potty area, such as in puppy mills or an overcrowded shelter. Attention Seeking or Boredom Dogs learn quickly that eating poop is a surefire way of getting your attention, as when we see it happen, we tend to immediately respond by shouting and running after them. They may start repeating this behavior to get your attention and can even see it as a fun game to play when you're around. If a dog is bored, they may seek out things to indulge in, including finding and eating feces in the yard or taking on the challenge of accessing the cat's litter box for a snack. When eating poop, your dog has an increased risk for certain diseases, such as E. Consumption can increase their risks of intestinal parasite infection as well. There are even documented cases, albeit not common, of pets absorbing certain undigested medications from consuming poop. If your dog consumes their own or another household pet's poop but all are parasite-free, make sure they are on year-round preventatives and have regular fecal exams to ensure their continued health. Staying up-to-date on preventatives is also extremely important if your dog eats other dogs' feces at dog parks or on walks. You'll also want to consider that your dog puts their mouth on quite a lot of things in your home — not to mention that they probably lick your face or hands. If they eat poop, you're then also at risk of illness and disease transmission such as Salmonella and giardia. Speak with your veterinarian about your dog's poop-eating behavior. Ask them if they have recommendations on food or supplements to add to their diet. They may refer you to a veterinary nutritionist for further testing and treatment. The Solution: Prevent Poop Eating With Management The most effective thing you can do, no matter the reason your dog is eating poop, is to remove access to it. If they can't get to it, they can't eat it! How you do this depends on whose poop they are eating. Pick up Poop Right Away. For my dog, he prefers my older female dog's poop, but not his own. This means that I must be very quick to immediately bag up her poop when she goes. But I have more leeway when it comes to scooping his poop in the yard. Whenever we go out for a potty break in the yard, I make sure to have a bag ready in my pocket and keep a close eye on her to make sure I don't miss any droppings. Be prepared with your poop scooper or poo bags whenever you take your dogs outside. Keep Your Dog Out of the Litterbox. Block your dog's access to the cat's litterbox. Use gates or strategic locations for the litter box, and make sure to clean it regularly. Dogs are scavengers by nature, and "training" this out of them is a big ask. In some cases, managing their environment and using anti-scavenging tools solves the problem. But for extreme cases, while you work on teaching your dog to leave poop alone, invest in these tools to prevent them from practicing this unwanted behavior. Anti-scavenging muzzles. I recommend muzzle training for all dogs , but it's particularly useful for dogs who like to grab and eat feces. Choose a basket muzzle that is designed with a front guard, like this Baskerville Anti-Scavenge muzzle. The JAFCO muzzle is also a good option, or if you have a basket muzzle custom-made, make sure to choose a tightly woven front design. While a basket muzzle will still allow a dog to shove their snout into a pile of poo, ideally it will block actual ingestion. Just be ready with sani wipes and clean your muzzle after each use. For more tips on finding the right muzzle for your dog, check out my tips in "Choosing and Fitting a Basket Muzzle. An alternative to a basket muzzle, a product like the Outfox Field Guard prevents your dog from ingesting feces they find. However, just like a muzzle, your dog may still decide to smear poo all over it. But this product is especially useful if you live in an area where foxtails are prevalent. Use a head collar on walks. If your dog likes to treat your walk like a poop buffet, grazing on found poop along the way, walking them on a head collar, such as a Halti , can give you better control over where their nose goes. Using this walking gear, you can keep their nose up from the ground and prevent scavenging. This is usually my last recommendation, as sniffing is an essential activity for your dog to engage in every day. However, using a head collar for leash walking in areas where there is a lot of wildlife poop and then allowing them the freedom to sniff in "free-of-poop" areas is a good compromise. I only recommend using a head collar, if you can commit to spending lots of time conditioning your dog to wear it comfortably first. I do not recommend head collars for small dogs or dogs who pull or lunge on the leash, as the sudden torque on the neck can cause injury. To function properly, dogs need a balanced diet containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that match their life stage. You want to feed a diet that is meat-based listed in the first two to three ingredients , but that also has a balance of carbohydrates vegetables, quality grains, and fruits. Feed Your Dog More Often Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently throughout the day may help reduce hunger and scavenging behavior, which could be contributing to their coprophagia. Be aware that if you're still working on your dog's potty training, changing their meal frequency may affect how many times and the time they need to go 2 every day. Increase Mental Enrichment To reduce boredom and decrease stress, give your dog more brain games and mental enrichment. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are especially helpful for decompression and reducing anxiety. The easiest way to enrich your dog's life is to make every meal a brain or foraging activity. You can do this with a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder. There are tons of ways to increase enrichment, many of which don't involve more food. One thing to think about here is that typically we have to be present to say "leave it" for our dogs to actually be successful with this. Combine leave it practice with management and prevention techniques for true success. You can take the regular leave it cue to the next level by teaching an automatic leave it. This skill is difficult and takes quite a bit of practice! It can be done, but be aware that you are competing with a dog's natural instinct to scavenge. To introduce an automatic leave it, you'll want to make the presence of poo the cue for your dog, not your verbal "leave it. Approach a pile of poo, but don't allow your dog close enough to eat it. When they notice it, simply wait. When they turn their head away from or step away from the poop, say "yes! Repeat, repeat, repeat. This process takes time and lots of repetitions. It's best to work with a certified trainer on this skill, as this is what we consider a "college level" skill, and training needs to be tailored to each individual dog for the best success. In some cases, we may install a cue transfer, where we teach the dog to recall when they find poop or do an automatic check-in. It depends on the dog's foundational skills and the context that usually ends with poop eating. Poop Eating Deterrent Products There are a few different products available that claim to stop poop eating in dogs. Unfortunately, over-the-counter poop-eating deterrent products simply don't deliver on their promises. According to this study , there were "no successful results in treating coprophagy with any of the commercial products. First: speak with your veterinarian about what they may recommend and what, if any, ingredients may interact with any medications your dog is taking. I recommend first trying natural diet additives to balance your dog's gastrointestinal system prior to exploring commercial products. Natural Poop Eating Deterrents Pre and Probiotics: Providing your dog with a pre and probiotic enhances their digestion, nutrient absorption, and boosts their immune system. Use a multi-strain product with a high CFU per dose. See our veterinarian's top picks for probiotics here. Digestive enzymes: Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your dog needs digestive enzymes, which are typically only available by prescription. They can help improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients resulting in less palatable poop. Vitamin B Supplements: If your pet is diagnosed with a malabsorption issue or Vitamin B deficiency, your veterinarian may recommend B-complex injections. This increases fiber content and may make feces less appealing to eat. Note: Only use pure pumpkin — avoid pumpkin pie filling. Green Veggies: Add vegetables high in fiber to your dog's diet, such as spinach, kale, green beans, or broccoli. Pineapple: There are no scientific studies to support this, but an old legend suggests that feeding your dog small pieces of fresh pineapple never canned will make the taste of their poop unappealing. Meat tenderizer: Both myself and Preventive Vet's team veterinarian are wary to recommend adding meat tenderizer to a dog's diet to prevent coprophagia. Well, many meat tenderizers have other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as high sodium, onion, and garlic. Bromelain, the actual "tenderizer" in these products, is present in fresh pineapple, so you're better off trying that before adding meat tenderizer to your dog's food. But just like with pineapple, there are no studies that show this is effective. There are quite a few recommendations that will pop up on Google when you search for home remedies for stopping poop eating. Be very careful what you try with your dog, and it's always a good idea to ask your veterinarian first. As mentioned above with meat tenderizers, there may be additional ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. For example, one suggestion I found is to sprinkle crushed breath mints on a dog's food, but many sugar-free breath mints contain the sugar substitute xylitol — which is extremely dangerous to dogs. I actually stopped using the product after just two days because my veterinarian informed me that it has high sodium content that she didn't recommend for my senior dog to take — the second ingredient is MSG monosodium glutamate. MSG can be toxic for dogs in high amounts or with long-term consumption. However, if only used for a short period of time, the benefits may outweigh any risks. MSG only has one-third of the sodium content of regular table salt. Some dogs do get vomiting and diarrhea. Speak to your veterinarian first before use, especially if your dog has heart or kidney issues. Does your dog eat poop? We'd love to hear about what you've tried to stop it — take this short 2-minute survey to share your experience! With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Reviewed by Jennifer Coates Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, is an accomplished veterinarian and writer with more than 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and conservation. It could be any animal's feces, too. From its own stool to your cat's litter box deposits to a neighboring horse's or cow's manure, some puppies don't discriminate when it comes to poo they're willing to eat. Although many puppies grow out of this phase at least to some extent, there are steps you can take to discourage and even stop the behavior. Exercising your puppy more, changing foods, making it clear that poop-eating is off limits, and minimizing your dog's opportunities to snack on droppings are just some of the ways to stop this gross habit. Here's what you should know about why puppies eat their poop and how to stop it. Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? There's even a technical term for it: coprophagia. This behavior typically is normal for very young puppies, possibly to colonize the gastrointestinal tract with normal bacteria. Puppies may also learn this behavior while imitating their mothers, as a female dog normally will eat the feces of her nursing puppies to keep the "den" clean and prevent potential predators from coming to investigate the odor. Generally, female dogs will stop eating their puppies' bowel movements around the time the puppies wean, but some pups might continue to dine on droppings. Still, the good news is that most puppies outgrow the habit. The bad news is that some dogs hang on to the nasty practice throughout their lives. As far as your puppy is concerned, you are both playing a fun game. Chasing can reward the behavior and encourage your puppy to play poopy-keep-away. Other times, poop eating stems from boredom. If a pup left out in the yard alone has little to occupy its time, it may turn to the one available thing to play with. Cow and horse manure may contain undigested grains or other ingredients that are appealing to your pup. For instance, if the dog's food is not being digested fully, the dog may look to its feces as a supplement because it's nearly the same as when it was eaten. It's also possible that a dog is simply not eating enough and its daily food intake needs to be increased. Another possibility is that a puppy with a heavy infestation of worms eats its own poop in an attempt to make up for the nutrients it is losing to the worms. Health Conditions Some health issues may cause coprophagia as well. Diseases in the small intestine or pancreas may cause malabsorption or maldigestion. Also, conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disease often increase a dog's appetite and, if its regular diet isn't filling, it may resort to whatever is available. If your puppy isn't thriving despite eating a well balanced diet, or shows other signs of illness, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to be sure there isn't a health issue at play. Stress Stress can also lead a dog to eat their feces, especially major stressors like coming to a new home after being adopted. Puppies can also become stressed if they are harshly punished for poop eating. This can lead to a vicious cycle where the puppy associates poop with punishment, and eats the "evidence" in an attempt to stay out of trouble. Parasites are often transmitted through feces, so having a dog that eats it as a treat puts the pup's health at risk. There are several things you can do to put an end to this nauseating habit: Make It Clear the Behavior Is Unwanted Puppies may eat waste to get your attention, which means that even yelling may reward their behavior. Instead, interrupt the act by shaking a can full of pennies or clapping your hands loudly. Do not hit your dog, which can make the situation even worse by causing your puppy to fear you. Once your dog leaves the poop alone, reward it for the good behavior by supplying a small treat, petting your pup or praising it, or engaging in a play session. Positive reinforcement is always better than negative discouragement when it comes to training your dog. The 12 Best Dog Training Books of Increase the Level of Activity For bored pups, increase playtime to a minimum of 20 minutes several times a day or try aerobic exercise twice a day. If you leave your puppy in the yard while you're away from home, increase the number of toys available. A treat-spiked toy such as a Kong filled with peanut butter offers a tastier, healthier alternative to poop. Remember that puppies are naturally playful, social animals that long to be with their favorite humans, so try to schedule frequent play and bonding sessions with your pet. Training sessions, such as teaching your puppy to walk on a leash, sit, stay, come, and lie down are also excellent ways to relieve boredom, encourage bonding, discourage poop-eating, and improve your dog's overall behaviors. Minimize Stress If you believe stress may be playing a role in your dog's habit, try to offer some relief. This will entail addressing the reason for its anxiety, whether that be a move to a new home, changes in household members, or simply separation anxiety. C alming products such as Adaptil may help in the interim while you work on alleviating your puppy's anxiety. Speak to your veterinarian for help with diagnosis and treatment. Keep Your Pup On a Leash Prevent access by walking your puppy on a leash and leading it away from its pile once the business is done. Offer it rewards for leaving the stool alone. Then be sure to dispose of the feces in a trash can with a tightly fitted lid so your pup can't scavenge the poop out of the garbage. Add Bad Flavors You might be able to discourage your puppy from eating poop by making the poop taste bad. This can be accomplished by adding a supplement to your puppy's meals that causes the resulting poop to taste terrible. Hot pepper and garlic are two of the commonly used ingredients in these supplements. If your puppy is dining on cat feces or another household pet's poop, try pouring a little hot sauce on the feces and allowing your puppy to sample it. This can set up a negative association in the puppy's mind that poop tastes terrible, so leave it alone. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Remember to make a gradual change to the new food as a sudden change could prompt tummy issues. And always check any new food to be sure it is balanced and recommended for puppies or for dogs of all ages. Don't feed your young puppy food meant for adult dogs unless advised to do so by your veterinarian. Puppy food is formulated to provide the higher levels of nutrients and calories required by a growing dog. If your dog is dining on feces from neighborhood dogs, be sure to keep your pup tightly leashed when out walking so it can't approach the poop. The same technique can be used to keep your dog from eating horse, cow, rabbit, or other animal droppings. Remember to stay alert when walking with your puppy; dogs can be amazingly fast when they see something on the ground that they want to eat. Related Topics If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. More from The Spruce Pets. Eating non-food items, generally known as pica , is common in Labradors and other dogs. A study focusing on canine behavior problems found that pica was the 3rd most prevalent undesirable dog behavior after barking inside the house and barking at visitors. So, why do Labradors eat non-food items? Labradors eat non-food items because they have nutritional deficiencies. They might also have medical conditions, lack physical engagement, and are bored. Or, they might suffer anxiety, have been weaned early, are teething, have OCD, or are exhibiting typical puppy neurosensory exploration. Nutritional deficiencies. This can make your Lab look for unconventional ways to supplement their inadequate diet. For example, a dog may eat dirt to find iron if absent in their diet. Medical conditions. GI diseases, anemia, malnutrition, and other diseases can cause sudden hunger pangs like diabetes. Lack of physical engagement and boredom. Where a Lab does not get adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation, lacks interactive toys, or has little social interaction. The Lab needs to find an alternative way to keep himself occupied by chewing things like wood or rocks. General anxiety and separation anxiety. These can cause your Labrador to redirect their nervousness to abnormal eating behaviors. Teething comes with itch and discomfort. Your Labrador puppy will chew non-food items to massage their gum and ease teething discomfort if proper chew toys are not provided. Early weaning. This can drive Labradors to eat non-nutritive items. Retrievers are among the dog breeds most prone to canine compulsive behavior. Labrador puppy exploration. This is part of their neurosensory exploration to familiarize themselves with their new world. Labradors are also known to always have a good appetite. This love for eating could explain why Labs might go to extremes when ingesting non-food items. The suspected cause, in this case, was loneliness, as the dog was on a balanced diet. Why Do Labradors Eat Poop? Dogs typically show an aversion to their own poop and that of other dogs. Surprisingly, though, there are dogs with a tendency to eat feces, whether their own or that of other dogs and animals. The guess is that fresh poop is harmless if it bears worm larvae since worm larvae become infectious only after 2 days. Dogs who eat poop tend to be greedy eaters. Dogs in homes with other dogs are more likely to feast on their feces, supposedly because dog poop is plentiful in those homes. Dogs with the tendency to eat poop are as receptive to house training as other dogs. Female dogs are more likely to eat feces, and intact male dogs are less likely. Here are some popular answers to the question of why Labradors eat poop: Nutritional deficiencies. If they are kept in isolation in kennels or basements. To get rid of evidence if anxious about being punished. As a form of attention-seeking. An inappropriate association of poop with food. As puppies because their mothers do. If they are sick and defecate in their own den. Given the above info, you probably wonder how to stop your Labrador from eating poop. The answer is in training. Just like other unwanted Labrador behaviors , the most effective way to stop a Lab from eating poop is to train him out of the behavior using reward-based training and treats that are more enticing to your dog than poop. Why Do Labradors Eat Dirt? Dirt is dirt, and dogs should know that. Nonetheless, many dogs still eat soil any time they have a chance. But what about Labs? Labradors eat dirt or soil to make up for nutritional deficiencies in minerals such as iron, calcium, and sodium. They might also eat dirt to counter medical issues like anemia and gastritis or to beat anxiety and boredom when left alone. They also might have minimal exercise and mental stimulation. Labradors Eat Dirt Due to Nutritional Deficiencies If you feed your Labrador an unbalanced diet lacking some minerals and vitamins, your dog can use instinctive tendencies to supplement the shortage by eating soil. Some of the minerals that your dog could be searching for by eating dirt include calcium, iron, and sodium. Do you want to know the best diet to feed your dog? Labradors and other dogs in deprived living environments can also eat dirt to counter hunger if they are not getting enough food. They include: Severe anemia: This comes from a low red blood cell count, which can be caused by external and intestinal worms in puppies. In adult Labs, anemia can be caused by immune diseases, cancer, and bleeding disorders. In both categories, anemia can also be caused by poor nutrition. Inflammation of the stomach Gastritis : It causes an upset stomach and diarrhea and can lead dogs to eat soil to relieve or trigger vomiting. Liver shunt Portosystemic shunt : It is a congenital condition in dogs that causes liver dysfunction and leads to stunted growth. Labradors Eat Soil Due to Behavioral Issues If your Lab is always home alone, has insufficient enrichment, has little exercise and mental stimulation, or suffers from general or separation anxiety, he can find alternative ways to keep himself busy and counter boredom. This could mean eating dirt. Soil can harbor worm larvae or contain toxins from pesticides and fertilizers. As such, if your Labrador is eating dirt, identify the cause and take appropriate measures to stop the behavior. Such measures include: Supervise your dog during walks. Spending quality time with your dog to prevent anxiety and boredom. Why Do Labradors Eat Grass? Labradors actually do occasionally eat grass, but why? Labradors eat grass because it is a normal dog behavior linked to their wolf descent. Although most people associate grass-eating in dogs with medicinal properties, it is not yet scientifically proven that dogs eat grass to resolve gastrointestinal issues. Here are some of the behaviors that suggest that dogs eat grass for other reasons besides health: Dogs eat grass often, on a daily or weekly basis. There is no clear-cut indication that dogs eat grass to resolve GI issues. Puppies ate grass more often than adult dogs. Puppies were also less likely to show signs of illness before and after eating grass. Dogs eat grass because they are sick: This is mainly associated with diseases such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric reflux. Dogs may eat grass to kill boredom: If they are left home alone, or the owner is too busy to notice them or give them some playtime, dogs may eat grass to fill up the lonely hours. Dogs like the taste of grass: Some types of grass have a flavorsome sour taste that may appeal to your Lab. This flavor would explain why many dogs will go for freshly sprouted grass. Whichever of these reasons drives your Labrador to eat grass, it is essential to know that a lot of the grass available to your dog can be contaminated with toxins and worm larvae. As such, you should discourage your dog from eating grass wherever they might find it and allow your dog only to eat grass that you are sure is not chemically treated or contaminated. If, instead, you opt to train your Labrador out of grass-eating behavior, use positive reward-based training, offering tasty treats when your dog desists grass-eating. Why do Dogs Eat Grass? Why Do Labradors Eat Rocks? Dogs have strong teeth and a strong bite force, but that does not necessarily mean they are made for eating extra-hard objects like rocks or stones. So, why do Labradors eat rocks, even though they could hurt them? Labradors eat rocks or stones to find minerals lacking in their diet. Also, your Lab may eat rocks to keep himself from boredom, relieve anxiety, as a neurosensory exploration activity in puppies, as a mentally stimulating alternative to old toys, or as relief for teething discomfort. Labs eat rocks or stones for nutrition. Just like dirt, your Lab may eat stones or rocks to look for minerals lacking in their diet. These could be iron, calcium, or sodium. Labs eat rocks or stones to relieve anxiety or seek attention. Especially if your Lab is a puppy, eating rocks may simply be a part of his neurosensory exploration to discover his world. Lab puppies eat rocks to find relief from teething discomfort. If your Labrador puppy is teething, chewing on a stone or rock may serve to remove the itch and discomfort that comes with it. Labs eat stones or rocks to find a more mentally stimulating chew toy. A study on dog habituation and dishabituation to toys found that dogs lose interest in toys due to habituation more than any other factors. Labradors are highly intelligent dogs and need mind-stimulating toys. As such, chewing hard rocks that are difficult to break may be more challenging than playing with the same old toys. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. How to stop your dog eating poop. The scientific term for poop eating is coprophagia. Dogs eating poop upset their owners, as naturally it gives you a reflex of revulsion. Very sadly it even sometimes changes your feeling towards your dog. These feelings need to be addressed, not ignored or dismissed. Coprophagia in Dogs Poop eating is often swept under the carpet. But eating feces can be a serious problem for some dogs who do it. Unfortunately, it is a frequently reported problem in Labradors and other sporting dogs. A previous study published in on dogs eating poop confirms this. Whereas, more than a third of Border Collies did. Judging from my inbox, coprophagia is common in Labradors too. But, what are some other factors affecting coprophagia? Natural Size A study published in Colorado in showed that sporting dogs were generally more likely to be coprophagic. Body weight is a factor in this behavior, but only in the sense of being related to natural size. Obese dogs, for example, although heavier were no more likely to be affected. Age is also often considered to be a factor in poop eating. However, the Colorado study did not support the theory that poop eating is more common in puppies. Coprophagia Is Linked with Neutering The current evidence points to neutering as a major factor in the development of coprophagia. One study found that poop eating was more common in spayed females Dogs that had been spayed or castrated were more likely to be reported as eating poop than dogs left in possession of their sex hormones. In the Hart study, the biggest culprits were spayed females. But in the Colorado University study, neutering drastically increased the incidence of coprophagy in male dogs. However, it had no effect on females. Regardless, though, both studies agree that neutering is a major cause of coprophagia. They prove that it seems to be more significant than any environmental factor More Common Than We Think Interestingly, the true figure for the percentage of dogs that eat poop may be even higher than these studies suggest. Data from the studies was based on owner reports and the results of another published study. The study identified coprophagic dogs and compared that data with owner reports. There are lots of them. But why do they do it? It may depend partly on the type of poop being consumed. Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? There are plenty of facts and theories around why dogs eat poop. And plenty of guesswork too. But first, note this: if your adult dog suddenly begins eating poop when they never used to, it might be wise to see your vet. Especially if your dog has recently shown other concerning symptoms. Poop-eating is typically normal for dogs as you will see. However, in some rare cases, it may be a hint that something bigger is happening. These conditions can make dogs super hungry. They will try to eat literally anything within their reach if it only slightly resembles food. Why Female Dogs Eat Poop? Then, they swallow the results. They do this for two reasons. And second, consuming the results helps to keep the nest area clean. A clean nest in wild dogs is important both from a hygiene point of view and to avoid attracting predators. So from this, we can see that nature has provided female dogs with a poop eating instinct. This instinct is always triggered by the process of giving birth and suckling puppies. We can also see that keeping a nest area clean may well be a trigger that could apply to male dogs too. And it could explain why some male dogs eat poop that they find in their own backyard. Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? Like babies, puppies explore the world with their mouths. Everything and anything goes into it. If what goes into the mouth tastes like food, then puppies may swallow it. In theory, some poop-eating puppies will grow out of it, whereas for others it becomes a habit. Well it would seem that some dogs would disagree with you. And that might be partly to do with the way we feed our dogs these days. Coprophagia and Diet In times gone by, dogs were fed a largely natural diet of mainly meat, bones and a few scraps. As carnivorous scavengers, dogs could typically digest this diet in its entirety. So, what came out the other end was fairly boring. Nowadays, however, most dogs are largely fed a pelleted cereal-based food known as kibble. This kibble contains all the nutrients a dog needs. But it also contains a number of additives to make the food taste palatable. After all, no food manufacturer wants your dog to turn his nose up at their product. So tasty is the key. And very tasty they are too. This is why kibble-fed dogs produce larger quantities of feces than raw-fed dogs. But remember those flavourings we just talked about? Well the faeces of the kibble-fed dog are not only bulky, but also highly flavoured. Now we can see why, as the popularity of kibble feeding grows, it is possible that more dogs may be turning to poop eating as a means of grabbing that extra snack during the day. Can Changing Diet Influence Coprophagia? Some studies into why dogs eat poop, have shown that dogs with deficient diets are more likely to eat poop. For example, a study on Beagles in showed that feeding a deliberately deficient diet triggered coprophagia among other problems. Therefore, in theory, if an undernourished coprophagic dog is switched to a nutrient-rich nourishing diet, that change may stop the poop eating behavior. But the modern dog eating poop is not nutritionally deficient. Most dogs nowadays are fed a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need. So, switching brands, for example, is unlikely to stop your dog eating poop. In fact, I have not found any strong evidence for dietary changes reducing coprophagia in well-fed dogs. Still, there is something you might want to consider which has some anecdotal evidence. Sophia Yin, when discussing the Ben Hart study pointed out that the study, based on questioning dog owners, noted that diet did not play a part. However, the vast majority of dogs are fed kibble, and there is no indication what diets were compared or how. The comparison could have been between different types of kibble, or between kibble and household scraps. My personal experience, however, is that changing my dogs from a diet of kibble carbohydrate based pellets of commercial dog food to a natural raw diet of meaty bones has been accompanied by the disappearance of most poop-eating in my adult dogs. So, with some exceptions, as you will see, it seems that the jury is still out on whether raw feeding is a reliable way to stop dogs eating poop. He is normal. Virtually all dogs will eat cat poop if given the opportunity. I have had the chance to rediscover this for myself first hand recently, as I am currently raising a kitten. Two of my labs, one of which has never eaten poop in her life, plus my spaniel, have all attempted dawn raids on the litter tray. Solving the Problem I have now secured the litter tray behind a baby gate which the cat can slide through and the dogs cannot. And this is likely to be the best solution to the problem. My thirteen-year-old spaniel, for instance, can clear a standard baby gate with consummate ease. My gate was meant to go across the bathroom door. But the bathroom doorway is extra narrow, so we have fitted it across the hallway instead. This fecal matter may even be an important source of nutrients in wild dogs. The same applies to ungulate feces. An ungulate is an animal with a hoof. So it is completely natural for a dog to enjoy eating horse poop, sheep poop, and deer poop too. And almost all dogs will enjoy the feces of these animals — not just your dog. However, you may have a friend whose dog never eats poop, of any kind. So why is your dog different? Eating poop often starts by accident — perhaps beginning as a puppyish habit. But from this opportunistic behavior, poop eating sometimes develops into a habit. For the reasons we have looked at above, coprophagia is more common in female dogs, but some male dogs do still eat poop. Also for the reasons above, dogs are more likely to eat poop from animals if they have a lot of digested vegetable matter in their feces. Again, remember, experts consider this normal. But some dogs do eat carnivore poop, such as the poop from wild foxes or the poop of other dogs, or even their own. And this tends to be the behavior that most upsets us humans. Note also that your dog is also more likely much more likely to eat poop, of any kind, if he or she is neutered. Unfortunately, no-one seems to know why that is. Poop eating can start in puppyhood and may become a habit if it persists in adult dogs. Dogs who eat their own poop may be attracted to the flavor switching to a raw diet may help in this case. In this case, though, a change of diet is unlikely to help. There is also evidence that poop eating is more likely in dogs that already have behavioral problems such as anxiety or pica eating plants, stones, and other inedible items. However, we also know that well-balanced, well-fed, physically and emotionally healthy dogs can also be poop eaters. In fact, most poop eating dogs probably fall into this category. The simple truth is, that poop eating, while thoroughly objectionable to us, is so common as to be normal in the domestic dog. And we will probably never find out exactly why dogs eat poop on a case by case basis. There is definitely a risk that your dog could get parasites from eating the poop of other dogs. However, worming your dog regularly should prevent this causing him any serious health problems. The potential for parasites sometimes found in cat poop fall into this category. Most dogs have a digestion that is simply unaffected by common pathogens that could make you or me very ill. The answer lies in the breakdown of the bond between the dog and his family. This happens because humans are often shocked and disgusted by the behavior, and if they fail to address it swiftly, may abandon their dog. Most dogs come to no harm directly, from poop eating. But, indirectly, it can lead to dogs being re-homed or abandoned. Many owners find poop eating upsetting and embarrassing. I hear quite a lot of dog owners issue ultimatums on this one. Very often, the reasons given for abandoning the dog are to do with hygiene. The families often claim to be worried that the dog will infect a family member with pathogens from the poop he has eaten. But the underlying cause may be more fundamental than that. After all, most people are happy to share an ice-cream with a dog that licked his bottom a few minutes earlier. The truth is then is that, whether we like it or not, persistent poop eating may seriously reduce the love a person feels for their dog. This is an issue that is not often raised, but is a significant one. But for many people with a first dog, poop eating is a terrible shock and a serious concern. The important thing to tell you is that most of us more seasoned dog owners once felt the same way. And I was appalled and disgusted — even tempted to re-home her. But I can tell you that she is still with me today. My girl is thirteen years old, rarely eats poop these days never say never , and is one of my dearest friends. So these things can be worked through. How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop There are lots of things you can try to prevent a dog eating his own poop at home. The first step is to remove the source of poop wherever possible. This means being scrupulous about picking up after your dog, whenever he has emptied himself. You may also find it helpful, for a while at least, to go with your dog when you let him out for bathroom purposes. That way, you can clear up immediately, and dispose of his feces securely, before he is tempted to settle down for a snack. One more thing is something to avoid. Some dogs may continue to eat poop if they feel like it gets your attention. Unfortunately, dogs do love attention. So, if your furry friend notices that eating poop makes you pay more attention to him, he may just continue. So, while you certainly do not want to ignore this habit, it may be worth it to be careful the kind of attention you do give it. What these do is counteract the nice flavors and make his poop taste less appealing. Pineapple is a popular one, pepper powder another. However, sadly, in most cases, these kinds of remedies do not work. And when they do, some find that they only work for a short while. Some people also use substances that create a burning sensation when swallowed. A good example is chilli powder. A bit dismal, to be honest. Some people find raw feeding eliminates poop eating. But these reports including mine are anecdotal. They are not reliable evidence that such a switch will work for you. Plus, moving over to a raw diet is a major change you need to consider from various perspectives. But when I do this, I have to be very careful to pick up poops quickly, or my spaniel will revert to her old ways. But, not everyone has the time or resources to drastically change the method of feeding their dog. So what other options are available? It even caused further problems in some dogs. Freddie was a neutered male poodle whose owners tried many different approaches to stop poop-eating. Eventually, though, they resorted to punishment. But this final step failed to cure Freddie and caused him to develop submissive urination. You can imagine that this only added to their problems. Of course, the methods above only work to prevent your dog eating his own poo. A reward-based programme of recall training may be helpful. In this case, you deliberately seek out dog poop in public places, and recall your dog from it. Then, you reward them with a tasty treat from you. I personally use the magic word system which I find very effective. I associate a powerful reward with a special word that I reserve just for the purpose of distracting the dog from poop. For example, roast chicken is ideal. At some point thereafter, when I see the dog approach some poop with a gleam in her eye, I will use my magic word and chuck the fabulous treat on the ground. Sometimes, to begin with, the dog will eat the poop, then come for the reward. You just have to accept this with good grace. Other times often a bit further on in the process , she will bring the poo with her eek!! Accept this too. Trust Your Reward! If your reward is good enough, your dog will soon abandon all thoughts of poop eating when she hears that word. This will only work if your treat is truly fabulous! Also, it is vital that you are persistent. Keep your Magic Word strong with great rewards, and mostly no requirement from the dog to get it. This will in turn help to keep his mind occupied. But there are no guarantees. Ultimately, you may have to accept that when your dog is out of your sight, or some distance away, there is little you can do to prevent prevent him from indulging in this distasteful habit. So, how do you clean up their mouths and reduce that gross smell so you can still cuddle them in the meantime? Remember to use a doggie-appropriate toothpaste and brush. Feed him: Giving food and water will produce saliva. Dental chew: This also works like food and water; it produces saliva which cleans their mouths. Use a doggie mouthwash: Mix the mouthwash not human mouthwash! Then wipe their teeth and inside their mouths with a cloth soaked in mouthwash. Wipe their mouths with a cloth: You can also soak the cloth in coconut oil or salt water. Too much can cause dehydration and vomiting. Hopefully, you can go back to being cuddly with your furchild. Around half of all dogs do it. It is also more likely to happen if your dog is a gun dog breed like a Labrador. We know poop eating can be embarrassing and distressing — been there! Neither will it harm your family. There are a few things you can do to greatly reduce poop eating. And you will get over your horror and revulsion and feel good about your dog again. Neither will make it go away. Here are the things that have been shown NOT to work in the fight against poop eating: Dietary additives pineapple etc Aversive flavors pepper, chilli etc Punishment e-collars, rattle bottles, smacking etc Adding things to diet or poop have had less than two percent success rate. What Does Work to Prevent Coprophagia? Studies show conclusively that prevention and positive reinforcement training using tasty rewards are the key to success. Clear up all poop immediately they are produced. Accompany your dog to the yard after meals, take a shovel, and remove all poop as soon as they appear! Finally, dispose of them securely. You may consider using a muzzle in some situations. Or use a leash if you are forced to exercise your dog in an area where there is poop lying around. Then you can take some with you when you take your dog for a walk. Teach the magic word cue and use it! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

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best dog food for french bulldogs puppy - Home of Kennel free living and lots of loving! Good Gracious Goldens was created in when I decided to follow in my mothers footsteps as she has been raising them for over 3o years. Recently we welcomed our 3rd child and decided it was time to split the work without compromising the experience for our adopting families. Now we are working along side Lone Oak Goldens, my dear friend Lori. This decision is not one we took lightly as our reputation is very important to us but I knew her care and expertise would only make us better! I could not imagine a more wonderful partner. She raises them in her home in NE and brings them to my home when they are ready as most of our adopting families are in Colorado including many repeat families! Now I can put all my focus in the communication I pride myself on quick replies , while Lori is loving on the puppies and socializing them getting them ready to meet you! And trust me when you see these puppies you'll see just how much love was poured into them!! I like to say us working together for you, is the truly best of both worlds! We love the English Cream and American Golden breed. We couldn't imagine a better way of life! Of course watching them grow up and thrive is amazing, but I would say my favorite part is seeing the families faces when they see their new family member. Thank you for taking the time to read about us! Our Philosophy! We believe dogs and puppies should be unconditionally loved and cared for as they truly become part of your family. When choosing the right puppy for your family, there are many choices out there. Some puppies are raised in undesirable conditions, this is incredibly heart breaking. Which is why we raise our Golden Retrievers with absolutely no kennels. We believe this makes us different from other breeders. As we are continually trying to improve our breeding program. Our reason for raising English Creme Golden Retrievers is because of our love for the breed and the joy our dogs have brought to our lives. We desire an extraordinary puppy for your family too. When you pick us, we have to pick you too, as we too are selective when choosing forever homes for our pups. Within the first 8 weeks of their lives we spend a lot of time helping them develop social skills and simply loving on them. We get to know each one of the puppies and are fully committed to helping you choose the puppy that is best for you and your family based on gender, temperament and color. We recently joined our breeding program with Lone Oak Goldens. Two families raising puppies together equals double the love! We want to thank you for taking the time to let us introduce you to our family dogs "Grace", "London","Ellie", "Viva", "Margo", "Cooper" and "Hudson" along with their sweet puppies! We look forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Libby and Lori. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, silky, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, English Cream Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Ah, the English Cream Golden Retriever, also known as the striking ivory white counterpart to the traditional Goldens we all know and love. And with a name like that, it comes as no surprise that these dogs are so sought after! Basically, an English Cream is a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed—more specifically a variation of the British Golden. English Cream Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their elegant pale coats, which can range in color from a delicate cream shade to white. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oh, and we can thank years of selective breeding for that wonderful and uniquely white coat of theirs, too. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are English Cream Goldens more expensive? What is the difference between English Cream and Golden Retriever? The British Goldens including the English Cream are very similar to their American Golden relatives; however, they do tend to sport slightly lighter colored coats overall and are about 2 inches shorter on average. How big is a full-grown English Cream Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do English Cream Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the English Cream Goldens often have a coat that is slightly thicker and shorter than the American Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are English Cream Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, their sweet, calm, and lovable disposition make them a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are English Cream Goldens more calm? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

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best dog food for french bulldogs puppy - Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history. They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Tootsie is a cuddly and very loving dog who adores children. She is very intelligent and has proved easy to train. Her gentle temperament means her puppies will be perfect for first time dog owners! She is an exceptionally pretty dog with a gorgeous thick and curly coat. Tootsie comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of both sets of puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups are now ready to go home! A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, please do get in touch for more details : - All of our dogs are extensively health checked, having passed all their hip, elbow and annual eye tests. As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Please check out my website which has links to all the popular social media! Labradoodle generations can seem like a complicated topic. If you are hoping to add a puppy to your family you have probably already wondered what size dog you would like, what breed, whether you should get a male or female. And, if you have decided on a Labradoodle, now you have to wrap your mind around generations? So, knowing the most about your potential puppy will help you determine if it is a good match. This article will help clear up the mystery and give you a better understanding of your furry best friend! Why Do Labradoodle Generations Matter? It is all about the DNA! Generation refers to the ancestry of a dog, which influences both physical characteristics and temperament. Genetics also play a role in potential health issues your Labradoodle may be at risk for. Although responsible breeding can reduce the risk of some health issues, there is never a guarantee. This simple step can protect you from sudden and often expensive heath issues that require veterinary care. I recommend Healthy Paws as they offer one of the most affordable policies that also offers extensive coverage. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! Labeling Labradoodle Generations Understanding the terminology used when labeling generations is key. Every Labradoodle generation begins with the letter F. What does the number mean? The number is the generation of the dog. So, 1 is first generation, 2 is 2nd generation, 3 is 3rd generation, etc. Sometimes you will see a B at the end of the generation. This indicates a backcross. Typically this means that the Labradoodle was bred back to a purebred Poodle. There may be times when they are backcrossed to a Labrador Retriever, but as this is very uncommon, this article will only use B to refer to a breeding back to a Poodle. Labradoodle Generations Chart This table provides another helpful reference as you learn even more about Labradoodle generations. Do remember that the DNA percentages here are theoretical estimates. What is an F1 Labradoodle? It is a first generation cross of a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Poodle. This first generation has a large, diverse DNA pool. They can have the shorter, coarser coat of the Labrador Retriever, the curly coat of the Poodle, or something in between! While an F1 Labradoodle will likely shed less than the average Labrador Retriever, there is a high likelihood that they will shed at least a little. Keep in mind that even this moderate shedding can trigger some allergies. If you need an allergy-friendly dog, the F1 Labradoodle is usually not the best generation to choose. The upside to genetic diversity is that it lowers the risk of genetic health issues common in purebreds. Mixed breeds in general are at a lower risk of genetic diseases. F1 Labradoodle Price This generation is usually the least expensive. Prices will vary widely depending on breeder reputation, location, size and color. You should expect to pay more if you want a Toy or Mini Labradoodle. F1 Labradoodles are the most frequent generation found in rescues and shelters across the country , so you may be able to save a bit of money by adopting. Photo courtesy of rosie. What is an F1B Labradoodle? Well, we know that F1 means a first generation Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross. So, an F1B would be a first generation Labradoodle crossed back with a Poodle. As mentioned earlier it could mean the Labradoodle was bred back to a Labrador Retriever, but this is not common. By backcrossing to the Poodle, the F1B Labradoodle will lose some of its genetic diversity. However, the advantage to backcrossing is a more predictable coat. For allergy sufferers who are seeking a lower-shedding dog that is more likely to be hypoallergenic, the F1B Labradoodle is a safer choice. You should expect to pay more if you want a Mini or Toy Labradoodle rather than a Standard Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of dooditsalbus on Instagram. What is an F1BB Labradoodle? So, this is a litter bred with an F1B Labradoodle parent and a purebred Poodle parent. This generation is a great pick for allergy sufferers. While there is never a guarantee that a Labradoodle will be hypoallergenic or non-shedding, the more Poodle DNA, the higher the chances it will be. Because the F1BB Labradoodle is so close genetically to a Poodle, there will be less genetic diversity. F1BB Labradoodles will likely have more traits typical to Poodles. This includes both appearance and personality. While this more predictable coat is better for allergy sufferers, it also can be higher-maintenance and will need regular brushing to maintain it. Owners of this generation will especially want to invest in a quality brush like the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. Prices will vary widely depending on location, the reputation of the breeder, color, and size. Photo courtesy of smalltowndoods on Instagram. What is an F2 Labradoodle? The simple answer is a second generation Labradoodle, but it can get a bit more confusing than that! F2 Labradoodles are not super common. One reason for this is when you breed dogs with such a vast DNA pool, it is nearly impossible to predict the traits that will be passed on to the puppies. Often there are puppies in an F2 Labradoodle litter that are closer to a Labrador Retriever in personality and appearance. If allergies are not a concern, the F2 may be a good generation for you, especially if you prefer Labrador Retriever traits. F2 Labradoodle Price This generation is often less expensive in comparison because of the unpredictability of their traits. Prices will vary widely depending on factors like color, size, location, and the reputation of the breeder. Photo courtesy of the. What is an F2B Labradoodle? This is a breeding of a second generation Labradoodle to a purebred Poodle. So, an F2 Labradoodle is backcrossed which adds a B to the generation label to a Poodle. While the traits of an F2 Labradoodle tend to be fairly unpredictable, backcrossing it with the Poodle results in a bit more consistency. This will increase the chance of the puppies having a more allergy-friendly coat with less or no shedding. It also means that this generation is likely to have a curlier coat, which is higher maintenance. Like the F1B generation, this is a good choice for allergy sufferers. Some breeders may refer to this generation as a Multigen Labradoodle. This label may be applied to any Labradoodle beyond an F2. If you are looking for a Toy or Mini Labradoodle, expect a price towards the higher end of that range. What is an F2BB Labradoodle? In other words, this means an F2B Labradoodle is bred to a purebred Poodle. This generation can also be referred to as a Multigen Labradoodle more on that later! This makes the F2BB Labradoodle a great choice for people wanting a low-shedding, allergy-friendly dog, as those traits are highly likely, though not guaranteed. Photo courtesy of toff. What is an F3 Labradoodle? It is a third generation Labradoodle, also referred to as a Multigen Labradoodle. Like the F2 generation, the F3 Labradoodle does not offer consistency or predictable traits. So, if you need a specific type of coat, the F3 Labradoodle would not be a good choice. F3 Labradoodle Price F3 Labradoodles are rare, but also not one of the generations with a super high demand. As such, prices can vary widely. What is a Multigen Labradoodle? Also referred to as a Multigenerational Labradoodle, this refers to any Labradoodle that is greater than an F2 generation. If you find a litter of Multigen Labradoodles, the breeder should be able to tell you the specific generation. Whether your future dog falls on the higher or lower end of that range depends on location, breeder, size, color, and other factors. Which is better, the F1 vs F1B Labradoodle? This is all a matter of perspective! If you have fallen in love with that classic Labradoodle appearance, then an F1 might be your top choice. The genetic diversity of the F1 also offers a lower chance of genetic health issues from popping up down the road. If allergies are a concern, the F1B is by far a safer bet. Since this generation is closer genetically to a Poodle, it will greatly increase the odds that your puppy will inherit the non-shedding and hypoallergenic coat. F1 Labradoodles tend to be easier to breed and offer more predictable puppies than F2 Labradoodles. So, the quick answer to the F1 vs F2 Labradoodle question is that the F1 generation is usually a better choice. They can sometimes be a bit less expensive that F1 Labradoodles. Being backcrosses with purebred Poodles, they both offer fairly predictable traits, making them both good choices for allergy sufferers. More important than the specific generation you choose is the breeder. A responsible breeder will do extensive genetic testing to make sure they are limiting the risk of health concerns. Do your research on the breeder, talk to past puppy owners, and compare prices. These factors should be far more influential in your puppy selection than the slight difference between these two generations. What Generation Labradoodle is Best? After all, they may be a bit biased! To determine what generation Labradoodle is best for your family, you need to factor in allergies, shedding, appearance, cost, health, and personality. This will help you maximize the potential that your dog will be low or non-shedding. It also offers the greatest genetic diversity and a comparatively low price. Overall, finding a responsible breeder is just as important as which Labradoodle generation you choose. A good breeder will match up parents and do genetic testing to maximize the chance for healthy puppies. Pair good breeding practices with great pet insurance and you will be on your way to having a long, happy life with your Labradoodle puppy. If you are not sure which generation your Labradoodle is, in most cases your breeder should be able to let you know. However, if you have lost touch with your breeder or you adopted your Labradoodle through a rescue, how can you find out? Many Doodle owners have had success with this simple to use product. Sep 14, 5 min read Poodles, and doodles with their F1, F2, F3, and occasionally a "b". What does it all mean? F1, F2, F3, F1b, F2b. When you look at the puppy and dog market today it seems like almost every other dog is some sort of poodle mix. Any of the doodles or poo mixes is a poodle cross of some variety. But how easy is it all to understand and what exactly are you looking at? In this article, I'll try to explain it in simple terms and give you a little bit of background information on the subject. A little bit about the Poodle itself. I'll start by giving you a little bit of background on the poodle itself, after all, they're at the center of the whole doodle boom. Poodles come in 3 sizes. Standard being the largest at over 15" at the shoulder. The miniature is the middle size, between 11 and 15 inches to the shoulder and the toy is up to 10 inches to the shoulder. Poodles in the standard form are one of the oldest pure breed dogs with the miniature and toy size coming about much more recently. Whilst the poodle is commonly believed to be a French dog, where it is known as a "Caniche" or "Chien Canard", which translates to "duck-dog", its origins are actually in Germany. The name Poodle comes from the German "Pudelhund", or "Pudel" which in English means "Puddle" or "to splash about" and "Hund" in German means "dog" and gives you a clue as to what the original poodles were used for. If you've not already guessed it they were a retrieving breed that excelled in water retrieves. Poodles were originally a retrieving breed As a very intelligent breed with excellent swimming abilities and a crisp, curly coat designed to protect against the elements the poodle was and still is an excellent water retriever. The iconic "Poodle clip" that I would associate with the show ring came about when hunters would cut the coat in such a way as to help the poodle move through the water more easily whilst the patches of hair left on the poodle would protect the vital organs and joints from the cold. It is this low shedding coat, their intelligence, and general joy for life that has made the poodle crosses so popular and resulted in so many "designer" breeds. Poodles, Doodles, and other crosses. With the increase in popularity of poodle crosses it is only right that we talk about the terms we see associated with them and probably one of the biggest myths I hear when people talk about them, "Poodles and the crosses don't shed their coat". This is not true. They are classed as low shed breeds and the more poodle they have in the mix then as a general rule, the lower shed they will be. Poodles and poodle cross still need to be groomed regularly and still need to have their coat clipped occasionally. If they don't they can and will matt and need the matting clipped out near the roots for the coat to start to grow again and to keep the dog happy. Coat type can vary a great deal The coat type will vary depending again on which cross is used but also how much poodle is in the mix. If you want a more curly, poodle type coat then you need to look for more poodle to be in the mix. When crossing 2 different breeds the outcome can vary massively. You may get a litter that all looks the same or they may all look totally different and nothing like either parent. You may get a spaniel looking dog with a poodle coat or you may get a poodle looking dog with a straight spaniel type coat, it's not as simple as crossing 2 dogs together for the first time and getting a predictable outcome, but it can be. Let me explain. F1, F2, F1b, F2b, genetics, and what it all means. Whenever we cross two different breeds together to create what is essentially a hybrid we use the terms F1, F2, and so on. I'll explain a little more and for the sake of the example I will use a cocker spaniel and a poodle as the example but it is the same regardless of which breed of dog we cross with the poodle. The first time we breed a cocker spaniel and a poodle together we get cockerpoos which are known as F1's or first generation. The puppies from this litter can look like either parent in coat type and appearance or as a mixture between the 2. There is no way to guarantee what they will look like as genetics is a very complicated subject and completely random. But at the F1 stage, the appearance of the puppies can range massively from dog to dog and litter to litter. If we breed an F1 with an F1 we get F2's, or second generation. Now with the F2's the coat type is slightly more predictable but still not guaranteed. If you breed a curly F1 with a curly F1 there is a good chance that you will get the majority of puppies as curly F2's, but there is an effect known as the "granddad effect" where some or all of the puppies could look more like one of the grandparents, i. F2 to F2 will give F3's and again the outcome of the litters becomes slightly more predictable with each generation, depending on the parents bred from. If however, we breed an F1 to an F2 this generation is known as F2's as the number moves up by one from the lowest number. So F2 to F3 gives F2's. F1 to F3 gives F2's and so on. You may occasionally see a small "b" attached to some of the terms, for example, F1b or F2b. In simple terms, this means that the parents have been bred "back" to one of the original breeds, in this case, a poodle or a cocker spaniel. F1b toy cockerpoo So for example an F1 cockerpoo bred back to a poodle would be F1b's and would generally give a tighter, curlier poodle type coat as there is a higher percentage of poodle genetics in the mix. Equally an F1 bred "back" to a spaniel would also be F1b's but may have a straighter spaniel type coat. Anytime a "b" is in the mix of F1b, F2b, and so on and this is bred to another cockapoo then the b stays. The same rules apply for the F-number ie F1 or F2 etc but they would have a "b" on the end. So F1b bred to F1 gives F2b's. F2b bred to F2 gives F3b's and so on, much the same as if we look at the explanation for the generation numbers above. I hope this gives a little more of an understanding of the Poodle, the poodle crosses, and how the generations of each cross are numbered, it can all be a little bit daunting and often misunderstood at times but with a little bit more knowledge it will hopefully help you get to grips with the poodle cross and some of the terms which go with it.