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Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

What is an "original" Australian Labradoodle? The Australian Labradoodle is different from all other labradoodles. Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also know as "Multi-generational" Labradoodles. The resulting labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other, continuing the multi-generational tradition. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. The Australian Labradoodle Club of America was founded exclusively to foster and protect the original Australian Labradoodles that have come directly from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor breeding stock, or their offspring. Our mission is to maintain and improve the quality and soundness of the Australian Labradoodles, and to carefully monitor the further development of the breed. All member breeders are carefully screened to help ensure the future of the Australian Labradoodle. Our member breeders must breed to the highest standards. We have Breeder Mentors to assist member breeders and to help new breeders get off to a good start. If someone in your family has allergies, a multi-generation Australian Labradoodle from Red Desert Doodles should be your first choice. Each of our breeding dogs is fully health tested before they are eligible for breeding. Our puppies all come with a two year health guarantee. Where in the world are our Red Desert Doodles Families? Follow Us On Instagram. In addition, several patterns are allowed, including: White trim. White paws, bib, and tail tip set against another color. Large areas of white on another color. A second color on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest and paws. Each individual hair has bands of light and dark pigment. Narrow irregular stripes of color. Finally, some red Aussie Labradoodles carry the merle gene and have red merle coats. Red Labradoodles can be anything from bright gold to a deep rusty hue, via several shades of warm apricots and marmalades. A caramel Labradoodle can be many shades, from a warm cream color, through to a bright fiery red. Again, the answer is in their eyes and on their nose. Caramel Labradoodles have light hazel eyes, and a brown nose. If that all sounds strange, then the next section will make it all make sense! All Labradoodles also carry a set of genetic instructions to make either black or brown pigment. But not both. So: Labradoodle puppies who make yellow pigment and black pigment are red. And Labradoodle puppies who make yellow pigment and brown pigment are caramel. In either case, the exact shade of their fur varies depending on a range of other genes as well. But the color of their nose always reveals whether their coat is black-based or brown-based, and therefore whether they should properly be described as red, or caramel. Red and white Australian Labradoodle dogs Red Australian Labradoodle puppies with white patches of fur also carry White Spotting genes. There is thought to be a series of White Spotting genes. Alternative options in the series are responsible for white trim markings, particolor white markings, and extreme white markings. Red Australian Labradoodle Temperament So there are some pretty clever genes controlling Labradoodle coat color, but do any of them affect their personality too? The answer to this is apparently not. There is no genetic evidence or even anecdotal evidence that Australian Labradoodle color affects their temperament. In the Labrador Retriever breed, black coats are closely associated with highly skilled working dogs, and yellow coats are closely associated with calm service dogs. This is due to breeders pursuing both of these traits simultaneously, not because they are somehow connected at a genetic level. But, it has always been a trend rather than a rule, and most Australian Doodles are now so many generations removed from their closest pedigree Labrador relative, this trend has been lost. Aussie Doodles are active, friendly, smart and affectionate. They enjoy human company, playtime, and training games. Early socialisation. And meeting their need for physical activity and mental stimulation. Since they were founded in the s, selective breeding has resulted in a Australian Labradoodle population which is genetically much closer to Poodles than Labradoodles. And you might feel like you can see that in either their looks, temperament, or health. To Red Rock Doodles Red Rock Doodles is committed to breeding high quality multigen Standard size Australian Labradoodles that are not only adorable, but genetically sound. We have also been vetted and recognized by GoodDog www. We have focused our program on breeding only standard size Australian Labradoodles to ensure more consistency in coats and temperaments, and to reduce incidence of certain health issues. We are a serious small hobby breeder of multi-generation Australian Labradoodles. While the breed is the result of crossing several generations of Labradoodles that have the ancestry of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel either American or English , the Australian Labradoodle is more than a simple crossbreed — they are a breed in development with more than 4 decades of dedicated efforts to create a more consistent and predictable coat type, size and personality than the Labradoodle. We have found the Australian labradoodle to be the perfect blend of personality, intelligence, sweetness and curiosity along with a low-allergy low-shed fleece coat! We spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and biking and enjoying the lakes and streams in Colorado and northern Arizona. With homes in Arizona and Colorado, we typically will have a fall or winter litter in Arizona and a summer litter in Colorado. We would love to share our experience and love for this wonderful breed with everyone! If you are a dog-lover, and you must be since you are here, your dog is more than a pet. Adding a pet to your family is a big decision and we are glad you chose Red Rock Doodles. If you are interested in one of our puppies for sale or would simply like a referral to another reputable Australian Labradoodle Breeder, please contact us. These Labradoodles are bursting with personality. They are lovable, playful, and very intelligent. Each labradoodle having its own unique personality makes it very special. These unique personalities develop from the Australian Labradoodles wonderful temperament. Labradoodles love their humans and make extraordinary family companions and excellent Emotional Support Animals. Our girls and boys have been extensively health tested in-order to assure that we provide you with premium quality. Click here to view our current litters or click here to view our upcoming litters. Guardian Program Dawson Creek Labradoodles has a firm belief in the one-family concept. We ensure our breeding boys and girls have a loving home and live life to the fullest. Therefore, we offer a guardian program to well-deserved families at no cost. Nothing pleases them more than participating in family activities and family fun. About Our Family We are blessed to live on a small farm and enjoy the outdoor living. We enjoy taking care of our animals and having family togetherness. Our breeding girls are a big part of our family. They live in our home as family members. Our girls enjoy our country lifestyle. Whether they are taking a walk to the creek or a run to the barn the girls love being a part of the family. Our country lifestyle provides our girls and their puppies with a relaxed environment that allows plenty of socialization with adults, children, and other animals. At Dawson Creek our Australian Labradoodles are an important part of our family. We hope when you find your Australian Labradoodle, your doodle will be an important part of your family too! Our doods enjoy roaming around our sprawling homestead in picturesque Iuka, Mississippi. Purchasing a Dawson Creek Australian Labradoodle If you feel that a Dawson Creek Australian Labradoodle is a good fit for your family, please begin the adoption process by filling out our puppy application. We would love to make you a part of the Dawson Creek Family. We enjoy making families happy and putting smiles on faces. Please browse our Puppy Culture Protocol website for more information about our facility. Her coat is hypo-allergenic and non-shedding with a wonderful soft texture to it. This wonderful little girl is a shining light to all around her. Mabel has a full wavy fleece coat that is Red Caramel w White. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of independence and loyalty. This beautiful girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Red w White Tuxedo. Norma is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous girl has a wonderful solid red fleece coat. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of affection and spirit. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Red Caramel w White Tuxedo. This wonderful Barksdale is waiting to be placed with a Guardian Family and currently lives at Barksdale. Mione is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful Tuxedo Red fleece coat. Her nature and temperament are a wonderful blend of softness and spirit. This beautiful little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel w White. This small medium girl was born 07 January .This tremendous girl not only has a fabulously soft coat but a sweetness that matches. This little darling Caramel should have been named Cream Puff. Yes, her name should have been Cream Puff to match that wonderful personality and appearance. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel w White. This small medium girl was born 27 October .This tremendous girl not only has a fabulously soft coat but a soulfulness that matches. Tia is a wonderful continuation of the Barksdale line of Authentic Australian Labradoodles. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful solid red fleece coat. This wonderful little girl is just the sweetest ever. Sage has a full wavy fleece coat that is Caramel w White. Like her Grandmother Fawn she is the Queen of her Domain. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel Cream w White. Everyday Nessa is joyfully spreading her charm. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is caramel with red highlights. This gorgeous little girl has a wonderful fleece coat that is Caramel. This beautiful little girl was born 20 September, .Bonnie is a miniature with a gorgeous Red with White Markings with a wonderful softness to her coat. Her coat is hypo-allergenic, non-shedding, with a wonderful soft silky texture to it. Briana is a love of life and people girl. Briana should be is a comfortable medium and 19 inches tall. Briana has a fleece apricot coat! This Miniature Barksdale ALd makes people stop and want to pick her up as she sits there looking straight into their eyes. Pebbles weighs 18 lbs and is .Her coat is hypo-allergenic and non-shedding with a wonderful soft silky texture to it. This Miniature ALd brings wonder and love to those around her. Orchid weighs 16 lbs and is .EIC Clear. This Miniature ALd brings excitement to those around her. Rain should weigh about 18 pounds and be 15 inches tall. Rain has a wavy fleece dark red coat, Bbee carries the black and brown genes, carries the cream-white-red-apricot gene. This wonderful girl has a zest for life and is soo affectionate. This wonderful girl has all of the is fabulous in all respects. Halo has a wavy with light curls fleece coat that is a Caramel with a full White Chest. His birthday is 18 October .His birthday is 04 April .His birthday is 23 December .This little guy was born 11 April .This wonderful little Red Charmer is just the best. He has a full wavy fleece coat that is Red w White. Barksdale thanks Cotton Creek Labradoodles for letting us has have this little guy. Registration : ALAA

As the temperatures drop, many owners may be wondering whether their furry friends need winter coats to stay safe and warm — especially when heading out on a long walk. According to the experts at Tails. However, if you are journeying outside for longer, pups will need winter coats or jumpers to brave the cold weather. Remember, you shouldn't walk your dog in a storm as dogs can find strong winds and rain stressful. See here for more information on walking your dog in bad weather. The team continue: "Protecting them with an extra layer of insulation, such as a quilted jacket or a sweater can help to encourage warm blood flow around their body. If this is the case, then always ensure your pup wraps up warm with a coat. Don't forget: "It's important to monitor your dog's body language to determine if they need a coat. Some dogs will lift their paws when they get cold, refuse to walk or shiver. Once wrapped up, other dogs may feel a bit hot and bothered and no longer require a jacket. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat. To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off. It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail. Watch Next. Choosing Best Dog Clothes Does my dog really need a raincoat? Short haired dogs and those that are lean, such as the whippet and greyhound would also benefit from a warm coat. A warm dog coat is also recommended if your dog lives in an area that regularly has low temperatures below zero or has a particularly wet climate during the winter. This applies to all breeds including Labradors and even those that are acclimatised to low temperatures. Unless your dog has a double coat, most dogs do not have much hair on their stomachs which is exposed to the cold. Senior dogs or dogs recovering from illness or injury may not be so mobile or able to run around easily to keep warm. A warming coat or jumper would be just the job for an older Labrador or other breed to keep their body temperature high and allow them to enjoy being outside. Double coated dog breeds such as Labradors are already well equipped to brave the elements of the winter weather, it is not recommended to put a coat or jumper on that kind of breed. How to Choose a dog coat — What to look for Dog coats are made in a variety of fabrics, but fleece and wool are the most popular and also the waterproof types which are great for wetter and snowy areas. Always buy a coat that is easy to care for so it is always dry and readily available for those wet muddy days. The coat should fit right down the back to the base of the tail, leaving the legs free to move easily. Coats in particular, can be difficult to find a good fit for your dog. This is especially so if they are very slim or more portly. Look for a coat that has a wrap-around strap which is more adjustable. Product sizes vary a lot, so it is best to measure your dog. If you need any help in choosing the correct dog coat please contact us. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Any good pet owner can feel anxious about how their dog may respond to extra-cold winter nights. As a puppy parent, you may even find yourself wondering if it would be worth the money to buy a coat for your Labrador puppy. Labrador puppies do not typically need a coat in the winter because they have a thick, double-coat that provides warmth in colder temperatures. However, protective items such as coats and booties should be considered if extended time in cold weather is expected. I'll also share with you some of my favorite items for cold-weather protection when necessary. Labradors do love the cold! Labradors were bred in historically cold climates , dating back to 16th century Newfoundland. Around the 19th century, traders shipped the breed to England, from which point they slowly made their way around the world to Canada. This breed made a name for itself by swimming through icy waters to assist fishers in pulling in nets filled with their prize. Labradors seemed made for the task, not only because of their webbed paws but also their waterproof, double-insulated coat. The soft, downy undercoat insulates Labradors against the harsh winter chill. Extended periods of cold exposure can put your dog at risk for illness. Puppies can shake for a variety of reasons, but will often do so as a sign of being cold. Your Labrador puppy could be shaking from spending too much time outside in the cold weather. Prolonged exposure to the cold can make your dog ill. If your Labrador puppy is still shaking after being brought indoors, then you may need to consult with a vet for further assistance. They should be fine for fifteen or twenty minutes-- long enough to use the bathroom or get in a quick playtime, but keeping your Labrador outside any longer may result in illnesses related to freezing temperatures. In addition to shaking and shivering, keep an eye out for : Whining. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Being one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, Labradors live in various weather conditions around the globe. Many pet owners are concerned about how their Lab will handle winter. If you also want to know whether your Labrador needs to be safeguarded in winter, you've come to the right place. Labradors don't get cold in winter for the most part because they are bred to withstand cold weather and swim in freezing waters. However, over-exposure to icy environments can cause hypothermia or frostbite. Many Lab owners don't know how to help their pets stay warm and healthy during winter. So in this article, we'll discuss why Labradors can handle cold so well, whether they get a winter coat, and what you can do for your pet. So many to choose from on Amazon! Click here to see a list of them on Amazon. To understand how Labradors deal with cold, we need to look at their history. While the breed's name might suggest that they originated in Labrador, Canada, they first came about in Newfoundland in the 16th century. Labradors were initially known as the St. John's or the lesser Newfoundland dogs. They were imported to England in the early 19th century. Canada is known to be very cold. Fishers from Britain owned these dogs and trained them to help with fishing. They grew up swimming in icy water, being an active part of the fishing industry. Labradors would pull in nets filled with fishes, and they would also jump in freezing water to catch the fishes that had fallen off the hooks. Labs were perfect for this job because their double coat repelled cold water, and they were also excellent swimmers, thanks to their webbed paws. As you can see, this breed is naturally comfortable in cold climates. Labradors not only have a high tolerance for winter, but they actually enjoy frosty weather. Taking a walk or playing outside, even when it is cold, is what they do! Their origin also explains why they are eager to jump in and start swimming whenever they can. However, even though Labradors are fond of snow, they can suffer from hypothermia or frostbite if they are over-exposed to cold temperatures more on that later. Related article: What is the Ideal Temperature for a Labrador? Do Labradors Get a Winter Coat? Now that you know Labradors don't mind the cold at all, you might be wondering what makes them tolerate winter so well. The answer is that they have a cold-resistant, magical double coat. This double coat not only keeps them warm in winter but also keeps them cool in summer. We can say that Labradors are "well-insulated. It is typically rougher than the Undercoat. While the Topcoat is water-proof, it is the Undercoat that does the magic. It produces an oily residue that allows your Labrador's fur to repel water so that the skin stays dry even while swimming. This is why nobody recommends shaving your Labrador. Shaving takes away the crucial insulation from heat and cold. Their double-coat also explains why it is not recommended to bathe your Labrador regularly. Bathing will only remove the natural protective oils, leaving the coat dry and flaky. If you've ever owned a Labrador, chances are, at some point, you must've felt frustrated by all the shedding. Many Lab owners complain about how much they shed. Little do they know that this double coat is what makes Labradors do well in a cold environment. However, this double coat also makes you clean all the fur from your clothes and furniture. Although Labradors shed throughout the year, they have a biannual molt the first just before winter and the other in spring. As winter approaches and the temperature falls, Labradors shed their summer coat and grow a thicker, warmer coat for the winter. And during the spring molt, the winter coat is shed. A new one replaces it for the summer. Do Labradors Need Jackets in Winter? After the discussion we've had so far, some questions still remain: when is it too cold for Labradors? Should your Lab be wearing a jacket in winter? The usual consensus among dog experts is that Labradors don't need jackets or coats for winter. Anything below that and your Lab will eventually get cold. It's recommended to take your dog indoors if that happens. However, there are other factors to consider, as well. Labradors' cold tolerance is influenced by their general health, age, how accustomed the dog is to the outside, and their Undercoat density. If you're not cautious, your pet may become hypothermic. So it's better to look out for signs of discomfort in your dog and have a winter coat handy. It is available in 9 sizes and colors, allowing you to buy the perfect one for your pet. It is also lightweight, water-repellant, and windproof. This means your Labrador will stay warm without feeling anything. Even though your dog will probably handle the cold just fine if he's healthy, you should watch out for signs indicating that your pet may be getting uncomfortable in the cold. Once you have lived with your dog long enough, you'll be able to sense when there's something wrong with him whether he's angry, sad, sick, or cold. However, there are a few signs that you should look for to make sure your Labrador isn't cold: Shaking or shivering. Additional dog coat questions and tips At what temperature does a dog need a coat? Is it okay to put a coat on a dog? Dogs should not be wearing coats in mild weather, while indoors, or just for fun. If your dog is clearly opposed to wearing a coat for example, shows signs of anxiety or repeatedly tries to take it off , then modify their routine to minimize their exposure to cold weather. Which dog breeds need to wear coats and jackets? Shorter-haired dogs: Dogs with fine hair, especially if they have low body-fat, will get cold faster. Senior dogs: Older dogs have weaker immune systems and often suffer from arthritis or other age-related ailments; cold can exacerbate these problems. Short-legged dogs: Dogs like Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Corgis can lose heat quickly if their low stature puts them in contact with snow. What about in-between size dogs, like Jack Russells? Or the gigantic yet short-haired Great Dane? Or your mutt rescue? It really depends on the individual dog. Do dogs even get cold in the winter? Dogs get cold just like people do. But some dogs, like Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, were bred for cold climates. Then again, if you have a Chinese Crested, they probably get cold when you open the fridge. No matter what their breed, dogs who are accustomed to warm weather may experience cold more strongly. Hypothermia causes muscles to stiffen and breathing and heart rate to slow. In serious cases, it can be fatal. A winter coat can help prevent hypothermia, but has no effect on frostbite, which afflicts extremities. Watch for chilly dogs Even if your dog is wearing a coat, stay with them while they are outside so that you can monitor them for shivering, whining, or anxiety. These behaviors could indicate that your dog is too cold; even with a coat on. If your dog is going to run around at the park, the coat will retain their extra body heat, making them even warmer. What are the features of a good coat? Waterproof fabrics are important, because a wet dog will get colder much faster than a dry one. Check that zippers are fully closed and not pinching, and velcro is securely fastened. A dog wearing a coat indoors can overheat quickly. We hope this article has helped you decide whether and what kind of coat to put on your dog. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have specific questions about keeping your dog warm this winter. Related articles. Do Labradors Get Cold in Winter? Yes, at low temperatures Labs can experience the effects of cold weather conditions, and face potential risks. But Labradors are a great cold weather dog breed with a double coat that keeps them cozy in cold air and water. Newfoundland, located in Canada, is a chilly place. Winter temperatures average around 32 degrees in December and rarely rise above 61 degrees in the middle of summer. For a dog to thrive here it needed to be tough, and settlers to the area took note. Dogs who had warm and water-resistant coats were beneficial since settlers of Newfoundland used Labs to help them ice-fishing. Labradors were first in line to retrieve nets and other fishing equipment from the water. I can only imagine the temperatures of the icy water in the North Atlantic. Centuries of this type of breeding resulted in the version of Labs we know today. Signature Double Coat As mentioned, Labs are known for their thick and water-resistant coats. Most Labrador Retriever owners will notice this trait by the significant shedding their dog exhibits. Labs have an outer coat, sometimes referred to as a guard coat, as well as a thick inner coat, referred to as an undercoat. Each of these coats serves a distinct purpose. Hence the name guard coat. The undercoat is usually much softer and denser and acts as insulation to a Labrador. It protects them against the chill of the air and ice-cold water, keeping their bodies warm even in the middle of winter. The undercoat also keeps Labs cooler during the summer. It acts as a temperature regulator, making sure your dog can be comfortable to work and play year round. The undercoat produces an oily substance that covers the coat of the Lab, making its fur water-resistant and keeps its skin dry. Knowing this, you may feel confident your Labrador can take on any cold temperatures your climate may throw its way. Every dog has their limits, and before you take your Lab outside on a frigid day, there are a few things you should consider. Temperatures that may not seem so cold at first glance will brisker depending on the wind. Labradors that may be very comfortable with the still air temperature are not immune from cold wind. It can cut through their layers of coat, and chill noses and paws. Younger adult dogs, in general, are more resilient and adjust better to changes in climate. If you are the owner of a senior Lab, pay special attention to air temperatures. You should look for cues from your dog that tell you it may be too cold for them to stay outside. It is also unwise to leave a Labrador puppy outside in the cold conditions. Their small size and inexperience make regulating their body temperature more difficult. This leaves them vulnerable and means that they should never be left out on cold days or nights. See Also:. A coat will help protect your dog from the cold weather and keep them comfortable while they are outside. If you are worried about your dog getting too cold, you can always put a sweater on them under their coat. A chihuahua, miniature pinscher, or similar companion dog may require extra protection if it is smaller than the average dog. Short-haired dogs, such as the whippet and greyhound, as well as lean dogs, such as the whippet, would benefit from a warm coat. If your dog lives in an area that experiences frequent below-zero temperatures, he or she should be protected with a warm coat. It is not recommended to coat or dress a dog with a double coat because they are already hardy enough for the winter. Double-coated breeds such as Labradors are already hardy enough for winter. Shorthaired dogs , such as a Labrador, a greyhound, or a beagle, are more susceptible to heat stress than other animals. Short-haired breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, should be kept out of cold weather in addition to lean-bodied breeds. Seniors are more likely to develop arthritis or an weakened immune system, so they should be given a coat of winter protection. In addition to the loss of heat regulation as one ages, even thick-coated dogs may find themselves in the cold. Although your Labrador can usually tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, not all dogs can. What do our dogs need during the winter months? In almost all cases, it is not a viable option. Fur keeps a dog warm during the winter, and it is usually sufficient to cover most of its body. Credit: top10canada. However, as a general rule of thumb, most labs need to be kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit in order to maintain a comfortable working environment. On a hot day, 31 animals died as a result of being left in a hot car in , according to the American Society for the Prevention of Animals. Since , the United States has seen eight of the ten warmest years on record. For the sake of their health, it is critical to understand what temperatures are acceptable for dogs and which conditions can cause their body temperature to spike. Humidity can affect the natural process of digestion. When driving, it is best to turn on the air-conditioning while still inside the vehicle and open the windows on both sides. Dogs, like humans, cannot tell us how they are feeling in the heat, and they do not make any sense of it. It is critical to take steps in order to prevent your dog from reaching the point of irreversible heatstroke. If you shave your dog, the fur will be rough rather than soft, which could be the case in the case of hair regrowth. A lab coat is not only required for many professions, but it also serves as an essential safety device. Wear a lab coat to avoid spills and accidental contact when working in a lab. Many other professionals in a lab wear a lab coat as well. Scientists, electricians, chemists, and many others can be found in this category. A lab coat, in addition to being a fashion statement, is also intended to protect one from harm. Can Labradors Handle Cold Weather? Credit: www. When the weather turns cold, they enjoy playing in the snow, and they also enjoy the winter months. When the weather is below freezing, you should bring your dog in for the night or nights until it is warmer. Taking a blanket into the cold can help them stay warm and secure. If your Labrador is outside, it should have access to water that is not frozen. Because Labradors are prone to joint and bone problems, it is critical to keep them as healthy as possible. If you are going to let your dog play outside during the winter months, make sure he or she is kept safe. Dogs are sometimes allowed to go outside in places like Alaska and other states, and their fur protects them from the cold. For larger breeds, such as Labrador retrievers, an additional coat or sweater is not required for them to be able to enjoy the open spaces. Your Labrador will not require any boots to explore the open space when it is not wearing them. If your dog is injured or lives in a snowy environment where there is a lot of chemical melt-off, you may want to consider purchasing boots or socks for him. Because dogs lack sweat glands, their only way to dissipate heat during winter is panting. If your dog has difficulty breathing, is experiencing extreme shivering, or has seizures, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If the infection is not treated, there is a risk of permanent damage to the paw. When you let your dog out for the winter, dress him in layers and provide him with plenty of water and shade. Make an appointment as soon as possible to bring them indoors if they begin to show symptoms of illness. Credit: backroadramblers. Husky, Labs, and Golden Retrievers are examples of dogs with thick coats that do not require winter clothing. Small breeds and short-haired dogs such as Chihuahuas, Doberman Pinschers, Pointers, and Greyhounds may get more easily colds. The double coat of fur on Labradors is a type of hunting coat. They are well adapted to cold temperatures , and they can withstand temperatures as low as 20F - 6. While their paws are well-equipped to protect them from the elements, they are not as well-equipped to protect themselves. Snow boots keep the paws from getting covered in snow and ice. Labradors are intelligent and loving dogs that are completely devoted to their owners. If you want your dog to enjoy running around and playing in these boots, you should make sure they are strong enough to allow him to reach for them without slipping. You can gently introduce your dog to snow boots by offering him a treat and gradually introducing him to them. Every Labrador is a unique individual with a distinct personality. Your dog may refuse to wear his snow boots at any time, so you may have to make the decision. If you choose a dog sled option, it will keep your dog safe during the winter. To train your dog to wear snow boots, keep him in a holding pattern and give him treats slowly. If the temperature outside is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it is acceptable for dog owners of small breeds, puppies, senior dogs, or thin haired breeds to remove their sweaters or coats. As a result, it is advised to avoid setting a stone. If they are struggling or are lost, it is critical to return them to you as soon as possible. Should Labrador Wear Clothes? Some people choose to dress their Labrador in clothes to keep them warm during colder months , while others believe that Labradors do not need to wear clothes since they have a thick coat of fur. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide whether or not to dress their Labrador in clothes. Dog coats , sweaters, and boots are becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional dog clothing. The benefits of wearing clothes to your dog include: comfort, warmth, and relaxation. Dog coats are designed to make your dog feel as if he or she is receiving a gentle hug from you. If your dog is not dressed up, he or she may feel less special. To keep an eye on your dog at all times, it is best to keep a close eye on him and monitor his reaction to the weather changes. If they show signs of being cold, such as shivering or acting hesitant around going outside, wearing a coat may be a good idea for them. If your dog enjoys dressing up, you could spend some quality time together. If you go out for a walk with your pet, you can also try on different outfits at a pet-friendly restaurant or park. You should select outfits that are comfortable for your dog so that they do not feel stressed. Some people dress their dogs in warm clothing when it is really cold outside to make them more comfortable, but this is not necessary. Labrador Shedding Winter Coat When it comes to shed, the majority of it happens during the winter and in the spring. During the spring and winter, they shed the most. To keep warm in the winter, lab coats are shed to make way for a new layer of fur. They shed during the summer to help cool them down, but they are not as dense as they are in the winter. Labrador Coat The Labrador coat is a type of dog coat that is popular among Labradors and their owners. The coat is made from a waterproof and windproof material, making it ideal for dogs who live in wet or cold climates. They are water-resistant because they have a double layer, dense coating. The standard adult Labrador coat is less fluffy, denser, and more practical than a toy. Fur lengths, on the other hand, can vary greatly between Labradors. Despite the breed standard stating that Labradors have short, straight fur, they are able to have a longer, wavier coat. The fibroblast growth factor 5 gene, also known as the FGF5 gene, is responsible for this fur type. Fur with this gene is recessive in its recessive form. It is critical to provide two copies of the recessive gene to the Labrador puppies to increase their fur size. Dogs with long hair and fluffy coats are slightly different from standard Labradors. They will still be purebred Labs that will be able to blend in with other breeds. The most significant difference between these types of dogs is their grooming requirements. Fur with longer hairs tends to tangle and knots, so regular grooming is required. Post navigation.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Blog About D. Bulldogs Welcome to D. We are home-owned and operated in beautiful southern Mississippi. We have been raising English Bulldogs since .We absolutely love this breed and think they make wonderful pets. We strive to only raise and offer top quality animals that will be cherished as loving family members for many years to come. We do everything we can to ensure our puppies get a good start in life. As long as the puppies are in our care, their vaccinations and de-worming will be up-to-date. We feed them only the highest quality puppy food available. Each puppy will come with its own set of registration papers. About our Puppies All of our puppies have been de-wormed every two weeks from birth, current on vaccinations, and come with two guarantees: First, a 48 hour money back guarantee to be free of life threatening diseases, then a 6 month genetic guarantee. Call for an Appointment Today! All of our animals can be seen by appointment only. Please call us today to set up a time to come by and see our babies and parents. Delivery of animals not available. Shipping of animals available under special circumstances. Please see our FAQs page for more information. Bulldogs Call for appointment or for more information: .By submitting photos to DB Bulldogs, you agree to give DB Bulldogs a commercial use license to use the photos in any and all types of promotional materials. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting an English Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many English Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Remember that the cost of a Bulldog puppy varies depending on certain factors such as, 1. Coat If you need a particular coat type or the most popular one, the price will go up. Authentic Breeds Bulldogs are purely bred, but there are chances of mixed breeds. So when you find a pure breed from a good breeder, the pricing will be according to the puppy and its parents. When you do find one, the breeder will charge you more. Before selling the dog, they must pay for health checks, training, food, and other expenses. Overall, you may need to prepare a good amount in your pocket before buying. Finding reliable Bulldog breeders might be difficult due to scammers. You can also check their notable works and kennel details to validate their location. Check to see if they have an Instagram or Facebook page. Kennel Visit When you visit the kennel, you can observe the puppies and breeders. You can learn about their health and mental being by checking whether the dogs are active or lousy. You can also check if the breeder has all necessary kennel items and keeps their spot clean. You can ask them why they chose to become a breeder or any other questions that can show you how professional they are. If they answer clumsily, you know the answer. When you obtain a Bulldog puppy, what should you do? Here are some helpful hints to get you started. Fix a Pee Spot Every puppy needs a peeing place that, if trained, will be the place the dog immediately goes to. Some Bulldog Breeders in Mississippi MS potty-train their puppies before selling them, so inquire about this and save time. Give Your Puppy a Home Tour Yes, you must show the puppy around your entire house for them to feel comfortable. Take the puppy for a walk around your house to help them relax. Ensure there is no sharp-edged furniture or other items in the house that could hurt them. Each family member should express their love for the dog one by one. It will take a long time, but its loyalty and companionship are unfathomable after the dog has adjusted to everyone! It will also dull their sharp teeth, making them safe when they bite someone without an intention. Because all dogs like chewing, chewing toys should never be an option; it should always be required. Maintain a Regular Schedule Maintain a schedule so that you know when to feed, bathe, and walk your dog, among other things. A well-behaved dog is far easier to handle than one neglected. As a result, it is critical to groom them consistently. You must show love to them while training them with a stern tone. Above all, be patient and wait for the training to take its course. Crate Training is Essential Bulldogs prefer napping for extended amounts of time. As a result, crate training is critical. Watch Over Them Puppies, mainly when they are young, require a lot of attention. Never allow them to roam freely without a leash if it is an open space, for they can hurt themselves or run away unintentionally. Here are the best three websites to check to see whether a Bulldog is available. One of their best features is their search engine with filters. Puppies for Sale Today Puppies for Sale Today is another website where you may see a variety of puppies, including Bulldogs. Bulldogs have short coats that require weekly brushing. Do bulldogs make good pets for families? Yes, they enjoy playing with family members, including kids. What is the lifespan of a Bulldog? Sadly, their lifespan is short. Though they are said to live up to 10 years, research has shown that mostly they live only between 6 to 8 years. Final Thoughts Bulldogs love to cuddle but are super clever at the same time. They are a fantastic choice for training to enter into shows and competitions. With this info, we now bid you farewell. Have a nice day! Find Bulldog Breeders in Other States. Welcome to the Mississippi state page on TrustedPuppies. Renowned for its rich history, warm hospitality, and diverse natural beauty, Mississippi is an ideal place to find and raise your new English Bulldog companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional English Bulldog breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable MS breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our Mississippi dog breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Mississippi, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Mississippi Gulf Coast Kennel Club Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of English Bulldog canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Mississippi, with an estimated dog population of around thousand, holds the 39th position among U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable English Bulldog breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Mississippi. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your English Bulldog puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect English Bulldog puppy on TrustedPuppies.

All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. If bad doggie breath is a problem in your house, Spray Me comes to the rescue! German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

Coat Trim Cost of Veterinary Expenses You can expect to pay for the vet each year so that your dog can remain up to date with their shots. An annual visit can also make sure your dog is healthy, but you may want to take your dog in more often if they get sick or have other problems. You can get pet insurance to help cover the cost of these vet expenses. A good breeder will provide you with not only a healthy, well-socialized puppy but also support and guidance as you navigate life with your new furry friend. But with so many breeders out there, how do you know who to choose? Look for a breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or other reputable organizations and who has experience breeding golden retrievers. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the breed and will provide you with references from past clients. A good breeder will provide support and guidance as you adjust to life with your new pet. They should be available to answer questions, offer training advice, and help you navigate any challenges that arise. Look for a Breeder with Experience Experience matters when it comes to breeding golden retrievers. A breeder with years of experience will have a wealth of knowledge about the breed and will be able to provide you with valuable insights and advice. They will know how to breed for good temperament, health, and other important traits that make golden retrievers such beloved family pets. This includes information about any genetic diseases or health issues that may be present in the bloodline. By choosing a breeder who prioritizes health and genetics, you can help ensure that your new puppy is healthy and happy. Some breeders may insist that you participate in these events if you want to purchase a puppy from them, but this is not a requirement. Choose a breeder who respects your lifestyle and preferences and who is primarily concerned with finding a good home for their puppies. The right Golden Retriever breeder depends on you as a person, but any good breeder should be able to answer any questions. You may come across the perfect puppy online, but do not commit to any dog until you can visit in person. The dog may be totally different than in their photo. In some cases, you may find that the dog does not exist. Some scammers can take photos of other dogs and collect payment for the dog. But the scammer will disappear before the buyer realizes the dog is not theirs. To avoid these puppy sales scams, always visit the dog in person before you sign a contract or make a payment. Make sure the dog looks like the pictures and that they have the temperament that you want. If you are working with a breeder, be sure to check their credentials and ask for references. You can speak to other dog owners who have gone through the breeder. Finally, do not rush into getting a dog. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers can be moderately expensive to keep over the ten to twelve years that they generally live, there are many ways that people can reduce the cost of keeping them. One of the best ways to save money while raising a Golden Retriever is to get quality pet insurance. As long as their owners are prepared to offer them financial security in the form of good food, a few well-loved toys, and some regular veterinary care, Goldens repay the devotion a hundredfold in terms of loyalty and affection for their families. Check out our list of Golden Retriever Rescue Organizations , they are listed by state. She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. Button All About Us.We invested 34 years and a life time or research into developing a healthy and stable companion for your whole family. Our Spacious home and land in Kansas allow us to train and socialize the puppies every day. Our family raises our puppies in our home underfoot and around our children giving them the best start in life with great temperaments. Now that we had to downsize we trusted only our Family to continue our legacy, even though we all breed just a couple litters a year, All the orginal wonderfull DNA Genetic lines are all from Jenina. Even our Adult Children, hardly children in there 30's lol. .Raise these amazing dogs We only offer Pick up here or Breeder delivery by us the breeders only. We Do all use this ONE Website to make it easier for you to find just the right pup and saves all of us time and money so we can spend more of that on our dogs. Each pup and Parent will be listed to the owner so you know exactly who to contact. Jenina welcomes any questions since she has owned many many generations of each of these parents. We try to keep this as current as possible; we may have not listed the pup you are looking for so please call or text Jenina or Shleby, Alex at , or , Jammie Please make sure you have read all the pages such as Application, Contract, etc. We reserve the right to refuse payment of any puppy, to any person, if we find it not to be in the best interest of the puppy All our pups are listed and have prices that may or may not include breeding rights. We remove them from the site hold them for you and tell others they are sold. No Exceptions unless pet is found unsound before going home. This includes pre puppy deposits. We have told others you had choice and they may have gone elsewhere and then you changing your mind means that we have lost that pets potential home! All PayPal deposit for any pet confirms as your legal signature that you agree to all the terms of our contracts! If you wish to place your payment through Venmo or Cash App, that's accepted as well. Please be sure to add note as to what pet you are sending it for and your phone number. The puppy Names we give them is just for us to be able to call them by name, You of course can change their name to whatever you like!!

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. Proud Dog Mom 6 years ago Picking up and carrying your dog may not seem like a complicated task, but a lot of pet parents surprisingly do it wrong. To avoid injury or stress to your pup, check out the following video by MercolaHealthyPets. Plus, keep reading below for some tips on what not to do! I mean, imagine if someone just walked over to you, scooped you up in their arms, and took you away from wherever you were standing … without any notice. The key with verbal cues is consistency. So once you choose a word — stick with it! Tiny Dogs If you have little guys like me I have a 5lb Chihuahua and Toy Poodle , you can get away with a one arm lift. Then, as you lift him up, tuck his tooshie between your arm and body to keep him fully supported. Medium Dogs Put your dominant arm behind his back legs and wrap your other arm around the front of his chest. Hold your dog closely against your chest as you rise up. Large Dogs Depending on the size of your dog, you may be able to follow the same instructions as a medium-size dog. However, if you have an extremely large dog, you may need to enlist some help from a family member or friend when lifting up your colossal canine! However, this is extremely uncomfortable and may even be painful for your pooch. A puppy is only picked up by their scruff when they are very, very young.

We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. I think one thing that we all expect when we decide to get a puppy is that there will of course be a period of time of extreme hyperactivity. Anyone who is a parent knows that this is not only limited to pets! This rang true with Molly, as well. After a couple of weeks I started to ask myself: Do Labradors calm down with age? Yes, Labradors will usually begin to transition out of the puppy phase around two years old. They still do remain very active when it is time to play outside, but you should notice a much calmer temperament indoors. Regular, daily exercise will help with the excessive hyperactivity. Always remember that there will be exceptions to the norm. Each Lab has its own personality, and the hyperactivity can last much longer in some cases. Given that, I thought it would be helpful to understand why this may occur, and what owners can do to help calm excessively hyper Labs down. In this article Are Labs high energy dogs? Yes, I have found as you also have probably already discovered that Labradors are in fact high energy dogs. They will remain high energy throughout their entire life even though the excessive hyper-activity will likely subside. The reason for their high energy links back to their DNA and the way in which they have been bred over the past century. My research helped to uncover that originally Labradors were used as hunting companions out in the trenches assisting their masters. Their specialty is in retrieving hence the name Labrador Retriever. I found that this was usually for the retrieval of game during bird hunting. I also found it interesting to learn that their usage started back when using nets to catch the birds was a primary method. This did evolve over time to shooting the game out of the air. Duck Hunt, anyone? But wait - was the dog in Duck Hunt a Lab? I digress. This often resulted in the need for retrieval several feet out into a body of water. If inland, then they were likely retrieving in a marshy area. As a result, Labradors developed to have a ton of energy. This was needed so that they could last during these days of hunting for running, swimming, and carrying back game. Why is my Labrador so hyper? Considering what I learned above about the labs DNA and how they were bred over time, it is easy to understand what contributes to the hyperactivity. However, if we are speaking directly about hyperactivity while they are in the puppy phase then that is different. I have found that you will naturally have elevated levels of energy with any breed in the early years. Keep in mind that this is also true for children, so we shouldn't be surprised by this. What this causes for Labs specifically is an above average excess! These are simply just physiological truths that we have to accept and manage appropriately. Now, I found that if you are dealing with a Lab that is beyond the puppy phase this may be very different. If you are finding intermittent behaviors of hyperactivity this could possibly be linked to lack of activity that allows your Lab to exert its energy. It is important when noticing this to consider whether or not the recent environment has produced challenges in allowing your Lab to get regular exercise. Fortunately they are not shy about reminding us when this has occurred, similar to children, so we should be thankful for their ability to alert us! How do I get my Labrador to calm down? Exercise is by far the best solution when trying to reduce the excess energy levels that Labradors have. This breed was bred to be active. Through their own natural instinct they will be sure to find a way to exert energy in some form or fashion. Therefore, it would be best if you can remain in control of the process in which they do that. I found that a minimum of 30 minutes of walking per day is not a best practice, but a requirement. This helps toward the goal of calming your Lab down, but it is also very important for their long term health. You can be creative in the way that you execute on those 30 minutes. However, if you find yourself unlikely to be able to dedicate at least this much time then you should strongly reconsider the breed you are after. However, I think it is important to remember that this is a minimum. It would be best if you could incorporate a higher-level activity at least 3 times per week for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. Ideally, your Lab can get this much in every day - even if broken up throughout the day. For owners that are in a home and have a yard, this can simply be running around outside or playing games like fetch and frisbee. If you have children, they can help here, too! How often do Labs need to be walked? It is not enough to simply let the dog out the back door to go potty times a day and let that be the end of it. If you are struggling to find the time, then get up earlier! If you can't do that, then multi-task while on the walk. Check your emails, call your mom, whatever you need to do! We are already aware of the fact that Labs have a higher risk of joint-related health issues. Given that, we cannot allow ourselves to neglect the benefits of allowing our Labs to walk daily. With that in mind, I'm not sold that the impact is as significant as many think. I found that most owners saw the biggest reductions from increased play and exercise. I've found there's some confusion around when the best timing is. Also, it's important to know what to expect as a result of the surgery. Lastly, I think one of the biggest reasons owners are desperate to calm down their puppy Labs is because of the painful biting! Yes, I had to deal with this myself. I know your pain! Lab puppies have extremely sharp teeth! I know that it is much easier said than done to recognize that they are only playing. However, I would recommend that if this is the main driver of your frustrations that you work to correct that behavior. How to Stop It we cover some ideas. Following these techniques should help immensely. Conclusion I believe as owners we have a great challenge with our young Labs. We get them as puppies for a number of reasons. Maybe because of how cute they are. Or possibly because we want to train them a certain way. I find that in the challenging times, it's best to remind yourself of what your reason was. At the end of the day, these days won't last forever. Try your best to embrace the hyperactivity and do your best to reduce it. Follow many of the steps discussed above and more often then not you'll get the results you are looking for! All of these are symptoms of a hyper dog. Because these are behavioral issues that can be fixed. The breed is generally happy and highly active. But there are many other reasons why you should keep a Labrador. Labradors have an amazing personality. This loyal dog will become an active member of your family in no time. Labradors offer great companionship. If you want a dog that will be glued to you, a Labrador is your best choice. Their love and devotion is abundant and never wavers. They love water and would love to play in the water. While labs tend to settle with time, a hyperactive behavior will not get fixed by itself. Thankfully, there are ways to calm your Labrador and train them accordingly. We will help you learn these tactics to deal with the behavioral issues. The Energy Outlet In simple words, exercise your Labrador. As I always say, a tired dog is a happy dog — especially if you have an active one like a Lab. Basically, Labradors are highly energetic dogs. They were initially bred for demanding work like assisting their owners to pull fish nets off the coast, or retrieving escaping fish while working in ice-cold water all day long. That has been their genetic makeup for centuries. You cannot expect a Labrador to sit idle all day next to you. If your dog becomes bored or irritated, he will naturally become hyper. Therefore, it is crucial for Labradors to receive enough exercise and playtime. They need it as an outlet to vent out their energy. Take Control This is more about training your dog by taking control. In case the situation gets out of hand, you should be in a position to control your dog with a leash. Your dog needs to know who the owner is. Having more control will shape better behavior. Such behavior keeps them calm and in control. The right body language should be able to make your lab understand not to carry on with the behavior. Encourage Mental Stimulation Labradors require more than physical activities. Provide your dog with mental stimulation too. Engaging your dog with social interactions, interactive toys, and play dates with other dogs are some more ways to keep them relaxed and calm. Social interaction is essential for your friendly lab. Games and other playful activities keep them mentally engaged. Playing fetch and training your dog to retrieve is also a great way to encourage mental stimulation. See also "Clicker Training" Without a Clicker? Behavior Modification Reinforcing positive behavior works wonders with Labradors. Labs love attention and they can go to any extent for appreciation and rewards. When you train your Labrador to wait patiently and stay calm, reward your dog for the positive behavior. This will encourage your dog to modify his behavior and be calmer. These commands will help you take control of the situation in case your dog becomes too hyper or aggressive. Use these words often, especially during grooming sessions to keep them relaxed. Change Playing Habits If you notice your dog becoming too excited or naughty when you play certain games, avoid them. If you become too excited or rough, they will reciprocate. Figure out other ways to play with your lab to keep them in control. If you think this is encouraging the wrong behavior, look for other games that help your dog regain control and stay calm. If managing the behavior indoors is difficult, take your playtime activities outside. This will help them utilize their energy quicker and feel happier. This video has some amazing tips on how to calm hyper and excited dogs. Whether a Labrador is the right dog for you is your decision. These super-friendly, intelligent dogs make great companions. This highly energetic dog needs proper exercise and training to stay fit, calm, and happy. To grow into solid large dogs, they require time, attention, and training. Like naughty little kids, these dogs can be a handful and need guidance through puppy years. Labradors make a good dog for beginners as long as the owners are willing to learn about the breed and train them accordingly. These intelligent and playful dogs with friendly temperaments make them rewarding pets for first-time owners. Can I leave my Labrador alone while I am away at work? Training is the key! Labradors are super excited dogs, which may lead to aggressive, unwanted behavior if not handled in time. Also, they can take up to four years to get out of puppyhood and can be a handful without proper training. So if you do that job well, you can leave your Labrador alone for long periods. Not enough exercise and too much confinement can lead to destructive behavior and rambunctiousness. Featured Posts:. When Will My Labrador? This is a good question if someone is thinking of getting a lab for their family to enjoy and train. Labradors are well known as kind, gentle, sweet dogs who love their owners. However, some owners report that labradors only calm down after one year of age. Labs calm down more slowly than some breeds, which can make it hard to keep control of your dog at the dog park or in other situations. Are Labs Calm Dogs? Labradors are actually a calm breed, but they were bred to be hunting and water dogs. This means they were born to do work. If they do not have a daily job to do, they can become a hyper dog. Labs calm down a lot after they are one year old. Working dogs calm down more slowly than other breeds. A lab can still be a good fit for your needs if you want a happy dog who enjoys mental stimulation. A lab puppy will be a great dog to relax with as it gets older. Labrador owners love this dog breed despite their high-energy play in their early life. Maturity is reached by three years old, and Labs are at their best in this age range. A puppy of any breed will require training and attention. If you have questions about whether you can spend time with your new puppy, you may want to get an older dog. Many families question if they should get a puppy or an older dog to suit their needs. A Labrador is a very trainable dog at any age, and Labs calm down faster than many other working dog breeds. That being said, a puppy that is a hyper dog will need more attention than a dog that is not naturally high energy. If you do not think that you can take the time to teach your dog obedience skills, it needs to be a good adult Labrador; you may need to consider getting an older Lab for your family. Dogs of any age need lots of time and love, but a puppy needs more actual training to succeed in life. Research, the breeder that you are thinking of getting a dog from before you buy. Ask questions about energy levels, and remember that many labs calm down after about a year old. If the breeder is selling puppies for hunting or other working dog jobs, this kind of Labrador may be too intense for your family. A good family dog will never be a hyper dog that is hard to control. This is seldom a concern when looking at the Lab breed, but it is always wise to meet the Labrador Retriever you consider taking home and introduce everyone in the family to it. If your Labrador Retriever struggles to calm down as an older dog, make sure to reward your dog when it controls its energy. Owners who can contain a hyper dog have trained their Lab to decide to be patient. Always give your dog enough exercise to help them to focus at any age. A Lab puppy needs mental stimulation to enjoy life. Training your dog is easy, and if you give your dog enough exercise, it will automatically be less likely to display hyperactivity. Puppy training is a gradual process, and you need to commit daily energy to the project. If you have never worked with your puppy on obedience training, there are some fun things you can do to exercise and teach your dog at the same time. Lab puppies love water, and they love to train their mind. This means that the training techniques you use now will work for your dog at any age. Teach your dog challenging skills but also basic tricks to keep them on their toes. Some ways you can train your dog to stay calm are: Sit and stay exercise: This is one of the basic ways to teach this breed to control their energy. Stand in front of your puppy and tell them to wait. Walk away to the side and point. If they hold still for a few moments, reward them with a treat. It will only take a handful of attempts to teach your Labrador puppy to have patience. This is an excellent skill for dogs who will be used as service dogs. Lay Down Cue: This is a crucial way to keep Labs calm, and it teaches patience as well. Use a treat reward system to encourage your dog to lay down on command. The next time they are being wild or getting in the way, you will be able to ask them to lay flat and work on relaxing. Fishing Game: Labs love to hunt for things. Puppies and older Retrievers alike love to fish stuff out of the water. If you have access to a body of water, buy a toy that floats and teach your dog to find the item. This will train your Labrador to come when called and do a focused task that challenges their minds. Take Them to New Places: A puppy needs to see the world to learn about it. Taking your dog to see new things can help reduce their energy and can provide them with exercise. Puppies thrive on new experiences, and teaching a dog to relax when they are in a new place is a huge and essential skill. Socialization is a great way to teach your Lab to listen to you. Kennel or Crate Training: While this can take some patience, teaching your Labrador to be quiet and calm in a kennel or a crate will help them be good at going to new places later in life. Dogs are pack animals, but they also need quiet time to calm down. A small space where they feel safe and can be peaceful is a great tool to teach them one way to reduce their energy level. All of these training techniques will work well for any age of Labrador. These skills can help any age dog refocus their energy and calm down if they are excited. You might wonder if a family with children would struggle to control a high-energy Lab. This is another question that has a lot to do with how you are training your dog. Training a pet is a responsibility that many dog owners do not fully consider when they get a pet. Always make sure to talk to experts or other owners about the type of dog you want to get. You will want to be informed about the dog breed you choose before you actually have the new puppy or adult dog in your home. Labs are medium-sized dogs and are very gentle at any age. This does not mean that this size dog cannot pull hard on a leash at any age. Your Lab may have high energy levels as well, and it could be wise to exercise your pet before letting it play with children. A leash and collar are usually enough to control a Labrador, and questions about stronger training devices are usually easily resolved by suggesting ways to give your Lab enough exercise. Always use a treat-based reward system to train a puppy and access this structured system later in life to make a Lab fun for anyone to play with. Some dogs prefer being led by a harness and leash design, and your Labrador might demonstrate calm behavior if you make this change. Always remember that training collars and devices must be used responsibly. Do not purchase a training collar without the advice of a dog trainer guiding you. What is the Difference Between Energy and Hyperactivity? There is a big difference between a dog that displays high energy levels and one that is genuinely hyper. There are some key signs that your Lab is actually struggling with a behavioral issue rather than a normal amount of excitement about life. Hyper dogs show these signs: Excessive panting or drooling Jumping against people even when told no Pacing or digging Protective behavior about toys and food Nipping or biting Chasing anything that moves While many dogs and puppies can display these behaviors, an excess of these symptoms can mean that a dog struggles with unbalanced emotions. These dogs are challenging to own and train. If your Lab demonstrates this level of energy all the time, you may need to get help from a trainer to help you teach your Labrador to control their emotional concerns. Dogs who display nervous or emotional behavior have special needs. While this is not a common problem for the Lab breed, each dog is unique. If you believe that your Labrador displays unbalanced behavior, an expert can help you get them back on track. If you are still wondering what age your Lab will be when it can calm down, the answer can vary. Just like children, some dogs are higher energy than others. Some dogs calm down at a few months of age, while Labradors might be as old as two before they have less energy. Remember that Labs calm down easily if they are kept busy and have some patience with your hyper dog. Two years out of a long life of love and joy is not so much to commit to before you have the dog of your dreams! Labradors have one of the best personality profiles for family dogs, and teaching them to have patience in puppyhood is worth the effort. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Young labs are the Energizer bunnies of canines. They have boundless energy and seem like puppies for a longer time than many other breeds. But they do eventually calm down. And how you can deal with his energy throughout his youth. Labrador Purpose and Types Labrador retrievers are friendly dogs who love everyone—human and canine alike. No doubt that they make great family companions. They have boundless energy and were bred to work. They were originally bred to help with hunting and fishing and were tireless workers even in the icy waters of Newfoundland, Canada. Labs currently are also used in hunting, to flush and retrieve game. So their origins and current abilities demonstrate that the breed is still energetic in line with its heritage. There is one recognized labrador breed. Even though there is no official distinction, lab aficionados recognize two types of labs : the American lab and the English lab. The American labrador is leaner and was bred to work whereas the English type has a stockier build and is bred for the conformation ring. Because of their breeding, the American type generally is more energetic. If bored, they can become destructive. So you wonder when your tireless, bouncing lab will calm down. Most dogs noticeably calm down between 18 and 24 months old. Generally, smaller dogs calm down at a younger age than larger breeds. Labrador retrievers are a slow-maturing breed. But they will start to show more self-control in the home around two years old. A healthy lab will still have bursts of energy then and even later in life and may do zoomies around your family room. And most labs will still have a lot of energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm until four or five years old. But your pup will have more innate impulse control than he previously had and he will noticeably have less excess energy. Based on our experience, our first black Lab, Stetson began to calm down at around 2 years old. Our current black Lab, Elsa is almost 3 years old and still a ball of energy! Stages of Development As is true with any breed, a lab passes through various stages of development as he reaches maturity. During the first six months, the lab is truly a puppy. He will become increasingly independent and ignore known commands. Between six and 18 months, your lab is an adolescent. He will be full of energy, boisterous, and exuberant and will keep learning new things and socializing with new people, animals, environments, and experiences. By 12 months old , your lab will reach his full adult height. And he will add muscle and fat to his frame and will fill out between 18 and 24 months old. Then he will appear as an adult, not a gangly adolescent. But appearances can be deceiving. Although he may look like an adult, he still needs to develop emotionally and mentally. So he may engage in many unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing and destroying items, jumping on people, and pulling on clothes. After all, they can be dangerous to your lab and others. If he inadvertently ingests something, a vet visit will be in order. And jumping around people can knock them down like bowling pins. But also challenging. These practices will help your lab calm down. Physical Exercise Make sure that your lab has enough daily exercise. This can be a few long walks and some retrieving. Or even using a flirt pole can help. Labs generally love water, so having them swim can be a great way to dispel excess energy. Most will be natural swimmers. Stetson really disliked water and many of the other guide dog pups refused to swim in the pool. Second, we are taught not to allow our guide dog pups to go swimming anytime they feel like it. They are only allowed in the pool if we give them the okay. Just a few thoughts. And doing other activities can help. These include hunting with your lab, field trials, tracking, dock diving, agility, obedience, rally, and flyball. Mental Exercise Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise in releasing excess energy from your lab. It also helps expand his mind. After all, labs are intelligent dogs who need a job and want to work alongside their people. Have him explore puzzle toys. There are many, ranging from easy to more difficult. I set up various puzzle toys for my dogs and, after exploring them, my pups are happily tired and ready for a nap. Obedience Training Training helps communicate with your lab and sets forth behavior rules that he should follow. Manners training also helps with impulse control and calmer behavior. They should be small, no larger than a pea. Always have your reward treats ready before giving your obedience cue. Using a special treat such as small pieces of cheese or boiled, deboned chicken can help a dog have a positive association with something. At a minimum, you should teach your lab to do the following on cue : pay attention, come when called, walk on a loose leash, sit, lie down, leave it, stay, give and drop items, and be quiet. And teaching tricks such as spin or wave can also help. Socialization Socializing your lab is important throughout his life. Labs are naturally inquisitive, outgoing dogs and love to meet new people and friendly dogs. So take your dog out to new places to have new experiences. I teach this after a dog has had some physical exercise such as a walk or session playing fetch. You always want to set your dog up to succeed. I often use my rescued Aussie mix Millie as an example of why impulse control exercises are so important. Teach a place command. Teaching your dog to go to a place, such as a bed, and to lie down and stay there can help him calm down. First decide where the bed will be located. Gradually increase your criteria for when he will get rewarded. After he will readily go stand onto the bed without the lure, praise and reward him for remaining there for longer periods of time. When he knows the commands sit, down, and stay, you can have him perform those behaviors on the bed. Teach sit, down, stay, and leave it. These obedience commands are essential for any impulse control program. After your lab knows these basic commands, you can start adding distractions so that he will be reliable in any setting. And you can then use them in everyday life. Have him sit before releasing him to eat his food and before exiting a door or crossing a street. And have him sit before other activities too such as putting on or removing his leash and harness. Have him leave the rabbit that he wants to reach while on his walks. Capture and reward calm behavior. So have treats ready around the house out of reach from your dog. The goal is to have him naturally perform desirable behaviors. You can play this same game with a flirt pole. Teach a polite greeting. Teaching a dog to greet people calmly is a great way to enforce impulse control. And labs are so naturally friendly, they may be too boisterous when naturally greeting people. First do the training sessions with people your dog knows. This exercise is great for labs, as they are usually so friendly and want to greet everyone face-to-face. You can start out with your dog safely tethered on a six-foot lead to a solid object while wearing a harness. You approach. If your dog begins to jump, turn around and walk away. After a few times, your pup should offer to sit. Instead, you want your dog to think what behavior we want and to repeat it. You can also do a separate training exercise where you are holding the leash as someone approaches and you tell your dog to sit. If your lab goes to jump, the person should turn and walk away. As the person approaches, cue your dog to sit. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Play a TV or white noise machine. Instead, be present to redirect him to a desirable behavior. Reward calm behavior. If you seem too excited, your lab will feed off that energy. And his excitedness will probably be off the charts. So try to keep a calm voice around him. If you wave your arms around or use a high-pitched tone, your lab will probably become so boisterous that it would be very hard for him to calm down. There are many holistic aids that can help a dog to calm down. A ThunderShirt correctly used can help alleviate stress and anxiety. And there are calming tabs and Rescue Remedy that can be ingested to help a dog be serene. Always check with your vet first before giving anything to your dog that he needs to consume. There are specific techniques described in the Tellington Touch that can help your pup relax. Even though you should see your lab become calmer over time, it will take two to four years for him to noticeably calm down. Instead, meet his exercise and training needs. He still acts like a puppy. Is this normal? Labs are a slow-maturing breed and, even though they may begin to appear as adults, they still are really puppies at heart. Your lab will become mentally mature between two and four years of age and will noticeably calm down then. In the meantime, make sure that you provide enough physical and mental exercise to meet his needs. And enjoy his puppy-ness! Why is my six-month-old lab so out of control? Will he calm down? So make sure that he has enough physical and mental exercise and train him. Do impulse control exercises with him. Eventually, over the next few years, he should become calmer. A lab rescue has a four-year old lab for adoption. Is this too old? Will he still be playful? A four-year-old lab can be a perfect companion. By that age, the puppy silliness and over-activity should be gone and he should be calm when needed. A healthy lab is playful and fun into old age. Final Thoughts Young labs are full of vim and vigor. They are constantly in motion and sometimes a blur of activity. Like any dog, they will naturally calm down over time. Between the ages of two and four, your lab should noticeably calm down. But still expect—and enjoy—his natural bursts of puppy-like energy. Do you have a lab? At what age did he calm down? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. 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. As a Labrador owner myself, I know firsthand how energetic and excitable they can be, especially when they are young. I appreciated the detailed breakdown of the stages of development in a Labrador, as well as the different techniques and exercises that can be used to promote calm behavior. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and for helping us be better pet owners to our furry friends! Labrador Adolescence This stage is what it sounds like — your dog is a teenager. This period of development lasts from 6 to 18 months and may last up to the 2-year mark in some dogs. During adolescence Labradors have reached their final size and have filled out. Although their outward appearance does little to reflect their internal and mental development. If it has paid off your Lab pup — I mean teen — may be well behaved. Keep in mind that dogs in this stage are still mentally close to puppyhood. This can result in chaotic moments from time to time. Occasional bouts of craziness with your Lab, up to two years, are normal, and are a reflection of their stage of life. Continued work and training are important. The good news is that your dog will not be stuck in these early stages of development. Young Adulthood — Adulthood Past the ages of 18 months to two years, you can expect to see a notable reduction in chaos in your Lab. This is when you will see the highest payoff in your early investments in training your Lab. Adult dogs are less likely to test established boundaries than when they were puppies. Likely to be calmer in the home, Labradors are a breed that requires regular exercise. You can expect your pup to race around the dog park for years to come. This is part of what makes a Labrador great for families on the go or active individuals. Left unstimulated, your pup is likely to tear through your home, doing some damage in the process. Plenty of exercise, toys, socialization or even a game will help keep your dog occupied and happy. If you love to hike, your pup will make a great companion. In turn, it will allow you to keep your home intact. But is crucial in larger dogs like Labradors with lots of energy and high intelligence. Physical exercise is one part of the equation when it comes to a happy Lab. Training also provides mental stimulation and teaches your dog manners. This can help to bring your dog under control in many situations. It is the best antidote to destructive behavior and anti-social tendencies. The sooner you begin training your Labrador Retriever the better. Set aside time every day to work on basic commands and reward positive behavior. This will set the tone for years to come and will make calming your Lab manageable. Curb Bad Habits Every dog is different, but most are likely to present unwanted behavior early in life. High energy breeds such as Labs have hyperactive behavior that need to be addressed, such as chewing, barking, and jumping. This makes it harder to prevent or reverse when your Labrador reaches adolescence and adulthood. If you see your pup chewing, invest in safe alternatives like bones or other safe chew toys. If you observe excessive barking, try not to reinforce or reward the behavior. Labrador Retrievers are eager to please and receptive to positive reinforcement. This is why rewarding your Lab when they exhibit desired behaviors helps their brain develop. But, meeting excitement with excitement in areas like the home, or in public, can reaffirm hectic behavior where it is not appropriate. Instead, try to ignore or discourage over-excitement in areas where it could be a problem. Labs, and all dogs, are receptive to the moods and behaviors of their owners. Getting worked up and encouraging roughhousing with your puppy will send the wrong message and can be hard for your pup to unlearn. They experience longer periods of early development than some other breeds of their size and are always learning. A dog that may behave one day could be jumping and racing around the next. Frustration is common, but allowing that frustration to get in the way of enjoying time with your Lab is silly. Instead of punishing your Lab for acting out, continue to reward them for showing appropriate calm behavior. These episodes of chaos will continue to lessen as they age and will become rare occurrences. The Good News? Their long early development, paired with high energy can make the first few years of life with your new pup a little crazy. Hang in there, this will begin to wane over time. The best recipe for success is to give them lots of exercise, consistent training, and a gentle way to control bad behavior. Life with your Lab can be crazy and challenging, but also rewarding. The love, loyalty, and companionship provided by a Labrador is incredible and makes every chaotic moment worth it! Post navigation. Labradors were originally bred to assist their owners with many tasks, such as helping pull nets of fish in off the coast of Newfoundland, retrieving stray fish escaping from the nets, and doing all this all day in ice cold water. Later, they were used for water fowling because many of the same elements were present: the ability to work all day in cold water, and the ability to find and retrieve small animals. What does this mean for you, the modern day owner, who is likely as not, neither trying to pull in nets of cod through the winter nor duck hunting up in frozen Montana? It means you have a dog that was bred to WORK. He was bred to be active, smart, intelligent, companiable. Most of these attributes are what makes a Labrador a perfect family pet in this day and age…but the first one causes much trouble at the same time. Labs are meant to have a job. Because they are intelligent, they are easily trained, but if they are NOT trained, they become bored. And when bored, that same intelligence and activity level, remember that activity level conspires to find other things to do…excavate your backyard, redo the carving on your wooden mouldings, reupholster your favorite sofa, move the living room carpet into the den, tackle your underwear collection, and other similar projects. To cope with this, you must give your dog the physical and mental challenge he was bred for. But you do need to rearrange your daily schedule to spend time with him. He needs daily exercise, and daily training. Why training? Because that exercises his mind, which is nearly as good as exercising his body. Teach your dog tricks if you like. Given daily exercise and training, your lab should become much more tractable in other areas of your life. Labradors are known for having a long and delayed puppyhood and adolescence that completely disregards their physical maturity. A few labradors are quiet and sedate from early puppyhood onward, and a few others are bouncing puppymaniacs until well into old age, but by and large, you can expect to see mental maturation happening between two and four years of age. It is our experience that Labrador owners who understand this before they get a Labrador do much better in the long run than owners who were completely surprised by how much energy and work that cute little Labrador puppy was. So think carefully before picking a Lab! Around six months of age, labrador puppies often start to quiet down. In order for readers to understand when Labradors will start to get calmer, this article will present a summary of the important developmental stages of Labradors. The most effective methods for training your Labrador puppy and assisting them in developing into well-mannered adults will also be covered. In order to raise your Labrador puppy to be a happy and healthy companion, we will also go through how to exercise and stimulate their minds. Because of their limitless energy and eagerness, labrador puppies may be a real handful for their owners. There is however hope because Labrador puppies will eventually learn to control their behavior as they get older and enter maturity. So when might owners anticipate their Labrador puppy starting to relax? When Labradors settle down depends on a number of variables, including the personality of the particular puppy, their age, and the amount of structure and training they receive. Labradors typically attain adult size between the ages of 12 and 18 months, though they may continue to develop until they are two years old. Around this age, Labradors will start to quiet down, but they may still be very energetic and enthusiastic. Exercise is crucial for calming down your Labrador dog in addition to training and structure. Regular exercise aids in energy burn-off and can teach your puppy to concentrate and unwind. To help pet owners provide their Labradors with the guidance they need to become well-behaved and obedient companions, dog training courses have been designed specifically for this breed. These courses offer a range of training options, from obedience training to behavior modification, and are taught by experienced trainers Your Labrador puppy will remain calm and satisfied if you take him for regular walks , give him many of toys and hobbies, and engage in activities with him. Additionally, socialization is essential to ensuring that your puppy develops into a self-assured and adaptable adult dog. This may entail exposing kids in a healthy and controlled manner to various people, animals, and environments. Around six months old, this often begins, and it will improve over the following year or two. Labradors will learn how to obey directions and behave in various settings throughout this time. Your puppy will develop into a patient and kind companion with the correct environment and training. The best way to assist your dog get used to their new home is to establish a schedule. Your puppy will feel more at ease and confident in their surroundings if you keep them on a regular feeding, resting, and activity schedule. Additionally, giving your dog lots of exercises and mental stimulation chances will help burn off extra energy and prevent boredom. Use positive reinforcement to make sure your Labrador puppy understands and learns the right behavior. Treats, compliments, and other prizes can be used to promote desirable behavior and punish unacceptable ones. To strengthen the link between the conduct and the reward, rewards should be given right away after the desired behavior. Check out these healthiest dogs treat options for your adult or puppy labradors. If a correction is required, it should be given calmly and gently, and any positive conduct should be rewarded immediately after. Praise and awards should be given for desired behaviors, while corrections should be used sparingly. Your Labrador puppy will be well on their way to developing into a well-behaved adult dog with persistence, patience, and plenty of training. You probably anticipate a Labrador puppy you bring home to be enthusiastic and bursting with activity. Although that is undoubtedly the case, there are a few things you can do to get ready for when they do ultimately quiet down. Although none of this is simple, there are methods to make it less difficult for you both. Giving your puppy a lot of structure and training is the first step. They will get the ability to maintain their attention and manage their energy as a result. In order to prepare your Labrador puppy for adulthood, exercise is also crucial. You may help them expend some of their energy while also teaching them how to concentrate and unwind by taking them on frequent walks and giving them lots of toys and activities. Additionally, it will teach them to restrain their innate eagerness, allowing them to become more composed and submissive. The use of positive reinforcement is crucial when teaching your Labrador puppy. When discipline is required, it must be done calmly and gently, and it must be followed with a reward for good conduct. For desired behaviors, praise and awards should be given, while corrections should be used sparingly. Due to their slow maturation rates, labradors require patience and understanding from their owners. Your Labrador puppy will eventually calm down and develop into a well-behaved adult dog with plenty of training and structure. Among all dog breeds, lab puppies are among the most active. Since they are still developing as puppies, they require a lot of instruction, mental stimulation, and exercise to help them concentrate and maintain their composure. They have a lot of excitement and energy, which needs to be appropriately managed or they would get bored easily and act out in inappropriate ways. Due to their breeding as working and athletic dogs, labradors have a lot of energy that needs to be channeled properly. Giving your Labrador puppy plenty of exercises and mental stimulation will help them have the correct amount of energy and prevent boredom. Labrador Dog Positive Reinforcement Training One of the best ways to train Labradors is through positive reinforcement. Labradors can learn to concentrate and maintain their obedience by receiving rewards and praise for desired behavior. You can add more difficult commands and exercises, such as agility and chasing a toy, as your Labrador gets better. These exercises will teach children how to maintain their attention and manage their energy. For every good behavior, praise and incentives should be offered, and fewer corrections should be given overall. Exercise is a crucial component in Labrador positive reinforcement training. Giving your Labrador puzzle toys and games or exposing them to new experiences and places are two ways to stimulate their minds. Your Labrador can learn to concentrate and maintain obedience by being mentally stimulated, which will keep them entertained and involved. Although Labradors are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, they require regular reinforcement in order to retain their knowledge. Additionally, keep in mind that Labradors mature more slowly than other breeds, so exercise patience and compassion when dealing with them. In general, positive reinforcement training is a successful method for teaching your Labrador to remain attentive and submissive. You may aid your Labrador in developing into a well-behaved adult dog by consistently rewarding and praising desired actions, as well as by giving them lots of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. When teaching your Labrador puppy, utilize positive reinforcement to help them acquire desired behavior and maintain concentration. Rewarding positive behavior with praise and minimizing negative behavior with gentle, calm corrections are the best practices. In addition, giving your Labrador a lot of physical activity, mental challenge, and engaging activities like agility and fetch can help them concentrate their energy. Your Labrador puppy will eventually mature into a well-mannered adult dog with persistence and patience. Due to their high energy levels, labrador puppies need a lot of training, mental stimulation, and exercise to help them concentrate and maintain their composure. You can help your Labrador focus their energy and eventually develop into a well-behaved adult dog by consistently rewarding and praising them for appropriate behavior and by giving them plenty of exercises, mental stimulation, and activities like agility and fetch. Your Labrador puppy will eventually learn to focus and settle down when necessary with time and effort.